The Caru loped to the center of the rendezvous site and called for
@Mulherin, in case he might be interested in taking them up on yesterday’s
offer. Masquerade felt they could handle two pups at a time for hunting lessons, so they could take one other sibling today. They would leave that decision up to Mul, then take the other two out another day. And once they were old enough, Masque intended to include the Saturdays too.
Lesson planning gave them a sense of purpose, bringing them out of their recent blues a bit. While Masque waited for their younger siblings to heed their call, they chased a field mouse around in the grass, pouncing on it with deadly precision just to release it, over and over again.
I have too much mojo today! :)
Can be a cameo!
New Snow knew motherhood was tough work, and was grateful for the packs support—most of all, perhaps, that of the Caru. New Snow returned now after stretching her legs and hunting with
@Augur (and others) for the young.
There was plenty. New Snow had not known of the plan of the Caru; she deposited meat for all to inspect, and had plenty to regurgitate should probing muzzles demand it.
New Snow crooned her own return home to all that were not in her line of sight, stepping toward Blood Spot, gazing happily at her and moving to bump against her, seeking to reaffirm their own bond in this primal way—but pausing to observe their actions!
mo’ jo the merrier!
The summer’s brittle grass crunched beneath his feet as he bounded toward the Caru.
As he approached, he observed Masque’s repeated pouncing. Assuming they had captured something, he dropped into a crouch, slinking through the brush as he waited for whatever it was to be released again.
He could see New Snow was also with them, and flagged his tail to notify the two of his location.
Masquerade noted New Snow’s presence with a blank glance, then continued playing with their prey. Only when Mulherin appeared too did they finally cease their cruel game. But rather than release the mouse, they batted it toward their younger brother.
The Bitan moved closer and Masque stiffened. They remembered a time when New Snow had given them a similar
lesson, albeit with a bug of some sort. Perhaps it was this memory that softened the hard lines of their body a little, though the Caru said nothing, with their body or otherwise.
New Snows gaze was fond, as she too remembered this moment when Blood Spot had been very young. Her heart was full to see the other reach their sibling the same lesson.
Would the following year yield cubs of their own? She wondered at that. But she hung in the backdrop; New Snow would only join in to hellishly herd the prey toward the cub should it ever get “out of bounds”. But she herself would never catch it, understanding the importance of failing.
She wondered: would Blood Spot remember this? And how, since then, they had persisted in this life?
The mouse was guided, and unsuspectingly fled toward him.
He burst from his previous low crouch and pounced on it as it raced by. It slipped through his paws and weaved through the grasses. Hastily, he sped after it, finally knocking it off balance with a swipe. He took it in his mouth and bit down with a merciless crunch.
Circling back to Masque and New Snow, he presented to them his achievement, dropping the half-dead, still twitching, slobbery mouse at their feet.
Tha's it?
If memory served, Masque hadn’t caught their quarry that day. Mulherin proved more successful. The Caru’s muscles twitched with anticipation as they observed his hunting behaviors, their whole body smoothing into a happy wag when he walked over with the rodent in his mouth.
That’s not it,
they said, glancing down at the mouse and realizing it wasn’t fully dead. You must end its misery, Mul. We have to kill to eat but that doesn’t mean we want the prey to suffer,
they explained, crushing the mouse with their paw.
Looking up at him again, they smiled softly. They wanted the Bearn to understand but not feel chastised. He was still learning, after all. And there was so much they would show him.
I want to take you to the north side of the rise, where the pigs live. We’ll observe. And if there is an opportunity, perhaps…
They had meant to summon another sibling, most likely Sky. He and Mulherin were like two peas in a pod, after all. But now the Caru finally acknowledged New Snow with a considering glance before their gaze returned to Mul’s face, resting heavily there.
If New Snow accompanies us, she and I can probably hunt one of the pigs. But you must promise you will stay back to watch and learn. You cannot join yet, you are too young and inexperienced. But it’s important to see others in action. Do you think you can accept these terms, Mul?
New Snow shifted her weight. There were many words. Her ears twitched at every familiar one, and she huffed quietly. New Snow looked to the limp critter Blood Spot had stomped upon in mercy.
And when her name was said, New Snows ears twitched. She made way toward the duo, sniffing idly at the head of the cub before lifting her head to peer at the Caru with interest.
The word hunt had piqued it; New Snow loosed a rumble, tail wagging behind her. It was a word she loved.
He observed as Masque squandered any life the mouse was clinging onto. Rather apathetically, he nodded, more eager to begin the real hunt.
Though, he came to find out he would not be hunting today.
Mm. I guehh…
was his lackluster answer, joining the side of New Snow.
At Mulherin’s noncommittal response, Masquerade stiffened. They stood firmly, raising their head and tail a little as their eyes bored into the pup.
That’s not good enough, Mul. I want you to promise you’ll obey me or else we won’t go,
the Caru said patiently.
skipping with permission from NS!
Okay, okay! I will. Promihhe.
He reassured while meeting their gaze, tail swaying.
The boy rose to his feet. He gave his coat a brief shake before hastily pacing northward in attempt to avoid more lecturing.
C’mon,
He said, glancing back and eyeing the pair.
The Bearn was quick to fall in line. Masque had no doubt that he would’ve been Avicus’s favorite. The thought made them swallow, though they quickly flashed their younger brother an approving grin.
Alright, we’re coming,
they replied, exchanging a quick glance and nod with New Snow before loping after the excited youngster.
I wasn’t sure if I was meant to skip as well, though I figured we could just fade this anyway. :)
There was an exchange between them, and New Snow observed it taking away little. The longer she was around those that spoke, the more that she could attempt to grasp. They would be hunting, but they would be waiting for something it seemed.
Something from the boy, apparently, because when he spoke next they were ready to be off. With that last look at Blood Spot, who then seemed to be ready, New Snow took off with them with a wagging tail.
Perfect!