Even after his abrupt departure, Dutch kept
@Kigipigak's words in mind. If they hunted the territory too vigorously, the deer would grow wary. He was out far today, lower in the foothills for the comfort of his father, whom he'd convinced to come along. His proposal has been vague, but it became clear he had a hunt in mind when the fresh scent of deer reached them.
"Up for a hunt, old man?" he asked. He spoke in Hindi, as was his habit, when it was just him and Aditya around. But he didn't give the "old man" in question much time to respond before he gave a querying howl. Was anyone near enough to join in?
Hototo wanted to prove to himself that he could not only hunt with the rest of them, but that he was the best hunter out there.
He heard the howl from his newly marked den near the caves. He bolted upright, not knowing exactly what Dutch had wanted, but needed to prove to Dutch and the rest of the pack that he was worthy to be a member of the pack.
When Hototo saw Dutch he yelled out “Howdy Dutch! What can I do for you today?”.
Sunset man stretched carefully and yawned. He crawled out of his den and shook off his slumber.
An ear flick.
Silver Shadow called.
And sunset would answer, quietly. A step-step up to the tawny man, sitting beside another.
A head tilt, a small tail wag.
What we doin'?
just one post from me to get it into his log and establish presence! PP him helping out
achcha,
he'd chuckled softly, with the barest of eye rolls. in truth, he was excited to fall in step beside his son, even if he'd never been the best of hunters.
they were met by two others—the sunset man from the other day, and another, more talkative wolf.
for his part, he remained at arjun's side, listening carefully to instructions—and knowing he'd better get out of the way if need be, for his reduced speed and dexterity was a liability here.
but then again, nothing much had changed over the years. . .did we mention he was never the best of hunters?
The panther shushed Hototo when he arrived, even though the howl had surly alerted any prey in the area. Still, his tail wagged in happy greeting as he and Aditya came to meet the other man.
"This is my father, Aditya," said Dutch, gesturing to the older man. "And Adi, this is Hototo. He has boasted much of his hunting skills."
Fallen Sun arrived then, and Dutch greeted him by ramming their shoulders together as they began to move once more.
"Hunt," he said to Fallen Sun. "Hototo will lead us."
Dutch looked up at Hototo.
"Let's see it," he said, good-natured challenge in his voice.
Hototo was honestly surprised that Dutch was willing to be the lead to the hunt. He stood there dazed for a moment pondering this, when he noticed the other wolves where staring at him. Standing at attention he mentioned to Dutch "Thank you. I won't let you down!".
He looked out over the rest of the wolves, trying to determine who would be best for each position in the hunt. "Alright you bunch of mangy groundhogs, listen up!" Hototo said in his best military like voice. "I'm assuming this isn't any of y'all's first rodeo, so I won't overbear you with assignments."
He started pacing back and forth as he continued. "The Chief and I will lead out, while Aditya and Fallen Sun will follow us. I'll sniff out the nearest herd of deer, while you guys can mark out territories and make sure no one is following us. Once we get closer I'll let y'all know. Now MOVE OUT!" Hototo finished.
With that, Hototo tilted his head to the ground, seeming to immediately sniff something, and started to walk off into the forest.