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+--- Thread: Redhawk Caldera Back before birthdays were something she dreads (/showthread.php?tid=66329)
Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
The work wasn’t finished when the deer finally stilled. That was only half the job.
Hotah crouched over the kill, methodical in the way he pulled the carcass apart. The rich cuts he placed in a neat pile for the caches, enough to see bellies through leaner days. The tougher haunch went aside, meant for the long stretch of winter when anything was better than nothing.
Beside it, he nudged one of the hooves clear of the mess, leaving it in the grass. A faint grin pulled at his mouth— the kids would make a game of it, chasing and chewing until there was nothing left.
Blood darkened his paws and muzzle, but Hotah didn’t mind. He straightened for a breath, gaze flicking forward for a moment thinking of Trailhawk, before leaning down to keep at the work of a provider.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Cinar - September 19, 2025
If Cinar could not hunt well enough to provide, he would at the very least help with the aftermath.
Making his way to the site of recent hunting after barks had silenced, he only found Hotah. It was difficult to resist frowning.
Cinar wasn't unfriendly in the least, keen on meeting unfamiliar faces and making the connections he thought necessary.. but Hotah had the misfortune of arriving in the midst of his recent escapades. He had been left troubled, and without time for proper introductions.
He stood at a distance now, questioning whether or not this would be the right time.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
Thanks for joining!
Hotah’s head lifted from the deer, muzzle still dark with blood, ears pricking at the familiar scent before the sound of paws confirmed it.
Cinar.
He set aside the cut of meat he’d been working on and turned, posture easy though his size made it hard not to look imposing.
You came at a good time,he said, voice carrying more warmth than the grim work around him might suggest. A flick of his nose indicated the divided piles.
Plenty to go around, and I could use another set of paws getting it moved.
Hotah gave a short nod, trying to bridge the gap.
Hotah,he offered simply, steady gaze meeting Cinar’s.
Figured we’d cross paths sooner or later.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Cinar - September 19, 2025
There seemed to be no reason to act coy, so he slipped forward.
I haven't been able to refill caches today, I'll help.He reassured, eyeing the piles. He had no intention of eating, it felt to him that it would be wrong. Later he would dig up a rabbit burrow for himself instead.
He didn't offer his own name, the assumption being that Hotah would know.
It's good to meet you.He responded, managing a smile.
I would have introduced myself sooner, but I haven't had much free time as of late.
I'm sure you can understand.
But now things were taken care of, and Cinar felt that he could return to his usual responsibilities.. the occasional friendly conversations included.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
Hotah shifted to make space at the carcass, giving a small nod of thanks as Cinar stepped closer.
Appreciate it,he said simply, tone easy.
And yeah, ‘course I understand. First days here, I barely knew which way was up myself.A faint grin tugged at his mouth, half boyish, half wry.
He nosed one of the cleaner cuts into the pile, then glanced back toward Cinar.
How’ve you been, then? Towhee mentioned something between you and Alivia.His brows rose, curious but not prying. He wouldn't expect Cinar to drop any important information about himself or his love life, but it was genuine conversation. He hoped that his tone was conveying just as such.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Cinar - September 19, 2025
He was immediately annoyed by the idea that Towhee was talking about these things behind his back, but his face would not convey it.
Our friendship?He raised a brow, though he clearly knew that wasn't what Hotah meant.
Towhee had absolutely no right to be spreading those things. What would Alivia think if she found out? She could think that Cinar was spreading it, and what a mess that would be! He found her charming, but he had no reason to think that the future medic wanted that sort of relationship with him - yet.
I've been alright, though. My travels are done for the time being so I'm much better rested.He chuckled, hoping to brush off the previous topic. It wasn't a conversation he wanted to have with Hotah.
You're settling well in the caldera?
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
Hotah gave a short nod, choosing not to press the bit about Alivia any further.
That’s good. Rest makes everything easier.His tone was steady, almost companionable now.
I think Towhee’s happy, you know— that everyone in the pack gets along. Makes things smoother for all of us.He shifted another cut of meat into the cache pile, then glanced back to Cinar.
I’m settling as well as I can. Still figuring out the faces, the trails, who does what.A faint grin tugged at his mouth.
Trying not to step on toes.
He tilted his head then, genuine curiosity in his voice.
What about you? What do you enjoy doing here? I didn't see you at the hunt.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Cinar - September 19, 2025
Cinar nodded,
I can only hope it stays that way.. I feel quite at home here,and for all of his exaggerations and white lies, that was the truth. The idea of abandoning the caldera hurt to consider.
It's nice to live in a place with so much history too, and young paws out and about.
He had to chuckle at Hotah's question.
I'm not much of a hunter, admittedly. One of my legs is still recovering from an injury.Hadn't it been before he joined the pack? The damn thing still ached! His poor scent played a part too.. but he wouldn't mention it.
I deal with small prey and give it to Amalia, for the pups. Other than that, I suppose I go wherever I'm needed.. but I'm mostly a pretty face these days.
My mother always said my tongue worked quicker than my teeth. I suppose it's still true.Patrolling borders, speaking to outsiders, advising packmates. That was what he was good at.
I like to think I contribute despite my weak points, though.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
Hotah shook his head at that, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth.
There’s nothing weak about you, Cinar. You’re still pulling your weight, even with a bum leg— that’s more than some can say.
He nosed another cut of venison into the cache, glancing back at the darker male with an approving look.
That’s the right attitude, though. Play to your strengths. Borders, pups, keeping spirits up— it all matters. More than just filling bellies.
A chuckle rumbled in his chest.
And hey, a quick tongue and a pretty face? Sounds like you’ve got the full package.He grinned wryly, genuine in the compliment.
Glad to have you around, Cinar.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Cinar - September 19, 2025
Cinar couldn't help smiling just a bit wider at having his ego stroked.
We all need to be weak in some places, there's no shame in it. They're what makes your real skills stand out, yes?Nobody was perfect at everything, that was what, among other factors, differentiated them from others.
If only others had half your charm, Hotah.he snickered, tail waving behind him.
Where do you want the rest of this moved? I can take some further into the territory.For the nestlings mostly, but so it could be kept an eye on as well. Scavengers would be growing more desperate as winter grew closer.
RE: Back before birthdays were something she dreads - Hotah - September 19, 2025
Hotah’s smile broadened, his head dipping in agreement.
That’s true enough. Everyone’s got their soft spots. Makes the strong parts mean more.
He glanced down at the neat piles of venison, flicking his nose toward the finer cuts.
Those go to Amalia, Killdeer, and Towhee. They’ll need it most. You’re welcome to take them deeper in— I’ll trust you to tuck ’em somewhere safe.
His gaze lifted back to Cinar, humor glinting in his eyes.
And charm, huh? Careful, you keep saying things like that, I’ll start to believe it.
Fade here or after your post? Thanks so much for the thread, I really enjoyed them :)