Snowforest Taiga Hugs and Kisses for All Around

Paws pounded against the earth as the ghost swiftly ran, weaving between trees as he took chase. Heavy breaths were taken with each step as his lungs filled with air to keep him going and the early morning sun rose to the sky as it trickled through the leaves and branches of the great ancient trees that stood tall all around him. Though a fan of nature, now was not the time to focus on the living but instead the dead. A wounded white tail deer had been the unfortunate victim of abandonment, and now ran for its life that would surely end within the passing days. Though it seemed luck was in the prey's favor today.

A fallen branch from the deadly storm that had passed by was hidden behind a large boulder and would be the cause to the cotton fur wolf's unsuccessful hunt. As the deer pranced away taunting him of his defeat, quick pants left the man's mouth as he moved into shade to attempt to cool himself after the run. Crucial energy important to survival had been wasted, and it was become clear to the male that life without a pack was proving to be difficult. Though he had only left his former pack a couple of months ago, his strength was already wearing thin. A solitary life was not effortless and he feared that winter would soon be upon him and he would be forced to join a pack before he was ready. 

The man knew little about this foreign land, however he was certain there were packs in the area. He had spotted an abundant of wolves within the time he had occupied the wilds here, only supporting his case more that packs did indeed exist here. As the rapid pants began to come to stead pace, Ajax moved into a sphinx like position and allowed his eyelids to flutter closed so that he may rest and regain energy before he tried his luck in another hunt. And while it appeared the male be dozed off in a deep slumber, it was truly nothing but a simple rest as he wouldn't dare sleep in such a vulnerable position.

She had watched from afar, shadowing the white wolf at a distance where she would remain unknown as he tried to gain ground against the cervidae. Eventually, the creature escaped and where the male bowed out of his hunt, Nochtli picked up the task of tracking it for a while, noticing that it's pace slowed due to exhaustion. Where a brash wolf might have gone after the creature on their own now, the Amazon did no such thing, unwilling to succumb to sharp hooves; backtracking, Nocta put some distance between her and the prey-creature before rolling in its scent, the better to track it on her way back.

Before she went after it again, the inky female made her way to where she'd seen the other settle down in the shade. Coming from behind the boulder, she was cautious and careful, unsure how friendly this one was. Standing back from him, her bright eyes studied his resting form for a moment before she chuffed at him, attempt to catch his attention. Her posture was neutral for the moment, ears twisted forward to indicate her focus.

"You got a little more energy in you? I've tracked the deer you were chasing and it's tired now." If he declined, she would track it further and hopefully try and herd it towards the Maplewood, where she could call out for the assistance of her packmates.

The presence of another had gone unnoticed to the male who comfortably rested under the shade of a massive tree who's leaves were already beginning to show signs of their vibrant autumn colors. Soon the forest he lay in would become a canvas of red, orange and yellow mixed together in perfect harmony. The sound of a large creature approaching caused the male to tense and keen ears twitched when a fly land on him. The sudden sound of a chuff caused the male to open his eyes and before him stood a dark wolf, one he had not met before.

Strong, healthy, and no signs of physical weakness. Based on what he could see, Ajax had come to the conclusion that this was definitely a pack wolf. She appeared friendly, stance neutral and since she had chuffed it probably meant she intended no harm. However despite how welcoming the female appeared he was still nervous. In his current situation she would be the one to dominate in a spar and the last thing he needed was an injury. Tail hanging low with a nervous swing to it he slowly rose from his position and offered a smile to the female.

He was not one to usually show such submissive acts towards a complete stranger, but he would rather be safe than sorry. "I have enough" he answered with an awkward smile about her question on his energy level. He had taken her information and assumed it was an invitation to hunt with her -- something he was now looking forward to. A chance to hunt with another, to finally have a fresh kill and not survive off of the scraps of those who didn't make it through the storm. His legs cautiously guided him towards the female, though he kept a respectable distance between them. Turquoise eyes looked up, silently telling her to lead the way.

Despite the difference in physique, Nocta sought no sort of submission from him. While she was a pack wolf, she would cause no strife for those living on their own unless they ventured too close to the Maplewood. Giving him space as he rose, the female watched his posture and behavior as he gave her an answer, pleased with his agreement to assist her. Half the kill would be his, and in her mind, it was only fair as he'd chased it for a good, long while.

Her response was merely "Awesome." before turning and leading him back down her own scent trail. "Come on then, this way." Her stride lengthened out, taking the next ten or so minutes to get back to where she'd left the deer, and then taking a few more to pick its scent back up. Fiery eyes found the other, a toss of her head in the direction of the path signaling silently to him of her intentions.

Her steps were light, becoming the silent shadow that she was when tracking, posture alert and ready as they worked to find the creature again. And then, it all fell into place, finding her way to a serene little spot where the creature lay, resting and regaining it's energy much as the male had not so long ago. Her eyes searched for him again, looking to see where he was and what he wanted to do.