Blackfoot Forest The Bear & The Crow

The red hues of the trees above glistened over mid-lengthen black fur. A quick paced wolf made her way through the terrain with ease as the sun shone over her pelt, reflecting a sharp light. She slid beneath a log, pausing for a bit to figure out what waited ahead. There was nothing much to see, and the bright colors threw her off ever so slightly. She let out an aggravated huff.

It was no secret that she wasn’t all that fond of autumn. Dried leaves cling to her fur and crumbled, making them impossible to remove. Just the thought was enough to cause a ripple down her spine as she skipped from boulder-to-boulder down the path-way.

Inaira was on the search for something to eat. With this weather, the smaller woodland creatures were preparing for hibernation. Perhaps she could snag a plump squirrel or two. Maybe even a hare — if she was lucky.

Whatever the case, there was one thing she wasn’t absolutely dead-set on. What was that, you ask? Never letting a slimy frog brush against her muzzle ever again. No matter how hungry, she simply wouldn’t allow it. Never.

@Cole

Cole moved quietly through the russet shadows, the autumn forest filtering warm, muted light across his coat as he scouted the outer stretch of Bearclaw’s territory, maybe even a bit further. It was here he spotted her: a sleek, crow-like figure cutting through the landscape with a swiftness that belied her irritation. Even from a distance, he caught the frustrated huff as she shook her coat, dried leaves clinging stubbornly to her fur.

He approached with an easy, unhurried step, making his presence known just as she cleared a boulder. Now, that’s some serious determination, he drawled, amber eyes sparking with curiosity. You're awful close to Bearclaw territory, y'know? His voice held a friendly tone, but there was a watchfulness beneath it.

She paused, glancing over her shoulder listlessly to take a look at the sudden stranger. Her fur prickled — just for a moment — as she placed her gaze onto him. A bear? She’d thought for a flittering moment. The man was huge. What exactly did he want?

The name of the territory rung a familiar bell. Oh. She thought. This again. Another exasperated sigh escaped her. Seemingly more hidden this time. Perhaps she was attempting to mind her manners. Wasn’t very good at it though. "Don’t tell me you’re another member of this strange group." Her words — though careless — were meant harmlessly.

Inaira couldn’t help but stifle a light chuckle, of which she quickly coughed away. This pack surely had a range in sizes. The wolf she had met prior to this could’ve been seen as smaller than her, but now this giant stood ahead. Her eyes remained on him steadily. Not an ounce of fear. Pure arrogance arose from her aura.

"I already lost time on my nap earlier because of one of you. Will I lose a hunt now as well?"

Cole’s grin widened, his chuckle a deep, easy rumble. Strange group? he echoed, feigning offense as he gave her a look, full of exaggerated disbelief. Now, I dunno ‘bout you, miss, but strange seems a bit harsh, he drawled, letting the word linger as he laughed it off. His gaze traveled over her, amused at the casual arrogance in her stance.

When she mentioned her hunt, his interest piqued, his tail giving a faint sway. You lookin’ to lose a hunt, or you lookin’ for some real help with it? He tilted his head, arching a brow in challenge. ’Cause I got time to lend a paw, if that’s what you’re after. He leaned in slightly, his smirk hinting at just enough confidence to match her arrogance.

Her brow rose. Help hunting, he said? Now that sounded like a conversation worth having. "There isn’t a catch, is there? Owing strangers isn’t a hobby of mine, dear." Her head cocked to the side. He certainly had the size to square up a good meal. 

Subconsciously she hoped he wasn’t a physco-killer on the loose. She hadn’t had real food in such a long while. How disappointing would that be? But then again, what were odds that’s a strange kind soul would help her out all of a sudden. She hoped they outweighed the odds of him being a maniac, that was for sure.

Cole gave a small, reassuring smile, his tone calm and open. No catch. Just helpin’ out a stranger, that’s all. I’ll prove it, if you give me the chance. He gave her a nod, then turned toward the woods, his movements confident.

Come on, I know a spot where we can find somethin’ worth eatin’. After that, maybe you’d consider joinin’ the strange ones if you like what I’ve got to offer.”

With that, he set off, his pace steady but not hurried, leaving the invitation open for her to follow.

Name's Cole by the way. You?

She leapt down after him, trailing behind listlessly. "Inaira." She replied, seemingly uninterested in whatever else he was saying at the moment. Food always came first.

She followed after him, barely struggling to keep up despite the differences in leg length. "So where exactly is this spot of yours?" She asked. They’d been walking for a bit longer than a short while. Where on earth were they going, anyhow?

"And what type of hunt resides there? I’ve been dreaming of fresh deer meet for weeks."

Cole tipped his muzzle toward the expanse below, where the valley spread out like a hunter’s paradise. The valley, he said, his Southern drawl lazy yet confident, as if the answer was obvious. His lips twitched upward into a faint grin, his amber gaze flicking to Inaira as she trailed behind.

He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his chest. Plenty of deer down there. Hell, we’ve got more than we know what to do with.

He paused for a moment, his pace slowing just enough for her to catch up. Won’t have to dream much longer.