Sawtooth Spire don't disturb the beast

Woot! Time to take down one granmomma bear! Rwar!

@Tonravik was sitting this one out. They'd discussed it briefly, but both decided it would be best to give Aariak the opportunity to partake in the hunt which meant one of them had to stay back and watch the kids. They'd stared at each other long and hard until Iqniq'd licked her face and darted off before she had a chance to protest his decision. He'd take this one. She could have the next. While she was up and roaming now that the pups were old enough, he was still somewhat protective of her. Mentally she was ready to go. Physically her body was still stressed from the pups continued feedings. They were in the process of weaning, but the children still relied upon her for food here and there. He had a feeling she was more tired than she let on.

They'd hunted. They'd fell the lone moose with such grace this time it was almost as if they were finally figuring out how to function as a team. It was nice, seeing all of them work together to be successful in these victories. They'd need to keep up this co-op come winter when prey was more scare than they were of present. He was thankful for this victory, pleasantly full, and content to linger as the rest of the pack had their fill. True to tradition, he'd had his share and grumbled something about saving the liver for Tonravik before Nanuk took her turn. After that, it was a bit of a free for all. He lounged, watching over nearby area as the others ate. A bit noseblind from the blood of kill and slightly deafened from all snapping and growling as the others dined, it was the visual of the bear that first gave hint that something was amiss. Damn it. Everything had been going so well too.

He was on his feet in an instance. Instinct drew him up. It bid him to peel lips back from his teeth with raised hackles in a true display of aggression and dominance as he moved immediately to place himself as the first line of defense between their kill, his pack, and the beast who approached them. He had a split second to decide what to do with this threat. Their priority was to get that moose carcass back to the heart of the Spire so their wolves not present could dine upon it.

Iqniq sized up the bear. She was an old broad of many years. Elder and graying around the muzzle, she moved with lumbered force that seemed to creek a little despite her grace. Could they kill her and add her large corpse to their cache? If so, that would fill their stomachs for a long time yet. The thought of such a victory was nice, but at what cost would they be able to do so? They'd lost one of their own recently to coyotes. They'd gained a few members more, but their lives were not expendable. Not at all. He had no desire to lose another. Not on his watch.

"We heckle her," he decided then, keeping his voice short and clipped. "Divert her attention long enough get that moose out of here and decide it's not worth her effort." Some would distract the bear. Others would steal the corpse away. They'd have to divide and conquer in order to accomplish it, but Iqniq knew where he would stand. Offensive. His fangs would chase off this bear and if she proved weaker than her appearance, then he'd give the order to kill her too, but not until they discovered whether or not her prowess still remained.

He pushed forward, feinting towards the bear with a snarl of warning. Stay back.