Ouroboros Spine darkening scorn

He'd received instructions from Kukutux, and while he had not yet come to decide how he wanted to go about elevating his status, one thing seemed clear. Raimo was considered to be first hunter, a position which Adrastus envied. He didn't feel as though Kukutux might look upon him so friendly if he simply challenged the dark hunter to a fight for rank, though she had implied that that was one way they could sort out their hierarchy. It seemed somewhat barbaric to the northern man, who preferred not to indulge in shows of strength as a means to prove one's worth. 

The other options were much more refined- so he had built himself a den, and had begun to search for the ideal furs to use to line it. His hopes were to make his den-site to be the envy of all, and that that might help him win the favour of the women so that he might be chosen for marriage. He also sought to bring fine kills to the leaders, as a way of showing his worth. And if that meant competing with Raimo for resources, then he would do it. 

The pine marten bounded through the forest, and rather than waiting to observe its movements, the stealthy male padded forwards with a hasty step, before surging forward, dashing after it in an open chase, swerving this way and that, hot on its heels as it maneuvered through the trees and toward the lake.