Stavanger Bay There's no season like deer season

Welcome to Stavanger Bay's first pack hunt! Anyone is welcome to join in, or just watch on the sidelines, including captives, though youths must obtain permission from caretaker to watch. It's assumed that Mees is here for the first round. There is no posting order.
Round 1: July 6, Sunday
Round 2: July 13, Sunday
Round 3: July 20, Sunday
Round 4: July 27, Sunday (if needed)

Julooke had awoken early that morning in anticipation for the hunt. She had done her research, stalking the herd of local deer for several days now to see if they had any habits of where they liked to go, and to see if any had weaknesses. It seemed they were rather fond of the grassy area near the southern end of the beach, and Julooke thought this could be a great advantage since they could ambush them and push them to the wall of rock there. She had sent out a howl the day prior, letting her pack mates know she would be leading a hunt this morning and that they could meet her at the lake in the heart of the territory. This would be far enough away from the herd that they wouldn't get antsy from the gathering of wolves.

If anyone had asked her yesterday if she was confident about this hunt, she would have said yes without hesitation. She had done the work, planned it out, and now all they needed to do was set the plan in motion. However, now she was nervous. On top of this being the first hunt she was leading with Stavanger Bay, Julooke had gone into heat. Anyone wolf that came near her would know it, and it was setting her on edge. She almost wanted to call this off, but she felt that would have let her pack down, especially Ragnar, which she was not willing to do. She paced back and forth until the first wolf came into view. Telling herself to calm down, she sat back on her haunches and waited for them to arrive, greeting each one.

When it seemed they were all here, Julooke began to speak, Welcome to Stavanger Bay's first pack hunt, she said with a smile. Right after I joined Horizon Ridge, I promised Pump I would participate in the pack hunt. It couldn't happen then, but it can happen now. This hunt is for her. Julooke felt the need to keep her promise, and hoped Pump was looking down on her and the pack with pride. They were all doing their best to continue on her legacy. The herd of deer we'll be going after have been near the grasslands close to the south beach the past couple of mornings, and I believe they'll be there this morning, as well. It will be an advantage to us since we can chase them to the rock wall and ambush them there. The majority of these deer look strong and healthy, and will not go down easily. There is one, though, that seems a little older, and not quite as fast as the rest. She'll be our target, but do not underestimate her. She took pause to see if anyone looked confused. Any questions? Once any concerns were dealt with, Julooke stood with a smile, Let's get started. She lead the group towards the herd at a trot, hoping no one would comment or question the fact she was in heat. She wouldn't let it affect her abilities, and she hoped her pack mates realized that. Still, it did unnerve her a little.

Instinctual, the yearling could smell a strange whiff upon females, it made them more enticing and alluring; though he had yet to open Pandora's forbidden box. The black wolf was present at one of the first hunts as a pack member of Stavenger Bay though his mind was torn between the adrenaline rush of the hunt and the fact that Julooke had a strong smell upon her. It came as no surprise that he was more than usual eager to follow the pack's Delta. He wanted to know what was going on in his mind, and that of any male for that matter, for he experienced lust just looking at her. Suddenly her feminine body looked define and delicious.

Besides his cool, facial features he was able to hide this new sensational stir that he felt in his guts and his abdomen. Luckily he was distracted by the thrill for the kill and the chance to work together as a team with his newly adopted pack family. The youth would provide support and back-up with speed and agility, a few of his strong points with his built. The black tried his very best to listen to Julooke's well thought-out speech while his fierce orange eyes burned upon the chosen prey at the distant horizon. Though the Iota tried as hard as he could to not be distracted by the quiver of the nostrils and the scent that smelled like honey that he wanted to act upon.

His leathery lips never spoke once, instead he was obedient one of the first wolves to follow the 'in heat' female. It caused Mees also to be heated up; but cause of the hunt or caused by lust?

Aine padded to the pack meeting before the hunt. The great huntress's mind reeling with anticipation. It had been so long since she had hunted with a pack, and she could hardly wait much longer, she followed in next to Mees, and sat, waiting to see if she could take part in the hunt.

She shared the same problem with Julooke, the problem of going into heat. But the Silver Wolf had never mated nor had ever found a mate. She oftentimes disregarded whatever happened during these times in the year and simply continued with her daily routine, still yet to fall in love and still yet to be loved upon.

So, she sat and waited. When everyone had arrived, after the she-wolf (she had yet to know the name of, being fairly new to this pack and had been new to the Horizon Ridge Pack) said her speech, she simply, and solemnly, uttered the words. "For Pump. Let this be a hunt for the late alpha, respected by the remaining of Horizon Ridge. May her soul join with ours in spirit as we hunt together."

Even though he was not an official part of the pack, he still wanted to join in and help them on this hunt. Ollie wanted to come along as well, but he refused and made her stay in the den. She was a child and a horrible hunter. He would teach her how to hunt at a later time.

The mute stood in the back of the gathered wolves. He did not know any of them and couldn't even speak to them, besides being a captive. It was his place for the moment.

The female who was speaking was distracting him with her scent. She was in heat. Olor could feel an ache in his loins, though he tried to push it away. It wasn't right, he had a duty to perform and it was not with her. They needed to hunt, for this Pump person (who he assumed was dead).

The instructions finished, the lead huntress trotted off. He stayed behind, letting the rest of the pack go first before he followed.

Junior had heard the call the previous night and had asked Ragnar about it. Although his three pups were not yet old enough to attend a hunt, even to observe, he gave her permission to go along and watch if she liked, then told her where and how to find the heart of the bay's territory. She barely slept for her excitement. When dawn broke, she breakfasted quickly with the Loðbrók clan and then ran off to find the hunting party.

En route, she became distracted when a vole darted across her path. Junior gave chase and wasted a good fifteen minutes scrambling after the rodent and then digging at a small hole in the earth. She eventually gave up and began to walk again, moseying around the territory, before she suddenly remembered why she was out here. Making an oh, crap! face, she spun in a circle and tried to remember the directions her guardian had given her.

By some miracle, Osprey Jr. managed to find her way to the proper location, though by the time she arrived, the adults were already busily discussing strategy. Undeterred, the youth marched right into the middle of the group and sat down, her attention wandering a moment before settling on the evident leader of the group: a white she-wolf with stunningly pale features. As Junior stared at her and wondered why they were all talking about pumps, an odor abruptly hit her nose.

"What's that smell?" the pup demanded, wrinkling her nose. After pulling a few faces, she quieted and paid attention. Although it could be difficult for her not to be loud and disruptive, her interest in observing the hunt was as sincere as her Warrior training and it showed in her unusual show of discipline.

Thistle strode forwards he was not a huntress, actually disliked hunting except to eat, but she knew she would need to do more around the pack, since she was the alphas Jarl's wife. Upon arrival the scent of a female in heat immediately assailed her both from Julooke and Aine, Gods the males were going to be hard to control today. She gave both males in attendance a hard glare, letting them both know that if she needed to she would protect the females with her self, Julooke was claimed and Aine was her friend and she did not deserve any male after her unless he loved her.

Speaking of Aine, she had heard the lone female had returned, but had not yet had a chance to see her, so she offered her a small smile and a nod. I will stay and watch with Junior and I am sure Pump is watching us all. She dipped her muzzle and followed behind Julooke making sure to keep both males in her eyes view, less any of them try to be fresh. She wished the male Verinne was here, he would protect his mate from even a glance.

He was a little late to the gathering, simply because he'd been patrolling on the far end of their lands. He and Julooke had talked about her plans for the hunt the night previously and he'd promised her that he'd join in with her, but he'd gotten sidetracked following the trail of a mountain lion. Cougars were a serious threat and he wanted to be sure this one would be no issue for them. When Julooke's howl soared across the sky, he immediately abandoned his task and made his way at a comfortable run toward the sound of her voice. But given the distance, it took him a while to get there, and he arrived just as Julooke and his packmates were moving out.

He fell into step alongside her, grinning at her with pride and approval in his face. The scent of her was strong and it appealed to all of his senses, but he was used to this by now. Many seasons had passed since they'd begun traveling together, and she'd experienced a few heats before this one. He had scented it in their den when he woke this morning and now that they were mates, he wondered if anything would be different this time around. The ball was in Julooke's court on that one, though. He wouldn't push anything on her that she wasn't ready for.

He was keenly aware that there were other males in their group, though, so he stuck close to Julooke in case anyone got any ideas. Following her, he waited for her next cue.

Beric had heard the call last night for the hunt this morning, and responded promptly at daybreak, coming in to the meeting just before Julooke began to speak. He was proud of her, and how far she had come in life. She was becoming quite the adult female, and he could tell she was a vital part of this pack. It wasn't surprising, though, as he had known her to always be a wolf who worked for her place in the family of wolves.

His nose instantly picked up the unique scents of Julooke and Aine. That would not be a needed addition to a hunt, but so long as the males kept their priorities on the deer, there shouldn't be a problem. He sized up the other males, not knowing their personalities or if they even had the ability to keep their paws to themselves. If they stepped out of line, though, he would be there to put them back in their place, especially since Verrine didn't seem to be here. His ears flicked back and he held back giving a stern look to the young wolf who apparently had no knowledge of how to keep her jaws shut. What Beric didn't know he didn't know was that most juveniles were apt to speak before thinking. If he hung out more with the younger generation, he might find it endearing instead of annoying.

The meeting moved on, and as Julooke moved to lead them to their potential meal, Beric chose a spot to her left, trotting just behind her. He was relieved to see Verrine come up to her side at the last moment, knowing he would keep the other males at bay if they chose to be stupid. Beric's focus moved to the hunt, knowing his weight would be an asset in trying to bring the deer down.

[size=x-small]ooc: I'm assuming this happens a couple days after the thread between Julooke and Surra. Note that (obviously) Surra doesn't know about Julooke/Verrine, lol.[/size]

When Surra heard the howl sent out by Julooke for a pack hunt the day before, he had been uncharacteristically excited. Not only was it a chance to be a part of a real hunt for the first time since he had left his family over eight months ago, it was a chance to see her again. The young male had genuinely enjoyed her company at the lake a few days prior, more so than he had enjoyed any other wolf's company in quite some time. He was surprised how much he thought of her in the days after, and a few times caught himself hoping to see her white pelt through the trees while he trekked through the Bay territory, hunting or patrolling.

Surra was awoke in his lakeside den the morning of a hunt by a smell that hit him like a freight train. Immediately alert, he ducked out of the mouth of his den and trotted down the side of the hill to the lake, approaching where a few wolves had already gathered. He barely noticed who else was there - all his senses were trained on Julooke. 'She's in heat,' was the only coherent thought that crossed Surra's mind for several moments. It took every ounce of willpower to keep his expression and body language neutral. He only barely noticed the other female who was in heat, as well. Anyone who looked at the grey-brown male would hardly notice that anything was off about him, but his heart was racing, his mind was spinning, and his whole body ached. 'What the hell is wrong with me?' Was the next coherent thought to cross his mind.

As Julooke began to speak, the young male shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind and focus on her words. He did so with relative success, nodding at the mention that this hunt was for Pump, and noting the information she gave about the herd. As the group began to move out, Surra hesitated. He knew he needed to control his emotions and his instincts if this hunt was to go as planned. He closed his blue eyes for a moment, drinking in a deep breath, and let it out slowly. It helped. But as he opened his eyes, he noticed another male - one he didn't know well - fall in step with Julooke. A pang of jealousy stabbed at Surra's chest. He decided in that moment, a moment of fierce protectiveness, that he would need to keep a particularly close eye on this male, as well as all the others. And with that, he fell in step with the group, keeping slightly to the back, still trying to reel in his instinctual desires; oblivious enough to his own emotions to not realize that they weren't all instinctual.

Thanks for joining!! For the remaining rounds, there will be no posting order, and the next round will start either when everyone has replied or on the 20th, whichever comes first.
Round 1: July 6, Sunday
Round 2: July 13, Sunday
Round 3: July 20, Sunday
Round 4: July 27, Sunday (if needed)

Mees,Aine, Olor, Junior, Thistle, Verrine, Beric, Surra (putting these here so I can keep track of who has posted).

Her pack mates arrived, more than she hoped would come. She smiled and her tail wagged, her excitement gathering. A few of them echoed her sentiment about Pump, and Julooke gave a sheepish smile to the young, outspoken wolf who asked about the unfamiliar smell. Julooke would not say a thing about it, but she did look to Thistle, silently hoping maybe she would later, or as they watched the hunt. As the group began to move, a familiar form came to her side. Her tail wagged, and she attempted to nuzzle him quickly. Better late than never, she whispered, though her expression said she was happy he was here.

Julooke led them in the direction of the deer, hoping her study of them over the last few days amounted in the correct information. The hunt would be over before it began if the herd decided it would alter its behavior and not show up. As they approached, however, Julooke could smell their strong scent, an indication they were getting closer. She slowed to a walk, her head lowering slightly to follow the trail. She stopped when the deer came into view, breathing a sigh of relief. Turning her head, she nodded to Mees, Olor, and Beric, then motioned for them to move to the left, hoping they understood they would take that flank and ensure the deer went towards the beach and not deeper into the forest. Nodding to Aine, Verrine and Surra, she motioned for them to follow her to center right, ensuring they went south on the beach.

Once she felt they were in place, she growled lowly and pushed off with her back legs, beginning the hunt. The deer scrambled in a furry before running together towards the beach. Julooke eyed the older female, who was bringing up the rear of the herd. She came in behind her, snapping at her back legs, which speared her to run faster and get in between two other deer. Julooke took the one to the right, snapping at her heels in hopes of getting her away from the older female that they wanted to take down today.

Seeing the female's nod, the silent wolf moved to the left of her as they ran towards the herd. Getting into position with three other males, he hunkered low in the grass, hoping the deer would not spot his bright white pelt. Once all the wolves were ready, the lead female began running, scaring the herd. She was locked onto an old female and had driven her between two others.

She had focused on the one to the female's right, driving her away. Noticing what she was doing, Olor got in towards the other deer on its left, snapping at its tendons and moving it away so they could seperate this female from the herd.

The huntress's tail actually wagged as the hunt began, her anticipation seemingly welling up inside her. It had been awhile since she had hunted in a pack, she might be a little rusty, since she was used to hunting on her own.

She was grateful she understood the message to go to the center right. At least I remember a few things... She followed orders and headed that way, going only as fast as the others did. She moved to the south end of the beach, as Julooke asked, waiting and ready to follow suit to what the other two wolves in her group. She had decided to stay a bit behind the two in order to get a grasp how they ran a pack hunt around these grounds. After all, she had learned to hunt on plains, where problematic trees were non-existent. Once she was sure what to do, she would truly help out. Better to get a grasp on things rather than mess it up for everybody, right?

None of the wolves took it upon themselves to answer her rude question (not that she knew it was such). Osprey's nose wrinkled again, though her expression smoothed somewhat when Thistle arrived beside her. "Hey!" she said loudly even as everyone began to move. "What's that smell?" she asked her guardian, speaking now in a loud whisper. "And what's a pump?" she added absentmindedly as she broke into a lope, trying to keep pace with the group as it headed toward the herd.

Yet as they fanned out across the beach, Osprey Jr. fell back and stood still, head arched and ears erect as she paid close attention to what was happening. The adults moved so swiftly and gracefully. The youth whined under her breath, twitching eagerly as she found herself yearning to join them. The sight of the fleeing deer was especially enticing, causing her to break into a jog again, though she showed that same atypical discipline and restraint and hung back. Junior knew instinctively that she had no place yet in the hunting party.

When the beast within him broke free from his cage, the hunter within was awakened while everything else in the world faded from his eyesight. A low-pitched growl rumbled from deep within his throat as his orange eyes melted upon their chosen prey. Instinctual the swarthy male melted into the bigger crowd of wolves that were here for one goal, one purpose and one reason alone. He was the shadow, the mirror image, the one unseen but never forgotten.

Without the usage of words the male followed up the silenced instructions to attack from the left. Obediently the hunter paraded his movement as instructed while he began to move like a herd of wildebeest together with his fellow pack mates. The world crumbled and crushed right under his feet as he already felt victorious and invincible, a feeling strengthened by the powerful force of the pack. He did not feel like a single individual anymore, instead he felt one with the pack as the hunt commenced.

He followed Julooke at her cue, hanging back a bit to let her do her thing. He felt saliva begin to trickle in the corners of his mouth as the deer came into view and their strong scent washed over him, and within minutes, the chase was on. He ran alongside Julooke, slightly off to her left, and watched as she drove him to snap at the heels of the old doe. His packmates acted similarly, closing in to worry her flanks, inflict what wounds they could, or otherwise hang back and wait for an opening.

Verrine put on a burst of speed to pull ahead of the doe, and then abruptly changed directions and ran right across the path in front of her. He leaped as he crossed the path of her front hooves, deftly avoiding any blows she aimed at him, but he was successful in stumbling her somewhat and causing her to change directions quickly, slowing her down enough for his packmates to gain a small advantage.

Thistle looked down at her new charge and she spoke softly that is a smell every female has when she is ready to have children. You will find it out as you grow older, at 2 you will develop your own smell, it only lasts for a little while though so do not worry. With that Thistle fell quiet, perhaps she was out of line telling the little girl that, especially since she was not actually her mother, but she had asked and she would not have the little girl growing older and not knowing, like her, and getting into trouble like she had, no she wouldn't have it.

She chuckled as she watched Junior become animated and she too felt the call of the hunt, but stayed quiet and just merely watched.

The hunt was on, and it seemed the pack worked well together, as one fluid movement. The two males he was with spurred on the herd and tried to separate the older female they were going for. He eyed the group on the other side, with Julooke snapping at her heals and Verrine running in front of the female. It caused her to freak, stumble, and change directions, going away from the herd. She tried to divert back, but Beric cut her off, growling and leaping at her throat. She was fully away from the rest of the herd now, and at the mercy of the pack of wolves who were determined to bring her down.

He could tell her breathing was labored, and she was running out of energy. Her pace was slowing, and her footing wasn't as sure as it had been when the chase had started. This was the end for her- she knew it, and the pack knew it, as well. Beric growled lowly, sending his full weight into her back leg to try and trip her up. It worked and she stumbled greatly, giving a huge advantage to the wolves. She slowed considerably and Beric knew now would be the time to take her down for good.

No posting order. This could be the last round, unless I see the need to add the fourth round.
Round 1: July 6, Sunday
Round 2: July 13, Sunday
Round 3: July 20, Sunday
Round 4: July 27, Sunday (if needed)

Beric, Verrine, Olor, Aine, Surra, Junior, Thistle Cloud, Mees

They were working great as a team, anticipating each others moves and needs. Each one was doing their best to help drive the older female away from the herd. One wolf got in front of her, scaring her into going in one direction, while another made sure she couldn't cut back to the herd. Julooke kept on her heals to keep her going, forcing the doe to exert her energy, snapping at her back legs. Her teeth skimmed the skin, leaving cuts. Suddenly, a leg came kicking her way, and Julooke tried to jerk away, but it caught her in the cheek. She stumbled, shaking her head, but thankfully it had only grazed her, leaving a nice cut on her cheek that bled. In the next instant, Beric threw his weight into her backside, causing the doe to stumble. This gave Julooke the opportunity to catch back up.

She growled as the doe stopped and tried to face the pack of ravenous wolves. She jumped up, her jaws clamping down on the doe's rump, sinking her teeth into the flesh. The deer protested, trying to spin around to throw Julooke off. It worked, but the huntress landed smoothly on her feet, jumping up once more as the doe turned towards her, aiming for her throat. The doe was too slow, and Julooke clamped down on her throat, cutting off her air supply. She tried to kick, but her energy was spent and Julooke jerked her body away from the weak attempts of blows. She came down a minute later with the help of the other wolves. Julooke didn't let go of her throat until a few minutes after she had stopped moving. Her sides heaved with her exertion, but she smiled as she released the throat, blood dripping from her maw and down her throat. She smiled, looking around at the others. Great job, guys! Let's dig in! she said, looking to Thistle and Junior and motioning them over to eat. She hopped up, then sunk her teeth into the side chest of the carcass, tearing at the flesh and started to eat.

Once everyone had ate their fill, Julooke would ask for volunteers to help her divide up the meat and take them to the various caches in the territory.

Osprey Jr. barely heard Thistle; she was getting much too caught up in the thrill of the chase, even as a mere bystander. When the pack closed in on the doe and began their final attack, she couldn't help herself and began barking as if to encourage them. When the white leader, Julooke, grasped the doe's throat and wrought the final dregs of life from her, the puppy gave a last whoop and made a beeline toward the fresh kill.

Even as Julooke invited them to eat, Junior fell upon the carcass, tearing eagerly at the belly until she tore a hole in it. She then buried her black muzzle up to the hilt in gore and fed ravenously, not stopping until her stomach was visibly bloated, round and tight with digesting meat.

Groaning, the pup retreated to a nearby patch of sea grass and slumped to the ground, then rolled onto her side. Her belly sloshed audibly, causing her large ears to quiver. The urge to throw up passed quickly, though the engorged Junior lay as still as possible, finding herself simply too stuffed to move anymore.

Aine watched to make sure the others had their fill. She had kept up, yes, and she had done her best, but she still felt that the others deserved a bite first. She stood and waited for a bit before coming up and enjoying a bit herself, she aimed to tear a bite out of the haunch. A lean, meaty part she had always preferred. She smiled as the succulent taste entered her mouth. After a few bites, she swallowed.

"To Pump." she said softly.

sorry I've been inactive with this character

Nerian winced, due to her failure at meditation she had also failed the pack by not even noticing there was a pack hunt going on. selfish stupid selfish! she growled at herself.

Nerian dropped her posture and sulkily padded up to the pack, She lay down close to the joyful pack but did not partake in the kill that she did not help bring down, just being close by was gong to have to be reward enough for her. Nerian offered a bashful smile to any wolf whom paid her any mind.

The doe did not have fate on her side. The wolves were strong and efficient in working together to bring her down. It wasn't long until she had taken her last breath and the wolves began their feast. Beric went to the doe's back, sinking his teeth into her side and ripping the flesh from her bones. He ate his fill before dropping several feel back from the carcass to plop his body down on the ground to rest. In a little while, when Julooke was ready, he would help her divide up the rest of the meat, if there was any left, and take them to the caches.