Sun Mote Copse double cheeseburger, hold the onion

Please let me respond to Towhee, then Phox will call for everybody else. :)

Almost immediately following his promotion to Honoree, Wraen had stepped down, leaving Towhee in charge. It was odd to not be leading beside her, though Phox didn't feel resentment there. He had his paws full with the three little ones. Perhaps Towhee's additional workload would offset her bad feelings about Meerkat leaving for Moonspear. She seemed the most hurt by it, and Phox felt more or less ambivalent about Meerkat's departure. He would always wish that all his kids could stay right with him, but after Fennec, and then Figment, leaving to do their own thing, it felt like the natural progression of things.

Not that he wouldn't be sad when the three little ones made their departure. He planned to keep them as close as possible for as long as possible. They weren't very "little" anymore, of course. The wolverines and pale little Primrose were nearly four months old now, and they were starting to shape up into small adults rather than large puppies. The time always went by so fast.

Anyway, enough with the introspection; let's get to the meat (both figuratively and literally)!

Phox had picked up on the scent of a small herd of deer. Five of them, to be exact. Thinking it might be a good way to uplift everybody's mood, he immediately tracked down @Towhee. -Hey! There's a decent-sized herd. What do you think about calling the pack together to hunt? Could be a good morale booster.- Dusk was settling in, and that was prime hunting time.

After her whirlwind of a morning, Towhee eventually found a soft place to land and crashed hard for several hours. When she woke, she felt really crusty and stiff, plus her head and heart both hurt. She shuffled to one of the copse's many streams, took a drink, then a dip. Afterward, she spent entirely too much time grooming herself before slowly making her way back to the rendezvous site right around twilight. She wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon but she could use some company to try filling in the space Meerkat had left behind.

She'd just arrived when a wild Phox appeared, startling Towhee so badly, she held her forelegs up in a crude kung fu stance. A beat later, she dropped back onto all fours and stared at her brother. Was he serious? Their child had just left this morning, practically destroying her, then Wraen and Arcturus had tag-team guilt-tripped her nearly to her breaking point. Meanwhile, he looked utterly unflappable.

She wanted to punch him in his carefree face. Instead, Towhee managed a wan smile and a, -"Sure."-

Round 1! I'll post again sometime on August 2nd.

It was interesting to see their roles reversed. Towhee had been all aboard for Fennec's departure, while Phox had taken it hard. Now, they seemed to have swapped places emotionally. Maybe there really was something to be said about children born from your own blood. Shaking that thought away (mostly because he felt just as much of a father to Meerkat as Towhee did to the children made by other wolves), Phox gave her a soft smile. Taking Towhee's mind off of things would help... right? Only one way to find out!

He called for @Niamh, @Alyx, @Quetzal, and Primrose first. Once they arrived, and he explained to the younger ones that they would only be observing this hunt from afar, he called for the rest of the pack one by one: @Eljay, @Arcturus, @Weejay, @Maia, @Chanel, and their newest recruit, @Savaktuk. He was the only one Phox didn't know much about, but that was to be expected. He doubted they'd get much chit-chat in during the hunt, but perhaps they could do so after.

He considered not calling for @Wraen, but in the end, he decided to do so anyway. She likely knew her limits better than he did, and even if she wasn't up for it just yet, he didn't want her to feel left out.

She watched in silence as Phox howled, evidently in rounds. Her head cocked wonderingly at that, though she didn't ask. As she looked at her brother, she couldn't help but think of their two older children. She remembered the abruptness of Fennec's departure in particular and felt her chest tighten all over again as she thought about how, just three days ago, the idea of Meerkat leaving too had seemed far off in the future. Oh, she wasn't stupid, she'd known it was coming since the first utterance of "scoot," but she'd never imagined Meerkat would slip away just five months to the day since her miraculous arrival.

Soon others were arriving and Towhee's thoughts scattered. She was mostly grateful for that, as she could feel the melancholy about to sink her mood again. She shuffled closer to her brother, pressing her shoulder lightly against his. Phox might not feel so emotional, yet they were still in this together, along with Niamh and the chiblings. They would have to lean on each other and just hope that all those who'd left would stay true to their words and come back again someday.

In the meantime, the sun continued to sink in the distance, casting the copse in shadow. Towhee licked her lips, realizing she was ravenously hungry. When had she last eaten? Her eyes followed some drifting "star bugs" for a moment before fixing on Phox's face, awaiting the hunter's command.

Chanel, generally not busy and honestly quite useless at present, was quick to arrive to the summons. While others might've been watching children or hunting or whatever it was they did, the girl had been picking flowers, and set them down where she had been prior before making her way over. Coco eyes brushed over the handsome Phox casually, then towards Towhee- and finally, a soft smile settled on her face as she looked down to the already gathered children. The girl settled on her haunches at present, ears pressed forward expectantly for directions, and eager to take on the challenge.

the sun had begun it's descent in the horizon, golden, honeyed glare giving way to the sugary glow of moonlight; gradually. savaktuk wrapped up his patrol with a roll of his shoulders and a last, affirmative sweep of magma gaze over the neutral territory of the bog or swamp or whatever it was because marzanna is too lazy to look it up. sensing nothing to cause worry he is about to head to a cache when a series of howls rises. the first couple rounds he ignores, knowing they are not for him. the last one to pierce the air of the copse, however, clumps him into the rest of the others and he makes his way to the origin of the howl with the obedience of a soldier. he slips into the gathering, staying closer to the edge still having that self imposed 'outsider' feeling, if only because he was not a terribly social creature and thus far he's only met bronco, towhee and meerkat.

Maia hadn't really acquitted herself well in a single pack hunt to-date, and that thought definitely lurked in her mind as she walked her way towards Phox's summons.  He'd called Wraen too, which was an idiot move, and she had to make sure her sister didnt show up while helping herself.  Because she had to be... responsible, yeah?

oh boy.

She felt the nerves in her stomach going overtime as she stepped up alongside, standing awkwardly a little ways.  So far there was one she didn't know... Towhee and Phox who she knew okay maybe... and Chanel who she barely knew too.  She'd pretty well blew it at making friends here too since coming back, oops.

She didn't want to lurk like a complete weirdo, so she made her way towards the two she knew best.  Um, hey!  I don't think Wraen should come, but... we've got this.  We've got this? Dont think they need your affirmations, Maia, this was Phox's hunt after all.  Of course we got this.

Q listened, for once, all the scents and moving around whipping her into obedient order. But as more came, she found her voice again. Q trotted around the party present, tail waving. Guess what!?!? She trilled to the uncertain Maia, bounding clumsily over her longer legs toward her, I am observding today, she informed with a sage little nod. OH! She bellowed, realizing something. I'm Q, whooo you is? She asked, not the most proper with the English language... or savvy in the order of things quite yet. It sounded right, though.

At their summons, Niamh urged their pale son to comply, and albeit with some reluctance, she convinced young Primrose to follow her to where the small assembly had gathered to go for a hunt. He waited along with Towhee- who still looked absolutely miserable- and Phox, giving a nod to Chanel and Maia, and simply giving a look to the newcomer, Savaktuk. This was the new one she'd been told about, then; a sturdy, soldier of a wolf...One who didn't talk much, or so she'd been told. She'd be interested, then, to see him put to work. Prim remained somewhat quiet and distant, but Quetzal- as always- wasted no time in stealing the spotlight. Niamh chuckled and rolled her eyes. It would've been easier for her to just pick Q up and carry her back to the spot she'd chosen for her and Primrose to stay...But both of them were too big to be carried anymore. This was why they were here, after all- they were getting big enough that they needed to learn how to hunt, and would do so via observation. 

Alyx hadn't shown up- but Niamh wasn't surprised. She'd taken Bronco's departure very hard, and Niamh figured she might want some time alone to deal with her feelings. Niamh had more or less simply closed hers off- Bronco and Meerkat would be safe. And she hoped that Hydra might give her son a bit more confidence. Bronco, of course, would make sure that Meerkat was safe. 

Not everyone would show up- as not everyone could. Wraen was excused, and with her she assumed likely that Arcturus might stay nearby, or patrol. Eljay, a medic, might also choose to hang back. But at least amongst then, they had six adults- enough, she figured, to bring down a deer.

Round 2! Next round will start on/around August 6th.

The turnout was decent, and Phox gave Quetzal a wry grin as she announced to Maia that she would be observing today. He nodded to the latter, figuring that would be the outcome. Chanel and Savaktuk were the quieter couple of the bunch, but that was to be expected. They were newer, even though he vaguely recalled Chanel being with them for longer. He couldn't actually remember why she'd disappeared in the first place. He probably should have gotten his story straight on that at some point.

Signing and speaking for Towhee's benefit, Phox shook his fur and chuffed to get everybody's attention. -There's five deer chilling not too far from here. Aside from Primrose and Quetzal, who will be observing today, I'm going to assume everybody knows what to do. If not, you can hang back with the kids.- Instead of instructing the little hunting party on where to go, Phox figured they could figure it out amongst themselves. As for him, he'd play the catching and bringing down role. He assumed that Niamh, speedy and lithe as she was, would likely go for the flushing and chasing role.

Phox made his way toward the small herd, motioning for the flushing and chasing half of the group to head around the other way. The area was wooded, but more densely so in some parts. He had a feeling that the other group could chase them out into the open, and they'd have a good chance of catching dinner that way.

When neither Wraen nor Arcturus made an appearance, Towhee couldn't help but wonder if they were avoiding her, possibly all three of the wolves who'd signed off on Bronco's and Meerkat's adventure. The thought made her frown thoughtfully as her orange eyes bounced from Chanel to Savaktuk to Niamh. For the moment, she avoided looking at the pups too much; their presence here reminded her that Meerkat was missing out on this bonding activity as she was technically no longer a part of this pack.

Soon, they were moving and Towhee pushed all other thoughts aside as she trailed after Phox. He didn't bother assigning roles, so the Sovereign took it upon herself to mutter, -"You three should chase and I'll go with him."- She pointed toward her brother with her snout, then went ahead and got into position across from him. Maybe the adrenaline rush of the chase would've served her well, though Towhee simply didn't have the energy for it right now. She wanted to save up what little she did have for the kill.

Alyx arrived uncharacteristically late, just as the adults were beginning to leave. The absence of Meerkat and Bronco put a funny leaden feeling in her belly and reminded her that everything had changed. She dragged her feet across the ground as she made her way over to Primrose and Quetzal.

She was too saddened by their departure to get in on Q's overexcited antics, so for once she took a spot near her quiet brother. She felt a lot like he looked, causing Alyx to reach over and nudge the side of his peach-coloured face before turning her attention to the hunt below. Her eyes were unfocused and distant as she watched while her mind wandered to her missing big brother.

Not sure if we're adhering to a post order or...?

Before they set out, Niamh took a moment to preen each child, fussing over them lightly to get them to settle down. She was proud to have them here, observing their first pack hunt, but also wanted to make sure that they understood that it was imperative that they stay at a distance and behave. "You'll settle down, now," She spoke in a low, voice, the way a teacher will speak when they only want to instruct the class once. "Be good, and I'll see about getting each of you a piece of the best meat. Misbehave and you'll be chewing hooves for dinner." She said, in a slightly threatening, sing-song voice. She kissed the tops of their heads, and then padded off after the assembly, content to fit into her usual role of chaser, as per Towhee's recommendation.

*sneaks this in late*

savaktuk is big and slow; built like a tank. he was optimized for defense more than offense but he could chase well enough. when the role is assigned to him he gives a curt nod of understanding; offering nothing verbal as per usual. it was simple enough; absent any complicated maneuverings. chase. herd. flush out. a glimpse is given towards the child who offers her name and asks what his is in return. it doesn't seem like the prime time to offer introductions as their mother herds them away and he returns to the focus at hand: willing to take the lead of his cohorts.

Chanel followed easily enough, feeling much more satisfied being directed, rather than picking her own role. When it was recommended that they chase, the girl nodded eagerly, having to wipe a slight grin off of her face- she felt that for some reason she ought to be serious, even if the task at hand was exciting to her. She took her place alongside the others with the same role, a loaded gun, ready to fire off whenever the command might come.

Round 3! This will be the last "formal" round, but you're welcome to stick around for the feast part. :)

The groups split off into their respective parties, and Phox felt himself slip into that familiar meditative state he got into when the hunt was on. His eyes took on a soft focus, and his ears tuned forward to listen for any small sounds that might give away the slightest deviation from what he was expecting. Once he was in wait, then it was just a matter of, well... waiting. In silence, he watched the other group make their way to where they needed to be, and soon enough, the small herd was racing across the earth.

When all was said and done, they had managed to take down not just one, but two decently-sized deer. He called for the children, and he would bring back a large portion for Wraen as well. They would need her to eat so that she could heal and resume her place among them. Of course, it was likely Towhee who would eat first, followed by himself and Niamh, then the other adults, and lastly the children.

It all went according to plan and, after a burst of murderous energy, two dead deer lay at the feet of the pack... or part of it, anyway. Towhee's eyes panned over the group and she frowned, realizing just how many faces were missing. Meerkat should've been here, she couldn't help but think. Wraen should've been here too, sitting with the kids, and Arcturus and Bronco should've helped them fell their prey.

Despite the hunger gnawing at her, the Sovereign backed away from the kills. -"Go ahead,"- she signed to the others, -"eat and enjoy."- Without another word or even a backward glance, she turned and slipped away into the dark.

Despite her low spirits, Alyx couldn't help becoming engrossed in the hunt. Her siblings melted away as her focus shifted to the adults running down below. When the pack secured two kills instead of the standard one, she thumped her tail on the ground in a sort of wolfish clap. By the time the pups were summoned to the fresh kill, her mood was a lot brighter.

It didn't make up for the conspicuous absences of Bronco and Meerkat, but at least she didn't feel so down in the dumps. Towhee gave the go ahead to eat and, heedless of any such thing as a hierarchy order, Alyx dove right in.

Maia didn't catch the weird vibes until after the hunt; before, she was too keyed up on nerves.  At first she was thrilled.  This was the first big group hunt where she'd made a solid contribution and hadn't made some kind of fool of herself!  It felt amazing.  She'd managed to help pen one of the two deer in, and she stood a little taller as Towhee approached, but caught a little of the feel finally when she unexpectedly left right after.  Oh.... umm.  Yeah.  She watched her go, then shifted.  That was awesome, though, right!?  Like, great job, everyone.  she smiled, looking around, trying to lighten the mood.  Whether it worked or not, she'd continue to try to do so, chatting inanely about how awesome one wolf or another's part had been in between partaking in her share.  She'd bring some back for Wraen too, though now that she had done so well, she was extra sorry her sister had missed it.

Q's tail waved to watch what all went on after. For once, she was quiet in her awe; she was much too immersed in the things going on to think about raising hell or stepping a toe out of line for any reason. Instinct, for once, seemed to take control... and for all of her excitement, she fortunately did not act out for it. When called to eat, Q was much the same as her sister, and there was no need to wrestle or fight between them or the rest with how much food had been felled. Q happily (and loudly) ate, not hearing much beyond the smacking of her own lips.

A successful hunt never failed to brighten up Niamh's attitude- but one as successful as this really made her pleased. Especially in front of the kids, who obeyed their mother, and stayed where they ought to stay until the danger was over, and the deer felled. She greeted her children as they came bounding over to partake in the feast with a proud chuff, reaching out to nuzzle one of the girls that came within reach, though they were both quick to dive in and begin eating. Soon enough, the kids would be big enough that they too would have to abide by a heirarchal order, in terms of waiting for their turn to eat- but given the fact they'd killed two deer, Niamh allowed them to indulge themselves and begin eating. 

She was distracted by Towhee's departure, though, and felt concerned. Part of her wanted to tell everyone to shove off- so that she could make sure that a good portion of meat was put aside for her friend before they started snacking on it- but with the abundance of food before them, she knew that she'd be able to make sure that happened without snapping at those who'd begun to eat already. She cast a glance to Phox, as though to communicate both her concern and her promise of making sure Towhee got fed with a simple glance- before she too began to eat. 

Of course, for Niamh, eating amongst others was a bit of an affair. Unlike the others who seemed to be more polite and quiet about the whole ordeal, Niamh was a ravenous beast who had no table manners. She growled almost continuously as she ate, and would shoulder her way to better portions and snap at any who got in her way without a second thought.

Sneaking in one more post so it can count for her trade!

Once she'd eaten her fill and had enough of being jostled around by the feasting pack, Alyx wrestled free a sizable chunk of muscle (for a pup) and made off with it. She recalled Blackheart tugging a pheasant from the earth near the borders and remembered that the pack kept food in underground holes.

So she left, carrying the meat proudly in her jaws, she made her way to a far corner of the rendezvous site. There, Alyx dug a crude hole, stuffed her prize in, and hastily covered it. It was sloppy work, but what could you expect from a pup's very first cache?

The hunt was exciting, just as Chanel was finding all hunts to be- a growing passion in her, there- and soon enough they had great success. Accomplishing this felt great, and even better to work as part of a team. Towhee moved away after the work was complete, but Chanel was somewhat blind to her emotions, more focused on eating her fill. The girl turned to their kills, and though ate in a neat way that could be considered polite, she did not worry about keeping her portions light.