Cedar Sweep Tree Side Acquaintance [Hviske]

It had been many days since Creed had last happened upon another wolf. She had travelled her way over the mountains after a brief encounter with a dark figure, but it was quick to dissolve into a distant memory as she traversed the new lands. She had taken his information to heart and avoided the packs with ease to make the distance she travelled quick and easier on herself. Her paws were no longer sore from weeks of use, and she found herself drawing to a slow walk through the forest as she continued on. A wolf on her own mission. 

The light streamed through the gaps left by the trees and left beautiful streams of light to flutter across her coat as she bypassed them. The wind was slow to blow, and it made the dust in the air visible at this time of day. It was quite a sight to behold, and Creed eventually paused to stand still and take in her surroundings. Her peachy pelt was illuminated by the light as she scented her surroundings. She could hear distant rustling from animals, and the scent was enough to show to her that the area was plentiful in food. 

Creed drifted towards the nearest sound of scratching coming from beneath the earth. The opening was freshly dug with a fluffy tail still slightly visible at intervals, and it would be an easy meal. All she had to do was pounce correctly, and the ground would cave for an easy meal. She stood as still as a statue with her focus on the burrow as the food inside cluelessly dug beneath her. Creed remained aware, but the prospect of food brought her full attention to the moment.

@Hviske

Wherever he had found himself was an exciting place filled with many other creatures.

He recounted what few interactions with other animals he had experienced throughout his young life. The first animal, apart from the squirmy bodies of his littermates, he encountered was a sleek, black bird pecking around the den for food. Da would always chase it away, but it returned time after time. Hviske would be charmed by it for numerous weeks before the urge to play with his siblings bubbled to the surface of his wants, and he'd abandon the bird. 

Matter or not, he had found himself alone, a whisper of a broken pack long since disbanded and not from wherever here was. He still hadn't gotten an answer. Everything was different and were not the familiar scents he was used to, which irked him. 'Different' had been his plan, but he had not considered what 'different' would mean. The yearling felt a twitch of shame wrap around his heart and dig into his stomach. 

The dark grey wolf had curled under a thick bush, digging it out slightly to make room for himself. Maybe a nap would make it disappear, the hunger and shame over what had occurred.

Sometime later, he awoke abruptly, carefully sticking his head out from under his bush to see what was happening. Another wolf? Staring intently... at a... rabbit burrow? His stomach grumbled softly. Hviske wasn't a good hunter. In fact, he had been surviving mostly on half-eaten prey left over from other predators. Da had said they'd lead to food, and Hviske had been surprised when he had found that advice truthful.

If planned right... perhaps this lady wolf would give him some?

He watched her with renewed interest.

... hello?" he whispered. "If you... tell me what to do... I can help?-

She pulled herself from her moment of concentration on the burrow as the sounds of digging continued below. The wolf that looked back at her was colored much differently from herself aside from yellow eyes not too far from her own, but she studied him nonetheless. His frame was a similar size to her own, but it lacked the muscle she had put on from her travels. Creed felt little threat from him, and she let her tail wag in a silent gesture of greeting before returning her pale yellow gaze to the burrow. When she was in the zone, she dared not speak for fear of the hunt being a failure. The digging had slowed now.

She silently moved on top of the area where the rabbit was digging and waited for it to cease entirely. The rabbit was now flinging dirt up into the air to remove it from the hole it had so heartily dug, and she did her best to keep from alerting it as its rear end slowly began to appear. She looked back at the stranger beneath the bush with a sly smile before the rabbit finally emerged entirely. It was so caught up in business that it barely had time to register before her teeth had clamped down over its head and finished it off with one shake. 

Creed kept her distance, but she dropped the hare between the two of them. Although you did not have to help much, you look like you could use a meal. Care to join? It was a kind gesture she usually did not offer others, but the voice and frame of a young wolf was fairly distinguishable. She assumed he was probably a young wolf trying to find his footing, and she had once been there too.

Hviske hesitated for a moment to come out from his bush, as comfy as it was given the circumstances. He emerged slowly, carefully, as if each step was on shards of sharp rock, waiting to pierce his paw-pads, still soft with inexperience. 

I... I would like that, the scent of the rabbit was fresh in his nose, and it made his mouth water. His stomach pained to see food this close after so long being on his own. The poor thing could barely hunt, baring the thin sides of a scavenger without a meal in days. His paws found themselves by the rabbit, and he gently stuck his nose to it. The scent was overwhelming, stomach grumbling. Do... you... want to eat from it first? I can wait...

Creed watched him carefully as he revealed himself, and she was mildly surprised to see her assumptions correct. A young wolf with shrunken sides was a sight not too unfamiliar to her. Creed felt empathetic to the stranger after having struggled so much in her young life; she had only just escaped that phase of her life. Perhaps she could be of help to another soul if only through one meal. She offered a wag of her tail in greeting as he moved closer.

You can have it. It's spring, so I will have no trouble catching more. What brings you here? She inquired from the stranger as she shifted to give him some space to eat the hare between them. Creed then shifted her weight and shook off her pelt to rid it of some of the dust she had accumulated from her travels. She then moved to sit and observe the stranger with curious pale yellow eyes.

Sharp fangs bit into the rabbit, and in a few moments, it was reduced to a pile of inedible bones and torn meat that was too tough to eat. The feeling of food in his stomach was as close to happy as he'd truly felt in months, tipping the scales in a positive direction. His eyes did not wander far from the dusty she-wolf. Hviske couldn't afford to take his eyes off anyone, let alone another wolf.

Once he'd finished, and the last shred of meat swallowed, he licked his muzzle and sat down. His tail curled tightly over his paws.

Admittedly, I don't know where... 'here' is. All I know is that I've wandered far from where Ma and Da's pack was and - he sighed, his throat catching. I was a fool and didn't plan this out very well.

Creed felt for the stranger. Although she had never had much time to connect with her own parents, she knew the feeling of abandonment all too well. She stood back as he quickly swallowed her catch to observe him as he did so. Perhaps he would not be so hungry now, and he would be more open to conversation. Information was one of the most powerful tools she had found.

And you left of your own accord? Most your age are chased out. The second part was mainly her speaking to herself as she paced to in front of him. Her tail hung loosely behind her, lashing occasionally as she turned. Nonetheless, you are in the Teekon Wilds. Only slightly, but still here. These lands are vast and filled with wolves much like ourselves. Creed was careful to include the last part. She had been startled by the amount of wolves when she first encountered some of them, so she wanted to ensure the young wolf knew the scope of the lands.

It's a... long story. to put it simply, as he did for this kind stranger, his Ma was the first to go, of old age into what he referred to as The Deep Sleep, and the pack was mostly young wolves, Hviske's litter being just pups. His eldest sister left when Da brought another she-wolf in to help, and then Da went to Sleep after a bear attacked the den. New Ma couldn't come to terms with a pack that wasn't hers, and did the best she could, before she left them all to fend for themselves out of stress.

It... didn't last long. My litter stayed together for a while, but we had too many disagreements and we ended up going our separate ways. There's nothing for me there anymore, so I left. Now... I'm starting to think it was a bad plan...

She paused her pacing to look him over once more. Leaving her home lands had perhaps been the best thing she had ever done for herself. Although she had never had family to hold her back, she could not imagine that it would hold such a chokehold on others. Creed understood the reason why in the wolf before her. He looked like he had probably starved since having left his family, and that would make any sane wolf rethink their decisions.

Nonsense. To leave a space where you feel there is nothing left for you is a good plan, stranger. I left one of my own to arrive here, and it was the best decision I will ever make for myself. My brother came with me, but I left him for the same reasons. We had different goals in mind, you see? Since leaving his presence, I feel as if I can breathe in these trees and get to experience the beauty of life for the first time. She neglected to mention that the reason she had ditched her brother was his disdain for most wolves. A traveler could not be a brute and manage to sneak through areas on their journeys without a lot of trouble. She had a distaste for it and most interaction from those around her, but Creed had a soft spot for younger wolves. Which is probably why she had paused this long to speak to the one in front of her.

If you would like some help, I could teach you how I catch the hares. They're plentiful here, and it would be hard to starve if you know how to catch one. She spoke gently to put no pressure on the wolf she had just met. An offer she hoped would be accepted to keep the young wolf from starving.

The young wolf held a surprised look on his face, and a small whine escaped him. To him, the offer sounded like his Shepherd herself had put this wolf on a path that would find a little lost soul in need of assistance. 

I'd like that, yes- his somber tone mingled with a hopeful one. Hviske's posture changed as well: from his head pointing towards the ground to his eyes looking at the wolf before him, the tip of his tail twitching. His yellow gaze seemed to shine. 

... my - name's Hviske, he finally introduced himself, pronouncing it 'viska'. - if you were... wondering.

She wagged her tail in acknowledgement as he said his name. It sounded almost foreign, but Creed had to get used to that here. Most names were going to be foreign from her homelands. She bounced onto her feet from a sitting position and peered through the undergrowth around them. There was no such luck for hares here with the amount of noise they had made, but it would not be hard to find another one digging a den. It was springtime, and they were due to have their kits soon.

A pleasure to meet you, Hviske. Creed tried her best to repeat it the same as he had said it, but she ended on the wrong 'a'. She corrected herself before proceeding, I haven't introduced myself, either. My name is Creed. She moved away from him for a few steps to scent the air around them. The scent of hare was not far away.

Come, this way. Creed stepped off into the underbrush around them and followed a slightly worn trail most likely laid by the food they sought. The best way to find them is to use your nose. Hares are particularly quiet, but their scent does not lie. Which way is the smell coming from? She quizzed him, interested to see if he could scent it out himself. Some wolves had difficulty with scent, and she hoped it was not the case for him lest she had to find a new way to teach him.

Hviske followed Creed on quiet, slender legs. The young one had always been a silent wolf, both in movement and of tongue. He hated speaking without being sure what to say, so the opportunity to think before speaking after a heartfelt and saddened reliving of his past experiences was welcomed. 

His nose lay just off the forest floor, sniffing in one direction and then the other, until the odor of hare found its way to him. It smelled like the hare had gone north, or... maybe northeast? The wolf's grey head tilted, nose twitching furiously in his attempt to find precisely where the hare had gone. 

A white paw stepped northeast, uncertain.

Creed followed behind the thinner wolf. A certain curiosity to her movements and concentration as she watched the wheels in his head turn from the scents that flowed to them. She watched his paw step in the correct direction of the one she had scented earlier and wagged her tail behind her, Perfect. Let's go.

She quickly took the lead again and led them in the direction he had indicated. The walk was short before the sound of claws digging into the earth was once again ringing in the air. If you can find them, it's as simple as what you witnessed earlier. They are distracted this time of year. Their kits will be here soon, and they are digging the burrows out. It's easy to get fat off of them if you find an area with enough of them. They were a few lengths from the opening as the hare kicked a cloud of dirt from the entrance with its back legs before it once again disappeared. Quietly sneak on top of the burrow and ensure your mouth is at the entrance. Your tail should run the same direction they are digging.

A feeling of pride washed over him momentarily as he correctly identified the rabbit's trail. Perhaps he had been happy with his nose for the first time in a while. As it wasn't over yet, any celebration did not occur.

Hviske's slender muzzle soon rested over the entrance to the burrow, tail resting straight behind him. His eyes were focused solely on the gap in front of him. His body seemed to grow still, crouching and each breath a choice made at a time when the busy rabbit below was darting around and distracted. 

The tip of his snout twitched, his ears honing in on the sounds under the surface. In his mind's eye, the yearling could almost visualize the rabbit, hopping around, unaware of its fate lurking just above. 

He waited, and watched - until the fluffy creature poked its pink nose from its hole. Hviske stifled a small gasp, but the rabbit didn't seem to notice. It was still just outside of its home, too close to pounce, but carefully stepping forward - almost - almost- 

A grey muzzle parted over its neck, fangs clamping around it and snapping its neck. 

Hviske looked at Creed, the rabbit dangling from his jaws and tail wagging fiercely.

Creed bounced to him with a thick enthusiasm hanging in the air. Her tail wagged equally as hard behind her as she neared him. She felt pride swell in her chest at the success of her new found apprentice, and she felt equally comforted in her ability to teach him. Now he would not go hungry, and the sleep she yearned for in the night would come and go easily.

You did great! I'm so happy for you! She spoke genuinely, but the excitement bled through into her voice. Creed knew she would have to continue on soon, and she was happy to have taught him enough to at least keep him from the throws of hunger for now. A sentiment that Creed and her brother had never had the kindness of receiving. They had deciphered it soon enough on their own, but it was not before many hungry nights.

As he excitement diminished, she returned to her composed state. It was nice to meet you, Hviske. That should be all you need to know for now, but you can always seek me out if you ever need more help. I need to be on my way. I'm turning back towards the coast today in hopes to meet up with my brother. Her tone was polite and sincere, but she needed to get going lest Omnium's trail fade in her absence.

Wait - hints of a desperate whine trailed his voice, taking a few steps forward. He didn't want her to leave so soon - she was the closest thing he had to a friend out here. What else could she teach him? Now that he could hunt at all, he shouldn't be a burden, right? Could that be his plan, until he could think of a better one? Hviske didn't want to be out on his own again - he felt so alone, so... helpless. 

 C-can I come? I - I don't... wanna be alone...

Okay if I start a new thread so they can intercept Meylodi and Void? ^^

Creed's pinkish figure had already turned to leave when she heard the younger wolf behind her. She crooned her head over her shoulder, peering at him thoughtfully. The isolation after her brother left was comforting to her, but she understood that others would not find isolation to be desirable. If anything, Creed could always assist him in joining a pack at some point if she grew tired of the companionship. 

Her thoughtful silence over, she spoke. Sure thing, Kid. I'm headed back over the mountains, though. Try to keep up. She would be lying to herself if she thought of leaving him behind if he wavered. Creed made sure to take the safe and easy routes in an attempt to make the travel easy on the emaciated wolf. They would fix that soon.

that is just fine with me c:

 

The thin yearling had two things to his advantage, even in this state - his legs were long, and he was built for speed. His grey frame rested upon comparative stilts of white, his strides lengthy and surefooted. A long tail tipped in white acted as a counterbalance, giving him ease of movement over most terrain. The wolf was a prime example of function following form. 

Effortlessly, his quiet pawsteps trotted after Creed, his first catch dangling from his jaws, as he hated the thought of leaving the rabbit behind.