Ouroboros Spine la nuit du chasseur [PACK HUNT]

Title translation -- The night of the hunter
Participation is optional but everyone is encouraged to jump in and collaborate!!
@Kaname @Sitri @Wyvern @Lotan @Ivev @Kierkegaard @Alusia @Sinaaq @Gaiban @Ryuu
ROUND ONE ENDS THE 6TH OR UNTIL EVERYONE POSTS

[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]

[size=small]As another month of cold winter nights ended, another came by. The frigid winds and foggy atmosphere that had settled outside the Alpha's den shifted slowly into the gap of her home, waking the pale Queen from her slumber. It was after sunset but Cara had decided to sleep in early -- or at least try to -- but as the cold ran it's fingers across her Spine all desires to keep sleeping were thrown out the door, only to be replaced by a sharp sense of hunger that suddenly gnawed at her stomach.

With her ears swivelling on top of the crown of her head as the depths of her stomach gurgled she pulled herself out of the den and out into the open. She considered a cache, but quickly dropped the thought. While a cold dinner was better than no dinner, the Queen wanted something more.
Something of a higher caliber; something fresh.
A banquet worthy of royalty.

Another rumble of her stomach served as Cara's veredict.
The pack would hunt together.
Despite the last rays of orange began to drown along the setting sun the Queen was certain that more than one of her wolves would come to her aid; those who didn't attend her call would not only lose the priviledge of a fine meal but also the chance to prove their skills to the Queen -- something that was very important if they sought to ever ascend in the ranks and earn the Alpha's trust.

With her tail raising and her head tipping back in a smooth motion she called out into the night.
"Tonight we hunt Ouroboros Spine", she called, her voice melting with the own howling of the winds that whirled overhead.
All there was left now was to wait for the first to come, hopefully it wouldn't be long. Despite of the emotional growth she personally felt she had been subjected to, she was still fighting (until now a loosing battle) with the characteristic impatience of her youth.
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Alusia was settling into her new home, she had gone out for a stroll, when a call cried out into the cold night. It was her Queen calling for the pack to hunt, one thing the young wolfess couldn't refuse. She steadily trotted her way to the area from where Cara called from. Her stride confident, as the pale female was ready to prove her worth to her packmates.

It wasn't long untill she came across her Queen, waiting for her pack to answer. As she came within her sight, Alusia lowered her tail, and head in a bow and sat a respectable distance from her. Already the female began to ponder ways she could benifit the pack in this hunt. Her fur would defiantly be an asset, as it blended in almost perfectly with the snow.

In the back of the young female's mind she wished Wyvern would show up, being she was the only other Spine wolf Alusia had become acquainted with. At that the the arctic wolfess gazed up into the night sky as a shooting star passed by. She wished for a good kill so that her empty stomach would finally be satisfied.

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The first stars of the night began to dot the steadily-darkening skies, and up rose the summons of their alpha. Wyvern's ears swiveled eagerly to catch the message on the chilly winds, and when she did, excitement soon followed -- a hunt. Her first one with these wolves, too.. so that was sure to add a new sort of dynamic to it all. She was not well-acquainted with so many of them and even more unsure of their hunting styles and strengths, but was bound to find out shortly. So this was bound to be quite the learning experience.

She wasted not a second more and sped towards the yearling queen. When she arrived, Wyvern found she was among the first on the scene but knew her brother would be here very soon. Since she knew Alusia, she bumped her snout against the snowy-coated female's side. Then, while holding her cinnamon ears tight against her head, she glided over to before Cara to defer with a quick sweep of her tongue across the underside of the leading wolf's chin. She held her switching tail tucked particularly tight as she did too. Wyvern took care to keep this submissive greeting quick, but hopefully effective, and settled back closer to Alusia to wait for others afterward.

The stars would be watching over them, and she hoped for all to be in their favor tonight.

Sitri stood overlooking the spine. He had been standing still and stalwart since the last rays of the sun had hidden behind the cloak of darkness. He was restless as of late and anxious. Why he did not know, only that he was. Perhaps it was that Winter was just hard for most creatures. Or maybe it was simply the worst of his sins and torture had happened while the world was cloaked in white. His former queen had hated winter, and he bore the scars to prove it. Tilting his head he followed the sound of his now queen and stood before her in his scarred glory. But made sure to stay hidden from the other females that stood in view.

Both of them were pretty, and he did not wish to subdue their brilliance with his marred hide. He chuffed gently to Cara, and red eyes alighted upon her. You called. Was all he said his voice low and guttural as always. He shifted and swung his tail across his back legs. He waited now patiently.

I imagine I won't be of much use xD but I'll pitch in at the beginning!

The path wound like a unraveled string up through the towering pines, the air cool and misty. Unlike a usual winter, the temperature had hovered above freezing and most of the snow had melted. Ivev could still satisfy her eyes by looking up at the mountains, whose faces held ice, but down in the gauntlet there was none to be found.

The lake stretched below, several miles to the left of where Ivev plodded slowly along dead pine needles. It was a commanding view and perfect for the pack to congregate, under the wide sky in several glens or within the hidden protection of the forest shadows. She had begun to familiarize herself, slowly but surely, with who and what stalked the Spine. There were a group quiet and secluded, drawn close together by their communal need to fend for themselves in their harsh environment. The white female felt welcomed, haven run into no trouble- save for her aching leg. It was steadily healing, but Ivev knew she was of little use to the summons the alphess had brought to the sky.

Stopping, Ivev first dipped her head to the queen, a small tail wag to boost her greeting. It was hard enough to move about, and the female hoped there was no need for the higher-ranks to push Ivev into an active submission. Besides, everyone else seemed more focus on the prospect of the hunt. And Ivev would wait in the wings, hoping for a successful and painless time. Hooves and horns could easily deal more damage than teeth.

He was just heading back to their love nest den when Cara had called the pack together for a hunt. Right on time... He thought, as the howl accompanied a gurgle in his stomach. The Beta was prepared to go hungry that night, and wake up in the morning to hunt for himself and his mate, but the prospect of a full-on hunt with the whole pack was worth staying up for.

The assassin increased his speed, closing the distance between himself and his alpha. He saw that he wasn't the first to arrive, which didn't irk him at all. The Beta simply strode over to Cara and butted her head affectionately, then sitting beside her in the spot reserved for the King Consort.

His glacier-like eyes combed the gathered crowd, recognizing only a few faces: Sitri, loyal as ever, and one of the new arrivals, the sister Wyvern. The other two white females (a pattern he had seen steadily rise as of late) were unfamiliar, but he would get to know their names later. For now, he pressed his side against Cara's and shut his eyes for a bit as he waited for the others.

(EDIT: Late to look at my Join thread, changing some stuff...)
Gaiban was still getting his bearings, when he heard a howl. Not quite understanding what it was, he followed the sound, ears perked. He Ended up following a group joining around a wolf he did not yet know.

He deduced that the other were higher ups, so he lowered his head, and licked his lips, showing politeness. He also saw the wolf that took him in, And shot quick glances at him. He quickly realized the best strategy would be to stay in the back. One, it would keep him from getting hurt. Two, it would keep his shy butt from getting overly noticed. Gaiban was still eager, and ravenous for more information, and he still wanted to stay close to the Blue eyed wolf. He was the most accustomed to him. That didn't mean he totally trusted anyone anyway. But.. Gaiban didn't care about that. All he knew was slight, edgy comfort. And any comfort was such a luxury, Gaiban's head nodded, 'sleep' he thought. Gaiban then ignored much of the words to come.

The sun was inching closer and closer to the horizon as Cara's howl went up, beckoning the rest of the pack to her. Lotan paused in his step, one forepaw suspended over the snow as he listened to his new Alpha's message. It seemed a bit late for a hunt, but the idea of feasting under the glow of the moon was enticing to the young wolf. The night sky was comforting to him; the stars kept him company in this still-unfamiliar place, when his sister wasn't by his side.

Quickly, he directed his paws towards Cara, moving swiftly across the uneven terrain and with building confidence. He licked his lips in anticipation, feeling excitement began to flow through his veins as he neared the location of the hunt.

He found that he wasn't the first to arrive, and slung his belly low to the ground as he approached. There was already a sizable group gathered; he recognized Cara, Wyvern, Kaname, and Sitri, but there were a handful of others whose acquaintance he hadn't yet made. He gave a low chuff by way of greeting, tucking his muzzle respectfully to his chest as he looked to the Alpha and Beta, then took up a position next to his sister.

Ryuu had been sleeping, her paws twitching from her dreams. Behind her closed eyes a memory assaults her. She was following the scent of meat, she had not eaten in days. Since leaving her pack she has settled with another, but her heart is not fully with them. She does not join them in their hunts and it has thinned her down. But her hunger is overwhelming and the scent of fresh meat has her stomach snarling. The smell is with in something shiny. She can clearly see the lump of meat within the contraption that looks as if it is made of silver twigs. What was it doing in there? Did an animal not finish their prey? Well this is her lucky day. She doesn't exactly have the strength to hunt by herself. She places her nose in the entrance of the thing, taking a cautious sniff. A strange scent clings to it, nothing she has smelled before. She snarls a warning, but steps forward. Her jaws reach for the meat and just as she snatches it up a loud snap sounds behind her.... She wakes, her breath coming out in gasps. A howl startles her and she jumps to her paws. Ryuu realizes that it is a call from the Alpha. Shivering, she makes to join the group of wolves that settle around Cara, attempting to forget the dream and calm herself.

yay so many participants!! Next round ends FEB 13TH
remember there is no particular posting order bebes

[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]

[size=small]As time elapsed, Cara's hunger grew more intense. Even if she did not yet carry life upon her womb she had begun stocking up on as much food as she could get her teeth on, of course, always making sure the pack was also fed. Slowly, her trimmed stomach and slim extremities had been slightly bulked up, all in hopes to be prepared for when the time to bear pups did arrive. For now, she would be content munching on anything and everything -- all for the sake of her yet unconcieved pups.

Suddenly a flicker of momevent out of the corner of her eye pulled her head to the side, and it was with a pleasant, yet regal wag of her tail that she greeted the first of her subordinates. First came Alusia, a female that despite her freshness into the pack had aspirations that Cara could easily see her reaching. Then came Wyvern and Sitri, whom she greeted with an affirmative woof after recieving the Ostrega female's soft lick upon her chin. The amount of wolves she was beginning to realize she could get to trust made the Queen huff in delight. It was then that the slightly limping figure of Ivev materialized behind them. Her arrival caused Cara's her lips to peel over her teeth in a smile -- even if perhaps they both knew that her participartion wouldn't be required/possible, she was pleased she had had the decency to make an appereance.

Soon, more and more Spine wolves began to arrive, each holding themselves to the proper standards of submission -- a gesture that was pleasing to the Queen. Her eyes rested on each of the newly arrived members; Lotan, a male Cara would trust to exploit his potential, Kaname, her mate and right hand, Ryuu the frightful female they had welcomed in hopes she would prove herself, and finally but not least Gaiban, the youngest member of the pack, who despite not having caused much on an impression on Kaname, still held Cara's expectatives high.

"I hope your hungry", she began, her lips pursing with amusment as she raked her eyes across the gathered faces, pride shinning upon her pale orbs. "Because tonight we will feast." she announced with a brief sway of her curled tail. "The same herd of moose that had been living in the skirts of the Spine since the ends of Autumn have now moved towards the west side, nearing the frozen lake."she barked, her voice resounding within the crowd. Even if she was not a titled Gamekeeper, mostly because she had renounced to that aspiration as she fell in love with the arts of Warriorship, she still liked to keep an eye on the moose herd that had settled onto the Spine for the last months.

" @Kaname , ideas?" she barked, twisting her face from the crowd to sink her eyes upon his face alone. As their only current Gamekeeper and a very talented one at that, she had no qualms with hearing his input in this.
After all, he was her loyal right hand.

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Alusia watched as more and more wolves came to participate in the pack hunt, and personally she was very happy about it. The more wolves they had, the better the chance of getting a good meal. One by one wolves of all colors and sizes started to join in the pack's little circle.

After herself came Wyvern, and Alusia smiled when she saw her. Her first meeting with the female was pleasant and she was looking forward to hunting with her. Next came a large male, but she could barely see him, as he hid behind Cara and the yearly couldn't imagine why. After the male, came a female who shared the same color as Alusia herself, and had a limp in her leg, so she probably wouldn't be much help exept more moral support. Then came a male who had fur like the night sky, and he entered proudly and sat next to Cara, so Alusia imagined he was the Queen's mate.

Yet another pale wolf emerged from the forest, and joined in the circle. Alusia could tell this one was young and hoped that he would prove useful in the hunt, instead of dragging them down. After the young male, another wolf came into view and this one sat next to Wyvern. The pale wolfess remembered how Wyvern had mentioned a brother so, this was probably him. Last but not least a female came into sight, who looked like she had been having a rough night.

As each wolf entered, the young wolfess gave a quick nod to each before focusing on Cara once more. She listened as her Queen spoke, and turned to ask the obsidian furred male, who's named she learned was Kaname, for any ideas. This was her first pack hunt since joining the Spine, so she had both eyes and ears open for suggestions. She was no mighty huntress, but she did a few basics when stalking prey. However for now she kept quiet and listened for ideas before throwing her own out in the open.

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Other wolves joined them and Wyvern was attentive to the various approaches. Some of these wolves she sort of knew by scent, having smelled them around the spine, and this was the first time seeing their faces. Others were less familiar and then of course, there were the few she knew already. Her tail waved just a bit for Lotan's arrival and afterward, she was readied to give her attention to Cara.

She tilted her head as she listened, learning that moose were the likely prize here, and then when the alpha handed it off to Kaname, Wyvern's attentions were then sent to him. She was curious of what he may say, and how exactly they may approach this hunt in particular. Moose could be tricky, or perhaps they could catch them in a compromising situation to better their favor. Or, maybe overwhelming them with their numbers would work well enough. Circumstance would have to tell and until then, she was ready to hear out the plan to see where she may best fit into it.

Sitri gave the queen a small smile, but stayed hidden in the shadows. He did not wish to be seen today. Tonight his nightmares were breathing living entities and he was having a hard time keeping his reality in check. He could hunt and follow orders, and he just hoped that no one tried anything silly today.

A moose he could hunt those. Though his mind went unwillingly back to the day that Ptarmigan had been killed by him. He had been watching the moose that day too. Sighing he waited for Kaname to speak, tilting scarred ears forward.

Once the pack had gathered, Cara welcomed them and proposed that they hunt a herd of moose that had evidently taken up residency within their spine months ago. Lotan licked his lips, ready to take off and start the chase immediately. He shifted his weight excitedly, but forced himself to remain seated next to Wyvern. At times, he could be a bit impulsive; as he matured, he was learning to control himself.

Cara indicated that she wanted input from Kaname, so Lotan's gaze shifted to the swarthy Beta. He waited eagerly for instructions, his very being thrumming with anticipation.

Gaiban continued to snore sleeping. He had a dream about what had happened to him a few hours earlier.He was being lied to. He had ate them up, in a vain attempt to be accepted. Little did he know he was already quite accepted the way he was. He was a horible person. Nobody liked him anymore. He threw himself out the window. He was being exiled. He saw Cara And Kaname, growling at him in dissaproval. The darkness.. It was So ScArY! Gaiban shook himself awake, with a loud whimper. He shook from fear, and decided to listen on what his comrades were saying. Hopefully his dream didn't come true. It was a pack hunt! Gaiban reminded himself.

Kaname was indeed hungry. Cara had chosen an opportune time to call for a hunt, and with numbers on their side, they would certainly bring down enough for the whole pack. He looked over the gathered wolves again as more joined them, noting Sitri and Gaiban's arrival. Sitri would be a boon in this hunt, but Gaiban was young and inexperienced. He would help in his own way, and he would learn as well. A win-win situation.

Cara had announced that they would be chasing moose today, a staple in Ouroboros Spine diet. Already ideas surged in Kaname's mind when she had mentioned they were nearing the lake already. He had not kept tabs on the herds as he used to; instead he hunted smaller prey and kept his eyes on the borders. So the Gamekeeper thought of the different strategies they could use to bring the moose down.

"We should use the frozen lake to our favor. If the ice is weak enough, we could force the moose onto the ice and have them fall in, but there is the danger of one of ours falling and that of losing the prey." He offered the first thought of his that came to mind. "But if the ice is heavy enough to support their weight, then we can cross onto the ice and set up an ambush at the island."

There was excitement in the air as the pack circled around their leaders, and Ivev, to the best of her ability, followed at her limping gait. She couldn't remember the last time she had participated in a hunt for any matter, as she had always been either too young, or tasked after guarding the pack den. And when one practices something many times, they get good at it. Ivev wanted to pour all of her ableness into helping the Spine, but she knew she would probably hinder the hunt.

Kaname, the beta, had announced their plan. The ice sounded risky, and she was appreciative that the male had wisely addressed it. The arctic female would follow the hunters down to the lake to be on stand-by in case anything went awry.

sorry for the hold up my dears -- NEXT ROUND ENDS THE 21ST OR UNTIL EVERYONE POSTS

[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]

[size=small]With her eyes never straying from the icy pools that were Kaname's own eyes, Cara listened carefully to his plan. While his scheme was well thought and feasible considering the number of wolves that had attended the Queen's hungry summons, it was the risk of injury (however small) what worried the pale Alpha. The Spine, not having an official Healer and Ivev --the only aspiring one-- injured herself was in no position to risk, or in the worst case scenario lose one of its members.

A brief pause was dragged out between his words and her response. Even as head Gamekeeper, Beta, and her mate he could not expect her to immediately oblige to his very desires without digesting the information first. Cara, as rash as she could be, did not feel like throwing herself at the mercy of the ice without weighing first the pro's and con's.
Finally, after a good two minutes of entire silence, the Queen spoke, "Those who are heavier should stay back then, if we don't want to risk anyone falling" she stated, the whiskers of her muzzle quivering as she turned her gaze onto the wolves that would, by default, make part of that group.
Alusia, Wyvern, Gaiban and herself.

"They can be the ones to herd them in our direction" she then declared, this time taking her time to lock eyes with each of the males that fell into said group -- Sitri, Kaname, and Lotan. It was a dangerous stunt they were about to perform, but hopefully a successful one.
With her commanding the ambush group and Kaname taking charge of the other, it would most likely be so.

"Let's roll then" she barked, taking a brief second to scan the crowd for any looks of doubt or disagreement before turning tail and slinking towards the frozen lake that would serve their dinner tonight.

[/size]

The plan that Kaname proposed was a risky one, but it was the danger that drew Lotan in. His gaze remained fixed upon the two leaders as they deliberated; Cara seemed hesitant, but after a long pause, she agreed and began to divide up the group. Those who were lighter on their feet would venture out onto the ice, while the others hung back and waited to take action.

He gave Wyvern a quick nudge with his snout, then moved to stand by Kaname. With a low chuff, he announced to the Beta that he was ready; whenever his instructions were delivered, he would spring into motion.

Sitri returned the gaze to Cara for a second, then averted his eyes. She spoke and he jumped, it was how this dynamic worked. He did what the leader said. Tilting his head he swung it around and he stalked softly towards where the moose were. He'd get around to the other side, the other males could help him herd. He was glad not to be on the ice, he would have cracked it swiftly. He smiled dangerously and went towards the moose at a lope.

Alusia smiled when she heard the plan, she wasn't at all worried about the ice, since she basicly grew up on it. However she could tell Cara was debating to actually go with the plan or not, until she finally allowed it. Back at her arctic home, Alusia's pack never really planned things out, if they were hungry they would just chase the elk down until it couldn't run anymore. Following her queen toward the lake, Alusia happily trotted along, ready for a nice fresh meal.

Cara assigned groups swiftly after he had given his idea for hunting. The lighter wolves, the females, Cara, and Gaiban, would head onto the ice and wait for the moose to scramble onto the frozen lake. He would lead Sitri and Lotan to chase the moose onto the ice, since they were heavier, naturally. He chuffed to Sitri and Lotan, giving them a few instructions before heading towards the moose herd."We'll follow the herd onto the ice as far as we can go. Once they're on, we run along the shore and intercept the herd should they escape the other group."

The assassin began trotting towards the moose, seeing them not too far away from the lake, grazing along the edge. He closed the distance between his small group and the herd before he would move into position. He could not risk alerting the herd too soon before Cara and her group were on the ice.

Gaiban stuck behind the lake, and sat down. He was just happy to be out of his den, which he was confined to for the past few hours. But he was determined to help in any way. Even if it cost him his life. Moose were much bigger than him, and Gaiban wasn't much used to creatures besides wolves being bigger than him.

Another thing struck Gaiban. The Alpha and Beta had conflicting opinions. He liked Cara's plan better. She seemed hesitant though. This place was becomming more and more like a boot camp. Also, The white furred Iota wondered if Kaname had heard about his shinanigens. He suddenly felt a wave of sadness.

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The plan took shape, and smoothly. Wyvern accepted her role and quietly appreciated the added element of the lake. Already, she found herself curious how it would pan out in practice. It certainly sounded promising (although she was no gamekeeper, but maybe one day..). Compared to what she was used to, it was a unique twist to the hunt's strategy and she liked it so far.

After returning her brother's nudge and hoping for the success of both of their respective hunting parties, she lightly jogged after Cara's lead and fell into step just behind Alusia -- ready.

Great participation guys!! I think another round or two left?
NEXT ROUND STARTS THE 28 OR UNTIL EVERYONE POSTS

[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]

[size=small]Without a second look, she strayed from the gathered group, fully trusting that those she had selected for the ambush would fall behind her as soon as she began to move. Even if the plan had been Kaname's work, she had no shame in taking full authority over her small group, for she expected him to do the same if the tables were turned. Despite the man did not share the rank as supreme ruler, both her and him knew which extents his authority could be presumed.
As sole Alpha of the Spine, Cara had the final say, but as her most trusted and devoted cohort, he also had various strings to pull.

With only her ears swivelling atop her head the Queen was able to locate her subordinates trailing behind her. She awkwoledged them with a low woof that quickly faded into the frigid winter air as a simple puff of fog. There, was no time or need for words, to Cara, these were not needed. As long as her wolves were observant enough to read the signs she gave with the subtle movements of her head and body their success would be guaranteed. Being able to go beyond what was spoken was not only an advantage she hoped to be able to implement with her wolves but also a basic rule of proper hunting technique, Kaname had once told her so.

Soon, the bulky silhouettes of the moose began to appear in the far side of the plain than held the Spine's lake. This was were they needed to use their eyes.
Without giving the small group the chance to pause, the Queen's tail rose in the air, the tip twitching like a red light in a semaphore. Then with the same quickness she began to steer to the right -- away from the yet unsuspecting herd and into the glassy floor that covered the lake.

As her paws touched the ice, she felt her claws glide over the surface, giving her a sudden feeling of discomfort and instability, that despite making her freeze in the moment was quickly dismissed by the female's fierce stubborness to go on, and most of all, to succeed.
"Careful" she warned softly, breaking the precious silence only to ensure the group's wellfare.
The only death that Cara wanted was the moose's.
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