Sea Lion Shores Cold hunting

Proceeding on her journey up and down the coast, Pearl had finally come to Sea Lion Shores. It was a sunny, cool day, with blobby looking things everywhere. The pale wolfess trotted upon the sands, enjoying the sun in her face and salt in the air. Her attention was captured by the fat, grey things she assumed were animals on the sand. Walking up to one them, she tentatively nudged it with a paw to see if it was still alive, if it even was. When it gave no response, she nudged it a bit harder to make sure she didn't sink her teeth into anything dangerous. 

Yep, it was alive for sure. The fat creature gave a loud bellow and snapped its 'neck' back at her, revealing its jaws. Pearl leapt back, startled by the teeth. Given a challenge and the rumbling of her stomach, Pearl was determined to kill whatever it was. Although it did dawn on her that this could be the 'seel' Haven had mentioned to her. It certainly fit the bill. Swinging her head around for any other wolves that could potentially steal or help her with the potential meal.

The thundering sound of breaking waves reached Tuwawi before the sea came into view and it spurred the she-wolf to hasten her pace. Reaching the coast was the first step towards Caiaphas and the sound. Though hunger clawed at her body and ravaged her figure, the red woman pressed on, too intrepid to abandon her objective. 

She had decided not to raid Silvertip. It was simply too risky. So, when the yelp of some creature in distress echoed in the wind Tuwawi couldn't help but canter forth in anticipation of some easy pickings. 

After cresting the bluffs, which marked the end of the plains, Tuwawi peered down to see tidal pools where an unfortunate water animal had been marooned. A lone wolf -- probably female by the look -- prodded viciously. Equal parts intrigued and ravenous, the ember slunk down to the shores and revealed herself in the open sun. She watched for a moment while salivating, eyeing the pair in an attempt to asses the situation. She wanted to eat... but could this alabaster female do most of the heavy lifting for her? Tuwawi was in no condition to manage an injury should the strange prey decided it wanted a chunk of wolf.

Pearl saw the red-backed wolf almost instantly, the color standing out clearly in the dullness of the coming winter. Cautiously, she called out to the female, "Did you want to help? We can split it if we kill it!" No need for her normal, friendly, introductions, she was hungry and had a faint idea of how to kill this animal. Looking down the length of the creature's body, she decided it was built for swimming, not being on land. If the female decided to help, it would be much easier to take down, considering the seal was about her own size, if a bit smaller. 

Walking around the gray seal, both eyeing each other warily, she mentally worked out the supposed best way to take it out. Clamping down on it's neck didn't seem like too good of an idea, since it had a thick, flexible one that could bend back to bite. If she could get through the fat while staying away from it's jaws...

Shrugging, she lunged for the back of the neck, trying to tear away a chunk of skin to get started. Letting go of it just long enough to get away from the snap of the jaws, she immediately tried again, managing to get the chunk of skin off, producing a bellow of pain from the gray seal. She jumped to the other side, the seal beginning to finally recognize the danger it was in and starting to thrash about.

Saliva pooled in Tuwawi's mouth as the pungent scent of seal blood provoked her dangerous appetite. The woman was desperate for a meal -- but the creature's squalls and large yellow teeth were enough to make the red scoun hesitant in her pursuit. An experienced hunter knew to be wary of recklessness, but starvation fed into rash decisions and so the lone she-wolf found herself circling the struggling animal with a wide berth.

The white female called for aid. If we kill it, she said. If being the key word. Tuwawi's lolling tongue licked its chops as her teeth clicked suddenly and decisively. She lunged for the slow beast's rear end, cinching its tail-feet between her canines and offering a heave to further pull the quarry from its waters. The slick fur on her tongue and the crunch of bone heralded a bounty soon to be should the duo finish the job... but that was still to be decided. For now, Tuwawi kept a sharp eye on the seal and her white companion, prepared to dance away should the animal think to strike out again.

roll for success: +4; roll: 5 

 

Pearl paused momentarily from her jumping and biting to allow the other female to get a good hold on her end. By sealing its escape, the red wolfess had helped tremendously. She saw her chance on the right side and clamped down into the exposed flesh. Not a bad strategy, if you were good at out-manuvering seal jaws. Her teeth sunk into the fat, searching for the main part to kill it, while her rear end was still avoiding the creature's attempts at retaliation. Even though it couldn't bend back far enough to reach her head due to the teeth, the seal still managed to land a bite on her flank. Wincing, she only hardened her resolve to kill it.

Finally, she worked her way to bone and artery and let the blood flow. Stepping away wearily, she turned and licked the wound on her right flank. Not too serious, coming from a weak seal, but it hurt all the same. She'd have Blue look at it when she arrived back. She looked and smiled at the red female. "Thanks," she said, as she approached the dying animal and ripped it open.

The animal thrashed helplessly as the pair of lupines made quick of their work, but despite its losing battle the creature still managed to lay its fangs into the alabaster stranger. Tuwawi looked at the red mark upon the woman sourly and only thanked the stars [or whoever maintained fate] that it hadn't been her own vermilion hide. Without a pack to mend a wound it was certain to fester and Tuwawi didn't have the luxury of companions at her side.

A sputtering gurgle was the last sound the seal made before its death; its blood staining the pretty woman's fur messily. Tuwawi considered an attempt to chase the other wolf off - greedily coveting the meal for herself. She had the advantage of age and sparring experience, plus the conviction of a starving animal. However, her condition was worse than it ever had been before... and if she was willing to share then there was no reason to risk a fight over a few more mouthfuls of food. In addition, she did not want to stir the ire of the woman's pack.

Long trails of vapor rose up from Tuwawi's muzzle as she took in deep breaths between her fangs. Shrewd silver eyes watched her company for signs of aggression but, instead, a smile was all the stranger offered. Thanks, the female said. Tuwawi tipped her muzzle solemnly in acknowledgement, but her expression was stale and careful.

She, too, tore into the animal at the opposite end and swallowed large chunks of fur, skin, fat, and meal indiscriminately. Never had her appetite been so voracious. After such a long stretch with meager meals, the seal was truly a feast. Yet, her eyes remained focused straight ahead and watched the stranger in her peripheral. Tuwawi picked the end of her carcass clean and eyed the rest to see if any other scraps would be left behind.

Pearl's blood stained face dipped into the seal, eagerly gulping down the salty meat and fat. Well fed and respectful pack wolf she was, she ate all that was needed for her, warily watching the rouge female from her peripherals. No signs of aggression so far, though the way the stranger devoured all she could from her side was proof enough that she was a loner and starving. 

Belly full for the time being, Pearl stepped away and gestured with her muzzle to the rest of the seal for the red mystery. It was a courteous gesture, though still logical in a sense. She didn't have to worry much about her next meal, but this female would not have the advantage Pearl did. 

Kind, peridot eyes met silver; the pale coated wolf gave a nod of farewell and respect to the older. She turned from her and continued down the coast, back to exploring.

The graceful movements of the pale waif ceased Tuwawi's ravenous chewing so she may better watch the actions of her companion. Silver gaze saw the charitable look within the verdant eyes of the stranger but the red she-wolf would not utter thanks. However, the actions of this woman would not be forgotten. You scratch my back I'll scratch yours was something of a mantra to the once-queen. It was likely, should the younger female ever find her in a prickly situation, that Tuwawi could be implored to come to her aide.

Their exchanges were silent and the Sveijarn did not move as the other traveler turned to leave. However, her ruddy ears orbited to catch any last words should they be uttered. Should they not, Tuwawi turned back to the carcas and make quick work of the remaining flesh and bones, savoring everything and leaving hardly anything for a scavenger.