Moonspear the wild hunt

Official Hunt Thread for the Santa Paws packtivity! Round one will end Saturday, December 19th. :-)

Tev had been tracking a few different deer herds leading up to the the early cusp of evening. He'd been preparing for it all week, even forcing himself to come out during the day to follow their movements; though in the end he had abandoned the small herds roaming nearby. Something much better had happened to catch his attention one night: a lone Elk. It was a majestic creature, but older. It walked with a slight limp to it's right hind leg, and though Tev was not sure why it was lone and not with a herd to take care of it he was not about to question the stroke of luck he'd stumbled upon. The Elk would serve just fine with his intentions for it — though the truth was that they could have likely used it's meat in the Moonspear's caches for winter was already upon them he wished to gift it's meat and bones ...and it's antlers (they were the most impressive to him) to it's wolves in celebration of Yule and Winter Solstice. There was more meat on it than he'd be able to gift so what was left could, theoretically, go into the caches.

After following him for a few hours, staying low and back Tev decided that waiting any longer left the window of opportunity too open for any other numerous things to happen to the Elk. It was that particular Elk he wanted for his gifts and he didn't want disease or famine ...or some other predator to get a hold of it before him. He let it stray on ahead a bit, falling back a bit. It had not gotten too far away from him, having stopped to graze he saw from his position, the sunset behind him illuminating it in a soft layer of light gray which allowed him to discern it's shadowy form from the blended blob of gray it would have been otherwise. He could hear it, hear it's jaw click as it ate. 

A soft howl rose from Tev's lips, alerting the pack to the hunt, calling any whom was interested in assisting to him. It was too big for him to even attempt to take down on his own and he would need their help. He paused for a moment, listening to hear the Elk's own pause as his call alerted it to his presence. Yet, by some small miracle it didn't shy away or take off. It resumed it's grazing, and as he waited, Tev paced not daring to take his gaze off of it, though he relied more heavily upon his hearing to ensure it was still where it was supposed to be.

The dark half of the alpha duo perked her ears, for it was not a voice she knows well that rises up into the darkening skies. Still, the message spoke to her interests. She happened to be in the general vicinity, so it took little for her to go investigate this.

She yearned for a good hunt, especially with the days as short as they were and winter only bound to settle further -- no matter how mild it had seemed so far. Already, the thought of this had her tail swaying up tall. Good conditions with just enough chill in the air energized her, after all. May as well direct the energy towards the greatest use..

Amekaze approached quietly until she could see the elk. It only took a glimpse of him and she understood. There was nothing else needing said; there was prey here, and they were the predators.

She then sought out Tevinter to see how he was placed in preparation for hunt. It seemed he had found a watchful vantage point. She picked out one of her own, poised and readied to shift as the strategy dictated. Now, she waited to see who else would come before they would need to proceed. Ame hoped that they could come together, smoothly and effectively, to bring success. Anything to improve their group morale after so many of them had weathered the bear fiasco. It would do them well to work together and cause a little bloodshed in their own favor.

Charon knew that this was important to Jorunn, for many reasons, and so he came when the howl rang. While they had started off on bad foot, Charon wasn't one to keep grudges for too long; if he had intended to make Jorunn's life miserable, he wouldn't have invited him to join his pack, to come home, to where he belonged. Once he reached the area, he saw Amekaze nearby, but he chose to join by Jorunn's side instead to show his support of his brother. They had not had many personal interactions after his welcoming into the pack, and though Charon was glad his brother was here, he felt there was need for more bonding.

He announced his presence with no more than a low chuf before joining by Jorunn (Tevinter)'s side and waiting for the rest of the pack to show up and for Jorunn to lead this hunt (and with it, in a way, prove he was ready to be the adult he was soon to be in rank, by leading his first hunt).

Nom nom nom nom

Dash's ears perked at the howl as the rest of his body paused mid-step. A hunt. The dark male was always up for food. He changed course, heading for the one who put the call out. It took him a short while to get there, and when he arrived his leaders were already there. He greeted them respectfully and submissively, his ears folded back on his head, and his tail wagging low. He greeted the other male with a nod.

He hadn't met the other male, the one who howled to bring them together. While Dash would show him respect, he also was aware he was above this wolf in the pack hierarchy. He was adjusting to his promotion, though it was weird for him to be dominant over anyone.

But, now was not the time to concern himself with that. His gaze moved to their target- the elk. Dash paced back and forth, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. The pack attempted weekly hunts, with some successful and others not, but Dash's excitement never changed. He was always eager to feed, even if his belly was full.

Horcrux was on his way, stopping in his tracks of exploration and changing it for something far better; a hunt. He felt his heart skip a beat, exciting and fierce at once. There was something very primal about a pack hunt, the way they all worked together to tackle down prey. Even if they were a smooth machine, when luck was not on their side their joint venture turned out to be a failure. He hoped that today, this chance and opportunity, was different. That luck was on their side. The howl had stirred the slumbering predator within.

He was quick on his paws, skipping everything of interest in favor of arriving quickly. With each passing moment, his heartbeat grew more rapid and the adrenaline surged through his body; a lot was at stake. Not only a good hunt but also his chance to come eye-to-eye with many other members of the pack. Still, leaving behind a smashing first impression was not his forte; at least not in a positive way. And, this would be the first time he did a pack hunt with mere strangers, any other memories of pack hunts with his family had long since faded away into the dawn of time.

Like a shadow he arrived while allowing the silence to be not only his company but also his friend. Golden eyes swept across the silhouette of wolves who were there; the determined hunter who made the call; name unknown. Ame, the Alpha, whose experience in pack hunts was written in her poise. And (unknowns to him) the ohter Alpha but also the boy who reminded him so much of himself by posture, age and the curiosity that shone in his eyes.

Horcrux gave a short huff – a nearly inaudible greeting to all – before taking a seat nearby Ame, the one he met before. His ears stood erect, he was alert, waiting for instructions and ready to go.

Jace heard the howl and with a look around the area, he dashed towards it. He ignored most of the others, he didn't know any of them, other than Amekaze and Charon. He slid forward and briefly looked towards Amekaze and then back to the one who had called them. He flicked his tail and waited quietly, watching patiently. 

Jace took in the large impressive elk and studied it from all angles. Trying to find the one thing that he would need to take it down. He tilted his head and shifted his weight and looked to the leaders and the other male again. He was getting anxious to get started. The thought of the elk beneath his weight, the soft meat that they could put in the caches, it made him smile rather grisly.

Thistle picked her way to the range where the wolf's call originated from. She took her time and stayed near the back her tail hanging slack behind her. She studied the wolves that were now her family, and she wasn't sure about it. She didn't say anything to anyone, though a soft surge of pride slid through her body and heart at the sight of her two son's one adopted, and one borne. They both looked so tall and strong. Charon was rash and foolish at times, but he meant well and Tevinter was like his father, both he and floki were. 

She tiptoed up towards Dash and settled to her haunches next to him. She wasn't large or strong, but she would do her best to help them take down the beast of an elk.

Floki was drawn immediately by his brother's howl, as though there was an invisible string pulling him towards Tevinter. Although the message was brief, Tevinter's call spoke of a hunt, and Floki found himself salivating even as he approached. He wasn't the first to arrive; his gaze swept over the other wolves gathered. He grinned at Dash, brushed past his mother and gave her a gentle nudge to the shoulder, then approached Charon and Amekaze. For his leaders, he reserved a nibble to each of their chins before moving back to stand near Thistle Cloud. Before looking to Tevinter, he noticed the presence of an unfamiliar wolf -- Horcrux -- and the absence of Wildfire.

The latter observation caused his brows to knit; he couldn't imagine Wildfire would want to miss an opportunity to hunt with the pack. He hoped that she would arrive sooner rather than later, then turned his attention to his twin.

The howl floated across the terrace, reaching her ears like a low whisper and causing Wildfire to jerk upright from her slow, steady prowl and look over her shoulder. She blinked once, then abruptly abandoned her own hunt to race back home and join one even more promising. She ran as fast as her feet could carry her, stumbling every so often but refusing to slow down lest she miss the entire thing. The young Epsilon resisted the urge to announce her approach via a rejoining howl, lest she startle the prey.

Fortunately, they were still gathering when she pounded into view. Wildfire's eyes were immediately drawn to Floki and she strode up to him, panting wildly as she bumped her nose against his neck. She then swept the rest of the wolves with her warm gaze. She acknowledged her superiors with a bow of her head, offered Tevinter, Dash, Jace and Thistle smiles, then tipped her head at the one unfamiliar face in the crowd. This was a good turnout, she observed, heart still beating fast in her chest.

It was Tevinter's voice that had drifted across the wilderness, summoning her. Eventually, her attention shifted back to him, expectant. Then she looked past him, to an elk in the distance yonder. Instead of slowing, her pulse quickened at the sight. She exchanged a happily predatory look with Floki. This would be her second pack hunt—her first with Moonspear—and she couldn't wait to take part, especially with both Alphas here to bear witness to how far she'd come in her hunting progress.

So on account of it being the week of Christmas I'm not going to set a deadline on this round b/c I know it's probably going to be pretty busy for those that celebrate it so just reply whenever you can and once everyone has responded I'll post again starting the third round. c:

The turnout was far better than what Tev could have ever expected it to have been, especially considering that, typically only Alpha's and Hunters got the privilege of leading a pack hunt. Tev had been expecting maybe two or three wolves but in the end eight had appeared, nine if he included himself in the numbers. That was ...most of the pack. For a moment unease settled over him as his gaze touched each adult that had gathered, including both of the Moonspear's alphas wondering if they would attempt to take the position of hunt leader from him because he was not an alpha or a hunter, or even an adult. Determination stole across his expression sharply in the next few seconds, for he wouldn't let them take it from him. It was his hunt and for his own devices, despite that the elk would serve as anonymous gifts to them later on in honor of Oðinn and Ragnar. “There's no herd to worry about, I suspect that it either got lost or decided to wander off on it's own,” Tev spoke to them, pausing as his gaze swept over the small mass that had came under his call. “but we'll still need to get it on the run. If it's running it will be too busy to try to impale one of us with it's antlers.” Which though was little more than a indefinable gray blob to Tev now, from one of the up close glimpses he'd gotten earlier was impressive.

“I have plans for it's meat, antlers and fur so the goal is to take it down without mangling it too bad,” Tev was vague but only because it was supposed to be a surprise. If an explanation was demanded then he would give one but he expected them to trust him (besides it wasn't as if he could eat a whole elk by himself anyway). “We should split into three groups of three, two groups will flank it and chase it on either side, try to go for it's hind right leg, it's already giving him a slight limp so it might be enough to cripple it, keep it on the move until it's down and the last group of three can go in for the kill.” His plan was set and sounded easy enough. If they worked together well he didn't see why the hunt had to drag out too long. “I don't know many of you well enough to determine which group you'd be best suited to so I trust you to make the best decision based on your own personal skill levels,” It was true and better that they assess themselves given that he didn't even know most of their names. “I will go in whichever group needs me, in the end. I don't care who makes the kill, it doesn't have to be me.” It might have been his hunt but he wasn't overly fussed with who brought it down. He wasn't that selfish (as surprising as that was).

The moment Dash realized Thistle Cloud was heading towards him, he calmed a bit, sitting back on his haunches as she did so next to him. It was difficult to contain his excitement over the hunt, but he did he best.

His attention turned to the leader of the hunt as he began to speak. Dash's ears went back and his brows furrowed as he said he had plans for the meat. Plans for the meat? Aren't we going to eat it? he questioned aloud, his voice showing his confusion. Generally, Dash wouldn't have said anything, but if he wasn't going to be able to eat it, then he wasn't going to participate in the hunt. And what was with this "don't mangle it too bad," deal? They were wolves, and Dash operated on instinct, and that did not include leaving his prey in one piece.

Dash didn't understand this at all. His body stiffened in its place, like a two year throwing a fit and refusing to do anything the parent wanted. He wanted to kill, and he wanted to eat, not play around. He wasn't going to agree to not mangle the thing. If he got his fangs into it, he was going to rip it apart.

It warmed Charon's heart to see how many of his wolves showed up to support Jorunn's hunt. Charon himself had no intent to take the lead from his brother — he was actually curious to see how Jorunn'd do. Flóki's respectful greeting was returned with a nosebump to the shoulder, and when Thistle Cloud arrived on scene he shot her a brief but warm smile. They hadn't had much time one on one since their arrival at Moonspear, but something about the way she looked at him made Charon believe that she was doing better here, and it made him feel glad.

Jorunn then went on to explain. About the non-mangling bit, Dash instantly fell and commented. Charon figured that Jorunn wanted to do some sort of viking thing, like Ragnar used to — maybe to prove to his family that he was no longer a Frostfur? — and so he interjected, before others may fall in with their own objections, and asked: "What's your plan for the food? A feast of sorts?" He hoped that would ease Dash' spirits, with the knowledge they were going to eat this animal, and maybe quell others' questions too until Jorunn explained. Then he added, because it seemed best decided beforehand: "I'll be with the group going for the kill." He was pretty decent at all the aspects of hunting, and so he did not necessarily excell at this one bit, but it seemed fitting to the young Alpha.

Almost as though Floki had summoned her himself with his thoughts, Wildfire appeared. A smile immediately stretched across his face as she settled herself next to him, though there were no words exchanged between the two. They both were excited for Tevinter's hunt and their focus remained on him as he examined the crowd and then began to speak.

There was some overall confusion when Tevinter revealed that the pack would not be feasting on their kill. Floki didn't question his brother's motives outright, though he shot an inquisitive glance at Charon, who asked for more details. Aside from that, the lead hunter did not break the group into teams; rather, he left it to his packmates to divide themselves up.

Naturally, Floki wanted to stay with Wildfire; although his reasons were mainly selfish, he also knew that they worked well together. He shuffled a bit closer to her, then glanced around at the other wolves to see who would join them as they all waited for Tevinter's response and further instructions.

As Tevinter laid out the game plan, Wildfire listened attentively, visualizing everything. She barely registered his intentions for the kill, as she was too busy getting excited about her role in the group's effort. Instead of assigning them, the youth left it up to the pack to decide for themselves. Charon quickly declared that he would like to be one of the executioners. Simultaneously, Floki took a step closer, indicating that he would like to stick with her without vocalizing a preference otherwise. He was an aspiring hunter and she had just earned her title, so Wildfire yearned to take a central role in the hunt.

"We'll go with you, Charon," she announced, eyes flitting from the freckled Alpha to Tevinter, "if that's all right." She shot Floki a thrilled little smile, black tail swishing in excitement. She didn't even acknowledge the momentary confusion between Tevinter and Dash. For Wildfire, today's hunt was so much more about the journey than the destination.

Wolves filtered in behind her. The turnout was good, and this eased her into a slowly growing confidence towards their hunt. She offered her silent greetings when necessary and watched those who came closer to her the most. Noting Horcrux's proximity to her, he was given a small tail wag, and she was glad to see Jace among them. Considering his skills, she knew he would be an asset here. Nevertheless, she was quiet when the details were outlined and Tevinter shared what he had gathered already about the prey. It seemed he had done his research and her tail twitched, eagerly anxious to get into motion the more she heard.

Ame's ears shifted and she glanced to Charon, glad to hear him dispel some of the apparent confusion. She wasn't going to be picky here. She only wanted to see them hunt successfully together. They could benefit from the experience, should this go well. All she cared for was that they could have the meat one way or another. Her curiosity was brimming, though, and it seemed the Bay wolves were the most familiar with this. She'd see what this.. custom was, surely.

Nevertheless, Charon took the kill group, and as was only natural considering her skills, she already knew she'd be a part of the chase. "I will flank.. from the far side," she said. Of course, "far side" could be a relative, shifting term in the heat of the hunt, but meant to indicate she could swing wide if necessary. She knew she was fast and this was a place where that could come in the most handy.

Jace too stared at the male in front of him at his soft utterance they would not kill the animal for food. He wondered at it, but since Ame did not say a word, he chose not to as well. Tilting his head he shifted and waited for instructions he could do anything while hunting, it was one of the few things he was good at and he was excited to get started. The muscles along his shoulders quivered and moved as he tightened them once and then twice, ready to go. He couldn't wait for the other wolf to say go, he was ready now, but he waited as patiently as he could.

I'm sorry I thought i had replied with both thistle and Jace.

Thistle heard them and listened closely she would do what was needed. She was imensely proud of her son for sticking to his father's ideals, for being a good viking, a good boy. She did not speak up instead she smiled softly adn then waited for more thoughts and things to do. She wasn't sure what she could do, being petite, but she would try.

This can probably be the last round since this is pretty old. Once everyone replies to this round I'll write a conclusion post and archive it. Also, feel free to pp Tev as needed (if he actually gets it's leg or not since this will be the last round), lol. c:

Tevinter could not claim that he was overly pleased with being called out on his plans for the Elk, despite that it was his hunt. He stewed in a moment of silence, having to remind himself that despite that he had grown into his adult body they still (and he begrudgingly admitted that he still was in many ways) thought him a child. He couldn't help the angry thought that if he were Ragnar that none of them would have spoke up in a verbal challenge ...of course not. Because they would have trusted Ragnar ...where they didn't trust him. Whether this was true or not Tevinter didn't really care. It was how he felt and thus it was exactly how the situation went (childish exhibit a). Yet, he reigned in his temper, biting slightly on his tongue as Charon added his voice to Dash's and questioned Tevinter further. A glance was spared in Charon's direction unable to decide if he was trying to help him or if he was siding with Dash. This was hard for Tev to discern. Despite this he knew he needed to respond how Ragnar would have: with patience. He needed to prove that he was ready to join the ranks of the adults and handling this in an adult manner seemed like a good way. “It was meant to be a surprise but the choice cuts of the meat will be rationed and given to each member of Moonspear, along with a few other trinkets, as a gift as it is a Viking Yule tradition. I thought it would be a nice thing to do.” But maybe his version of nice didn't match up with anyone else's (it probably didn't).

“What is not used for the gifts will be rationed off to the pack's caches.” He further explained and took a pause. “If there is any issue with this you are free to leave.” He concluded before he returned to their task at hand, providing anyone were to remain. He felt the burn of their questions but he would not doubt himself. This was for them just as much as it was for his faith. “Those that will give chase will follow me down. I plan to go for it's hind legs ...when we've got it on the run the strike team can come in and go for the kill.” It sounded easy enough. He just hoped that simplicity would transfer to their ability to work as a cohesive unit, semi-under his command. He motioned with his muzzle for those that would give chase to join him, the muscles beneath his fur tightened before he took off, locking the monotone form of the Elk in his eyes, aware of his pack mates so he did not accidentally bowl them over but zoning in on his prey, which spooked and took off. It's limp did not initially slow it down but Tev felt confident that if they kept it on the run long enough it would begin to hinder it's ability to run. His teeth snapped close to it's hind leg as he got close before he feigned to the left, hanging back slightly to narrowly avoid being kicked in the face.

After he was sure it wouldn't try it again he picked his pack back up, intent on reaching it's leg, hoping to cripple it.

Dash hadn't meant to be disrespectful in his questioning. He just didn't understand the logic behind taking down such a large meal and not actually eating it. And if Dash didn't get to eat, he couldn't see expelling the energy to take the beast down. Charon spoke up, asking about the plan for the meat, and that's when the lead hunter spoke up, saying the meat would be portioned out to the pack members and then if there were any leftovers, they would go to the caches. Dash clearly didn't understand this explanation. If they were all going to get meat anyways, why couldn't they just eat it where they took it down? You know, like they normally would. Why wait to divide the meat up? But, As long as I get to eat, he was good.

The hunt went underway, Dash concentrating on taking the beast down. He had enough stamina to go as long as it took to tire the Elk, and he was fast enough to keep it moving. He stayed to Tev's right side, just behind his shoulder. When the lead shifted left to avoided getting kicked, Dash quickly moved in to grab the leg that was just flicked into the air, intending to hurt them. His jaws clamped down as hard as he could on the ankle, feeling the bone fracture under the pressure. The elk flicked its leg again, bellowing out in pain. Dash let go, knowing the injury would help bring their prey to the ground.

Kat and Iris, feel free to powerplay Floki in your posts if necessary! :)

When Tevinter explained his intentions to Dash and Charon, Floki's ears fell back slightly. His twin mentioned the Viking Yule, and while Floki knew about the tradition, he had mixed feelings. It was apparent that Tevinter felt a connection with the Norse faith that their father had so fiercely believed in, but Floki just couldn't bring himself to share his beliefs. But seeing the strength that Tevinter gained from his ancestry stirred jealousy in the pit of Floki's stomach.

He forced the feelings away, instead giving a solemn nod as Tevinter gave final instructions and then set his paws into motion. Wildfire had indicated that they would help Charon, so Floki glanced at her and then moved to his brother's side. He kept his eyes on Tevinter, who wasted no time in beelining towards the elk and beginning to worry its limbs with his teeth in an effort to weaken it. Dash assisted, successfully knocking the animal off balance when he sank his jaws into its leg.

It was almost time for Wildfire, Charon, and Floki to play their part; anticipation mounted in his chest as he waited for a sign from the Alpha male.

Tevinter detailed the hunt, and thankfully, it seemed to be a satisfactory explanation for the rest of the group as she skimmed over their expression. No tensions rose further and they were able to get to business. She was interested in his Viking tradition that was the inspiration for this entire plan, but knew it really wasn't the appropriate time to find out much more -- not with their prey lingering nearby. All she needed to focus on was that they hunt, and successfully at that. She hoped to see them work well together for it, too.. but somehow this of all things inspired the biggest hint of uneasiness. Ah, well, she hoped to be proven wrong..

Eager to get to business, she fell into step alongside the chase group as their pursuit began then gained steady speed. Together they rallied and soon, the elk began to tangle into their grasp. Soon afterward and she could smell blood. A valiant effort on its behalf to try to escape, the mountain wolves would have their victory anyway.

Charon was glad that the thing between Jorunn and Dash fizzled out into nothingness, and he looked back at Flóki and Dhole while the rest set off. "This way," he said, and he started to move into a position where they could easily have the elk chased into their teeth. He was glad that they were with so many — it made the whole ordeal a lot easier, knowing that there were others around; enough to take down an elk, if they did well. Considering this was some sort of special tradition for Jorunn or whatever -- and probably for Thistle too, then, which meant it mattered a lot to Charon, too -- Charon really hoped that they'd manage to take down the elk and win the day.

The three of them fell into step and waited in the designated place, until the trampling of hooves and the scent of blood, elk and wolves drew nearer. "Now," Charon hissed when the sounds came closer, and he dashed from their position, lunging at the elk's throat. He got a good grip, and as the beast started to fall the young Alpha decided it was time to get off the ride before he got hurt; someone else could finish it then.

In what felt like mere seconds, the trio of wolves was upon the elk, teeth scoring against any part of the animal they could reach. Charon immediately sprang for its throat and Wildfire was right behind him, teeth shearing at the animal's heaving breast, near where it connected with the elk's meaty shoulder. Nearly the instant she grabbed hold, she buried her fangs as deeply as she could, then hastily released and fell back before she could get trampled or otherwise kicked.

It seemed the Alpha male had let go simultaneously. They momentarily fell back, though Wildfire quickly dug her heels into the loam and pushed forward again. The elk appeared to be weakening, its legs buckling and blood veritably pouring from its wounded anterior as it began to go down. She glanced around, wondering if Floki might get in there and finish the job.

wrapping this up :)

The elk fell to the ground, and other poured onto it. Blood was gushing from its wounds, and Charon knew that they had been victorious then. He wasn't sure who exactly finished the job, but he was glad when they finally got it down. Jorunn further instructed the pack what they would do with the meat then, although Charon could barely wait to dig in. The hunt had made him hungry. He waited for whatever tradition would be upheld, however, surprised that Jorunn knew so much of Ragnar's traditions even though he had not even grown up with his father.