Hushed Willows Hunger turns even the kindest of hearts

@Trick @Stark and anyone else who wants to eat her :P

Kunik wasn't sure when the muscles dropped from her bones and turned to loose skin. Neither was she sure when the skin no longer hung and instead clung to her frame, making her bones look as if they would poke through her skin. Kunik wasn't sure when the haze set in her mind, making her stumble and weave like a drunkard. 

Like many canines did instinctively, the former warrior drug herself away into the woods to die. No thoughts passed in her mind, her body consumed by the pained knot of hunger in her stomach. It was a brainless wander, ended quickly when she stumbled over a branch and crashed to the ground. Kunik's fragile bones snapped and still she felt nothing. 

It was an early morning when Kunik died, slipping into an endless sleep to reunite with her fallen father without a thought on her mind or any wise last words escaping her lips.

The night was uneventful. The pack was swollen, now with four small mouths to feed and three additional adults too. It was hard spread the love evenly, but the dark male was feeling the pain of hunger too. The majority of his meals went to Octavia and to the young children; it was devotion to the pack, to their family - to what the Keep had quickly become to him. He had not spent any time with Kunik since they had gone fishing with Grace, and though he'd never know it he would never have the chance to repair any of the issues the female had with him. 

It wasn't fair in many ways. The proud warrior that Kunik had been would not see through the famine. She would not experience the joys of life - see the world reborn and see life rejoin the Wilds. Stark couldn't know that, wouldn't ever consider that, as he made his way towards the stream to try and catch another meal he caught Kunik's scent. 

He followed after the smell, he hadn't even noticed her leave - selfish as he was, probably curled near where Octavia and Tambourine slept. There he found her, still and cold, and a sensation ran through him that was equal parts cold jolt and fear. "Kunik," He murmured softly, giving the warrior a nudge. He breathed out slowly, swallowing back the thick rise of bile - two thoughts came to his mind and the dark male shuddered at feeling them. 

He had to notify the pack. Kunik deserved that. 

What Kunik didn't deserve was the growl of Stark's stomach, the demand that he partake of her cooling flesh.

Sleeping had become a rare thing for the stressed out trick of a man, for the longer the famine controlled him-controlled them, the more food he had to give up to keep his good guy image. The joining of others had not gone over his head, and he did not like how Tavi would let in these muts and their family in these desperate times. Perhaps he didn't like her at all. She was not a leader like Warbone, and- after all-, Trick had "sworn" loyalty only to him. NOT to the female that would bear a stinking child for the brute. Soon though, he knew, he would take over. He was a hundred percent certain of it.

What had also not gone over his head was the weak looking thing once known as Kunik throughout the famine. She hadn't looked in good shape at all, which Trick kind of liked watching. His hopes were for her to die of starvation, so that he didn't have to kill her himself once her doubt of him became so great that she would reveal his secrets. It was better to have her gone- forever.

Trick watched the opening of The Keep closely as the starry night sky turned a Teagan orange and a flowery soft pink with golden clouds to match. It was always a sight, the morning sky, but dusk would forever remain his favorite time of day. Yet something was wrong. The weak frame of Kunik appeared, swaggering slowly out of The Keep. Trick frowned. What the hell was she going to do? Moments passed with him still laying there until Stark also got up and left the safe place that was The Keep. Okay, he desperately wanted to know what was going on now.

With this in mind, Trick also left the sleeping place of the Marauders, following both Stark's and Kunik's scent. His tummy rumbled, but his petite paws were made for sneaking. No one would see the shadow that was him, nor hear him. The sight of death, the smell of death, came closer as he now saw what was going on. For a moment he wondered if Stark had killed Kunik, but no blood could be smelled, nor did he found the other dark male not able to control his rage. He approached the dead carcass of his enemy with a slight smirk. Perfect. The one and only who doubted him lay now dead at his feet. A warrior, she had called herself, but this just showed her frame was not made for fighting-not even the famine- just like Trick had thought in the beginning.

Stark? He asked, joining the male's flank, looking down on the small Kunkun. What are we supposed to do with the body? He did not show sympathy, for even an act she didn't deserve-not even dead.

Stark was not left with this horrible feelings for too long. He didn't have to consider the implications of what he was doing or what he would become if he followed through with his actions. Trick came along shortly after he had come upon the woman and he asked the obvious question that Stark's stomach had tried offering only moments before. "I didn't know her well enough to know if she had any beliefs." Stark admitted. They hadn't exactly meshed and he wasn't too worried over that, even though he was facing the facts - he'd never get to repair any of their opinions on each other. 

Again his stomach growled and Stark made a face - corners of his lips pulling down in a near pained frown.

It was horrific to consider what his brain supplied as the natural option. The correct option. He could not though. "Should we call the pack?" Or what else - just notify them later of their fallen comrade, the Keep's first loss after Warbone's vanishing? There were puppies, young lives, and they needed to feed them. He did not want to suggest to them though that they consume their packmate. He wouldn't make the children do that. "Unless we take what she has to offer to them." 

Finally he said it, though it felt horrible. 

Oh, she had beliefs, alright. Trick spat. Believes she was some kind of a warrior, yet her lanky body couldn't even handle the famine, now could it? Trick teased the dead body of his pack mate. He did not care about his image around Stark. Stark was a gentle man, he figured from their conversation at the borders, and perhaps he would figure Trick and Kunik hadn't had the best of times together. Plus, it worked in his favor that Trick had never seen Stark socialize with the small figure that was Kunik. It only made things easier to show how he really thought of her.

Even with the famine, Trick had not grown hungry really badly. Perhaps that was ignorance, his beliefs that he was some kind of god, but to be honest he really only felt light claws pulling at his belly. Still, Trick couldn't say no to savoring the flesh of his enemy.

No. We have small ones among us, never would I want those innocent eyes to see the death of a pack mate. He replied stern in his honey voice. How horrendous this moment might have been for the bigger dark male, Trick couldn't wash the smirk off his face. Perhaps that is the only solution if we do not want her body to go to waste. 

Listening to Trick it was easy enough to tell what the dark male had felt for their pack mate. No love was lost there, certainly. Stark gave a quiet sigh, looking from the male to the figure of Kunik - so still, she'd been gone for hours no doubt. His blue eyes studied Trick's face for a moment and he wondered what he might be considering. "They'll know death eventually." Stark said quietly, but it wasn't an argument - they didn't need to see her especially if the males were planning to use her. 

"Giving them something more to eat would ensure the rest of us make it through the famine." Stark said, lips twitching unhappily. "It's morbid, but.... Desperate times, desperate measures." It seemed callous, but their pack needed it. 

Nova Rose, gaunt and weak in her hunger, was still somehow going strong. She'd been in little contact with anyone lately, prefering to keep to herself and explore nap in new places she found within the border. The prideful woman had eventually allowed food into her system again, knowing that if she didn't she would die, and dying was no option now that she'd finally found Asher again. Just the knowledge of her being alive was enough to keep this queen fighting. 
The scent of not one, not two, but three of her packmates ahead drew her in. They were twinged with the scent of death, and the creamy elder came into sight with a soft, sad gasp followed by a sigh. The boy's words were heard and processed, or at least enough to know what was about to happen. 
To survive, they would have to use Kunik's flesh. Grace would be heartbroken, she knew, to lose yet another friend: she couldn't see the body like this. Trick's harsh words were ignored, but the elder found herself nodding along to Starks excuse to eat her. In truth, this old lady had done many a bad thing in her life. If eating an already dead pack member was what it took to survive, then so be it. 
              "Will we tell them what it is, or let them be blissfully ignorant?"

Trick let out a low rumbling sound. What, you want little Tammy to see one of his own dead? He said mockingly. He sniffed in the feminine smell of Kunik, his mouth watering at this point, eager to eat his only suspecting pack mate. You're right, they will know death eventually, but at this age it will only scar them. Let them figure out what death is for themselves, not shove it in their face. He sighed, slurping up some of his own saliva. Maybe he was selfish, but still... He didn't want the kids to see such a grim sight. Not even for educational reasons.

It's not morbid, it's survival. He corrected in quite a cheery voice for someone standing over their dead packmate. But, their peace was disturbed. Trick was lucky it was a true marauder. Good morning, miss Nova Rose. He chipped. 

Technically, they don't have to know anything... Trick mumbled in response to her question. He wondered if Nova thought the same of them as he did.

"No - they're lucky enough to not have seen death yet." Stark countered, a little sound leaving him when he heard Nova Rose approach. He was not a wolf to often demand rank but to her - he would expect since she valued respect so very much, she would respond accordingly. How was it that Nova Rose was still alive and Kunik had not? "We will inform the Alphas and let them tell who they feel they should." He said evenly. 

It would leave the knowledge with the five of them, six if Kunik counted. They could not lie. It had not been so long since they had eaten that they wouldn't recognize the meat as something they typically did not eat. Stark grit his teeth, turning from the male to the female. "We split the flesh, make sure everyone gets some." 

Trick could find Teagan, Nova Rose find Grace, he would take some to Octavia, and then to Harlyn. 

Nova held herself neutrally, showing no sign of rank within or around her. Her ears were droopy with sadness, her glistening eyes down at the body of Kunik. She would miss the spunky female and their pep talks, and wished somehow there was a way to give her another chance. Alas, that wasn't the way of the world, and Kunik had not been the "fittest of the fit". The elder was more than wary of death, particularly the painful kind. When it came to death, however, the fae found herself petrified: not so much dying as what came after. All the knowledge she'd gained, all the steps she'd taken, did they all get buried in the ground with her body or would someone eat it out of her? Perhaps her spirit went onto another place, or even truly given another chance at life?
At the boys, she nodded to show she understood what was said. The golden woman stayed still, waiting and mourning the lost soul. She would wait till both of them had either taken the portions to split before taking her own or Graces: perhaps she could get to the more nutritional organs, fuel her frail body to hold on for just a little longer.

Trick, currently second highest ranking male among the marauders, did not like being ordered around. It was true that he somewhat liked Stark, but still. He didn't have to follow the bigger male's orders. Not that he ever did if he really didn't want to. I do not want them to see it. He rumbled. Perhaps it was his past controlling him at this point, but there was no use in having the pups discover death so soon. Feed them with the deceased, sure, but don't show. He sighed, barely noticing the older female's disrespectful behavior toward her superior, and made up his mind. Fine, as long as I can keep her remains. I want her to be remembered. He breathed out. Some bones will do. I'll find a nice spot in the Herb Cave for her, I think she would've liked it there. Trick said with a pinch of compassion in his already quite warm voice.

Affirmative. He spoke as the others were done discussing what to do with the meal before them. Trick made his way to the rump of the dead Kunik. There, he wanted to begin ripping her into pieces to feed the others as well as keep a bit for himself. Before he did so however, he gave one last glance at the true marauder and Stark, as if to say: May we? 

Stark was asserting himself, truthfully. While he didn't seek to shake things up any more than they already were he had admiration and ideals on the position of highest male. This wasn't a moment he was even considering it, perhaps his own pride was showing more - or maybe he was compartmentalizing himself in light of the situation. Finding a parkmate deceased was enough to revert anyone a few steps. His eyes narrowed on Nova Rose for a moment, actually surprised by her silence. She did not seem the type who could still her tongue - or perhaps she had actually learned that lesson. 

"Do you want help moving her?" Stark offered, although it was a difficult concept - if Trick had a method for giving her some sort of place of honor, he would help if the male wanted it in getting her there. He watched as Trick started to divide Kunik out, his mouth firmly shut for a moment. He turned to the fallen woman, breathing out a sigh before he also began to tear at her flesh, joining Trick in parting their packmate out. 

"We won't forget this," He murmured softly, almost to himself, almost to Kunik. The lives of their children, it would all be worth it.

Nova had zoned out a little bit into her own thoughts and worries of death, but Trick's ruffled feathers was what brought her back. The elder could sense the tension within him, but still she didn't turn from the body of Kunik. Not even as her packmates ripped into the cooling flesh, though the woman herself didn't join in. She was silent for her own sake, not because she was worried about dominance. Not even she would pick a fight or be defiant, be a nuisance, over the dead body of a friend. That was easily one of the most disrespectful things anyone could do, in her book.
She waited a few minutes before slinking her way towards the stomach. Even had the woman had the energy, she would have kept herself low and respectful as she was. Should she be allowed, the elder would rip into the abdomen and eat what could not be taken without the entire body: the organs and innards. The tang of wolf blood was sharp on the golden queens tongue, but Nova Rose did her best to ignore it. Grace's chunk would be grabbed next, but Nova had no plans on telling her what it was. If asked, she would send her to Tavi, to Harlyn, but the old woman couldn't find it in her heart to tell her adopted daughter of Kunik's death.

I do insist to do it myself, we little ones have to stick together... Trick mumbled clear and loud enough for them to hear. He looked at the deceased girl, once happily trotting along, teaching about poisons... Perhaps she had been nice, even though her and Trick didn't get along. After all, she was still a true marauder, and that bond between them would last even after death. The bond of the marauders, he found, was stronger than any mateship or marriage. Perhaps it was even stronger than family. They never did fully finish their game...

Then, he sunk his sharp, clean and white teeth into his own packmate's flesh, the familiar taste of blood filling his hungry mouth. He ripped off a nice piece for Teagan, the only male above him, that he thought the foxy male would like. It were mostly muscles, personally Trick's favorite, but he'd do almost anything to satisfy his gay lover. for himself, he ripped off another piece of muscles, though it was smaller than Teagan's piece. He found that, because he was smaller and needed less to get by on, he didn't need to take more.

And, for satisfactory reasons, he tried to bite off her tail. Perhaps he could use a nice tail in the Herb Cave. Besides, it looked quite pretty, even though it was from Kunik. He heard the faint mumble of Stark, but didn't pay it much attention. He also saw that, as he looked up a bit, Nova Rose was busy with the innards of her own teacher. Trick let her, seeing no reason why she would not be allowed to do it.

Though it wasn't something he enjoyed Stark knew it was for the benefit of everyone else. They had to do this. While Trick was more interested in taking the ornamental bits, Stark was interested only in survival. He made a soft sound, licking his lips as he tore off a good portion for Octavia and Tambourine. The next he portioned off to take to Harlyn. 

Portioning out the woman was such a gruesome event. Stark pushed to separate himself from the details, moving instead to just do what he could to ensure that his pack survived. That was it. Survival. He kept portioning Kunik out, thinking of the wolves she would feed. Captain. The puppies. Stark himself. 

It did not make it any easier at all. Once the task was done Stark looked down at the remains, he had many trips to make. "Would one of you mind finding my sister? I'll find Octavia and Harlyn, they can tend to their young." It did leave the other two of Harlyn's wolves - he couldn't remember their names. 

No complaints stopped her, and Nova kept going until the organs that were of help were gone. With her belly more full than it had been since joining Warbone, the golden woman finally looked for a suitable piece for Grace. She moved like a ghost, silent and far-eyed. In truth, she didn't so much as hear Stark, not ignoring him. She was more worried about keeping the contents of her belly, thanks to her rushed meal on a fully empty belly. Nausea twisted her face, and remembering that it was Kunik resting in her stomach was almost too much to bear. Belly heaving, Nova was quick to snatch any chunk for her daughter and trot off on her own. The movement settled her belly further, thankfully, but its not like she wouldn't have just eaten it again anyways. There was barely a thought of wether her departure would be rude or not, but liked to think that nobody wanted to watch her vomit up the innards of their packmate and then eat them AGAIN. 

Hahaaaaaa sorry for Nova's sudden departure, but I would assume they saw her making faces and hope they understand: if not, though I will warn of vomiting guts (literally, lol), feel free to go after her!

The tail had finally gave up, and was removed from the dead body with a loud cracking sound. His ears flickered at the sound, as it sounded like someone had broke its own neck. The tail hung loosely between his teeth before he spat it out nearby Teagan's piece of meat, getting ready to find some good, clean bones he could use. Perhaps they would even let him have the skull- how delightful would that be?

Perhaps the famine was only now taking a toll on the devious man, for the longer he was exposed to the scent of blood, the hungrier he got. He wanted to save his piece for later, but now found he had already swallowed it. With her muzzle still in the bloody meat, he looked up to find the other just eating as well. Well, if they could, so could he. He started ripping off some more pieces, but he was not so greedy. Swallowing only little pieces, he dug deeper and deep, until finally he shifted to Kunik's leg. He tried his best to clean them off of any fur and flesh, and he partly succeeded. It almost looked like a very bad wound, but Trick knew she couldn't feel anything anymore. Surely she would not mind him having her leg? He pulled on the thing over and over, the bones he so desired to have cracking at every pull, but it did not let go yet.

Trick's ears moved at the sudden noise of Nova Rose leaving without a word. He did not care, he was way too lost in his gruesome acts. Only when Stark mentioned his sister, who Trick had yet to meet, did he look up fully; his black muzzle covered in blood. I have yet to meet your sister, but I guess I'm the only volunteer. Do you know her favorite part of a wolf's body, or has she yet to taste her own sort's flesh?

Stark watched as Nova Rose backpedaled, positively running away from the area. Stark made a little face, sneering a bit but it could easily have been a grimace for the act that they were partaking in. Pulling Kunik to pieces, separating her body out like she was some gourmet dinner - it was gruesome. Perhaps no worse than the famine might have driven others to do, and the woman hadn't died by their teeth. There was that at least. "If you don't mind," Stark said gently. "I don't mind making a few trips, it just saves time." And it would take care of the pack faster maybe make them all more likely to make it. 

If only Kunik could have held out. It was so close to over - green grass was growing, and soon, large enough animals would return to find it and consume it. Stark gave a soft sigh as he took hold of Kunik once more, yanking against Trick to help him dislodge the limb. "She's a blonde brickhouse." He said bluntly. "She's just....very sturdy. You'll know her by the sour look on her face." Stark said, a tiny hint of humor at his sister's expense. Probably not too polite of him, but, life was life.

You do you. Trick replied softly, thoughts already focused on getting Kunik's leg off her body. Do you mind me having the skull too? He asked carefully behind clamping teeth, tugging and shaking at the leg. Stark apparently saw the only slightly muscled man struggling, and Trick appreciated his help. The leg gave up being a part of Kunik's body, and Trick threw the whole thing near her tail. What was left of Kunik was a horrible sight, yet somehow satisfying. They would live, all thanks to a bitchy girl with big dreams.

So, I have to look for a blonde you? He joked, and let out a soft chuckle. Just kidding. I'll find her and give her a nice piece. Trick promised, already on Kunik's body again to get some more meat for Captain.

Stark had no need for any parts. Nothing of the woman would do him any good after fueling him for the next couple weeks. He gave a shake of his head to Trick's question, he was fine with whatever the male wanted to take. Perhaps it was just a hopeful optimism but he wanted to believe that soon the herds would return and they could hunt properly again. Stark made a soft sound, gritting his teeth as he gave another rough yank to part off another piece - this one more sizable, at least in the comparison to her gaunt figure. 

They could only do so much and this would be what it took to make sure the rest of them survived. Stark did not like the task, but, he would do it all the same. 

"I'd like to think I look far better than she does." Stark countered, offering a small little smile even with the blood of their fallen packmate on his lips. After a moment Stark took one of the larger chunks to take to @Harlyn for her brood. He returned, the next going to @Tavi and Tambourine. He let the Alpha's know what had happened before he came back to the corpse to take something for himself to eat, finally. 

tagging for visibility!

Things still looked awfully barren and gray to the green-eyed man, who had always been surrounded by green. Never had he lived in such drastic times, and he hated not being able to do what he loved the most. Without plants, he had no purpose in life. He felt hollow without his poisons and herbs, and he kind of missed the time spent with Grace in the Herb Cave that was so perfect for keeping all healing things together. There was even clean water, totally perfect. But, alas, it would take some more time before Trick could do what he did best.

I'm sure you do. Trick hummed. He barely noticed Stark departing with some meat for the others. He now had a pile of meat, for Grace and captain, the tail and clean leg laying next to it. He was wondering what he would do first. He decided to first give the meat to his friend and the sister of a male he sorta liked, @Grace and @Captain , and so he picked up two big pieces and left the carcass. He knew no one was near to steal anything.

He finally returned, only to see Stark already there, and his leg and tail still laying there. He didn't want to further associate with the male, having done enough talking for now, and so he picked up the tail and leg and left for the Herb Cave.

The task was done. As hard as it was, it was done. 

Stark would feel poorly in the weeks to come over what they had done but he could not deny the prospect of food and how much he had needed it. The trips taxed him, draining him entirely and making him even more weary. The emotional and physical toil that would be taken would leave him feeling more needy, more overwhelmed. When Trick took the pieces from Kunik off Stark took the moment to pull the woman back away from where he had found her - further along the borders, tucking her against a willow. 

He finally took from Kunik for himself and later he would be horrified - later he would be remorseful. For now, he was fed.