Phoenix Maplewood when time falls like the sun

set on December 24th

A tin of red hung on her maw, as a small body rested in her mouth. A small hare, white as the snow, and as fluffy as the first day of winter, but as skinny as a stick. Not a proper meal, for the season was harsh, and she was reluctant to leave. Many of the prey were hiding up in the trees, and it was difficult for a large catch within the forest. If there was, she had yet to find the herds.

Her body had thinned since coming to Teekon Wilds, and especially so with this season. She knew it would be a difficult time, but Desdemona was determined to continue going forward. Stuck in time, but she wanted to live on. With bitter heart, she tore at the hare, wanting to please her hungry stomach.

The scent of a newly-caught dead hare drove him towards Desdemona. Like a hungry shark who had caught the scent and sight of blood. His want and need for survival sometimes urged him to balance upon scavenging prey who had been dead for quite a while and taking any leftovers he could find. Likewise for any other lone wolf, it was a fight for survival out here in the wild. 

Disappointment betrayed him when he found out that the hare -- or what was left of it -- was a freshly caught prize of the female huntress. His stomach rumbled extra fierce now that he discovered that it wasn't him who caught the dead creature. For a second he glanced at her, jealous. But there was no agression in his body language, Epic was desperate but not violent. His tongue flickered out as he momentarily licked his leathery lips while savoring the scent of freshy caught meat while at the same time weighting the options in his mind.

Deciding to use the situation to his advantage, he said. "Hey, you're a good hunter. Are you still hungry? If so - we could combine our strength and hunt together."

She ravaged the rabbit, to the skin and bones. It wasn't a fulfilling meal, but it satisfied the hunger she had for the winter so far. It felt pleasant to finally have something in her stomach, and for a second her mood had improved.. Though when she heard a voice, her guard switched on, and she focused her attention on the intruder. It was clear she was not welcoming him by the bristle's on Desdemona's back, and the slow growl that erupted from her throat.

"Halt yourself." Her voice demanded, as she stood up in an imposing manner. Her head held high and a deep, serious glare at him. She was not pleased, "this is claimed land." She says this, but her scent alone surrounded the forest. Technically, for now, it was 'her' claimed land until Morningside returns. Until then, she would defend, even against an intruder like him who only desired a meal, and a friendly hunt. Desdemona wouldn't permit that in this forest, however.

Oh shit. That's what Epic thought as Desdemona blocked his path to the forest-like area. Claimed land, huh? Hadn't he been paying attention to his surroundings. Well, actually, these lands used to be claimed; there were faint traces of scents long gone. But now, there was only the strong and present scent of the wolf standing in front of him. He wasn't quite sure what to think about the situation just yet; after all, these lands weren't claimed but they obviously meant a lot to her. Desdemona was chasing a ghost. Still, he respected her boundaries, not only because the forest area meant a lot to her but also because it was a lot of upkeep for a single wolf to guard such a large territory. She must have had a lot of these random encounters and trespassers.

"Don't worry.." Epic said, not setting another step forward. "I'm not here to cause trouble or to invade these -- your -- claimed land." The young male looked at his surroundings, particular towards the region where her scent wasn't so strong. In the direction of land that was still unclaimed. "My offer still stands; are you willingly to hunt with me on neutral grounds?" If her answer was negative or ignored than Epic would just be on his way, trailing off to new adventures.

He seemed harmless enough, she thought, but still remained guarded. Desdemona knew those who look peaceful may not always show how they feel, as many secrets were held deep within. She kept herself upfront on who she was, feeling that such secrets only caused unnecessary harm to oneself. Though, she normally keeps to herself, unless asked about. Such a nature such as the one before her looked to be the opposite, open and sociable, while she kept a stoic look on.

However, he bargained, and she thought about it, "Very well." Desdemona agreed, as long as it wasn't on the maplewoods, she felt it would be fine to join one on a hunt. Perhaps a bigger meal to soothe her rumbling stomache, "the outskirts will do fine." She responded, indicating it was okay to be near, just not in it.

Desdemona seemed more at ease now that he posed no threat; even though he could understand that the balance of trust was only a very thin line. Literally a border line at that. He sighed softly, feeling relieved that a bit of tension had flown out of the window; had she been agressive towards him, he had no other option than to defend himself. And the lanky yearling was careful to pick his battles, he fought only when he needed to. "It must be hard work and dedication to protect such a large territory with only a few wolves." Epic had no idea that she was, at the moment, probably on her own. A rogue pack wolf, sort of.

To strengthen his words -- that he meant no harm -- he took a step backwards and turned around, back to a safe zone in the neutral grounds. Carefully his eyes scanned the area, trying to see if there were small prey scurrying about. As a local, she probably had a good idea as for opportunities and chances. Turning his focus back to her, Epic said. "You're from around here, right? What and where are our best opportunity for a hunt?"

"It is." She didn't comment further, especially upon being alone. It was best to have others believe there was few, it would lessen the possibilities of others trying to claim the lands. Though she did have to admit, it has proven to be difficult to mark alone, as it was quick to fade if she didn't do it on a daily basis. Her musk heavily saturated the forest, and she was pleased it would stay that way until otherwise. Until otherwise... When will that be, she wondered in bitterness.

When he took a step backward, Desdemona went forward. Though this time less hostile, and nodded on the neutral grounds. Though she would have to think, within these paths, where would prey be? She knew where small game would be in it, but the dame refused to let anyone step a paw in the forest. She could only stay silent for a moment, trying to remember a good place, "Follow me."

She knew of one, but did not know if prey would successfully be around there. Desdemona motioned for him to circle around the border of the maplewoods, indicating her snout to where a large amount of bushes laid waste in. They were snow-covered, and prickly without leaves, but when spring would hit, they were a sight to see. Especially for they held not only leaves, but the offspring of blackberries that drew the prey in. Birds and squirrles, vores and mice, and the occasional stray deer would mix into them. She did not know who would appear this time though, especially as winter is here.

With a single dip of the head, he acknowledged her words but otherwise decided to remain quiet. In a stalking position he followed the contours of her shadows through the snowy paths. His head was held low to the ground, his ears stood erect and his eyes focused upon his surroundings. When the wind passed by, bringing all kinds of different scents with it, his cool charcoal nose inhaled deeply. For a moment his eyes closed, trying to decipher which scent was interesting enough to chase.

Badgers, Epic muttered underneath his path, still following Desdemona until she lead him to a place a circle on neutral grounds. Close by there were branches, snow-covered but even more important; filled with lots of hunting opportunities. "What are your thoughts on badger-steak today?" He said very softly, almost in an inaudible hush; words only meant for Desdemona's ears.

Jades cooly watched the surroundings, as her ears twitched at any movement. She waited for the prey to appear around, with the wolf named Epic, but he decided for some small talk. At first she would not amuse the fellow, but he asked a question that made her give a questionable side-glance toward the fellow. Badger-steak? Desdemona assumed he wishes for the taste of badger, but thought it was an odd way to phrase it, "Badger is fine." She whispered back.

As Desdemona agreed that badger burgers were fine on today's menu, Epic nodded in agreement before moving closer to their burrow. His steps were dead-silent as he moved like a stalking predator. As cool breeze that passed by, made his cool, damp charcoal nose pick up a lingerign scent of badgers. The scent got stronger the closer he edged to the burrow. Every now and then his golden eyes flittered back to Desdemona as they hadn't exactly discussed tactics just yet. His heart beat more steadily and he felt the starting rush of adrenaline course through his body. 

"Do you have an idea on our game plan?" His tone was nearly inaudible, almost silent as he whispered a secret message once more. A secret message that was only meant for Desdemona; he didn't want to startle the badgers or other prey. But he did want to work together with her, making their plan hopefully succeed.

They were not out yet, as the smell was stronger, but the figure they sought for was not to be found, yet. Her jades casted near the burrow, frowning in thought on ways to draw out. It'd be foolish to simply wander into it, getting their face scratches, so she thought of ways they would need to draw the badger out. With no food to draw out, she thought perhaps noise would lure them out.

"Perhaps we could make noise near their entrance. Throw a few sticks, to make them draw out curiously." She almost felt embarassed for such a dull tactic, but there was limited ideas she thought about. There was perhaps simply digging snow at them.. But she did not know if that would bury them alive, or let them push the snow back. Maybe he would have a better one if her's was not well-planned,"one of us behind to drag it out once a head comes out."

"Good idea!" The young male agreed with Desdemona, finding a good strategy in her suggestion. He wasn't entirely sure it would work out but it was an idea he could work with. With his own imagination he thought digging was the answer as the snow created quite a shelter for the badgers but even so; that might alert the creatures, causing them to hide even deeper in their burrows. 

Now that they had a game plan, Epic decided to make it happen. Scanning his surroundings, his golden eyes fell upon a small rock that was big enough for him to pick up with one bite. He grabbed it with his muzzle and swung in the direction of the snow-covered burrow. A miss, sadly. But even while his stone hit a tree, an eerie bang could be heard from the impact. He then took a deep breath and growled, yowled and made any sort of noise in front of the entrance while stampeding with his paws. Would this work? With one hopeful glance he looked back at Desdemona.

Ah, it might have looked quite funny to an outsider who had no idea about what was going on.