Porcupine Ridge headfirst for halos

@Osleya had not returned. He tried to give her the benefit of the doubt, but there was a resentment simmering within him that was only compounded by not having seen @Dagur or @Dirtwater Fox in some time.

They left. They always leave.

The only thing that helped stave off the anger was keeping himself busy, and he continued to explore the ins and outs of the ridge—which he was now calling "The Ridge," in lieu of a better name. 

Despite the treacherous outcroppings and cliffs that dropped off abruptly toward the valley below, there was much beauty to be found in between the rocks. Lush forests grew between the smaller ridges that made up this land, and tiny mountain springs trickled here and there.

There was even one stretch of open land when the Ridge evened out a bit on its northeast edge, which attracted a small herd of mountain goats. Hidden in the shadows of the treeline, Hex watched them graze, trying to pick out the weakest of the lot. He had little faith that he could take one down on his own—but maybe, with luck. . .

nursery group. eight adults, five juveniles. two pregnant, seven nursing. one elderly.

she kept herself sequestered. a large rock, embedded in the hillface. left her to the sun, but it was negligible. the observation took priority.

a single misstep - paw misjudging the solidity of a stone - and the tumble of pebbles raised heads, brought kids closer to their nannies.

frustrated at own mistake, the huntress clicked her tongue.

goat hunt, challenge rating of 10, 2 tries
1st roll; 2

Something happened. The youngsters were disturbed and clung tighter to their parents, and there was a faint rattling sound that echoed off the rocks. The goats were undeniably more on edge, and Hex cursed under his breath, looking for the source of the interruption.

He prowled the perimeter, golden eyes shifting up, down, around. There was a glint of pale gold in his periphery, higher above the herd, and he headed there now, bristling slightly.

A woman, huddled beside a large rock. What the hell— Hex hissed, drawing closer to her and folding himself into the grass. Where did you come from?!

another hunter.

she saw it too late. black and sleek, circling the pasture. her body tensed, paws shifted position, preparing to run if needed.

the вук cussed and dropped to a crouch, prioritizing the opportunity of the herd over confrontation. soft, nasal exhale was her only sign of relief.

brows drew together to translate, but bleating pried the eyes away. remembering the easier task relaxed her.

medalina raised a paw to her long muzzle, miming a shush.

yu, goh - behaind. a foreleg outstretched to gesture at the herd.

ai, stei hir. ai kach- коза. big antler. mader, noh chaild.

she looked the yearling in the eye for a moment.

yehs?

She spoke in an accent thick enough that he had some trouble understanding, but after a moment's thought, he caught the gist. He was to circle and trap the herd to their outside. She was to strike from this position.

Mother. Not child.

Okay, Hex said with a brusque nod, yellow eyes flashing her way before he slipped down the ridge.

He felt as if he was very noticeable, even in the tall grass, but the herd seemed not to have noticed—so far. Still, he kept his body low and his steps light, hoping that the goats did not sense the shadow of death that stalked them at their heels.

her own nod in reply.

she watched the juvenile stalk around the rim of the grazing grounds. there was concern that it lacked experience - equal to the knowledge that the hunt was in a wolf's nature.

a kid lifted its head. it ran up to a female, bleating. medalina held her breath.

the nanny nudged it away, then resumed grazing. unconcerned.

the huntress exhaled.

Like the golden woman, Hex, too, froze in place and felt his heart jump at the disturbance within the herd. All was back to normal soon enough, though, and while the goats relaxed, he lifted his muzzle just above the grasses, gilded gaze seeking hers.

He felt some uncertainty, still. He wasn't sure if he was to drive them closer, or if he was to be a bulwark against further retreat, once she made her attack.

For the first time in a while, he felt his age—young, inexperienced. And hungry.

hesitation. not hers, the other's. there was no mode of communication that wouldn't reveal her.

bit her lip. a moment's regret that she didn't do this alone.

( this was her punishment )

unfounded thought. discarded.

medalina waited to manage whichever choice is made by the younger hunter.

He had to act, otherwise they would be sitting here for ages. And if she was waiting for him. . .

Hex lunged suddenly toward the elderly goat, hoping that its age would hamper retreat. His jaws aimed for its back ankles; if he could seize one, or at least sever a tendon, it gave them a better chance to bring their quarry down.

Instead, his teeth clicked down on empty air, and he barely avoided a hoof to the cheek. But he kept on, trying to steer the goat toward the waiting huntress.

The herd had exploded into bleating, stomping chaos.