let's get these teen hearts beating faster, faster

Valentines Day activity for any who are interested!
Warning: the whole game is a generally bloody affair. If such content may be upsetting to you, it may be best to avoid this thread!

Deep within the forest, Aesop found the body of a deer. During the night, for one reason or another, it had fallen the short, but treacherous distance off of a sheer rock face. Aesop had almost made the same, deadly mistake before, for the drop was blind and came on quick. Unlike the deer, he had caught himself, and never again would make that mistake. It lay on the ground, beautiful and broken, but Aesop did not care for the poetry in the death. He cared more for the meal it presented, and an easy one at that.

He cast a glance around, then dragged the body through the damp fallen leaves to a large clearing nearby. The day was warm, and the snowmelt had loosened the earth, making it muddy. It was, in other words, the perfect day to get absolutely filthy. He deposited the body on the periphery of the clearing, because he now had a plan. Tilting his nose to the sky, he howled for the pack, inviting any who would come to a meal and a game.

While he waited for others to arrive, he cobbled together a field, recalling a game of his youth. On either end of the muddy clearing, he dug a long, shallow trench. After, he placed a stick in the center of the clearing to divide the field in half. And once he was pleased with his preparations, he ripped open the deer, ignoring his hunger for the real prize: the heart of the beast. He grasped it carefully, pulling it from the carcass and placing it in the middle of the field. Bloody, but pleased, he sat by the body, waiting for his packmates to arrive.

Yeeee!

The howl of Aesop woke Atreyu from his nap, causing him to groan and roll onto his side side in his comfy spot in the sun-dappled shade. His ears flicked forward lazily and one eye cracked open, wondering why on earth he was calling the pack for. The howl had had an excited sort of quality to it, though, and so the boy pulled himself to his feet, shaking off his sand-ridden coat before trotting curiously towards the forest where his pack mates' call had come from.

It didn't take long to find him, his beastly form standing before a slain deer, it's chest bearing a gaping hole. Ears pricking forward with interest, the yearling approached, noting the odd formation in the middle of the muddy clearing and the...what was that red thing in the middle? He stared at it for a moment or two before glancing back at Aesop and the carcass. Was this some sort of ritual? "Woah, you slaughtered that deer, man," he said with a grin, in awe that the older man had managed to take down a whole deer by himself.

A variation they probably won't be able to kick and bounce it. It would probably be more like carry and goal.

Thistle trotted towards the others howl. Her pace slower than normal, for she had to stop to throw up her breakfast and lunch. After all carrying children, was not an easy thing for one's body. Her mouth watered at the sight of the deer, while at the same time her guts stirred in deterrment. Oh, she would love to eat some of that, but knew it would just go to waste at the moment. She pricked her ears forward, and wagged her tail, holding it and her head high.

Hello Aesop, Atreyu

She tilted her head and looked at the interesting way of things.

What's going on?

This was going to be a bloody game. She was fairly certain it was a game. Though, she did wonder, why would they play with heart?

As a howl split the air and her thoughts, Onyx got up and began towards the sound. The tall and skinny girl soon reached the source. Already there was Aesop, Atreyu, and Alpha Thistle Cloud Loðbrók. Onyx bowed to the Bay's queen before turning to the the others. One was nicer than the other, Aesop had been kind while Atreyu had blamed her for his miss. Ignoring Atreyu, Onyx smiled at the other two. Hi Alpha Thistle. Hi Aesop. She said, before her blue eyes scanned the strange scene. A deer carcass, a playing field divided by a stick, and a bloody red orb in the middle. Onyx didn't understand why the deer wasn't being eaten, but she assumed it was a ritual or game or sacrafice of some sort and stayed around.

Spectra was not only trickled by the howl that reached her ears but also the scent of blood and fresh meat; it stirred something deep within like a sudden shark coming back to life. Her tongue rolled out to lick the edge of her leathery lips by pure instinct. She was as much of a wolf as she was of a predator. Her feet began to move quickly into the direction of the food source. Her golden eyes flashed almost in disappointment when it appeared that this was no dinner party.

Maybe her excitement would rise again once she'd realize that this was all part of a bloody game. For now, a bit dazzled, Spectra exchanged respectful glances with her fellow pack mates before her eyes fell upon the bloody heart in the centre with a sense of confusion. What the heck was going on?

Let's get this party started! I flipped a coin to determine the teams. So Team A (heads) is Spectra and Atreyu, and Team B (tails) is Aesop and Onyx. Aaaand I rolled for who gets a goal this round: Team A is kicking it off! So either of the youngin's from team A can work it out to a goal.

One by one, they arrived. He realized that he looked a gruesome sight, covered in blood beside the ruined carcass, but doubted that any would hold it against him. He nodded to each and greeted them by name as they arrived. And he snorted at Atreyu's comment. "Nah, found it like it is." A pause, then he clarified, "dead. I did the heart thing."

Once there was a fair number of wolves gathered, he cleared his throat, pausing a moment before explaining why they were there. "So obviously, as ya'll can see, I found a deer and ripped out its heart," he began, as it is best to begin with the obvious, "thought I should make everyone aware of it, but I also thought it might be fun to fu- mess around a bit and play a bit of a game. Uh. If ya'll are up for it." He cleared his throat a bit awkwardly, unused to speaking so much in front of so many wolves. Nerves weren't getting the best of him, just the realizing that he really ought to censor himself a bit.

Once he got confirmation that yes, indeed, there would be a game, he spoke up again. "So we got two teams, two goals, one heart. Grab the heart, try and get it in the opposite goal. Easy enough. You drop it or you get tackled, the heart goes to the other team. Questions? No? Good." And then he paired them off, Spectra with Atreyu on one end of the field and he and Onyx on the other. Thistle Cloud he put in charge of making calls on what counted as tackles and goals, as contact sports did not mix well with pregnant women.

And so the game began. It was a dirty, muddy affair, but in the end the first goal was scored. With a grunt, Aesop shook himself off, grinning as he set the heart back into the middle of the field.

Thistle pushed her ears forward to listen, oh this sounded like fun. She could probably play, but she didn't want to think of how Ragnar would react if she got knocked ot the ground. So she took the position of observer and overseer. She smiled the blood, mixing with the air making an intoxicating cocktail of scents. She watched as Aesop strode forward and spoke, listening.

She sat to her haunches and curled her tail around her paws. Waiting and watching this bloody sport. This would be fun. Blue eyes flitted to the heart and then back up to the separate teams. Atreyu and Spectra the two young ones together. And Onyx and Aesop together. This would be interesting, she settled to wait. Wondering briefly if they would care if she chewed on some of that deer sitting there.

Got slightly carried away >_> Also there's a bit of power-playing here, let me know if you mind!

Thistle entered the scene just after himself, and Atreyu gave a courteous bow to the leader, wondering again if this was another one of the pack's rituals. After all, Ragnar (and his wife, Atreyu assumed) was a religious kind of man. He fondly remembered the last sacrificial rite with the odd formations of bones the Jarl set up. Though, after the feast, his memory of the night had gotten a little hazy. After the woman, the tall but meek girl who he had encountered at Gyrfalcon's Keep appeared. She strode passed him without a second glance, and the boy inwardly rolled his eyes. The last member to join them was Spectra, who Atreyu waved his tail to. He knew he had met her sometime in the past few days, though the memories of that meeting were rather blurred, too.

It seemed that would be all who would be joining them, and so the thoughts of if this was a ritual were dashed from Atreyu's mind; they were usually whole pack affairs. Instead, it seemed this was a game! The boy's ears pricked as Aesop explained the situation with the deer and how he had borrowed it's heart for their little game. If y'all are up for it. Atreyu nodded excitedly, looking out at the muddy field again with enthusiasm. Oh yes, he was definitely ready for this.

They were then split into two teams with Onyx and Aesop on one end and he and Spectra together at the other (much to Atreyu's delight; he wasn't sure what he would've done if he had been paired with the other girl), Thistle being left to be the umpire. While the two wolves on the opposite end of the field had their size and strength, Atreyu and Spectra had the advantage of youth and agility. He hoped, at least. Competitive in nature, the boy was keen on winning.

The game started quickly, the mud making their movements slightly less coordinated than usual. Diving for the heart as soon as he could, Atreyu nabbed it between his teeth (being careful not to bite down on it) and took off between their competitors. He was shouldered by Aesop and stumbled but kept on his feet, narrowly avoiding being tripped up Onyx. Greedily, he stole the goal for himself, not thinking to pass to Spectra. She could have the next goal. Sliding through the mud, the boy gave a celebratory yell, rolling onto his back. Already, he was coated from head to toe in mud. Aesop chose a brilliant spot. With the first point scored, the teams took up their positions at the ends of the field again as the heart was placed back in the center, Atreyu keeping his intense gaze upon it.

((Leaving an open ending, be creative, a little bit of power play is allowed ))
----

Like Atreyu, the Delta was very competitive by nature; although unfortunately at the same time very clumsy. When her partner in crime was announced, her golden eyes flickered with a fierce pride towards him. It was as if saying by body language alone; We'll kick butt and win this thing! Once the rules were explained it was time for true action and she already felt a surge of adrenaline though her body as her leathery lips inaudible growled towards the enemy team.

She had no objections to Atreyu's solo win; anything to win. Besides, with his lightning speed he had scored in no time. Sop and Onyx didn't have a chance -- or so Spectra thought for a moment or two. Cantering upwards with her front paws kicking into the air, she gave Atreyu something like a 'high five' when he scored. Victory was drawing near. Spectra didn't want to stay far behind, she wanted to proof to herself, to Atreyu, to Thistle Cloud -- to everyone -- that this was a piece of cake.

A second, shifty glance was given towards Atreyu before Spectra dived towards the heart as if it was her last dying man's breath, the sole thing left in this world. Quickly and determined she grabbed the bloody vessel, then went straight for the kill (the goal). However a second later, she tripped...Ouch.

Onyx nodded when Aesop explained the rules. She winced at the thought of accidentally biting too hard and popping the heart. But at least she was glad she was with Aesop, not the younger ones- the jerk and his likely jerk friend. She could not cooperate with Atreyu and would refuse to let him boss her around any more than he already had. When they began, as soon as Atreyu got the heart, she was after him. Very close, but was unsure of exactly how to tackle him and lagged behind about a foot for the whole run, before eventually falling behind further. Though the game was good for exercising and somewhat fun so far, she was disappointed when they scored the first goal and shared a high five. We'll get the next one! Onyx shouted competitively as the next round began. She jogged after Spectra, gasping when she tripped and then giggling quietly.

This round's goal goes to Team A again! So the youngin's won pretty quickly! Next round is eatin' time B) Whoever scores is free to PP Aesop.

And they were off. Aesop's paws slipped in the slick mud, but he quickly gained his footing and tore towards the heart. Atreyu beat him to it (which Aesop blamed on any number of things that were totally not his fault. He tried to make up for it with vigor and undue roughness, shouldering Atreyu once he caught up. The younger male stumbled, but did not fall. Aesop overbalanced and tripped, sprawling out on the wet ground with a grunt and some very colorful language. Good thing none of the kids were around.

No matter. Once the goal was scored, he shook himself off and reset the field, taking his place at the other end of the field. Quickly, before the next round started, he leaned in to Onyx and mumbled, "you go out and score, I'm gonna see if I can stop them from doin' that."

And so he squared up, ready to play goalie... and fail spectacularly. They put up a valiant effort, but in the end the heart passed him once again. With a grunt, he lifted himself up, shook himself off, and cleared his throat. "Welp, looks like we've got some winners," he announced, retrieving the heart and tossing it towards Atreyu and Spectra, "time to eat." And that he could really get behind, trotting over to stand beside Thistle Cloud. "Enjoy the show?"

Thistle winced visibly when some of the others got knocked around. She called out to some of them, egging them all on. Being everyone's cheerleader, after it was all said and done her own adrenaline was pumping, just from observation. She sat down softly and watched as they broke up and the scoring was done. Everyone was covered in blood and mud, but it had been a fun time.

She gave a smile to Aesop as he came over to her. I enjoyed it very much. We will have to do it more.

She fully planned on having more sports and games for her pack.

She nodded as Aesop told her to go for the score. She headed towards the middle, fast as she could, but a slip in the mud caused her to fall late. She jumped up as quick as she could, but the heart had alreadt been stolen away. She chased after the others to try and get it back, but her efforts were wasted as they scored once again. Onyx frowned and trotted towards her teamate. Sorry I messed up, Sir Aesop. She mumbled to him before he went to Thistle Cloud Loðbrók. Unsure if she joined the feast yet or not or at all, she hung to the side, waiting.

The two young team members exchanged glances, and Atreyu pretended that they knew exactly what they were doing. As if it was some sort of silent signal, he quirked his right ear towards her, before canting his head to the left. In his mind, Spectra would know exactly what she had to do. They would both go for the heart but, at the last minute, she would pull away and he would grab it, and then she would pin Aesop so Atreyu could shoulder charge Onyx and then...

Suddenly, the other yearling had taken off down the field, quickly managing to gather up the heart with the skill of a thieving raccoon, side-stepping a sprawling Onyx. He chased after her with barks of excitement mixing with Thistle's own cheers from the sidelines. Hah, their opponents had nothing on them! The boy was nearing Spectra's side, ready to either defend or receive a pass if she chose, until the world flipped and Atreyu suddenly found himself on his side. He wasn't even sure what he had tripped on, but he was quick to his feet again, afraid the heart had been stolen by their competition. Instead, he saw Spectra on the other side of the field, Aesop and Onyx trotting towards each other as if in defeat. Realisation dawning upon him, the boy gave a short, triumphant howl in celebration of their victory, his tail wagging furiously behind him. It had been a short game, but they had won and, to Atreyu, that was really the only thing that mattered.

The yearling went to rejoin the others as they began to congregate around Thistle. He and Aesop were almost unrecognisable, their pale fur streaked with mud and dirt, while the two girls became darker, more matted versions of themselves. Atreyu shook out his filthy — well, filthier — coat, unaware of the fact that the surrounding wolves would probably be showered with bits of mud. As the host of the game clarified their win, the Epsilon's ears thrust forward in pride, before they pricked as he pitched the heart towards he and Spectra. Leaping from the ground with wide open jaws, Atreyu made to grab at the morsel that was now free to eat despite how dirty and beaten it was. Whatever, it was still their prize.

Alright! Last round. Thank you all for participating!

Bruised, and definitely a bit battered, Aesop shook himself off. He was a respectable distance from anyone else, and shouldn't have sprayed them with the mud. Probably. It did little to actually clean him, blood and mud clinging to his fur in equal amounts. Once a cream colored wolf, he was now a dark, matted brown. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"Not to worry," he told Onyx as she approached. He bumped their foreheads together gently. "A team's made of two, after all." While he was not particularly sour about losing, he could understand that she might not have felt the same way. But half the fun, he thought, was in getting absolutely filthy. He accomplished that well enough.

The other half was in the food, which was what he was now focused on. He grinned in response to Thistle's sentiments, pleased to have pleased her. The smile may have been a gruesome sight, covered in blood as he was, but they would soon be joining him as they tore into the meal. He allowed Thistle Cloud and the winners to go first, and only once they had begun to eat did he edge his way in.

And when the meal was done and he was tired, but satisfied, he ambled off to wash up and get some well earned rest.

Tripping upon the ground and being filthy and dirty was definitely not in her victorious plan to score and proof herself to the pack; and to herself. Cursing nearly inaudible underneath her breath, Spectra felt like a sour butt at moments like this. Frustrated, it took her time to recollect herself once more so that she could enjoy the game. She was very competitive by nature and wanted to show the best version, not the dirty one.

The game continued onwards while she quickly recollected herself once more, her former doubts felt long lasting but reality was different. She tried her best to participate and help out mister scoring star -- Atreyu -- but before being able to score once more, the sound that it was over reached her ears. Adrenaline had contributed to the fact that she felt fierce and wanted to continue. Continue and score once more.

With the attention span of a gold fish she was distracted by the sound of food. Huunngry." She muttered zombie-like, being the daughter of Frankenweenie. But before moving to their prized possession, the heart of it all, she joined Atreyu with a celebration victory howl. They made an awesome team, despite her slip-up. She flashed a satisfied smile to all the others, Thistle, Aesop and Onyx -- before predatory sprinting over towards Atreyu. She wanted to "high five" him but instead tore a piece of the heart. Spectra had enjoyed every minute of the game.