Targeting Prey (Ariste/Twelve)

Alabaster paws touched the earth in a slow manner, having just woken up that morning. Her thick fur shook as a gentle breeze rushed across the lands. Her small body rocked side to side as she moved forward, away from her pack's lands. Her amber eyes scanned the area closely as she breathed in the crisp morning air. Her ears roved forward and her heart pounded with each step she took. Her face curved, muzzle stretching towards the blue sky that was filled with dark grey clouds. Her long tail brushed against the ground, flicking back and forth as she moved. The trees towered over her head, leaves shaking with every breeze. The grass was decently short, soft from the spring weather. Dirt grasped hold of her paws, claws digging into the ground that held her. Her mind swayed like the trees, wavering back and forth as she searched for a certain place. She wanted to bring back a kill for her pack. Her eyes shifted as the scenery changed. Lavender petals scattered the ground. Trees with vines covered in the same petals, the vines reached down across the ground and wavered in the wind. Her ears flicked forward as she heard the sound of deep breathing. She twisted and crouched, her paws shifting with the earth. Her body held low to the ground, moving so quietly that the only sound heard was the whistling from the strong breeze. She squeezed past all the vines, her amber eyes searching for the heavy breathing. She finally spotted her prey, an injured doe in the distance. It was limping, and yet grazing upon the soft grass. Pity, you are about to lose your life, but no worries, it's for a good cause. She stretched her paws out and lunged forward, circling around behind the doe and then leaping towards it. No sound escaped her maw, no sound but her paws touching the earth. Her jaws opened as she got closer, flying through the air towards the prey that would be hers. She didn't see anything else, just the doe. She heard nothing but the rushing of her own blood pumping through her body. Her heart pounding with such adrenaline. Her amber eyes didn't flicker, didn't blink, as she had started for her prey and didn't want to miss a single thing. She came from the left side, not seeing anything on the right side.

Guest

Obsidian paws flew over the ground, in a steady beat of four, repeating itself over and over, like a drumbeat. Thud, thud, thud, thud. And each step was perfectly maneuvered and timed, avoiding collision with anything that could cause her to stumble, losing her her balance and losing her footing. Her nose was pressed forward, nostrils rapidly flaring as she took in the smell of her surroundings, pinpointing the one scent she wanted to follow. She could She knew she was quite a ways behind it, as she wished to be. She wanted it to be lulled until a false sense of security, drop its guard so it wouldn't expect her next attack. The deer she had been tracking since the had detected it a ways outside her borders, and chased it down in Mirror Lake. It had skillfully avoided her as, despite how swift she may be an uninjured deer could always outrun a wolf if it got the chance to flat out sprint. The deer, however, was no longer uninjured, having weakened it from her attack, hopefully that would make her job a little easier. It at least had a bite on its back foot, year its hoof, and a good nick near the top of its shoulders, at its vertibrae. Which beast had more endurance, she did not yet know, but in this fight against predator and prey, Ariste was fully determined to be victorious. Last time she had checked, there were no Hunters in the pack of Erenyx, leaving it to others to provide, when they could be spending their time training. And the kill pile needed restocking, so she had figured she could aid in refilling it, if there were even others trying to do the same. But, if she succeeded, which she was determined to do, she would go and retrieve a few pack members to help her carry it back, as it was too much for her to do herself. The female noticed her surroundings rapidly changing, as the deer became a lot harder to track. She entered territory she had never been in before, with lavender petals littering the ground, and hanging on to the trees until Fall came swinging around. Still though, many were laying on the ground, or fluttering in the air, perhaps disturbed by the storm, as they still were fresh, and not crisp and shriveled up from laying beneath the snow all winter. Because of that, the air was near suffocating in some spots, the perfumey aroma of the blooming lavenders filling the air. So much so the onyx vixen nearly sneezed, resisting the urge with all her power, so as not to disturb the silence, and alert all to her presence. It was a sudden change, which was why it hit her so quickly, so hard, but after a few deep breaths, she adjusted enough to realize the deer had stopped here. Coming to a halt, the female moved to the cover of the shadows, golden eyes flicking back and for, but not immediately seeing the hind, indicating she hadn't scared it off. Good. 'Oh mighty, stealthy Ariste. How could the pack ever do without you?' The expected criticism came in the form of a sarcastic snip, as it mocked her abilities. 'You useless mutt, can you do anything other than mess up?' Ariste, as always, pushed away her sisters voice without emotion, numb to the attacks on her emotions and sanity at this point. Her mind honed in on the deer, ears turning to try and ear it. Shifting, she slipped into a low crouch, maneuvering herself swiftly through obstacles, avoiding twigs and other things that could hinder her ability to catch the doe. The blood in her veins pumped faster and harder, pulsating in her ears, as the test of who was quicker began. She reached the hoofed animal's side in silence, golden-silver eyes staring at it intensely as she slipped into a position that would make it easier to instantly leap out, if the need was so. Her mind was focused on it, as all other things were ignored. Watching the hind as it snorted, attempting to graze even with its injury. Its innocence bothered and annoyed her. Its only wish was to live, it wanted no greater purpose in life. Yet, she did not care. She would slay it and others for food, without a second thought about it. But its simplicity is what annoyed her. It had no struggle other than evading predators, perhaps whilst protecting young, but this female did not seem to have any fawn with her. Even had she, the fae would not hesitate to kill her, but she needn't consider it now. Running a tongue between her teeth, she scraped it on her front teeth as she dragged her tongue back to press against the top of her mouth, already able to imagine the taste of blood on her fangs and lips.

She waited for exactly the right beat, staying so still she might've been mistaken for something non-living, except for her eyes, which appeared as if they were glowing. She waited until it was just angled away from her enough, before she suddenly darted out, jaws wide as she kicked up dirt and grass behind her from her claws. Her dark form moved out from the shade, like a shadow separating from the one who cast it, and didn't aim to give the deer enough time to react. Her jaws were wide, as she bared her teeth in a silent attack, no sounds coming from her vocal cords. Crouching a bit, she launched herself into the air as high as she could aim, throwing her shoulder towards the female deer. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted movement, and with a second glance, she was shocked to see it was Rose, the wolf that had saved Hunter Yuki during Winter. That distraction cost her, however, instead of latching onto its throat, she rammed into the female Cervidae, she slid for a brief nanosecond, instead grabbing its shoulder due to her reflexes quick enough to react before she got dropped to the ground, and trampled under stampeding hooves. Focusing on falling the deer, she didn't pay much attention to Rose for now, trying not to get herself killed. However, a small to medium sized female deer - especially an injured one - could not hold the weight of multiple wolves, and was toppled to the ground. With quick paw, Ariste avoided flailing hooves, leaping to its upper half of the body, catching its throat between her teeth, and giving a harsh jerk, tearing through the skin and severing a couple of the jugular veins mercilessly. Needless to say, happy was something she was not. A low growl came from her maw, as she twisted so she could stand over the deer, three legs on the side of the deer closest to the Guardian, and her right hind leg on the other side, near its back. Her back arched and head lowered so it was almost level with her paws, eyes remaining emotionless for the time being. She would only attack if the prey was threatened, because she sure as hell wasn't going to let this Helidos weakling take it. However, she let her body language speak for her, tail curling up in way that would be to assert her dominance, but in the situation where the wolf wasn't from her pack, was more to warn her to back off. Her gaze was intense, mirroring her earlier look, staring at the pitiful deer that was about to become a wolf's meal, jowls quivering as they drew away from her fangs, but did not completely curl upwards to reveal them. Her ears stood erect, as she didn't falter, standing as a sentinel over the carcass, making it clear if one approached, they would be leaving as an unrecognizable example not to cross her. "Hello, Delta Rose." The words fell from her maw in her usual low voice, with a hint more of a threat in it, this time. She knew no wolf could carry the body back without aid, but still, she didn't move, orbs narrowing and glinting ominously as she awaited a response.

((I tried to leave it as vague as possible, Twelve, so you could hop in and say he like, tried to advance on her, or bit the deer's heel to cause her to fall, etc, so he's not completely left out.))

After getting everything done back in the packlands, Twelve had proceeded to leave and once again go roaming in the neutral territories. He was frustrated and stressed and wanted to burn the pent up energy burning within him. He sprinted almost the whole way there, keeping up a quick pace until he was past the pack's border and into the unclaimed lands. It was then he slowed to a trot, tongue hanging from his jaws as he panted heavily. He could hear the blood roaring in his ears and feel his heart thumping frantically as if it was trying to escape the confinement of his chest. His deep amber gaze travelled across the trees that were located in this particular area. Rather pretty he did admit and he flicked his tail from side to side as a flurry of petals rained down on his multicoloured pelt as a sharp breeze blew across the lands, tugging at the tips of his fur and the Warrior stretched out his neck- allowing the refreshing breeze to roam across his whole body. Finally after standing still for a few moments, Twelve got himself together and properly focused on the lands surrounding him and let his other senses join his traveling gaze as his nose twitched and ears perked upwards. A particular scent stood out to him and the brute's pink tongue found itself running across his pearly white fangs, his body suddenly alive with curiosity and excitement. He could almost taste the metallic tang of blood in his mouth as he inhaled deeply, there was an injured doe somewhere nearby. Perfect. He dropped into an instant crouch and began to slink forwards. His tail was held just slightly above the vegetation beneath him so that he would not brush off anything that could alert the beast of his presence.

Moments ticked by of patient stalking and Twelve could finally spot the injured creature. He fought the instant urge to race right at it knowing that a doe could beat a wolf no matter how swift when it came to a flat out sprint and he could not tell if it was injured enough to change this fact. Better to be safe than sorry. The blood began to pump quickly through his body and his nostrils flared as he drank in its delicious scent. His heart pumped strongly, sending blood mixed with adrenaline pumping through him like fuel but he remained perfectly still and silent, waiting for the right moment. This was perfect, he could bring it back to his new pack in order to fit in much better than he had managed when it came to Helidos causing him to leave and join the new group of wolves on the rise. His amber gaze shone as he gazed on intently, attention focused mainly on its hind legs. Nothing else mattered to him at that moment but the large herbivore before him, prey and predator. Two animals connected by a longing to survive however only one could be victorious and claim the prize. He shifted his position slowly and carefully, pulling up his mind legs beneath him- ready to spring forward. It had come to a stop and Twelve watched as despite its injuries it still continued to pull at the lush grasses and he frowned to himself, what would life be like if you had to do nothing but bend down to gain a full stomach? But he decided he would never like it, he would miss the thrill of the hunt and the pride at earning your food. Plus, it came with a grave price. To have such easy access to food you also became food to those who had to work for theirs.

It was only a matter of time now and the Warrior tensed his muscles. Yes, being at the top of the food chain was perfect. Finally the moment came and everything seemed to slow down as Twelve shot forward- focusing on his target. Jaws began to close around the deer's leg and his fangs made contact, tearing through flesh as he pulled back with all his strength. The crimson liquid leaked into his mouth as he tugged and suddenly the slowness was gone and everything burst into action. The deer went down much easier than expected and Twelve just presumed it's injuries were worse than he had realized. Without hesitation, the brute sprang for its throat however just as he made the leap he became aware of other wolves surrounding him and had to veer sharply to the side as one got in his way and even then as his jaws instinctively snapped shut they caught the ebony pelted wolf's ear and he felt it tear slightly and fresh blood spring into his mouth before he opened his jaws once again and rolled out of the way in the grass. Growling he sprung to his paws- both the blood of the deer and the wolf's staining his chin as he lashed his tail and snapped. "What the hell were you thinking? I could've killed you!" He growled, amber eyes narrowed as after a few moments he calmed and shook his head. There was two here, both faes and completely opposite in both colouring and packs it appeared. The also both had seemed to be after the same deer as him. He fell into silence, recognizing the dark one as the Delta of Erenyx and the light one as Helidos' Guardian. He only knew the name of Rose due to his time as a member of her pack. He was not daunted by the fact that they were both of higher ranks than him. Here in the neutral territories ranks did not matter, no all that mattered was your own skill when you were out here.

[Permission granted by Elite Ariste to slightly damage her ear. Also got very rushed near the end so I apologize if it is a bit all over the place.]

Rose hadn't seen Ariste approaching from the other side. Nor had she seen the mysterious brute lunging from behind. She had been in a world of her own, planning on how to take the deer back to her pack. She struck it, but she didn't land the killing blow. Her small body slammed against the injured doe, body swaying as she was knocked back and met eye to eye with silver eyes and an ebony pelted demon. Her amber eyes narrowed and she let her body tense as her ears flicked forward. Her tail curled over her back and a low snarl escaped her maw to warn the ebony fae to ward away from the doe. "Delta Ariste." She greeted, slowly letting the words fall out before correcting the she-wolf. "It's actually Guardian Rose now." She corrected the fae finally. Her tail stayed above her back, try to match the ebony fae's stance with her own small body. She flicked her ears to the brute whom had nearly full on attacked Ariste. Her amber eyes didn't stay upon the brute, but instead turned to the ebony fae. She reached down carefully grabbing the doe and gently pulling it to rest at her paws. "Well, rightfully, this kill belongs to Helidos since I advanced upon it first." She let her tongue lick her maw as she finished speaking, her amber eyes challenging either of them to dare take the prey away from her. In her mind, they had only helped in taking down the prey. She had been the first to strike, or at least close enough and her pack was low on food. They needed it most, as they hadn't had any hunters recently. She also hadn't been to the border except to cross into the neutrals. While the kill was made in the neutrals, she had been tracking the scent since it caught her nose.

The creature had passed right by the Helidos borders, masking it's scent with the wolves. The only thing that was a dead give away was the fact the doe had been injured. Whether it had been hunted before or simply tripped when lost from it's herd. It was dead now. That's all that mattered, but she wasn't going to let the ebony fae take the kill. She didn't know the brute, but he did not smell of Helidos, nor of Erenyx. "Who are you, brute?" She nearly hissed out the words, but kept her voice calm and steady. Her ears flicked towards the he-wolf, amber eyes staying upon the ebony fae as Rose knew that the only challenge lay with the other fae. She knew Ariste from Winter, having saved a packmate of hers from the raging river. She had used her tiny body to block the major waves from Yuki. When she had the company of the two faes, she went home and dried herself out, taking a few herbs to make sure she wouldn't catch cold. Then she had spent the rest of the day in her den, trying to stay completely warm as she hadn't fully dried out until late afternoon. The memories were fresh in her mind, but now it was late Spring and turning slowly into the burning Summer.

Summer. Sitka... She thought quietly to herself. When she thought of the summer, she thought of the new Delta male. She had taken such a liking to him instantly, it confused her at times. She had hunted with Sitka, perhaps that was it. She was planning on training Aleu in herbs and hunting, that way the younger she-wolf would be skilled and ready for anything. Rose breathed deeply, her tail still held comfortably above her spine. She didn't growl, nor did she look like she was all that scary. But her stance, it was broad and threatening to any whom dare try to take the prey. She needed to bring something back, and she was getting quite cranky with just sitting there. She carefully placed a fore-paw upon the doe, her amber eyes glaring down upon both of the wolves. She didn't want to just take it, for slight fear of one of them attacking her while she took the prize to her pack-lands. She held her stance, still challenging either of them to try and take the prey away. She wanted them to leave, that way she'd have an easier time taking the deceased doe back into the lands she called home. She would call wolves together, prideful over the fact she had the kill by her paws. But it was still close enough to the others that they could grab it. But whichever one did would be the one she attacked. She was not in a good mood. She wasn't tired, but she was hitting rock bottom in moral. Being promoted, she felt like she should have more duties, she was supposed to protect the Alpha family, but she hadn't taken the time to meet the entire family. She was proud the Alphess trusted her to be their Guardian, and she would give her own life to protect them. She would bite off more then she could chew in a battle to save them, but she also wanted to help provide for the pack. Collecting herbs and aiding the wounded wasn't enough, she wanted to hunt and do better then she had been. To be better then who she was, and to be even better then who she would be.

((OOC - Eek~ So excited for this thread, just saying... YOU BOTH WROTE AMAZINGLY!!!))

Guest

The black female felt a light, but steady stream of blood trickle down the side of her face from her torn ear, landing in a puddle at her feet. Her eye twitched, narrowing to avoid getting blood in it as she flicked her ear back. The Guardian fae's snarl had virtually no effect on her, keeping her protective stance over the meal, orbs glittering maliciously. Such a violent gaze turned to the Avagos male as he yelled at her, shoulders rolling and skin pulling taut over her muscles, hackles ruffling and raising to give her a larger appearance. "Well perhaps you should be more careful. I attacked first." Came the low, rumbling growl, voice calm and un-fearful. Eyes landing back on Rose's, her tail lashed harshly this way and that, before stilling, still raised high over her back. "That's where you're wrong. I, too, have been given a higher rank. Now I am the Elite of my pack." She corrected, eyeing the female. She was at the end of her line when the Alabaster female disregarded all warning, and walked up and pulled the prey, placing her paw on the carcass, claiming it to be 'rightfully' Helidos' kill. Now her black lips peeled back to reveal equally blackened gums, met by sharp ivory fangs, yellowing as she grew older each day, and used them more and more. Scarlet dripped from her whiskers and teeth, as she wrinkled her nose. "I believe you're mistaken, I was the one who tracked it here from our territories, chased it to Mirror Lake, then followed it again here. I was the one who injured it, and without the injury, me or the brute--" Her tail half-heartedly swished towards Twelve. "The likes of you would have never been able to take the doe down." The speech rolled from her tongue, with the same disturbing, spiteful calm as ever. Her head and upper-body swung around toward the ivory fea, jaws widening, before snapping shut near her maw, but not actually aiming to attack her yet. She had to deal with the Brujo, to make sure he wouldn't jump in and try to play the prince to the feminine's damsel in distress. "My pack has no Hunters at this time, and the prey is low - I do not doubt my pack needs it more. Regardless if all of that - I am taking this kill, not you." The onyx Hellion rasped, her deep, smooth voice lowered a pitch or two from its normal tone. Now, her golden-silver pools swiftly looked between Rose and Twelve, scrutinizing them as she kept her feet planted. The sweet smell of fresh meat and spilled blood filled her nostrils, reaffirming her choice to stand by her kill, refusing to give it up so easily and allowing her own pack to suffer for backing down. Now, it seemed, each pack needed the catch for themselves, and likely none were willing to give it up. Growls and snarls dying down, she waited for a response from any of them, braced for attack, or the need to attack them.

» Twelve
» Anything for a prey.
» Relax and Enjoy The Day [Warrior Twelve, private]
» Mice, Deer, and Other Prey
» To Be Predator Or Prey [Erenyx Members]

Targeting Prey (Ariste/Twelve)

Targeting Prey (Ariste/Twelve)

Similar topics

Similar topics