Kameskai Wolves

[Goanna]

Keeya had dawdled- had stopped to wonder why Basile had echoed back the line in her head- had dawdled and now had missed her chance. Turning on her heels, she sprinted forwards and caught up with the main body of the pack. She was puzzled, utterly perplexed by Jaden, as up here the distinctive scent of prey- the smell of the earth mixed with sweat and urine- was clear and filled the surrounding air. She didn't know what he was playing at by not pointing it out straightaway- no wolf's nostrils could be that muddled- and it made her fur bristle to think that he had allowed Aisha to scent it first. Aisha posed no threat to Keeya, she didn’t feel as though she had to prove herself against the ivory wolf, and so she liked her, or at least didn’t dislike her. She felt the same about Feria, who was far too quiet to do any harm. Jaden was a different matter however. What was he even trying to do? Why was he taking such an interest in Aisha? A sideways glance at Basile, his teeth bared, told Keeya that he felt the same way as her. She glared pointedly at Jaden, raising her hackles slightly and snorting gently so that Basile could hear her.

The pack was now approaching the caribou- the scent was getting stronger by the second- and Keeya slowed as Cassiel gave directions to Aisha. Though the white female was granted permission to lead the pack towards the hunt, Keeya was still fiercely determined to play her part. She raised her nose directly in front of her, trying to pick up a scent containing a little more sweat, a little more bile or saliva than usual, a scent that would lead back to a sick or injured animal. However, for all her experience gained living on her lonesome, she still did not have quite enough insight to be able to determine, from this distance, exactly how to single out an animal ready to leave the world, so she lowered her snout and kept moving.

[Tay]

Aisha yipped happily to her Father's order and shot past him and Luma. She heard his warning though, and nodded. She thought about getting Jaden to run up with her, but Father might not like that. She ran along the Kameskai land; the scent of winter was growing ever stronger and her instincts lead her forward. She could smell the Caribou, taste their musky scent in her mouth. She may be naive, but she was still a wolf, still a hunter.

She raced along, banner straight behind her. She entered a group of evergreens. The overpowering scent of sap waft into her nose and she resisted the urge not to sneeze. She let her air out evenly her run still going. She sorted the scents and found the Caribou very close. She began to slow, her tail flicking to her Father in signal.

She snuck around trees until she could hear the bleats and calls of the cows. She didn't need to get any closer for now. Not until they had a plan. She stopped, almost slipping on some needles. Her bodice turned to face Cassiel and Luma. Her brown orbs searched for Jaden.

I didn't alert them! I got so close too! Her banner fanned the air as she grinned.

[Kaziph]

Cassiel followed his daughter, paw-step for paw-step, until they came into the clearing and the scent of the caribou wafted around them temptingly. So close to the beasts, he nodded his head to Aisha, congratulating her on coming so close to them. Quickly he picked his way across the small copse, ears laid forward in the strictest of attention and muscles taught.

He gazed out of their hiding place and found that they had come to be within fifty meters of a herd of caribou, temporarily resting and grazing out in the open meadow. There were no trees around, save for the wolves's shelter, which could prove problematic. Yet maybe Keeya's running could do them some good. The white wolf looked back to his clan mates, assessing them and their abilities as he considered how to conduct the hunt.

The typical herding plan seemed best, and Cass nodded to Luma. My trusted beta, take yourself and Jaden and Feria out into the open lands, but keep down. They might scent you and spook, but they won't see where the scent is coming from if you keep hidden among the tall grasses. He pointed silently with his nose to an area directly opposite from where they stood currently, in the open and far away. Next, he looked to Aisha. You and I both will have very important jobs, my dear. We will head out on opposite sides of the herd, and be seen by them after Luma and the others are in place. They will bunch together, hopefully, and we should be able to guide them into the trap. His idea was to make a square, with...

Basile and Keeya, he looked to them. Once everyone else is in place, then you both shall start the stampede, the run. Make them move, hopefully between Aisha and myself, into the waiting jaws of your clan mates. His dark brown eyes considered every wolf present, and then he nodded to his beta to head out into position once she was ready. For his part, he stood patiently, waiting on Feria, Jaden, and Luma to get into place.

[Tay]

Artist: entaie.deviantart.com/


Luma's yellow orbs praised the young wolf. She offered a happy smile. Wonderful job, Aisha. She turned her attention to Cass, listening to his plans. She nodded once, looking to her charges. I love a good hunt. She thought.

Very well, Cass. We'll go now. Jaden, Feria come. Move slowly and surely. Try to make the grasses sway to much. You must appear a breeze and a not a snake. Let us go. She nodded to them both, knowing they would do well. She slowly pad away, her footsteps silent on the ground.

Basile smiled at his sister. Very good Aisha. He was relieved that Father did not allow Jaden to share in the lead with Aisha. His banner raised and he turned to Keeya. We get to run, Keeya. Run them straight into the others. Think you can handle that? He gave her a grin.

Aisha stopped her self from dancing from paw to paw again. She nearly shook with excitement. She straightened herself up, though. Smiling to all the compliments. She had to impress Jaden with her hunting skills.

She could smell the scent of winter coming soon...and something else with it. She wasn't sure what but the idea excited her. It made her wish to make Jaden wish to run along side her, deep into the lands of the Kameskai. She pulled herself from her dream to watch Luma pad away, she smiled softly at Jaden. Luck, Jaden.

[Zanna]

Jaden nodded in acknowledgment to Luma, lowering his large frame to the ground. He was content with his assignment; it allowed him to use his strength to the fullest. He could think of only one job he could like better, and he'd have it soon enough-his thoughts were interrupted as he gave himself a mental shake. He may have been crafty, handsome, sly, cunning, amazing, and various other things, but he was hungry first. He had no desire to eat dead last because he was too distracted with thoughts of grandeur to pay attention to the hunt.

Catching Aisha's silently sent luck, he dipped his large head to her. The same to you, Aisha His yellow eyes flashed in anticipation of the kill that waited for him across the field.

Best of luck to you, pack brother, he said softly to Basile, topaz orbs filled with false honesty. He smiled at him briefly, calmly, before padding silently after Luma across the plains.

He took the elder wolf's advice, barely touching the stalks around him. The grass swayed lightly, as if flowing with the first chill breezes of winter. The scent of Caribou sweat filled his nostrils, clinging to his fur, filling his very being. The scent was slightly dizzying, yet it sharpened his senses at the same time, working him into a silent frenzy. His muscles began to tense slightly in anticipation for the taste of blood, but the sensation was not unpleasant. It seemed to further feed his frenzy, setting adrenaline racing through his entire being, lending him the extra strength he would need to pounce at the creature with all his strength. His eyes narrowed, the whole world coming into extreme focus. Every strand of hair on each Caribou in the herd, even those farthest from him stood out in the most accurate detail, each of their individual scents as clear as that of Luma's in his nostrils. He looked to the beta, anticipating orders.

[Goanna]

Keeya licked Basile on the cheek, a devilish grin on her face. Yes, yes I think I can do that. She caught the eye of the alpha and dipped her head to him, thanking him for assigning to her the ideal role. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she watched silently as Luma and Jaden moved into position, as her thoughts became centered on the hunt. Soon there would be nothing for her but the chase, nothing to think about but racing her heart out. She lowered herself onto her haunches, breathing slowly and deliberately to calm herself. Though it would become her ally in a few moments, she had no need for adrenaline at the present, and so she sat, waiting for the signal to move.

[Kaziph]

The white brute stood in silence as the others of his pack moved into position. His eyes sought out Luma and Jaden's form in the distance, making certain they were indeed in place. Cass then glanced to Aisha, and he blinked encouragingly at his daughter. Let's move into place ourselves. The alpha looked to his son next. Once we are out in the meadow, Basile, give us a moment to get ourselves ready, and then begin.

He padded away from the wooded copse, his movements becoming stealthy and paw steps light on the earth. The brute blended in well into the dying, yellowing grasses, keeping his fluffy white pelt down so that it wouldn't be noticed. Once he had gone so far out into the meadow, he paused, hoping Aisha was ready. It was time for the hunt to begin.

[Tay]

Basile felt his pulse speed puzzlingly when Keeya licked him. His green orbs shot to her excited form, perlexed. Then he looked to his Father, shaking his head ever so lightly to remove the thoughts. He nodded, smiling and dipping his head to Cassiel. He looked to Keeya, readying himself for the run. He watched as the form of his Father almost but dissapeared in the grasses.

Asiha followed the lead of Cassiel, thankful she had the same pelt color and too blend in well. She crept along slowly, watching her father from the corner of her eye. When he stopped, she made sure she was even with him before stopping too. She glanced back to where Basile hid, but did not risk looking at Jaden.

She feared the butterfly feeling in her stomach she got from looking at him would escape and alert the herd. She focused her orbs on Cassiel, watching for a move from him to signal her.

Basile watched as the similar forms of Aisha and Cassiel stopped moving and turned to Keeya. Come, Keeya. Let's see the running you've been talking about so much. He leapt through the brush, alnding on the edge of the meadow. His noise alerted the herd and they shot their heads up to stare. He landed running, the predator instinct taken him over.

(OOC: Blah...kinda a poo post. I want to get a move on with this thread though. Lol.)

[Kaziph]

I share the same desire lol...

Cassiel tensed in anticipation, feeling the earth move with the stomp of the herd-beasts hooves before he started forward. His large frame was a sight to behold as he leapt into action with their quarry, fangs barred and snapping enthusiastically. The deer, now encased from behind and the side by wolves, instictively swerved away from Cass's predatory growling and into Aisha's path. It was up to the young femme to keep them in line, herd them toward Luma and Jaden's trap...

[Tay]

Aisha, having crouched for a long time, waiting for her brother and Keeya to startle the herd, waiting for her chance to prove to Jaden what a good hunter she was. To prove what a good provider of food. She saw no reason this instinct rose inside her chest so strongly, for pups were not even a notch in her thinking. She only wished to be closer to the male, prove herself to him. Show him she was worthy of attention. All this rose from her instincts, though this did not register to her. Aisha did not worry over the whys or how’s.

Perhaps later in life she would. Perhaps when she got older, more matured and the world had taught her a few of her lessons. She now just knew she needed to do these things. Her heart beat thrummed in her ears, and she swore she felt Basile's paws him the ground so far away. Her orbs turned as he leap into a run, she assumed Keeya would be a mere breath behind him and her brown orbs turned to Cassiel.

Her mouth began to water. Her tongue lolled with anticipation. Control the herd, drive them to Jaden and Luma, control the herd, prove yourself, control the herd... It was a steady flow, as steady as the beat of her heart and when her Father leapt up, growling and looking like something fierce, she briefly remembered her Mother, doing this to a loner when she was only a pup. Luma too had leapt into action, and she felt her own self give into the instinct of the wolf.

She leap from her hiding place, growling viscously and snapping her slathering jaws with snarls and yips at the caribou's flank and ankles. They gave bleat of alarm, their escape now ridden with a new growling beast. They turned their attention to the only place to go, where Jaden and Luma lay hidden. It was they who would pick the meal, and then Aisha would help them bring the terrified beast down to it's last breath. She snapped again at the side of a too close caribou. Soon, they would have a meal and feast as hunters do.

[Zanna]

Jaden's bright eyes scanned the charging herd, searching for weaklings or the elderly; something that could be easily brought down. His nose took in their strong scent, scanning for the tell-tale sickly sweetness of disease. This part of pack life was stranger to him. He was, after all, wolf. He remained hidden, poised and ready to spring when the right animal was in reach, kneading the ground in anticipation. He could see the some members of his pack amongst the herd; Cassiel leaping at the herd fiercely, Aisha still lovely, even with her jaws snapping. Keeya and Basile could not be seen through the mass of frenzied creatures, but he could tell where they ran from the way the herd moved.
Aisha hadn't driven the herd as well as her father, but with much more skill than Jaden had expected. He couldn't say she was a masterful hunter, but she did acceptably well. With an involuntary nod, his subconscious took note that she was a capable predator. Now, it was his turn to impress her. He knew, without even having to think about the fact, that strong and skillful males were the ones with mates.
His swiveling ears took note of a pained bleating coming from within the herd. It wasn't like the worried cries that the rest of the beasts were giving out. It was sharp, distinct, and uneven. His orbs found his quarry: An older bull who wasn't putting weight on a rear leg. He almost pitied the creature, once a king, now old, injured, and a meal for a wolf pack. It was, however, nature's way for the strong to take advantage of the dumb and weak, and who was he to disagree with nature? He flicked his tail to Luma, his eyes still following the bull. Do you see him? He asked, readying himself to pounce.

[Tay]

Artist: entaie.deviantart.com/


Luma had smiled with satisfaction as the hunt had gone on. The herd now raced in her and Jaden’s direction, yet she struggled to pin-point the weak one in the herd. She could smell the animal, the sickness and pain drifting through the scent of panic. Her yellow orbs searched, and then she saw Jaden signal. Her orbs shot to the bull and she noted his favored leg. Yes, I see him. Good catch.

She steadied herself, her feet vibrating with beat of Caribou hooves. She waited, knowing Jaden was prepared to jump at the bull. The animal drew closer, swerve through his kin in hopes of not being noticed. A spot opened amongst the beasts, and a clear path to the bull was presented. Luma leapt silently, causing another start from the Caribou close enough to see her. She raced toward the animal, who as fate would have it, just managed to turn his head, trying to pin his eyes on the threat behind him.

He did not see the new silver one, racing like a bullet to sink into his skin until it was too late. He turned his head just in time to glimpse Luma jumping for his throat. He attempted to strike her with his front hooves, but the weak leg made him stumble, and the hoof that would have struck Luma in the chest did not so much as graze her soft fur. She sunk her sharp daggers into his throat, feeling the blood bloom in her mouth.

The bull gave a cry, which rattled Luma's teeth. Yet she hung on, twisting her hind legs to keep them from under his hooves. This was all she could do for now, hang on and sap the beast's strength and hope the others would strike soon. He will make it so we deserve the dinner we get. I am glad, the first dinner for the new Kameskai should not be one handed to us.

[Zanna]

A delighted howl escaped Jaden's open jaws as he raced after the bull. His teeth snapped together as he moved himself into position, readying to pounce. As he launched himself into the air, claws outstretch and jaws open all the intricate matters of his life now seemed trivial. The dark male landed squarely on the bull's rump, his claws piercing through fur and flesh alike. The creature bucked and bellowed, suddenly jarred by this second impact. His eyes grew cloudy with the natural painkiller of shock.



Jaden's fangs sunk deep into the flesh, the warm, metallic taste of blood overpowering all his other senses. His head shook violently, ripping at the dying caribou. The wolf's mind was in a dizzying haze, but a few words echoing about his cranium. Bite, hold on, bite, hold on... He didn't think about his actions, just as every generation before him had not. It just happened. His back legs dug into the bull's hide, pushing downward, tearing the delicate tissues apart, continuing to do precisely what his instincts instructed.



The bull cried out again, loosing his balance as the wolf atop his back shook him, his three good legs unable to support the extra weight of two wolves.

[Kaziph]

B E R Y L

The she-wolf passed over the ground like a mad-beast, running full out. Her nostrils flared out and her lungs screamed for breath, but she didn't stop. She had heard his call, her father's call, so very far away in the open loner's lands, and she had come. Her paws flew out to eat up the ground, and the fem found herself reveling in the experience. This was her home, and she owned it as much as any other Kameskai wolf. She wondered if her brothers and sisters were still around...

As she drew nearer to the clan she realized that the hunt had already begun, and the caribou were stampeding in fear. She saw a flash of white, two flashes, and knew one was her father. The other figures she recognized but couldn't name from a distance. Beryl was temped to call out, but the hunt was already naturally chaotic. She doubted her voice would be heard over the terrified bleating of the deer. She saw then that one had been singled out, and as she drew within fifty yards two wolves had already leapt for the kill. The big deer was still standing, struggling though... there was nothing for it. She was already upon them, a blur of a shadow, a kiss of silent death in the form of a she-wolf that was the old alphess' dark twin.

Her snarl was cut short by the skin of the deer as she sprang from mere feet away, slamming into the caribou with an unnatural force. Her weight triggered several things at once. The deer slipped, his injured limb giving with three wolves upon him, Beryl's loose grip released when the skin of the stag broke between her fangs, and in the tumble toward the ground, her green eyes flashed upon the handsome form of a wolf she didn't know - she would find out later his calling was Jaden.

Darkness closed in around her as she scrambled to get away from thrashing hooves, but one caught her on the head and she was tossed away from the kill site like a limp rag-doll. She landed with a thump, jerked sideways, and sat up almost all at once, blood pooling about her ears, washing down her brow and into her eyes. Startled from the outcome and the suddenness of the end, the she-wolf looked toward one of the white wolves, Cassiel, puzzled and relieved together to see him. Her eyes, typically dark and moody like her mother's, were lit for a moment with happiness at seeing the one male that meant anything to her, but they were hooded quickly by the red blood, and she remembered who she was and her place.

The green turned acidic almost, and as she silently looked around at the wolves, meeting any inquisitive or stunned gazes, she felt oddly... right. She was home.

[Goanna]

(ooc: o. my. goodness. I can't believe I missed that part. :c)

Run, run, run, run, , Keeya's heart beat in time to the placement of paw on earth. Only seconds before she had been in amongst the herd, had felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins as she urged the prey onwards, snapping and snarling at their feet, dodging and weaving through the thundering hooves. Now she'd done her job, made them run, o how they'd run!, and she was now on the outskirts of the herd. She snapped at a young female as it galloped past her, but made no attempt at a chase. This was, after all, what the others were for. The muscular female slowly eased her pace to a gentle trot, then halted altogether, still panting heavily. The pursuit had taken her quite some way away from the pack, so that she could not see how the others were doing, could not see if the hunt had been successful. Perhaps the others were bringing down their quarry now. A loud rumble from her stomach reiterated the fact that she was craving large-meat, and she hoped that the pack was successful. She turned in a circle and slowly started back in the direction she'd come from, hoping to run into Basile on the way.