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Hunted
Feb 9, 2012 11:40:58 GMT -5
Post by The Creature Account on Feb 9, 2012 11:40:58 GMT -5
The morning was cool and crisp as a light snow fell from the pale grey sky. Dainty hooves cut through the fresh powder and pulled away as she pawed the snow, looking for grass underneath. The brown eyed doe sniffed the air and looked around quickly before she bent her head to nibble the dead grass. She chewed with little pleasure, the grass was barely enough to even have a taste.
Her pale coat twitched as an itch seemed to crop up out of no where. She bent her neck over her back and nibbled the annoyance. She had been separated from her herd in the last snow storm, she was lean but still strong. Things could be better, but all she cared about now was finding a decent meal. Her large eyes soon found a small tree a few yards away. She carefully walked toward it, keeping a look out for predators as she went.
She pawed the ground under the tree and was rewarded with a few pine needles. Also not a tasty food source, but better than the grass. She licked the trunk to the tree as well, trying to decide if it was worth the effort to strip the bark and eat. She nibbled tentatively, and was rewarded with relatively green bark underneath. She took a bite and stripped a long piece off to begin chewing. She was happy for a few mouthfuls of nutrients.
She moved around to the other side of the tree to get some more pieces, her back was to some of the other trees in the area and her head was facing toward the open valley in case she needed to make a run for it. Occasionally she would rear up to browse on some of the tender branches she could reach. Before long she was happily munching.
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Hunted
Feb 9, 2012 12:40:36 GMT -5
Post by Cæsar on Feb 9, 2012 12:40:36 GMT -5
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"Speaking" Cæsar sat back in the shadows of the trees, a dim blue light cast by the cold day casting an eerie glow to the white tiger that waited patiently in the underbrush. He had chosen an area on the border of the Children`s land that was the cast off of the great forest that loomed in the distance. Various animal tracks covered the ground and the scents were fresh enough to evoke his interest. The night had been waning and light had begun to dust the horizon, plunging the valley into a silver glow of growing warmth. The tiger in him needed food, in copious quantities, to sustain the energy required between transformations and that was needed to maintain the larger form. Not willing to waste his time hunting after a meal he decided to bunk down and silently post vigil, certain that sooner or later prey would come to him.
It wasn’t long before his patience was rewarded, though it was hard to tell exactly how long it had been, time passed so fast for the cursed wolf. However the sun had risen above the mountains and thusly he could only assume it was early morning. His thick downy fur kept him warm against the bitter cold and he opened his mouth to take in the scent of game. A deer by the smell of it and his eyes light up, he had consumed nothing but pitiful jackalop of late, and the harebrained creatures never provided proper before dinner entertainment. Deers on the other hand, were rather amusing with their skittish tendencies and proud disposition. Licking his large chops in anticipation he rose, his large padded paws treading across the snow ever so slowly, little noise resulting from his movements.
There she was, munching away on what appeared to be bark, poor dear, he thought, well at least she might serve a greater purpose in the end. The doe seemed a bit young to be out and about without supervision and Cæsar let his blazing blue eyes trail across the open valley, searching for her herd. However he neither caught sight or smell of any other animals, a pity considering he might have taken off after bigger game if presented the choice. Flicking his long striped tail through the air, the tiger rolled his shoulders and took off at a crouching run, slinking through the underbrush. Ever so nearer loomed the object of his current interest and with a deadly feline grace he sauntered out from the shadows of the trees. Rolling his tongue to try and remember the native tongue of deers he asked, “Are we enjoying our breakfast this morning? Pity you find yourself so alone...”He lifted his head to scan the area again, keeping his prize in the corner of his eye, but disappointed once again he still did not seen tell tale sign of larger game.
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Hunted
Feb 10, 2012 12:46:07 GMT -5
Post by The Creature Account on Feb 10, 2012 12:46:07 GMT -5
She scented the air in between nibbles, sadly though, she was down wind of the danger that lurked in the lifting darkness of the trees behind her. She did not hear his approach, at least not until he was right on top of her. She heard heavy footfalls and paused. She was in the middle of stretching half way up the tree for another bite when she heard a strange dialect she had never encountered before.
She turned her head suddenly and dropped to all fours with her eyes wide in fear. What was that? A calagris? She had never seen one like that. How did it know her language. She snorted a warning and stamped her foot as she tried to slowly back up toward the clearing she has lined up for herself in case this happened. It stank of wolf and death. Had this been the white beast that she had heard rumors about lurking on the outskirts of the herd. Her elongated ears twitched and searched desperately for any sign of one of her bucks. She had mated in the autumn after watching a spirited spar. Her belly had new life in it, the first time she had even been pregnant. She was realizing it made her a shade slower than when she was not encumbered.
She stared at the predator, her want to fly was hesitant do to the words she understood. ....What. What are you.? Who are.....leave me alone!" She snorted again, her heart was beginning to pound. He was huge, if there was anything she knew, it was that the larger they were, the slower. That meant she could outrun him if she had the chance, she just needed to back up a few steps. Her thin hooves took her back a tentative step, she didn't want him to attempt to close the gap.
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Hunted
Feb 10, 2012 14:45:16 GMT -5
Post by Cæsar on Feb 10, 2012 14:45:16 GMT -5
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"Speaking" Cæsar realized that his first mistake was alerting the doe to his presence, he rarely caught prey without the element of surprise and it was by his sheer brute strength that he brought down his meals. Chases did not and would not ever enthusiasm him, if ever he lost a prey it was because the animal had enough sense to make a run for it, in which case Cæsar would simply let it go and move on to another meal of interest. At worst he had been known to track larger game over the course of a couple days, he was a stalker and did his hunting without great hurry until the last second where his catch rarely realized they were in any danger until he had sunk his thick and sharp fangs into their necks.
However, circumstance would have it that he was in a conversationalist mood, a lucky break for our friend the deer, and wanted to tempt luck by engaging his prize in a quick discussion before finishing it off. The problem was that he had mildly under estimated the matter as he had neglected the escape route that the deer was now approaching, in his haste to find sustenance in the game-scarce winter season. His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits of malicious intent, just where did the creature think it was headed in such a hurry? His body remained eerily still, statuesque as his gaze focused on the doe`s, using his eyes to try and capture her attention from her escape route.
He was close enough to pounce, all it would take would be one well aimed blow and the deer would be down, but Cæsar was loath to give up his chance to talk. At worst he would simply track his prey down, and eventually she would lead him to the herd and a bounty of larger game. It was a win win circumstance for the Hybrid, one way or the other he would get his meal and his conversation. Chuckling softly Cæsar said, “A simple conversation, for now.” And with that he leaped forward, claws extended to land ever so near to his prey, a carnal grin on his maw. “Tell you what doe eyed wonder, amuse me and I may let you go, fail and it will be kitty chow time for you and the lights go out, boo.” He said with cold mockery, lifting a paw to extend one long ebony claw at the time and then swiping it through the air for emphasis. Poised to strike the doe needed but to make a movement and he would lash out at it with feline reflexes. Admittedly it was a gamble, for he could not chase it for long should the doe decide to flee, but all he needed was a faltering in the creature`s step to take it down.
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Hunted
Feb 13, 2012 11:34:31 GMT -5
Post by The Creature Account on Feb 13, 2012 11:34:31 GMT -5
She was unsure what to do, all her instincts were yelling for her to run and save herself and her unborn fawn. However the intrigue was phenomenal. Could it possible that she was dreaming? Maybe it was all a farce to confuse her. She was more simple minded than wolves, so gullibility was not far off the mark when it came to tricks like this. All he wanted was to talk? She watched his muscles coil and he leaped for her she reared and sprang away from him. She turned to see him swipe harmlessly at the air and hold his paw up as if he would do it again.
She thought it was odd to slash the air, but she rather it be that than her flesh. She snorted again, feeling stubborn and defiant, but also wanting to see where he was going with this. Curiosity was not a safe thing for prey to have. At least his mock pounce had pushed her closer to her clearing. Though she did realize that his pounce had been swift and deliberate, there was a chance he could hit her the next attempt. It made her paw the ground nervously as he continued talking in his strange, broken dialect.
"I don't like you. How would I amuse you?" She did not want to take the gamble, however it seemed that she had little choice in the matter. Her ears twitched, straining to hear her herd. Perhaps they had doubled back through the valley. They had done it before in her short life. Her flag was raised in case they were near. No need to endanger them right? Wait....self-preservation was a big factor in the life of prey. She did not think that she would be in the situation to throw another under the bus aside from simply outrunning the weak. Maybe she could take him to her herd....have him pick off on of the elderly. After all, she was young and fresh, much better for the herd than any of the geezers were. Hell, there were even a few fawns that she could point out. Betrayal didn't cross her mind. At this point it was survival instincts giving her alternatives
"I'll talk to you....what do you want to talk about?" She glared at him, "I can take you to my herd...." She didn't feel shame for blurting it out. She felt an inkling of hope, for her future to continue perhaps another needed to end. Even if he didn't take her offer, she could run and melt into the herd. Provided she could find it before he caught up.....
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Hunted
Mar 5, 2012 12:16:37 GMT -5
Post by Cæsar on Mar 5, 2012 12:16:37 GMT -5
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"Speaking" Cæsar chuckled, the sound coming out like dark velvet to his ears as he watched the terrified doe try and seek an escape. But there would be none for one way or the other the great wolf intended to have a good deer feeding upon this day and whether on her hide or one of her kin it did not really matter. Eyes twinkling with deviousness, he supposed he could have some fun in the process. If she sought to run he doubted he was up to a high spirited chase, it seemed like too much energy, however he would track the little doe down until she either grew too tired to out run him or she led him to her herd. Saliva came to his mouth as he imagined plunging his long fangs into the beast`s neck, my how the warm blood would flow against his white pelt. Beginning to grow impatient with his growing hunger he racked his claws against the ground ever so slowly, long tailed flicking like a snake preparing to spring.
The options were there, he could try and overcome the doe and might even succeed, could toy with her a bit more or he could pat her on her head and send her away to lead him to bigger fish. It did not matter that he was so close to pack lands, if it meant food he would push the limits and test whomever sought to defy him, at least it would grab a pack wolf`s attention and provide him with something else to occupy his dwindling attention. So the little darling didn`t like him? What wasn`t to like, from the tip of his black nose to the end of his striped tail he was after all a magnificent beast, in fact the insignificant creature should feel most honoured to even have caught his attention. Naturally his attentions were incredibly expensive and the doe would pay a dear dear cost, but at least her meagre life would be blessed by his temporary presence. Darkly he growled, “You would do well not to insult that which can kill you my dear, you should feel honoured to even be conversing with me.” He gave the long flowing strands of fur on the scruff of his thick neck an imperial toss, chiding the animal with his blazing cold gaze.
What was this? She would lead him to her herd? Oh the ideas turning in his head would make the dear die of a heart attack, for if only she knew what he was thinking she would wish herself dead on the spot. There was something with making a deal with the devil that intrigued the large wolf and a gleeful grin spread along his maw. His meals would be served for many years to come he was beginning to think and he stepped forward softly with a conspiring wink. “What`s this, miss would betray her herd for her life? My, aren`t we just the treacherous type.” He liked his chops in obvious amusement, “Now why would such a small thing as yourself kill off another to save her own life? Me thinks thow does protest a bit too much...” He cocked his head, giving her a contemplative look, there was more than met the eye to this situation, though what it was he could only fathom. This creature had more to lose than her life, of that he would wager and this raised the stakes higher and most certainly in his favour.
Breathing in deeply he sniffed the creature`s unique scent, committing it to memory with a hungry look, letting her wallow in fear for a bit before proceeding with his demonic agreement. “You smell so lovely my dear, I think I could probably track you wherever you might decided to flee you know? I bet any young you ever have would taste just as delightful as yourself wouldn`t they?” And there is was, a thinly veiled threat that stipulated he would not only hunt her down, but her family as well, unless... “I have a little deal to make with you, let`s call it an insurance to guarantee you and any family you may have`s safety. I am but a hungry fellow, starved really, and I might easily settle for other game then yourself, but I am afraid I need some help you see. Since you seem so willing to sacrifice your heard I am sure you will be interested in hearing me out?” All this speech was really trying his abilities, twas well needed practice on his part for it had been too long since he had spoken to the creatures he hunted.
Purring with pleasure in his own cunning he continued, “Lead me to your pack and convince a fellow beast to separate from the herd. I want no old and stark deer, only juicy and without much defense will do. Lead them to me and you may go free, however, failure will result in the death of any young you shall ever have. Also, jsut for extra guarantee, should I ever come calling, and I will for I do enjoy checking up on my business partners, you will offer me another meal as a courtesy for having taken the time to find you. In return you may go free and your future brood should you have any will be safe as well.” He gave her an elegant bow, mocking her lack of power for such a deal would wreak havoc on any creature`s conscience, it was now a matter of the lesser of two evils.
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Hunted
Mar 22, 2012 9:52:12 GMT -5
Post by The Creature Account on Mar 22, 2012 9:52:12 GMT -5
She tried to be brave. She snorted at the comment about being privileged to be talking to him. She felt like he was being condescending, she was not as intelligence sure, but she knew when she was being insulted and she was not pleased with it. She was young a full of life and stood a better chance of survival against him than some members of her herd. Why take the stronger one that would put up more of a fight? Her brown eyes blinked blankly as he mentioned betrayal.
"It's survival. I'm young and strong. Some of them are weak. That's how things work. The weak die the strong survive. The herd is safe for numbers, but we push out the lame and old to better the existence of the rest of us." There was little loyalty in the deer herd. They only really collected like this to increase their own chances of survival. She stamped her hoof and backed up a half a step as he started making a queer proposition.
She did not trust where he was going with this. She was an animal that stuck with tradition and instinct. He seemed to be warping both in some cruel plot that would destroy her no matter what. Her nostrils flared as she filled her lungs with oxygen, not wanting to risk cramping up if she needed to flee. When he finally made the suggestion she starred at him in disbelief as her heart fell.
He wanted her to give him the strong in her herd? That was ludicrous, it would break up the entirety of what the herd was based on: the continuation of the strongest genes. The herd would collapse and die if the meek took control; if the stress of holding the herd didn't kill them, the predators would. She narrowed her eyes, "I will make no such deal. It goes against the natural order." She took another half step back. He would not have her or her young. The herd moved enough and deep into other wolves territories. This cat thing couldn't dog her forever. She was convinced. However, he was here right now and dangerously close.
She had to escape. She knew there was a river near by, she could hide her scent there and make her way back to the last place she saw her herd. As suddenly as she decided to flee she coiled her legs and leaped away toward the clearing. Her small hooves had trouble getting traction, but she pushed herself to begin running down the icy hill....
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