She was hungry. But of course, she was. Wolves tended to fatten up during the fall to make the winter less unbearable. Morgan, however, liked the colder months. Her thicker coat was a blessing during this less than ideal time. It didn’t excuse her from trying to fatten up though. She was just as much common as anyone else was in the Boreas. Trudging through the thick sea of trees, she’d wander aimlessly. Or so it seemed. She was looking for a scent to follow. Picking up the smell of a small deer herd, she’d lift her head to call out for anyone else to join her. Usually, she could hunt alone, but right now she needed to bring down something larger than a fawn. Something that she could drag back to the makeshift rogue den she was using for storage later. Her call was only for one other person. Pack wolf or not, they could aid her.

Morgan didn’t know who would show up, but she was confident someone would. She kept away from the herd, though could see the telltale signs of them on the small trail. Scat, hoof marks, broken branches, and twigs. She was on the right track. Trailing after them, she’d slow her pace until she could smell the scent of the other wolf that maybe would be joining her. She only hoped the other was open to her suggestions and worked well with her. She wasn’t going to argue when her belly was empty, and her mind wandered wearily. She was liable to snap someone’s head off and chase her prospective hunting partner away. Though her frustration would be fully directed to the herd and hopefully one big, fat doe. Stags were too risky with the antlers and the extra muscle.

Still, she waited for someone to come along. Her paws worked both nervously and frustratingly on the earth below.

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Twig had taken to hunting outside of Abaven as much as she could. The girl had seen her fair share of danger, but it hadn’t stopped her from trying to provide for her pack. Her uncle Solor had returned, meeting with him had been interesting and this had been the last place she expected to meet him. It was good to know she had family ties here as well as growing friendships. When she heard the call for a hunting partner as was close enough that she could appear before the summoner quickly.

Dainty paws carried her pale striped form over the twisted maze of tree trunks and roots, bringing her to face the mottled she wolf. Autumn offered a quick smile in greeting as she too noticed the tell tale signs of a herd having come through here. Her quarry was obvious, and Twig started to become eager. There didn’t seem to be a great number of deer, and in this kind of terrain they wouldn’t be able to use their full array of defenses. Navigating something like this with tiny thin hooves would put the ruminating creatures at a huge disadvantage. She and this woman would have little trouble in the end.

Twig approached with a quick bark to allow the woman to know where she was. She didn’t want to further spook the deer by creating a ruckus. She nodded quickly as she presented herself first. ”My skill are at your disposal.” Twig started. ”I just ask for my fair share when we’re done.” She wanted her fair share, which in the end might not be 50%. ”What’s your plan?” Twig took a seat and perked her creamy ears in the direction of the stranger. Her form did not relax however, the building tension was easy to see in the way her muscles coiled. She sat, prepared to spring at any moment.

Abaven had been plagued by cats recently, and she had to keep in mind the possibility of running into one of them here. Where wolves had advantage over deer in this landscape any cat would have advantage over the two of them.

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A woman would appear after a few minutes of waiting, eager to help. Morgan chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Course” she said quietly to the other as they asked for their share. She couldn’t eat a whole deer by herself and from the smell of the woman, she assumed they were a pack wolf. “you’ll get your share” If she worked for it, but the piebald didn’t say that out loud. Turning her head back to the herd, she’d ‘hmm’ thoughtfully before launching into a plan. “I’ll follow and harass one of the older does. You come in and begin to separate it from the herd.” This one was slim and agile; Morgan would allow the woman to use her speed while the piebald made up much of the aggression.

“name’s Morgan, by the way” she added into her words. Just in case there was a cause to call out, but the pale woman was in no way obligated to give her name. veering after the herd, she’d walk slowly with hopefully the other woman in tow. She heard no complaints about her plan and decided if the other wanted to contribute ideas she would in due time. Or they could blow through the whole hunt on dumb luck. Either way was good. As the herd came into view, Morgan dipped her head with her body lowering as she crouched. Spotting an old, nearly dead on their hooves, doe she’d grin. No way the stag would waste time protecting such an elder. It was the way of the wild. This deer was on its last life.

Blue eyes scanned for an opening. Morgan darted from cover, snapping her jaws at the elder’s legs. It called out, but the other deer were already running. Trusting her partner to cut off the front of the old doe’s escape, she managed to grasp one of the legs and pull. It kicked out, but she dodged and bit down, drawing blood.

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Twig’s bright violet stare followed the woman’s attention to the herd that wasn’t so far off. The young Memoire girl listened intently, finding the first part of the plan simple. Most of the time simple was better, it gave you more room to maneuver when things went awry. Twig would nod approvingly, Morgan, as she came to be called, knew the strengths and weaknesses of both of their bodies. Autumn was a quick little thing, while Morgan had more weight to back her up. Twig would act as a buffer between the older doe and the herd.

”Twig, if you need anything.” The Memoire girl offered as she came up the rear. The two would remain close for long, the young she wolf found a place with enough cover that she could remain hidden until her partner startled the deer into moving. She just had to keep their target from reuniting with the rest of the group. Twig settled in to wait for movement, and as Morgan emerged from the forest Twig darted from the trees.

Her added presence scared the jumpy creatures further, and she placed herself between the older beast and the herd. She snapped menacingly towards the fleeting animals and their tails raised in obvious alarm. None remained to help the old timer, not that any of them should. Twig’s attention was returned to their target and her partner. Morgan had the creature round the leg, but that was no safe place to be.

The young Memoire girl raced forward to catch the creature’s attention. She snapped her teeth and charged the animal fiercely. She didn’t have much of an opening with the flailing hooves aimed at her face, but it was enough to be immediately distracted from the assault from the rear. She moch charged a second time as movement was caught from the corner of her eye. She backed away to keep herself safe as her attention was brought to the sudden appearance of a huge mountain lion.

It was easily the biggest of its species that she had seen. The tom’s shoulders were wide and muscular, and its teeth far more intimidating than her own. Twig panicked, and retreated closer to where Morgan was. They had to keep the deer, and fend of the giant cat. Likely the doe’s injuries to its hind leg were enough to keep it from going far if Morgan was forced to release it. Twig growled deeply as her brows furrowed and her hackles raised. She fell into a fighting stance and growled more heavily.

With ears lowered to her skull and her joints bent her attention quickly fell most heavily on the cat. She barked angrily, letting the beast know they were not going to give up their find so easily. Twig made an attempt to use the same approach she’d used for the deer. With all her courage she took a deep breath and mock charged the big cat. Her teeth snapped as she barked, spittle flew as her fur bristled all along her back.

The cat fell back as she did, intimidated enough to hold off its attack, Twig spared a glance at Morgan and the deer, wondering if she should have stepped in more heavily with their catch.

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well shit.

she didn't exactly plan on this happening. a cougar appeared out of what seemed like thin air, intercepting and interrupting their hunt. Morgan held onto the leg of the doe, her jaws crunching further down on the leg to induce blood and pain as she growled openly at the cat. the deer brayed and yanked itself free, but the damage had been done. it now walked with a limp as it tried to hobble away. like most prey food, deer were stupid and if faced with a large crowd they didn't seem to know what the heck to do next. this was a female, so she didn't have antlers to back up the harassment the wolves were giving her.

as the deer slowly tried to escape, Morgan dashed forward after Twig retreated to her side. as the larger wolf here, she knew it'd be up to her to protect their food. her thick coat fluffed up like a feline, trying to make herself seem bigger than she already was. "I'll be fine! get the doe!" was all she could manage to say as the cougar leaped on her. a flurry of fur and claws were met together as both tussled under each other's weight. the piebald wasn't so easily subdued though; she'd keep the cougar busy while Twig finished off the doe.

then they could protect the body together.

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The doe was wounded heavily enough, and the confusion was effective in that she didn’t get very far. As Twig looked back toward Morgan she seemed to insist that they trade places for the moment. The only force Autumn Memoire backed down from was a pack of coyotes, and that was because they were practically her size to begin with. The big cat was not impressed with her letting her eyes wander from him, and as she looked to her partner it seemed he’d been keen to go on the counter attack.

While the smaller girl was loathe to leave the cat she did as she was told quickly. Her attention was put wholly on the deer, and much trust was given to her hunting partner. She had to keep Twig protected in the quick moments it took her to get back to the doe. The young girl leapt towards the hobbling doe, her paws swiping at the one good back leg. She managed to trip the creature enough that she could make it closer to try at the creature’s throat.

Blood pooled into her mouth with a warm satisfaction. The wound was at least mortal, and Autumn could get back to the fight with the lion. She whipped her form back around as the doe stumbled and fell as her life leaked from her throat. She let out a loud bark, trying to eek the attention back to herself and give time to Morgan to recover.

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Twig was more capable than she let on, her eagerness to assist had blinded Morgan to her skills. it made it all the more impressive when she succeeded though. the other woman would finish off the doe, though the piebald didn't really notice aside from the scent of blood. it was enough for the cougar to pause, saliva dripping from its jaws onto Morgan's face. yuck. she pummeled the beast's chest with her claws, grasping wildly as it pinned her down and hoping to get the upper hand in some small way. Twig's bark also distracted it long enough for Morgan to throw it off her.

the cougar landed a few paces away, bleeding from the stomach and neck. it hissed at the two wolves threateningly, stalking around in a circle. every so often its eyes would stray to the deer corpse. "fuck off, this is our food!" the piebald snapped at the cougar, not knowing if it understood or not. Morgan was also bleeding a bit, but she had some shallow scratches and nothing quite deep enough. now that Twig was back with her, the cougar seemed to consider taking on both wolves at once. it began to back away, still spitting.

the piebald woman darted toward the cougar, aiming a smack against its snout with a large paw. the beast flailed, crying out before turning away completely and running. hah! coward! Morgan smirked, watching its tail disappear into the brush before turning back to Twig. "we sure showed that kitty!" she laughed despite her exhaustion.

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The Memoire girl offered enough of a distraction with the dying doe and her noisy alarm that she was able to watch Morgan shove the big tom off of herself and far enough away to regain her footing. The lion wasn’t done yet though, and his hungry eyes were trained on their kill despite his bleeding wounds and weakened limbs. Twig mock charged the beast as Morgan vocally abused it, the young she wolf didn’t miss the blood on her partner either. Now that both she wolves were focused on the cat his gaze was starting to look much more doubtful.

She saw Morgan charge and Autumn followed suit, her smaller form charging forward. Hackles raised, teeth bared and eyes wild as she snapped her teeth at the large cat. Morgan made an easy swipe, not something that would have chased him off earlier before their first contact. He didn’t need much more convincing and the cat suddenly turned tail and raced away from the two she wolves and their kill. With their victory confirmed Twig allowed herself to relax and take in the emotions. They were successful in both their hunt and defending their hunt.

The Memoire girl lifted her head proudly and nodded, ”We did, congratulations.” Her breath was a little labored, adrenaline still raced through her veins. She trotted carefully back over to the kill, her senses still heightened. She didn’t know if the cat might still come back. The doe was dead by now, and the majority of her pelt could be harvested as well. With winter around the corner the hide could help warm a den. ”So, how should we divide our spoils?”

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it was done. they had succeeded and all there was left to do was talk about how to split their kill. controlling her breathing, the piebald would look to Twig. "take the pelt and some meat" Morgan said, offering more of the share she was willing to drag along every day she moved location. she was a loner, after all, and had no formal home to carry much back with. she only wanted food and would devour most of - if not all - their kill. a pelt was useful to line a den, true, but she didn't want to lug that around with her. now, if she had a permanent place to rest... it'd be different. she'd want the pelt.

but she couldn't justify taking it. despite coming up with a plan, Twig had actually made the kill. Morgan had just fended off competition. moving back to allow the Abaven woman room to skin the doe, she'd rest her weary self by placing her rear on the ground. her neck bent to lick at her wounds, the piebald fell silent. there was no reason to bitch or moan about things. as far as she was concerned, the kill was easy and the cougar didn't put up much fight. it could have been a lot worse.

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Twig wasn’t super great at skinning her kills yet, all three of the furs in her den were full of holes and they were pretty hard. She hadn’t quite got the hang of leatherworking, but she knew she’d get it eventually. Especially after all the practice. The Memoire girl nodded, the division was fair. Trotting closer she got to work, doing her best to skin the creature evenly, but her claws weren’t very sharp, maybe she did need to start carrying a knife with her. She’d seen a trick before.. with a bit of effort she removed the hoof with the sharpened edge and used it as a makeshift tool to separate skin from flesh.

It wasn’t perfect work to say the least, but this was probably one of the cleanest skinnings she completed. As for portioning off the meat though, ”How do you want to split it? I’d at least like a bite of heart or liver before I go home.” She’d happily take a leg back with her after eating a bit of her own.

lifting her head from licking at her chest wounds, she'd arch a brow. "you made the kill, Twig; you can take your pick" Morgan told her bluntly, but not unkindly. she appreciated the woman's efforts and the piebald was a fair person. she'd eat whatever was left from the corpse and be content with that. she had been living as a scavenger for so long she forgot what it was like to share with another being. she'd wait until Twig was full and then take... dunno... a meaty part of the food somewhere to store. leave some for the birds. that sorta thing. the longer they remained here, the more potential there was for other predators to catch wind though. she shifted her weight, looking away as the other no doubt dug in. Morgan would keep watch.

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Morgan seemed to be an honorable wolf, she told her to take what she wished. Twig had been the one to make the kill, but it wouldn't have happened without Morgan first injuring its leg. ”It was a team effort.” She tried to compromise, but hurried along as she knew it was only a matter of time before they started attracting bigger predators. Quickly she removed the left leg and placed it on the hide followed by the left front shoulder. With as much grace as she could muster she filled her own belly on organ meats and stood back. ”I’ll leave the rest to you and the scavengers.” The Memoire girl nodded once more to her hunting partner, having garnered quite a bit f respect for the woman. ”It was really good working with you, Morgan.” She offered before she turned away to drag her share back to Abaven.

as Twig sorted her own share out, Morgan was quiet until the woman spoke once more. ears piquing, a shit-eating-grin displayed on her face as the woman was reasonable. yeah, it was a team effort but she had been too occupied with the mountain lion to do much of anything else. "safe travels" was all the piebald said as Twig departed. she would have offered to go and help haul the food back but it looked like the other could handle it just fine. she'd turn back to the deer carcass before settling in and eating her own share. when she was done, she left the rest for the birds circling overhead before leaving the area.

/ EXIT & END

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