Iðunn squinted at the herd of White-tailed deer, ears flicking in mild irritation. Spring had been so long ago that the fawns were now too large to take down on her own, but at least it meant the mothers weren't overprotective and willing to kick her in the face for even daring to get close. She grinded her molars together, hunkering down in the large shrub so she could continue staring at them.

It was unfortunate that the larger of the species were found up in the north, but she disliked the hot weather to the south so much she was willing to deal with it. Her eyes darted between each ungulate, mulling over the pros and con of each individual as she tried to decide if it was even worth risking an injury just to have a meal. There were always smaller prey alternatives, even if they were not nearly as filling or exciting to take down. She huffed softly to herself, preparing to disengage from her hunting position. Living uninjured was a smarter decision that trying to take one down solo.

Hunting 0/3

Autumn is in full swing and Terra finds herself seeking out more animals to stock up on meat. Not knowing what the cold weather will bring, the young girl and Lotus need to have some extra food stored away just in case. In case of what, the earthen-hued girl does not know but she is determined to be ready. This will be her first winter outside of the cramped den she had spent the previous eight months of her life in and she finds herself curious, nervous, and a little excited at the prospect.

The scent of a nearby herd of white-tailed deer catches Terra’s attention and the girl shifts course to sneak closer to the group. Making sure to stay downwind, she slinks forward, eyes scanning the herd and wishing she had someone to hunt with her. As if the universe hears her, she catches sight of another wolf whose attention is turned to the animals. Carefully, she works her way toward them, silently joining them where they wait.

With a soft voice she says, “Looking for a helper?” Offering herself as the other woman’s hunting partner, Terra prepares to follow their instructions.


"Terra Qilaq"

It seemed the Old Gods has blessed her this day, providing a momentary ally to help her achieve her one goal for the day. She glanced to the side, swiftly taking in the appearance of the girl that had appeared, seemingly out of thin air. At least her stalking was of an adequate level. Iðunn nodded silently, turning her attention back to the herd. With two wolves she could afford to be less picky, and after just a few moments she spotted a smaller doe, one likely born the Spring just gone past. It would be naive and dumb; a perfect choice.

"The small doe to the right," she said, trying to lessen her accent as much as possible. It would be a shame if the language barrier prevented a successful hunt. "A good target, yes?" Iðunn didn't wait for a confirmation from the girl, already putting together a plan in her mind. Her cousin had always been the one to take down the prey when they hunted together, but she didn't trust this stranger enough to put her own faith in her skills. This time she'd get her paws a little bloody. "We separate it from the others, you hobble it... I'll go for the kill."

This time she'd wait for any sort of agreement before stalking forward. The best way would be to split the herd in half and then filter out the ones they didn't want before going in for the attack.

Hunting 1/3

Terra offers a small smile as the other woman offers their target and she gives a simple nod as the only sign of her agreement that it is a good target. The girl simply waits for the plan, allowing the older, more experienced wolf to form it and lay it out. She takes no slight from it, in fact, she is grateful to only have to follow directions. Ears perk forward, as the woman speaks and she is quick to say, “Sounds good.”

With that Terra goes quiet, stalking forward in time with the older wolf, but moving slightly out and away from her. It makes a gap between them so that, when the chase begins, they can catch some of the deer between them and run them in the direction of their choice. Once they get close enough, she casts a glance to the other woman, waiting for her to kick off the chase.


"Terra Qilaq"

Satisfied that the girl understood the plan, Iðunn stalked forth in a direct line to the middle of the herd. She was large enough to be considered a threat by the herd members, and as anticipated, upon suddenly leaping forward with a sharp bark the herd scatted in two directions. Turning on a dime to follow the smaller doe she had picked out, she used her peripheral vision to make sure the girl was doing her part, gauging the distance between them to ensure it left enough room for the unwanted ungulates to fall behind while not allowing their target to escape.

Feeling the blood thrum in her veins and pulse in her ears, she pushed forward with a lengthening stride to catch up to their target. The other does zig zagged haphazardly around her, letting out harsh snorts of terror as she bypassed them, leaving them to peel off to the side and return to the others now far behind them.

Iðunn expertly weaved through the trees as she came up on the left side of the doe, staying just behind and leaving enough room between them to not push it off course. She would keep up just close enough so that once the girl hobbled it by attaching to a leg she could leap forward and grab it by the neck or throat as it slowed.

Hunting 2/3

The girl’s built to run and, when the older woman barks and scatters the herd, Terra does just what is made to do. Long legs churn, her light frame making it easy to weave around startled deer as she rockets toward the one that is flagged as their target. Grunts ring out as her earthen-hued form races through the trees, nimbly leaping over small trunks that lay on their sides in her path. Blood pounds in her ears, reminding the girl that is alive and sending excitement zipping along her nerves.

Soon, all that is left before her is their chosen doe and Terra does not have to wait long for the more experienced wolf to arrive. Putting on one more burst of speed, she races up behind the doe and lashes out. Teeth latch onto the back leg, above the ankle joint and she throws all her weight into her hind end while snapping her head up and to the side. An audible snap, rings out and the deer grunts as it pitches forward, squirming in the girl’s grip. She does not release her hold on the leg, as she waits for the woman to end the doe’s struggling.


"Terra Qilaq"

Iðunn watched as the girl latched on with a satisfying snap, effectively hobbling the doe with one bite. Not wasting time to admire the girls' skills she pushed forward with a burst of speed, using her hind legs to spring herself up into the air. Jaws opened wide, she found her mark at the side of the doe's neck, and latched on like her life depended on it. In a way it sort of did.

The doe buckled beneath her added weight, and with its injured leg it stumbled once, twice, before finally falling face first into the dirt. Not daring to let go, Iðunn fell with it, using each limb to stabilise herself as the doe fell beneath her. Only when it lay on its side, desperately kicking out with its legs, did she swiftly change her hold, going straight for the now easily accessible throat. With a moaning cry that light up her every nerve, the doe's struggles lessened as warm blood spurted from its torn throat.

Finally it gave one last kick with a leg and gurgled wetly, and only then did Iðunn release her vice-like grip, eagerly licking her blood-stained lips. She turned to the girl then with a satisfied expression. "Nicely done." Praise was always given when it was deserved. "Each eat our fill, then split the carcass?" While she had no den to store it away in, Iðunn would happily drag her share of the remaining carcass to a more private location to eat until it was nothing but bones. She had no preference for the head or ass portion, but having the skull would be a nice trophy.

Hunting 3/3

As Terra moves forward and latches on to the doe, the older wolf rushes forward and springs up to grab ahold of the animal’s neck. Together they bring it down and, within minutes, its struggling cease. Releasing her hold on the leg, the earthen-hued girl steps back, her tongue darting out to swipe away the blood mars her lips. The praise has her tail wagging loosely at her hips and a smile blooming across her lips.

With a dip of her head, she says, “Thank you. How about, I’ll take the rear end and you can have the front? Seems only fair since that is where we attacked.” Stepping up to the butt, the girl offers a grin before reaching down and taking a sizable chunk of meat from the deer and greedily consuming it.

Terra had not realized just how hungry she was and her stomach rumbles as the meat awakens the gnawing hunger. Looking back to the woman, a thought tugs at Terra and she softly says, “My name is Terra. If we ever run into each other again, I would be happy to hunt with you.” A small smile is offered before she returns to consuming her fill, slowly sating the hunger that rolls inside her.


"Terra Qilaq"

She simply nodded in response, happy with the choice but not feeling the need to audibly respond. The girl wasted no time in digging in, and Iðunn was quick to follow suit. Her teeth sunk into a shoulder. With practiced ease she tore at the skin, getting into the meat beneath and messily chewing down chunks.

Her feasting was interrupted as the girl introduced herself. "Iðunn." She licked her lips to clean them, considering the proposition. Terra seemed to know how to handle herself in a hunt, and had shown she could follow orders well. Iðunn Decided she was not opposed to it. "And I as well."

Hunger now satiated enough that it no longer felt like someone was clawing away at her insides, she set to work at dividing the carcass into two even portions as Terra continued to eat. If the girl wanted to help she would appreciate it, but Iðunn was used to doing things on her own and so was not bothered either way.

When both halves were fully separated Iðunn looked over the girl once more, a calculated look in her icy blue gaze. Terra seemed resourceful, a trait that would help her succeed in life. "Farewell Terra, and good luck with the upcoming winter." And with that she grabbed the doe by a leg and began dragging it away, intending on finding a secluded place to store it until she had picked it clean.