Spring is unBearable
It was a quiet evening, at least for now. With spring having arrived, that brought new life of all species. Wolves would be birthing litters of pups, caribou and elk would birth calves, and mother bears would have cubs with them. The russet colored wolf padded through the trees, his good icy blue eye flickered upwards. This wood held trees that were especially tall, and glancing down at the trunks around his level, it wouldn't be very hard for a wolf to climb up one of them. His nose twitched as a scent wafted to his nose. Carrion. |
Banner art credit to rigorm0rtis on DA
Night crept through the sky but the fading light did not halt Éldi on his journey northward. Kylar had gone on ahead to Waterfall Peak while he and his raven companion, Askr, had lingered behind. With spring blooming across the north he felt it was high time he returned to the lands most frequented by Hjarrandi. He was eager for news from Valkyrie of their first raid upon the lands of Boreas. Though, there was a part of him that didn't feel ready. He'd seen how the wolves of Boreas fought when he battled in the tournament. A raid here would not be easy. Each pack seemed to have its fair share of war bent minds.
Éldi continued his way west when he came to a strange forest filled with tall, spindly trees. They twisted and twirled as they climbed up to the darkening sky. How curious a sight. Perhaps some phenomena of the weather here or a deficiency in the soil was reason for the trees to grow in such a manner. He didn't seek to linger on it to long. For all he knew this was the work of the gods boredom. Askr landed in the lower branches of once such tree, bobbing for a second on the slim branch before his dark feathers melted into the blackness.
The wind shifted and he caught the scent of death. Someone had made a kill. HIs tongue ran along his ivory fangs for he'd had a long, hard journey and the idea of a snack sat well with him. Of course, the trick would be persuading the hunter to share his meal. He set off toward the source of the scent when a roar make his hackles stand on end. Ok, that was definitely a bear. He was about to turn to leave when Askr called out. "Éldi, there is a man squaring off against the bear. Will you let him fight alone? When there are spoils to be had?" He turned to glance at the bird and weighed the pang of his hunger against the risk. He'd had enough of bears over the winter and he didn't look forward to tangling with one in the spring but he was terribly hungry. Besides, he wanted to know who was crazy enough to face off against a bear solo.
Bounding toward the source of the roar he soon came upon an average sized male with a muscular build. However, there was always strength in numbers and Éldi was all to happy to provide additional muscle in return for a meal. He'd always been a solidly built wolf. Even when he was young others would joke about him being built like a musk ox. Askr took to the skies to observe. Éldi set his defenses then charged in. He made no growl or snarl that might give him away, instead his jaws opened wide and ripped a slashing blow across the bear's rear end. Furious it twisted around much faster than he anticipated. Éldi had to duck sharply to avoid its claws. Quickly he bounded away and glanced at the other male. The bear eyed the wolves looking between them, seeking a target. Éldi kept his eyes on the bear. "I don't suppose I could trade my assistance for a share of your kill?"
Before he could do anything else, a brown looking wolf gave a blow of his own which caused the bear to turn around. He watched as they swiftly ducked a blow from a massive paw, and Ragnar studied him quick enough to gather only that the wolf was tall, and strong. He turned his eye back to the bear, his eyes flashing with a challenge. |
Banner art credit to rigorm0rtis on DA
Askr circled above them as Éldi eyed the bear who showed no signs of backing down. Her jaws were open, teeth glistening and she took a few thunderous steps forward. The stranger rushed forward and Éldi followed close behind, knowing they'd have their best chance if they worked together. While the other wolf assaulted the bear from the front, Éldi rushed towards the bear's hind left leg, seeking to angle himself in toward the front of the bear's thigh. He charged in and latched his jaws around the bears knee, quickly thrashing his head to do as much damage as possible before bounding away. If he could hit important joints and tendons perhaps he could help slow the bear's movements and make his companion's work easier.
Speaking of companions he heard Askr cry out. "Éldi, there are cubs nearby!" He swore. No wonder this bear was being particularly aggressive. They'd have to step up their game. He wished for a moment he could speak bear and explain that they had no interest in her cubs, only in the kill but there was no time to waste on suppositions. With the bears attention on the other wolf it was time to make another move. He dove in once more for the bear, this time aiming for the back of her left ankle. His fangs dug in deep as he thrashed his head, this time maintaining his grip. She stumbled and snarled before twisting around to get at him. Éldi hung on and tried to move with her but the sheer force of her strength ripped her ankle right out from his jaws and a solid blow from her paw sent him tumbling away. His head slammed into the ground leaving him stunned for a minute. At that moment Askr dove for the bear's face, talon's extended and slashing at the bear's face.