The girl felt useless. She didn’t quite know what she was good at yet. It didn’t help that she couldn’t speak, couldn’t remember how to speak, and didn’t remember anything except that she washed up in this strange place. Where she came from, where and who her family was, who she was even, was all a mystery to her. Literally the only clue to how she was was the pendant that hung around her neck. This was probably why she was outside of Armadan lands that day. Tired of feeling useless. Tired of relying heavily on Halo and Mortis. Though they both assured her that they didn’t mind, she hated feeling like a lost puppy with no place in life. So she had gone scouting. To a forest north of the Mile-High Woods where the bark began to turn a rusty red. Dense brush and smaller trees circulated the massive ancient trunks that stretched nearly to the clouds above. Down here on the floor, it was cool and damp. Each of her steps cushioned by the moss that blanketed the dirt and leaves. While it was easy for her to hide in the shadows, it was also difficult to pick up the scent trails of animals as well. Outside of the forest, the summer sun had been blazing hot and dry, but as soon as she had entered, the environment had changed. Moisture never seemed to leave, enabling the moss to soak up tracks and preventing the wind from drifting scents in her direction. Lately, she had taken an interest in hunting. She wanted to take something down herself and bring it back. Maybe Sirius would have someone help train her in hunting if she could bring something back. Nothing too large for now. She couldn’t possibly bring down anything larger than a fawn by herself. Though she wasn’t a small wolf, she also wasn’t large or at her full height yet either. At least she had a chance… Which seemed to present itself at that moment. Hesitating as she rounded a corner, the snap of a branch beneath a careful hoof caused her to freeze. Both ears alert as her head lifted to peer at her surroundings. There, not far off, a doe and two fawns. Their own ears flipped upward as beady black eyes surveyed the shadows. She stayed still, lowering herself carefully so that her frame was more hidden. Thankfully, they didn’t see her yet. Creeping forward, she began to move toward the trio with calculated steps so that her position wouldn’t be seen.

425/1500

its Daylight. the male had always stuck to the shadows during the day. The albino prince lay on the gtound among the dirt and the leaves happy to be covered by shade so his eyes didnt hurt. But he wasnt just out here for fun, his tail flicked back and forth as the silent wolf observed the world around him. The real reason hed come was to track the deer. Summer had brought a burst of prey and for a loner like him, feeding a small group of wolves including his pseudo mother. Req hd found he enjoyed the quiet excitement of hunts. While the yearling definitely wasnt the tallest he had muscles rippling under his pelt.

Snap! his head turned to the noise. Somewhere deep in the woods. Req crawled forward staying close to the ground while the scent washed over him. There was someone else here. Req froze taking note of what appeared to be another yearling. He didnt speak much to begin with the mute trying to make himself known without giving them away to the prey.

His gestured to the left with his head. She was young like him but with two wolves they would be able to possibly catch the whole family. An ambitious thought. If they cornered the doe one of them could chase it into the other jaws. He gestured with a paw his plan indicating the two of them split and surround the doe. Req only hoped that there would be an understanding. Keeping himself low he started forward on the right flank of the herd. Being careful of where his pawsteps landed. His stomach was tight with hunger.

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702/1500

Her mind stays focused on the trio until a rustle of quiet moss catches her attention. Not far off, a sleek white male around her age approaches. Their eyes meet as she freezes in place. Would he scare off her hunt? Seconds pass as she tries to figure out what to do next. No words leave his lips which is unusual. Everyone she has met so far as never been much for silence. Her ears flicker backward until she sees him motion with his head in the direction of the deer. Letting her gaze wander to the trio, she waits another moment. So he wanted to help? Had that been what he meant? Her blue eyes move back to him when she sees him lift a paw. He begins to motion in obvious movements what seems to be a plan. Ah, so he did want to help. A sense of relief washes over her knowing now that she won’t have to attempt this alone. She focuses on his paw movements, her head nodding slightly in understanding of what he wanted. She nods one more time to let him know that she is in understanding and willing to let him help her hunt the deer. As he moves away toward the right flank, she shifts so that her direction is toward the left flank. Her chocolate and tan hued pelt helped her blend into the forest around her. Moving with easy, she stays low and glides easily over the moss. Her instincts have kicked into gear as she creeps closer to the deer. While she knows she is strong, she knows the boy will be naturally stronger. Staying hidden until the last moment, she watches the deer. They graze lazily, but she can tell by their ear movements that they are listening. Always on alert, cautious and nervous of predators. They only needed one… She only needed a leg, something big enough to take back to the Warlord to prove to him that she was worth keeping around. The feeling of anticipation, of wanting, of hope is what drove her forward. When the deer appeared the least alert as if they were about to nap, she moves forward. Propelling herself with strong muscles and a lithe body, she rushes toward the prey. They are caught off guard as she rushes them. Careening toward the side, she begins to try and drive them toward the right flank where the boy is hiding.

1112/1500

Req was more than happy she could understand him. Then again hunts didn't require a lot of talking. His world had been silent other than the loud woman who raised him. He was impressed by observing her through the trees. Not mistaking her scent, it seemed she belonged to a pack. He crouched making sure his white pelt was covered by trees and bushes. During the day he had to hunt a bit differently since he stood out. She did well making his ears perk in a bit of fascination for the pack wolf. Ruby had always told him living in such large groups made you a coward.

Req felt his muscles tense once the chase began. His paws flung forward in the terrain. Dodging his way around roots while he tried to close in on the doe. The two children bleeted running in the opposite direction. His ears pinned to the back of his head. Speed filled his limbs as he took a sudden jump for the deer. The animal startled leaning away from him before he could close the distance for a killing bite. Fine, he'd give it to the girl.

The male snapped at the does legs, sending it back towards the left side of the forest. Req kept on its heels though his body beginning to burn from the strenuous activity. With the angle he was at, his hope was to drive it directly into his hunting partner's jaws. If she stopped it and had issues he could help with the killing bite. He couldn't help the quiet excited bark as he drove forward for food.

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1382/1500

Her strikingly blue eyes watch the two fawns split and dash off into the inner shadows of the forest. For now, they are safe from their demise. Unfortunately, for the mother, she will not be so lucky. With snapping teeth lashing out, pushing her farther and farther, she waits for the doe to tire. The boy comes in and attempts to leap onto the doe. His attempt is unsuccessful as the doe darts toward her and evades the attack. Her brow furrows out of frustration as she continues to push herself. Faster, harder, and more determined. Her own barks of excitement leave her mouth as she turns her body toward the doe.

Now that the female deer has come closer, she has her chance. She can see the doe begin to tire. It does not have the stamina or endurance that they have. Hoofbeats slow as they clamber to maintain purchase on the wooded floor. Her chance is now. As she sees the slim opening widen ever so slightly for her. Giving her legs one last push, she drives forward until all four paws are off the ground. Her body twists again as she feels her dull claws dig into the doe's side and chest. Thankfully, her mouth lands on the doe's shoulder. Not quite as high as she had hoped, but it would be good enough.

Blood flows into her mouth as her bite sinks into the doe's skin. A loud bleating call begins to gurgle as it drowns out her hearing. She is unsure if the boy has come to help take the doe down. It would only make the doe's death quicker if he did. Attempting to climb forward as the doe begins to slow, she releases her bite and goes back in toward the base of the neck. There she hits an artery and the doe cries out again. She can begin to feel the doe move from a run to a slow lope until it is trotting and then stumbling around. Only minutes pass until the doe is falling to the ground. To avoid being crushed, she lets go and uses the doe's momentum to push off and jump away.

Exhaustion fills her as her tongue hangs out. Sweat coats her own body as her head hangs low. Both ears are off to the side as her tail attempts to wag slowly. There will definitely need to be a period of rest before she attempts to drag the doe back to the Col. Glancing toward the boy, she forces a meek smile through her heavy breath. Letting out a triumphant yip, she moves slowly toward the doe to help ensure that her life would not be dragged on.

1835/1500

Hed been right there with her. His blood thrumming inside his body. She was fast and if he had to think so himself, it was an impressive feat for a young hunter. Reqs body slammed against the doe. Supporting the assault as his hunting partner dealt the killing blow. He splayed panting from the effort. Muscles burning which was a feeling hed learned to be enjoyable.

Req didnt miss her yip, he couldnt help a small wag of his tail. Giving a satisfied sigh he stood shaking his fur, red eyes looking over the pack wolf then the doe. Placing a paw on the does shoulder this animal was well fed and a part of him wanted the pelt. He set off a soft bark placing his head on the does shoulder. He hoped shed take it as a sign he wanted her to take what she wanted she probably needed more than him. It didnt matter to him what she had going on to him, normally he would be fat more possessive but with what happened recently he understood he had to lay low. The pelt, thats all he needed.

With the last dying breath of the doe finally escaping her lungs, Dee looked at the white wolf. Truthfully, his red eyes were slightly offputting, but she had never seen an albino wolf before. It did not bother her as much though since she had seen far weirder wolves since her arrival here. Mort being one of them. Carefully taking her blue gaze away from his to scan the doe for any other injuries, she pauses when she sees the boy put his nose to the deer's shoulder.

Her head tilts lightly for a second as she considers what he is proposing. Did he not want any of the meat? She wouldn't be able to haul the whole doe back herself and really only wanted enough to show that she was capable of helping. Looking back down at the deer, she steps forward and places a paw on the deer's hindquarters. One leg, it was all she wanted, all she cared to drag back to the Col. Waiting a few moments for him to understand what she was also asking, she begins to help him carefully skin the deer so he can take whatever he wanted and she could cleanly take the leg.