Please note this thread is Pack Only. xD Deadline is Friday, October 3 at 11:59 p.m. Let's see if we can finish this one, pack hunts die so often let's be the ones to kick it in the teeth! Rawr!

*note I'd particularly like the yearlings to participate pwease :3

Mist caressed the face of the valley as the sun rose higher into the sky. This morning was cool, chillier than any they'd had all summer and it warned of the turning of the seasons to fall. Soon the plentiful summer hunting would be lost. D?gmar was on border patrol. Eyes peeled for any sign of the Olympians who were sure to come slinking back in. D?gmar chuckled to herself. Perhaps when things settled they'd be allowed some visitation rights? Well, either way it seemed the feud would be having an effect on the children. Her soldiers. That simply would not do. Besides there were mouths to feed. D?gmar travelled farther into Yfir territory then let out a howl for the pack to join her, in particular the yearlings. It would do no good for them to lie in their den's hurting. Time to vent some feeling on hapless prey, to empty their minds of dangerous thoughts in favor of the instinct to kill and to hunt. D?gmar bore an inherent cruelty in her bosom but she had, and always would, look out for those she deemed her own. And while she could not offer emotional or mental solace she could aid in using the body as an instrument to temper an injured soul. The rest was up to them.

His expression grave, Nemesis lay with his head on his paws as he stared blankly out over the valley. The events of the challenge weighed heavily on his mind. He'd been caught up in the moment amid a whirlwind of high emotions and while he stood by his opinion in regards to his crippled cousin, the young Olympian regretted the harshness of his words. It hadn't been the time to voice his opinion and with all that had gone on, he doubted his aunt thought highly of him now. Presently there wasn't much to done about it, so when the call rang out for a hunt (in a tone that suggested his presence was unquestionably required) the boy slowly got up to answer it. He shook out his coat and stretched, wrestling a reluctance that pushed him to procrastinate. All kinds of awkward awaited him, if not from the caller then possibly from his siblings, who'd witnessed his actions. At some point he would need to speak with them. Mild trepidation settled in his chest as the caller came into view. Nemesis recognized her from the battlefield but that was it. He'd been too preoccupied with other things to pay much attention to the non-Olympus wolves who came to spectate. The boy regarded her silently before approaching slowly. He was at a loss at what to make of her and knowing nothing about her except that she'd sided with the challenger made him a bit uneasy, so he stopped a short distance away to await the arrival of his siblings. Their presence would hopefully prove comforting in this land that no longer felt quite like home. "Speaking" Thinking

Sightless eyes would watch over the small clearing that was her den. She felt rather useless and unimportant since the takeover and it was obvious on her form. Listless features would rest on the ground beyond her den, her body still but her mind was still raving from the events of late. She would cling to Solo's side as though her were her life raft. Though everything about this place was familiar she would not feel complete. So much uncertainty surrounded her she would hardly register the voice that called for her presence. The voice was slightly familiar, she had been there when Virgil found her way within the boundaries of their usurped home. For a moment she would stall, unsure if she even wanted to answer the call at all. A reluctant sigh would leave her lips, and her silver form would rise from the desolate dirt. Dark paws would carry her confidently to the woman's presence. Her head held high and posture proud. Shed shown her weakness and now she would begin to shake it from her. She was an Olympian princess, she would act as such. She realized that only Nemesis had beaten her to the gathering, rather uncertain of where she stood with the boy Gaia would take her own place across from her brother. Tail would flick behind her once before her haunches coiled and brought her to the earth. Silently she would wait, bright silver eyes lingering on the form of the warrioress. Speech

Andromeda had been torn. With her siblings remaining behind in Yfir yet the rest of the family to be pushed aside by Katja the gilded Olympus girl simply wasn't fully sure what to do with herself. The family was split, and not only that they had been left amongst others that had attacked her great aunt. The reasons behind everything were rather lost to her, all she knew was that this was overall a situation that she was not keen on to say the least. Nemesis had isolated himself, Gaia had continued to spend much of her time with Solo and Andromeda had no idea what she herself was doing let alone what Hephaestus was getting up to. Katja hadn't harmed them in anyway, though their blood meant little to her they were not her prisoners but members of Yfir instead. Truthfully she wasn't entirely sure which she preferred, the latter and reality was a little confusing all things considered. As members they were expected to attend pack events, even as prisoners she suspected they would need to attend some gatherings though this call is seemed for what ever reason was aimed specifically towards herself and her litter mates. Begrudgingly she would cross the lands, curious if nothing else. As she caught Gaia's scent, her pace would increase slightly and upon arrival she would find two of her siblings already present. The silver girl had seated herself away from Nemesis and so as not to choose between them, Andromeda would position herself between the pair though she longed to greet both and the three of them sit together. Solo she supposed would be along soon enough though she Andromeda wouldn't make such assumptions remaining where she was as she silently seated herself.

image by lunarcat7

Following on the heels of the cream-colored girl, Laufey reached the meeting place. He took in the way they all stood apart. These were siblings, right? So why weren't they standing together? There was strength in numbers, strength in family. Shouldn't they be banding together in this difficult time? Supporting one another? Perhaps there was something he was missing. Unlike the solemn-faced Olympians, Laufey went straight to Daegmar and stopped once he was within comfortable speaking distance. He greeted her with a dip of his head and a simple, "Daegmar." From there he turned to glance at the others before once more flipping his gaze to Daegmar. His browspots lifted as he fixed her with an incredulous expression. She had her work cut out for her. He understood their low moods. While nowhere like what they were experiencing, Laufey was no stranger to being taken against his will. When he was still very small, his mother had left him in Valhalla as a ward. He had just enough time to settle there and become comfortable when his other mother decided to take him from the loving arms of his surrogate family. It had been rough and he had been very upset. Life had gone on, though, and he had adjusted. He shifted his weight from paw to paw, eager to start the chase. Let the hunting begin! "Speech"

He heard the call, ears pricking at the sound and listening to the fading echoes even as he headed off. A pack hunt? He had never been in one before, he had hunted with his family but never in a pack hunt, his mothers pack had never organized one. The hunters had brought back kills, everyone had hunted for themselves it seemed. It wasn't until now that he realized how divided his mothers pack had been. But with so many wolves it was hard to know them all, it was hard to know them all as well as you knew your own family and that made him kind of sad almost. He was enjoying his time here, enjoying seeing familiar faces and knowing his pack mates, enjoying growing with the pack. Gaia might not like it here and yes he was trying to not get too attached in case the day came when Virgil ripped Katja from her throne or the two females battled to the death. What would happen to this pack then? He sighed, head lowering slightly as he padded towards the gathering, nodding to D?gmar in a short sign of recognition before padding towards the gathering of Gaia and her siblings. Another black and white boy was here that Solo didn't recognize and the red boy would flash him a quick smile. Nemisis and Andromeda were here to, Solo would nudge Gaia gently in greeting before seating himself beside her. He hadn't gotten to know Gaia's siblings well in his time in Olympus but since the battle he had a newfound respect for Nemisis, the boy had share the same opinion of Natalaya's twisted logic that he had. He wanted to speak to him one day but for now, they had things to hunt and kill...

He had heard the call same as the others. The call for hunt, aimed at the yearlings, and though Hypnos was not old enough to participate, nor was his leg strong enough to ensure safety while assisting in a hunt either. But... All the same Hypnos wished to show. He was surprised, honestly, that one of the Olympians had stood up for him. The brown furred boy with blue eyes. It honestly made Hypnos rethink what he had been thought, at least partially. His biological parents? He hated them, oh he truly hated them. Especially his dam. She spoke so foolishly. Had the gods wished their law to be fulfilled, did not believe he would live, he would not have survived. It was their will he still lived and breathed. But... There were other members of Olympus still. Some that could perhaps be allies. He wanted to speak with them, and his mother once he got to know them. The feud that was there was in the past, a thing of the older generation. Hypnos was not one to damn those who had done nothing to him. But Heilos and Natalya?s actions... Had been unforgivable. His mother, Chryseis, was his true parent. His brother, Apollo, more his father than the true one. He would keep these things all in his mind as he arrived. Some were there. The blind girl... The brown male. The odd red male. A golden girl. Then two of Yfir?s true members. Hypnos would head for the one who called, stepping on his leg fully with each step, and though it looked odd, and pained him, he would push through it. He was trying to work the leg as much as possible to build strength. It already looked a bit better -- still smaller and more fragile than the others but building muscle. No longer did he nearly stumble with each step, though he walked more stiffly and slowly then some. It was running at this point that he was greatest challenge. He?d dip his head to the woman, giving a small smile. ?I know that I am not of use right now, but I wish to follow you all on this hunt, if I may.? Trying to keep up with them all when the hunt was underway would be his challenge. To keep working... Keep building strength. His sea-green eyes shown with determination, and he hoped that she would agree to allow him to follow the others. He could still learn, even if he wasn?t quite at the stage of being able to assist them. Walk "Talk" Think

A gathering call rang through the chilly morning air, and Freyja found herself answering it eagerly. Things had settled somewhat in the days following Katja's challenge, and as such she had been starting to grow restless. The whole dynamic of wardens and prisoners, captors and captives was starting to wear thin. All the children had done was mope about, stick to themselves... Granted the golden femme was no social butterfly herself but honestly it was a bit much. A drag, even. Here she was though, loping through the fog and noticing the gathering just soon enough to slow her pace to a gentle trot. She walked into their midst with a chin held high and... well, with a bit of a swagger. She was ready for whatever the ashen woman standing at the head of it all had in store. Freyja had seen her at the challenge but hadn't spoken to her then or since. She was no Olympian, that much was obvious. Laufey, who had joined as she did, stood at the woman's side and she heard him greet her. Daegmar? Ah, the woman he'd mentioned to Katja. It made sense now, he must be her little protege. How sweet. The goddess found herself commending the woman, and hoping she had enough of a warriors spirit to mold the bulky youth into something useful. Freyja turned her piercing eyes on the others among them, the captives, even if Katja said they were to be treated as well as any. They seemed meek, frightened, and huddled together like baby chicks. Freyja would raise a brow at them, caught between introducing herself and howling 'Boo!' In the end, she looked back to whom she could only assume would be leading them. "Well met," she began, her tone polite yet bearing a hard edge. "I am Freyja Hroovitnisdottir. I can assume we'll be following your lead?" It rankled her a bit, sure. She had been on her own for so long, blissfully devoid of another's instruction, that this whole business of leader and follower still sat oddly on her shoulders. To distract herself, she turned to Laufey. "Hello again, Laufey. Are you settling in well?" Polite, perfectly conversational. Nothing over the top just.. hello. She could manage that without starting something, right? "Talk" "You" Think

Hephaestus' life hadn't really changed since the challenge. He wasn't inclined to wander so sticking around his den wasn't unusual for him, nor was he inclined to socialize so the change in packmates hadn't really affected him either. But it did seem like his littermates were avoiding him, which was at least a little unusual though it hadn't really sunk in for the stoic young male quite yet. It had, however, forced him to confront an issue he'd been avoiding since his mother left. His new younger siblings. He just didn't understand. The rules of their family were quite clear about babies, weren't they? You weren't supposed to have them unless you were married, and even then you were only supposed to make them with your spouse. Hephaestus was still a little - probably deliberately - vague on how babies were made but somehow, for some reason, his mother had broken the rules and made a second batch of babies. Which also led to the realization that he didn't, somehow, have a father either. Wasn't that... bad? Did that make him bad, for being the product of it? But that wasn't really what was bothering him about them either. It was the fact that having those babies had taken his mother away from them. She'd had to go away because they'd made her sick somehow and Aunt Natalya couldn't heal her so she'd had to find Aunt Natalya's family. And because she was gone Katja Finnvi had challenged for the pack and taken them away from the rest of the family. They were the reason Olympus was gone. His mother had come back but nothing had been set right and Hephaestus didn't understand why. And he resented it. And he resented his younger siblings as much as he loved them. It was awful. The call that caught his attention was a welcome distraction from his troubled thoughts. It took him a long moment to pay attention to it at all, but when he did he found himself slowly pushing himself to his heavy paws. A pack hunt? He didn't think Olympus had ever really held pack-wide hunts, and he hadn't gotten called to one even if they had. He wasn't really sure of how useful he'd be, not really being a stealthy hunter type, but if they wanted him to be there then surely he should go. Coming upon the gathering he paused with sudden uncertainty. His littermates were spread out among the rest of the waiting group rather than sitting close to each other. Why? Surely being in a new pack hadn't changed their relationship to each other. Or at least, it shouldn't. Expression hardening into stubborn lines, the burly male marched stolidly over to his brother... and attempted to nudge him gently but insistently toward Andromeda. They should be sitting together, they were siblings. He didn't understand why they weren't.

Next deadline is Oct. 10 at noon ala time. If y'all want this to go faster let me know. I'm not sure what a good length of time is for posting.

They trickled in silent as the grave. Gloom hung on their faces but this was to be expected and soon their minds would have to turn elsewhere for D?gmar was not the kind of wolf to coddle. They would be hunting a particularly dangerous quarry. One that could easily prove fatal. While the Olympians were less than excited to be called from their greiving by the mottled wraith Laufey, her charge, was excited. D?gmar grinned and offered him a nod. That was a good boy. Ready for action at a moments call, ready for violence and blood. She made mental note to continue battle training as soon as they were all well fed. She marked the red boy as well. While his color unnerved her D?gmar saw the potential within him to be skilled warrior as well. Perhaps she should but he and Laufey to the test later? Her mind mused at the thoughts. Though it did occur to her she'd need to procure a healer at some point. So much to do so little time. D?gmar's ears flicked as she turned to one of the youngest pups. She grinned. "At last some initiative. Aye, little one you are to young to participate but you are definitely old enough to observe. You may follow, but keep well out of the way and hidden." D?gmar's attention turned to Freyja, one of the few full grown adults in the pack. She knew little of the other woman but was grateful for another experience presence. They'd need it for this hunt to be successful. D?gmar's eyes glinted micheviously as she watched the other woman interact with her apprentice. Well, well, well? "Yes, I'll be directing this hunt. I don't know about the lot of you but I'm famished and I don't care to wait til we've an official lead hunter." The femme fatale waited a few moments more until it seemed no one else would be coming. "Glad you all made it. Everyone needs to eat to survive so we can put aside our differences til our basic needs are met. Hate me if you need to but I urge each and every one of you to put your grief and anger behind you for the initial stage of this little endeavor. You'll need all your focus for this hunt? our quarry? are bison. There's a herd that's been moving through this terra, they graze mostly along the rivers edge but there are dozens if not more of square miles where they may be." Gleaming emerald eyes turned to Gaia. "Gaia. You will lead us to the bison. By virtue of your disability your sense of smell should be that much more refined." Hopefully, the old black bat hadn't neglected to train the grey yearling in her sense of smell in favor of only her hearing. A wolf's nose was a keen tool and would be the key to finding a suitable role for the blind femme within the pack. At least according to the wraith. "I want everyone to search for the scent trail but if you find it stay silent. This is Gaia's task. Gaia once you pick up the trail howl for your peers and then we will follow your lead to the bison." D?gmar wanted to test this whelp. See how she held up when the pressure of the pack's needs were on her shoulders. "Once we see the buffalo I'll select a target and we'll go from there. Gaia your role is that of tracker, you will sit out in the actual hunting portion and look out for Hypnos. Now everyone pay attention I'm only going to say this once." Emerald eyes gazed at each one of them in turn, her intent serious and deathly cold. "NEVER approach a bison from the front. I've seen many a yearling gored or trampled to death. If we are to succeed we must make them run. Our fangs can't pierce the hide to the jugular, their strong necks make a hold on the muzzle nearly impossible to keep. Go for the veins in the back legs, rip tear, and run the target down. Bleed them to exhaustion then rip them apart. There should be some six month old calves that will make decent targets. There is no kill shot. We all work together as equals or fail. Killing a bison is messy, imprecise and dangerous. So whatever you're feeling? whatever is eating you up in the inside? I encourage you to let it loose on that bison when the time comes. It will be fighting for it's life and any hesitation could cause you to end up dead. Clear? Then let's begin? start tracking. Gaia?. the floor is yours."

Her well trained ears would pick up all that was said and she would take in all of the scents that would appear at this meeting. Solo would find his way to her side, his affectionate bump and close presence would calm her nerves. She wouldn?t be able to enjoy his presence for long, the words of Daegmar would float to her ears as the meeting started. She seemed to have big plans for them, and a rather specific task for her. She?d take a deep breath as her attention would become ever more focused on their lead hunter, she would give them no room to sulk on this mission. They?d be toying with life and death. Unfortunately at the end of it all she would be displaced once she?d found the bison. Gaia was feeling ever more confident in her abilities, even though she could not see she could hunt for herself. The technique was rather tricky, but she?d been catching small creatures since she?d left the den. Buffalo however would pose a new threat, still the way Daegmar explained their action plan the more Gaia felt like she too could grab some of the action. She?d sigh after the attention was left from her, calming her nerves and gearing herself up for the task at hand. She?d nuzzle Solo?s shoulder in a gesture of good luck. There was always a possibility she would not see him again, buffalo were dangerous. Nodding to the older she wolf Gaia would take to her feet, nose at the ready and her ears swiveling to take in all the sounds. A gentle clicking would be heard as she dashed into the forest, unafraid. Her bold movements would take her through the underbrush and further over the terra, her nose to the ground and to the air, trying to catch a whiff of the beasts. She?d follow the scent of the water, feeling the heat of the sun upon her it was very much likely they were taking their drink break. She?d crest a round hill to find the first scents of the giant animals. She would tip back her head and call out for the wolves of her surrogate pack and her siblings. They would reign victorious. | GAIA OLYMPUS |

Hephaestus listened carefully as the hunt leader - Daegmar - spoke, giving their plan, and felt uneasy. His obsessive attention to detail was appalled by the broad, open ended nature of the strategy, but he remained silent. She assigned Gaia to be their tracker, and then to fall back and care for Hypnos (who, he supposed, was their cousin) and he felt a surge of relief knowing that at least one of his siblings was going to be out of danger. He sniffed obediently at the ground and air, looking for a scent that might scream "bison" to him, but he'd had no formal hunt training and generally hunted from ambush rather than stalking so he hadn't developed as keen a sense of smell as he should have. Instead he followed along on Gaia's heels - he'd be no help as far as tracking but he could provide some protection if she needed it - until she finally topped a crest of a hill and there, spread out before them, were buffalo. Hephaestus studied them with interest and faint trepidation as Gaia called for the rest of the hunters. They were awfully big... and Daegmar had described them as incredibly dangerous. Was this a good idea? Gaia was sitting out, but Nemesis or Andromeda could get hurt, really badly. He glanced around for the hunt leader Daegmar, waiting for her further instructions.

ooc: I'm a dork. I just realized that was not much for you guys to go on and I do apologize. I'll pick a target so you guys actually having something to respond to. Kat and Tea up to you if you want to post again after this since I goofed everything up. xD Deadline is still the 10th at noon!

Emerald jewels gleamed at D?gmar watched the yearlings begin searching for the scent. Of course her attention was fixed primarily on Gaia. Eyebrows drifted up slightly in surprise at the femme's sigh. Did she want in on the action? D?gmar kept her peace. There would be other opportunities to give the crippled fae a chance at a kill but D?gmar didn't feel like explaining to Katja why one of the pups was dead within such a short span of their claiming. That could get? awkward. Of course the others were at almost equal risk. The wraith let the thought roll off her back like water off a duck. Nothing she cared to do about it now. This many growing mouths meant that much more meat. One bison would have them set for the week. As expected the howl rang out and D?gmar grinned, loping over to the gray femme. "Well done, Gaia." She waited patiently for the others to arrive and once they had she gestured to the herd. The bison were aware of the wolves so there was no need to lower her voice. The did not spook easily like deer.. which would be part of the challenge. "There, on the right side of the herd near that fallen tree. there are 3 or 4 young bison, probably about 6 months old. Their mothers can be quite defensive but they'll be easier to ground than an adult. Now then, everyone will rush the herd on that end, biting and snarling as nasty as you can, we must get them running. Which ever calf begins to lag behind that will be the target. Laufey, Solo and I will work on the mother and try to keep her away from the calf. Nemesis, Andromeda, Freyja and Hephaestus it is your task to take down that calf. Any questions?" D?gmar waited for a moment then nodded. "Right, let's get this party started." With a viscious snarl she bolted toward the heard, hackles raised, tail in the air like a banner as her maw parted to reveal blood-thirsty ivories.

The young cripple had done well enough, all things considered. Freyja had stayed on the girl's tail, watching and waiting to see what would be made of Daegmar's command. Interestingly enough, she seemed to respond to the task with gusto. A thirst to prove herself, eh? This was hardly surprising, in a family who would broker no malformations. The herd lay sprawled out below them, milling and grazing, fat and lazy and dangerous. The gilded warrior's paws itched to be off, to charge and chase and end it all with a meal. It had been longer than she cared to think about since her last big kill, since she had had another to hunt with her. She looked over her shoulder at the rest of the gathering, wondering absently what the younglings would make of such challenging prey. It was heartening in a strange way to hear Daegmar sound leery of the bison's strength and ferocity. While Freyja hardly needed another to tell her the world was dangerous it was good to see that her companion was not arrogant to the point of foolishness. Freyja heeded her words, nodded her assent to the darker huntress' plan, and when the order was given to charge she was among the first to propel herself down the slope and into their midst. Her porcelain paw kicked up clouds of dust between the stalks of grass, and she let loose a caterwaul that was both bloodthirsty and ringing. She was larger than some, smaller than others, but she knew the limits of her body and she tested them then. With an exhilarating shift of balance she cut a wide arc, dashing in a line meant to cleave the herd, to startle the oafs into reckless motion. She would divide their numbers and begin the slow process of singling out their target. Fangs would lash out at ankles, drawing blood and taking bruises here and there where she did not dodge quite fast enough. The grazing blows were an annoyance of course, and a reminder that should she slip up there would be no second chances. The demon's savagery continued, her vocal chords straining to make her presence and ferocity known. The ground began to rumble as the herd began to wake and shiver and move. "Talk" "You" Think

Reaching Gaia, the boy waited for further instruction. The fae in charge, Daegmar, if he'd heard the other boy correctly, was quick to do just that, picking a target and handing out assignments. The calf. Nemesis' heart rate quickened at the thought. Frogs were one thing, but he'd never seriously pursued a large animal before. The danger was real, Daegmar's words serving to drive that point home. "Any questions?" Slowly the boy shook his head no. Sure, he had plenty of questions, like how many wolves have you seen killed by bison? and what happens if one kicks you in the face? but he knew better than to ask. Thoughtlessly darting after Daegmar, Nemesis quickly realized his mistake and slammed on the brakes, changing course as soon as he was able. His eyes settled on Freyja and he made the snap decision to follow her. She was older than the rest of them and had spoken to Daegmar as an equal, and that was enough for him. Copying her movements, the boy worked to sow fear into the herd. Suddenly a slowing calf was before him and the boy, brazened by the chase, dove for the young animal's heels without hesitation. He retained enough reason to remember Daegmar's words of warning, and it was with them in mind that he paid special attention to the bison's hooves. The last thing he wanted was to find out what it was like to really be kicked in the head by one. Sensing an opportunity, Nemesis dove for calf's left hind leg. His jaws parted, lips peeling back in anticipation, and with a jolt, he latched onto the limb just above the hock. The calf pulled him forward, almost yanking him off his paws, and a bolt of fear lanced through him at the thought of being trampled. Fearing this, he let go and fell behind several paces. "Speaking" Thinking

The gray woman's instructions were quick and to the point, and Hephaestus was left worrying over the fact that he'd been assigned to take down a baby bison, and trying to formulate questions when suddenly everyone was moving. Hephaestus blinked after them in confusion a moment before instinct kicked in and he lurched into a run after them. Racing heavily after the golden woman to whom he and Nemesis and Andromeda had been assigned, his mind tumbled ahead of his ponderous feet like an avalanche. For a long moment all was confusion, lurking behind his brother and the golden woman until suddenly Nemesis darted forward to sink his teeth into a young bison. Things appeared to slow down for a long moment as his heart lurched, and Nemesis was dragged forward. He'd be trampled by the stupid calf if he went down under it... The boy had rarely seen his siblings in real danger, and the sight caused something to bubble up from inside him like magma and he exploded. With a roar he gathered himself and leaped forward, heavy jaws closing on the bison's other leg. He kept himself to one side, both to avoid the bison's kicking legs and to keep from trampling Nemesis himself as his younger brother let go and fell back. His teeth sank into flesh and tore it, hot blood running slick over his tongue and jaws as he jerked his head to the side. The bison kicked toward him and Hephaestus, never a nimble wolf, could not completely evade it as he hopped sideways, the hoof just clipping his left shoulder hard enough to bruise and open a slight cut beneath the golden fur. His blood still hot and furious from Nemesis' danger and with his own stoic nature, Hephaestus shook it off to bound forward once more after the creature that tried to harm his brother.

Hunting bison. That was something Andromeda could safely say she had never done before. And now they were on the move, Gaia had tracked them successfully and D?gmar was already delivering a plan. Like Hephaestus she found there really wasn't much time to stop and ask any questions for suddenly it was time to begin the hunt and it seemed they would have to follow the plan as best as they could. She would cast a brief glance to Gaia and Thanatos, hoping they would stay completely out of the way as told and that they of course would all be able to keep the bison away from them. With no time to linger on such thoughts though, she found herself racing after her brothers and the golden woman; Freyja. Joining in as best as she could with the spooking of the bison. The next event occurred so quickly, Nemesis would lunge for a calf and Hepheastus would be quick to go for the other side. The darker male would reappear unscathed though Hephastus wasn't quite as fortunate kicked away in the process. Andromeda would gasp though before she could ensure her brother was alright he was pushing onwards once more. Following his lead she would pick up her own speed again now, darting forwards herself to join in with the attack on the calf.

image by lunarcat7

At the signal, Laufey raced forward. The pack moved as one, running among the bison and scattering them. The boy did his part, snapping and howling at the heels of whatever animal he neared. When one of the Olympians singled out a calf, he was ready, eying the adults for the one that would rush to defend the young creature. As the pursuing wolves latched onto it, the calf began to bawl and its mother, hearing its distressed cries, spun around and began to make her way back towards it. Seeing the cow race towards the hunting party, Laufey moved to intercept her. Wary of getting in front of the massive cow, the boy raced after her heels. He came at her from the side, careful to avoid getting kicked, and sunk his teeth into her haunch. Enraged, the cow bellowed and spun, threatening him with her horns. The young titan retreated, moving with the bison in the hopes of staying out of her line of attack. She was all about forward assault, he reasoned, so it made sense for him to keep behind her. Laufey bared his teeth at her, hackles rising as he snarled. Her desire to protect her offspring may have been strong, but as long as he was able, the boy was going to do as he was instructed and keep her from it. He was sure his mentor was watching and judging his efforts. He would not disappoint. "Speech"

w00t!!! We're almost there guys. I think one more round ought to about do it. Next deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 15th at noon (i'm leaving that weekend to see my folks hence the slightly earlier deadline) Let's finish strong!

Sweet, intoxicating adrenaline flowed through her veins and the massive animals startled at the sudden, ferocity of the wolves. The turned to flee in panic. D?gmar sized up the pairs, racing behind the beasts like a sheepdog, fangs and snarls harassing the grazers, testing for weakness. This was as much a game of endurance and soon the weaker animals in the herd would begin to fall behind in particular one mother with a six month old calf. Perfect. She let out a sharp, short howl though she was certain the others had already picked out this target. They were lucky in some respects that the did not have to spend hours running the herd for such an opening and it quickly became clear why. The calf's breathing was off. Was it ill? D?gmar grinned but her focus was on the mother. It was up to her and the larger brutes to separate the cow from the calf. Jaws snapped violently at the hind legs of the cow, latching into the hock for just a moment before momentum pulled the limb from her jaws. D?gmar was forced to loose some of her speed, front limbs bracing and bending sharply as a powerful kick soared over her head just missing her skull. The warrior's heart was pounding violently in her ears as she put on another burst of speed. Fangs nicked the cow's left leg again, this time on the back of the knee, causing the beast to whirl violently around and charge her. This was all part of the plan of course, they needed the cow out of the way long enough to kill the calf but the cow was healthy and in good shape and giving D?gmar a run for her money. Shit, shit, shit on a stick! The mottled femme dove out of the way as the mother barreled past her and whirled around back toward her calf that was now being assaulted. DAM! Thankfully, though Laufey was on it. D?gmar felt a burst of pride as she watched the young male go after the cow. He bit violently into her leg forcing her to turn again. Letting out a bloodthirsty cry D?gmar moved to join him, voracious jaws clamped onto the side of the cow's left left thigh right in the middle. Flailing the bison tried kicking violently out at the pair. D?gmar's grip tightened, her head and body thrashing and ripping. Just a bit longer?. just a bit longer?.

While the leader of the hunt acknowledge he was too young to actually participate in the hunt she was glad he had shown the initiative to show up. A bit of pride welled up in Hypnos? chest, happy to get the praise by someone other than his momma. But he would not let it go to his head, instead following quietly after the blind Olympian who was given the task of first tracking the bison and then keeping watch on him to make sure neither of them got hurt. Moving more swiftly wasn?t the easiest task, but Hypnos pushed through that. The only way his leg would gain strength is through use and pushing through some of the pain, rather than being a baby and stopping the moment it started to throb. But he knew his limits well enough by now. It didn?t take long for things to really get interesting. The silver wolfess found the beasts as instructed and Hypnos? eyes would widen in wonder when he saw them. They were massive compared to other things he?d seen... No wonder the others would need to exercise such caution. Breathing in and out he?d look to the rest quietly, his seagreen eyes shining as the others got their orders. Sure he wouldn?t be down there with them this time... But he would watch. He would learn. Gaze would flick to the Olympian, a bit of mixed feelings rising, before he?d move to where he could watch the others clear enough without being somewhere he could get in the way. It was a sight, surely. Hearing their snarls, watching as they moved as a unit... Hypnos? ears would prick, even his own heart picking in pace. Worry too gnawed at him a bit, seeing how the brown boy nearly found himself in danger, and wincing when he saw the gold marked one get kicked in the shoulder. Yet... He seemed to shake it over. Adrenaline perhaps? With wonder he?d continue to observe them. Someday... It would be him among them. Walk "Talk" Think