Lunch at the pond
02-29-2016, 11:26 PM
Esarosa tilted her head toward Steel, the first one to speak up and agree to hunt with her. He gave a simple answer to confirm his participation - she was sure that was all he would say, but he surprised her when he added more. "But this better be less gross than the clams." Was that a small smile gracing his normally sullen expression? Her emerald gaze looked to his red eyes. She, of course, would smile widely in return, glad that he would come along for this hunt. "I promise, it won't be anything like hunting for clams today," she said with a wink. She stared at him for a few moments longer, then turned to Mithras. He looked a little disappointed that she'd suggested larger prey instead of frogs, but he wouldn't oppose her; in fact, he was quite good-natured about it, for which she was glad. Wagging her tail, she listened as he agreed to hunt the stag across the pond, but still hoped to get a lesson in frog hunting at some point. She couldn't say no to that! "Of course, Mithras!" she said, nodding her head vigorously, "Hunting frogs is great fun! I can definitely show you!" It felt odd to her to be needed, to actually be called upon to help out with something. Maybe she could actually be useful around here after all. She hadn't expected things to go well after joining a pack, but so far she wasn't regretting anything. Now she turned to Domino. He, too, would voice his agreement to hunt with them. "Great!" she exclaimed eagerly. Looking to Mithras, she realized he was waiting on her to lead the way. She tried to straighten up and look like she was in charge - her eyes drifted to the elk as she took a moment to think things through. She'd never led a group hunt before; she'd hunted all sorts of prey on her own, and as a youngster she'd participated in numerous small group hunts, but she had never been in charge before. Still, she was ready to give this a try, and she felt confident that she could do this. She had many reasons, but one stood out in particular - she had a rival, and she had vowed to outrank the other woman in any way possible; and if she could succeed in this hunt, that would be her first step. Her gaze turned back to the hunting party. "We should split up a bit," she declared, looking to Mithras first, "Perhaps you can act as a decoy at first, give us a chance to disappear into hiding. The stag will have its eye on you. Keep its attention until we're ready, but don't spook it too soon - I'll get it running when the time is right. Just inch your way closer until we're ready." His interesting coat color would give them an unusual advantage here. Then she looked to Steel and Domino. "If you two sneak around that way," she nodded her head to the right of the pond, "You can wait to ambush it. I'll head around the other side of the pond and set myself up to be on its heels, and I'll try to steer it towards you. It's easiest to get them when they're panicked and running blind. Once it's running Mithras, catch up and help us take it down." Had she been thorough enough? She was sure she knew where the animal would run, her strategy seemed sound in theory. She dearly hoped her strategy would hold up in practice. She'd wait a few moments, in case anyone questioned her or had suggestions. Then she went to move into position. She headed into the growth where she would be hidden, making a wide circle to the left of the pond. Keeping low, her legs bent and tail held by her hocks, yet not low enough to rustle the undergrowth, she crept along until she was at the far side of the pond. She moved until she could see the rear legs of the elk. Her movement slowed further, inching her way closer as she waited for the others to get into position and ready themselves for the action. |