Pip Pip Deerio

Kotori was a restless roamer these days, spending time away from the pack only to come back home for a day or two to check in on how things were fairing.  He would be home again soon and this time likely stay a while longer.  Roaming had some great perks to it but he would never sharpen his fighting skills enough without having the company of other wolves to practice with.  Well, or challenge every predator he ran across but some controlled spars would be wise.

As he trotted through the willows he felt a sense of contentment knowing he had almost made it home.  There would be a den waiting for him.  Out of sight but still close enough was a white tiger named Splash.  Fang was probably with Splash.  Fang was technically Kotori’s pet but it felt like the mongoose had a closer relationship with the cat than the wolf.  Over a year later did the little creature still hold it against him that Kotori had ignored his dislike of the name Fang?  Oh well.

When Kotori caught the scent of a deer he came to a stop then slowly started forward, cautious to move through the tree’s with care to not be spotted.  He had been coming the opposite direction as the other wolf but as he drew near the wolfs scent carried to him.  He had met a few ashen wolves in the past and even if he didn’t know this particular one it was the pack scent he recognized, along with the mingling scent of his own home.

The horned wolf couldn’t imagine his ashen neighbor was out here for any reason other than the deer and wondered how it would work out if they both had similar interests.  First he’d make sure the other wolf even noticed him.  Kotori’s gaze swept about the tree’s until he spotted a flash of red and then it was gone.  Kotori watched the spot until he saw a bit of red again, only when the wind caught the tree’s leaves and sent them dancing, otherwise the wolf was well hidden.

So would this be a fight over meat or a cooperative hunt?  Kotori would boldly assume the other wolf wouldn’t mind a bit of help, creeping a bit closer, ready to charge in when the stranger leapt out of hiding.    


Rudyard Carpathius