Maybe This Was A Moostake...

Dusk loped through the dense forest of Cedar Falls, her ears twitching at every sound. The scent of cedar and damp earth filled her nostrils, and the rustling leaves sounded like little whispers. Beside her, Sitri moved with equal grace, his black and red fur shining as they passed through a sun dappled grove. They had come here to enjoy some peace and quiet, away from the pressures of their pack.

The pair reached a small clearing where a stream cut through the landscape, its water sparkling in the dappled sunlight. Dusk lapped at the cool water, feeling it refresh her from the inside out. With a coat as dark as her own, she overheated easily when out in the sun for too long. The stream was nice and cool on her pads as she stepped into it. Once her thirst was sated, she and Sitri moved to sit in some nearby shade, conversing lightly as couples do.

As they rested, a sudden crash echoed through the trees, followed by the unmistakable scent of a bull moose. Dusk's head snapped up, her muscles tensing. She saw the massive creature emerge from the underbrush, its antlers spreading wide like a crown of bone. The moose snorted, its eyes fixed on them with a fury that made Dusk's hackles rise. Never in all her life had she seen a moose so large. It towered over them and put the thick cedars to shame with its bulk. It's eyes were bloodshot and it's nostrils flared widely as it scented them, stomping one big hoof to intimidate the canines.

Dusk nudged Sitri, and they both backed away slowly, not wanting to provoke the moose further. The bull moose stomped its hooves, shaking its head in agitation. They had encountered moose before, but none had shown such open aggression. Usually, these giants of the forest kept to themselves, but this one seemed to have sought them out.

As they retreated, Dusk kept her eyes on the moose, noting its every move. It followed them, maintaining a steady pace that kept the wolves on edge. Dusk glanced at Sitri, and he gave a subtle nod, indicating he understood the danger as well. They needed to put more distance between themselves and the moose.

They moved quickly, weaving through the trees and underbrush. The moose's heavy footsteps crashed behind them, relentless and determined. Dusk's mind raced. Why was it so intent on them? Moose were typically solitary and avoided predators unless cornered. The massive ungulate bellowed, its wide spread of antlers ripping away the branches of the cedars. This behavior... it was so very unusual.

Dusk led them to a thicket of cedars, hoping the dense foliage would slow the moose down. They slipped through the trees, their smaller bodies navigating the tight spaces more easily than the bulky moose. For a moment, it seemed they had lost it. Dusk listened, her ears straining for any sound of pursuit.

But the moose wasn't deterred. It crashed through the undergrowth, bellowing in rage. Dusk felt a pang of apprehension. They couldn't keep running forever. They needed a plan. She glanced at Sitri, his eyes reflecting the same concern. They were within the thicket and so she couldn't use Whisper. They had to think of something else.

"Let's split up. You go one way, I'll go the other and we'll meet back in the clearing by the stream," she suggested. After shooting the dire brute a smile, Dusk turned and darted through the forest, her paws barely touching the ground. The sounds of the moose's pursuit grew fainter, but she knew it could still be tracking them. She paused, hidden behind a large boulder, and waited.

Minutes passed, and the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, she heard it—the heavy, measured steps of the bull moose. It had followed her. Dusk's heart pounded. She needed to lead it away from Sitri. She bolted from her hiding place, drawing the moose's attention onto herself, hoping that it would follow. ...And it did.

The chase resumed, more desperate now. Dusk weaved through trees and leaped over fallen logs, trying to stay ahead. The moose was relentless, its rage undiminished. Dusk's breath came in ragged gasps, her muscles burning. She had to think of something, and fast. The forest still hadn't cleared out enough for her to be able to use her weapon.

Dusk spotted a steep ravine ahead. It was risky, but it might slow the moose down. She sprinted towards it, using the last of her energy to make the leap across. She landed awkwardly on the other side, scrambling to keep her footing. The moose reached the edge and paused, its eyes locked on her.

For a moment, Dusk thought it might give up. But then it lunged, attempting to follow her. The moose's heavy body struggled on the steep incline, its hooves slipping on the loose soil. Dusk backed away, hoping the moose would lose interest or become too exhausted to continue.

In the end, it's body weight was too much. The hulking ungulate slid to the bottom of the ravine. It stomped in anger, sending up clouds of dust, but gave up in the end. It huffed, blowing steam out of its flared nostrils, then ambled away angrily. Dusk gave a sigh of relief, dark ears shifting as she rolled her shoulders, attempting to rid her body of the tension build up.

Senses still on full alert, Dusk made her way back towards the stream where Sitri was supposed to be waiting for her. All the while she continued to listen for the big ass moose, but it seemed as though the beast was gone. Gone away from her, at least. For all she knew, it could have circled back and begun to follow Sitri instead. Worry tugged at Dusk's mind and she couldn't help herself. She raised her dark muzzle to the air and released a low howl. She had to know if Sitri was alright.


WC-1002/1500

"Dusk Carpathius"