PLEASURE IN THE PROCESS

Enyo stood at the edge of the valley, her eyes narrowed as they focused on the massive creature submerged in the river. The female hippo, half-hidden by the sparkling water, was deceptively still- save for the flick of an ear. It was the only sign that it had noticed the hunting party gathering on the bank. Enyo's nostrils flared, inhaling the thick scents of the valley, but her mind was fixed on strategy.

Her posture was as commanding as ever, head held high, muscles taut beneath her thick, piebald fur. The other wolves fanned out silently behind her, awaiting her signal. She could feel the tension among them, particularly from the outsiders she’d begrudgingly allowed to join. The more bodies the better she supposed. The presence of the dog grated on her nerves. She would silence the irritation, knowing the success of this hunt relied on numbers and discipline. Her thoughts drifted to the other figure in the party, Identification. Enyo’s lip twitched at the memory of her brother telling her of the maiming, but her face remained neutral. This was no time for personal grievances.

Focus on the mission.

Enyo glanced over her shoulder, meeting each wolf’s gaze, assessing their readiness. Her half-black, half-white face gleamed under the sunlight, and she could feel their eyes on her. Waiting for the order. She caught the dog’s eyes for a brief moment, his gaze too familiar for her liking. How does he know my name? she thought with a quick flash of suspicion but quickly dismissed it. He must’ve heard of her reputation. They all had. Perhaps the Dunamis were becoming more distinguished in Boreas.

But she had more pressing concerns.

With a deep inhale of the valley air, Enyo stepped forward, her massive paws sinking into the soft earth. The hippo remained motionless, its immense body partially hidden by the water. It wouldn't move unless it felt threatened... or irritated.

Her voice, thick and velvety like the low hum of thunder, broke the tense silence. "We need it on land. A water-bound hippo is as good as invincible." Her eyes gleamed with a calculating sharpness as she formulated the plan. "We’ll use its aggression against it. Split into two groups. The fastest half of you distract from the left, the others, with me, will take the right. Bait it toward the shore. Once it's on land, we strike. Don't get too close, if it grabs you there isn't much we can do to save you." Since there were 8, they should all split into equal groups of 4.

She turned her gaze toward the dog, a flicker of disdain crossing her eyes but her voice smooth and composed. "You. Run the riverbank, make noise, and keep it focused on you. Don't get too close." She paused, her eyes lingering on his smaller, less impressive build. For a dog, he was quite large but to a wolf he didn't compare. "If it charges... run." She spoke the words like a dare, her implied that he might not be up to the task.

Without waiting for confirmation, she motioned to the rest of the group, her broad shoulders rippling as she moved with powerful strides toward the right flank. Medusa’s children made up a good chunk of the party. She hoped they would take after their mother’s ferocious nature. Enyo glanced at Identification briefly. She didn’t trust her. Had no reason to but especially after hearing what her brother had to say. For now, they had a common goal.

The plan unfolded smoothly. As Enyo’s group approached from the right, the other wolves circled to the left, letting out barks and growls to catch the hippo’s attention. The water churned as the massive beast shifted, its small ears twitching in annoyance. Enyo’s heart quickened, the thrill of the hunt building in her chest, but she remained collected. This was about control. About forcing the hippo to make a mistake.

Enyo watched closely, muscles tensing, as the hippo’s eyes locked on the movement, its massive jaws opening in a low grunt. Then, it surged forward.

Now.

The hippo's bulk rose from the water, droplets cascading from its thick hide as it lumbered onto the shore. She would wait... Just a bit longer. Just far enough from the water that her group would be able to cut if off and prevent it from retreating to the safe river.

She watched as the hippo charged at the group. Waiting.




GOAL: Tracked and kill any extra-large prey animal with 6+ participants
2/3 rounds


"SPEECH"