It was a gorgeous morning, perfect for hunting. The day was warm, sunny and clear but still early enough that the full brunt of the summer was not bearing down upon them. Not yet, anyway. Brandr had spied a herd of pronghorn antelope headed for the lake, eager to quench their thirst. This was a perfect opportunity to hold a family hunt. His children were now six months of age and it was time for them to experience their first real hunt. He hadn't quite decided if they should actually participate or if they should stay hidden somewhere they could watch. Personally, Brandr felt they could join in in getting the herd to run, as long as they stayed back far enough that they wouldn't get kicked.

Sticking his head into the den, he called gently to his family. "Good morning, whose up for a hunt?"

Brandr Speech | Corentine Speech

Dancing On A Mountaintop

Halation's ear twitched at the sound of approaching pawsteps and he curled himself tighter into a ball, still lulled into stillness by sleep. He'd been up late the night before, unable to get to sleep and now it was all he wanted to do today. Well, that's what he thought. When his father appeared at the den entrance and mentioned going on a hunt his ruby eyes flashed open and flipped around to look at his dad. "What? Really? You mean all of us right, not just mom?" He gazed hopefully at his father. He'd been begging for weeks to be allowed to go on a proper hunt with the rest of the family, preferably something big.

She didn't want to get up this morning, much to comfortable within the light embrace of her mother and close proximity to her brother. She loved to cuddle with her family and if she had it her way she would never leave the warm embrace. Like Halation, she to could hear the approach of their father, but she didn't bother to move. Hoping he would join the little family cuddle. His words made her head snap up, blue eyes looking to her father and scrawny tail wagging against the floor. To her brother's question she gave a pleading pout to Brandr, hoping that that is in fact what he had meant. She had been itching to actually go on a hunt and learn exactly how her mom and dad were able to take down other creatures. She knew they didn't just find freshly killed animals. She unrolled herself and got to her feet walking over to Brandr. "Please can we go!" she begged. "Lucine Talk", & 'Lucine Think"

"Corentine speech" & 'Corentine thoughts'

She was relaxed in the den with the two snoozing pups. She was still alert despite how relaxed she was. She had to be alert, there was always a chance a stranger would cross into the unclaimed territory. She had to be sure her kids were safe and her motherly instincts drove her to remain alert when Brandr wasn't around. Her ears perked as she heard the approaching steps, gold eyes opening and staring at the mouth of the den. She remained relaxed so that the kids wouldn't catch on. She expected it to be Brandr, but she had to be prepared in case it wasn't.

When his head poked into the den she smiled and her tail began to wag, happy to see him. Seeing both of their children begging to go she laughed lightly smiling at both of them.

"I believe your father means everyone," she said with a smile before gently nudging each of them to get up.

It was time to get them started with hunting lessons, part of her was fearful because she knew there was a chance they could get hurt and she knew they were growing way to fast for her, but it wouldn't be right to hold them back.

Art by Monster!

Brandr grinned, pleased at his pup's enthusiasm though not surprised by it. They'd been begging to accompany their parents on a 'real' hunt for ages now. He nodded. "Yes, really. All four of us are going to hunt pronghorn antelope today. You two will be helping us chase them, but you must promise to stay out of kicking range. If a pronghorn kicks you, you could really be hurt." He hoped the children would heed his words but his fear for their safety could not be allowed to infantilize them. "Come on, follow me."

Brandr slipped his head out of the den and turned toward the direction where he'd spotted the herd. Pausing to make sure his family was following before he continued. He journeyed around to the far side of the lake where a herd of pronghorn antelope were grazing. The wind was neither with them nor against them and while most of the pronghorn seemed to be drinking and gazing peacefully there were a few that were restless, their heads up and on the look out. While they were still out of earshot Brandr gestured his family close and whispered.

"Ok, here's the plan. See that old doe? The one closest to the reeds? She'll be our target. We'll want to sneak up as close as we can and then Corentine and I will charge for the doe. Halation, Lucine. You have a important job. Bark and snap at the other antelope and get them running, while your mom and I cut off the old doe and take her down. Any questions?"

Brandr Speech  |  Corentine Speech

ooc: Don't feel you need to wait for me if I don't get Halation up right after Brandr!

Dancing On A Mountaintop

Halation let out a cheer as he scrambled after his father, eager to get started. When they reached the area where the pronghorn were grazing he gazed down in awe. His heart was stating to race. Nervousness began to mix with excitement as he realized how much he did not want to let his father down. Halation settled down and listened intently as his father laid out the hunting plan. Brandr asked if he had any questions and he shook his head. He was just glad that he had an important job and he wanted to get started. Enough talking!

"Nope! I understand. Bark and snap and get the antelope running."