all a matter of perspective
08-12-2013, 03:12 PM
~*~
The snow leopard took a step back and surveyed her work. The cave wasn't terribly high or large, but she could walk around without the front without bumping her head, and the cranny went far enough back into the cliff side to be well sheltered from the northern elements. In the back, off to one side, was a bed of fresh pine branches, their evergreen needles, filling the space with a sweet, spicy aroma. On the other side of the back, a trickle of ground water seeped down the cutaway of rocks, and was begining to pool nicely in the little ring of stones that Silverback had made. Shelter, comfort, water, all that was missing was food, and she was about to set off on a hunt now. She'd only just dragged in the last mouthful of pine boughs from above. Now, everything was set. She couldn't have done better if the expectant occupants were to be her own pups.
She was quite fond of this idea of hers. It catered to every part of her: the huntress, the queen, the predator, the lonely, the slightly sadistic, the helpful. It was all too perfect. She just needed to choose the right wolf. None too young - she wasn't lactating last time she checked. But not too old either - wolves died like flies compared to her and she didn't want to get attached to something only to have it go belly up. Even if she got a yearling, in eight or nine years when it died, she'd only be 12 or 13, that was middle aged for her. She wouldn't focus on that though. The lonely years were behind her! From now on she would have something to cuddle with or groom or talk to or feed or terrorize as she saw fit. It was perfect.
Now for the missing piece. Like a spider, Silverback began her decent towards the Pass and the surrounding slopes of forest. The cliff appeared sheer as ice to any on lookers - and would prove so up close to anything but a cat, a goat or a bird - but the leopardess made it look incredibly easy. That was what she was counting on for this whole plan. What was impassible to a wolf was simple climb for her. She even sprang the last fifty or so feet on her own without a thought - leaping downwards and across the narrow chasm, to ricochet halfway down the opposite wall and then land smoothly at the bottom of the first cliff. Four years old was young adult as far as her kind was concerned. If she was this good now, she'd only get better. A smirk twisted neath her whiskers as she removed herself from open sight and went to lounge in her favored ambush position above the perfect, trap-like pass. Already she'd met with two wolves coming through here. And one she'd even carried up the slopes to the cave to watch the sunrise from. She hadn't thought of her plan back then - but that encounter had started the ball rolling.
Now to let it land home.
08-12-2013, 03:21 PM
~*~
The cat was a hunter, she could stalk a chosen prey for days until every advantage was hers and the moment was perfect, but she was not made to dwell upon her patience today. As if in agreement with her plan, the fates were kind to her. They sent her a peace offering in the form of wolf's paw steps, falling softly and echoing laconically through the pass. Usually it was soundless, but usually there was more snow too. The click of claws was soon audible to her bent ears. Through a crack in her stone guard, her snake-like pupils got a look at a young male wolf, who's coloring was absolutely adorable. It was always a wonder to her, why the creative spirits above had given wolves so many different colors and patterns, while giving their better creations a standard pelt for all. Ah well, it was something to be worn with honor and pride. To be groomed and looked after - unlike the mudstained, messy coats of the dogs. This one wouldn't have to deal with that any more however; Once he was her's she intended to keep him in excellent condition.
It came so naturally - these thoughts of toying with another's life. She was a huntress after all, death and life were her's to play with on a daily baisis. And then of course, she was a cat, a slight taste for torture sort of came with the job description. Silverback wasn't about to let her eagerness, obstruct her judgement, however. She waited perfectly stiff and perfectly silent as the wolf came striding right up into the pass. ... Right... below her. She uncurled a spotted paw ever so slightly... waiting for just the right moment.
WHAM!!
And there it was. The male slumped against the stone wall like a stone, pole axed by a blunt bat from the she-cat's paw. Silverback felt her fur fluff up with excitement. "Just like fishing!" she rumbled to herself, unable to contain her excitement.
But the next moment, she was stretching her body downwards and closing her teeth around the black and rust tinted scruff. She seemed to be more ghost like than mortal, as she twisted about and began her ascent up the side of the mountain. She took her time, now, being careful to chose good footings and not rush herself, but all the same, she would've made a geared up climber like like a toddler. The only thing in creation that could outrun her in her element was a mountain goat - and then only sometimes.
She knew she hadn't whacked the male wolf hard enough to keep him out for long - she hadn't wanted to give him brain damage or anything! So she hasted coming over the lip of the cave, dragging him the last few steps the center of his new home, and then letting him go. She stepped back to observe him, her tail curling uncontrollably in excitement.
(ooc: permission given to powerplay)