Epimethius moved with precision through the tall, emerald-green grasses of the valley. His nose was low to the ground as he tracked the faint hoofprints of elk near the riverbank. The herd had passed through recently, their scent still heavy in the heated air. He knew they would need to return to the water soon, but first, he had another plan in mind; one that required more than stealth. As he followed the tracks, his eyes surveyed the area for materials. He found sticks, the first thing he needed, and gently began to gather them in his jaws. Further along, he spotted twine-like strands clinging to the branches of a low-hanging tree. He plucked them carefully, tying them around his leg so he wouldn't lose them. He continued to collect the supplies he needed, moving silently, ensuring he remained quiet enough not to disturb anything around him. The valley was quiet, except for the gentle flow of the river. But Epimethius's mind was focused on his task. He was gathering what he needed to craft his trap later, the same one he had watched Enyo meticulously craft. It would give him an advantage when the deer returned. For now, he was patient, preparing for the hunt carefully. He knew the success of this would come from planning everything carefully, not rushing it. Strength and speed could only do so much.

Enyo watched from the shadows of a nearby tree as Epimethius carefully moved through the tall grasses of Emerald Valley. His focus was acceptable, tracking the faint hoofprints of elk with patience. She reminded herself that he would never be an equal despite his obedience.

With a twitch of her tail, she stepped into view, announcing her presence. "I see you're busy preparing for the hunt," she said, her voice steady. "I’ll join you."

Enyo quickly surveyed the area, noting the materials he had gathered. She moved with intent, her strong limbs carrying her to his side as she began to assist him in collecting sticks and other resources. "Good choice with the twine," she remarked, grabbing a few more lengths and tying them to her own collection. "But you need to think bigger. We want this trap to work effectively."

Together, they began to craft the trap. Enyo demonstrated her skills with an efficiency that showcased her experience. As they worked, she couldn't shake the feeling of superiority. She would never forget that while Epimethius displayed promise as a hunting dog, that was all he ever could be. He was a dog, but he was a mutt with purpose. It was the only reason he wasn't a dead one.


For now, she would tolerate his presence. After all, a good servant was always useful, especially in the hunt.

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

Epimethius ears perked as Enyo approached him, and he met her gaze briefly, acknowledging her presence without a word only a nod of his head. Her tone was laced with authority, something he had come to expect from the woman in front of him. He watched as she scrutinized his preparations, taking her advice in quietly. He accepted it gracefully with a nod, after all he knew he could always learn something from Enyo. As she joined him in his gathering of materials he watched her, seeing what she chose and mirroring her. Finding sticks of equal length, twine of the same strength, and anything else they needed. Epimethius stayed quiet, focusing on learning as much as he could from the woman before him. He knew his role in this hunt, and while Enyo's presence was dominating, it only pushed him to work harder. He began to prepare the trap, watching her out of the corner of his eye in case he needed any corrections. He knew what he was to most wolves, and in honesty, it did not bother him very much. He was, however, extremely committed to proving that he was still an asset to have around. He wanted to be valuable. "Talk"

As they gathered materials, Enyo noticed Epimethius's attentive gaze, and for a moment, she felt a spark of something resembling respect for his willingness to learn. She led the way, selecting sticks that were not only sturdy but also of equal length, demonstrating her keen eye for detail. He did not cower, which was good. Such weakness would have only pissed the woman off.

"Here," she instructed, holding out a thicker branch for him to take. "This will serve as the main support. You need to ensure the structure is solid if we’re going to catch something large." Whether he knew of such things or not didn't matter, she doubted the mutt had as much knowledge as her. If the hunt ended up being a waste of time because the stupid dog didn't know his shit, she would be very irritated.

Together, they began to lay out the trap, arranging the sticks in a framework that would ensnare their prey. Enyo showed him how to weave the twine around the branches, her movements quick and precise.

"Make sure to pull the twine tight," she advised her tone firm. "A loose trap won’t hold anything, and we can’t afford to let our hard work go to waste."

As she guided him through the process, she kept an eye on his actions, ensuring he mirrored her techniques correctly. Epimethius worked diligently, matching her efforts as they tied the trap together. Enyo felt a sense of satisfaction watching him focus. Good dog. He obeyed without question. Without even a word. As he should

"Good," she acknowledged as they neared finishing the initial structure. "Now, we need to disguise it. Cover the trap with leaves and grass to blend it into the surroundings. If they see it coming, it won’t be effective."

Together, they gathered foliage, Enyo demonstrating how to cover the trap while maintaining its functionality. He was learning quickly, and in time, he could become an asset in the hunt.


"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

The dog listened eagerly as Enyo instructed him to use a better support for the trap, he would remember this for future hunts. He had already kind of assumed, but he wouldn't deny more help or knowledge on the matter. He would nod after she paused before they started working on laying out the trap. As they worked on crafting it, and she offered more advice he nodded along. Listening to her lesson on traps. He made sure to pull the twine as tight as possible without snapping the twigs, he wished to make the she-wolf proud. Soon she was leading him to a place to set the trap, and then she teaching him how to cover it. He began to also listen to the sounds of the elk, he could hear them begin to come this way again. And he was eager but not rushing as he finished covering up the trap, offering a doggish grin to Enyo. Then he tilted his head, pointing in the direction of a very subtle noise, this time he wasn't quiet because he was focused. He was quiet because he heard the elk near. "Talk"

I CAN BE YOUR GIRL GIRL GIRL GIRL GIRL GIRL

Enyo looked up from her work as Epimethius finished covering the trap with a satisfied expression, his doggish grin more noticeable now. He tilted his head and pointed in the direction of a faint noise, his focus sharp.

She followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing as she listened. The subtle rustling of the elk was unmistakable. They were nearing.

"Good ear," she muttered, her tone almost begrudging but acknowledging his skill. "Stay low and stay quiet. This is the moment. We’ll have one shot at this."

Enyo moved swiftly, her posture rigid as she crouched beside the trap, her eyes locked on the direction Epimethius had pointed. The anticipation of the hunt was palpable, and she knew they had set everything up perfectly. Now, it was just a matter of waiting.

If he performed well then perhaps she would make him a slave. A useful mutt was better than a dead one and a dead one was better than a useless one.

BUT WOULD YOU LOVE ME IF I RULED THE WORLD WORLD WORLD

"SPEECH"

CODE BY SIN

He kept himself pinned against the earth, everything still in preparation for the hunt. The trap would slow it, and injure it, giving them the opportunity to take it down. He watched as a lone doe elk walked in their direction, lowering her head to graze upon the grace as she walked. Her steps timed out and careful... But not careful enough, with a sickening crack he watched the trap clamp around the doe's front leg. And then he was springing forward, and he knew Enyo would be close behind. The doe now realizing what was going on was trying her hardest to bolt from them, but alas, Epimethius was faster. He gained on her quickly, jumping like a lion pouncing onto a gazelle, his teeth coming down hard into its back as he leaned back to slow the elk down. This would take time, it was stronger than a deer. Had more blood that needed to be bled. "Talk"