With winter came children. Snow babies, he would joke in his head. They were all around Abaven now, with Wren and Esperanza's litter growing. But they were young yet, too young to actually participate in a hunt for the pack. That didn't change the fact that there were hungry mouths to feed, however. Being one of the few adults in Abaven not currently busy with the children. Quelt had disappeared, as had his mate. Nona was around, and Allen was keeping an eye on her. He wondered if she might end up pregnant or not, truly, but found relief that if she did Bass would understand. The majority of his worries, for the moment, were at the back of his mind. He could strive towards facing the future, and shouldering the new responsibilities he held.

Allen would stand within the plains, gaze across the snowy stretch before him. The pack would need to eat, and those who could would need to try to help each other as much as possible. Every able bodied Abaven member who could participate in a hunt would need to come together. They had to eat to keep their energy... to stay strong. This season could be a killer if you let your guard down. Though it had been here long already, there was always the chance it could linger as well. They couldn't be too careful.

Head would tilt back, his howl rising over the snow. He wanted to hunt while there was still plenty of light, and before the weather decided to take a turn and start dropping more snow upon them.

As the pups grew older, their voices got louder. He would sigh at the cramped den, digging at the edges to try and widen it out a bit. There were far too many bodies cramped up here, but he didn't want to give up their den. He loved it, it was the first place that he had called his own when he first claimed Abaven. So he dug away, the pups most likely out exploring with their mother. He said he was going to stay behind to make the dun bigger, but its not what he wanted. His muscles screamed to be used, to work out. He used to love to run, and did it often, but now the little buggers were weighing him down. That was, until a howl was heard. Bass perked, jumping up so fast that he nearly hit his head on the top of their den. Looking up carefully he eyed the rock ceiling before dragging himself out of the den. Ah, a hunt! Yes, that is what they needed. To run and jump, and sink his fangs in. The snow was starting to melt, and he was sure that it brought the prey back with it. The Winter had been harsh, there was hardly enough to go around his growing pack. Bass took off, not even bothering to wash the dirt from his paws. Eying Allen, he skidded to a stop and smiled at the older man, nuzzling his shoulders. "Thank the stars for a distraction," he breathed, sucking in as much fresh air as his lungs could handle. Falling to his rump he waited for the others to show, nostrils quivering in excitement. At last, something to do.

Dark ears would perk as she caught the sound of a call to hunt, an eagerness to join in would fill her breast. Swiftly picking herself up from the den floor, she'd been resting after her date with Valentine had been cut short. The chance to get her mind off of their failed adventure was enough to put a spring in her step as she bound her way to Bass and Allen? She didn't know him personally but she was sure that she had heard his name at least a couple of times and seen him at meetings. She would nod in greeting to him before coming to stand by her brother, nuzzling the new father softly. If he thought he had been busy before those five pups were born she had to guess that he was really feeling the pressure now. Smiling softly she would take a seat as well,waiting to see if anyone else would arrive. ""

The first man to arrive was, of course, none other than Bass himself. Being a father of five was surely no easy task, and the calico found a bit of amusement in seeing how the Azat of Abaven handled himself around the children. They were a unique lot from what Allen could see from a distance, fascinated by the little lives that followed their father about. They seemed to be such sweet little thing, making the calico long even more for children of his own. Allen would give a good nature chuckle, the older man gently bumping Bass with his muzzle. “I thought it would be nice to get our minds off things for a little while.” He would say softly. “Besides, I figured everyone could use a bite to eat, with so many of us Abaven’s being young ones.” Though, to Allen’s disappointment, only one other would show. Bass’ sister, one he didn’t know personally, though seemed to be a pretty little thing. He was actually surprised she was not a young mother herself. The calico would dip his head back to her, and after a few more brief moments of seeing that none had arrived would give a sigh and spoke. “Looks like it’s just us. Bass, miss Rhythm, shall we then? There is a small herd that has made it’s way here near the rapids. It looks to be moving slow, a couple of the deer seem to be lame, possibly due to the harsh conditions of winter. Picking one of them off shouldn’t be too much trouble, and it will help the herd as well. ” The man hoped Bass didn’t mind him keeping in control of the hunt, though he’d shift control of the hunt to the Azat. Setting off towards the water, Allen would keep speaking. “We’ll head towards the herd and cut the target in a pincer movement. Bass to the right, Rhythm to the left, and I’ll come up behind and add my weight to drag the beast down. Rhythm, would you like the honor of the killing blow?” The man would ask, flashing her a gentle smile. "Hear Me Talk," 'Read My Thoughts.'

Table by:: Tealah

He was sorely disappointed when it ended up just being him, Rhythm, and Allen. He blew out a withering sigh, but when Allen spoke he gave the older man his full attention. Ah, he remembered sniffing out that herd a few weeks ago, it was good to hear that someone else was looking after them as well. He laid out a plan, and the man nodded his head. It was well thought out, well planned. Bass grinned at Allen, standing and shaking out his coat as he eyed the distance. It would be a much needed hunt, there were so many mouths to feed. When he offered Rhy the killing blow, he eyed her to see what her reaction would be. But his ears were turning on the top of his head, already alert and on the mood for a hunt. He tossed up his head quickly, giving one last call for anyone who might join them. Bass was starting to get excited, his toes curling as his nails bit into the frozen landscape. He was ready to go, blood already starting to pump through his veins faster.