Kotori wasn’t climbing back up the mountain but there were a bunch of trees near the base of the mountain nearby and Kotori was willing to bet there would be food in such a convenient spot.  He had taken Tove with him and the two would both be rewarded a number of caribou of having chosen this for their hiding spot.  This would be a bit more challenging than some prior hunts as there was a good number in the herd and plenty of adults in the group would be a handful.

Kotori glanced to Tove then turned his attention to a younger caribou amongst the mix.  The doe that was likely its mom was keeping a close eye on it but Kotori imagined they could still separate it with a bit of work.

"Kotori Fatalis"

Tove enjoys hunting with Kotori. The more time that the two spend chasing and felling pray, the more the older wolf is learning to anticipate his moves. They have returned to the base of the mountain where they had found the sheep. However, mutton is not on the menu today as they are greeted by a herd of caribou. The large animals mill about and her duel-toned eyes scan the group for the easiest target amongst them.

Kotori silently points out the young one with a doe keeping watch over it and Tove nods in agreement. Looking to the younger wolf, she squints and inclines her head in the direction that the mother is, paw lifting to point at him in suggestion that Ko use his height to scare her off. Tove is shorter but quick and knows how to herd an animal into a position that is beneficial to the hunters. Head inclines as she wordless asks for his assessment.


"Tove Baade"

Kotori watches Tove’s motions, catching on to at least part of what Tove is suggesting but either he needed to become a mind reader or he’d want confirmation from Tove.  “I’m scaring mom and the herd and you are going to separate the foal?” They hadn’t known each other long enough that Kotori was ready to trust his assumptions in this.

“That works,” if that was the plan or not. “Once there’s enough distance I’ll come back and help with it.” It was young but its gangly legs would be kicking out all over and young caribou were still a good size for a bit of danger if one is overly careless.  

It would have to be what she meant or that she’d adjust for it.  Kotori had already started moving through the trees and to the caribou.  Kotori took a few more steps before pausing and charging the herd, snarling audibly for building up the caribou’s fear.  As he ran towards them he managed to separate the rest of the herd from the mom but she was trying to keep with the kid.  They cried out plaintively and Kotori saw another reindeer glance over and seem to be considering the request for help.

Kotori lunged in the general direction of the reindeer without truly moving far.  He just was giving the reindeer a warning it would be facing him should she try to assist.  Kotori spun about and ran to the mom and to her credit she actually charged Kotori.  The horned wolf loped away a few strides to both avoid the mom’s attack and separate her from her child.  She tried to turn away to go back to the child so Kotori ran in, biting at a back leg and gaining her attention again.  
It was time for Tove to get their meal separated.


"Kotori Fatalis"

Ah, good. Kotori is beginning to understand how to read her. A grin appears as Tove nods in agreement to his words and the two swiftly move into position. Kotori charges the herd, startling them and grabbing the large ungulates attentions. The older wolf moves, silently lining up her run at the young caribou before rushing into the fray. The earthen male has the adults attentions, so Tove darts in to growl and snap at their target. It startles the mother and youth, forcing them to turn and flee from where the rest of the herd is.

Fear works against the hooved mammals as the young caribou chooses to dart in a different direction than the one his mother’s flees in. Tove rushes onward, driving it further and further away from the help of any of the larger adults. The flat land allows it speed away but the older wolf is right behind it, snapping at heels and growling at it.


"Tove Baade"

Kotori trusts Tove to do her part, unable to give her attention until he’s done with the adults.  Labeling them as prey and easy kills is normal but a full herd against one wolf can be dangerous if one takes away their attention and they were to charge in mass.

Once the adults seemed to understand they wouldn’t be allowed to go save the foal Kotori left the herd.   He ran towards Tove where she chased the youngling.  After he’d gained some distance from her herd he called out, “Spin it this way if you can.” The words were thrown out fast as Kotori ran.  It would be a lot easier for the two wolves to kill it together if she had it come to him versus him catching up with the distance they had gained.


"Kotori Fatalis"

Tove runs after the young caribou, herding it onward until Kotori is able to catch up. He shouts to her and the older wolf adjusts, running up to the front shoulder of the animal jumping at its face. It screams in surprise and spins toward the earthen male who is waiting for it. He lashes out, grabbing the closest front leg and twisting, breaking its leg and driving the creature into the earth.

It screams, bellowing for help but it is in vein as Tove’s paws touch the ground. She swiftly moves up to the young caribou’s neck, ripping it open before pinning its head to the ground. Its cries grow weak and stop, its body stilling a moment after. She steps back, thinking of all the meat that it will give to fill their stores.

"Tove Baade"