The pale wolfdog padded softly through the frozen undergrowth of the flooded, iced over forest - her breath forming fleeting clouds in the crisp, biting air. The trees, although dwarfed from what they one were, still towered over her. She'd stopped to swipe some of the snow from the ice she walked upon, noticing how their roots twisted eerily beneath the surface of it - trapped in a perpetual stasis.

Each step was deliberate as she continued her trek through the frozen terrain, her nostrils flaring as they caught the faintest scent of the elk herd she had been tracking for hours. Faint hoofprints dotted the snow ahead of her, leading deeper into the haunted forest where the tall green trees shimmered faintly from the ice that covered them.

She heard an echo of cracking ice that made her pause and tried to listen, though the wind howled in her ears and made it difficult to discern just how far away it was. Ahead of her, the tracks seemed much fresher, the subtle imprint of a large bull's hooves standing out against the smaller ones. She pressed on despite the sound of the crack, too focused now on her target and too unwilling to give up hours of work.

[ 1/3 Tracked and killed any large prey animal with 4+ participants ]

"Speech"

Winter arrived, dusting the ground in a thin layer of snow, a sample of what was to come as the season continued on. Now that she had a friend to travel with there was a better chance they could take down prey and eat, and Galena was terribly hungry. She hadn't eaten since the flood. Dag was now strong enough to help with a hunt and the duo padded north of the forest in search of prey.

Galena kept her nose to the ground, trying to pick out scents of reasonable prey. There were rabbits, yes, but she hoped for something a bit more substantial if possible. It was then she caught the scent of elk as well as another wolf. Squinting out across the frozen lake it took her a minute before she saw the snow white femme. A young wolf that seemed about her age.

Galena slowly crept forward, a gently chuff escaping her lips as she attempted to quietly alert the other girl to their presence.

Dagrún was still sore, she could feel her limbs aching as she moved but survival pushed her forward. They needed to eat. She also now had an extra mouth to feed despite Galena's insistence she was a capable hunter. On the air she could catch the faintest scent of elk and she focused in on it. It would be difficult if not impossible for the two of them to take an adult elk but with luck maybe they could find an injured or ailing member of the herd.

As they started to cross the submerged woods she spied another pup, an albino girl, who seemed to be following the elk scent. They approached quietly and Dag whispered. "Are you hunting the elk? May we assist for a share of the spoils?"

Tethys Fatalis

The older Tethys grew, the more reclusive she found herself. She'd always struggled to relate to others, never feeling like she quite lived up to the Fatalis name, and the strange happenings that had been occurring across the lands made her feel deeply uneasy. As a result she'd withdrawn even further into herself, spending most of her time diligent scouting the borders and surrounding lands. At least if she came across something alarming she could be of some use in reporting it preemptively as a threat.

But, perhaps unsurprisingly, the north was largely the same as it had always been. The lands changed with the seasons, and with winter now here these lands felt even more desolate than usual. This long-frozen lake had a thin layer of snow covering it, helping dampen the sounds of her pawsteps as she strode over it. A chill ran through her as the frigid air whipped past, and she braced herself against it. The north was her home, and she was used to the cold.

The scent of prey, mingled with the scent of hunters trailing it, caught her attention. Ears perked toward the sky, flicking erratically as she tried to pinpoint the exact location of the other wolves. By the time they came into view, she was pleased to see a small group apparently gathering- two were younger, but surely will the four of them they could secure a meal.

Visibly wary, Tethys was slow to approach, giving a soft bark of greeting. "Mind some help?" She said once she was within earshot, intentionally keeping her voice down so as to not spook the large prey animal in the near distance.

The soft chuff of another wolf drew her ears back as she froze, her pale form blending into the snowy surroundings. Slowly, she turned her head to see a mottled wolf and her companion approaching, their expressions cautious but non-threatening. The faintest hint of unease passed through her before a whisper reached her ears.

'Are you hunting the elk? May we assist for a share of the spoils?' one of them asked, their tone respectful.

Before she could answer, another wolf emerged from the snowy expanse, seemingly more reserved, offering a soft bark of a greeting. 'Mind some help?' the stranger asked, her voice low and steady.

Inferna glanced between them, considering the situation. Her instincts whispered caution but logic overruled her hesitations. Alone, taking down an elk would be a dangerous gamble, but with a group... their chances improved. Her pink eyes locked on to each one of them in turn, her voice calm but firm.

"If you can keep quiet and pull your weight, then yes, I'll accept your help. I've been following the tracks for awhile, the herd isn't far. Just remember, we only get one chance at this. We cannot outrun them once they spook."

Inferna's curled tail rested up against her haunches as she took the lead, her steps light on the ice as she trotted after the herd.

"Speech"

Before the snow white femme could answer another young woman arrived. She was very pretty and agreed to their assistance as long as they pulled their weight. Galena nodded. She had every intention of doing her best. Hunger was a strong motivator to succeed at this point. As the pale woman took off across the ice, Galena followed suit, her nostrils flaring as she continued to analyze the scent of the elk. This was as much a learning experience as anything.

Her claws clicked across the ice as the scent grew stronger and soon she could hear the sound of hooves and the low sounds of shuffling elk.

Dagrún glanced at the lovely woman that joined them and she stared for a moment at the vibrant coat, before turning back to the pale girl and nodding. They would pull their weight. The girl took the lead and Dagrún stalked forward, her claws hidden within her paws so she padded softly across the ice. The strategy sounded good enough to her. As the chased the elk and got them running inevitably the weaker ones would fall behind and there they could pick and subdue their target. The cold air felt good on her sore body, it brought a sense of clarity to her mind even if no memories resurfaced.

Tethys Fatalis

Almost as soon as Tethys spoke, she found herself wondering if she ought to have simply gone on her own way, minded her own business. It wasn't as though the Armada had any shortage of food, nor hunters; but the prospect of getting her blood pumping during a good hunt was difficult for her to pass up. Especially with winter on the horizon, food in the northernmost reaches of Boreas was scarce enough that she'd be a fool to pass up this opportunity.

The stranger seemed wary of her presence, though caution wasn't surprising. Tethys's gaze was scrutinizing as she tried to assess her response. All she could do was take her words at face value. Surely the outcome of this hunt was more important than any of the pleasantries they might exchange. She gave a nod of agreement to the young woman's plans, perfectly fine following her commands.

She was cautious as she trailed after her, keeping her attention focused ahead of her. The other wolves joining the hunt seemed just as willing to work together, so Tethys tried to let her guard down a bit and focus on the task at hand. They set off, pressing in close to the herd. Tethys waited with baited breath for Inferna to initiate the next step in their hunt.

With her makeshift pack in tow, Inferna moved deliberately along the trail, the scent of the elk growing stronger with each step. She slowed as the sound of hooves crunching snow reached her ears, the low rustling of the herd echoing faintly through the still air. Keeping her head low, she motioned for the others to stay downwind. She crept closer, using the natural cover of snowdrifts and scattered pine trees to obscure their approach. Inferna’s pale coat blended seamlessly with the icy backdrop as she pressed her body against the frozen ground, peering through the snow-laden branches.

The herd was just ahead, their massive forms moving steadily through the snowy landscape. Inferna’s sharp eyes scanned for their best chance: a young elk doe at the edge of the group, slightly separated from the others. Her heart quickened as she signaled silently to the others, her muscles preparing for what she was about to do next.

With a sudden burst of speed, Inferna lunged from her hiding spot, snow flying in her wake. She closed the distance in seconds, targeting the doe’s left flank. Her jaws locked onto the vulnerable artery near its hind leg, the metallic tang of blood filling her mouth. The elk bellowed in pain and fear, staggering as Inferna’s grip tightened, ensuring a critical blow that would weaken their prey quickly. Even as the doe kicked at her, Inferna's square muzzle remained firm - digging in further and further with each movement.

"Speech"

As the drew nearer Galena moved slower, taking a stalking position as she slunk forward. Noting the direction of the wind she shifted to keep herself downwind. So far the weather was cooperating with the hunters and with a little luck it would stay that way til they made their kill. Galena followed the other girl's gaze, noting the young elk doe that was off on the edge of the herd. Seemed like a decent enough target to her.

Galena's legs coiled beneath her and when the pale woman darted forward so did she. The doe made an effort to run but failed as the pale woman's teeth caught her thigh. The doe bleated and the herd erupted in movement. The elk scattering. Galena kept her focus on the doe, her fangs finding purchase on the back of the doe's right leg. It struggled but couldn't manage a kick for it it tried it would lose its footing.

Dagrún slunk down as they neared, her shoulder blades shifting up and down as she crept closer. She eyed the elk herd, eyes scanning them for weakness when the pale girl shifted. Dag glanced to where she was looking and spied the young doe. So be it. That would be their target. She had no problem letting the girl lead and waited for the signal. Once she attacked Dagrún joined in. The younger, faster wolves struck the doe first and Dagrún shifted her approach to come at the doe directly from behind. With a flying leap she landed hard on the doe's back. Her fangs latched onto the back of the doe's neck. Her cougar claws digging into the elk's side as she was forced down onto the ground from the force of the blow. Dag did her best to pull the neck back, hoping to open up a kill shot to the other hunters.

Tethys Fatalis

Trying to push any superfluous thoughts from her mind, Tethys focused on the task at hand. The scent of their target grew stronger as they approached, finally coming into view. Accompanied by the sound of soft snow underfoot, the group slowed, aiming to stay as far downwind as they could. Sneaking up as close as possible without alerting prey to the presence of their hunters was always a tricky task, and often was left up to nature itself- there was no telling how quickly the wind could shift course.

She made to lower herself further, knowing her bright coat stuck out against the icy backdrop of these woods. She followed Inferna's attention, catching sight of a younger elk that'd make a perfect target. She gave a slow nod to the group, informing them of her approval in their plan. Any deviation and things could go quickly wrong. Acting cohesively was important.

Inferna initiated, lunging forward and heading straight toward the doe. The rest of the herd made to flee, but their target found her leg caught in the young woman's mouth. The smell of blood immediately filled the air, making Tethys's heart pound harder in her chest. Though she felt strange in many situations, a hunt was where she felt she thrived. This was her biological imperative. To chase, to hunt. She moved practically on instinct, kicking off hard and closing in on the prey. It bucked and kicked back at the hunters, and Tethys made a wide circle around its front, aiming to lunge for its throat as it started to come down. Her jaws found purchase, rewarded by the metallic tang of blood on her tongue.