Post by Pavane on Nov 21, 2011 13:46:31 GMT -5
New puppies! An unexpected visitor! Hunting lessons!
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Askuwheteau comes slowly walking up the incline towards the pack's densite, and while he carries himself upright and with a normal looking gait his eyes betray the bone-weariness he feels. Perhaps in part due to the rather larger-then-one-wolf-can-handle carcass of a deer that he drags bit by bit towards the pack's home. However at the base of the incline stubbornness gives way to fatigue and Asku drops it. Letting out a howling call to let his family know he has something tasty.
Since late the day before, Skahla has not left the den... nor seemed too comfortable with the idea of anyone else getting near, though he has stopped short of baring his teeth at any of his packmates, despite the fact that the young alpha has no shortage of stress to handle, himself. Now, as his mate sleeps nearby, exhausted as much from staying up all night cleaning and nursing the pups as the actual birthing of them, Skahla lies nearby. His head lifts when, from the outside, he hears a familiar howling, and a few moments later, he drags himself from the den. Just outside, he hesitates for a moment, still reluctant to leave his mate's side, before walking to meet his brother.
At the sound of Asku's howl, Ikuna appears from amid the underbrush. The young wolf has been away from the densite as often as he's near it, lately - exploring and learning how to hunt and patrol by himself, or with his friends, or any of the older wolves who have time. to teach. Time has been short, lately - as short as Skahla's temper - so it seems this time he's been alone. Still, he trots in with a puppish wag of his tail, heading toward Asku with a bark of greeting.
Askuwheteau looks up at the den entrance when he notices movement, he had been about to settle himself down for a rest but on the appearance of his older brother he rises again. Asku does something exceedingly unusual for him, he lowers his tail and ears in deference to Skahla, smiling while waiting for his elder sibling to approach. Upon the appearance of Ikuna though he offers a small wag, and a return bark of greeting. "Hello Ska, Iku. Sorry I hae been away so much lately..." Still, while offering apologies the middle brother in this group offers no words of explanation.
Skahla is hardly the one to apologise to for absences. Were it not for the birth of his pups, there's little to no chance he would be anywhere near the den, right now. Standing awkwardly, though his ears and tail are raised, the young alpha responds, "I'm hardly going to blame you for not sitting around idly, Asku." While there is no judgement in the slightly older brother's tone as he addresses his littermate, his discomfort prevails, preventing him from attempting any friendly contact with either Asku or Ikuna, who he talks to next. "Neither will Ikuna. Will you, Ikuna?"
Ikuna has been growing, in the time Askuwheteau's been away. The scrawny, underfed pup they rescued has put on some weight, though he's still lean under the shedding coat of winter fluff. Adolescence and the lean times of winter will do that, even as a proper diet of deer and rabbit - and mice and squirrels he catches himself! - help him grow. He nods at Asku's apology, perking his ear over to Skahla as well. "We've just been practicing together," he says to the middle brother. "Training ourselves." Not without help, from time to time, though not from the absent Asku.
Let the brothers be brothers among them; they are lucky to have themselves. Trotting slowly along the path he remembers, vaguely, travelling once before -- he certainly remembers the way back! -- Anoki comes slowly toward Ute's lands, head down, ears back, tail slightly tucked between his legs. He doesn't want to be mistaken for a threat! The reddish-furred, normally desert living adolescent is slowly moving along. He pauses some yards away from the hill and the wolves upon it as they come into view.. and gives a careful bellow call to draw their attention.
Tala had been curled up next to the den merely sleeping away, though at all the movement and voices around her that won't be for much longer. Her maw twitches and she lifts her head to peer out, ears perking forward as she slowly drags herself upwards upon her haunches, a yawn escaping her in the process. Forepaw lifting to scratchs at her face a few times. The call is caught, one she can't ever say that she's heard before.
Askuwheteau nods to both his brothers and his head and tail lft, taking on his more typical stance once more he looks at Ikuna with a mingled look of pride and sorrow, "I am glad to hear that your training has begun despite my wandering, I know I promised you and the others that I ould show you some of my tricks...and I will. But before that I would love to watch you in actions so that I can see how much progress you've made." Then to his littermate and Alpha, "Skahla is everything alright?" A look of concern enters his eyes and he takes a step towards his elder sibling to greet him properly, With a nudge of his nose under his brother's muzzle, "You look troubled in some wa-" Asku's words are cut off however at the call from Anoki and as he turns his stance changes again. His muscles flexing and ripplng beneath his coat and his ears and tail lifting, it seems Asku does not recognize the younger wolf anymore. "Who is this?" There is a slightly growling undertone to Asku's words, obviously he takes Anoki to be an interloper of some sort.
Any chance that Skahla might talk with his brothers or sister, about things important or otherwise, is eliminated when the young vistor calls out. He does everything right, but with the still relatively new alpha's even newer pups lying defenseless so nearby... Well, Skahla is not going to give the adolescent any chance to get closer, to say the least. Skahla ignores the greeting from his brother in order to focus on the stranger. The fur along his spine raises involuntarily as he turns his attention to the newcomer, but as he trots with energy that, before, he would have sworn he'd never find to block Anoki's path, he does not growl or anything of the sort. Clearly, to the wolf who has always prized action over speech, finding out who it is is most easily accomplished by actually meeting the wolf. He only slows once he is perhaps closer than is safe, in order to say, "Hello." It's simply, but the alpha's tone carries with it the threat of violence if he doesn't like the way he is greeted in return.
Ikuna nods at Asku's words to him, but before he can answer, Anoki's call fills the air. Ikuna's brow furrows. He doesn't recognize it, and yet it seems naggingly familiar despite his inability to put a face to that voice. Not part of his pack, that much is for sure. His ears perk up alertly, his tail lifts with readiness and the confidence of a wolf on his own lands as he turns to face Anoki. Who is this interlo- huh. Wait. There's definitely something familiar here. His tail twitches, moving to a slightly more neutral position, though he still holds himself erect and ready for anything. Anoki's appearance does spark a memory, but he only caught a few glimpses of the other boy, and that as a pup before adolescence took hold and began changing him. He's not wholly certain, and so he remains silent and lets Asku's question stand - though when Skahla starts into motion, he does the same, staying two steps behind and four to the side, out of the way but still close enough to get a good look and listen.
The reply to Skahla's greeting is to sink down into the grass some, ears flattening to the sides, shoulders huncing, and tail-end sinking to a crouch over the ground. Skahla is not his uncle. So he's not sure at first how to handle an adult male not his family leader. He gulps. "H-Hello," he greets softly, "Uh.. Y-You're Skahla, aren't you? I kinda remeber you.. And there's Askuwheteau... And-- And uhm.. I uh... I uhm." he gulps, head going back, throat being shown. "I-it's me, Anoki, f-from the Cerulean. Y-you know, I helped you find where the stolen ones were..?"
Tala shifts on her paws, ears flicking forward and back slightly while her maw twitches. She soon moves on over towards where Ikuna is. "What's going on?" Is questioned while her attention turns towards where Anoki is and she lifts her head, maw opening slightly. "Hey isn't that.." Before she can say anything Anoki says his own name, her tail sways around a few times but she slips quiet after that watching.
Askuwheteau's demenor changes instantly as recognition dawns on his face and his expression softens, "Anoki, you'e certainly grown young pup. I'm sorry for our cold reception. Ikuna and our whole family owes you a great debt. If it hadn't been for you we might not have him here with us today. How is your sister Niyt doing?" Asku's tone becomes conversational after his shoulders relax and his muscles cease bunching up.
That was, of course, a rough period in all their lives... but Skahla begins to remember the young wolf standing before them quickly enough. Not in detail, of course, but enough that his fur slowly settles. Since he doesn't seem about to run the young male off, he is perfectly happy to let his brother deal with this... this, whatever it is.
Oh. Yeah! Anoki! From Cerulean! No wonder it's been nagging Ikuna's memory. It's just, well, he generally tries not to think about that whole thing during the day, and the faces in his nightmares don't include Anoki, so. The youngster's posture relaxes, though his ears stay perked with curiosity. He leans over to bump his shoulder to his sister's lightly as she comes over to meet them, keeping his eyes on Anoki. "What are you doing here?" he adds after Asku's question. He's rather curious, and it's not like he really knows Anoki. He never saw much of the other wolf, even after the rescue. They both had other things to deal with.
Tala tail sways a few times while she keeps her smile. "Nice to see you again Anoki." She offers while half leaning her shoulder back against Ikuna's. An while she is curious as to just why he is here she doesn't reask the question and merely waits for the answer.
"O-oh, uhm, Niyt is fine, she's ... Niyt." How else can he describe his sister? She's always just been Big Sis, and the best chew toy and climbing toy he could find. "She's okay, though I think she's kinda lonely alot. So is uncle Tariro.." He murmurs, before he turns, ears perking slightly at Ikuna. Yes, yes that's the one. His ears lay back, and Anoki lets out a whine. "I uhm, I wanted to come and see you, Ikuna. I wanted to apologise for not trying to help you when .. you know. I feel.. so bad for leaving you there when I did. I know that Niyt keeps telling me it's good I got out, because it saved you and Kachina but I still feel.. bad for it." He frowns, and dips his head, looking at his paws sheepishly.
Askuwheteau glances at Skahla and as the three younger wolves begin to talk he sidles oer to stand beside his alpha. "So Bro, How is Shawnee doing? I caught the scent of new pup when I arrived. Did everything go smoothly?" He falls silent for a second and then nods in Anoki's direction, "I'm impressed I must say, not many young woles would care enough about the situation to make an apology like that. With any luck the younger ones here will strengthen our ties with the other pack, allies are neer a bad thing."
Though Skahla has lapsed into silence, he keeps an eye and an ear on Anoki as the not-quite-stranger speaks... to his much younger brother. He, like Anoki's sister, firmly believes there is nothing the youth should be apologising for... but he is not the one being addressed. Ikuna is, and while he keeps an eye on the situation, he is willing to let them talk mostly between themselves. After a moment, he blinks, as though finally remembering he has been asked something. "Huh? Oh, she's... she's sleeping. And, so are they... I think." Not for long, since Skahla knows just enough to know that pups get hungry very often, but all are sleeping and well for now. That's good, right?
Ikuna definitely knows. He listens to Anoki's awkward apology, and then he nods. He's silent for a few moments, and when he speaks it seems at first like it's not connected. "We've been learning how to hunt," he says, the words slow as he looks for good ones. "You can't just all charge together when you're hunting. That's worse than hunting alone, 'cause you trip on each other. You gotta split up, and go from different sides." He frowns for a moment, then adds, "Sometimes there's no good, it's just bad and less-bad. I think you did less-bad." With that, he steps forward, and offers a touch of his nose to Anoki's cheek if the other young male will accept it.
Tala glances from her older siblings then back to Ikuna and Anoki, her ears perking and a soft smile is seen while her tail twitches a few times. A nod of her head is seen. "Ikuna's right.. You did the next best thing, if you hadn't had gotten away.. Well.. We don't talk about that." She rather not think of it.
Hey, Ikuna's not ripping his face off, so a nudge to the cheek is fine. Anoki's tail gives a weak wag, and he smiles at the other adolescent, and then at Tala, too. "... You're learning to hunt? I'm suppose to get some lessons from a new wolf in our pack, Coinin. He's very nice, but I think he's a bit distracted by Niyt. Y'know, the mushy things adults do all the time." He casts a sly look towards Asku and Skahla, assuming he hasn't been heard, before he dips his head, and adds, softer, "It's kinda gross to see them making eyes at each other, but I guess if he makes her happy." He grins a little. Then asks, a bit louder, "So what's the largest thing you've caught? I caught a rabbit the other day! Boy was that a long run around. I had to soak my paws in the river for a while afterward so they'd stop hurting.."
Askuwheteau chuckles softly at the distracted way his brother responds and after a moment he semi-roughly shoves the older male with his shoulder, a teasing smirk on his face, "Yeah well, better you then me Skah...that's for sure." He was joking, trying to alleviate some of the stress of being a new father. If he couldn't help in any other way at least he could do that much. His ears perk at hearing the younger woles hatting and an idea begins to form in is mind, he turns it over in his head. Asku toys with the idea of taking the younger bunch out on a group hunt, and while he not an hour ago brought a respectable meal home he finds he has more then one reason for wanting to take the three youngsters out on an excursion.
For a moment, Skahla looks like he might respond to the shove with more force than would be entirely necessary, or at least try. It has been a long time, after all, since he has played with anyone. After that moment, though, the exhausted new father manages a grin and a more playful nip at his brother than what it originally looked like he was going to give. "I don't know what you're talking about, Asku, since you're the new pupsitter." It is, of course, an idle threat delivered to the other male.
The mushy things. Uh. Well. /Presumably/ Skahla and Shawnee did some of those, since they've got puppies, but they must have happened in the dark of night hidden away in dens, because the mere presence of another wolf would make Skahla go into Super Awkward mode. Ikuna supposes, thinking back on it, that Chewy and Asku are like that sometimes, but... only sometimes, and besides, Asku's been away a lot. "Uh. Yeah..." he says anyway, and glances back to the adults briefly. "Sometimes it turns sad," he says. He's heard more problematic romance stories than happy ones, around here. He considers that, then gives a shrug of one shoulder, letting that topic fall behind in favor of hunting. "I caught a squirrel," he says proudly, then adds, "No rabbits yet, that's really good."
Tala settles down to her haunches, her tail curling at her side while she peers at Anoki slightly. "I suppose.." Its not like she tends to pay a lot of attention to that sorta stuff after all. A slight shrug of her shoulder is seen. "But ya.. It can turn out really sad." She does recall the story about that one wolf that is haunting some old den after all. "I got a squirrel to.. Went after a rabbit.. But never caught it." It wasn't easy to say the least.
"I really wanna catch a fish though. I wanna catch a fish so I can talk to it without sticking my head in water. I want to know what fish think." Anokie grins goofily, then considers the other to a moment in thought. "Hey... Hey, do you guys ever like, play games sometimes? Maybe I could get Undle Tariro to let me come over to play games and stuff. it's kind of lonely back in the Cerulean lands.. My dad took off with my sister, and it's just.. there's no one there my age." He frowns a bit.
Askuwheteau smirks as he listens Skahla and then rolls his eyes, "Oh geez, why not just exile me? It'd be more merciful, at least if they act anything like we did when we were littler." He then glances back at the younger wolves, "If you three like I could take you all out for a hunting lesson, Cerulian is a pretty long run from here, and If Anoki is going to join us for a meal we'll need a bit more then I brought back. And it is probably too late in the evening for him to set out for home today anyway." He turns back to Skahla and whispers, "I'll keep an eye on this lot through the night, I'm sure you and Shawnee would rather not have anyone poking their heads into the den this soon..."
"See? You're training for it already there, Asku." Despite the joke, Skahla's tone carried more gratitude and affection than he has likely ever used with his brother. Actually nuzzling against Askuwheteau's ear after the whisper, he announces, "Now listen up." Talking to the pups for the first time, besides the brief greeting he gave Anoki, he says, "I expect you three give my brother a hard time of it, you hear? I don't need him going soft on me." Hopefully, his attempts at pretending like he is at all comfortable with the younger generation will continue to be successful.
Ikuna grins as Tala mentions catching a squirrel of her own, and nods. Then he hmms to Anoki. "_Do_ fish think? They just sort of drift along." Not that he's ever paid much attention to fish! They're, well, fish. He tilts his head at the other question. In Ute pack, games play you! Orrr.. "Yeah, we play games sometimes. Crabapples, tag, that sorta stuff." When they're not being serious and training as hunters, which... well, lately, they kind of go back and forth which they're doing more. Still... being the only youngster must suck horribly. Not that adults aren't nice, but... his friends! He leans over to unconsciously bump shoulders with Tala at the thought, then nods to Anoki. "You could play with us," he offers with a smile, and then perks his ears as Asku's raised voice, and the smile turns to a big grin at the suggestion of hunting. "You wanna?" he asks his sister and the visiting adolescent, though it's obvious from his posture he's wholly in favor. Skahla's comment gets a bark of laughter, and a nod.
"Well.. Why wouldn't they think?" Tala questions back to Ikuna with a tilt of her head. "I mean.. the squirrel thinks, and the rabbit.. I mean.. I guess. They run around as if they have some thought after all. Or.. Maybe just from simple fear of us getting 'em?" There is a pause and she grins before nodding, her tail swaying a few times. "Ya.. You can play with us. Maybe we can find Ahiga too." Hearing Skahla a slight glance is offered over to her older brother and she shifts a tad closer to Ikuna before peering at Asku and tilts her head. A nod offered and her tail sways about. "Ya.. We should do that. I bet with Asku it'll be fun too."
Ears perk, and Anoki looks at Asku, blinking, before he grins a little, "I suppose, sure, that'd be okay. Maybe if I get a bit of practice in, it'll be easier for Coinin to show me stuff, too." he says. Of course, at Skahla's 'orders' he grins mischeviously, barking out, "Yes, sir, Skahla, sir!" firmly, tail wagging even if he's all business otherwise. Give this Asku a hard time? Yay! Like a game!
Askuwheteau blinks and turns a surprised look on his slightly older brother, then he does something noone has seen Asku do for a very long time, he tosses back his head and lets go a deep throated laugh of true mirth. He follows this by getting to his paws and tackling Skahla from the side, nipping playfully at his sibling's ears with a mock growl, "Turning them on me are you!? Oh don't worry Skah, I'll get you back!" It was all in jest, and Asku had not had a good wrestling match with his elder brother since they themselves were pups. After a moment of a light scuffling he let Skahla up. Then turning to the younger wolves Asku grins, his tail wagging. And a roguish grin plastered across his muzzle, "And as for you three...we'll see who gets a hard time and who doesn't..." He grinned with a teasingly ominous tone in his voice, His eyes twinkling in a mischevious way.
It takes some effort, but Skahla manages to engage in a little friendly wrestling with his brother. It's not a comfortable ritual by any means... but just maybe it could be, one day in the future. If he practises enough at it. Once it is over, Skahla talks not so much to any one of the nearby wolves, but rather to all of them. "I'm sure Shawnee is getting hungry by now. You be careful... all of you." It is something he has tried to avoid saying to the younger wolves recently, because they're all perfectly aware of the dangers out there without being reminded every time they turn around. Hunting is not an easy thing for young wolves to do, though, any more than it is for adults, and he doesn't want to see any of them hurt. He doesn't wait for a response, though, before turning to the deer, intending to tear off a portion of it for his resting mate.
Ikuna nods his agreement when Tala mentions Ahiga, not having even considered that as needing saying. These Ute youngsters are kind of a three-for-one deal. You get IkunTalAhiga. She might be right about the fish too - who knows? Not him, and he doesn't much care! He grins as the others agree with this plan of going on a hunting lesson. Sometimes they play games, and sometimes they train, and sometimes it's kinda like both. "We sure will!" he replies to Asku, his own tail wagging. When he glances back to Skahla at the admonition to be safe, the tail pauses for a moment, and he nods. "We will." Then it's back to Asku and a grin! "So. What's the plan?"
Tala well of course it is a three-for-one deal with the Ute group, but Anoki doesn't know that now does he? A ear twitches at the talk of them all to be careful, well she plans on it! She glances back to Shakla a moment, ears perking forward before they lower again, she then moves on over to Asku. Her tail wagging about while she smiles up at him. "We gonna go now, right?" She questions with a curious tone and wiggle of her form, eager to do something.
Askuwheteau smiles down at his little sister and leans down to nuzzle both her and Ikuna, he nods to Skahla's cautionary words and watches the new father head up to the deer. Then turning back to his younger siblings he chuckles, "Well the first things we need to do are decide what we are in the mood for, and then we'll have an idea of where to look for a given scent trail. We wouldn't go looking for a rabbit scent on a deer path would we? So what do you two feel like going after?"
Ikuna grins, considering and looking about at the others. Something big, yeah. No mice and squirrels today, no. They're hunting something worthy of big wolves. And, by and large, what big wolves bring back is... deer. Little deer, big dead, stags and does, the menu of the hilltop usually has 'deer' chalked up as the daily special. "I want to try deer," he says, then looks to Tala to see her opinion. "That, or maybe birds." Deer is a big jump, after all. She might not be up for it, or Asku might want to see them in action first.
Tala glances over to Anoki, whom has dozed off.. Oh well, her attention goes back to older and younger siblings. "A deer.. Aren't they sorta big?" She questions while her form wiggles at the thought. "I mean.. do you think we could find that isn't so.. big?" Leave it to Tala to still be the cautious one.
Askuwheteau sits down and tilts his head thoughtfully, "Well...we might be able to find one that is small, or one that is really old and weak. Remember you two when hunting it is always best to go after the old or the frail of health. It helps keep you out of danger and it actually helps keep the prey herds stronger as well. If you go after a strong, healthy young buck there is a good chance he will injure you, and on top of witch you are removing a young male that could father more deer for us to eat later. This will be a chance also for me to teach you one of my favorite tricks when hunting something bigger then you are. You two ready?" He asked with a bit of a hop as he rose to his paws and nuzzled each of his younger siblings.
Yeah, deer are sort of big, but still. Ikuna nods at the explanation about what to hunt - he's heard it before, with somewhat different phrasings. Asku's version is more logic-based and makes more sense to him. He nuzzles back at Asku, then turns to his sister, and nudges her side. "Come on. If it's too hard, we'll look for something easier, but we won't know 'til we try." The boy grins. "I'm ready."
Tala hums and nods slightly while glancing to Ikuna and then back to Asku. "Alright.. An ya.. I want to see what you have to teach us about going after bigger prey." She offers while nuzzling Asku back as she hops up onto her paws and follows after with a few bounces in her steps.
Askuwheteau smiles at the eager younger wolves, "Okay, Tala on my right side, Ikuna on my left. Keep formation as best you can until we actually start the hunt. I'll need you both close because when I give you directions on what I expect of you we will need to speak in whispers." He starts off towards the southwest with his little brother and sister in tow. "First thing we will cover is tracking, even if you don't think your quarry is close by try to keep a low center of gravity, it helps you to get into a full out run from a standing start. Thats a good thing to do if your prey takes you by surprise or a bear or cougar takes exception to you for whatever reason. I call this a "ready" position, be careful not to let your muscles get too tense while in this pose. It may feel like you are ready for action by tensing up, but the truth of the matter is when hunting or when fighting another wolf it's better to be limber. In many instances you can react faster if your body isn't all locked up with tension. Your movements need to flow one into another, the longer you pause in between actions and movements the longer prey or an opponent has to take advantage of your hesitations. Understand so far?"
Tala shifts over to Asku's right side while they move along towards where they are going to be hunting. Her tail wagging about happily at the thought of getting out and actually doing something! Her gaze drifts back and forth from the area before her to Asku while she takes everything in. A soft oh escaping her a few times along with a few quick nods of her head in the process.
Askuwheteau lowers himself slightly after explaining, and while demonstrating this he keeps his nose to the ground sniffing as softly as he is able They go along like this for a couple of minutes before he speaks again, "Now in relation to the tracking there are three things you want to watch and sniff for. The first is your prey leaving their scent on the brush around you. This is first just because it is the most likely thing you'll come across, the second thing to look for is spoor and scentmarks, especially during mating season. And this leads us to the third thing that helps us track, our ears. Even the older bucks who can't really do anything will call to the does, and the does will call back when they are receptive. Occasionally the bucks will call out challenges to one another and that can be useful, but in that situation it's more the luck of the draw. Because when happening upon two bucks fighting over a doe or territory your only hope is that their horns get tangled, they are defenseless then. If you actually try to take them on when they are not locked like that then you simply face two angry bucks. And they WILL turn on you once you become the greater threat. They are so helpless in fact that even without being killed once they are locked together in this way many bucks starve to death."
Tala is quick to watch what Asku does, along with following what he does as well. Her form lowering and she sniffs at the ground a few times, her nose wiggling about before a soft snort escapes her as she sniffs up some dust it would seem. Her ears perk while she peers around, sniffing out a few times and then glances back to Asku. "Mating season?" Is questioned with a rather innocent tone! A soft oh escapes her at the talk of the ducks being call out with one another in challenges. "Why do they do that?" She looks a bit clueless on the other thing. "I didn't know there horns could get all tangled up.."
Askuwheteau chuckles softly and turns to look at his baby sister, "I guess this is as good a time as any to explain these things to you, Mom and Dad normally would but...And I can't see Skahla getting up the nerve to give you two the talk. Has Chewy ever told you where pups and cubs and other little creatures come from?" Asku only sks the rather sensitive question because in all honesty he is unsure of just how far along his siblings ar in their education. Surprisingly Asku appears to be completely comfortable with the subject.
Tala ears lower a moment at the talk of their parents, its still a sore subject with her especially after everything with Ikuna. She shifts on her paws and settles to her haunches while peering up at him. "Well.. I don't think she has.. I mean.. Maybe she did and I don't remember." It is possible Chewy does tell the pups a lot after all!
Askuwheteau nods as he listens to the reply before continuing, "Well, lets see....you do at least know the differances between males and females don't you? Those differances are a big part of this subject. When a female of any species comes of age she will begin to feel certain urges at a specific time of year, mostly in the spring although it can be different for different sorts of creatures. And her body will go into what we call "heat" and it will in turn start putting off a scent that will tell all the males who come across it that she is ready to mate...er to....act on those urges I told you about. And that Scent will make the males who smell it interested in fathering offspring with that female. Are you following me so far?" Askuwheteau's tone and demenor are rather clinical as he explains things. But such topics have never really emberrassed him...possibly because it always seemed to be in the forfront of his mother's mind, when she wasn't angry with him of course...
Tala blinks slightly and just peers at her brother. "Well ya.. I know /that/." What sorta conversation is she getting herself caught up in? There is a slight pause and she looks rather confused while just peering up at Asku. "Really?.." Is questioned as if he may be joking with her. "Why.. would some smell make them want to do that?" Most smells that Ikuna and Ahiga like smell awful to her after all.
Askuwheteau blinks and rubs the back of his head with a paw at the question, "I'm not really clear on why it works that way, it's just the way the spirits made us. Some males have enough self control to resist it, but many don't. And when two bucks want to get the attention of a certain doe or even a group of does they may fight, both to try and look stronger, braver, and tougher then other males, and to try to drive off their competition for the female's...affections. That is pretty standard behavior across most species." He then adds, "They also call to the females, and the females call back to them, to try to let them know where they are so they can make offspring. These loud calls work against them when we are hunting however, because through them we can pinpoint where they are as well."
Tala ohs softly at this, a ear twitching while she tilts her head. "Well.. Alright.." She still seems rather unsure about this to say the least. But if Asku is telling her then it must be true! "Okey.. So.. if they lock there horns then we can take 'em down easier."
Askuwheteau nods and smiles at his little sister, "Yes, usually it's very beneficial too us when two bucks act that foolishly. Because we can actually take them down with next to no effort, they can't run, they can't fight us off. They are easy pickings, and we get two for one. And even if they don't get locked at times it can be a good idea to stick around and watch, because the loser is at least winded after the fight and sometimes is actually wounded by the winner. This makes them an easier target as well."
Tala hums and nods, a slight smile seen, glad to talk about the actual 'plan' again when finding a buck caught up or somewhat. "Well.. That would be good.. Cause it would be a sick or injured animal like you said. Better to take them then a healthy one." She pauses. "But.. They could still hurt us if there not too badly hurt I guess..?"
Askuwheteau nods and chuckles, "Yes, caution is always advised no matter how much of an advantage you may seem to have." Asku pauses for a moment as he sniffs around some brush before continuing, "But....that is not what we are going to do today. Today we have a different plan. Today I am going to teach you about a physical weakness most creatures have. And I am going to act as a decoy to draw our prey's attention while you little sis are going to make your first big kill. The weakness is something not everyone knows. But along the inner thigh of the back legs are two thick veins, almost as much blood courses through them as do through the vessels in the throat. I am going to get an older buck to focus his attention on me, while you and Ikuna are going to sneek up behind the buck silently. Wait until he rears up and tries to stomp me with his forehooves and then you two will rip out the muscles and veins of his hind legs. It will only be moments after that before he bleeds out and dies." He glances at his sister then, "So pop quiz...can you think of a good reason I am having you wait until he rears in my direction /before/ making your move?"
Tala blinks, her ears lowering slightly while she watches Asku and listens closely to what is said. She takes in a soft breath and a faint wiggle of her form is seen. A quick nod soon seen to show that she understands. "Well.. Because his attention will be on you and not on us?.. Hopefully we're be able to get the attack in and get him before he knows we're there?"
Askuwheteau nods and grins, "I'm proud of you Tala, you are using your head. But there is a even more practical reason to this method. That reason being that a deer or an Elk cannot kick backward with their hindlegs as long as their forelegs are in the air. So while I dance around in front of it and dodge it's stomps and it's attempt to gore me you and Ikuna will have a clear shot at it's hind legs without fear of being kicked." He leans over to nuzzle her then, "But you are learning fast and you both have good heads on your shoulders. I'm proud of you."
Ikuna trots along on Asku's side, opposite from Tala. He listens carefully to the explanations - both about where pups come from, and about the techniques for hunting. He nods, taking it all in as he pads along with them. For the most part, he lets Tala take the lead in the conversation, just listening and nodding when things make sense.
Askuwheteau turns then to his little brother and smiles, "You're rather quiet Ikuna, do you have any questions about the plan?" Asku continues to search for a scent trail, and eventually happens upon one with a grunt, "Hmmm, not terrably fresh but not old either. I would say this one would likely have passed by here just a short time ago, it's probably still in the area..."
Tala smiles, her tail wagging about while she shifts and nuzzles Asku back. "Thanks." She offers happly while she wiggles on her paws and glances over to Ikuna. "I'm glad your proud of us.." There is a slight pause though while she glances over the area sniffing here and then in the process.
Ikuna lowers his head, sniffing at the trail. So, this is what it's like, fresh enough for hunting but still worn. He looks up again at Asku, and considers for a moment, then shakes his head. "It makes sense," he says of the plan, then glances to Tala to make sure she's good for it too. Working together!
Askuwheteau nods and gives a little smile to both his siblings before huffing, "Got the scent? Then lets go get your first kills." And with that Asku lowers himself again and begins following the trail, his eyes flicking back and forth as he follows his nose, keeping an eye out for visual clues as to the location of their prey as well as picking where he places his paws carefully.
Tala maw twitches while she paws at a few leaves and sniffs out a few times more before her tail sways and she glances over to Ikuna to see how his doing with it. Her gaze catching sight of broken twigs and the like and she licks across her maw. "Ya.. I think that way?" Is questioned with a soft tone while glancing back to Asku.
Ikuna nods, and follows with just as much caution. He doesn't want to be the one that steps on a twig and lets the deer know they're coming! He moves a little off to the side, keeping himself in easy range but spreading so that when they do find it, they won't be all in one place and spotted at once. He and Tala are supposed to wait and pounce, after all! He looks over to her, and to Asku, paying attention to the rest of this little hunting pack and with his nose twitching as he follows the trail as best he can.
Askuwheteau has gone noticably silent now, and as they approach a ridge he slowly lifts his head until he peers over he brink. He is rewarded with the sight of a older stag, healthy but past it's prime. It would be a challange but he believed they could do it. Lowering himself behind the ridge of earth again he caught the eyes of both Ikuna and Tala, then he gestured with his head to each of them. Indicating that he wanted them to circle around to the other side of the buck with any luck this would be an easy hunt.
Tala eyes widen as she catches sight of the stag a few moments after Asku does. She shifts and follows suit lowering into a crouch herself, her tail twitching until she makes it stop moving. Her gaze turns back to Asku and and she nods before looking to Ikuna and then starts to slowly creep along towards the other side of the buck. A ear twitching towards the animal so she knows where it is while they move along..
Ikuna isn't as good at stealth as his older brother, but he manages to move - if not wholly silently - silently enough. The stag doesn't startle, and no birds call out warnings from the branches. Good. He takes a careful peek at the stag himself, and then his gaze goes back to Asku, asking a question that's answered the the older wolf's gesture. He nods, and with that effortful stealth begins to circle, moving from one bit of underbrush to the next, near Tala but not quite beside her. There's only room for one wolf in those hiding spots.
Askuwheteau watches the progress of the two younger hunters with no small amount of pride, his lessons not withstanding he began to realize that his little brother and sister were gifted with good instincts as well. Once they are three quarters around their quarry he slipped out of the underbrush directly in front of and in plain view of the buck. His shoulders shifting back and forth as he prowled towards the target, his hackles raised and a vicious snarl on his lips. The buck seemed to be wondering if this was a mad wolf, it eyeballed Asku calmly, not really believing a wolf would be so foolhearty as to assault a buck head on. But this was just what Asku wanted, he locked eyes with the buck trying with all his might to keep it's attention focused on him. Once his siblings got directly behind their prey he would lurch at it and try to get it to rear at him.
Tala soon settles behind the buck within the bushes and cover, her form tense and still crouched showing she is ready to attack when the buck is in the right position. Her hear is racing and her form quivers slightly, its not like she's ever done anything like this before mind you.. Though her attention is fully on the task before her, she can't like her mind wander because that is what things will go wrong..
Ikuna lifts up his head at the sound of Asku's growl. It draws the buck's attention - and it also gives the young hunters a sign that things are almost ready. He keeps a further eye on the deer as he continues to slowly circle, noting the stag's posture - the sharp hooves that stamp the ground, the defensive pose that shows his refusal to turn and run. This is an old buck, experienced in the ways of wolves and not easily frightened despite how his muscles have grown worn and his joints ache. Ikuna's attention has three points: The stag. Asku. Tala. He tries to keep those three in his mind, coming into position and looking for that opportunity his brother described.
Askuwheteau knew that where things had the biggest chance of going wrong was when he actually charged the buck, any experienced hunter knew that when things started happening they usually happened fast. He just hoped that his brother and sister kept their roles in this gambit in the forefront of their minds. He took a deep breath then and rushed forward, snarling and snapping at the air while dancing left and right to avoid incoming blows. While being sure NOT to let his eyes flick back towards the two younger wolves, he couldn't afford to tip the buck off about what was going on behind him. Asku just focused on his portion of the operation. 'Look at me. Look at me. Look at me." He thought to himself.
Tala shifts on her paws, ears flicking back as her eyes widen at the sight of Asku running forward to the buck. She swallows slightly and has to control herself knowing the plan and that she has an important role to do. She has to keep herself focused on what is before her and so far she is able to do just that..
Ikuna tenses himself down, watching as the buck defends himself from Asku's feint. He's looking for that chance, the point when the stag rears up instead of just lashing out his hooves. Maybe.. no, not yet. Or - no, that's not going to work. He crouches, waiting for the right chance to strike. Any minute no- There. Right there. The stag does a nimble sidestep and sway back from one of Asku's lunged, then tries to press the advantage by rearing up to strike at the (apparently) lone wolf. Tries - because Ikuna leaps forward at that moment. It's not quite as silent as the rest, as the sudden expression of surprise on the buck's face shows, but he can only respond so quickly and Ikuna is already in motion, diving in and snapping up at the back of a hindleg.
Askuwheteau's face looses just a hint of it's apprehenson as the battle continues, good, the other two arn't being hasty, they are picking their moment. The eldest wolf in the hunting party is more then pleased at seeing his little brother and sister keeping their heads even in a stress filled situation like this. And he practically breaks out in a grin when Ikuna makes his move. Asku maintains his position, snapping to try to keep the buck off balance enough for Tala to make good her own attack all the while making sure he stays just out of reach of the flailing forehooves. They may have the advantage but Asku doesn't relish the idea of being clipped by those sharp hooves.
Tala watches closely waiting for the right moment to attack.. It takes a few moments which feels like years to her at this point in time. An soon enough she is quick to follow after Ikuna. She leans forward the other leg and snapping at it. Her jaws gripping at where she remembers Asku told them to go for and she does her best to try and rip and pull. The buck is almost to tall for her to reach, forepaws kicking out as she jumps upwards to get at the right area and try to take the buck out.
Ikuna clings at the stag, his jaws tugging at it as his weight carries it down. He holds on like that for a few good moments - long enough to help keep it still as Tala strikes as well - and then he has to let go or else he'll fall down. He lands on his paws, and then jumps up again, trying to bite again at those veins that carry rich blood through the stag's body, and his teeth clench down as the deer gives a deep bellow!
Askuwheteau leaps forward as well when his younger siblings pull the stag down, he bites down on the buck's muzzle, more to hold it down then to finish it off. This is meant to be his little brother and sister's kill after all. What Asku does could more be considered adding a touch more control to the melee, he did fter all promise Skahla that nobody would get hurt. He grins around the buck's nose at the two younger wolves a twinkle of pride in his eye as he winks at them. Although his fangs are occupied it's his attempt at telling them both they did a good job.
Tala kicks out with her front paws as she finally gets a good grip upon the deer's back right inner thigh, right where the thick veins are. She gives her head a hard shake, her fangs pushing further into the flesh and causing blood to spill. With the bulk struggling to stay she shifts about, her hindpaws hitting the ground a few times as she tries not to let go now that she has a good hold. As long the deer doesn't fall on her it'll be all good.
This time, when Ikuna bites down, he /doesn't/ let go. The buck slowly sinks down to the ground, with another bellow that fades into quiet as it falls. The smell of the blood is rich, spurting down against Tala's muzzle and over Ikuna's as well, the two youngsters sharing in this kill under Asku's leadership. He scrabbles his paws to a stable spot as the deer gives what seems to be a final lurch, stumbling forward under the weight of wolves and the weakness as it loses blood, and then... it crumples to the ground.
Askuwheteau huffs as he lets go of the now still prey beast, he licks the trace amounts of blood from his muzzle and steps back, flopping back to rest on his haunches with a grin, "Fantastic, Great teamwork, you both stuck to the plan wonderfully. With more practice and a bit more experiance you two and Ahiga will be bringing home meals for the whole pack before you know it. and Once you three get your adult sizes and pack on a few more pounds of muscle. You'll be a team to give even the most experienced adult hunting parties a run. So...how does it feel to get your first full sized kill?"
Tala wasn't sure that she was expecting the deer to lurch forward like that. She wiggles about and soon doesn't have a choice and has to let go of the buck and pants out while glancing around to see where everyone else is. Bloodk rests across her maw and down her neck slightly and she grins which is a rather strange look to say the least. She licks across her maw while looking to Asku, her tail swaying a few times. "That was great!" Even better because everything worked out how it should! A ear twitching and she looks to Ikuna wondering what he thinks..
Ikuna releases his grip slowly. Funny how the teeth seem to get caught like that when you're catching prey. Once that's managed, though, he licks the spurts of blood from his muzzle with a big grin. He nods his agreement with Tala's reaction. They'll be awesome hunters! Though... hunting deer like this is probably still something that requires an experienced member of the team. For a while yet, at least. Still! A deer! Wow! He looks over the carcass, and beams. "We did it!"
Askuwheteau lays down with his forepaws crossed and nods happily, "I was very impressed with your preformance. Now I bet you worked up an appetite, so dig in. It'll make it easier to drag back home if we've eaten our fill before we go. Normally that right is saved for the Alphas but being that I have already brought one kill home today this is a rare situation and the normal rules can be glossed over. Besides you've both earned it." Asku grows serious for a moment then, "I just hope things go as smoothly once I've added Ahiga to the mix. Once I've given him a few extra lessons so that he can take lead." It was probably a startling revelation, Asku was planning on having Ahiga lead on the next hunt?!
Tala grins and nods while leaning against Ikuna, her tail wagging about happly. She wruffs out faintly and then looks back to Asku. She licks across her maw before eyeing the deer and shifts on her paws to move to a different spot and goes about chewing into the haunch of the deer eagerly. A ear twitches towards Asku and she pauses before glancing over to him, her maw a mess of red. "Ahiga's going to lead the hunts?" She's more curious about it then anything.
Ikuna tilts his head consideringly. "If Skahla and Shawnee were here... but they're not." He shrugs a little, and pads around the deer, looking at it, but his attention is picked up again by Asku's other comment before he actually starts eating. "'Course we can work with Ahiga," he says firmly, then hmms. "What do you mean, taking lead?" Maybe it's just like the taunting thing Asku did to draw the deer's attention. Ahiga is still the somewhat larger of the youngsters, what with having that extra bit of growth on them. Still, he wants to understand why Asku's saying that.
Askuwheteau watches his younger siblings and he tilts his head in thought as he replies, "Well you'll all take turns eventually, every wolf needs to know how to lead and how to follow as well. Since Ahiga is slightly older then you two he'll be the first to lead. I'll of course be there as both back up and as an advisor. I'll also be minding things to make sure nothing goes bad or gets out of control. Think of it more as a test, I'm testing all of you to see how well you work as a unit. Ahiga will lead the first couple of hunts, then we'll rotate. But before that happens I'm going to give the three of you an actual test once you've had some practice giving and taking orders. With Ahiga leading you the three of you will hunt me, The test will be to see if working together you three can come up with a workable plan and either trap me or catch me, that will mean you two will have to do just what you did today. You'll have to follow whatever plan you and Ahiga come up with to the letter, and while you two may in the roles of support offer advice to Ahiga, the final decisions will be his to make. This also comes with a lot of pressure, because your preformances will reflect on him as a leader, just as his performance will reflect on each of you when your turn comes."
Tala ohs softly and blinks at this while she shifts to her haunches, this is well.. A lot to take in to say the least. A ear twitches and she nods while licking across her maw. "Alright." She offers softly, her tail swaying a few times showing she is alright with this idea. "Did.. Mom and dad do this with you?" This questioned while she watches Asku closely a few moments.
Ikuna considers on that. "I think we should try all just working together first, before anyone has to be the leader. It's a lot to think about, following a plan and hunting." Never mind having to come up with the plan and have it all designed and all that! Then he grins a bit. "Besides, if we're all going to be leaders sometime, we should all hear how it works, or how will we know how hard it is when someone else is doin' it and appreciate it proper?"
Askuwheteau nods to Ikuna and chuckles, "Well we could do it that way too I suppose." Then he glances at Tala and his ears droop a little as he offers a rueful chuckle, "No...I'm afraid I was never taught to hunt, or too fight. A wolf by the name of Rowtag was suppose to teach me those things, but he never came around, I had to teach myself these sorts of things Tala. So I hope I'm doing alright by you three, I've never had to teach or been taught before."
Tala ears lowers lightly and she nods at this while sitting back on her haunches and eyes the deer slightly. A slight sigh escapes her and she rubs at her maw a few times. "I bet we're do alright.. We get along so well already after all." She offers, her tail swaying a few times in the process.
Ikuna nods as Asku agrees with his Revised Plan Proposal. Satisfied, he lowers his head to the deer to have some of it to eat, tearing off bits and chewing them as he listens to Tala and Asku talk. He pauses between bites to say, "We'll figure it out. You can figure out how t'teach it, and we'll figure out how t'learn it!" He grins a bit, and then takes another chomp of the meat, filling up his stomach.
Askuwheteau can't help but laugh softly at his little brother's optimistic attitude and turning away from his siblings he murmured to himself, "Would that I could do half the things you pups imagine me capable of..." But in spite of his amusement Asku couldn't help but be flattered by the faith placed in him by the younger wolves.
Tala smiles and nods while she glances over to Asku, her tail swaying a few times. "I bet you can.." She offers happly. Asku became like a father figure to them, well at least to Tala so one's father can do anything after all. She shifts and goes about chomping down upon the deer for a few more bites.
Ikuna has a bit of realist to him. There are some things nobody can do, and one person can't do everything. But, that said, Asku can do a fair bit. Surely it can't be all that hard! After all, his big brother learned it without any help, and they've got help, so there you go. He takes another few bites as well, then glances over at Tala. "You done?" he asks her. "We oughta drag this back to the den so everyone else can have some!" His tail wags, ad why yes, he /is/ looking forward to bragging, just a little. He won't even have to say anything, they'll just... show up. With a deer!
Askuwheteau grins at his younger brother and sister, he can guess what the topic of conversation is going to be among the youngest wolves of the Ute pack for a few days at least. He stands and begins to pad towards them, "Ikuna has a point, plus if we don't get it bak to the den a bear or something might try to come steal it, we can't let that happen to your first really good kill can we?"
Tala ears per, her tail swaying and she nods while licking across her maw while she shifts up onto her paw. Her maw twitches at the talk of a bear and she glances one way then another while taking in a soft breath. "Ya.. We should get going back to the den for sure.."
Ikuna nods, and he pads around to the neck of the deer, where he's seen the adult wolves drag things like this before. He leans in, adjusting his grip a few times before he gets one that seems firm enough, and then he starts to tug! Rrr! Yank! Tug! Man, deer are heavy! Still, he's going to manage this, one way or the other... though he does look hopefully at Tala for some help!
Askuwheteau turns to glance at the young she-wolf, not making suggestions, just nodding to the effort that Ikuna is making and chuckling. "It is your kill, I'll help carry it if you two really need my help but by all rights the whole experience should be yours. This day will only come once."
Tala grins at Ikuna and nods while she clambers over the deer and moves to grab hold of the neck and starts to tug and pull upon it to work on dragging the huge dead thing back homewards. She'll do her best!
And heave! Between the two of them, the young wolves manage to get the deer into motion, dragging it back toward the den bit by bumpy bit. It's hard work - probably harder than the hunting, to be honest - but they did it, and this is their glorious return. Ikuna and Tala, the mighty hunters, drag that deer right up to the hilltop and the den.
Tala doesn't ask for help, she just keeps on dragging and pulling the dead deer along. She is going to be one tired wolf when they get back home! It takes longer to get the kill back then it actually took to get it, but soon enough there back and once at the right stop Tala drops is and flops over panting hard in the process.
Tired, yes. Grinning proudly? Also yes. Ikuna flops down himself once the deer is in place, sprawling out with Tala in the warm glow of success.
A small squeek can be heard from inside of the den. It seems that Hadir has awakened. Of course not being able to see or hear anything there isn't much to be done. As quickly as he was awake he shifts his position and returns to a sound sleep. After all being born is hard work and you have to rest after something like that.
Tala grins over at Ikuna and bats out at him a few times before blinking.. Her head lifs and she glances around before peering at the den. "What.. was that?"
Ikuna grins, wiggling at Tala's pawing... and then goes still at the noise, lifting up his head and listening, then standing up as though he hadn't just flopped down in exhaustion. Being young is like that. "It sounded like it was from the den. Do you think it's one of the puppies?"
Tala licks across her maw as she shifts and wiggles about on her stomach, mostly to lazy to actually pull herself back up onto her paws. "Maybe.. How.. Many pups is there?" Its not like she got to speak with anyone about it.. An she still thinks there older alpha siblings doesn't like her that much. Its not like she's ever been told that, just actions speak louder then words and the said actions have clung onto her for some reason.
Ikuna shakes his head. "I dunno," he says, and considers for a moment, then pads up as quietly as he can to the entrance of the den and peers inside. It's hard to make things out in the darkness. Is that a puppy or Shawnee's tail? And what about that - paw or puppy? He stares for a few moments, then shakes his head, backing up and moving away. He's not about to go poking his nose in right now! "I'll ask, next time they're awake."
Tala yawns out while Ikuna is off looking at the den. A slight nod is offered while her head settles against the ground. "Well.. Maybe there give you a answer." She offers softly while curling up actually leaning against the dead deer slightly in the process. "Think its time for a nap.. Eyes feel heavy." Which isn't a surprize after the hunt and dragging the kill back it is enough to wear anyone out.
Ikuna nods, padding back to Tala and flopping down next to her, resting his head lightly on her side. "Yeah," he agrees, though he rather suspects he'll relax and think a bit before he actually sleeps. There's a lot for him to think about - Anoki's visit and apology. The hunt. The new puppies. Where puppies come from. What it means to be a leader. The future. More than enough to keep him pondering until sleep claims him.
Tala ear twitches while she shifts closer to Ikuna and snuggles against him, her eyes closing in the process. "I hope Anoki sticks around for a bit.. He seems nice." She offers softly.
Ikuna smiles, and nods. "I hope so too," he says, then adds, "I think he will. He seems like he's lonely. So we'll play with him, and be friends. We're sorta already friends, after he and I helped each other... we just don't really /know/ each other yet."
Tala hums and nods slightly, though soon enough she is fast asleep. A faint snore even escaping her proving just how tired she is at the moment..
---
Askuwheteau comes slowly walking up the incline towards the pack's densite, and while he carries himself upright and with a normal looking gait his eyes betray the bone-weariness he feels. Perhaps in part due to the rather larger-then-one-wolf-can-handle carcass of a deer that he drags bit by bit towards the pack's home. However at the base of the incline stubbornness gives way to fatigue and Asku drops it. Letting out a howling call to let his family know he has something tasty.
Since late the day before, Skahla has not left the den... nor seemed too comfortable with the idea of anyone else getting near, though he has stopped short of baring his teeth at any of his packmates, despite the fact that the young alpha has no shortage of stress to handle, himself. Now, as his mate sleeps nearby, exhausted as much from staying up all night cleaning and nursing the pups as the actual birthing of them, Skahla lies nearby. His head lifts when, from the outside, he hears a familiar howling, and a few moments later, he drags himself from the den. Just outside, he hesitates for a moment, still reluctant to leave his mate's side, before walking to meet his brother.
At the sound of Asku's howl, Ikuna appears from amid the underbrush. The young wolf has been away from the densite as often as he's near it, lately - exploring and learning how to hunt and patrol by himself, or with his friends, or any of the older wolves who have time. to teach. Time has been short, lately - as short as Skahla's temper - so it seems this time he's been alone. Still, he trots in with a puppish wag of his tail, heading toward Asku with a bark of greeting.
Askuwheteau looks up at the den entrance when he notices movement, he had been about to settle himself down for a rest but on the appearance of his older brother he rises again. Asku does something exceedingly unusual for him, he lowers his tail and ears in deference to Skahla, smiling while waiting for his elder sibling to approach. Upon the appearance of Ikuna though he offers a small wag, and a return bark of greeting. "Hello Ska, Iku. Sorry I hae been away so much lately..." Still, while offering apologies the middle brother in this group offers no words of explanation.
Skahla is hardly the one to apologise to for absences. Were it not for the birth of his pups, there's little to no chance he would be anywhere near the den, right now. Standing awkwardly, though his ears and tail are raised, the young alpha responds, "I'm hardly going to blame you for not sitting around idly, Asku." While there is no judgement in the slightly older brother's tone as he addresses his littermate, his discomfort prevails, preventing him from attempting any friendly contact with either Asku or Ikuna, who he talks to next. "Neither will Ikuna. Will you, Ikuna?"
Ikuna has been growing, in the time Askuwheteau's been away. The scrawny, underfed pup they rescued has put on some weight, though he's still lean under the shedding coat of winter fluff. Adolescence and the lean times of winter will do that, even as a proper diet of deer and rabbit - and mice and squirrels he catches himself! - help him grow. He nods at Asku's apology, perking his ear over to Skahla as well. "We've just been practicing together," he says to the middle brother. "Training ourselves." Not without help, from time to time, though not from the absent Asku.
Let the brothers be brothers among them; they are lucky to have themselves. Trotting slowly along the path he remembers, vaguely, travelling once before -- he certainly remembers the way back! -- Anoki comes slowly toward Ute's lands, head down, ears back, tail slightly tucked between his legs. He doesn't want to be mistaken for a threat! The reddish-furred, normally desert living adolescent is slowly moving along. He pauses some yards away from the hill and the wolves upon it as they come into view.. and gives a careful bellow call to draw their attention.
Tala had been curled up next to the den merely sleeping away, though at all the movement and voices around her that won't be for much longer. Her maw twitches and she lifts her head to peer out, ears perking forward as she slowly drags herself upwards upon her haunches, a yawn escaping her in the process. Forepaw lifting to scratchs at her face a few times. The call is caught, one she can't ever say that she's heard before.
Askuwheteau nods to both his brothers and his head and tail lft, taking on his more typical stance once more he looks at Ikuna with a mingled look of pride and sorrow, "I am glad to hear that your training has begun despite my wandering, I know I promised you and the others that I ould show you some of my tricks...and I will. But before that I would love to watch you in actions so that I can see how much progress you've made." Then to his littermate and Alpha, "Skahla is everything alright?" A look of concern enters his eyes and he takes a step towards his elder sibling to greet him properly, With a nudge of his nose under his brother's muzzle, "You look troubled in some wa-" Asku's words are cut off however at the call from Anoki and as he turns his stance changes again. His muscles flexing and ripplng beneath his coat and his ears and tail lifting, it seems Asku does not recognize the younger wolf anymore. "Who is this?" There is a slightly growling undertone to Asku's words, obviously he takes Anoki to be an interloper of some sort.
Any chance that Skahla might talk with his brothers or sister, about things important or otherwise, is eliminated when the young vistor calls out. He does everything right, but with the still relatively new alpha's even newer pups lying defenseless so nearby... Well, Skahla is not going to give the adolescent any chance to get closer, to say the least. Skahla ignores the greeting from his brother in order to focus on the stranger. The fur along his spine raises involuntarily as he turns his attention to the newcomer, but as he trots with energy that, before, he would have sworn he'd never find to block Anoki's path, he does not growl or anything of the sort. Clearly, to the wolf who has always prized action over speech, finding out who it is is most easily accomplished by actually meeting the wolf. He only slows once he is perhaps closer than is safe, in order to say, "Hello." It's simply, but the alpha's tone carries with it the threat of violence if he doesn't like the way he is greeted in return.
Ikuna nods at Asku's words to him, but before he can answer, Anoki's call fills the air. Ikuna's brow furrows. He doesn't recognize it, and yet it seems naggingly familiar despite his inability to put a face to that voice. Not part of his pack, that much is for sure. His ears perk up alertly, his tail lifts with readiness and the confidence of a wolf on his own lands as he turns to face Anoki. Who is this interlo- huh. Wait. There's definitely something familiar here. His tail twitches, moving to a slightly more neutral position, though he still holds himself erect and ready for anything. Anoki's appearance does spark a memory, but he only caught a few glimpses of the other boy, and that as a pup before adolescence took hold and began changing him. He's not wholly certain, and so he remains silent and lets Asku's question stand - though when Skahla starts into motion, he does the same, staying two steps behind and four to the side, out of the way but still close enough to get a good look and listen.
The reply to Skahla's greeting is to sink down into the grass some, ears flattening to the sides, shoulders huncing, and tail-end sinking to a crouch over the ground. Skahla is not his uncle. So he's not sure at first how to handle an adult male not his family leader. He gulps. "H-Hello," he greets softly, "Uh.. Y-You're Skahla, aren't you? I kinda remeber you.. And there's Askuwheteau... And-- And uhm.. I uh... I uhm." he gulps, head going back, throat being shown. "I-it's me, Anoki, f-from the Cerulean. Y-you know, I helped you find where the stolen ones were..?"
Tala shifts on her paws, ears flicking forward and back slightly while her maw twitches. She soon moves on over towards where Ikuna is. "What's going on?" Is questioned while her attention turns towards where Anoki is and she lifts her head, maw opening slightly. "Hey isn't that.." Before she can say anything Anoki says his own name, her tail sways around a few times but she slips quiet after that watching.
Askuwheteau's demenor changes instantly as recognition dawns on his face and his expression softens, "Anoki, you'e certainly grown young pup. I'm sorry for our cold reception. Ikuna and our whole family owes you a great debt. If it hadn't been for you we might not have him here with us today. How is your sister Niyt doing?" Asku's tone becomes conversational after his shoulders relax and his muscles cease bunching up.
That was, of course, a rough period in all their lives... but Skahla begins to remember the young wolf standing before them quickly enough. Not in detail, of course, but enough that his fur slowly settles. Since he doesn't seem about to run the young male off, he is perfectly happy to let his brother deal with this... this, whatever it is.
Oh. Yeah! Anoki! From Cerulean! No wonder it's been nagging Ikuna's memory. It's just, well, he generally tries not to think about that whole thing during the day, and the faces in his nightmares don't include Anoki, so. The youngster's posture relaxes, though his ears stay perked with curiosity. He leans over to bump his shoulder to his sister's lightly as she comes over to meet them, keeping his eyes on Anoki. "What are you doing here?" he adds after Asku's question. He's rather curious, and it's not like he really knows Anoki. He never saw much of the other wolf, even after the rescue. They both had other things to deal with.
Tala tail sways a few times while she keeps her smile. "Nice to see you again Anoki." She offers while half leaning her shoulder back against Ikuna's. An while she is curious as to just why he is here she doesn't reask the question and merely waits for the answer.
"O-oh, uhm, Niyt is fine, she's ... Niyt." How else can he describe his sister? She's always just been Big Sis, and the best chew toy and climbing toy he could find. "She's okay, though I think she's kinda lonely alot. So is uncle Tariro.." He murmurs, before he turns, ears perking slightly at Ikuna. Yes, yes that's the one. His ears lay back, and Anoki lets out a whine. "I uhm, I wanted to come and see you, Ikuna. I wanted to apologise for not trying to help you when .. you know. I feel.. so bad for leaving you there when I did. I know that Niyt keeps telling me it's good I got out, because it saved you and Kachina but I still feel.. bad for it." He frowns, and dips his head, looking at his paws sheepishly.
Askuwheteau glances at Skahla and as the three younger wolves begin to talk he sidles oer to stand beside his alpha. "So Bro, How is Shawnee doing? I caught the scent of new pup when I arrived. Did everything go smoothly?" He falls silent for a second and then nods in Anoki's direction, "I'm impressed I must say, not many young woles would care enough about the situation to make an apology like that. With any luck the younger ones here will strengthen our ties with the other pack, allies are neer a bad thing."
Though Skahla has lapsed into silence, he keeps an eye and an ear on Anoki as the not-quite-stranger speaks... to his much younger brother. He, like Anoki's sister, firmly believes there is nothing the youth should be apologising for... but he is not the one being addressed. Ikuna is, and while he keeps an eye on the situation, he is willing to let them talk mostly between themselves. After a moment, he blinks, as though finally remembering he has been asked something. "Huh? Oh, she's... she's sleeping. And, so are they... I think." Not for long, since Skahla knows just enough to know that pups get hungry very often, but all are sleeping and well for now. That's good, right?
Ikuna definitely knows. He listens to Anoki's awkward apology, and then he nods. He's silent for a few moments, and when he speaks it seems at first like it's not connected. "We've been learning how to hunt," he says, the words slow as he looks for good ones. "You can't just all charge together when you're hunting. That's worse than hunting alone, 'cause you trip on each other. You gotta split up, and go from different sides." He frowns for a moment, then adds, "Sometimes there's no good, it's just bad and less-bad. I think you did less-bad." With that, he steps forward, and offers a touch of his nose to Anoki's cheek if the other young male will accept it.
Tala glances from her older siblings then back to Ikuna and Anoki, her ears perking and a soft smile is seen while her tail twitches a few times. A nod of her head is seen. "Ikuna's right.. You did the next best thing, if you hadn't had gotten away.. Well.. We don't talk about that." She rather not think of it.
Hey, Ikuna's not ripping his face off, so a nudge to the cheek is fine. Anoki's tail gives a weak wag, and he smiles at the other adolescent, and then at Tala, too. "... You're learning to hunt? I'm suppose to get some lessons from a new wolf in our pack, Coinin. He's very nice, but I think he's a bit distracted by Niyt. Y'know, the mushy things adults do all the time." He casts a sly look towards Asku and Skahla, assuming he hasn't been heard, before he dips his head, and adds, softer, "It's kinda gross to see them making eyes at each other, but I guess if he makes her happy." He grins a little. Then asks, a bit louder, "So what's the largest thing you've caught? I caught a rabbit the other day! Boy was that a long run around. I had to soak my paws in the river for a while afterward so they'd stop hurting.."
Askuwheteau chuckles softly at the distracted way his brother responds and after a moment he semi-roughly shoves the older male with his shoulder, a teasing smirk on his face, "Yeah well, better you then me Skah...that's for sure." He was joking, trying to alleviate some of the stress of being a new father. If he couldn't help in any other way at least he could do that much. His ears perk at hearing the younger woles hatting and an idea begins to form in is mind, he turns it over in his head. Asku toys with the idea of taking the younger bunch out on a group hunt, and while he not an hour ago brought a respectable meal home he finds he has more then one reason for wanting to take the three youngsters out on an excursion.
For a moment, Skahla looks like he might respond to the shove with more force than would be entirely necessary, or at least try. It has been a long time, after all, since he has played with anyone. After that moment, though, the exhausted new father manages a grin and a more playful nip at his brother than what it originally looked like he was going to give. "I don't know what you're talking about, Asku, since you're the new pupsitter." It is, of course, an idle threat delivered to the other male.
The mushy things. Uh. Well. /Presumably/ Skahla and Shawnee did some of those, since they've got puppies, but they must have happened in the dark of night hidden away in dens, because the mere presence of another wolf would make Skahla go into Super Awkward mode. Ikuna supposes, thinking back on it, that Chewy and Asku are like that sometimes, but... only sometimes, and besides, Asku's been away a lot. "Uh. Yeah..." he says anyway, and glances back to the adults briefly. "Sometimes it turns sad," he says. He's heard more problematic romance stories than happy ones, around here. He considers that, then gives a shrug of one shoulder, letting that topic fall behind in favor of hunting. "I caught a squirrel," he says proudly, then adds, "No rabbits yet, that's really good."
Tala settles down to her haunches, her tail curling at her side while she peers at Anoki slightly. "I suppose.." Its not like she tends to pay a lot of attention to that sorta stuff after all. A slight shrug of her shoulder is seen. "But ya.. It can turn out really sad." She does recall the story about that one wolf that is haunting some old den after all. "I got a squirrel to.. Went after a rabbit.. But never caught it." It wasn't easy to say the least.
"I really wanna catch a fish though. I wanna catch a fish so I can talk to it without sticking my head in water. I want to know what fish think." Anokie grins goofily, then considers the other to a moment in thought. "Hey... Hey, do you guys ever like, play games sometimes? Maybe I could get Undle Tariro to let me come over to play games and stuff. it's kind of lonely back in the Cerulean lands.. My dad took off with my sister, and it's just.. there's no one there my age." He frowns a bit.
Askuwheteau smirks as he listens Skahla and then rolls his eyes, "Oh geez, why not just exile me? It'd be more merciful, at least if they act anything like we did when we were littler." He then glances back at the younger wolves, "If you three like I could take you all out for a hunting lesson, Cerulian is a pretty long run from here, and If Anoki is going to join us for a meal we'll need a bit more then I brought back. And it is probably too late in the evening for him to set out for home today anyway." He turns back to Skahla and whispers, "I'll keep an eye on this lot through the night, I'm sure you and Shawnee would rather not have anyone poking their heads into the den this soon..."
"See? You're training for it already there, Asku." Despite the joke, Skahla's tone carried more gratitude and affection than he has likely ever used with his brother. Actually nuzzling against Askuwheteau's ear after the whisper, he announces, "Now listen up." Talking to the pups for the first time, besides the brief greeting he gave Anoki, he says, "I expect you three give my brother a hard time of it, you hear? I don't need him going soft on me." Hopefully, his attempts at pretending like he is at all comfortable with the younger generation will continue to be successful.
Ikuna grins as Tala mentions catching a squirrel of her own, and nods. Then he hmms to Anoki. "_Do_ fish think? They just sort of drift along." Not that he's ever paid much attention to fish! They're, well, fish. He tilts his head at the other question. In Ute pack, games play you! Orrr.. "Yeah, we play games sometimes. Crabapples, tag, that sorta stuff." When they're not being serious and training as hunters, which... well, lately, they kind of go back and forth which they're doing more. Still... being the only youngster must suck horribly. Not that adults aren't nice, but... his friends! He leans over to unconsciously bump shoulders with Tala at the thought, then nods to Anoki. "You could play with us," he offers with a smile, and then perks his ears as Asku's raised voice, and the smile turns to a big grin at the suggestion of hunting. "You wanna?" he asks his sister and the visiting adolescent, though it's obvious from his posture he's wholly in favor. Skahla's comment gets a bark of laughter, and a nod.
"Well.. Why wouldn't they think?" Tala questions back to Ikuna with a tilt of her head. "I mean.. the squirrel thinks, and the rabbit.. I mean.. I guess. They run around as if they have some thought after all. Or.. Maybe just from simple fear of us getting 'em?" There is a pause and she grins before nodding, her tail swaying a few times. "Ya.. You can play with us. Maybe we can find Ahiga too." Hearing Skahla a slight glance is offered over to her older brother and she shifts a tad closer to Ikuna before peering at Asku and tilts her head. A nod offered and her tail sways about. "Ya.. We should do that. I bet with Asku it'll be fun too."
Ears perk, and Anoki looks at Asku, blinking, before he grins a little, "I suppose, sure, that'd be okay. Maybe if I get a bit of practice in, it'll be easier for Coinin to show me stuff, too." he says. Of course, at Skahla's 'orders' he grins mischeviously, barking out, "Yes, sir, Skahla, sir!" firmly, tail wagging even if he's all business otherwise. Give this Asku a hard time? Yay! Like a game!
Askuwheteau blinks and turns a surprised look on his slightly older brother, then he does something noone has seen Asku do for a very long time, he tosses back his head and lets go a deep throated laugh of true mirth. He follows this by getting to his paws and tackling Skahla from the side, nipping playfully at his sibling's ears with a mock growl, "Turning them on me are you!? Oh don't worry Skah, I'll get you back!" It was all in jest, and Asku had not had a good wrestling match with his elder brother since they themselves were pups. After a moment of a light scuffling he let Skahla up. Then turning to the younger wolves Asku grins, his tail wagging. And a roguish grin plastered across his muzzle, "And as for you three...we'll see who gets a hard time and who doesn't..." He grinned with a teasingly ominous tone in his voice, His eyes twinkling in a mischevious way.
It takes some effort, but Skahla manages to engage in a little friendly wrestling with his brother. It's not a comfortable ritual by any means... but just maybe it could be, one day in the future. If he practises enough at it. Once it is over, Skahla talks not so much to any one of the nearby wolves, but rather to all of them. "I'm sure Shawnee is getting hungry by now. You be careful... all of you." It is something he has tried to avoid saying to the younger wolves recently, because they're all perfectly aware of the dangers out there without being reminded every time they turn around. Hunting is not an easy thing for young wolves to do, though, any more than it is for adults, and he doesn't want to see any of them hurt. He doesn't wait for a response, though, before turning to the deer, intending to tear off a portion of it for his resting mate.
Ikuna nods his agreement when Tala mentions Ahiga, not having even considered that as needing saying. These Ute youngsters are kind of a three-for-one deal. You get IkunTalAhiga. She might be right about the fish too - who knows? Not him, and he doesn't much care! He grins as the others agree with this plan of going on a hunting lesson. Sometimes they play games, and sometimes they train, and sometimes it's kinda like both. "We sure will!" he replies to Asku, his own tail wagging. When he glances back to Skahla at the admonition to be safe, the tail pauses for a moment, and he nods. "We will." Then it's back to Asku and a grin! "So. What's the plan?"
Tala well of course it is a three-for-one deal with the Ute group, but Anoki doesn't know that now does he? A ear twitches at the talk of them all to be careful, well she plans on it! She glances back to Shakla a moment, ears perking forward before they lower again, she then moves on over to Asku. Her tail wagging about while she smiles up at him. "We gonna go now, right?" She questions with a curious tone and wiggle of her form, eager to do something.
Askuwheteau smiles down at his little sister and leans down to nuzzle both her and Ikuna, he nods to Skahla's cautionary words and watches the new father head up to the deer. Then turning back to his younger siblings he chuckles, "Well the first things we need to do are decide what we are in the mood for, and then we'll have an idea of where to look for a given scent trail. We wouldn't go looking for a rabbit scent on a deer path would we? So what do you two feel like going after?"
Ikuna grins, considering and looking about at the others. Something big, yeah. No mice and squirrels today, no. They're hunting something worthy of big wolves. And, by and large, what big wolves bring back is... deer. Little deer, big dead, stags and does, the menu of the hilltop usually has 'deer' chalked up as the daily special. "I want to try deer," he says, then looks to Tala to see her opinion. "That, or maybe birds." Deer is a big jump, after all. She might not be up for it, or Asku might want to see them in action first.
Tala glances over to Anoki, whom has dozed off.. Oh well, her attention goes back to older and younger siblings. "A deer.. Aren't they sorta big?" She questions while her form wiggles at the thought. "I mean.. do you think we could find that isn't so.. big?" Leave it to Tala to still be the cautious one.
Askuwheteau sits down and tilts his head thoughtfully, "Well...we might be able to find one that is small, or one that is really old and weak. Remember you two when hunting it is always best to go after the old or the frail of health. It helps keep you out of danger and it actually helps keep the prey herds stronger as well. If you go after a strong, healthy young buck there is a good chance he will injure you, and on top of witch you are removing a young male that could father more deer for us to eat later. This will be a chance also for me to teach you one of my favorite tricks when hunting something bigger then you are. You two ready?" He asked with a bit of a hop as he rose to his paws and nuzzled each of his younger siblings.
Yeah, deer are sort of big, but still. Ikuna nods at the explanation about what to hunt - he's heard it before, with somewhat different phrasings. Asku's version is more logic-based and makes more sense to him. He nuzzles back at Asku, then turns to his sister, and nudges her side. "Come on. If it's too hard, we'll look for something easier, but we won't know 'til we try." The boy grins. "I'm ready."
Tala hums and nods slightly while glancing to Ikuna and then back to Asku. "Alright.. An ya.. I want to see what you have to teach us about going after bigger prey." She offers while nuzzling Asku back as she hops up onto her paws and follows after with a few bounces in her steps.
Askuwheteau smiles at the eager younger wolves, "Okay, Tala on my right side, Ikuna on my left. Keep formation as best you can until we actually start the hunt. I'll need you both close because when I give you directions on what I expect of you we will need to speak in whispers." He starts off towards the southwest with his little brother and sister in tow. "First thing we will cover is tracking, even if you don't think your quarry is close by try to keep a low center of gravity, it helps you to get into a full out run from a standing start. Thats a good thing to do if your prey takes you by surprise or a bear or cougar takes exception to you for whatever reason. I call this a "ready" position, be careful not to let your muscles get too tense while in this pose. It may feel like you are ready for action by tensing up, but the truth of the matter is when hunting or when fighting another wolf it's better to be limber. In many instances you can react faster if your body isn't all locked up with tension. Your movements need to flow one into another, the longer you pause in between actions and movements the longer prey or an opponent has to take advantage of your hesitations. Understand so far?"
Tala shifts over to Asku's right side while they move along towards where they are going to be hunting. Her tail wagging about happily at the thought of getting out and actually doing something! Her gaze drifts back and forth from the area before her to Asku while she takes everything in. A soft oh escaping her a few times along with a few quick nods of her head in the process.
Askuwheteau lowers himself slightly after explaining, and while demonstrating this he keeps his nose to the ground sniffing as softly as he is able They go along like this for a couple of minutes before he speaks again, "Now in relation to the tracking there are three things you want to watch and sniff for. The first is your prey leaving their scent on the brush around you. This is first just because it is the most likely thing you'll come across, the second thing to look for is spoor and scentmarks, especially during mating season. And this leads us to the third thing that helps us track, our ears. Even the older bucks who can't really do anything will call to the does, and the does will call back when they are receptive. Occasionally the bucks will call out challenges to one another and that can be useful, but in that situation it's more the luck of the draw. Because when happening upon two bucks fighting over a doe or territory your only hope is that their horns get tangled, they are defenseless then. If you actually try to take them on when they are not locked like that then you simply face two angry bucks. And they WILL turn on you once you become the greater threat. They are so helpless in fact that even without being killed once they are locked together in this way many bucks starve to death."
Tala is quick to watch what Asku does, along with following what he does as well. Her form lowering and she sniffs at the ground a few times, her nose wiggling about before a soft snort escapes her as she sniffs up some dust it would seem. Her ears perk while she peers around, sniffing out a few times and then glances back to Asku. "Mating season?" Is questioned with a rather innocent tone! A soft oh escapes her at the talk of the ducks being call out with one another in challenges. "Why do they do that?" She looks a bit clueless on the other thing. "I didn't know there horns could get all tangled up.."
Askuwheteau chuckles softly and turns to look at his baby sister, "I guess this is as good a time as any to explain these things to you, Mom and Dad normally would but...And I can't see Skahla getting up the nerve to give you two the talk. Has Chewy ever told you where pups and cubs and other little creatures come from?" Asku only sks the rather sensitive question because in all honesty he is unsure of just how far along his siblings ar in their education. Surprisingly Asku appears to be completely comfortable with the subject.
Tala ears lower a moment at the talk of their parents, its still a sore subject with her especially after everything with Ikuna. She shifts on her paws and settles to her haunches while peering up at him. "Well.. I don't think she has.. I mean.. Maybe she did and I don't remember." It is possible Chewy does tell the pups a lot after all!
Askuwheteau nods as he listens to the reply before continuing, "Well, lets see....you do at least know the differances between males and females don't you? Those differances are a big part of this subject. When a female of any species comes of age she will begin to feel certain urges at a specific time of year, mostly in the spring although it can be different for different sorts of creatures. And her body will go into what we call "heat" and it will in turn start putting off a scent that will tell all the males who come across it that she is ready to mate...er to....act on those urges I told you about. And that Scent will make the males who smell it interested in fathering offspring with that female. Are you following me so far?" Askuwheteau's tone and demenor are rather clinical as he explains things. But such topics have never really emberrassed him...possibly because it always seemed to be in the forfront of his mother's mind, when she wasn't angry with him of course...
Tala blinks slightly and just peers at her brother. "Well ya.. I know /that/." What sorta conversation is she getting herself caught up in? There is a slight pause and she looks rather confused while just peering up at Asku. "Really?.." Is questioned as if he may be joking with her. "Why.. would some smell make them want to do that?" Most smells that Ikuna and Ahiga like smell awful to her after all.
Askuwheteau blinks and rubs the back of his head with a paw at the question, "I'm not really clear on why it works that way, it's just the way the spirits made us. Some males have enough self control to resist it, but many don't. And when two bucks want to get the attention of a certain doe or even a group of does they may fight, both to try and look stronger, braver, and tougher then other males, and to try to drive off their competition for the female's...affections. That is pretty standard behavior across most species." He then adds, "They also call to the females, and the females call back to them, to try to let them know where they are so they can make offspring. These loud calls work against them when we are hunting however, because through them we can pinpoint where they are as well."
Tala ohs softly at this, a ear twitching while she tilts her head. "Well.. Alright.." She still seems rather unsure about this to say the least. But if Asku is telling her then it must be true! "Okey.. So.. if they lock there horns then we can take 'em down easier."
Askuwheteau nods and smiles at his little sister, "Yes, usually it's very beneficial too us when two bucks act that foolishly. Because we can actually take them down with next to no effort, they can't run, they can't fight us off. They are easy pickings, and we get two for one. And even if they don't get locked at times it can be a good idea to stick around and watch, because the loser is at least winded after the fight and sometimes is actually wounded by the winner. This makes them an easier target as well."
Tala hums and nods, a slight smile seen, glad to talk about the actual 'plan' again when finding a buck caught up or somewhat. "Well.. That would be good.. Cause it would be a sick or injured animal like you said. Better to take them then a healthy one." She pauses. "But.. They could still hurt us if there not too badly hurt I guess..?"
Askuwheteau nods and chuckles, "Yes, caution is always advised no matter how much of an advantage you may seem to have." Asku pauses for a moment as he sniffs around some brush before continuing, "But....that is not what we are going to do today. Today we have a different plan. Today I am going to teach you about a physical weakness most creatures have. And I am going to act as a decoy to draw our prey's attention while you little sis are going to make your first big kill. The weakness is something not everyone knows. But along the inner thigh of the back legs are two thick veins, almost as much blood courses through them as do through the vessels in the throat. I am going to get an older buck to focus his attention on me, while you and Ikuna are going to sneek up behind the buck silently. Wait until he rears up and tries to stomp me with his forehooves and then you two will rip out the muscles and veins of his hind legs. It will only be moments after that before he bleeds out and dies." He glances at his sister then, "So pop quiz...can you think of a good reason I am having you wait until he rears in my direction /before/ making your move?"
Tala blinks, her ears lowering slightly while she watches Asku and listens closely to what is said. She takes in a soft breath and a faint wiggle of her form is seen. A quick nod soon seen to show that she understands. "Well.. Because his attention will be on you and not on us?.. Hopefully we're be able to get the attack in and get him before he knows we're there?"
Askuwheteau nods and grins, "I'm proud of you Tala, you are using your head. But there is a even more practical reason to this method. That reason being that a deer or an Elk cannot kick backward with their hindlegs as long as their forelegs are in the air. So while I dance around in front of it and dodge it's stomps and it's attempt to gore me you and Ikuna will have a clear shot at it's hind legs without fear of being kicked." He leans over to nuzzle her then, "But you are learning fast and you both have good heads on your shoulders. I'm proud of you."
Ikuna trots along on Asku's side, opposite from Tala. He listens carefully to the explanations - both about where pups come from, and about the techniques for hunting. He nods, taking it all in as he pads along with them. For the most part, he lets Tala take the lead in the conversation, just listening and nodding when things make sense.
Askuwheteau turns then to his little brother and smiles, "You're rather quiet Ikuna, do you have any questions about the plan?" Asku continues to search for a scent trail, and eventually happens upon one with a grunt, "Hmmm, not terrably fresh but not old either. I would say this one would likely have passed by here just a short time ago, it's probably still in the area..."
Tala smiles, her tail wagging about while she shifts and nuzzles Asku back. "Thanks." She offers happly while she wiggles on her paws and glances over to Ikuna. "I'm glad your proud of us.." There is a slight pause though while she glances over the area sniffing here and then in the process.
Ikuna lowers his head, sniffing at the trail. So, this is what it's like, fresh enough for hunting but still worn. He looks up again at Asku, and considers for a moment, then shakes his head. "It makes sense," he says of the plan, then glances to Tala to make sure she's good for it too. Working together!
Askuwheteau nods and gives a little smile to both his siblings before huffing, "Got the scent? Then lets go get your first kills." And with that Asku lowers himself again and begins following the trail, his eyes flicking back and forth as he follows his nose, keeping an eye out for visual clues as to the location of their prey as well as picking where he places his paws carefully.
Tala maw twitches while she paws at a few leaves and sniffs out a few times more before her tail sways and she glances over to Ikuna to see how his doing with it. Her gaze catching sight of broken twigs and the like and she licks across her maw. "Ya.. I think that way?" Is questioned with a soft tone while glancing back to Asku.
Ikuna nods, and follows with just as much caution. He doesn't want to be the one that steps on a twig and lets the deer know they're coming! He moves a little off to the side, keeping himself in easy range but spreading so that when they do find it, they won't be all in one place and spotted at once. He and Tala are supposed to wait and pounce, after all! He looks over to her, and to Asku, paying attention to the rest of this little hunting pack and with his nose twitching as he follows the trail as best he can.
Askuwheteau has gone noticably silent now, and as they approach a ridge he slowly lifts his head until he peers over he brink. He is rewarded with the sight of a older stag, healthy but past it's prime. It would be a challange but he believed they could do it. Lowering himself behind the ridge of earth again he caught the eyes of both Ikuna and Tala, then he gestured with his head to each of them. Indicating that he wanted them to circle around to the other side of the buck with any luck this would be an easy hunt.
Tala eyes widen as she catches sight of the stag a few moments after Asku does. She shifts and follows suit lowering into a crouch herself, her tail twitching until she makes it stop moving. Her gaze turns back to Asku and and she nods before looking to Ikuna and then starts to slowly creep along towards the other side of the buck. A ear twitching towards the animal so she knows where it is while they move along..
Ikuna isn't as good at stealth as his older brother, but he manages to move - if not wholly silently - silently enough. The stag doesn't startle, and no birds call out warnings from the branches. Good. He takes a careful peek at the stag himself, and then his gaze goes back to Asku, asking a question that's answered the the older wolf's gesture. He nods, and with that effortful stealth begins to circle, moving from one bit of underbrush to the next, near Tala but not quite beside her. There's only room for one wolf in those hiding spots.
Askuwheteau watches the progress of the two younger hunters with no small amount of pride, his lessons not withstanding he began to realize that his little brother and sister were gifted with good instincts as well. Once they are three quarters around their quarry he slipped out of the underbrush directly in front of and in plain view of the buck. His shoulders shifting back and forth as he prowled towards the target, his hackles raised and a vicious snarl on his lips. The buck seemed to be wondering if this was a mad wolf, it eyeballed Asku calmly, not really believing a wolf would be so foolhearty as to assault a buck head on. But this was just what Asku wanted, he locked eyes with the buck trying with all his might to keep it's attention focused on him. Once his siblings got directly behind their prey he would lurch at it and try to get it to rear at him.
Tala soon settles behind the buck within the bushes and cover, her form tense and still crouched showing she is ready to attack when the buck is in the right position. Her hear is racing and her form quivers slightly, its not like she's ever done anything like this before mind you.. Though her attention is fully on the task before her, she can't like her mind wander because that is what things will go wrong..
Ikuna lifts up his head at the sound of Asku's growl. It draws the buck's attention - and it also gives the young hunters a sign that things are almost ready. He keeps a further eye on the deer as he continues to slowly circle, noting the stag's posture - the sharp hooves that stamp the ground, the defensive pose that shows his refusal to turn and run. This is an old buck, experienced in the ways of wolves and not easily frightened despite how his muscles have grown worn and his joints ache. Ikuna's attention has three points: The stag. Asku. Tala. He tries to keep those three in his mind, coming into position and looking for that opportunity his brother described.
Askuwheteau knew that where things had the biggest chance of going wrong was when he actually charged the buck, any experienced hunter knew that when things started happening they usually happened fast. He just hoped that his brother and sister kept their roles in this gambit in the forefront of their minds. He took a deep breath then and rushed forward, snarling and snapping at the air while dancing left and right to avoid incoming blows. While being sure NOT to let his eyes flick back towards the two younger wolves, he couldn't afford to tip the buck off about what was going on behind him. Asku just focused on his portion of the operation. 'Look at me. Look at me. Look at me." He thought to himself.
Tala shifts on her paws, ears flicking back as her eyes widen at the sight of Asku running forward to the buck. She swallows slightly and has to control herself knowing the plan and that she has an important role to do. She has to keep herself focused on what is before her and so far she is able to do just that..
Ikuna tenses himself down, watching as the buck defends himself from Asku's feint. He's looking for that chance, the point when the stag rears up instead of just lashing out his hooves. Maybe.. no, not yet. Or - no, that's not going to work. He crouches, waiting for the right chance to strike. Any minute no- There. Right there. The stag does a nimble sidestep and sway back from one of Asku's lunged, then tries to press the advantage by rearing up to strike at the (apparently) lone wolf. Tries - because Ikuna leaps forward at that moment. It's not quite as silent as the rest, as the sudden expression of surprise on the buck's face shows, but he can only respond so quickly and Ikuna is already in motion, diving in and snapping up at the back of a hindleg.
Askuwheteau's face looses just a hint of it's apprehenson as the battle continues, good, the other two arn't being hasty, they are picking their moment. The eldest wolf in the hunting party is more then pleased at seeing his little brother and sister keeping their heads even in a stress filled situation like this. And he practically breaks out in a grin when Ikuna makes his move. Asku maintains his position, snapping to try to keep the buck off balance enough for Tala to make good her own attack all the while making sure he stays just out of reach of the flailing forehooves. They may have the advantage but Asku doesn't relish the idea of being clipped by those sharp hooves.
Tala watches closely waiting for the right moment to attack.. It takes a few moments which feels like years to her at this point in time. An soon enough she is quick to follow after Ikuna. She leans forward the other leg and snapping at it. Her jaws gripping at where she remembers Asku told them to go for and she does her best to try and rip and pull. The buck is almost to tall for her to reach, forepaws kicking out as she jumps upwards to get at the right area and try to take the buck out.
Ikuna clings at the stag, his jaws tugging at it as his weight carries it down. He holds on like that for a few good moments - long enough to help keep it still as Tala strikes as well - and then he has to let go or else he'll fall down. He lands on his paws, and then jumps up again, trying to bite again at those veins that carry rich blood through the stag's body, and his teeth clench down as the deer gives a deep bellow!
Askuwheteau leaps forward as well when his younger siblings pull the stag down, he bites down on the buck's muzzle, more to hold it down then to finish it off. This is meant to be his little brother and sister's kill after all. What Asku does could more be considered adding a touch more control to the melee, he did fter all promise Skahla that nobody would get hurt. He grins around the buck's nose at the two younger wolves a twinkle of pride in his eye as he winks at them. Although his fangs are occupied it's his attempt at telling them both they did a good job.
Tala kicks out with her front paws as she finally gets a good grip upon the deer's back right inner thigh, right where the thick veins are. She gives her head a hard shake, her fangs pushing further into the flesh and causing blood to spill. With the bulk struggling to stay she shifts about, her hindpaws hitting the ground a few times as she tries not to let go now that she has a good hold. As long the deer doesn't fall on her it'll be all good.
This time, when Ikuna bites down, he /doesn't/ let go. The buck slowly sinks down to the ground, with another bellow that fades into quiet as it falls. The smell of the blood is rich, spurting down against Tala's muzzle and over Ikuna's as well, the two youngsters sharing in this kill under Asku's leadership. He scrabbles his paws to a stable spot as the deer gives what seems to be a final lurch, stumbling forward under the weight of wolves and the weakness as it loses blood, and then... it crumples to the ground.
Askuwheteau huffs as he lets go of the now still prey beast, he licks the trace amounts of blood from his muzzle and steps back, flopping back to rest on his haunches with a grin, "Fantastic, Great teamwork, you both stuck to the plan wonderfully. With more practice and a bit more experiance you two and Ahiga will be bringing home meals for the whole pack before you know it. and Once you three get your adult sizes and pack on a few more pounds of muscle. You'll be a team to give even the most experienced adult hunting parties a run. So...how does it feel to get your first full sized kill?"
Tala wasn't sure that she was expecting the deer to lurch forward like that. She wiggles about and soon doesn't have a choice and has to let go of the buck and pants out while glancing around to see where everyone else is. Bloodk rests across her maw and down her neck slightly and she grins which is a rather strange look to say the least. She licks across her maw while looking to Asku, her tail swaying a few times. "That was great!" Even better because everything worked out how it should! A ear twitching and she looks to Ikuna wondering what he thinks..
Ikuna releases his grip slowly. Funny how the teeth seem to get caught like that when you're catching prey. Once that's managed, though, he licks the spurts of blood from his muzzle with a big grin. He nods his agreement with Tala's reaction. They'll be awesome hunters! Though... hunting deer like this is probably still something that requires an experienced member of the team. For a while yet, at least. Still! A deer! Wow! He looks over the carcass, and beams. "We did it!"
Askuwheteau lays down with his forepaws crossed and nods happily, "I was very impressed with your preformance. Now I bet you worked up an appetite, so dig in. It'll make it easier to drag back home if we've eaten our fill before we go. Normally that right is saved for the Alphas but being that I have already brought one kill home today this is a rare situation and the normal rules can be glossed over. Besides you've both earned it." Asku grows serious for a moment then, "I just hope things go as smoothly once I've added Ahiga to the mix. Once I've given him a few extra lessons so that he can take lead." It was probably a startling revelation, Asku was planning on having Ahiga lead on the next hunt?!
Tala grins and nods while leaning against Ikuna, her tail wagging about happly. She wruffs out faintly and then looks back to Asku. She licks across her maw before eyeing the deer and shifts on her paws to move to a different spot and goes about chewing into the haunch of the deer eagerly. A ear twitches towards Asku and she pauses before glancing over to him, her maw a mess of red. "Ahiga's going to lead the hunts?" She's more curious about it then anything.
Ikuna tilts his head consideringly. "If Skahla and Shawnee were here... but they're not." He shrugs a little, and pads around the deer, looking at it, but his attention is picked up again by Asku's other comment before he actually starts eating. "'Course we can work with Ahiga," he says firmly, then hmms. "What do you mean, taking lead?" Maybe it's just like the taunting thing Asku did to draw the deer's attention. Ahiga is still the somewhat larger of the youngsters, what with having that extra bit of growth on them. Still, he wants to understand why Asku's saying that.
Askuwheteau watches his younger siblings and he tilts his head in thought as he replies, "Well you'll all take turns eventually, every wolf needs to know how to lead and how to follow as well. Since Ahiga is slightly older then you two he'll be the first to lead. I'll of course be there as both back up and as an advisor. I'll also be minding things to make sure nothing goes bad or gets out of control. Think of it more as a test, I'm testing all of you to see how well you work as a unit. Ahiga will lead the first couple of hunts, then we'll rotate. But before that happens I'm going to give the three of you an actual test once you've had some practice giving and taking orders. With Ahiga leading you the three of you will hunt me, The test will be to see if working together you three can come up with a workable plan and either trap me or catch me, that will mean you two will have to do just what you did today. You'll have to follow whatever plan you and Ahiga come up with to the letter, and while you two may in the roles of support offer advice to Ahiga, the final decisions will be his to make. This also comes with a lot of pressure, because your preformances will reflect on him as a leader, just as his performance will reflect on each of you when your turn comes."
Tala ohs softly and blinks at this while she shifts to her haunches, this is well.. A lot to take in to say the least. A ear twitches and she nods while licking across her maw. "Alright." She offers softly, her tail swaying a few times showing she is alright with this idea. "Did.. Mom and dad do this with you?" This questioned while she watches Asku closely a few moments.
Ikuna considers on that. "I think we should try all just working together first, before anyone has to be the leader. It's a lot to think about, following a plan and hunting." Never mind having to come up with the plan and have it all designed and all that! Then he grins a bit. "Besides, if we're all going to be leaders sometime, we should all hear how it works, or how will we know how hard it is when someone else is doin' it and appreciate it proper?"
Askuwheteau nods to Ikuna and chuckles, "Well we could do it that way too I suppose." Then he glances at Tala and his ears droop a little as he offers a rueful chuckle, "No...I'm afraid I was never taught to hunt, or too fight. A wolf by the name of Rowtag was suppose to teach me those things, but he never came around, I had to teach myself these sorts of things Tala. So I hope I'm doing alright by you three, I've never had to teach or been taught before."
Tala ears lowers lightly and she nods at this while sitting back on her haunches and eyes the deer slightly. A slight sigh escapes her and she rubs at her maw a few times. "I bet we're do alright.. We get along so well already after all." She offers, her tail swaying a few times in the process.
Ikuna nods as Asku agrees with his Revised Plan Proposal. Satisfied, he lowers his head to the deer to have some of it to eat, tearing off bits and chewing them as he listens to Tala and Asku talk. He pauses between bites to say, "We'll figure it out. You can figure out how t'teach it, and we'll figure out how t'learn it!" He grins a bit, and then takes another chomp of the meat, filling up his stomach.
Askuwheteau can't help but laugh softly at his little brother's optimistic attitude and turning away from his siblings he murmured to himself, "Would that I could do half the things you pups imagine me capable of..." But in spite of his amusement Asku couldn't help but be flattered by the faith placed in him by the younger wolves.
Tala smiles and nods while she glances over to Asku, her tail swaying a few times. "I bet you can.." She offers happly. Asku became like a father figure to them, well at least to Tala so one's father can do anything after all. She shifts and goes about chomping down upon the deer for a few more bites.
Ikuna has a bit of realist to him. There are some things nobody can do, and one person can't do everything. But, that said, Asku can do a fair bit. Surely it can't be all that hard! After all, his big brother learned it without any help, and they've got help, so there you go. He takes another few bites as well, then glances over at Tala. "You done?" he asks her. "We oughta drag this back to the den so everyone else can have some!" His tail wags, ad why yes, he /is/ looking forward to bragging, just a little. He won't even have to say anything, they'll just... show up. With a deer!
Askuwheteau grins at his younger brother and sister, he can guess what the topic of conversation is going to be among the youngest wolves of the Ute pack for a few days at least. He stands and begins to pad towards them, "Ikuna has a point, plus if we don't get it bak to the den a bear or something might try to come steal it, we can't let that happen to your first really good kill can we?"
Tala ears per, her tail swaying and she nods while licking across her maw while she shifts up onto her paw. Her maw twitches at the talk of a bear and she glances one way then another while taking in a soft breath. "Ya.. We should get going back to the den for sure.."
Ikuna nods, and he pads around to the neck of the deer, where he's seen the adult wolves drag things like this before. He leans in, adjusting his grip a few times before he gets one that seems firm enough, and then he starts to tug! Rrr! Yank! Tug! Man, deer are heavy! Still, he's going to manage this, one way or the other... though he does look hopefully at Tala for some help!
Askuwheteau turns to glance at the young she-wolf, not making suggestions, just nodding to the effort that Ikuna is making and chuckling. "It is your kill, I'll help carry it if you two really need my help but by all rights the whole experience should be yours. This day will only come once."
Tala grins at Ikuna and nods while she clambers over the deer and moves to grab hold of the neck and starts to tug and pull upon it to work on dragging the huge dead thing back homewards. She'll do her best!
And heave! Between the two of them, the young wolves manage to get the deer into motion, dragging it back toward the den bit by bumpy bit. It's hard work - probably harder than the hunting, to be honest - but they did it, and this is their glorious return. Ikuna and Tala, the mighty hunters, drag that deer right up to the hilltop and the den.
Tala doesn't ask for help, she just keeps on dragging and pulling the dead deer along. She is going to be one tired wolf when they get back home! It takes longer to get the kill back then it actually took to get it, but soon enough there back and once at the right stop Tala drops is and flops over panting hard in the process.
Tired, yes. Grinning proudly? Also yes. Ikuna flops down himself once the deer is in place, sprawling out with Tala in the warm glow of success.
A small squeek can be heard from inside of the den. It seems that Hadir has awakened. Of course not being able to see or hear anything there isn't much to be done. As quickly as he was awake he shifts his position and returns to a sound sleep. After all being born is hard work and you have to rest after something like that.
Tala grins over at Ikuna and bats out at him a few times before blinking.. Her head lifs and she glances around before peering at the den. "What.. was that?"
Ikuna grins, wiggling at Tala's pawing... and then goes still at the noise, lifting up his head and listening, then standing up as though he hadn't just flopped down in exhaustion. Being young is like that. "It sounded like it was from the den. Do you think it's one of the puppies?"
Tala licks across her maw as she shifts and wiggles about on her stomach, mostly to lazy to actually pull herself back up onto her paws. "Maybe.. How.. Many pups is there?" Its not like she got to speak with anyone about it.. An she still thinks there older alpha siblings doesn't like her that much. Its not like she's ever been told that, just actions speak louder then words and the said actions have clung onto her for some reason.
Ikuna shakes his head. "I dunno," he says, and considers for a moment, then pads up as quietly as he can to the entrance of the den and peers inside. It's hard to make things out in the darkness. Is that a puppy or Shawnee's tail? And what about that - paw or puppy? He stares for a few moments, then shakes his head, backing up and moving away. He's not about to go poking his nose in right now! "I'll ask, next time they're awake."
Tala yawns out while Ikuna is off looking at the den. A slight nod is offered while her head settles against the ground. "Well.. Maybe there give you a answer." She offers softly while curling up actually leaning against the dead deer slightly in the process. "Think its time for a nap.. Eyes feel heavy." Which isn't a surprize after the hunt and dragging the kill back it is enough to wear anyone out.
Ikuna nods, padding back to Tala and flopping down next to her, resting his head lightly on her side. "Yeah," he agrees, though he rather suspects he'll relax and think a bit before he actually sleeps. There's a lot for him to think about - Anoki's visit and apology. The hunt. The new puppies. Where puppies come from. What it means to be a leader. The future. More than enough to keep him pondering until sleep claims him.
Tala ear twitches while she shifts closer to Ikuna and snuggles against him, her eyes closing in the process. "I hope Anoki sticks around for a bit.. He seems nice." She offers softly.
Ikuna smiles, and nods. "I hope so too," he says, then adds, "I think he will. He seems like he's lonely. So we'll play with him, and be friends. We're sorta already friends, after he and I helped each other... we just don't really /know/ each other yet."
Tala hums and nods slightly, though soon enough she is fast asleep. A faint snore even escaping her proving just how tired she is at the moment..