Post by Therdde on Nov 21, 2008 20:51:51 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
Malak - Male Cougar
Revan - Male Cougar
- Lush Grasslands -
It has been a few days since Skelaghe went to see Jage. Her leg is taking longer to mend than she would have liked, but it is no longer stopping her from hunting or taking regular trips to the recently-thawed stream. She just spends more time lying down than usual, resting, even as winter gives up it's hold on the land. It is what she is doing now, enjoying the feel of the strong sun on her back. She can't remember if this is her first or second spring in these lands. So much seems to have happened since she arrived. Regardless, it will soon be time for her to take her trip into the mountains. As soon as she can spend a full day walking without her leg bothering her, she supposes, and with this on her mind, she has spent a lot of time thinking about how to tell Sketch what she will soon be doing, and even thinking about whether she ought to delay or forgo that trip this spring. There is always autumn, after all.
Sketch is feeling quite well, especially now that her wolf friend seems to be doing much better. But despite all indications that this will be a wonderful day, she can't help but feel something foreboding in the air. A sixth sense perhaps, or maybe it's just pessimism. Regardless, she's determined not to let it discourage her. Thoughts of Jage or Jolon are far from her mind, and she even allows herself to daydream of Vincent a little bit. It would be nice to see the male Alsatian again, even if it /would/ be a bit awkward.
If they are to be staying, they will need to know more about the surrounding lands, and besides... Malak is bored. It has been so long since he has spent any amount of time in a single place. He would really welcome finding that male who injured Moonseeker or the hybrid they encountered when they first came here right about now. All of his attention is devoted to what is around him, as he searches for anything that could provide relief from the mind-numbing nothingness that has been his life these past few days.
But unlike his brother, Revan is not bored in the slightest. Even if Aylin hadn't come with her extremely desirable scent, he could keep himself occupied for hours simply by talking to Whiskers. Never before has he enjoyed conversation so much! It's as if the female, despite being smaller than the average, somehow epitomizes everything he's ever looked for in a female. Regardless, however, he still would enjoy a hunt with his brother, looking for that abomination they found the other day.
If Skelaghe had any sense of what was about to happen, who they would soon meet, she would know what all of her winter solitude had been preparing her for. She doesn't imagine she is out of the woods yet. There is still a dog out there with a love for humans who has yet to learn that Sketch killed a human, that Skelaghe helped. A dog who intends to visit, sooner or later. She is more than confident in her ability to see her way through what she imagines might be coming, though, and so she is at peace, enjoying what may well be her last few moments of relaxed happiness for some time, though she does not know it. She occasionally looks in Sketch's direction, but for as long as the dog appears content to daydream, Skelaghe is content to do the same, especially since her view of the immediate future differs dramatically from Sketch's unacknowledged sense of foreboding.
The younger female has been putting off the question ever since it first came to her mind. Should she ask Skelaghe, and risk an unfriendly or awkward response? It's nothing that she /has/ to ask, of course. But.. it would be nice. Nice to know, if nothing else. And suddenly noticing that the wolf is glancing in her direction, Sketch finally turns her own head to gaze at the lupine. "Skel, I.. have a question for you, if that's okay?" What a profound thought, Sketch actually having a question! Hey, at least she asked this time! A question.. if she could ask a question.
Malak is not close enough to the dog and wolf to hear anything, but their scent is strong throughout the area. Canids live here. Multiple types. It would not surprise Malak if he were to learn that they just found that slippery little hybrid's family, which is what he wanted from the very beginning. A grin appears on his muzzle, and his pace slows slightly as he follows what seems to be the most recent scent trail, looking forward to the activity and purpose that his mission gives him.
Revan never questioned the fact that Whiskers didn't come with them. His brother hopefully knows that she will no doubt become a more constant companion of theirs in time, but Revan isn't going to push it just yet. They have something more important to attend to now, and the increasing scent only reinforces that in his mind. Blood will be spilt, and the cougars will feed on the flesh of those inferior creatures. Perhaps if he and his brother were believers in mysticism, they might be against the idea of consuming the bodies of weaker beings. The idea that they take on the attributes of those they eat, and all that. But no.. Revan only knows that it not only serves as an intimidation factor against others, but it provides something to look forward to, other than just the killing. Food was not meant to be wasted.
Skelaghe perks her ears when Sketch speaks, the approach of the cougars totally lost on her as she instead offers her attention to her young charge. She answers quickly enough with, "Of course it's okay." Skelaghe has never been upset with any question Sketch has ever asked, and she doesn't imagine that she ever will be. Besides, while daydreaming is nice, she will never mind conversation, being as socially-oriented as she is.
When she first heard the idea, Sketch thought it would be enormously fun and a good way to show Skelaghe that she really is growing up. But now, even as the wolf invites her to speak, Sketch still feels a good deal of hesitation. "Would it.. err.. be okay for.. Vincent to join us? I mean, if he wants to? Err.. I think he does, but.. I was just wondering. You know, in case he does. He might." Vincent sure did like the idea, after all. Getting to meet Skelaghe and all that.
Voices reach him now. Soft. Feminine. He cannot make out the words, but Malak knows he has to be getting close to the owners of these scents. He cannot see anyone any more than he knows what is being said, even in the flat grasslands, but the direction of the voices at least tells him where he should be looking, for when they come into sight.
The voices catch Revan's attention as well, and even as they continue forward, he's already starting to angle off to the side slightly, wondering what sort of creatures they'll be hunting this time. Probably not the same hybrid, but it's quite possible that there might be more of them. But even if not, killing canines or lupines is always enjoyable for the male cougar, and he knows the same is true for his brother. Blood will indeed be shed. It just might not be as.. vile.. as it could be.
Could the dog really believe that Skelaghe would ever deny welcome to any polite guest? Well, if she does, Skelaghe does not hesitate to try to set those worries at ease, responding with a smile. "I don't see why not." Indeed, Skelaghe rather likes the idea. Sketch should spend time with other dogs. Animals she doesn't feel the need to watch her words around. Though Skel does consider Sketch a friend, the shewolf will always desire lupine company. It's comforting to spend time with others without worrying about what cultural differences might cause some trouble in the wrong circumstances, and Skel would never deny Sketch that.
Sketch will be internally debating whether or not the wolf's words were genuine or not for quite some time. She's leaning toward the acceptance that they were, and that Skelaghe really would be happy to have Vincent join them. Just the thought makes her smile in return, grateful, and now she has to admit that she can't wait to tell the male Alsatian. Will Vincent really decide to join them, though? Perhaps visit, but.. what about actually /join/ them? The thought is thrilling, as having a second companion would be quite enjoyable. No offense to Skel, but Sketch /would/ like having another canine companion. Even with as friendly as Skel is, the wolf still carries an intimidating aura everywhere she goes.
Before much longer, Malak can spot the nearest canids. His pace slows even a little bit more as he looks them over. He can recognize one of them as a wolf, and while he does not like lupines, the wolf's companion is the one he would really like to rend, just upon seeing her. The vile dog. In absense of a two-legger, it would seem this one has attached itself to a wolf... And the wolf allowed it. Yes, this will be quite satisfying. To make that dog watch as her surrogate master is bled dry, and then to snuff out her life... Malak flexes his claws even as he walks, and there is the tiniest, almost imperceptible shift in his path, so he is headed directly for Sketch. Revan can have the wolf, but that dog is his.
A single female wolf, and a single female dog. The latter almost looking like a small wolf, except for the demeaning fact of being only a mere canine. Revan allows himself a tight smile, even as he feels his claws flexing and muscles quivering. This is going to be a fun chase, a fun fight, and an ultimately satisfying victory. He continues branching off, as he knows that the moment his brother launches his attack, there's a good chance that the two canids won't initially see him, and there's a good chance they might decide to fight back. The few seconds of hesitation are all he and Malak need to get close enough to where there is no chance of escape for them.
The young dog does not speak again, and Skelaghe turns her gaze away from Sketch, only to have it stop on something she hadn't expected. Cougars? Here? She had been thinking about visiting Amaranth just moments ago, and it is perhaps because of this that she feels momentary hope that one or more of the cougars she knows have traveled down from the mountain, as it might solve her dilemma. Before she can offer the approaching cougars a greeting, though, she realizes that something is wrong. Their approach is far from friendly, and she can see from here that they sport none of the Amaranth markings. It will not be the first time Skelaghe has ever encountered a hostile animal, but this is not their territory. What could have them angry? Any way about it, she is certain it is important for her to be on her feet, so as they draw closer, she stands, though not without some stiffness.
Sketch doesn't notice the cougars at first, being concerned only with the immediate dilemma of how to break the news to Vincent. If only their last meeting hadn't been so.. awkward! But she's confident that he'll be willing to forgive, as will she, and perhaps they can move forward in their friendship, especially under Skelaghe's guidance. It's then that Sketch realizes that the wolf is rising to her feet, apparently staring at something. Huh? She stands as well, looking over toward... whoa. What are /those/? Skel seems a little defensive and wary, but apparently these newcomers aren't so dangerous that their mere presence would require an immediate flight for survival. But still.. they look dangerous. Big, and dangerous. Maybe it's their cold and ultimately confident gaze.
They have been noticed, and yet the canids aren't running. Bold little creatures. He almost laughs, and the malicious grin remains. Unless he has something he feels he needs to learn, he doesn't make a habit of speaking to these creatures, so his simply continues along his course, not yet running. Let's see how long their boldness lasts. It would be a shame if this were all over /too/ quickly, if the canids didn't put up even the slightest amount of resistance.
Indeed they are bold, and Revan is halfway tempted to be impressed. Or halfway tempted to scorn them for their foolishness. They've seen both he and his brother; do they honestly think they can fight back and win? It would be a close fight even if against only one of the cougars. Against both? Not a chance. The lack of anyone speaking only gives a surreal calmness to the scene, as both of the cougars close in. There's about to be a shattering to any serenity here, as death always brings with it a wonderful orchestra of agonized cries.
Skelaghe spends a brief moment watching the two cougars. Normally, she would have greeted them, but she is capable of recognizing when talking will not do any good, and, no, she has no intention of fighting them. Of fighting /anyone/, but especially not cougars. By the time she could calm this situation down, she and Sketch could be seriously injured, dying... Or worse. With not even the slightest though that she wishes that she didn't have to instill in Sketch a fear of cougars, she whispers to the dog next to her, simply, "Run. Southeast." They can't move as fast as cougars can. /She/ can't, especially. But she does have some advantage in that she knows this land intimately, and perhaps running into an area absolutely thick with the scent of canines will give the cougars pause, if they didn't just intend to scare Skel and Sketch off.
Regardless of the cougars' intentions, Sketch is no doubt about to become quite frightened, as there's something chillingly disturbing with the cougars' gaze toward them. She's on nearly a hair-trigger as it is, so when Skelaghe whispers toward her, Sketch is running off as if her life depended on it. Literally. What are those things, and can she outrun them? Can Skelaghe outrun them, normally being faster than she is, but still with her slight limp? And where do they intend on running /to/? Can they hide somewhere? Or just run until the cougars give up? It's after a second or two before Sketch realizes she has no idea which direction southeast is, so she has to slow down to see where Skelaghe is racing toward, and alter her direction accordingly.
Much better. It does not take Malak more than a brief moment to chase after them, his legs making greats strides across the ground. The last canid in this land got away. He doesn't intend to let these two do the same. He keeps aware of where his brother is, but his eyes remain on his target, that dog.
The hunt is on. Or, more appropriately, the swift and surely-victorious chase is on. Not that Revan plans to be overconfident with this, but he does feel that the odds are definitely in their favor. As his brother sprints after the dog, he's racing after the wolf, noting with satisfied amusement the barely-noticeable disruption to what would normally be a smooth running motion. A paw or leg injury, perhaps? How... wonderfully unlucky.
How far are they from the copse? Skelaghe isn't entirely sure, but she runs absolutely as fast as she's capable of running, despite the pain that quickly flares up. She will take a fight with whatever dogs may be in that area over a fight with these cougars any day, and besides... They won't have to stay there /long/. Just long enough to lose these cougars. She sticks as close to Sketch as possible, since, should this not work, she wants to be close so that they have at least a slight chance of defending themselves.
No idea where they're going. No idea why they're being pursued. No idea /what/ those creatures are that are pursuing them in the first place! Sketch has always figured that there could possibly be something scarier than a wolf, but it isn't until now that she realizes just what that something is. A soft whimper escapes her even as she runs for all she's worth, paws pounding on the soft grasses as adrenaline sears through her body.
- Sparse Copse -
They aren't running long when Malak notices something. Scent markings. They aren't fresh. He can't tell how old they are, but they're /there/, and he can tell that they're canid. A few steps later, and the smell really hits him. Dogs. More than a few of them. Again, he can smell nothing fresh, but the smell saturates everything in the area, inspiring rage in him at the same time that he tells himself they cannot chase these canids to a waiting pack. He wants to. He wants to tear every dog who may be nearby to shreds. But without knowing anything about how many dogs may be here, the risk is high. Perhaps too high. He will not die the way his father did, at the paws of lesser animals who had banded together, and so his pace slows dramatically.
If anything, Revan had almost started to slow down before his brother did. Memories of what happened to their parents still can be quite vivid, and he certainly doesn't wish to share a similar fate. But letting this wolf and dog get away...? He's going to be frustrated for a long time after this, as this now makes three creatures in the last few days, with nothing in the meantime. At least it confirms something he was thinking earlier today, though. If he and Malak, and Whiskers too, of course, do decide to settle down in this area, they will have plenty of work to do. Especially seeing how close they'd be to a major canine infestation.
Other questions arise in his mind too, though, even as he watches in frustration as the wolf and dog get farther and farther away. Is it normal for wolves in this location to feel so welcome in an obviously canine-dominated territory? Such an atrocity only strengthens the steely resolve in his mind. Cleansing *will* come to these lands. Those two might have escaped today, but they'd best be living in paranoia for the immediate future. They might last a bit longer, that way.
Skelaghe does not slow. Hopefully, she has chosen a path that will not take them too near any dogs who may be in the area. Neither does she look behind her, but after a while, she can tell that the cougars have stopped following them, since she can no longer hear the cougars chasing after them. Still, she would much prefer to be well out of their sights before she slows down, much less stops. She is not used to being chased, and it is not a pleasant experience, especially not with her injured hindleg.
Her heart is crashing in her chest, and even if she did look behind her and not see the cougars, she still wouldn't stop running until either she couldn't run anymore, or else the wolf slowed down beside her. Sketch's ears are slicked flat against her skull, and she can't help but let out another frightened whimper. She doesn't want to die! Not with life finally beginning to look up, and with the possible future she might have... she can't die now! She's concentrating simply on keeping her paws flying over the ground. As she runs, gasping and panting for breath, she asks, "What.. were those?"
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
Malak - Male Cougar
Revan - Male Cougar
- Lush Grasslands -
It has been a few days since Skelaghe went to see Jage. Her leg is taking longer to mend than she would have liked, but it is no longer stopping her from hunting or taking regular trips to the recently-thawed stream. She just spends more time lying down than usual, resting, even as winter gives up it's hold on the land. It is what she is doing now, enjoying the feel of the strong sun on her back. She can't remember if this is her first or second spring in these lands. So much seems to have happened since she arrived. Regardless, it will soon be time for her to take her trip into the mountains. As soon as she can spend a full day walking without her leg bothering her, she supposes, and with this on her mind, she has spent a lot of time thinking about how to tell Sketch what she will soon be doing, and even thinking about whether she ought to delay or forgo that trip this spring. There is always autumn, after all.
Sketch is feeling quite well, especially now that her wolf friend seems to be doing much better. But despite all indications that this will be a wonderful day, she can't help but feel something foreboding in the air. A sixth sense perhaps, or maybe it's just pessimism. Regardless, she's determined not to let it discourage her. Thoughts of Jage or Jolon are far from her mind, and she even allows herself to daydream of Vincent a little bit. It would be nice to see the male Alsatian again, even if it /would/ be a bit awkward.
If they are to be staying, they will need to know more about the surrounding lands, and besides... Malak is bored. It has been so long since he has spent any amount of time in a single place. He would really welcome finding that male who injured Moonseeker or the hybrid they encountered when they first came here right about now. All of his attention is devoted to what is around him, as he searches for anything that could provide relief from the mind-numbing nothingness that has been his life these past few days.
But unlike his brother, Revan is not bored in the slightest. Even if Aylin hadn't come with her extremely desirable scent, he could keep himself occupied for hours simply by talking to Whiskers. Never before has he enjoyed conversation so much! It's as if the female, despite being smaller than the average, somehow epitomizes everything he's ever looked for in a female. Regardless, however, he still would enjoy a hunt with his brother, looking for that abomination they found the other day.
If Skelaghe had any sense of what was about to happen, who they would soon meet, she would know what all of her winter solitude had been preparing her for. She doesn't imagine she is out of the woods yet. There is still a dog out there with a love for humans who has yet to learn that Sketch killed a human, that Skelaghe helped. A dog who intends to visit, sooner or later. She is more than confident in her ability to see her way through what she imagines might be coming, though, and so she is at peace, enjoying what may well be her last few moments of relaxed happiness for some time, though she does not know it. She occasionally looks in Sketch's direction, but for as long as the dog appears content to daydream, Skelaghe is content to do the same, especially since her view of the immediate future differs dramatically from Sketch's unacknowledged sense of foreboding.
The younger female has been putting off the question ever since it first came to her mind. Should she ask Skelaghe, and risk an unfriendly or awkward response? It's nothing that she /has/ to ask, of course. But.. it would be nice. Nice to know, if nothing else. And suddenly noticing that the wolf is glancing in her direction, Sketch finally turns her own head to gaze at the lupine. "Skel, I.. have a question for you, if that's okay?" What a profound thought, Sketch actually having a question! Hey, at least she asked this time! A question.. if she could ask a question.
Malak is not close enough to the dog and wolf to hear anything, but their scent is strong throughout the area. Canids live here. Multiple types. It would not surprise Malak if he were to learn that they just found that slippery little hybrid's family, which is what he wanted from the very beginning. A grin appears on his muzzle, and his pace slows slightly as he follows what seems to be the most recent scent trail, looking forward to the activity and purpose that his mission gives him.
Revan never questioned the fact that Whiskers didn't come with them. His brother hopefully knows that she will no doubt become a more constant companion of theirs in time, but Revan isn't going to push it just yet. They have something more important to attend to now, and the increasing scent only reinforces that in his mind. Blood will be spilt, and the cougars will feed on the flesh of those inferior creatures. Perhaps if he and his brother were believers in mysticism, they might be against the idea of consuming the bodies of weaker beings. The idea that they take on the attributes of those they eat, and all that. But no.. Revan only knows that it not only serves as an intimidation factor against others, but it provides something to look forward to, other than just the killing. Food was not meant to be wasted.
Skelaghe perks her ears when Sketch speaks, the approach of the cougars totally lost on her as she instead offers her attention to her young charge. She answers quickly enough with, "Of course it's okay." Skelaghe has never been upset with any question Sketch has ever asked, and she doesn't imagine that she ever will be. Besides, while daydreaming is nice, she will never mind conversation, being as socially-oriented as she is.
When she first heard the idea, Sketch thought it would be enormously fun and a good way to show Skelaghe that she really is growing up. But now, even as the wolf invites her to speak, Sketch still feels a good deal of hesitation. "Would it.. err.. be okay for.. Vincent to join us? I mean, if he wants to? Err.. I think he does, but.. I was just wondering. You know, in case he does. He might." Vincent sure did like the idea, after all. Getting to meet Skelaghe and all that.
Voices reach him now. Soft. Feminine. He cannot make out the words, but Malak knows he has to be getting close to the owners of these scents. He cannot see anyone any more than he knows what is being said, even in the flat grasslands, but the direction of the voices at least tells him where he should be looking, for when they come into sight.
The voices catch Revan's attention as well, and even as they continue forward, he's already starting to angle off to the side slightly, wondering what sort of creatures they'll be hunting this time. Probably not the same hybrid, but it's quite possible that there might be more of them. But even if not, killing canines or lupines is always enjoyable for the male cougar, and he knows the same is true for his brother. Blood will indeed be shed. It just might not be as.. vile.. as it could be.
Could the dog really believe that Skelaghe would ever deny welcome to any polite guest? Well, if she does, Skelaghe does not hesitate to try to set those worries at ease, responding with a smile. "I don't see why not." Indeed, Skelaghe rather likes the idea. Sketch should spend time with other dogs. Animals she doesn't feel the need to watch her words around. Though Skel does consider Sketch a friend, the shewolf will always desire lupine company. It's comforting to spend time with others without worrying about what cultural differences might cause some trouble in the wrong circumstances, and Skel would never deny Sketch that.
Sketch will be internally debating whether or not the wolf's words were genuine or not for quite some time. She's leaning toward the acceptance that they were, and that Skelaghe really would be happy to have Vincent join them. Just the thought makes her smile in return, grateful, and now she has to admit that she can't wait to tell the male Alsatian. Will Vincent really decide to join them, though? Perhaps visit, but.. what about actually /join/ them? The thought is thrilling, as having a second companion would be quite enjoyable. No offense to Skel, but Sketch /would/ like having another canine companion. Even with as friendly as Skel is, the wolf still carries an intimidating aura everywhere she goes.
Before much longer, Malak can spot the nearest canids. His pace slows even a little bit more as he looks them over. He can recognize one of them as a wolf, and while he does not like lupines, the wolf's companion is the one he would really like to rend, just upon seeing her. The vile dog. In absense of a two-legger, it would seem this one has attached itself to a wolf... And the wolf allowed it. Yes, this will be quite satisfying. To make that dog watch as her surrogate master is bled dry, and then to snuff out her life... Malak flexes his claws even as he walks, and there is the tiniest, almost imperceptible shift in his path, so he is headed directly for Sketch. Revan can have the wolf, but that dog is his.
A single female wolf, and a single female dog. The latter almost looking like a small wolf, except for the demeaning fact of being only a mere canine. Revan allows himself a tight smile, even as he feels his claws flexing and muscles quivering. This is going to be a fun chase, a fun fight, and an ultimately satisfying victory. He continues branching off, as he knows that the moment his brother launches his attack, there's a good chance that the two canids won't initially see him, and there's a good chance they might decide to fight back. The few seconds of hesitation are all he and Malak need to get close enough to where there is no chance of escape for them.
The young dog does not speak again, and Skelaghe turns her gaze away from Sketch, only to have it stop on something she hadn't expected. Cougars? Here? She had been thinking about visiting Amaranth just moments ago, and it is perhaps because of this that she feels momentary hope that one or more of the cougars she knows have traveled down from the mountain, as it might solve her dilemma. Before she can offer the approaching cougars a greeting, though, she realizes that something is wrong. Their approach is far from friendly, and she can see from here that they sport none of the Amaranth markings. It will not be the first time Skelaghe has ever encountered a hostile animal, but this is not their territory. What could have them angry? Any way about it, she is certain it is important for her to be on her feet, so as they draw closer, she stands, though not without some stiffness.
Sketch doesn't notice the cougars at first, being concerned only with the immediate dilemma of how to break the news to Vincent. If only their last meeting hadn't been so.. awkward! But she's confident that he'll be willing to forgive, as will she, and perhaps they can move forward in their friendship, especially under Skelaghe's guidance. It's then that Sketch realizes that the wolf is rising to her feet, apparently staring at something. Huh? She stands as well, looking over toward... whoa. What are /those/? Skel seems a little defensive and wary, but apparently these newcomers aren't so dangerous that their mere presence would require an immediate flight for survival. But still.. they look dangerous. Big, and dangerous. Maybe it's their cold and ultimately confident gaze.
They have been noticed, and yet the canids aren't running. Bold little creatures. He almost laughs, and the malicious grin remains. Unless he has something he feels he needs to learn, he doesn't make a habit of speaking to these creatures, so his simply continues along his course, not yet running. Let's see how long their boldness lasts. It would be a shame if this were all over /too/ quickly, if the canids didn't put up even the slightest amount of resistance.
Indeed they are bold, and Revan is halfway tempted to be impressed. Or halfway tempted to scorn them for their foolishness. They've seen both he and his brother; do they honestly think they can fight back and win? It would be a close fight even if against only one of the cougars. Against both? Not a chance. The lack of anyone speaking only gives a surreal calmness to the scene, as both of the cougars close in. There's about to be a shattering to any serenity here, as death always brings with it a wonderful orchestra of agonized cries.
Skelaghe spends a brief moment watching the two cougars. Normally, she would have greeted them, but she is capable of recognizing when talking will not do any good, and, no, she has no intention of fighting them. Of fighting /anyone/, but especially not cougars. By the time she could calm this situation down, she and Sketch could be seriously injured, dying... Or worse. With not even the slightest though that she wishes that she didn't have to instill in Sketch a fear of cougars, she whispers to the dog next to her, simply, "Run. Southeast." They can't move as fast as cougars can. /She/ can't, especially. But she does have some advantage in that she knows this land intimately, and perhaps running into an area absolutely thick with the scent of canines will give the cougars pause, if they didn't just intend to scare Skel and Sketch off.
Regardless of the cougars' intentions, Sketch is no doubt about to become quite frightened, as there's something chillingly disturbing with the cougars' gaze toward them. She's on nearly a hair-trigger as it is, so when Skelaghe whispers toward her, Sketch is running off as if her life depended on it. Literally. What are those things, and can she outrun them? Can Skelaghe outrun them, normally being faster than she is, but still with her slight limp? And where do they intend on running /to/? Can they hide somewhere? Or just run until the cougars give up? It's after a second or two before Sketch realizes she has no idea which direction southeast is, so she has to slow down to see where Skelaghe is racing toward, and alter her direction accordingly.
Much better. It does not take Malak more than a brief moment to chase after them, his legs making greats strides across the ground. The last canid in this land got away. He doesn't intend to let these two do the same. He keeps aware of where his brother is, but his eyes remain on his target, that dog.
The hunt is on. Or, more appropriately, the swift and surely-victorious chase is on. Not that Revan plans to be overconfident with this, but he does feel that the odds are definitely in their favor. As his brother sprints after the dog, he's racing after the wolf, noting with satisfied amusement the barely-noticeable disruption to what would normally be a smooth running motion. A paw or leg injury, perhaps? How... wonderfully unlucky.
How far are they from the copse? Skelaghe isn't entirely sure, but she runs absolutely as fast as she's capable of running, despite the pain that quickly flares up. She will take a fight with whatever dogs may be in that area over a fight with these cougars any day, and besides... They won't have to stay there /long/. Just long enough to lose these cougars. She sticks as close to Sketch as possible, since, should this not work, she wants to be close so that they have at least a slight chance of defending themselves.
No idea where they're going. No idea why they're being pursued. No idea /what/ those creatures are that are pursuing them in the first place! Sketch has always figured that there could possibly be something scarier than a wolf, but it isn't until now that she realizes just what that something is. A soft whimper escapes her even as she runs for all she's worth, paws pounding on the soft grasses as adrenaline sears through her body.
- Sparse Copse -
They aren't running long when Malak notices something. Scent markings. They aren't fresh. He can't tell how old they are, but they're /there/, and he can tell that they're canid. A few steps later, and the smell really hits him. Dogs. More than a few of them. Again, he can smell nothing fresh, but the smell saturates everything in the area, inspiring rage in him at the same time that he tells himself they cannot chase these canids to a waiting pack. He wants to. He wants to tear every dog who may be nearby to shreds. But without knowing anything about how many dogs may be here, the risk is high. Perhaps too high. He will not die the way his father did, at the paws of lesser animals who had banded together, and so his pace slows dramatically.
If anything, Revan had almost started to slow down before his brother did. Memories of what happened to their parents still can be quite vivid, and he certainly doesn't wish to share a similar fate. But letting this wolf and dog get away...? He's going to be frustrated for a long time after this, as this now makes three creatures in the last few days, with nothing in the meantime. At least it confirms something he was thinking earlier today, though. If he and Malak, and Whiskers too, of course, do decide to settle down in this area, they will have plenty of work to do. Especially seeing how close they'd be to a major canine infestation.
Other questions arise in his mind too, though, even as he watches in frustration as the wolf and dog get farther and farther away. Is it normal for wolves in this location to feel so welcome in an obviously canine-dominated territory? Such an atrocity only strengthens the steely resolve in his mind. Cleansing *will* come to these lands. Those two might have escaped today, but they'd best be living in paranoia for the immediate future. They might last a bit longer, that way.
Skelaghe does not slow. Hopefully, she has chosen a path that will not take them too near any dogs who may be in the area. Neither does she look behind her, but after a while, she can tell that the cougars have stopped following them, since she can no longer hear the cougars chasing after them. Still, she would much prefer to be well out of their sights before she slows down, much less stops. She is not used to being chased, and it is not a pleasant experience, especially not with her injured hindleg.
Her heart is crashing in her chest, and even if she did look behind her and not see the cougars, she still wouldn't stop running until either she couldn't run anymore, or else the wolf slowed down beside her. Sketch's ears are slicked flat against her skull, and she can't help but let out another frightened whimper. She doesn't want to die! Not with life finally beginning to look up, and with the possible future she might have... she can't die now! She's concentrating simply on keeping her paws flying over the ground. As she runs, gasping and panting for breath, she asks, "What.. were those?"