The Triumph of Teamwork (Secluded Sunrise Pack Hunt)

[Rykett]

6dewdrops

@dancer

Fierfly

@shiver

Stormy May

@brogle

Cascade

((Posting order is the same as the order that was established in the pack meeting.  Also, Cascade , could you mod the hunt since both Shiver and I are participating?))

Blaise:

A steady lope brought Blaise into the Hunting Plains. The crunching of many paws against grass reminded the Alphess of the pack that followed her. She flung a glance over her shoulder at the wolves behind her. The pack of Secluded Sunrise trailed her faithfully as she they traveled to engage in a pack hunt. It was a long distance from their territory to the Hunting Plains, but Blaise had made sure to keep a pace that most wolf could keep up with without losing all of their strength or breath. Even so as Blaise slowed to a stop, she breath came heavier than normal and her legs ached somewhat from the long run. 

The charcoal she-wolf surveyed the plains, searching for suitable prey. The wind blew across the open grasslands. The grass rippled hypnotically under the gale. The deep blue sky was half covered by fluffy white clouds. Darker clouds rolled towards the valley from the west, though that summer storm was yet to soak any valley wolf's pelt. The sun gleamed through the puffs of drifting cotton still high in the sky. To Blaise's estimation, it seemed they would return to Sapling Grove before the sunset as she had hoped, hopefully with full bellies and plenty of food to store for harder times.

[Fierfly]

Epsilon:

He raised his head high to look around as the Alphess slowed and finally the procession stopped. The sky to the west threatened rain with dark, heavy clouds and a moderate wind was already sweeping over the Grasslands making the tall summer stalks bend and dance. He could smell the moisture of the storm - though it was faint and hopefully wouldn't interfere with the hunt by breaking out over them and sending the prey scampering to their nests and homes for shelter. No, for now the sky above them was still clear and blue, only faintly dotted with fluffy, cotton clouds.

He lowered his head again so it was even with his spine and he crouched until he was level with the grass and only his green ruff showed. His intense sapphire eyes glared ahead, searching for any hint of prey and he slowly edged forward, muscles clamping and flexing and instincts taking over for the hunt. Focus, silence - listen, smell, be alert, don't be seen; all of these he knew well and it was time now to use them again.

[Deleted]

Ramone trotted quietly into the hunting plains behind his Mate who set Chance on a stump among some bushes to be safe. She was considering staying with her child. Ramone, however, was taking his strong son Helios to his first major hunt. Of course the handsome pup had killed prey before, but voles and ground squirrels hardly counted.

The black male panted as he squinted up at the blazing sun above. While the air was cooler today, the black pelted make couldn't help but feel rather warm in this humid atmosphere. Helios however was as happy as a lamb, he couldn't hardly sit still.

"Helios, calm down." Ramone chided with a soft laugh. Helios looked up, suddenly taking this seriously and sitting down abruptly with a thump. "Yessir!" He hissed, staring up admirably at his high ranking father. Ramone chuckled before turning his attention to the plains and searching for any sign of good sized prey.

[Stormy May]

Sigma was somewhere in the back of the long procession. Beat around the bush as much as she might, the fact still remained that she was new and didn't know anyone for the life of her.

She kept silent, her eyes already darting left and right in search of prey, her ears fine-tuned to every little snap of a twig or blow of the wind. Her eyes caught sight of a friendly bickering between Ramone and, what was his name, Helios, had he said? The sight brought her a smile. They were close, the kind of bond she longed to have with someone.

She came to a stop and brought her green eyes up to Blaise, waiting. This was the moment of truth. What would Blaise think of her?

[Rykett]

((Sorry for the wait! Let's get this pack going again! I'm re-tagging everyone since it's been so long. Guess I'll attempt being hunting mod since Cascade didn't post. I'll begin starting up threads between Blaise and individual members to discuss promotions in ranks immediately.))

6dewdrops
@dancer
Fierfly
@shiver
Stormy May
@brogle

.::A total of five white-tailed deer roam the plains together. One is a buck while two are does both of which have a fawn each. A lone bull moose wanders a good distance away. It's on alert and watches the surrounding area warily.::.

Blaise:

Purple red tipped ears flicked backwards as Blaise's members joined her. The alphess's head followed to survey her members. Epsilon's formidable form, confidently strode to his place following Blaise before crouching down in preparation of the hunt, alert and awaiting Blaise's instruction. Blaise's eyes flicked to meet his eerie sapphire gaze for a millisecond before she shifted her gaze to her Gamma, Ramone, and his bouncing young pup, Helios. Helios had grown much since Blaise had last seen him. With a strong stature and a confident attitude, he would make a good hunter. The time for him and his two other siblings to be appointed a Trainer was nearing. Helios's mother, Tear should be coming along for the hunt as well, though she'd trailed behind during the journey. Then there was Sigma, young and eager to prove herself in this hunt.

Blaise turned her attention back to the plains. She acknowledged the moose, but dismissed it as a possible target. Alone and wary, it'd put up too much of a fight and risk injuring too many pack members. The herd of deer was more promising. The buck would be protective of his does and the does in turn would be protective of their fawns. Taking down the buck wouldn't be too much of a risk for the pack, yet provide a good challenge in which they could show their skills.

Crouching, Blaise nodded to her members to do the same. The deer hadn't noticed them yet, but if Secluded Sunrise remained standing, they could be spotted at any second. "The buck is our target." Blaise whispered matter-of-factly, "Ramone, you take the left flank with Tear as soon as she joins us." The couple worked well together despite their differences. "Sigma and I will take the rightmost." Sigma was still a bit of a wild card to Blaise. The alphess wished to watch the her closely as to know what rank would best fit the blue wolf. "Epsilon and Helios, you two will take the middle." The last pairing would show the strength two characteristics important to Blaise; Epsilon's ability to lead and Helios's ability to obey the instructions of one, other than his parents, who held seniority. "The left and right team will circle around each side. We'll scare away most of the herd, excluding the buck then drive them back towards the middle team. The middle team will advance slowly and stay hidden until the moment of attack." After she'd finished her orders, Blaise met the gazes of each of her members as she looked for confirmation of their understanding.

[Fierfly]

Epsilon:

He caught the regal purple gaze and glanced over for only a split-second before Blaise looked away again. She crouched and beckoned for everyone else to do the same as she carefully appointed orders. The gammas, Tear and Ramone would be heading left, the alphess and Sigma would go right and -. He felt a bit startled as Blaise instructed him and young Helios to be the ones in the center. He looked at the pup to appraise him. Young, but strong and confident, good, he could work with that. He nodded and minutely jerked his head to signal Helios to join him and flashed him an encouraging smile. The first big hunt was always exciting, but could also be a little nerve-wracking and he wanted the younger wolf to do well.

---

Tear:

Tear shifted from paw to paw as she thought about it. Did she dare leave her baby alone in the Hunting Plains? The Gammess mentally chided herself. Chance was hardly a baby any longer, Helios was joining them to hunt, Chance could have too had he not chosen to stay behind and observe instead. Still, she didn't want to leave a young wolf alone in the endless sea of grasses...

She stood tall and turned as Blaise spoke her name and instructed Ramone on how she wanted things done. Sighing, she turned to Chance, "Be careful, I'll be back soon." and gave him a gentle nudge on the cheek with her nose before she crouched and crept up beside Ramone and gave due attention to Blaise's instructions. She and Ramone would take the left flank, Blaise and Sigma the right. Helios and...Epsilon would be in the center, maybe even launching the final blow. She smiled at Epsilon's brief but genuine smile of encouragement to her son and she gave her son a quick lick on the top of his head as he scooted quietly past her to wish him luck. Now she turned to Ramone to share a moment of parental pride and then to hunt as she slowly began to slink forward.

[Deleted]

Ramone:
The male grinned at his son as assignments were made. Today was a big day, and doubly so for his son. First hunt! Ramone had taught Helios the basics, but his son was a natural. Blaise crouched down calling her hunters to huddle together. He winked at his mate as she caught up with them, the pair would be taking the left flank. The buck was a large beast, but no match for his pack. He bumped Tears hip with his own, Blaise knew her stuff, the two worked well! The Alphess herself and Sigma would take the opposite flank. He was a bit surprised when Helios was paired with Epsilon, and surveyed the other male. He had no reason not to trust him, and he seemed like a nice wolf. Ramone was just a bit cautious because he hadn't seen the male around camp all that much. He shrugged it off easily, some wolves took longer than others to adjust to pack life. His son and Epsilon would take the center and frontal attack. Giving Helios a encouraging glance he headed into the tall grasses with Tear.

Helios:
The young male listened eagerly, ears pushed forwards, hanging onto Blaise's every word. The charcoal Alphess announced their target as she beckoned her team. The buck was large, it's rack branching out like a branch of thorns. No matter its size, it was no match for the wolves of the Sapling Grove. Helios' confidence practically radiated from his aura, he was already a hunting prodigy. The handsome pup heard the pairings and reacted accordingly. He wagged his tail to his parents, assuring them that he'd be fine, then walked towards Epsilon. He was a wolf Helios hadn't seen often, however he appeared strong and welcoming. He was no threat. Helios nodded to him and stood beside the older wolf, at attention. This was his first real hunt, he knew he was good at hunting things smaller than him, so the hewolf would need a different attack style. He would simply have to follow Epdilons lead.

[Stormy May]

Sigma's ears perked up with a shock when Blaise issued orders. She was paired with the alphess in her first pack hunt? It was sure to have an interesting outcome.

She shook her head, dismissing her initial reaction. Blaise would not assign her to a position she didn't think she was capable of upholding, and Sigma was determined to prove that she could uphold any position that Blaise threw at her. All she had to do was listen carefully and use her brain. That couldn't be too hard. Sigma gave Blaise a brief nod, then moved to her side in a low crouch in preparation. Surely a close eye would be on her, so she had to do her best.

[Deleted]

Kalista had just been recently accepted into the pack. She had visited the camp only for a brief moment, finding it practically empty. Remembering that Blaise had mentioned a pack hunt of some sort, she had followed their mingling scents all the way to where she found herself now. She watched the wolves with great interest, her blood red ears tipped forwards as she tried to pick up on their conversation. She watched as the strong Alphess spoke to the other members of the pack, the quick and efficient way she was addressing them made it clear she was giving out instructions.

Kalista was not sure how to come up to the assembed wolves. She was a wolf with a fiery attitude that would defend herself if it was needed. However, she was sure that starting an accidental rivalry with a couple of suspicious pack members was not the way to go about introducing herself. She huffed, raising her head in confidence and striding out from behind the boulder she was concealing herself behind. As she approached the wolves, Kalista wondered whether her help was even needed in this hunt.

Hopefully she could be of some assistance, if not at least she could try and get to know her new packmates from a distance as they hunted. Hopefully without annoying any of them too much...

She grinned wolfishly at the thought, her sly grin dropping from her face as she looked up and saw that she had practically stumbled upon the assembled wolves.

[Rykett]

.::The moose has noticed the pack preparing for the hunt, and is keeping his distance. Meanwhile, the herd of deer remain unaware.::.

---

Blaise:

Slight surprise twinkled in the eyes of some members as Blaise declared the middle group. Doubt flickered in the back of her mind. Were her emotions governing her logic? She knew she was biased when it came to Epsilon. He was constantly reminding her, unconsciously of course, but the fact remained that Blaise kept putting him in positions where she was forced to trust him or that made it appear that the alphess trusted him. Positions in which if he failed, Blaise would have a good reason besides experiences that had almost nothing to do with the male to not trust.

Blaise pushed away the doubt. She couldn’t go doubt her own decisions when leading her pack. She had to trust herself. Epsilon would do fine in his position and there was no real reason why Blaise should doubt. The appearance of one of the newest members of Secluded Sunrise got Blaise’s mind off the subject. ”Kalista, I’m glad you could make it,” the alphess’s voice was soft as to not alert the prey, ”You may join Sigma and I as we skirt around the right flank of the herd.” After giving Kalista her position, Blaise addressed the rest of the pack, ”You all know your roles, let’s move out! Remember, scare the herd toward the middle, but try to separate the buck so Epsilon and Helios don’t have to deal with more hooves than they can handle.” Blaise wanted to make sure the pack was clear on what the plan was. This hunt was all about teamwork.

Moving away from the rest of the pack, Blaise headed circled around to the right side of the herd. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Sigma and Kalista were following. The charcoal she-wolf moved gracefully through the grass. Her pawsteps were light and carefully as her mind focused in on the hunt. Once in position, Blaise looked across the hunting plain, between the long legs of the deer, to the grass opposite where Tear and Ramone should be moving to. She what to be sure of their readiness before she signaled the attack.

((Hey, @skywings ! ^^ I just wanted to make sure that you’ve read the first post of this thread so you know how we’re conducting this pack hunt, since pack threads can get a little confusing at times. I’m so glad that Kalista could join in! ))

[Fierfly]

Tear:

A new she-wolf - Kalista - joined them. She must have been one of the recent howls at the border because Blaise recognized her and had her join the right-flank team. Tear turned her attention back to her own left-flank team with Ramone. She let his long legs take the lead as they glided through the tall grass, starting to surround and separate the herd. Her sharp green eyes kept a close watch on the buck, the hunt was on.

---

Epsilon:

Helios stood to attention, his bright golden eyes on the target. He felt a small smile tease at his maw as he remembered his own first hunt for anything bigger than himself. He'd not been so different. A large, gentle paw carefully pushed Helios's level rump down, encouraging the young one to crouch like the adults. He was already decently concealed in the grass, but it was good to get him into the habit early. "Stay low to the ground," he coached between barely moving lips. "Don't make a sound..." he didn't want to talk too much - it could give them away; so he nodded to the buck's throat to let the yearling know that that was their primary target. Unless they were rutting, deer usually ran with their heads up so he wasn't too concerned about the rack yet, he just needed to keep aware of it.

[Deleted]

Ramone:
The long legged make loped easily through the grasses, body crouched low. He was a predator, a hunter, he was made for this. Slim muzzle low, he peeked through the grasses. The herd was blissfully unaware, although the bull kept watch by raising his head repeatedly. Luckily, Ramone and Tear were in optimum position to cut away a decent chunk of the herd. He knew his mate would pick this information up easily, and so he moved aside for her to see, he knew that together they could do anything. Meeting her eye, he flicked his ears forward. With that signal they were off. He let Tear take the lead, while he watched for the others. He wanted to make sure they didn't interfere with the others' plans. Ramone kept quiet while he ran, but it wasn't long before a doe spotted the pair. A dawn was deliciously close but Ramone couldn't afford to be interested in the small deer. No, he had to work in harmony and take down the buck. Running beside Tear, he began to separate the herd.

Helios:
The pup was slightly alarmed by the paw pushing his talk stature down, but nevertheless he obeyed. His questioning glance was answered by Epsilons words and motions. The throat. That was their target. Duh. Epsilon didn't have to tell him that. He knew enough, he was smart. Turning his gaze away from the wolf he began to stalk forward slowly. His tan and gold coat blended in wonderfully with the gently swaying grasses. He moved slowly because he knew that the flanks would be moving quickly. Once they preformed their part, Helios and Epsilon would lunge forward. But he also needed to engage soon, otherwise the buck would turn away and attack Ramone's group or Alphess Blaise's. Not fully trusting his timing, he begrudgingly decided to follow Epsilons lead. After all he didn't know everything.

[Rykett]

((Stormy has asked me to play Sigma for the rest of the thread since she wants Sigma to participate in the hunt, but doesn’t currently have time to post. Sooo sorry for the wait, guys. I intended to post this much much earlier, but school was especially difficult the last several weeks.))

Sigma:

Sigma galloped into action beside her alphess, eager to prove herself in the hunt. She followed Blaise as the charcoal female moved towards the position that she’d assigned to herself and Sigma. The bright blue colored female carefully ducked low to keep her pelt from the view of their prey. Her head lowered and her eyes narrowed in concentration as she pushed playful thoughts aside and instinct took over. Head low, steps slow and silent, eyes trained on their target. Moving quickly in time with Blaise, trying to match her steps and intentions, she edged forward, a slight growl riding low in her throat as they approached the deer.

They were supposed to cut the buck away from his does - the buck from the does. Cutting the does away from the buck would probably only make the stag angry and the last thing the pack needed was for this hunting expedition to turn into a fight. With this in mind she fairly glided with Blaise, slowly coming between the male deer and his herd. As they worked their way over to the buck's right, she could hear Tear and Ramone doing the same on the left. The does were quietly beginning to move their young ones back as they sensed danger and the buck was working his way towards the awaiting strike team to investigate his sudden uneasiness.

---

.::The moose has departed from the hunting plains. The elk herd frantically flees from the attacking wolves. They attempt to remain close to each other, but a doe and her fawn begin to stray away towards the left as Ramone moves closer. Meanwhile the rest of the herd begins to flee right.::.

---

Blaise:

Blaise met the gazes of the left team. They were all in position. It was time to act! Her Gamma needed no command to attack. He lunged into action, Tear at his side. Blaise charged forward a couple heartbeats behind the male. She galloped towards the startled herd, teeth bared ferociously. They had to redirect the buck to run towards Epsilon and Helios. She rushed between the buck and the doe. Blaise snapped at the doe, trying to drive the creature and her fawn away from the buck.

Hooves thundered against the ground. Blaise was acutely aware of the damage such a hoof could inflict with a well-aimed kick. The gap between the doe and buck began to widen slowly, but the buck seemed to be trying to follow his rightmost doe despite the growling wolf on her heels. "Sigma, keep the buck on track. I'll drive the doe further away," Blaise had to shout to be heard over the noise of fearful braying and galloped hooves.

[Fierfly]

((@shiver))

Tear:

Now! She and Ramone took of almost at the same instant, running at the herd, teeth bared and growling, driving them apart from the buck. So far their doe and fawn seemed to be complying - the mother reared up anxiously and quickly began nosing her off-spring away from the circling hunters. A blur of black beside her was Ramone, his long body weaving through the grass and air, pouncing, snarling - driving them away from their target. She bared her teeth and lunged, snapping at the doe's throat as she tried to turn back. They weren't after the does - not really, what they really wanted was to get the male to run toward Epsilon and Helios - they wanted the stag.

---

Epsilon:

His ears were perked, eyes wide and focused, body tensed like a trap, waiting to spring on the expected passer-by. slowly he lowered himself closer to the ground, deeper into the sea of grasses. His snowy-white chest was now resting on his fore-paws and his hindquarters were near even as he balanced on his rear-toes and he jerked his head for Helios to do the same. His lip jerked back and he growled low in his throat. His sapphire blue eyes narrowed and trained on their target - he wasn't coming. The stag was resisting, still trying to run with one of his does. He put his head forward a little, "Wait," he could hear a deep, solemn voice from his memory coaching him the same way: "Steady, wait for him..." his voice was barely above a whisper as he intently watched their target.

[Deleted]

Ramone:
They were doing surprisingly well, considering it being their first time hunting as a pack. Ramone panted through his grin, tongue lolling out between his wicked sharp teeth. The black, gold, and blue hewolf raced alongside his mate, matching her stride for stride as they cut through the scattering herd. He nipped the heels of a few does in the way, careful not to get kicked by their knife-sharp hooves. Despite the abundant prey and easy living in the valley, hunting was still as dangerous as it always would be. Finally, the does were sufficiently separated from their buck, and Ramone raised his tail as a signal to the others. The left flank was ready to herd the buck towards Helios and Epsilon. Ramone nodded to his mate, she knew what to do, he would follow this time.

Helios:
Excitement building up in his bones, it took nearly all of his energy to get into position and to stay there. His eyes were bright, wide, and fearless. His fearlessness might be the end of him, but not tonight. His tail twitched with pent up energy, his ears flicking madly. His muscles were coiled up tight like a viper poised to strike. He looked to epsilon, ready to follow his lead, so he could lead others one day.