Arashi made sure to push her competitive side down as far as she could so she wouldn't ruin the hunt. She knew that if they didn't get this one, they wouldn't have a chance at another before they had to return home. The snow was slowly getting worse so now it wasn't just a fight against predator and prey, but a race against time. Once Shiva gave the female an opening, she lunged forward to nip the legs of her prey. A minute later, Arashi fell back slightly so Shiva could once again have a turn. The female noticed the moose herd but didn't give them a glance. They wouldn't interpret so why pay attention to them?

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Arashi quickly dodged out of the way when the bull stumbled. Good. It was getting tired. The female lunged forward again, snapping at its legs. She kept this up for a while, taking turns nipping the bull with Shiva, before it finally stumbled. Arashi quickly jumped forward again, digging her teeth into its flesh. She left the final blow for one of her fellow hunters unless the bull started to get up again and she needed to take the kill herself. She knew she could've easily stolen it, but she also knew she would have to save as much strength as she could so they could get back to camp as fast as they could. She would probably regret not killing it later, but right now she was determined to get everyone home safely.

The alabaster wolf snorted softly as she noticed that everything within the Eastern Camp had calmed down. And she gave a soft hum, wondering how her apprentice was fairing without her - she would check in with him soon. And she gave a glance, as to look for the medic that was kind enough to let her be in her turf for a little while - yet, the raven female was no where to be found ; seems she was busy as a bee as usual. And she gave a soft chuckle, it would be best for her to depart and make sure nothing had happened at her camp while she was gone. And she was making her way out of camp when she notes the raven colored son of Xola in the company of other wolves. And she gave a soft grunt to announce her presence to the young male and he gave her a wary expression but acknowledged her.

"Forgive me for interfering with your conversation," she began politely, "Hymir, can you tell your mother it was a pleasure to work with her, and that I have departed to make sure things at my camp are alright. You have a good rest of your day." She said kindly and she watched as the young male dipped his head politely and she returned the gesture.

As she walked away, she could feel the chill of the incoming winter air. And she breathed in its frigid temperatures, and released frosty breath. Winter was coming, and she knew that illness wouldn't be far behind. She gave a soft huff at the thought - the female had been wise enough to stock up on herbs before frost could get to them and now she hoped that she could find some herbs for the winter. She made her journey home, and she could see that most of the camp was rather empty and quiet. She gave a soft contemplative hmph at that. The pack must be out hunting for a last time. And she made her way to the medic's den, to at least tidy up and prepare if she needed to assist a patient. And that's when she caught the faint scent of blood and her ears and body tensed at the smell and she found the source to be within her den.

She noted that Willow was there and she appeared injured, and at that she scowled a bit, "Willow," she said with the tone of a scolding mother, "I hope you're not here because of an injury. You shouldn't even be doing anything strenuous because of your previous injury."She said scolding the female, and she then gave a soft sigh before saying, "what happened?" In a more calmer voice.

Quilo || 3 Years, 5 Months || Male || Strays United Guard || M: Freya, Temari, Alha, Frodo, Kenai (Ind)

The eyes of the optimistic husky all but glimmer and sparkle as he awaits a response from the newcomer – his tail wagging so harshly that it began to shake his entire body. He took little notice of Temari’s approach, being entirely focused on the canine in front of him. And, being his usual self, he failed to take notice of the swarm of emotions painting the female’s eyes. But what he did notice was the small pause in time between his question and the response he was still awaiting. Perhaps, something was wrong? Maybe she took issue with the amount of energy he had? He was uncertain.

At her eventual response, his face brightened as he took a small step forward with a raised head. “Freya. Freya. That’s a pretty name! Where did you get it? I- I mean, I know where you got it. Probably the same place as mine, our parents. Well, not exactly the same place as mine since we’re not related…” his mumbling drones on and on on this topic, not noticing the new guard slip away to speak with some of the others who had returned, “... But, that’s besides the point. How was your- oh!”

Quilo starts upon finally noticing Freya’s disappearance – tail and grin dropping, and ears perked – finally noticing her speaking to Alha who was surrounded by Temari’s brother (yes, he had once more forgotten his name) and… another new dog?! The surprised expression lasted no longer as he raced over to greet yet another possible friend, still not noticing the presence of Temari behind him.

He skids to a spot beside the ground, lifting his tail to get a greeting to Alha before listening in on their conversation. While worry did strike his heart at the mention of missing members, he became much more fixated on the new, seemingly old male urging his new friend’s brother to guide him to the dens. The same friend’s brother who had offered to help Alha find the missing dogs not a moment before.

“I can take him to the dens,” the husky remarks without hesitation, earning a startled jump from the small being, “I know where they are! I’ll get him there as fast as I can and then get right back to my post with Temari! Promise!”

Suddenly, the hyper male hunches into himself with a sheepish expression – ears flat flopping to the side and fur puffing up in embarrassment. “U-uh… only if you’ll have me do so, Alha and new dog,” he bows his head slightly in respect before meeting her eyes, awaiting a response.

The small tan and black being chuckles at the guard’s enthusiasm. “I’m alright with that if ya are too, alpha. Wouldn’t mind having someone ta pester for a bit while we wait out this brewing storm.”

Quilo perks up once more, taking on a momentarily proud stance, “Great!... Um, pester?”

Brute l Male l Beta l Raven l M: Ore, Willow

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Brute was about to fall asleep when a familiar scent filled his nose. Just as his groggy mind recognized the scent Ore walked in the den. His ears flattened a bit at her tone but when it mellowed out he gave out a sigh and rose to his paws. "I'll give you two some alone time." He said, giving Willow a reassuring wink. Then with that, the coyote colored Beta made his way slowly out of the den and into the frigid tempertures. He gave a shiver and shook his coat, then walked outside. He made his way over to his den, which was empty abd alone, and padded in a circle, before laying down and falling asleep.

Cye || 4 Years || Male || Eastern Pack Scout || M: Ash

To say Cye was taken aback by the young male’s sudden aggressive jab. He stuttered in his movements in surprise, halting momentarily with widened pupils and perked ears. His head and neck raised upwards as well, pushing back into his body as though he were trying to appear big while shrinking back.

This position lasts only a couple of seconds before he trots up to the apprentice’s pace, his demeanor having completely shifted. His lips were curled up in a strained grin, dripping of once oddly calm malice and sickeningly false amusement. His eyes were ablaze with flames, crackling at the mere thought of the words the young pup dared to mutter. To think that anyone could match his skill was a crime in it of itself. But to proclaim that one could surpass him in his expertise? Well, he was clearly as blind as a bat during the day.

Oh, but don’t get him wrong. Cye would never dream of harming another so inexperienced and young. Let alone one that was helping him find shelter before the harsher side of the storm had truly hit (especially since the snow appeared to have slightly picked up since their walk began). But it would be wise to him… put him into his place.

A slow rolling chuckle emits from the canine’s throat, bouncing his shoulders as he walks. It too was filled with some amount of malice and distaste towards Ash, but he had enough control over it to ensure that it would be difficult to detect. His eyes close as he does so, working to hide any lingering emotions that may have arisen from that biting comment.

“My dear boy,” he begins, eyes opening and grin retaining that oddly calm and amused appearance, “How can one surpass the best without learning from them? This ‘Anya’ may end up being rather skilled, but overcoming my level of expertise would only ever be a mere dream in the mind of another. Besides,” he pauses momentarily to speed up his pace – a rather easy task if he does say so himself – before slowly down when he was ahead just enough to look the young wolf in the eyes, “One has to be born special to be as skilled as I. And I’m unsure either of you or Anya have it within yourselves to even get close. Especially with that little… performance of yours back there.”

Dropping the smug attitude, he suddenly shrugs his shoulders and flutters his eyes shut – giving off a more innocent yet sly feel. “But,” he pushes himself sideways slightly with a lifted paw, “Who am I to say? I haven’t met this other canine, after all. Maybe she has some potential?”

Following his sly little remark, Cye sets himself along their former path – swinging his head to the side to nudge the rest of his body back into the usual walking pace. Though, he pace did remain slow enough for the younger male to catch up and surpass him. His tail swishes behind him as he walks, mildly proud of his little “comeback.” It wasn’t the best he’s ever produced, but it’d be better to go a tad easier on the wolf working to bring him to shelter.

Their walk took the two deep in the forest, much deeper than the current loner had been expecting. He often found himself glancing around at his surroundings in curiosity. The snow created an oddly beautiful scene for the valley-side area, with large flakes tumbling down between branch and leaf – painting the fading autumn colors with its star-like complexion. It was a sight not unfamiliar to the tracker, but one he had not witnessed in quite some time. Or, at least, not enough to truly appreciate it.

The call of the smaller male caused his blue eyes to flicker back onto his gray coat, attentive to the words being spoken. A small relieved breath of air came from his nose at the announcement of the nearing camp, a puff of warm and condense air leaving him as a sign of said emotion. Good, shelter will be accessible soon.

A few minutes later, there it was. The camp of the residing pack. The steadily falling (and possibly thickening) condensation made it difficult to pick out amongst the trees, but it was there. The leaf litter male was quick to attempt to urge the other male into a trot – trotting himself but refusing to go further ahead than he was. The cold was beginning to sting at his pelt as well as his paws, and he wanted no part of that sensation. Shelter was imminent. All he needed was for the apprentice to find the alpha who would grant him access and he’d be golden. Until the storm passed, anyway.

At least, he began, almost in an attempt to assure himself, this is one task complete. Even if it did put a dent into my original plan. The next step will be left for tomorrow.