“You idiots bring back any real food?” The eldest crowed, tail thumping casually against the liquid slicked ground.It hadn’t been all that long since the whole fiasco,and nothing really changed. Well except for their insatiable bellies. --And his crooked leg. But eh, he was over it, basking in the rolling sun and somewhat cheerily swatting at the vibrating insects from his ears. They had set up camp elsewhere, someplace new and fresh. Somewhere as far from that little pack as possible. Despite the travel, it’d all entail a useless outcome. --For the time being. Once he’s..healed, the pursuing wouldn’t necessarily stop. Ideas were formulated, playful, enjoyable schemes that’d hopefully unfold smooth. “Here.” Jade sniffed, upturned snout perched just beneath intent eyes, brown furred pelt a mere case about exhausted muscle. Before him, dropped a vole, plump but small; bloodied punctures emitting pheromones befitting to a predator. Yes, it smelled delicious, but to a wolf who can eat like they have two stomachs, it seemed like nothing but scraps.

Jairo chuffed, angry amusement tweaking delicate along his blinking vision “You two really are useless huh?” He spoke between glistening chops, teeth quenched only with the pathetic crimson which had floated routinely throughout the tawny carcass. The male rose, a grunt similar to that of the twittering cacophony above resounding from clenched jaws. “You’re useless for getting your leg all banged up in the first place!” At that comment, Jade would flatten his frame to the ground, realization manicuring his pelt; entwined with tingling embarrassment. “..Nevermind.”

“No, speak your mind. Tell me what's up.” He almost mewed, curling a paw absently about a mound of dirt, singular tooth jutting peculiar from taut lips. Only a few heartbeats and the yearling began a slow, tentative drawl, skull steadily creeping amongst truncated branches and tail flapping polite against his thighs. “Well..maybe if you had let us wait longer for Mom and Father, we wouldn’t have to struggle like this to begin with.” Kenze perked, stiffening even, beginning an odd crawl across the coniferous confines and towards the quiet duo. “They’re gone.. You need to get over it.” The calming gust, dawn colored leaves transportation, attempted to pacify the boiling tension, billowing their chests and twitching their ears in a soft caress. “Nah, he could be right.” Jairo spoke, directing his vision onto the snippish male before squaring back to Jade. “For all we know they could be desperately searching for us at this very moment.” Later on, he’d add. “.....Get revenge on us for leaving their defenseless litter to a quick decline...”

“No!”

Jade rocked to his paws, coat beginning a startled ripple. “Aw, relaax. I’m just joking. They’re probably just dead. I wouldn’t have given you both the option of departure if I were guessing. It was either them, or us, and I chose me. You two were just extra luggage.” As wrong as it was to toy with emotions on such a topic, he just..couldn’t help himself. --Anything to steer their hearts from the moment. “Anyways, If you need me, I’ll be right under that tree taking a well deserved nap.” Jairo yawned, trotting towards what had been designated with limber steps, leg a longer and comfortable dangle than days before. “But-!” The emotional yearling started, trailing briefly behind his brothers wagging hackles. And yet he was ignored, the eldest settling himself in a content snooze and Kenze skirting off on the opposite side, tottering listless about a dainty stream. Once again, the male had been left alone, various thoughts rumbling queasy in his mind. But when eyes began to flit open, meeting the face of a titian afternoon, peach undertones stroking the lulled sky despite the obscuring puffs of cloud, three unsettling dispositions transferred into energized beats of the heart.

The brothers had shifted, if anything circling back to their own grounds, a gradual close, and in the midst, Jairo would often send his two chumps to chase after the wandering squirrels, or to trek ahead and try and find a wisp of decomposing prey. By another morning they had all begun to smell as if marinated in a moose corpse, cautious of surrounding territory and defensive dispersal males hunting roaming herds of elk. There had been a time where Kenze had scented the distinguished odor of milk and heard the honeyed weeps of a residential pack, the kind wind fluffing their pelage in the most fortunate way. For if their scent had been blown unto the nose of strangers, it could’ve been their last season with light in their eyes. Quickly, they had meandered about a crystalline lake, crunching upon a bed of pebble and sand; bunching irritably into the grooves of their claws. “Damn that was close.” Jairo had whistled, a nervous chuckle nothing but a thunderous crack from his throat. “You should teach us how to fight some more!” Kenze would huff, rolling his shoulders back as if preserving some type of dignity. Surely he wouldn’t even have any left, not with how they’ve been scampering around like pathetic fools. “I can’t.” The eldest lapped at his nose with a gentle stroke. “But maybe Atelia can.” --Immediately came a burst of disbelief, petite jaws snapping curt at his ear, a merciless pierce halting its flickering motion. “You are unbelievable. You’re still hung up on that female?”

“Yea, even I’m over her.” Jade would add, paws lifting in a noble prance as if to prove a point. “I’ll take your thoughts into account once you both have mates of your own.” At that, Kenze yipped. “No thanks, I’ll have a different lifestyle from all that junk.”

“Oh please, you’re just saying that so you’ll be less embarrassed when you find out no one likes you.” The yearlings turned to each other, fur bristling in competitive agitation. “You’ve been chasing after every single female in sight and none of your pathetic feelings have been reciprocated.” Jairo sighed, pausing his steps and beginning an observation upon the ridiculous spectacle, occasionally narrowing on spawning beavers whose thick, flat tails slapped tauntingly against the wet surface near every time they dove beneath. “You really think I was serious about that? So all those smarts must’ve just been a limited act, huh?” In an instant, the smaller leapt, clashing his fangs at Jades throat, their bodies thumping roughly against the lake washed soil. Jade would unbind his legs, propelling Kenze’s frame from his own in just one push. Quickly, the both of them scrambled to their paws, gunning for each other's flesh with a spilled bucket of snarls. Normally, the male would just let them brawl it out, allowing it to be not only a lesson, but a sort of entertainment for his lingering gaze. Though this time, Jairo limped his way in, clamping his maw tough upon Kenzes nape, increasing the pressure until the younger had eventually ceased his barks, belly brushing the ground and tassel folding calm between his hind quarters.

“This is getting boring. Just drop it and let's keep moving, you guys are letting the hunger get to your heads like a pair of imbeciles.” The male had grumbled, tail flicking indignant alike to his vexed gait. Silently, obediently, the two had followed, mouths drawn open in fatigues pants, expelling their own exhaust whilst eager dust plumed faint about their ankles and rattled frantically inside their clipping claws.

This was going to be a long fucking day.

The ivory female sauntered up the raised ground, the frame of her brother following closely behind. The dame's whitened maw had been stained red, a single hare dangling from between her incisors. Atelia had arisen early, as instructed per Naeva, to embark on an outing and return with a meal. Her brother was forced to follow, for she had not yet been allowed to go anywhere without a set of eyes upon her.

The hare was released, thudding at the feet of Naeva who had returned with her own measly jackrabbit. Nakoa, in comparison, had returned empty-handed. It was a difficult morning for tracking, the rain from before having faded many scents away. "There was a vole as well," the younger female began, "but I ate it." Pettiness could be hinted in her words, a tone that had been ongoing since she had watched the three brothers be sent away.

"I should assure you to keep the entirety of the pack in mind before you greedily eat anything." Naeva quipped, dragging the hare to rest alongside of her own small game. "I consider it a small token of payback, seeing as you disrupted my potentially successful hunt." The tension was constant among the small group, mainly between the white canine and the onyx one. Nakoa simply stood on the sidelines, not one to insert himself between two headstrong females. Even he knew better.

Taking the larger hare for herself, loud snaps could be heard as bone was splintered between Naeva's molars. Her frame had lowered into a sitting position, her large paws holding her meal in place as she gnawed upon the carcass. "Well, help yourself," she spoke, words muffled by bits of meat being chewed. It was clear who she was addressing, and it wasn't Atelia.

The male simply gazed at the jackrabbit before clearing his throat. "I'll eat afterwards." Nakoa was one to offer others the chance to eat before himself, so humbly, he stepped back, to which Naeva snorted, her upper lip curling in disdain. "It wasn't an option. Eat." Pink tongue lapping at her paws to collect the red liquid seeping from the hare, the darker female rose onto her paws. "Since Atelia cannot refrain from eating with the rest of us, she can have the leftovers." Paw swiping at her meat-ridden meal, Naeva's eyes fixated upon the younger member, who stared with defeat. "What, not enough for you, as you bluntly stated earlier?"

Atelia simply mosied up to the carcass, dragging it towards herself. "I apologize for that," she mumbled, teeth beginning to work their way on what was left of the meal. The dominant female simply watched before breaking eye contact. She'd be forgiven eventually.

As brother and sister worked on their food, Naeve had stood, announced that she wished to quench her thirst, and trotted off, leaving the two behind. Within minutes of her departure, Nakoa raised his head, motioning to Atelia's meal. "Let's switch." His, that had hardly but three bites taken out of it, was nudged her way. "No, it's alright, I had a vole already." Glancing around in fear of his own mate's return, her brother's voice lowered. "So did I." A small grin seeped across his features, to which Atelia's own face mimicked.

Hungrily, it took all of Atelia's willpower not to dive towards the meal, and instead, gracefully took a few bites, purposefully leaving a few behind for her brother to finish. If Nakoa noticed, he didn't say anything. "You know, she has a reason to be upset," he spoke, breaking the silence between them as he licked his muzzle. "I don't see why. I was trying to help is all." The loud female replied back, tail thrusting side to side to express her disapproval. "I know, but you did risk a lot by going off with strangers. Have you not learned anything from the past?" At that, Atelia nodded a singular time. She understood where they were coming from, though the gesture wasn't returned. "I know Naeva can be a lot, but she has a right to be angry with you. I know I was. Even you must see that your antics were mindless." A pause. "Give her time," was all he further spoke before hauling himself up with a grunt, leaving Atelia rather quiet for once, until a paw was smacked against her head.

Grumbling, the female turned to her brother, who had already broke off towards the returning figure of Naeva. A moment of affection was seen, their muzzles running against each before the darker female shrugged him away. "Come on, we're going on a patrol." The two waited for Atelia, who, for a moment, felt as if the tension had lifted. Though her hope deflated when Naeva shot her another look before leading them.

This was the longest day ever.

Tasting airborne scents and gradually making way back towards familiar meadows and plains, their muscles had begun to sag with fatigue, and yet they kept moving out of spite; buzzing insects bobbing mockingly at their perked ears. “I would’ve totally destroyed you If Jairo hadn’t stopped us.” Jade had muttered whilst hopping over an obvious crevice in the fertile ground. Jairo snorted, quickening his gait at the notice of neighboring bison. Momentarily, he had surveyed the heavy herd, hopeful eyes venturing on a search for a weak target, but then again, even if he had managed to find one they’d surely meet their deaths closer than a victory. All the more reason to hunt for his little lamb. “Alright guys, listen up.” The male would turn, interrupting a brewing argument between the two younger whilst a quizzical stare flickered calmly from one to the other.

“I’ve been mulling it over and it’s pretty vital we get some food about now. So we’ll drop by the Red field and dig up some burrows. I haven't taught you guys yet have I?” In excited unison they shook their heads, stomachs pitching in with hunger fueled growls. “Okay then. We’ll just make a quick stop before heading there, I need to pick something up.”

“Can’t we just head there now? Look at me!” The yearling's slick nose would whip towards his sides, the fetching fat from earlier seasons overthrown by protruding ribs and a gaunt pelt. “I'm going to dieee!” Kenze began a drawled whine, tossing the small mane of his nape in a dramatic lurch forward. The male only scoffed, continuing his trudge whilst the spiny coats of his brothers flopped carelessly against his own. “Don’t act like you traitors haven’t snuck a snack while hunting mere morsels for your disabled brother. Yeah, I smelt the guilt and shame on your lips!” And just as his tail had begun to spike with irritated realization, a series of yips and whoops slithered into his swiveling ears, attracting a cautious gaze of a weak, starved animal. --He and his brothers of course.

“Aw shit.” Upon the comment came a tumbling of paws and depraved snarls. Some ugly looking heathens they were,- skinny wolves gobbled up by mange, their vulnerable flesh exposed by their cracked pelts. But despite it all, their jaws still worked the same, their large incisors still capable, and a wolf more desperate than himself is a pretty dangerous wolf. Im sorry,--wolves

Admittedly, they stood there for a moment like a group of numbskulls, but one heartbeat later and Jairo began a casual sprint, hoping to discourage the dwindling pack with a simple dash. --You know, give them nothing to worry about. He wasn’t interested in their territory, he had no food..so what in the hell made those bastards run him dry? It made it even worse that they had the disease, whenever they’d get a bit too close he’d swiftly curve to the side as to avoid any type of gross contact.

“Gah!”

Jade flinched away from one of their snapping jaws, tail tucked beneath his belly and head shifting violently back and forth in an accelerated dart. There came a blurt of yelps, frightened snarls, and furious growls and then it became evident of Kenze’s loss of presence at his flank. The yearling had gathered the entirety of the squads attention, teeth pulling at his leg and snatching at his hackles, all the while his paws hadn’t faltered in movement, legs pumping in a distressed run and ears pinned indefinitely against his crown. Only when the pack was satisfied had they allowed Kenze to flee, their pink, salivating tongues flicking out the tufts of fur from their mouths with indifference, the brothers blood coating the yellowed teeth of their powerful maws. The small male made way towards his siblings, meeting concerned and wary looks equipped with bothered twitches of the tassel. And as the victorious pack began an agitating belch of gloating howls and barks, Jairo herded his brothers closer towards the woods, ignoring the way the tall grass fanned ticklish against his forelegs.

“Ew, don’t touch me.” One of them sniffed, but of course it was Jade. The male had steered himself away from Kenze’s partially torn pelage, to which the opposing yearling had responded with a bitter frown, glancing back at his hackles with a disgusted shudder. “Jairo…” The eldest would turn, face blanked; a canvas ready to be painted. “..Do I have mange? Are you guys going to leave me behind now..?”

“Sigh...well. It's inevitable now. We don’t all want the disease now do we?” At that they both gasped, the younger males exchanging a saddened look before Kenze whipped his stare back, a pleading glisten marking his softened vision. “I thought you’d be a little less eager to abandon your own brother to the clutches of death.” Steadily, his voice had risen from a gentle melancholy to an angry yap, inciting a low stifle of amusement to part from Jairos lips. And at the notice, the male squared his shoulders, puffing up with a defiant growl. “No. I’m not leaving. If anything, I’m taking you with me!” And just like that, the brute leapt forward, a fierce battle cry breaking into the air as he began a speedy chase after his absconding siblings. Jade shrieked as his brother gained ground on him, and only when Kenze was right at his ankles did Jairo step forward with combusting laughter. “Alright, alright. Kenze stop. We’re not going to leave you. Stop trying to infect your brother.” His voice would crack from the chuckling pitch. “In fact. I think it's perfect. Hey, it's not guaranteed that you’re going to die. It's rather unlikely. Actually, what we can do with this is something much more fun than dying. Now follow me ya little idiot.”

“R-really?” No response, but that didn’t dampen the young males mood. Happily, Kenze skipped in tow, leaving Jade to his own little shock and trauma. “You were trying to kill me!” He gaped, initiating a rough bowl over only to halt himself at the last second. Right.. “Haha, relax. Jairo said it's not even fatal, you big baby.”

“Uh- you’re one to talk.”

“Aw, gross.” the male twitched, dark swathed pelt rippling with agitation. Amongst his brief grooming, a flighty flea had leapt from his gapped fangs, eliciting a moment of disappointment to sharpen his fuzzy frame. Pff, he couldn’t greet Atelia like this. Now that he had a good look at himself, he seemed anything but handsome, paws a dusty cream, tail ripped by thorns, sides mucked with dirt. He couldn’t do anything about his ribs..just yet. But surely he could at least get a good bath in before meeting her. Jairo lifted, gliding towards the slippery grasses just to the west of him, only about four yards away and he faced a pond, the Yuki pond, riddled with old logs and small stumps at its bank.Other than those it seemed a large clearing, sparkling adjacent to the suns altruistic beams. With ease he sunk in, encased in the cool liquid up to his chest. Almost comically, the brute leapt about, legs sagged with water and tiring his muscle quickly, but still, Jairo churned his paws, drawing a slow, twisting circle amongst the large pool before crawling back up to shore. With each step came a soft crunch, seconds later the rapid shake of his coat and then after that, lips slathered in moisture would break open, his breaths spilling out in rhythmic pants. The pond had soothed his itches and furled his coat, puffed up by the winding gale that came in a violent burst against his face; prompting a shut of eyes.

He bounded forth, pawing through the high shrubs and scraping by the skinny tendrils of a puny tree. For extra measure, Jairo resumed his marking, wet nostrils nudging at tiny hills of soil until the black bodies of ants flocked at the top, guzzling their territory with sheer numbers. It wasn’t until the thumping of paws that the male would flinch his head forward, gaze scissoring through the occupied terrain with trickling animosity. But he recognized that smell, that odor. It was none other than his..work in progress, Atelia. Coolly, he stepped forward, lowering amongst the leaves only momentarily, and when she advanced upon him, pretty and breathless, steadily, Jairo rose. Miss you? He chuckled softly, a spurt of air bouncing from his nose. “That's my line.” So close they were, purposefully the male had cocked his head towards hers, snouts nothing but a bump away from each other. And just before he reeled himself away, he spoke, jowls fixated in a rather vacuous smile. “You look better from afar, huh.” Shaking his head in a tottering bob, he began a quick jog through the plant growth, expectant of her follow. What a useless lie.

As they progressed across the hillside, stamping down on feathery petals and rushing through weaving weeds, the brown physiques of his brothers slid into waiting view, no longer amid the flourishing undergrowth but galloping about the open. He suspected this. Jade must’ve done something to offend his sibling and now they were locked in a chase. But when a frightened squeak rumbled into the air, he knew that it belonged to Kenze. Forwadly, Jairo mosied on, snout tossed briefly in a call from behind his shoulder. “This must be the welcome they prepared for you. Acting like a couple of fools. It is what they do best.”

After he had finished mocking them from behind their backs, the eldest quickened his gait, looming upon Jade's frame until the males own pelt had been snatched within his teeth. “Ow!” He barked, whipping around with bared fangs. And yet the only thing that leapt at him was a face full of excited licks, to which Jairo inched back with mild disgust. “You smell so bad.” Curiously, the yearling's head fell in a tilt, racking his brain for an answering reply until finally, he had come to a conclusion, tail flicking up with satisfaction. “Oh yea, we found a carcass.”

“--A carcass?” He stepped forward with interest, eyes lowering questioningly, hopefully. “Mhm, a fox. It...it was a bit old but still, we couldn’t help ourselves.” Immediately losing whatever curiosity and appetite that was gathered, Jairo shifted his vision, shoulders squared with annoyance. “And why does your brother have a limp? You were chasing him just now..”

“Ah, he has a thorn in his paw, I was just trying to pull it out.” Bluntly, the yearling would rock his head to the side, face falling and blanked with an incurious glare. Easily, his stare had snapped onto the dames, and in an attempt to keep his fur from spiking up in excitement, he seated himself with a disposition of nonchalance. “So she’s the thing you needed to pick up..whatever. I’ll allow it I guess.” --”You’ll allow it?” Jairo sighed, beckoning Kenze over with none but a bark. “Just tell me the whole damn story. How in hell did you guys get up to so much within such a small moment?” In near unison, the spiel began, meanwhile the eldest’s ears would tremble with sheathed embarrassment, aware of the maidens presence. It was the very first time he’d wished one was dumb enough to be led astray by a distracting fly. “We were doing as you told us, but then we caught scent of the corpse and followed it.” That was where their concert ended. “I tried to share it but then Kenze got greedy and tried to take it all for himself.” The other scoffed. “That's not even what happened. You’re fatass took it and ran so I grabbed the leg before you could swallow it whole!” -- “Pfft, I was just trying to be civil and split it evenly, but you got us into some stupid tug-of war over bones with a side of meat. Then you had the audacity to tumble onto a thorn and blame it on me!”

“I didn’t even have a chance. I couldn’t see, I couldn’t hear, --all because of your constant rattling. And then your huge hips slammed into me and I fell. How is that not your fault?” Kenze turned to his older brother. “You saw just now, that mongrel started harassing me trying to get the thorn out even though I told him multiple times-!” Briskly, Jairo clawed the pointed bark from the yearling's pads, receiving a yelp but ignoring the irritated stare which had embedded into his own. “That hurt.” The male had grumbled, tentatively tapping his paw onto the hardened soil. The eldest only snorted, a stifled growl crackling from his tired throat. But he offered no response, instead, he twisted, withholding any retort from escaping his tongue. “Let's go.” Passing by Atelia’s frame with indifference and a jerking tassel, anyone could tell of his discomfort, hunger starching his insides and breath shaking in a quiet intake. Disgruntled, the yearlings pooled at his sides, Kenze snapping at the female's side as he passed. “What's a loser like you doing here?” Jairo didn’t bother fixing the youngers behavior. That was something she’d have to do herself.

“Ya want those lessons, yea?” The male called back to her. “We’ll be visiting the Red field to hunt some rabbits..our way.”

“The most efficient way.” Jade chimed in with a yip. “So Jade, you’ve been running around with Kenze huh?” At the yearlings approving answer, Jairo would continue. “Well, you might as well quarantine too. Can’t have you giving our guest mange.” --”But I didn’t even touch him!”

“Don’t care.” The brute interjected, slowing his pace until he knocked against Atelia’s side. “I don’t think I’d want you anymore if you caught it.” He teased into her ear, though his vision held a much darker quality than before something almost minatory. “But maybe it would even out the field.. Eh, I’ll sleep on it.” They trekked through vibrant grasses, tall stems brushing their legs with blooming blossoms settled pristine on top, it became obvious of their nearing destination. And by then the eager yealing had flocked to his side, matching his gait with flickering vision. Jade instigated a conversation, head conspicuously nodding towards the tag-along maiden and then fixing back onto his elder brother. Curiously, Kenze would attempt to peer in, especially when the two halted in their steps all together and their bickering grew to louder volumes. “Hush!” Upon Kenze’s nearing figure, they both quieted, Jairo clearing his throat and pushing forward with hot skin. “Whats going on?” The smaller queried, to which Jade steadily replied. “You’ll see.”

Slowly, begrudgingly, the eldest would trot forward, diving into the spiny brambles, letting his departure settle for none but a couple of heartbeats before he had returned, a pretty fireweed clasped between his incisors. Sedately, he approached Atelia, head low and paws that seemed to be dragging. He’d pass a sharp look towards his young sibling before continuing with an enervated gaze “.....W-where have you come from? The heavens, or my ...dreams?” Shakily, he tossed the flower into the air, stiffly matching her gaze as it drifted down in a slow, pathetic drawl. “Wheee..?” He muttered through clenched jaws. Jade scoffed and pounced forward. “Ugh, it's not supposed to be “whee” it's “woow even this can’t compare”--” Jairo’s muscles tightened, pelt spiking with mortification and anger. Quickly, he swiped the males foreleg from beneath him, ear flicking at the thump of a sound and dramatic groans coming in waves from the yearling's tousled form. “Pwahaha!” Kenze screamed. “What the hell was that!?” Crossly, Jairo snatched up the nearest branch, flinging it towards his diseased sibling with frightening accuracy. Only when the both of them lay marinating in the clinging soil and twigs did the male turn back towards Atelia, uttering nothing but four words before slinking down the grainy hill side.

“Forget you saw that.”

Damn it all

Alabaster paws carved themselves within the loose, crumbling dirt; skidding down the smoothened pinnacle with his embarrassments in tow. Briskly, his body propelled downwards, claws clacking against the solid matter of jutting rock before eventually falling back onto leveled ground. Upon arrival, his haunches lowered, head bent with clouding shame buzzing discreet beside his swiveling ears, the cackle of wind slid rough down his canal, prompting a listless paw to fold the flimsy appendage like one would scratch an itch. “Don’t touch me.” Came a growl, a mere disruption in the thickening vapor. It caught Jairo’s attention; simply observing Kenze’s wobbling limbs as he staggered down the rocky incline. “She can touch you if she wants to.” Jade came quick to her defense, ulterior motive blanketing both face and vocals with every step he took. “She was just trying to help.” He received none but a snort, the attenuate yearling surfing down the soil until he bounced nimbly at Jairo’s side. “You have weird tastes…” He simply glanced at him. “And why is that?” Heavily, Kenze’s head rose, moments later sinking down with grumpy unease. “She’s just crazy. I think we should ditch her..she threatened me you know!” He hissed through taut lips. And with a scanty look just barely widening the eldest’s lips, Jairo spoke, tail, if anything, swaying with pride and approval.

“It's about time somebody put you in your place. And hey, what’re you doing telling me about it? Take it up with her.” A rock clattered down the edges, rolling slow at his paws before suspended; Jade’s motioning figure a substitution in its place. Hesitantly, the eldest would jerk his gaze, capturing Atelia in view and what she held. There, as she ascended onto the stable floor, the fireweed he had abused earlier lay caught between her teeth, the fluttering petals jostling softly with every pad she took. He'd whip his head away with fizzling annoyance, lip curled in distaste. “I thought I told you to forget about it.” He emitted pointedly, nearing her with nothing but two lengthy strides. “I was forced to, alright?” He said, referring to the earlier spectacle. “Don’t get any weird ideas because of it.” With that all said and done, the male turned, steadying himself in a leisure saunter. And advancing upon the Red fields outer gates; entwined paintbrush flowers later to be trampled on by oncoming paws. --His stomach pitched in a cumbersome growl, the yearlings faces bubbling with excitement. “You asked about this. Well it's where we hunt the most of our hares..my legs gotten better, but I figured I could use you to raise our success rate.”

Eyes had been casted on his limp, leg already fixed in a gradual heal but too weak to support his weight. So he kept off it, sometimes testing it in a moment of strength for a quick gauge. But now he hadn’t bothered to; left uncomfy in the falling breeze but not low enough so as to drag against the ground in his walks. It proved tough in the beginning, surviving on three limbs. When he wanted to run, he wobbled. When he wanted to sit, he fell. And when he wanted to sleep, he was kept awake with discomfort. But he figured it out in due time, managing himself, even swimming with little malfunction in the chilly pools. --Which in fact reminded him..He gyrated, a smirk of satisfaction taking its throne with sliding jowls. “You’re pretty canny, aren’t you? And as much as I’d like to take that “pretty” comment from earlier and run with it, it was just a swim. But here’s some good news. You can go ahead and locate the burrows. Try to find our prey’s location.” With the given task, Jairo would glide towards her side, passing nothing but a nod to his awaiting siblings. “You both know what to do.” Then, turning back towards Atelia, he brushed against her side almost suggestively. “I’ll go with you.”

How long has it been since they met? A week maybe? But they’ve only been together for one day really. So what, this’d be their second encounter?....Not the time yet. He strolled through the meadow, the Red field, the beauties of the ground, lobster claws, --smacked against his legs with near every step. “Those friends of yours..” He started, periodically stealing curious looks at her neighboring physique. He remembered them. The black female and her mate, a male of browner tints, similar to Atelia but incomparable to the honey coatings of her pelt. Their dynamic differed from his own. He and his brothers, well, it was obvious that he was the head, and they the tails. They catered to him. And he’d be damned if it was the other way around. But other than that, they were friendly with each other. Free to their own devices, able to wander off without permission. Hell, they didn’t even understand the word. But with her little pack, that small scuffle from days before, her punishment for coming to his defense was all he needed to see to know that she held lesser superiority. It wasn’t impressive, watching your interest get bullied beneath anothers paws. But it wasn’t a deal breaker either. After all, it's not bad to have a submissive mate. There’d be less problems. He wasn’t opposed to it, but still, he’d allow her to shine, and if she falls into the dictated then that's what she’ll be. Either way it won’t alter his goal.

“What's their affiliation to you?” Various words saturated his tongue but failed to slip out, instead he found himself questioning her relationship, little inklings of a guess already planted but now he just wanted confirmation. The beams of sun gravitated towards his darker pelt, warming his skin and busying his nose. He felt refreshed, inciting a hardened search for their prey and stealthier steps. The thick grass blanketing the ground deadened the thudding of paws, the brawn he managed to obtain rippled comfortably beneath his pelt, jaws widening and exerting in a yawn which coated the thickening air. “Did they take some type of pity on you and take you in? Are you some secret love child?” He knew these weren’t true, but what's the harm in a little light hearted fun? The leisure swing of his legs had quickly progressed into something more rapid, bounding through the petal litter with the strong scent of rabbit sucked into his breathy pants. “This one's mine.” He spoke, frame slowed and claws prodding at the grassy burrow he had made a quick advancement on. He didn’t care if she had discovered the scent first. It's the matter of reaching it and staking your claim that really makes a difference. Somewhat gutturally, he growled, keeping the oncoming slobber from dripping from his salivating mouth. He brushed Atelia off, fixating his attention on his hiding prey with a predatory glare. “Go somewhere else.”

Their partnership had ended. She could go and catch her own but really, even then she might get her prey stolen by the starving brothers. He left her to flush them out herself, surely she could be capable. And he’d catch up with her later. But for now, he was keeping this little hole for himself. “Try and scare as many as you can towards Jade and Kenze.” After that, Jairo began; scraping at the little home with hungry paws. Dirt flew between his parted thighs, his figure bouncing back and forth in an understanding tactic of a fake-out. After he dug, he had to stay close, closer than normal. If the hare shot out he’d have to be able to snatch it up quickly. He’d be beaten in a chase, especially with his leg. So he stabbed at the burrow until it began to crumble, then slowly, the male crept to the side, sliding onto his stomach and lowering until the weaving green stems swallowed his view. It proved futile to simply take the rabbit in this particular hole, it was much too long, so he’d have to wait. Now that he had distubred its home, it’d be out soon..hopefully.

“Urgh, stop clawing at my tail ya harebrained fool!” Half heartedly, Kenze matched his brother's stare, pelt rippling with a concoction of both tension and excitement. “You don’t need to add “fool” after your insult, that would just be “fool, fool”...idiot.” Cutting off Jade’s defiant counter, the smaller yearling would then add- “And nobodies touching that swaying rag of yours.” Spitting, Kenze’s hackles rose, the softened fur bristled by the onslaught of breeze, carrying with it a gentle, airy pour of rainwater from graceful clouds above. “You’re so mean. The fur on my tail is equivalent to the softest plumage of a bird. I would know. -Ate one before.” They exchanged a look, one's eyes rolling and another sparking with amusement. Their elder brother and Atelia were out of sight, but with every intake of air came the distinguishable aroma of their packmate...and plus one. And at a point, their dutiful figures swung about with aggressive, but jocular swipes at the eyes, growling whilst gnawing on each other's ears. It was a light hearted brawl, rolling through the grass and crashing into each other like sliding boulders through a river bed of mud. “Come here”

Ears flicked forward, Jade’s head would recoil, jaws smoothing shut from its previous lock on Kenze’s neck; now coated with a thin layer of drool. The yearlings eyes would jerk about quizzically, eventually planting on the near tangerine moldings of a familiar pelt. Crisply, the sun glowered down upon her back, the sheathing clouds dulling its great light, but nonetheless, it highlighted the delectable mounds at her paws and the heavy rabbit brushing lifelessly against her underbelly. Eagerly, Jade inched forward, of course with the help of Kenze’s batting hind legs. Smoothly, he prowled towards the expectant maiden, gaze steadied on the bloodied corpse she guarded, tongue gliding subconsciously across his moistened jowls. “Hey-” The other began, a frown stretching his darkened lips and eyes glistening with distaste. “Don’t order me around, you ha--” His eyes would connect to her discoverings. “-Haaarmoniously brilliant being.” Crabbily, Kenze crawled towards Atelia obediently, head sunk between his shoulders and tassel flapping back and forth with mild contentment. “Okay.” They both yipped hushedly in unison, claws flexing against the excess dirt which had begun to bead with the dangling drops of liquid, kissing the ground in an occasional greeting. Curious eyes simply observed as she got to work, brushing large clumps of soil away with thick, powerful claws. Her tail twitched enticingly with the obliging rock of her body, prompting a batting paw or perhaps a predatory nip, but the brothers remained; hunger overpowering stupidity...for the moment.

“Yaargh!”

“Get them, get them!”

How annoying. A once still head had tottered towards the blaring vocals, startled barks, excited yips, it was all so bothersome. Couldn’t they see he was busy here? Atelia’s little flaunting didn’t help the mood either, all she had achieved was a flame of irritation, something that would consume his thoughts and heighten his desires. And perhaps she wanted that. He was declared a thief after all. Not that he particularly cared...or anything. Hesitantly, haunches crusted over by flying dust would depart from the wetting terrain, gaze scanning the messy scene and the way his brothers tripped over each other; biting at the agile hares like furry bullets. It seemed her confrontation was just a bluff. There she was, doing as told. --Just a little later than expected. Grouchily, Jairo whipped his head, the furious thumps of large feet emanating cautiously from the destroyed burrow. It's exactly what he wanted. --Not to happen. His prey knew he was there. Or well it knew someone was there. What idiot would step from their safe confines and out into the rumbling cacophony of hungry predators above? No one, that's who. Angrily, he abandoned the site, ears twitching with defeat and lips smited with a peculiar sneer. As he neared the dame’s unsuspecting frame, he had considered exacting a brutish revenge,--bowling her over and taking her catch for his own consumption, but the image of his brother's gradual loss of race infuriated him far more.

He took the risk, stamping his injured leg down to join its comrades, muscle concentrated in a brief bunch until unstrapped in a lengthy leap, Atelias tail fanning softly against his stomach as he shot past. It was a short burst but it still hurt like a bitch. Briskly he had sped by the pursuing yearlings, extending a paw out which had fortunately hooked on the hare’s leg, the running meal toppling over with gaped jaws; long teeth yellowed with health. Quickly, Jairo clamped his incisors around the base of its choking neck, body writhing whilst his large paw flattened down right beside his lowered muzzle. And before long the life behind those beady, meaningless eyes had deadened completely, loose skin melting between his teeth like oozing butter. He lifted his catch and met the snappy images of his two younger siblings battling over their own hare, eventually considerable amounts of flesh had torn apart in each of their jaws, satisfying their starving dispute. Averting his vision, it temporarily cloaked the figure of his bragger interest, and for a moment, an almost overwhelming urge washed over him like cumbersome but heavy waves. He wanted to parade about, dangling the animal by the ears right where she could see it, but he had devoured it much too soon, snout decorated a dripping red and tongue colored in a similar fashion; wiping his fangs behind a shut maw. “That hit the spot.”

He was far from satisfied but still, at least something more than the pickings of bone had occupied his empty belly. Slowly, Jairo waggled his aching leg, face wrinkled in a throng of winces and jaw clenched despite the reflexive wail pressing ruthlessly against his lips. Whatever, he’d just stay off it like normal, wait till it fixes itself..Snorting, The male wobbled over towards Atelia, casually slackening his frame and crashing softly into her side, hind legs splayed gently to the side. “I’m hurt. You’re gonna have to carry me. Sorry sweetheart.” Despite his somewhat apologetic speech, he had a knowing grin plastered across his face, lifting his head from the depths of her pelage before some rude thought crossed her mind. “Nah, I’m good. It’ll just be harder to sacrifice you than before.”

“Sacrifice?” Jade queried, licking the rabbit remains from his maw. “Whaddya mean, Jairo?” One could tell the look of disappointment and worry burying at his features, tail jerking around his hips anxiously. Seems the puppy crush never fully ended. The eldest hummed, staggering to his paws and eyeing the dame at his side with purposeful vision. “I haven’t told you? Well we’re going to head over to the geysers for a bit. I heard a little legend that if ya chuck a bratty, kinda plain female down the hole, you’ll be blessed with overwhelming luck for about a month."

“Bullshit.” Kenze called, slinking forward with a sharpened gaze, strict amber pooling about the vicinity. “It's not “kinda plain” she is plain.” Smoothly, Jairo conquered. “Mmh, take a good look at yourself baby bro before you babble about another's appearance. Ya look like shit.” That was one insult too many. Besides, he wasn’t just disrespecting her, but himself as well. Why would he take such an interest in an ugly wolf? Does Kenze think so little of him? He watched the yearlings pelt and expression crumble with embarrassment, stare flickering about the group with insecurity. “Erm..sorry. Perhaps I should take a bath.” He mumbled, eyes connecting with that of Atelias before falling periodically to the ground. “And uh--please don’t hurt me.” He didn’t dare delve into her gaze, too afraid he might witness a glimpse of rage. Would she really do as she had told him? No, she wouldn’t, she couldn’t. Shamefully, Kenze fled behind Jade’s bolder presence, huffing defeatedly. “Guess you scared him.” Jairo spoke, staring at the yearling a few times more before blanketing his unreadable expression with a familiar, teasing smirk.

“Let's head there now, shall we?--Lady sacrifice.”