*Mortar*

A young moose, hardly a year old, was standing idle by a large cedar tree. Like the infamous Avalanche, his pelt was white. But unlike the giant bull, he was not albino. He carried an even rarer trait. His eyes, hooves, and nose were all dark with pigment, like any moose would be. But the youngster paid a high price for such rareity. An arrow was lodged in his front leg, just below the shoulder. He was lucky it hadn't hit any vital blood or nerve way, but it was deep in muscle and made his leg terribly painful. And now that the humans knew about a white moose, they were sure to hunt him down eventually; which put all the other animals of the bog in dire risk.

aleu & laneia

the slender ivory lupine and her human-pup had been wandering aimlessly about the boundless lands, seeking things to occupy their time. as the she-wolf silently weaved through the thick foliage of the bog, stepping lightly, so as not to fall victim to the quick sands and such, the child rode upon her back, remaining silent as well. suddenly the lupine stopped, gaze narrowed slightly, ears pricked. what was this? obviously a moose, caught in the mire. sniffing the air lightly, she whuffed to the girl, and the child clambered down, sitting at her side. stay here she whispered, and the child yipped lightly, in a wolfish way. lowered, muscles taut, the wolf moved forwards, dark eyes taking in the scene, catching sight of the arrow as well. her upper lip was pulled back in a wicked snarl, yet she made no move to leap yet, instead pacing about, safely out of reach of the bog's dark depths...

*Mortar*

The young moose turned to face the wolf, his large eyes, seeming so dark against his white pelage, stared frightendly back at the wolf. His nostrils flared and his hueless ears framed either side of his young head. He lifted his wounded leg a bit, about to stomp it to the ground in warning, but pain held the motion back. Gingerly, the hoof was rested into the boggy ground. After his first encounter with a wolf, Huttsa, the moose had thought of wolves as friendly creatures. But then he learned the hard way of their true nature towards his kind, and so now, he gave Aleu his uttermost attention. But he did not speak to her yet; he just watched and tried to look as intimidating as he could, but he was not even a yearling yet, and so not even that big.

aleu

the ivory lupine suddenly stopped her pacing, sitting back on her haunches. tilting her head slightly, she surveyed the messy youngster, a smile gracing her features. my, my- you've gotten yourself into quite a mess, haven't you? she said smoothly. she yipped softly to laneia, telling her not to move, while mommy figured out how to get this little guy out. why the change of heart? who knows- aleu certainly didn't. she just suddenly felt it would be better to help this moose, rather than rip him to shreds, really. how do you propose we help you out? she questioned, dark eyes glancing around the ring of the bog, searching for anything to use to help...

*Mortar*

He blinked silently back at her for a long moment, mentally debating whether he could take her words as serious or sinister. But... there was Huttsa... the first wolf he ever met, and he never harmed him when it would have been so simple to. Reluctantly, Mortar spoke up, "Maybe you could pull it out...?" His words were hesitant. He not only dreaded the pain that it would bring, but the thought of her jaws so close to him made him shiver. Still, it was the only way he could think of getting the arrow out. Without going to a human, of course, which he absolutely wouldn't do.

Arctic

The snow leopard padded silently through the boggy terrain. Her big white paws were coated in a muddy substance and her white coat, with dark rosettes, was being coated in gloop. She snarled as the scent of blood came to her senses. She immediately began to trot towards the scent. Her glare fell upon a moose, a wolf and a child. The arrow was clearly visable to her and she moved closer to the little group snarling.

Well, well, well...what have we here?...Ah, an injured moose...

She smirked revealing her sharp, crimson canines. muscles flexed as she began to pace near the she-wolf and the moose, possibly her next meal. Optics flashed with malice as she thought of ripping through its flesh. This she-wolf may have gone mushy at the sight of a moose but she was a big cat. A snow leopard. She was no nice cat, she was a cold-hearted killer. If this moose was gonna die, it would be for her.

Scarlet Moon

Scarlet walked silently among the tree line where the small child was she then ploped down next to the child and said "Come little one it is very dangerous your mommy can come get you when she is dont with what ever this will turn out to be."

Mortar

Mortar turned fearfully to Arctic, "N-now listen here! My father will kill you if you try to hurt me..." The young moose trailed off. Avalanche was his father, although being a yearling now, he wasn't exactly on his father's 'high priority' list. And it didn't help Mortar that Avalanche was securing his harem now for the rut, which would mean that he was less tolerated than usual. Still, he'd at least try for the giant bull's help. "I just need some help. You don't like humans, ...right? I could tell you a secret if you help me..." Mortar went on, trying to bid for his own life.

Arctic

The leopardess hissed as she heard the moose's pathetic retort. Like she cared, she would fight anyone, and even if mortars daddy did come and save it she was sure she could easily outrun the stupid creature. She sniggered and smirked before she let out a sarcastic reply.

Yes, Daddy will come and save you and come and hurt the nasty monster who ripped you in half and brutally murdered and decapitated you...

She began to advance on him, still with a blood-thirsty look on her facade.

Tore you limb from limb, drank your blood, snapped your bones...Yes, I'm sure Daddy would come and find me. I would do excatly the same to him.

She cackled and revealed her crimson razors as if to emphasise the point. When she heard his next cowardly stutter she listened with great interest.

I hate humans, just as much as i hate going hungry. What's this secret of yours hmmm? Are you gonna tell me or do i have to force it out of you?

aleu

the slender ivory lupine caught sight of the she-cat as it approached, and her hackles rose. this cat couldn't be trusted with the young moose. her own upper lip was pulled back in a wicked snarl as the cat threatened the poor, frightened moose. she hadn't had a chance to reply to the little guy before the feline broke in. out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the other wolf sitting beside young laneigha. she could tell she meant no harm, so she focused on the cat. let him be she said smoothly, standing a very short distance away. she could easily reach either moose or cat. she slowly shifted towards the moose, lowering her head slightly. suddenly, she caught the arrow in her jaws, and jumped backwards. the arrow pulled out, leaving a bloody wound that would eventually heal. she quickly lifted her head, dark eyes narrowing slightly as she watched this she-cat. the wolfess was showing compassion, for the second time in her life. she was fifth most wanted wolf here, but found no reason to kill this moose.

Re(1): fear me Posted on September 9, 2005 at 06:49:09 PM by Taggerung and Wrath

The twosome trotted forward watching the ordeal Wrath growled lowly ready for blood to be split. Taggerung or Tagg as he prefered was watching the wolf and the moose wondering if a fight would break out. Hey Wrath what do you think about helping the moose and wolf. He glanced at his best friend knowing that the reply would be a yes Wrath loved to fight. Of course I'll help. He said in a whisper the friends waited and watched until they thought the right time to move was then.

I suggest you move off leopard. said Wrath in a cool voice. Go on there's no need to kill the moose. The two waited expecting the leopard to fight but they would attack if she did and a cat against three wolves could be easily over powered.

Mortar

Mortar lowered his head, which was only equipt with two, tiny pedicles that would be the base of his antlers next year. "He'll trample you to the ground!" The yearling cried out, feeling very desperate, but knew it would do him no good to turn and run. "I swear, I..." He paused as Aleu moved closer now. His heartbeat drummed heavily while he breathing halted for a moment in shear terror. Struggling to override his instinct to fight or flee, he stood perfectly still as the wolf drew near and seived the shaft in her jaws. With a wince, he felt the arrow yanked out. Luckily for him, most arrows these days didn't carry the triangular spearheads like the native tribes had first done. Rather, they had simple pencil-like points that didn't rip at flesh when pulled out. Breathing again as relief flooded thorugh him, Mortar casted Aleu a thankful look, then turned his gaze to Tagg and Wrath. His large ears picked up on their latter words, and again he felt some comfort, if comfort could be felt around one's predators. "I'll tell you the secret, or as much of it as I know." Mortar began, confidant now that at least the wolves were going to help him. "My father said there is human activity; a lot of it, near the wolf packs in the north. Something to do with deer; but that's all I know." Mortar paused, looking once to his shoulder that was bleeding only slightly. Then he turned to the four predators, "Find a stag that is black in color. His antlers are a mix between the white tail and moose's. I don't know his name, nor his species. But find him, and he'll tell you just where to find this place."

Arctic

She sniggered as the she-wolf moved in and pulled the arrow from the moose's leg. Thrashing her tail with her razors still in sight she sat on her haunches. Then from the shadows two other wolves emerged. She growled but didn't stand. Instead she let a baneful, sacrcastic condemn slip from her larnyx.

So, three against one. Well that's not fair now is it?...What's wrong with you all, you all gone mushy over a moose...pathetic.

On hearing the moose's next stutter she glared at him with intrested, malicious emeralds.

Interesting...Humans, deers. I'll make you a deal, You get one of your mates here to find this deer and i'll spare you life. Just because they are here now doesn't mean I won't get you some day. So do we have a deal?...

She smirked and looked around at the little soppy group. Sad, very sad and pathetic.... She continued to watch them with great interest, her tail thrashing and her glare rested on the moose.

Mortar

He was trembling again, horribly frightened of the she-cat. "My father says I c-can't leave the bog. Y-you'll have to find the deer..." He stared back at Arctic, trying to sound as confident and bold as he could, but it was terribly hard. "Unless y-you want to talk to my f-father..." He meant the last statement as a sort of threat, though to Arctic, who didn't know about Avalanche, it probably didn't come across as a threat. More like another option to go on.

Arctic

Listen...Either you or one of your friends here go and find this deer or i will break you in half.

She snarled. Her patience was running out. She had waited long enough. Her tail thrashed and she flexed her claws in and out, revealing them every so often from beneath the cover of her furry white paws. Hissing she stood up and began to pace, glaring at each and every one of the wolves and in particular the moose. Malice was in her voice, in her eyes, in her body language. Death and destruction rippled through her veins. Time would tell if this moose was smart or not.

aleu & alayna

by this point in time, the tawny she-cat had finally reached her good friend, aleu, and was quite interested with this whole setup. hmm, another she-cat... threatening a little moose... and three or four wolves. her golden eyes rested on the human child for a moment, but a soft smile graced her features. she knew laneia, the child, for she often spoke with aleu. pulling back her upper lip in a snarl, her tipped ears flattened against her skull. i'd leave the moose alone she said smoothly. she'd killed three humans- a little leopard wouldn't be hard. her muscles were taut, ready to leap, either towards the cat or away, should she attack...

the ivory lupine greeted her friends arrival with a soft yip, having dropped the arrow quickly after pulling it out. she had a few acquaintances amongst the deer, and she felt quite confident she knew who this deer was, who they were supposed to find. yet she didn't dwell on this, seeing as the snow leopard was obviously reluctant to give up. silly, pathetic fool. but hey, whatever. as the she-cat alayna spoke, the wolf sat back on her haunches, a glance being directed at laneia quickly, to make sure she was alright...

the small, blonde child had giggled softly as the wolf came up to her, and she understood what she said. she lapsed into silence, bright eyes watching her 'mommy' help the moose, and the mean leopard threaten them. she scowled at the cat, and took a few steps forward, but still remained at scarlet's side, mainly.

Scarlet Moon

Scarlet watched the child intently making sure she didnt ge to close.

Arctic

Well, well, well, if this isn't a family reunion. Say, you all feel this strongly about me and this moose here?...How sad, and by sad, I mean PATHETIC.

She rolled her optics as she saw another approach. This truely was boring. She sat back on her haunches. Glare was moved to the child and Scarlet Moon. She stood up and moved closer in a fluid movement. Muscles rippled beneath her hide as she stopped close to them.

Hmmm...You haven't said much have you? You don't want to say how you feel and tell me to stop what i'm doing?...

She lowered her body so she was the same hight as the child. She pulled back her upper lip to reveal her sparkling, crimson canines.

Hello little one...Do you think the same thing? Or are you gonna be smart and turn against your mommy?

She sniggered, tail thrashing. She stood up again and circled Scarlet Moon and the human child. She then adressed everyone, in a calm yet malicious way.

Now why does everything have to resort to violence. All i wanted was food but no...You all denied it from me. You've all killed, why is he different? Humans and animals are all the same, you've all killed humans, animals all sorts yet you won't let me kill a moose. Somethings gone wrong on the food chain... She stood over the child, he shadows cast over the small, pathetic little creature.

Maybe she'd be a nice replacement...

She sniggered, opening her jaws as if to emphasise the point. She began to lower her head, but stopped seeing what their reaction would be. She was just playing now, and what fun she was having. They were all wound up and that's excatly what she wanted to happen.

Tagg and Wrath

The two brutes watched worrying for the child this leopard wasn't going to back down.

Tagg:Tagg watched nervously fearing for the child not knowing why he hated humans but a little child was different. Hey leopard leave the child out off this. She didn't do anything. If you want a fight then come and get one. Tagg waited for the feline to do something not knowing what to expect.

Wrath:The wolf growled lowly this leopard was stupid a cougar, four wolves, and the moose's father. Your outnumbered why don't you just go off and kill a rabbit or something. But if you want a fight then let go right here right now. He growled and readied himself for an attack.

Mortar

Mortar felt confidence rise in him once more as the number of his 'allies' swelled with the addition of a larger cat. "The rules of nature are not strictly defined." The yearling bull hedged, though was cautious to try and not anger the leopardess. "Humans d-don't play by them anyway. Th-think of it this way; don't kill me, because I can offer you far more than my flesh to feed on. I can offer you vengence on the humans that hunt you for no reason and torture everyone of our species, predator or prey." Mortar paused a moment, "A smart creature would take the opportunity that presented the best outcome. If you kill me, you will loose to opportunity to kill the humans I know of." Now he just hoped that Arctic was more interested in human's blood, rather than his own.

Misha

The ivory wolf hybrid blinked at the odd group. She saw the white moose as a food oppertunity, but then all the wolves gaurding it. She sniggered stalking towards the white feline. She felt no hate, nor love for humananity, yet this one was helpless. She didn't mind it. "Hello, all. Why such a gathering?" She eyed everyone, not threatning, yet not friendly.

Arctic

She sniggered as they all tensed at her movements. She closed her jaw and lifted her head slowly. Then a hybird arrived. But strangely, didnot tell her to back down. She hissed to her in a malicious, sarcastic way.

Well, I want to murder the moose but these wolves here don't want me too. They all keep saying for me to fight them. The moose has sujjested humans as an alternative, I might consider it. But if you want me to kill humans, why dont i start with this child, after all it's parents probably murdered some of our kinds...

She opened her powerful jaws again, revealing her crimson razors, and lowered them towards the childs neck. Then she lifted one of her big whit paws. The claws were now visable. She lifted it infront of the childs chest.

Anyone comes any closer I'll kill her...

She the glared at Mortar.

Tell me what you know about the humans or I'll cut her in half. Then I will decide your fate and hers.

Optics narrows, a sinister glint in her eye. Tail thrashed. Would they be sensible or not?

Mortar

Mortar had no concern for humans, nor this young child that came with Aleu. Yet Aleu was the first to find him and offered him help instead of death, so the young bull suddenly stood up for the young human, much against his will, "Hey, leave it out this." He snorted harshly, using 'it' to describe the child, "You want my help, then d-deal with me. M-my deal is, you find the black deer and bring him here. S-simple as th-that." Mortar watched the leopardess warily, hoping again that his words didn't spark any further anger out of her. He also looked to the newcomer, but decided she wasn't a direct threat to him at the moment.

Misha

"Oh but dear kitty, that would not be a wise move. Isn't it visible tha the wolf sitting beside you, could reach your dear pretty white throat within moments?" She asked, she was playing a little mind game. "Now now, play nicely. Wouldn't it be a shame if your pretty white throat got a stain in it? A crimson stain?" She put alot of emphasise on the word crimson, for she was just in reach of the cat as well.

Tagg and Wrath

Wrath and Tagg growled at the leopard's threat Wrath wished he could sink his teeth into the feline's throat. Wrath locked his eyes his target but didn't move fearing for the child.

Wrath: Leopard leave the girl out of this. Why don't you try your luck with me?

Tagg: Cool it Wrath. Tagg didn't want a fight but he would defend the child with his very life.

aleu * alayna * laneia

at the moment the leopardess glanced at laneia, the she-wolf knew what was going to happen. yet even though she leapt for the child, she was too late as the feline got in the child's face, then proceeded to use her as leverage against the rest of them. the wolf was slightly panicked, for she cared quite a bit about the child. she was relieved that the other's were willing to help, and not tell her to rip up the child. her upper lip pulled back in a snarl as she spoke, muscles taut, ready to charge this stupid cat. leave her alone she snarled, dark eyes lucid with hatred. she slowly moved a bit closer, but not enough to reach the large cat yet...

the tawny feline also saw the leopard grab laneia, and she hissed, ears flattened against her skull. i wouldn't do that she said smoothly, her own muscles taut as well. she'd kill anyone here who harmed that child, and she knew aleu would help her.

when the big kitty first appeared in laneia's vision, she shrank back, brilliant green eyes wide with fright. she didn't trust this kitty, like she did alayna. as the big cat lowered her jaws towards the girl, she screamed and tried to get away, but the cat's large paw went around her and pulled her close, cutting off her escape route. she felt the needle-sharp ends of the feline's claws, and she cried out, still thrashing about, wanting her mommy...

Misha

The ivory hybrid snarled as the cat continued not to listen. If she killed the child, every wolf and the cat would rip her pretty white hide to shreds. Misha was extra angry, a fellow wolf had just killed her best friens, she would stand for no one else who was innocent to die. "Leave the human pup out of this wench, if you care for your life." She said, her eye's alight with hate.

Scarlet Moon

Scarlet looked at the cat her eyes filled with hatred as she watched the innocent child squirm in the cats big paws. She pulled her lip back and snarlled Why dont you pick on someone your own size perhaps the moose and leave the child be she had nothing to do wit this so back off. she warned.

Mortar

The yearling shifted uncomforatbly at the last wolf's statement. "Uh... hey..." He began, stammering. So many wolves! Fear was whelling up in him tremendously again and he tried in vain to shake it off. "Let's just call this nuetral ground for a moment... for the benefit of all of us. Just go found that black buck. But... don't frighten or harass him..." Mortar warned at length, but didn't say why.

Arctic

The cat sniggered as they all began to growl and hiss. She did not move her paw or her body. She just simply raised her head a bit.

Listen you idiots. I have this child and i could kill her before you said oops. So i suggest you all shut up before i do. You wouldn't want her dead now would you?...

She snarled sarcastically back at them, her eyes gleaming with bitter malice.

If you want me to fight the moose then fine...but that would be stupid as you are all going to protect him, aren't you? Lets hear what the moose thinks of all this...after all he's the important one, not the child.

She hissed. Why didn't they just attack her now? But no, they knew the childs life was in danger. She might leave, but then again maybe not...

Mortar

Mortar knew the situation needed to be resolved, or uneeded blood could be spilt. "Everyone!" He spoke loudly, although his eyes flashed mainly towards Arctic, "This human calf seems to be on our side. I speak of us as a whole, yes, because we have the same goal, right? To survive, and to kill the other humans! Leave this one be, and maybe it can grow to be on the side of its mother wolf." It was true that Mortar had no care for this human, and never would unless he was properly acquainted. But as before, her death would certainly upset Aleu, who seemed to be one of his allies at the moment. And he assumed that the others simply hated humans as much as he did. "Lets work together, right?" Mortar glanced finally stated and waited for a reaction. He didn't want to raise his voice, and he didn't want all this predators to linger very long, because it would draw Avalanche in sooner or later. And there was no 'reasoning' with him when it came to predators.

Tagg and Wrath

Tagg and Wrath turned to the moose. Wrath was the first to speak. Where can this deer be found moose? He watched the leopardess warily he wished she wouldn't have even showed up. Tagg was the next to reply. Yes where can we find this deer? Me and Wrath could go and fetch him. He kept a eye on the feline. What do you say Wrath? Wrath watched the feline then turned to Tagg. I say we go and find the deer Tagg. Then we can be done with this leopardess. He couldn't wait to be away from the cat.

Mortar

Somewhat glad to be getting somewhere now, the yearling turned to the two wolves, "I don't know the name of their home, but I heard they moved to a place by Elk Stand Lake. It is to the far north east of the Valley." Mortar spoke out, but this was all he knew of the deer's location. The rest was up to the wolves and felines, if they so chose to look for this deer.

"I have to warn you though..." The moose went on, his voice striking a warning note, 'He lives in a herd with deer that are not his own species. Their lead is very dangerous, even to a large cat." Mortar said this at length, 'What ever you do, don't anger or frighten this black deer, or he may call upon his friends and things will turn ugly before you're allowed to explain yourselves. I don't know how you want to go about getting his help and leading him here, but I advise you plan about it and not be rash. You predators are cunning, so I'm sure you can handle this task."

Arctic

The leopardess hissed but removed her fangs from near the childs neck. Sitting back on her haunches she studied the moose. He was right really...she despised humans, and they would be much more appetising than a child and a moose. Optics flashed with malice as she let a harsh condemn slip from her larnyx.

Fine...I'll leave the child...For now.

She glared at them all before speaking slyly once again.

Well...are we going or what?

After all wolves and cats were not ones to be messed with. She stood up and began to move towards the terratries she knew horses and deer were occuping. She stopped and looked back with a 'are you coming to find this deer and beat loads of humans up or what?' look.

Scarlet Moon

Scarlet moved next to the child and licked her cheek and checked her over to make sure she was ok.