Equiss

As Equiss moved deeper into the bog, fear began to creep into her being. Meeting Avalanche was almost as worse as meeting punishment from the Lurkers. But, strangely, it felt good to help out creature, where others would have killed and eaten him.

"He's not going to be happy to see me, but I'm sure he'll like you. And if anything, he can help you find a herd...." Equiss explained, moving slower now and keeping her senses alert.

Tipu

Tipu timidly followed Equiss to the Bog. He had never met a moose before, but was sure it would be interesting. He had heard of their size and power. He waited patiently next to the canine.

Avalanche

With this year's calves getting stronger by the day, Avalanche wasn't so terribly worried about protecting them or the cows, though he was always ready to defend them if they called for help.

With his great antlers in velvet, the massive albino moose was feeding at the edge of a small pond, just getting ready to step deeper into it. That's when he heard Equiss, and his head jerked up instantly. Strands of moneywort and fiborous algae hung from his palamted antlers as water shed like a waterfall from his massive head. A deep bellow was given before the bull charged through the brush, heading in her direction.

He had nearly killed her once, and wouldn't hestitate to try it again, even though he knew she left his cows and calves well enough alone. Pink eyes filled with rage, he came tearing through a stand of heather and onto the scene where Equiss and Tipu stood. For a moment, he was taken aback by the sight; why was this fawn standing so close to a predator?

"Son, get over here! And you, back up right now!" He bellowed, speaking first to Tipu and then to Equiss. Rarely did he ever talk to a predator, but this was a unique case. And even if Tipu wasn't a moose calf, he was a deer, and that was good enough reason to protect him from a canine.

Tipu

Tipu nodded. He never did reject orders from an adult, and never planned to unless they meant harm. He knew that Avalanche had good intentions. He nodded, and walked to the massive beast. His eyes filled with wonder when he saw the white moose. "Wow..." He whispered as he stood by the male's side.

Equiss

Tail tucked and ears back, Equiss took a few hasty steps back. "Good luck..." She whispered to Tipu, glad that Avalanche seemed to have taken the youngster without question. And since she didn't want to end up pancaked on the Bog floor, the little hybrid quickly turned away from the moose and bolted away.

Avalanche

Even when Equiss showed her submission and turned to flee, Avalanche charged after her, bellowing once more and chasing her a few hundered yards just to send his message out. Once she was good and gone, he turned back and came to Tipu. "Son, what in the world were you doing with a flesh-eater? Where are your parents and herd?" His voice was booming and deep, and his eyes narrowed. He looked fierce and formidible, but there was no anger in his voice. Just authority and strength.

Tipu

Tipu looked up at Avalanche and lowered his head. "I got lost and the wolf helped me. My parents are dead, sir." He replied shyly.

Avalanche

"Never accept help from a flesh eater! They'll turn on you the second their bellies begin to rumble!" Avalanche snorted, his pink eyes looking with great intensity upon the little fawn he towered above. With a heavy sigh that washed a draft of hot air over Tipu, the great bull relaxed his tone a little as he gave his next words, "And you have no herd? Hmmph." Avalanche pulled his gaze away from the fawn for a moment, looking almost vacantly into the distance before back to Tipu. "Hmmph." The bull repeated, thinking. "There aren't many of your kind here... What's your name, son?"

Tipu

Tipu never looked away from Avalanche as he spoke. "M-My name is Tipu, sir." He said timidly, keeping his small head low to the ground.