Tri-Tundra

She ran onto a single-file trail, slowing a bit so as not to alert any nearby prey with heavy panting, for they were soon coming to the main trail chains. She turned and whispered very softly. "I need you all to be silent now," She spoke in between gentle pants. "You have to stay single file until we get to the main circle, from which the trails out into the woods form." She paused a moment and continued. "It doesn't matter what order you go in, but DO NOT RUN OFF." She strained her whisper at the last words, but did not speak any louder. She added. "This is the area where I know you will get lost UNLESS you stick to the trail and the group until we decide to move off into the woods." With that she eyed them carfully and then padded on slower so they could revitalize and have their strength and energy return from the run.

About 15 minutes later, they came upon a wide circle which off of it many branches of trails spread out. Darkness had nearly fallen entirely. Tri-Tundra spoke again. "There are many other groupings of game trails, but these I know better than the others. I doubt we will catch a moose tonight, but if we are lucky, one might stumble upon the trails. We will be going off the trails the trails and into the wood in a bit, so I will repeat this only once more: Until we see prey and Jais or myself signal you to take a place to ambush from, you will stay with us. No one could search for you until tomorrow morning, and I am sure you would all like to be able to sleep in a new den tonight if they have found one." She decided to tell them the later plans as well. "If you are all still wide awake after this hunt, we could go to hunt down in Galar's Marsh or perhaps even Pike's Lake. If you'd like of course." She smiled and waited so that she knew they were ready to begin.

Jais

Jais traveled at the end, taking up such a place so that he could help keep an eye on the little ones and make sure they didn't get side-tracked. Jais listened clearly to what Tri-Tundra had to say and gave a faint nod to single that he was ready. By now, the injuries he recived from his brother were scarring and would hardly affect his hunt.

Auna & Snowden

Snowden listened carefully to what Tri-Tundra said. Since he had never hunted in any real 'order', so to say, he was excited.

Auna was also excited, although she didn't quite grasp the fact that wolves usually hunted in a coordinated effort. She listened mostly to what Tri-Tundra said, but was so excited for the hunt that she failed to put forth all her listening to the wolfess. Even though she was a bit smaller, she pushed her way past her brother and stood just beind Tri-Tundra.

Tri-Tundra

She looked to them all and then made her way down a more open trail, where two might fit beside one another. It was soft amd wet earthed, and an occasional rock and rugged roots sprouted out to cause the slight stumble. Finally, they came upon a gap where there could be many places for animals to hide. She waited to see if the others smelled or heard anything.

Jais

He looked this way and that and sniffed attentively at the ground and air. There were many interesting scent and sounds to be picked up, but he couldn't trace any signs of prey yet. At least he'd be building a mental map of the territory while they hunted.

*Clues*

The scent of mule deer hangs to the cool earth. A rather fresh trail is one option to follow... there are perhapse four deer in a group.

Another scent tells there are turkey; around ten of them. This time of night will find them roosting in the trees and fast asleep, but not impossible to catch.

Then there came the rank scent of bear. It was a boar.

There are many other scents and trails that can be followed; you can choose one of these or search for other ones.

Tri-Tundra

Tri Tundra smelled at the bear fretfully, she couldn't possibly figure out from tracks which way the bear went. She took in some time for critical thinking. "Well..." She said uncertainly, as if it depended on her, which it did not. "What do you think, Jais? Would the bear go for the deer? It is slow and would not outrun them. And other than felines, it is difficult for anything but bears to get at the turkeys with a good deal of sufficiency. He could be there, or maybe not. There are dens in the wood sometimes...." She thought of a few tactics, then suggested one. "Perhaps, perhaps one of us could go with Snowden and Star, and the other with Auna and Bandit, to follow both tracks. If one proves false, or not worth it, or if there is any danger," Her voice quivered at the word, "then one group can retreat back to here and follow the other trail to find the other group. If both trails prove unvaluable, we can simply go to Galar's Marsh." She pointed out, waiting for the other's opinions on the matter.

Jais

Jais listened thoughtfully to what she said, mulling over possible outcomes in his mind. "That plan sounds best. We would be testing both possibilities; and since it's a boar in the area, hopefully we won't have to worry about an angry sow with cubs. He will be alone I'm sure." Jais pointed out hopefully. "I could take two to go for the turkey." he offered after a moment's thought. Jais had more experience with turkey than he did with deer and other large game.

Tri-Tundra

She grimaced, but her opaque optics still shimmered with eagerness. "Yes, it should be luck to run into a boar if we must run into anything, which I sure hope not. Boars would not travel with others, that you are correct on." She then nodded, now smiling. "If you would like to take two for the turkeys, I shall gladly take two down to hunt the deer." She smiled, mere luck had made it that Jais was better with the fowl, for she was better with larger game such as the mountainous goats or deer themselves. She asked the cubs. "Which one here, would you say, out of you two leopards," Her eyes focused now on Auna and Snowden "Which one do you think is better at climbing, and which one is better at running." She observed them both. Snowden would be fast, but because of his size, might have to depend on muscle and brute force. Auna was agilic, and maybe her size would help her get into the trees, if she must. Tri-Tundra liked Auna a great deal, but wanted to get to know Snowden. "Snowden, I may need you to help me take down the larger prey, and Auna, Jais might need you to get into the trees quickly." She made a suggestion of who she thought would suit whom, but it was likely it was the other way around.

Jais

Jais looked from Auna to Snowden, and then to Tri-Tundra. "If you run into any trouble, just howl and I'll be there as quick as I can." He gave a smile before looking to Auna, "Ready?" He then began to follow the scent of the turkeys, trying to stay quiet as to not wake them.

Auna & Snowden

Auna wasn't quite sure what turkeys were, but she was eager to hunt them anyway. Up in the highlands of her original home, turkeys weren't seen offen. She headed off after Jais with her thick tail dragging behind.

Snowden knew more about the prey he was going after. He had never hunting these kind of creatures before, but he had seen them and heard enough about them from his mother.

Tri-Tundra

She gave a slight nod to Jais. "Please, do the same if you run across trouble." She smiled, then turned to Snowden. "I guess were off." She said with a gesture towards the one trail. She began to go towards it.

Jais

He headed soundlessly over the trail, keeping his ears high and alert. Not only was he listening for any signs of prey or danger, but also intently for Tri-Tundra if she should come into any trouble. His nose was working hard now, seeking out the birds' scent and trying to locate their roost.

*Prey*

After a good distance had been traveled, the scent of turkey flourished in the air. You had stumbled upon the roost, and all the turkeys were silent, deeply sleeping, huddled in the trees on the thicker limbs. It is hard to see, but if you look carefully you will notice the turkeys rustle now and then. There are, perhaps, 4 on lower branches and 6 higher up, but that is impossible to tell for sure. You must be careful not to wake them, for if one notices you, it would arouse the rest. The smell of the bear continues further down the trail, not very close to the turkeys. There is still the risk, however.

As for Tri-Tundra's trail, the smell of deer is getting stronger, but suddenly stops. The scent lingers off the trail. The deer were in the near vacinity, but were a bit farther from the trails, and deeper into the heavily wooded area.

Auna & Snowden

Auna's demeanor changed drastically as the scent of the birds grew stronger. No longer was she a bubbly, overly-affectionate cat; now she was dead-set on the task ahead and very anxious and excited about the prospect of this new meal. Her very thickly-furred paws did well to muffle her footfall as she neared the trees that harbored the prey.

The snow leopard did not know just how incredibly acute their hearing was. But regardless of that, she was sure to be as silent as she could for she only assumed the slightest noise may disturb them. She paused and glanced at Jais, then looked upward. Knowing wolves couldn't climb vertical serfaces, Auna set it upon herself to catch the food, or at least get it in range of Jais. Her muscles went ridged a moment with her ears pasted back. Her hind quarters wiggled from side to side in preparation for the jump... then she sprung, with the supurb power of her hind legs. Her front claws were outstretched, ready to swing at one of the turkeys, aiming for a wing to damage...

Snowden trailed after Tri-Tundra, sniffing at the scents he could pick up. Every now and then he lifted his lips in what looked like a soundless snarl, but he was only bringing the scents into his mouth and nose to get a better smell of them. His wide eyes glanced to Tri-Tundra and the fading light of night shown brilliantly on them. He then turned his glistening orbs towards the more wooded area, but waited for Tri-Tundra before he made any move.

*Prey* and Tri-Tundra

Auna was easily in range of the turkey, and had latched onto its wing before it was aroused. It had stayed closer to the ground for it was large in size and somewhat heavy to get up high in the tree. However, a loud gobble was screeched that woke the others. Most fluttered from the trees down onto the ground, a good move for the awaiting Jais. But some higher up stayed up in their roost for the time being, height made them feel safe. The large turkey Auna had grabbed onto fell off the branch, desparately flapping, but it was caught in Auna's claw. It tried to wrench away, but her claws hung on and were deeply embedded. If Auna did not have a good grab on the tree, the large and heavier of most of the turkeys would make her fall.

A slight rustle of movement stirred up leaves far to the left. Far from view four mule deer munched on the dying grasses buried in the pine needles. Two were larger males, and the other two were females that were a little smaller in size. The digging of their hooves to reach them created the noise heard. Their attackers were unnoticed at the moment.

Tri-Tundra looked to Snowden and motioned for him to take to the far left, as she went to the right. She meant to circle in on the prey, for she was uncertain how many their were and where they were. By the strong scent, at least there was more than one.

Auna & Snowden

Auna's tail lashed out desperately for balance as her hind limbs clawed akwardly into the branch. While one claw-studded paw had the turkey, the other grasped at the branch. Unable to hold herself and the turkey, Auna relinquished her hold and twisted around to land on the ground; hopefully with the large turkey pinned beneath her.

Snowden hesitated a second, not use to taking commands. He understood how to stalk though, and figured that's what she was hinting at. Slinking craftily across the ground, he circled around the left flank of the herd, trying to get a view of them while also trying to keep tract of where Tri-Tundra was.

Jais

He waited eagerly near the tree, watching Auna and the turkey. Her vision was superior to his, but he could still see just as well as if it were day. He too didn't know about the night vision of turkey, who's brains were smaller than their eye sockets. But they had made perhaps a fatal error by seeking refuge on the ground!

Jais took up this opportunity and charged across the ground. Knowing their only real weapon were the beaks and their claws, he strove to kill them quickly before they could turn and fight; that is, if he caught up to them before they might decided to take flight again. With a leap, he planned to plundge into the fleeing group and seize the closest one by the neck.

*Prey* and Tri-Tundra

Auna had half-pinned the turkey to the ground, but the turkey was putting up quite a fight. It tried to slash at her with its' claws, but because of its' position, it could not do much severe damage.

Jais successfully had caught a female turkey by the neck, and it imediately snapped, leaving no time for a fight. It went limp. There were still perhaps 3 others running wildly about, but 2 had already neared the brush. One was still in the middle of the trees, but it had seen Jais and might prove a worthy compettitior.

As snowden rounded to the left, the deer came into view. The two larger mule deer were spread about, and the 2 females were closer together in the center of the clearing. All save one were eating and digging, but the one was looking about, unaware of the predators.

Soon Tri-Tundra caught sight of the 4, and she peered through the brush, trying to find Snowden. Unsuccessful in seeing him, she leapt without warning, trying to grab the one aware mule deer by the neck.

The other three lifted there heads up, but did not move yet, still unsure of what was going on.

Auna & Snowden

Auna gave a low hissing growl as the turkey fought back, cutting through her thick fur and scratching the skin. The feline quickly lowered her head, seeking to give a death bite to the bird's neck.

Snowden spotted Tri-Tundra as she leapt from cover. The leopard plundged across the ground and and launched himself at the same deer the wolfess did. Swinging his claws out for a hold, he strove to get a neck bite above Tri-Tundra's to help her bring the prey down. He also tried not to hit her with his claws.

*Prey* and Tri-Tundra

he turkey that Auna had hold of went limp with a sudden 'crack'. It had died, but strangely, continued to twitch slightly.....

The deer that the two had pinned down struggled, kicking out with powerful hooves, but soon became winded, and the crushing jaws of the two killed it quickly. The other three had begun to dash through the brush, but the one doe had lagged behind. If they went for her now, they might be able to catch her, and perhaps tire out one or two of the others.....

After seeing the one deer was succesfully killed, she left the bounty and rushed after the one doe. Her pace was fast, but the doe had a head start. She continued to run with utmost fervor.

Snowden & Auna

Auna hissed at the turkey, baffled by the twitches. Still clutching it by the neck, she swatted at the turkey's body with her unsheated claws.

Snowden quickled followed suit of Tri-Tundra's actions. He was great unnerved by all the trees and brush, and it slowed him down a lot. His normal way of running on the rocky slopes involved little or no trees. Just fancy foot-work. But here he was dodging to the left and right and unable to pick up speed. Still, he did his best to catch up to the deer and jump on it.

Jais

Dropping his first kill, Jais plundged on, targeting the turkey in the middle. When he leapt, he went propelled himself high in the air so that he might use his front paws to bat down the turkey if it tried to take refuge in the air. Otherwise, he planned to pin it down.

Tri-Tundra and *Prey*

Because of Snowden's lack of speed, he only managed to barely grab hold of the hind flanks. This did, however, make the deer tumble to the ground, franticly trying to untangle the leopard from its' haunches.

Auna's turkey was slashed open, the odd steam rising faintly. It fell limp after a few moments.

The turkey Jais leapt for had leaped into the air, but its' right wing was caught by him and crushed to the ground, breaking it. It slashed out with sharp talons at his chest, but could do little other than that right now.

Tri-Tundra dove for the other two deer, leaping at one while her eyes followed the other. She bit down on whatever she had hold of.

Auna & Snowden

Snowden quickly flung himself towards the creature's throat, attempted to avoid those dangerous, heavy hooves. His curved, sharp fangs were aimed to set deep into the throat and cling there with all his strength.

Auna hunched down over the turkey, rumbling slightly and sniffing at it. The feline bit again at the neck and held it for a moment, just to be sure it was really dead. Then she rested over her kill, waiting for the others.

Jais

Snarling wrathfully at the fighting bird, Jais swatted a heavy paw at the legs and plunged his muzzle forward. His teeth sought to sink into the flesh of the turkey for a swift kill.

*Prey*

Snowden successfully pounced upon the mule deer; knocking it to the ground with curved fanges wrenched deep into its' victim's throat. The deer lashed out again with its hooves, thrashing with all of its' might, before its' trachea collapsed and it went limp.

Jais grabbed hold of the turkey, but at the lower neck, where it connected to the body itself. This succesfuly wedged his teeth into the turkey's flesh, but would be hard to kill it quickly in this position.

Jais

Jais shoved his muzzle towards the earth to bring the creature down as well so it would be easier to deal with. Now he brought his large front paws down to try and pin the turkey while he adjusted his bite on the neck for a quick kill...