Tuini

Tuini would have been panting if not for the freezing air that raged around him, the blizzard still roaring strong even after several hours. The trek up and through the White River mountain range had been a grueling one, and the African lion's first time coming so far south in the territory, despite having lived in the Valley for twelve years. Still, he was excited to see what lay on the other side of these howling peaks, and even more eager to put some flesh in his belly after their long journey. Squinting through the driving snow, Tuini followed after his sister, letting her lead the way to the cove that she'd discovered.

Layra

She lead them here and over the mountains. She moved straight through heading for where she believes the horses will be. This snow was perfect for them

Callaquioa & Nightshade

Calla stood shoulder to shoulder with Xena, often draping her neck over her friend's as the hours dragged on. The cold was biting, but it was endurable within the shelter, with three large bodies providing heat in the small area.

Outside, Nightshade had to be careful where he trekked. Deep snow would slow him down, so the stag had to be mindful of the blistering winds and how the snowdrifts were forming, and mentally recall the various ravines and hillocks that made his new home. He stayed within the protective woods, where his long limbs carried him with ease along sloping trails, and the snow-laden branches of the pines provided cover even for his black hide.

As vigilant as the deer was however, he hadn't noticed the cats right away. The very same winds and brutal weather that kept him concealed also made it difficult for him to spot potential predators. Layra and Tuini were halfway in the territory by the time Nightshade chanced upon their trail. It didn't take him long to realize they were headed straight for the cove.

"Cats!" The stag barked in alarm. He stepped to the edge of the treeline and stamped an ebony hoof to the ground, though the snow and wind muffled the impact of his cloven daggers. "You've been spotted. Count your losses and leave this land." He warned, dipping his multi-tined antlers in their direction.

Onok

Snow had piled alongside Onok's neck, forming a long, slender mound against his chocolaty coat and the tall bristles of cream hair that made up his rigid mane. Every now and then he'd shake his head and dispel the mini drifts, but they'd form again soon enough as the storm raged on. The temperatures were uncomfortable and the winds sharper than a falcon's talons, but the stallion had enough Draft genes in him to endure the ordeal without too much trouble.

He was resting where he stood, letting his eyes nearly shutter when a distant bark startled him back to his senses. Onok's head came up and his auds turned to the swirling snows. "Heads up, ladies. I think I just heard Nightshade call an alarm."

Xena

She heard it as well and snorted.

Layra heard the deer and snorted **oh no tuini we're in danger** she mocked **do we go for the deer or continue for the horses?**

Tuini

He grinned and looked to the brazen deer standing his ground at the edge of the pine trees. "Whatever shall we do, threatened by a big bad deer?" The antlers looked formidable, but two big cats should be more than enough to take down a lone cervid as long as they were careful. The question was, would the chase be worth it? "Up to you, sis. A horse would be more meat, but the deer doesn't look too scrawny, either."

Callaquioa & Nightshade

His dark eyes narrowed and he lowered his head more, pointing those bone-hard tines at the lions in blatant threat before tilting his dial back up, "Go ahead and try me, cats. I'll leave you with something to remember." He stomped a hoof again and continued to stand his ground, unyeildingly loyal to the stallion that offered him freedom and friendship after so long under the Haunter's servitude.

Callaquioa's harks came up and she peered with Onok into the sea of swirling white beyond their cove. Thoughts of the Haunters came back and she shivered and pressed closer to Xenarona.

Onok

Onok was straining to hear, but no further bark or call of distress sounded. He felt compelled to join the deer, but he couldn't leave his two mares behind in this kind of weather, especially when he couldn't tell exactly where Night and the supposed threats were. Rushing into the vortex of snow and wind right now would only make him easy pickings for the predators. Frustrated, Onok stayed where he was, hoping that Nightshade could handle whatever dangers were out there.

Layra

She stopped now. Let us have some deerShe said. Not phased bby his threat. One deer vs two large cat he stood little chance. She turned and began stalking his way.

Tuini

Tuini was ready to call the deer's bluff. He gave his sister a nod before stalking forward along side her, brazenly marching straight for the deer. And then, without warning, the lion broke into a powerful charge, rushing straight for Nightshade...

Nightshade

Nightshade held his ground when the cats started his way. He pawed the ground with one hoof, digging a shallow trench in the snow as he dared them to get closer. When Tuini broke into a charge though, the stag swiveled suddenly and bolted backward, diving into the forest at a swift run...

Layra

Layra moved to loop around him knowing he'd either stand and fight or he'd bolt into the woods. She leaped over a log as she gave chase. The snow of little concern to her. She moved to head Nightshade off.

Nightshade & Tuini

Long, slender legs pumped furiously, sending the stag sailing over the snow between rapid bounds. Nightshade seemed to be in the air more than he was on the ground in fact, and he needed to be if he were to escape with his life this night. Powerful hindlegs kept him aloft as he dodged and weaved between the trees. He felt the slap of low branches and needles strike against his face and sides, but didn't dare let this minor obstacles slow him down.

He almost didn't see Layra when the white lioness rushed in from the side. He gave another bark of alarm and pushed forward, hastily drawing open his mental map of the territory as he sought the best path to take that might give him some sort of advantage over these felines. Nightshade turned abruptly in the opposite direction of Layra and flew over a downed tree. He winced as one of the spear-like branches raked his underside, but didn't let it slow him down.

Tuini was right behind the stag, trying to keep the heat on him while his sister aimed to cut him off. He made a swipe at one point, but Nightshade had bounded out of his reach at the last second. Undaunted, the lion continued the pursuit.

Layra

She had paitience the buck would tire eventually. She chased after him while her brother kept up from behind she again moved to come at the stag from the side lunging for his hooves now to trip him.

Onok

Another bark sounded in the distance. Onok shifted restlessly and tried to pinpoint where exactly Nightshade was in the territory, but it was difficult to tell when the winds blew as incessantly as they did and threw the stag's voice.

'He may not make it.'

The notion struck Onok uncomfortably. His first priority was to keep the mares safe, but Night was a part of his herd too, and it felt wrong to let him handle such a dangerous threat alone. Brown harks strained for another minute or two, but when he failed to hear his scout again, Onok made his decision. "Ladies, turn around. Keep your hinds facing the entrance, and stay next to each other."

He backed a little further into the cove, squeezing in beside the two, but facing towards the entrance. The stallion then reared and bellowed out a fearsome cry, both calling for Nightshade and warning the cats.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Nightshade continued his harrowing flight, hurtling past tree after tree. There were times when the snow was just the right depth to give him the advantage over the cats and allow the stag to gain a few hearty feet from them. And then there were drifts and pockets he'd accidentally stumble into that would slow the old stag down and allow the cats to regain that distance.

A powerful neigh came from the sheltered cove, and Night strongly considered heading that way. His lungs were beginning to burn, and froth had begun to collect along the edges of his now gaping mouth. The cats were gaining again. The buck began to race in a broad semi-circle, heading in the general direction of the cove... but instead of running headlong down the base of the cliff, Nightshade made a course alteration and ran straight for the frigid water of a deep, quick-flowing stream.

Icy water splashed high as the melanistic buck leaped into the rushing waters. The cold liquid swirled in around his legs, reaching up to his chest as it began to tug and pull him downstream...

Tuini grew frustrated when the buck dodged his sister's attack again, but was confident that they'd tire the deer out in the end. Not use to long chases, he fell back a bit and let his sister do most of the hard running, preparing to rush in once Nightshade slowed down, or if Layra managed to trip him up. Before either of those things happened though, the buck turned and dove straight into a stream. Tuini skidded to halt before the surging waters, growling in frustration. "Stupid deer. Want me to follow him along the bank?"

---

Back in the cove, Callaquioa shifted and spun around under Onok's commands, so that her hindquarters were now facing the exit. She wasn't sure how she felt about this, but she trusted Onok knew what he was doing.

Xena

Xena snorted and did not . They wouldn't be able to see if these hunters came in if they turn their back on them that was foolish thinking. She knew it wasn't safe here but no neither of them would listen to reason.

Layra growled **yes he'll have to exit at some point ill jump across and follow on the other side**She said and she did just that her back foot hitting the water but she didn't care as she began following the stag downstream her ears twitching listening for the horses.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Calla turned her head, blinking back at the snow that danced so wildly outside of the entrance. Every now and then, the wind would catch her tail dark tail and send it whipping about. She shook her dial then looked across to Xena... only to see a rump, rather than the face she was expecting. "Xena, why don't you turn around?"

Nightshade continued through the creek, desperately hoping his ploy would work. He hadn't yet got intimately familiar with all the waterways here, but he knew at least that this creek expanded over thirty feet across as it traveled down the slopes towards the ocean, and it was relatively deep in places. The temperatures weren't ideal, but it would afford him some protection against the cats.

The stag began to slow as he went down, letting the water do most of the work while he caught his breath. When his hooves struck a small, submerged sandbar in the center of the broad creek, he took the chance to plant his limbs and give his muscles a brief risk. He kept his head pointed forward, where he could see the lions on either side of the banks, waiting on their move. If they jumped in, they'd have to tread water to reach his position.

Tuini squinted through the snow, having a hard time seeing his pale sister on the opposite end of the water, but knowing she was there. He dipped a paw experimentally in the water, then recoiled at the freezing temperature of it. The big cat abhorred the idea of jumping into the creek, so he remained hesitantly on the bank, ready to wait out the deer, or follow his sister to the horses.

Onok

Again the stallion focused on the noises beyond the screaming zephyrs. There were no new barks, no yowling from any cats, no sign of a chase or fight that he could hear. It made him nervous, but he couldn't abandon his ladies. Onok settled for belting out another challenging bellow, letting echo through the chamber and out beyond.

As he waited for a reply, Onok glanced back to see one gold and black dial facing his direction still. "If the cats come, offering them your most powerful weapon instead of your nose and throat would be much safer." He warned, then nodded to the edges of the rock walls that surrounded them. "With three of us in the entrance here, they can't squeeze past to attack your sides or front - they'll have to contend with hooves."

Xena

Xena snorted **Because then we can not see an attack Calli** She said She snorted at Onok **You are still very experianced then because I can't kick at something I don't see coming , I know what i am doing. Do not act more experianced then me you are still but a colt** She said. **Front legs and teeth are just as deadly as our hind**

Layra stared at the deer calmly. She would wait him out or maybe they could go for the stallion..

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

"Onok is helping keep watch." Callaquioa responded, her head tilted to the side, "I can see well enough like this, just turn your head a little. See?" The mare bobbed her dial and looked back, having a decent enough view with her side-set eyes to see behind her. It wasn't as perfect as if she were facing forward, but with Onok there to make sure there were no surprise ambushes, she felt confident in her ability to see any incoming cats.

Out in the stream, Nightshade continued to stand his ground. His legs felt a little shaking from all the running and the adrenaline, but he was catching his breath now as he played the dreaded waiting game with two powerful felines. When neither made a move to attack, Nightshade raised his voice, hoping to secure his safety once and for all, "The first one to make a leap will meet my antlers head on. And then I will pin your head beneath the waters until you drown."

"Or-" Tuini snorted, his pride not willing to let this deer scare him, "We'll wait until you tire and freeze in that water, the drag your corpse from the banks." He wasn't sure how long the stag was willing to stand in the freezing water, or if his own patience would stretch that far. For now, he was content to watch the stag, or follow his sister's lead.

Onok

Onok looked back out into the storm, remaining vigilant of any suspicious movement or feline silhouettes behind the chaos of snow flakes and swaying trees. "If you feel more comfortable fighting that way, do what you feel is best. You know your own strengths better than I do." The stallion admitted, then listened again for any sound that might betray Nightshade's position, or that of the cats.

Xena

She snorted at calli You should never turn your back to an enemy, he'll learn better once he finds another stallion to teach himShe said with a stomp. its not how i know how I fight better i ts I know how to survive and how things should be done you would do wise to follow my lead but you've already prooven you cant now nightshade is probably dead or going to dieShe said.

Layra laughed as my brother said we'll just wait till you tire and die or start to die then we'll come for youShe said.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

"But my hind hooves are my best weapon." Callaquioa countered gently, feeling a little confused as Xena and Onok gave her differing advice, "And if they get a hold of my nose... that could be it." She shivered at the thought, as images of the Haunters and the death of her father played briefly in her mind. Calla shook her head, as if to physically dispel the nightmarish scenes, "I trust you too, Xena, but... don't you think you're being a little harsh with him? He's only trying to help, and you attack and belittle him every time he tries to talk."

Out in the stream, Nightshade stood on his precarious stone perch. His cloven hooves gave him better grip on the slick rocks, which was needed now as the water raged so forcefully around him. "You'll be waiting a long time, then." He stated with a lowered head, but made no effort to move from the submerged sand bar. His legs were cold, but right now the greater threat to his life were the hunger fangs and claws waiting on either side of the bank.

Tuini began to pace, stopping now and then to shake his heavy mane and dislodge the accumulating snow from it. "Choose your death deer, either a slow and freezing one or a quick and merciful one."

Onok

"We should focus on the threat at hand." Onok stated with some force, "Xena and I can keep a sharper eye on the land outside of the cove by facing forward, and Calla will be excellent deterrent if the cats are foolish enough to come this way." If only the storm weren't so fierce, the stallion would have lead his herd cautiously in Nightshade's location. But in the madness of blinding snow and wind, he knew he couldn't risk it. The stag would have to survive on his own until the weather calmed.

Xena

She snorted. Your back hooves are no better then your front hooves. They do the same damage. A wolf or cat grabs your nose you stomp the shit out of them with your front. You can't attack what you can't seeShe said then snorted. I am only giving him the best of advice. Nightshade will be dead by the end of this storm because he let Nightshade decide to come in here or not. WE need another stallion we are lucky to not have our foals at our feet yetShe said.

Layra smirkedd. thats okayShe said pacing back and forth.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

"I think it's a good idea to not even let them have access to my front end." Callaquoia contested gently, slowly siding with Onok. Her puppy love was still strong for the stallion, and those flames of adoration were fanned all the hotter by Onok's protective, confident nature in the face of such peril. It also didn't hurt that they were tucked cozily into the cove together, with her frame huddled so close to his own. "I do have a mean hind kick, too. Daga and I..." The mare trailed off a little shyly, recalling her early days as a youngster in the deer farm, "...heh, we use to pretend stumps and little saplings were Haunters. We'd have a go at them, him with his head butts, and me with my kicks. Maybe not the most practical practice, but I learned to aim pretty well."

Some distance away, Nightshade remained in the center of the stream, standing as still as a statue, other than the thick drafts of steam that would billow from his nose with each breath, and the occasional shift of an ebony ear. While the two foes paced in the snow, the stag channeled his strength and worked to steel his nerves. The longer he could hold the cats here and whittle their strength and resolve down in the dangerous blizzard, the better.

Onok

Onok flicked an ear back, listening to Xena's words and Calla's story. "I trust you both have learned how to wield your weapons to be most effective. As long as we stay together and work as a herd, we'll be safe." The other ear was pressed forward, and to his dismay, only the sound of screaming winds and distant, groaning tree trunks answered back. Hiding any uncertainty that he may feel - and he certainly felt it - Onok pressed on with certainty, "Nightshade was raised among cats, and trained as a spy and warrior. If anyone can survive against the cats tonight, it will be him."

Xena

She snorted. ** If it's more then one cat Onok then no he won't. Unless it's a small cat

Layra wouldn't loose her resolve. She wanted this buck, she'd get it or the stallion** you can either give us yourself or we'll take that stallion in the end**

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Callaquioa had her ears directed back, listening to her friends discuss the fate of Nightshade. She wished that Daga was here, and resolved to go find her friend after this ordeal was over. The mare sighed quietly and went silent.

The taunts from Layra and Tuini earned no response from Nightshade. The buck had gone quiet where he stood in the rapid waters, his lower legs glistening like oil as the dark fur was continuously splashed by the furious stream. His head remained pointed forward, where his wide peripheral vision could spot both cats at once.

Tuini's pacing ended with a growl as the big cat stopped and crouched at the shore and stared hungrily at the deer. He'd resorted to shaking his mane once more, not that it did him much good in these driving winds, "The cold getting to you yet, deer?" He leered, but again, Nightshade gave no response.

Onok

Onok looked aside to the bi-colord mare, "It's good to have some faith, Xena." Watchful eyes then jumped back to the snowscape beyond their shelter, quietly seeking the form of the lone stag. Swirling white was all that greeted his seeking gaze, however. Still, the stallion remained hopeful, "One cat or ten, Nightshade still has the advantage of his training and knowledge of the land that the felines don't."

Xena

She snorted ** those big cats know what Thier doing Onok or else they wouldn't be here to hunt in this weather**

Layra yawned ** we aren't going home empty handed**

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

The taunts again went without reply from the stag. These were predators, and no amount of arguing would change the end game. He knew it was best to conserve his energy and let them pace about and freeze their toes in the snow.

Tuini lapped at the water, quenching a thirst that had developed during their hours' long journey to these hunting grounds. "One way or another, we'll fill our bellies. Hear that, deer?" Yet again, Nightshade refused to answer, leaving Tuini to lash his tail in frustration. "What do you think, sis? Try and find the horses, or charge this fool?"

Onok

"That may be so-" Onok acknowledged, "But traveling in a storm is a gamble for them too. The cold and the deep snow will sap their strength, and the longer they spend chasing Nightshade, the more feeble they will become and the safer we will be."

Xena

** not if they are winter type cats**

Layra** let's charge him we can easily make the jump to the little node of an island**

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

His big ears were turned in either direction, quietly listening to the discussion between the big cats. Still, he didn't move or offer any rebuke to their words, letting them squirm and fuss over what they were going to do. His life depending on being prepared and having the energy in his old bones to react to whatever they planned on throwing at him.

"He'd better taste good if I'm going to jump in that water." Tuini grumbled. A grimace twisted his face at the very thought of his coat getting soaked by frigid water. However, the hunger in his belly had grown quite acute during their long hunt, and he was determined to fill it with fresh meat. The lion crouched, his powerful muscles coiling as he did a quick gauge of the distance before making the plunge.

The lion sailed through the air, claws outstretched for the black hide in the center of the submerged rock bar. His tail flexed powerfully behind him and his jaws parted, just waiting to snag into warm flesh...

But Nightshade pivoted suddenly with his antlers lowered and dug his cloven hooves into the rocks below the waters. He'd hoped this moment wouldn't come, but he'd prepared for it and now the overly zealous Tuini paid the price as he collided with the many glistening tines. The big cat yowled as his flesh was pierced by hardened bone, while his own claws failed to reach any flesh on the deer. Nightshade nearly buckled under the the impact of a weight that slightly outmatched his own, but managed to stay standing.

Layra

She lunged at the same time so when night turned to attack tuini she knew she'd land on the deers hind end or back. She knew tuini would be fine. Her teeth going for anything while her claws would make to dig into the deer

Nightshade & Tuini

Layra's leap had been a strong one, and her aim perfect. But Nightshade was well aware of the feline's advance, and pivoted just in time to throw her attack off and avoid the deadly claws... but not the fangs. They broke through his snow-slicked fur and pierced into flesh, and would have drawn a bark of pain from the old stag if not for his training. Bearing the white-hot sting of his new wounds, Nightshade kicked back with force, driving his hind hooves into the cat and feeling them connect somewhere on her body...

Night didn't have time to see where he'd struck, because Tuini was picking himself up and lunging again. Nightshade barely had time to dip his head down and thrust forward, once again skewering the lion and driving him into the water. The force of his attack, and the broad reach of his tines kept Tuini's swinging paws from landing any purchase on him....

Layra

Layra would bruise on her side but she bit down harder. She aimed her claws again for the stag to keep trying to draw his attention to her. She refused to leave empty handed and if they did she'd bring even more cats tomorrow before this stag could recover.

Nightshade & Tuini

Nightshade paid the price for keeping his antlers directed at Tuini, for Layra once again drove her fangs deeper into his backside, drawing a seep of red from his dark fur. He bucked and kicked back, but didn't feel his hooves collide with anything meaningful this time around - the lioness had gotten lucky. And if that kept up, her keen fangs could leave him crippled.. or worse.

The gamble had one silver lining though, and that was in the fact that he'd kept the big male at bay so far. With his deadlier weapons pointed at Tuini, he drove again and smashed his antlers against the lion. This time the tines scraped against his skull and piercing the side of his neck, drawing a yowl from the Makucha leader and preventing him from landing any of his wildly swinging claws against the deer.

Layra

If tuini wanted to pull back she had faith in herself as she made to push herself up aiming her hind claws now for anything on nightshade

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Tuini coughed and sputtered as freezing water splashed against his face and soaked into his mane, doubling its weight and further chilling the African lion. He staggered back out of the deer's immediate range, not eager to get another face-full of sharp bone. Blood was already seeping steadily from the numerous punctures along his face and head, staining his dark tan coat an ugly crimson, and adding to the weakness that was beginning to drain his energy. "The hell is up with this deer? It's suppose to run!" Another cough shook the lion as raged against its unusual defiance. So short was his time with the Haunters that Tuini never once recognized this as Nightshade, one of the few stag guardians that the pack had once employed.

Once Tuini backed off, Nightshade was forced to deal with that cat behind him. He'd continued his kicks, but with his focus on the big male there was no way he could fend off the lioness with any real success. He felt the teeth once again tore at his flesh and he bucked, kicking wildly but ultimately hitting nothing. The black stag whirled, water and crimson stained fur flying as he spun around, and swung his red-tipped antlers at Layra. His aim was not quick enough though, and a particularly deep wound to his haunch slowed him down, allowing the lioness to evade a potentially nasty strike...

Layra

She just kept hold of the stag. If she let go she knew she could get fired so her best bet was to hold on tight with her teeth and use her claws to open as many gash's as possible. As he began bucking around though she almost released. She aimed her front claws anywhere they could reach and pulled backwards trying to make him fall

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Nightshade's furious kicking and bucking finally connected. A powerful buck, followed up with a punishing strike from both hooves, which just enough to make the lioness forfeit her hold on the stag with her fangs. But when he tried to impale her with his antlers, the lion got a lucky shot on his flank with one set of claws, and with the other snagged the deer's neck as he was arching his head back to deliver his own blow. The force of the blows nearly pulled him down and a grunt of pain escaped his now frothing mouth.

The water was churning red below him, with scattered tufts of hair. Nightshade was losing this fight, and he knew it. He could turn and flee, but Tuini was crouched on the opposite bank now, and battered as the lion was, Night doubted the feline would just sit there and let him run past if he tried. He could delve further down the stream, and he kept that as a potential option if things became more dire... but he still had enough fight in him to try and turn this around.

Nightshade was now fully turned towards Layra as he desperately attempted to reposition himself. His hind legs were quivering and his lungs burning once more. But he had to protect the herd.

Layra

She hissed at the kicks she definitely be bruised but she was determined to get food. However instead of going in for the attack she chose to let his injuries take their tole on him. you will die to your injuries she said pacing watching him

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

He'd been bracing for the next hit, anticipating a sharp pain against his leg or perhaps fangs buried in his nose. The pale-coated lioness held back though, allowing Nightshade to fully turn and face her. His dark sides were heaving and his head was hung enough that it hovered a few spare inches above the water that swirled around them.

"I will see you.. dead or driven from.. this land before.. then." Nightshade's words came between heavy gasps. He was no young buck anymore, and it had been some time since he'd endure injuries anywhere close to this scale. But unlike all those other times, this time felt different. He was fighting for something that he truly cared about. He had finally found a family, and he wouldn't let them down.

The stag raised a dripping hoof from the stream and dashed it against the surface, sending a spray of water into the air. "I suggest you... run while you... can." He shook his head now, brandishing his gleaming antlers at the cat, warning her that he was about to attack...

Tuini remained on the bank, also breathing heavily, but not in such dire straights as the deer. He was ready to pounce if Night took a chance running his way, or if his sister was in danger.

Layra

She snorted at him. ** You don't scare me. If we don't get you we'll come back tomorrow with more cats and go for one of the horses instead**. She said. She moved to leap to the other shore to wait him out. She watched him now

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Had his hind legs not been so badly mauled, Night would have thrust forward to impale the lion when she turned away from him to leap across the stream. The continued to quiver though, straining to keep him standing evenly after such an arduous fight for his life. A little slower this time, if only because he could afford to, Night shifted his nimble limbs to face the cat on the bank. "Tomorrow? I will.. let him know."

Nightshade sucked in a great breath of air and expelled it in a series of loud, bellowing barks. "Two cats remain! ...more tomorrow!" As he made his cries to Onok and the herd, Nightshade brazenly stared the cat in the eyes, those dark, glossy orbs showing no sign of fear for the predator that could end his life. "..if we don't... kill them.. now!"

Once more, Nightshade dug his split hooves into the rocks beneath the tumultuous waters, anchoring them soundly. Where a normal deer would have long fled, the ebony ex-scout of the Shadow Haunters stood firm, ready to go round two with this cat.

---

In the cove, Calla's ears twitched as the new barks. This time they carried a clear message with them. She shuffled forward and turned around so that she could face her comrades. "Is he calling for help? ...what do we do?" There was clear fear in her voice. Though she wanted to help the stag that had saved their lives, the mare wasn't sure if she could face the cats again.

Onok

Onok heard the cry too, loud and clear. He looked to his mares, then out to the snow-covered land outside of their sheltered cove, his mind wrestling with the decision. He could stay and hope that Night fended off the two cats, but the buck's voice sounded weaker than before, which worried the stallion. And even if the cats fled, they would be back tomorrow with reinforcements. If he wanted to protect his herd, he'd have to make sure they didn't get back to their pride.

"We're going to help." His stern response was given as he made up his mind. Onok brushed his muzzle against Calla's head, "Stay near me, and I will keep you safe. Both of you. If we fight together along side Night, two cats won't stand a chance." So it was that the stallion stepped out of the cove and into the harsh winds. He broke in a brisk gallop, but one that was paced for the mares to easily keep up with.

It wouldn't be long before he reached the stream where the three were staked out.

Xena

She snorted at him ** us fighting is last resort we are pregnant we could loose our foals. It is your duty to protect us Onok this is what you wanted I warned you now you want us to risk our foals** she said she would block calli from going.

Layra snorted ** even if your lovely horses show well run and be back tomorrow for our food** she said.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

The stag's gaze shifted away from Layra as he looked to the bank and the accumulation of snow around it, gauging the strength he'd need to jump it. He was sure he still had enough in the tank to complete the leap and use that momentum to turn the cat into a nice shish kabob like her brother. Almost as an after thought, he answered back, his breath now coming more evenly as he'd had a few precious moments to regain it, "If we let you leave." Another front hoof slapped the water, sending a spattering wave of freezing liquid all about.

Tuini was shivering a little himself, his coat soaked and the front half of his face stained red where rivulets of blood had seeped down into his tawny fur. He remained vigilant however, waiting to see if the deer would really jump the stream to attack his sister, or whether he'd just stand there and eventually succumb to his injuries or the cold.

---

Callaquioa shivered at the thought again, but more frightening than facing the cats with Onok and Nightshade was facing them without Onok and Nightshade. "We can't split the herd. Not again." The words trembled from her throat in shaking determination. She'd closed her eyes and leaned her head into Onok's embrace, taking whatever courage she could from his confidence and presence.

The big stallion marched out into the darkening snowstorm, and Calla lingered for a split second at the mouth of the cove, stalled only briefly by Xena's warning. "If we don't do this together, they'll take us down one by one. We can't let them leave alive to gather reinforcements. We can't let them do this to as again." The young mare pushed past her friend, having to force her legs to work when she wanting nothing more than to flee in the opposite direction. Picking up speed, Callaquioa was soon running at Onok's flank, keeping close to the stallion as they headed for the river and their struggling scout.

Onok

"We have to stand together on this, and show these cats we aren't to be trifled with." Onok called back, raising his voice to be heard as he galloped. "If they take us out, your family will be next!" The stallion thundered on, hooves pounding the soggy terrain that had yet to fully freeze beneath the new carpet of snow. In front of him, the powdery flakes exploded outward in every direction with each forward gallop, doing little to slow the broad steed down.

Before long, the stream would come into view through the chaotic swirl of snow. A lone figure on one bank was the first to come into view, and the thick mane about his neck represented a kind of feline that Onok had never seen before. This was no cougar... this was an African lion.

"Face me, you vile beast!" Onok roared, picking up speed now. His head was down and ears laced back against his chocolate-brown cranium. In a few more bounds, he'd reach Tuini...

Xena

She moved her body so there was barely room. **So your okay with risking the unborn lives of our foals. I'm due any day as your lead mare I'm not going nor can I allow calla to risk hers** she then snorted as indeed her water broke.

Layra laughed **sure sure** she glanced at her brother**shall we leave and I'll bring a bigger group tomorrow?**

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

The standoff continued, and it was fast reaching a point where Nightshade either had to make a move, or fall past the point of being able to do so. He had to kill one of these cats, or wound them badly enough to make all this effort more costly than it was worth. And what finally pitched the deer into motion was the sound of his lead's booming voice as he taunted Tuini.

'This is it.' Nightshade launched himself. Pain seized his hindquarters but all his years of training guided his moves and he pushed past it. He straightened his neck and braced his shoulders as he arced through the air, a glistening shower of water streaming with him as he flew. Down went the tines, headed straight for the lioness...

Callaquioa knew Xena would be upset with her, and had every right to punish her later for her disobedience. But it was fear that had driven the young mare out into the cold. She had been captured before after getting split from her herd, and she couldn't let it happen again. Staying near Onok meant staying protected, something she and her pregnant friend desperately needed right now.

Xenarona's words had become fainter the further she went, making Calla wince internally. If she'd known her friend's water had broken, she might have tried to persuade Onok to turn back. The pair were already too far away now though, and soon the cove was lost from sight in the snow-choked air. What greeted Calla's sights next made her blood run cold, and only Onok's furious charge convinced Calla to stick with the lead as they bore down on the water-sodden cat. With thoughts of her soon-to-be foal in mind, Calla dove at Tuini, dashing her front hooves for any part of the cat she could reach, ready to make a pancake out of the predator to secure the safety of her and her family...

Thankfully for Tuini, Onok's bellowing voice had given him plenty of time to turn and see the stallion's charge. He initially braced for it, but when a second horse appeared, the lion knew it was time to go, "Yeah, lets get out of here." He hissed hastily as he began to back up, then threw himself to the side when Calla rushed him, avoiding the hooves and lashing out with a paw to rake the zorse's foreleg. He didn't stick around to dance with Onok though - just as soon as he'd made his strike, Tuini was turning and fleeing through the snow, a trail of red spattering the landscape and marking his path...

Onok

Onok almost wished the lion had stayed to fight, for he would love nothing more than to grind the predator into the earth and have one less fleabag around to threaten his ladies. Instead, his hooves slammed down in the divet left behind by Tuini's form in the snow. He wheeled and began to chase after the fleeing predator, not willing to let him go without a fight. "Come back here, you coward!" The stallion raged, tearing through the snow after his quarry.

Xena

Despite her water breaking and contractions she screamed in pain and anger. He just abandoned her for a stag that had made his own decision to not stick with them she was scared now as she paced her sides heaving from side as she was panicking. She took off from this spot and began blindly wandering to try to find another spot in this land to birth if these foals were still born she would attack Onok.

Layra snorted as she dodged she heard the mares blood curdling scream** or we could kill a new born. Foolish stallion abandoned a pregnant mare ** she followed after tuini

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Tuini

Nightshade hit the bank hard and felt one leg slip against a loose rock, throwing his aim off and jarring his limb enough to strain a muscle. He collapsed once upon trying to rise, and by the time he'd gotten his limbs fully beneath him and staggered clear of the water, Layra was already high-tailing it out of the territory after her brother. He stood there panting for a long moment, too tired to pursue the duo as Onok was, but remaining vigilant just in case he was needed.

Callaquioa trailed after Onok for a short distance, only stopping when Tuini flung himself into a snowy thicket, taking the brunt of the thorns in order to shake off the furious horses on his tail. In the haze of fear and frenzy, the mare hadn't even noticed the two long furrows that marred her forelimb. She was too engrossed with the enemy, and once they'd escaped from sight, her attention was jarred by the distant screams.

"Xena!" She gasped, looking worriedly to Onok. "She must have gone into labor, we need to get back to her."

Nightshade had heard it too. He lifted his head, finding the weight of his antlers suddenly much greater than they had been earlier. "There were only two of them. Go to Xena, and I'll make sure they don't double back, but I doubt they will. The male was badly wounded before they escaped." There was a raspy quality to the stag's report, and a slight droop to his ears. But his head remained held up, and he gave no other indication of how poorly he felt.

Onok

Onok had reared and pounded the air with his hooves when Tuini dove into the thicket, frustrated that he hadn't gotten a taste of the foul lion. Hearing Layra's comment only made him more furious, and he uttered a terrifying scream to warn the cats of what would await them if they dared try another assault on his clan.

The stallion turned sharply to Calla, one ear cocked in the sound of Xena's distant cries. "We'll travel together and find her. Don't leave my side." He looked back at Nightshade then, feeling guilt as he noticed the stag's condition. Even against the pitch black fur, there were clear tears in the skin that revealed bright red meat beneath, and the stench of it clung all too heavily in the air. He hated to ask anything more of Night, but their predicament was dire. "Follow only at a distance if you must. Don't engage them - call for help if they return." With that order given, Onok began to race in the direction of Xenarona, disappearing once more into the howling winds and snow.

Xena

Xena was pissed. Onok dragged calli where he shouldn't of he should be ashamed of himself for risking her and his unborn foals and when she refused to join him he should of told calla to stay with her. He left her vulnerable and alone. She kept moving till she felt like it was a good spot. Her sides heaved as began to go into active labor

Callaquioa

The mare didn't need to be told twice, and hurried along at Onok's side, keeping step with the stallion and paying little heed to the weather. The cold didn't seem to bother her while her mind was frantic with the thought of cats and her labored friend. What it did do however was obscure Xenarona's tracks, making it impossible to tell where the mare had gone to after leaving the cove.

"Xena!" Calla called out, raising her voice against the screaming winds. She then paused, ears forward as she listened for a return call that might point them in the right direction.

Onok

"Xena!" Onok joined the mare in calling their friend's name. Her scent was in the air, but between the blowing snow and driving winds, it was impossible to follow her by scent trail or hoof prints. "Xena!"

Xena

This was part of her ploy to teach them a lesson she couldn't call out if she wanted to as she gave birth to the colt and filly. Both premature due to the stress

Callaquioa

As the storm raged on, throwing its worst at them, Callaquioa continued to search for her friend, calling out periodically. Frost had gathered about her whiskers and eyelashes, and ice clumped along her feathered legs. These little inconveniences were ignored as readily as the lacerations to her leg though. No amount of wind, snow, or ice would stop her from finding her friend.

Onok

The duo continued their search, and soon the stallion's own face was adorned with petite little crystals that accentuated the many whiskers that sprouted from his muzzle. This frosty beard might have been a comical sight, if not for the situation they were in. "Xenarona! Where are you? Xena!"

His neighs continued to ring out, as now Onok began to lead Call along the various 'safe spots' he'd shown them throughout the territory, hoping that Xena had sought refuge in any of those locations.

Xena

She stayed standing enough to clean and allowed the twins to nurse and then moved to another spot but she was exhausted and couldn't bring herself to call out. She stood over her sleeping foals

Callaquioa

It took another half an hour of searching before Callaquioa chanced upon the location where Xenarona was sheltering with her new foals. An elated nicker was given as she stepped closer to her friend, "Xena! We've been looking everywhere for you, why did you leave the shelter?" There was no chastisement in her words though. She was just thankful that her friend was alright, and even better, she had two young foals sleeping beneath her. "They're precious."

Onok

Relief washed over the stallion when at last they'd found Xenarona, and with a pair of twins to boot! Knowing how she felt about him, Onok respectfully remained back while Calla moved in to assess her friend. But he couldn't help but gaze upon his two children with warmth and pride, beyond elated to see his firstborn son and daughter, and the heavy shadows of dread and concern melted away from his expression.

"I'm glad you're safe." He breathed out, "The cats are gone, and one was badly wounded, you and our foals will be safe tonight." He didn't mention the part of them wanting to come back, for it would do little good to worry the new mother with that information. Tonight, they would rest and recover, and tomorrow morning he would plan for the feline's potential return.

Xena

She snorted ** maybe if you stopped following the lead of an inexperienced stallion you wouldn't of lost me you never abandon one herd member. If one needs assistance one goes. If something had happened it would of been onoks fault** she said she snorted at Onok. ** You have too much to learn you proved me right by abandoning me. I suggest you head out and find us protection immediately they'll be back and they will be back and force**

Callaquioa

"We had to drive off the cats, though." Callaquioa gently countered, "You heard Night, they wanted to..." But the mare trailed off and shook her head. She disliked arguing with her friend, "Nevermind it, we're all here together now, and the predators have been chased off succesfully. See? It all worked out in the end." She forced a smile and shuffled forward, so that her body would act as a shield to the oncoming wind and offer the two little foals some protection. "Lets get some rest, and after the storm has passed we can be properly introduced to these two."

Onok

Onok had also moved forward to help build a barrier with his body, giving the new mother and her foals further protection from the elements. "Calla is right, we should focus on resting. I'm sorry that I wasn't here for their birth, and I'll do whatever I can to make up for that." Rather than argue, Onok too went for a more constructive route. "The cats are gone and we are safe again. Once morning comes and we've gotten our strength back, I will assess what can further be done to guard against the predators."

Xena

She snorted ** Onok should of done it on his own or not gone at all if one of us chose to stay behind. Your hurt calla so it didn't work as well as you thought maybe both this and that will of taught you to follow my lead instead of his** she snorted ** you will go find assistance that's what you will do**