Onok & Harthrou

Morning came quietly, announcing itself with bright blue skies and a clear view of the sun once it had risen above the eastern trees. Only a few clouds drifted across the heavens, their fluffy whiteness reflecting the current state of the meadows and forests so many miles below them, where snow covered the land.

Onok had already awoke and urged his family onward to the meadow, using his body to plow aside a trail to make it easier for the newborn twins to walk. There had been a small amount of tension when he came across the three interlopers that awaited him in the meadow, but the stallion was quick to find out that Night had brought the family of three here during the night, and readily welcomed all three.

To Darkia, he said, "Your son is safe in these lands." A glance was thrown in Harth's direction too, letting the smaller stallion know that his son would not be chased out or killed, but it was followed with stipulation. With his attention fully on the Marwari-mix, he added, "I do expect you to help with patrols and defense. We have two young foals now-" He stepped aside and swung his chocolatey head back, to gaze in the direction of Xenarona.

Compared to Onok's calm authority, Harthrou was fidgety and anxious. He pawed the ground and swished his tail, and his curved ears couldn't seem to find a position to settle in as the went between perked to flattened, then back again. "Patrols? Yeah, I can do that." Though it grated on him to take orders from another horse, it was somehow a little comforting to be given direction again. He looked past the big draft stallion, his dark eyes landing on the bi-colored mare and her two young foals. "...nice to meet you."

Callaquioa & Nightshade

Callaquioa had traveled behind Xena, helping to keep an eye on the youngsters during their first trek through the snow. She wanted nothing more than to go up and nuzzle the pair, but had resisted that in favor of giving her friend space. Once they reached the meadow though, Calla was delighted to find that there was a third foal in the group, though this one was considerably older than the twins.

The young mare waited until Onok had finished greeting the trio before she spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm Callaquia - you can just call me Calla. Welcome to the herd."

From his distant nest amid the cedar shrubs, Nightshade cocked a dark ear, catching snippets of voices from the far side of the meadow. Slowly, and with considerable discomfort, the stag rose to his hooves. If he'd felt bad yesterday, it was nothing compared to this morning now that his muscled had had time to stiffen up and grow inflamed. Still, the resilient buck moved, shuffling out of his little hideaway to move into the nearby treeline to being his foraging. Wounds be damned, he could still be eyes and ears for the herd, and he hadn't forgotten what that lioness had said yesterday.

Xena

Xena wasn't entirely amused that nightshade had left the territory so hurt. That was worse then Onok leaving her and both of them so irresponsible. **I'm Xena lead mare. ** She said** follow my lead and I'll keep you safe** she added.

Darkia nodded. ** Will gladly Xena I know enough that we stick together always** she said she use to be a haunter after all

The twins just followed

Coltrane stuck to his mother when the other stallion was close

Onok & Harthrou

The elder stallion seemed unusually flighty to Onok, but his mare at least appeared calm and was quick to respond to Xenarona, with no sign of aggression or threat of a power struggle. He went quiet for a few moments, letting the small group mingle and share names, then stepped back into the conversation himself when the time was appropriate. "That reminds me Xena, have you picked names for the foals?" Onok kept his eyes from Coltrane for the time being, seeing that the foal seemed shy or perhaps fearful of him, which was only natural when confronted with a strange stallion, and a fairly massive one at that.

Harthrou raised his head when he spotted movement in the nearby treeline. His nostril's flared and his tail flagged as he stared hard at the snow-covered pine branches. The warhorse was about to raise an alarm when he recognized the dark fur of Nightshade and huffed in quiet exasperation. 'Stupid deer.' His tail lashed again, and he began to scrape at the snow, more concerned with finding food than mingling with the strangers.

Callaquioa & Nightshade

Calla went quiet when Darkia's attention landed on Xena. The younger mare shuffled back a little, deferring space to the lead mare while placing herself a little closer to Onok. She'd briefly raised her dial when she saw Harthrou spook, only to realize it was just Nightshade whom frightened the stallion. She chuckled a little, "He's usually near at hoof. He doesn't so much like to mingle with the herd, but I think he does enjoy our company... from a distance."

When Onok asked about the foals, Calla's eyes lit up and she looked back to her friend, curious to know if the youngsters were named yet.

Xena

Xena **Loki and Savanahh** She said as she now grazed while the twins nursed.

Darkia eyed the deer **if he part of your herd he should stay with the herd . He's easy pickings alone** She said . **I will not race to safe him if he stays so far away as that would be detrimental to us** Coltrane nursed and grazed.

Onok & Harthrou

Onok's eyes shown in a smile, "Loki and Savanah." He repeated with no small amount of pride. The faint striping on both marked them as his children, with the little colt also baring his short, rigid mane. He wanted nothing more than to plod forth and give them a gentle nuzzle, but would respect Xena's boundaries and kept his distance still. Staying only close enough to keep a protective eye on the trio, Onok's gaze shifted and followed Darkia's to the nearby trees.

"You won't be expected to protect Nightshade any more than you are expected to protect me and Harthrou. We're here to keep you and the children safe." Onok assured, hoping to allay any concerns she had about their unusual herdmate. "I know it might sound odd, but he's actually been skillfully trained in combat and stealth, and even fending off two giant cats on his own last night." Little did Onok know that Darkia came from the very same pack that had trained Night. To her concern about him not mingling with the herd, the stallion added, "He actually prefers to stay to the forests most of the time. He doesn't eat grass like us, so he forages amongst the shrubs and woodland foods, and remains mostly unseen by would-be predators. It actually works out quite well."

Harthrou moved a little closer to Darkia now, where he pawed the snow again to uncover what greens lay hidden below. His belly was growling at him, but the elder stallion was having a hard focusing on food right now, and couldn't help but look at Onok between bites, not realizing there was a slight glower to his expression. Onok, for his part, chose to ignore this.

Callaquioa & Nightshade

Calla sighed quietly and observed the other mare between idle foraging. She loved Xena and cherished their friendship, but she was yearning for more companionship, and wasn't sure if this new mare would be friendlier or not. Sure, she absolutely adored Onok, but a stallion couldn't provide the kind of lighthearted gossip and friendship that the young mare was looking for. Deciding it was best to give Darkia some time to adjust to her new home, Calla kept her thoughts to herself, but remained watchful.

Nightshade also remained watchful, knowing that the cats would be back today if they intended on keeping to their promise. The stag was sure to position himself downwind, so there would be little chance of the pride sneaking up on him or his family. He also used this position to test the winds for any trace of other cervids, carrying that faint hope that his messages yesterday along the mountains might have caught someone's empathy. He doubted it, but the day was still young.

Darkia

Darkia snorted **I know night we were both trained the same way and his wounds I saw he didn't sucesffuly fend them off he nearly dead. I will also expect you and harth to stay with us and not go to him if he chooses to be this far from safety it is his choice ** She said calmly. She saw his wounds and he would be no help when the big cats returned if he even survives it.

Xena smiled **Thats what I told them but Onok still has lots to learn. **She said calmly.

Layra led the pride here. She wanted that buck he would be easy to kill if he was still foolishly away from the herd. **I smell more horses , but i fathom three are foals. The Buck we fought is badly injured so if he not in the middle of the herd he'll be easy pickings**

Azulon followed calmly. **There are deer tracks heading over that way and equine heading that way**HE said.

Paranoia followed as well.

Onok & Harthrou

"Oh? That's good news for the herd, if you have experience in fighting cats like he does." Onok's gaze drifted back to the woodland edge, and pride rose in his voice as he defended their herd scout, not wanting anyone to downplay Night's heroic efforts. "Any other deer would have run and been killed by just one of those cats; he not only stayed and fought two, he all but killed one of them before we arrived. That I think that in itself is successful, and why the herdt is safer with him in it." But then he looked back to Darkia, giving her a deep nod, "Don't worry Darkia, as I said, my priority is to you and the children. And the only reason Nightshade was so far from us last night is because he went out scouting. Today he is staying close to us, as he normally does during the day. We'll all be together." Hoping this would clear up any confusion on the matter, Onok dropped his head to the ground, nosing through the snow to graze.

Callaquioa, Nightshade, & Others

Being downwind afforded Nightshade the benefit of catching the pride's scent long before they would reach the meadow. With no storm to separate them and only a few dozen yards between the herd and the edge of the meadow where he was grazing, the stag took his time to analyze the odors he was taking in. Once he was sure of what he smelled, Night stepped out from the forest and approached the herd, his dark tail flagged in the air but his movements calm... if rather stiff and labored, still.

"The cats have returned. By my best guess, there are several of them this time; I would recommend a phalanx around the foals, as the oxen do. Or to move them to the cove, with us positioned in front." Despite his wounds, the stag showed no fear or anxiety in the face of a second attack. He had been trained for this very thing, and knew that strength came from organization and strategy just as much as it did strength and speed.

Fairali and Autumn Sun followed after their leader, enjoying the scenic trek through the mountains. Neither had been this far south, and both were intrigued by the scent of brine in the air. "The deer should be easy pickings. And after we take it down, a foal would be good training for Fairali." Autumn commented.

Rufflan and Oracle trailed the group, with the little lynx often splitting away from the pride to scout along the sides, before dipping back in and bounding to catch up with the others. When Azulon spoke, he piped up, "Do we all go for the deer? Or some split and go for a foal?"

Layra

Layra walked **no we don't kill two there is no need. Where is summer? ** She just realized he wasnt near. If he wasn't here he would be exiled. **We all go for the deer and that's it** she said** I want as little injury to us.** The wind was blowing toward them so they equines and deer wouldn't know from what direction they were coming

Azulon and paranoia nodded

Darkia snorted when night came over ** night if you want to survive you'll be with the foals in the middle your too injured** she said if night chose to stay outside the circle he would die

Xena snorted. **Darkia is right you are too injured ** she said

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

"Thank you, Night." Whatever hint of peace and content had lingered on Onok's face now vanished with the deer's news. So the cats had made good on their word and had made the long trek back. The stallion lifted his dial and looked towards the trees, speaking to the herd as he did so, "The mares are right, stay close to us - we'll form up flank to flank, with the foals in the center. Use your antlers with care, friend." He stepped back closer to Xena and Darkia, and gave Harth a light nip to get him moving as well, "Target their leader, the white lioness - I'm not familiar with the others, but she is the one who is spearheading this hunt."

Harthrou flattened his ears at Onok's nip, and might have contested it if not for the dire circumstances the herd found themselves in. The marwari backed up closer to Darkia while glancing about anxiously, for once missing the protection of Ethan's boomsticks and those annoying hounds that so fawned after him.

Callaquioa joined the formation, stepping in close to the others, while trying to help corral the the foals in the center of their little circle. She was nervous, but after last night's fight, the young mare felt a little more confident after successfully chasing the cats off.

Nightshade blended the advice from the three horses by joining their formation, but not secluding himself in the center of it. Wounded or not, his herd needed his help to protect the lives of their new foals, and his antlers were primed and ready to skewer any cat that tried tangling with him.

Autumn Sun & Others

"Lead the way, Layra." Autumn Sun purred with eagerness, ready to target the stag that she wanted them to target. When her son was mentioned, she glanced back over her shoulder, then frowned, "I'm not sure; he may be lagging behind to try and stop any escape attempts? It's a move we've been working on."

"He's not that good at it though." Fairali piped up casually, keeping pace with her mother now as the group filtered through the trees. "Typical male, letting us ladies do all the hard work."

Rufflan paused in the snow, looking glumly at the pride as they marched on determinedly. His disappointment didn't last long though, and he bounded forward once more to catch up with the others, "What if one runs from the herd, like all by itself?"

Oracle remained silent during the journey, quietly analyzing the various scents they came across as they followed Layra.

Layra

Layra snorted He is exiled from the pride ** She said **He is to be right with us and he not he is no longer welcomes within our pride. He was warned and this is a betrayle of his pride he don't belong.SHe said. She would kill him if she had to. if one runs from the herd then we go for it insteadShe said as she led the way.

Darkia glared at Onok when he nipped Harth she nipped him .Learn some mannersShe snorted. Bite him again and ill bite you againShe said. Night you will die if you are not in the center with the foals don't be stupidShe said.

Xena nipped the foals to stay in the middle.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

"Mind your teeth, Darkia!" Callaquioa snorted with ears laced back, quickly finding dislike with this new mare as she tried to override Onok's decisions and bully him just like Xena did. "He's just showing him where to line up, like Xena's doing with her foals. You don't need to be so rude to him and Night!" She had half a mind to nip Darkia in defense of her stallion, but Onok interrupted with his baritone vocals before she could go on.

"That's enough from everyone." The heaviness that carried in his voice suggested his patience was wearing extremely thin with this constant bickering, "Our focus is on the threat at hoof. Everyone, keep an eye on the trees; we have full view of the meadow, and the cliffs are at our backs. If the cats are foolish enough to attack, the white lioness will be our primary goal if she comes close. Ideally, a show of unified force should be enough for them to back down, and if not, we'll crush their skulls and end their threat for good."

Darkia's actions almost emboldened Harthrou enough to go ahead with an actual bite against Onok, or a side kick to protest being herded as he had been. But those ambitions died rather quickly the second Onok's voice rumbled across the group, reminding the old stallion that his leader was nearly twice his size. Checking his bruised ego, Harth sidled a little closer to Darkia, until his flank was against hers, "Thanks." He murmured under his breath, appreciating her support.

Nightshade stayed out of the herd's troublesome quarrels, and said nothing about the nipping and shuffling going on around him. He stood flank to flank between Onok and Callaquioa, answering only to those that directly spoke to him, "My antlers will stand between the cats and your child, Darkia. To take me out of the fight is to give the cats an advantage against us, and we can't afford that. I smelt more than just two on the wind before the breeze shifted. There are many."

Autumn Sun & Others

"Layra." Autumn started carefully, her voice gentle and soft, "Don't you think that's a little extreme? He's young and rebellious, and he needs to learn boundaries, that is certainly true." It was one reason she'd didn't so much as lift a paw when Layra pounced on her son and bit him yesterday, knowing he had to learn to respect his elders and know when and when not to speak. "But all he's guilty of is missing a hunt. Nothing more, nothing less."

Fairali fell silent and began to trail a little further behind Layra and her mother. Every now and then she'd glance back, to see if her brother actually was stalking distantly behind them or really hadn't joined in the excursion. Worry began to creep into her mind, wondering what would become of her brother if Layra really did banish him.

Like the shadow of the hunting pride, Oracle continued to take up the rear. Her ears were perked, and her eyes glittering with excitement, not just listening to the sounds of the forest around them, but now taking keen interest in the discussion going on just ahead of her.

"Ermmm..." Rufflan awkwardly backed out of the conversation and ghosted along the edge of the party. "..I'll just uhhh.. I'll watch for weakness in the herd when we get there? Yeah, I'll do that." The lynx had always abstained from the internal conflicts of the pride, primarily because of his diminutive size compared to everyone else. Tuning out what the others were saying, the leggy little feline strode along, focusing his excitement for the target of today's outing.

Layra

She snorted Fine then he doesn't eat anything for a two weeks he can go hungry that better? He is omega from now on and he does not eat unless I say soShe said with a snort. And i will be punishing him when we get back very severly he'll be nursing wounds for days. Missing a huntt when he was told to be here is bad if we don't get this deer he'll go hunting for us by himself and won't be able to eat She said. Your son doesn't deserver your sympathy especially if this hunt fails it will be considered his faultShe said. Atleast Oracle is proving her worth She said. She wasn't letting summer off he would be punished severly for this. Right when they got home too and if he wasn't home or look like he fed then she would banish him. She began leading the large group to the herd. WE will come at them from all sides I want three of you to hang back I want them to think we have nly so many. Then when it looks like the time is right the rest of you come inShe said.

Azulon nodded and when his mother motioned for him go to the opposite side he and paranoia did that.

Darkia snorted He has a voice He was rude She wasn't afraid of the younger mare.

XEna snortedd Darkia is right Onok was in the wrongShe said But we can teach Onok manners laterShe said.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

"Ladies, please." Onok tried again to turn their attention back to the real problem, with his eyes still diligently scanning the trees and his harks occasionally switching this way and that, listening for any sound of cracking twigs or shuffling fur. With the storm long blown past, and the day rather early, the breeze was calm and the cold air made it that much easier to hear the sounds of the forest. "Just remember to hold your ground and don't run, no matter how frightening the cats may be. If we break rank, the foals will be easy pickings." He was especially worried for his own twins, who were a bit on the small side yet, and would be easy for a cat to grab and simply bound away with.

Callaquioa heeded her stallion's wishes and said nothing more back to the others. She was beginning to get dishearted by all the negativity and constant squabbling, but didn't have the necessary experience at her young age to navigate these older mares in a more constructive way. Her efforts only seemed to bring Xena's ire her way, and this new mare was quickly proving to be much the same. Her ears remained back for a few moments as frustration clouded her mind, until a gentle nudge from Onok had her looking up to meet his dark gaze.

"Ears up." He said with quiet encouragement, striving to get everyone unified before the predators arrived. Calla abashedly perked her auds forward and murmured back, "Right, sorry." She shook her head and put her mind on the task at hand, vowing to talk with the other two later and try to resolve their resentment towards Onok. That, and maybe talk to this flighty new stallion that couldn't quite seem to stop fidgeting where he stood next to Darkia.

Nightshade again cared not for the bickering. He was taking this time to rest his sore muscles and let his broad ears work the various sounds that came their way. A tongue flicked over his dark nose and he tested the breeze again.

Autumn Sun, Faidanen, & Others

Autumn drew back some at the intensity of Layra's fury at her son. With a voice that remained gentle and suggestive, the big cat spoke again, while keeping step with her leader, "Starving and thrashing our pridemates for missing a hunt does seem a bit excessive as well. I think this all started off as a misunderstanding and got a little out of paw with Summer?" Autumn tried, trying to find a balance she thought was fitting for her son's behavior yesterday, but not wanting to cross the line by directly telling one of her leaders what to do.

"Maybe-" Oracle's voice came from the back of the line, "-we should stop talking before our potential dinner hears us. They have big ears, after all." She began to splinter away from the group at this point, taking the latter role as a backup attacker.

Fairali stayed closer to her mother, though she was now back several paces to extricate herself from the discussion Autumn and Layra were having.

Rufflan, who was too small to be part of the initial charge, split off with Azulon and happily bounded after the much bigber cat. Having heard Oracle's suggestion, the lynx dropped his voice, "Hey Azu! I'll be your backup, okay? You go in first and tag 'em, and I'll jump in after that and help you take them down!" His stubby tail twitched behind him, showing just as much excitement as he displayed in his barely hushed voice.

Layra

She snorted. No his current behavior entails it its the only way he might learnShe said quietly as she now focused on the hunt at hand. If she had it her way Summer would be exiled for his behavior yesterday and disobeying orders today. She began crcouching as they got close to the meadown.

Azulon nodded to Rufflan and began crouching toward the herd. He could see the deer in question. He licked his lips.

Paranoia crcouched a little bit away from Azulon.

Xena snorted as she watched her surroundings.

Darkia would defend Coltrane before anyone else. Her ears flicked.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

Onok glanced back over his shoulder, making sure all three foals were safely in the center of the little equine circle. Just the sight of Loki and Savanah was enough to make the young stallion fight with every fiber of his being to secure a safe future for them, not that he needed any encouragement in that department. Seeing they were secure, he turned his head back to the woodlands, not daring to let up his vigilance for more than a few seconds at a time. "Take turns foraging where you stand, as long as the herdmate to your right has their head up while yours is down. No need to go hungry, and you all need every bite of nourishment you can take in."

Callaquioa didn't realize how hungry she felt until Onok mentioned it. She honestly didn't feel like eating, not when they were waiting so anxiously for the cats that Night had scented. Still, a growling belly demanded attention, so Calla waited her turn and dipped her head when she could, lipping up bits of green after scraping snow aside.

Harthrou did the same, though he made an effort to scrape aside snow for Darkia too, wanting to make sure she got enough to eat.

Nightshade had already foraged this morning, so he took this time to ruminate his breakfast, though he remained standing rather than laying down, as he preferred today. Today, there would be no luxury of relaxing, at least not until the cats were gone or stomped beneath their hooves.

Autumn Sun & Others

When Layra's voice trailed off and she stalked ahead, Autumn knew it was time to put the discussion to rest and focus on the hunt. Seeing the others fan off in either direction, Autumn went with Layra. Her shoulders pumped silently above her back as she dipped into a crouching stride, trying to reduce her frame and get as close to the edge of the timber as she dared without spooking the horses.

Fairli crouched near her mother and Layra, her eyes finally falling upon the horses beyond the trees. 'They're smart. And well prepared.' She had to willfully command her tail not to thrash as she realized how dangerous this assault would be if the horses couldn't be spooked. Her eyes darted about, trying to spot any weakness in their formation, but couldn't find one just yet; their flanks were protected, and the vulnerable young were hidden behind a wall of deadly hind hooves and swooshing tails.

Oracle continued to move stealthy, traveling further down the treeline.

Rufflan flexed his claws, digging them eagerly into the frozen ground. Happy to have a hunting buddy, he eagerly awaited Azulon's move.

Layra

Layra began crawling in the direction of the herd. She would however, allow Azulon to draw their attention first. She knew they would be looking for her so she hung back.

Azulon prawled closer. Then he bolted out straight for the herd

Paranoia followed Azulon.

Xena grazed her ears flick and head shoots up as two large cats came running for them. Her attention goes to them as she stomps a hoof in warning.

Darkia snorted as her attention is drawn to th two.

Coltrane nostrils flare that was a big cat.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

Nightshade gave a bark of alarm the second he saw a flicker of movement from the trees, warning the herd of the incoming attack. With Onok at one side and Calla at the other, he lowered his head and tensed his legs, ready to thrust at either cat if they made a leap for him or either of his friends...

"Hold your formation!" Onok roared as he watched the two cats rush from the trees. With an open meadow around them, the herd had ample time to react to the assault, and Onok was no exception. His ears went back and his mouth fell open. Muscles were coiled and ready; if either cat got close, he was going to put his weapons to work against them.

Callaquioa joined Xenarona in stomping a hoof, giving the felines one last warning that she was not backing down. Like the others, she prepared to drive a hoof into the skull of whatever cat was foolish enough to have a go at her or her friends.

Harth reared back, nostrils flared and fear showing blatantly across his wide eyes. He now fervently wished those pesky flea bags of Ethan's were here to help out, but of course they were miles away on the other side of the mountain range. When he landed back down, Harth scraped his hoof against the snowy earth and squealed at the cats, "Your corpses will be fed to the wolves!"

Autumn Sun & Others

Autumn Sun rushed from cover when Azulon and Paranoia went, her powerful legs covering several feet with each bound. The wounded stag looked to be the easiest target in the long run, but Autumn was not going to run face first into those tines, or risk getting kicked by the horses on either side of him, though. So her first tactic was to call a bluff on their part. She'd run full speed at the group, only to a skid to a sudden halt just in front of Night and Calla, offering them a throaty roar. Her goal was to get at least one member of the herd spooked enough to bolt, and destabilize their protective formation...

Fairali pressed herself closer to the ground, deciding she would rush in with Layra during the second wave. Again, her eyes darted from one prey to the next, trying to pick the most likely target or spot a weakness in their position...

Oracle was crouched too, and grinned a little when she recognized the coloration on the main stallion. It had been some time, but he did look familiar - she was sure she'd seen him as a colt during a hunt against his natal band.

Rufflan could barely contain his excitement. He lay crouched in the snow, little stub tail wiggling as he watched Azulon. The second Azulon picked his target, the lynx would bolt out like an arrow, ready to pounce on the target's back...

Layra

Layra would wait a few minutes let Azulon and them rile up the herd.

Azulon saw the stag that was still badly wounded. He did not acknowledge HArth's words as he mocked lunged the herd and began circling them getting close then moving away trying to get them to get inpatient and come after him.

Layra was watching them all. She knew what Azulon was trying to do. Patience was key here.

Xena lashed out with her front hooves when Azulon got close but he had just been out of range.

Darkia snorted.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

Any time Azulon got too close to him, Onok would strike a hoof for the cat in warning. Being circled put him on edge, but he didn't let the feline get in his head and didn't break from the rank. "That's it! Hold firm!" He encouraged his band, "Don't let them spook you! Remember, we are stronger standing together!" This was shouted as much to his fellow herd mates as it was to the cats, trying to impress upon them that their efforts were futile. Whether this tactic would work or not, only time would tell.

There was a point were Calla was nearly baited into stepping out too far, so fiery was her passion to drive the predators away. She'd nearly made a charge for Azulon, until a sharp squeal from Onok stopped her. She'd glanced back to see a brief flicker of fear in his eye, and once more felt a little cowed by her actions. The young mare scooted back against him and planted her hind hooves down.

Harthrou continued to shout his insults and taunts at the cats, having gained quite a repertoire during the many hunts he'd accompanied his human on. "Your pelt will make a nice sleeping mat for my son!" He'd jeered at Azulon, then rounded on Autumn with similar venom, "Go on, charge me! Ethan's lap cat has a scarier meow than your pathetic roar!"

The only one not to actively throw hooves was Nightshade, and that was only partly because of how unwilling his muscles were to put out such effort. The elder stag simply had enough experience with this kind of thing to know when it was time to be flashy and when he could conserve his strength. Right now, the cats were all bluff, so he made no effort to meet their charges with any enthusiasm.

----

With the wind having shifted in Layra's favor sometime after they'd entered the territory, the scent of other creatures would eventually blow her way. There were deer on the outskirts of the land.

Nightshade's desperate search along the Croal Mountains last night had yielded a glimmer of hope - Daga had caught word from one of the wary deer who'd Night spoke with, and with him was one of the only other cervid that had been willing to answer the ex-Haunter's plea for assistance. They were still a few miles beyond the border of the territory, but they were making a cautious approach.

Autumn Sun & Others

Autumn Sun mistook Night's lack of action as weariness from his injuries, and her stomach growled at the thought of venison for breakfast. But alas, the horses that surrounded him continued to be stubbornly dug into their positions, and other than Callaquioa nearly exposing herself, so far the herd remained organized and steadfast in their resolve against the hunters. "What do you say, Azulon? Do we need more force to get our dinner to budge?" She growled eagerly, pausing her work to look at the other. She was panting lightly from the exertion, but by no means exhausted by it.

"Oiy!" Out from the woods shot the small form of Rufflan, his giant, thickly furred paws helping dash across the snow rather than through it as the big cats had to do. "I was going to wait back there, but you guys were taking a while." The lynx explained as he bounded up to Azulon, eying the smorgasbord of potential food encircled before them. "I thought I might help spook them?"

Oracle and Fairli maintained their positions in the woods.

Azulon

He wasn't perterbed by the horses antics of standing togethere. Most of them had eatten the night before so they could go a decent amount of time without food . He watched Ruffian and chuckled HAve at itHe said.

As Onok made Calla reconsider she took that oppotunity to rush out of the woods on the opposite side of Azulon Though she did catch the scent of more deer on the way by. She kept an eye out for them while still trying to provoke a flight response.

Xena snorted She wanted to see if one of them would make a boo boo and she lowere d her dial and began grazing to see if one might run in at her.

Darkia just stood there watching the cats.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

Onok's sights fell with intimate disgust for the pale lioness that made her break from the woods. Her words from last night still rang loud and clear in his mind, and so when she rushed the herd, he all but welcomed her to target him. He'd reared back and boxed his front hooves in the air while staring the lion down in challenge. And when her rush proved to be just another false charge, the stallion let his hooves fall heavily back to the earth. But his deathly glare never left Layra.

Callaquioa quickly recognized the cat too, but her focus quickly shifted to Xena, who'd lowered her head to graze. Sticking to Onok's earlier commands, Calla kept a close eye on her friend, ready to strike at any cat that might try to take advantage of her...

Meanwhile, Harthrou's insults kept coming, though none seemed to have the desired effect of rattling the cats. Little by little, Harth began to realize that maybe it had been Ethan's domineering presence and deadly boomsticks that had made their targets fearful, and not his underwhelming wit. Still, he kept at it, throwing one zinger after the other at the felines.

Through it all, Nightshade was watching the various felines, seeming to analyze them for weakness just as much as they were analyzing him.

In the distance, the pair of cervids continued to travel. Given enough time, the duo would reach the meadow and join the ranks of the gathered fighters....

Autumn Sun & Others

When Layra joined the push against the horses, Autumn had accompanied her and charged the opposite side of the equine-circle.

The equines didn't budge.

Frustrated, Autumn stalked back to Layra, her tail beginning to twitch. Her voice was low as she conveyed her withering confidence to her leader, "They aren't breaking. We can try to wait them out, but at this rate I don't know that it's worth it. We could find easier prey closer to home?" She was willing to follow whatever orders Layra had, but these equines seemed particularly well versed in defense, and Autumn was not keen to be taken by any one of their many hooves.

Rufflan, on the other paw, was only bolstered by Azulon's response. The spry feline pounced for the horses, rushing dangerously close to where Xena had lowered her head, only to dart aside at the last second to avoid getting within her striking range. But it wasn't the mare he was looking at - his hungry eyes were on the foals clustered behind her, “You'd make a good dinner, little horse." He growled as paced in front of the mother, licking his chops and doing his best to unnerve her. "Or maybe one of those smaller ones back there?"

Layra

Layra There are deer heading this way if these don't budge by the time they show themselves we'll go for them before they get to the herdShe said calmly. She just mocked lunged and waited for those deer to show. As soon as they did she signal for all to change targets.

Azulon smirked as he paced mocking and swatting at air.

Xena was almost tempted to run at the littler cat for his threats. Shut your mouth flea bagShe said without raising her head.

Darkia Harth don't acknowledge them they won't listen

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

The herd would wait for another grueling half-hour before Daga and Little Spot would reach the meadow. In that time, Onok had held his ground, and continued to encourage the herd to keep their places. He'd assured Darkia and Xenarona that their foals were safe as long as they held the line, and gave Callaquioa confidence whenever the cats got under her skin. It was tiring, but every once of effort was worth it to keep his family safe.

The deeply guttural bark of a red deer caught Callaquioa's attention. Her head shot up, twin peaks turning anxiously towards the source. Another voice sounded, this one not as deep but infinitely more familiar. It was the call of a white-tail stag, and her best friend, Daga! Before she had the chance to call his name or even see where the stag was, the pained cry of a cat screeched from the woods. Fairali hadn't know the pride's targets had changed, and her focus had been solely on Layra and the herd when Daga and Spot ambushed her.

Onok's head jerked towards the sound of the cry, not recognizing the voice of these two cervid. He could only assume these were the deer Night had sought help from last evening, though he'd never expected anyone to answer the call. "Friends! If you are against the cats, you will find security with my herd!" He roared out, not ready to break rank just yet, but eager to gain allies and shift the tide of war in their favor.

Autumn Sun & Others

Autumn and Rufflan took turns harassing their prey, with Autumn Sun quickly losing interest, and Rufflan never seeming to run out of energy. The smaller of the two continued to taunt the foals, trying to get a rise out of the mothers and give Azulon an open to attack.

After over thirty minutes of this standoff, with neither side conceding any ground, the cry of Fairali had Autumn leaping up from where she'd laid down in the snow to rest. She'd been waiting for the deer to stumble into their claws, not realizing that Daga and Spot were coming into the fight knowing full well there were cats to deal with and a cherished friend to protect. "Shit." The mother barreled across the meadow and towards the forest, where she found Fairali embattled with two stags. With a fury only a mother could know, the liger flug herself for Spot's flank, ready to tear into flesh and pull the deer away from her daughter...

Rufflan stopped and reared up on his hindlegs, trying to get a better vantage point of where Autumn was running to.

Layra

She smirked a bit and turned tail for the stags now. Azulon you and paranoia keep playing with the herdShe said and bolted after Autum. She lunged for the white tail stag.

Azulon smirked and kept harassing the herd as LAyra had commanded.

Paranoia smirke. dinner will soon be servedShe said . She lashed out in a mock smack at Onok.

XEna heard the cry and then watched most of the cats take off for the forest and to what ever the commotion was.

Darkia snorted glad that now there were only two harassing them.

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

In all of a few short moments, the plane of battle had shifted dramatically. Two interlopers had attacked an unknown cat in the woods, and half the pride had split and gone there way. That left only two large cats and a single lynx to deal with in the meadow. Normally Onok would have held his ground and thanked his lucky stars for the sudden change of fortune, but these cats had aggressively targeted his herd - if they didn't defeat them now, he knew they would simply be back later to continue picking them off, as Layra had promised.

"Night, mind the foals!" He cried as he plunged forward, breaking rank to stomp at Paranoia now that her backup had rushed into the woods. His now gaping jaws went for the top of the feline's head, ready to scalp her if his hooves missed...

Calla's heartbeat was roaring in her ears. Like Onok, she remembered the threat they were levied with last night. The cats would be back for their foals if they didn't end this fight today. When Onok charged forward, Calla did too, trying to stomp Paranoia into the ground...

Nightshade took Onok's orders to heart. While keep his peripheral on Azulon, Nightshade wheeled and plunged suddenly for Rufflan, ready to impale the lynx and end his threat to the foals. A pair of hooves were also ready to slam the diminutive feline as soon as he'd drawn his head back. In his assault, Night was cautious not to travel more than a few feet from Darki and Xena, and if Rufflan ran, he would not pursue him...

Harthrou kicked into gear as well, joining the strange dark stag in rushing Rufflan now that their formation was broken. He'd taken about all he could of the lynx's threats against his son, and he was ready to taste blood! With every bit of his strength, Harth attempted to kick the feline into the snow, then grab him by the back of the scruff and ragdoll him...

In the woods, Daga was fighting with the memories of all his fallen family members, torn down by the fangs of the Haunters. Forging his attack on Fairali, he lowered his antlers and charged headlong into Layra...

Little Spot meanwhile had given a cry of pain when Autumn's claws caught his flank. He spun around rapidly after tossing a hind kick at the feline, then tried to sweep his long antlers against her...

Autumn Sun & Others

Autumn felt the hoof clip her cheek, and the side tines snare her shoulder, but she powered through the pain. Driven by the cry of her daughter, the big cat wrestled past the antlers and went straight for the stag's neck, jaws craving the delicate windpipe, while she tried to utilize her claws to cling to the creature and drag him down with her weight. IF she got a hold of him, she was ready to keep it...

Fairali staggered back to her feet, baring deep set of punctures to her hind limb and a badly bruised back. This had been a harrowing lesson for the young cat, one that she was keen on surviving and learning from. Seeing her mom go for Little Spot, she flung herself at his backend, hoping to use her fangs and claws tools to hold the beast down...

Oracle's appearance was a rapid one. The slate gray ligeress was surprisingly quiet as she bounded through the trees, heading for Daga's position as she sought to tackle the deer and rend whatever flesh her paws and fangs could reach...

For Rufflan, the world went quickly dark. The herd had exploded so suddenly from their formation that he hadn't the time to properly dodge aside, and found himself mangled beneath hoof and horn. The last thing the lynx saw before the world went dark was the land flying around him as he was picked up and tossed aside by Harthrou.

Paranoia

Paranoia took a hoof to her shoulder but spun away and when she noticed that only darkia and Xena now we're with the foals she signaled azulon. She turned and lunged at calla hind end.

Azulon took this chance and rushed the foals thisafe Coltrane bolt in fear with azulon going for Coltrane.

Darkia ran after her son and bit at azulon.

Layra snarled at the stag and called for paranoia and azulon to join them.

Azulon snorted as he heard layra and spun away and went to join layra lunging for daga

Paranoia turn and ran for the forest now.

Xena snorted as the four abandoned the circle. **Stay with the foals!** She snorted at the four who went on the offensive

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

When Azulon went for Coltrane, he had an angry stallion and protective deer to contend with first. Harthrou immediately hurled a pair of daggers at the liger who dared attack his son, and followed those pummeling strikes with a painful snap of his broad teeth against Azulon's upper shoulder. "You won't take my son, vermin!" When Azulon tried to run away, Harthrou chased after.

Nightshade had also stayed with the foals, and didn't hesitate to strike Azulon for his brazen charge of Darkia and Coltrane. He didn't quite have the strength in his hind limbs to rear up and front strike the cat, but he plowed forward with his antlers, giving the feline a brutal puncture before trying to herd Darkia back to Xena. "Coltrane, don't run! We have to stick together, stay with your mother!" The stag used his body to try and guide the frightened colt back to the others, where they would be safer together from any rouge cat attack.

After being clobbered by two sets of hooves, Paranoia rebounded with remarkable speed and tore into Callaquioa with a vengeance, opening a grievous wound on the mare that saw a flap of skin torn free on her haunch. She squealed and kicked out in panic, desperately trying to whirl around to meet her attacker, but her hooves went wide and struck little more than air. Before Paranoia could turn and flee however, Calla had snaked her head down and snagged her teeth against the cat's flesh, giving her a small but painful parting gift.

Paranoia was nearly too quick for Onok too, but the stallion had aimed well, and just before the big cat fled across the meadow, he struck solidly with his hind hooves, just barely connecting with his target. He would have chased after the badly wounded cat at this point, feeling confident in his ability to take her down as she tried to escape, but another cat had caught his eye. Azulon was chasing after the foal he'd vowed to protect this morning. "Calla, rejoin with Xena! Keep the foals together!" The stallion then charged across the field, snow and earth flying under the fury of his hooves as he chased the big cat, and when he got near, lunged downward to bite the feline's haunch, and continued to pursue him into the forest...

Calla was hesitant to leave Onok and Daga alone, but with both stallions now chasing down the wounded cats, she fled back to Darkia and Xena to help keep the young ones safe.

In the woods, Daga's youth had given him an advantage against the aging cats that assaulted him. He struck with frightening speed and aggressive for the white lioness, fending off her fangs with a vicious swipe of his antlers, managing to spill her blood before she could take any more of his. He'd lashed out with his hind hooves for good measure, making a minor connection with some part of the cat before pain seared his hindquarters. Azulon had caught him while he was focused on Layra, followed by Oracle. Fury gave way to panic, and the deer leaped into the air, fur and blood flying as he pulled himself free of the big cats. Giving up the fight, Daga began to run for his life, knowing he couldn't hold his own against three cats. And with two furious stallions heading into the fray, Daga could only hope the cats would give up their fight against him.

Little Spot was not so lucky. He managed to to fend off the worst of Autumn and Fairali's attack, and leave both bloodied with a solid kick to the younger, and a painful antler thwap to the elder. But with cats at either end, and not nearly as much mobility as Daga, his throat was soon seized by Autumn Sun. The red deer still had plenty of fight in him, but with his front end pinned to the ground, his hooves became useless to kick out, and all he could do with struggle against the weight of the liger, and hope to throw her off before she could suffocate him...

Azulon

Pain riddle his body but he joined Autumn nd Fi and aimed to bite the deers throat hoping to end his life uickly.

Layra was gonna give chase despite bleeding from her chest but she noticed the other deer was pinned and moved to bite into one of its legs.

Xena snorted as the stallions tore off after the cats what if all this was a ploy. What if there were more cats that had been sitting and waiting. Let them go OnokShe called out. There was no point in chasing them down. IT was risky and uncalled for.

Paranoia joined in aiming to bite the pinned stag where ever she could.

Darkia sniffed Coltrane when he returned.

Onok & Others

It was Layra's words last night that traveled through his head now, pushing him on into the woods after the cats. But here is where the cats had a bit more mobility, and the big stallion was slowed down by the dense stand of plants and heavy snow. By the time he caught up with Azulon, Daga was bounding past him, and Little Spot lay on the ground, swarmed by the pride. One look told him the deer could not be saved.

It was tempting to rush in and trample the lot, and he felt that he could snuff the life from the badly wounded Paranioa easily enough, but the entire pride could turn on him, too. With fire burning in his eyes and fury unmistakable in his tones, the wrathful stallion addressed the pride, "Come into my home again, and I will personally hunt down your pride." His gaze latched onto Layra, even as she was busy clinging to the leg of the dying stag. Hearing the last, gasping breaths of Spot made him shiver, but also stoked the flames that were burning so heatedly in his belly, "I will ground your cubs into the ground without a second thought after I've slain each and every one of you. Now go, before I make good on that promise!"

Harth had come up beside Onok, having latched onto the stallion's bravado and leadership in the moment and rode with it. When the leader spoke, Harth was stomping a fore-hoof into the ground and darting looks between the cats. Had Onok rushed the group, Harth probably would have gone right in there with him, though his target would have been Azulon.

Autumn Sun had glared back at the stallion, but with a mouthful of deer throat, she couldn't respond. Not until she felt the last breath leave the deer did she let go, "We got what we came for, we should leave now. Do we have everyone?" She was semi-crouched, ready to dash aside if the stallion charged, but hoping more to grab the deer again and haul it away. Fairali shifted her grip to a hindlimb, ready to assist in pulling the carcass too. Oracle, the only cat not to be grazed by hoof or tooth, took hold of a limb as well.

Back in the meadow, things were much quieter. Callaquioa's pretty roan coat was stained crimson along the flank where Paranoia had ripped the flesh wide open, promising a nasty scar in the future. Through good tactic and a bit of luck though, she was the only member of the herd that had actually be wounded, and for that she was beyond thankful. "Is your son okay?" She asked as she made her way back to Darkia and Xena, looking furtively between the two to make sure they were unharmed.

Nightshade kept his eyes on the woods, and watched as Daga finally broke through the cover and started their way. He pitched his ears in the direction of Onok's fierce voice now, waiting for any sign or sound of distress that would beckon him to his aid. Until then, he would stand with the mares and keep them safe.

Layra

She just laughed at him. **You don't scare us** she made to grabbed the stag and began dragging it through the snow

Paranoia**we lost ruffian. Sadly**

Azulon helped layra

Xena snorted.

Darkia** he is fine just spooked**

Onok, Callaquioa, & Others

"Scare you?" Onok stilled his anxious pistons, reminding himself that he was outnumbered by the pride right now, and couldn't take the risk of attacking. "Your lack of fear is what got you and your pride beat near to death." An ear cocked at Paranoia's words, and a look of grim satisfaction tempered the fire in his voice, "Perhaps if Rufflan's leader had a little more fear to temper her foolish pride, he'd still be alive." These were the words he left the pride with, hoping it would be enough to convince them not to make the same mistake again.

Only when the pride was gone did Onok emerge from the forest and rejoin his pride, with Harthrou close in tow. He fussed briefly over Calla, gently nosing about the wound she bore, "How is your leg, Calla?"

"It's okay, I can still move well enough." She assured with a weak smile, for now that the adrenaline was fading, she was feeling the sting of the injury more. "Are the cats gone?"

To this Onok could afford a smile himself, which he did as he counted the foals and scanned over the mares, breathing a sigh of relief to note that none of them had been hurt. "They are gone. They took down the red stag, unfortunately, but we took one of theirs as well. As badly as they were wounded, I doubt they will be back any time soon. Especially now that we have a new ally on our side." He looked to Daga, who was still panting heavily, "Thank you for coming to our aid, friend. You are welcome to take shelter in our herd." Facing the rest of the herd, Onok spoke, "You all did phenomenal today. You worked together, and our foals are safe because of that."

Xena

Xena listened but groomed her foals

Darkia was grooming Coltrane

Layra rolled her eyes at the stallion. **We may look beat but we will wear these scars with honor it just shows how strong we are** she said**ruffian death is a tragedy but he knew the risks of the hunt. He will be well remember for his bravery** she said with a snort. They wouldn't need to hunt for a few days. But next time if they came they'd do it a bit different she left

Onok & Others

Onok lowered his dial gently and approached as close as he dared to Xenarona, without crowding the mother or her twins, "How are they holding up?" He asked softly, with the last bits of fire in his blood burning out. "They look strong." Well, they looked a little small, but then to have equine twins be born alive and well at all was a miracle. His eyes lifted to Xena then, hoping to bridge the chasm that had laid between them since the day they'd met, "How are you doing?"

Callaquioa had turned to her old fawn-mate, taking her time to fuss over Daga's injuries and console him on the loss of Little Spot, the young stag she'd not known very well from the Golden Rose herd.

Nightshade took this time to lay down and finish ruminating, though as always, his senses remained alert.

Harthrou crowded in next to Darkia and Coltrane, where he spent time awkwardly trying to groom his mate. In the months since he'd escaped from Ethan, he still hadn't quite gotten the hang of it, but he tried his best.

Xena

this stress wasn't good for her premature twins and she worried. **They are fine** She said as she now laid down to give the twins some warmth.**I am alright**

Darkia made to groom Harth.

COltrane laid down

Onok, Callaquioa, Harthrou, & Nightshade

Onok folded his legs beneath him, settling down a few feet away to create a barrier against the soft breeze that was kicking up across the meadow. It was his way of trying to help Xena keep the twins warm without violating her personal space, and to offer wordless protection against anything that might try to harm them.

The rest of the herd fell into idle chatter, switching between resting and foraging as calmness slowly descended on the land once more, and the harrowing events of the morning faded from immediate thought.

Xena

Xena slept laying down next to the twins

Darkia stayed semi awake