Hunger (open)

[Deleted]

The sun was high in the sky, warming the grey pelt of the napping wolf. Hailwind lay there in the grass, peaceful and lazy. The wind blew a slight breeze past him, inconsistent and ungenerous. His mind was foggy and inactive, tired. His only thoughts that submerged were that of fat, juicy bison. The male's stomach rumbled, demanding nutrients. Hailwind scrunched his face, the thought of hunting annoying him. He was just one wolf, he couldn't possibly catch anything large by himself. Perhaps a young moose, if even.

Stretching himself out in defeat to his hunger, Hailwind opened his emerald eyes, searching his surroundings. Rising to his paws, he shook his pelt and gathered himself, sitting back on his haunches in thought. I could try that trail up there.. he thought, staring up the grassy hill to a small game trail hidden in the short brush. His stomach growled again, encouraging him. You know you wont catch anything up there, it's uphill, you dope. Growling under his breath, he agreed with himself. His prey had the advantage uphill. Turning his attention toward the small valley beneath him, he considered his options.

Nothing down there but some small game, most likely. The large wolf blinked slowly, giving in to the easier option. Even something small would be better than nothing. He got up and padded quietly downhill, careful not to disturb any loose rocks or stray twigs. Perking up his ears and stopping in his tracks, the familiar sound of rusting twigs caught his attention. From the light noise of it, this had to be a rabbit or possibly a large field mouse. Hailwind crept closer to the noise, halting his movements every time the creature stopped searching the ground. Closer to the bush the sound kept coming from, Hailwind could smell the mouse now.

Glimpsing the rear end of it, the wolf calculated his strike hurriedly, his gut clenching. He pounced, clamping his jaws down on juicy flesh as his face was clawed with dried branches of the bush. The animal shrieked once, then was silent. Hailwind's heart fluttered with joy despite his scratched and stinging face. Pulling back his torso from the bush, the male dropped his kill in front of him, examining it. He couldn't believe his eyes. This had to be the fattest, juiciest field mouse he'd ever seen. Picking it back up into his jaws, Hailwind retreated with the animal to a secluded area under a small tree. Its' limbs tangled around him, hiding him from plain sight.

The starving wolf bit into his kill, savoring the flavor of fresh meat. The mouse was gone in a matter a minutes, nothing left but a bit of meat on its' backbone. Hailwind lied down in the shade, picking at the backbone sparingly. Now you want more but you've already scared off the easy prey. He sighed, curling his tail up to his hind leg. It wasn't easy being alone. Hunting with someone else was one thing he missed. His thoughts trailed off cautiously, not wanting to think about his past. Shaking his head, the wolf focused on the last bit of back meat.

[Deleted]

It was midday in the Nyjoro Hills, the sun surpassing its zenith up above. The verdant grass was beginning to shift to a gentle golden shade as the summer solstice neared. Datura knew it was only going to get hotter there on Anikira, just as it had on the mainland of Africa where she had originated. Her tongue lolled, panting gentle as she weaved through the area, ever observant. She was searching for food, but now, she would never need to hunt alone. The petite femme had been claimed by someone, and much to her revelation, Datura found the arrangement unfolding in a way she had not expected. Her newfound companion allowed Datura a sense of security never before experienced. Submitting was not as awful as she had imagined, nor was the challenge of appeasing Goliath especially difficult.

Remaining independent now seemed tedious. The wily fae had never felt such calmness, despite her traveling companion’s questionable sanity, because she knew he would protect her now, if she only remained by his side. Datura no longer had a reason to stray far from the massive beast, who she was certain would be close by as she wandered off in search of prey hidden amongst the rolling green hills. Her pace slowed when something caught her attention: the scent of another, undoubtedly male, and close by.

These lands were unclaimed, but Datura and Goliath had been lingering around the northern parts of the island for some time now with few encounters with the outside world. Quickly, the femme spotted the male, with a pelt splashed with hues of gray and silver. He did not seem to notice her right away, too intent in his attempts to hunt. Datura watched quizzically – what in the world could he possibly be pursuing that was so small? If any larger prey was lurking nearby, it was certainly aware of his presence by now, and she scowled when she realized her own chances had been destroyed by the stranger. He lunged into a bush and caught his prize, one so small that it hardly seemed worth the effort to the watching female, who scoffed aloud in disbelief as Hailwind crept closer, still seemingly oblivious to her presence.

The auburn fur on the back of her neck bristled. Normally, she would turn and run, make herself scarce when an unknown male appeared. But this time, she did not budge an inch. The northern lands had provided ample food for Datura and Goliath, but she was not the type of wolf who willingly shared, even if the lands did not belong to them. If anything should happen, Goliath would no be fae away, which gave Datura more nerve than she would have had otherwise in the face of an unknown male. If he was desperate enough for a tiny mouse, then perhaps he was in a weakened state. Still, she kept a safe distance, but her sharp tongue could not be controlled as she regarded the male with obvious scorn.

”Well done,” she commented wryly, her eyes narrowing on the stranger after he quickly consumed his miniscule kill. ”You have just ruined both of our chances of finding something worthwhile here."

words: 531
tag: @hijinks

[Deleted]

Hailwind jumped at the sound of another wolf's voice. At his feet in a second, his fur bristled up defensively, his ears tightened back and his tail high, his massive shoulders pointed forward. His eyes softened for a second, realizing the wolf was female. Her scent wafted towards him finally, the sparse breeze picking up only for moment. Her soft, auburn fur picked at his memories and sent his mind to days of kinder, happier times.

Pushing his mind clear, the grey male furrowed back his brow, crinkling his muzzle to show his large, sharp teeth as he spoke, "I am only traveling, I stopped for a meal." His rough, deep voice boomed between his lips after a paused moment of thought, "I haven't been here long. The lands I have traveled through have proven to be scarce of prey and little water." Her scent is soft and sweet, like the pleasing, dew covered grass of my home land. But, it has the unforgiving ting of the hotter, dry sands of the lands I've been wandering ever since..  

Hailwind gripped the dirt underneath his large paws, his gut boiling with anger. You are nothing here, you are but free game for the predators of these lands. Unwillingly, Hailwind calmed himself, settling his fur down a bit and unwrinkling his scrunched, bitter face. "I did not mean to cause such a ruckus, I just wanted something fast to eat. I haven't time for such breaks of long hunts," he muttered sourly, his bright green eyes holding the female's gaze, staring into her soul. 

[Deleted]

She took in the sight of the silvery male from a distance as he leapt to his feet, prepared to defend himself. The glint of ivory fangs caught her eye, and she returned the gesture with her own low growl, but made no attempt to approach. Datura stared back at the male, rivaling his intensity. She would reveal nothing to him. He was a nameless stranger, a fellow wanderer, of no concern to her – except he had come a little too close, and the fae did not care for strangers. His teeth were bared as he addressed Datura in deep, masculine tones. The female’s expression shifted from scorn to amusement when his energy level changed visibly, calming down.

The fae was pleased to see his demeanor change before her. His expression softened, losing its angry glare. These lands were unclaimed by any of the island’s packs, but Datura’s attitude and air of arrogance suggested otherwise. She was pleased to see his demeanor change before her, giving her a rare sense of power that she enjoyed immensely. Her stance remained alert. The other’s emerald-hued eyes were as bright as the new growth in spring, but possessed an eerie quality. Unable to break his stare, but she did not move an inch as her expression went blank, giving no hint of her present thoughts or feelings towards the unknown brute.

Why does he stare at me so?

Twin eyebrows knit questioningly above golden orbs when the stranger implied his hurried state, as he was unwilling to sacrifice more time to find a kill more substantial than the rodent he had devoured. A mouse was barely a snack for a wolf as large as the one now staring her down. It seemed like a great waste of time and energy to Datura. But she did not know the male’s story, what motivated the vagabond. After a moment of tense silence, the female spoke again, with only a hint of interest lingering in her dry voice. ”Where are you traveling? Are you looking for someone? Or are you more interested in hunting field mice?” She cast him a skeptical look.

words: 356
tag: @hijinks
ooc: sorry for the wait! I'm sending a quick PM to you now.

[Deleted]

The sultry weather blazed down harder as the two wolves conversed, baking Hailwind's thick pelt. All his body lowered, his tail drooping to the ground. His expression sagged, exhausted and drained of mental stability. Dehydration was setting in on the traveler, slowly crumbling his thoughts and reason. She has taken interest in you. He blinked slowly, his attention dedicated to the female. His fur stuck to him, the humid weather wrapping around him as a blanket of suffocating heat. Where are you going? Who are you searching for?

The meaty legs underneath the hefty canine buckled lightly, forcing him to shudder. Hailwind's skull burned with a headache, longing for a hydration. The blood of the field mouse barely sustained him, not nearly enough liquid for the big wolf. He gathered his thoughts away from water for a second of thought toward the female's questions. "I don't know.." He husked, losing his gaze to her as his line of sight traveled to the ground, his heavy head slouching.

She isn't here, your mother isn't here. His body collapsed, too worn out to stand any longer. All that trek for not? Get up, you waste of flesh! Hailwind weakly reopened his eyelids, green pools surrounded with squiggly pink lines of exhaustion. His feet ached, his ears drooped over to each side, his legs sprawled out under him. Deep, somber eyes worked to focus up at the female wolf before him. His dismal heart felt heavy in his chest as he studied her wordlessly. You are weak and feeble! No wonder Sierra died, it was your fault! You are frail and powerless, no more than a common rodent.

Hailwind's lids fluttered weakly, his stomach as hot as his head. "I wasn't there.." he panted, addressing no one but himself. A small spark of energy flowed through the male as he ushered the voice out of his own thoughts. "Water?" he asked the other wolf simply, looking up at her without a bit of hope in his eyes. You will die out here, you are not fit for these lands.



OOC: sorry for the late reply, idk if this was any good but at least it's something lol

[Deleted]

Those attentive amber eyes never wavered, dubious and unsympathetic despite her decision to stay. Datura was feeling rather confident that afternoon, despite the size disadvantage that existed. She inhaled a deep breath, her small chest ballooning (though it did little to make the petite female look any larger). His weakened condition and delirium did not render feelings of pity. She wore her insolence plainly across her feminine features, her shoulders squared. The hint of a grin toyed the corners of her mouth as the stranger’s energy depleted before her cold eyes. He claimed that he did not know where he was going. Her tail twitched behind her small body. ”You are well on your way to nowhere,” she responded facetiously. The other faltered, his tired limbs threatening rebellion beneath his haggard form. Datura merely blinked in response, making no move towards the stranger.

I wasn’t there... Now he was answering unasked questions, it seemed. Now he was talking to himself. Datura was accustomed to lunacy, however, and she offered no commentary, only a perplexed snort. Finally, he uttered a final word: Water. There was a glint of something in his eyes that Datura could not recognize. He had no reason to believe she would offer help, but had no other choice and no other savior for miles. She carried herself with an air of authority, as if she had been wandering the lands her entire life when exactly the opposite was true. Her head was held high in a show of feigned superiority that he was in no shape to question, if he hoped to be rescued.

His life was now in her paws. It was perverse, but entertaining nonetheless. Datura could show him the way and spare his life, or just as easily send him in the wrong direction, send him along to a certain death. If the dehydration did not claim him, than his weak muscles would, or any number of countless hazards that littered Anikira that waited for hapless victims. She knew he was not likely to make it far in his incoherent state. The thought broadened the pleased look that spread across her narrow muzzle.

“Very well. This way.” The fae turned sharply, a jerk of her head cast towards the east, where the Nytyte River snaked through neutral, unclaimed territory. The sooner he found the river, the sooner he would be gone. It was unwise to turn one’s back on a stranger, of course. She kept a copious vacancy between where she intended to walk and the obvious trail. ”Walk along the worn path, through the dead trees. I will walk here.” From a safe distance, she could keep an eye on him.

words: 448
tag: @hijinks
ooc: I liked your post! Apologies for lateness!

[Deleted]

The puddle of muscular flesh before the female wolf shuddered with urgency, begging itself to rise from the dusty ground. The male rose to his feet, his vision wavering and unsteady. She's going to save your pathetic hide! Although his legs felt like jello and his head burned under his fur, the large loner followed her suspicious lead down the worn path. Water, water... Every step he took burned his paws, every breath dried his mouth. Ignoring the scornful, suspecting glare of the other canine near him as they lagged on, Hailwind kept his mind toward the reward of his trek. How he would drown himself in the cool, savory water of the river! He would plummet into the depths, soak himself throughly. He would splash and kick and shake in the waves. He would.. swim.

Hailwind blinked his crusty, green eyes. Swim. He hadn't thought of the action in all his travels since the last time he swam with his beloved. The idea of water suddenly betrayed him, back lashing into a bad memory. Still, he continued on, dragging himself with determination to survive despite himself. He had to drink, had to keep going.

But to where? Where are you going? The female's question echoed in his mind. He had no idea where his mother was, more or less if she was even still alive. But was she really what he was looking for in the first place? What do you want? What is your reasoning for living? He couldn't answer himself, nothing seemed to quench his questions. Something burned in the pit of his heart that he couldn't seem to configure. Its origin was unknown to him, he simply knew he was going on for something. 

Perhaps it was simply survival instinct, maybe it was something more. Some sort of personal destiny he knew to be true. Whatever it was, it was strong and drove his aching body onward, as it would until his last breath until he found whatever it was. You'll surely die before then, you stupid brute. Such silly conclusions, deciding to live based off of nothing. Why don't you just give up and spare yourself the suffering? Hailwind furrowed his brows, his muscles working harder as a small wind of reserved power jolted through him. No, I will live and I will succeed in finding what I desire. 

The grey wolf turned an eye over to the female who lead him. She seemed distant and annoyed with him, as if she wanted to kill him just to get his sorry carcass away from her. Surely she felt some sort of emotion toward him to help him in his need though? His muzzle upturned in a small blushing smile, embarrassing himself with such ridiculous notions. The wolves of these lands feel nothing, they are heartless scoundrels who would soon as pick your bones as care for you. Although harsh, Hailwind agreed slightly, this wolf did not seem hospitable. Her stance was hostile and uncaring. She only wished to be rid of him, she didn't care. 

Watch yourself.



OOC: SORRY! that took forever lol my bad XD

[Deleted]

Without her usual callous remarks, Datura had turned away, the soft crunch of dried leaves beneath her nimble paws the only sound she made as she tread through the underbrush. She was not an expert when it came to the lay of the land on Anikira, having only become a denizen of the island a short time ago, but she knew the river to be close by because she had gone there already that day. A forepaw was left hanging in midair when the fae paused suddenly, with the realization that the same sound was not echoed by the wolf who now depended on her, a stranger, to spare his life. She turned her head to see that he was not following the path she had designated. Instead, he was struggling to stand. Datura was well aware, from personal experience, the agony that accompanied dehydration – the parched mouth, the feel of a parched desert inside one’s maw and throat. No living creature, from wolves to humans to trees, could survive without water.

Ever silent, Datura watched as the brute struggled to his paws. Not long ago, she had been in the same position, with trembling legs and hazy vision. She could empathize with the stranger, but there was no semblance of sympathy there in her amber eyes. She merely stared at he summoned the strength to stand again before she began to walk again, cautious to keep ample distance between them – though she was certain she could easily defeat the male if he decided to attack, even if he was much larger than the female. Simply knowing that she had the upper paw, that she alone possessed the power here – that was why she decided to help the wolf whose name she had not even bothered to ask for.

Despite Hailwind’s beliefs about the wolves of Anikira, specifically the female that now showed him the way to the river, Datura was not heartless. She had a heart. She had only learned to ignore it, to disregard the emotions that threatened to cripple her if she allowed them back in. It had never occurred to Datura that she could hope for more out of life than mere survival. Life was an endless toil, troublesome but brief. She was, however, a scoundrel – a thief, a liar, a miscreant. Hailwind followed, showing the trust he had for the stranger that desperation spurred. For all he knew, she was leading him to a cliff instead of the river he gravely needed.

After a long, uncomfortable hush, Datura cleared her throat. She was not one for small talk, normally, but this was not a normal situation. It was risky just to be close to a male that wasn’t Goliath. She had to be certain that Hailwind would leave the area, that he would not be tempted to stay, as long as Goliath and Datura lurked and hunted nearby. ”You seem like the pack wolf type,” she commented over her shoulder. ”Were you exiled? You should know that you have come to the wrong place to hunt,” she fibbed. Contrary to her assertion, there was ample prey to be found, but the male didn’t need to know that. ”There is little game here, and many rogues.”

words: 540
tag: @hijinks

[Deleted]

”You seem like the pack wolf type,” Hailwind looked over at her wearily, silent as they walked. Pack wolf? He had hardly known the company of more than one other wolf at a time and had never really had much thought on the idea of making his own pack. ”Were you exiled? You should know that you have come to the wrong place to hunt, there is little game here, and many rogues.”” The massive grey wolf offered only a simple long stare in her direction in response. Exiled. If only he had been, it would have left less of a tear in the remnants of his heart. He noted her comments of few game and the abundance of rogues in this area. Although he had not seen many prey animals himself, he doubted her statement was true based off the abundance of greens, even if they were a bit dry. He knew his home land to be over run with prey animals and the greens were at the same state there as they were here. He decided she was simply trying to put him off staying nearby, as she was most likely native here and wanted little to do with outsiders. He didn't care either way, really. He was interested in her comment of rogues though. Never really being around other wolves, this interested him. Many rogues were feral and didn't take lightly to other wolves. Meeting with them might prove a bit of fun to him. Hailwind enjoyed the risks of fights, being able to hold his own, he enjoyed the option to uphold his honor. Perhaps he could even find friends, someone to hold his sanity, even hunt along with him. Despite his will to converse with her, the male continued to hold his dry tongue in silence, trekking along the path in hurried anticipation for the water at the end of their little journey.

[Deleted]

Now the stranger seemed to be a wolf of few words. Well. That was certainly something that Datura, of all wolves, could appreciate. His silence said more than any false pretenses or feigned niceties, and she caught the vacant stare in his eyes as he followed – more than mere dehydration. She had seen that look before. It was the look of the downtrodden and the defeated, of someone who had lost a great deal. Perhaps it was a pack, maybe a friend, mate, or even a pup. Datura could not venture to guess, but she could sense that he was as lost as he appeared to be – physically as well as mentally.

This, of course, was none of Datura’s concern. She barely cared if he had the strength to make it to the river, though she peered back from time to see if he was still managing to keep up behind her, in spite of her hurried pace. Finally, after a long, very uncomfortably pause, the sound of the river in the distance finally reached the fae’s perked ears. Datura was pleased that she could find the way, with or without Goliath, and pleased that she was already becoming so familiar with the landscape of the area. Anikira was much larger than this, naturally, but Datura assumed she would see all of it in due time. Claimed land or not, she suspected her alliance with Goliath would allow her free access to anywhere on the island.

The thought brought a smile to her usually hardened façade, and when she stopped a few feet away from the river’s shore, there was an inexplicably satisfied expression painted across her feminine face. With a curt nod towards the river, she took a step back, further away from the unknown male. ”Here you are, stranger.”

And, though she wasn’t terribly interested in conversation, she had to ask for her own benefit: ”Where will you be going from here?”

words: 325
tag: @hijinks

[Deleted]

Their understood silence made the noises of their paws against the dry leaves and grass seem loud and constant. As the two wolves neared the rushing waters of the river, Hailwind's heavy head lifted up, his nostrils enlarged from his deep inhale of the fresh water's scent. His heart fluttered as he hastily padded to the water's edge, glancing only momentarily toward the female before plunging his muzzle into the shallow bank water. The male lapped up the cool liquid as fast as his tongue would move, dripping water from his chin as he finally had his fill. His stomach felt bloated, full to the brim with water. The feeling satisfied him, a content grin spreading across his face. 

He stepped into the water a bit further, all four of his limbs wet as they were forced further in. Hailwind crouched down in the water, saturating his fur as he rolled over to his side in the shallow water. The cold made him shiver, waking up his awareness, clearing his vision slightly. He blinked green pools at the other wolf, his expression still genuinely pleased and thankful. "I thank you sincerely, you have done me a great favor. I apologize for not introducing myself, I am Hailwind," he said in a recovered, husky voice.

”Where will you be going from here?”  The canine furrowed his brow in thought, undecided. Perhaps he would stay here, near the river. He would search for game to regain his full strength, then move on in time. "I'm not sure, I don't know where I'm even headed," he mumbled cautiously in response, crossing his front legs before him in the water.

[Deleted]

The river greeted the brute like an embrace, and Datura watched from where she stood as he nearly inhaled the cold water flowing there. He offered his gratitude and his name, though she had not asked for either. In return, there was silence. Datura’s jaws remained shut, lips still curved in an unsettling grin. Polite thank-you’s and introductions were not necessary. She did not intend to see this wolf again, unless he made the mistake of remaining in Tiayr. While the lands were unclaimed, Datura and her companion Goliath had a good thing going there. Even as a pup, she had never cared for sharing. She had lost several siblings because of her unwillingness to share meat. If they were too weak to fight for it, they were too weak to survive.

Her eyes narrowed, the smug satisfaction wiped clean from her face when he gave his response to her inquiry about his destination – he did not seem to have one, and he looked very satisfied as he relaxed in the river’s cool comfort. The piercing glare she directed at the male indicated her annoyance – after the help she had given, if he still intended to stay in the area, she was being far too friendly or she was just not getting her purpose across. She stifled her temper and cleared her throat, regarding him again with apathy. ”If you’re looking for a pack, you should go to the east. There’s plenty of those types out there, but you’ll find only rogues here. There are killers and thieves, the ones your dear mother warned you about.”

Her expression registered nothing. She wanted to see him gone, but even still, Datura spoke the truth. ”Watch your back,” she warned ominously. ”You don’t know what – who – could be lurking in these woods.” If the stranger decided to stick around, Datura would keep one eye open for the brute. As suddenly as her irritation had surfaced, an amused look appeared, and she uttered a wry laugh. There was no reason to lie about her given moniker to a solo wanderer like Hailwind. ”Oh, where are my manners? My name is Datura.”

words: 358
tag: @hijinks

[Deleted]

”You don’t know what – who – could be lurking in these woods.” It sounded like a threat in between the lines as her words caught in his ears. The large grey flicked his ears, irritated, as he slowly swished his tail in the water. As per his quiet charisma, he lie silent without opinion. Hailwind felt it unnecessary to voice the thoughts that swam through his mind. She was obviously trying to upset him, and it was working. His fur felt like bristling from her words, they boiled in the pit of his stomach. If she turned into a problem for him, he wouldn't second think any aggressive action he took toward her. Survival was instinct to him and being a prideful lone wolf, he didn't take kindly toward threats of any sorts. 

Though his brute instincts told him to defend his honor right then and there, Hailwind felt weary and unstable. Even if he was in fit physical condition, he still wouldn't have felt the need to physically warn this other wolf. She had helped him in a time of need, after all. He decidedly cut her some slack, perhaps next time they met however, he wouldn't be as grateful for her good deed toward him.

He stared into her deep eyes, feeling pain in his heart. Something about her was familiar, stung his gut with remorse. Somehow he felt like she was just as himself. Alone, lost to the world and full of hatred. Bitter, like the grit of sand that stuck to the webs of his toes when he traveled these unforgiving lands, rubbing against his soft skin until it bled. 

The male pulled his ears forward in attention, spreading his front paws before him under the water. He studied them, his exuberant green eyes taking in their magnified, worn forms. His travels had been long and ongoing, they often bled without his notice. Hailwind blinked lightly, feeling a wave of dark emotion pass through him.

”Oh, where are my manners? My name is Datura.” Her introduction made him feel oddly angered. Perhaps it was just the fact that he had thought too long on the fact that they must be enemies if they ever saw each other again. Maybe it was the way she flipped emotions so quickly, at ease with herself, as though she felt superiority over him. 

Well, now what? He had quenched his thirst, they had exchanged names, what else was there to do but say goodbye or rip each other's throats out? The valley wolf sat there in the cool river water, silent and smug. He knew she wanted him to scat, scurry off into the distance. But he had other plans, he liked this river. Hailwind had made up his mind to stay here while he recovered himself. He did not have any plans for after he was in full health, however.

If he was to continue on, would the land in the east the female wolf had suggested please him? Was a pack really what he was missing? Maybe it was the solitude of the desert he craved. He felt like nothing but a mirage in the first place, his soul was empty and his heart was heavy with sorrow. His stomach was constantly gut wrenching due to his inconstant hunting habits. Food was merely something to sit in his stomach as he saw it now, the tastes brought him no happiness. He was simply a ghost, lost in lands that he despised among wolves he hated. What else was there to do but keep running? He couldn't stay here and constantly fight, could he? Perhaps fighting was exactly what he needed now. Something to remind him he was still alive. Pain could wake him from the daze he trailed.