Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

Three stags, all of different breeds, came rushing across the rocky landscape. In the lead was a very large red deer; their lead. Seiberry, an Axis deer, came in second. And lastly, but close to the other two, was Nettle, a white-lipped deer. The three tore their way up the steep enscarpment, scrabling against the loose stones and fighting gravity. It wasn't long before Nettle pulled into the lead, for his solid hooves were more adept at tredding this terrain.

Scrambling up behind them were two deer hounds, and further behind them, a man on a horse baring a rifle. And much further beyond them was a man racing on foot, carrying a shotgun.

Nhosh stopped briefly at the top of the hill, panting and looking desperately around. Then he dove for a thick stand of dead vegitation, with the other stags following on. Then they turned swiftly around, angling their hard antlers towards the rushing dogs...

Peregrine, Tornado, & Snowy Owl

The three wolves, each separated by a generation and connected by blood, trailed along the edged of the Canyon. Peregrine was in front, limping with an old injury and old age, but still relatively strong for his age. He was the father of Tornado, and the grandfather of Snowy Owl. The patriarch stopped short, craning his worn muzzle forward and pricking his sharp ears up. His eyes flashed back to his son and grandaughter, as they flashed with excitement, carrying the look of 'dinner time'.

Tornado grinned and nodded. Of the three, he was by far the strongest and most adept. And now he took the lead, leaving his daughter to trail beside her grandpa. Moving quickly, he lead the two in a wide circle around the three stags, while listening to the angry dogs. He quickly caught the scent of the humans and horse, and with a deft flick of his tail and look of his keen eyes, directed his family to seek shelter.

Snowy Owl instantly melted down into the scratchy brush, where her white pelt didn't do well to match up, but her smaller body at least made it easier for her to hide behind things.

Peregrine crouched down a few feet away, glancing from Snowy to his son. He knew the plan already; for he was good at reading his son's intentions. Tornado meant to wait the fight out, then take which ever deer seemed weakest. As for the humans and dogs, Tornado wasn't against killing them either, but not at the expense of his kin's safety.

Shadow

Shadow watched carefully as the trio hid. He was relieved that they did not go after the human and the dog. He still watched just on case. He made no sound and the wind was blowing in his favor.

Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

The three stags waited, unaware of the three wolves that had just showed up. Suddenly, the two deerhounds came into view, their noses at work on the ground, although their eyes were their keenest sense when hunting deer. "Found 'em; this way!" Cried one dog as she plunged into the thicket where the stags were hiding. The other dog followed. A moment later, there was a pain yelp and the furious bark of a deer. The sound of snapping branches, snarling, and scuffling hooves could be heard, but the brush was so thick that it was hard to see what was going on.

Soon, the human appeared on horseback, his mare panting from the long run and tedious climb up the hill. They stood at the edge of the thicket, as the man waited for his dogs to flush out the deer. His gun was cocked and ready.

The other human was huffing badly, his breath taken from the steep upward climb. But he was not far behind now.

Shadow

The wolf backed away, giving the human space. He did not want to seem as a threat and hear the dreadful metal thing shoot him. He waited. Killing deer was not a bounty for humans or wolves. Killing humans and dogs was. He must protect them if needed.

Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

The fighting continued in the brush until, after a few moments, there was a gurgling, gasping noise. A sharp scuffling followed, and then silence. The scent of blood was strong on the air.

The man whistled and called for his dogs, but neither appeared from the brush. Foolishly, he dismounted the horse and began to walk towards the thicket. From the far end of the brush, Sieberry bolted out, racing to another nearby thicket. The man whirled around, aiming his gun to fire. But as he did, Nhosh sprung out from hiding, his three-foot antlers heading straight for the human. The man noticed this attack just in time, and turned just enough so that one of the antler beams grazed across his front side, and the other knocked the gun from his hand.

Seeing his mistake, Nhosh swung his head sharply, knocking the man to the ground with his antlers.

Nettle stalked closer to the path where they had run up. He would take the human that was climbing the ridge.

Shadow

Shadow instantly jumped out and attack the deer by suprise. He tried to dig his teeth deep into Nhosh's throat. He tried to leap on the deer's back and avoid the stag's antlers. He was a good fighter. He gave a warning eye to the others, warning them to stay away...or else.

Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

Nhosh saw the wolf coming from the corner of his eye, but wasn't quick enough to avoid injury. Shadow's teeth left a hefty mark in his throat, causing the stag to pull back and strike his lethal hooves out, but he missed Shadow. Disregarding the human for the moment, Nhosh swung around, swiping his sword-like antlers at the attacker. But again, he wasn't quick enough and Shadow was upon his back. "What is this!" He cried out with fury, buck hard to try and throw the wolf off.

Nettle sprung towards his lead, surprised at seeing the wolf attack. "Nhosh!" Nettle scraped the ground with his hoof, shaking his antlers threateningly at Shadowed, "Back off, before you're sorry!"

Meanwhile, the human was scrambling towards his gun, and trying to avoid Nhosh's wild hooves.

Peregrine, Tornado, & Snowy Owl

Tornado sprung up when Shadowed attacked. "Lets go!" he ordered, rushing out from hiding. He snatched up the gun and ran to the edge of the Canyon, where he dropped it off the edge. The last thing he wanted was one of his family getting shot. With the gun out of the way, Tornado turned to the deer. Going into a hunting mode, Tornado stalked towards Nhosh, leaping in when he could and snapping at the stag's flanks and sides.

Peregrine came in next, but he didn't attack Nhosh yet. Instead, he began to circle about Nettle, intent on keeping that stag away from his son and Shadow.

Snowy Owl joined her grandfather in circling Nettle.

Shadow

He looked at Tornado.
[Back off!]
He snarled. Shadow turned to Nhosh.
[I protect the humans. You attack them, I get in the battle.]
He growled lowly. [It's either fight, or leave.]

Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

Nhosh kicked out at Tornado and turned sharply to Shadow, his eyes ablaze, "You protect the humans? You filthy pet!" He bellowed out, "If I leave these humans, they will only come and attack my herd. I don't know about you, but I'd rather estinguish an enemy rather than run from them all my life."

Nettle swung his antlers at Peregrine and Snowy Owl, trying to scare them away.

Sieberry soon came back, trotting with a high head as he approached the group. He was startled to see all the wolves and quickly became defensive.

Meanwhile, the startled human backed away against a rock, having no weapon now which he could fight back with.

Peregrine, Tornado, & Snowy Owl

Tornado backed off with a look of surprise, "Are you denying me of a kill? This deer is prey, and my family is hungry." The wolf shot back.

Peregrine and Snowy Owl backed off of Nettle, now a bit unsure of what to do.

Shadow

He looked at him.
[There are 2 more deer overhere if you haven't noticed.]
[I am not a pet. Humans are defenseless and some of them are kind]
He shot right back at Nhosh.

Nhosh, Seiberry, Nettle, & *Hunters*

Nhosh shook his head, "If you haven't noticed, this one happened to have a gun! And the one climbing the hill is still armed. But," Nhosh snorted, dipping his head lowerer to Shadow's level, "have it your way. You can deal with them and see how 'nice' they are." With a nod to his companions, the red stag sprung away from the wolves. Moving together, the three deer thundered away, slipping like shadows into the cover of the plants.

Nearby, the human was still sitting crouched by the rock, totally confused by what was going on. And next to him stood the horse, pawing nervously at the ground. The stallion looked to Shadow, "Thanks, for saving my master." He said at last.

Shadow

He nodded. shadow had one more thing to do. He wanted to hunt for the other three wolves.

Peregrine, Tornado, & Snowy Owl

Tornado snarled angrily now as the three deer got away. With a vicious look to the human and his horse, Tornado approached Shadow, "Just what do you think you're doing, protecting humans? You'll only end up shot, or worse!"

Peregrine watched the human warily, but did not attack. He had lived around humans for a while in the Wolf Center, but had since grown leery of them again.

Snowy Owl stood near her grandpa still, not sure what to make of Shadow. She was not a wanted creature like her father and grandfather, and really had no special grudge against the two-leggers.

Shadow

Shadow looked at him.
[Usually they are grateful. I am Shadow.]

*Hunters*

The man slowly stood up, his eyes switching nervously from Shadow to the other three wolves. He didn't recognize any of them, but he thought Shadow resembled the look he heard others talking about. One of the good wolves.

The other human finally arrived, huffing and panting hard from his hastened journey. "Woah... what-the..." The man said as he raised his weapon quickly towards the wolves.

The weaponless man put his hand up, waving at the weapon-barer, "Hey, no! Don't aggrivate them! Besides, I think that one there might be a good wolf. You know, the vigilante ones?"

The weapon man paused, then lowered his weapon. But he held it tight, ready to use if needed.

Taijya, Fajebin, Whisper

Raven huntress Taijya had slowly and silently made her way up the canyon, harks and nares taking her towads the fighting. She could smell humans and deer, alogn with other wolves. But what bothered her was that human blood was not proving to overcome that of others. As soon as her anmber orbs fell on the unharmed humans, she went in for the attack. She came from behind, pistons taking full strong strides to bring her to the man who's weapon he lowered folishly. When she was near enough her hinds pushed her towards the back of his neck, jaws snapping, hoping to lock on and kill the human before he had time to make another sound.

Whispers own silver bodice followed closly behind that of Taijya. However she made an attack for the weaponless mad. She used the same monuver as Taijya leaping for the back of the neck in hopes her jaws could penitrate the wind pipe. Theer was no need for anything fancy yet.
Fajebin however stayed back a way, not seeing another human to take his aggresion out on. His orbs constantly moved from his sister to Taijya, looking for a time to come in an assit. However he was weary of the other lupes. If the humans had not attacked them, they may be justb loike those that harmed Taijya once before.

Although his train of throughs would seem he loved the wolf of Rubicon, in reality he loved her stature. She was famous, an icon to all legendary wolves, and he wished to be like her. It was that simple.

Shadow

He had smelled the wolves before they attacked. Shadow barked in a warning to the armed human. He quickly took on Whispers because the man had no weapon. He tried to jump on her back and clamp his jaws on her sholder, yanking and trying to pull her down.

Fajebin

He had been correct. As soon as he saw the intent in the faes orbs to assist the humans his own bodice shot after her. He put force in his leap, pistons extended to push her and pin her down. Even if he missed that, he had gotten between her and his sister, which had eben her goal.

Shadow

He tried to bite down harder on her shoulder.
[Leave, and take the others with you]
He growled. It was all he needed to say. They already knew he would fight, so why bother to tell them he COULD seriously injure or kill.

Fajebin

"You will give no orders to us." His tones spat out in an angry growl as soon as he heard the human fond wolf speak. His lips curled back reveiling his fangs as a blood churning growl erupted from his vocals. "We have killed enough humans and pets to lose any respect for those who protect them. Now if you value your own life, leave!"

Shadow

He growled. "You wish!"
Shadow snarled and bit once more, but harder.

*Hunters & Horse*

The weapon man was far too focused on the four gathered wolves to notice a fifth one sneaking up behind him. Her aim was easily a fatal, one, but not quite without consiquence. Just before her jaws put enough pressure forth to snap his neck, the man pulled the trigger of his shotgun on pure reflex, shooting a dangerous spray of pellets out randomly. But that was his last move, for Taijya had made her aim well, and the man next hit the ground limply, his neck broken.

The weaponless man would have been dead too, but he saw the sudden movement of Shadow, and had enough initiative to turn around and spot the approaching danger. The man threw one forearm forward, letting it take the brunt of Whisper's attack.

The horse reared up fearfully, giving a frightened neigh. The creature began to kick out at the wolves, too frighted to run.

Peregrine, Tornado, & Snowy Owl

Peregrine glanced to Tornado, "Shall we take the horse? We can bring food back for your son, at least, since the deer are gone." So saying he shot an accusing glance to Shadow, who probably didn't notice it anyway, since he was fighting.

Tornado nodded, his stomach rumbling. "Sounds good to me. Lets do it." Tornado had some experience with horses, and from hunting other game, knew that the hooves were obviously deadly. He went for the creature's muzzle, trying to sink his teeth into the tender snout and pull down.

Peregrine went for the creature's flank, trying to get partially on its back to help tire it out.

Snowy Owl began to race around the equine, barking and growling as she did so, trying to confuse and distract it. She was a young adult now, but knew she still needed to put on strength and accquire skill before taking on such a dangerous creature.

Taijya, Whisper, Fajebin

Taijyas jaws released as soon as seh felt the mans neck snap, leaping back before his limp body fell in a heap on the ground. Although her first step woud naturally be to go and kill the other man, she took a safty percaution be wrentching the gun from the man mans hands, and with asharp turn of her neck, tosed it a good number of feet away. Only then did she return to the next kill

Her dial slowly turned, ambers gleaming as a snicker was let out. Pistons carried the huntress behind the human Whisper now distracted. Her years of life had brought on her skill and cunning, and with a quick spring from her hinds, her jaws were aimed to once more clamp on the back of the man neck.

Whispers jaws clamped harshly on the mans arm, weight used to hopefully pull the man to the ground and enable him a toucher time moving. Her tiara swung about, fangs slicing the skin, and hopefully the bone she had hold of. Catching Taijya's attack from behind, her attack only increased in preesure. Although she had hoped to kill the two legger, she had begun to understand that whether they died at her jaws or anothers, it was still one less human to contend with.

Fajebin's body leapt back from the snapping of jaws, his form now tense and ready to leap back. "Feh, have it your way..." With his tones of annoyance dipped in snarled was release, his hinds shot him off, jaws snapping for the human lovers facial features. His own neck was tucked to protect the vital line as he did this, sure to keep his life as he protected the faes while they finished the last human. Fajebin attack to the face proved that he was not as quick to kill one of his own kind unless needed. Wolves had packs and family, and whole packs getting into a fight with a bunch of loners never resulted well.

Azhlin*Kaida

Kaida came thundering in from the battle with the coyodogs. She had left them to the finishings of Legosa and his pups. They wouldn't live long. Assessing the situation quickly, she leapt for the legs of the man Taijya was leaping for. If she succeeded, she would arrive right after Taijya's attack, which would place the man in a very stumbly position considering that he already held the weight of Whisper on one arm. She was hoping to trip him and give Taijya a better chance to get a grip on his neck.

Azhlin built up speed and leapt for the same human, going for the arm Whisper hadn't clamped on to. Assuming he had gotten what he aimed for, he let all the weight of his nine-month old pupness fall into his rear end, clamping down hard onto the man's arm to increase the man's unsturdiness and hopefully make it easier to knock him down.

*Hunter & Horse*

To say the man was in a dire situation would be an understatement. As he was struggling with Whisper, he was unable to see Taijya come from behind; and even if he would have, any efforts to stop her would have been hindered because of Whisper's grip on his arm. As it was, the man was beginning to punch at Whisper just as the other fae hit the back of his neck. A moment later, two more sets of jaws found themselves latched about the limbs of the man, successfully pulling him earthward. Like the other man, Taijya's jaws were easily enough to snap the neck.

The horse began to buck and kick out still, but its nose was caught up by Tornado. Crying shrilly at the pain, the horse's head was pulled down, making it very hard to strike out at Tornado. The horse tried to kick at Snowy Owl, but it was hard to see where the white wolf was at. And Peregrine managed to get on the back, though it would be a tough position to hold while the horse was bucking.

Shadow

He still fought. So many wolves... Shadow lunged at Taijya's neck and bit down hard. He did not let go. He needed Frostfur right now. He howled, calling Frostfur.

Frostfur bounded up. She had taken on wolves before, but not more than what was here. She instantly jumped on Whisper's back, trying to drag Whisper off.

Azhlin*Kaida

Azhlin leapt away as the man came crashing down, landing expertly on his three good legs. The rear left paw had been crushed by Sunderbahn, but he had been in enough pack wars to maneuver without it. His now bloodied muzzle grinned as he treasured the silence in his head. Oh yes, killing was something he adored.

Kaida couldn't quite leap free in time because of her awkward position, but as she wriggled out from under the man's body she looked herself over and took stock. She would be sore in the morning, but no more. Grinning, she turned to Taijya, waiting to see if the fae would go for the horse, or leave that to Peregrine, Tornado, and Snowy Owl.

Shadow*Frostfur

Shadow kept biting down on her neck.

Frostfur took on Azhilin next. She lunged at Azhilin, trying to crush his left foreleg, if she could, then Azhilin could be knocked of balance with one push of her nose.

Taijya, Fajebin, Whisper

Taijya's jaws released her prey, leaping back away just as skillfully as she always did. Hier dial turned to the 2 new arrivals, nodding a silent greeting before her orbs fell On shadow. Low snarls were emmited, for she was angered one of their kind would defend a human. She knew they did, butthe more of them she met, the more angry she became with the situation. With an aggitated flick of her plume her bodice turned completly around, back to the human lover. With a slow, fearless stride, she made her way out, orbs barly scanning the distruction she had caused. It was nothing now, she had done it so often before it wasn't even an accomplishment, just a fact of life and something she lived for. Taijya kept silent as she moved away heading towards the Tall Grass Plains for a rest.

Whispers own grip released as the man fell, low growled issued to the human lover. "Your a fool for attempting to stop us..." Her own form swayed in a stride just provoking the human lover to try anything. She wanted them to try it, for she was sick, and possibly more so, of the human lovers. Unlike her brother, she would give them no second chance. However her orbs met Azhlin's, as if asking him to follow. Having something in common with the pup left her feeling a slight mothering instinct, however it was more auntlike in nature.

Fajebin let loose a few low snarls before turning away walking a ways before spitting out "Though wolf blood fills you, your a pet now. Aren't your proud..." And with that he turned back around, his own form catching up to the girls.

When Whisper turned to motion to Azhlin, she took notice of Frostfur's approaching attack, so in turn she slowed to a halt. Her dial slowly turned to face the fight between the human lovers friend, not interupting, or even thinking of such a think. She had not taught the young once how to fight, however she had taught him the love of killing. It seemed his voices gave him the gift of silence now, which she would question only once the human lovers left, or they fell victom to wolven jaws.

Shadow*Frostfur

He was stopped by Fajebin. He spun around and soon tried to dodge her attack, but bumped into her doing so. He had to be delayed.

Azhlin*Kaida

Kaida retreated after Taijya. She was here because Taijya wanted her, and if Taijya left, she left. Turning heel, she trotted away unconcernedly, fading into the distance as she headed to the Prarie.

Azhlin hopped out of the oncoming wolfess' way, using his smaller body to his advantage. Turning about on himself, he faced her down, his voice steady. Watch whom you attack, traitor. Because I am small is no reason to assume I am easy and unexperienced. You obviously cannot be very wise. You serve humans who will shoot you when they tire of you, you attack without first judging your enemy, and you attack when you are outnumbered. And perhaps I should add coward to your account, because there is no honor in killing one not even HALF YOUR SIZE. He spat the last words, disgusted. You and your friend are alone and outnumbered, a couple of human lovers among so many who know better, and even if I fall there will be more to come, more to fight, more to kill, until at last you lie dead. But I will not waste anymore breath, for I know you will not listen. And he squared his shoulders. Attack, if you will, if you dare.

Frostfur

She growledat the words. He circled him.
[Just be quiet]
She snarled. Now Frostfur tried to attack him on his shoulders.

Azhlin

Azhlin wasted no more on words, and let her have the right shoulder as she came at him, wincing a little as her teeth ground through his flesh. Ignoring the pain and bracing himself against her weight, he turned in upon himself as he had been taught and gave a small leap, lunging for the back of her nape, at the same time tearing the shoulder from her grasp. Her fangs left a gash in the shoulder that keened and stung, but no main arteries were hit and so the blood loss was minimal.

Frostfur

She spun around, but Azhilin still ripped her flesh. Frostfur growled in a little pain, but she also ignpred it. She felt better, at least she wasn't leaping at two or three wolves. She lunged onbe more but this time at his hindquarters.

Azhlin

Azhlin stepped forward, dodging the attack, but soon tucked the injured foot under and reared up, balanced on his front legs alone, the right foot sent flying straight for her face. Varik had taught him that move, and it was one that had always surprised his opponent. After driving that foot back, hopefully into her face, he spun around, leaping up and aiming to catch hold of her maw and hopefully push her back.

Frostfur

As Azhilin wished, his leg did hit her face. She shook her head quickly and finished just on time to dodge his attack. She growled and lunged once more, but this time at his cage, hoping to back him up and give him a little shock, which would have to take a minute to recover.

Whisper

The huntress let a low growl echo from her vocals, for even she believed it was unfair to attack a pup. Even if she were to find a farm dg with pups, she would choose to raise them as her own rather than to kill them off. Whispers actions however, did not reflect her feelings. She did not rush out in an attempted to protect the pup. Instead one ped took a step forward, eyes locked on the combat, glancing to Azhilin for a request to assist if he so required.

Azhlin

Azhlin caught Whisper's action, and met her eyes with his own, the blue orbs saying, Not yet. I'll teach this daemoness to underestimate me!

However, his momentary concentration upon Whisper had let his guard down, and he hopped back reflexively as he felt fangs slice his side. Growling his fury quietly, he twisted his hind end away from Frostfur and tucked his vitals under carefully, making sure she would not land an attack on those sensitive areas. The strain was beginning to show a little, for she was almost twice his weight, and if it came down to it, she could defeat him unless he had an incredible stroke of luck.

But the fine sheen of sweat on his brow went unnoticed as he watched her, awaiting her next attack. He had the trump card: if he fell, Whisper would finish off this disrespectful fae.

Azhlin

Azhlin wiped his muzzle against the ground and rolled a bit to get rid of all the blood, lookign up to Whisper.

Teach her to mess with me, won't I? And he flashed a bloody grin, proud to have shown that annoying female up.

Whisper

The grey huntress let a sly smile hold on her features, padding towards the pup. A light chuckled fell as he spoke, head shaking lightly. "Be greatful her skills were weak, Azhlin. You may be skilled, but skills will not always save you when size is not on your side" Her tones were spoken not in mockery, but like a wise wolf would speak. She knew it could easily be assumed that she called him foolish, although her words were only in an attempt to keep his ego from rising too high. She had seen the problem first hand, and Taijya had almost payed with her life.

Azhlin

Azhlin quieted slowly, nodding, seeing the wisdom in her words. Still, he spoke again, stubbornly. I'm still growing, yet. I'll get bigger, and then I'll have the size and the skills. Haha! Varik'd be proud if he could see.... And he trailed off, for Varik had been an ally, almost a friend. Shaking his head to dismiss such thought, he spoke up again. Anyway... where to next?