[OPEN] Hunting while watching people work is fun

[Daemon]

Spring Day 47, 512

It was one of the warmer days. Everyone could feel the warm breezes telling everyone who were willing to listen, that summer was on the way. At the orchards, people was starting to work, it was early in the day. The sun were slowly risen, and there were a light, humoured mood.
A small boy went out of the city gates, on his way to the orchard. Daemon stopped at the Bluevein River just before him and looked over the water. He did enjoy casual swimming. Swiftly he left his clothes at the bank of the river in a small bag behind a bush and jumped towards the water with his head first.
He closed his eyes and when he opened them again, he was under the water. Instead of small, thin arms he now had big, fluffy paws. Although they were wet now,so not so fluffy. He swam to the surface and began to swim against the current. He swam to the opposite site and got up on land.
Happy and satisfied, he shook his cub body to get rid of most of the water. With a playful attitude he jump on the grass and started to roll around on his back. He stopped after a couple of minutes and was now laying on his belly.

With a highly superior gaze in his blue eyes, he started licked his paws clean, while he watched the hard working people.

[Kadrath Onktaka]

At seven feet tall, 220 lbs, Kadrath was average height for Riverfall men. His dark indigo skin gleamed in the sunlight as he walked with his two hunting dogs and hunting cat. Fidens, was massive in size as was his pup, Rock. Chain the spotted cheetah like hunting cat was the same age and size as Rock; about the size of a half grown tiger cub.

Every few strides, he'd throw out a delicious chicken scented marker to get the hunting cat to practice pouncing on command. Cats were so much harder to train than dogs, but at least they were smarter in their own way.

Fidens


Rock and Chain

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)

[Daemon]

Daemon was done cleaning his paws and he was slowly going to sleep, when a delicious scent reached his nose. He opened his eyes widely and took in a deep breath. It was too much to resist for the cub, and he got up on his feets and held his head high in the air to catch the scent even further.
He couldn't see the cause of the smell, but he could smell where is was. Intriged he slowly started to walk towards the scent. From a total relaxed body, he was not alert, on the move and had his hunting approach on.

It was not the first time he had hunted. He had killing many animals, usually rabbits though. He found the rabbits tasty and easier to catch. He was still very clumsy, but he liked every hunt. It was like a thrilling adventure from start to beginning, featuring only him and his prey. He heard some noise not far away but he tried very hard not to be distracted. It didn't work though, especially because of all the scents that hit him at once. Multiply animals and a person.

Daemon stopped his hunting frenzy and was surprised to see a tall blue figure appear. And with two dogs and a cheetah by his side. Immediately he felt himself in a dangerous situation, being outnumbered. Luckily for him, two of the mans pets were the same size as him. He then decided not to run but to be as bulky as possible untill he had the situation under control. Therefor he streched his hole body into the air to look bigger. He made himself look intimedating by slighty showing his string of teeth. And finally he snarled at the newcomers.

[Kadrath Onktaka]

Fidens placed himself directly between Rath and the cub, giving a low, deep MOOF! The pup and kit stopped abruptly and stared wide-eyed at the strange animal in their midst. It smelled of dangerous predator--and looked like a scared little cub.

Rath put a calm hand on Fidens' head to silence him and told Rock and chain
"Hush. Don't scare it. It's just a baby."

He watched the young cub fluff up and out in typical cat fashion, showing his tiny, pearl-like string of milk teeth and humor twinkled in Rath's icy blue eyes. Chain hissed and lashed her tail, but stood as still as she was told.

"Did you smell the training bait little one?" Rath asked in a calming voice. The fuzzy little cub couldn't be more than a season old and he didn't want to startle it any further. Slowly he reached into his training sack and pulled out some stringy bird meat that was highly scented--especially irresistible to cats. The dogs found it mildly interesting but this was purely for cat's choice. He gave a small bit to Chain who refused it and continued to stare at the cub. Shrugging, he gently tossed a fair sized chunk of meat to the cub and watched his ears, tail and facial expression.

"Would you like a snack baby kit? You have some nice markings. Would you like to smooth that nice coat and let me see you?" Rath's voice was calm and inviting, as his eyes wandered over the beautifully marked tiger cub.

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)

[Daemon]

Daemon was so alert, that he was surpriced on the blue mans reaction. But he kept an eye, especially on the cheetah. He never trusted these. They were wild and unpredictable. Two dangerous traits. Apparently, the blue man had control over the beast and Deamon looked at him instead.

He was darker blue than others he had seen. His small blue eyes looked straight at Daemon, measuring him, but with a kindness in them. He seemed a bit small for a Akalak, but not much. Daemon wasn't sure what to made of him, so he was extra confused when something delicious came his way. He jumped back a foot or two and growled, only because he got a scare. Then the scent reached his nose and immediatly, his mouth began to water. He forgot all about the others and excited throw himself at the chunk of meat.

The heavenly gaze in his bright blue eyes were supported by his big round ears laying flat on his head, his coat smoothed and his tail wagging from side to side because of pure welness.

[Kadrath Onktaka]

Kadrath tried not to laugh out loud at the cute little kitten's snarl. With a complete cub-like lack of impulse control, he pounced on the bit of delectable flesh. Rath noted the fur smoothing down and the ears moved sideways, showing the tiger baby's enraptured eating.

"You look to be about two seasons now that you're not all ruffled up. What's a little thing like you doing out here all alone? There are a few rogue Glassbeaks in this area."

The Akontak male pointed an index finger at the ground and Fidens, Rock and Chain lay down simultaneously. Chain hesitated for half a chime in rebellion, not wanting to show any sign of submission to another cat--especially a male. The pup, Rock wagged his furry tail at the cub, but stayed laying down with his front paws stretched out.

As if jealous that a strange cat ate before her, Chain decided to finally eat Rath's earlier chicken offering with exaggerated relish. One would swear she was trying to make the other cat jealous with how much better -her- chicken tasted.

"You're a fine, handsome little tiger now that I can see you better." His glance was almost an affectionate pat as he looked over the gorgeous striped markings and thick tawny coat. Kadrath hoped the beautiful cub would come with him.

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)

[Daemon]

Daemon was eating. He had a hard time concentration on doing other things meanwhile. Especially listening. But he tried to listen to Kadrath. Glassbeaks? He did not know, what that was. But it did not sound that scary. The tiger stopped eating for a second and lifted his head up, when the three animals laid down at once. Had the tall blue guy told them to do that? With his finger? Daemon was impressed. It occured to him that this guy might be a trainer of some sort. Daemon hissed at the cheetah with a naugthy expression, very pleased with himself. He ate the rest of the meat and looked at the dog pup. It was wagging. Daemon had never had a problm with dogs. He bashed his tail from side to side to try and immitate the motion. He then noticed the cheetah started eating. The look it gave him. He sent her a low growl. His attention was then acquired by Kadrath. Handsome? Well, he guess he were. Because Daemon liked the way the tall man looked at him, he stood up and purred, showing signs to welcome the stranger to come closer if he wanted.

[Kadrath Onktaka]

When the cub modeled Rock's behavior Rath realized the cub was about half the age he originally thought. If it was trying to copy a behavior from an opposite species he was the perfect age to train just like Chain! He closed one hand to a relaxed fist over Rock's head and the pup sat up in response.

That was a smart little tiger to watch his hands so closely--and confident to challenge a -female- feline. Against his will, he felt himself drawn to the cub's intelligence and striking good looks; not to mention the charming cub antics.

When Daemon lashed his little tail back and forth without curling the tip, he knew it was copying behavior not irritation. For such a young thing, it had good pouncing skills! Rath made a mental note to check if there were any tiger scrolls at the library later.

As the fat little fuzzy tiger cub stood on chubby paws, the Akontak smiled. It was as if it were answering to the word 'handsome.' The kit's upright but relaxed posture and rumbling purr showed his confidence and trust of the Akontak.

He put out his hand in a stop motion to the three animals, gesturing for them to stay put. Rath took a couple steps toward Daemon, then sat on the ground to not appear threatening. He reached out a hand, palm up for the cub to sniff, knowing it still smelled of the delicious chicken he'd handled earlier.

"Hey there Handsome. Yea, that's what I'm calling you handsome little cub. You have blue eyes just like mine! Come on over here and get some nice behind the ears scratching."

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)

[Daemon]

His eyes followed the blue man carefully. Even though he felt safe, he could be betrayed by his own instinct. He saw again how Rath had full control over the animals, telling them to stay back while he went forward and sat down on the ground. Daemon tilthed his head and glanced at the hand reaching out towards him. Curious, he took a couple of clumsy steps forward, and at a safe distance he sniffed to the hand. The scent of chicken was strong, and in a peer reflex he bit Raths hand. Almost instant he could taste, that this was indeed not chicken, but some other flesh, something that did not taste good. Only biting the hand in a couple of seconds he let go. The smell of blood made his nostrils vibrate, and he looked down at the hand. A small drop of blood was shown, making his eyes go estatic. He let out a grunt, surprised that he had done this. This was not his intention. He could feel the attention he suddenly got from the other animals and it made him feel anxious. Suddenly scared he backed away from Rath, pulled his lips back and showed his teeth. He hold his tail low, it started getting occasional twitches. Becoming more anxious he started to walk from one side to the other, he wanted to be nice, but the blood got him all excited. He started to moan, and generally just expressing confusion and wildness.

[Kadrath Onktaka]

Rath watched the cat walk forward on large, unsteady paws and wondered at its true age. The teeth had him thinking the cub should still be nursing, but that pounce said he might be older.

A sudden clamp of huge, two inch incisors bit down hard on his hand and he exclaimed,

"Ouch! Hey Handsome, that's me you're chomping on!"

The unhappy noises and side to side motion showed the tiger cub's confusion and inner conflict and the Akontak wished he could comfort him. Rath stopped smiling (on the outside) to not show his teeth, and spoke soothingly,

"It's strange, I know. Chain bit my fingers lots of times while she was weaning too. Was that your first bite of real big boy blood? It's a good predatory taste isn't it Handsome?"

He didn't know as much about tigers as he wanted to, but he knew big hunting cats in general. This cub was transitioning to young adult so his first few tastes of blood would be the drive that needed harnessing to become a crafty and efficient hunting machine.

'Such an expressive tiger cub! He's much too young to be away from his mother and needs looking after. Poor thing can't distinguish friend from threat or prey yet.'He thought.

Something both strong and fiercely protective tugged at him, and his heart went out to the beautiful tiger baby. Uruk wracked his memories for all he knew of big cats. They made a hunga hunga sound when they were pleased, but that wasn't what he needed right now. Aha! A prusten call was used to greet cubs and family members with a soothing sound! He'd heard the strange almost sneezing/coughing sound but reproducing it would be difficult.

Rath snorted a couple times, almost sounding like he was coughing through his nose, and would appear absurd to a person. The noises were a close approximation and after a few earnest tries, he finally managed a nice, calming series of prustens to reassure the snowy cub before him. When his tongue went numb and his nose ached, he had to stop. Tiger talk wasn't easy!

The tiger call would help, but he needed to treat the cub as he had Chain when he first got her. There was a huge size difference, but it was the same principle behind it. As big and sharp toothed as the young cub was, he was outright scared and needed comfort. Thankfully, he -did- know what to do now.

He took out the large grooming brush from his pocket, dribbled a little water on it, and rubbed his own personal scent onto the bristles to 'mark' it. The next part would be a wrestling match at first, but once the cub recognized Rath's actions, the handsome tiger cub would be a lot happier. It never occurred to him that this was a Kelvic and for all intents and purposes, looked like a tiger cub, and that was how he treated Daemon.

The Akontak moved to all fours with the self-scented brush in one hand and stalked forward, keeping his own matching blue eyes level with the cub's own. Suddenly, he pounced on Daemon and knelt over him to brush him strongly over his head, neck and back, like a blue human tiger mother. Only dominant family members took the initiative to groom cubs and that was exactly what Rath was attempting to do.

Grooming was socially important to cats and so was scent. Combining firm, loving brushing with his own scent, marked the handsome cub as taken care of and being cared for. In cat talk, it meant, you're safe and I'm looking out for you.

"You're a good boy Handsome. Don't be afraid anymore. I'm here and you're safe now." Rath brushed the gorgeous tiger cub, with long, soothing strokes of the brush.

(When Rath speaks and when Uruk speaks.)