29 Fall 519 AV
Word of the fires had spread as a danger warning to all Inarta and Dash kept this in the front of his mind as he double-checked the strap on his quiver. Large hands and fingers fumbled at the catchings in his anticipation of an outing and he dropped an arrow. Dash frowned at his ineptitude of human form. He would change later to make it easier. He didn't like being fettered with extras but it made sense if he were to be a good provider in his pack.
He took a chime to gather his composure and scrutinize his gear in an attempt to be calmer. Dash adjusted his Sontav a bit and put in two meal rations into the backpack just in case.
The sun would be up soon and one of the best times to hunt was rapidly approaching. He needed to stop messing around in human form already and get things done. Despite eating breakfast a short while ago, he was hungry. Just before leaving for the warrens, he paused and took in everything he could. He opened his mouth slightly, aiding his already powerful scenting ability and let his sharp gaze adjust to different lighting. A few stinking Deks were replacing lights and cleaning some of the rooms. Dash's nose didn't consider their body odor a good or bad scent, but rather a weak or strong one. Being able to identify scents was a source of pride and very few things were a truly 'bad' smell. Once the Deks moved far enough away not to notice him, the slim man crossed the threshold with everything ready to go.
The inner warrens were comforting and he instantly responded to the appeal of an age old denning instinct. The scents whirled around him as the air reacted to his abrupt passage. People's bodies and breath, ancient stone, packed down dirt, clothing dye, perfume, hot glass, tantalizing bits of food, the pure smell of Wind Eagle and many other odors combined to give it the smell of home. An odd wisp of something spidery had his pupils dilating in wariness for a moment. That Symenos they let in. His nostrils flared at the thought of the poisonous predator within their midst and he sped up to get away from it.
Myriad voices echoed off the walls and bent around corners, sounds chasing each other through uneven ceilings and whispering back with the susurrus of his own bryda moving against his long legs. The young Kelvic listened to the sound of his lengthening stride and he nodded to himself as he neared the exit.
The first hint of sun rose in muted wet colors and the air was tinged with rain and smoke from wild fires nearby. It was raining again, a soft drizzle that slowly soaked everything like a wet blanket. A few gulls screeched a greeting to the Terns and Dash's keen eyes drifted upwards. To be able to fly! He loved running but only because it was as close to flying as he could get.
The birds dipped and glided while still more were trying to ride the thermals above the cloud cover. He watched in admiration as one of them dove so fast he could barely follow it. With wings tightly folded back to the body, it was a beautiful and deadly arrow aiming at a large fish below the bay's surface. A tic later, it soared out of the water, holding its prey with sharp talons and proud head held high. The falcon yelled defiantly at any bird that dare even look in its direction and it flew too high to follow.
'Now that's a strong hunter.' he thought to himself.
The soaking wet sea breeze tried to clear the air of the smoky smell and it really did a fine job with the gusts of air. A quick burst of wind slammed into his face and Dash paused for a long moment, raising his face into the blast. Even in human form, he enjoyed few things more than fresh air laden with a myriad of natural smells. He focused intense yellow eyes at the cloudy sunrise, and pierced the wet, gloomy looking morning. The increasing rain didn't dampen his enthusiasm for hunting even a little.
Dash headed on to his favorite starting spot, trying to decide whether or not to change forms. Sitting quietly, he waited and watched anything around him that moved. The rain ran over him unheeded as he continued his vigilance. People came out to hunt and not everyone could find a partner right away. He was patient and knew one would show up eventually. Adapt and overcome. He watched closely as a couple hunters started their day. Their clothing showed an Avora and a Chiet. Inclining postures gave evidence that they shared an intimate relationship. The rain masked most of their scents and that irritated him a little. He liked being able to smell things. Dash's mind drifted to the necessity of human contact. He couldn't just rush out alone, nor could he just waste the day when hunting was necessary. And he was sure hungry enough to make hunting a priority even without the goad of pride.
First checking the wind direction, the red wolf Kelvic climbed up the large rock, hoping for a better view. The rain pattered down, making a comforting sound but it did worry him that hearing prey would be harder. Rain dripped off the end of his nose and Dash's stomach growled obnoxiously, increasing his urgency to a higher degree. He wanted to change forms but it wasn't practical until he could join a human that depended on speaking words. It also rendered him unable to speak. It made him faster and his senses sharper, but still not enough to ever go solo out in the forest. Stoically, he waited, knowing from every other hunt, that at least half a dozen would leave looking for a hunting partner or two.
Word Count: 996