their island had been too short for this running, and agrippina was immediately aware of her shortcomings. yet oberon's exultation was her own -- she was swept in their lunging bite, in the cascade of shale into snow and the rocks which bounded down the mountainside.
the danger! her face was lit from within, a wholly unhealthy glow that put her to memory of those murders which had brought she and her mother to the island.
and now, now agrippina, daughter of an exile, cut off from the noble blood which had razed that same name from its tree -- yes. she had what she wanted in her grasp.
her mouth filled with rams-blood.

The pair of wolves, so beautifully synchronized in their movements, collided with the ram down rocks and snowy ground. But they would not fall to their deaths on this night. The evening then went nearly into complete darkness, shadowing the blood that spilled over the predators and covered the body of their prey. It was over in an instant, as they toppled over their victim.

Teeth cut into veins and important arteries, muscles and lungs damaged. It wasn't before long when the ram would stop its last breath. Yet it put up a good fight, leaving a scratch from its horn across Oberon's left cheek. Not enough to scar, but enough that it would bruise the next day. Panting heavily, he went to drag the creature to a safer spot. Bright blues looked back to make sure that his fellow packmate was with him.

it was over in an iota of time. it was past in an eon. agrippina, stunned, filled with adrenaline, turned her reddened face toward oberon. her smile was stained with blood when she offered it. good kill, said the roman in a breathless way. hunger was present, of course; wanting to taste the fruit of her labor.
but more than that, she was hopelessly aware of oberon, and wondered what he had made of her efforts.
had they been enough? was he impressed? agrippina chided herself for such a stupid, girlish thought.
and yet --

The hunt was over without too much trouble, with both wolves now relishing in their success. Oberon was tearing into their meal with an almost polite gusto, eating his fill while Agrippina ate how much she wanted. The red wolf's gaze was not lost on him however. Like a blaze of heat hitting all over his body, she seemed to almost admire him, as if seeking out his approval or attention.

You are quite skilled with ram. Good work. All business this man was, nearly incapable of feeling sexual attraction or worse, emotional attachment for the time being. The threat of loss was too much, so distance was crucial. But no one needed to know. Just something that was a fact of life for the dark knight.

this compliment scorched her cheekbones, racing like wildfire. for all her poise, agrippina remained woefully unable of how to take such words. and from someone skilled as oberon. but her upbringing had taught her that she was not only worthy of praise, she was entitled to it through breeding and bloodline.
in practice, however, the roman found herself genuinely grateful for oberon's thoughtfulness. do you think you will take me hunting again, then?
it had been something irresistible to ask, and despite her own embarrassment, agrippina waited tensely for his answer.

The affections and attractions Agrippina was showing to him had been partially lost on the dark night. Oberon had noticed that she had taken some kind of interest in him, though decided to keep himself closed off for the time being. The less someone was attached, the less pain could be caused. But there was no harm in letting her join on hunts. Right?

You are a very talented hunter. I would be most appreciative if you did come along. Maybe we can set up a scouting later. Just to see if anything is left out there in the tundra. Winter has taken its toll after all. The gruff man continued to eat what was left of his meal, deciding to let her take what ever else she wanted. The rest of it, if any was left, would go back to the pack's cache. One step at a time for Oberon in his new home.

too true. i would be pleased to go with you, oberon, agrippina said quietly, and meant such. the mountain still held many mysteries for her -- to have one at her side would make the knowing easier.
and she needed, very much, to learn hunting. all here knew the ridges and craglines of northfall. she must climb them as well, become surefooted.
trying to eat daintily proved difficult, and so soon the roman threw aside propriety to gorge herself in truth, amazed at how good a meal tasted when you had hunted it yourself. how had oberon learned to hunt? or rather, who had taught him? had he come to know these things on his own?
very talented, he had said, and the pleasure of that did not leave her expression.

A small pleased smile appeared on Oberon, another rare feat. He was glad that his companion took the compliment well, even going as far to want to scout and explore more of the terrain with him. The red wolf had much to offer it seemed. Eyes grew a bit bigger as she went from eating like a princess, to gorging like a wild animal.

Somehow it stirred something in him, happy to see that not all women were fussy and dependent damsels. No, this one was different. How different though would have to be further explored. How about we bring some of this back? I'm sure the Queen would be most grateful for our efforts. The pack is steadily growing, so it could use all the food we can find. That is if any of this kill would make it past their hunger at all.