The Hunt Begins

[Mozrogg]

His skin was slick with sweat, tiny beads of water glistening in the moonlight as his heart raced, his head pounding as he arched his head up to the moon. His ears twitching and his nose wrinkled as if his senses were heightened, the crunch of footsteps through the undergrowth, the cracking of twigs, the subtle sound of water falling over rocks. His hair stood at attention, hyper-sensitive as he surveyed the surroundings, his bounding run avoiding root and lowlying branch as he ran... and ran.
The orc snarled and snapped, his jaw hanging low as saliva dripped down his chin, his tongue lapping at his lips, eyes poised, wild, feral.

"Embrace it, we are watching, ever watching. The eyes of the beast are upon you." He snarled once more, shaking his head as the voice filled his mind.

The dense woodland came to a halt, a clearing in the middle of the labyrinth of twisting trees. A rocky outcropping in which a light stream trickled down, above there it sat, perched upon it's haunches, it's dripping maw salivating, hungry, it howled to the moon.
The orc paced around, his hands sinking into the mud as he sniffed and snorted, taking in the beasts' scent, their eyes met, the oxblood of the orcs' locked with the dark pits that sat deep in the beasts' skull before only darkness..

The orc jolted upright, panting and breathing heavily, exhausted as his heart heaved inside his chest, the metallic tang of blood filled his mouth as he ran his tongue along the inside, sweat cascading down his body, his weary eyes squinting some-what as he scanned his surroundings. Back in his furs, his legs tangled and twisted within as the wetness of his skin made it easy for the covers to stick to his flesh. He grunted hoarsely, peering down as there lay a heavily pregnant orc clutching his chest, clinging tightly to his form, almost unnoticed due to the bundle of furs she lay beneath, she grunted softly, pulling his own arm around her, he breathed a heavy sigh of relief, resting his head once more against hers as he allow sleep to take him once more.

Softly he muttered. "Hrm.. At least this be no dream.."

[Mozrogg]

The soft mud squelched through his fingers, his palms grasping at the sodden earth as his legs propelled him forward, lunging like a beast possessed. Jaw slack and slavering, saliva and blood dripping down his chin, matting his black mane of hair that draped across his chest in the form of two braids. His nose twitched, the scent of the hunt clung to his nostrils, a fresh kill. The metallic tang of warm blood filled his senses with pure primal instinct, his lips curled to reveal a set of yellowed fangs, jaws snapping shut as he lunged along the woodland, more beast than orc.

His body twisted and convulsed, no longer a mass of green muscle, his body transformed, that which once made up his limbs were now claw and fur, his body taking the shape of a jet black shadow, his face now elongated into the muzzle of a great beast, no longer was he the one to watch the beast atop the rocky outcropping he was at one with it. A primal force awakened within, his vision keen, his senses sharp and his hunger insatiable, he continued to race through the gnarled trees.

Soon the grass and earth gave way before him, transforming into a humid jungle, the air thick as he squinted his eyes, breath heavy in his throat as he panted, his lips frothing as his tongue lap at the surrounding scent.

Onwards he went, through the undergrowth, root and thorn alike snapping at his heels, deep lacerations began to pepper his black mane with a hew of red. A guttural growl resonated throughout his body as he snarled, paying no heed to the blood as he forged ahead until the land once more gave way, expanding into a vaste wasteland of ice and snow.

The wind battered his muzzle, the tips of his fur forming into icicles, the pads of his paw began to crack. Frozen and bloodied as he laboured on in vain. He snarled lowly, throwing back his head and howling at the sky once more before curling into a ball as the snow buffeted his form.

Darkness once more.

[Rhonya]

So curious where this will end up eventually!

[Mozrogg]

The coniferious forest rose tall and proud, stalwart as their hardy roots anchored deep in the earth, the sun shone through their sparse needles as shafts of light dotted the forest floor in it's warm morning's glow, illuminating the frost beneath. The land was in the midst of winter's chill, there seemed to be little explanation as to why the storms did not rage so furiously here, perhaps the mountains blocked all but the harshest of winds, or perhaps the canopy itself absorbed the brunt of the snowfall. One thing was for sure, these trees had stood for an age, and long would they continue to stand long before any mere mortals bones had returned to the earth.

He never bothered himself with such thoughts of trees, to him they merely served as a good scratching post upon his way to find breakfast. His heavy paws trudged through the undergrowth, causing a satisfying crunch as his claws curled upon the earth, breaking through the thin layer of frost that had settled in the night. His eyes squinted and heavy, still filled with sleep as his ragged fur dragged along the ground, shaggy and thick in appearance as he lazily strolled without worry, his short snout wrinkling as he lapped at his nostril with a winding tongue, ears twitching to the sounds of the forest awakening. He used his snout as a shovel, brushing aside some of the heavier mounds of snow as he emitted a guttural grunt, snow collecting upon the tip of his snout as he pawed at the cold clumsily before finally reaching his favoured location. A wide stream that slowly rolled into a gentle waterfall, outcropped by rocks and the like. An easy fishing spot.

His face reflected upon the water's surface, grizzled in appearance, his snout short and thick against his face, ears short too. Fluffy and gnarled in appearance, one appeared to be missing a chunk as his eyes sat deep in his skull, two orbs of dull oxblood that scanned beneath the surface as gentle ripples ebbed and flowed. He shook his thick neck, snorting as he waited, muscled and nestled between a mass of hulking fur and fat that connect to the base of his shoulders.

Patiently he waited, a word not commonly used to describe him, but he sat, his tongue darting about his mouth, savouring the meal to come as his nose edged ever closer to the water.

Like lightning he struck, his compact head breaking the water's pristine surface as he lunged forth before plucking out a thick, writhing fish between his jaws, he snorted in satisfaction as his lips curled up around his fangs in what could only be described as a crooked smile. With his quarry locked firmly between his jaws he trudged back along the path he came, his claws digging into the earth as the slightest hint of a shiver travelled down his spine as the sun once more disappeared behind the mountains.

The orc jolted awake, groggy and dazed as his head smacked against the snow roof that covered them, a tiny avalanche of soft flakes floated down upon his face as he grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck with a sigh. His frown was washed away almost immediately as he rubbed his weary eyes, glancing at the form of his cat cradled around a tiny bundle of furs, a tendril of drool running from her mouth, both of them, dead to the world. An instinctive smile crept upon his lips as he simply nestled back down in the mound of snow and furs, curling his body around hers.

[Mozrogg]

Call of the Wild

The journey had taken it's toll, his chest heaved under the pressure, his breath hoarse and raspy as the altitude made it a chore to breathe. The events of recent weeks had ravaged his mind and body, fragile and weary as he trudged forth, his usually confident stride replaced by a laboured walk, dragging himself along, he could not give up though, not now, he had come to far, risked too much to turn tail and run. The rich forest gave way once more as the howling winds cut to the bone, no longer was he sheltered within the forest. At the mercy of the elements.

He bundles the furs up tighter arouns his neck as the wind whipped his heavily lined cloak into a frenzy, his eyes pulled into a tight squint as his brow furrowed, as if a serpent's tail lashed across his face, a guttural snarl escaped his lips. A thin layer of ice began to collect on the hairs of his eyebrows, forming icicles, his shoulders caked in a thick layer of snow as he began his ascent up the peak, rolling his shoulders with a grunt as he continued to trudge along the mountain pass, heavy boot crunching through the freshly laid snow with every step.

Ghrm... Be amazed t'find any life up 'ere anyway..

He shielded his eyes from the wind's relentless torment, scouring the horizon as the mountains gave way to reveal a snow-clad landscape, he nodded to himself as he settled down beneath a rocky outcropping that hung precariously over the mountain.

His form was clad in heavy furs and plate, shuffling uncomfortably under their strain, his body had grown weaker and weaker, almost unable to carry his full garb, he cradled his arms frantically around his chest, as he rocked back and forth.

Against the odds he'd managed to spark life into but the smallest of flames, huddled around the embers of a pitiful fire as he desperately tried to warm his body and spirit. All alone at the roof of the world.

He sighed heavily, his breath visible on the wind. Short and dry as he crumbled down into a heap, trying to get as comfortable as best he could, his frame leaving a deep impression within the snow as he grunted once more. He shook his head vigorously as he breathed deep, relaxing his shoulders as his eyes began to close. It took all of his concentration to push all other distractions out of his mind, the howling wind but a mere memory now as he remained still. The faintest layer of snow began to settle upon his form, crystalline flakes melting as the trickles of water began to dampen his furs.

Upon the surface the tundra seemed dead, the eery silence but for the wind's cry, the land of the dead there was not a stir, but for a shadow upon the mountain-side and the flickering light of a fading fire.

The orc sat still for what seemed like hours, his once green skin now a pale shade of blue as his lips frosted over, eyes tightly shut as a thin veil of ice covered his features. After what seemed like an eternity the darkness burst into life.

The beasts' tongue lapped at it's gaping jaws, running along the roof of his mouth, as if inspecting it's fangs for any damage, locking his teeth before rolling his lower jaw with a guttural growl.

He no longer felt the ties to civilisation, stripped back to his bare essentials, running only on instinct, his fur a matted shade of black, sickle like claws protruding from his paws, his fur heavy and wet with the droplets of snow as he reached out his front longs so that his back arched into a satisfying click.

Suddenly his ears twitched, the tiny hairs inside the canal vibrated as his nose wrinkled, lips curling to reveal a set of discoloured fangs, snapping his jaw before setting off for his quarry.

A bundle of fur, wide eyed in panic as the beast descended, eager jaws awaiting the meal to come, slobbering as they snapped at the rabbit's bounding form, it scuttled under tree root and rock alike to avoid it's certain fate. Finally his jaws locked around the writhing fur, it's bones and fat crunching satisfyingly between the wolf's jaws, the rabbit hanging limp now, it's leg lazily kicking as the life drained away. His teeth tore into it's back, ripping it asunder as the tip of his snout was covered in a thick warm burst of red against the snow-white backdrop, his fur matted. He curled his tongue to lightly lick along the edge of his lip, he threw his head back in a howl, spine on edge as the fur along his back stood to attention.

From the trees emerged more shadows, the outline of a large wolf, her mouth snapping hungrily as the scent of blood filled her nostrils, wrapped around her ankles a gaggle of furry bundles, yelping and snarling softly as they greeted the great wolf, he pressed the tip of his nose against theirs, cold and wet as they eagerly lapped any remainders of blood smeared across his face. They howled in unison, a pack united as their necks arched to the moon as the tundra lay deathly quiet save for their song that echoed through the night's air upon the wind.

Their serenity was short-lived, as a hulking beast crashed through the thicket, a fury of mass and fur, it's guttural cry resonating throughout it's great form. He knew they could offer him no real challenge, especially with pups to protect, he leaned back upon his haunches, stretching out his body to reveal his great size. The short snout and compact head, stunted ears and a mass of muscle upon his shoulders and neck. He issues a warning, slamming the snow with an almighty paw, the wolves scattered, fleeing with their tail between their legs. He could chase them, he could kill them, although it would grant him little satisfaction. He merely padded up to the remains of the rabbit and devoured it's ravaged corpse whole.

He craned his neck as a growl was heard from behind him, his ears twitching as as the slight form of a wild cat slunk between his legs, red and black fur a contrast to his shaggy brown coat, she brushed her head against his legs as he leaned down his great maw and nuzzled his nose against hers, she snapped her eager fangs before running a rough tongue along the tip of his cold nose.

Once more the peace was short-lived as a majestic beast, antler's reaching to the sky as they cupped the moon between them, shimmering in the light stood before him. Chest bulging with pride as it stomped it's hooves. The great bear snorted hoarsely, it's lips frothing some-what as he bowed his head, the tiger slinking back into the shadows behind him using his thick fur as a shield.

I've been expecting you. Greetings. It pleases me that your fangs remain still, you've learnt well. The spirit of a wolf with the heart and tenacity of a bear, and yet you lay with the cat? A potent combination.

An ethereal voice penetrated his mind, swirling around his every thought as it seemed to choke them from his head.

We know much of you, son of the wolf. Though you claim our calls fall upon deaf ears, knowingly or not you've granted us offerings throughout your existance. Your clan honoured us, your tribe honoured us, you honour us and for that, I shall listen.

"Ghrm.. Listen? I thought it were you callin' t' me.."

The spirit loosed a hollow laugh before it struck swift, antlers pinned against the bears throat as it uttered it's words.

Do not be so naive. Orc. Your cries have echoed upon the wind and so you have come. We know of your deeds. You have fought many wars and slain many foes son of the wolf. The blood you spill soaks the earth, feeding our children. In death, there is life. And you have caused much death.

His frame squirmed beneath the great stag's antlers, before it allowed him a respite, he bowed his head low as his snout brushed against the cold earth.

You have learnt swiftly over the years. Knowing that there is more to life than death. Knowing when to swing the axe and when to stay your hand. Everything comes full circle eventually, such is the way of things. However there is a balance to uphold. We kill to allow our families to grow, it is the order of life.

The stag motioned towards the tiger that hunched low behind him, her ears pinned back against her head.

Do not disappoint us, orc. Kill because you must, not because you can. Our voice is one that is not heard often, to understand the true meaning of your existence, you must become one with the beast.

And with that the stag dissipated, the orcs' mind tearing away from his bestial form, pulling him back from the wilds as he returned from his slumber. His mind hazy as he shivered uncontrollably against the wind, bundling his furs up tighter as he hauled himself to an uneasy stand, as winter's chill still clung to his bones. Sapping his energy away as he wearily began to trudge back down the mountain's slope.

[Rhonya]

Yaaay, story! Good read, poor mozzy back in the cold. Kyra will have to give him many huggles when he comes back.

[Mozrogg]

He crashed to the floor, his body writhing beneath the bulk of the great beast, it's jaws snapping mere inches from his throat as it's paws tore into him, the fur of his armour heavy with blood as the battered remains of it were crushed against his skin. He gasped for air, every breath short and laboured as he tried to reposition himself to work an angle, barely holding the beast at bay, his arm propped up under it's neck, the only thing saving him from death.

He howled, a mixture of pain and rage as his eyes turned a murky shade of red, he frantically grasped about in the snow, managing to find a jagged rock, thumping it against the beasts' skull it merely seemed to anger it even more, finally he had managed to pry his blade from beneath the creature's fur and drive it deep into the bear's neck, it let out a final exasperated snort before crumbling limp atop his body, it's life force spilling out onto him, covering him in a deep crimson. Sticky from the blood and sweat he managed to squirm free from beneath the shaggy mess of fur and muscle.

A pained sigh of relief as his chest heaved, clutching it weakly as every fibre of his being ached, his skin torn and scarred. Simply another to add to the collection, he pulled his blade free, running the tip of it along his tongue before once more digging it deep into the shaggy hide, as he went to work in seperating flesh from bone.

His ears twitched, his nose wrinkled as the undergrowth rustled, a feeble whine as he turned on his heel, his blade ready and awaiting his next assailant. There was none, save for a small bundle of fur that crawled out from under the bushes, nestling it's tiny head against his felled mother. He grumbled, his brow furrowed into a deep frown as his features drained of any anger, he simply scooped up the cub before heading on his way.

"Ghrm.. Said I'd never 'ave kids again.."

[Azolg]

Moz dropping stories like he does kids here! Loving it keep it up!