Calvaria Zass

The Hunt of Calvaria and Murk

The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden light over the forest as Calvaria and his older brother Murk made their way through the dense underbrush. The air was cool and smelled faintly of pine and damp earth, a reminder that autumn was creeping closer.

The two wolves had been out all day, but they were determined to bring back something to the pack—something worthy of their efforts. Calvaria, the confident silver-brown wolf with slight purple hues in his pelt, walked with purpose, his eyes sharp as he scanned the forest floor. His long, lean body was built for quick, efficient movements, and his silvery fur blended seamlessly with the shadows. He was always calm under pressure, and his confidence was evident in the way he carried himself.

Behind him, Murk, his older brother, followed closely. Murk was a wolf of darker shades—browns and grays that made him look almost like the very earth beneath them. His fur was thick and his body broad, built for strength, but his true power lay in his commanding presence. He had a way of taking charge, and while Calvaria had more of the charm, Murk was the one who inspired respect from their pack.

"You're getting slower in your old age, Murk," Calvaria teased, a smirk on his face as he glanced over his shoulder.

Murk grunted in response, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "You're getting cockier, Calvaria. Can't blame me for needing a break." He trotted to catch up, his paws pressing into the ground with force.

The two brothers had always been close, their bond forged in years of shared challenges and victories. But there was always a lighthearted edge to their relationship—especially when Calvaria couldn't resist teasing Murk. It was their way of staying grounded in the harshness of their world.

Ahead of them, the forest grew quiet. The usual chorus of birds and small creatures had faded, and the only sound now was the crunch of leaves under their paws. Calvaria's ears perked up as he heard the telltale rustle of an animal nearby. A scent reached his nose—a deer, fresh and nervous.

Calvaria motioned with his tail, signaling for Murk to follow him. The two wolves crept forward, their movements practiced and fluid. They had hunted together countless times, and their bond was as evident in the chase as it was in their everyday lives.

"We can take it down quickly if we do this right," Calvaria whispered, his silver eyes glinting in the fading light.

"Keep your head cool, little brother. This isn't a race," Murk grumbled, but the smile on his face betrayed his words. Murk might have preferred a more strategic approach, but he was still eager for the thrill of the hunt.

The two wolves moved into position, surrounding the deer from either side. The wind was in their favor, masking their scent as they crept closer. The deer, unaware of the impending danger, grazed peacefully in the clearing. It would be over soon, Calvaria knew.

Murk glanced at Calvaria, giving a subtle nod. It was time. With a sudden burst of energy, the two wolves lunged at once, a coordinated assault. The deer bolted, but it wasn't fast enough. Murk's powerful jaws snapped around the deer's leg, slowing it down, while Calvaria darted in, his lean body zipping past Murk to sink his teeth into the deer's neck.

The deer struggled fiercely, its powerful legs kicking at the wolves, but it was too late. With a final, coordinated push, Calvaria and Murk brought it to the ground. They stood over their prey, panting heavily, their chests heaving with the effort.

Murk gave a satisfied grunt as he stepped back, allowing Calvaria to take the lead. "Nice work, kid. Not bad for someone who can't keep their mouth shut."

Calvaria's grin widened, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. "You weren't too bad yourself, Murk," he said with a quiet respect. "I'll take the first bite."

Murk huffed in mock annoyance. "You always do. But I'll get mine."

As the brothers began to feast on their catch, Bear and Roost arrived, having tracked the scent of the hunt to its source. The two wolves had been on a separate patrol but had caught wind of the kill and decided to help.

"Looks like you two did all the hard work," Bear said with a chuckle, his dark eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Despite being one of the strongest wolves in the pack, Bear's confidence had always been tempered by his own weaknesses. But it didn't stop him from joining the fun.

Roost, the amiable silver wolf with red markings, followed behind, his white eyes alight with quiet enthusiasm. "We'll take the leftovers," Roost said with a grin, already eyeing the remains of the deer.

Calvaria's tail swished in amusement as he stepped aside to let them have their share. "You two always come in late, don't you? You sure you want to wait for the scraps?"

Bear rolled his eyes, while Roost gave a good-natured laugh. "We're not picky," Roost said, his tone as cheerful as ever.

As the pack members gathered around the kill, the air filled with the sounds of contentment and camaraderie. Murk and Calvaria exchanged a brief look, both of them silently agreeing that this hunt would be one to remember. It wasn't just the successful kill that made it special—it was the connection they had with each other, with their pack.

The moon was rising higher, casting a silver glow over the forest as they shared the fruits of their labor. And for a moment, Calvaria felt a deep sense of peace—knowing that, no matter where their paths led, they would always be together in moments like this.