The way down the cliffside was somewhat of a precarious descent - and it was one with multiple trips at points, with Anne having to help ferry the pack down trickier drops. But as they reached the bottom without incident, Ettie was eager to start examining everything she saw. The plants seemed different here, the earth beneath her feet felt different, even the air that filled her lungs felt different! Indeed, this place looked to be completely different from the biomes of 119 that she was familiar with!

But it wasn't just the differences in the landscape or climate that had caught Ettie's attention. Indeed, even the pokemon were different here - something that Ettie quickly noticed, when she caught sight of a distant group of Rhyhorn.

It was a relatively small herd all things considered - granted, perhaps a canyon like this wasn't made to support large gatherings of creatures anyhow. They were gathered towards the opposite side of the canyon, idly grazing at the grass and bushes that they could find. Nothing exciting, but it also meant they were in no rush to leave or in the midst of, say, stampeding.

Curiosity piqued, Ettie got low to the ground and prowled closer - making a point to remain downwind of the herd. She had no intentions of hunting or otherwise messing with them, but she also didn't want them to notice or be spooked by the pack. She just wanted to observe them in their natural state, just like this. "Come - slow, quiet." Wanting the pack to get in on the inaction, Ettie would whisper to them - gesturing them over as she sat down amongst some bushes.

Duchess was more than happy to settle down in Ettie's lap, whilst Princess and Ruffian were at either side - the former snuggling up to her. Anne, meanwhile, laid down on the opposite side from Ruffian - a content hue on the Lycanroc's expression.

Safe to say, Duchess and Anne both found observing the Rhyhorns to be fun - even if Duchess was wiggling in place a bit, as though she were raring to move. (Much like Ettie, Duchess had a hard time holding still - albeit perhaps to a greater degree.) Princess, however, looked more interested in getting a bit of shut-eye - yawning widely as she got comfy. And on the flipside, you had Ruffian - who grumbled, expressing some form of discontent.

Whatever it was that Ruffian said, it became clear that Anne disapproved. She would make a brief rumble in her throat in response, as she placed her paw on Ruffian's back, pushing him down into a seated position. Their gazes met for a few long moments - Ruffian clearly unhappy at being told to sit down... But the lillipup would break eye contact first, grumbling once more to himself as he settled down.

Ettie couldn't help a soft giggle at this - reaching down to pet Ruffian. "Is okay," She whispered to him, to placate the grumpy pup. "We play-fight lots later!"

With that, the pack would settle down - watching the rhyhorn herd milling about and grazing. Whilst observing the herd though, Ettie couldn't help but note the different sizes of horns that the individuals had. What were the horns for? Were they there for protection, like one's claws and fangs? Or were the horns there for something else - like display? Though Ettie lacked the vocabulary to properly word out these thoughts in her head, it was definitely something she'd have to ask Julia about, next time they run into her...

But, before too long, one of the rhyhorn - a decently large specimen - would notice the pack's presence. Turning to face them, the rhyhorn would snort - swinging his head, and stomping at the ground with a single hoof. Whether this was some sort of dominance or threat display, it was - nonetheless - a clear warning that it was time to leave. And it was a warning that Ettie would heed.

"Let's go-" Ettie barked to the rest of the pack with a bit of urgency - taking a moment to rouse Princess from her sleep, before moving on. She didn't want to see if the herd was as tough as it looked, to say the least!

Skipping the Rhyhorn

(Not sure if necessary, but CW for pokemon hunting pokemon?)

Continuing on through the open canyon - heading northwards - Ettie's next encounter would not be far. She could spy a waving tail poking out of some grass - long, black, with a tufted end. As soon as she and Anne noticed it, they'd come to a stop - curious to watch what was going on.

Which, upon closer inspection, Ettie could see that it was some feline pokemon - one with black fur and red markings. The little litten appeared to be on a hunt, slowly stalking after something unseen just beyond the foliage. Whatever her target was, the prowling fire-type would stalk closer, closer, bit by bit... Before suddenly pouncing, leaping just out of sight!

Amidst the sound of squawks, Ettie watched as a small flock of taillow scattered into the air - taking flight to escape what would otherwise be their hunter. However, a single panicked cry - that was then suddenly cut off - would imply that the litten had indeed succeeded in its hunt. Curiosity had Ettie hopping down from Anne's back to step closer and investigate - peering through the foliage.

Much as she suspected, she'd be met with the sight of the litten, standing proudly over her latest catch. However, when the feline tried to partake in her meal, she'd find herself with a mouthful of feathers - causing her to spit and splutter in distaste. Clearly, the litten was unfamiliar with hunting bird pokemon. Which, Ettie's pack didn't tend to hunt them much - but they did sometimes make good practice, for young Rockruffs still learning. As a result, the young wildchild had a better idea of what to do.

Slowly, carefully, Ettie would step through the foliage to approach. She stayed low to the ground to make herself appear smaller, and making a soft half-chuff half-bark, all to avoid spooking the litten too badly. "Ettie help?"

Which, the litten did end up startling a little - jolting back from her meal, and letting out a hiss at Ettie. But, the wildchild would remain where she was - bringing herself lower to the ground, and repeating in response, "Ettie help?"

The feline appeared skeptical at this offer - but did not stop Ettie as she carefully took the taillow, watching as the wildchild diligently plucked off the feathers, one by one. It wasn't the most pleasant work, to have to handle a dead body and get blood on her fingers; but it wasn't as if she was necessarily squeamish about the death of prey, either. She knew it happened - she'd seen it happen - and a few times, it happened at her hands. It was simply a part of life that she was adjusted to - that for one to eat, something else (be it plant or beast,) had to die.

Of the feathers, Ettie would keep the largest and most intact of them - surely they'd have a use - but the smaller feathers, and the ones broken in the struggle that had surely ensued between bird and cat, would be set aside and discarded. And with a bit of time, Ettie would finish - offering back the plucked taillow. "Here, friend."

The Litten approached slowly, gingerly - as if expecting a trap from this offer. But no attacks occured, no grabbing hands came her way. Without anyone to stop her, she was able to safely accept the bird back - picking it up in her mouth, before turning tail; disappearing into the undergrowth with something far more palatable than a mouthful of feathers.

Ettie, meanwhile, would watch that disappearing tail with a gentle smile - wiping her hands clean on her pants, carefully storing the feathers she decided to keep away in a little bag, and turning her attentions back to Anne and the rest of the pack. "Okay! Ettie done!" She called, as she climbed back onto the lycanroc's back. "Let's go!"

Skipping the Litten

Ettie had been able to see so many new pokemon here thus far - and safe to say, it was all just so exciting...! Maybe she'd have to stay here a couple days, just to see what else this route (and perhaps the desert up north?) had to offer! But, the pack's wanderings for today were not done with - at least not yet. The sun might've been starting to set, but it was not quite nighttime yet!

Especially not when another sight would eventually draw the pack's attention - a small herd of ponyta, led by a rapidash, rushing on past them! Excited by the sight, Duchess was already off - yipping with delight as she tried to keep up with the herd. Ettie couldn't help a laugh at this - reaching down to bring Princess up onto her lap, before nudging Anne with her heel. "Lets go! We run!"

And they were off - the pack running to see if they could keep up with the herd. Duchess certainly could, with her sheer speed - and with the seemingly boundless energy, she'd probably be at this for a bit! Though Anne and Ruffian both had to push themselves a little bit to not fall too far behind - both due to the lycanroc in question favoring endurance and strength over speed, and due to the lillipup in question just having short legs.

Ettie, however, couldn't help but squeal and laugh in delight as they moved, one hand holding tight onto one of Anne's spikes and the opposite arm wrapped around Princess, to ensure the Snubbull didn't fall off. "Is fun! Right Princess?"

Princess, in response, would simply hum - seeming content to just sit here and enjoy the ride, over having to try and toddle after. She liked seeing Duchess having so much fun, though - so that was pretty worth it, too.

Meanwhile, the herd was surprisingly untroubled by a pack of canines following after. Was it because of Ettie being there, implying that these were not wild pokemon? Or was it because of the odd composition of the pack, or the fact that they weren't in any typical hunting formations? It was hard to say - but either way, it seemed that a few of the equine pokemon enjoyed the prospect of an impromptu race. A couple of ponyta would fall in line alongside the pack, snorting and whinnying in delight at the fun of getting to run with new people.

And Ettie, in turn, would greet them with bright smiles. "Hello, friends!" She'd call - adding "Running fun! Pack runs with!" Duchess confirmed this with a few yips of her own, tail wagging as she slowed down a hair just to match the new pace being set.

Much of Route 111 would pass in an almost-blur, foliage and the brief sights of other local pokemon whipping by. Yet, the excitement of this race would have Ettie's heart beating in delight - it mimicked the thrill of a hunt, minus the inevitable grisly or empty-stomached ends it typically came with.

However, not every member of the pack could run forever. Despite his best efforts, Ruffian would be the first to tucker out - his little legs simply not being made for these sorts of runs yet. (Perhaps one day, when he evolved into a herdier, he'd be able to better show off.) Noticing this, Anne would slow down just long enough for Ettie to scoop Ruffian up, and bring him onto her lap next to Princess.

And not long after, Duchess would begin to tire too - with how much she liked to go as fast as possible, she truly was the definition of a good time, not a long time. She wouldn't need Ettie to scoop her up, however - instead just managing to leap and scramble her way onto Anne's back, behind the young wildchild.

Carrying the weight of the three pups in addition to Ettie would ultimately slow Anne down a little - but being the practically horse-sized wolf that she was, she could manage it. She still had the stamina to keep going, even if she wasn't as fast as Duchess - and the herd seemed keen on going at it for just a little while longer, even making a point to match Anne's pace. In fact, they even seemed to be trying to... Lead the pack somewhere?

Anne cocked her head a bit at this - not sure of what the ponyta-rapidash herd wanted to show them - but she was willing to follow them a little further. Which, the run would eventually come to an end as they were led down a winding path, through the foliage, to their destination; a small cave, one set into the side of the cliff. The rapidash that led the herd would gesture with their head at it, snorting gently.

Ettie and Anne shared a glance - but as the pack moved towards the entrance, they'd note that it was abandoned. Sure, the smells of pokemon having used this place in the past lingered about - but these smells were faint, stale. Obviously not from regular inhabitants. Did the herd lead them to a safe place to sleep? Certainly, the herd seemed willing to stick around and rest - the ponyta taking to grazing at the grass in the area, as the rapidash kept watch; so it must've been pretty safe here...

A yawn from Duchess - soon joined by a yawn from Princess - would help them decide to settle down here for the night. If the cave was long-abandoned, then it'd make for good shelter from the elements - and after such a long day finished off by that race, it was safe to say that the pack was tuckered out.

Thus, they'd file in one by one - Anne finding a far corner to curl up in, whilst Ettie and the other pups curled up in a pile against the lycanroc. "Night-night, Anne," The young wildchild would nuzzle her cheek against Anne's own, as she let her eyes drift closed - soothed by the sounds of her packmates' breathing, and the sound of Anne's heartbeat from where her ear was pressed against the wolf's side. "Night-night, pack..."

Today was a good day - and tomorrow, she would be sure to try and see what else this route might have to offer...

Skipping the Ponyta, so ending the thread here-