Tarnish tracked the wounded mule deer into the Algoma Prairie where he often hunted, normally for small game but as the weeks went by and he grew in size and knowledge an injured deer was far too tempting. He wasn't sure how the doe had been injured, he didn't really care, she'd be put out of her misery soon. His pace slowed as the scent trail seemed to stop. The deer had to be nearby… bedded down in the tall grass perhaps. He looked up at Worc who was circling over a particular spot. That was it, it had to be, but he wasn't sure which way the deer was facing or how close he could actually et before it noticed him. He watched his companion circle lower and hoped for more information.

Raider Brats

Wilder scented the injured mule deer before he saw Tarnish. Though there were others in the area, they wouldn't be as easy to pick off as this one. Coming in from the south, he tried his best to hide his tall frame by lowering himself slightly and takin a slower pace. Each step of his paw was calculated and careful. Heading in the direction of the doe, he let out a disappointed noise under his breath when he lost her in the tall grass. Standing up for a moment, it is then that he noticed the dark coated boy who looked awfully familiar.

From what he can tell, the almost yearling has also spotted the doe and is potentially using his bird to spot it in the grass? His head tilts to the side for a moment before heading over to Tarnish. Hunkering back down into the grass after a stealthy walk over, he turns his muzzle to whisper. "Well, we goin' for this doe or what?" He can't help but hide the smile that breaks out over his lips before turning his attention back to the plains ahead of them. Was that a rustle in the grass he had seen?

WILDER

Tarnish kept alert to his surroundings, having had several run-ins with larger predators he knew bears and the like saw him as potential prey. He wanted to get his food without getting eaten himself. He tucked down deeper into the grass as he heard something approaching but as he located the source he saw the familiar form of a wolf he'd hunted the takin with. Tarnish perked up. "Fuck yea, we are." As if on cue his crow returned, landing down among the grasses. The bird spared a glance at Wilder but immediately assumed they had a new hunting partner. "She's bedded down in the reeds over there, hiding, next to the stream."

Tarnish nodded. "Sounds good. If she's got the stream behind her then I'm going to try and get to the right of her and lay in weight. If you can get to the left and startle her into running we can be pretty assured of the directions she might go and chase after her from there." At least he was pretty sure the injured doe wouldn't bolt for the water. Not that it mattered to him. As a pirate he'd swum ocean waves. A stream would not slow him down.

With the plan in place Tarnish slunk through the grasses, down near where the doe was trying her hardest to hide. He settled down and waited for the action to begin.

Raider Brats

When Tarnish's bird flutters over, Wilder looks to the bird for information. Peeking over the top of grass, he sees the stream and the reeds. So the injured doe was lying down somewhere over there, got it. Looking from the reeds to Tarnish, he lets out a hum of acknowledgement to the plan. Tarnish would go from the right while he swings around to the left and spooks her. Easy enough, definitely doable. Nodding quickly, that smile never leaving, he begins moving as soon as Tarnish does.

Slinking through the grass, he tries his best to stay hidden. Though he is tall and bulky, he is capable of moving silently. Pressing his paws gently into the dirt, taking his time to move through the grass. Using the rustling wind to help hide his movement, he finally makes it toward the left side of the injured doe. Her scent and blood is strong on the wind, leaving a tinge of copper in his nose. Hunkering down once more, he watches the doe as he waits for Tarnish to be ready.

So far, the doe hasn't noticed them. Her breathing is labored as she lays beside the stream. Chasing her would surely use any last ounces of energy she has left. Preparing him for a moment when she is near sleep, he finally bursts from his hiding position. Rushing the doe, Wilder snaps his jaw, clacking his teeth together and letting out loud, harsh yips to startle the doe. As soon as his large frame emerges, the large doe lets out a cry of fear before stumbling up onto her hooves and taking off.

WILDER

His legs coiled tight beneath him, like a wound spring just waiting to burst forward through the grass and toward his target. Worc kept steady watch from the air, keeping an eye not only on the doe's movements but on any potential predators that could make a mess of their hunt or steal their meal should they be successful. Moments later Wilder sprang toward the hiding doe, flushing her from her sanctuary and out into the open where he could see her movements. The doe was headed right towards him. He launched himself out of waiting, claws kicking up dirt and grass. The doe twisted to try and change direction but stumbled and in that moment Tarnish was on her. His jaws found her throat, his claws sinking into either side of her neck as he pulled her head down. She kicked out of him but he held fast until she passed and the wolves had their meal.

Raider Brats

Wilder releases a whooping howl as he watches Tarnish emerge from the shadows. Keeping on the doe's heels, he doesn't relent. Even as Tarnish grabs ahold of the deer's neck, there's no telling yet the boy will be able to hang on. Snapping at the deer's rear legs, he bites and clamps down and releases, over and over again until the doe is leading a trail of blood behind her. He can tell she's slowing as Tarnish's claws and teeth dig into her tender neck skin.

After what feels like forever, the doe drops to the ground. Wilder slows, breath ragged, tongue plopped out and panting hard. He steps up toward the head of the deer to look down at her. Her eyes flutter softly close as she takes her last breath. "She's a good size, ain't she?" Wilder says as his eyes wander down the doe before looking up at Tarnish.

WILDER