Win Me A Prize

Vel moved like the wind across the branches, scarcely disturbing the foliage she passed, or bough the branches she landed upon. She was like a subtle wind, but as deadly as a storm. She might be a woman, but she was a formidable partner, and had proved time and time again why she was the best person to have at his side.

He didn’t wait around long to watch, he dived through the trees in the opposite direction, going lower and lower until he hugged a branch just above the ground, keeping his form hunkered down and close to the base of the tree. His golden colours blended in well to the browns of the tree, and he would find this the place to wait.

He heard the cry of the stag, and witnessed some of her sisters attack. The creature turned and ran - in his direction. He waited until it was close, almost upon him, then leaped upwards at its throat, exposed its run. Both paws found their way around its throat, hugging to it like a branch as his teeth went for its throat, ripping the skin and finding its jugular. He pulled it free and was immediately coated in blood. He dived free as the creature felled like a tree, hitting the ground hard.

He didn’t clear the scene fast enough and its snout knocked him on the back, and its antlers grazed his butt. He growled silently and hopped a moment to clear the sting, before raising his head and howling his victory.