Hanging Around

Chade was keeping an eye on the snare even as Ry listed off his fears and complaints.  Chade was hungry too, he was almost always hungry.  There had been a few lucky moments of getting a nice meal to keep them going but more often they had small things like rats, mice, and fish when there was a chance.  “Sorry Ry,” Chade spoke softly after his brother had finished speaking, “stealing food means possibly a fight.” Chade glanced at his brother meaningfully, “That could end even end worse than a night going hungry.”  It seemed silly to use the word ‘day’ now.  How many times had he chased rabbits to end up with nothing?    Chade had managed to catch a rabbit once and at this point he had to acknowledge it must have been weak or injured as it was one time then fail after fail after fail.

As Chade was imagining how wonderful another rabbit would taste noise was heard.  They were already deep in the shadow but something between excitement and fear he shoved himself up against the stone hoping it was enough to not be seen. His eyes flicked to his brother and forward to make sure he had also heard something coming.   What came into view wasn’t what he’d expected, eyes wide he stared at another wolf coming into view.  She had to be around their age and the blue wolf had no idea what he should do now!  Should he warn them of the trap?  Should they remain hidden to not let the stranger he see them?  Was there an adult with them?  Ears flat and brow narrowed slowly shifted to awe as she went straight for the snare.  

She stepped in it!  That’s how it worked!  The snare did its job lifting her up in the air and despite any courtesy to the other wolf, his spirits lifted seeing how well it worked!  A breath later the snare broke and the pup crashed to the earth.  He’d worked hard on that snare!  Would it have worked for a rabbit or also broke?  Either way, she broke it!  Was she hurt?  His emotions hopped between fear, anger, curiosity, and guilt.

He didn’t see an adult with her at least.  Chade glanced to Ricin then slowly left their hiding spot in the shadows towards the other pup, some distance still kept.  “Hey,” he called out to the other wolf, “that was meant for rabbits.”  Now if he wanted to try snares he’d have to make it all over again! “You alright?” The realization suddenly occurred she might be a better hunter than them! Maybe if they were nice she’d pay him back for that snare with some food.  She might have a family though and in fact, probably did which still made her a threat in a way.

Chade didn’t look at Ricin, not so much as an ear flick.  It was up to his brother if he wanted to show himself or remain hidden.  Chade wasn’t sure what was smartest but they were both hungry and if he could get her to help them get a meal it was worth it.  It felt strange to see another wolf again and a part of him wanted to be happy about it but there had been too much death of family and one betrayal to hollow out that excitement.

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