Whisper in the woods

Basilisk wasn’t sure what he thought about the move. He had been in the Plains all his life, and had barely explored very far from its borders. Except for the occasional trip to Auster with his grandfather. After making the long, long trip North he found himself tired and sullen, reluctant to explore this new land they called home.

He had been pressed into service because of his large size, and meaty paws. Digging and heaving and moving things across the Col that was the heart of the pack. When the Warlord called for volunteers to start hunting for their stores, he was quick to raise his paw. A moment of peace and quiet to himself. It might even feel nice to take out some of his grumpy anger on something squishy.

He made his way out of the valley, and into the Mile high woods. He had only had a moment to glance at this forest on the trip to the Col. Now, he took his time. Exploring and examining the trees. The way the tall oaks rested against each other and created natural ramps was fascinating. He was a little weary about testing them with his weight, but he filed it away for later.

He moved further out into the woods, taking his time. A hunt could take a while, and no one would expect him home any time soon. He had a chance to breathe for a while without the bustle of the pack around him. He just wished he’d thought to grab Hazel and take her with him. She would have been able to put a smile on his face… he shook away the thought, and began at last to scent around him. Searching for tracks and scents he could follow. He found the trail of a deer, and let it lead him in a different direction. Winding through the tall trees. Ducking under leaning oaks. He slowed as the seat became richer, fresher. Sulking through the undergrowth, and only partly succeeding. Sometimes, his height was not to his advantage. Slinking as best he could, he came upon the deer.

Perhaps not the best prey to hunt solo, but he was large and ambitious. Perhaps a little bit foolish, too. He moved until he was as close as he could get to a young buck and stay under his cover. He signalled to his falcon, who had followed him from above. The falcon got the hint. It swooped down directly in front of the deer. Shrieking a hunter's cry, and startling the deer who bucked - almost hitting his poor companion who worked to get some height back under her wings.

The large boy used the distraction. The moment the falcon had shrieked, he had shot out of cover as quietly as he could. His approach was covered by her piercing cry. As the falcon swooped back upwards once more he leaped forward. Hitting the buck on his right shoulder, and they both went down. The creature tried to turn its antlers towards him, but he pushed his paw on his neck. Shoving it into the icy grass. It shrieked and bucked, and the rest of his herd had already scattered. It was strong, and desperate. Despite Basilisk’s size he struggled to hold it down. Grunting with effort he wrestled with the deer until at last he could get his teeth near its throat, and bite down hard. It fought harder still, landing a kick in Basilisk’s stomach. Winding him as he tore its throat with his fangs and released it. Breathing hard and clutching his stomach for a moment as he fought to steady himself from that kick. Certainly he was unaware of the sudden quiet in the forest as another predator came closer….

Winter bonus seasonal with a half count pass
wc: 628/1250

"Speech"