Parties always mean mouths to feed

Rudyard had always loved hunting and using the skills mom had started teaching him so many years ago.  One of the things Resin had left Rudy was a solid foundation in hunting skills.  Of course, it was also just a fun task regardless of who taught him.  When Ezra had suggested they go for a herd of deer he’d found Rudy was quick to agree.  

Kipling had been with him and since his son had dreams of being a hunter Rudy had agreed to let him come along to watch.  Rudyard had a solid memory in his mind of being a small pup with a herd of deer thinking to stomp the life out of him and while Kipling would get to come to watch he had no plans of letting Kip put himself in danger no matter what his child was thinking.   Glancing at his son Rudy thought of the boy and his other children and wondered just how much of a penchant they would have for finding trouble.  

As they got close to the deer Rudy focused on Ezra and their food, putting thoughts to the task at hand.  Rudy considered the back Ezra had pointed out, nodding in agreeance.  “I’d say you go for the neck, you have more size and strength on your end.  I’ll get a hind leg.  Even if we can’t get it down as fast as we would prefer, it won’t be able to get away from us if the leg is injured.  We can always tire it out if need be instead of a preferred fast kill.”  Ezra really didn’t need everything drawn out in such detail but just like Ezra he was speaking things out more elaborately for Kipling's benefit.   “Watch out for the antlers, I’ll watch out for the hooves.”  

“Well, Kip, what do you think of the plan?  Your job is going to be to watch the hunt and let us know if you think either one of us could have done something different to make things go smoother.” As the boy was about to speak, with a noted stubborn look on his face Rudy decided to add to his statement.  “When you are bigger you can help us kill it, not today.  You don’t have the strength needed to bring it down or the speed to avoid being kicked.  Today you learn so that when you are older you can be a great hunter.”

"Rudyard Carpathius"