Spring moved sluggishly into Boreas. Instead of fresh spring rains they were treated to freezing drizzle and more snow. The cold weather was causing herds to break up and travel farther in search of food, making for more difficult hunting. Soon, though, there would be calves and young to hunt and they would likely be vulnerable to the lingering winter weather. That would be a hunt for another time though. Today, Brandr was taking a break hunting large prey to look for prairie chickens. He'd heard them calling in the early morning hours and thought it would be a nice change in pace for a meal, especially for his ailing wife.

Brandr left the den as soon as the rain stopped, moving stealthily under gray skies as he searched for the scent of the prairie chickens. They'd be nestled in the snow and tall grasses of the thicket which could make for some challenging hunting.

Balthier spent most of his days around his den because of the cold weather. It seemed like most wolves had been for the same reason. But he tried to go out and meet new wolves when it felt doable, he didn't want his father to worry too much that he was out wandering the frozen grounds even inside Abaven. He came around the thicket, noticing a man in a short distance and recognized his tracking stance. He had learned some from Allegro, and been on a few outings or observed. But he focused on what Allegro had to offer him because he wanted to be a great provider like his dad some day. He'd approach the man quietly, hoping he would notice his presence and also not be upset that he interrupted his hunting session. Most wolves were kind and polite in Abaven, but he knew he ran the risk of at least scaring off the prey the man was after. "What are you after?" He whispered as quietly as he could, "Do you mind if I help?" Walk "Talk" Think

Brandr's brow furrowed as he sorted through the mix of scents. There were a number of scents, he caught traces of pheasant as well as rabbit. One of his ears flicked back as he heard someone approaching. Brandr turned to see one of Allegro's pups nearby. He smiled gently at the boy and nodded when the young one asked if he could help. Brandr replied in a low voice. "Yes, you can help. My name is Brandr, I've tracked some prairie chickens to this area. We need to find where they're hiding then I can have you scare them out of their hiding place." He could then catch one of the birds as they scattered into the air.

Balthier wagged his tail as Brandr agreed to his help. But he wanted to stay quiet while they were tracking the chickens, so he wouldn't linger on chatting for long. He went forward with a nod of his heading, letting Brandr know he understood the plan. Balthier moved steadily through the thicket with Brandr, his nose low to the ground as he sniffed along the thicket bushes and branches. He noticed a couple feathers on their trail and as the scent became closer he would immediately notice the difference while catching onto the trail. He glanced to Brandr before scurrying a little faster through the bushes. Maybe he shouldn't have moved that quickly, but he was getting excited to help the new man on his hunt. He peered through the opening of the branches and waited for Brandr's cue to scare the fowl. Walk "Talk" Think

The boy nodded and moved off into the grass, Brandr close beside as they tracked. Brandr's nose scouted along the ground, noticing the strengthening scent and the lost feathers on the ground. He kept silent but it was clear the pup had noticed to for the youth looked to Brandr and he nodded. The pair picked up pace. They were getting closer, he could feel it. Brandr slowed as they neared some denser brush where the chickens were most likely hiding. Brandr's hind legs tensed beneath him as he stared into the brush. He broke his line of sight for just a moment as he turned to the youth and nodded, he was ready. Time to catch these birds!

They gathered their positions silently, and Balthier waited for Brandr's cue. He nodded and looked up above the brush, waiting to latch on to his target when they escaped their hiding place. Balthier counted silently in his head with a gentle nod for each number up to three before rising and placing his paws on the thicket where the birds were hiding. He shook the brush but wouldn't just let Brandr take to brunt of the work. He too would take a leap beside him, jumping up high after one of the feathery creatures himself. It was a lot easier to catch them mid air while they were pretty quick on the ground. And he would remember this tactic for the future. Once he took down the bird he could grab, he looked to Brandr hoping to see some kind of prideful expression back at him. Walk "Talk" Think

Brandr watched as Balthier approached the thicket. Rather than barking and charging to flush out the game, the boy opted to shake the brush with his front paws. It was an unusual method but it worked for the birds burst from the brush, wings beating furiously. Brandr leapt up, powerful legs uncoiling as he snatched one of the birds by the neck. In a swift bite the neck was broken and he landed back on earth with his prize. He looked to Balthier and was pleased to see the boy had snagged a bird as well. Setting down his catch, he spoke, "Good work! Let's take our kills back to the pack. I'm sure your parents will be proud!"

He only looked up to the man with a smile and the gentle wag of his tail. He wasn't sure what else he could say to him, Brandr mentioned his parents, but he only had one. Well, only Allegro was currently in his life. And he was starting to feel like he would never see his mother again. Balthier picked up the chicken he caught, looking to Brandr to lead the way. He did know Allegro would be proud of his catch, and the help he provided the pack member. And that was enough to make him even look happy. He didn't want other to see past the happy shell he perceived, especially his immediate family. Walk "Talk" Think