The is day lovely and, with the patience and love that Lotus has shown her, Terra feels more comfortable traveling. Today she has adventured to the nearby river in search of prey. Luckily, the rushing water lures plenty of animals in but it is young moose that stands near the water’s edge taking a long drink, that catches her attention. The signs of youth are unmistakable, it has yet to grow its antlers and, while tall, the creature is awkward on its long legs.

Behind the creature, Terra hides in a tall patch of grass, emerald green eyes search for a way to bring it down. By herself it would be impossible but if she had help… eyes turns to the area around her, hoping someone nice will show up help bring it down. With even just a little of this young moose’s meat, she and Lotus would be comfortable for a while.


"Terra Qilaq"

Kichi had scented the young moose and sent Torch home while he followed the trail.  When the moose came in sight so did another, a wolf who had the same ideas as Kichi apparently.  He was behind her and crept up quietly to the stranger.  Kichi still didn’t really care an ounce for other wolves but he had learned how to work them to gain an end result desirable to both.

Kichi cast a glance at the other to see if she had also gained the same idea.  “I’ll help.”A simple statement.   She could make up the rules of the hunt since she had found it first.  It would make for a nice meal, even if he only brought a portion of meat back to the pack.  At least he was doing his part in the work.

"Kichi"

As if someone hears her silent wish, a gray male appears, swiftly and silently making his way to where she hides. Terra’s green gaze follows him and, when he offers his help, she releases the breath she had been holding. Nodding, she looks to the young moose who is now stepping away from the water, turning to head back to the grass.

Looking back to the stranger, the earthen girl whispers, “We chase it down together. I’ll get between it and the water. Take the killing blow when you see it.” Eyes linger on him until he agrees. With the plan laid out, Terra looks to the moose before glancing back to the male. With a sharp dip of her head, she signals the beginning of the chase.

Muscles release their pent-up energy, sending the earthen girl racing around behind the young moose. Placing her body on the side closest to the river, Terra moves to hem in the animal between her and the gray male. The young moose doesn’t know what to do so it runs.


"Terra Qilaq"

The plan is a simple one and really the same one Kichi would have come up with.  Simple did not mean ineffective.  She was going to take it near the river so Kichi would be on the other side.  She waited for his acknowledgment so Kichi agreed.  His eyes watched the young moose as it seemed more intent on grass than any threats looming around.  Young prey could be terrifically naïve, at least the ones who never made it to adulthood could be.

The stranger gave a nod and the hunt was on.  Kichi charged over to his side, keeping the moose running straight between them.  Kichi keeps up with the two, staying near its front shoulder.  Snapping his teeth at the leg the moose leaps in the air from pain, back hooves kicking out which does it little good.  Unfortunately, the bite wasn’t deep enough to do more than a little blood and startle it.  Its fear was likely more potent than the pain of the bite.  Regardless, the moose was still between them and doomed at the current layout.

"Kichi"

They run the young moose away from the water. It is spooked and strikes out with its hooves at the earthen girl but she easily avoids the attack and settles into a comfortable pace at its back hip. The gray male bites at the moose and it strikes out again, forcing Terra to give its back end a little more room. Thankfully, it settles back into a normal stride and the earthen girl begins to count steps.

On the fifth time its hooves hit the ground, she rushes back in, grabbing at the back leg she has been avoiding. With a snarl, teeth latch onto the long limb and, with a jerk and a twist, Terra feels the bone give and the young moose cries in pain. The mighty beast is brought low and she moves forward to pin the dangerous, flailing legs while waiting for the gray male to end the creature’s life.


"Terra Qilaq"

Kichi is about to go for another bite at the leg but its unnecessary.  The wolf he partnered up with already got a good bite and snapped a back leg.  It’s no longer time to worry about legs and Kichi lunges up to meet the lowering neck.  His fangs sink in, biting deep then ripping away flesh.  Blood quickly soaks the moose’s fur and Kichi grabs another chunk of neck flesh, ripping into it and the grey wolf’s muzzle turns bright red is the blood smears it.

The moose lays flat on the ground, its ability to resist and fight to fade.  Kichi continues with another rip into the neck and its not even a minute later the light in its eyes fades and the beast stills.  Dinner is on.

Kichi leaves the neck section, a nod of acknowledgment to Terra, stepping to the left front shoulder, biting in the flesh part underneath.  He’d work off the leg to take home once he’s eaten his share.

"Kichi"