The black-coated coyote limped through the gully, his right front ankle an evident burn that seemed to be in the process of healing.  Adding to that a swath of fur was missing along his neck where a deep gash torn his flesh.  Nico wasn’t in the best of shape but it didn’t seem to be bothering his attitude.

He’d spotted a couple of turkeys not far away but that wouldn’t be his game today.  Until his leg healed it would be best not to bite off more than he could manage.  Still, where there were birds there would be bird nests and Nico was hoping for fresh eggs.  There were other options for an opportunistic coyote but that was the current menu.

Nico scented the ground then raised his head with a start as a sound that could only mean trouble reached his ears.  The lion, with its thick mane and mass of muscle, was stalking towards him.  Nico was in trouble for sure!

Nico started to run, grimacing as pain flooded when his ankle touched the ground, a few strides in he stumbled with a yelp.  The coyote rolled out of the way as massive paws landed where he had been.  So much for running.  Nico backed up as he stared up at the lion.  Nico snarled, ears flat as he attempted to make sure the lion knew fighting Nico would come at a price.

The lion swung a paw at him, not even trying overly hard.  It figured Nico would be easy enough prey to toy with.  Nico didn’t run this time, he bit into the paw, gritting his jaw down, only to be thrown off and the lion roared in pain and put real force in its swing.  Nico leaped to his feet, once more doing his best intimidating look.  This hurt but he wasn’t going down easy!

"Nico"

Tarnish started to expand his hunting expeditions outside the prairie. As he grew larger and gained experience he grew bolder and was eager to find different species to hunt and taste. Fern Gulley seemed like a good place to find small prey. While he'd tackled some larger animals he would never dream of trying to tackle a deer or similar creature on his own. He took in the scents around him and soon ended up on the trail of a flock of turkeys.


All was going well. He found the small flock, eating up on the side of the gulley but when he attempted to sneak up on them they immediately scattered. Unwilling to give up so easily he gave chase but in the process managed to trip and roll down deep into the gulley. He yelped as he hit bottom in a tangle of limbs, looking up to see a lion and a coyote. "Oh… uhhh… hi." The lion stared at him for a moment then leapt toward him. Tarnish yelled in surprise but managed to duck under the predator's claws and dive under its belly. He lashed out, his own claws unsheathed as they sliced into the lion's left knee.


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