Gobble, gobble.

The leaves constantly transformed with the shifting seasons, reflecting the passage of time. Fairytale reveled in the beauty that autumn brought forth. While it wasn't as effortless as spring or summer, each season had its unique charm. The cooler nights were a welcome relief, especially after the scorching summer that had gripped the lands of Boreas. Fairytale delighted in the changing colors of the leaves, as the trees painted the horizon in vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow.

The ground beneath her was scattered with debris, surrounded by an abundance of trees. She felt grateful to witness the beauty of her surroundings; it was a surreal experience that she had never fully appreciated before. Now, the young deer absorbed everything around her. A group of deer moved gracefully together, with bucks sporting antlers keeping a watchful eye on the herd they had been following throughout the year. Antlers were also strewn across the forest floor.

Fairytale wasn't taken aback, as the rustling leaves had revealed her presence to the herd. A few of the members lifted their heads, snorting and stamping their hooves into the ground. The wind swept past her, carrying her scent to them and signaling that a predator was near.

The girl wasn't particularly hungry at the moment, yet she always seemed to crave something to eat. She was mindful of how far she strayed from the rest of the group, aware that calling out for them would bring them back. Even with Atreyu's hectic lifestyle, she knew that if she ever needed help, both Atreyu and Oath would be there for her, no matter the circumstance. She had become family to them, and seeing Oath was always a delightful bonus.

Her tail flicked behind her as she pondered the idea of moving from her current spot. Ears perked on her head for another few moments, giving her some extra time to consider how she might achieve what she truly desired. A low growl escaped her throat, frustration bubbling up within her. Deer were off the table, but perhaps if luck were on her side, she might find a few rabbits? They must be either tucked away in their burrows or out foraging for the coming winter.

A brisk gust of wind swirled around her, sending a chill through her petite frame. Yet, she wasn’t in the mood for hunting rabbits; while they were undeniably fun to watch, they also made for a delicious meal. Fairytale had no intention of pursuing them. It was still a bit early in the day for her needs. She would be away from her pack longer than she would have liked, but she was determined to provide for her group, the band she belonged to. That was her goal, and she was committed to fulfilling it.

She stepped away from the forest's edge and ventured further in, hoping that once the sounds of the woods faded, the prey would emerge from their hiding spots. Turkey would make for a delectable meal—absolutely scrumptious. However, the young yearling was well aware of the dangers posed by a large tom, especially with those formidable talons gripping the backs of their legs.

Those talons could tear through her flesh, forcing her to seek out Atreyu for her healing expertise—assuming the injury wasn't too severe or at risk of infection spreading to her heart. She couldn’t dwell on that right now, or ever. A bright future awaited her alongside the band that had embraced her so warmly. She felt truly welcomed as part of their family. A smile spread across her face at the thought of each member of Judilia, as she felt completely at home with them.

The young deer settled down to rest, waiting for the turkeys to emerge in due time to enjoy their feast. The girl nestled among the leaves, allowing a gentle drowsiness to wash over her. Occasionally, her ears perked up, attuned to the symphony of sounds that filled the forest around her. Her tail curled against her hindquarters, occasionally twitching in response to the enchanting noises that surrounded her.

As she rested, time appeared to stretch on endlessly. The young woman began to reflect on the members of her family band, and a smile graced her lips, prompting her to open her eyes. The dusk was settling in, and now she prepared to wait. The sounds of hens from the treetops signaled their presence, making it an opportune night for hunting if she were to make a successful catch. Oh, how she hoped for that! A smirk played on her lips as she remained perfectly still, only moving when absolutely necessary.

She knew the hens wouldn’t provide much meat, just enough for the group. But a tom or a jake? That would be ideal, ensuring everyone could enjoy a decent meal. However, she would make do with whatever was available. She was aware of their aggressive nature, so she would need to outsmart the bird—somehow, some way. Fairy was determined to do just that. She would wait for the right moment, even if it tested her patience. Soon, a sizable male appeared, calling out to the hens that had emerged from their roosts. With his fan fully displayed, he was a mature bird, highlighted by his striking red snood and the vibrant blue on his head, along with an impressive plume of feathers on his chest.

Fairytale was far from foolish. She recognized that her eyesight was sharp, and a faint smirk graced her lips. These birds were clever, very clever, despite their seemingly dim-witted appearance. In truth, they were anything but stupid. Fairytale knew she needed to be cautious with every move she made. Her gaze fell once more on the large male turkey; it was a game of patience as he turned to check on the members of his flock, likely his own. Seizing the moment, she leaped forward, her coiled muscles springing into action like a tightly wound spring ready to snap. She landed atop the big male, her teeth sinking into his neck. The turkey was taken by surprise, and chaos ensued as the flock scattered in all directions, retreating to their roosts and putting distance between themselves and the wolf.

Fairytale's teeth crushed the bird's neck, leaving it lifeless beneath her. She considered herself fortunate with this catch—indeed, very fortunate. Lucky that she hadn’t been spurred or injured by the sharp talons that extended from its legs. With a low growl, she shook the bird, her jaws still firmly clamped around its neck. The young female began her journey home, dragging her prize alongside her.

-exit Fairytale-

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