Ravenshook Cliffs on the long way down

A light snow had blanketed the earth overnight, allowing the boy to blend in better with his surroundings as he stalked a few unsuspecting fowl. He crept low to the ground, skirting rocks and keeping downwind of his quarry. He was learning, slowly; saliva dripped from his jowls at the idea of sinking his teeth into something alive. Scavenged meat had sustained him so far but the effort, and dangers, he had to go through was becoming too much with the chill of winter setting in sooner than he anticipated. A rock slipped out from under his paws and he hit the breaks, skidding a bit on the slick rock, but ultimately keeping his grip. The pale ghost froze; the grouse stopped and stood straight, beady, stupid eyes looking for the source of the noise. 

Desperation took hold; his lungs felt heavy, and his heart skipped a few beats; Remiel sprang forward with a cry. The grouse screeched and took wing before the boy could get close enough to snap. He chased it, in vain, a few yards before coming to a slow, loping stop. His ears swiveled forward as he watched the bird disappear beneath the cliff edge. A snarl born from frustration ripped across his features. He kicked at the snow and spun in a tight circle, growling and grousing, only to come to a stop once more. He huffed and, abruptly, flopped down into a sphinx-like pose.