Bearclaw Valley deep in earth

she hears her father's approach but does not acknowledge him until he is beside her. the girl gives him a disheartened scowl, nodding toward the gopher hole. he'll understand, right? sometimes prey is elusive. more elusive for her liking, really.

with a sigh, Avicus sinks down on her belly, preparing for a long wait. hungry, she grumbles, and her stomach growls as if in agreement. she knows her parents can feed her, but she wants to catch the meat herself. she knows that small brown creatures are tasty. she knows she can snare, that she can kill.

slowly, she lowers her muzzle onto her paws. watching. waiting. wondering if the one-eyed man will speak or remain silent.