Swiftcurrent Creek I am not a legend, I'm a fraud

Mae felt events unfolding more than anything: the deer rearing back to kick, nearly dragging her along with it, and just as abruptly pitching forward. She worried for Kaiaka, but in the heat of the moment she could only hold on and hope. If she released the deer now it would surely trample her.

Snarling, she threw her weight back again. It was a struggle not to trip over her own feet when the shrieking beast's resistance gave way. Mae realized belatedly that Kaiaka had caught up, just as the deer slammed into the ground.

Dropping the bloodied foreleg she'd been gripping, Mae snapped for the neck. Her execution was messy, but it was hardly necessary anyway; their prey was already ceasing its struggles, and now shuddered to stillness.

Nice job, Mae breathed, teeth seeking the soft flesh beneath the elbow to rip a hole into the still-warm carcass. Licking her lips, she added, I don't mind if you wanna stick around. This'll last about a week. Not like I can eat it all myself. She grinned with the last words.