Blacktail Deer Plateau We don't talk about it

They filtered in slowly, three able wolves who had Saena's respect and care. She wasn't surprised that some of the others didn't show; Osprey knew Saena had no love for her, Blue Willow and Lasher had their babes to tend to, Koda thought she was worthless, and her brother rarely showed his face regardless. She was mostly glad these three had come, for they ranked among the plateau's truest wolves as far as Saena was concerned. She grinned at Valtyr and returned Finn's bump amiably, feeling at once at ease with this place.

When it was clear no other would arrive, Saena let her gaze trail over each wolf in turn. She'd learned from her mistake last time and hoped that Valtyr witnessing it would serve as a reminder to him as well. Deer were just as dangerous as wolves.

"That one," she said quietly, turning to lead their gazes to the injured doe. "She stumbled and her leg is hurt. She's trying to hide it. She will make an easy target." Taking mental stock of her hunting crew, the young female easily split them into pairs. Valtyr was young and reedy, surely energetic, and she was capable of a burst of speed still despite growing into a curvy young thing. Finn and Dante were stronger, comparatively.

"Valtyr," she said quietly, turning to the younger boy with a smile, "you're with me. We're going to try to break the herd and split her away from it. All we gotta do is run fast." She turned to the Alpha male and Finn then, and said, "can I count on you two to flank her and deal the initial damage? We can wear her down until she falls, but you two carry more power for those initial hits. We will confuse her, keep her less dangerous initially."