Bitterroot Valley if you could shine brighter, I’d be the dark

@Sunny !

Frost blanketed every millimetre of the low lying shrubland the valley cradled as Lars emerged from the depths of the evergreen forest and out into the open space, giving his pelt a brief shake in an attempt to warm himself up. The night had been bitterly cold, and as autumn began to fully enforce its grip the darkling could only hope his usually plush winter pelt would thicken up before even the first signs of snow began to settle in.

He followed a game trail - his nose leading him onwards through the crisp grasses along the path that a family of deer had presumably travelled the night before. Lars would have normally stuck to smaller prey but after days of the occasional pitiful meal, his stomach had really begun to protest. 

A sudden bleated wail split the silence of the morning and the silver-brushed canine froze in his tracks, head whipping round to finally see the shapes of three does becoming clear against the mountainous backdrop. His eyes had widened at the disruption - but the herd was distracted! Lars quickened his pace and broke out into a run, his breath steaming in great clouds behind him.

The freezing of the night had brought to mind the urgency of finding new members and also the fact that they hadn't been stocking the caches. Without new members they would have one hell of a rough winter and without food they definitely couldn't survive. He took off from Morningside this morning to try his paw at hunting, picking up the trail of deer and much to his joy a male wolf too. He hurried along and spotted three deer huddled together and crept toward them slowly. The wind shifted directions suddenly and blew his scent to them, but he crouched down and did his best to hide which thanlfutha resulted in the small herd only letting a wail of alarm.

Standing back up he resumed his patient stalking, eyes focused until he heard the sound of an approaching wolf. Turning his head he spotted the male going for the deer and cursed though he quickly stood and bolted forward, slower then the male by a little so he could see what Doe he went after and assist. Not wanting any problems he tried to gather the male's attention "Together! he shouted, hoping the other would realise he only wanted to help. Hopefully they could agree to split the catch too. Taking down a deer alone was almost certain failure though so he was pretty hopeful in being accepted.

The thudding of his own paws was loud and methodical in Lars’ ears as he loped onwards, the biting chill of the morning breeze ruffling his charcoal pelt as he flanked to the left the little herd, eyes narrow as he sought an opening. They would definitely spot him now, if not for the stark contrast he made against the pale landscape then for his panting that grew steadily laboured by the minute. He had the admit, despite how exhausted he knew he’d be after, the thrill of the hunt had always exhilarated the mountain boy. And today was no different...until a shout and a second drumming of paws caused his ears to ram back and his step to falter - only slightly - but it was enough for him to miss the nervous stomps, and then the panicked fleeing of the closest doe - and suddenly Lars had to decide now.

He didn’t know who the hell interrupted his hunt, nor what the hell they were so vocal about (the wind was too strong in his ears, he would say), but the roamer could only shake his head in confusion and bolt in the direction his quarry had fled.

Luckily he caught up easily enough, his breath now heaving in his chest - it was obvious he was tiring - and positioned himself towards the doe’s right flank in readiness to land a hit.

He winced as his shout had scattered the herd but found it a good thing, as the targeted doe was quickly flanked by the stranger. Sunny pushed himself faster and came at the doe from the front, leaping and closing his jaws around the throat of the deer and quickly dragging her down with his weight. The doe kicked and thrashed and Sunny fought to readjust his grip on her throat, squeezing tightly to cut off the air as he jumped to the side avoiding a panicked kick from the doe. All the while he kept a friendly but wary eye on the male, unsure if he would be attacked for helping out. Surely this guy didn't think he could take down a doe alone?