A pair of partridges burst forth from the dry grasses in restless flight in the distance, bringing Ksura to a halt. His breath hovered in silvery wisps on the air as he took short breaths through his nose. Partridges were fearful creatures, but their flight caused him some concern- until he caught a glimpse of velveteen brown slipping between the tree trunks. A doe and this year's fawn moved, perhaps heading toward a meadow to graze in the waning light. Harmless, he thought. He was tempted to give chase but steadied himself instead- why terrorize the creatures when he'd have little chance?

But he might find where they were headed- and perhaps that might bring him a better opportunity. If the doe chose to bed the fawn down, and rove off to graze, he might find himself with a more likely opportunity. He let them disappear from sight, biding his time, before he moved forward to find their scent trail. With the grass this crisp, he'd have no hope if she heard him coming- he would move at his own pace and trail along, following their scent, making sure he did not give himself away.

Like the deer, he too was followed- and like the deer, he too was oblivious to his pursuer.