twitch padded up beside her, gaze flicking between the burrow and the faint prints cutting away through the brush. rabbits here, quail there. safe meal or… harder one. her stomach gave a low twist, reminding her which it wanted. but her pride was a meaner thing. don’t make a fool of yourself twice in front of her.

her ears tipped back, forward again. finally, she muttered, quail. the girl nodded, jerking her muzzle toward the tracks, already slipping into a crouch. c'mon.

With a nod, the little dame fell into step beside Twitch, slipping into the quiet rhythm of the stalk. Kirain tried to recall the lessons her husband had given her about tracking. Her eyes scanned the faint impressions in the soil, following them silently into the brush. Here, the tracks were clearer, accompanied by scattered droppings. Perhaps the birds had been resting nearby?

She pricked her ears, straining to catch the soft rustle of quails. The sounds ahead confirmed her suspicion. Determined, she crept forward and froze as a flicker of movement darted through the undergrowth. Casting an encouraging glance at her companion, she flicked her head toward the left, wordlessly signaling Twitch to circle wide so they’d stand a better chance at flushing one of the birds.

twitch caught the flick of kirain’s head, the signal clear enough. her paws hesitated for half a breath, instinct screaming to say keep close, but she peels off to circle through the undergrowth before she can think too deep to it.

she forced herself steady, careful not to snap a twig or stir too much brush. her chest ached with the held-in breath, but this was what she was good at, wasn’t it? the quail were close. she could hear them. her muscles tensed, a coil ready to spring. twitch flicked her ears once toward kirain’s position, hoping the other wolf was set.

then, quiet as a mouse, she crept into place, golden-green eyes locked on the blur of feathers in the brush. ready.

With Twitch veering left, Kirain shifted right, placing each paw carefully so as not to disturb the debris scattered across the ground. Once she found a suitable angle, she sank into a crouch, poised to spring, giving her companion time to ready herself as well.

She counted the silent beats. One. Two. Three.

Then, with all the speed she could muster, she lunged. Her angle carried her straight into the flock of quail, jaws snapping eagerly. She missed on the first strike but pressed on, paws skidding as she surged forward, snapping again. This time she caught a bird by the leg. It flapped frantically, crying out in a desperate bid to escape her jaws. But Kirain held firm, steady, and swiftly put an end to the fowl’s suffering.

Clutching her prize, her eyes lit up, she had done it! She hadn’t ruined the hunt, not this time. At last! Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, she searched to see if her companion had fared as well.

twitch shot forward into the burst of wings, heart beating in loud in her chest. one bird clipped her shoulder as it tried to break skyward, and she snapped without thinking, teeth closing around air.

a miss at first, but instinct caught up to hesitation an outpaced it with a second attempt. she lunged again, and this time her jaws met feathery flesh. the bird twisted in his grasp, beating against her muzzle, but she didn’t let go until it went limp between her lips.

the rest of the flock rushes to flee until only silence followed, broken only by heavy breathing. she blinked down at her catch, chest tight with the wild, jittering pulse of success. it took her a moment to lift her head. kirain was already looking back, feathers clutched in her own jaws, eyes bright. proud.

guess that’s dinner, she panted, lips curving to a smile. good job.

Twitch had been successful as well! The sight warmed Kirain’s heart and set her tail wagging. Stepping closer to her companion, she placed her bird at Twitch’s feet.

You did wonderfully! Now you’ve got plenty of quail to fill your belly with. I’m so happy that went so well, much better than your first attempt at the tree, she said with a light giggle, her tone full of encouragement rather than teasing.

Catching her breath, Kirain stretched, feeling the pleasant burn of her exertion. She really should do this more often, perhaps something to pester her husband about later.

So, what’s your plan now? Aside from eating, of course. Are you headed anywhere specific?