The evening sunlight fell in warm, dappled patches over the wolf's back. A black nose was set just over the ground as pale feet swept easily over a carpet of red-cedar needles and verdant ferns. The air was warm and humid. Delicate ferns reached out to stroke a pelt of cream and gray, while the scent of evergreen rose heavy into the air. Iopah skimmed along as the needles were covered by an increasing cacophony of plant-life. The Falls roared a familiar lullaby that her ears flickered randomly to. But, it was not the waterfall nor the plant-life that drew her. Iopah was following a herd of deer.

She'd come across their cloven-hoofed tracks at the borders and set off after them. Even with the recent disappearances, there were enough adults around. @Nova was still along the border, and so she left the Pines with a light heart. Golden eyes lifted to search for the herd. It was a hunt, but not of the ordinary intention. She could tell, from the scent, that at least one of these does were nursing. It was the fawn she was after. Small enough to drag back single-handed, and non-threatening enough for the Broken Timber Pines pups to get their first look at live prey.

Ahead, in the distance, she saw movement. Her herd of deer turning as one to watch something. Iopah stopped as well. The scent was wrong for her to catch wind of Ruuqo; when the deer bolted she was puzzled. Hurriedly, she loped after them, till the sight of another wolf stopped her. Tail twitched level with her spine as she considered. This was not her land and they were not her deer (not matter how much she might want them). There was no claim to reinforce here, but neither was she going to fade into the shadows. Her chin lifted to chuff at the wolf and tail swirled hopefully by her hocks.