Tit for Tat, This or That

While hunting and continuously getting to know the habits and favorite haunts of her prey, as a hunter, one could never limit their options strictly to their own territory. It had happened before and it would happen again, eventually. Prey in her neck of the woods would disperse, becoming increasingly harder to find. In order to keep everyone well fed and happy, a hunter had to expand their horizons. And not into a neighboring packs land if they wanted to avoid trouble. Finding neutral grounds in which prey was plentiful, to hunt without interruption, was key. It was all a matter of knowing where to look, and if a trip some distance away from home was worth the gamble.

Such was precisely what the second ranking female of White Fir Notch was up to now. Jynx did not at all mind stretching her legs. In fact, she enjoyed every chance she got to get away from her hard won home. But each time, she was grateful to return to that paradise, welcomed and secure among those she considered her extended family. There was a bounce in each of her steps as she brushed through the undergrowth of a flourishing forest. Tail held high, ears up and eyes bright, her spirits were elevated. And why shouldn't they be? Everything in her life was falling smoothly into place as of late. Puppies were emerging from the den, the scrap with both the boar and the cougar had proved fruitful. Her skills were being tested, and honed sharper with each challenge. She was certain, with a little more time and hard practice, she would earn her role.

Gleaming yellow eyes picked through the vibrant greens and browns of the glade she had found herself in, a winding brook gently snaking its way to the south. She paused to contemplate the area. She had never been in this particular spot before, but it certainly was one of the most peaceful she had visited in a while. Even with her winter coat now mostly long gone, the reddish female fancied herself a drink. It was nearly summer now, and the days were getting hotter. She had to stay hydrated if she wanted to explore a little longer. Paws guiding her to the trickling stream, she lowered her nose down, parting her lips for a refreshing drink. Keen yellow eyes remained upturned, fixed on the opposite bank and the pile of sandy stones before her. She paused mid sip. Those weren't stones at all! It was the partially intact, well preserved hide of a caribou! Immediately forgetting her thirst, the intrigued wolf leapt over the water, some of which lapped at her feet, to inspect this fascinating find. Cautiously, she sniffed around the pelt, looking for any telltale signs that a predator may still be nearby. But the edges were surprisingly well trimmed, if not a little ragged. Impressive, considering how large this particular piece of skin was. With no owner in sight, her eyes glittered, a grin creeping to her maw. This was by no means her work, but it certainly could be in the future! So, as a flourishing hunter, with plans to be the best, why not keep this token for herself? It would one day become a symbol of her status, of her accomplishments. Until then, Jynx had no intentions whatsoever on sharing this rare, beautiful find with anyone else. This was hers alone! She clamped her jaws down firmly but gently on one edge, muscles stiff and a growl ready in her throat, should any other greedy eyes dare to encroach.