The rose-pink light of dawn illuminated the swale, gentle water flowing over the lichen-covered stones. Without the amphibian's usual chirping, it was a quiet place. The weather was still far too cold for the normal inhabitants. The black nostrils of the buck flared, and his white tail lifted as he cautiously led the herd. Alert to his surroundings as he scanned them, making his way to the water's edge. As his lips met with the crisp water his tail fell. Three does emerged from the surrounding trees to join him. The smallest of such creeping towards the outermost of the herd. A product of last year's spring, young and inexperienced.

Emerald eyes filtered over to her. This was the moment that all of Sage's hard work had been leading up to. She'd mapped out this herd's routine, and like clockwork, they would return here in the wee hours of the morning. They would remain for a few before moving on to graze. Then, when the sun rose above the trees, they would make their way elsewhere to bed down until dawn. She suppressed the whine in the back of her throat. Her adrenaline was already pumping, excitement coursing through her at the opportunity to prove herself. The woman had filled @Viorel and @Annie in on the way over. Told them about how many there were, where they would be before sunrise, and how the hunting party would have to leave early in the morning. She was grateful that they had agreed to come along with her.

Her lips parted as she whispered to the others, peaking at them in turn from the corner of her eyes, "Viorel you'll stay here as an ambush, Annie you'll flank opposite of me. We'll charge from either side of the littlest doe to cut her off from the others. Then drive her his way." She didn't wait for confirmation, creeping around the trees. She held herself in a low crouch and prowled the area nice and slow. Her creamy pelt almost melted into the snowy landscape. She rounded about the herd, coming to the side of the intended target, and waited for Annie.