Welcome to Gaia! ::

It felt like the Spring and then Summer had taken forever. The long days had been grinding on Kadfael's nerves for months. The only thing worse than the warmth and light of these lower climates was the unending days of his preferred haunts during this time of year. The afternoon that he had awoken to a chill in the air and the first hints of color in the leaves overhead had been a relief. The days had been growing shorter for a time now and he'd been looking forward to the signs that it was time to move back north. Now they were here.

With a stretch and a yawn he slunk out of his appropriated cave and set off at a prowl through the foliage. He had to find something to eat before he headed out on his long trek back home. Unfortunately, after a quick tour around his normal hunting grounds, it soon became apparent that most of his normal prey had vacated the area. He was going to have to range farther than normal if he was going to find something. It shouldn't be too terribly hard, he mused, what with all the little critters and creatures fattening themselves up for the coming cold months. He bet he could make a fine meal out of one or two plump squirrels. His mouth was starting to water at the thought when his ears caught the sound of little pattering feet just ahead. There. Finally.

He stopped and took stock of his surroundings noting he had never before been this far from his now-former home. It was a bit further than he'd intended to go because now he'd have to backtrack to start his journey but it was a little late to be concerned. His focus returned to the matter at hand. He was just about to make a lunge for the critter he had found when the movement of something larger caught his attention. Distracted he lifted his nose to the air and tried to get a scent. When his mind processed what it was he let out a low growl. It had been many, intentional, years since he'd been near another of his kind. The sound startled his prey away and he straightened and huffed in irritation. If he had scented them then it was likely they were aware of his presence as well. Good. He could use a target for the frustration caused by his lost meal.

WC: 411

Drawing on all of his skill as a hunter Kad began to circle back the way he had come. Stalking nearly undetectable through the forest searching for signs of the other shifter he knew was nearby. Ah! There! He caught just the barest sense of movement as they shifted into a crouch. He might not have even seen them if he hadn’t been honed into his senses. A mild respect for their skill brushed against the edge of his hunger driven frustration.

He took a moment to study and assess his new quarry. A mare. Winged as well though not similar to his. Her crouched stance clearly spoke to skill and discipline. When his eye caught on the charm above her paw, however, his lip curled up in distaste. He’d heard of charmed shifters. A terrible fate in his opinion. Perhaps he could end her miserable existence. What a shame for such an obviously skilled huntress. With that thought he dropped into a crouch, edged within range and leaped into a pounce.

WC: 172