The walk had been a pleasant one, watching the forest as it came alive with the early morning.  Rayal took the lead immediately, picking out the best path for those behind him.  His dark head was kept bowed most of the trip, searching the forest floor for tracks and anything potential dangerous.  When he found something, he would call back softly and gesture to where it was.  Luska would nod in response, then quicken his pace to see what Rayal had discovered.  Then he would wait for Avirt to catch up.  The younger boy was always a few steps behind, examining everything with keen interest as if he wished to commit the entire woodland to memory all in on day.  Luska would smile and wait patiently until he had the younger boy’s full attention; then proceed to explain what it was that Rayal had found and just how he had spotted it.

They hunted deer that morning, following their track until they came within sight of a doe.  Rayal stopped immediately, and Luska and Avirt followed suit.  A small gesture from Rayal as he slowly sunk to the ground sent the message to Luska.  The blond man took Avirt by the arm and slowly guided him a little closer before pausing.  He let go of Avirt then, before proceeding alone to where Rayal stood.  From that spot the boy would be able to see enough, but not to interfere.  The first kill must always be done with care, in case the second did not supply itself.

Carefully Luska sank down to one knee besides Rayal.  They had hunted often together, ever since they were about Avirt’s age, and they knew how to move around one another perfectly.  With ease they lined up, Luska ready to shoot and Rayal ready to swoop in for the kill.  Luska could almost sense Avirt tracking their every movement from behind, and had to remind himself to focus on the task at hand.  It would not do to miss with such an audience.  Rayal would never let him forget it.  He slowed his breathing, and narrowed his eyes in concentration.  Before he let go, he stiffened his wrist.  He had to be careful not to let it twist or the arrow would go wide.

And then he let go.  An unnaturally loud whistle, and then Rayal was in motion, no longer at Luska’s side but charging forward, spear held high and ready to fly.  Luska stood still and watched, knowing to stay clear.  Rayal knew what he as doing and would not appreciate any kind of interference.  The arrow would weaken the animal enough for Rayal to bring it down.

And then Avirt was beside him, leaning in slightly so that their shoulders almost touched.  He held his own weapon at his side, ready to help at any point as his wide green eyes trailed after Rayal.  The boy was a quick learner and as Luska looked down at him he could see the concentration there.

A noise from Rayal reminded Luska that there was business at hand, and when he looked back up it was to see Rayal standing in muted pride over the kill.  Dark brownish-red blood stained the soft hide, while a brighter red was stained Rayal’s hands.  Even the cleanest of kill meant a great deal of blood to be cleaned but that could be done when they returned to the village.  For now, all they need to do was get it tied up to be carried.  They would go a little further into the wood, till they reached the river.

“Come on.”  Luska said gently to Avirt as he gave the boy a little nudge.  “The sooner we get this thing trussed up the sooner we can get to the river and Rayal can wash his hands.”