Shifting Sun: A World of Warcraft Tale (Part 1 of Chapter 1) Please read!!!

[09SMalone]

This is a story I started working on for a creative writing class. I'm looking to finish it if people like it, if not, maybe I'll try something else. Please post any feedback. I appreciate it.

Sierra looked on as the deer bent it's head low, and began to feed, it's large body held steady while it chewed contentedly on what little grass grew through the mounds of snow that lay on the frozen earth. The deer was a doe and, from the looks of it, nearly three years old judging by the light brown hue to her outer coat. She was alone, which was really not that uncommon at this point in the winter season. In the clearing, the doe's fur shone in the rising sun, melting snow glimmering in the reflected light. She raised her head, glancing into the surrounding woods, as if she knew Sierra was there. And perhaps, in a way, she did.

Sierra shifted nervously in the tree she was hidden. A branch cracked slightly, and the sound echoed through the clearing. The doe immediately froze, eye's growing wide. Alert. She let out a puff of air, the warmth rising from her nostrils and forming a thick fog around her muzzle. She stamped one foot nervously, her hoof pounding into the ground and sending a cloud of snow into the wind which carried it away from her body. Sierra, sat very still, hands grasped tightly around the sturdy tree branch that held her high above the doe. She held her breath. The doe remained put, silent, like a statue, her body held steady as her pupils swelled and swiveled nervously. Unmoving. Unflinching.

Suddenly, almost without warning, a large black figure burst out of the tree surrounding the small clearing which contained the doe. It immediately headed for the deer, it's body a blaze, nearly unrecognizable as an actual being. The doe took off running, white tail flailing behind, hooves beating the ground until Sierra could see it run back into the dense forest. Sierra jumped from the tree, landing softly in a mound of freshly laid snow.

She removed her bow from her quiver and grasped an arrow in her left hand, taking off running after her query. Running behind and emerging into the brush, she could make out the two figures in persuit, the larger one merely a few feet away from the rushing back legs of the doe. Sierra could see the two zig-zag in and out of the trees; the black creature closing in on the doe. She ran faster, her feet splashing through snow, and jumping over dangerously protruding rocks. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as the pressure mounted, her feet slipping effortlessly over the ledges which ended in steep cliffs. Merging into another clearing, Sierra stumbled upon the two creatures.

The animal had backed the doe onto a small ledge, no doubt part of the many mountain ranges present in the region. The doe was thrashing wildly, attempting to outmaneuver it's persuer in some way. The other animal snarled in response and took a few steps closer, it's large white paws, in sharp contrast to it's overall black body pausing slightly; as if in hesitation.

Sierra approached from behind, walking over to Remus, the black figure, who was, in reality, a rather large fox. She patted him on the head, softly, and whispered something inaudible in his ear, though his long flowing tail, wagged in response. Sierra fit the arrow she had been carrying into her bow, the feather sliding into the string with ease. The deer remained frozen, eying Remus frantically, somehow knowing of what was to befall it. Sierra took aim.

At the last possible second, the deer took flight, dodging swiftly around Remus who immediately took back up pursuit. Sierra released the arrow on reflex and it plunged deep into the earth ledge, it's tip immediately engulfed into the clay-like material, the feather on the opposite end ruffling in the wind. She began to run after Remus, hoping she wouldn't lose sight of his black coat in the brush. She could see him fast approaching the deer, his animal instinct engaged in the emotion of the hunt; his muscles strained to get in a last burst of speed. To go for the kill.

The deer didn't stand a chance. While running parallel to the frozen river, the doe stumbled slightly. She lost her footing in the rocky river edge and she lost time. Remus leaped forward, paws extended. His body moved with uncomprehensible force, the body an immense build of muscle that was like a spring that had been coiled but then was suddenly released. His paws landed a swift blow to the side of the doe and she fell over under the weight of his body. The doe thrashed back, her head moving from side to side, in an attempt to shake Remus free. He immediately took up her neck, as any predator would do. Sierra could see his fangs buried in the flesh of the deer, and she stopped running to look on as the doe struggled to hold on. Her feet kicked desperately at Remus, who held on fast. She tried to wrench herself out of his grasp, but her attempts were useless. Within minutes, she had ceased kicking, and Remus was licking her fur expectantly. When Sierra approached he left the deer and went to her side, wagging his long black tail with genuine joy. She pet his thick black coat, her fingers sliding through it effortlessly. He nudged her hand, shoving his snout under her palm, and she scratched the tips of his ears, his overall favorite spot.

“Good boy Remus!” she cheered to the fox, who sat next to her, his head looking up at her and then back to the deer his eyes never losing concentration.

She came within a few feet of the deer, offering praise to Elune for a successful hunt. She spoke a few words over the deer, her hands gesturing to make symbols along the body. She then grabbed her small knife she stashed within a sheath connected to her belt and began the tedious task of preparing to deer for transfer back to her town. At least her family would have food for the week. The day was indeed, good.