"One I suspect you'll enjoy honing, before your ultimate prey."

"I find that more likely than I would have this morning."

"We can certainly find you many opportunities, there."

She kicks the corpse over.

"Now what?"

"I'd suggest more practice. Either in magic on its own, or in the practicalities of hunting. Or we can plan our hunt tomorrow."

"More practice hunting would be good."

"Can you think of traits you'd like for your next prey, then?"

"I think so."

Much easier now that's she's had an experience with it. Similarly soft and vulnerable, lost, less inclined to struggle, good at making those faces she enjoyed seeing so much...

She gets a heading faster this time.

Good.

And off after it?

The Yew Queen seems rather enthused about that.

This path takes them farther, down to the flatter river valleys - and their prey seems to have favored hiding rather cleverly over running.

Fortunate then that they're cheating with tracking it down.

The prey's around the same age as the last, perhaps a hair older, eyes wide and breath fast, muscles trembling, when the hunters uncover her hiding spot.

"Hello there."

Eeep!

"Wh - what do y- you want - "

"Not much. A little fun. Why don't you come out to play with us for a bit?"

Her only answer is rapid head shaking and some more quivering.

"Aww. Shall I come and get you, then?"

That gets her some frightened tears.

Sounds like a yes. Shade grabs her wrists and drags her out into the open.

Terrified yelp, but no attempt to struggle.

And if she throws her down to the ground?

The girl yelps and then trembles, but holds very, very still otherwise, wide eyes fixed firmly on Shade.

She kneels down and draws out a knife.

"You're being very cooperative, you know that?"

Terrified whimper and quick nod.