Stolen

Dove lay quietly under the canopy of the blanket he had fashioned into some kind of shelter. Just a yearling, and freshly alone in the world, he was consumed with a feeling a deep emptiness. It didn't help that he hadn't eaten in days at this point. Not many individuals took pity in the pathetic little creature when they had their own struggles to deal with. Here in Zhido most of the folks were down on their luck. 

He tried to ignore the nagging hunger in his stomach and get a little bit of sleep, but as time crept on he knew he wouldn't be able to escape the thoughts of food. Something, anything to eat. He weakly slinked out from under his small shelter and rose to his feet, gazing around himself. The little nook he was hiding in was out of the way from the busiest sections of the community, where many had similar shelters to him. He hoped no one would find it, as small and uncomfortable as it was. He had nowhere else to go. He shook out his pelt, dusty from the earth, and picked his way carefully along the natural pathways to head towards the more bustling streets. There at least there would be street food venders where he may be able to slip something away before they noticed. 

On his way there were tents, shacks, and finally houses as he got nearer to his destination. It was the next street over where he knew of a particularly unobservant vendor who sold fairly edible faire. Anything would be edible in his condition, anyway. Thoughts full of dried potatoes, he thought of a plan. Suddenly, an aroma wafted through the air. Something much more palatable than dried potatoes. Dove eagerly sampled the scent, following it with his gaze. His usually dull eyes shone with greed as they rested on the source. Resting beside someone's window was a massive plate of cookies. Unable to stop himself, his plan immediately changed. There was no way he'd be able to pass up such an opportunity. 

Crouching low to the ground, in the shadows, he started moving. His body hugged the walls of surrounding buildings and every one of his senses was honed in to detect danger. As he slipped into position underneath the open window, he listened carefully. He could hear quiet voices and laughter from inside somewhere, but they weren't close. Now was his chance. He raised himself out of the brush and peered slowly inside the home. All seemed clear. It one rapid moment, Dove slid the plate out of the window and prepared to bolt. 

In his weakened state, he failed to predict how heavy the plate was going to be. As he cleared the window with it, it slipped from his paws and crashed loudly onto the ground. Quickly, without hesitation, he grabbed as many as he could in his mouth and tail and bolted, cursing himself. He heard the clattering of hooves in the building as the baker rushed to see what the commotion was. Fleeing, Dove could hear the fading voice shouting behind him.

"Come back here!"