Cato's Activites and Events

It was a clear and sunny, yet cool day, and the wind was picking up, ruffling the grass and making the tops of the trees sway. It was the perfect time for hunting, more specifically, for hunting creatures such as deer and caribou. The deer herds were prospering during the coming season, and the hunt was good. The pelts were of a great quality this time of year and the meat was delicious. The herds were plump and juicy, overflowing with new young. This meant the hunters would be out, picking off the old and weak, making more room int he herd and keeping it healthy. A group of handlers set out to camp and do just so, filled with hope to bring back a good prize.

Anyu sniffed the air for their prey, a small herd of deer. As the most experienced Tokota of the hunting team, he led the way across the wilderness, followed by two younger Tokos, a male named Cato, and a young female named Galadriel. The three of them picked up the scent of the herd and headed out upon their hunt. Trotting into the wind that carried the scent towards them they followed the lead, stopping to sniff the air every now and then to make sure they stayed upon the right track. The wind ruffled their fur as they trotted along, the younger learning from the example of Anyu. Cato seemed more interested in improving, watching carefully the techniques shown by the experienced Tokota. Galadriel on the other hand, cared more about the scenery she got to see along the way.

After some time Anyu froze in his tracks, startling Cato and Galadriel to a halt behind him, the two youngsters tripping over their own paws and nearly running into the elder Toko. The two young Tokotas peaked around Anyu to see the reason for the sudden stop in their trip. Through the trees in which they hid, they could see the small herd of deer, grazing in the small clearing. The colors within the herd varied greatly, but to the Tokotas, colors did not matter, it was just a matter of them being able to catch the prey. They knew it would be a challenge from the distance they now stood, but they had to stay downwind of the herd. The waiting game was their best chance at success.

Anyu trotted around the edge of the clearing, staying within the trees, leading the trio further downwind of the herd that was now just within their reach. Cato pranced in excitement for the kill, barely holding himself back as he waited for a signal from the more experienced Toko. Galadriel was more nervous, afraid of making a mistake and missing her kill. Anyu was tense, more focused on the task at hand, then the two youngsters. His eyes stayed on the herd of deer, watching them from the trees, and waiting for the perfect moment to make their move. He hoped for a doe to wander away from the herd, or for the herd to wander close enough to the trees for an easier catch.

Moments passed and Cato's impatience was growing with every second. Galadriel fidgeted anxiously, looking down at her paws. The time Anyu was waiting for finally came as a couple of doe wandered closer to the trees, and closer to the waiting hunters. Anyu growled as the young Cato to get down and to keep quiet as the doe came closer and closer. His muscles became tense, and the blood pounded in his veins. He took deep breathes as he got ready to spring. His mind was focused on the target, and the rest of his surroundings faded away in a blur. Silence surrounded them as the youngsters followed his lead, and took position on either side of him. The wind ruffled their manes, and their muscles were tense. Their prey oblivious to the danger that lurked in the shadows.

The signal was given with a flick of Anyu's tail and the three charged forward in a flurry of fur and leaves. Anyu led the charge, Cato close behind, startling the deer who realized too late their fatal mistake. They tried to bolt, fear filling their eyes and forcing their limbs into movement, though the action was pointless. The experienced hunter was upon them, fire in his eyes and ice in his blood. The thrill of the hunt caused his heart to race, and adrenaline drove him forth. He came upon the first, leaping into the air, reaching out to pull the doe to the ground. Cato rushed past, followed by Galadriel as they aimed for the second.

The young Tokos raced forward with a burst of speed, Galadriel following the slightly larger male as best she could. Cato's heart beat like a drum as he chased the deer, zig-zagging across the field towards the herd. Cato leaped forward, skimming the rump of the small doe, giving the young female a chance to catch up. The male lost his grip on their prey, but Galadriel lunged forward in a flurry of fur to grip it's shoulders. Cato followed suite and once again leaped upon the target, the two quickly taking it down. Cato clasped his teeth upon the neck of the young doe, till the doe no longer bore a breathe.

With heavy breathing the young Tokos stood a few moments, proud of their hunt and success. The rest of the herd fled in a panic, crashing through the trees on the other side of the field. The pounding of their hooves could be heard echoing around them until the last one vanished through the trees and off they were. Cato looked back towards the more experienced Toko who stood with his head high, watching the two of them. Pride filled Cato as his success washed over him. Galadriel felt satisfaction flow over her as she looked down upon the prey they caught. He worry was not gone, replaced with the peace of knowing she was not a failure. Cato lifted the doe in the jaw, lifting his head as high as her could, Anyu doing similarly with his own catch.

They trotted back through the trees towards their camp where the handler awaited their return. Cato excited to show his handler his prey, pranced as they traveled. Galadriel was amused by the antics of her hunting partner, and no longer worried and tense like she was before they caught their prey. Anyu followed behind the two youngsters, his calm and experienced attitude clearly shown in his pace. To him the hunt was not complete until the prey was delivered to the camp or until his handler told him thus.

The camp came into view through the trees, and the pace quickened as they drew closer. Cato tried to pull into a run but the weight of the doe nearly made him trip, as well as nearly make him lose the grip on his prize. Anyu gave him an annoyed look, as if to tell him to be careful. Galadriel stayed behind with Anyu, not too rushed to get to the camp. Their handlers could be seen awaiting their return, clearly proud of the catches made by their Tokotas. Cato was the first to trot into the camp and place his prize before their handler, Anyu and Galadriel followed in close pursuit to show the larger of the two catches. They were rewarded with pats and rest, as the handlers took the two does and got ready to prepare them for their return home the next day.