As he stepped out from his shelter, as he felt the wind rush against him, he realized that its ferociousness was a feint, a trick of the many trees and rocks through which this wind meandered on the outskirts of the meadow. He looked out over the grass that stood between one and two meters from the ground. He had hunted many times here, but never for something so dangerous. Never for something about which he knew nothing except for what it left behind from its prey.
A slight change in the wind was barely enough to warn him. The large black object dropped to the ground several meters away, wings draped at the ready, a shimmer reflecting the moon's faint light. Before his eyes could even begin to make out who or what this was, his bow was taut with an arrow pointed straight where the heart may be. The blade was raised in a defensive position in front of the target, and a voice called out, "Peace. Lower your weapon."
He knew the voice, and obeyed without question. His friend sheathed the blade and walked cautiously, wary of other dangers in the night. "I was told that there were shadows skulking about in this field. What brings you out on a night when no deer or boar would dare to join you?"
"Have you heard the rumors."
"I have heard some. What merit do they have?" He noticed a shift in the other's stance and a tightening grip on bow and arrow.
"It is not merit of rumors that brings us here; its skulls, hooves, and other remains. The peasants are frightened. There is something new in these parts; something vicious and hungry. No one has caught a glimpse yet, but whatever it may be, it rarely leaves without some token of its action. Animals are disappearing from the flocks, but left behind are evidences of the kill. We do not know what beast this is, but it almost seems to want to be found or sought after. Few of the disappearing animals have vanished entirely."
"A very different beast than we have seen in the mountain fields." He shifted his eyes across the tall grass, straining to notice movement that was not caused by the constant wind.
"A very different beast than we have seen in the valley. Thus is our reason for such a hunt. I have seven other hunters searching the field with me. We must find this thing. Do you have friends?"
"Three scouts wait upon the cliffs for any trouble. Would you like some help?"
"You can see well in the dark, correct?" He smiled thinly towards his old friend.
"Almost as well as you Elves." Although the moon's light was faint, his thin returned smile was clear.
A thunderous burst of sound echoed through the field. The ground shook and eardrums were put to the test. The Elven hunter heard the subtle tightening of seven bows in different parts of the field. His winged friend tensed, ready to catch flight if necessary.
The sound roared across the field once more, sending a jolt through the nerves. Whatever was coming, it was big. Very big. A loud rustling sound combined with a slightly softer constant thunder, and the sounds began to move from the far edge of the field towards where the Elf stood. Who will be the prey now? he said quietly to himself. He heard a similar breath from his friend.
