This summer had been a test of Tauriel's independence, and it had resulted in the realization that she truly could fend for herself. The fields that she so often frequented had become dry, wildfires a constant danger that forced her to remain close to the lake's shores when she did come to this place. In the beginning she had sought refuge on the familiar island at its center, but as the drought began to take its toll on the water supply the haven became almost impossible to mount as it protruded so far from the lake. So the young adult had been forced to wander further afield, finding sanctuary in the valley and along the banks of the Aplos when need be. Prey had become scarce, and yet she had managed to feed herself well enough to survive. With the increased travel and decreased consumption, she had lost weight but not so much that she was worried about it. Because of the unbearable heat during the days, much of her traveling had been made at night.

On that night she returned to the shores of the lake beneath a bright full moon. Despite the hardships of the past season, she moved with ease and a confidence that had been steadily growing within her for the past year. Summer was coming to an end, and prey was beginning to return to Moladion. She knew that she needed to bulk up a bit over the autumn months so that she would stay warm over the winter. With the increase of familiar prey in the area, she thought that the fields were as good a place as any to literally fatten herself up. She knew the fields and the lake well, and even though the landscape had been changed by the drought and wildfires, Tauriel felt confident that she would do as well here as she had in the past.

Moving lightly upon long, lithe limbs, she carried her head low and ears pricked forward. Bright green eyes haloed in orange flitted about the moonlit landscape before her. It was not long before she was rewarded for her choice of coming back to the fields, as a rabbit was stirred from its hiding place and dashed across her path. Without hesitation, she bolted forwards and gave chase. Quick and agile, the rabbit spun and headed in a different direction. It did not take long for the onyx painted shewolf to close the gap on the surprised rabbit, snatching it up in her grasp and snapping its neck before it could cry out its dismay. Slowing to a jog she circled once and came to a stop, lifting her head with the prized meal in her grasp. Her brilliant white fur stood out against the night landscape, illuminated by the moon. It was only then that she spotted the darker male, the moon's glow highlighting the cream of his muzzle. Taking notice of the way his hackles bristled, she adopted a similar posture, ears pressed forward attentively as she waited to see what his next move would be. Perhaps she had stolen his meal, he would want to fight for it. But the slender shewolf had reached a point in her life where she felt willing to fight for the kill she had made.