"The herd of Hojenst is getting too big." Alexander stated as he walked into the main building where all the adults of the village were discussing the plans for the year.

Moonstone turned from where she was talking to Kel. "What do you mean, too big?"

"There are too many. They are devastating the fields and the trees. Yesterday a belemoid welp almost got trampled when the herd got spooked." Alexander answered.

"We could always use more of their meat. The winter was hard on our stocks and we have more mouths to feed." Kel glanced at Dionysus, who took up one corner of the room towering over everyone. He kept his tail curled around his feet and his wings tucked close to his body.

"What can I say? Their meat is good." Dionysus shrugged.

Aristaeus piped up from where he sat calmly watching the proceedings. He had somehow talked himself into this meeting. "I would love to go on the hunt. I promise to do exactly as I am told." He said solomanly. "It is something I am interested in and would love to learn how to hunt properly."

"Well, If we are going to have a hunt I must go along. If something were to happen I want to be there just in case something goes wrong." Moonstone said.

"Well, It sounds like this has been settled. So if there is anyone here that is opposed, say something now." Kel said. He paused to allow anyone to speak. When no one did he said. "Alright we will get a hunt going.Tomorrow. Now onto the next agenda." Kel said as he returned to the topic that they were all there.

The next day Alexander stood waiting for the rest of the group. He watched the first of the suns peek over the snow covered tip of the black mountain range. The light lit up the evergreen forest that surrounded the village. The air no longer smelled of snow but it still carried a little bit of a nip to it.

Dionysus was the first to arrive. He settled down next to him, "It sure is going to be a beautiful day today. Great for hunting."

"Sure is," Alexander agreed. He had a bag slung over his shoulders. And an unstrung bow tied to the pack.

"Are you sure that's not too heavy for you?" Moonstone said as she stepped out from the trees.

Aristaeus was right beside her. He was carrying two full packs. One was probably medical supplies and the other-

Alexander took a long sniff. The smell of cooked apples filled the air, and made his mouth water.

"We would have been here sooner but Kion waylaid us on the way here and insisted we take the pack he made." Aristaeus said. "And no it's not too heavy. I figure I can't hunt but I can help by carrying things for you so that you have your hands free."

"Well shall we go. We don't want to waste the good weather and the day here just talking." Dionysus said as he got up. He walked into the evergreen forest and soon was gone as the forest seemed to swallow him. Aristaeus followed after the other two.

Dionysus led the group through the forest. He could very well fly above the trees instead of ducking underneath the annoying scratch branches that kept slapping him in the face if he didn't duck down far enough.

Soon a rather distinct smell came wafting in on the slight breeze.

"Hmm, we must be getting close. I can smell them. Or at least what they leave behind." Alexander said.

"It sure stinks," Aristaeus said. His words slightly muffled as he tried to cover his nose. With one of his hands.

Moonstone and Dionysus chuckled when he made a face. "Don't worry you will get use to it after a while."

The trees slowly started to thin until there were only a few left. These looked to be in very sad shape as it looked like something had been rubbing up against it for while and the bark was peeling off the trunks. The lower branches were broken or lay scattered on the ground around the trees. The meadow, which use to be a lush green meadow was now a vast mud pit where it had been trampled down by many hooves.

Hojenst of all colors and markings were dotted along the meadow. A couple of them were reaching high into the trees to strip the tree of its foliage while others grazed on the few areas of grass still left.

Alexander took off his pack and united his bow. He strung it with practiced ease and dug into his pack to grab his arrows.

Alright big guy. I am going to try and get one. They should panic and when they run you can get one of the stragglers.

Dionysus nodded to show that he understood. Then stood ready with his wings half out ready to fly. Moonstone stood next to Aristaeus. She would be ready just in case this all went south.

There was the sound of the twang of the bow as Alexander loosed his arrow. And Dionysus leaped into the sky.