Castiel, Grand Prince of ArinA brown and white blur burst through the treeline surrounding a small meadow. A young buck was in the race of its life, bounding relentlessly through the forest. Its black eyes were wide and the smell of pure fear filled the air. A pack of dogs crashed through the brush behind it, and when they came to the flat expanse of the meadow, they were electrified with a new sense of speed. The thrill of the chase, that was all the dogs lived for.
Castiel leaned forward, setting his weight over Nehro's shoulders as the horse gained ground on their prey. The horses's mane tickled his neck as he smirked, clutching the shortbow at his hip. Sunlight broke through the trees as they came to the meadow, and the flag of the deer's tail disappeared on the horizon. An inexperienced hunter might be frustrated at his quarry by now, but Cas knew differently. The deer could only run so far.
The brown and white Borzoi was closing in on the deer, its legs flying beneath it. Cas watched as the dog made sure to stay a few yard back, just to frighten the deer. Mason, his blue merle Great Dane, was running behind, his massive stride aiding his lack of stamina. Mason was his favorite dog, mostly because he also served as his guard dog, along with Alex, his Ridgeback. He'd only brought three dogs on this trip, and the other two would need to be taken out soon. Mason's sharp pointed ears swiveled, indicating he was going to turn. Sure enough, the deer turned and Cas pulled the reins, and Nehro followed suite. But the deer slowed, signaling the end of its flight. Its antlers were leveled at Guss, Cas's Bloodhound. Gus snarled ad all three dogs barked loudly at the buck. They leapt back as it charged, an nipped at its legs as it tried to throw them with its antlers. Castiel aimed his shortbow and released the short oak arrow. If he had been sneaking up on the buck, he would have aimed lower, as deer have an incredible ability to drop before they run, making the arrow hit above vital organs. But the buck was focused on something else and the arrow went clean through the heart and lungs. Cas smiled, perfect shot.
----
Nehro trotted through the palace gates, and Castiel beamed, lifting the deer's head by its antlers in triumph. The dogs panted alongside him, their tongues lolling, eager to get their next meal. The kill was slung over the horse's back, just behind the saddle and Cas stopped in front of the butcher, who had come out to meet him. "You know the drill." Cas smiled as the butcher took the deer. He'd get the fur and everything from the base of the neck to the antlers. The thrill of the hunt was already wearing off however as Cas remembered the duties of the day. He sighed, ruffling his hair in an attempt to look businesslike. At his age, being a prince wasn't all fun an games anymore.He eyes his sister leading her horse out of the stables and he nodded in greeting. "
Good morning, dear sister." Cas slipped off of Nehro, his horse's body slicked with sweat. He patted the horses muzzle fondly, returning him to his stall. He ran a wet cloth along the horse, cooling him off after a long hunt.
When he was finished, he gave his stallion one last pat before heading towards the castle. He spied Xavier and gave his a cordial nod. "
Morning, Knight of Arin." He greeted.