Writers: The Deer
Oct. 20th, 2009 08:57 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
spongetasticPicture prompt
He spotted it first. He wasn't looking for it but there it was in a clear patch through the trees. Peter instinctively held his breath as if the slightest sound would frighten the beast away. He'd seen wild animals before but that was usually at the zoo, and those that weren't were usually no more impressive than a squirrel.
This was most certainly not a squirrel or an animal trapped behind zoo fencing. This magnificent beast was wild and free. Peter watched in fascination as its four graceful legs moved through the grass. He could actually see the lean muscles moving as the animal lifted each limb. The deer bent its head down to graze. It was peaceful and calm, at home in its natural surroundings.
Suddenly the deer jerked its head up. Its head focused forward, black eyes searching the forest as ears flickered tensely. Peter quickly put his hand over his mouth to keep any noises from escaping. Even when it was alert in fear the deer was beautiful.
Peter felt a hand on his shoulder and turned. His brother and father were standing behind him; their eyes were fixed on the deer as well. Arthur carefully shifted his gun's weight but he couldn't get a clear shot from his position. Peter's blood ran cold as the weapon reminded him of why they were out here. He knew, of course. He just didn't think they would ever get a real chance at shooting an animal. Arthur nudged his younger son and pointed to the deer.
He wanted Peter to take the shot. Peter's eyes flicked between the deer and his father, warring between wanting his father's approval and wanting to protect this innocent animal. The deer hadn't done him any harm. Besides, why would anyone want to harm something so graceful? Peter stubbornly shook his head. Annoyed, Arthur nodded to Nathan instead.
"No!!" Peter yelped out, and a second later the air exploded.
He spotted it first. He wasn't looking for it but there it was in a clear patch through the trees. Peter instinctively held his breath as if the slightest sound would frighten the beast away. He'd seen wild animals before but that was usually at the zoo, and those that weren't were usually no more impressive than a squirrel.
This was most certainly not a squirrel or an animal trapped behind zoo fencing. This magnificent beast was wild and free. Peter watched in fascination as its four graceful legs moved through the grass. He could actually see the lean muscles moving as the animal lifted each limb. The deer bent its head down to graze. It was peaceful and calm, at home in its natural surroundings.
Suddenly the deer jerked its head up. Its head focused forward, black eyes searching the forest as ears flickered tensely. Peter quickly put his hand over his mouth to keep any noises from escaping. Even when it was alert in fear the deer was beautiful.
Peter felt a hand on his shoulder and turned. His brother and father were standing behind him; their eyes were fixed on the deer as well. Arthur carefully shifted his gun's weight but he couldn't get a clear shot from his position. Peter's blood ran cold as the weapon reminded him of why they were out here. He knew, of course. He just didn't think they would ever get a real chance at shooting an animal. Arthur nudged his younger son and pointed to the deer.
He wanted Peter to take the shot. Peter's eyes flicked between the deer and his father, warring between wanting his father's approval and wanting to protect this innocent animal. The deer hadn't done him any harm. Besides, why would anyone want to harm something so graceful? Peter stubbornly shook his head. Annoyed, Arthur nodded to Nathan instead.
"No!!" Peter yelped out, and a second later the air exploded.