So far, Laurette's survival had been dependent on luck - mostly, she found shelter by being small enough to fit into places large predators could not access, and fed on the remains of prey abandoned by those with the skills to hunt. She'd seen hunting, having watched others chase down their food, but was never quite sure those involved in the chase would share with her. It was a big risk to take, asking for food, even more so for someone who could easily make a quick snack for other, larger Gembounds.

But it had been a while since the last time she'd found anything to eat, and she was starting to wonder, would she soon have to hunt for herself? There weren't many creatures smaller than herself in the cave, and the few which were seemed much faster than she. She also had no idea what powers such beings might have.

Her stomach hurt. She didn't know how long she could go without food, but she knew she no longer wanted to. Something had to happen.

She stayed in the shadows, hoping the darkness might be enough to cover her bright orange fur, and stayed low, scanning the area, trying to act as though she knew what she might be searching for. Thanks to having seen other Gembounds eating and hunting, she at least knew what some food looked like, but not which ones she could find her, nor how easy they would be for her to catch. She made the decision to go for any prey she saw which might she might be able to keep up with or corner. Her hopes weren't high, but her options were few, unless she decided to take the risk of asking another Gembound for help.

There! A mouse, the perfect prey for someone as small as herself. Now, she just had to hope she would be able to catch it, and soon if she wanted to get to it before someone else came along.