
The other thing about achas; they were easier to carry back. A Totoma had to be dragged back to the caves and it usually took more than one of them. An acha could be thrown over the back and carried. Some of the others had found bear pelts or the skins of other kin helpful in transporting the bodies, but she wasn't allowed such luxuries. Desperate only had herself and nothing more.
So, it was fortunate for her that an acha had strayed onto the mountain, close to the caves her family called home. Fortunate for her. Less so for the acha. Her teeth were still clenched around the throat of the small kin, ensuring the job was properly done. She'd learned early on that just because they stopped kicking didn't mean they were dead. After a long moment of stillness, she finally released the acha's neck and got to her hooves. Now all that was left was to carry it home.