As the Wind Blows; [CLOSED]

The old apprentice had been assigned patrol duty. It was still fairly early morning; he sighed as he stretched out his three lean legs before making his way to the entrance of the camp. He wasn't quite sure how to go about this, he'd never led a hunting patrol before. Elmpaw sat down in the entrance and curled his tail around his stump instinctively, looking across the camp to the fresh-kill pile. It was definitely looking rather sparse. Hopefully they'd be able to pull in a good haul, but that was a tall order. It was Leaffall, plus the Eclipse was still staining the sky red. It didn't hurt to hope, though.

Vibrant green eyes scanning the camp, he took a deep breath and meowed uncertainly, "Does anyone want to go on a hunting patrol with me?" He made sure to raise his voice so others could hear. It would really be sad if no cat joined him. He wouldn't be surprised, honestly.

Barleytuft had been laying in his nest, the grief of his missing friend Oakberry weighing heavily on him today. The young warrior missed her company. Admittedly, he missed her warmth in the nest beside his, too - the nights were getting very cold. He wondered if she was warm, wherever she was. A call from the camp dragged Barleytuft from his thoughts, and for a moment he considered ignoring the summon. Sometimes if he were still enough and focused hard enough he could still find Oakberry's scent in the den.

However, Barleytuft thought of his visit with StarClan. Even if their ancestors had since turned their backs on the Clans, the advice they'd given him as an apprentice was good. He had much to offer WindClan; he couldn't let his feelings get in the way of his service to his Clan. Oakberry was on her own, whether Barleytuft liked it or not. Life went on.

With that thought, the lean sandy tom pushed to his paws and exited the warriors' den, giving his pelt a vigorous shake as he approached Elmpaw. "I'm down for chasing a rabbit or three," Barleytuft mewed, giving the nervous-looking apprentice an encouraging nudge. "First time leading a patrol? It's easy."

Frostpaw perked her ears and padded over. "I'll join." She mewed. 'Wait, he's gonna lead the patrol? But I thought apprentices couldn't do that!' She thought.

"I'll go too!" Foxspirit meowed as she padded up to them. She had been feeling more cheerful since her talk with swiftsteap.

OOC: Oof i'm late. Sorry!

Two warriors and an apprentice, not including himself. This was a pretty good group, he was rather impressed with himself. Once everyone was here he gave them all a nod then stood up and limped out of the camp and out into the moors.

The dark bleeding sky cast a red glow down on the ground as the little band of cats moved quietly through the tall grass. A scent hit Elmpaw's nostrils and he raised his head, parting his mouth a little to get a better read. Rabbit. It was a few foxlengths away, snuffling around in the grass. Luckily, the tortoiseshell tom's dark pelt blended in with the shadows casted by the sky; the prey hadn't noticed him yet. He crouched down, awkwardly shuffling forward as quietly as he possibly could towards the rabbit. As soon as he got close enough he sprang at it, long tail lashing for balance and claws extended.

Unfortunately the rabbit just barely managed to leap out of the way, bounding away through the grass and out of sight. Elmpaw landed as gracefully as a three-legged cat possibly could, his face clouding with disappointment. Maybe next time.

The member 'Jehaunt' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 7

Foxspirit set out across the moor. Not to far from the others, but not to close eather. She tasted the air, and quickly located the scent of a hare. She crept down wind of it, padded softly closer... then, she ran. But as she ran, her tail caught on a gorse bush. The hair, now alerted, bolted off and down a burrow. "Mouse dung!" she cursed. Then she went off to find her next piece of prey.

The member 'Fox' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 9

Frostpaw crept up on a rabbit, who was standing still as if looking for prey. 'It's about to be my prey!' She thought. She rushed up, catching the rabbit by surprise. She started a chase, with her gaining on the rabbit. She was nearly in pouncing range when it suddenly darted side-ways. The apprentice let out a small yelp as her paw slipped into a small, un-finished rabbit hole. She cursed and leaped out, already scenting for her next prey.

Barleytuft was pleased when they had all wandered far enough from camp to begin their hunting. Elmpaw was the first to split off, followed by Foxspirit and then Frostpaw. Barleytuft watched where they all went, then headed in a slightly different direction, his tail low as he scanned the horizon.

The sandy tom scented rabbit and sought it with all his senses; a slight rustle a few fox-lengths away betrayed the creature, and Barleytuft prepared to pounce. He had already taken off when the rabbit saw him, and by the time it had whirled to flee he had already cleared the gap and sank his claws into it, taking it down easily.

The member 'sumashira' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 7

Elmpaw forced himself to focus on his task again, giving his fur brisk shake to rid himself of gloomy thoughts. Get up, shake it off, and try again. He raised his head, trying to catch the scent of more prey on the wind. After a few minutes of quietly stalking around, he caught the scent of a hare this time. Luckily he was downwind of it.

He crept closer with silent pawsteps, tail lashing for balance. Again, he lept at the prey, claws outstretched. To his surprise, his claws sunk into the flesh of the creature and he swiftly bit down on its neck to put it out of its misery. And then he just stood there a moment, fresh blood in his mouth, staring at his kill. He did it. It wasn't his first kill but catching prey was hard for him, he was always ecstatic when he caught anything.

The member 'Jehaunt' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 5

Foxspirit set out again, determined to find something to bring back to camp. As she tasted the air, she caught the scent of a rabbit. She eagerly got down wind of it, and creped closer... a little closer... Then, she charged the rabbit at full speed. The rabbit sensed her coming too late. It frantically tried to escape, but was no match for Foxspirit's speed. She pounced on it and dug her claws into its pelt. She kept hold until it stopped shuddering, and placed it under a gorse bush. Happy with her success, Foxspirit bounded away to find more prey.

The member 'Fox' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 4