Leaf-Fall in Skyclan [c]

Bloodstrike had called on Orchidpaw to follow him on today's patrol. He was curious to see how she was faring and how she'd been trained. It would determine a lot of Bloodstrike's opinion of Bearflower, whom he still believed didn't deserve to be a warrior. The deputy made no mention of such things as he lead Orchidpaw to a good hunting spot. He could hear the creek bubble not far off and the scent of early morning prey was everywhere. This would be a good opportunity to observe Orchidpaw's skills. Should any predators try to interfere, Bloodstrike would be there to put an end to it.

"I'm sorry I haven't had a moment to talk with you Orchidpaw. I've been stretched thin as far as duties go. I hope you understand it's nothing personal." He hopped easily over a fallen log and patiently waited for Orchidpaw to do the same. His nose scented the air, and the scents of bird and squirrel hit his nose first. They should be close by. A few quails fluttered to the ground along with a squirrel that moved casually across the forest floor looking for nuts. Bloodstrike lowered himself into a crouch so as not to spook anything.

"Let's see you catch something. I'll hunt after you so you can get the first pick." He gave her an encouraging smile and nodded in the direction of the prey. His voice was low, stressing the importance of keeping their voices down. Now... he would watch.

Orchidpaw followed Bloodstrike quietly as they left camp and ventured deeper and deeper into the territory, broad shoulders stiff with tension as she concentrated on keeping pace with the deputy as well as keeping her face calm and respectable.  Truthfully, when she had been called to join the powerful tom on a solo patrol she hadn't been completely surprised - she was almost fully grown and nearing the end of her apprenticeship - but it was a moment she had been both longing for and dreading.  

Bloodstrike was the heart of SkyClan; Wolfstar may be their leader but for her whole life the tom had been a non-presence, though someone her mother deeply respected.  He had given the rouge queen a home in SkyClan and through that action given Orchidpaw and her siblings one as well, which she would always be grateful for.  However, Wolfstar seemed to be past his prime, not really in age but in the soul.  She had heard whispers that his mate had been killed by Dawnhawk, and though she could understand his sadness, leaders had more to their lives than their own emotions.

Bloodstrike however had been a constant presence in their life thus far, he had given her an apprentice name and mentor, oversaw the patrols she went on and the work she did in camp, and most importantly right now, would be seeing the skills and talents she could provide to the clan.  This day, this simple patrol, could be what would make or break her future in SkyClan.  Every moment, every day of her life her reputation hung in the balance due to being an outsider.  If she wasn't useful...then why should they keep her around?  It was simply common sense.  

Orchidpaw's tabby ears perked at the sound of the tom's voice, and she quickly shook her head and meowed in a humble tone; "I understand, out of every cat you're the one who has the most to oversee, I don't mind waiting."  Her voice sounded calm and controlled, but she could feel her jaw trembling a bit after she was done speaking; don't be nervous, it'll just make you look like an awestruck kitten.  Taking a steadying breath, Orchidpaw leaped easily over the fallen log and stood beside Bloodstrike, meeting his gaze for a moment before they continued onward.  While she might be a large cat, Bloodstrike definitely outranked her in size, the bob-tailed tabby claiming several mouse-tails on her.  Soon enough, the scent of prey filtered into Orchidpaw's senses, and the young molly was on high alert.

Dropping into a crouch alongside the deputy, she gave him the slightest of nods to answer his instructions before moving forward slowly through the shadows, circling the group of quail feasting on a fallen seed pod.  However, her target was not the fat but fairly small birds, but the plump squirrel that was darting towards the group, too preoccupied with the potential food to notice her silent approach.  Not hesitating, as soon as the fluffy-tailed creature had stopped for a moment the muscular colorpoint pounced forward, pinning the squirrel to the ground and ending it's life with a quick nip to the neck.  The she-cat's blue eyes brimming with relief and pride, she turned back to see Bloodstrike's reaction to her catch, and to see him make his own.

Orchidpaw:
57/60 SP

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 7