Similar but Different

Blossomstep waited patiently by the entrance to camp. She had arrived a bit early for the sunhigh patrol she was to go on with Tornshadow and Birdsong. Taking the extra time to groom her ears and face, the older warrior wondered how today would go. She hadn't had much opportunity to speak with either of her great grandkits, a thought that was simultaneously saddening and crazy to consider. She wasn't old enough to have great grandkits, let alone for them to be warriors - yet here they were. Looking around for their familiar pelts, Blossomstep smiled at the idea of a day with them together. Birdsong and Tornshadow certainly seemed close, that was a good thing - perhaps she could get closer to them both as well.

Birdsong stretched, shaking out her fluffy pelt as she stood. She'd been assigned to patrol with Tornshadow and Blossomstep today, and Tornshadow was easy enough to spot across the clearing.

"Come on, maybe it won't end like last time." She was optimistic it wouldn't, at least. This was just a hunting patrol, anyways. Birdsong cheerfully nudged Tornshadow's shoulder before turning in the direction of the camp entrance. Blossomstep was waiting for them already, and Birdsong hoped the older warrior hadn't been waiting too long.

Despite Birdsong's words, Tornshadow didn't really try her best to run over to the entrance. She knew it wasn't going to be like last time but she couldn't help but drag a little. The fact that something like that started because their deputy had mistaked someone else for Dawnhawk.. She knew that the deputy had seen her more often but how long would it be until he saw her as Dawnhawk? She didn't think it would happen but the thought of what if always lingered at the back of her mind.

The gold and white she-cat slowly joined the other two with a small nod, showing she was ready to go. Hopefully nothing bad would happen while they were out.

"Hi Thornshadow, and Birdsong! I hope the morning has treated you well?" Blossomstep greeted the two younger warriors as they joined her. With a sweep of her tail, she turned and led the way into the forest, looking over her shoulder to them. "I hope that we have good hunting today. How are you two doing?" She asked, looking between both of their faces. She hadn't had much opportunity to speak to either of them, so it was nice to have some time for just the three of them. As they moved deeper into the forest, Blossomstep kept an ear out for the sounds of prey.

Birdsong fell into step with Tornshadow as the trio left camp, ears pricked and soft green eyes flicking up to the trees.

"Fine," Birdsong shrugged. It could've been in answer to Blossomstep's question, or Tornshadow's quietness. Her friend had seemed distant lately, and Birdsong just wished there was something she could do to help.

It wasn't long before the rustle of leaves caught Birdsong's attention, and the warrior eased herself away from the group, jaws parting slightly as she scented the air. Carefully, the tabby made her way into the trees, intent on her target. From branch to branch she moved, and the bird was none the wiser until Birdsong's jaws closed over its throat. She jumped lightly back to the forest floor, turning to bury her catch at the base of the tree.

Birdsong attempted to catch a bird for -3 sp. Catch was successful!
157 / 160 sp

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

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'Hunting Dice' : 4

Azure eyes flicked up to Birdsong at her simple reply. Tornshadow couldn't help but wonder if that was directed to her instead or not, but she didn't give herself time to wonder on it too long. "I'm.. alright." Maybe that wasn't the best word to describe it but that was the only word she was willing to offer on the situation.

Tattered ears were perked listened out for prey, blue eyes scanning the territory for something, when a something familiar caught her eye. A little white tail caught her eye, and her ears went back. She crept forward trying her best to get as close as she could before she would have to give chase. After a moment, she took off after the rabbit as soon as it spotted her. As soon as she got close enough she tackled the rabbit to the ground, killing it with a swift movement. She paused in her spot, her chest heaving, taking a moment to regain her breath with her freshly caught rabbit sitting between her paws.

The member 'Reaper King' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 3

Neither she-cat seemed particularly interested in talking, and Blossomstep fell silent as they each went their ways. While they were hunting their own prey, a squirrel crossed her path, climbing up a tree. She dashed up the tree swiftly, catching it as it ran along a branch. Killing it quickly before she dropped back to the ground, she set it down and smiled as Birdsong reappeared with a bird in her jaws, and she turned to see Tornshadow with a rabbit. The she-cat's chest was heaving with the effort, and Blossomstep's heart twisted. She looked so much like Dawnhawk.... Walking over, she sniffed at the rabbit before raising her eyes to look at her great grandkit. She wouldn't, couldn't, make the same mistakes with her as she did with him. "That was a beautiful catch, Tornshadow. I'm very proud of you, and I know Dawnhawk would be too." She mewed, smiling sadly at her. She had no idea if she was saying the right thing or not.... But she wanted to try.

Birdsong winced internally at the look her cousin gave her, then lightly brushed her tail along her flank in silent apology before Tornshadow turned away to find her own prey.

"Great catch!" Birdsong grinned, a little bit awe-struck at the sight of the rabbit between Tornshadow's paws. She padded over, affectionately bumping Tornshadow's shoulder with her head.

Tornshadow felt a small flicker of pride in her chest at the comments from Blossomstep, though it was followed shortly after with a bit of saddness. It sucked that Dawnhawk wasn't here to see her do this.. He should have been in her opinion.

Though shortly after Birdsong quickly caused the younger to fluster. "Oh uh.. Thanks." She didn't really know what else to say. She wasn't used to the attention. The only attention she ever really got was from Dawnhawk himself and that was rare now due to him being gone. "Let's continue.." She said softly before moving to bury her prey. She didn't want the attention anymore.

Tornshadow moved to continue, and Blossomstep's heart dropped. Perhaps she had said the wrong thing after all... Still, though... She looked down at the rabbit and wished that Dawnhawk would be waiting in camp so Tornshadow could show off her catch to him. How had things gone so wrong.... If only so much hadn't happened, maybe... She sighed as she followed the young warriors further into the forest. Would she ever see him again? Would Tornshadow? If Blossomstep did cross paths with him again, she would tell him all she could about how Tornshadow was doing. Her gaze turned to Birdsong, and she picked up her pace to catch up. "That was a beautiful bird you caught as well, Birdsong. You're very skilled at hunting in the trees."

Tornshadow seemed less comfortable with the attention than Birdsong would've thought, pulling away awkwardly. Birdsong watched her friend, silently frustrated with her inability to figure out what was bothering her. Should she ask? She wanted to, but hesitated, ears flicking back in indecision briefly.

Blossomstep saved her from saying anything, and Birdsong felt her fur heat at the praise. "Ravenclaw was a great mentor." It was true, as far as Birdsong was concerned she deserved that praise more. She turned, following her clanmates and keeping an eye out for signs of prey.

Tornshadow let out a little breath of relief when she was away from the other two. Its not that she hated them, but she didn't like it when the spot light was on her. It wasn't something she was used to, she was used to falling into the background, falling into someone else's shadow.

She followed another scent she managed to find. A bird. She followed the scent low and slow before she realized the bird had gone up into the tree above her. Tornshadow took a couple steps back before bounding forward using the truck of the tree to propel her upwards, hoping to land on the bird and trap it. Just as she landed the bird took off out of her reach, leaving the warrior to curse as it fled. "Stars and thorns.." She managed to catch a rabbit but she couldn't catch something as simple as a bird?

The member 'Reaper King' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 9