Back to the Grind [Open]

Muddyleap sat on the cusp of the WindClan camp, staring out at the moor. He always liked the hills that surrounded the camp - not far enough away that he would be in any danger, but still he could gaze out across the moor and feel the wind brushing through his pelt. It had become a common spot for him following Sunnyskip's death, simply being lost in thought. His gaze was narrowed, tail thumping the ground  next to him in a steady beat - far too distracted to pick up the sound of pawsteps that slowly grew closer until he jumped as suddenly a cat was brushing themselves against him.

"Ma-mama!" he gasped in surprise, recognizing the pale yellow fur as Hayglow leaned into him, her tail trailing against his chin as she circle behind him to take a seat at his right side. She leaned into him without a word, a gentle purr rising in her throat - the meaning all too clear. 'I'm here and I want you here.' Muddyleap leaned into her, echoing the purr for a few solid heartbeats before turned his head to rest his chin on the top of hers, a soft frown crossing his face. "...What you doing here, mama?" he questioned softly.

Hayglow didn't answer her son at first, simply taking in his presence. The two had clung to each other hard following the bitter-truth of Sunnyskip's death, both losing the light that had defined them both but slowly they were healing together. "...I'm thinking of going out," she finally meowed, her voice raw yet still soft. A heavy sigh escaped her, but it was followed with another gentle purr. "I think...I think I want to go back to hunting. Running across the moor. We've... I've been in this camp for too long," she meowed, whiskers twitching. The most she had left for was whatever patrols or duties she was assigned - rarely on her own whims. Enough to keep her place within the Clan but... Perhaps it was time to do something for herself. "Do you want to come with?"

Muddyleap blinked, a little surprised that his mama wanted to go hunting. Hunting was always fun - it was the thing he was best at that he was allowed to do anyways (not that he was certain how Goldenstar actually felt about him fighting). There was a heartbeat of hesitation as he thought about it, knowing he was a tad rusty but... "Of course, mama, I would love to go hunting with you," he purred, nuzzling into her before he drew back a little and glanced at the camp. "Wanna go out just the two of us or...?"

A small laugh escaped her, a little bitter. "With how rusty we both are? ...We can see if anybody wishes to join us, but if not..." A soft smile curled across her muzzle. "Wouldn't mind spending some personal time with you, Muddyleap."