Tale as Old as Time [Open Hunting]

Whisperpaw

Whisperpaw had gone out on a walk. They’d been taking more lately, trying to work up their stamina as best as they could between regular training sessions. It hadn’t helped yet, but they were still hopeful that that could change. On this walk in particular, they heard the faintest squeal of a rabbit which drew their attention. They followed the scent of fresh kill until they found Mistysky, having just killed some fresh prey.

“Good job,” they said with a smile as they approached. The warrior seemed a bit tired from the kill, and Whisperpaw was getting sore from walking, so they sat before Mistysky. “It’s nice to see rabbits roaming the land again. Newleaf will be beneficial for the clan, I’m sure.” They stretched a bit, loosening their muscles. “Would you like a partner on your hunt? Safety in numbers.”

They looked out into the wild, scanning the long flat plains of their territory, though they still were listening to Mistysy. Whisperpaw wondered, briefly, why Mistysky seemed so out of breath. At this point it was well known that Whisperpaw has little stamina, but Mistysky was a well-established warrior within the clan who should be able to easily catch a rabbit without breaking a sweat. The change was noticeable—and concerning. “If I may ask, are you feeling ill, Mistysky? You seem more tired than usual.” They frowned. “We don’t have to stay out here hunting. If you’re feeling ill then we can get back to camp, and maybe you can see Fawnsong?”

Whisperpaw

Whisperpaw watched Mistysky for a moment without a change in their expression, but while their expression appeared far away as they got to their feet, their mind was at work. She spoke very startlingly and it was obvious from her quick denial that whatever was bothering her, she didn’t want it to be bothering her, or didn’t want the reason to be known. That still concerned Whisperpaw, though, who didn’t want Mistysky to push herself too hard.

They walked with her anyway. Maybe they could figure out a way to get Mistysky to the medicine den; but, if nothing else, then at least back to camp earlier than a full hunting patrol would take. They were certain they could at least accomplish the latter.

For now, the focus was on hunting. Whisperpaw hadn’t been on a full hunting patrol yet, so they tried to keep their ears perked for any sounds of prey that could reach them before their scent did. The scent of rabbit still reached first and they turned their attention to a rabbit that was nibbling away at some vegetation. Whisperpaw moved carefully towards it, but their form was clumsy and the rabbit was alerted. When it began to run, Whisperpaw tried to sprint after it. They were fast in short bursts, and nearly got the rabbit in their claws, but the burst faded quickly and their speed slowed until they drew to a complete stop, panting heavily. The rabbit quickly escaped into its burrow, out of sight.

They sat down, panting heavily from the exertion and silently cured their tired body. They lifted their gaze towards Mistysky. “I still have a lot to learn, it seems,” they meowed, trying to not get too downtrodden.

Whisperpaw attempted to catch a rabbit, but due to disabled stats, was unsuccessful. -3SP.

Whisperpaw

Whisperpaw nodded. They moved into place and stayed low to the ground. There was still a bit of snow on the ground despite newleaf having arrived, so they stuck close to one of the non-melted snowbanks to try and blend in better. They watched Mistysky move and then chase after the rabbit. Again, she moved slower and grew more out of breath; faster than she should have, given her age and experience. They were so concerned at what they saw that they almost didn’t notice the rabbit that was chased straight toward them.

At the last minute they lunged out from where they were half-hidden, but they were so caught off guard that their aim was bad. The rabbit squealed and darted to the side, avoiding their claws. They tried to turn to swipe at it, but their claws barely missed the fuzzy tail of the rabbit and it too escaped into one of the many burrows. Whisperpaw panted and hung their head low. How were they going to explain this?

“I’m sorry,” they said, turning back to Mistysky. “My timing was wrong. I was distracted.” They walked over to her and sat down first, hoping that she would take the invitation to sit as well. They wanted to ask again about her fatigue but worried that she would be annoyed with their prying. “I’m afraid I’m not the best hunting partner. Would it be good to take a break, or do you want to keep going?” It was probably best to allow Mistysky to choose. Perhaps if she felt less pressured to take a break, she would take one of her own accord.

Whisperpaw attempted to catch a rabbit, expending 3 SP, but due to disabled stats, was unsuccessful.

Whisperpaw

“Mistysky wait,” Whisperpaw tried to call, but Mistysky had already taken off, and faster than they could keep up with. Thankfully, she didn’t get terribly far. They pushed up onto their paws, not wanting to wait even though their body really insisted that they should. They moved as fast as their aching paws could take them, trying to move towards Mistysky quickly, even as the scent of prey and their hunger distracted them.

Their nose caught the scent of a rabbit and they slowed enough to locate it visually. Their muscles were tense and they felt out of breath, but they still dropped to the ground and crept towards the rabbit. Like their first attempt, it was alerted and bolted, but Whisperpaw was able to react faster this time. They ran hard after the rabbit, pushing harder than they usually do. If Mistkysky is going to keep going until another rabbit is caught, then I’ll catch this one. Then we can go back and she can stop working so hard.

Whisperpaw leapt at the rabbit, crashing down onto it before it reached the burrow. They bit down onto the rabbit and it fell limp. They breathed hard as they stood up shakily. Keeping the rabbit in their mouth, they slowly and painfully made their way over to the warrior.

“Th…there,” they panted. “Now we have…two…So we can go…back…right?” They all but collapsed beside Mistysky, feeling like their body was falling to pieces. They opened one eye to look at Mistysky. She looked just as exhausted as they were. “We can…rest for a bit…and then go back…?”

Whisperpaw (finally) caught a rabbit, expending 3SP.