off we go! [OPEN TC/SC HUNTING PATROL]

Even before it was sunup, Minnowstar awoke with a feeling of restless energy. Eyes adjusting to the darkness of his den, he gave his mate a gentle rub before getting up to stretch his legs. Unsatisfied with his stiff muscles, he decided to set out on an early morning hunting patrol. Outside, the sky was still a muted navy blue, waiting for a touch of orange to come from the rising sun. "Anyone up already? I'm going hunting." he called softly, half expecting no reply.

The mornings made Hornetpaw tired as sleeping in the apprentice den wasn't the most comfortable thing. The den felt suffocating. What was worse was that nothing could keep his attention for long enough after he already awoke. Well, nothing but the actions of Minnowstar. Or the gentle sounds of rain when it was calmly passing over the camp. Still, the second thing wasn't there this time. The voice made him snap back to reality as he rushed to the leader.
"Hunting?" A gigantic smile appeared on his muzzle. "Sparrings are better, but- can I go as well?" The quiet, quite conspiratorial tone was weird, to say the least, but who could blame the eager apprentice? Alerting those who were still sleeping wouldn't work in his favor.

It was really really late to be going out hunting, wasn't it? Thought Nightstalker, his brow raising as the Thunderclan leader emerged from his den and requested anyone available for a hunting trip. It took the young tom to remember and realize that Shadowclan was the only clan that was nocturnal. He wasn't sure if he should join it, he was up all night... but a hunting patrol with Thunderclan's leader? It was too good an opportunity to pass up. He could learn how they hunt, and where they frequent, and he could get a proper idea of who Thunderclan's leader was.

Sighing softly, Shadowclans deputy padded towards Minnowstar, and a young apprentice that had joined up in Nightstalkers moment of indecision. He quirked his brow at the young apprentice, catching the brief excitement about sparring before he turned his attention to Minnowstar. "If you would allow me to, I would not mind contributing." He almost made some snarky quip about it being his bed time, but if Thunderclan by the off-chance didn't know that Shadowclan was purely nocturnal, then he didn't need to find out.

"Of course- you will have your chance to spar with your mentor soon I'm sure." he replied, clearly amused at the enthusiasm in the apprentice's voice. Just then, another voice claimed the leader's attention. Nightstalker? The tom barely needed to contemplate, eager for an opportunity to get to know the deputy. "You are welcome to join us." he answered, a hint of a smile on his maw. "If no one else is coming, we'd better get going."

Leaves rustled against his pelt as he pushed through the camp entrance. "The owl might still be awake, but hunting in the area around the Owl Tree should be fine... If we happen to encounter it, it would make for a good battle experience for you, Hornetpaw." The tom swiftly led the way through the territory, mindful of Nightstalker's presence. Once the undergrowth had thinned a little, opening to a small clearing surrounding the thick trunk of the Owl Tree, Minnowstar began the hunt. "We can split up here, don't stray too far from the tree. We'll easily be able to assist each other that way." he noted, mostly directed towards the apprentice.

With a quick nod, tom acknowledged the leader's comment about sparring. Just then- someone came up to them!
Hornet smiled at the Shadowclan cat that wanted to join. Not that he knew his name but with the black fur and funny voice... being nice just wouldn't hurt. After all the flood was a tragic and probably traumatizing event aaand the cat looked experienced!
Tiny little steps carried Hornetpaw as fast as they could after both toms.
"Fighting an owl would be like going on a gathering!" Brown, striped paws filled with energy. A good use for claws and teeth! That wasn't the main goal though, focus was the important thing. To stay focused on catching prey.
He already split from the group when Comfreyheart showed up. It was too late to go back and say hi so he just got into the hunting position. The excitement cooled down as sniffing the air and searching began. Dew from the grass clung to fur. A couple of birds sang or screamed. He always wondered why they made all of those sounds but this time the rustling of leaves caught his attention. Right on the other side of the clearing. It had to be a mouse of some sort.
One, two, ten steps. The movement stopped suddenly and so did he. Close enough to jump and so he tried. Lunging at the bush where a tiny little pink tail was visible.
It gave him no chance, running away before the squishy cat paws with sharp claws could touch the ground. And well... there was a good reason for this.

> Hornetpaw attempted to catch a rodent (mouse). Failed...
Hornetpaw: 60SP -> 57SP

The flapping of gigantic bird wings alerted the tiny little mouse. Like an unwelcomed surprise, Hornet did not appreciate that falling as if the air was a tripwire. Swooshes weren't loud at all and yet everything about them... the owl had to hear them. Or see? The tom had no idea. It got closer, easily striking with its talons. Digging in his back for a moment. He froze in shock.

> The owl used Talon Strike for 10 SP dealing 7 damage to Hornetpaw
Owl: 30 HP / 90 SP -> 30 HP / 80 SP
Hornetpaw: 20 HP / 57 SP -> 13 HP / 57 SP

The member 'Waxkit' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 10

The young deputy nodded coolly as Minnowstar allowed him to join the patrol, another Thunderclanner joining after, but he did not pay them much mind soon after. Though... his ears twitched at Minnowstars remark on owls being good battle training, and he nearly growled. Was the leader mouse-brained? Owls may not be hawks, but they were just as dangerous, the scars on his face were proof of that. Huffing silently, he turned his attention to the mission, hunting.

Nightstalker sniffed the air, getting absolutely slammed by the rich and plentiful scents that filled the air, and the young tom was nearly swamped with the feeling of jealousy. Thunderclan had such plentiful forests, he was sure that they would never go hungry. Once more shoving down his frustrations, he focused on his hunt, prowling after a mouse of his own, where the underbrush and dense canopy were casting off strong dark shadows that the deputy was using to his advantage.

Success! Nightstalker caught a mouse!

Nightstalker:
60/60 HP
137/140 SP

Hornetpaw:
13/20 HP
60/57 SP

Rushing forwards, Nightstalker pounced on the mouse and cracked its neck swiftly and easily, bringing his head up to look around, hoping that he had not made too much noise as to disturb other cats hunts. But then his eyes landed on Hornetpaw, just moments before an Owl dived down towards Hornetpaw, Nightstalker gave a ferocious, warning yowl while he charged over, his claws unsheathed as he slammed the Thunderclan apprentice out of the way of the attack.

Nightstalker was down for an instant before he forced himself to his paws with a growl, blood leaking from the side of his head where the owl's talons had gotten him. "Minnowstar! Owl attack!" He snarled, looming protectively over Hornetpaw as he surveyed the trees and sky.

Nightstalker used Blocking Leap! Taking 9 damage from Hornetpaw, onto himself and costing Nightstalker 5 SP.

Nightstalker:
51/60 HP
132/140 SP

Hornetpaw:
20/20 HP
60/57 SP

The member 'Grey' has done the following action : Dice roll

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'Hunting Dice' : 1