ready for the leaves (c)

Greenleaf was slowly coming to an end. Though the heat of the day was as warm as ever, it waned more quickly, and the sun set sooner. The rivers were still full of fish, but the water levels continued lowering. The fresh green leaves had begun to crisp in the sunlight and start to turn yellow. A less-prepared Clan would be anxious at these signs. However, Perchstar did not feel much anxiety-- at least, not any new kind of anxiety that she was unused to. The turning of the seasons meant little to RiverClan. They were stocked well on prey, and their ranks were beginning to swell with new warriors just as the riverbank would swell with rain soon. Barring any unexpected circumstances, their Clan would continue to thrive in leaf-fall, and well into leaf-bare.

The best way to ensure that was daily hunting patrols. Not only to hone the skills of their warriors and apprentices, but also to make sure there would be enough food for everyone. Today Perchstar was going out on patrol with Sootspirit, one of the newer warriors. He was one of Maplespring and Owlshriek's kits, so his blood was half WindClan, but he'd been given glowing reviews by his mentor Poppyshine and had certainly learned enough to advance from apprentice to warrior. All of the kits had shown remarkable loyalty and discipline. They would all be warriors sooner rather than later. Yet, Perchstar had not spent much time with them individually. Being leader was a busy job... it was hard to have interpersonal relationships with every cat in your Clan. However, one of the best ways to do so was to go out on regular hunting patrols, despite her many other duties. And so today, she and Sootspirit had made their way to the Beech Copse together, in order to begin hunting. She knew that the tom could fish... but did his WindClan heritage make him better at catching land prey?

Sootspirit was nervous. Despite training his whole apprenticehood with Riverclan's deputy it was completely different to be on a patrol with Riverclan's leader. He had never really interacted with Perchstar much before only seeing her in passing, and just sharing occasional greetings and such. So being on a patrol with her made him feel like he needed to prove himself, to show he was a good warrior. Someone to be proud of. Nervous was the best way to describe it, because he wanted to preform well.

He didn't bother to break the silence that had settled between them no matter how antsy he was. If they were going to talk he would let her be the one to break the silence. For now he would focus on his hunting, hopefully it would help get rid of some of his nerves. As he searched for prey the tom came across a shrew. It wasn't common for him to hunt on land but he had to make sure he preformed well. The dark tom crouched low, making sure to preform everything Poppyshine had taught him. When he felt he was close enough he pounced.

A loud honk startled the tom mid pounce, causing him to miss, and the shrew to run away. The tom turned just in time to feel a beak hit his side. The dark tom came face to face with an angry goose, with it's wings spread wide. Obviously trying to chase the tom away. Quickly Sootspirit lashed out with his claws, trying to chase it away instead.

Sootspirit attempted to catch a shrew, failed. Goose has been summoned.

Goose used Beaked Thrust dealing 10 damage, -15

Sootspirit used Front Paw Strike dealing 7 damage, -7 SP

Sootspirit:
20/30 HP
70/80

Goose:
48/55 HP
155/170 SP

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

---

'Hunting Dice' : 10

Perchstar flinched back as a goose suddenly interrupted their hunt, flapping down with a squawk to attack Sootspirit. Really? Is every time I patrol with a Clanmate doomed to be interrupted by predators now? The leader suppressed the urge to hiss in irritation, which was odd. A few predators now and then were nothing to worry about; a goose, a couple of weasels. But all at once like this? So soon after the other injuries her Clanmates had gotten? This was getting out of hand. Still, after her initial moment of surprise, she recovered quickly, darting towards the goose and knocking its webbed feet out from under it the moment it landed. "Are you okay, Sootspirit?"

Perchstar used Experienced Steps on Goose, dealing 10 (8+2) damage and costing 10 stamina. Goose is stunned for 1 turn.

Perchstar:
80/80 HP
170/180 SP

Goose: (STUNNED)
38/55 HP
155/170 SP

Sootspirit:
20/30 HP
70/80 SP

While the initial strike stung, it wasn't anything to bad. Of course he was probably going to need to get it checked out later just to be safe. Hopefully between the two of them, they could take down the Goose with relative ease. "Yeah, I'm alright, thanks for the assistance." With her one move alone, it was easy to see why the clan respected Perchstar so much. Not that Sootspirit didn't in the first place, but seeing it first hand.. Wow. It was amazing. Graceful and skilled. He considered himself lucky to see her in battle. He cleared had much to learn. For now he would have to show the skills he had and make her proud in turn.

Goose is no longer stunned!

Sootspirit used Snap dealing 7 damage, -7 SP

Perchstar:
80/80 HP
170/180 SP

Goose:
31/55 HP
155/170 SP

Sootspirit:
20/30 HP
63/80 SP

Her move had knocked the goose to the ground, but that wouldn't last for long. It would get up soon. These predators are really getting out of paw. Perchstar nodded at Sootspirit, glad that his battle training had been effective. This goose wouldn't be a real problem between the two of them... but it was certainly a nuisance. Before the bird got up, she struck at it with a clawed paw, tearing a deep wound into the side of its wing. Maybe it would think twice about messing with them further.

Perchstar used Front Paw Strike, dealing 12 (10+2) damage and costing 7 stamina.

Perchstar:
80/80 HP
163/180 SP

Goose:
19/55 HP
155/170 SP

Sootspirit:
20/30 HP
63/80 SP

Sootspirit prepared himself to strike again when the Goose recollected itself, spreading its wings wide once again, letting out a honk before turning and running off in whatever direction it came from. It was weird watching it run, using its wings to help move forward, like it was going to fly but didn't.

Goose fled!

Sootspirit turned to look at Perchstar, the threat was gone, and he was thankful for it. Of course he sustained a bite from the bird, but it wasn't hindering him much, but in the end it would be his leader's call if they continued. "Are you alright with continuing our hunt or did you want to head back to camp?" He didn't want to make the choice, he wasn't the leader after all.

Perchstar watched with a mild bit of satisfaction as the goose fled, its tail metaphorically between its legs. That was one less predator to terrorize her Clanmates, at least for a moon or so. Maybe we should have killed and caught it? Or is it a better use of time just to hunt some more? She turned her head back to Sootspirit when he spoke. Owlshriek's kit did not seem to be too badly hurt... still, injuries could affect hunting. But did he want to stay or go? "If you still feel well enough, we can continue the hunt," she responded. "But we can return to Dovesight now if you wish."

The tom shook his head, appreciating his leader's concern. "I'm alright, I would at least like to catch something so I don't return to camp with nothing." If he returned with nothing.. well he didn't want to even think about the disappointment he would bring others.

Since she already established permission to keep hunting, the tom decided to split off from her once again. Amber eyes scanning the territory for prey. This time he saw a field mouse, it wasn't the largest thing but some food was better than nothing. The tom crouched low, hoping he wouldn't be interrupted this time. It took no time for the tom to catch the mouse, killing it as soon as he captured it. His amber eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked over to his leader. Now he was satisfied with himself.

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

---

'Hunting Dice' : 1