Cloud 9[C]

Gender: Female
Rank: T3 Warrior

It had taken a lot of pleading on her end, but Nectarflower had finally convinced Tigerdance to allow her on a hunting patrol. She was due pretty soon and as such, had spent a lot of time cooped up in the camp. Nonetheless, complaining for days seemed to do the trick and the deputy finally agreed to let her go out on the condition that they stayed away from the borders. It was a compromise Nectarflower was willing to make, so here she was, fur bristling with excitement and eyes bright with exhilaration. To make it even better, she had been placed on a patrol with Sootstorm, her old mentor - which was honestly probably on purpose.

She looked over at Sootstorm and noticed his gaze on her belly, the attention bringing heat to her ears. After their conversation about kits, she had still felt pretty adamant about not bringing kits into the clan just yet. However, when she met Weaselfoot, things just seemed to fall into place. His voice cut through the quiet, peaceful day and the tortoiseshell she-cat picked up the pace slightly. After Weaselfoot's death, she had been so lost in grief that she had forgotten all about Sootstorm.

Then, after Rosepaw's death, she withdrew, too afraid to get close to anyone else lest something bad happen to them too. However, she didn't need to feel that way about Sootstorm. His was a strong, gifted warrior. He was her mentor and had been by her side throughout it all - even when she hadn't seen it. She slowed her pace to walk alongside Sootstorm and smiled softly. "I won't lie, these past few moons have been...rough." There would always be rough times though...

With a sigh, Nectarflower looked down at her belly and her tail curled protectively around the swollen curve almost instinctively. "But even with all the bad, there are good things that have come of it." A warm smile lifted the corners of her mouth for a moment and the she-cat lifted her gaze to Sootstorm once more. "I was thinking of naming one of the kits after Weaselfoot..."

Gender: Female
Rank: T3 Warrior

Nectarflower looked over at Sootstorm, an appreciative smile on her face. He was right, it would be okay. Everyone she spoke to told her that - maybe it was time to start believing them? She had wondered if things would ever feel normal again, especially when Rosepaw died, but Sootstorm was here, and her kits would be too. With any luck, she would continue to grow closer to the rest of her clanmates. For now, though, her focus had to remain on the little lives she was carrying.

With a purr, the tortoiseshell she-cat nodded. "Thank you, it really means a lot to hear that." Sootstorm was right, Weaselfoot would be watching over her from Starclan. She could only hope that Sootstorm was right, and he would be proud of her. While she would try her hardest, how would she ever know if it was enough? The sound of Sootstorm's voice once more drew the younger warrior from her thoughts and she blinked. Oh, yes. The hunt! Humming, Nectarflower's whiskers twitched with amusement. "Yup! Just like the good 'ol times."

Nectarflower already felt like she did back as an apprentice. Roaming the moorland with Sootstorm at her side, bantering and having fun - the familiarity made her heart lighter. The scent of rabbit drifted toward them, carried by the breeze, and the she-cat lifted her head, nose twitching. "Hmm. What'dya think? Wanna get started on this one first?" From the scent alone, she could tell that it was a healthy buck. The elders would eat well if they caught it.

Gender: Female
Rank: T3 Warrior

As Sootstorm headed toward their quarry, Nectarflower scanned the area for a good hiding place. She smiled, satisfied as a small, round boulder caught her eye. Moving carefully, she made her way to the far side of the boulder and peeked around the curved edge to watch Sootstorm's approach. He moved with a practiced grace - much different from her slow lumber - and swiftly got into position. It was just like back when she was an apprentice, and he would chase the prey right into her waiting claws. It was a nearly fool-proof Windclan tactic to hunt rabbits as a team like this.

The tortoiseshell queen flexed her claws, her pulse roaring like the waters of the gorge. It had been nearly a quarter moon since she'd last joined a hunting patrol so while excited, she had to admit that she was a little nervous to mess up. It would be okay though, this wasn't about the prey - it was about her and Sootstorm spending time together. The thought soothed her nerves and, with a deep breath, Nectarflower fixed her gaze back on Sootstorm. She nodded and, with that, the hunt was on! Sootstorm tore off towards the rabbit, chasing in straight toward her hiding place,

She hunkered down as low as her distended belly would allow and waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike. Hunting like this was all about timing. If she revealed herself too soon, the rabbit would have enough time to change direction and escape. Too late and it would run right past her. Then, no cat would be able to catch up to it. Once the rabbit almost in reach, Nectarflower hoisted herself upwards. She almost couldn't get to her paws fast enough but managed to find her footing just in time to lunge out at the fluffy-tailed rabbit.

Claws scuffing the peaty soil, she lurched forward, teeth bared and barreled into the rabbit. Her claws easily dug into its flesh and within moments of making contact, the rabbit was still, her teeth buried in it neck. Panting from the exertion, Nectarflower let go of her catch and swung around to look at Sootstorm. Despite her massive belly, she had caught it! "Not-" She huffed breathlessly, "Not so bad, huh?"