[Mauve]

@Mad King

The constant rain that pelted down from the sky had easily turned the marshy territory into a treacherous swamp, scaring away any small prey that might've been hiding between the tall reeds. Overhead dark clouds darkened the sky and coated the territories below in shadow. The difference between day and night was becoming harder to distinguish as the dismal leaf-bare season continued on. Roaring storms and mountains of snow had hit the coast hard, making hunting for any cat - trained or not - a definite challenge.

Mud had been on his feel for what felt like moons in itself, fatigue nipping at his heels. But the growls that erupted from the pit of his stomach were enough to cause him to venture into Clan territory once more in search of a morsel or two. The recent storm had driven away much of the suitable options, though the larger tomcat didn't let it discourage him. Instead, he smiled at the challenge, not carrying that his pelt was soaked, and the length of each of his limbs was coated in thick, swampy mud. He'd finally caught sight of a juicy water vole, the creature having decided to wander out and perhaps look for food itself - he wasn't about to turn tail back into the comfort of his nest now.

Eyes narrowed in and locked on his target, the tabby was still as he watched the water vole sniff around, completely unaware that death was stalking it from mouse-lengths away. Mud still retained the element of surprise, concealed by the wet reeds that stuck together and created a sort of barrier between the feline and his prey. Poor little guy Mud thought for a brief moment, feeling sympathy for the creature. It was gone in a flash, and without giving himself away Mud slid across the terrain, flashing out a quick paw and catching the prey by it's neck. It's squeal was cut short as Mud's other claw connected, silencing the water vole permanently.

"Sorry little guy," he mewed, tilting his head slightly to the side as he stared down at the lifeless creature hooked on his claws. It was a sad sight to see the lift drain out of another's body, but the only thought in Mud's mind was satisfying his grumbling stomach. He didn't bother to bury the water vole so he could search for more. Instead, he picked it up in his jaws and backed out of the marshy area, onto firmer ground. "This ought to hold me over, and I'm sure those Clanners won't miss one measly vole," he said to himself, slinking down and taking a rather large bite out of the water vole.