A while had passed, and another prey animal eluded Shrewpaw. He was beginning to feel frustrated, at the cold driving them into their burrows, and his own inablity to find them. And the fact he was probably going to fail, and be treated like a stupid kit. Not on his list of things to do. With a huff, he paused to think. He didn't think he had the time to burrow flush, but where else could the prey be? SOMETHING must be out eating after all! Where was their food? Moments later, he was bounding off, the image of the beech tree glaring in his mind. Of course! The nuts must be delicious, and anything out was probably gorging there! As he approached the tree, his suspicions proved true. At least one, if not two mice were scuffling about in the leaves. It wouldn't get him all the prey he needed, but it would be a start.
His paws stepping lightly, making no crunches as he slowly compressed the small leaves, he made his way towards his quarry. The trunk of the tree separated them, not that it was of much use as a shield. Still, he was able to make his way almost up against it before he heard the rustling stop. He had to go now. Twisting around the trunk, his claws flashed again and he had the small body in his grasp, killing it swiftly. He knew chances would be at a premium today, and probably all winter, and he really couldn't afford to let many go unused. Nor could anyone, if the clan was going to stay fed all leafbare. @
~dust~