WindClan: Life Before 2023's Fire

[WinterMara]

| Stonemask of Windclan |

A hunting patrol? Well, better than the last patrol he went on, heh... okay he shouldn't have that on his mind, it was disturbing. Creamcloud and, Creekdash, what was with him getting on patrol with cats whose names began with C? Odd thought but, it's better than thinking about the slaughtered corpses at the Shadowclan border. Stonemask went to Creekdash, as long as he didn't have to see another corpse that wasn't a rabbit, mouse, or form of prey, he'd be fine.

| @Wings @/Little Timmy

[Beetlenose]

Smokestep got up from his comfortable place in the sun, maybe he should do something more… helpful. He cast a longing gaze, down at his sunny spot, before laying down once more.
@Nixey

[Moonraven]

Leopardsong headed out as soon as she heard her name called for patrols. She wasn't certain why, but it seemed that Wolfie thought it would be a good idea to pair her up with Skyleaf's former apprentices. Foxpaw hadn't had the greatest reaction if she recalled, at the meeting, she wasn't sure how Dustypaw felt about it. The young warrior lost her usual bounce and would have to see about taking this slow with them, maybe they would like to talk, or maybe they'd just want to hunt. She'd like to assist them if they'd let her, but wasn't going to force them to.

"The rabbits are back, shall we see if we can catch a few for the clan?" The slender warrior questioned as she stopped and turned to face the nearest apprentice.
@feather lily (if you'd like to throw Ravenpaw in here, go ahead, it'll count as training)
@FrostCat

[Raven~]

Dustypaw nodded. "Yeah. Sure." Her mind was still reeling from Skyleaf's death, and although she really didn't feel like hunting, she also didn't feel like protesting. It was like all the energy had been sapped out of her.
@feather lily @Moonraven

[Jay.]

// @Rani @Kyrieknight @Celeste \\

Ryecloud tilted her head curiosly at the thought of
going back into the tunnels. She had only gone
once when she was an apprentice, and she
wasn't completely shure if she had liked it or not.

It could get cramped and mud filled her
claws and got into her eyes.

but she was willing to give it a try
and see what happened!

[Rani]

With a pleased rumble and a flick of the tail Crowtooth took a moment to explain his plans for this patrol before he'd lead the group to the proper tunnel system.
"So windclan needs some food after how depleted the prey pile had been and while normally its pretty easy to find a normal patrols worth of prey I kinda wanna go for broke and bring back a large haul. The clan kinda needs it. So we're going on a groundhog hunt! Ive recently found a burrow of those large rodents and we're gonna hit it and take out as many groundhogs as possible to bring back! Its a good plan given there should be a good few on them in that one area and they arent exactly fast or good hiders with how fat they can be but there is one issue. Its gonna be more like a fight then a hunt. I can say from experience these things have the temperament of large rats and really like to bite and claw if cornered so keep that in mind and watch out. I'd recommend if you cant get one from the side tag team them with another patrol mate while theyre distracted by one of you.
Dont worry though the area is stable and the tunnels are decently large so movement or collapses wont be an issue plus if we each bring back even one back each it'll be a lot of food. Me and Twilightstar couldnt even finish one when we were sharing it I had to sicc the kits on it to properly eat one of those things. Seriously if we can get like six the clan will be stuffed so its a risky but worth it fight.

No time to waste so we'll start to head out now and if you have any questions feel free to ask along the way!"

If Crowtooth was being completely forthright he'd admit they were all probably coming back with some bites and scratches for their haul (the large groundhog that'd ambushed him from nowhere had cut up his scruff rather painfully) but for the rough and tumble tom that wasnt an issue, he just didnt view minor peril or injuries as anything worth mentioning. So he didnt mention it leading the group to the deep.

(Im double posting in the tunnels so you dont have to respond to this post if you dont want!)

@Kyrieknight @Celeste @Jay.

[Rani]

The stretch of burrows that the groundhogs lived in were rather far off the beaten track (probably why they hadnt been spotted thus far) but once the patrol entered the area they'd claimed their presence was rather obvious. The tunnels were widened and well dug out obviously by an animal, if one listened carefully they could hear the calls and movements echoing off the walls, and had the group been able to see the tracks would be evident. Also the entire are stunk of rodent. That was a dead giveaway too.


While Crowtooth had identified the stretch of tunnel systems the groundhogs had claimed he didnt exactly know their precise nest location too wary of being mobbed or scaring the prey away. For an experienced tunneler though that wasnt really an issue. Ears flicking and head down low to track using his whiskers to guide himself in the dark Crowtooth weaved his way through the tunnels leading the patrol as they closed in on the nests location making sure to keep slow enough so they wouldnt lose him. If occasionally that meant the cat behind him got a facefull on his tail as he waved it behind him to check they were still there well he was just being prudent.


@Kyrieknight @Celeste @Jay.

[North]

| @Shimm |
[hope this is alright!]
Mothflight was tired - not exhausted or overly lethargic, but tired. He'd been out hunting all day and wanted to chill out the rest of the evening. He was laying in the clearing, grooming some loose hairs down along his side. The air was warm, but not hot, and a gentle breeze blew through the clearing. It was simply lovely, and Mothflight let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding in. Pale eyes watching the busy clearing, cats of all ages going about their lives - Mothflight enjoyed observing, it was almost comforting to be reminded the world functioned entirely without him for so many cats. He felt small, and that was nice; no pressure, no grave value or importance to his life. To some cats that would be a terrifying thought, but for Mothflight it was a blissful reassurance. Still, he wasn't entirely unimportant and to many younger members of the clan he was of great importance. The gentle giant had taken on the role of 'dad' for some cats, and that meant the world to him; he valued looking after and guiding younger cats, and being given that chance was so valuable to him. He sat, relaxed and at peace, pale form quietly watching the world as he did.

[Shade.]

Rapidkit narrowed his eyes at the morning sun. It was so bright! He was normally energetic in the morning but, after losing his entire family, he was a little more lethargic. It was time for breakfast now, his favourite meal. He couldn't believe apprentices had to skip it to hunt for the clan. He missed having someone to share it with...

(open)

[Windywolf2]

Alright, treepaw. Im glad you decided to join me this session. Applefur said with a hint of joy in her voice. She looked to the apprentice. We should start with hunting. Applefur said.

@Kunaiskrill