ThunderClan Territory

[Streamcloud]

Streamcloud was hungry. Since leaf-bare was nearing, much prey was starting to hide and go into their nests. There was less and less fresh kill on the pile every day in camp. Because of that, she did not eat much, so that the elders, nursing queens, and kits would have more to eat. Yet Streamcloud had to eat something so she would not starve, so she set out in the forest, the cool breeze sending shivers down her spine.

Streamcloud pointed her nose up and opened her jaws; nothing. At least not yet, this was not a common place for prey even in Greenleaf. Her paws dragged her toward her favorite place to hunt, it was shaded by trees yet the sun still shone through the leaves warming her back. Streamcloud knew there must be something here so she tasted the air. Squirrel! Suddenly her eyes found it. It was a plump one too, gnawing at a hard acorn. Instinctively she got down in her hunting crouch and crawled forward. Keeping her tail low yet not touching the ground and her paws light so that she wouldn't be heard by the prey. When she was close enough she timed the leap and pounced. Streamcloud bit the back of the neck and just like that, prey for the pile. Although, one squirrel wouldn't do it for the clan so she sniffed the air again.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by implimm

[ @tulle , @NinjaBloss apologies for a double mention dhnjsk i didn't realize we also did not have the actual cliff destination in a thread anymore hec- ]

The day was as crisp as the objective was clear in the mind of Nectarflame. Leading this little three-cat patrol out, reaching the cliff face takes little time. Especially now that so much vegetation withdrew, clumps of grass or thickets were a little easier to avoid. Soon enough, the warrior signals the other two with her to stop as she draws her head back and looks up the wall.

"It is a good thing we do not venture here so often any more, and have better hunting grounds. The dangers of scaling this when unlearned are daunting even to a warrior," the molly comments. Whisking around, she blinks to her companions. "If you two think it better to spread out and cover more ground, then I have no problem with that. Let us seek out crevices here that are large enough for a small cat to fit inside of. I would like to think that anything off the ground would be best, to avoid ground-predators finding our stash, but do not put yourselves in danger for a trifle such as that. Call to one another if we find anything, though, does all of this sound good? Any further ideas?"

Shiningskies followed Nectarflame along with Cindersky, enjoying the brisk walk to the cliffs which warmed her pelt and chased away the chill that had settled in her bones. She stopped when signaled and listened intently to what the warrior was saying. "Yes, I agree that off the ground is definitely better if we can find it. I think we should also try to stay within eyesight of each other, that way if someone does fall we'll be able to see and respond faster. Do you have anything else to add, Cindersky?"

@tulle

[taillow]

Cindersky
With leaf-bare tiptoeing closer and closer each day, the air got colder and colder, but in all honestly Cindersky didn't mind. An icy chill send shivers down her flank, sure, but once the snow started falling from the sky? Tiny little individual icicles dancing through the frosty air? It was nothing short of magical, and a kit-like giddiness soared through the ThunderClan warrior at the mere thought. Dazzling blue hues watched the backs of her Clanmates as she followed them under gray skies, deciding to keep her thoughts to herself. Not every cat enjoyed leaf-bare, and not every cat would appreciate the fact that snow was something Cindersky looked forward to.

Ears twitching to catch Nectarflame's comment, Cindersky nodded. It was smart to split up and cover more ground. They were all well seasoned warriors, able to handle their own if a situation should arise, but close enough to call for help if need be. "I think everything has been covered. Maybe we could use the fallen leaves to create a sort of cover over the prey that is put into the crevices? And something strong smelling to distract from its scent." How to actually execute that, Cindersky was unsure, but the leaves were doable, seeing as plenty were scattered around having fallen from now bare branches.

@implimm @NinjaBloss

[plum]

[ @tulle, @NinjaBloss ]

Thankful for the feedback provided by the two warriors, Nectarflame nods. Before turning to stalk away from them, she flicks her ears in the direction of Cindersky, acknowledging her idea. She would have to think about it, the strong scent being the tricky part of the plan.

Keeping her eyes high over the face of the cliff, the Bengal wanders in thought. Much of it was a jagged and steep rocky slope- Humongous boulders of all different shapes holding up the earth above. Between those, smaller equally as rough and jagged rocks filled in the tighter spaces. And even smaller was the soil and occasional patches of growth that somehow survived its vertical environment. If only it were so easy for cats to latch on to the stones. With a weary sigh, Nectarflame begins to scale the precarious stones.

Her legs were long and beneath her thin golden coat was thick muscle. Scaling the cliff was easy work, just dangerous. She takes her time however, slowing to poke her head around the gaps she could find. A fox-length high off of the ground might be enough to keep predators away. But it might not... The cat draws her head back to look up a little higher, and finds a suitable path to a couple of boulders higher up. This would easily be too much effort for the average scavenger. And perhaps any birds of prey, too, though those usually went for living prey. Crows and vultures were the birds to watch out for, and a crow wasn't the biggest thread a warrior had to face.

Sitting on the rock she had found to perch upon, Nectarflame has a rest. From up where she sat, she could see well into the forest. It was a pleasantly relaxing view, and with a smile she swivels her neck to stare in the direction she had come from, wondering where Shiningskies and Cindersky were. Hopefully they were doing okay themselves.

[taillow]

Cindersky
Catching the acknowledgement, Cindersky found herself smiling. It was nice to be heard in a Clan that always just seemed to yell over one another. Giving a dip of her head to Shiningskies the gray feline trotted off in one direction, neck craned back as she observed the rocky surface rising up from the ground in front of her. The cliff was immense, reaching a height that extended well beyond the distance she could see. Scraggly outcroppings would be good paw holds, along with dried vegetation that poked out here and there.

After she had distanced herself from the two warriors, a patch of the cliff where neither had observed yet, Cindersky bunched her muscles together in preparation. Pushing off against the ground she leapt onto the bottom part of the vertical rock wall, digging curved claws into small crevices to steady herself. Muscles tightened with the tension applied, and while it was rather easy scale the surface, fear thumped in her chest alongside a hammering heart. Climbing was not the most fun for her, and her ears pressing back against her head clearly indicated that if Nectarflame or Shiningskies happened to look over.

Little by little she came to a few deeper crevices that would make great storages, and noted them in her mind for later. They were still low enough to where if a predator was hungry enough, they could certainly find them. So up Cindersky went, until she reached the boulders that leveled out. Breathing hard, the ThunderClan warrior sucked in one more breath as she drew her blue gaze upwards, letting it scan across the wide expanse of territory. It was certainly beautiful from up here. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she called over the breeze to Nectarflame. Up here, everything that had occurred in camp - the yelling, the accusations, the threats to leave - seemed much smaller. Cindersky smiled briefly towards the bengal before shifting her attention back towards the stretch of trees. A beautiful sight it was, indeed.

@implimm @NinjaBloss

[Ian]

Shiningskies padded off after Nectarflame's acknowledgement, shooting Cindersky a quick smile before walking along the bottom of the cliff to find a good place to begin her climb. She was glad that Nectarflame had happened to choose her for this as climbing was her strong suit, even if it was over rocks and boulders instead of in trees. It always gave the warrior a sense of peace and she would often climb the tallest trees in the forest when she needed a break from life and to take a moment for herself.

Once she found a suitable spot Shiningskies leapt up and balanced carefully on the rocky ledge. She took a moment to just calm herself and enjoy the breeze (even if it was a bit chilly) before continuing her climb. Along the way she spotted a few crevices that could be used to store prey, although it would be a tight fit. Hopefully there were enough small warriors in the Clan for this to work.

When she finally reached the top the molly noticed that she was the last one up. Most likely because she had stopped multiple times to just enjoy the view and let the tranquility of the day settle in her bones. Her ear twitched slightly as she heard Cindersky's call to Nectarflame but she was too preoccupied taking in the beautiful sight of ThunderClan territory to really pay attention to what was being said. The best way she could describe it was breathtaking, and even then it didn't do what she was seeing justice. Never had she before been so happy to be a ThunderClan cat as she was now.

@tulle @implimm

[plum]

[ @tulle, @NinjaBloss ]

It felt pleasant to see that she was not the only one out of the three of them enjoying the view, the air, the day. The side of a cliff was a bit of a strange location to slow down and smell the roses, but there they were doing just that. Nectarflame could hope that the other two felt as strongly about their Clan as she did herself, that perhaps infiltrating the so-called good moment Aspenstar created for her own self-fulfillment with a startling blow to the face full of blunt honesty had spurred a few more cats into action. Dogbark would have more than a few warriors and perhaps even apprentices at his beck and call if he were to act now. The Clan was reminded of its need to move as individuals, rather than wait for everything to happen. Or so the feline hoped. Would Shiningskies take it upon herself to fill these empty gaps with prey for the cold season? Would Cindersky be more mindful towards who came and went through camp? They all needed to contribute, and indeed Nectarflame could have very well kept her silence and done these things without bringing such blaring light to the matters, like Aspenstar appeared to prefer.

But this was better, by far. Choosing to make a splash, draw attention even if not right, to cause a commotion and stir up trouble... One sometimes needed to, in order for the right kind of change to take place. Transformation was not always serene and graceful.

Cindersky calls out, and the golden cat nods in agreement. "Indeed," she calls back. Pale green eyes glide over the view beneath her and up to her distant companions. A sense of pride, a little flower bud of a feeling, appears within Nectarflame as she looks their way. She hoped that there were more warriors like these two at home, waiting for the moment to show themselves in the face of adversity. If she held a lick of faith in the ancestors she had grown up learning to swear by, Nectarflame would even pray for it.

Taking a deep breath, the Bengal decides that she had had enough of a break. Lifting her muzzle, she calls out to them both. "Have either of you found suitable places? There have been a couple my way!"

[Ian]

Shiningskies was broken out of her serenity by Nectarflame's call. She turned towards the warrior, listening intently to her question. The ginger molly vaguely remembered hearing rumors spread about a commotion she had caused during the event where they were giving thanks (she had left shortly after her speech, having to go hunt and train her apprentice, so she hadn't been there for the argument) and wasn't quite sure how she felt about what she had heard. Of course, she wasn't going to just believe the rumors because they were most likely over exaggerated, but it was clear something had happened since a lot of her clanmates seemed upset with the other molly.

Shaking her head to get rid of the unnecessary thoughts Shiningskies called out her reply, "I found a couple spots that might work on my end, but it would be a tight fit!" An apprentice or small warrior could definitely fit, but apprentices would be much riskier without proper training. It would be too easy for them to fall and get injured, and without a medicine cat to heal them it was just that much more dangerous.

@tulle @implimm

[taillow]

Cindersky
The moment of peace lasted for a few more heartbeats as Cindersky gently closed her eyes against a soft incoming brush of air. A cold kiss of leaf-bare to remind her that this was fleeting, and soon the days would be filled with gray skies and shivering nights. For now, the last elongated memories of leaf-fall danced through clear blue skies as Cindersky opened her eyes once more, a gentle smile on her face.

It had been a long while since Cindersky had felt content like this. Not since that fateful night in the woods when she truly believed her future lay outside of ThunderClan. What would have happened if her sister had not found her? Would she truly have followed through with it? Flashes of soft fur, kind eyes, a gentle purr... the past longing to be held once more, but Cindersky knew she couldn't pick it up without a thorn of grief stabbing her. What use would she be to her Clan if she continued to mourn that of which she could not change? Useless. And the gray spotted molly was anything but.

Reeling herself back into the waking world, it came to her realization that tiny tears beaded themselves along the bottoms of her eyes. Hastily Cindersky lifted a paw to bat them away, turning her face so that her companions wouldn't notice - hopefully. Ears turned to attention as Nectarflame called out another question, and this time Cindersky angled her head to look at the golden she-cat. "I found a rather long, skinny one just above where ground predators would be able to reach! But it's a tight squeeze, and like Shingingskies, probably just perfect for a small warrior." She was on the smaller side herself, and was pretty certain she would be able to fit if need be.

Wiggling the stump of her tail reminded her that she had one less limb to deal with as well, which would come in handy when trying to flattened herself enough to fit into the possible prey storage. Hmm, perhaps everything truly did happen for a reason.

As her train of thought continued, Cindersky added, "I know we do have some small warriors - and maybe with the right training, a few of the older apprentices could help as well!"

@implimm @NinjaBloss

[taillow]

Cindersky
The passage of time was not new to Cindersky, for she had walked the forest floors for forty-eight, almost forty-nine moons. Experience and wisdom guided careful gray paws over strewn leaves, crumpled from the frosty air. Above them the bare branches from which they had fallen swayed in the breeze, creating a 'tick-tick-tick' rhythm as they glided against one another. Bright gray skies were dotted with shaded wisps of broken clouds, though her nose could not detect a hint of rain on the horizon. She figured that was a good sign - leaf-bare had officially begun but at least the rains held off for now.

Further into the territory was where Cindersky stopped, taking a moment to detect any changes around her in scent. Nothing but the musky smell of the boggy swamp ahead, and alongside it the faintest trace of muskrat. Surely with the temperatures dropping this low, the little rat-like creatures would be long gone? The ThunderClan warrior could only hope as she continued her trek, ears pricked to catch any alarming sounds nearby.

Hauling herself out onto the other side of some rather aggressive thorn bushes (thankfully none had snagged in her fur), Cindersky observed the swampland with apprehensive curiosity. She made it a point to avoid this part of the expansive territory ThunderClan had laid claim to, but it did have certain perks. With the muskrats gone, it transformed into pretty decent hunting grounds. Fresh with various land prey and rodents, and on rare occasions a bird or two swooping low to the ground in search of a meal.

Here, now in the chill of the morning, none of it was seen before her. Not the fur of a mouse or the wings of a sparrow, not the tiny pawprints that often indicated to prey long before the scents did. A frown etched onto her face, Cindersky felt a flash of disappointment take flight within her chest. As much determination as she had to hunt for her Clan, if there was no prey to be found it would be a fruitless venture. But hesitation hugged her paws in place, patience being a virtue she held proudly. Blue hues stayed round, observant, watching over the barren land for the slightest indication of movement.

There. A few fox-lengths away at the base of an overturned log was a flash of brown fur. Too small to be a cat, but the perfect size for a mouse. Or a scrawny vole - Cindersky was not picky, as her Clan could use any meals their warriors managed to catch. Her claws kneaded the soft soil under paw, anticipation rising up to combat the stillness embedded in her muscles. She was ready to spring at a moments notice, but needed to make sure the coast was clear. After all, if she were attacked out here the chances that her injuries would become infected due to the lack of a medicine cat back at camp were higher than she liked.

After doing a double-take to ensure safety, Cindersky slipped out from her hiding place at the edge of the mire, eyes trained on the tiny body before her. Nibbling on what appeared to be a small tree nut, the mouse had not taken notice of the gray pelted she-cat as she slunk around the side. Her paws were silent, landing quietly one right after the other. The stump that remained of her tail held still, and ears were moved forward. Each movement was fluid, sliding into the next with ease. Lean muscles rippled underneath freshly groomed fur, and after a beat or two more...

Crack!

Too late, Cindersky noticed that her hind paw had been encroaching on a small twig. The brittle thing snapped easily under the weight of her, causing the head of the mouse to shoot up in alarm. But Cindersky was fast. Discharging an unsheathed claw the ThunderClan she-cat managed to snag the mouse by their hindquarters, drawing it back towards her in a flourish. Her other paw came crashing down to deliver a swift killing blow which cut off the terrified squeak it had let out. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, racing adrenaline swirling like the waves at Seastones in her belly. "Thank you, StarClan," she breathed as relief chased away the anxiety, her muscles relaxing.

As much as it would be perfectly fine if all Cindersky returned home with was a mouse, it simply would not do for the prideful she-cat. Patrols still had not gone out - or at least she had failed to hear Dogbark call her for one - so for now she was taking the restocking of the fresh-kill pile job into her own paws. She made quick work of burying her catch, blue hues raising once more to survey the land. Any prey that was close or nearby was most likely scared off by the shrill cry of the now deceased mouse, so Cindersky rushed back to the cover of brambles that edged around the mire. Finding a comfortable space void of the chance for said brambles to entangle themselves in her fur, she crouched and waited.

Not long after, it appeared that another mouse was venturing out into the open. While Cindersky understood the circle of life and how each prey was a gift from StarClan, it still struck her at times that these creatures were much like her and her Clanmates; they had families, homes they came from. A creature, just like Cindersky - trying to survive the harsh reality of leaf-bare. But there was a reason that she had claws, while this tiny scrap of fur did not, and a hungry Clan was waiting for her back home.

Much akin to her first departure from her little sanctuary, Cindersky slipped soundlessly towards her target. Eyes trained, ears alert, paws landing softly. It was like a well oiled machine, moving almost mechanically aided by moons of experience in hunting. One paw after the other, inching closer and closer. This time, she made sure to check for twigs or anything of the like. While she had confidence in her ability, it would server her well to not snap another thin branch like she had on her first catch. The mouse had yet to notice her, and once she got close enough Cindersky sprang forward. She was able to quietly kill this one without much fuss, and instead of speaking she wordlessly dipped her head in thanks to her starry ancestors.

Two mice so far, so just one more bigger piece of prey would do. She made quick work of burying the second mouse near the first so that she could collect on her way back to camp. Jaws parted to taste the air around her, it was hard to distinguish prey-scent from the overwhelming stench of the bog. But just underneath it, a hint of vole made Cindersky look over. The mouthwatering scent appeared to be resonating from across the way, and with a silent leap she cleared the overturned log on her way to explore.

Her senses had been right - just ahead on the other side of the swamp was a vole. Tiny paws were feverishly digging at the ground, signaling to Cindersky that the creature was too preoccupied with the task to notice her. That was perfect for the silent ThunderClan warrior as she moved once more into a hunting crouch. Already having momentum on her side she moved quicker, still remaining silently as she glided across the floor. Giving herself more room than she had with the mice, Cindersky bunched her muscles up tightly. A breath in, a breath out, and then finally she leaped. Claws came down almost perfectly onto the unsuspecting vole, silencing the attempted cry.

A bountiful harvest for sure, Cindersky could not help but beam at all three pieces of prey once she had uncovered them. Two mice and a vole, a noble catch for any warrior. This had all been gifted by StarClan, and she turned her nose towards the darkened sky. "Thank you. I know that my Clan has slipped and fallen, but I know through these catches that you have not forsaken us. I will do everything in my power to aide my home." It was quiet, softly spoken, and Cindersky did not expect an answer. But nonetheless she felt a quiet warmth envelope her, knowing that her ancestors heard her. No proof was needed, Cindersky knew it in her heart.

Swooping down to pick up her three additions to the fresh-kill pile, the gray furred warrior began to pick her way out of the swamp and headed back towards camp. The sun was starting to ascend to the middle of the sky, and there was still much of the day left to be proactive in caring for the Clan. But for now, Cindersky would celebrate her small victory, as it meant filling the bellies of the Clanmates she loved so much.

(this is a closed roleplay post! just to have it posted that cindersky hunted before the current meeting)