Heronsong stuck close to clumps of vegetation, ears open and flicking for the sounds of prey nearby. The breeze was light, luckily, though the open plain let it run uninterrupted. She turned and spoke quietly to her apprentice, excitement brimming in her paws.
"Alright. Now I know you've already got some basic hunting lessons, so I thought it'd be fun to up the ante a little bit." She flashed Duskpaw a challenging smile. "In the swamps, there's tons of places to hide, but out here...you've gotta be quicker. The breeze is going to work against you as well. You up for finding a good mouse?"
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw’s whiskers twitched with excitement as he followed Heronsong, keeping low to the ground. The wide open space of the plain made him feel exposed, but Heronsong's challenging smile only fueled his determination. He was eager to prove himself, especially with the added difficulty of the wind.
His blue eyes scanned the area as he crouched beside his mentor, noting how the breeze ruffled the grass and carried their scents. He flicked his tail thoughtfully, remembering what his earlier lessons had taught him about keeping downwind from prey. But out here, with fewer places to hide, he knew it wouldn’t be as easy.
There was a competitive gleam in his eyes. "I’m always up for a challenge." He gave a quick nod, his muscles tensing in anticipation as he cast his gaze over the open land. "I’ll find that mouse." He added confidently, though his mind was already working through the best way to approach it.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Heronsong nodded, already proud of her apprentice's effort. She knew he was probably fully capable of catching a mouse on his own, but she still did her best to set a good example. Crouching low in the grass, she held her tail still, mouth open to scent the air. There didn't seem to be anything immediately nearby, but her ear twitched as she heard an odd rustling a few fox-lengths away. "I think I can pick up on something...see if you can smell or hear it."
She let him try to sense what she could. "Once you think you have it, move quickly and slowly. Pay attention to the breeze."
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw’s ears perked up at Heronsong’s words, and he quickly crouched lower, his blue eyes narrowing in concentration. He parted his jaws, letting the scents of the breeze wash over him. At first, he couldn't pick up anything, but then - there! A faint, earthy scent, mingled with the sound of soft rustling nearby.
His heart leaped, excitement bubbling in his chest as he honed in on the source. His muscles tensed, ready to spring, but he forced himself to remember Heronsong's words. Quick but slow.
Creeping forward, he kept his tail low and his paws light, trying to stay as silent as possible. The mouse was just a few fox-lengths away, nibbling at something in the grass. Duskpaw’s eyes gleamed with determination. This was it. This was his chance.
He slunk forward, every nerve on high alert. When he was close enough, his heart pounded in his chest, and with a surge of energy, he pounced -!
But at the last moment, a gust of wind blew toward the mouse, carrying his scent. It darted off, disappearing into the tall grass before Duskpaw’s paws could even touch it.
Frustration exploded inside him. His claws sank into the dirt as he growled under his breath, his tail lashing wildly behind him. "Mouse-dung!" He spat, glaring after the spot where the mouse had vanished. His fur bristled with embarrassment and anger. He had been so close - too close to mess it up like that!
Duskpaw whipped around to face Heronsong, his eyes blazing. "I had it! Stupid wind!" He snapped, shaking out his pelt furiously.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Heronsong watched with excitement as Duskpaw crept forward. She kept her own body as still as possible, not wanting to ruin any shot of his hunt. Her confidence grew as he got closer and closer, until he pounced. She pictured him returning with a limp mouse in his jaws, prepared to congratulate him on a job well done.
When he whirled around in frustration, her ears fell flat with disappointment for him. She sat up, curling her tail around her paws. As much as she wanted to share in his anger, it was time to be responsible. This was what a mentor was for. She held her voice steady as he snapped. "You really did very well," she offered. "The way you held yourself and approached was very good. I chose a difficult hunt for you to try. Most fully trained warriors would lose it as well--the wind is unpredictable, and not every hunt can be a complete success."
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw's ears flattened as Heronsong's calm response cut through his frustration. His tail still flicked irritably, but the edge of his anger softened as her words sank in. He didn’t want to hear it - didn’t want to be coddled - but there was no denying that she was right. The hunt had been tricky, and he had come close.
“Yeah, I guess…” He muttered, though he was still fuming inside. His claws flexed in the dirt as he replayed the moment in his mind, imagining how he could have been quicker, sharper, better. The wind had outsmarted him this time, but that didn’t mean it had to happen again.
“I just… I was so close.” Duskpaw grumbled, his frustration simmering into determination. He met Heronsong’s gaze, his blue eyes still bright with a competitive fire. “Next time, I won’t miss.” He wasn’t about to let one failed hunt define him.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Heronsong tipped her head as Duskpaw flexed his claws in the dirt. He was ambitious, and bold. She had to find a way to supplement that, to draw that tenacity out into something a bit more honed, a bit more focused. She smiled as he looked back up at her with a similar determination she remembered herself having many moons ago.
"Well," she said, "we can move into the marsh and try to hunt there. Unless you want to try to beat the wind again?" There was a hint of a challenge in her tone. Part of her wanted to see how long the young tom would keep practicing, how much he was willing to work to get it right. But there was no shame in focusing on the hunt and trying to procure more prey for the clan.
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw’s ears twitched at Heronsong’s challenge, his irritation quickly morphing into something sharper. Her words lit a fire in him. The idea of giving up, even for an easier hunt in the marsh, felt like admitting defeat, and he wasn’t about to do that.
He squared his shoulders, standing a little taller as he met her gaze. “No way. Let me try again.” His confidence was restored, if only briefly. There was no telling what failure could bring - and failure wasn't an option.
His cornflower blue eyes scanned the open plain once more, determination sparking in their depths. His claws flexed eagerly as he crouched low, ready to take on the challenge headfirst. He started forward, a slow, determined trot half crouched as he made his way over to some tall grass. The scent was faint, but it was there - a vole foraging in the open plains, far from the marsh.
When he got to the shielding swamp grass, he paused to inahle the air, slowing. Composed once more, eyes intense as they followed the snap and scuttle of the grassy blades as the vole moved through. He couldn't see it, yet, but nevertheless he followed its movements - and tiptoed a few fox lengths behind.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Heronsong grinned at her apprentice's eagerness to try again. "Good luck, then," she wished him as he started looking around. She brought herself back into a crouch as he did, intent on watching his every move. Her amber eyes stayed glued to him as he moved through the grass, hoping the breeze this time would work in his favor.
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw’s ears remained pricked as he crept through the tall grass, each step deliberate and cautious. His heart pounded in his chest, but this time, he forced himself to stay calm. A lemming was nearby - he could scent it. His muscles were tense but controlled, ready to spring the moment he had a clear shot.
The grass rustled faintly, and Duskpaw’s sharp eyes tracked the movement. He lowered himself even more, his belly brushing the ground. The wind was gentle, and for once, it wasn’t against him. He took a deep breath, focusing on the sound of tiny paws scurrying through the grass.
Closer… closer…
Without hesitating, Duskpaw launched himself forward, paws outstretched toward the lemming. This time, his aim was true and the wind was on his side - his claws caught on fur, and with a quick, decisive bite, he ended the hunt.
Panting, Duskpaw straightened up, the vole dangling from his jaws. His tail shot up in triumph, and he turned back to Heronsong, his eyes shining with pride. “Got it! Look!” He mewed as he tossed the prey down, his earlier frustration forgotten in the rush of success.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Heronsong watched intently as Duskpaw leapt towards his prey. A heartbeat later, she heard the tiny squeal that marked the ending of the vole's life, and jumped to her own paws as Duskpaw turned back around.
"That's great!" she exclaimed, genuine joy making her tail wave back and forth. "Congratulations. This sort of hunt can be very tricky."
Pride swelling in her chest, she restrained the urge to let out a purr. "You've done very well. You just need to remember to consider the wind, and not hesitate in your strikes."
Tiptoe through the murk and mire
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Duskpaw beamed at Heronsong's praise, his chest swelling with pride as he stood over his catch. Her words filled him with a sense of accomplishment, easing the frustration from earlier. "Thanks!" He meowed, giving the creature a light tap with his paw. "I wasn’t going to let the wind mess it up again."
In his heart he felt more confident now that he'd managed to redeem himself.
As he stood there, tail flicking with excitement, Duskpaw glanced back at the open plain, but then turned back towards his mentor. "Let's head back. I want to show off my catch." It wasn't as if he'd brought down a hawk or anything, and it wasn't as impressive as a snake, but the wind had been against him. And he had won this day.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
