Private Thread A Cloudy Day by the Bay

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare trotted alongside Bayflower, his copper eyes bright in the midday sun. The warmth of the sun’s rays bathed his ginger-and-white pelt, making it glow as he padded through the open moorland. He was glad Bayflower had invited him on this hunt - he'd been wanting to spend more time with the black warrior and see if they shared the same easy rapport he had with Aspenberry.

As they walked in comfortable silence, Cloudflare’s tail flicked thoughtfully. He could sense Bayflower was thinking of where to begin, and he decided to help ease them into the conversation.

“It’s a perfect day for a hunt.” His voice held a warm and light. “Prey should be out enjoying the sunshine just as much as we are.” His gaze turned to Bayflower with a playful glint. “I bet you’ve got a sharp eye for the best hunting spots out here. Where do you like to go when you want to catch something special?”

It was a simple question, but one that left plenty of room for Bayflower to share something about themselves. Cloudflare enjoyed these little moments - getting to know his Clanmates beyond the duties of being a warrior.

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

As Bayflower spoke about the west treeline, Cloudflare nodded, a playful grin tugging at his muzzle. "That makes sense." He replied. "I’ve heard about prey gathering near the barn. Maybe it’s not so crazy after all."

He flicked his tail thoughtfully, then added. "As for me, I’m happy to hunt anywhere - so long as it’s not near the gorge." He let out a good-natured chuckle. "I’ve nearly slipped over the edge twice, and let me tell you, it’s not an experience I want to repeat."

His whiskers twitched with amusement as he continued. "I’m not the biggest fan of fast prey like rabbits either. They’re quick, and with my build, it feels like chasing the wind. I prefer ambush hunting - something where you can take your time, get the jump on your target." His tone turned more thoughtful. "Stalking through the tall grass, waiting for just the right moment... That’s where I feel most in my element."

He glanced at Bayflower with a friendly gleam in his eye. "What about you? Do you like going after the quicker prey, or are you more into the slow-and-steady type?"

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare’s grin softened as he listened to Bayflower, enjoying the easy flow of conversation between them. He chuckled at their comment about his clumsiness. "I’ll stick to solid ground, thanks."

As Bayflower spoke about their hunting preferences, Cloudflare nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense." Mused the classic ginger tom. "Speed without stamina sounds like a challenge, but I bet you make it work."

He couldn’t help but smirk when Bayflower mentioned their love for birds. "A bird, huh? They’re worth the effort when you get a good one. I’ll take a fat mouse over a hare any day. You’d think with all the running rabbits do, they’d taste better, but nope - too tough for my liking. Rockfields is a nice place to hunt. Lots of mice there - but you could also run right into an adder."

He paused briefly to inhale the mild leafbare air, scenting for prey as his ears flicked with interest. "Maybe we’ll have to split the difference today - I'll catch something slow, and you can go after a bird."

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare couldn't help but laugh, a deep rumbling sound, as Bayflower shared their thoughts on adders. They definitely weren't fun to run into; they were fast and they made for chewy fair if you could catch one, but it was more risky.

He flicked his tail thoughtfully, glancing at Bayflower. "I get what you’re saying. I suppose I'm biased towards having legs myself." His eyes brightened, clearly enjoying the conversation as much as the hunt itself.

Scenting the air again, Cloudflare’s ear twitched as he picked up a faint trace of mouse nearby. "Looks like we’re in luck." He murmured, lowering his voice as his gaze shifted toward a small rustling in the grass. "I’ll go for this one. Let’s see if you can find one of those juicy birds you’re after."

His tone was light and playful, the challenge in his words good-natured. He gave Bayflower a wink before creeping forward, preparing for his ambush as his short, stockier frame made its way through the dense underbrush while also avoiding the crunch of foliage beneath pink paw pads.

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare’s focus sharpened as he crept closer to the rustling sound. The mouse was small but quick, darting between the blades of grass, oblivious to the cat stalking it. His muscles tensed, every step carefully calculated to avoid alerting the prey. The anticipation built as he closed the distance.

In one swift motion, Cloudflare pounced. His paws landed squarely on the mouse, pinning it before it had a chance to flee. He quickly dispatched it with a bite, then glanced back at Bayflower with a triumphant smile, holding the catch up for them to see.

“Got it!” He called softly, his voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to scare off any nearby birds for Bayflower’s hunt. Cloudflare buried the mouse for safekeeping and turned his attention to his friend, eager to see how they fared. Cloudflare watched with rapt attention, copper eyes following his clanmate and occassionally darting between them and their quarry.

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare's triumphant grin softened as he saw Bayflower’s excitement, their praise filling him with a warm sense of pride. He admired their enthusiasm as they closed their eyes to focus on the scents around them, following the trail up toward a tree. His whiskers twitched with excitement, watching as Bayflower sprang up to climb it - a bold move he wouldn’t have expected from them, but impressive nonetheless.

Just as he was about to call out encouragement, he saw their footing slip. The fall was quick, and he rushed over as Bayflower landed with a hiss, pain evident in their expression.

“Bayflower!” Concern flashed in his copper eyes as he moved closer. “Are you alright?” His voice was soft, but worry laced his tone as he glanced at their left paw. Carefully, he placed his nose close, checking for any swelling or tenderness. “Let’s not put weight on it just yet. That was a pretty brave jump - didn’t expect you to go for the high ground!”

The ginger tom let loose a airy chuckle, hoping a bit of humor would ease the tension, though his gaze remained gentle and attentive, and his chuckle was quick to quicken to a worrisome hum.