Open to Join Merry-Making

Every day is a good day for a nap.

✧❁ 𓅃 ❁✧

The warning Merryaster gave as they left the camp was not lost on him, although he knew it was mostly for Hailstrike. While he bounded towards the river with his milk-sisters, Ravenbloom decided that this was an outing worth leaving his nest for. Greenleaf caused the territory to look so pretty with everything alive and green. The sun hit the river just right so the ripples cause by the slight breeze shined like the moonstone. Even he had to admit it was a sight to see.

Upon Merryaster commenting on how beautiful it was today he gave an enthusiastic nod, while she instructed him and Hailstrike. "I can do that." He mewed before turning to Hailstrike, since he was already out he might as well catch something and what's fishing without some fun competition!

"I bet I can catch a bigger fish than you." He proclaimed before beginning to pad towards the reeds Merryaster had motioned towards. He was careful to not let his shadow fall on the water or disturb any dirt near the river as he walked.

There’s always something new to try. I’m hungry for all of it!

⋆⋅❆⋅⋆ ❄️ ⋆⋅❆⋅⋆

The look that Merryaster had given her seemed to fly entirely over Hailstrike's head, it seemingly going completely unnoticed at the prospect of hunting with her milk-brother after what felt like forever. "Yeah, yeah I know the prey thing, Merryaster. We learned it at the same time you mouse-brain" She snickered, her tail flicking playfully as she bounced after Ravenbloom.

At his challenge, her ears perked, usually it was her that started challenges between her siblings, however her confidence and competitive nature seemed to almost force her into refusing defeat. "Oh you bet do you?" She returned the challenge with a smirk and a whip of her tail as she slipped stealthily though the reeds. "I know I'll be able to catch the biggest fish, I caught a whole osprey by myself! I'll be able to handle some fat fish." She boasted, still proud of the day that she dragged in that osprey from her hunt with Briarfang, even that it was quite a few moons ago now.

Hailstrike narrowed her eyes as she lowered her form close to the ground, following the river to find the biggest find, the largest shimmer of scales, the signs of a fish large enough to feed the elders flick past her sight, she wasn't going to lose this challenge. She wouldn't let that happen.

Garden's gem, in sunlight's blaze
༻❁༺

The splashing energy of her siblings faded gradually as Ravenbloom and Hailstrike pushed into the reeds downriver. And ear was angled towards them but her eyes didn't falter as she traced the movement below the water.

The minnows still circled in the shallows, their tiny bodies flashed when they turned, quick and delicate as sparks. Small bites that would do well for Beetlekit and Cricketkit as they acclimated to more solid foods.

Small mouths struggled with the thick scales of trout and elders often preferred something softer as well. Minnows were not impressive catches but that had never bothered Merryaster. RiverClan needed more than trophies.

The cool water curled around her ankles as she shifted her weight slightly, careful not to disturb the riverbed. A shadow passed beneath the surface as one minnow drifting a little too far from the school.

Merryaster's paw moved in a quick and clean swipe. She stepped back onto the bank and dispatched the tiny fish with a practiced bite before placing it carefully in a small patch of grass. She wanted to catch at least four, one for each kit.

"StarClan help us if those two decide to prove something today." She murmured softly to herself, not quite concerned. They were happy and that's what mattered. Merryaster was patient again over the school.