If you believe you can, that’s enough to try.

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The elders and nursery dwellers had been fed, that is what Quailfeather was worried about for the most part. The cats that couldn't hunt for themself anyway. Now it was Quailfeather's turn to satiate his hunger. But with what?

He stood at the pile of fresh kill, he was hungry, but not picky today... Quailfeather had the choice between a thrush, a frog or a vole. Evidently, he was drawn the spot-bellied from of the thrush, he could give the feathers to Glowkit or the elders to decorate their nests. Yeah, that was a good option. Especially since thrush feathers seemed softer and less sleek than any duck he's seen. 

With the thrush clamped in his jaws, he moved to find a comfortable place to sit. Choosing a spot in a shaded corner of camp, something cool to ease his muscles from the work today. It was nice to just get back and let the weight fall off of his shoulders. Patrols were done, Swamppaw's training and chores were done, now it was the lull between day and dusk where the time to relax had come. As peacefully as it was. 

And then, he begun to pluck the bird.

Honey makes the world go round
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A large russet shape could be seen on the fringes of the briar wall. Once vibrant red now dulled Honeyglow's pelt where white hairs have sporatically dotted his stripes most prominantly on his muzzle. Greenleaf was about appreciating what his Clan had and he enjoyed the warmth and fresh prey that ran freely.

Honeyglow padded along the wall, his eyes wandering towards the dens. Glowkit seemed to be more comfortable in Camp now and getting along with the others. As an only kit he knew making friends would be hard - but he had seen Duskmantle interact with the kit. That was good.

 

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Duskmantle moved slowly along the inside of ShadowClan's camp wall as he inspected it with patient, practiced eyes. Most warriors gave the barrier little more than a passing glance unless it needed reinforcing but Duskmantle remembered a time when he saw it as an obstacle to overcome...

He continued passed the nursery.

As a kit he'd spent more time studying the camp walls, every weak point a possible exploit. Convinced that if he managed to get out there would be answers outside waiting for him...Once Heronsong had caught him and Clovershine's worry followed soon after...

He had gotten too big to scurry in every mole hole and under every tree knot. Climbing the wall again was a different matter - foolish to be sure. He hadn't realized that he was standing right in front of the nursery simply staring into the thorny space in front of him.

 

"The sunhigh patrol will be led by Sunpool," he meowed to the waiting warriors. "Clovershine will lead the dusk patrol, Beartooth will lead the moonhigh patrol, and Hollyclaw will lead tomorrow's dawn patrol. Echobright and Dazzleflame will be in charge of organizing today's hunting patrols."

 

Sunpool flopped down in the grass past the fresh-kill pile. A purr rumbled in her throat as she soaked in the light rain.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Dawn hadn't quite broken and camp was caught in that quiet stretch between night and morning. Duskmantle's eyes had already been open for some time as he lay in the Warrior's Den, listening to the steady breathing of the cats around him hoping sleep might return if he simply waited long enough.

When it didn't he sighed and stood up, unfolding himself onto stiff paws and slipped from the den. The lukewarm air greeted him as he emerged into the clearing and spotted Emberdust on sentry duty. Duskmantle stretched slowly, forelegs extended until his claws flashed.

He wasn't called for dawn patrol, but still as his back arched and returned to stand, his mind refused to settle...He wasn't sure if he should take a quiet walk about camp, volunteer for the next patrol or check over the fresh kill pile for crowfood. Standing idly never made sleep come any easier...

 

"The sunhigh patrol will be led by Clovershine," the red and white deputy told the warriors, "the dusk patrol will be led by Hollyclaw, the moonhigh patrol by Emberdust, and tomorrow's dawn patrol by Echobright."

 

As he looked out at his Clanmates, Dawnflurry reflected on the past moon. Losing Flutterdream had been a blow, but they had gained Glowkit, Muddypaw was of course in good paws with Rowanglade and the other medicine cats, and they had another warrior back with them.

 

With that well in mind, Dawnflurry felt optimistic as he finished up the assignments. "Brackenwing and Dazzleflame will organize the hunting patrols."