Closed Thread [Closed] Shift Change (11FG20)

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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An early vigilence brought a welcome tranquility upon camp. Gone was the dark canvas of night, mismatched eyes rising to catch the first glimmer of sunlight peeking between the roots. Palestar herself was a ghostly shadow, a sleek blurred form whose white fur caught the morning rays, a brief but welcome warmth.

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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Palestar cocked a half cat smile at the greeting, pleased to see the other she-cat out and about after her shift. There was no telling who'd still be at camp, and it wasn't like she could easily see through the thick fog.

"If you can get passed their chewy exterior, they're quite pleasant."

Frogs were some of her favorite prey items, lizards too. Less fluff to concern yourself over was simply a more efficient and quick way to a meal.

"It was fine. A little night hunting to get the blood flowing. The swamps are filled with prey, and the prey seem none the wiser. How was your shift?"

Making for a bit of polite conversation, her mismatched eyes fell on her water shrew, tearing at it with her jaws before chewing off a manageable bite. The fresher frogs she caught earlier would give an elder or two the opportunity for a nice sunrise meal.

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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Frogs were plentiful this time of year when they called to each other in the reeds. They were a pawsend in leaf bare, but the weather was steadily warming - Starclan would look down on a green world once more. The she-cat blinked towards the other, tucking into another bite from the water shrew.

Once she swallowed the lukewarm prey, she replied. "I'd have been concerned if it were truly quiet."

Bad luck in the least when the swamp was full of those hopping singers. Practically announcing themselves that they were on the menu. Palestar murred in soft approval as she licked her lips. It was good sense to be proactive, especially when it had been windy these passed nights. The last thing they wanted was their elders to catch a draft.

"That's good thinking, Hollyclaw. See that you do." Her eyes strayed towards the southeast, a determined expression settling behind her dark mask. "I'm going to investigate weasel smell over at the Southplains treeline today. I'd be pleased if you joined me if you have the time."

Who knows how many she had scented - could be one, or a mated pair, either way, having some backup might be warranted.

The morning was cool against Clovershine's fur as she slowly walked past the nursery. Her leg was always stiffer in the mornings, yet, she barely noticed it today. The nursery has been so quiet...she thought to herself, taking in one of her favorite areas of camp with her bright blue eyes. 

I can't wait until we have some kits running around again! 

Clovershine loved to start her days early. Despite the fact that being active as soon as possible was expected of a Warrior, Clovershine actually enjoyed the process. Mornings were calm and allowed for a moment's peace before the hustle and bustle of the day began. However, there were some that even seemed to beat the sun; such as her sister, Palestar. 

A small smile crossed Clovershine's maw as she noticed that exact cat across the clearing. Palestar looked regal, despite the early hours, and if Clovershine had to guess the longhaired leader must have just come in from a patrol based on the look resting her face. Always the determined one. Never an idle moment to be seen. Clovershine's thought was a mixture of feelings, both of fondness and a strange tinge of jealousy. 

Best not to think about that now. 

Limping her way across camp, Clovershine meowed out a greeting as she reached the freshkill pile where Palestar was sharing a meal with Hollyclaw. "Good morning, you two! How is everything on this brisk day? Oh, I hope I'm not intruding on anything!"

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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Palestar, while savoring the prey, ate as quickly as she could while still holding the warrior's attention. Sawing through another mouthful separated by fur, she swallowed another mouthful. A moment was given to make sure nothing remained to hinder her words before she spoke again.

Palestar didn't doubt Hollyclaw would make time to address such an inquiry. "The sooner the better - the last thing we want is a nest cutting into our prey supply. Caught wind of it yesterday, day or two, from the stink."

Palestar's mismatched eyes lifted once she heard the familiar trill of her sister, Clovershine, passing from the nursery den. While not outwardly displayed, at least to such severity, their was warmth in her voice as she spoke.

"Not at all, Clovershine. We were discussing tracking down weasel smell near the southplains treeline. Starclan willing, we'll catch them before they make a mess of things." Or, if not killed, they could be chased across the Thunderpath and into Thunderclan territory. Let vermin be vermin elsewhere.

Clovershine bunched up her nose at the mention of weasels. "Ooh, not those little critters!" she meowed "I never have been able to understand why they must make such a nuisance of themselves."

A quick swipe of her tongue brought a few hairs that she deemed unruly into the perfect position. Before continuing, she took a quick look around the camp. "It would be best to take plenty of cats with you. I'll be happy to come along if you need some extra backup!"

The pale she-cat knew that the two warriors were perfectly capable of taking care of some wiley weasels on their own, however, she rarely turned down an opportunity to get out of camp. Besides, her leg could use the stretch! 

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night
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With a firm, resolute nod, Palestar mentally gave note to the warriors she now inscripted for the task at her side. Three able bodied cats would surely be enough to make sure the threat to their supply was eradicated. Hollyclaw had the right idea.

"Exactly. Detestable little creatures. The three of us will make quick, efficient work of it. Clovershine, Hollyclaw, if you're ready, let's go. No time like the present."

Meal finished, the she-cat arched her back before drawing her claws into the dirt. It wasn't long before her determined stride took her to the entrance of camp, and the territory beyond where she had caught wind of weasel.

Clovershine nodded her head to signal she was ready and followed after Palestar as she headed towards the entrance of camp. It would be good to get out and stretch a little.