Lightstar took a moment to let her mind move away from the former conversation with the two cats, letting her concern for the situation dissipate into a clear mind. The wind spoke a soft soliloquy and tugged at her pelt, letting her shoulders relax as she moved forward with her hunting partner. She sensed Silentstalk move away from the group on his own, and silently gave him a look of hope for a successful solo hunt.
Lightstar kept low to the ground as she moved in soft movements beside Windchaser, ears perked for sounds. They both took in scents with ease, sorting amongst the smells of fresh plant growth and budding flowers for the scent of a blooded animal. But Lightstar suddenly froze as she heard a soft crackle in the tree above her. Windchaser froze just as her leader had, taking in the details.
Lightstar and Windchaser locked each other’s gaze, giving nods and swift tail flicks to signal their plan of attack for the likely squirrel above their heads. Windchaser would head up the tree it was in, and Lightstar would climb up the next closest tree to deal a final blow if the creature escaped before Windchaser could take it.
The two cats climbed the trees effortlessly, keeping the sounds of scratching as their claws clutched the bark to a bare minimum. Once Lightstar was waiting in the next tree, Windchaser made a slow approach to the branch that the squirrel was sitting on. The bronze dusted pine squirrel sat with a walnut in its small paws, too focused on the prize of food than the possible danger that could be lurking behind them. Windchaser was quick to make a move, launching herself forward towards the squirrel. But the squirrel caught her movement too quickly, the walnut falling from the squirrel's grasp as it jumped to the next tree. Windchaser landed awkwardly on the branch after making her unsuccessful attempt, watching as the squirrel made its getaway. The squirrel ran so quickly, unaware of Lightstars presence in the next tree until it was too late. Lightstar caught the running squirrel in her claws, holding it down to make a quick and successful blow. She carried the squirrel down from the tree in her jaws, grateful for the warm prey. Windchaser joined her on the forest floor, noticing some dried oak leaves from a previous season. Knowing they didn’t have a gentlepaw, she figured it would be best to collect some to have around at camp. The two cats shared soft praises for their great skills during the hunt, before working their way back to meet up with Silentstalk.
[ +3 FP (Squirrel), +1 Dried Oak Leaf, +4 XP ]
Silentstalk had been unsuccessful on his scent trail, easily losing a hare in the thick brush. But as he made his way back, a soft movement caught his attention. A squirrel suddenly ran in front of him from a hole in a tree base, Silentstalk acting fast as he easily made the catch. He felt a small burst of pride within doing so, more than glad he was able to bring back some sort of prey to his group. The trio met up again, checking out what they had collected with great excitement.
[ +3 FP (Squirrel), +3 XP ]
-
It was clear the two on border patrol couldn’t decide whether more cats in the group was better or worse, and their conversation faded out slightly. But an idea formed in Brightspring at the mention of her slight skill in healing. Brightspring looked at Rapidstrike, “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to get a better sense of what we have growing around here. Herb wise, anyways. I’m no expert, but perhaps we could find something of use?” She offered, brows raising as she looked at her patrolling partner. Rapidstrike seemed intrigued at her idea, nodding. “That’s a rather good idea, why don’t you lead the way? Perhaps we can even move farther down the borderline that was checked a while ago, so we can at least accomplish two things at once?” He asked. Brightspring nodded, “An excellent idea.” She said with the flick of her tail, soon making her way towards the trees. As she began using her senses to find any herbs of use, she suddenly took in a scent that was vaguely familiar. She sniffed a green leafed plant, gently plucking it from the ground. “I believe the leaves are used for helping strengthen those who need it.” She mumbled, wracking her mind to make sure it was correct. Rapidstrike seemed more than pleased at her find, opening his jaws to give a compliment, but was cut short by a sudden voice.
[ +1 Burnet, +1 XP ]
“Hi there!” A soft voice sounded ahead of them, from a cinnamon mackerel tabby cat that was slowly heading towards them. Rapidstrike’s fur bristled at the stranger, realizing they hadn’t scented the intruder due to the wind's direction. But the cat stopped as he saw Rapidstrike’s anger, “Oh please calm down, I wish you no harm. I will get out of your fur soon, I promise. I just must ask of you a request,” they asked, watching the two cats carefully. “Well, what’s your name?” Brightspring asked, obviously not as frustrated as Rapidstrike was. The cat grinned at them, “My name is (gonna add link to fennel)Fennel! I’m just looking for a small amount of prey, or instead, a single herb! I’ve been traveling quite a bit you see, and I’m very tired. I haven’t eaten in a while, but I could also definitely use a herb that could possibly help me out in the near future. If you have one of those items, I could offer you a reward if you’re willing. You two seem like very nice cats.” Fennel purred. Rapidstrike exchanged glances with Brightspring to make their decision.
[ To receive Fennel’s reward, offer them 1 FP worth of prey or 1 herb! ]
[ +65 XP for 1198 Words Written ]
[ +10 XP for Patrol Sent ]
[ +10% HUP for each Cat on Patrol ]
Total:
[ +83 XP, +6 FP (x2 Squirrels), x1 Burnet, x1 Dried Oak Leaf ]
183/200 - Level Up! [ +1 FP, +1 Herb of Choice, 1 Common Edit ] 66/300 to Next Level