Valleyclan { Roleplay }

[TogepiIsSmol]

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〈 Twigstar 〉

Ragged Brown Tabby, Tom, Leader
Form › Tags: Elder's Den, Cinderstride

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Whether it was simply his respect for the molly, or a combination of respect and fondness for Cinderstride's ever prideful ways, Twigstar limited his amusement at her antics to an short purr before registering her question. With a fleetlingly anxious flick of his tail Twigstar pondered his response, "Yes I'm afraid, this was one of the fresher additions to our dwindling fresh kill pile..." Pausing a moment to sit as he observed the elders rather clumsy approach. "It appears that the variety of prey has become sparse over this past moon, almost completely absent in some areas." Twigstar's train of thought came to a pause at Cinderstride exclamation, "indeed. It seems this chill is getting the best of us all. Both cat and prey."

The cold would have been no bother to Twigstar in the past, back then he would have embraced its refreshing effects. On days like this he could be reminded of that feeling, however, he was well aware of the ache in his bones that would eventually come with the dropping temperature. He would need to be sure Thistlesea had a large enough stock of herbs to ease such things through the entirety of the season, if not for his own sake for the sake of the elders. Once again his thoughts were put on pause, this time by the urging of his stomach for food.

"I do hope you have an appetite, even for just a squirrel I do believe it is more than I alone can manage." The request to share the meal was simple and he hoped more for the conversation that would accompany it than much else. Though, ensuring any one member of his clan was fed did warm to old toms heart.

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〈 Cricketstripe 〉

Long-Furred Brown Tabby, Molly, Warrior
Form › Tags: Clan Camp, Rootpaw

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A pleased purr rumbled through Cricketstripe's chest at her apprentice's pride and eagerness at the simple idea of a trek. 'Yes, she seems ready for such a journey.' The thought was simple and followed quickly followed by the molly turning towards the forest nearest the edge of the clans camp, flicking her tail in a beckoning motion as she began to walk. "One of the furthest corners of our territory, White Rock River. The forests their may very well still be rich in prey as they creatures that live their are less seasonal than the prey of the nearer forest," Cricketstripe spoke clearly to ensure the knowledge she had recently learnt herself was easily passed on to Rootpaw, though, their was never a guarantee it would be retained.

"We will review some of your training as we travel, refresh your mind of the skills you will very likely find yourself using there... And, Rootpaw?" Cricketstripe paused a moment to look directly at her apprentice, her usual cheerful voice slipping to a more serious tone, "You must use caution at all times in those areas at all times, and do your best to remember the safest routes. You will be expected to have them memorized as a warrior." The intensity in her eyes remained as she awaited confirmation from the tricolor molly, a stillness washing over her as she waited.

White Rock River itself was more a danger than anything they would find their, it had proved itself so time and time again. Steep banks and even sections that resembled short cliffs funneling the water below. They would not be approaching those banks, no, not without very good reason. Their focus would hopefully be in the surround forest and its denser underbrush and curious prey.

[Baroness-Pets]

Rootpaw
Tricolour Molly // Apprentice // Tags: Clan Camp, Cricketstripe

With a pleased little chirp, Rootpaw followed upon Cricketstripe's instruction, trotting along happily beside her. If this White Rock River had the potential to carry better prey than the offerings of nature here, it had to be a pretty special place. "Wow, really?" The young molly asked in awe "It'd sure be nice to find some fresh prey for once. Not that I'm not grateful for what we still have." Though in truth it really would help the clan out a lot. Last night she'd heard some other apprentice recoil in horror as the prey he'd taken from the pile had been there so long that it has been almost completely overrun by maggots. Yuck. It seemed a shame that White Rock River was a longer trek away, which probably explained why hunts didn't seem to be taking advantage of its resources very frequently.

As she listened, Rootpaw nodded along with Cricketstripe's words, happy that she'd get the chance to hone her skills. Lessons were only useful if they were put into practice after all, for it was the best way to cement them in the mind. The excitement left little room for apprehension, although a hint of nerves found itself looming near the surface. Disappointing her mentor was not an option, not after how far she had come in the last few moons. "Yes ma'am?" Rootpaw asked as the conversation paused, the atmosphere very serious. Oh boy, if Cricketpaw was telling her about the potential for danger then it must be pretty serious. The young cat just hoped her memory wouldn't fail her. "Yes ma'am." She repeated in the affirmative.

Drowning didn't sound like a good way to start the morning... Definitely best to avoid it.

Cinderstride
Brown Tabby Molly // Elder // Tags: Elders den, Twigstar

Bad times were coming, Cinderstride could feel it. If what Twigstar said was true, then before long cats would have to start going hungry to ensure the most needy got fed. Most of these young kits in the clan had absolutely no inkling of what starvation truly felt like, knew nothing like the agony of hunger. "Hmh, it begs the question of how long it will take for the rest of the prey to follow suit." The elderly cat mumbled, shaking her head as she sat down with as much dignity as she could afford "With the illnesses that've happened recently, I have my doubts whether this clan can survive starvation on top of that." Cinderstride was one of very little faith in her contemporaries, which didn't exactly bode well for her since a large chunk of her continued survival relied on them. The old girl would've still been out there hunting and patrolling now if her body could take it, but alas the remainder of her life she would be designated to being a passenger in her own fate.

If snow came, that would only exacerbate things. Prey was already scarce enough during winter without all this nonsense. It made her wonder as she glanced around camp just how many of them would make it to next spring. Of course Cinderstride had no intention of going anywhere, but would she be willing to sacrifice one of the weaker cats just to see the sun rise for however many moons she had left? Elders ate first after all... but she'd had her life. Could she give up her food to save another if it came to that?

Sniffing at the carcass at their feet, she supposed right now it could be much worse than a squirrel. "Very well, I'll oblige." She said with a crooked smile. Certainly there were worse ways to spend a morning than dining with ones leader.

[Vlette]

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Paleheather~
pale brown marbled tabby molly -
warrior - stone mark - open
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Paleheathers body shook as even her long coat couldn't keep her warm from the frosted chill biting awake at her skin. Her chin lifted from her small paws, curled up to conserve heat with small droplets of dew clinging to her ears dripping down her face from the little that had thawed from her body heat. Her eyes blinked open as the marvelous shades of grey began to focus, they narrowed solemnly as she took in the area around her.. It was all too familiar as a place of extreme grief yet one of the only places that was comfortable to her.
I cant keep doing this The molly thought to herself through clenched teeth, her ears flicking back as the still silence of her surroundings her greeting for the morning. The molly lay atop a stone pile that neared the boarders of what the clan called "Stone Mark", the trees around her seemed to feel the harsh cold, unmoving and silent. All the molly could hear was her own thoughts and heartbeat. It felt utterly alone. Her tail swept over the rock, gazing below at a steep drop that made her heart fall every time she saw it. The memories of her mate on that fateful and rainy evening.. Her mind replaying the moment she saw him as if it couldn't be a memory but the present..
Its getting too cold to sleep out here she muttered, her joints screamed as she flexed her muscles enough to break the stiff position she had kept through the night. It was bittersweet thinking such a thing.. since kit-hood all the molly had ever known was her sweet Pikesnout.. and till only a moon ago he had quite literally slipped through her paws and she had become alone once again. She took in a deep breath, the cold clawing away at her lungs drawing her mind back into the moment.
Why had it been so cold? Wasn't leaf-fall supposed to be a bit longer.. maybe it was just wishful thinking at this point. Even amidst the harsh grief she had noted how quiet the morning was.. Even in this melancholic routine within the weeks she had been woken up by the little pattering of a mouse or vole every once in a while.. but she could count the mornings now in which she was alone in silence. No prey around to be heard.. It was hard not to notice the fresh kill pile dwindling more and more every day too..
Her ear twitched as the slightest noise came from behind her.. A little wren fluttered down from the fleeting canopy, seeming to be desperate itself in any source of food with no regard to the cat only a few feet from where it had decided to land.. Its focus on a small crevasse, pecking and nudging at the moss that coated one of the stones. Paleheather without a second thought pounced on the unsuspecting songbird, not being able to shake the pang of sympathy for the small creature.. Times were getting tough for everyone as it started to grow so cold..
Feathers drifted along her as she carefully stepped down the rocks, some caught in her coat as she held the bird in her maw. Her head turning away as she neared the spot at the bottom of the rocks that she had come to hate so much..
Her pelt now wet from warming up what had coated her in her sleep, walking in the direction of where her clan reside.

[∂αмє υмвяα]

Sable| Male| Loner| 23 Moons| Location; Clan Territory | tags; open
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The black male cat licked his maw cleaning up after his messy meal. Though in the coming months, prey will end up getting scare so Sable will have to take each meal more slowly, savoring his meal a little bit more slowly, stretching the energy it provided with it thinking out over how long he needed to eat again. Getting up from his spot in the brambles, he made his way towards the river to get himself a drink.
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Icetail|Tom | Warrior |35 Moons | Location; Clan Camp| tags; Briarstride, Whitepaw
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The blue tom nodded his head and tilted his head in a way that said ‘follow me’ as he made his way to the apprentice’s den to wake up Whitepaw. “Whitepaw? Come on, we are going out for a hunting patrol with Briarstride. I was thinking we could also help with you getting acclimated with hunting in leaf-fall and when the time comes, leaf-bare.” Icetail spoke, nudging his apprentice with his nose.
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[Freg||FrogWithAnE]

F O X P A W
☼ Medicine Apprentice ☼ Camp ☼ Tags: Open;camp ☼

The small apprentice awoke stretching his limber limbs across his small den letting a silent yawn out as well. Due to his limbs being a tad longer than normal apprentices they were a bit sore from the scrunched den of an apprentice. As his eyes registered the darkness of the den he finally stood readying to leave the den into the cool crisp air of leaf-fall. After stepping out into the muted sunlight of dawn he quickly took a glance around to see if anyone else was up and about yet. Taking a mental note of the cats who were up he took a seat in a spot of sunshine in the valley. After a moment of his damp fur being in the sun he quickly dried off the morning dew. He gave out a sigh of relief as a nice breeze blew through his thick pelt. He sat quietly wondering when his mentor would be up and about as well and what lesson he'd get today.

F R O S T L E A F
☼ Warrior ☼ Camp ☼ Tags: Berylpaw : open;camp ☼

The early rising she-cat woke a few minutes before dawn, lazing in her den until about dawn she gave a silent yawn and stretched out her aching limbs. Ridding them of any brisk chill left. She stood and padded briskly into the camp clearing the wind slightly pulling on her long fur. She finally found a spot of sunshine she found to her liking and sprawled herself out for a moment before rolling in the dew covered grass.

[rybka]

★BRIARSTRIDE⏵cause i'm so strong, i wish
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◄40 moons｜fluffy light brown tabby molly｜warrior｜clan camp｜tagged; Icetail, open ►

indentationThe molly hung back as Icetail went to fetch his apprentice. She would have her own apprentice one day, she supposed. What would that be like? Briar had conflicting emotions on it. On one paw, she had a reasonable degree of faith in her ability to handle young cats; after all, she'd practically raised her little brothers herself, and they were by no means docile. But being a mentor was a huge deal, it meant formally taking on the responsibility of a clanmate's life, pretty much, making sure they grew into a respectable warrior. That was a huge task. She harbored a great deal of appreciation for mentors.

★RIBKA⏵no, i'm not as proper, my money's in copper
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◄10 moons｜grey-blue tabby tom｜loner | white rock river｜tagged; open ►

indentation A tantalizing prey-scent suddenly poked its way through the smells of the forest, and before he knew it, Ribka was tearing through the woods, hot on the heels of a particularly agile squirrel. Its panic increased its pace by the second. Left, left, right, serpentine around those trees - no, I won't let you get up there! - right, over the log, forward... It was all a daze. The tomcat wasn't at all sure where he was headed anymore, there was not a single navigation braincell in his head.

Or, at least, not until the critter halted abruptly, so as not to fall down the steep bank into the crashing river before it. This momentary hesitation was all Ribka needed. Heart catching in his chest with the pleasant adrenaline of triumph, the lad landed on his prey, killing it with a bite to the neck - though the force of the pounce had nearly caused him to barrel over the drop, so it took a moment for him to regain his balance afterward. Once he'd put a satisfactory amount of distance between the water and himself, Ribka dug into his prey immediately. He was both a messy hunter and a messy eater, but there was no shame in that, as far as he was concerned. Despite his small size, he finished the entire squirrel.

Quite content, the tom finally directed his attention to his surroundings. This was a part of the forest he hadn't been to before - it came with all sorts of interesting scents. He longed to do some major exploring, but at the moment, he was all tired out from the hectic hunt, so he settled for seeking out a nice spot to sit by the riverbank and rest his legs.

[TogepiIsSmol]

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〈 Twigstar 〉

Ragged Brown Tabby, Tom, Leader
Form › Tags: Elder's Den, Cinderstride

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"Let us hope things don't come to such dire circumstances... Though, I find myself planning as if that path is fact. Perhaps more organized hunting parties are in order." The more Twigstar thought of the coming leaf-bare the more he worried of what it could bring, what Cinderstride said rang true! What chances did they have of surviving starvation so soon after illness had swept through them, taking more than a couple cats to Starclan. He himself had had a long life, a tiring life, lost many to time itself, could he bring himself to eat if the cats around him where desperate for such luxuries? The thought brought a bit to his stomach, and the once appetizing squirrel suddenly seemed a much more difficult task ahead of him. Swallow the bile that rose the troubled leader found himself stuck. Things were not yet so bad, and that did bring some reassurance, but did not lift the weight he felt upon his shoulders.

Offering a gentle smile to the molly of which he was sharing a meal, "eat your fill, dear Cinderstride, I thank StarClan for things remaining plentiful enough to avoid such calamities thus far into the season."

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〈 Cricketstripe 〉

Long-Furred Brown Tabby, Molly, Warrior
Form › Tags: East of Camp, Rootpaw

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Satisfied with Rootpaw's response Cricketstripe allowed her cheerful demeaner to return once more, an almost kittenish excitement bubbled through the young warrior as they approached the edge of camp and without a pause she stepped beyond. Parting her mouth ever so slightly to allow the scents of the forest more easily into her system Cricketstripe was happy to take in the familiar scent of undergrowth and damp earth, although the scent of cats was still strong this close to camp. The subtle difference had always excited the molly, and her ears flicked to take in their surrounds as the sounds of cats began to gradually fade away. Amongst the trees much of sun's, already limited, warmth was lost and the remnants of frost clung desperately to the leaf litter and tree needles beneath her paws. 'This was what in means to be a warrior...' She though to herself letting the wild feeling of the world around her consume her for a moment before coming back to her full awareness.

"We will have to go around the Twin Rivers, unless you would prefer to swim on a morning like this." Cricketstripe teased with no intention of making the apprentice swim, "the walk around will take longer than a shortcut but it should be a nice, refreshing!" The further from camp they got the softer she spoke, her volume changing to better suit the envirnment around them. A shrill chirp from above echoed around them, some small animal likely having spotted the duo but otherwise Cricketstripe found the dim light and quiet atmosphere relaxing.

[Vlette]

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Paleheather~
pale brown marbled tabby molly -
warrior - clan camp - Twigstar & Cinderstride
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Paleheathers pallid nose twitched as the wrens feathers brushed up against the roof of her maw. She clutched onto the grounded creature as if it were her lifeline in a time where she seemed to be drowning, snapping her back into reality every so often when one of the prickly feathers made her sneeze.. The frost began to melt finally on the rest of her pelt, making it slick and wet down making her cream and fawn colored markings almost chocolate.
It hadn't been the first time that Paleheather had slunk out from the clan to sleep- in fact, it was incredibly hard for her to be able to sleep anywhere but outside of Stone Mark.. With how stiff her muscles were and the feeling of the morning that greeted her was that of her energy being sapped from the blistering cold.. She had feared that she wouldn't be able to go out for much longer..
My dear Pikesnout.. Paleheather warbled, her mouth full of wren feathers and sorrow.. It was so difficult for her to break away from him and the tragedy itself.. Lifelong friends and mates for but a moment.. The motherly molly was excited to have kits with him, to start a family, to help lead the clan into success.. To be as graceful and beautiful of a mother as hers was to her.. But it all slipped away with him and her mind couldn't stray too far from re-living the memory of him and his downfall that rainy day.. She had seen the clans Medicine-cat, Thistlesea, about her mental state and seeing the scene so many times to where she couldn't sleep.. but there's not a ton that the tom could do to help aid in heart-break.

The molly looked up, her footsteps and the routine trail that she had memorized had gotten her back to the clan camp, the scents of her acquaintances wafted in through the wrens feathers as if she had hit a brick wall. She made a bee-line towards the fresh kill pile which at this point was more of a dwindling puddle.. With as little grace possible, Paleheather dropped the wren and coughed, shaking her head and licking the roof of her maw to rid of all of the little pesky birds feathers that proceeded to just get stuck back into her pelt.
That was less than pleasant.. Paleheather whispered, shaking her head again to rid her cheek fluff of a stray feather. No bother, it seemed as if the clan really was struggling with food.. The little wren was not alone in his plight. Picking her eyes up from her own paws, she glanced around to see Twigstar and Cinderstride- two of the older cats of the clan whom Paleheather found a certain comfort from that she could never put her paw on.. It never could compare to the comfort she had gotten from her mother or her dear Pikesnout, but in a time of being lost even the faintest glimmer of light can be a difference.. With her head slightly lowered, she approached the two, not wanting to intrude on any important conversations that the two were having.
Good morning Cinderstride, Good morning Twigstar Paleheather purred softly, her tail curling over her paws as she sat near the two in a lull of their conversation. Her eyes squinted and kind at the two who she admired. They both knew her mother and Pikesnout well- she knew that no matter how much she mimicked a sense of stable, there were very few who knew of her daily plight. Her ears flicked back as she realized the state she must have been in front of them- wet and crazed fur with wren feathers sticking too and fro from everywhere they could nestle into her pelt..

[Baroness-Pets]

Rootpaw
Tricolour Molly // Apprentice // Tags: Cricketstripe

The step beyond camp excited Rootpaw every time she crossed it, for it represented her freedom and independence. She looked back just once beforehand and noticed that from across the camp, her mother was staring at her. For just a moment she hesitated, before sticking her nose in the air in an imitation of someone prissy and hopping over the border. There was no way she was gonna let her mother get to her, not today. The scents in the air changed as the walked, and Rootpaw tried to pick out the ones she had been taught. Walking at a brisk pace allowed her to forget the cold that nipped at her nose, exercise really did help to warm one up. A gust of wind disturbed a leaf on the ground, and it took immense self control for Rootpaw to not pounce on it like her kitten-like instincts were telling her to.

"No way!" She laughed, picturing herself frozen solid like an icicle after taking a swim in the river. It was funny to imagine her being placed on a plinth like a statue whilst the clan waited for her to thaw out. "I don't mind walking, clears out the congestion."

Cinderstride
Brown Tabby Molly // Elder // Tags: Twigstar, Paleheather

"The parties need to go further than they are, combing this land for morsels will strip it of food entirely. Food is richer on longer routes." Cinderstride had never been the most perceptive of social cues, even in her youth. Rarely had she been able to tell when she'd upset or angered someone unless they brought it up in conversation afterwards. At that point then she would always get annoyed why cats never just said what they meant, rather than being in her view petty and pathetic about their feelings. It was true, Cinderstride adored a good arguement, liked to get feelings all out on the table if someone had an issue with her or her words. Skirting around issues always led to resentment on both sides. It had been why she'd loved Haybrook so much. Haybrook had always been very direct, would always tell Cinderstride if she was acting out of line or speaking out of turn. Unlike other couples, their arguments had never been explosive, their disagreements had been mere bickering rather than shouting matches where nothing really got solved. At this age she didn't always remember her Haybrook, but when she did she remembered her with reverence and adoration. Thankful that she'd loved her yet bitter that she'd been dragged from her so long ago. Her thoughts had drawn a curtain over her mind for just a moment, and she had not noticed the effect her words had had on Twigstar.

Had there always been two cats sat with her before? No, Cinderstride would have remembered this one. Now what was her name? ...She'd known it once. Why was it she could remember years into the past but not the name of one of her clan? "Very little good about it." She replied bluntly to the molly, reaching over and picking a feather from her shoulder with her claws like tweezers. Cinderstride held it very close to her own eyes in order to see it properly, she studied it for a moment, her selective memory kicking in. "Wren?"

[Queen of flames]

Thistlesea // tom // medicine cat // at camp // apprentice - Foxpaw // crush - open // tags - Foxpaw

// He made a careful look around the fresh-kill pile, even if there was not much to choose off, he picked out one of the four mice there. Licking his lips hungrily he took his bite of the prey before flicking his ears over to the medicine cat's den, which he just left a moment ago. Swallowing his first bite he looked behind him to see the younger multicolored tom cat Foxpaw out of the den "Why don't you eat something as well Foxpaw? I already organized our herbs this morning... there is not much for us to do now, but after the breakfast, you can take a look and see what herbs we could need more..." he called out his eyes narrowing as the sunlight shined to them. He looked back at his mice "I already know which are missing, but that could be good practice for you too" he kept meowing. //
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Bluefrost// she // warrior // at twin rivers // apprentice - open // crush -open // tags - open

// She stayed near the water a little bit longer, into her own thoughts, she had nowhere to hurry and the clan could be fine without her for a moment. She gazed at the forest on another side of the small river, it seemed so calm, except for some birds singing and jumping at the trees. She could take this opportunity and catch some birds, but those ones were very aware of her there and could not be easy to catch, so why could she consume her powers for that. Sighing she turned her amber eyes to glare at the clear blue water, which barely even moved now, and thought about her mate Cloudsnow. She missed him so much especially now when she was back to her warrior duties, she felt herself rather lonely lately as not even her son Whitepaw didn't really hang around with her as much as he did as a kit, or when he started his apprenticeship "or little son is growing up, Cloudsnow..." she meowed silently closing her eyes for a moment. Hearing a splash she opened her eyes and looked how few small minnows saw near the place she was starring at the water, not noticing her so far 'hmmm...maybe I could bring something back to the camp...' she thought to herself and carefully pounced one of the nearest fish out of the water, killing it quickly, before looked for the other two fishes which were still there 'how stupid can those little things be' she thought herself. //
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Whitepaw // tom // apprentice// at camp // mentor - Icetail // crush - open // tags - Icetail, Briarsride

// He was already on his way out of the apprentice's den when his mentor's head showed up at the den entrance, a little bit of startling him as he was not prepared for him to be so close there. He took a step backward as he listened to what the warrior needed to say and nodded "I see..." he murmured and made his left to the apprentice's den "what different is hunting at leaf-fall than at other times?" he asked him thoughtfully. //
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Zaeru // she // kittypet-loner // at deep forest // crush - open // tags - open

// She watched the birds for a moment, waiting for a good time to attack them, slowly getting closer to them. She was focused on the birds so much that she didn't see the ground under her. She took a silent breath to calm herself, before pouncing out of the bush toward the birds, but she was still too far and her paws were slivering the morning icy grounds which gave the birds enough time to fly away. She stopped at the place the birds were eating a moment ago and watched as they disappeared to the top of the trees 'oh great...' she thought with a sight. Shaking her pelt she gave her front paws a few licks before starting to move forward, her ears and nose ready for any next preys she could find there and it didn't take long for her to spot a shrew there. //