𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴
The pair of cats trotted back to their elevated home, taking turns carrying the heavy rabbit and herbs in their jaws. Ashcloud was feeling rather worn out, her pelt ruffled and worn from the mild attack from the fox. A few cats looked up at the two as they pressed themselves through the thorn barrier, Jaggedmoon moving the rabbit to the stone cave for storage. Buckstar headed towards them from the left side of camp, his eyes raised in alarm.
He moved to Ashcloud’s starboard side, “I can smell the fox on you, how far from the camp was it?” The leader asked his commander, eyeing her pelt for any serious wounds.
Ashcloud shook her head, “The fox was in the peaks quite a ways up, not too close to our home. And I’m fine Buckstar, no need to worry.” She said, her voice soft and filled with fatigue. The leader sighed, flicking his tail along her back. “Well, I’m glad you’re alright. Why don’t you go get some rest, and I’ll wake you when it’s time to feed.” He said gently, moving away from her to check out what Jaggedmon had added to the stone cave.
Ashcloud stretched before padding over to her comfy den beside Buckstars’, curling up in a mossy location along the wall. She stretched herself out, carefully cleaning out per pelt before drifting into a soft sleep.
-
Moons had passed, and there hadn’t been any sign of the fox near the clans camp. Prey was beginning to become more plentiful as the days became warmer, many cats spending more time out in the sun. It was late afternoon, and Ashcloud was organizing a large hunting party to gather some prey. The stone cave that held the prey was diminished, and only a small vole and a baby rabbit lay amongst the stones. Ashcloud was sure it wouldn’t be too hard for the group to gather up a plentiful supply of prey, inwardly hoping they would get enough for all the cats to be able to eat at sunset.
The she-cat raised her head high, eyes scanning the open areas of camp for a possible selection of the party. Her eyes landed on her favorite hunting partner, Jaggedmoon, who was playing with a few of the kits. The tom danced around awkwardly on the ground as the young kits practiced pouncing on the older cats paws, even attempting to nip at them. Squeals of amusement left the kits as Jaggedmoon upped the pace, until the usually nimble cat stumbled and landed in a heap under his tangled legs. The kittens pounced on Jaggedmoon’s back, climbing all over him, some nipping at his ears. Jaggedmoon couldn’t help but let out a mew of amusement, enjoying the small and playful kits.
“Jaggedmoon, on your paws now. You’re to join Ashcloud’s hunting party.” A stiff voice called from behind her, causing Ashcloud to flinch. She turned her head, noticing that Buckstar had come up behind her without her realizing. Ashcloud had planned on leaving Jaggedmoon behind, wanting to let Jaggedmoon play with the kits as long as he desired. The tom was one of the best hunters, but Ashcloud didn’t see why it was so important that he came along. The prey would be plentiful, it wouldn’t take an expert hunter to get the job done.
Ashcloud looked at Buckstar in annoyance, “Jaggedmoon can stay here with the kits, I think it’ll be nice-” But Buckstar cut her off, “Jaggedmoon is an even better hunter than you, Ashcloud, with the prey so low right now I would prefer him to be sent out.” The leader growled. Ashcloud huffed in frustration, but avoided her leader's gaze.
“I think you can handle picking the rest of the party, yes?” He asked, but didn’t wait for a response as he turned away, heading back to his den.
Ashcloud sighed, seeing that Jaggedmoon had already arisen, picking the kits off him like fleas, the kits begging him to stay. But Jaggedmoon assured them he would be back soon, and he would play with them then. She could tell he was slightly upset to leave the kittens on such short notice, and she didn’t blame him. But whatever sadness he may have felt, he quickly covered it up, joining Ashcloud’s side. “Buckstar sure ain’t in the mood today.” He mumbled, looking across the camp.
Ashcloud nodded, “It seems like he’s always been that way as of late.” She said quietly, watching as more cats moved out of their dens, either to sun themselves, or be added to the hunting party.
“Cinderpeak, Swifthare, Rowanclaw!” Ashcloud commanded, “You’ll be the members of this hunting party. Stretch your limbs, it’s time to go.” She said stiffly, Buckstar having stolen most of her excitement from the hunt by asking Jaggedmoon to come along. Of course she loved hunting with Jaggedmoon, she just didn’t like seeing him be torn away from the kits.
Once all four cats were around her, Ashcloud gave a nod and led them to the thorn barrier. One by one, the cats left the camp silently in single file. They kept their bodies and tails low, Ashcloud continuing to lead them down the mountain, to a spot in the tall grass. Rowanclaw took up the rear, fulfilling her position as guardian as the hunters moved ahead of her.
As Ashcloud reached the hunting location, she raised her tail slightly to let the others know to halt. The fresh smells of fresh plant growth came from the heightened grass that rose just about to the she-cat’s shoulders. The cats moved into a horizontal line position, Swifthare and Cinderpeak taking the far edges of the grass. Rowanclaw stayed behind, keeping an eye out for predators.
When Ashcloud felt the group was ready, she sank down low to the ground, keeping her tail low to the ground. She took in the scents, trying to make out any scents of animal life beyond the smell of growing plants. Then, her legs began to move just slightly, her pawsteps deadly silent. The others saw her movement as the signal to go ahead, as the quiet cats began their stalk in the tall grass.
[ 1033 words ]
