tunnels ˙ ˖ ✶ root for a nuisance ┊ (attempted) hunting.

[downyfur]

Sootspot had made sure they knew the importance of tunnelers during Leaf-bare. They were about the only thing standing between the clan and starvation, insignificant as they were. When rabbits and mice fled the snows, they burrowed deep into the earth instead, right into the domain of the tunnelers and their claws. A few minutes ago they'd picked up a musky whiff of field mouse. They feel its tiny little feet pattering upon the cold dirt, nose snuffling, whiskers twitching, just as Downypaw does now. They feel a little silly, acting so mouse-like, but the good of the clan spurs them on. After the fiasco with Pinkpaw and Sootstar, they didn't want even the slightest traitorous insinuation floating their way.

They're doing alright for an apprentice, or at least they hope. Sifting the scent from the grand emptiness of soil isn't an easy task, and they keep losing it in the ephemeral tangle of their own markings, their patrol's markings, predators, other prey, and the constant paranoia of water. Still, here and there the mouse-scent pops right back up, clear as daylight, and reminds Downypaw they're on the right track. Right now is one of those moments. They're straining to discern into which fork out of three it leads into—when a voice shatters their concentration.

ooc: please wait for @NIGHTMAREFACE ! also @SOOTSPOT for mentor tag​

 

[NIGHTMAREFACE]

"OW! Stop stepping on my tail!" Comes the old she-cat's snarly voice. She tries to sit bolt upright, knocking her head annoyingly against the roof of the tunnels which only draws a hiss from her. She hadn't realized the apprentice had found a trace of something; in fact, she's growing increasingly frustrated with the fact they haven't found a single piece of prey to kill! And being crammed down here with several other cats doesn't help her negativity. This is why she prefers keeping her hunts to pairs, or even better just with her apprentice.

As she shifts, she notices a furry feeling under her paw. When she lifts it, her tail is free, and the realization hits her. "Oh, whoops, it was me." A snickering leaves her, an annoying cackle echoing in the darkness and it's a blessing no one can see the spittle flying from her parted jaws.​