at least we'll get hurt trying || failed hunt

[SUNFLOWERMASK]

.°☀ AND IF IT EVER STARTS TO FEEL BAD, LITTLE FANG

---

Pale-hued paws trace a careful path through the moor-grass. The lilac tortoiseshell has separated from the group, intent on catching something on their own. It's their first proper hunting patrol since leaving Vulturemask's den, and they want to make it count. Still, still they haven't caught a single piece of prey, 5 moons old and always empty-jawed. It gnaws at them, watching the other apprentices go on ahead of them. Today will be the day, they've decided.

It's a rabbit that they spot, keen eyes latching onto movement and they still, full-body, watching the twitching whiskers of the dusty-furred creature. A young one, likely newleaf-born, still not quite an adult. Small enough for them to take down, certainly. It hasn't spotted them, and -- they pause to take note -- the wind is blowing towards them, yes, they part their jaws and taste its scent upon the breeze. It's the perfect opportunity for an ambush. In a burst of motion, Sunflowerpaw takes off, hurtling towards the rabbit. They forget, for a moment, their recently-healed injury.

This is their mistake.

They're nearly upon it when it happens, less than a fox-length away, Still unused to compensating for their not-quite-properly healed paw, Sunflowerpaw unthinkingly places a bit too much weight on it -- and winces as a twinge of pain shoots through their leg. They give a small, choked cry, stumbling forwards, momentum unrelenting as they try to maintain their balance. The rabbit is already moving, already bounding away through across the open fields far faster than they can follow. Frustration shoots through the apprentice as they watch it go. It was so close. They did everything right, didn't they? But no, still no catch. The ghost of pain lingers in their paw, and they watch with gritted teeth as the rabbit disappears across the horizon, hesitant to return to the hunting party and admit their mistake.

---

IT'S EASY TO EXPLAIN 'CAUSE THIS WORLD'S NOT TAME .°☀

⟪ OOC ⟫ ⟪ INFO ⟫ ⟪ REF ⟫

• // mentor tag @WOLFSONG, no need to wait
  
  rolled an 8 rip. you almost had it kiddo​
• SUNFLOWERPAW named by their half-brother vulturemask after his friend and mentor.
  — they/them, 5 moons.
  — windclan apprentice, mentored by wolfsong.
  — reserved yet loyal, distrusts most.
  — mild limp.
  
  primary character, high activity. penned by saturnid.​
• 

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[SILVERTHORN]

ALL NIGHT GAMER​

---

Sometimes hunts just didn't go well. Silverpaw knew that well given his growing track record of failures, though he reckoned that he was perhaps being sabotaged at times by some of the others. Not that he could prove that. However, on this particular day he had bore witness to Sunflowerpaw's failed hunt, and weirdly he felt a pang of sympathy for the other. Deviating from his own route he then made his way towards the younger apprentice. "That was an unfortunate outcome. But are you okay?" He queried with his mind now set on the other's paw. Hopefully they hadn't hurt themselves too badly during the stumble.
​

 

[WOLFSONG]

──⇌•〘 INFO 〙 It must, Wolfsong assumes, be rather easy to forget a fresher wound when it does not ache. As a child, his newly missing eye was difficult to neglect, given how obviously it affected everything he did, but a paw or leg must be different. He had of course hoped that Sunflowerpaw would be more mindful of their wound, but they are young and youth is not known for its wisdom, no matter how cleverly curious. It is a hope he carries in his shadowing of his apprentice's hunt, observing their process keenly.

And he does not wince when they fail, though the corner of his remaining eye tightens. He approaches his apprentice, glancing briefly at their brother. "Another visit to the pool may be needed," he says, looking Sunflowerpaw over. "Until your paw has fully adjusted, we should also consider other hunting methods. Running down rabbits can come later." He knows how it must sting, but he refrains from soothing their pride— for now, at least.
​

 

[Badgermoon]

The prey was running well now that leaf-bare had relented, and Badgermoon was almost always pleased with the hunting patrols that returned to him, their jaws heavy with sustenance. Bellies were full and bodies were strong, and for that he was grateful. The black-and-white tomcat had also splintered off from the hunting patrol, intent on finding a field mouse or two, but his head popped up over a thick clump of heather as he caught voices. Sunflowerpaw, Silverpaw, and Wolfsong all seemed to have abandoned the hunt - not something he'd expect from any of them. Shaking a dusting of pollen from his broad shoulders, Badgermoon sloped over, sweeping his eyes inquisitively over the trio of WindClanners. Ah - their paw. that was right - the damned Twolegs had nearly cost the young apprentice their foot.

"You know, it's egg-laying season for the birds. If you can find the nests while the parents are out, they make a good meal." he offered with a swish of his dark tail, offering Sunflowerpaw a small smile. "That's a way to hunt that shouldn't fuss with your paw while heals." Badgermoon swiped his tongue over his muzzle and grinned, a bit of mischief appearing in his eyes. "I personally like larks' eggs."​

 

[Bluepool]

Bluepool herself does not know any other way to hunt on the open moors. The thrill of chasing down a rabbit, of catching up to your prey and soaring through the air then landing on top of it, it was unequivocal to anything else. Making a kill knowing you had run it down, the pride in knowing that you were the reason your clanmates would not go hungry. It was a joy unlike any other.
She cannot imagine what Sunflowerpaw was going through.

Her yellow eyes soften as they flicker to the foot in question and she makes a tsk sound as she sucks her teeth with her tongue, only imagining the pain that must come alongside running on such an injury. The she-cats mentor is encouraging, saying they would find new ways to hunt but Bluepool isn’t so sure. How else did one hunt on the moors other than going down into the tunnels where the creatures sleep.

Still, she does not say anything discouraging. Stars knew what was swimming around already in her head. It was probably the same misgivings she had had when her tail had been taken from her. Luckily, she didn’t need a tail to run though. "Perhaps you could sniff out a few weasel dens, they have a particular… stink… to them that makes them pretty easy to find" she says before turning her head to look at Badgermoon. She nods along with his words "Eggs are good too, too runny for my taste but some cats like it" not her though, the taste was not one she thinks she would ever get used to

// apprentice tag @Periwinklebreeze.

​

 

[SUNFLOWERMASK]

.°☀ AND IF IT EVER STARTS TO FEEL BAD, LITTLE FANG

---

It seems Sunflowerpaw didn't need to return to their patrol at all -- both Silverpaw and Wolfsong saw, and those who didn't are quick to return. A small hum of affirmation is all they offer in response to Silverpaw's question. Yes, they're okay, even if it still hurts a little. This just... happens now, apparently. The soaking helps, but not when they shift their weight onto the paw. They'll just have to try not to do it again, try to remember. They're not really sure how to run with a half-useless paw.

Still. Bite back the frustration. They don't want pity, and Wolfsong does not give them any. He instead offers solutions: another visit to the pool -- a place they are becoming very familiar with -- and a different hunting method. Right. Probably for the best. Running down rabbits can come later, he says, which isn't never.

Before they can begin planning for other ways to hunt, Badgermoon and Bluepool rejoin the group, begin making suggestions of their own. Eggs, yes, eggs are easy. They nod. This, they can do. More a feat of luck than skill, but food nonetheless. They've got good eyes and a keen sense of smell, they can seek out burrows and ground-nests. He mentions lark eggs -- they'll have to keep that in mind. Maybe they could bring him some. He is the deputy after all, best to make a good impression.

Eggs are doable. They don't quite catch Sunflowerpaw's ear like Bluepool's idea, however.

Weasels. They've never seen one before, but they've certainly heard tales. Fierce as the lead warrior that bears their name. And their dens are apparently very easy to find. Does... Bluepool think that Sunflowerpaw could take down a weasel? They cock their head at her. Could they? They've never tried before, but they do like the sound of it... And it'd feed more cats than eggs would, that much they're certain of.

---

IT'S EASY TO EXPLAIN 'CAUSE THIS WORLD'S NOT TAME .°☀

⟪ OOC ⟫ ⟪ INFO ⟫ ⟪ REF ⟫

• //​
• SUNFLOWERPAW named by their half-brother vulturemask after his friend and mentor.
  — they/them, 5 moons.
  — windclan apprentice, mentored by wolfsong.
  — reserved yet loyal, distrusts most.
  — mild limp.
  
  primary character, high activity. penned by saturnid.​
• 

​