- Nov 29, 2023
- 225
- 71
- 28
An ominous whistle between the quickly balding branches accompanies Mirestar's hunting patrol. It is a hastily put together one; even though Lilacfur had followed Sharpshadow's earlier example and decided on assignments due to the lack of a deputy, the ever-building pile of worries has not allowed Mirestar to sit idly. Regardless of the amount of success (or lack thereof) Flintwish and Swansong had found, the fresh-kill pile would need further stocking. Ashenfall has already brought forth kittens... and Mirestar's own family will be expanding. Hungry bellies will always outnumber prey in the marsh. There is no time to waste.
Mirestar leads their companions through the territory — it is considerably less wet than usual, thanks to the cold that seeps into the land and slowly but surely dries up the moisture and freezes the surface of waters.
And just when they think they found a good spot for hunting...
"Wait."
A bushy tail rises, signaling to the cats behind them in more ways than just verbal. Mirestar themself freezes; only the tips of their whiskers twitch, and their pupils withdraw into mere slits. An otter stands in their way... solitary, now that leaf-bare is all but here, and its sleek frame never comes to a halt as it sniffs about, no doubt looking for frogs and snails to eat. It is decisively in the way.
Mirestar lowers their body to the ground, ignoring the cold that cuts through them by extension of their belly fur brushing the soil. The competition's smell threatens to overpower their senses; no matter how much they try to catch the whiff of prey, that musk makes it impossible — or maybe there is no prey to be found here. "Frog-dung!" Either way, the otter does not seem to appreciate this contest for survival, and it rounds on the patrol with its tiny eyes blazing with fury.
Like a now-blossoming flower, the fur along Mirestar's spine rises, starting at the base of their tail and running all the way to the back of their neck. "Keep looking for prey. I'll try to be a distraction..." Even if Mirestar is known for their skilled nose, they are more than willing to lend the opportunity to find a scent trail or two to their Clanmates.
Rolled 3 & 6; failure.
A predator is competing with the cats for prey; Mirestar cannot find a scent trail, but maybe your cat can still succeed!
A predator is competing with the cats for prey; Mirestar cannot find a scent trail, but maybe your cat can still succeed!