tunnels so bored in this human form } hunting patrol

[RATTLEHEART]

AS HE RAISED HIS FIST BEFORE HE SPOKE — Venturing down into the tunnels was when Rattleheart felt at his most comfortable, moons of worries seeming to slip effortlessly from their shoulders just as they slipped carefully into the darkness of the labyrinth beneath the moors. Even leading felt natural when their monochrome form was hidden away, four clanmates following after them after Bluepool had called them all together. They had decided to lead the rest towards the tunnels near the Sun-Warmed Pool, figuring the warmth of the water above would draw prey in while there was still cold ruling the moors above them. The lead warrior was mostly silent during the walk there, though their tail twitched frantically as a guideline for those that were following.

As soon as where they were felt right, he gradually slowed to a stop and turned towards the rest gathered in the cramped space. "We'll spread out a bit down the side tunnels to see what we can find hiding in them. And check near the entrances - there might be prey trying to get some fresh air, or just about to take shelter." Though they doubted the other tunnelers alongside them needed such guidance, nodding to them with trust gleaming in their pale green gaze. It was only once their basic advice was given out that they looked towards Downypaw, figuring this would be a good opportunity to quiz their new apprentice on her knowledge. "Downypaw. Do you smell anything unusual nearby...?" They knew full well that there was a stale fox scent still lingering in the unmoving air of one of the branching off tunnels, thankfully not fresh enough to indicate that one was actually anywhere near. Rattleheart had checked it out themself fairly recently, but wanted to make sure that Downypaw could smell it as well.

They also sent a slight look of warning in the direction of their sister nearby, not wanting her to blurt out the answer just to mess with them.

// @downypaw @RABBITCLAW @cygnetstare @BLUEFROST

THE RIGHTEOUS HAND OF GOD 𓆩♡𓆪 THE DEVIL THAT YOU FORGOT

• 

• 
  ❥ longhaired black and white tom with pale green eyes
  ❥ 48 moons old; ages the 1st every month
  ❥ afab; uses he/she/they pronouns
  ❥ homosexual homoromantic; mated to venomstrike
  ❥ sibling to scorchstreak, lizardbounce, and rabbitclaw
  ❥ currently mentoring downypaw
  ❥ somewhat difficult to befriend; wary but kind
  ❥ "speech", thoughts, attacking
  ❥ peaceful powerplay allowed
  ❥ all opinions are ic

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[downyfur]

Rattleheart's voice is suddenly louder in her ears. He must be facing us, she realizes. Downypaw's lengthy whiskers twitch, now consciously feeling for the sides of the tunnels rather than absentmindedly. They tuck their paws closer to their chest despite the wider space now, taking solace in the warmth of their own fur against the black chill of the underground.

Instinctively, they look towards Rattleheart at her acknowledgement, though she can't make anything out of ink-filled air anyways. "Um..." Their verbal hesitance is more to let their mentor know they are obeying rather than real hesitance, with their head already turning towards one of the side tunnels their nose tells them must be there. "Yes." Something musky clings to the unseen walls, not sharp but deep and rolling, as though it takes up far more space in the world than a mere feline. "Is it...a predator?"

They stare sightlessly in the general direction, knowing light wouldn't help but wishing for it anyway. What a world it would be if one could see smell. They imagine it staining their clanmates' pelts like berry juice and rolling faintly along the windswept hills, sharpening into vividity in mouse-lengths at a time. Smell clinging to them, like cold water, like seeds and burrs, like moonlight silver. Downypaw takes a deep breath and remembers to close their drying eyes.​

 

[RABBITCLAW]

They were to come back with food for the clan, nothing too extraordinary. However, it was nice to be back in the tunnels again and with her brother. It was amusing to hear them give guidance to the lot of them, as if they've never hunted within the tunnels their entire lives. Almost all of them had been in the tunnels for moons, the youngest in their group was none other than Downypaw. The only one who came second to youth was Bluefrost only having been a warrior for a short while. She can't help it when she playfully yawns, "Yeah, Yeah. Like we've never done this before, but sure thing Rattle, we'll do what you say." And with a smile on her maw, she proceeds to surrender to darkness.

While she could've gone ahead and done her job, she was curious. Downypaw was recently assigned to Rattleheart and because she hated Sootspot with a passion, she didn't get to see how the apprentices training had gone thus far. Rabbitclaw has an apprentice of her own, yet she finds herself enchanted by watching Rattleheart teach Downypaw a lesson. You were always kind. Always gentle. You are good with kits, and I'm sure Downypaw needs a gentle paw.

Then, she feels familiar green hues look in her direction she can't help herself from grumbling, "Rattleheart you're no fun." It's not mean spirited whatsoever and he should know by now that even if she was going to blurt out the answer it was going to be wrong on purpose to mess with the apprentices. Killjoy I'm telling ya. Blue eyes roll while she waits for Downypaw who she can't say she's upset with for having Rattleheart as a mentor now. Better than that snob Sootspot. The hesitance from Downypaw is a bit disappointing. Maybe it was asking too much for the apprentices to discern scent yet, considering their training was put on hold with what happened with Sootstar. At least she got predator.

Whiskers twitch before she opens chuffs, "Wow... That was so specific." Sarcasim at a time is not appreciated and she's sure Rattleheart would give her an earful or a cuff. However, she quickly adds before her sister claws her to death "Yes. You're right Downypaw. It's a predator. I won't tell ya what it is, but it's good that you're able to tell it's dangerous." In the darkness she turns towards Rattleheart. While she can't make him out, their scent is already memorized. She can find them with her eyes closed easily. "Sometimes just knowing that it's dangerous is enough to make a difference between life or death, isn't that right, Rattleheart?" The words may sound condescending to other's, however she is showing approval. Giving encouragement in her own awkward way.

I think you two will be fine.

* ˚ ✦ take a good look

• 
  — rabbitclaw / windclan tunneler / feminine pronouns / 48 moons
  — pansexual / single, crushing on fogbound / not looking
  — scar riddled short-haired lilac tortoiseshell with blue eyes
  — may powerplay minor harm / can powerplay healing
  — biography / @ on discord for plots
  — penned by velou

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