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Post by Greymuzzles on Nov 5, 2017 15:38:41 GMT
It had been a fine, warm morning—the best they’d had in moons—and Leopardstrike had been roused early by the departure of his sister’s sturdy form. At other times he might have been annoyed by that, but the day had seemed welcoming when he’d left his nest to watch the patrol leave, and really, it wasn’t the tabby’s fault that she'd been chosen to join a dawn patrol. That was just the luck of the draw, so the tom had shrugged the matter away: gone out to greet the fledgling day.
It had been a good choice. With such an early start it had been easy to reach the deeper regions of Treeclan’s territory, and he’d quickly found a spot that was prime for hunting and had been left virtually untouched since the rogues had been driven away. Now he was returning with his catch—a plump pheasant and a decent-sized rabbit—and he was bolstered by the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. His kills would make two good meals for his clan—perhaps more, if kits or apprentices decided to share—and more than half a day still remained. If he was wise with his time then he should easily make a few more catches to offer Treeclan, and if he could find another cat to join him then he might even double that haul.
The question, of course, was which cat? He knew who his first choice would be, for it was almost inevitably his sister, Boar or not, but as he dropped his kill and raised his eyes to the camp he realised that her distinct frame was nowhere to be seen. Was the patrol still out? No—he could see another of its number stretched out in the sun, and that meant that Tigerheart had likely strayed into the forest before his return. If that was so, then he’d be lucky if he saw her again before the sun began to fall, and there was no hope at all of having her join him on a hunt.
He'd probably have to go back out alone…
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 1, 2018 16:52:44 GMT
[ M O S S Y P A T H ]
Mossypath had been sitting in the patch of sunlight provided by the warming sun before noticing Leopardstrike glancing around the clearing as if looking for someone. Most likely looking for Tigerheart, she thought, flicking her ear. She knew that the she-cat didn't enjoy Treeclan as much as her brother and often wondered out of camp alone. Usually Mossypath would think that such idea would be foolish, but knowing Tigerheart's fierceness and strength she knew there was no need to worry. The only thing possible to beat that cat is Starclan themself, she thought with a shiver.
Only Starclan...
Mossypath's attention had been brought back to Leopardstrike. She saw him getting ready to leave for another hunt, but she decided to catch up to him before he left.
"Leopardstrike!" She called after the tom as she padded up to him. "Are you leaving for another hunt?" She asked politely though the answer was pretty obvious. Mossypath was in no way a good hunter - her specialities are in fighting. But she had nothing else to do other than bathe in the sun so she might as well trek on into the woods with Leopardstrike. Maybe I'll catch something. The answer to that was also no, but maybe luck will be on her side today?
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 1, 2018 17:48:47 GMT
Leopardstrike didn’t mind solitude, when it proved necessary, but even so he lingered a few moments even after confirming his sister’s absence: let his eyes sweep across the camp a final time. He wasn’t searching for the striped she-cat now, but instead for a Bird that seemed at a loose end—a possible companion for the rest of his hunt. Unfortunately this search, too, soon came up empty, for though there were plenty of cats lounging about the camp he could see none who might readily join him. A pity, but if it came to hunting alone or not hunting at all, the choice was obvious.
Finally accepting the inevitable, Leopardstrike turned from the fresh-kill pile and padded wordlessly back towards the entrance—only to pause, flicking his ears, as a clanmate called his name. It was neither Tigerheart nor any other he regularly talked to, but he flicked his gaze their way all the same. Waited, surprise flickering in his eyes, as the she-cat padded towards his frame.
Mossypath.
Even as a Boar’s sibling, he didn’t generally expect members of that branch to pay him much heed, and that alone gave him still more reason to wait for her approach. For an instant he wondered if the she-cat might also be looking for Tigerheart, but that explanation was pushed aside almost as soon as it occurred, for her words made no reference to the she; had him tilting his head, a wordless question in his gaze. Still, the question she had posed was easy enough to answer, so the tom offered up a simple “yes. Why do you ask?”, wondering what the Boar before him wanted.
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 2, 2018 16:15:50 GMT
Mossypath had noticed that the Bird seemed both confused and interested as to why she had called after him. Of course he would, Birds and Boars interacting, nonetheless hunting is a rare sight to behold. But this didn't bother Mossypath not one bit, though she is definitely a Warrior of the code she never really fully understood the Bird and Boar divide other than that Birds are better hunters and Boars fighters.
But she didn't want this divide to make her not go on hunts just because she's a boar and Leopardstrike's a Bird - even if she wasn't the best at hunting. Besides, it's better to hunt in company than by your lonesome.
"Well, I thought I'd might come along on the hunt - surely two is better than one?"
Her words rang in her ears, suddenly realising how weird it was. Her, a Boar and fighting specialist hunting. Her tail flicked in slight frustration. Too late to turn back now, she thought to herself as she patiently waited for the silver tom's presumably confused reply.
Oh, what a laugh he'll get after the hunt's over. He'll probably tell all the other Birds of a Boar coming along a hunt with a Bird! Mossypath suddenly felt very grim. She's making a fool out of herself, yes, but if she hears her name among the Birds she will definitely eradicate the foul comments swiftly and will make sure that the Birds will know their place.
Guilt swept over her. Could this be what the Bird and Boar divide is? Two sides always blaming and shaming another as distrust lingers in ever nook and cranny? No, surely not? No cat could be so distrustful of their own clanmates.
But... what is Mossypath doing now?
She blinked away the horrid thoughts.
Think logically - everyone knows that the divide is just two sides, one being hunters and the other fighters. End of story. That's what the elder's say. Fight with Boar's Might and Think with Bird's Grace. That's all - stop making more of a fool of yourself than what you're already doing! It's just a hunt, keep your fur on. She told herself. She was definitely overreacting.
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 2, 2018 19:11:20 GMT
‘I thought I might come along on the hunt—’
Leopardstrike blinked as that simple phrase swept over him, its very oddity distracting him from the rest of the she-cat’s words. Had she been a Bird he’d have thought nothing of it, he was sure, but as it was he couldn’t help but stare at her for a moment as he digested what she’d said: tried to fit it into the normal image of the world. Boars did not usually hunt, though he was sure they could, and neither did they typically ask to accompany Birds. His sister was an exception on both these fronts, as she was with so much else, but she’d not been raised the Treeclan way – and Mossypath had. Strange, then, that this warrior should come to him with that particular idea in mind…
Still, company was company, and Leopardstrike had no ill feelings towards the opposite branch. There was no reason why Mossypath shouldn’t accompany him, if she wished, so though he was sure she’d have noted his surprise—either in his pause or his eyes—it wasn’t really hard to find a suitable response.
“You’re welcome to, if you like.”
Was there a hint of uncertainty to his answer? Perhaps, but if so he hoped his cordial tone would brush it over: inform her that she was, indeed, welcome. His goal was, after all, to bring back as much prey as he could before the day was out, and even if hunting wasn’t marked amongst the average Boar’s strengths, she had to be capable of catching something. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t even consider coming—right?
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 2, 2018 19:42:47 GMT
Mossypath, thought expected it, was surprised by the Bird's unusually long pause before his equally unusual response. She noticed the hint of uncertainty in his response, but she didn't think much of it. If a Bird asked to join her to join her at a battle front she would be as equally confused and unsure.
But the more she thought about her request, the more even she became unsure of her decision. She felt her fur slightly rise as realisation started to bubble up in her mind - Boars aren't meant to hunt. That's how it's always been. She's breaking this unspoken rule. Being a Treeclanner since birth, this was definitely abnormal behaviour that she's doing. Tigerheart's one lucky cat - being in her paws would be more than useful at this moment.
"Great."
She replied briefly. Though she knew that her decision of this hunt was foolish, she was too prideful to change her mind. To her, it's too late to go back now.
As she began to pad out of camp with Leopardstrike she felt the need to smooth out the awkward situation.
"I know what you're thinking - why am I, a Boar, joining you, a Bird, on a hunt?" She paused for a moment and briefly glanced at Leopardstrike, looking to see his reaction before continuing.
"Well, in truth, I just didn't have much to do in camp and seeing you coming back and then getting ready to leave just made me jump to my paws and join you."
She finished, though she doubted that her answer was good enough because even she didn't know why she joined.
Was this a mistake? Maybe. Will she just give up and go back - making herself more of a fool than now? Never.
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 2, 2018 20:45:23 GMT
There was no way of answering his question, of course, so Leopardstrike made an effort to push it aside: offered the she-cat a smile as her quick ‘great’ met his ears. The matter was decided now, even if the circumstances were a little odd, so there was no further point in delay. If he stood around asking questions—silently or otherwise—he might just lose the whole day, and that thought was enough to turn him back towards the camp’s entrance and the forest that lay beyond. Sometimes action was the best cure for uncertainty, and if the prickling of Mossypath’s pelt was anything to go by then that was a treatment they could both use. He only hoped it would work.
Thankfully, the she-cat seemed to have had much the same idea, so there was no need to worry about whether she would follow—or, for the moment, who should ‘lead’. They simply walked together, both holding to a brief quiet before the blue-grey cat spoke again. This time Leopardstrike didn’t pause, instead acknowledging her only with a flicked ear and side-long look, a glimmer of curiosity glinting in his gaze.
“Good guess.” There were other questions, of course, but that was at the forefront, and he made no effort to conceal his interest in her words. Perhaps the answer would help to alleviate his uncertainty? He didn’t know, but it was worth hearing her out all the same—
And a moment later he loosed a brief purr of startled amusement, humour and surprise flashing through him at that very answer’s form. “You’re coming because you’re bored?” He hadn’t expected that, not for a moment, and the notion only made his amusement grow. Of all the reasons he might have suspected, that was surely the last – but, probably not the worst.
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 2, 2018 22:57:29 GMT
Mossypath felt a slight rush of embarrassment and glanced the other direction. Though embarrassment did swash over her it was quickly pushed aside by her own amused purring. Though the situation was indeed awkward - she was glad it could get cleared up with a bit of humour. After all, it will be a long day of hunting and the tension between a Bird and a Boar shouldn't ruin a good chance to fill up the fresh-kill pile to the brim.
She looked back at Leopardstrike, purring slightly as she matched Leopardstrike stride for stride. "Well, yes. If I hadn't joined you I probably would've just stayed in camp - become the new elder, might as well" She confirmed the tom's judgement. It was true - if she hadn't joined the silver tom she would've just wasted the rest of the day sunbathing on the camp floor like an elder and then be bothered by kits, though she wouldn't mind them very much. Nonetheless, hunting is a much better way to spend the day, even if Mossypath couldn't catch a mouse whisker for her life - which hopefully won't be the case.
"Anyways, since you're the expert here, why not take the lead? I'll be right on your tail"
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 3, 2018 22:08:59 GMT
Maybe he shouldn’t have asked that question. It was innocent enough—not to mention more than little thoughtless—but a moment after it escaped him he realised that it might be taken wrong. She might not appreciate such an exclamation, even if boredom was her reason for coming, and Leopardstrike had no wish to make things more awkward between them – or, indeed, to spark a fight. Unfortunately Boars were a volatile lot, and a treacherous part of him had just enough time to anticipate bristling fur and scathing words before he caught her eye once more.
That look wasn’t offended. It was anything but, in fact, and a heartbeat later the tom’s concerns were swept aside by her answering purr. Apparently she was amused as he, and she even went so far as to confirm her reason, drawing further amusement from his form.
“Not a bad way to spend the day, really,” he refrained from pointing out that Boars were lucky, in that regard, not wishing to spark a fight. No one would think anything of a Boar lounging about the camp all day, but the same could not be said of Birds – and though he was active, he’d be lying if he said there hadn’t been times when he’d half-envied them that privilege. That was simply the way things were, though, so he made an effort to push the thought away, saying, instead: “the Hollow Hazel’s a good place to start. I don’t think anyone’s been that way today.”
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 4, 2018 16:22:25 GMT
Mossypath had to think for a moment before responding - staying in camp wasn't a bad way to spend the day, however it was not the route Mossypath herself would take. Unlike some cats, Mossypath enjoyed doing duties and always moving about. A workaholic, as others say. The blue-grey she was generally a hands-on type of cat and would usually take over the wheel if the opportunity is given. It's not that she didn't trust her clanmates with the tasks - at least not most of the time - but Mossypath enjoyed making sure herself that everything's done correctly. But she couldn't say that to Leopardstrike, that would definitely make her seem like a controlling type. Well... now that she thinks of it - maybe its true.
"To most cats. I personally prefer to do duties - as a Boar I don't have many options as to what I can do, for that reason I sometimes envy Birds. You lot have more opportunities in providing for the clan than, let's say me, my job is patrol and fight. But do you even remember the last time I had to fight? Moons ago." Mossypath paused and remembered of the time when their camp was attacked by rogues. It was not long ago, but not recently either.
"But I don't want you to think that I dislike my Boar heritage, I love what I do, I'm just saying there's not much to do."
Mossypath was unsure if she made the awkward tension spark up again, she hoped not. She briefly glanced at Leopardstrike before nodding approvingly at his suggestion. "Yes, I don't believe that I've seen a hunting patrol go there yet." She meowed finally before the two left for the Hollow Hazel.
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 4, 2018 22:16:43 GMT
The she-cat didn’t respond right away, but he wasn’t entirely surprised, for there wasn’t much to say. In truth, his observation was of a kind that didn’t really need an answer, and he didn’t expect one: merely padded the last short stretch to the camp’s entrance, mind occupied by the difficulties sure to be presented by the present company. Even if they could avoid a fight things were bound to be awkward, and though he was confident that the Boar would have some hunting skills, he couldn’t be sure of their quality. Two hunters were better than one, yes, but the only Boar he’d really hunted with was his sister—a cat who broke most norms—and he had little idea of what ‘good hunting’, by their standards, was.
He would soon find out, though – and the curiosity leant an extra eagerness to his paws. How well would Mossypath do?
“…I remember. I bet everyone does.” His answer was slower, this time, for he was distracted by his own thoughts – but that didn’t make it any less true. Even now memories of the Rogue Invasion were sharp in his mind, for he’d not known such violent times for seasons. Not since his half-forgotten days with his birth clan. “I think I see your point, though,” he paused just outside the camp, fixing the she-cat with a short, grave gaze. “Your job is to protect us, but there doesn’t seem much to protect us from. I guess it would be easy to get bored in your place.”
He turned from her again, then, setting his paws towards the Hollow Hazel as he added an extra, quieter observation. “I suppose we both have reasons to be a little ‘jealous’, sometimes.”
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 5, 2018 16:11:49 GMT
Mossypath didn't respond. She didn't need to - their conversation went to a nice close. Though the rest of the journey was spent in silence, Mossypath didn't feel tense with awkwardness. She felt more... relief? Perhaps it was. Their short conversation lifted multipe weights off of Mossypath. One being that the tom understood her abnormal decision, and the other being that she and Leopardstrike weren't too different.
I suppose we both have reasons to be a little 'jealous',
This phrase sort of echoed in her mind. She didn't know what the tom meant - what could he be jealous of? But whatever it was, she was relieved to know that it wasn't only her who felt some sort of envy towards the opposite heritage.
The two calmly padded side by side until they finally reached the Hazel Hollow. Mossypath surveyed the small area before looking over at Leopardstrike.
"Now that we're here, what are the best places to hunt?" She asked, hoping for a spot which doesn't involve climbing branches or trees, but she was sure that Leopardstrike perfectly knows that she can't climb. Being a Boar she was never taught the basics of tree climbing or even any hunting other than ground. Sometimes she feels ashamed - Birds get to decide which style of hunting they prefer most of the time. Boars are almost always specialised in fighting. Most cats don't mind, but Mossypath worries that Boars might just become savages while Birds fly above it all and gracefully land as they swiftly grab small birds from the air.
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 6, 2018 13:19:54 GMT
Silence followed his words, and for a moment Leopardstrike was half-concerned, wondering if he’d somehow spoken wrong. However, the she-cat at his side didn’t seem off-put or annoyed—at least not as far as he could tell—so he let her lack of answer pass, unwilling to annoy her with prompting. If she didn’t wish to talk then he’d do well to respect that, he knew, so he kept further words to himself and padded onwards, mulling their talk—and whatever might lay ahead.
Tigerheart had occasionally expressed frustration at the ways of Treeclan, but he’d never thought that other Boars might be dissatisfied with their role. The very idea sat strangely with him, and though he could understand Mossypath’s reasoning he wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it – nor about the fact that he had admitted to being, on occasion, a trifle envious of the Boar. It was a strange thing to face, and that very fact kept him distracted from the forest until the she-cat’s voice rang out once more, making him jump at its suddenness.
…He should have been paying more attention. In fact, Leopardstrike was certain the Boar would chastise him for his distraction, especially in light of the recent rogue attacks, and he caught himself shuffling his paws in embarrassment as he slanted his gaze back her way. Would she count that as a strike against Birds? He didn’t know, but he attempted to brush the moment off with a quick “ah—the base tends to attract prey, but anywhere there’s leaves, there’s probably rodents.” He nodded towards the brittle leaflitter left by leaf-fall, aware that rodents were far from a favourite of his clan – but hoping that, today, it wouldn’t matter.
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Post by Dreamgate on Feb 6, 2018 16:22:45 GMT
Mossypath noticed that Leopardstrike hadn't been concentrating and when she broke the silence the tom-cat seemed surprised, as if he had forgotten that she had been by his side all along. She had also noticed embarrassment flicker through the Bird - but she didn't take notice of that. Instead she looked at the leaflitter to which Leopardstrike had nodded towards. She observed the pile from where she stood and for a moment thought she saw movement among the brown leaves.
"Rodents will do for now - hopefully newleaf will bring birds to the trees soon" She replied starting to step towards the pile. She turned back to Leopardstrike, "I'll take this - you can try another spot if you like" she whispered before dropping into a crouch. She wasn't very good at it - her balance was poor and her tail was waving about as she tried to not fall over. But after a few moments of wobbling she had regained her balance and sneakily crept up. She watched the leaves shuffle and waited for the snout of something to pop out. Luckily, a small mouse popped out with a nut in it's tiny mouth.
Mossypath got ready, ready... ready. And pounce!
Mossypath lunged towards the petite mouse, but misplaced her paws and missed it. She chased it between leaves and ferns like a kit does a moss-ball. Finally, she nicked the mouse and it was flung in the air. Luckily, she caught it and killed it with a bite.
She turned back to Leopardstrike, purring. It was a clumsy kill - yes, but it was a kill.
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Post by Greymuzzles on Feb 8, 2018 17:30:54 GMT
To his surprise, his attempt to conceal his start proved successful – or at the very least provided just enough of a distraction to make Mossypath disregard its presence. He’d not have thought it possible, had another cat tried to tell him any Boar could so easily let such things slide, but he was pleased to find that assumption wrong – to find her focused on hunting, and not on his kit-like error. Perhaps she simply didn’t care enough about Birds to waste her time even in their chastisement, but even if that were so he was, for the moment, grateful for her focus on his words.
Better that than the alternative. He was in no mood for harsh words, and this was no place for any comment that might start a fight.
“Sure,” he spoke quietly, making an effort to make his voice sound level rather than relieved, and choosing to ignore the note of command turned his way. It made sense for the Boar to focus on simpler prey and snap up his suggestion, after all, and it wasn’t like there weren’t other spots for him to try. In fact, there were more than enough options open to them both, and though he hesitated a moment as the she-cat dropped into the sort of crouch he’d expect from an apprentice, he was relatively quick to turn away. Unsolicited hunting advice was unlikely to be well-received, so the tom turned his mind, instead, to the search for prey.
Thankfully, it wasn’t too hard to find something to pin his focus to. An impressive mound of leaves had built up at the hazel’s base, and as he turned his attention its way he was sure he saw he saw part of the pile move. It didn’t seem to fit the pattern he might expect were the leaves stirred by a simple breeze, so Leopardstrike stole a little closer, moving on light paws—
And twisting about as a commotion broke out behind him, dragging his gaze back to Mossypath’s form.
He wasn’t prepared for what he saw. No elegant catch for this she-cat, it seemed – no; Mossypath was hurtling across the woodland floor with no regard for the noise made by her hurrying paws, and the sight made it impossible not to stare. Impossible, too, to keep the subsequent flood of amusement from claiming his form. He knew he shouldn’t—he really did—but he’d already given into laughter by the time the Boar had captured her mouse, and he couldn’t resist targeting her with a little tease.
“Did you think you’d found a rabbit, Mossypath?”
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