[Taxx]

Leaf-fall: Day 22

The path to their usual hunting grounds was a tricky one, but repeated journeys had given the cats a measure of bravery- it was as simple as watching where you set your paws, and for cats used to traversing slick stone, it was second nature. Five Tribe cats made their way past the narrow path, one cave-guard in front and one behind, with three prey-hunters in the middle.

Once the hunters were on the slope and focused on finding prey, the cave-guard who had been in the rear settled himself on a flat-topped rock, his huge body surprisingly nimble as he leaped to the top, his tail curling around white paws, his amber eyes constantly scanning the sky while his fellow cave-guard kept a look out for any land-based threats. Eagles and hawks were familiar enemies; the monster cat named Demon was not, although Frost had been telling the story of an even bigger cat who had been a threat to the Tribe many, many seasons ago, long before their parents' parents had been born.

Old threats were not what the big cat, Rumble, was concerned with. This new home was similar to their old, which was a comfort, but the enemy in Demon, as well as the small amount of guards and hunters they had to get them through the long season of frozen-water, were much more immediate. Some Clan cats had been joining them, bolstering their ranks, but only time would tell if they could cope- if the entire Tribe would make it to freed-water.

A yelp caught Rumble's attention and he glanced at one of the prey-hunters, who was sliding on loose stones; quickly, he regained his balance, wincing a bit as he took weight on a forepaw. "All right there?" Rumble called, turning his gaze once more to the wide expanse of sky- it wouldn't do to look away even for a moment. Eagles could dive quite quickly, and Rumble wasn't about to let his lapse of attention be the reason behind a Tribemate's death.

[williams]

PAINT MY SPIRIT GOLD

Taking the lead was easy for the smaller cave-guard, her paws testing the rocks carefully as the group found their path. The territory was unfamiliar yet familiar, making Hail's chest constrict with feelings she could not name. They had found good hunting so far though, so she made an effort to believe in her Tribe's decision and settle into the new lands. Her attention surveyed the land with a fierce protection of the hunters between her and Rumble. Each step was taking with a small instruction thrown back to the three between, trusting her cave-guard companion to find his own steps at the slower pace required for keeping the back of the line safe.

A spot was found quickly, and the group dispersed to find what they needed. The white she-cat trudged back up the hill a ways, giving an wide view of the location they found. The landscape looked similar, rocks and little bushes intermingled, providing the smaller creatures for their large prey to capture. She felt comfort in the routine, losing the knot that sat in her stomach since her mother had passed. Bit by bit it would vanish, she knew, but the waiting made Hail impatient.

She shook her head briskly to remove the thoughts of her mother, returning focus to watch a prey hunter slip. In an instant she was bounding over, checking over their pads and looking into their eyes to know they were okay. With a gruff nod, they were released back to their duty."It's okay Rumble, no damage done. The hunt can continue." She called up to her companion.

HAIL FROM STORM-DARK SKY

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The long-limbed she-cat followed along behind Hail From Darkening Skies, the stocky Cave Guard doing her due diligence to pick an appropriate path for the small group of Prey Hunters. As per usual, Peregrine's sloped muzzle was pointed to the sky, ears pricked to create a steep angle between the tips of her ears and the end of her nose. Pale green eyes examined the storm-charged air, absently wondering whether the sky would loose on them before their return to the cavern. Her tabby striped tail curled at its tip briefly, her head tilting thoughtfully as her muted gaze followed a distant shape across the gray expanse.

Trusting her paws to pick a path, Peregrine paid little attention to the ground. Her interest lay in the sky above her, and the birds that might be hiding just out of sight. Eventually, the Cave Guards signaled the start of the hunt, and the leggy she-cat drifted away. She'd traveled a pawful of foxlengths from the group when a commotion startled her concentration. By the time she'd rounded her gaze upon the epicenter of the noise, Hail was handling the situation. The earless Cave Guard called to Rumble of Distant Thunder, indicating no damage had been done and that the others could continue.

For an instant, Peregrine observed Rumble upon his perch. The tom's eyes were drawn to the sky, keeping watch for any birds of prey that sought to make them prey. She blinked once, before seeking out another tom among the crowd. When her pale gaze landed upon her recently integrated tortoiseshell friend, Peregrine's head listed to the side fractionally. One of her large ears tilted with the motion, giving her a lopsided but friendly appearance. Without breathing a word, the tall she-cat inquired as to whether her friend was alright.

A sharp rotation of her ear signaled she'd found something, and her muzzle was quick to follow. Every muscle in her body tensed, slipping into a predatory stance. Soundless, she slipped amongst the crevices and ridges of the stony landscape, jaws parted to draw in the scents around her. Her faith lay in her other senses, for much of her vision was obscured by the landscape. Not to mention, her eyes were occupied, trained on the sky in search of airborne threats. Her pawsteps slowed eventually, the she-cat seemingly suspended as she peered between two rocks at a hare.

It was always a delight when hares appeared among the Tribe lands. Now, it was a waiting game, the brown pelted she-cat remaining hidden as her muted eyes glanced over the sky. Trusting the Cave Guards and other Prey Hunters not to start another commotion simply because she was ducked out of sight, Peregrine steadied her breathing. She lost track of how long she spent crouched where she was. Her neck was beginning to ache dully, tired of being angled toward the grey expanse above. But patience was key when hunting, and eventually her waiting would pay off.

A flash of brown over the ridge caught her attention. The hare was unaware of its impending doom, unlike the slope-faced huntress sat waiting amongst the stones. Her ear tilted slightly, angling to her left somewhere. A quick glance told her the third Prey Hunter, Osprey That Rides The Wind, had clued into her intention. Stationing himself out of sight but close enough to help out, the bob-tailed tabby allowed her the spotlight. Peregrine watched, breathless as the raptor's legs unfolded from its body. Feet topped with sharp talons, the brown feathered bird was a force to be reckoned with.

If performed incorrectly, an eagle hunt could turn to horror in the blink of an eye. And yet, her heart barely picked up at the thought; she'd done this enough times to have faith in her own abilities, and she trusted her companions. She spotted the moment the bird shifted course. Its wings tucked in slightly, pulling it into a rapid descent toward the hare. One. Two. In two breaths, its wings splayed out, the eagle drifting soundlessly over the uneven surface. Three. Piercing gold gaze locked on the scouring prey. Four. Impossibly fast, the eagle's talons snapped shut around the hare, which struggled in vain in a stony grip.

Five, and leap.

Just as the bird coasted over her, talons occupied and beak trained on the sky in preparation to rise once more, the she-cat launched herself into the air. Forepaws reached upwards as her body extended, pebbles scattering along the rocky surface with the force of her leap. Her forepaws closed around one of the eagle's legs, claws burying into feathers and skin as her back straightened from nose to tail tip. She felt herself jerk with the momentum of the bird, but held fast as the raptor squawked in alarm. Peregrine yanked downward, the added force of her weight to gravity unbalancing the eagle.

Cat, hare and eagle careened into the rocky terrain, the she-cat having twisted her body to land mostly on her paws. What remained was still a flurry of wings and feathers as the eagle writhed in an attempt to reorient itself. Holding fast to the hind part of the bird's leg, Peregrine fought to stay clear of its snapping beak and talons. The raptor was so focused on her, it failed to spot the white and gray tabby creeping up from the left. Another well-timed leap, and Osprey's teeth sunk into the back of the eagle's neck.

The struggled lasted another few heartbeats before the bird went limp beneath them. Rising to her paws after ensuring the eagle's talons had killed the hare, the leggy she-cat shook out her dust covered pelt, before her pale gaze danced over to Osprey. Blinking at him and dipping her sloped muzzle in a nod, the huntress flicked her tail with finality. "Well timed, Osprey. Your help was most appreciated." She meowed with a tilt of her head.

Fawn Taxx williams

[Fawn]

Hazeheart

45 Moons. Prey Hunter. Tribe.

The Tribe's territory was nothing like NightClan's territory. To Hazeheart's chagrin, adjusting to the rocky, pebbled slopes had been harder than he'd thought. The tortoiseshell tom, safely escorted along the cliff path by two cave-guards (Hail in front, Rumble bringing up the rear), felt comforted by the presence of Peregrine, who had been a guiding light when he most needed it, and Osprey, who didn't seem to dislike him. That was all he could ask for, for now.

Hazeheart stiffly edged his way along the path, making the mistake of looking over the edge into the sharp dip below. To the others, it must have looked like a small drop - but to Hazeheart, who had lived underground for most of his life, he felt as if he were touching the clouds. Hazeheart's stomach dropped at the sudden sensation of falling. No! In an embarrassed backwards lurch, Hazeheart slipped on some loose stones as he scrambled back, and felt one dig into his forepaw.

The hunting party stopped, and Hazeheart's whole body heated up with embarrassment as one of the Cave-Guards - a stocky she-cat with shredded ears and a stern disposition - checked over his pads to make sure he hadn't hurt himself. StarClan, it's like being an apprentice all over again. Mumbling an apology, Hazeheart forced himself to walk slowly and keep his eyes locked on the tall points of Peregrine's ears, once again using her as a north star to navigate his life as a Tribe cat.

A chance to redeem himself arrived when they left the path and reached the prime hunting grounds. To Hazeheart, it looked like an easy way to twist a forepaw - so many rocks and tough, alpine plants - but the three moons he'd spent lost in these mountains were coming back to him. Instantly, Hazeheart crouched low and found some shadows to hide in. Not only would it camouflage his distinctive coat, but it gave his eyes a break from the sunshine.

He'd forgotten how different it was to hunt during the day. Hazeheart felt fatigue begin to claw its way up through his paws. He scowled, and concentrated on his breathing. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven--

Mouse-scent disrupted the count. Hazeheart's ears pricked, and he checked the position of his paws and tail before creeping forward, getting closer to the scent's origin point. A shadow, as long and wide as a cat, poured over the rocks like dark water. The fur on the back of his neck prickled, and he glanced up - eyes watering from the brightness - to see an enormous bird soaring above them. It swooped low.

The eagle's claws were nowhere near him - he wasn't it's target - but Hazeheart still tensed, afraid for his new Tribe mates. The mouse forgotten (it had skittered away as soon as it saw the eagle's shadow), Hazeheart arrived in time to see Cry of Hunting Peregrine perform a stupendous leap, her claws embedded in the feathers and flesh of the bird of prey.

Hazeheart's pulse jumped, and his head nodded onto his chest.

Asleep. His peculiar condition making itself known.

Peregrine's soft voice called him back to wakefulness, and Hazeheart blinked, unaware of the lapse in time until he saw Peregrine and Osprey standing besides the body of an eagle. They caught it? Already? But she just--oh. He'd done it again, hadn't he? Dozed off without warning. Suppressing a frustrated groan, Hazeheart approached the other two prey-hunters. "That was incredible! The Tribe will eat well tonight." I'll do what I can to catch something. It won't be an eagle, but it will still fill bellies.

That was as much as he could manage. Even if he had to wait until night-fall to bring something in.

Don't Give Up. Great Things Take Time.

605 Words // Taxx williams BlooRey DVD // Notes

[Taxx]

Rumble's ears flicked at the assurance from Hail, and he gave a wave of his tail in acknowledgement, but his eyes never strayed from their scrutiny, a constant sweep of the wide blue expanse of sky for any dangers that might spot them and think they looked like prey.

One quick glance to the prey hunters revealed the tail-tip of Peregrine as she ducked out of sight; a moment later, Osprey had followed. Rumble heaved a quiet sigh, a prickle of worry lifting the fur on his tail, and he left his vantage point for a different one, where he could keep the two prey-hunters in sight. He said nothing and did not dare to approach closer, for the sight of the hare crouched among the stones. He didn't want to startle it and be the cause of their possible return with nothing to show for their outing.

He only watched, and he was quick to spot the eagle as it drifted into view. Body tensed, claws extending to tap against the stone beneath his paws, his eyes fixed on the eagle, doing his best to read its intent. If it was aiming for the cats, he would have a very limited amount of time to leap to their rescue- and even if it wasn't, a stray talon could all too easily blind a cat- a snap of that curved beak would sink deep.

It was diving. Rumble stiffened each muscle, watching, motionless as the rocks around them, waiting... A shrill cry split the air as those talons sank into the hare's body, the legs that were its usual escape kicking uselessly. A split second later, Peregrine had leaped.

The kill was quick and clean, and as the last feathers floated to earth again, Rumble rose from his spot, stretching out one hind leg to ease a cramp that had begun from the prolonged tensing of the muscles. Tail arching over his back, still scanning the sky- never let down your guard, had been the most important lesson- Rumble glanced at their newest member, the former Clan cat named Haze... Hazeheart. "Yes," he added on, striding toward the three and glancing over the eagle. "It was a good catch."

He wasn't done, and his next glance was for Peregrine. "You should not have wandered from my sight. What if Demon had been lying here, hoping for the chance to take one of us who strayed?" Of course he would have fought for her- as he would have for anyone- but what if he had not followed? What if the big cat had killed her before he could have reached her? "You must remember," he scolded, lightly but stern. "I cannot protect you if I cannot see you."

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[williams]

PAINT MY SPIRIT GOLD

Hail felt her features soften at the apology, barely whispered above the winds. She flicked her tail against Haze's side, friendly but with enough distance for the clan-born hunter to accept the gesture himself. He was nervous around her, as most cats were, but she did not want to push it. "It happens to all of us," She returned, then nodded as she returned to her perch. A happier Hail might have delved into a story about her own clumsy to-be paws, but this was not the time, nor the cat she was now. Green eyes scanning the lands as Rumble did the skies. His soundless reply was all she needed. Both of them required less words to interact and it suited her just fine. It probably suited the hunters as well, keeping their world quiet to keep the prey, and their prey's prey from leaving.

Speaking of prey... The stocky she-cat watched as Peregrine slipped away, vanishing briefly from view as something caught her attention. Unwilling to let the she-cat be gone from her site entirely, Hail padding carefully towards the direction she left in. It was not the same path, that could startle whatever prey she had found. Instead, she took a higher route to keep a view similar to the birds they hunted. As she found her spot, fur blending in carefully with the stones, the actual prey flew into view.

Memories danced over her back, skittering up her head and making the old scars tingle with an energy that pulled her claws out to their full extension. The eagle would not find her, intent on feeding itself with the rabbit that Hail could hear squeal in fright. Her hunters then, showing their true strength, brought it down, Osprey killing it with a perfected bite. The cave-guard nodded her respect of the two cats, hearing their newest member speak his. It was impressive, and the tribe deserved to eat well again. Then Rumble's deep voice broke the air, a fear found in her own heart voiced aloud. Hail found herself nodding to his words. "I had followed to keep an eye on them, Rumble." She added, still up on her perch to keep a watch on their surroundings. More than one eagle could strike, she knew from experience."But the concern is true, Peregrine. We do not want to lose you now that our home has been found."

HAIL FROM STORM-DARK SKY

410 || Taxx BlooRey DVD Fawn || notes

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The lanky she-cat's ear tilted to the side slightly, a familiar voice piping up nearby. Pale green eyes landed upon Hazeheart as he approached her. A distant smile spread over her features at his compliment, her gaze venturing to the bird at her paws. "Thank you, Hazeheart." With a silent prayer of thanks to the Tribe of Endless Hunting, the long-limbed Prey Hunter shifted her weight to her haunches as she slipped into a sit. The two Cave Guards approached just then, with Rumble stepping forward first. She watched him quietly as he spoke to her tortoiseshell friend.

When the large tom turned to her, the brown tabby tilted her head curiously. She was greeted by a lightly scolding tone, large ears pivoting toward Rumble. She listened silently, observing him until the second Cave Gaurd, Hail, stepped up to add her own piece. Shifting her attention to the earless she-cat, Peregrine's tail danced slowly behind her, haunches folded neatly on the rocky surface. Osprey sat nearby, gaze downcast as though embarrassed at the scolding. She couldn't really fathom why, nor did she fully understand the two Cave Guards' concerns. Once certain the Cave Guards had finished, the huntress offered an attempted placation of their worries.

"Fear not, I would have ensured prey for the Tribe." Smiling reservedly, the tall she-cat rose to her paws in one smooth motion. "The lives of many outweigh the life of one, after all." Blinking respectfully to the two Cave Guards, she stooped toward the bird with a momentary pause to add in. "Your concerns, however, are appreciated." Grasping the bird by the bend of one wing, she waited for someone to move to do the same on the other side. Completely unaware of the peculiarity of her statements, Peregrine curled her tail pleasantly.

To her, it made perfect sense. Now, the Tribe would profit from an eagle and a hare. Even if the hunt had ended in injury or worse, the Tribe would have eaten. Her time would come. Who was she to dictate when that time might be? It would come when it would come. And until then? She would hunt.

Fawn Taxx williams

[Fawn]

Hazeheart

45 Moons. Senior Warrior. NightClan.

"The lives of many outweigh the life of one, after all."

But— Hazeheart almost sighed, feeling a little forlorn at the truth of her statement. That was right, of course, but... He was siding with Rumble and Hail; he didn't want to lose a new friend so suddenly. He wanted the Tribe to prosper, and not just because he was one of them now. They were decent cats trying to make a living in one of the more difficult biomes this valley had to offer. Hazeheart took a few steps forward to grab the eagle's wing, but Osprey was already there to help Peregrine.

Hazeheart faltered, trying not to feel useless. It takes time to adjust. While they're carrying the prey back, I can catch something else. He had to make peace with that plan. As if the conversation hadn't happened, the tortoiseshell almost set a path for another part of the slope, but caught himself. It was... Weird having an escort on hunting; weird, but not unpleasant? He'd have to get used to an audience when he hunted. It felt like he was having his warrior's assessment all over again. StarClan, at least none of these cats are like Dimstar. If there was any cat in the world that had ever made him feel truly useless... It was their cold, calculating leader.

Former leader.

Hazeheart's peaceable gaze found Hail, and he pushed and balled up his courage enough to address the fierce looking cave-guard. "I'd like to hunt further ahead. Will you come with me?" It was her duty, it was the duty of every cave-guard, but Hazeheart couldn't help his awkwardness. Being polite felt only right, when he was asking this cat to more or less keep him from getting eaten, mauled, or fall to his death on the rocky slope below. While he awaited Hail From Storm-Dark Sky's answer, Hazeheart took stock of his surroundings. The ground here was tougher, more unforgiving on pawpads that were used to the soft, moist soil and stiff pine needles of NightClan's forests. Even the grass had been flattened by so much traffic from deer and other creatures.

But this place was different. What if I never get used to it? What if he never learned how to hunt properly in the sunshine? Hazeheart's tail flicked in apprehensive little motions behind him, before he caught the gesture and stilled it. He didn't want them to know how much he doubted himself. If they knew, they'd start doubting him too. Second-guessing whether he was really meant for Tribe life after all.

Don't Give Up. Great Things Take Time.

429 Words // Taxx williams BlooRey DVD // Notes

[williams]

PAINT MY SPIRIT GOLD

The logic of the lithe prey-hunter made sense, but Hail still frowned in return. They had taken great care to make sure as many of the surviving cats actually survived to see their new home. Peregrine's logic made more sense in the old home, where they were plentiful and could afford to let family go, either through accidents or because they wanted to find another way of life. However, she was also correct. Prey was assured for them. It would fill bellies that previously shrunk with low to no meals for several passes of the sun. Hail sighed with a gruff little sound. If she still had ears, she would have flicked them in annoyance. "You are correct Peregrine, food has been achieved. Please be safer from now on." She deciced to respond with, knowing the she-cat would not change her mind set. She had felt that way before moving, and would keep it here.

"I'd like to hunt further ahead. Will you come with me?" A voice brought Hail out of the sky and towards the cats below. Her voice had spoken to their gathered cats, but she kept a wary look up towards the clouds above. Now she returned her gaze to the cat who spoke, the clan-born tom, Hazeheart. He was an odd sort, quietly finding his way in the world. She could feel his uncertainty boiling quietly under his actions, similar to her own.
Would this place suit them? "Of course Hazeheart." Hail nodded. using her tail to gesture further across the mountains. "I can lead unless you had a spot in mind."

HAIL FROM STORM-DARK SKY

297 || Taxx BlooRey DVD Fawn || she's so blunt but like. she also cares about him making a choice

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