Post by Fawn on Jan 25, 2019 20:12:23 GMT -5
Dusk that Shrouds the Forest
Home is when you're right where you should be
Prey-Hunter, 57 Moons
As improbable as it might sound, the full grown tortoiseshell prey-hunter was hesitant to wake up his new young charge, Shadow of Soaring Eagle - or just Eagle. His sleep had been brief and restless, and what shuteye Dusk did get, he had a feeling it had more to do with his peculiar condition than anything else.
The soft touch of dawn brushed cave-guard fur, and Dusk watched as slowly shapes began to rise in the early morning. Dusk stretched, pretending to be calm and collected and not intimidated by his new role as a 'guide'. Fortunately, the way Skyteller had explained training to-bes to him, it seemed there would be plenty of opportunities for the more experienced Tribe cats to pick up the slack or correct any errors, if he made them.
Knowledge of hunting was shared freely among the prey-hunters. Dusk could remember his own earliest days at the oasis, wide-eyed and awkward but determined, as he tried to absorb everything the lead prey-hunter and the others tried to tell him. Peregrine had been an invaluable source of knowledge and patience; the odd-looking she-cat was still fast asleep, but Dusk made a mental note to ask her for advice later.
Babbling River Between Stones stood up from her sleeping companions, and Dusk seized his chance. Stepping lightly, he hailed the lead prey-hunter with fizzling, nervous energy building up behind his paws.
"Yes? What is it?" asked River, eying him curiously.
"May Eagle and I go with you on the first hunt of the day? I... want to make sure I'm teaching her the right things." A tortoiseshell tail twitched with uncertainty. "I would be grateful for your wisdom, today."
The brown tabby smiled, and tapped his nose with her tail as if she found his pleading to be unnecessary. "Of course. Moon, Leaf, Roar and Heather will be joining us. Meet us near the entrance when you and Eagle are ready."
Dusk dipped his head, feeling a giddy rush of relief at River's ready agreement. With nothing else for it, the former NightClan cat turned and tiptoed to where Eagle lay, curled up at her father's side. She looked so small next to her father, despite prey-hunters being on the smaller side overall. It was strange to think Eagle was a full three moons older than a fledgling NightClan apprentice - but Dusk understood fully why training started so late.
These mountains were dangerous. I have to look out for more than myself today. Dusk adamantly considered upping his dosage of goatweed. He was going to need to stay as alert as possible. He didn't know how he'd face Light or Osprey if he let anything happen to their daughter.
"Wake up, Eagle. It's me, Dusk. Your new ment--guide." Dusk tried not to wince, instead putting on what he hoped was a confident, calm smile. "We're going with the first hunting group out. But I'd like to talk first, after you've had a chance to wake up."
When she was more alert, Dusk cleared his throat. "I don't know how much you know about me, but I used to be a Clan cat from down in the valley. A Clan called NightClan. And I have a... pretty strange condition, where I fall asleep at random or if I get too overstimulated. But thankfully that doesn't happen very often anymore."
Was this too much information? Probably. StarClan, what am I doing?
Tribe of Forgotten Waters
Backdated to Leaf-fall 2 The wind grows stronger, shaking leaves and bringing in a leaf-fall chill.