| Conquer the monster in your head, and then you'll fly |
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GaleClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
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Post by BlooRey DVD on May 22, 2017 7:33:09 GMT -5
HERONDIVE The cream and white she-cat strode slowly across camp, blue eyes narrowed almost suspiciously. She was glancing over her shoulder, back at the leader's den where she'd just come from. Her mother had waved her over, and for a sinking moment, she'd thought maybe she was in trouble; she could still see the disappointed stare from five sunrises ago, after the failed raid on Sun Stones. And yet... After she'd slunk into the den shared by her parents, she'd been dismissed almost immediately. All that had been said was the suggestion she should take Hazelpaw and go out hunting to aid feeding the whole Clan, sick and healthy.
And so, here she was. Flicking an ear to dismiss the strange thoughts tumbling through her mind (including those surrounding a particular TreeClan tom), Herondive pushed her muzzle into the apprentice's den. It was a quiet den now, filled only with Hazelpaw and her sister Maplepaw. She missed having Hazelpaw at her side; it was better now that Honeynose was a warrior, but she still wanted Hazelpaw there with them. "Hazelpaw..? How about we go hunting together? Honeynose is busy, otherwise I'd have grabbed her too but... Any preference to where we go?"
Backing out of the den to allow her friend to exit, the cream and white warrioress paused with one paw raised. She only touched it back to the ground when Hazelpaw appeared from the den. Flicking her nose toward the entrance, Herodive fell into step with the apprentice, shoulders relaxing under familiar company. "Obviously, the Sandy Plateau is out..." She commented, glad that Maplepaw had since recovered from the sickness. Otherwise, Herondive might had struggled a little more to find something to say. warrior of stoneclan |
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| We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on May 26, 2017 23:13:02 GMT -5
Hazelpaw didn't like to spend much time in the apprentice's den anymore. Herondive and Honeynose had long since moved to the warrior's den, and while she was incredibly happy for them, being left behind was nevertheless disheartening. Of course, they did their best to include her on patrols - and even then, there were some challenges because she still needed to train with Hawkstar, whereas they did not - but nothing could quite fix the sheer loneliness of returning to the hollow silence of a near-empty apprentice's den. At least she had Maplepaw again. The apprentice turned and buried her nose in her sister's fur, breathing in her familiar scent. This past season had been the scariest of her life, and she had slept alone in the apprentice's den, constantly worrying about her sister who had enough health problems even without a potentially fatal greencough to worry about. But she had pulled through, thank StarClan, and Hazelpaw was never going to let her go again. Maplepaw shifted, and the calico she-cat raised her head as her sister blinked sleepily at her. She had a piece of moss balanced precariously on top of her head. Hazelpaw smiled and nudged it off, murmuring, "Morning, sleepyhead." The other she-cat's reply was caught up in a wide yawn, and Hazelpaw rolled off to the side, limbs extending out over their shared nest as she stretched. Sleeping in and waking up on their own was a novelty, as either Hawkstar or Skunkspots usually came to get them before the sun rose too high in the sky. Before, she had never been one to enjoy laying around, but since Maplepaw's return, she would gladly take advantage of any time she could spend with her sister. The sound of her name had the apprentice flicking an ear and turning her head to see Herondive poking her nose into the den with an invitation to hunt. "Sure, Herondive," She smiled, tail tip flicking. "I'll be ready in just a moment." Climbing to her paws, she gave herself a quick once over, flattening her chest fur with a few quick swipes before saying goodbye to her sister and exiting the den. It was incredibly easy to fall into stride with her friend as they made their way across camp, and Hazelpaw found herself smiling inadvertently as she considered the warrior's question. She really ought to spend with Herondive and Honeynose, she decided - it had been too long since they had really had a chance to hang out. But that was a matter for a different time. Like her companion had said, the Sandy Plateau was clearly not free for hunting, and she figured that with the epidemic, Dawnblossom and Sandpaw would be frequenting the Little Woods to find herbs to restock their likely diminishing stores. "Maybe the Moss Meadow?" The calico she-cat suggested after a moment. There were usually plenty of mice that took shelter among the moss. BlooRey DVD Fawn |
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| Conquer the monster in your head, and then you'll fly |
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GaleClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
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Post by BlooRey DVD on May 28, 2017 9:09:14 GMT -5
HERONDIVE Herondive purred in agreement to the suggested locale for their hunt. "Moss Meadow sounds great! It will give our paws a break too. The stones can get a bit hot in Newleaf and Greenleaf." She meowed, waving her tail as Hazelpaw fell into step with her. It was just like when they were apprentices together. Just like it would be once Hazelpaw was made a warrior. Herondive wasn't sure if they knew it but... She had no idea what she would do without them at her side. Why haven't you told them where you go all the time then.
Her eyes widened as the thought slid into her mind, her pawsteps faltering momentarily. Swallowing the bile in her throat, she recollected herself and settled her steps. With a wordless nod, Herondive picked up her pace slightly, making sure Hazelpaw was more than capable of keeping pace with the new stride. The Moss Meadow wasn't far, but it wouldn't do to dilly dally. The sooner they got there, the sooner they could begin hunting. And the sooner I can try and see Falconstorm. It slipped into her mind, once again unbidden, causing the cream and white she-cat's jaw to tighten fractionally.
Flicking an ear dismissively, she glanced to her friend. "How's Maplepaw doing..?" She asked, a hint of concern in her voice. Hazelpaw's sister had returned from the quarantine zone, given a clean bill of health from Dawnblossom and Sandpaw. But Herondive's question was more than that. There was more to greencough that just.. Being ill. Especially with all the other sick cats around them. And the knowledge that not everyone who went there would come back. warrior of stoneclan Feel free to have them arrive and start hunting in your post! Then Fawn can jump in with Frozenrain Note: 24 moons |
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| We are born with a DNA blueprint into a world of scenario and circumstance we don't control |
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Co-Captain
INVENTORY
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Post by Phoenix on Jun 1, 2017 18:57:32 GMT -5
At Herondive’s question, Hazelpaw’s mind wandered down a familiar trail as her thoughts strayed toward her sister once more, though it was with a far lighter heart that she mentally traveled this path. A small smile touched the corner of her lips as she padded along. ”Physically, she’s doing fine, thank StarClan,” The apprentice replied, relief evident in her voice. What she would have done if the unthinkable had happened, if Maplepaw had — well, Hazelpaw did not like to entertain such thoughts, but suffice to say that she would have been utterly devastated. Although the she-cat would go to the end of the world and back for the sake of Herondive and Honeynose, her sister still held – and would forever hold – the closest spot to her heart. ”Emotionally?” Here her voice trailed off. ”I think it took a lot out of her, but she’s getting there. Sometimes I think she’s too busy worrying about everyone to focus on getting better, and I can’t blame her.” Hazelpaw paused and looked over at Herondive, shrugging. ”I mean, who isn’t these days?” As the disease began ravaging the clan, she had had the ability to watch Hawkstar grow more and more concerned with each passing day. Exhaustion took hold, dulling the usual warmth in his amber eyes, and her heart went out to him. It was hard enough worrying about friends and family that had fallen ill; she couldn’t even imagine what it must be like to carry the weight of the entire clan on her shoulders as well. The worst part of the entire epidemic, she decided, was the helplessness. She could do nothing but watch and beg StarClan to spare her sister when the other she-cat had joined the march to the quarantine zone. Likewise, it was not within her power or ability to give Hawkstar what she thought he really needed: a break. With little ceremony, the pair arrived at their destination, and it was as if a second wind had hit the apprentice. At the prospect of hunting, of doing something useful, adrenaline rushed through her veins, giving her all the energy in the world. Trying to lighten the heavy mood, Hazelpaw turned to grin at her friend. ”I bet I can catch more prey than you~!” She barely waited to hear the response to her issued challenge before she was off, ready to win. BlooRey DVD Fawn |
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Post by Fawn on Jun 2, 2017 13:14:27 GMT -5
Frozenrain67 Moons // Warrior-Queen // StoneClanThough she lacked the keen eyes of a hawk or eagle, from her vantage point, Frozenrain was able to successfully pinpoint the two feline shapes moving towards the moss meadow. One had cream-based fur, just like hers, with a gentle ginger shading on the muzzle, ears, forehead and tail - and the other was a petite calico, small in body though grand in spirit.
Frozenrain smiled, watching the apprentice's enthusiastic body language. It was good that Herondive had friends that were so different from her. Her daughter's calmer, more down-to-earth energy needed the likes of fire (Hazelpaw) and air (Honeynose) to bring out her full potential. To keep the cynicism at bay.
With pads made thick and durable from many moons spent upon these rocks, Frozenrain descended the stone-strewn mountainside. She followed the hunting pair, gradually closing the distance to keep an eye on their progress without giving herself away. Even though it was Hazelpaw's assessment, Frozenrain watched Herondive as well; she had not had the priviledge of overseeing Herondive's assessment (being too biased), and seldom got to see her daughter in action.
They had little time to hunt together, lately. Herondive made herself busy, even when the extra duties placed upon the healthy warriors gave her little down-time as it was.
Frozenrain's distinctive blue eyes watched Hazelpaw as she headed into the moss meadow, and she studied her posture, ears flicking to pick up the sound (or lackthereof) of footfalls. The moss would help cushion Hazelpaw's steps, but a clumsy cat was a clumsy cat - they would find a way to make noise with or without a bit of cushion.
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| Conquer the monster in your head, and then you'll fly |
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GaleClan Medicine Cat
INVENTORY
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Post by BlooRey DVD on Jun 11, 2017 8:49:41 GMT -5
HERONDIVE The cream and white she-cat nodded her head in understanding as Hazelpaw mentioned her sister struggling a little bit emotionally. The greencough outbreak had taken a lot out of the entire Clan, and Herondive knew Maplepaw to be kind of heart. She wouldn't be surprised if Hazelpaw's sister thought of others before herself. Moving almost subconsciously, Herondive pressed her pelt against her friend's, a sign of silent comfort. Who exactly she was comforting, Herondive was a little unsure. Worry gnawed at the corners of her mind, for more than just her Clanmates; a particular fawn and white tom came to mind whenever the worry reared its head.
The remainder of their walk occurred in pleasant silence, until Hazelpaw's excited purr greeted her ears. Blue eyes widened in surprise as, before she could think of a response, Hazelpaw darted off to hunt. "Hey!" She gasped, before laughing to herself and mumbling. "So not fair." With a flick of her tail, she set off to begin her own hunt, confident Hazelpaw would do great. Herondive exhaled quietly, ears pivoting to locate prey. It took her a little wandering, but eventually the scurrying of a mouse caught her attention. Sinking into a well-practiced hunter's crouch, she stalked forward.
The Moss Meadow was never her first choice for hunting; Herondive much preferred sturdy stones beneath her paws. But it would have to do. The one good thing was that, along with dampening the sounds of prey, it dampened her pawsteps too. The mouse remained completely unaware of her presence until it was far too late, and it lay limp in her jaws. Blue eyes turned to the sky, searching out familiar shadows. Now birds were definitely more her thing when it came to hunting than mice. If she could just lure one down here...
Finding a patch of sunlight amongst a stretch of shade, Herondive deposited the mouse in the open, just at the edge of the ring of light. This way, it would be visible from the air; the shade was for her to hide in. Hunting birds of prey was tricky business, especially when baiting them as she was. There was always the risk of losing the mouse too if timing was off. Additionally, with Hazelpaw hunting nearby, she couldn't let the bird make too much noise, lest it scare off surrounding prey. It was a gamble, but a gamble she was willing to take.
Slinking into the shadows to disguise her brighter pelt, Herondive kept one ear on the sky while the other continued searching for signs of other life nearby. Although not willing to wander too far, sitting and doing nothing would be a waste of time. StarClan's favor must have shone down on her today, however, for a shadow flickered above her some small time-span later. Blue eyes immediately focused on the mouse, glancing up only to confirm her suspicion; a bird of prey was ripping through the air, wings folded in preparation to claim the mouse below.
Three, two... One! She counted down to herself, before darting forward and leaping into the air as high as she could propel herself. Twisting midair, she reoriented herself to keep her gaze on the bird as its wings pumped in an attempt to backpedal away from the sudden commotion. Its talons were closed firmly around the body of the mouse, and Herondive knew this was her only chance. Her forepaws landed heavily on the bird, one pinning its left wing to the ground while the other pressed firmly on its body. The kestrel writhed, sharp talons scrabbling at the moss and getting caught as it struggled to free itself.
It squawked once in strangled alarm, winding up for a second, louder and more shrill cry, before she bit down hard on its neck. The creature tensed momentarily, before falling limp, talons releasing the mouse. Rolling off of the bird, Herondive allowed herself to lie on her back for a moment, contemplating the sky. Hunting large birds was always way more exciting than hunting any land prey. Eventually pulling herself to her paws, Herondive glanced around for any sign of how Hazelpaw was fairing. Maybe she'll want to do a partner hunt too... warrior of stoneclan |
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