[ti]Private[/ti]Better Luck Next Time

[indie]

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       The chill of leaf-bare had put a damper on her hunting trip, though, it was to be expected. But it seemed this year had been worse than usual. She had been out all morning and most of the afternoon, and all she had to show for it, was two squirrels and a robin. At least they were decently sized. It left her in a sour mood as she maneuvered her way behind the rolling falls that marked the entrance to the clan camp. The cold draft that came off the falling water was bone chilling, and she was quick to push past. Trying to get back into the vacant space and away from leaf-bare's icy grasp.

    With a scowl on her face, she would casually deposit her catches into the dwindling fresh-kill pile. It also was feeling the scarcity of the season. And not nearly as full, not nearly as comforting as it should be. So instead of taking something from it, she'd turn on her heels, heading to a spot at the edge of the grotto. Hoping to warm up, if even a little before she prepared herself to go back out. Maybe she would have better luck in the evening.

M'Lady

[M'Lady]

The chill of leafbare, unlike what it did to poor Ferntooth, did nothing to dull Archfeather's spirits. He was inherently a cheerful tom, and so far, nothing in life had ever gotten him down once he'd joined Mistclan. So when his fellow clanmate and warrior came into camp with a scowl on her face, he felt himself immediately begin to worry for her. Had something happened? Did she need comfort? These were the first questions that ran through his mind as he studied her from across the clearing. She placed her kills in the pile, and then moved to an edge of the grotto to huddle within herself. Yellowish green eyes sparking with concern, the chocolate colored tom picked himself up to stride over to her side, his steps fluid and long so he'd make it over there in only moments.

"Ferntooth," He greeted the she-cat, his voice as smooth and rich as his fur, as he went to sit beside his clearly chilly clanmate. He wondered, had she been out all day? Had she even eaten anything?

"Are you hungry at all? Why don't you have one of those lovely squirrels you caught? You must be starving after being out since dawn." Archfeather's tone was warm, yet tinged with worry. He hated seeing his clanmates dwindle in leafbare, and especially Ferntooth, who always seemed so regal and strong. Was she annoyed with the lack of prey? Well, they all were, but there was nothing to be done in the world of ice and snow. "Afterward, if you'd like, we can go out hunting again together," He offered, hoping to ease her worries. "I've been told I'm an excellent tracker, and two sets of paws are always better than one."

[indie]

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       Though, it wasn't in her clanmates to allow a moments peace to go by without getting involved. Once settling into the cushion of moss, pale green orbs would snap to movement. Finding the warm hues of a brown tabby, Archfeather, working his way to her. A sort of peppy sparkle to his yellow-green gaze. She'd force a hard swallow down her throat just as he went to speak her name. "Archfeather." She'd respond simply in a soft tone. Acknowledging him with a sidelong glance, and as warm of as a greeting as she could offer at the moment. With a sharp exhale, she would push herself to slowly rise into a sitting position, out of mere respect for the older warrior. Some sneaking suspicion left her to think that he wasn't just stopping for a basic greeting.

        His words were kind enough, and she knew that he meant well by them. But she wouldn't allow her resolve to crumble. "It's okay, I'm alright," She'd reply lightly in response to the offer of prey. Hoping that he might leave it at that. If she got terribly hungry, she'd catch something for herself when she went out again. But, she did intend on going out herself later on. Perhaps she would take him up on his offer ...

        Ferntooth would shift in his direction, allowing her attention to settle on him, rather than the soft hum of her clanmates going about their lives before her. "Funny you say that though. I had intended on going back out here in a little bit. I just came in to warm myself." She explained, in a slightly more conversational tone. "But I would be happy to have accompaniment if you were willing to put it off for a little while longer." An agreement on her voice as she as she negotiated their terms.

[M'Lady]

The chocolate cinnamon furred cat sat down next to the young warrior, listening to her words as she responded to his query. Once she had finished, he dipped his head in a nod of acknowledgement.

"I don't mind waiting," He hummed, curling his tail over his paws. For once, he was thankful for his longer fur. It saved him from the worst of the chill, even if it got a bit annoying in green leaf, or caught on brambles once in awhile. He cast his gaze about the camp, watching the few clanmates still up and in the grotto go about their business, paws thumping softly on the smooth stone. He wondered that if in new leaf, this place would be covered in moss. It certainly had the right conditions for it, and if it was a bit warmer...

He ceased his wandering thoughts with a sigh of resignation. He'd find out come newleaf. Turning his head towards Ferntooth instead, greenish gold eyes shone with interest. She had to be rather dedicated, to go out hunting twice in the day. And even on her first trip she'd met with more success than other warriors have. "Let's plan, hm? You've already been out once today, which way has the prey been running? Or is there somewhere you haven't checked yet? I saw some crows near the Ivyclan border the other day, we could see if they're still lurking about."

[indie]

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       Again, she had half expected him to press on about eating something for herself. It just seemed as if it would play a role in his pleasant nature. She'd momentarily glance away to watch the movement of the camp before them, but would leave her ears perked for his word. But it never came. A small sense of relief overcame her when she witnessed his nod from the corner of her eye. And in that, she would meet his gaze once more, just in time to hear the baritones of his voice rumbling in the close quarters.

        He admitted that he was fine with waiting, that he would allow her time to warm up so they could go out together. Which wasn't an offer she normally accepted. But hunting patrols were different, at least, they were for the most part. Warriors had to be quiet to hunt. And that was the beauty of interaction with her clanmates. It was amazing how well she got along with those with velvet tongues, who kept their mouths shut for an extended period of time.

        But when Archfeather brought up a potential strategy. She couldn't help herself but engage. Her sage green gaze would look for his as he spoke. Nodding along as he asked questions. Where she had come from, and where she thought prey was going. He mentioned crows near Ivyclan, and in fact, she recalled them calling to one another. "I bet you they're still there," She said, agreeing with the plan he had set out. "I was in the thick of the forest, just a little bit ago. But I'm pretty sure I heard those crows." She said, speaking her mind as the thoughts coursed through her head. "And perhaps we can work our way along the far side of the territory towards the barn? If we don't find anything before then ... I'm sure we could find some mice there." The twoleg farm was easy hunting, or at least it was on a normal day. But she usually tried to hit it last. Getting her frustrations out along the way.