Catsim Event #3

     Nightflame was in a good mood to hunt. When Redstorm called, she immediately agreed on going out there in the forest. The deputy seemed somewhat grumpy and tired on this particular day, which only meant that it was no time to rest. "What do you think you're doing? Have  you nothing better to do with your time?". The prey might be scarce; but the Clan still needed food. Serving StormClan was something Nightflame would always gladly do, she was a warrior after all. If she ever wanted to bring her ambitions to life; she would have to prove herself, prove her worth, her strength and wit. Surely, the best way to do so would be to follow all orders Redstorm or Lightningstar gave, and do her very best at every occasion given. Follow every order, unless it’s something suspicious or against the Warrior Code.

     At first, she wanted to take her apprentice Lilacpaw, but remembered how tired the little cat was after some training earlier in the day. “I guess I’ll have to find someone else to join me!” She looked around the camp, eager to find company. She knew that it would be dangerous to go alone, and even if nothing attacked her – she wouldn’t stand a high chance of actually finding and catching prey. She might be a good hunter; but that wasn’t enough. Returning empty-pawed wouldn’t be great, but winding up dead would be an even worse outcome. Foxes, badgers, rogues… Even if she  managed to fight the enemy off and escape – she would be wounded. Gravely wounded, probably.

     Brushing the dark thoughts away, she gave the camp a long, searching look. In the shadow of some bushes, she noticed a familiar face and a well-known scent filled her nose. “Weaselfur!”, Nightflame called and bounced in the fellow warrior’s direction, tail waving behind her. “Have you heard what Redstorm said, about going hunting? The elders and kits must be fed, as always. Do you want to come with me?” Weaselfur nodded and smiled. “Sure thing. But where exactly do you want to go? The Meadow or the Tangled Woods?” The tom’s question made Nightflame stop and think. The Meadows are less dangerous, but she didn't think we’d catch a lot there… The Tangled Woods, on the other hand… She waved her tail in direction of the camp’s exit, and meowed: “The Tangled Woods seem like a good option. But we should take more cats, so we can bring back a mountain of prey and fight off anything that dares challenge us.” It seemed like a good idea, because as a response, Weaselfur got up and stretched his long legs. “Anyone you’d like to bring with us?” Nightflame asked, flickering her ears. The ginger warrior looked around, and pointed at a large, black and white tom. He narrowed his yellowish eyes that glimmered playfully in the sun, and cocked his head when he noticed the two other cats approaching. Darkmoon is a good choice, Nightflame reflected, he’s a calm and strong warrior. A good friend, besides. “Darkmoon,” she said, “Weaselfur and I are going to the Tangled Woods. Redstorm asked for more hunting patrols, so here we are.” The sleek, mantle warrior nodded in approval, and stared at the fluffy tom. For a moment, he hesitated, but replied in a gentle voice: “Of course, it’s a… a good idea!”. Nightflame thanked him for coming, and gave her paws a few quick licks, before turning around and strutting off towards the Woods. It’s all going to work out, we’ll bring a lot of prey and make our Clanmates happy. And our leader proud!

     However, right before she could jump out of camp, a muscular and broad-faced she-cat bumped into her. She was larger than Nightflame, and her moss-green eyes shone in her direction with warmth. “Where are you going?”, she asked shyly. “To the Tangled Woods!”, Weaselfur replied. Her face brightened at those words. “I wanted to go and hunt, after what our deputy said. But going alone would be too dangerous, wouldn’t it?

     "It would, definitely,” Darkmoon said.

     This sparked an idea in Nightflame’s mind. Four is even better than three! Rookwatcher is a spirited and great warrior, and a successful hunting party would only boost her confidence up! “You can go with us then, with all our strength combined we’ll do pretty amazing, I’m sure! Besides, we do need good hunters in our team.” She winked at Rookwatcher, bouncing happily. We’re a team, a true team! And a great one, I’m sure.  Now is the time to see.

     The group lined up, each cat follow another, and left the camp. The day was clear and sunny, which only enhanced their chances of catching something valuable.