A Hunt Near the Border: Good Idea? (Tagged & Open)

[Shiver]

Shadepelt's long, lithe black legs carried him swiftly over the hills as he raced towards the Thunderclan border. He himself had nothing to do with them, it just so happened that prey was plentiful near the river, he might be able to sneak up on a hare while it drank. The sleek black tom slowed his pace down to a bouncing trot as he crested a rise in the topography. Stopping at the top, the tom narrowed his sharp yellow eyes at the river. Thunderclan, what horrible cats. First they took Scorchwinds loyalty, then they took his mentors life! Scrunching up his black nose with distaste, Shadepelt lashed his tail.
Creeping down the hill for a better view, the warrior weaved through the grasses. The sun above him beat on his black pelted back, even while the brisk air chilled him through his thin coat. The wind was harsh as always, whisking away any sounds he made as he crept through the meadow. Now less than twelve fox lengths away from the creek, Shadepelt crouched down to scope out the area.
A few trees spattered this side of the border, while they were in multitudes on the enemy side. Cutting into the peaty soil was the creek, flowing lazily through the ravine it had eroded. Scanning the gradual banks, Shadepelt spotted his quarry. A fat grey squirrel sat, poised at the edge of the river, beady black eyes darting too and fro nervously. The creature obviously knew that it's kind was on the menu. Shadepelt knew that in order for him to catch the beast before it scampered up its tree or over to Thunderclan territory, he'd have to be closer, and wicked fast.
As a result, the Windclan warrior lifted one agile paw and slowly pressed it into the moor.


Kuwaki

[Leopardheart]

It hadn't been long since his day out with Creampaw, he could still remember every detail quite vividly - how she drew her tongue over his paw with genuine concern over his mock injury, how she spoke of her kits with such love and awe, it was something Leopardheart had found endearing and he was finding himself thinking about her more and more. He hadn't planned on leaving the camp alone, in fact the thought of inviting Creampaw had crossed his mind but Leopardheart hadn't exactly had the calmest of moons. There was the border scuffle with Thunderclan, and now his mind running wild with thoughts of the young apprentice who was nursing her own siblings after the death of her kin. The large tom needed time, time to think and make decisions. His mind felt far too cluttered and thanks to his out going nature he was rarely alone to calm him mind. So he ran, from the moment the cool winds of leafbare brushed through his fur awakening him the spotted tom cat was on his paws and pushing himself through the brambled entrance of the warrior den.

The wind blew through his pelt as he ran, his body arching beautifully, his legs outstretched with his paws feeling as though they were barely touching the soft grass under paw. He had the genetic history of a moor runner, and he had continued their tradition of running as they did. It had been moons since then of course, and there were no loner tunnelers apart of Windclan but most cats had lost the skills of their ancestors, but Leopardheart refused to do so. It wasn't long before he realized where he was headed, his eyes wide as he halted. He was a few fox lengths from the Thunderclan border, where one of his worst moments had taken place. The usually sociable tom had lost his temper for Lionclaw's insistence of making Windclan pay for a simple mistake. Tensions were still high and the young warrior found himself tempted to turn tail and go somewhere else, but the dark figure moving near the border was enough to peak his curiosity. He could scent recent Windclan cats that had past through here, which was good after all - they weren't being invaded by Thunderclan or anything like that.

The pale warrior padded lightly toward the figure who was soon identified as Shadepelt. He was older than Leopardheart by a longshot, he could remember being in the nursery and watching Shadepelt - then Shadepaw doing his apprentice chores alongside his mentor, Scorchwind. He was an apprentice who had partaken in the battle when Scorchwind lost her life and although Leopardheart knew of Shadepelt he had never spoken to him despite his chatty nature. He was apprenticed early, he was never supposed to see that battle or the body of Scorchwind, he wasn't even supposed to know why it had happened. If it wasn't for his own mentor, Leopardheart would likely still be confused about the event of that day. Moving elegantly toward Shadepelt, who was far too focused on a rabbit who look as though it was about to pounce across the border. Leopardheart flicked his tail in amusement, even with tensions being high Shadepelt was still willing to take the chance and hunt that rabbit. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Leopardheart purred from behind him, watching as the rabbits ears perked before dashing off into the undergrowth of Thunderclan territory. "You know what happened with Mintfeather, it's not worth it with Thunderclan being so defensive lately.", he mewed softly, as he scanned the land across the border. The trees shadowing their land so Leopardheart couldn't make out the presence of any cat. For all the knew, Hiddenleaf, Emberstrie, Spottedpaw or Lionclaw could be back, or worse, Howlingstar himself.  "I can't see Stormstar of Yellowivy being to happy about fetching you back from the depths of Thunderclan." he chuckled lightly, flicking Shadepelts flank with the tip of his tail.

words || 679
tagged || Shiver