Destiny~Chapter 22

Instructions

“See now hunting isn’t as easy as jumping on leaves now is it?” Teasing laced her voice as she walked over as Skypaw stumbled to get to her paws, ears folded down, clearly embarrassed. Nightshade rested a gentle tail over her back, “Now it was how you landed is what messed you up, with mice and voles they are smaller which means they are a lot faster then us. When hunting them you should always try to land your paws on top of them with your claws out to trap them. It takes a lot to get the hang of, but you did well as this was your first time with a real prey,” a smooth purr left her throat as she explained to her apprentice Skypaw’s whiskers twitching as she listened, something the she-cat noticed that she does when focused. Nodding she gestured for the white furred cat to follow her. They both started walking through the territory, but instead of heading back to camp they were walking once again towards the Riverclan border. The rising sun peaking over through the trees showing that it was still early. Much like how Hawkstar did to her she had woken the apprentice up earlier than most just so the world was still quiet and peaceful as the sun started to rise. Dawn patrol was just being formed when they had left. “So…what other prey is in the territory?” Skypaw asked, looking up at her. “Well as you know there are mice and voles, but there's also birds like robins, sparrows, and cardinals. In some areas like snake rocks and owl tree are where you’ll find, as in the name, snakes and owls.” Skypaw smiled and nodded, “Yea! I really like shrew too, they’re so juicy!” she purred. Nightshade chuckled, “I prefer sparrows, they're big and once you get away from the feathers that can get in your teeth the flavor is strong and you can taste the wind in the meat.” As they continued walking the sound of running water started to get stronger and the smell of reeds and river stones replaced the smell of sap and moss. Finally the orange light that spilled through the trees shined brightly as they walked out into the clearing that stood before the riverclan territory. A warming purr left her chest as she felt the sun warm against her pelt. Looking over she noticed Skypaw’s eyes looking over the scene before her. Giving the she-cat a moment she remembered when she first saw the running water and reeds dancing in the wind herself when she too was an apprentice. It was the start of leaf fall and the color shone off the orange and red leaves as the air was crisp with the smell of fallen leaves. Now at the end of a new leaf with her own apprentice she felt a warmth grow in her chest. Looking up into the almost clear sky she felt as if Hawkstar would be proud of her. That she had grown from the small, reckless apprentice now teaching all the things she learned down to her own cheerful apprentice. Just as Nightshade opened her mouth to speak she noticed the movement between the reeds. Eyes narrowed slightly as her tail flicked, clearly the clever apprentice next to her noticed her stance and looked over. Hearing the low hiss in Skypaw’s chest caused Nightshade to quickly hush her. Stalking forward she saw the flash of russets and just as she poked her head through the reeds did she see the figure of Morningcreek next to the water. The ivy green eyes stuck to the water, with a tail flick and ears folded down it was clear the Riverclan warrior was hunting. Fishing was the main way for them to hunt was by sitting by the river and waiting for a fish just to swim past their line of sight. It was a talent that Nightshade, as a warrior herself, impressed her. Nightshade watched in silence as the long furred she-cat pounced into the water and reemerged with a limp scaly fish in her jaws. It was only when the she-cat got back to land and dropped her freshly caught prey did she notice the dark eyes of the Thunderclan warrior. The she-cat tensed before noticing it was instead Nightshade. “Nightshade.” The russet she-cat voice spoke over the river to her, it was strong yet wasn’t holding any hostility or having an edge to it. Nightshade dipped her head, “Morningcreek. It's a pleasant day for hunting hasn’t it?” she asked smoothly. Moving closer she stood on the smooth rocks that stood before the running water. Sitting down she listened as Skypaw slowly crept forward, ears drawn back and the fur on her shoulders still raised. Nightshade gestured to her apprentice, “This is my apprentice Skypaw, I’m just showing her the border for Riverclan.” Hearing her name Skypaw nodded, sitting down close to her mentor, eyes narrowed as she watched the Riverclan warrior. Morningcreek nodded in understanding, “Well this is it. The border into our territory is when the water hits the land so don’t get too young one.” Nightshade continued to speak kindly to her before she stood and brought Skypaw back to the grass and trees; that's when Skypaw finally spoke.