One Night Of The Hunter [Open!]

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

It was calm tonight. Winds were weak, barely making the tall grass of the moorland sway as they usually did at this hour. However, the night was not completely silent... a rustling in the grass proved it. But as soon as the rustling had rung out, it stopped, and everything, was once again calm.

Moonshadow had spotted some prey not too far from him. One lonesome rabbit, out much too late to be safe from his claws. Most of the fat rodents would be asleep by now, but for some reason, this one wasn't... which was all as well for the tom who had just happened to be wandering about.

Thinking about what he was going to do, Moonshadow kept still, but his muscles were tensed in case he had to make a run for it. Finally, an idea formed within his head, and he stepped forward on silent paws, creeping towards the unsuspecting rabbit. He was completely hidden by the tall grass, but since the wind was not blowing hard, he had to be more careful about masking his sound....

Now wait, he told himself as he came in range to leap out at the piece of prey. All was quiet except for the rodent munching away on vegetation and Moonshadow's quiet breathing. His heartbeat rang in his ears as he awaited the perfect moment to strike....

And then, like a blessing, a much bigger gust of wind picked up. Moonshadow didn't waste his chance. Immediately, he sprang forward from behind the rabbit, who did not hear him over the howl of the wind, and landed on it, biting down into its neck for a quick ending to its life.

All it takes is the right strategy, Moonshadow thought as he picked up his prize. Yes, this would make a good addition to the prey pile. It would be good to have something ready for the cats that got up early for patrol among other things. Surely, someone would appreciate this catch more then he could.

The wind picked up again, this time blowing the scents of other clanmates towards Moonshadow. Someone else was out on this surprisingly tranquil night, but who? Were they getting a head start on hunting too?

[Night]

Nightstar raced around the moorland, chasing stray leaves and running after imaginary enemies as she purred with happiness. Yes, she may be acting like a kit, but it's okay to get out extra energy right? The she-cat paused quickly, her amber eyes glowing as she sensed someone ahead of her. Out of the long grass stalked Moonshadow, obviously trying to hunt. Nightstar sat on her haunches and watched the warrior with interest. She might witness a brilliant catch. The only thing that could be seen of Nightstar was her bright amber eyes as her pelt blended in with the night sky. She watched as Moonshadow used the wind to attack the rabbit he had been stalking so that it couldn't hear him approaching. After Moonshadow had picked up his prey proudly, Nightstar stood up out of the long grass and congratulated the warrior with a happy meow. "That was a wonderful catch, Moonshadow! I'm sure the Clan will be happy with that kill." Nightstar told the warrior. Her eyes glowed happily as she sized up the big rabbit. That rabbit will at least feed a couple cats. She told herself, and looked towards Moonshadow to see how he would respond.

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[Shadow Da Smiffster]

Surprise washed over his features for a few moments as the leader appeared before him, congratulating him on a well made catch. Moonshadow let out a sheepish grin, flicking his ears forward and dipping his head, "Nightstar, an honor to see you out this late. Thank you. I hope the Clan will make good use of it."

Grin never wavering once, he walked up to the leader, rabbit hanging limply in his jaws. With soft glance over her, the tomcat could tell she had been romping not too long before. Imagine, a leader running around like a kit? Moonshadow was amused, certainly, and would not judge. Besides, he was probably the strangest cat in the entire world, and therefore had no room to judge. His constantly calm, happy demeanor was not only strange, but creeped most of the other felines out. "What brings you out this late, Night?" he asked casually. If it had been any other leader, Moonshadow knew he'd probably get cuffed over the ears for not adding the 'star' at the end of the name. However, the tomcat was totally informal in every way, and didn't regret a second of it.

Just because I have my doubts in StarClan, he thought. Doesn't mean I'm not loyal to WindClan. I have my own ways of bringing things to everyone.