Post by . s p o r e l e t t ♪ on Apr 20, 2010 15:26:05 GMT -6
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Softpaw lost no time in stalking away into the forest, heading decidedly in the direction of the owl tree. Though no creature would dare hide in the immediate area around an owl's nest, the surrounding forest was rich with prey. Squirrels frolicked in the branches above, and rooted for nuts in the undergrowth, while mice scurried everywhere. This part of the forest was also close by the stream and RiverClan territory, so voles could be found in this area as well. Nearing the large, spreading oak, the young tom altered his path to skirt around, and opened his jaws to scent for prey. Swallowfang would probably be tracking him now; he had to assume that she saw everything that he did.
Picking up the scent of squirrel, Softpaw quieted his pawsteps and crept quickly towards the source of the smell. Soon the bushy red tail of the squirrel was in view; the animal was eating something busily, hunching over its prize with its little paws held up to its face. As long as he didn't make any mistakes, this would be an easy kill. Pausing to make sure that the wind was blowing his scent away from his prey, the lithe tom slid forward on light paws.
Step by step, he pulled himself closer to the squirrel until he was within easy pouncing range. An explosive bound of is hind legs sent him flying forward; the squirrel leapt into the air and scurried towards a nearby tree, but Softpaw was faster. He pinned the squirrel up against the trunk just as it reached the bark, then sank his fangs into its neck. Relaxing his taut muscles, the young tom picked the squirrel up, his heart still beating swiftly from the chase. Not at all bad for a first catch.