As the sun rose over the forest, Ryefield had gathered a small group of cats for her very own, first time ever leading a patrol. Sure she’d sent some out since she’d become deputy, but this was her first time leading one herself- and Ravenstar had insisted that he join them. Sure, Ryefield was worried about what they may return to camp to without leader or deputy there, but she’d said nothing and allowed him to attend.
Despite her excitement, she couldn’t help but feel that twinge of nervousness she was sure that would hinder her ability to do her best, though she knew as deputy she shouldn’t allow either of these emotions to surface. The patrol has moved, mostly silently, through the territory towards the pines that Ryefield had mentioned would be their hunting grounds this afternoon.
Ryefield was about to dismiss them to hunt, when suddenly a small squirrel darts right through their path up ahead. Unique gaze watched it for a moment, before turning back to her clanmates. “We will hunt around here, and be sure to meet back in this clearing once you’re finished,” she tells them, voice low to not startle any prey before flicking her tailtip to dismiss them, and heading off in the direction she’d seen the squirrel run off too.
Redmask blinked the tiredness out of his eyes, shaking his fur while trying to look calm and focused - as a proper shadowclan warrior would be. Ahead of him were the leader and deputy of his clan, and he had been called to join Ryefield's hunting patrol. He wondered how the two felt, with all the sudden and consequential changes that had plagued their clan until recently. The russet and cream tom was pleased, however, with Ravenstar becoming leader, as the black and white tom was thoughtful and serious; the qualities Redmask felt was necessary for leadership. His amber gaze glanced to Ryefield - she was an unexpected choice of deputy, but recent events had been unexpected so it wasn't too important. Redmask had grown in the nursery and apprentice's den within the same time as the new deputy and leader, and through quiet observation and dedication to his clan and code, accepted the new changes in leadership without complaint.
"Nice catch." He complimented softly. As Ryefield spoke to the patrol, Redmask sniffed the air to scent prey, flicking his tail to indicate he heard. Moving away from the group, he moved closer towards the trees, watching for prey. Moving carefully and skillfully, Redmask tracked the scent of prey until he found a blackbird foraging on the forest floor. With a powerful leap, the russet and cream warrior landed directly in front of the bird, his sharp claws catching it quickly and leaning forward to deliver a quick killing bite. "Thank you Starclan for this prey." He murmured, delighted at the lucky catch. The elders will be happy with this.