[gs29513]

The new territory was interesting, to say the least. The grass was longer, and more, well, grassy, than the moor's heather and brush, and wildflowers dotted themselves more frequently. The grass was a bit annoying with its height, as it was far more difficult to spot rabbit holes from far away, but it did also lend some camouflage to the hunter if they were able to spot their prey. It was more like forest hunting than before, more the finding of the prey than the test of speed rabbits typically brought. Not that rabbits were the only thing on the menu, small rodents seemed more frequent here, although along with them came large, predatory birds which they should avoid.

Regardless, she was going to be testing out how the hunting in new terrain would work. Should she get another apprentice for some reason, or be sent on hunting patrol, or be approached for training, it would do no good to fumble about like a newbie. She had never quite mastered forest hunting in her time away from the clan, but there had been only herself to provide for, and she had gone to the edges of the moor quite a few times for some rabbits. Scenting the air as she trotted along, Deadmoon was able to identify a songbird of some kind, swaying on a grass stem. How to get it was quite another question. She settled for trying to sneak up and then lunge at it, as birds eyes were better than their noses, but she accidentally rustled a few too many tufts of grass and it flew away with a loud cry. Drat.

Fortunately, there were other animals about. A mouse could be scented, and with a bit more care Deadmoon captured it, having avoided startling it with grass motion the way she had the bird. Shoving it under some fallen stems she continued her hunt, scenting a rabbit as she continued away from the camp. Not knowing where it's burrow was she tried to come from downwind and chase it, but it had remained close to its home and she wasn't able to fit down after it.

Eventually though, having pursued two other fruitless chases(although short ones, it must be said), she found a rabbit far away enough from its home that her speed was able to take effect. When she was spotted she took of into a run, almost getting tangled in the long strands of grass but staying on her feet and continuing the chase. Once it became clear that the rabbits hole had been left behind and it wouldn't be able to duck into another one it was a small matter to catch up to it. The fleetest of rabbits could avoid her through twists and turns or speed because her leg slowed her down a bit, but any rabbit not in their prime was still quite cacheable, and this one was rather young, probably one of this year's kits. It was a bit on the small side, which only confirmed her theory, but with it and the mouse she was happy to head back to camp. She'd eat the rodent herself and see if any of the kits were interested in the rabbit.