Redtail Rise To the Bone

Masque looked downright gaunt by now. They continued tending to @Avicus, @New Snow and the rise’s six newest members, though it was time to look after themself a bit better. When they set off to hunt today, Masquerade intended to keep their catch all to themself.

Their energy had taken a hit, so they decided to take cover in a familiar blind and see what small prey might wander their way. Hours after settling, a rabbit came nosing nearby. It hopped tentatively over the forest floor, cropping small shoots of green and raising its head to keep an eye on its surroundings as it chewed.

Masquerade patiently waited for it to come closer, then sprang out of concealment. The rabbit darted and they chased, though they didn’t get far before their vision dimmed to black and they pitched forward, tumbling roughly to the ground.

The impact knocked the wind out of them and made several places in their body light up with small hurts. Their vision swam as they tried to right themself, only for vertigo to make them sink back down to their belly. Their limbs shook as they tried to catch their breath.