The Tinkle of Icicles

[stealthy]

A little bundle of black fur lay curled up in her own little den. The small body moved slightly, rising and falling as the kitten breathed. The wind that was howling outside didn't reach all the way into the tunnels, and the small space kept in the heat from the kits body. Elemental had fallen asleep a few minutes after snow started falling outside. Bored and cold, she had disappeared into the little hollow she called her own. Now she stirred again, and began to slowly uncurl herself. Stiff from the nap, El stretched out her paws with a small purr. Just as her claws were slipping out to knead the ground beneath them, a drop of icy cold water fell from the roof. It landed directly on the fiery spot in the middle of El's forehead, and made her squeak with surprise. After shaking her head a few times, the kit looked up. A little cone of ice was growing downwards from the ceiling: an icicle. Another drop of water was forming at its point, so El stuck out her little pink tongue to catch it. It was cold, barely liquid, and it tickled a little. The icicle could have amused her for quite some time, but her fun was interrupted by a low growl. The growl came from her stomach, so she bid the icicle farewell and went out into the larger tunnels.

[xx_Ƨǃlvawisha_?]

They say ignorance is bliss
But to me I’d rather not
Fall from my decaying throne
If I won’t be caught

Her slate blue coat would have been very conspicuous if this was a daytime hunt. But, as always, Wish had set out long after the sun disappeared and darkness had taken over. Before long the solitary female had gathered two mice, most likely the most she would catch tonight. Winter was settling in. The matriarch was on her way back to the tunnels, in no hurry to return underground. Even though the air was frigid, her own breath visible, the female loved cold nights like these. Somehow it was refreshing, much more comfortable than stuffy summer days. Her two mice dangled from her jaws, swinging with each easy step taken by the female. She weaved through the towering grass, turning onto a well used path by her colony. Soon the entrance to the tunnels was visible as the multicolored feline ducked into the darkness.

Because the sun rarely shines
And my dreams are turning too
But I can no longer hold on
For the sake of losing you

[stealthy]

Little Elemental sat by one of the walls in the main tunnels. Her bright blue eyes kept glancing from side to side, scanning the floor for any kind of food. The only prey she spotted was being finished off by an older cat, and the sight of it made El's stomach growl again. She flicked her purple-streaked tail with annoyance before rising and padding closer to the entrance. Just as she was sitting down again, the mouthwatering smell of freshly killed mice hit her. Her lower jaw dropped slightly, and the scent flowed into her mouth. A tongue flicked out and upwards, swiping over the kit's nose before disappearing again. Only a second later, the matriarch walked in. El lowered her eyes to the ground, avoiding eye contact, trying to blend in with the wall behind her. She was shy, especially around a cat of such power, and didn't want to draw attention to herself. Blending in with a wall, despite the darkness, wasn't easy considering the splashes of color on the kit's black coat. A ring of blue here, a streak of red there, contrasting very well with the raven fur they lay on. Wish was passing, however, and just as El thought she had gone unnoticed, another growl rose from her stomach.

[xx_Ƨǃlvawisha_?]

They say ignorance is bliss
But to me I’d rather not
Fall from my decaying throne
If I won’t be caught

Her ears slanted forward slightly upon entering the cave, senses alerted once more as she slid into the pitch black expanse. The brightly colored coat of the matriarch rippled in the darkness as she made her way toward the fresh kill pile, resisting the scent of mouse that tugged at her senses. One of Wish's ears flicked at the sound of a small rumble coming from the stomach of Elemental. The female's eyes flashed to the side, landing on the kitten for a split second before flicking away. All the more reason for her to wait before eating, the young come first. The mice landed on the designated area with a light thud. Satisfied for the moment, the multicolored cat turned and reached forward in a stretch, then straightened back up. While looking across the cave, she was reminded of Elemental. Her head turned toward the kitten, colorless eyes resting on her for a moment as she flicked her tail toward the mice, an indication to help herself. With that, Wish turned away and padded to the tunnel which belonged to her. She settled down just outside the entrance to groom her chilled fur.

Because the sun rarely shines
And my dreams are turning too
But I can no longer hold on
For the sake of losing you

[stealthy]

Those two large and beautiful blue eyes of Elemental followed the mice as they were carried across the cave and dropped on the ground. A small cloud of dust, barely noticeable, had risen up when they landed. The gray fur of the little dead creatures swayed slightly before coming to a halt. A movement from beyond the kill made El tear her eyes away and look at Wish. It took a moment for her mind to register the flick of the tail, and another moment for the kit to work up the courage to plod over to the food. She sniffed both mice, drinking in their scent, before grabbing one by the tail and running back to the edge of the cave. She made sure that the precious mouse didn't drag on the ground as she carried it, and carefully laid it back down when she stopped. Once again the black kit sniffed it, her eyes flashing upwards and around. At last she dug into her meal, savoring every bite.