After gathering his pack. After finding Amber at the entrance to the secret tunnel leading to Hidden Valley and after going through it, Claw for the first time entered the Valley...
"<It doesnt look so impressive from the ground level.>" Shadow stated looking around "< It is still big though.>" she added.
"<That's what she said.>" Blacktail sneered, making Shadow gave him yet another frown.
"<Focus, guys!>" Claw growled "<We have a prey to hunt... and fastrunner to find.>" he added hastily, remembering that Amber is with them. He sniffed the air and he caught the weak scent of Ovie. He pointed in that direction for Amber.
"<Your mate is in this way. After you found him, come back here and we will meet you here later.>" he said.
"<Um... Chief? Dont you think she would need some escort? With all these other sharpteeth running about, she can find herself in danger>" Shadow stated. Claw gave her sideglance, but he had to admit that she was right about it. He sighed before he turned to one fastbiter:
"<Windbite!>" he called to green fastbiter without any stripes. Claw knew he was very fast, but not so strong when it came to fight, but he was surely a decent member of the pack "<You will go with Amber. Your task is to protect her and after you find Ovie, bring them here and then you can caugh up with us.>"
"<How come I gotta go looking for fastrunner?>" Windbite asked grumpily. It was another Windbite's feature: he didn't like when one was giving him a special task, but he was a good fellow when none demanded too much of him.
"<Because you're dependable and known for doing your best.>" Claw responded "<Does that answer satisfy you?>" he asked a bit sarcastically. Windbite nodded, but under his breath he whispered: "<I have to start doing my worst someday>".
"<Alright, guys. Lets move out!>" Claw exclaimed and so they scattered. Amber and Windbite went looking for Ovie and the rest started their hunting...
Pessimist sees a dark tunnel. Optimist sees a light in the tunnel. Realist sees the light of coming train. And a driver sees three idiots standing on the track.
"My heart has joined the thousand, for my friend stopped running today." - Watership Down by Richard Adams.