[Solo] A Bountiful Feast [Roses in Bloom]

[So Long Gay Bowser]

With the fire not too far away, Roses in Bloom figured there was more she could do- and the kin assembled for the celebration were in need of food. Taking a short leave of her friends, she forged out into the wilds, hoping to find something that the majority of the assembled party would enjoy. Her mind wandered idly to the figs she had been served by the young acha doe... but that was too great a journey to make from the bonfire and back in time for the celebration. Perhaps something similarly sweet would be palatable to the party? She smiled to herself decisively, and headed out towards the nearby fruit grove.

This was more traveling than she had done in some time, but Roses in Bloom was elated. She had not in years past joined with others like this. Admittedly, it was foalish to be so thrilled about a party... but what a joy it was to change her routine!

Onwards she traveled, hunting for food. Surely Dawn would be impressed by how assertive she was being, versus the shy young filly she had once been. Sure, she had always loved helping others, but striking out on her own to do so was a step in the right direction.  

[So Long Gay Bowser]

And yet, when she arrived, the grove seemed barren. Frowning slightly, Rose looked around, making certain that she was not passing over anything. It was odd to see such a picked-over place in the swamp... but perhaps some of the others had simply beaten her here. This thought comforted her slightly, but still, she felt disappointment in her own search. She was no great hunter, true, but she had hoped to return to the bonfire with something to show for her efforts. Roses in Bloom mulled this over, wondering what to do.

She could head back, admit that she had turned up short, and implore Dawn and Rose to join in with her search. And yet it seemed like a weakness. Perhaps it was not so, but there was a part of her still that longed to prove her competence on her own hooves. There was her DETERMINATION surging forwards. Nodding to herself, Rose continued onwards.

There was a nice brook nearby, that fed into the swampy waters. That seemed like a prime hunting spot. The doe continued her hunt.  

[So Long Gay Bowser]

Frogs! A wonderful abundance of frogs! The crunch would be a great treat for the little one, and Roses beamed to herself. Crouching down, her muscles tensed, and she waited for one to come to rest before her. It took some time, as they seemed all too aware of her presence, but eventually a particularly plump one stopped in its tracks before her. Several times it croaked, the sack on its neck inflating in what felt like mockery. Her tail twitched, and with nothing stopping her, Roses in Bloom charged the amphibian.

The fat little thing was quicker than she had expected, and darted forth in the water at a breakneck pace. She was not terribly quick on her hooves, and the speed was difficult for Rose to match. Nonetheless she tried, scrambling over rocky outcroppings and slick moss in pursuit of the tasty treat. It was a great and wonderful hunt... with absolutely no successes. Eventually, her energy gave out, and Rose let herself collapse on the soft bank of the river.

What a terrible frog... and still she had no food. Perhaps she would turn her attention towards the Hunting Grounds.  

[So Long Gay Bowser]

It took her some time, but Rose arrived at the hunting grounds. In the distance, she could hear hoofbeats- clearly there were other kin here finding food as well. It gave Rose pause for a moment as she contemplated what to do. Perhaps all the prey had not been chased away... with a quick trot, the doe carried herself away from the sounds of other kin, back towards the way of the gentle waters.

At a different spot in her river, there were fish. Smiling to herself, Roses in Bloom once more tensed herself and waited. If she were quick on her hooves... in a lightning flash, she surged forward, and snatched one of the slippery things from the water. It thrashed angrily in her grip, and not knowing what else to do, she quickly tossed it to the shore. A simple and quick crunch of her hoof ended the thing's life, and once more the doe delicately picked up her prize.

Perhaps it was not the biggest catch anyone would bring back to the bonfire, but... Rose had done her part, at least. Contented with herself, she headed back, carrying the fish home.