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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 20, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5
My local Barnes&Noble finally got Riverstar's Home!. I've currently been preoccupied with household chores so haven't quite gotten the time to start reading it yet. but should be getting around to it shortly. I'll probably won't get around to posting spoilers until later this evening. however, until then I'll post up pictures of what's imo one of the more stunning modern covers. And I'll add, which will probably be to the disappointment of most. there is sadly no comic to the book. which is particularly frustrating given the books price increase from Onestar's Confession. is what it is I suppose.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 20, 2023 16:59:57 GMT -5
Woo! Congrats!
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Asexual
#07B04C
star_black.png
Name Colour
Ṣanɗypaw™
The Shiny User
🎵Guess that's just the way it goes, easy come, easy go🎵
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Post by Ṣanɗypaw™ on Aug 20, 2023 17:20:44 GMT -5
LOVE THIS COVER!! The moon in the background makes it so beautiful. I'm so sad that there isn't a comic I would have loved to see one featuring Riverstar. Thank you for posting the spoilers in advance!
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Post by stupidflower on Aug 20, 2023 18:55:52 GMT -5
Super excited!!! Also it seems really early but that’s ok
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2023 19:07:23 GMT -5
Pretty inexcusable that there's no comic imo. Considering both the price hike like you mentioned and the lowering in quality of the paper and book covers.
It really does frustrate me. Give a company an inch and they'll take a mile. I don't like that it feels like the audience can be taken advantage of by charging more for cheaper products.
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Post by Galestorm on Aug 20, 2023 19:09:50 GMT -5
The cover is absolutely beautiful!! The river under moonlight is breathtaking. Is that Sunningrocks behind Riverstar?
Congratulations on getting it early and enjoy your read! I’ve been anticipating this book for so long, so thank you for taking the time out of your day to post pictures and spoilers🫶🏼
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 20, 2023 19:40:13 GMT -5
Congrats on getting the book early. c:
Aw, no comic? I was really hoping to see Riverstar in comic form. In other news, that is a gorgeous cover.
Quick question: is Barkface still listed in the allegiances?
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 20, 2023 19:52:56 GMT -5
Congrats on getting the book early. c: Aw, no comic? I was really hoping to see Riverstar in comic form. In other news, that is a gorgeous cover. Quick question: is Barkface still listed in the allegiances? No. in fact only the Cats of the Park are listed in the allegiances, and only takes up half a page before skipping to the map.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 20, 2023 19:57:10 GMT -5
Congrats on getting the book early. c: Aw, no comic? I was really hoping to see Riverstar in comic form. In other news, that is a gorgeous cover. Quick question: is Barkface still listed in the allegiances? No. in fact only the Cats of the Park are listed in the allegiances, and only takes up half a page before skipping to the map. Oh, okay. So basically the same as the website. So it really makes you wonder why Barkface was listed in the other previews.
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 20, 2023 21:34:01 GMT -5
And without further do her we go! Chapter 4.
River Ripple stopped at the edge of a fenced garden. As he heaved himself up the fence, he narrowed his eyes at the twoleg den thegarden belonged to. River Ripple tasted the air, but wishing to stray into a Kittypet’s territory while injured, but didn’t smell any scent, or detect any movement. He dropped down and peeked across the lawn at the twoleg inside the den, and the twoleg kits playing excitedly. An opening clattered open, and the kits exploded onto the lawn. There was two and River Ripple could smell the food on them. It smelled of park food. They reached the shiny frame and dropped their food to the ground. River Ripple’s mouth watered, he harnessed all his self-control to stop himself from farting out and grabbing it, he couldn’t risk being caught like Flutter, Dart and Shine. The Twoleg kits shrieked as light rain began to fall, and ran back into the den.
River Ripple’s heart soared. They’d left the food. His first piece of luck since he’d washed ashore. Lights flicked on, cutting through the shadows swathing the garden, making him realize how late it was. Keeping low, with excitement as he neared the food. He gobbled down the first piece, and swiped his tongue around his jaws. He noticed tall cans beside the den, he knew from the park there was often food scraps inside. But would be too dangerous to scavenge while the lights shine, he crouched in the darkness, anxious of the strange place “I’ve been to many strange places this past moon” he thought.
He suddenly felt bold, this was just a setback. He was going to find more food, he find whatever to eat until he was strong enough to return to Flutter.
After awhile, River Ripple became skilled at climibing onto a can and lifting the lid off another. He’d return each night to the twoleg den for scraps of food. During the day he rested by the river. He wasn’t proud of scavenging, but it was temporary, until he healed and returned home.
One night the two leg’s left nuggets beside the entrance. “They’d decided to feed visitors like the park twolegs. The dry food wasn’t as tasty as the fish Night taught him to catch. He shuddered wondering if Night and Mist still fished the river as the days grew chillier, or hunted on land instead. He hadn’t seen them since being attacked by Hawk and his friends.
He looked up from the bowl, perhaps the twolegs den would make a safer home. He didn’t want to become a kittypet. But returned for twoleg nuggets night, after night. Until he hardly thought of the river. He was surprised one night when Night visited his clearing.
“We haven’t seen you in awhile” Night said. “You look for me?” River ripple asked, although relieved to see her, he felt bitter she hadn’t been there when he’d been injured. Night’s eyes rounded with alarm “what happened”? She asked. “Hawk decided the shallows were his territory “ he replied. “That nasty little tick, I told most we should have chased him off” Night hissed. River wondered if hawk left them alone because there was two of them. Another pant of loneliness hit him. “So you haven’t run into them?’ He asked. “We picked up some scents, but that was a quarter moon ago. They must of moved on” Night explained. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously “you smell of twoleg food”. He felt guilty, but then puffed out his chest. They were friends, but she hadn’t been there when it mattered “if they want to give it away, I may as well take it. It’s not like the rivers my real home”.
“It’s dangerous to lean on twolegs” Night warned. “You should be fishing again, Hawk has left, if you’re worried you can make your nest closer to ours”. “I’m fine, besides I’ll be gone soon” River ripple mewed. “I’m sorry I didn’t check on you, I didn’t know you’d might be in trouble”. I’m not anymore” he replied.
“You could be, if you keep taking twoleg food, you should fish, I could teach you to swim, so you’re not dependent on the shallows” Night mewed anxiously”. “No Need, I’m not planning on staying, I’ll only scavenge until I’m strong enough to go home” River replied. “It’s up to you, just be careful” Night mewed softly.
The next night seemed darker than usual. He nosed beneath a shrub, hesitating before venturing towards the twoleg entrance. The den was dark, crossed the stone looking for the bowl of nuggets. It isn’t there!.
His heart sank, then his nose twitched as he picked up the scent of the nuggets, wafting from the entrance. The nuggets were inside. Dare he creep inside? He hesitated, he’d been inside a twoleg den before, but he was hungry. “If I hear anything, I’ll run” he thought. He warily crept inside, the meaty nuggets bathed his tongue,. He checked that nothing moved, and began to eat. The crunch echoed through the strange place, he was certain the twolegs would hear him, but saw no signs. He ate his fill, then noticed a bowl of water. He padded over and lapped the water. the taste made him spat out the water, it didn’t taste of rain or mud, there was no flavor, just a sharp tang. He prickled uneasily, the cave had grown darker, the entrance had disappeared. He backed into a corner, pressing up against the cold walls. Suddenly, the wall opened beside him, and a twoleg kit sidled into the room and blinked at him. It stared a moment before squealing and darting back the way it came. River Ripple’s heart pounded, it was a trap and he’d walked into it. Why’d they want to keep him? He heard twoleg chatter, and braced himself for pawsteps, but no one came. By dawn he was exhausted, and finally gave into sleep.
In the following days he’d grown used to the different scents and sounds of the twoleg den. and the warm stillness within the den. He eventually stopped hissing at the twoleg. When one of the kits touched him, he’d stiffened, but then relaxed, surprised to find himself enjoying the sensation.
The days grew shorter, and River Ripple found himself feeling less lonely. The kits dangled colorful things for him to catch, and he especially liked to e soft nest they brought him. It was a pleasant life, but his dreams brought him back to the river. He was surprised his dreams didn’t drag him to the park, and realized he hadn’t thought of flutter for a long time.
He awoke thinking he’d imagined the yapping, his pelt spiking at the dog the twoleg held before him. The dog barked excitedly. “Does it want to bite me?”. River ripple hissed and backed away. He lashed out, the twoleg pulled the dog back in surprise. “Did it think I’d be pleased”?. The twoleg carried it away, and locked it behind another inner opening. He panicked as the dog continued to yap. River jumped up onto a ledge along a stretch of wall.
One of the twolegs approached him, purring gently, but River backed away. “They must think I’m mouse-brain”. Perhaps the twolegs would take the dog away once they saw how unhappy he was. He slept on the ledge, his heart nearly stopped when he saw the moving below him the next morning. “I’m safe up here” he told himself”.
But the twoleg den isn’t safe anymore. Would he ever find somewhere safe?. “Just focus on getting back to river”. But how could he escape?, the twolegs kept the openings shut. But they open them to leave!. If he waited and timed it right, he’d be able to sprint past the twolegs. But it was so comfortable here! And so cold outside. The dog started yapping again. The twoleg kit stroked it trustingly. “Does it really think it won’t bite?”.
River Ripple’s stomach grumbled, he could scent the nuggets on the opposite side of the den, and wished the twoleg would bring him some. Throughout the morning he’d watch the twolegs, waiting to escape. At last he saw the kits putting on colorful pelts, meaning they were headed out to play. He quickly got to his paws. He waited as the twolegs padded over and began to pull the opening open. He hit the floor and sprinted from the den, not stopping as the dog scrabbled from its nest, on his tail.
River Ripple hared across the lawn, his legs weak from lack of use. The fence looked huge, he hadn’t jumped over anything higher than a den ledge in moons. He had to escape. He veered over to the shiny twoleg kit thing they played with. Leaped on the lowest bar, and scrambled up the frame, fighting to keep his balance. Once at the top, he focused on the fence several tail-lengths away. “Find stillness before you move. It will give you strength” Arc’s words echoed in his mind. He blocked out the yelping below him and leaped. His heart seemed to stop as he soared through the air. He hit the fence with a clatter, grasping the top and found his balance. He looked back at the twolegs. The adult had wrapped its paws around the kits, and River Ripple thought he saw sadness in their eye. “I’m sorry” he told them silently. “Thanks for being kind for so long and getting me through the worst of the weather. River Ripple for the first time wondered if he would have survived the cold alone, and felt gratitude towards the twolegs. He blinked at them, then jumped down from the fence. He’d return to river. He longed for its chatter, and to see Night and Mist once more.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 20, 2023 21:42:03 GMT -5
And without further do her we go! Chapter 4.
River Ripple stopped at the edge of a fenced garden. As he heaved himself up the fence, he narrowed his eyes at the twoleg den thegarden belonged to. River Ripple tasted the air, but wishing to stray into a Kittypet’s territory while injured, but didn’t smell any scent, or detect any movement. He dropped down and peeked across the lawn at the twoleg inside the den, and the twoleg kits playing excitedly. An opening clattered open, and the kits exploded onto the lawn. There was two and River Ripple could smell the food on them. It smelled of park food. They reached the shiny frame and dropped their food to the ground. River Ripple’s mouth watered, he harnessed all his self-control to stop himself from farting out and grabbing it, he couldn’t risk being caught like Flutter, Dart and Shine. The Twoleg kits shrieked as light rain began to fall, and ran back into the den.
River Ripple’s heart soared. They’d left the food. His first piece of luck since he’d washed ashore. Lights flicked on, cutting through the shadows swathing the garden, making him realize how late it was. Keeping low, with excitement as he neared the food. He gobbled down the first piece, and swiped his tongue around his jaws. He noticed tall cans beside the den, he knew from the park there was often food scraps inside. But would be too dangerous to scavenge while the lights shine, he crouched in the darkness, anxious of the strange place “I’ve been to many strange places this past moon” he thought.
He suddenly felt bold, this was just a setback. He was going to find more food, he find whatever to eat until he was strong enough to return to Flutter.
After awhile, River Ripple became skilled at climibing onto a can and lifting the lid off another. He’d return each night to the twoleg den for scraps of food. During the day he rested by the river. He wasn’t proud of scavenging, but it was temporary, until he healed and returned home.
One night the two leg’s left nuggets beside the entrance. “They’d decided to feed visitors like the park twolegs. The dry food wasn’t as tasty as the fish Night taught him to catch. He shuddered wondering if Night and Mist still fished the river as the days grew chillier, or hunted on land instead. He hadn’t seen them since being attacked by Hawk and his friends.
He looked up from the bowl, perhaps the twolegs den would make a safer home. He didn’t want to become a kittypet. But returned for twoleg nuggets night, after night. Until he hardly thought of the river. He was surprised one night when Night visited his clearing.
“We haven’t seen you in awhile” Night said. “You look for me?” River ripple asked, although relieved to see her, he felt bitter she hadn’t been there when he’d been injured. Night’s eyes rounded with alarm “what happened”? She asked. “Hawk decided the shallows were his territory “ he replied. “That nasty little tick, I told most we should have chased him off” Night hissed. River wondered if hawk left them alone because there was two of them. Another pant of loneliness hit him. “So you haven’t run into them?’ He asked. “We picked up some scents, but that was a quarter moon ago. They must of moved on” Night explained. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously “you smell of twoleg food”. He felt guilty, but then puffed out his chest. They were friends, but she hadn’t been there when it mattered “if they want to give it away, I may as well take it. It’s not like the rivers my real home”.
“It’s dangerous to lean on twolegs” Night warned. “You should be fishing again, Hawk has left, if you’re worried you can make your nest closer to ours”. “I’m fine, besides I’ll be gone soon” River ripple mewed. “I’m sorry I didn’t check on you, I didn’t know you’d might be in trouble”. I’m not anymore” he replied.
“You could be, if you keep taking twoleg food, you should fish, I could teach you to swim, so you’re not dependent on the shallows” Night mewed anxiously”. “No Need, I’m not planning on staying, I’ll only scavenge until I’m strong enough to go home” River replied. “It’s up to you, just be careful” Night mewed softly.
The next night seemed darker than usual. He nosed beneath a shrub, hesitating before venturing towards the twoleg entrance. The den was dark, crossed the stone looking for the bowl of nuggets. It isn’t there!.
His heart sank, then his nose twitched as he picked up the scent of the nuggets, wafting from the entrance. The nuggets were inside. Dare he creep inside? He hesitated, he’d been inside a twoleg den before, but he was hungry. “If I hear anything, I’ll run” he thought. He warily crept inside, the meaty nuggets bathed his tongue,. He checked that nothing moved, and began to eat. The crunch echoed through the strange place, he was certain the twolegs would hear him, but saw no signs. He ate his fill, then noticed a bowl of water. He padded over and lapped the water. the taste made him spat out the water, it didn’t taste of rain or mud, there was no flavor, just a sharp tang. He prickled uneasily, the cave had grown darker, the entrance had disappeared. He backed into a corner, pressing up against the cold walls. Suddenly, the wall opened beside him, and a twoleg kit sidled into the room and blinked at him. It stared a moment before squealing and darting back the way it came. River Ripple’s heart pounded, it was a trap and he’d walked into it. Why’d they want to keep him? He heard twoleg chatter, and braced himself for pawsteps, but no one came. By dawn he was exhausted, and finally gave into sleep.
In the following days he’d grown used to the different scents and sounds of the twoleg den. and the warm stillness within the den. He eventually stopped hissing at the twoleg. When one of the kits touched him, he’d stiffened, but then relaxed, surprised to find himself enjoying the sensation.
The days grew shorter, and River Ripple found himself feeling less lonely. The kits dangled colorful things for him to catch, and he especially liked to e soft nest they brought him. It was a pleasant life, but his dreams brought him back to the river. He was surprised his dreams didn’t drag him to the park, and realized he hadn’t thought of flutter for a long time.
He awoke thinking he’d imagined the yapping, his pelt spiking at the dog the twoleg held before him. The dog barked excitedly. “Does it want to bite me?”. River ripple hissed and backed away. He lashed out, the twoleg pulled the dog back in surprise. “Did it think I’d be pleased”?. The twoleg carried it away, and locked it behind another inner opening. He panicked as the dog continued to yap. River jumped up onto a ledge along a stretch of wall.
One of the twolegs approached him, purring gently, but River backed away. “They must think I’m mouse-brain”. Perhaps the twolegs would take the dog away once they saw how unhappy he was. He slept on the ledge, his heart nearly stopped when he saw the moving below him the next morning. “I’m safe up here” he told himself”.
But the twoleg den isn’t safe anymore. Would he ever find somewhere safe?. “Just focus on getting back to river”. But how could he escape?, the twolegs kept the openings shut. But they open them to leave!. If he waited and timed it right, he’d be able to sprint past the twolegs. But it was so comfortable here! And so cold outside. The dog started yapping again. The twoleg kit stroked it trustingly. “Does it really think it won’t bite?”.
River Ripple’s stomach grumbled, he could scent the nuggets on the opposite side of the den, and wished the twoleg would bring him some. Throughout the morning he’d watch the twolegs, waiting to escape. At last he saw the kits putting on colorful pelts, meaning they were headed out to play. He quickly got to his paws. He waited as the twolegs padded over and began to pull the opening open. He hit the floor and sprinted from the den, not stopping as the dog scrabbled from its nest, on his tail.
River Ripple hared across the lawn, his legs weak from lack of use. The fence looked huge, he hadn’t jumped over anything higher than a den ledge in moons. He had to escape. He veered over to the shiny twoleg kit thing they played with. Leaped on the lowest bar, and scrambled up the frame, fighting to keep his balance. Once at the top, he focused on the fence several tail-lengths away. “Find stillness before you move. It will give you strength” Arc’s words echoed in his mind. He blocked out the yelping below him and leaped. His heart seemed to stop as he soared through the air. He hit the fence with a clatter, grasping the top and found his balance. He looked back at the twolegs. The adult had wrapped its paws around the kits, and River Ripple thought he saw sadness in their eye. “I’m sorry” he told them silently. “Thanks for being kind for so long and getting me through the worst of the weather. River Ripple for the first time wondered if he would have survived the cold alone, and felt gratitude towards the twolegs. He blinked at them, then jumped down from the fence. He’d return to river. He longed for its chatter, and to see Night and Mist once more.
Wait, are you typing up the entire chapter word-for-word? If so, you don't have to do that (especially since the book hasn't officially come out yet). Just a basic overview of the chapters is fine, like what's been done for other spoiler threads in the past. It seems like it'd be more convenient too.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 20, 2023 21:54:41 GMT -5
Riverstar trying life as a kittypet and longing for the river, instead of the park. Especially since he was still so insistent about going back to the park before the Twolegs got him into their house. I wonder where Hawk went.
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Post by Mistybreeze on Aug 20, 2023 23:16:42 GMT -5
Sphinxwhisker you can't type up the chapters word for word. It will get the forums in legal trouble with the publishers. The most you can do is type up a specific scene or two if people really want to see it. You don't even have to type up paragraph summaries either, just tell us briefly what happens in each chapter. Bullet points are good enough.
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 20, 2023 23:17:40 GMT -5
Sphinxwhisker you can't type up the chapters word for word. It will get the forums in legal trouble with the publishers. The most you can do is type up a specific scene or two if people really want to see it. You don't even have to type up paragraph summaries either, just tell us briefly what happens in each chapter. Bullet points are good enough. Noted
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Post by کیوان on Aug 20, 2023 23:34:31 GMT -5
No comic? Now they have to make it good lest the hype falls flat.
Interesting to see River Ripple decide that the river truly calls to him. Curious if Night had a bad experience with Twolegs…
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 20, 2023 23:36:00 GMT -5
Chapter 5.
River Ripple breathed deep drafts of air as he crossed the meadow. Scents of grass and trees and earth filled him with energy. He wanted to run back to his den, but he wears out of breath from walking. He’d need to get fit again to make it back to the park.
He stopped on a rise that sloped down to the riverbed. In the distance he could hear the chatter of the river. A shadow moved on the slope below. Night!. You’re back she quipped.
River shifted self-consciously. Night narrows her eyes and stares she smells twoleg on him. He replies he got trapped. Night states she wanted him. River insists they were kind. She asks why did he escape then. He explains he missed the river. Night than stated he missed the river icing over, and then asks if the cold is what kept him. He insists he was trapped, but than concedes that they brought a dog into den, and that he stayed because it was warm, but he began to feel lonely
Night’s eyes rounded with sympathy, and she replies she’s glad he’s back. As they cross the marsh, she reveals two carp hidden in the grass, and asks if he’s hungry. River’s mouth waters in hunger, but hesitates as he inquires if one’s for Mist. Night insist’s he can find his own.
River took a bite, and savored the silkiness of the flesh. As he chewed the final mouthful, he gazed at the river. Night was still eating, eyes closed in pleasure. She’d been thrilled to see him. River felt a twinge of unhappiness. Arc and his parkmates would have been happy to see him too. He missed them all terribly. Guilt jabbed his belly, he’d promised to save flutter from the twolegs. They should have been welcoming their own kits by now, a litter they could love and protect together. Instead he was here away from Flutter and the park, and was beginning to wonder if he’d ever see her again.
“You look sad “Night breaks his thoughts. He explains he was thinking about Flutter, and asks if she ever gets lonely or longs for a mate.
Her eyes darken with sadness. She explains after losing her previous mate and kits that she won’t risk that kind of hurt again, and that she’s fine with Mist and the occasional friend. River wonders what would happen if he found Arc and his parkmates. Would they be fine without him?, would Flutter have another mate? Would there be nothing but disappointment awaiting me?.
The days that followed, the thought nagged him. Why not stay? He liked the river. He knew Night and Mist would always keep their distance, but they were kind, and he’d made a den. Yet an ache remained. Should I stay or go?. He stopped and gazed downstream. He’d meditated that morning, but perhaps meditating again might ease the ache. He let his shoulders loosen and listened to the sounds of the forest. In that still place if calm, he noticed Flutter. She looked at him with love. He wanted to touch her, but was frightened of shattering the image. She blinked a long, slow, wistful blink. There was sadness in the look. And he suddenly understood. She was saying goodbye and to embrace his new life. His thoughts sharpened, he’d let life lead him forward.
A scent touched his nose, Pigeon!. He jerked his muzzle towards it, stiffening as he saw five cats around the dead bird. “Thought we were showing Turtle Tail how to catch lazy pigeons” mewed a brown cat. “Certainly learned something” mewed the tortoiseshell “hunting never looked so much fun”. “Remember there’s tensions” warned a gray tom.
What tensions?” He surprised himself by questioning out loud. “Who’s that?” A brown she-cat stared at him. “And who likes sitting in water?”.
He greets them, and tells them his name. The gray tom questions if he’s a rogue. River Ripple looks surprised and says he doesn’t like giving himself labels, and lives by the river. The Gray tom introduces himself as Gray Wing, and his companions Turtle tail, Rainswept flower, Gorse and Wind. River Ripple tries to remember their names, and comments the pigeon looks tasty. Gray wing sparks with amusement, and pushes it towards him. He thanks him and takes a bite. Turtle comments she’s never seen a cat eat so delicately.
River comments he’s full of surprises, and leaves while they still seem impressed. He runs Into Night who remarks she’d thought he’d be more careful after Hawk. He quips she should have come and met them. She dismisses his proposal, and says when cats form groups, there’s always fighting. River insists that the park cats helped eachother. Night concedes that might be true, but is the first group she’s heard of that does. River insists they seem nice. But Night grunts they better not plan on staying, and he shouldn’t get attached to them. And ends their conversation pressing that he be careful. He promises, but privately ponders that he wishes to know more about them. As he misses the feeling of belonging, and meeting Gray wing and his companions reminds him of what he’s lost
chapter 6.
River Ripple was hungry due to the river running low. And there being only minnows left in the shallows. He’d seen trout and carp out deeper. But didn’t dare without being able to swim. And Night had been gone for over a moon, so there’d be no one to teach him. He’d glimpsed Mist twice since she’d left, and asked when she’d return. His only response being she Sometimes liked to be alone. He crossed the meadow hoping he’d bump into him later. Secretly wishing they’d stay around more now he was staying by the river.
His hope that Gray Wing and the others could be friends quickly faded. When he’d gone looking for them, he’d hear them arguing about territory and how it should be defended. It seemed to him they were rootless loners. “I don’t seem to fit anywhere”he pondered.
He scented a rabbit and dropped into a crouch, stalking towards it. He leaped forward and landed just behind it as the rabbit bucked wildly. He made pursuit, gaining on the rabbit. Exhilaration pulsing through him as he was about to make the catch. Fur flashed as a Light gray tom knocked him aside, pinning the rabbit down for the kill. “
That was Mine!” River surged with fury. The Tom snarled that it was his territory, and the prey was his. River insists he was chasing it, and thus made it his. The Tom sneers that he’d never have caught it at that speed, Then questions with contempt if he was Ripple, and that Gray wing warned him about a loner on his land. River interjects he’d just got there, and couldn’t be his land. The Tom growls it doesn’t matter when they arrived. River then inquired if he’s part of Gray Wing’s group. He replies that he’s his brother Clear Sky. River questions why they can’t share the prey, as there’s enough for every cat. Clear Sky snorts that only during warm times, but once the snows come and rogues move in, there will be shortages. Clear Sky then snarls he doesn’t need to explain himself to him, and only needs to know that other cats can’t hunt in his land. River Ripple insists it’d be better to share and help weaker cats. Clear Sky proclaims that strong cats don’t need help, and that weaker cats aren’t his problem. And that sharing lead them to starving where he came from.
River Ripple didn’t want to fight, and decides that would make as equally terrible as this fox-heart. He then asks if Clear Sky will share the rabbit if he teaches him to fish. Clear Sky derisively snorts why would he need to fish, and if he sees him again he’ll shred him. Unless he decidedly to join, but would have to learn to hunt properly first. The thought makes River Ripple shudder. He heads back across the meadow and tries to concentrate on hunting. He notices a carp nibbling among the reeds and catches. Voicing silent thanks to the river. He wonders if joining Clear Sky’s group would be as bad as he fears. His pelt prickles as he again hopes that Mist and Night return.
He’s awoken the next morning as Night comes rustling through the reeds. She offers a cheerful greeting, River purrs and asks where she’s been. She responds she’s been traveling, and needed time alone, as it’s the season she lost her mate and kits. River murmurs his sympathies, and asks if she’s seen Mist. She replies she hasn’t yet, that he’s likely headed upstream because of the low river. River grumbles that acknowledgment that the fishing has been bad in the shallows. Night than voices that she should have taught him to swim before leaving, and volunteers to teach him, except she’s noticed strange scents. River explains it’s the mountain cats and recounts his encounter. Night reminds him she warned not to trust them, and River agrees and explains that there’s 2 groups, and they’re caught in the middle of the tensions. River then suggests they could become a group of their own. Night disagrees insisting she’s a loner. River insists them hunting together more regularly would allow them to exchange news on what the mountain cats are doing. Night concedes she’ll try it, but makes no promises
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 20, 2023 23:47:44 GMT -5
So it's nice to know Mist is still alive at this point. I'm still wondering what happened to him, though. On that note, it looks like River Ripple was trapped in the Twoleg den throughout the same leaf-bare that Turtle Tail was a kittypet for. It should be newleaf now, as I think that was when Riverstar first met Gray Wing. Which means it won't be long until the fire scene. Also, his first meeting with Clear Sky goes just as you'd expect it would have.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 20, 2023 23:55:23 GMT -5
Ah, the Early Settlers are here! Also, Sphinxwhisker you might want to consider not including any dialogue either. It still looks like you're copying the book word-for-word, what with the tense switching and all. Like Misty said, short paragraphs or even simple bullet points work just as well.
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 21, 2023 0:08:35 GMT -5
Thanks for all the suggestions, they have been noted. That will be all for tonight. I’ll get around to posting more sometime tomorrow evening after work. After I’ve read more. Night all.
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Heterosexual
#64c1a0
Name Colour
𝙵𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙
𝙼𝚘𝚘𝚛 𝚁𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚛.
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Post by 𝙵𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 on Aug 21, 2023 17:49:34 GMT -5
Hope you enjoy the book!
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Asexual
#E0C6FF
Name Colour
Slightdapple
✨your local book nerd ✨
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Post by Slightdapple on Aug 21, 2023 17:50:36 GMT -5
Amazing art. No comic? Aw man. At least it seems good so far.
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Post by کیوان on Aug 21, 2023 22:07:41 GMT -5
I’m always appreciative of these threads, though I still plan to get my hands on the book at some point so I can actually see the writing style and pick out any baller quotes, because that’s the joy of reading these books for me, personally.
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 22, 2023 0:44:33 GMT -5
Chapter 7.
Night insisted that River Ripple was safe as he stood in the river. He didn’t feel ready to learn to swim. Night retorted he never would and to just do it. And it was dangerous to live next to a river being unable to swim. he padded further out as Night went through various swimming techniques. He closed his eyes and fixed on the sensation of running water through his fur. Night cheered his progress, and River felt pride fill his chest as he pushed through the water.
Alarm filled him as the current started to drag him downstream, he yelped for help. He struggled to stay at the surface, fearing he’d drown. He suddenly felt Night pushing him up from underneath, and he relaxed as she steered him towards the shallows. He continued practicing the rest of the morning, elated he could now swim: Night warned him to not swim without her until he was stronger.
He decided he should teach her to meditate in exchange for her teaching him to swim. After explaining the basics they both sat, letting their thoughts wander. River saw a red-speckled butterfly that reminded him of Flutter, as it seemed to connect to her. Night excited she enjoyed the meditation and saw the same butterfly. River wondered if it was a sign.
Nights Belly growled. River figured they should hunt. They quickly found a rabbit and chased it down. A voice shouted out that the prey was there’s. River jerked around and spotted a scrawny Yellow Tom. River and Night exchanged glances as the Tom threatened them if they didn’t give up the rabbit. River persuaded he could just join them. The Tom stared in disbelief. Night encouraged him to take a bite, but not more than his share.
They later found out the tom’s name was whistle, one of many liners that passed through their camp over the following moon. Some would stay, others would wander. Night politely kept her distance. River hoped she’d become more trusting of other cats.
One evening as they drowsed, a cat named Croak approached River ripple. She relayed she had decided to build a den in the hollow. River rested in his paws, pleased his group was coming together. Night commented he seemed happy. He murmured agreement, and then inquired if she was. She confirmed as long as they didn’t crowd her. For the first time since he left the park, he felt he belonged.
chapter 8.
River Ripple made sure his group was in position as they peered over a ditch. Hoping to lure a weasel from its burrow. River had been impressed by his rivermates vast repertoire of skills. He waited beside Whistle, wrinkling his nose at the weasels stench, as it crept towards the minnow. The weasel’s eyes filled with horror as River lunged at it, chasing it into Whistle’s paws, who swiftly killed it. River purred approval at Whistle’s strategy.
They returned to the hollow, and River went over to talk to Night. And regaled her of his hunting parties exploits, and that having more cats with different skills improved their diet, and to imagine if they had more. Night disagreed, insisting they had enough. River grew frustrated, again wishing she’d be more trusting.
He left the thicket, and headed towards the Forest border. He saw a cat he assumed was one of Clear Sky’s group. He turned towards the shore wondering if an alder copse would make a good camp. He was interrupted by a rustling and soft voice behind some ferns. A Queen poked out, startled by his presence. He politely introduced himself. She stammered apologies for trespassing. He assured she was welcomed.
The queen appeared surprised. River heard mewling behind her, he assumed were from her kits. A ginger scampered forward from the ferns requesting who he was. He answered, before turning to the mother asking her name. The Queen mewed Cleo. He proceeded to ask why she was by the river. She explained she’d left her twolegs to avoid them giving her kits away. River Ripple felt admiration. He asked if she could hunt. She abashedly replied she couldn’t, but needed to assure her kits were safe.
River asks if she’d like to come to the clearing, and that there’s plenty of food for her. She appreciatively obliges. Once back at the hollow, the others questioned where he’d found her and her kit’s. River tells them by the river. Cleo recalls that River offered her a place to stay, and hopes that will be fine. Everyone confirms there’s no issue. Except Night, who demands what good could a kittypet be. River insists they’ll learn. Night doesn’t seem convinced.
Cleo did in fact become quite good at hunting over a few days, and even Night starts warming up to her. One day while Night is teaching Cleo to fish, they’re attacked by a large tom who shoved Night into the river, slashing her flank. Cleo jumps in front yelling that the Tom leave Night alone. The Tom stares confused, thinking Night was trying to drown her. Cleo corrects him that she was teaching her to fish. River sidles up beside them as Cleo continues to scold the tom, who’s revealed to be named Casper, Cleo’s mate.
River berates Casper for hurting Night. Who proclaims he was merely defending his mate, and made a mistake. Later Cleo inquires why Casper has come, and he informs her that their twolegs have left, and kinder ones have moved in that won’t take her kits away. The kits purr loudly, thinking their father has come to live with them. River feels pity now realizing how much the kits must of missed their father.
River asks Cleo if she’ll return with him. She reveals she was hoping he’d stay, while trying to persuade him. Casper is unconvinced, and proclaims he’ll be returning, and hopes she will too, but is her choice if she decides not too. Cleo concedes she must go with him, to the kits disappointment. Casper reassures they’ll visit. River asks them to join in their meal, to give them chance to say goodbye to everyone.
In the following days, Night’s injury had developed infection. River inquired if Croak knew how to cure her, she declared no and that they should get help. After a brief conference, they decided that the mountain cats might be able to help, and that River ripple would be the one to ask. He concluded Clear Sky’s group wouldn’t help, but Gray Wing’s might. As he neared he heard a voice call out “Dappled pelt”. A cat was asking the aforementioned about dock leaves and feverfew. River revealed himself and assured he wasn’t there to cause trouble, and needed help. Dappled pelt implored with a black she-cat if she could go help, who nodded agreement.
On their way back to the hollow, Dappled pelt questions if they have Borage growing near camp. River confesses he doesn’t know what it looks like. Once they reach the camp, Dappled pelt recites a list of herbs she’ll need. Hollow, Woodlouse and Silver assure they know where to find them, and head out.
The next morning, Night’s fever has dropped. River gives thanks to Dappled pelt. Who replies she’s glad to have helped, but must return to her group now. River feels a pang of disappointment, but admires her loyalty. And says she’s allowed to visit whenever she likes. After she’s left he decides to check on Night. He finds her awake. She reveals she heard him asking Dappled pelt to stay. River insists she’d be an asset. But Night refutes more cats would mean more trouble, and that they should keep to themselves. River decides not to argue, but is determined to prove to her other cats can be good.
Chapter 9. Mist waded into the water, asking if River was going to follow. He assured soon, as he wished to meditate first, since he hadn’t had a chance yet. He traveled upstream to the stepping stones, the forest strangely quiet. His thoughts swept away as he meditated. The river seemed to listen, and he wished to ask for its advice, and if he should accept Night’s decision to keep the group as is.
Mist calling his name cut through his thoughts. River’s eyes stung with smoke as he opened them. The woods were on fire!. Mist exclaimed they needed to warn the others, and River bounded after him. “Tall Shadow” a voice yelled. River yowled there was someone in the forest, and for Mist to warn the others while he investigated. River bounded back through the forest, until he eventually spotted Gray Wing trapped in a clearing with other cats.
Thunder looked in his direction. River Ripple wondered if he’d seen the river and decided to yowl out to alert him. Thunder looked his direction as he mentally urged him to jump. A black she-cat urged Thunder not to, but Thunder ignored them, and called them to follow as he jumped over the river.
He’s brave thought River before yelling to the others to jump. Eventually only Gray Wing, and Tall Shadow remained in the opposite side with another limply between their shoulders. Tall Shadow yowled that Moon shadow wouldn’t be able to make it. Thunder urged Gray Wing to jump, and that he and Jackdaw’s cry would cross to help Tall Shadow. Gray Wing lowered, then leaped across, getting lost in the smoke.
River fretted “had he jumped high enough?”. River then saw Gray Wing coughing on the shore. Fire burning his tail. Thunder ran forward and put out the flames with his paws. Jackdaw’s cry excitedly announced he had an idea to Thunder, and needed his help, and to follow. They both then splashed through the river, before running through the flames. Jackdaw called for Tall Shadow to get over the river, and he and Thunder would rescue Moon Shadow. Tall Shadow reluctantly obliged. and was soon followed by Thunder, and Jackdaw with Moon Shadow. River noticed burning embers in Moon’s pelt, and quickly doused them out.
Thunder yelled triumphantly, then looked to inspect Gray Wing. He insisted he was fine, and there was no need to fuss. They were about to leave when Gray Wing announced he couldn’t without finding Clear Sky first. River explained they needed to get to safety before they could find Clear Sky. After they’d made a safe distance from the fire, Tall Shadow voiced her thanks to River for saving them. Gray Wing and Thunder start to yell Clear Sky’s name over the river, which is answered by a yell further downriver. Gray Wing splutters its Clear Sky.
River runs along the bank, until he spots Clear Sky’s group on the opposite bank. Gray Wing informs he must swim across. Once they’ve all made it across, Dappled pelt and Thunder rush to help them out of the river. River wonders if losing his home will make Clear Sky more aggressive. Dappled pelt inquires on how Croak and hollow are doing. River informs they’ve left. Dappled pelt looks disappointed believing they were happy. River assures they were, but are loners at heart. Tall shadow breaks the silence with asking River if he’d like to join them. He contemplates the notion before answering he’s a rouge, and sleeps with no other cats. With that he heads towards the thicket, thinking he’ll find more, less territorial cats with his beliefs to build a group with.
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Post by Sphinxwhisker on Aug 22, 2023 0:47:38 GMT -5
Chapter 10.
River tasted the air, looking up as a fat pigeon flapped above him. Night warns him it’s too risky, and the burnt branches won’t bear his weight. River Ripple had relished hunting in the forest since the fire. As the fire soured the river. So they took the opportunity of the plentiful land prey. He and Night spotted a squirrel scouring the leaf litter. It was an easy kill. Hollow congratulated them on their teamwork. As they headed back they ran into 2 of Clear Sky’s cats.
River offered a greeting. A gray tom demanded as to why they were on Clear Sky’s territory, and the squirrel was their prey. River Ripple claims it’s there’s as they caught it. The Tom snarling on their land. Clear Sky had become more territorial like River had feared. River then concedes they’ll return home, with the squirrel.
The she-cat demands they drop the squirrel. River asserts they’ll leave, but without the squirrel. As they head home, River was aware of the 2 cats following them. River tells his companions to not look back. Hollow then reminds them they need to retrieve the rest of their catch. Night interjecting they shouldn’t provoke Clear Sky, or start a fight. Once they return. River declares he’s going to visit the moor cats. Nights unsure that’s safe, but River assures he’ll take the squirrel as a peace offering.
When he reaches the camp, he bows his head, hoping to seem respectful. But no one spoke., yet Dappled Pelt looked pleased to see him. River asks if Tall Shadow is there. Dappled informs that she’s mourning Moon Shadow’s death. River then presents the Squirrel, stating he brought it for her. Dappled pelt tells him she isn’t eating, but the other will enjoy it.
Dappled pelt announces their arrival at Tall Shadow’s den and that River wishes to speak with her. Once inside River offers his sympathies for her lose, to which she doesn’t reply. River presses that it seems a waste to los hope, after how far she’s come. Tall Shadow replies she thought they’d find a safe home, but it’s the same as the mountains. River comforts that it won’t always be.
Tall Shadow dejectedly monologues that with every lose, life seems less worth fighting for. River disputes that Moon Shadow wouldn’t want her to give up. But Tall Shadow doesn’t listen, instead laments she’ll never see him again. River then ventures she might be able to connect to him through meditation. She looks confused. River explains meditating allows thoughts to flow freely, and makes worries seem trivial, and helps connect oneself to what’s most precious, maybe even Moon Shadow.
Later that evening. Hollow decided they should return to Clear Sky’s territory and retrieve their catch. River fails to persuade him otherwise, and decides he and Night will accompany him. Once they’ve reached the hidden cache. They discover Clear Sky’s cats have taken it. Hollow hisses in anger, before barging into the forest, yelling he won’t go home empty-pawed. Night hisses for him to come back, but is ignored. Night and River frowned before padding after him.
River Ripple sniffed, then stiffened at the smell of mountain cat. He spotted Thunder starring at him from behind a tree. He started to explain why they were there, but then Thunder ducked away through the bracken. River worried he was going to fetch help. River began to lurk forward, when he heard a hiss. Night darts from some ferns and informs that Hollow is tracking a tom. Once Night has given him directions, he speeds after him.
River finds Hollow snarling, advancing towards Thunder on a branch. Hollow flung himself at Thunder, almost overbalancing him. Thunder sunk his teeth into Hollow’s scruff. Hollow raked thunder’s flank, which sent them both barreling to the ground. River was about to intervene, when Night intercepted him and reasoned they fight it out themselves. Thunder pins Hollow to the ground, and turns towards Night and River to speak. But Clear Sky crashed through the foliage, snarling for them to leave, before barreling into Hollow, whom Thunder has released. Clear Sky growls menacingly before letting him go. Hollow flees the scene and River hisses for Night to follow.
Once alone, River faces Clear Sky, bristling. He retorts that Clear Sky can’t keep ordering cats around. Clear Sky insists he can do what he pleases. River glances at Thunder, who appears about to speak, before Clear Sky viciously cuts him off. River nods encouragingly insisting he’s interested in what he has to say. Clear Sky interjects it’s not his business, and that Thunder has no opinions. River can’t believe why Thunder would put up with his arrogance. River angrily turns away, pulsing with rage at Clear Sky’s arrogance. His dream of having a group seeming impossible. He mused he needed a break, and would live as a loner, hoping the river will tell him his next move.
Chapter 11. River Ripple settles down to sleep. Listening to the river lap the shore. It usually offered comfort, but not that night. Loneliness nags him as he hopes he’d have a group by then. Especially after finding a good location. He’d been pleased when some of his rivermates returned had made fens there. But they eventually began to wander. Night was there, recently having moved there to escape the quarrel’s of Clear Sky’s group. He worried her and Mist would eventually leave as well as he fell into a disturbed sleep.
He was in the forest, and could see creatures in the shadows. He willed them to go away. He shook in relief after escaping the dream. Alarm sparked in him as he saw pale figures in the darkness. He tried running but got snagged on a root, the figures loomed closer. They appeared to be cats. He shrieked, then clumsily awoke in his nest. Night’s snoring reassured him.
Then he froze, noticing mist coming through the reeds. He panicked as Ghostly cats glimmered in front of him. He cried out to them, demanding what they wanted. But they simply drifted away. He felt compelled to follow them, like an unspoken call. He tracked them up a slope. yowling came from below. He follows the figures until the ferns ended. And noticed between the four great oaks, the mountain cats fighting. River Ripple stared, shocked by the tang of blood. He recognized Hawk swoop laying limp among the fighting.
River Ripple could believe their viciousness. He wanted to run back to the island. But remained rooted with fascination. His gaze shifted to Clear Sky, who hissed at Rainswept flower. Rainswept flower accused he keep stealing land, making him outraged.
River glared at the ghostly cats and demanded they stopped them, and insists he’ll intervene if they won’t. They insist he must live as he’s the only one that can reach them. River is puzzled to how. He flinched as more shrieks are heard. Dread fills him as he notices Rainswept flower’s unmoving body. Clear Sky stands over Gray wing demanding he give in, who refuses.
River recoils as it appears Clear Sky is ready to slaughter Gray Wing. Clear Sky insists he only wants everyone safe. To which River can’t believe his ears. He closes his eyes, then opens them to Clear Sky’s yell to “Stop”.
Will probably get another 3-4 chapters up tomorrow. Depending when I get off work. Night and enjoy
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Post by کیوان on Aug 22, 2023 9:25:39 GMT -5
Oh, wow. Looks like River Ripple witnessed Gray Wing’s “tell the stars that you’ve won” quote. Also interesting to see his getting frustrated once he’s out of sight. It adds another layer to him.
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Post by The One and Only Moongaze on Aug 22, 2023 12:50:47 GMT -5
I'm not really a fan of Super editions that just give another cats pov on events we have seen already.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2023 13:01:08 GMT -5
I'm not really a fan of Super editions that just give another cats pov on events we have seen already. Agreed. But they're easier to write, I guess :/ I think it sounds a little more interesting than Leopardstar's Honor and Onestar's Confession so far, though. But I guess that might not be saying much because I don't like Leopardstar in general and Onestar's SE is near the bottom of my warriors book list period. And thank you for the summaries, Sphinxwhisker. I'm hoping to see the events go beyond things we've already seen. I hope the book includes River getting his lives.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 22, 2023 13:46:51 GMT -5
River Ripple is finally learning how to swim. Also, a bunch of random cats. First we have a yellow tom named Whistle, next a she-cat named Croak. Then we have Cleo, Casper and their kits. They did not stay in the end and went back to Twolegplace. I'm glad Dappled Pelt was able to help Night. And we all know how the fire scene went.
So it seems the cat who attacked Thunder in Thunder Rising was named Hollow. On TV Tropes, this cat is Night's brother. Well that is getting edited. Lol! Then we skip him helping to find Turtle Tail's kits and straight onto the battle. Mist is still around at this point.
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Post by کیوان on Aug 22, 2023 13:49:31 GMT -5
I feel they gotta at least give River some interactions with what’s left of the Park cats; otherwise, if Park cats show up in ASC and we have no idea how they were restored, it’s gonna feel awkward.
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