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Post by Firehaze on Aug 12, 2016 18:39:26 GMT -5
![]() ยป Prologue ยป White flakes fell from the sky in a haze, making it hard to see further than a few feet in front of your nose. Granite boulders rose up on every side of a thin stone path that wove its way through the sparse, gray mountain landscape. The large boulders kept the path mostly clear of the thickly falling snow, but tall drifts gathered in some places. The stillness of the bleak landscape was interrupted by a sleek black figure that wove his way through the snow drifts and the boulders. his dark pelt standing out against the snow when he passed by a mound of powdery white - and blending into the dark of the granite stones. In his wake, spatters of red marked the path he traveled. As he carefully padded down the worn stone path he came across a small, gnarled tree that clung to a large boulder that half obscured a cave opening. Its branches were heavy with snow and the black tom slipped through the cave opening right before a mound of snow slid off a branch and fell to the ground with a muted thud. โNightvine,โ a soft voice came from within the darkness of the cave and the tom waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting as a golden tabby she-cat with bright blue eyes padded up to him, a look of worry clouding her pretty features. โItโs Streamstar, itโs time.โ
A jolt went through Nightvine at the mention of his sisterโs name, and the black tom felt his heart drop as he padded deeper into the cave. With his vision getting better the further he went into the cave, the more destruction he saw. Few cats moved about, and they were like ghosts in the darkness as they carefully moved still, lifeless bodies to the cave walls. Blood stained the cool, smooth granite floor and the black tom had to tear his eyes away from the small pools that had formed where bodies had lain for long periods of time. When he reached the back of the cave he came to a small waterfall that tumbled from somewhere high near the cave ceiling and into a small pool. Behind the small ribbon of falling water was a small opening and he pushed his way inside. โStreamstar,โ he mewed softly as he entered, dipping his head respectfully to a form that was curled up near the back of the small chamber. โOh enough with the formalities,โ a soft voice rasped and green eyes gleamed in the darkness. Streamstar tried to push herself into a sitting position but her legs collapsed under her and she fell back to her nest. Nightvine leaped forward and carefully looked his kin over. Her once sleek and agile body looked frail and fragile now, a gaping wound on her chest sapping out what was left of her strength. โDid you find them?โ Streamstar mewed, her green eyes still sharp as she looked up at the black pelted tom. โYes,โ Nightvine mewed, hanging his head. โThey took Blackhawk and Shadesky, there wasnโt anything I could do to stop them.โ
Streamstar nodded solemnly. โThe mountain is no longer safe,โ she mewed quietly. โOnce leaf-bare passes, you must take everyone who is left away from here.โ
Nightvine blinked, taken aback by his sisterโs proclamation. โBut this is our home, we canโt just abandon it!โ He felt his pelt bristle and his long black tail whipped back and forth. โWe will think of something, I can take Smokeleaf, Jaggedwind, and Newtpaw and we can scout their camp and think of something-โ
โThey were all lost in the raid today,โ Streamstar mewed softly, watching as Nightvineโs face fell. He hadnโt looked to see who had been lost when he returned from trying to follow the rogues responsible for terrorizing his Clan. โWho is left?โ Nightvine finally asked after a few moments of silence. โNot enough,โ Streamstar said softly as she let out a heavy, labored sigh. โHoneysky received a prophecy the last half moon before Volor destroyed the entrance to the Star Cave. Iโm not sure what it means, but use it to guide you.โ
Nightvine nodded and leaned in close, his heart in his throat as Streamstarโs breathing became more labored and she struggled to keep her eyes open and her voice steady. โSanctuary lies where the Lark flies free and the Aspen stands strong, here a broken Clan will become great once more.โ
โThat makes no sense,โ Nightvine hissed, his stomach twisting in anguish as he tried to decipher the meaning behind StarClanโs words. โThere are no aspen woods near here, a few aspen trees but none strong. Let alone any larks.โ
โItโs the only hope we have,โ Streamstar mewed, her voice softer now and fading fast. โYou must stay strong, Nightvine. Youโre the only hope left for BlizzardClan.โ Her last words were barely a whisper as her green eyes slid close and her flanks grew still, no longer rapidly rising and falling as she struggled to breathe. Nightvine hung his head and gently pushed his muzzle into Streamstarโs pelt and sighed, taking in her scent one last time before pulling back, his expression set in steely determination as he looked over his sister. โI promise Iโll get everyone to safety,โ he vowed quietly. โI wonโt lose another life, even if it costs me my own.โ
 ยป Chapter One
ยป โLark wake up!โ
A harsh tone woke the small dark brown she-cat from her fitful sleep and she carefully opened her green eyes to look at a large form looming over her. She scowled and curled up in a tighter ball in her nest, ignoring the large tom that loomed in the entrance of the den.
โLark, itโs your turn for Pass Patrol,โ the booming voice returned and the petite she-cat growled in irritation.
โSend Thistle to do it,โ she muttered groggily, letting as much bitterness seep into her voice as she could. She heard a rustle and sighed, hoping the tom was gone and nestled into her nest, eager to get a few more moments of sleep when a weight suddenly bowled into her, knocking the air out of her lungs. She leaped to her paws, pelt bristling as her eyes scanned her meager den. She had made her den in an old fox hole under some gnarled roots. It was large and spacious with just her in it, though there used to be many that slept in this den with her. Now it was just her, and the little intruder who beamed at her feet.
โAspen said Iโm on Pass Patrol with you today!โ an overly cheery voice escaped the light, golden colored she-cat as her brown speckled pelt fluffed up in excitement. She looked up at Lark with large, round blue eyes that were full of excitement.
โOh did he now?โ Lark grumbled as she stretched out her limbs. She may be small, but for her size she had long legs and a rather long tail, making her quick and agile and close to the ground. Out of her little family group, she was the best hunter. Her dark brown, almost black looking pelt with slightly darker tabby markings helped her to blend into the shadows around her. Though, when it snowed she had some difficulty but she managed to still be the main provider during the hard leaf-bare months.
โPine got to go on the last one, and Thistle went on the first one of the season, itโs my turn now!โ The young she-cat jutted her chin up in the air and Lark rolled her eyes.
โFine, you can come Spring,โ the older she-cat mewed with a heavy sigh. โBut, on the way back you have to practice your hunting.โ
The young she-cat groaned. Though she was kind hearted and bubbly, she was much better skilled at battling than hunting and she detested the older she-catโs lessons. Lark huffed and padded past the sulking young she-cat and out of her den into a spacious clearing surrounded by closely growing together trees. A poorly knit together thorn screen surrounded the clearing, offering at least a small defense against the outside. There were small gaps here and there and Lark exhaled with a small huff, making a mental note to have the younger cats take care of some of the larger gaps soon.
As she looked around the clearing she spotted the other two young cats that were under her and Aspenโs care, Thistle and Springโs brother, Pine. The toms were finishing up the last of her catch yesterday, and she could hear Thistle grumbling about how stale his mouse was. The older she-cat glared at the rust colored tom, flicking her tail irritably. Aspen was looming in the shadow of one large root that made an arc through the air and then buried itself back underground. A small pile of boulders lay to one side of the arc and on the other, Aspenโs den was just beyond a small gap mostly hidden by other roots. When they were younger, and more cats roamed through the clearing their father would stand atop the Root Arc and address everyone with announcements, greeting newcomers that were taking shelter with the residence of the clearing or saying farewell to those that were leaving.
Lark felt a pang in her chest and she quickly shook off the memories. That was before, when visitors were almost always friendly and grateful for the help. Now, most visitors that came through were less than gracious. For whatever reason, Aspen insisted on continuing Pass Patrols. Where one of them usually went out with one or two of the young ones and went along the eastern most border of the forest, looking for any travelers along the way and offering assistance. The petite she-cat was sure he was hoping that at some point, someone will choose to stay and continue the work of the Guardians of the Pass. The name made Lark shake her head, slightly amused. She didnโt know where the name originated from, or how her family came to be called that, but long ago the first group of cats who had settled in this forest and helped traveling rogues and loners across the mountains that loomed above them had become known as the Guardians of the Pass and the name never went away.
โDo you think we will find anyone today?โ Spring asked, pulling the dark brown she-cat out of her thoughts as she wiggled her way through a gap in the thorn wall that served as the entrance to the clearing. On the outside, it was obscured by thick ferns that collected at the base of a stump, and could easily be looked over if you didnโt know what you were looking for.
โI donโt think so,โ Lark said flatly as the speckled she-cat followed her. โIf we havenโt seen anyone yet, I donโt think anyone traveled across the mountain this season.โ
Spring looked disappointed for a moment before her smile returned. โWhile we walk will you tell me the story?โ she asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
Lark rolled her eyes and gave an amused snort. โFine,โ she mewed. โBut only if you promise to catch at least three things to bring home for everyone when we finish the patrol.โ
โDeal!โ Spring squealed with a happy little bounce.
Lark chuckled softly before clearing her throat. โIt was a day like any other in green-leaf, the sun was shining and the birds were singing, it was the perfect sort of day. The perfect day to do a Pass Patrol, and your mother volunteered both of us to go even though I was far more content to stay in the clearing.โ
โYou always want to stay in the clearing Lark!โ Spring mewed with a small giggle.
โNot all the time!โ Lark protested. โSometimes I like to go out!โ She shook her head and playfully cuffed the younger she-cat over her ears. โNo more interrupting. Anyway, Brook was beside herself as usual, we had had many who came to stay in the new-leaf, and she was sure we would find someone. My sister was always the optimistic one, and the most trusting. She could get anyone to come back to the clearing with us and even got quite a few to stay when she was younger. Back then, the clearing was at capacity. We were always busy! Our mother always had hope that we would find someone, find our mates in the strapping young toms who stayed with us but you know me, no time for that and your motherโs heart never settled on anyone in particular. Though, let me tell you many hearts had their sights set on her. She was an excellent fighter, a fair hunter and very, very pretty.โ
As the story went on, Larkโs mind wandered. The story was one she told to the young ones many times over, of the day their mother, Brook, met their father. Sunny had been quite the encounter, bristling at the sight of them at first then melting as Brook calmed him with her words and convinced him to come to the clearing. Lark didnโt know what it had been about the sour tempered golden tom that had captured her sisterโs heart, but Sunny stayed and became a vital part of the group. He got along well with their brother, Aspen, and Lark tolerated him if only for her sisterโs sake. After their parentโs and many of the group passed, the four of them were left to guard the forest and help those through and over the pass. It was then that they began to experience less than friendly rogues, and in a scuffle they lost Sunny. Around the same time, Brook had discovered she was expecting. It had been a hard leaf-bare that season, and Brook never really recovered from the loss of her mate.
That new-leaf they found Thistle, his family gone from a fox attack, and Brook took him in as her own. A few moons later, she had her own kits. For a short while, everything was back to normal. That green-leaf they experienced no visitors, and it was just the three siblings and the young ones who they taught how to hunt and fight as soon as they were old enough. It wasnโt until the past leaf-bare Larkโs world turned upside down. Her sister became ill, and no matter what herbal remedy Lark could remember being taught by their mother, nothing seemed to help her. Before she knew it, Brook had slipped away, leaving just her and their brother Aspen to protect her kits and the forest.
โAre you alright Lark?โ Spring suddenly asked and the older she-cat blinked, looking down at the younger she-cat who looked at her with bright blue eyes, full of concern.
โIโm perfectly fine,โ Lark mewed as she gave her pelt a good shake. She glanced around and stifled a relieved sigh. They were nearly to the pass, they had one small rise to climb over and then they would reach the smoothed stone path that wound its way through the mountains and to the other side. She opened her mouth to scent the air, curious if there really were any travelers around. The scent she caught instead made her hair stand on end.
โSpring, climb a tree, now,โ she hissed, her green eyes darting around as she looked for the source of the stench.
โWhat? Why? There isnโt anything-โ The young she-cat was cut off as a russet pelt streaked out of the bushes and dived right for the golden she-cat. Lark snarled, barreling into Spring and nudging her towards a tree.
โClimb!โ She ordered, turning to face the fox and stand between it and her kin. The small she-cat fluffed up her pelt and lashed her tail, baring her teeth in a snarl. She heard the scraping of claws on bark and knew Spring was out of danger. She may be trained to fight but she was nowhere near ready to take on a fox, especially one as desperate looking as this on. It was thin, its pelt ragged and Lark was sure a rotten tooth or two was the reason for its rancid breath that wafted into her face.
She squared off against the fox but before she could even blink the beast had knocked her over. For a decrepit thing, it could still move.
Growling, Lark picked herself back up to her feet and darted forward, clawing at the foxโs sides best she could, but she barely got her claws through its pelt, let alone break the skin. She was the hunter of the family, not the fighter. She and Aspen had a system for foxes, her the distraction because she was quick and could easily dart out of reach and Aspen was the muscle, landing blow after blow until the beast retreated. Now with just her, she was struggling to come up with a good battle plan.
She turned to make another charge at the fox only to come face to face with a snapping muzzle. With a startled yelp she scrambled back, only to have the russet pelted creature pounce on her, hunger gleaming in its golden eyes as it seemed to grin triumphantly down at her. A sudden cry tore the beastโs focus away from the she-cat as Spring pelted towards them, her golden pelt on end and her face set in determination.
โSpring no!โ Lark yowled, struggling to free herself as the fox began to drool, no doubt imagining the feast it would have with the two she-cats. Lark felt her heart twist in her chest. What would Aspen think when they didnโt return? Would he even find anything left of them or just their bones? As she prepared herself for the worst, still fighting to break free of the foxโs grasp as it waited to pounce on Spring, a yowl broke out through the forest and everyone went still. Lark craned her neck to get a glimpse of the cause of the noise and she felt her heart leap to her throat.
Five cats prowled through the trees, each one bigger and more intimidating than the one next to it. Their pelts made them look double what they actually were in size, and were varied shades of grays and browns. Lark recognized them from stories she had heard from travelers, mountain cats with pelts like granite and larger than any forest dwelling cat. Lark had always thought Aspen had been large, like their father who was half mountain cat, but these cats put her assumptions to shame.
As if on some silent cue all five cats sprang forward, a twisting mass of growls and snarls as they wove through the trees and underbrush towards the fox. To its credit, the fox was smart enough to know this was a battle that it couldnโt win. With a defeated snarl, it turned tail. Three of the massive cats followed, their massive paws sounding like rolling thunder on the ground as they swept past Lark and Spring, who watched them in wonder.
โAre you alright, little one?โ a voice, thick with a heavy accent that made the words sound sweet as honey, drew Larkโs attention away from the retreating fox and she gazed up into the most dazzling pair of blue eyes she had ever seen. They were like the sky on a clear day with darker shades of sapphire speckled through them. When she realized she had been staring, and the stranger was still expecting an answer, she felt her pelt heat up and she sprang to her paws with a soft growl.
โWho are you calling little one?โ she spat, embarrassment fueling her anger. She stood as tall as she could, but this dark stranger easily made her look like a kit. His pelt was the blackest she had ever seen, as dark as a moonless night. His pelt wasnโt as thick as the others but the muscles that rippled under his fur made him look big enough. His tail flicked behind him, long fur brushing across the ground. He glanced between her and Spring, as if comparing them. She was barely bigger than her younger kin, and she was sure that the golden she-cat would soon outgrow her.
โIโm sorry,โ the black stranger mewed, a hint of annoyance in his voice. โI had only assumed that the two of you were close in age.โ
โListen here you,โ Lark growled. โI may be small but that doesnโt make me as incompetent as a yearling.โ
โFrom what I just saw, Iโd like to say otherwise,โ the black tom mewed, looking down at Lark with a spark of amusement in his mesmerizing blue eyes.
Larkโs eyes flew wide and she felt rage surge through her as she sputtered to say a sharp response.
โIโd say you owe us a heavy thank you,โ a dark brown she-cat growled as she came to stand beside the black tom. Her amber colored eyes glared down at Lark coldly, and Lark bristled at the she-cat. She had the same thick accent, and her pelt was thicker than that of the tomโs, but Lark could tell that without it she was still built rather muscularly.
โThank you,โ Lark muttered, turning to look at Spring and have her show some gratitude to the strangers, but in the blink of an eye the young she-cat had disappeared without her even realizing it. Panic tore through her and she spun around, her green eyes scanning the forest around her. โSpring?!โ she called, her heart racing, but before she had time to imagine every possible scenario, the young she-cat poked her head out of a clump of ferns nearby.
โLark!โ she mewed happily as she skipped out of the ferns, followed by four smaller looking cats who gazed at her in a mixture of awe and curiosity. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the black tom stiffen, and exchange a glance with the dark brown she-cat at his side.
โTheyโre really real mountain cats!โ Spring mewed excitedly as she bounced over to Lark, who looked her over frantically, checking for any wounds. โThey even have weird names and weird accents and they smell like the mountain!โ
โWeโre from BlizzardClan,โ the black tom mewed warmly to Spring and Lark whirled around to face him, narrowing her eyes.
He had regarded her so coldly, why now was he so nice to her niece?
โOr at least we were,โ he mewed, glancing at the cats around him. โOur Clan had been terrorized by a group of rogues who settled into the mountains about three green-leafs ago, led by a tom named Volor.โ
The name sent a jolt through Lark and she blinked in surprise. Years ago, a young tom by that name had come through the forest with just a few followers, saying he was going across the mountain for a fresh start in life. He had stayed through a whole new-leaf season, and it had been the closest thing to love Lark had ever come across. She had adored him, and had nearly left with him, but loyalty to her family and her home kept her in the forest. Could this strange tom really be talking about the same tom?
โHe had settled in the forest on the other side of the mountain, but Twolegs drove him and his group out. They moved to the mountains, thinking they could survive there,โ the black tom continued with his story and Lark was now listening intently. โAs his numbers grew so did his ambition, until he wanted to be the sole leader on the mountain. He gave BlizzardClan a choice, join or leave. We thought we could take him, but he fights like no one has before, without honor or mercy. He found his way to our camp and would send raiding parties to attack us in the dead of night or in the middle of storms. He attacked patrols and hunted in our territory, destroyed places where herbs grew and our sacred sites. This past leaf-bare we were finally forced to leave after the death of our leader, Streamstar. Weโre all that is left.โ He motioned to the cats now gathered around him, and to the three massive cats that were returning from chasing off the fox. โWeโve been forced to find a new home, and I will not rest until I find it for everyone.โ
โYou can stay with us!โ Spring suddenly blurted and Lark felt her fur stand on end and she glared at the younger she-cat.
โYou canโt just invite a bunch of dangerous strangers into our home!โ Lark snapped and Spring frowned.
โBut weโre the Guardians of the Pass, arenโt we supposed to invite everyone to stay with us?โ The young she-cat looked confused and Lark shook her head.
โGuardians of the Pass?โ the black tom echoed, looking between Lark and Spring, blinking in confusion. โWeโd always heard of the Guardians, but weโd always been raised to think that it was nothing but a blood thirsty group of rogues who guarded the forest. Ages ago a patrol went down the pass to investigate, but they never returned.โ
โSo thatโs where my father got it,โ Lark mewed, realization hitting her. โMy father was half mountain cat, but his parents were long gone when I was born, and my parents didnโt talk much about the few mountain cats who lived with the group before my time.โ
Spring giggled and looked up at the foreign cats. โDo you really think we could be blood thirsty rogues?โ
Lark rolled her eyes and sighed. โIโm Lark,โ she mewed, finally introducing herself properly. โThis is my niece, Spring. The rest of the group is back at our camp. If you do not pose a threat to us and only seek safe passage through the forest then I will be more than happy to guide you to our home and welcome you, and offer you shelter and any assistance that you need.โ The words fell off her tongue in a flat, monotone voice that came from saying them over and over and a rehearsed fashion to anyone and everyone they welcomed to their home. She looked up at the black tom and caught him studying her intently, his eyes narrowed and thoughtful.
โI am Nightvine,โ he mewed, his voice as he said his name sent a shiver down Larkโs spine and she did her best to conceal it. โThank you, for welcoming us into your home. We would be forever grateful for your help.โ
ยป Chapter Two
ยป Springโs excited chatter buzzed in Larkโs ears as she led everyone back towards the clearing she called home. The young she-cat was padding happily with two of the younger cats in the group, a gray tabby tom named Boulderpaw and a white and silver she-cat named Frostpaw. The she-cat was just as bubbly as Spring was, and they two were chattering happily as Frostpaw talked about Clan life and Spring explained what it was she and her family did as Guardians of the Pass.
โAspen is going to be thrilled,โ Lark muttered under her breath.
โWho?โ Nightvine mewed from where he padded beside Lark. Feeling small compared to her brother was nothing compared to how small she felt compared to the black tom. She was closer to him now, and she felt like a pebble sitting next to a mountain. Muscle rippled under his black pelt and Lark bristled.
โMy brother, his name is Aspen. Heโs the self-appointed leader of us all, though itโs not saying much since itโs just me and the young ones.โ Lark mewed flatly, glancing up at Nightvine who suddenly seemed lost in thought.
โIs he as welcoming as you are?โ the hulking dark brown she-cat, who Lark learned was called Hernoncry, sneered.
โThatโs enough of that,โ Nightvine snapped before Lark could bite back a retort to the sour tempered she-cat. She gave a soft growl and lashed her tail as she continued to march through the forest.
โDonโt mind her,โ a soft voice mewed to the petite she-catโs other side. She turned to look at a stone gray she-cat with an agile body hidden under her rather fluffy pelt. Lark opened her mouth but paused, unable to remember her name. โRaingaze,โ the gray she-cat mewed with a soft purr. โPay no mind to Heroncry. Iโd say sheโs bitter because of what has happened to us, but sheโs always foul tempered. We all tend to ignore her.โ She gave Lark a wink, her eyes as sky blue as Nightvineโs with darker speckles of sapphire and lighter flecks of storm-cloud gray.
โWeโve all been a little foul tempered,โ Lark caught the words mumbled under Nightvineโs breath and she cast him a side-long glance.
Raingaze scoffed and rolled her eyes. โWe have not, you and Heroncry have been the worst by far. The kits only get bad when they get hungry.โ
At the mention of the kits Lark glanced back at the little fluff balls, each being carried by a hulking tom. Acornkit, a rather sleek looking brown tabby she-kit, was being carried by a cream colored tom with black legs and a black face, who went by the name of Blackdust. Badgerspots, a white tom with black patches and mismatched eyes, carried a white and silver bundle named Stonekit. From Larkโs understanding, they were hardly over two moons old. Their mother hadnโt made it down the mountain, and their father had been lost in a raid before they were born. Her heart ached for them, and she remembered when they had found Thistle, all alone in the forest, his family gone.
โWeโre nearly there,โ Lark said softly as she glanced around their surroundings. Soon the stump surrounded by ferns that guarded the entrance to the clearing she called home came into view and she sent Spring in first to find Aspen and alert him to what was going on. She pushed her way through the thorn gap and sat just inside and watched as the Clan cats wiggled their way into the clearing, staying bunched together as they looked around almost nervously. Pine and Thistle had appeared, watching the newcomers with curious eyes. Thistle tried to hide his curiosity behind a look of boredom as he lounged on a root, and Pine let Spring herd him towards Boulderpaw and Frostpaw to be properly introduced. Aspen wasnโt far off from the young she-cat as he came striding over. His thicker pelt and large muscular build made him closer in size to the mountain cats, and Lark found herself wishing they had met him first and not herself.
โWelcome to the home of the bloodthirsty Guardians,โ she mewed softly to Nightvine with a small scoff and roll of her eyes. She still couldnโt believe the Clan in the mountains had thought her and her family to be some blood thirsty group, not letting anyone over the mountain or chasing them towards the perilous path. What had made the Clan cats stay in the forest all those seasons ago, Lark couldnโt say but she was proof as to why at least one cat stayed. Love could make anyone do anything really.
โWelcome,โ Aspen mewed, his deep voice rolling off him in a warm purr. He always liked visitors, someone to look over and something to do. โMy name is Aspen, Iโm in charge of this group here.โ
โYou like to think youโre in charge you mean,โ Lark mewed sharply as she rose to her feet and padded to stand beside her brother, looking at the Clan cats gathered before them. Her heart hammered in her chest as she studied them. If things went south, there was no winning a battle against the mountain cats.
โI am Nightvine,โ the black tom mewed and Larkโs eyes snapped to the large tom, his blue eyes already locked on her before sliding over to look at Aspen. โWhat you see here gathered before you is what is left of BlizzardClan. We used to reside high in the mountain, calling it our home. We have since been exiled by a group of rogues who took over our home, and now we seek sanctuary.โ He dipped his head low and respectively, making Aspen puff up a little and Lark rolled her eyes.
โYou are more than welcome to stay here,โ Aspen mewed with a small dip of his chin. โWe will supply you with everything you need, food, water, and herbs for any who are ill or injured. Lark here is a wonder with anything to do with healing.โ
Nightvine looked surprised and glanced at Lark, who scowled in return, not enjoying being under the black tomโs scrutinizing gaze. "Thank you,โ he mewed as he dipped his chin to Aspen. โWe are all very tired, and very sore. The kits have some cracked pads, as well as Raingaze, Blackdust, and myself. The rest are just tired.โ
Lark nodded and tilted her head slightly. โIf you would like to follow me, I can take you to a place where you can rest and I can take a look at your feet.โ
โThistle, why donโt you and Pine go collect some fresh moss to make nests? And bring some back from the stream so they all have something to drink.โ Aspen mewed to Thistle, who scowled but rose to his feet and began to pad towards the entrance.
โBoulderpaw and Frostpaw, why donโt you go with them?โ Nightvine mewed and Lark bristled, eyeing the black tom carefully. โIf we are going to stay here, we might as well earn our keep.โ
Boulderpaw, to his credit, looked about as thrilled as Thistle who scowled and glared at the Clan cats. Frostpaw seemed oblivious to Thistleโs sour look and happily babbled to him as they padded out of camp. She was very much like Spring, and Lark could see the two young she-cats being fast friends if they stayed here for an extended period of time.
โTheyโre good young ones,โ Raingazeโs mew caught Lark off guard and she gave a little startled jump as she looked at the gray she-cat who looked at her warmly. โTheyโre Blackdustโs kits, their mother was lost not too long ago on the journey down.โ
โIโm sorry,โ Lark mewed, not sure what else she was to say as she led the clan cats towards a hollowed out log. One end was covered by a boulder, and the entrance was mostly hidden by thick brambles. Lark held most of the brambles back and let the clan cats file into the den before ducking in after them.
โThe nests are old, but theyโll have to do if you want to go ahead and settle in,โ Lark mewed as she padded to the back where the boulder was. It was filled with cracks and crevices, big enough to slip a paw through and was where she kept herbs tucked away. She grabbed the two that were best for sore pads and carefully carried them to the waiting clan cats. She laid a small bundle at Raingazeโs paws. โChew these into a pulp, then carefully lick them onto the kitโs pads. I wouldnโt recommend swallowing anything, it wonโt hurt you but it doesnโt taste good. Whatever is left use on your own pads. Use it as sparingly as you can, this is all I have.โ The gray she-cat smiled and dipped her head in gratitude as Lark gave the rest of the herbs to Blackdust and Nightvine.
โWhere did you gain your knowledge of herbs?โ Nightvine asked as Lark laid his herbs at his feet.
โMy mother taught me, and her mother before her and so on,โ Lark explained as she returned to the boulder to examine her stores. โFor as long as we can remember all the she-cats of our family served as healers of sorts to the group and always had knowledge of herbs. Iโve been trying to teach Spring, but she doesnโt hold much interest in herbs.โ
โAnd Spring, sheโs yourโฆ?โ Nightvine mewed around a mouthful of herbs.
โNiece, I donโt have any kits of my own,โ Lark said flatly as she made a mental list of herbs she would need to get to help the clan cats regain their strength.
โWhy?โ
The question had Lark whirling around, pelt bristling as she sputtered out a response. โItโsโฆItโs never been anything Iโve really thought about," she mewed looking at Nightvine with narrowed eyes. โNot that itโs any of your business!โ
โIโm just trying to make small talk," Nightvine snapped, his own pelt bristling slightly as his long tail lashed.
โWell, I don't want to heart it! Now get that pulp on your pads before you spit it everywhere trying to talk around it!" Lark ordered, huffing and padding towards the den entrance. She caught Raingaze giving Nightvine and her amused looks and she huffed, leaving the insufferable tom behind with his clanmates and storming towards her den, not caring hunting needed to get done and there were those that needed help and attention. She wasnโt one for crowds anyway, and she ducked in her den ready to hide for just a little while.
ยป Chapter Three
ยป โThatโs better,โ Lark mewed as she watched Frostpaw scramble after a squirrel. It had been three days since the Clan cats had settled into the clearing, and she had since been charged with teaching them how to hunt in the forest. They were used to hunting in the mountains, their lighter pelts helping them blend into rock and snow. Now they had to try to blend into shadows. Heroncry and Nightvine were doing fine, only needing to remember their surroundings and not to disturb the underbrush while stalking. Raingaze was best in the morning, when her gray pelt helped her to blend into the mist the drifted lazily through the forest.
โThis is no use,โ Frostpaw whined as she padded back to Lark, with nothing but her tarnished pride to show for her hard work. Lark was struck with how much she felt like she was dealing with Spring, who had scented a mouse not too far off. It was no wonder the two young she-cats got along so well.
โJust practice more, youโll get it eventually,โ Raingaze, Frostpawโs mentor Lark had been told, mewed softly, trying to encourage the young she-cat.
โWith your pelt as bright as it is you want to use the sun to your advantage,โ Lark mewed. โIf you come from the direction the sun is shining, if your prey looks at you it will be blinded and momentarily stunned from the light. Just make sure you donโt let your shadow fall across it, then it will know youโre there.โ Lark explained, her voice flat and blunt. She still was not the most trusting of the Clan cats, wanting them to move along soon. Nightvine asked if they could wait until the kits were at least a little older, and a tad stronger to travel. Aspen of course, agreed. He had a major soft spot for kits, and it was nearly impossible for him to say no when it came to little bundles of fur.
โYou really know what youโre doing, donโt you?โ Raingaze mewed from where she sat beside Lark. They watched Frostpaw scent the air and go after a sparrow that was picking through the leaf litter on the ground not too far off. Raingaze was one of the only Clan cats Lark seemed to enjoy, never really protesting when the kind-hearted she-cat tagged along or tried to carry out a light conversation. In the short time getting to know her she learned that sheโs Nightvineโs sister, and they had another sister named Streamstar. She had been the leader of BlizzardClan before she passed and the Clan was forced to leave. Acornkit and Stonekit were Hernoncryโs niece and nephew, and they seemed to be the only ones the bitter she-cat enjoyed.
โI paid attention to the others a lot when I was younger,โ Lark explained. โWatched everyoneโs different techniques and asked questions. I was never much of a fighter, that was Aspen and Brook, but I found I was a pretty decent hunter and soon became one of the best of the group. Now, I teach the young ones and Iโm the main provider for us.โ Lark shrugged, it wasnโt a big deal to her that she was a good hunter. She could keep her family fed, and thatโs what mattered.
โBrook?โ Raingaze mewed, confused.
Lark started, she hadnโt mentioned her sister to the Clan cats, not wanting to drag up something so personal. โMy sister,โ she said quietly. โSheโs Spring and Pineโs mother, and sheโs the one who adopted Thistle when we found him. She passed away this past leaf-bare from illness.โ
โOh, Iโm so sorry,โ Raingaze mewed, and when Lark glanced at her she could see in her eyes that fluffy gray she-cat meant it, and wasnโt just saying sorry out of obligation to. She had experienced loss as well, losing the better part of her clan to rogues and illness in the mountain, and she knew the pain each loss could bring with it.
โWeโve been managing,โ Lark finally said after some silence. โAspen and I stay strong, mostly for the young oneโs sakes. Aspen more for me than anything I think though,โ she laughed and shook her head. Her brother was always the one to stay strong for others, to try and protect her when most the time she didnโt need it.
โHe sounds a lot like Nightvine,โ Raingaze mewed with a warm smile. โNightvine really is trying to do his best for us, he doesnโt want to burden you more than we already have. We just need time to regroup, gather our strength, then weโll be off.โ
โThereโs no need to rush,โ Lark mewed, trying to sound warm and welcoming, but it came out flat, the warmth in it sounding far too forced.
Raingaze smiled at her warmly. โI am not blind Lark, you donโt trust us and you donโt want us here. And that is understandable, this is your home. Thereโs a lot of us, we could be a threat to your family.โ She gently laid her tail on the smaller she-catโs flank, her eyes calm. โI do not blame you for feeling that way.โ
Lark opened her mouth to say something but was at a loss of words and quickly closed it again and just gave her a small nod and a forced, small smile. Before either she-cat could say anything more, Frostpaw came stomping back to the two older she-cats, a scowl the only thing she was carrying. At the same moment, Spring came bounding back with a mouse and a shrew, happily dropping them at Larkโs paws.
โI give up!โ Frostpaw moaned as she looked at Springโs catch. The young golden she-cat padded over to her new friend and gave her a playful nudge.
โYouโll get it eventually,โ she said encouragingly, earning her a playful shove from the white and silver she-cat. Lark rolled her eyes at the two of them and shook her head as the two fell into a tumbling ball of fur and giggles.
โI thought we were hunting?โ she mewed, swatting at them as they tumbled by her. โNow you two have definitely scared off anything near here with all that noise!โ The two young she-cats pulled apart from each other, both beaming at Lark and Raingaze who exchanged amused, and slightly annoyed, glances before shaking their heads at the young ones.
โWhatโs with all the racket?โ A deep, heavily accented voice purred through the shadows. Nightvine stepped through a bunch of ferns, blue eyes alight with joy as he gazed at the two young she-cats. Lark felt her pelt heat up and begin to prickle as he came forward, his black pelt melting into the shadows like he was made of the darkness. Even after three days of living in the forest, he walked with an unmarked grace the other mountain cats had yet to master.
โWe were wrestling!โ Spring mewed happily, unfazed by Nightvineโs intimidating presence.
โI thought this was a hunting patrol?โ Nightvine mewed with a small tilt of his head, he glanced at Lark and Raingaze, a small smile playing at his features.
โI havenโt even caught anything though,โ Frostpaw mewed dejectedly. โIโd rather go do battle practice with Boulderpaw and Heroncry.โ
โIt will take more than three days to get good at a new hunting strategy,โ Lark mewed softly, starting to lose her patience with the whining she-cat. โPerfection doesnโt happen in an instant, it takes time and work. Youโre going from a mountain to a forest, hunting is vastly different in those two areas.โ
โVery insightful Lark,โ Nightvine complimented and Lark felt her pelt heat up a hundred degrees at his praise, making her scowl and look away as the black tom returned his gaze to Frostpaw. โItโs just as Lark says, you just need to practice more. Battle training can wait. We all need time to learn how to hunt here, that way we can help provide for ourselves instead of asking Lark and her family to provide for us. We arenโt helpless.โ He glanced over at Lark again, and she kept her eyes trained on a tree nearby, eyes flicking through the branches.
Movement caught her eye and she smirked, darting towards the tree and easily scaling up the tree trunk, her claws digging into the bark as she pulled herself up to a large branch, a squirrel giving a startled squeak that was cut off as the swift she-cat pounced. Purring to herself proudly she carefully descended the tree, not missing the wide eyes of the Clan cats.
โI didnโt know you could climb a tree that fast!โ Frostpaw breathed and awe, her green eyes glittering with admiration as she looked at the small she-cat.
โThat was really amazing Lark,โ Raingaze mewed with a nod, smiling at her.
โIt was,โ Nightvineโs voice was warm and full of respect, and his praise sent Larkโs heart racing in her chest and she shuffled her paws, embarrassed for once of her talent at hunting.
โThatโs her special move!โ Spring mewed excitedly. โYou should see her when she leaps through the branches, itโs like sheโs flying!โ
Her words caused a strange look to pass across Nightvineโs features, and Lark wasnโt the only one to notice. Raingaze padded over to her kin, giving him a concerned look but he shook his pelt and let his calm gaze sweep across the group. โShall we head back?โ He mewed and Raingaze glanced at Lark who nodded, motioning for Spring to collect her catches and the five of them began to pad back to the clearing.
As they padded into the clearing, Lark was struck by how busy it was. She still wasnโt used the large volume of cats milling about her home. She padded along the edge of the clearing with Spring, each of them depositing their catches in a meager pile of prey the clan cats kept referring to as the fresh-kill pile.
She deposited her squirrel and padded towards a secluded corner of the clearing, tucked away in the shadows. She laid down on her stomach and sighed, licking at her paws lazily as she watched the activity of the Clan cats buzz around her. Blackdust worked with Pine and Boulderpaw to patch up the gaps in the thorn wall, chattering happily to Pine about Clan life and sharing stories of the mountains while Boulderpaw just rolled his eyes. Frostpaw was already padding off with Thistle, who scowled at her presence but didnโt protest as they went with Aspen to collect more moss for nests. Currently, her den served as a sort of community den. The Clan cats called it a warriors den, and she shared it with Badgerspots, Blackdust, and Heroncry. She wasnโt fond of it, but it was the biggest den they had and it easily fit all of them. Nightvine shared Aspenโs den while Raingaze slept with Acornkit and Stonekit in a small dome like structure made out of small bent trees. Thorns wove around it for further protection. The Clan cats called it a nursery. Frostpaw and Boulderpaw moved in with Thistle, Pine, and Spring into what was being called the apprentice den. Lark didnโt care much for the names for each of the dens but it seemed to calm the Clan cat and put them at ease, having some form of normalcy back into their lives.
โMind if I join you?โ Nightvineโs voice cut through her thoughts and she started, looking up at him in surprise. Usually she avoided him, darting to the other side of the clearing and doing her best to evade his blue gaze that sent chills down her spine. Even his silken voice made her heart hammer.
โI suppose,โ she muttered as she glanced up at him, watching him cautiously as she gave her paws a few more tender licks.
The black tom settled in next to her, crossing his paws in front of him as he did so and watching the cats buzz around him in activity. โIโve noticed you still donโt trust us,โ Nightvine mewed softly. There was no hurt in his voice, just understanding.
โIโm sorry if welcoming a large group of strangers into my home is more than a little off putting to me,โ Lark grumbled, eyeing him out of the corner of her eye before turning her gaze back out into the clearing. Spring was playfully rolling a ball of moss with Acornkit and Stonekit, giggling and playfully swatting at the two while Raingaze and Heroncry shared the squirrel she had caught nearby. Badgerspots was contently sunning himself on a boulder on one side of the Root Arc, his tail twitching lazily.
โIโm not condescending you,โ Nightvine mewed and Lark sighed, wishing he was merely just there to sit and offer her company rather than talk to her. She was not in the mood for small talk, and the foreign tom was the absolute worst at it. โIโm just saying the rest might settle in better if you were a little more accepting of them. Take the apprentices on more patrols with you maybe? Work with them on their hunting, show them how you hunt in the trees.โ
โThatโs my thing,โ Lark growled, glaring at him. โBesides, you lot are too big for tree-hopping. Youโll snap any branch you try to leap onto.โ
โIโm just trying to be civil,โ Nightvine mewed with an exasperated sigh that made Lark bristle. He was acting like he was talking to a kit who was being difficult or stubborn, his mannerisms similar to hers when she had to deal with Thistle when they prickly tom got himself into a mood.
โWhen do you think youโll be ready to be on your way?โ Lark growled, her patience wearing thin with the Clan cat. โIโve treated all your wounds, given you all strengthening herbs, and youโre all well fed by now.โ
โGive us a little more time,โ Nightvine mewed through gritted teeth, a growl creeping into his voice and making Lark bristle even more. โWe are still recovering from-โ
โFrom the loss of your home and your Clan, I get it.โ Lark snapped, pushing herself up into a sitting position as her tail lashed. โThere will only be so long before that excuse no longer will work for me. The kits will be strong enough soon, theyโll be able to travel further without being carried. You forget, Nightvine, you are visitors here. This is not your home no matter how hard you make it. I know youโve suffered a loss-โ
โWhat do you even know about loss?โ Nightvine suddenly bellowed, rising to his paws as his thick furred tail swept back and forth and his blue eyes glared down at Lark. โRaingaze and I lost a sister, Blackdust lost his mate, Boulderpaw and Frostpaw lost their mother, Heroncry lost all her littermates, and the kits lost their mother and their father. Badgerspots has no kin left to speak of! All our friends, all our kin, they are gone as well as our home. We have nowhere left for us to go so tell me Lark, what do you know of loss?โ His voice echoed through the clearing that had now gone silent, all eyes turned to them. Spring was quietly herding the kits towards the nursery, glancing back at Nightvine with a hint of fear in her eyes. He towered over Lark, his chest heaving as he took in large gulps of air, trying to calm the rage that burned in his cold blue eyes. He glared down at Lark who could do nothing but bristle where she sat. Her sister flashed before her eyes, as well has her sisterโs mate, her parents, all her friends who had come and gone and suddenly it was too much.
With a hiss she turned and padded swiftly across the clearing, avoiding everyoneโs gaze as she ducked through the clearing entrance and darted through the undergrowth. Her eyes stung with emotion as she made her way through the forest, not caring the creatures she disturbed in her wake. She ran, not paying attention to where she going, just letting her paws carry her. She knew this forest better than anyone, her paw steps sure and confident as she leaped over logs and roots and ducked through ferns and undergrowth.
As she ran Brook danced in her vision, memories of her sister swimming before her. She had always been prettier, with her sleek light brown pelt and tabby markings, dainty white paws and bright emerald green eyes. She was kind-hearted and warm, the complete opposite of Lark. Even her mate, Sunny, as arrogant and annoying as the golden and black speckled tom was, he had been family. Always teasing Lark and claiming to be the better hunter, but always thanking her in the hard seasons and making sure to let her know he appreciated her. Names and faces of the rest of her friends and family flickered through her mind. Some gone from illness, but recently more gone from run-ins with cold-hearted rogues and skirmishes with them.
Before she knew it her legs burned and her muscles screamed for her to slow and she finally came to a stop. Before her a steep faced cliff a few fox-lengths high spread out below her, made mostly of large boulders and dirt packed together tightly. A waterfall tumbled over the edge into a pool below that fed one of the many streams that wove through the forest. The cliff was located at the top of a small rise, and she could see the rest of the forest spreading out before her.
Sighing, she glanced around and found her favorite boulder next to the waterfall, jutting out over the cliff. Mist swirled around it, but for the most part it was far enough from the raging falls and dry. She padded over to it and leapt onto the smooth surface, the air cool from the mist, but the stone warm under her paws from the sun. She settled down on the stone, curling her body to the side and resting her head on her paws.
She closed her eyes and for a moment, she could forget Nightvineโs cold words and forget the insufferable tom even existed. But her heart betrayed her, twisting in a way she couldnโt decide if it coiled in excitement, or fear. It infuriated her, how her emotions suddenly were clouded and she couldnโt tell how she felt. How his voice sent shivers down her spine and the way he looked at her made her pelt heat up. She concluded she couldnโt trust him, if he made her this nervous. Who could trust anyone who made them feel this way? It was impossible to tell one emotion from the next, it would drive anyone mad.
โYouโre really good at not leaving a trail.โ
Larkโs eyes flew open as that intolerable, heavy accented voice carried on the wind to her. She turned her head and looked over her shoulder with a soft growl as she glared at Nightvine, who stood at the end on her boulder.
โWhat are you doing now, following me and all?โ Lark snarled, her tail lashing. โAm I not allowed to get any peace?โ
โI wanted to come apologize,โ Nightvine mewed, his voice surprisingly soft as he leaped onto her boulder and stood beside her. She had to crane her neck to look up at him and she scowled, turning her head sharply away from him and sticking her nose up in the air with an โhmphโ.
โAre you sure you arenโt just going to yell at me more?โ She spat.
โRaingaze told me about your sister, Brook,โ Nightvine said gently and Lark whipped her head around to glare at him. โWhen you said that Spring and Pine were your niece and nephew, I naturally assumed they were Aspenโs, and I never thought to question it or ask about it. And here I was yelling at you about loss,โ he shook his head and sighed, his shoulders dropping. โI am terribly sorry, Lark,โ his voice was so sincere, and his beautiful blue eyes so full of remorse it almost pained Lark to look at him.
โItโs fine,โ she muttered, quickly dropping her gaze and looking away from him, no longer able to bear the sight of his guilty expression. โYou didnโt know.โ
The sudden brush of his muzzle on her cheek made her give a small squeak of surprise, and again she turned to look at him. The motion though ends up turning her muzzle to his, pressing them together.
โIโm sure her spirit watches over you and your family, and Iโm sure she is very proud of you,โ he murmured softly, the corners of his mouth curling into a gentle smile. Lark was sure the whole spirit thing was another Clan saying. It meant nothing to her really, but with how he said it, it made her heart twist at the thought of Brook watching her raise and take care of her kits in her place.
Lark suddenly became aware her muzzle was still pressed to his and she scrambled away quickly, rising to her paws and shaking out her pelt to hide her discomfort. โIs that what your Clan believes in?โ She asked, trying to divert the subject off her. โIn the spirits of your loved ones?โ
โYes,โ Nightvine mewed, watching her closely as he settled down on the boulder, wrapping his long black tail around his paws. โWe call it StarClan, where everyone who passes in the Clan goes once they die. Their spirit forever free of pain and illness as they roam the great mountain and forests in the afterlife, and guide their clanmates who are still alive. Giving signs and omens to warn of danger or to help find the herbs or prey we need. Our medicine cats and leaders would communicate with them, having a special connection to the spirits of our ancestors.โ
โIt sounds nice,โ Lark mewed, not fully understanding what he was explaining, but she could see the meaning of it all in his eyes and the way he spoke.
He mustโve caught that she didnโt fully understand, because he cleared his throat and glanced out at the forest spread before them. โItโs beautiful,โ he mewed softly. โI never could have imagined there was so much green in the world.โ
Lark huffed. โWeโre technically not supposed to be here,โ she mewed. โThis is the furthest edge of our territory, officially this waterfall and cliff is outside the border. Under us is the Whispering Cave, where some say itโs haunted by those who thought they were brave enough to stand at the edge of this boulder, back when the waterfall was bigger and surrounded this boulder almost entirely. They were swept away though,โ she shrugged and padded to the edge of the boulder that jutted out over the cliff. Nightvine stiffened as she did so, watching her carefully and she scoffed. โIโve done this a million times, Iโm fine,โ she reassured him and gazed down at the pool below. โOnce on a full moon, Brook dared me to climb down into the cave. Itโs really not that scary, the light from the moon goes in through the waterfall and reflects off the mist inside and off the pool in there. Itโs beautiful, but I swore I could hear whispers and thereโs paw prints worn into the stone. Brook said they were just indents from rock forming and the whispers was just the sound of the waterfall.โ
โIt sounds a lot like the Star Cave back home,โ Nightvine mewed thoughtfully. โYou know, for not ever being a Clan your camp is set up a lot like a Clanโs would be, and you have very similar landmarks and ways.โ
Lark shrugged as she gazed out at the forest. โLike you said, a long time ago a group of Clan cats came down from the mountains. Maybe they taught everyone their ways, or maybe long ago a Clan lived here and we just happened to come across this area after their time,โ she glanced at him, to find him already watching her. She scowled at him which earned her an amused chuckle.
โFor such a small thing, you have a lot of spirit,โ he mewed with a small snicker, only to find himself being cuffed on the shoulder by Lark who glared at him.
โI have a petite build!โ Lark snapped, though a small pout found its way into her voice and features. โWhen youโre as small as I am you get used to putting up a hard outer shell and chasing away anyone who tries to bring it down.โ
Nightvine just chuckled and shook his head and she glared at him. โIn a small way, I can understand,โ he mewed, his words earning him a quizzical look from Lark. โI was never supposed to be a leader. After Streamstar passed, her deputy Buzzardyowl, was supposed to become leader. For a while there he was as we came down the mountain, but Volor ordered another raid on the Clan before we even made it out of our territory. Buzzardyowl and many others were lost, the rest of us barely escaped.โ
Lark looked up at him and she sighed, gently placing her tail tip on his flank. โI canโt imagine what youโve had to do to lead everyone to safety,โ she mewed. โI thought just getting everyone through leaf-bare and protecting the young ones was hard enough, but you have eight others depending on you and looking to you to lead them. Thatโs a lot to ask of someone who has never lead before.โ
Nightvine smiled at her softly and rested his muzzle on top of her head. She stiffened a little and he gave an amused purr. โYou are very insightful, little one,โ his teasing earned him a good cuffing from Lark when a sudden outburst from the bushes behind them sent them both whirling around and shattering the shaky peace made between the two of them.
Aspen stood with Badgerspots beside him, both of them heaving and gasping for air. Lark looked them over quickly from where she stood, their pelts ruffled from sprinting but she could see no injuries on them. But the dark look in her brotherโs eyes chilled her to the bone as she quickly leaped off the boulder and bounded over to him, Nightvine not far behind.
โWhat is it?โ She demanded. โIs it one of the young ones? Spring and Pine? Thistle? Are they alright?โ Her voice tumbled out of her in a worried mess of words and all Aspen could do between giant puffs of air was nod.
โItโs not one of ours,โ he huffed, turning his gaze to Nightvine, who stiffened and Lark watched as fear flitted across his beautifully dark features. He turned to Baderspots, whose mismatched eyes, one blue and one green, were wide and fearful.
โItโs Honeysky,โ the white and black tom mewed, his voice soft and thick with the Clan accent. โSheโs found us.โ
ยป Chapter Four
ยป The clearing was alive with commotion when Lark returned with Nightvine and the two toms who had carried the news. Along the way she had learned that Honeysky had been BlizzardClanโs medicine cat, speaking with the starry ancestors and essentially acted the same as a healer for the Clan. She had been captured by Volor during the last raid while the Clan had been escaping, being kept prisoner to be the healer or Volorโs group and heal the members of his group when need be. She had somehow escaped, and found her way back to her Clan.
Spring came bounding across the clearing from the fallen log where Lark kept her herbs and helped take care of the Clan cats when they had first arrived. โSheโs in the fallen log, I didnโt know where else to take her,โ Spring mewed, her voice full of worry as she looked at Lark with wide eyes.
โThatโs perfectly fine,โ Lark mewed softly as she laid her tail on the young she-catโs shoulder gently. โThis way,โ she mewed to Nightvine, who was looking around the clearing frantically. He nodded to Lark who bounded across the clearing towards the fallen log, ducking inside. When her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting she noticed a pretty, honey colored pelt with lighter tabby markings curled up in a nest with Raingaze watching carefully. The figure would have a white underbelly and paws, but the somewhat thicker fur was matted with dirt and blood. She lifted her head and Lark was greeted with dim blue eyes that looked more like storm clouds.
โNightvine,โ a weak voice found its way out of the weak she-cat and the black tom shouldered past Lark and rushed to her side.
โIโm here, Honeysky,โ he mewed as he pushed his muzzle into her fur, and she buried her face into his shoulder.
Lark watched the tender exchange and felt something sour boil in her stomach and she scowled, turning away from the display of obvious affection and made her way to the cracked boulder at the other end. She grabbed what herbs she figured the she-cat would need and brought them to her. โHere,โ she mewed, her voice making Honeysky tear herself away from Nightvine who was still fussing over her and murmuring softly to Raingaze. โThese will give you strength, these will help prevent and treat any infection you might have in any wounds that you have, and these will help with the pain. They will make you drowsy and sleepy, but you will need it.โ
โThank you,โ Honeysky mewed, her voice even as sweet as her name. โAnd you areโฆ?โ
โThis is Lark,โ Nightvine mewed, glancing at her. His eyes swam with emotions and Lark felt herself scowling again and ducking her head slightly. โShe lives here with her brother Aspen.โ
โOh,โ Honeysky breathed, looking up at the black tom who just nodded at her in understanding. What secret exchange they were having, Lark couldnโt say, but it was beginning to get on her nerves. โThank you for the herbs, a few of these Iโve never even heard of before.โ
โSome of them donโt grow on the mountain, so I am not surprised,โ Lark said flatly, wiping any emotion from her face. โIf you have any questions, ask Spring. Unless itโs a little more complicated than the basics or she isn't available, then send someone to find me.โ She dipped her head and swiftly left the den, only to be greeted by the rest of the clan cats crowded around the entrance.
โIs she hurt?โ Blackdust mewed, his hulking form blocking most of her exit.
โWere any of her wounds infected?โ Frostpawโs worried voice carried above the rest of the chatter.
โDid you even stay to examine her wounds?โ Heroncryโs snarl pierced through the noise, the bristling dark she-cat near her and glaring at her with sharp amber eyes.
โSheโs fine,โ Lark snapped, her voice sharp and her green glare shutting any mouths left open to speak. โShe isnโt bleeding, any blood on her is old or not even hers. I gave her herbs for infection and to prevent infection just in case. She will be fine, the last thing she needs is some stranger hovering over her and fussing over her when she knows what sheโs doing to treat herself,โ she huffed, her sleek pelt fluffed up and bristling. โBlackdust, you go with Pine and Boulderpaw and you can hunt. Pine knows the best places and we could all use a good meal, especially your friend. Heroncry you too, take Spring and go with Aspen. With both groups hunting we may have enough to get us through tomorrow and we can all focus on resting for once. Thistle and Frostpaw, go get plenty of fresh moss for Honeysky so she isnโt sleeping on old nests,โ she glared around at the cats, daring anyone to question her.
โI donโt take orders from you,โ Heroncry sneered, her voice dripping with distain.
โThen you can catch your own food,โ Lark snapped, not intimidated by the larger she-cat. โIf you arenโt willing to help the others and do as I say in my home then you can fend for yourself.โ Lark set her jaw, glaring at the mountain cat and daring her to question her again.
โDo as she says,โ Nightvineโs voice rumbled from behind her and she felt him standing near her, his chest almost against her flanks. He stood over her like a massive shadow, his blue gaze bearing down on Heroncry, who eventually curled her lip in a silent snarl but lowered her gaze in submission. She smirked and whirled around, looking to where Spring and Aspen sat together near the boulder pile and stalked over to them. Blackdust herded Boulderpaw away and found Pine, slipping out the thorn entrance. Frostpaw bounded over to Thistle who groaned when he heard their orders.
โIโll sit on guard duty on the stump outside the entrance,โ Badgerspots mewed quietly, the soft-spoken tom dipping his head to Lark.
โEat something first and get yourself something to drink,โ Lark said, her voice still stern, but a little softer now. โYou ran all the way across our territory and back, that takes a lot out of you.โ
Badgerspots smiled at her and dipped his head to her again, glancing at Nightvine before he padded away to the fresh-kill pile.
โYouโre a natural leader,โ Nightvine mewed and Lark sighed. โIโm surprised you let Aspen do all the bossing around.โ
Lark huffed. โHe likes to think heโs in charge most of the time,โ Lark mewed with a roll of her eyes. โBut the young ones know who is really in charge. Even when Brook and Sunny were around, whenever things got tough they looked to me. Then again I seem to be the only one with the common sense to know what to do.โ
Nightvine chuckled and nodded. โI can understand that feeling,โ he mewed before his expression became somber and he looked down at her. โThank you, for taking care of Honeysky. You donโt know what that means to us, to me.โ
Lark felt her stomach twist as the sweet voiced she-cat came back to conversation. The bitterness in her rose and she huffed. โItโs nothing,โ she muttered. โItโs what Iโm supposed to do, remember?โ
Surprised by her sudden bitterness, Nightvine backed off a little. โStill, I wonโt be able to thank you enough. Iโฆ We thought we had lost her,โ he stumbled over his words, which for some reason infuriated Lark more. She just nodded, and turned sharply to pad off. A small growl from her stomach reminded her she had yet to eat today, between training, arguing with Nightvine, and now the arrival of this strange new she-cat, she had forgotten to eat anything. She sighed, the weight of the dayโs events weighing heavy on her as she padded over to the fresh-kill pile, which now consisted of two mice, a shrew, and a sparrow. Thinking Raingaze might like the sparrow, if anything for its feathers to line her nest, Lark grabbed the shrew and found herself a nice, shadowed area to sit in eat her meal. Badgerspots nodded to her as she passed him nibbling at a vole, his mismatched eyes warm and welcoming. She walked past him though, not in the mood for anymore chit chatter with any of the Clan cats.
As she settled down she watched as Raingaze slipped out of the fallen log where Nightvine must still be fretting over Honeysky. The gray fluffy she-cat gathered the kits up, who had been patiently waiting inside the nursery and herded them towards Lark, who groaned quietly but wasnโt about to turn away the she-cat. Her mannerisms and warm personality reminded her of her sister, and it soothed her. It was the kits she was less than excited about.
โYou did good, taking care of Honeysky and calming everyone down,โ Raingaze mewed softly glancing over at her as Acornkit and Stonekit looked up at her with big round eyes.
โAre you really a Guardian?โ Stonekit, a little white fluff with silver tabby patches and piercing amber eyes, mewed as he gazed up at Lark in awe. A hint of fear dappled his gaze and Lark huffed.
โThatโs mainly Aspenโs job,โ she muttered quietly. โHeโs the brawns that keeps us all safe, and Iโm the brains that keeps us all alive. But donโt tell him that, he likes to thinks heโs both and all important.โ
Stonekit fell into a fit of giggles and Acornkit narrowed her eyes at her, the little she-catโs gaze a sharp amber glare like her kin, Heroncry. She almost looked like a smaller version of the foul tempered she-cat, and seemed to have an attitude to match with how she glared at Lark. She didnโt say anything just huffed and cuffed her giggling littermate over the head, sending the two into a tumbling, wrestling match.
โTheyโre growing quickly,โ Lark commented, even in the past days noticing how much better the two young kits looked compared to when she first saw them.
โA safe place to sleep and plenty of food will do that to anyone,โ Raingaze mewed with an affectionate purr. โEspecially kits,โ she glanced at Lark then shifted as she watched the kits play, her gaze soft and tender as her tail seemed to unconsciously curl around her and brush against her stomach. It was a gesture Lark had seen plenty of times and she took a small bite of her meal.
โHow far along are you?โ She mewed softly, and as casually as she could. Raingaze turned sharply to look at her, surprised then she relaxed, sighing heavily.
โThree moons left,โ Raingaze mewed softly, her usually relaxed features becoming contorted with worry. โI havenโt said anything to anyone, especially Nightvine. I didnโt think weโฆ. I didnโt think Iโฆโ
Lark flicked her ears as she chewed another bite of her meal. โItโs fine,โ Lark mewed quietly. โI wonโt tell anyone. Is their fatherโฆ?โ Unsure how to finish the sentence she looked around the clearing, unsure of who the father would be.
โBadgerspots,โ Raingaze mewed, sounding breathless and getting that faraway, dreamy look of every she-cat fond of a tom. โI know I should really tell him, heโll be so excited and thrilled.โ
โWell, congratulations,โ Lark mewed, slightly surprised that she hadnโt seen much affection between the shy black and white tom and her kindhearted friend. โI hope you guys have found a safe place to settle by then, so you have a safe place to kit and raise them.โ
At her words, Raingaze looked a little disappointed and hurt. Lark tried not to bristle, knowing her new friend wanted to stay in the clearing, in the camp they had seemingly established. But it couldnโt last long, they couldnโt stay. They would want to set down roots, start their clan again and begin rebuilding. Lark could see it in all their faces and she saw the way they looked around the clearing and already began naming dens and landmarks, acting as if they were already home after just a few short days. That wasnโt what Lark wanted for her family. The trouble a Clan would bring, was far more than it would be worth.
โThey arenโt together, you know.โ Raingazeโs voice caught Lark off guard and she coughed, nearly choking on the bite she had been chewing.
โWho isnโt together?โ She asked, sputtering as she coughed a few more times and tried to calm her pounding heart from nearly choking.
โNightvine and Honeysky, they arenโt mates or anything.โ The pretty gray she-cat explained. โI saw the look on your face when Nightvine rushed to her and fussed over her. I thought you should know. Sheโs our medicine cat, medicine cats donโt take mates or have kits. It keeps them dedicated to the Clan.โ
โI didnโt have a look on my face,โ Lark snapped, her pelt heating slightly. โI was just annoyed he was in my way,โ she glanced over at the she-cat who looked at her with a warm, knowing gaze. It made Lark bristle and she hurriedly finished her meal and rose to her paws. She politely excused herself and stalked off to her den, saying something about not feeling well and needing a nap. Her friendโs warm gaze followed her, and she caught a glimpse of an amused smile before Lark growled and ducked into her den.
ยป Chapter Five
ยป To be Posted
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