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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 19:36:12 GMT -5
Blight had jumped nearly a foot in the air as a voice answered back. Any semblance of bravery the coffee colored tom had mustered had completely shattered as he cowered behind the larger, fluffy form of Bat. The grey cat suppressed a disappointed groan as he lifted his head. Under the light of the full moon, it was easy to make out the form of Fogstripe. His tufted ears flattened to the back of his head as he spoke, he drank in the air to try to get an idea of how many cats were with him, but it was a mixture of a lot of different things. The strong smell of forest came from them, and they didn't smell at all like any of the cats in the city. Bat surmised that they probably weren't loners coming to try to chase them out, but he didn't want to take the risk. He was about to raise his voice to answer Fogstripe, when someone else took the words out of his mouth.
"Yes yes of course, sugar!" Wheat had come running out of the barn, her golden fur lighting up under the light of the moon. Her much smaller form had brushed right up beside Bat, letting her pelt rub against his. "We've got more room than we know what to do with! Any of you need help getting in?" Her voice was filled with warmth. "Wheat I told you to st-" "Here lemme come give you a paw." Without waiting for her brother to hold her back, or even for Fogstripe to answer her, the golden molly had trotted off towards him with her tufted tail waving high.
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Post by fire on Oct 19, 2020 19:39:10 GMT -5
Stormclaw Tom | RidgeClan | 23 moons Tags: Frecklewind
Stormclaw rushed over to Frecklewind's side as she began to walk; every step she took was obviously paining her. Glancing over at Pinewhisker he said, "We should help carry her. There's no need for her to exert herself for now." Without waiting for an answer from the russet tom, he put one of Frecklewind's shoulders on his back, and invited her to lean on him as they walked onward. He glanced behind him, looking to see if the others were following. He wasn't sure if they would be able to make it to the barn in time, but he hoped they did. He couldn't help but sigh audibly as Fogstripe ran ahead, abandoning them to scout the shelter.
He should be here to help Frecklewind, he thought.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 19:42:29 GMT -5
Fogstripe
“Glad to hear it, sweetheart. My group will be following after me. Counting myself, we’re about... seven? One of us is still a kit, though... oh, and one of the queens is kitting right now.” He grunted. “She went into labor while we were traveling- she needs somewhere safe to give birth, so we sent two to go find shelter and report back.”
He had dropped his honey-sweet demeanor and returned to his more blunt tone- he was tired, and didn’t like Bat’s tone. Sure, he was shady, but come on. He wasn’t even planning to give them a chance.
“If anybody here knows anything about medicine, that’d be fantastic.” He added, as he padded towards Wheat- at least somebody here was friendly.
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 19:52:12 GMT -5
Wheat met the cinnamon and silvery tabby halfway, her ears had swiveled forward at the mention of a kitting queen, she allowed herself only a moment to wonder what these 7 forest cats were doing out here in the middle of the night, with such a pregnant queen! But she quickly focused on the severity of the issue, how long had it been since she helped deliver kits? Well, you did it once you did it a thousand times, right? Hopefully. The golden molly smiled reassuringly to him, her light green eyes cheery, despite the gravity of the situation. "You're talkin' to a former medicine cat! She'll have the best care, but we best get her here fast." She quickly shot a glance back to her brother and Blight, barking out an order of her own. Bat wasn't the only one capable of bossing others around. "Can you guys get some nests set up?" Though it was phrased as a question, they knew it was a demand. With a scowl and a little tch... Bat hesitantly turned around and trudged back inside. Blight, following in his shadow with his tail between his legs.
Wheat nodded curtly, then turned her cheery attention back to Fogstripe. "Alright hun, where's your little group?"
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Post by Falconwing on Oct 19, 2020 19:54:19 GMT -5
Whitewhisp and Pinewhisker Whitewhisp helped Frecklewind to her paws but the queen soon began to put all her weight against her and she couldn't hold it. Stormclaws appearance to help keep the queen on her feet brought a struggled smile to her face. Allowing the stronger tom to take over Whitewhisp stepped aside panting.
At Stormclaws suggestion of carrying Frecklewind, Pinewhisker was quick to step up and take up on the queens other side. With both toms helping the struggling feline barley had to put her paws on the ground. He was careful not to press against her bulging belly as they rushed away from the fallen tree and out of the forest. Once on the open moorland the structure ahead of them became visible. "Not much further", he meowed more to himself than to the others.
Nettlestar The patrol made quick work of the scent trail that was left by the queens. When they came across the scents of Gorgeclan cats the clan leader became even more furious. Was Gorgeclan stooping so low as to steal away queens?! Oddly though the scent trail didnt veer off and lead deeper into Gorgeclan territory, instead it maintained course until they were leaving clan territory all together. Soon they were out past he himself had ever traveled and in uncharted woods. "We are getting close, the scents are still fresh", he encouraged to his warrior.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 19:55:52 GMT -5
Fogstripe
Medicine cat? Fogstripe’s ears pricked curiously. Was she from RidgeClan or GorgeClan? He’d never heard about one of their medicine cats running away before... her question shook him out of his thoughts, and he returned his attention to her.
“Not far. When Frecklewind started kitting, we stopped by a fallen tree in the forest so she could rest. It didn’t take me long to get here from there, but they’ll be a bit slower, given they have to bring Frecklewind with them.” He almost added Galepaw into that, but shook his head- the apprentice was reckless and excitable, but he listened well enough to Pinewhisker.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 19:57:56 GMT -5
((man its gonna be a wild night for them lol. Everything Is Now Happening.))
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 20:04:18 GMT -5
Wheat nodded her head in understanding, taking note that they must have been clan cats - given the familiar names. Other loners who would pay visits to their barn would tell of rumors of two clans out beyond the forest, but the names of those clans had slipped Wheat's mind. She never thought that she would meet any of them, why were they so far from clan territory? She didn't have time to entertain these frivolous questions though, there was work to be done. She began to trot with him towards the direction of the forest, keeping her snout up to taste the air, she could smell they were close, and the smell of a pregnant cat was unmistkable... Were there... Two? "Well we'll meet up with 'em and help make sure they get here ok." She said assuringly, both to Fogstripe and herself. Wheat was good at managing stress, all it took was a level head, and a clear plan, talking herself through it helped make sure she kept her cool. She looked to the tabby tom, smile still wide and warm. "By the way, what's your name, sugar?"
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Post by Zz on Oct 19, 2020 20:06:14 GMT -5
Redwolf followed closely behind his leader, his ears pricked until a new scent hit him and he let out a growl. "Nettlestar, Frecklewimd's scent has changed."
Frecklewind said a quick thank you to the two warriors before focusing back on herself, trying to stay calm even as the pains became all the more frequent. When she saw the barn ahead she smiled softly, happy that her kits would be born somewhere safe.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 20:09:26 GMT -5
Fogstripe, Galepaw, Brighttail
“Fogstripe.” He said simply, as they got within speaking distance of his group. Galepaw ran forward to meet him, eyes wide at the sight of Wheat, while Brighttail hung back, every now and then turning her head to glance wearily back at the forest. She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach- something bad was going to happen, and soon.
“Fogstripe! You’re so fast!” Galepaw gasped. “You got here way ahead of us. Who’s that? Does she live here? She smells like plants!” Galepaw was getting into Wheat’s personal space, his fluffy fur puffed up, his nose twitching curiously.
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 20:17:10 GMT -5
They most certainty did have a kit traveling with them! Wheat purred, flicking her wheat-stalk like tail as Galepaw sniffed her, she was glad she smelled like plants and not like dust or old wood! It had been moons since she had seen a kit, her heart warmed at their adorable antics. "Ah, there y'all are!" She chirped as the rest of the group came into view, she trotted towards them, dipping her head politely. "Come now, there's plenty of space back in our barn, we'll help get those kits safely delivered." Her green eyes rested on Frecklewind, thankful to see she was being supported by two toms on either side, she'd be able to make it to the barn - but it looked like those kits were coming fast! "Hurry quick now," She ushered, turning around and making her way towards the barn.
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Post by fire on Oct 19, 2020 20:21:52 GMT -5
Stormclaw Tom | RidgeClan | 23 moons Tags: Wheat
Stormclaw sighed as he met a strange she-cat and Fogstripe half-way to the barn. With undisguised suspicion, he glanced at Fogstripe, knowing that the tom had befriended this cat for their sake, but not really caring. Something about him didn't sit right with him. As the she-cat beckoned them on, he grunted and began to move further along, paying attention to the barn and how much space was left between it and them. He was breathing heavily now, his dark blue eyes clouding as he forced his paws to keep moving, even though tiredness was dragging at him, and the serene nighttime setting wasn't helping either. Finally, they came to the barn, where he could hear rustling inside. "Who else is there?" he asked the she-cat, wearily looking inside.
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Post by Zz on Oct 19, 2020 20:30:38 GMT -5
Frecklewind didn't care who was in the barn, as soon as the group stopped she pushed forward and rushed inside as vest she could, her eyes darting around for somewhere to lay down as another spasm of pain caused her to nearly collapse. She saw what seemed to be the makings of a nest and rushed to it, falling heavily onto the hay as her breathing came in rushed pants.
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 20:30:42 GMT -5
Wheat glanced back to Stormclaw, she could read his suspicions like an open book, it seemed the tom was pensive about all of this, or about someone in particular, the energy he gave off reminded her a lot of her Bat. She gave him a friendly smile. "Hmm? Oh! Just my brother, Bat, and our attendant Blight. Really nice folks, now come on in out of the cold!" She nudged the creaky wooden door open a bit wider, it squeaked on its hinges, but opened up with ease. Moonlight spilled upon the barn's hay ridden floors, it was nice and warm inside, well insolated as the barn didn't have any patches or holes on the outside. There was a swinging light overhead that always kept the barn at a nice, dim glow. Bales of hay were aligned on one side of the barn, while unused troughs for large animals lay on the other side. The whole place smelled of old wood, and hay.
Bat was kneading his claws into another properly made nest as the group came in. He lifted his head to look at them, lowering his gaze to a hardened, cold look. It was clear the grey tom was very distrusting of these outsiders. Blight, on the other hand, was terrified of these outsiders. He stiffened on his spot at the top of the hay bale, as if he thought that if he didn't move these cats couldn't see him.
"Right in here, help yourselves to any nest you like, Frecklewind dear, you can lay right here." Wheat spoke with a soft, steady voice as she gestured to a much larger nest closer to her herb shelf, though it seemed that the heavily pregnant molly had taken right to it as she hurriedly plopped into the nest. "This your first litter?" She mewed, still keeping a calm and friendly demeanor as she gently placed one paw upon her stomach, feeling for the kits to see how many would be coming.
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Post by fire on Oct 19, 2020 20:37:27 GMT -5
Stormclaw Tom | RidgeClan | 23 moons Tags: Wheat
Stormclaw was surprised by Frecklewind rushing to a nest inside, and after Wheat's welcome, trotted in suspiciously. His eyes scanned the barn. He had to admit it looked like a decent shelter, but introductions and kits to be born had to be done before they could properly sleep. All the welcomes wouldn't be warm, he supposed, but it was better than nothing. He saw two other cats, the ones Wheat mentioned, standing not far from Frecklewind. One of them returned his gaze coldly, to which he sharpened his stare, determined not to be challenged. The other stared back nervously, and when Stormclaw looked at him, the cat swiveled his gaze this way and that, as if looking at something else would make the black tom drop his gaze. He smirked in amusement, but his gaze grew serious as he saw Frecklewind panting. Turning to Wheat he said, "Is there anything you can do to help?" He didn't consider how rude his tone must sound.
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Post by Zz on Oct 19, 2020 20:40:52 GMT -5
Frecklewind let out a sudden cry of pain as the worst wave of pain yet hit her and she flopped over onto her side, her eyes glazing over in pain and exhaustion as a sudden bundle fell out onto the hay behind her, the first kit. They had made it to the barn just in time.
(Mousekit is born first. Then Ferretkit)
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 20:52:35 GMT -5
"I'd like to think so," The golden molly offered playfully to Stormclaw, speaking to him as she was padding towards her medicine shelf. "I have a few things that just might help." She didn't seem to pay any heed to the rudeness of his tone, likely because she was used to it. She bounded back with a wet moss ball in her mouth, and a couple of dandelion leaves. Though, on her way back, she had noticed that the first kit had already tumbled onto the hay. Wheat hurriedly trotted over, laying the ball of moss and leaves beside Frecklewind. "Here sugar, those leaves will help with some of the pain."
Wheat hurriedly scooped the, dark ginger kitten towards her and began to lick backwards along their fur to help them take their first breaths, after a few laps, the precious sound of the kitten's first gasp was heard. She purred, nuzzling the kit closer to their mothers stomach. "It's a boy, you're doing great Frecklewind."
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Post by fire on Oct 19, 2020 20:57:45 GMT -5
Stormclaw Tom | RidgeClan | 23 moons Tags: Wheat
Stormclaw hurried over to Wheat's side, wondering if there was any way that he could help with her giving birth. He tried to think of when he'd seen queens in his Clan give birth, and remembered that sometimes they were given a strong stick to bite down on to ease the pain. Looking to Wheat he said, "Is there a stick around here I can get her?" he asked, gesturing to Frecklewind with his ear. He wanted to help the queen in any way possible; this adventure had given him something to do in life. It made him seem like he had a purpose, and though he should've been hostile of the cats in the barn and the cats he was traveling with, he enjoyed being along for the ride. Besides, it gave him less time to think about... Other things in his life.
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Post by Zz on Oct 19, 2020 21:00:46 GMT -5
Frecklewind was gasping, trying to get her breath back as she stilled and readied herself for the next kit. Her eyes traveled down to the first one and she smiled softly as she saw the dark ginger fur that seemed to much like Redwolf's. The smile was quickly replaced though as she opened her jaws in a scream, her belly rippling with the strength of the next contraction as the second kit was forced out. The queen nearly passed out right then, her body shaking with aftershocks.
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 22:29:21 GMT -5
Wheat looked up to Stormclaw, happy that he was here to offer his help, she sensed a good heart in him - with each passing moment he was reminding her more and more of his brother. "Shouldn't be necessary, Frecklewind has gone through the worst of it - and those dandelion leaves will help ease her pain." She touched her paw back down delicately atop the queen's stomach, feeling that there was only one more kit, and suddenly - they were out! Wheat repeated the process of licking the kit's fur backwards, it took a few more laps, but just like the kitten before, the dark brown tom's body jolted with his first gasp of air. The golden molly purred, nestling the kitten beside it's brother. "Congratulations Frecklewind, they're two beautiful boys." She announced, sitting back and looking up to Stormclaw, her tail swayed happily.
"That was quick..." Bat's voice was barely above a mumble. The muscular grey tom hopped off of the hay bales, having made suitable enough nests for the travelers. "What were you thinking, traveling at night with such a pregnant she-cat?" He scolded to the room. Blight had used this opportunity where most of the eyes were on Bat to slink away back upstairs, scurrying with the bravery of a mouse.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 22:38:24 GMT -5
Fogstripe, Galepaw, Brighttail
“She didn’t give us much of a choice.” Fogstripe grumbled. “She insisted on coming.” He had already made it clear before that he thought it was a bad idea, and of course she went into labor right now. Of course.
“Don’t be unfair to her. That was her choice to make. At least out here, her kits will have a chance of living more than 6 moons.” Brighttail snapped, her tail lashing. She turned her attention to Wheat, keeping her gaze relaxed so that her massive size didn’t intimidate the she-cat. “Our clans have been at war for longer than we’ve been alive. Galepaw, over there? He’s only 5 moons, and being trained for battle. Pinewhisker and I decided to leave, so we could be together, and we happened to end up with a lot of tag-alongs.” She explained slowly, her claws flexing anxiously.
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Post by Zz on Oct 19, 2020 22:51:52 GMT -5
Frecklewind gave a soft smile as she forced herself up and leaned down to lick each of the kits between the ears. "They're perfect! My perfect little boys." She curled her tail in to lay over the two as they began to nurse and a purr rumbled from her throat. "Stormclaw. Can you get Whitewisp for me?"
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 19, 2020 22:55:10 GMT -5
Wheat looked up to Brighttail and nodded understandingly, though, she seemed a bit sullen, as if she understood too well what she meant. "I see... Well I'm thankful that you escaped such a place, it sounds wretched." She cast her gaze to Frecklewind, a small smile touching her muzzle, she was thankful that the kits were born here, thankful that other cats had escaped the cycle of violence as well. A shiver ran through her thick golden fur, though not from the cold. "Please, you're all free to rest here for as long as you like." She looked back to Brighttail, seeing Bat's dis-satisfied expression out of the corner of her eye.
"No, you absolutely can not." He suddenly snapped, stepping up beside Wheat with his ears pinned to his head. "You can rest here for the night but in the morning you will leave. Clan cats travel in packs, there's no doubt others who are hunting you down as we speak, I will not let you endanger us with your dramatic feuds." He spoke with a growl to his low, booming voice. "Bat, stop..." Wheat spoke up softly, flicking her tail against his flank.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2020 23:02:55 GMT -5
Fogstripe, Galepaw, Brighttail
“I see. You’re frightened. Very well. If anybody pursues us here, you can stay nice and cozy in your nests and we’ll deal with them.” She wasn’t aure if it was Bat’s attitude, or the adrenaline winding down, but her walls began to go back up, and she allowed herself to sink back into the skin of the intimidating she-cat that no tom in the clan would think twice about courting.
“Mm... not much choice there. Not like we can travel with newborn kits and a queen who just gave birth.” Fogstripe added. He’d prefer to avoid a fight, but he felt as though one was going to come anyways. He spared a glance at Galepaw, who seemed ignorant to the attention and was looking down at the kits with wide, curious eyes, gently sniffing at them.
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Post by Falconwing on Oct 20, 2020 13:42:22 GMT -5
《Sorry for my absence guys, I had a rough night and went to the dr this morning. I think i read up on everything. Kits are born, Wheat is a sweet farm girl and Bat is a grumpy old man who want them to leave come morning. Lol. Typing up my responses now 》
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Post by fire on Oct 20, 2020 13:48:04 GMT -5
《Sorry for my absence guys, I had a rough night and went to the dr this morning. I think i read up on everything. Kits are born, Wheat is a sweet farm girl and Bat is a grumpy old man who want them to leave come morning. Lol. Typing up my responses now 》 All good, hope you're good! I'm boutta type up mine as well//
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Post by fire on Oct 20, 2020 13:52:59 GMT -5
Stormclaw Tom | RidgeClan | 23 moons Tags: Whitewisp, Wheat, Bat
Stormclaw nodded at Frecklewind's question, and turned to get Whitewisp. "Frecklewind wants you," he replied, and he watched as they talked among themselves. Turning his attention to the two loners, he heard Wheat's offer and Bat's declination of it. He stared at the male loner, but realized that he was right. There were cats trailing them, and eventually they would need to be dealt with. Looking to Brighttail, he saw the she-cat begin to slip into the formidable she-cat that she often portrayed in the Clan. He was used to seeing her like that, and realized with a jolt that in his confusion and haste, he must've glossed over her recent behavior. As he looked around at the cats he would soon be comfortable with, he agreed, "Brighttail and I will deal with them." Even though he shied away from his intimidating warrior persona recently, he couldn't help but feel a burst of agitation toward their pursuers and said, "We'll protect you all." Brighttail and himself were among the strongest warriors in their Clan, and there was a time when Stormclaw had wondered why he wasn't appointed deputy. He'd been very ambitious in his battling days.
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Post by Falconwing on Oct 20, 2020 14:15:46 GMT -5
《Thank you, nothing but a bit of preterm labor lol just all apart of the circle of life 》 Pinewhisker helped to deliver Frecklewind to the nest inside the barn before backing away giving Wheat and Frecklewind the space they needed. The kitting happened quite quickly, they truly had made it just in time and were not as risk of freezing to death out in the open next to that fallen tree. Taking up position next to Brighttail the dappled warrior hung back until the kitting ended and conversation started back up again. It was obvious they the pair who lived in the barn had conflicting opinions on the clan cats staying there. Wheat seemed sweet and happy to help while, Bat and the other younger tomcat seemed very distrustful. Atleast they weren't aggressive. When Bat stepped up and made it known that he wanted them gone in the morning Pinewhisker finally found his voice. It was his idea in the first place, and the russet tom felt like it was his responsibility to take care of everyone in the group. Especially the newborn kits who would on day, hopefully be apart of the clan that him and Brighttail put together. "I understand your concerns Bat, and they are not unfounded. However, we will not ask you to fight for us. As warriors we would all honorably stand up and fight to not only protect these queens who are seeking asylum, but also you and your group who have been so generous in allowing them to have a safe place for the night. We will post our guards, and happily race out to face any threat that have followed us. You have no need to fear for your safety. Please though I ask that you atleast consider allowing us to stay until Frecklewind and her kits are capable of traveling. A few days at least. We can hunt for ourselves outside of the barn or wherever you will allow us to on your territory." Whitewhisp The young queen had hung back nervously, soon she would be experiencing the same thing as Frecklewind. When Stormclaw came up to her saying that her friend had asked for her she gave him a nod. Brushing against him slightly as she passed him to get to Frecklewind, the white shecat cautiously approached and settled down on the opposite side of the kits to block any possible drafts of cold winds from hitting the newborns. "Oh how precious they are" she meowed in almost a whisper as she gave each one a curious sniff. "Are you okay?", she questioned looking up to Frecklewind yellow eyes wide with curiosity.
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Post by Zz on Oct 20, 2020 14:21:51 GMT -5
Frecklewind gave a small laugh and nodded her head softly. "I am fine my friend. At least I am now." She looked down at the two kits, her eyes shining as she spoke next. "I wanted to know what you thought of Mousekit for the ginger one and Ferretkit for the brown one. They're two of the names that I've been considering the longest." She nuzzled each kit as she spoke the names before a scent drifted in on the wind and her fur suddenly bristled, the queen turning her head to look at the rest of the group. "I smell Redwolf!" She curled closer around the kits, knowing the tom would try to take them.
Redwolf had continued to move through the uncharted land after noticing the change in Frecklewind's scent, knowing that the kits had started coming. Good, he could simply kill her and take them. The scent led out of the woods into a field, a two-leg structure towering up in the distance. "Nettlestar, they could have taken refuge there."
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Post by 𝘊𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮 ꕤ on Oct 20, 2020 16:16:57 GMT -5
(Hey guys! Just got home from work and workin' on a response now. c: )
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