|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 17, 2022 15:56:31 GMT -5
(Thank you! Passed them all so that’s great. Was thinking this was a good place for a time skip, but we’ll talk about it.)
Morningstream shrugged a bit, “yeah… But still, that’s not who I am. At least not who I want to be,” she replied to Silvermist and glanced over to him with a smile. She had felt much better now that she had slept and ate some food, and could now face all of her responsibilities without feeling intimidated. She stood up from her spot and stretched her body out, “I better get to my duties, I love you father.” She mewed with a smile and trotted off towards the medicine den.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 17, 2022 17:20:52 GMT -5
(Time skip to late Fall)
Aspenheart eagerly trotted out of the warriors den. The crisp air felt wonderful on his pelt, cooling and refreshing when compared to the hot, humid summer air not long ago. Life in the clan had gone back to normal for the most part. Though he had found that he had been more busy than ever. Forestclan seemed to have been pushing their luck ore and more. The amount of territory disputes were growing in numbers. It wasn't uncommon to see a patrol return and go directly to the medicine cat den. Aspenheart sighed, feeling a bit irritated, he couldn't understand why Forestclan was choosing to be so unreasonable. They had a larger amount of territory than Isletclan anyways. He sat down and groomed his pelt, glancing around to see if anyone else was in the clearing.
---
Frost trotted down the small thunderpath towards the alley, a decent sized squirrel in her mouth. She ignored the questioning stares of the other alley cats and just kept walking until she reached the pile of crates. She effortlessly jumped to the top, sitting down and placing the black squirrel in front of her. She recalled meeting Sabrina here for the first time. Curiously, she looked around for the calico, it had been a while since she got an update on how Dusk's side of the plan was turning out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 18, 2022 14:30:15 GMT -5
(Did we skip a full year?)
Morningstream struggled to wake up, her nights were starting to become more and more sleepless with the constant dreams. She pushed herself out of her nest and looked over to Owlwing’s nest, the tom was surprisingly curled in his nest. It had been a long time since everything that happened with Owlwing, but she had been far more distant with him than she ever has before. But she pushed her thoughts away and made her way out of the den, the weather was getting colder and colder by the day.
Redclaw stretched out of the warriors den, he tried to shake away the tired feeling but it clung to him like an annoying flea. His nights were becoming restless as well, he worried about the conflict with ForestClan day in and day out. Redclaw had fancied a ForestClan she-cat for quite some time now, who he would sit with during every gathering. Of course until tensions rose between the two clans, gatherings were tense and the clans didn’t speak to each other. But he focused his attention on Aspenheart, who was a few tail lengths in front of him, “morning Aspenheart,” he mewed and trotted up to him.
——
Sabrina trotted into the alleyway with a few mice in her mouth, she headed to the spot that she liked most and quickly noticed Frost. She jumped up onto the crates and laid a tail length away from the she-cat, “where’d you find yourself a squirrel like that?” She asked her and gave her a smile before taking a bite of the mouse. “How have you been though? With Brick and everything,” she asked the she-cat curiously. Sabrina was sure that Dusk was probably wondering the same, especially since he had been a bit irritated with not talking to his sister as much. He told Sabrina it was like Brick was getting what he wanted- and it did seem that way. She didn’t worry about it though, Dusk's part of the plan was going smoothly, he was now going on patrols and Henry would occasionally talk to him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 18, 2022 14:49:33 GMT -5
(Yes  I'll change the kits to apprentices for the boys and add some others for background ) Aspenheart turned his head when he heard Redclaw's voice, he gave his friend a wide grin. "Mornin'!" He purred loudly, a bit of excitment in his voice. It was always good when Redclaw and him were on the same schedule. The dark tabby finished grooming himself and gave the tortie tom a nudge, "you look like you didn't sleep a wink last night." He pointed out, many in the clan were like that now. Tensions were high and the coming cold was always enough to make even the more confident cat nervous. Last leaf-bare wasn't too bad, hopefully this one will be just a merciful. "Wanna take the apprentice out for a hunt? Water should still be warm enough to fish in the shallows." He suggested casually, tilting his head as he spoke. -- Frost dipped her head in greeting, "when it starts to get cold, you can distract squirrels with some well placed food. They get stupid and fat around this time." She explained quietly, her voice had become more cold and mature over time, though her expression made it clear she was excited to teach. When asked about Brick, she glanced around before speaking, "we are only mates in name. He is just using me to keep Dusk in line anyways. Half the time, I think he wants to toss me on the thun- the road..." She told the she-cat with an unbothered expression. Brick was convinced that Frost was in love with him. A poor little cat, clinging to the strongest cat she could get a hold on. Luckily, that made her job much easier. So long as she kept a good appearance, he didn't seem to care what she did. He was smart- but she was smarter. "As long as we keep playing it safe, we will be fine. Dusk has gotten a fine reputation within the group. I get asked about him a lot." She looked around again, the alley had gotten much busier. More and more cats had travelled to seek safety from the cold, and Henry had been crushing and small groups that started to form. She looked back to Sabrina and gave her a small smile, "how is Dusk? We hardly have a chance to talk." |
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 18, 2022 21:11:56 GMT -5
(These are so short and I didn’t even realize. Sorry)
Redclaw flicked his ear, “that’s because I didn’t…” He mumbled to Aspenheart before glancing over to the apprentice den once the tom mentioned them. “That would be a good idea, they should be up soon,” he added as he scanned the camp, “there’s Morningstream. I haven’t talked to her much,” Redclaw pointed out after he noticed her in front of the medicine den.
——
Sabrina listened closely as Frost spoke, taking an occasional bite of her mouse. “I’m glad the plan is working out, it’s working out on Dusk’s part too,” she mewed before pausing for a moment, “he’s doing well but he worries about you all of the time.” She replied to Frost before finishing up the mouse. Speaking of Dusk she quickly scanned the alleyway for him, he said he would meet her here after the patrol so she promised him a mouse. “He should be meeting me here soon,” she added.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 18, 2022 21:56:57 GMT -5
(No worries! I finished my animation- just colouring now!! So mine are short too)
Aspenheart looked at Redclaw for a moment, giving him a worried look. He had noticed that Redclaw had seemed off recently, but he assumed it was just due to being a mentor. He followed the tom's gaze and looked over to Morningstream. "Yeah, she has been busy recently. I managed to share a meal with her not too long ago." He said casually, looking back to Redclaw, "she seemed tired too. Many it's just because it gets so cold at night." He added with a yawn, stretching for a moment. "Wanna go see her with me? I'm sure she missed you... We can grab Dewpaw and Whitepaw afterwards."
--
Frost nodded, glad that things were going smoothly. There had been a few moments where she had gotten nervous, but Mara had proved to be a valuable asset- able to divert unwanted attention easily. Sabrina was also as stealthy as an adder- able to find out info that would go unnoticed otherwise. "I'm glad." She said simply, finishing up her squirrel quickly. It wasn't as good as the ones from the forest- more fur than meat- but it was still better than a rat or mouse. "I'll stick around then. Mara is still out anyways." She mewed, looking down that alley eagerly for her brother.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 19, 2022 13:51:39 GMT -5
(I’m so excited to see it, I bet it’s great!)
Redclaw nodded, “yea let’s go,” he mewed into a yawn. He was tired of being- tired. He didn’t know how he would ever catch up on his sleep, but he tried to ignore it and padded over to Morningstream. “Good morning,” he mewed with a smile.
Morningstream gave Redclaw and Aspenheart a smile as they approached her, happy to see them both after a restless night. “Good mornin- Redclaw did you sleep?” She asked the tom, he looked like he had slept less than she did. It was the fact that when she dreamt, she felt awake, and when she would wake it was like she never did sleep.
Redclaw shrugged, “not really, but I’m fine,” he reassured and gave her an awkward smile. “We were just coming to say hi to you.”
Morningstream furrowed her eyebrow at him, “come see me later before you try to sleep, I can give you some chamomile.” She mewed and looked over to her brother, “are you two going out at all? I need to fetch some herbs and could use some company on the walk to the forest,” she asked them curiously.
——
Sabrina smiled, “that’d be great,” she replied before glancing back down the alleyway. Dusk was always worried about her, it was about time that they got some time to spend together.
When Dusk finally emerged with the patrol he made his way over to where he had planned to meet Sabrina, and to his surprise his sister was there with her. “Hey!” He jumped up onto the crates and laid next to Frost, letting out a purr. “How are you? Are you okay? He doesn’t hurt you, does he? Cause I’ll-“ Dusk cut himself off and gave her a nervous smile. He had just been so worried about her, he remembered Sabrina overhearing something about Brick threatening to throw her into thunderpath.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 19, 2022 14:43:44 GMT -5
Aspenheart nodded eagerly without looking to Redclaw for his opinion- he assumed it would be fine. Redclaw was always easy going after all, "yeah, we're taking out our apprentices. I think that them helping you gather would be good. Right Redclaw?" He mewed, finally giving his friend a chance to speak, giving the tom a wide grin. He was sure that the apprentices would benefit from learning about medicine cats. It would also give him and Redclaw a chance to hang out, it seemed like it had been a long time since they were able to be by themselves. "I don't know when we will get the chance to show them that anyways. It won't be long until their assessments." Time had truly flown by. It seemed like it was only a few moons ago that they were all apprentices themselves.
--
Frost was unsurprised by her brother's questions, she shifted slightly, feeling more relaxed now that her brother was here. "No he doesn't. The worst that happens is he threatened to throw me out- not that it would ever happen though. Mara and Toby take the blunt of his anger most of the time. I'm untouchable- he knows if I get hurt, you will go after him." She explained, some disgust in her voice as she spoke. She looked back to the black tom, "if he ever tries anything though, I'm more than capable to teach him a lesson. Mara and I train when we can- so I don't want you to worry too much." She added confidently. She had always been good at fighting, it was hunting that she tended to struggle with. "What about you. Are you being safe?" She asked, concern heavy in her voice. He had been getting in more fights, she heard stories from the whispering cats around her. She felt some guilt, he was carrying a lot on his shoulders. "Cats talk about you a lot. Even the kitty pets know about 'Shadow'. You have a bit of a following."
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 19, 2022 19:31:00 GMT -5
Morningstream gave Aspenheart a smirk, “if you both think it’s a good idea then I don’t mind,” she mewed. She has only been around Falconpaw a few times, but he was hard headed and grumpy as far as she knew. As for Mudpaw, she hasn’t been around him much.
Redclaw shrugged, “why not,” he mewed in agreement and glanced over to the apprentice den once more, “if they don’t get up soon I’m going to go wake them up,” he mewed irritably. He then thought for a moment, he was probably just being that way because he got no sleep.
Morningstream shook her head at Redclaw, “your beginning to act like Owlwing,” she teased. She stretched forward and let out a yawn, “let’s wake them and get out of here,” she mewed.
——
Dusk nodded, “good, I’ve been worried about you.” He mewed as he looked at her. She did seem fine, like nothing was bothering her. But surely it wasn’t all that great, spending most of her time with Brick. At least she did have Mara, who seemed to have become one of her good friends. “Yep, just me and Sabrina most of the time.” He replied to her, “and yea I’ve noticed, some cats will come up and ask me ‘are you Shadow?’” He scoffed and glanced around the alleyway. He was slowly becoming tired of all of the gossip and stares that he got, but it also was becoming easier to ignore.
Sabrina listened to the two attentively and pushed the mouse over to Dusk once he was done talking. He looked over to her and gave her a smile, “thanks,” he mewed to her and slurped it down quickly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 19, 2022 19:50:34 GMT -5
Aspenheart laughed in agreement, "yeah, seriously. He's getting grumpier with each moon." He teased playfully, giving Redclaw a nudge, "I'll go wake them. Falconpaw is my problem anyways." He added, turning towards the apprentice den. Falconpaw was...a difficult apprentice, but a good one. He was just so stubborn all the time. Mudpaw was much more easy to manage, but as jumpy as can be. He noticed some of the other apprentices were up and about, when he arrived, Sandpaw rushed into the den to wake up to two brother. Aspenheart dipped his head in thanks.
Mudpaw had rushed out quickly, a nervous expression on his face, "sorry, we didn't mean to sleep in!" He squeaked, his eyes wide as if Aspenheart was about to chew his tail off. "Sorry!"
Aspenheart shook his head, "it's fine. We are going to go help Morningstream so the two of you come with me." He mewed, guiding the brothers back to the medicine cat den when they both were ready.
--
Frost said nothing for a while, but eventually, she leaned in closer, "is it true that Henry has gotten more aggressive? I overheard some cats saying he was losing his mind." She asked, her voice a whisper, her eyes darting around to be sure no cats were listening in to what she was saying. "I saw the the territory got expanded the other day too... How can he expect us to manage such a large area with leaf-bare coming up?" She looked down to her fore paws, her brow furrowed in thought. Maybe the tom was growing desperate? He was getting old so there was a chance that he many not survive the upcoming cold. Still, he was being reckless, it was enough to make even her nervous. She looked to Dusk again, worry on her face. What if Henry's desperation caused her brother to be killed; her ears pinned back at the thought.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 19, 2022 20:21:30 GMT -5
Falconpaw grunted out of the den and followed Aspenheart, keeping quiet while he waited for the mentors to be ready to go.
Morningstream smiled at Aspenheart and the apprentices as they approached, “well we’re all here, are we ready?” She asked them and looked over to Redclaw, who looked like he was half asleep as he stood.
Redclaw nodded sluggishly, “yeah let’s get going,” he mewed and flicked his tail at the apprentices as a signal to leave.
Falconpaw nodded and followed behind the mentors, keeping fairly close to his brother. He always found himself irritable, especially in the morning. He would sleep in all day if it weren’t for having to train and hunt, but he was a clan cat and needed to act like it. “I wonder what we’re going to do. Help Morningstream, but how?“ he grunted to Mudpaw as they trotted through the grass towards the forest.
Morningstream trotted next to her brother and gave him a teasing glare as she faintly heard Falconpaw’s words, “these two will be fun to hang out with,” she mewed with a smile. Falconpaw wasn’t the most difficult apprentice, but he was sort of like Owlwing. Blunt and grumpy but also attentive and smart.
——
Dusk nodded a bit disappointedly and glanced back down the alleyway, “that is true,” he sighed, “I was able to have a conversation with him and now I only hear him give orders.” He explained to his sister. Not too long ago he and Henry were getting along great, but things changed quickly as it became leaf fall. “I know he’s still planning on taking over the pier, and with how he’s acting I think it’s going to be soon,” he added to his sister with worry in his voice. A fight with the pier cats wouldn’t end pretty, but unfortunately that’s what the ending is looking like so far. The tom was getting old and leafbare was around the corner, Dusk wouldn’t doubt for a moment that he would be planning to take the pier for better territory and better chances at surviving the leafbare.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 19, 2022 21:11:16 GMT -5
Aspenheart looked back to the apprentices, "we will be helping her gather certain herbs and take them back to camp. It's an important task- even warriors should know basic herbs. That way if the medicine cat is super busy we can gather herbs while on patrols." The tom explained confidently, glancing to Redclaw and Morningstream for their approval. While he knew a lot of apprentice and warrior never learned about herbs, he couldn't help but feel it was important. What if Owlwing and Morningstream got hurt or sick?
----
Frost nodded looking rather worried. She couldn't help but feel that her brother was right, it was only a matter of time before the fighting begun. She sighed, looking down again and over to the alley and all the cats in it. Many of them were just cats looking for a safe place to call home, but this was far from that. If it wasn't for her past in the clan, she doubted she would have survived for as long as she had. "Just be careful." She mewed, looking to both Sabrina and Dusk as she spoke, a serious tone in her voice. She stood up, "I should probably see if Mara can find out anything. That way you have time to prepare. I don't think whatever he is planning will end well."
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 19, 2022 22:06:59 GMT -5
Morningstream nodded in agreement to Aspenheart, “besides, anything can happen and it could save your life one day,” she mewed with a smile and looked back to the apprentices. Falconpaw looked like he wanted to roll his eyes out of his head and Mudpaw just looked happy to be there. She let out a giggle and focused in front of her, “it doesn’t seem like it’s been so long since we were apprentices but it has,” she mewed. “Which means even longer since we’ve seen.. you know,” she added in a low voice. Morningstream missed her siblings dearly, it had been so many moons since they had seen them after that one gathering. She’d do anything to see them or see if they are okay still.
Redclaw fell behind next to Falconpaw, feeling a bit sluggish. He suddenly felt eyes on him and looked over to the apprentice, who was staring at him with a serious expression. “What?“
Falconpaw let out a small laugh, “oh nothing, you're just starting to look like Moonstar. Old and tired,” he joked.
Redclaw scoffed, “and you’re starting to look like Owlwing. Uptight and mean,” he teased back and let out a laugh.
Falconpaw rolled his eyes, “very funny.”
——
Dusk gave his sister a worried look, “we will, you be safe too. I never have and never will trust Brick,” he added with disgust in his voice. He’s been disappointed in himself for letting this plan drag out so long, but what else is he to do? He has tried his best and it’s finally paying off, he was sure it wouldn’t be too long before they take over the group. Henry must be acting the way he is because he’s becoming weaker, which makes it an easy win. He nodded in agreement again to Frost, “okay that’s a good idea. And you’re right if there’s a fight… Let’s just say we should train more,” he explained and glanced over to Sabrina. Both of the she-cats meant the world to him, and the idea of a fight with the pier cats scared him a bit. Both of them were strong and knew how to fight, but the pier cats were too.
Sabrina nodded, “fighting in pairs would be a good idea. Pier cats are full of tricks,” she suggested to the siblings. She hoped fighting side by side with them would give them a better chance. Given many fights with the pier cats have ended with deaths within the group.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 19, 2022 23:12:50 GMT -5
The animation is done! Just redrawing some sketch frames (which will never be completed and adding a background!!!)
Aspenheart nodded, looking to his paws for a moment. He wondered if his siblings were okay, last time he saw them, the both looked so roughed up. Hopefully Starclan has been watching over them. That's all he could hope for. He sighed and looked to his sister, "I know." He said quietly with a smile. He was sure that they would meet again soon, he was sure of it.
"Falconpaw, you can't speak to a warrior like that." Mudpaw whispered to his brother nervously, his green eyes wide as he looked up to Redclaw, "I'm so sorry, he doesn't mean it, Redclaw."
Aspenheart looked back to the apprentices, "Falconpaw is my apprentice to tease!" He said with feigned jealously, pausing so he could give Redclaw a playful nudge. He then looked down to Mudpaw, "don't worry, Mudpaw, redclaw is tougher than he looks." He purred, hoping to ease the shy apprentice, who looked down when Aspenheart spoke. Aspenheart looked to Redclaw with a sheepish grin, feeling guilty that just talking to Mudpaw seemed to make him nervouse. Did Redclaw have some magic aura that just made apprentice warm up to him?
--
Frost nodded, "I will probably not be allowed to go; but, I'll sneak in whenever I can though... if anything happens." She said sternly, then giving Sabrina a soft look, "I'm tougher than I look." She explained, hoping that the she-cat wasn't forgetting that her origins were the same as Dusk's. She was a strong and proud forest cat, despite how she appeared. The she-cat glanced around for Mara, maybe she was still out? Still, cats were starting to notice Dusk. She gave her brother a nudge and smiled at Sabrina. "I'll meet up with you two later tonight. I have something I have to do." She mewed, hoping to excuse herself. Mara and her had been going on walks often since the first one, and she couldn't help but feel some excitement, though it was difficult to notice. Last bare-leaf, she hardly saw any of the kitty pets that would often talk to them, so time was running out to see them again. Though she convinced herself it was strictly to hear about rumors, nothing else.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 21, 2022 14:55:30 GMT -5
(I’m sorry this took so long)
Redclaw let out a chuckle, “yea Mudpaw, don’t worry about me. Worry about your brother there,” he gave the apprentices both a smirk to indicate he was teasing them. Falconpaw always took teasing in a good way, Mudpaw was a bit more logical and serious.
Falconpaw nudged Mudpaw lightly, “we’re just teasing,” he reassured his brother with a small smile, who still seemed a bit nervous. Who was like him, but Falconpaw found himself trying to ease his tension most of the time. “Besides, we get to help Morningstream and ditch our mentors,” he mewed with a smirk.
Morningstream let out a small laugh and glanced over to Aspenheart, “don’t get too jealous, okay?” She mewed a smile apparent on her face.
——
Dusk looked at Frost after she mentioned leaving, “okay… Be safe,” he mewed to her as she jumped off of the crates. That was the most they have talked in a few moons, it didn’t feel right being so distant from her. No matter how many moons go by, it will never feel right to him. Which made him more determined for this plan to play out flawlessly. He glanced around the alleyway and many cats were looking at him and Sabrina, but they both were so used to it. He felt crazy for ever thinking he would stop getting so many stares, because they have multiplied many times in the last 12 moons. He also felt bad for Sabrina always getting stares too, along with many cats asking her if she and Dusk are mates, as if it were their business anyway.
Sabrina smiled, “see you later Frost,” she mewed softly and watched the she-cat leave. Dusk didn’t say a word for a while so she looked over to him, “let’s go somewhere else,” she suggested to him as she began to notice how many stares they were beginning to get. As much as she loves Dusk, the stares and gossip were getting too much. Although she hides how much it bothers her, it does and she felt like she couldn’t ignore it anymore.
Dusk nodded, “of course,” he agreed and followed her out of the alleyway. He would often go on the morning patrol which gave him time to get out of the alleyway with Sabrina. In the green-leaf they even made it to the forest, well the edge of the forest, but they were still able to share a shrew without any issues. But since green-leaf ended, Henry has been sending out more patrols. So wandering off to the forest would be a bad idea now.
Mara quickly noticed Frost lingering in the alleyway and she trotted over to her quickly, “ya ready?” She asked her excitedly. She and Frost were now pretty good friends, taking frequent walks together and going hunting. Dusk and Sabrina quickly caught her eye as they left the alleyway, she glanced over to Frost with a curious look, “how’s your brother been?”
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 21, 2022 21:49:35 GMT -5
Aspenheart scoffed as if he was offended, but the glint in his eyes were betraying his act, "ah, my poor heart. Betrayed by my own dear apprentice!" He teased, giving Falconpaw a playful nudge and grinning at Morningstream. "If I'm not careful, Morningstream might snatch you both up."
Mudpaw shifted and shook his head, "no way! I wanna be a warrior!" He mewed desperately, as if Aspenheart was telling the truth. He felt his ears grow hot with embarrassment. He looked to Morningstream, "not that medicine cats aren't cool, they are. Right, Falconpaw?" He said shyly, looking to Falconpaw.
---
Frost gave the two cats one last smile before disappearing among the cats that flooded the alley. She slipped through the crowd but stopped when she saw Mara. She looked to the black she-cat and nodded, her face back to it's usual, neutral gaze. Slowly, she had been slipping, though many cats seemed to just think it was just her finally coming down to reality. Honestly, it made her life easier, she was able to focus more on what was around her. She still had to act dumber than a mouse but it was a small price to pay. "Yes, shall we go?" She mewed, she followed Mara's gaze then looked back to her, "fine, he's worried about me, but that isn't unusual." She said, giving Dusk a final glance before sighing, she felt guilty. Still, she straightened herself out and motioned to Mara to follow her as she heading towards the wooded path with some eagerness. The kitty-pets were a surprisingly good way to find information. They are often ignored by rogues, so they overhear a lot of good information. "Hopefully they're there today." She said under her breath.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 23, 2022 13:28:28 GMT -5
Falconpaw nodded with a smirk, “of course they are! They are just as cool as warriors, if not cooler,” he nudged his brother again. He looked up at the trees as they entered the forest, he never liked the forest too much. The scents were strong and the air wasn’t as fresh as it was on the island.
Morningstream paused as they reached the trees and looked up to the sky, checking to see where the sun was. She glanced over to Aspenheart and Redclaw, “meet here at sun high?”
Redclaw nodded, “that sounds fine,” he replied and looked over to the apprentices. “Be good to Morningstream, she has spent a lot of time with Owlwing so she’s not as sweet as she seems,” he mewed seriously to the two young toms.
Falconpaw smiled a bit and shook his head, Morningstream was by far the kindest cat in the clan. “There’s no way she’d hurt a fly!” He scoffed.
——
Mara nodded, “alright then,” she mewed in agreement and began trotting out of the alleyway. She was glad that she and Frost had gotten close. From the beginning she knew something wasn’t right with hers and Brick's relationship, and she turned out to be right the whole time. Now she could at least be there and take most of Brick’s outbursts.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 23, 2022 18:09:09 GMT -5
Apenheart shook his head, "she's scary when she's mad! Worse than a badger that slept on the wrong side of the nest. If you make her too mad, next time you get sick she will give you the extra bitter herbs." He chuckled, giving Morningstream a playful grin before looking to Redclaw, "well, I guess we'll head off." He suggested, giving the trio a finak glance, "we will catch plenty for you guys, so look forward to it." He added with a purr, giving Redclaw a nudge to get moving, he was itching to hunt. It was nice having an apprentice again but made hunting feel like more of a task- it was nice to go out with another warrior, especially Redclaw. "Be good you two!"
Mudpaw nodded in agreement with his brother, but gave Morningstream a glance at Aspenheart's warning, seeming to somewhat believe it. He looked back to the mentors and smiled slightly, "okay, we will." He mewed shyly, his eyes full of excitment.
---
Frost walked down the path and glanced around, looking for any kitty pets that may be lingering. To be honest, most of them were quite friendly, they would sometimes offer food or a place to stay but she always refused- some even suggested her and Mara try to be taken in by the twolegs, the thought left a bad taste in her mouth. She noticed a orange and white tabby- they one that yelled at her and Mara all those moons ago, "Ollie." She called, quickly getting the fat tabby's attention.
He perked up, "oh, hey Frost, hi Mara." He greeted, relaxing when he realized who it was, "it's getting a little chilly for walks." He added, looking down at them from his fence.
Frost shook her head, "it's fine." She mewed, glancing to Mara for confirmation before looking back to Ollie.
"I guess you two want the latest gossip, eh?"
Frost sat down and nodded, "yes, thank you."
Ollie glanced around, "you already know I don't know as much as the others. I just stay here or in my garden so I only hear what I'm told." He explained, looking to see if there was any cat that would have more info. "Word is that cats are being attacked when they leave their garden. You know Bella? She got attacked by some alley cat just the other day- they told her to get off their territory. What? They wanna take over the whole town or something? Anyways, housefolks are freaking out and keeping their cats inside- some are even starting to trap cats now. So be careful. Big metal cages. I think a lot of them go to the cutters after. So if you don't want to be like me, I would suggest being careful. I couldn't see wither of you liking the house cat life."
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 27, 2022 14:18:03 GMT -5
(I’m so sorry about my late reply, went on a last minute trip.)
Morningstream watched as the two warriors left on their way and gave her attention to the two apprentices in front of her. “Let’s get going,” she mewed with a smile before leading the way through the forest. She paused when she reached a bush of chervil, “take a deep whiff of this plant, it’s called chervil. It’s chewed into a poultice and applied to wounds. But it can also be chewed and swallowed for bellyaches, and kitting queens.” She explained to the two young toms before grabbing a small bunch in her mouth. She set down the bunch in front of Mudpaw, “would you mind carrying that? We’ll find some Laurel leaves to wrap them in and I can show you both how to do that.”
Falconpaw nodded, “herb gathering is like hunting for medicine cats,” he pointed out. Hoping not to sound too ignorant- he was actually interested in what Morningstream was showing them.
Morningstream shrugged, “if that’s how you want to look at it,” she replied and began to walk again. She knew this part of the forest like the back of her paw, knowing where each plant grew. She stopped near another brush and ripped a leaf off the brush, she set it down and glanced at Mudpaw, “set the herbs in the leaf,” she mewed and waited for him to set the herbs down. Once he did, she showed them how to wrap the Laurel leaf around the herbs, “this is just a small medicine pouch, you can make them bigger depending on the size of the leaf. They are pretty hard to tie, it takes practice.” She mewed with a smile.
——
Redclaw padded quickly to catch up with Aspenheart. Once he caught up he let out a yawn, once again falling behind the other tom. “I’ll be lucky to catch an oversized vole,” he huffed irritably at his own exhaustion. If only the thought of the conflict between the two clans didn’t bother him the way it did, then maybe he wouldn’t be so exhausted. But the days felt long and the nights were longer as the thoughts burdened his mind.
——
Mara sat down and listened attentively to Ollie as he told them the latest news, and the news was bad. But what did she expect? She already knew that whatever her father was planning wasn’t good. “Thank you for warning us,” she mewed to him with a slight smile. She looked over to Frost with a worried gaze, “we should get back…” she trailed off, knowing the small she-cat would most likely refuse.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 27, 2022 18:31:12 GMT -5
( No worries at all! )
Mudpaw nodded and picked it up carefully, as if the herb would shatter if not handled with care. He obediently followed the medicine cat's orders without a word, watching intently as Morningstream warpped up the herbs. He had seen her and Owlwing with those bundled before, but he never realized what they were until now. His wide eyes showed his curiosity as he glanced at his brother, eager to see if the tom as just as amazed as he was.
--
Aspenheart scoffed at Redclaw, "yeah, you will fall asleep while chasing it at this rate. What in Starclan made you so tired?" He asked, tilting his head up to try to catch the scent of any nearby prey. He looked back at his friend with a teasing look, taking a few steps to get close to the tom until he was a mouse length away. "Oh, don't tell me you are sneaking out at night?" He asked, though there was a half-heartedness to it, clearly he was sure that Redclaw would never do such a thing- he knew he wouldn't. He pulled away and sat down, tilting his head as he spoke, "nightmares?" He asked, this time fully serious. Both he and Redclaw had experienced maybe terrible fights since they were apprentices. Injuries and death were becoming more common with each passing moon.
--
Frost shook her head quickly, "no, we need to get more info. This may be our last chance for moons." She said flatly, making it clear she would not budge on the matter. The kittypets were useful but as soon as it gets cold, almost all of them are hidden away until new-leaf. The battle could be any day now, she could not risk losing precious information. She looked to Ollie, "is anyone else out?" She asked, her bluntness causing Ollie to pout slightly.
"Jeez, you're always too blunt- you know that?" He looked to Mara, "her name suits her, don't you think- brr." He added, teasing Frost for a moment but sighing when he got no reaction from the pale cat. "Anyways, I think Victor and Jasper are up a few fences, they always have a lot of gossip- so nosey. I'm heading inside- hopefully you two make it out fine with this cold." He mewed, giving them both a smile.
Frost nodded, "thank you, we will. Have a good day, Ollie." Frost mewed back before looking to Mara, "I think it would be worth talking to them. They may know more about the pier cats." She stated, not yet moving, though it was clear she was determined to get all the info she could get, her worry for Shadow was enough for her to take the risk.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Mar 29, 2022 22:54:01 GMT -5
Falconpaw watched Morningstream wrap the herbs rather closely, despite his attitude towards a lot of things he was always eager to learn.
Morningstream put the pouch in front of Mudpaw, “there, now you can carry it if you’d like.” mewed with a smile before grabbing a few more Laurel leaves, “what I really need is chamomile. I’m almost all out,” she mewed and began to trot through the forest again. The chamomile wasn’t too far from where they were. They were lucky for the territory they have, with a nice variety of herbs rather close to each other.
Morningstream showed the apprentices where the chamomile grew and explained to them the importance of the herb. They grabbed a few bunches and she gave both the apprentices a Laurel leaf, “let’s all wrap the leaf around our herbs,” she mewed before successfully wrapping the leaf around the herb.
Falconpaw attempted to wrap the leaf around the herbs, trying to stay slow and steady as he made the tie. As he almost tied it the leaf ripped and he scoffed, “a lot harder than you made it look,” he mewed to Morningstream.
Morningstream giggled and pushed another leaf towards him, “try one more time.”
——
Redclaw rolled his eyes and let out a small scoff, “yea, nightmares,” he mumbled and kept alongside Aspenheart. His ear flicked at the sound of birds chirping, but he knew he wasn’t in shape to catch a bird successfully. He lifted his nose and caught the scent of a vole, and he hoped it was a fat one.
——
Mara shrugged at Frost, “I suppose,” she mewed. Even if she had said she didn’t want to, Frost would have insisted until they went. She began to trot down the sidewalk towards the area Ollie was speaking about. She glanced over to Frost, “we need to be careful, i don’t want to be a kitty pet,” she mewed a bit harshly. She looked up and noticed the two cats, “there they are.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Mar 29, 2022 23:20:27 GMT -5
By the time Falconpaw had ripped his, Mistpaw hardly started, fearful of ripping the surprisingly delicate leaf. He glanced over to his brother then Morningstream, seeing their reactions allowed him to relax slightly, noting that a mistake would have little consequence. Gingerly, he attempted to tie his as well, but his knot undid almost as soon as he had it tied. He frowned and glanced at his brother again before trying again, this time technically successful but it was clear the pouch would not hold for long, it was ready to burst at any moment, “sorry.” He mumbled to Morningstream, shifting on his paws.
—
“Hey, nightmares are a real thing, I remember after that one fight last leaf-bare, I could hardly sleep a wink. Those Forestclan cats were nasty.” He mewed, his voice lowering as he too caught the scent of the vole. Sensing Redclaw’s eagerness, the tom sat down and watched his friend intently, ears perked up.
—
“You’re not going to become a kitty pet, you aren’t mouse brained enough to wander into a trap like that.” Frost stated, walking eagerly. She sat down when she reached the two toms. “Hello.” She greeted.
Victor scoffed, “what do you two want this time? Scraps?” He mewed, his tail tip flicking back and forth as he stared down at the she-cats.
Jasper glanced as his friend then to Mara and Frost, “he’s in a mood today.” He explained, jumping down to talk. “Here for some information? I have lots of gossip this time.” He added, a bit of excitement in his voice as he sat down, his tail wrapped around his paws. He gave Mara a questioning look, noticing her uneasiness.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Apr 2, 2022 14:14:50 GMT -5
Morningstream smiled at Mudpaw, “no need to be sorry. It took me moons to stop ripping them. Owlwing would sit and wait until I tied at least one, and now I could practically do it with my eyes closed.” She reassured the tom. “Now, I only need to find dock leaves. Come this way,” she grabbed the herbs she had wrapped and trotted a few tail lengths in front of them before she set her herbs down again, “dock leaves are important because they soothe scratches and can be laid in nests to relieve pain. It’s wonderful for elders in pain,” Morningstream explained and took a deep whiff of the dock leaves.
——
Redclaw nodded a bit, “I remember.” He mewed before crouching down to pinpoint where the vole had been, he faced the direction the scent came from and noticed the vole quickly. Luckily it was about three tail lengths away and he could probably pounce on it. He wiggled his haunches and pounced towards the vole, but he landed ruggedly and the vole noticed him quickly. Redclaw scrambled as fast as he could and barely caught the vole by a claw. He made the killing bite and let out a sigh of relief, “I don’t know what that was, but I caught it!”
——
Mara lightly scoffed, “Frost loves the gossip,” she replied and glanced over to Frost. “Well we both do,” she added before looking back at Jasper.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Apr 2, 2022 17:20:01 GMT -5
Mudpaw listened to Morningstream and nodded, however, when she started to move on, he gave up on his second attempt and gathered all the herbs and leaves in his mouth, struggling to not drop any of it. He followed her and placed his pile of herbs by her neat pouch before once again trotting to her side, glancing at his brother to see he was paying attention.
--
Aspenheart laughed when Redclaw finally caught the vole, "I don't either. Is that the new hunting technique you're teaching Mudpaw?" He teased, walking up to his friend. "Nice catch." He added with a purr, looking over the vole. "Make sure you ask Morningstream or Owlwing for some poppy seed tonight. You'll fall behind if you don't get enough sleep." He added with a slight scold to his voice, his tail brushing Redclaw's back as he walked past. "So, what's keeping you up? Mudpaw is and easy apprentice, so it can't be that."
--- (here's a novel to read- sorry haha)
Frost simple nodded, looking intently at the tom.
Jasper shifted, "well, I wouldn't call it gossip..." He said sheepishly, only to glance to Victor when the dark tom released a snort.
"That's exactly what it is! You gossip worse than the old timers!" Victor mewed from the fence, now leisurely resting on it with his chin on his paws.
Jasper simply shook his head, a bit of embarrassment and annoyance on his face before he looked back at the two she-cats and smiled apologetically, looking a tad nervous.
"Regardless of what you would like to call it. I would like to hear whatever you could tell us." Frost said formally, unbothered by the argument, "we don't have a lot of time." She added, glancing to Mara before looking back at Jasper cooly.
Jasper had a brief expression of disappointment, though he soon nodded and gave Frost a smile to mask it. He glanced between the two cats before speaking, "right. Well, the alley cats have been getting worse recently, attacking us and strays, even Bel-"
"Ollie told us that before coming here, including the traps. Any information on why you are being attacked? Is it the cats from the pier?" Frost interrupted.
Victor snorted, "you mean the group by the water? Half of them are strays and abandoned pets- they wouldn't attack any of us." The cat said, giving Frost a confused look. "It's a peaceful group, always has been."
"You know them?" Frost asked, narrowing her eyes.
Victor shot her a glare then shook his head, "not really." He said sharply.
Jasper nodded, "Victor's right, the pier group has never caused any issues." He mewed, giving the two she-cats a confused look as well, "I thought that was where you two were from? You always have the scent of other cats." He studied the two for a moment then continued, though clearly he was still deep in thought, "anyways, it's the group from the alley that's been attacking everyone. Bella said that the cat who attacked her was scarier than any dog she had ever seen. It happened so fast that she could hardly remember him though. Big and scary."
"The Beast of the Alley is what we have been calling him. He's a monster." Victor added.
Frost's eye's narrowed, Brick, she thought. There was no doubt that the large tom was the cause of the violence. She had seen what he would do to any cat that he felt deserved punishment. Mara had been his victim many times, even when Frost tried to stop him. She looked to Mara, wanting to see what she thought about the situation, maybe she knew more than Frost did, she was Henry's daughter after all.
"so, where are you two living? If you aren't by the water?" Jasper eventually asked, concern on his face. "The streets aren't safe, not with that beast running around attacking even one."
Frost looked at him quickly, for a moment, panic was on her face before she shifted and cleared her throat. "We move around." She eventually said, looking to Mara again for confirmation.
"Well stay away from the alleyways, that creature killed a cat last year. Broke his neck like a twig." Victor added with a harsh tone, some anger in his voice.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Apr 3, 2022 12:56:52 GMT -5
(Love the novel haha)
Falconpaw quickly grabbed the herbs and ripped leaves that he had and scrambled after Morningstream. He sniffed the dock leaves and wrinkled his nose, “I don’t like that smell very much,” he mewed as he stepped back away from the bush.
Morningstream giggled, “I actually don’t mind the smell,” she mewed before grabbing a mouthful of dock leaves. She wrapped them nicely into a laurel leaf and turned to the apprentices, “that’s all I needed, but surely those two aren’t done hunting.” She mewed and thought for a moment on what she and the apprentices could do to kill time.
As Morningstream stood in her thoughts Falconpaw took another try at wrapping the chamomile he still had. He wrapped it as slow and steady as possible, but as he almost finished excitement rushed through him and the leaf came undone. “This is a joke!”
——
Redclaw shrugged and pushed the vole underneath a bush, “it’s fine, I’m fine. And yea, Mudfoot is a good apprentice.” He mumbled before padding a few tail lengths away from Aspenheart. He had no intentions to tell his best friend of the potential relationship he had with a ForestClan she-cat, he would surely scold Redclaw for the rest of their lives. “Nightmares like you said!” He shouted behind him.
——
Mara listened quietly, making sure not to miss a detail. Once Jasper brought up ‘The Beast of the Alley’ she was almost positive that they were speaking of Brick.
She shot a surprised look at Frost when the tom mentioned the cat snapping another cat's neck, it sounded too familiar. But not familiar regarding Brick.. “thanks Jasper,” Mara mewed, forcing a slight smile. “We better find a better place to stay tonight,” she said as she looked back over to Frost.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Apr 4, 2022 21:23:30 GMT -5
Short sorry- I've been really busy recently!)
Mudpaw gave his brother a gentle nudge, "you almost had it." He mewed sweetly, wanting to encourage Falconpaw to try again. He looked at his mess of a pouch and pulled it towards himself with his forepaw, attempting again, he narrowed his eyes as he stared intently at the leaf, once again failing. He sighed and started to try again, determined to do it right before Redclaw returned.
--
"Yeah, but about what?" Aspenheart mewed, not really paying attention as he narrowed down the location of a mouse, just a few fox lengths away. He was surprised their chatting hadn't scared it off. Steadily, he crept towards the rodent, and was soon able to pin it down before giving it a killing bite. It wasn't as graceful as other warriors, but he was happy with his performance. He picked up the mouse and looked to Redclaw, "do you need me to help out with Mudpaw?" He asked through his teeth, genuine in his offer.
--
Frost had almost no reaction, only a slight shift of her head gave an indication of concern. "Thank you Jasper." She mewed quietly, dipping her head, giving Victor a nod as well. She looked to Mara, "true."
"My garden is always open if you can't find anywhere safe, there's some bushes to keep you covered." Jasper mewed politely, though he was expecting the two she-cats to politely decline. He knew that they were more than capable to fend for themselves, but he made a habit of reminding them that there was always a place to go if their options ran thin. The nights were getting colder and colder. He couldn't help but wonder if that was what happened to Frost's tail, maybe her namesake was from that?
Frost looked to Jasper again, "I'm sure we will manage, Jasper, thank you for the offer." She said, standing up, "have a good night."
Jasper nodded, "be safe, I'm just a yowl away if you need me." He said with a smile, jumping back up onto his fence, giving the two cats another glance. They seemed so nervous, he wanted to ask but he felt he couldn't. He opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind, his fluffy tail wrapping around his body.
Frost gave the two a small smile before turning to walk away. When they were a decent distance away, she spoke, "he is a strange cat." She mewed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Apr 8, 2022 13:12:51 GMT -5
Falconpaw shrugged, “I think I’m done trying,” he mewed and looked over to Mudpaw as he tried to wrap his leaf again. The tom was almost getting it and Falconpaw got excited for him, “you almost got it Mudfoot!” He mewed happily.
——
Redclaw let out a small grumble, why was Aspenheart being so persistent? Besides, Mudfoot was an easy apprentice. “The fighting between the clans, don’t forget I was in another tussle with them only a half moon ago.” Redclaw explained, hoping that was enough to get the tom off his back. It was true that he had been in another fight with a ForestClan patrol, but that was the least of his issues. If it had been Littlefoot, that outcome would’ve been different. “And no, I’m fine. I’ll get some sleep tomorrow and get back on top of Mudpaw training,” he mewed and took, a few steps away from Aspenheart.
——
Mara said her farewells to the two kitty pets and walked back down the sidewalk next to Frost, she nodded slightly at the she-cats comment, “I suppose. But those kitty pets live a whole different life than us, they are just not what we’re used to,” Mara mewed with a smile as they trotted. But she couldn’t help but worry about the twolegs. Although she had always avoided their traps, when she was only a few moons old a twoleg tried to pick her up. It was almost the scariest thing she had been through, but sometimes when she thinks back to that scene she almost wished she had let them take her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Apr 15, 2022 23:34:30 GMT -5
/bump to keep active/
|
|
|
|
Post by Reden on Apr 17, 2022 23:13:53 GMT -5
(Very short. I'll be on again tomorrow)
Mudpaw focused completely on the leaf, and with a few more attempts, was able to successfully make a pouch. He looked up to his brother with excitement, "I did it!"
--
Aspenheart nodded, "okay." He said, noticing that Redclaw seemed to be even grumpier than before. The tom glanced around again, looking for signs of more prey, unable to catch the scent of any near by. "I guess all the talking scared away all the prey" he sighed, "sorry." He added apologetically to his friend, continuing to walk.
--
"I suppose that's true." She mewed, staring ahead, "still, they always make everything a big story. I wish they would be more clear with their information. All they do is talk." She complained with a deep sigh, she found most of the information rather useless, and Victor had been unwilling to disclose more info. "Did you know about the pier cats? Are they really a peaceful group?" She asked, she had always heard that they were a group even worse than Henry's, but she could see how that could be skewed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dawnmist on Apr 18, 2022 20:07:06 GMT -5
(Glad to see you back! I will have a short reply up soon. )
|
|
I'll change the kits to apprentices for the boys and add some others for background )