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whitemuzzle
New Member
26 Posts
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Life's short, eat dessert first!
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Post by whitemuzzle on Mar 4, 2023 17:53:22 GMT -6
The sudden chilliness where the warm queen had been all night stirred Stonefang into wakefulness. He opened his eyes and blinked against the bright morning sunlight that filtered through the branches of the bush. Getting to his paws, he stretched away the stiffness of sleep from his muscles. From a distance he heard the soft mewing of conversation. Thinking it might be Coastcurl making a morning hunting patrol (he had seen she wasn't in her nest) he ventured out from under the bush and heard Myrtlewing's kind words to Coastcurl.
Wishing he hadn't intruded, he felt a bit embarrassed but it would be even more awkward if he retreated now. He knew from the direction of the air current his scent was being borne over to them. "Very well said," he mewed softly as he padded over to the she cats. "I couldn't agree with Myrtlewing more. Would you like me to go hunting before we move on?"
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 4, 2023 21:49:41 GMT -6
Myrtlewing quickly raised her head, startled by Stonefang’s sudden appearance. She could feel the way her chest fluttered, and she couldn’t decide if it was because of Stonefang’s unsuspected awakening or his praise that had her blood pounding in her ears. Myrtlewing bashfully flicked her tail over her paws, trying to control herself from purring in delight that two cats she respected had graced her with their own respect.
Myrtlewing, after getting ahold of her thoughts, figured that hunting itself was not a bad idea. The kits, Elders, and Queens needed it, along with the other cats within the group.
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baewolf
Leader
she/her
37 Posts
4 Likes
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Post by baewolf on Mar 5, 2023 19:30:48 GMT -6
Her heart warmed at the queens praise, not really knowing what to say. Before she could open her mouth to give her thanks for what the young queen had said, tomcat scent washed over her. Turning her head, Coastcurl saw Stonefang emerge, watching his gaze soften as he looked at Myrtlewing.
A small smile appeared on the she-cats maw as she watched the other two, seasoning something was going to unfurl with that coupling. It was a good one, she thought, giving her head a small shake to hide her grin. Eventually they would make a home and cats like these could have real families, have a real future. Coastcurl could not wait for that moment; the image in her mind was only a fleeting grasp.
"f you would round up a cat or two to hunt, I would appreciate it," she said with a small dip of her head, grateful for the toms thoughtfulness. Coastcurl was very appreciative of the grey furred toms foresight and willingness to help the others.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 6, 2023 18:44:22 GMT -6
The she-cat dipped her head, “I think hunting before we move to a new area is the wisest move we have. I’ll make sure the Queens and kits are ready for departure.” Myrtlewing, for a split moment, had a serious look that resembled much of what her littermate always wore. She padded off with the agility of a Warrior.
She slowed down her pace, licking the ear of a tall, blue-gray tom in an affectionate greeting as she passed. The tabby purred in response and headed towards Coastcurl and Stonefang. Driftfall meowed, a cheerful, but confused sound, “What have I neglected that Myrtlewing runs off in such a hurry?” Driftfall looked back behind him, wondering why his sister had given him such a rushed “good morning.”
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kuno
New Member
42 Posts
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Post by kuno on Mar 7, 2023 21:02:42 GMT -6
"I hear there's to be a hunting party," came another voice that was quickly approaching from one side. Mountainshiver had chosen to mostly stick to herself up until this moment, hearing that a collection of prey was needed. Wanting to be useful, she didn't hesitate to volunteer her skills as a warrior who had traveled far with her companions to find this new place.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 8, 2023 6:47:06 GMT -6
Driftfall nodded as if finally understanding, “I see. Then I also want to join the hunting party, if that is not too much to request.” Driftfall’s pale brown eyes glimmered with excitement and hopefulness. He did not want to slack off when Myrtlewing was doing the best she could while being as far along as she was.
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whitemuzzle
New Member
26 Posts
10 Likes
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Life's short, eat dessert first!
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Post by whitemuzzle on Mar 8, 2023 15:02:51 GMT -6
Stonefang watched Myrtlewing pad off and sighed. What were these stirrings he was beginning to feel? Then directing his attention to the two other cats, he mewed, "Good, good." He was pleased he didn't have round up recruits. Willing volunteers were always better. "We three should be able to make short work of what prey might be in this area." He smiled at Mountainshiver then looked past her toward an inviting field. "How about we try to find something in that meadow over there?" He waved his tail toward a small field dotted with bushes and a few short trees. "Looks like a good place for mice and if we're lucky, rabbits too." He started to walk in that direction. "Your sister sure is a nice cat," he said to Driftfall. "She has every reason to complain but she chooses to be kind and encouraging to everyone she meets."
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baewolf
Leader
she/her
37 Posts
4 Likes
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Post by baewolf on Mar 8, 2023 15:18:36 GMT -6
Coastcurl watched the warriors for a moment, happy they could gather a hunting patrol among themselves. Part of her wanted to stay and mark the stars blinking out of the sky, but what kind of leader would she be if she didn't go along with the hunt. The tug in her gut would have to wait, they needed to make it to the waterfall before she made any other decisions regarding the cats who had chosen to follow her into the unknown.
Whipping around with a wry grin, she dipped her head in greeting to Mountainshiver and said, "Mind if I join in the patrol? I would rather my restless paws be useful and feed everyone before we set off. It's not far, but the journey afterward will require everyone to be at their top strength."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 8, 2023 17:27:47 GMT -6
Driftfall nodded, purring as he did, “She truly is. Myrtlewing has probably always been that way. I know she was when I was a kit.” His heart filled with pleasure and embarrassment as he recalled the number of times poor Myrtlewing had to save him while she was still an apprentice.
Driftfall’s tail twitched excitedly, looking as if he might shake all the fur off his pelt, “Oh, that's a splendid idea, I'll go wake Harewind. He's usually quite the grumpy fellow, but I'm sure since you're going he'd want to come along.” Driftfall quickly darted away. In only a few minutes, he dragged a very annoyed white and light-gray tabby, who looked to be growling something to Driftfall.
Harewind’s sour look almost vanished as he dipped his head in cold respect to Coastcurl, “If you believe me beneficial to the cats of this journey, then I would happily join you in hunting.” Driftfall looked at Coastcurl, beaming; he was clearly quite proud of himself.
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baewolf
Leader
she/her
37 Posts
4 Likes
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Post by baewolf on Mar 8, 2023 18:20:41 GMT -6
Hearing the companionship between brother and sister sent a pang of longing through Coastcurl, wishing she had someone that close to share the burden of this journey with. They were lucky to have siblings, someone to look after the other and to watch each other's backs. Where she on the other paw was alone. Not really alone, she had the loyalty of her Clanmates, yet it wasn't the same as kin. Or hell, even having a close friend would be nice.
Watching Driftfall bring forth Harewind, Coastcurl couldn't help but chuckle and give a roll of her eyes at the toms response. "Everyone is beneficial on this journey mousebrain," she chided, flicking her tail across the toms ears. Looking around, she was pleased to find that the light snowfall had stopped, the sun finally showing her golden rays across the sky. "Let's get going, suns up and prey should be moving."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 8, 2023 20:11:11 GMT -6
Driftfall did not hold his breath as he might have done for a different cat to call Harewind “mousebrain.” He knew without a doubt that the pale-blue-eyed tom would never rebuke the “she-cat StarClan had chosen.” Harewind lifted his head and nodded in agreement. Moving to follow Coastcurl.
Driftfall felt the earth beneath his feet, letting them take him wandering away from his comrades. He was a decent hunter with his silent paws, but his true strength was in the waters filled with fish. Before he could get too far, he heard a very familiar hiss behind him, “Don’t stray from the group. I personally would not mind leaving you and your annoying yapping lost in the woods, but Myrtlewing would be worried sick while trying to find you herself.” Harewind sighed, and Driftfall nodded guiltily since he was well aware of his own record of wandering off and then getting lost.
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whitemuzzle
New Member
26 Posts
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Life's short, eat dessert first!
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Post by whitemuzzle on Mar 10, 2023 17:50:16 GMT -6
Stonefang was pleased that more cats were joining in the hunt, especially Coastcurl. Now he didn't feel so self-conscious about his average hunting skills. With more cats on the lookout for prey, the bigger the haul they should bring in.
"Let's you and me hunt together," he suggested to Driftfall after overhearing Harewind's admonition. Was he his brother or maybe just a concerned clanmate? Stonefang was just learning the cats relationships to each other having just recently joining the group himself. But either way, this would hopefully ease Harewind's worries. "I bet we can catch a rabbit or two together."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
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Post by muffin on Mar 10, 2023 19:21:27 GMT -6
Driftfall purred deeply as he brushed against Stonefang, “Oh- would you be so kind? Thank you very much! Myrtlewing has said many incredible things about you.” Harewind grumbled an agreement, although it was without any of the enthusiasm or excitement that Driftfall expressed. “...She may think of you fondly, but I am not one for such low standards,” Harewind’s voice darkened at the word ‘fondly,’ “-And Driftfall, quit bothering every cat you meet! Honestly, you'd think you and Stonefang were brothers with the way you smother him..”
Driftfall, stubbornly, continued to walk closely to Stonefang, mumbling, “...Well, it's not like you would ever let me ‘smother’ you...” |
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whitemuzzle
New Member
26 Posts
10 Likes
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Life's short, eat dessert first!
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Post by whitemuzzle on Mar 12, 2023 16:52:06 GMT -6
Stonefang definitely sensed a coolness coming from Harewind. It seemed to be rolling off him in waves. "What's his trouble?" he asked Driftfall once they were out of ear shot from the cantankerous tom. "Oh, by the way, despite what he said, I don't feel you're smothering me. Are you two related? Brothers?" He looked back over his shoulder to see if they had any family resemblance but he was too far away now to really make any comparisons.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 12, 2023 18:29:27 GMT -6
Driftfall, watching Harewind grumble off, let his carefree demeanor vanish for a moment. Replaced with something akin to worry. He shook his head and turned to Stonefang, making an attempted blithe expression, “Pay him no mind, if you would. Harewind has been having nothing but troubles as of late.” Driftfall took in the cold air, accepting the burning in his throat that came with it. “Harewind has been...protective of the remnants of the Clans, exceptionally after we were banished from our homes. They are like kin to him, so he is stubborn to acknowledge newcomers. To top it off, Tigerdusk, Myrtlewing’s previous mate, got Blackcough and died a while after you joined.”
Driftfall recalled the red-brown tabby well. It was heartbreaking to know that all that could be done in his state was to ease his way to StarClan. Driftfall tried to lighten the mood, “But, to fulfill your other curiosity, yes, Harewind is my brother. Actually, he and Myrtlewing come from an older litter, but they would still play with me when they had the time. They both care- in their own ways.”
Driftfall cut himself off and he caught the scent of something mouthwatering. Rabbit. He flattened his tail in signal, a habit from growing up within the Clans, but remembered that Stonefang came from a different origin and whispered, “Let us get down, I smell prey.”
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