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lavellan
Administrator
she/her
75 Posts
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Post by lavellan on Mar 6, 2023 22:13:53 GMT -6
The sun had risen and set many times throughout their journey, but it never felt like dawn ever brought anything new anymore. Day after day, marching and hunting and searching; yet, Silverpelt's glow only seemed to grow, even among the diminishing hopes of weary cats. As the sun began its descent once more beyond the horizon, there wasn't much to signal that tonight would be much different than normal.
Blushingdawn suppressed a shiver as the sun's warmth began to retire, the chill in the air and the thin blanket of snow beneath her paws reminding the red she-cat that it was still leafbare. Despite the growing warmth during the day, it seemed the weather would still take its time turning to newleaf. She should have been used to the cold after all of the time she had spent in mountains, but her attention was elsewhere. Soon, they should find a good place to rest for the night. Perhaps, if they were lucky, they would be able to settle down for a few days and rebuild their strength again. The thought of a more permanent camp felt like a distant hope, but it was one that she held close to her chest. They had been following StarClan's signs, so she had to believe that they were nearing a finale in their journey.
"We should rest soon," she commented, turning her head to look at the cats closest to her. In her peripheral, she noted the two queens and some kits, and Quietstrike. Blushingdawn's own paws were throbbing, so she couldn't imagine what they were going through during this.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 7, 2023 0:32:10 GMT -6
Tallwhisker agreed with Blushingdawn’s suggestion, and meowed with mirth beyond his situation, “I believe you are correct. The sun is already wishing us goodbye and the clouds are promising more snow. You must be as clever as you are beautiful.” Tallwhisker inwardly laughed at the sight of some cats cringing. He had always loved that look on others. Gave him more joy than any full belly could, not that he, or anyone, was lucky to have more than half a piece of prey to themselves.
But enough was enough, his Clan needed wit at the moment, not humor. Straight-faced he meowed, “I suggest that you send a cat for a cave or shelter, without it, the weakest kits would be lucky to see another dawn.”
He meowed again, “If I may give another suggestion, you would be wise to send Lionfang and me.”
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desolate
Junior Member
74 Posts
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Post by desolate on Mar 7, 2023 10:59:32 GMT -6
Apart of the groaning few was Entangledsnare. Her long coat was frosted at the tips from the freezing weather and her normally sour mood was only amplified by her current discomfort. Her belly round with the kits she was expecting she sneered at Tallwhiskers suggestion. Despite the heaving and clear exhaustion on the queen, she wasn't about to show anyone her weakness, Starclan forbid she let her pride get in the way.
"Speak for yourself. I think we should give the kits some time to rest, the elders. If we push them too hard it wouldn't do us any good. Scavenge for prey and berries and stay as a group we will be fine. We can keep one another warm and safe." It was clear that she was tired. The can't without the extra weight were all struggling, it would only make sense she was having a hard time. No one knew for certain when she would pop at this point. Her kits could come at any moment and she was fiercely fighting to keep them from this world until they were all safe.
Crispkit always wandered near her mother, though it often didn't seem like there was any connection between the two cat. Her ears flattened to her skull as her mother started to snap at the others who were only trying to help. IN fear of any repercussions she did not speak up. Her mother was in no mood for her right now.
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vexingode
New Member
17 Posts
1 Like
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Post by vexingode on Mar 7, 2023 11:57:47 GMT -6
Memoriesrapture flicked the frost from her whiskers, her paws burned despite the cold, and her belly rumbled. Looking between the travel weary cats she gathered her strength. The sight of the queens determination made her struggles feel as small as a light breeze. "Blushingdawn, I could hunt, I still have some energy in me." She glanced to the stars perhaps there would be a few small critters out for the night. "to at least feed the kits and elders..."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
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Post by muffin on Mar 7, 2023 12:02:18 GMT -6
Tallwhisker’s ear flicked at the sound of Entangledsnare’s suggestion. Looking at her seriously, he spoke, his eyes filled with indifference for the Queen, “Berries will not cut it. We'd been traveling for too long, nearly starved, and the leaf-bare has been less pleasant than usual, making our immune systems and strength weaken. We should hunt with whom we can spare and find somewhere to take shelter. ...Unless you really hate Crispkit enough to let her freeze to death just to satisfy your own pride.”
Tallwhisker didn't speak with the normal flirtatious tone that he gave most she-cats, he did not even speak in anger. His eyes remained calm as if he were requesting that Entangledsnare understand the desperate situation they were in. The group could no longer survive on berries and scraps, huddled together under the exposure of the horrible cold. They had no more strength to do so.
Tallwhisker turned his gaze back onto Blushingdawn, not waiting for a response from Entangledsnare, and nodded his head to Memoriesrapture, “It would usually be fine to let Lionfang go alone or with someone else, but that tom can hardly hear over his own fluff-filled head. I can keep him from trying to challenge dangers he cannot handle, and with Memoriesrapture among us, it'll be one more sane cat to counter Lionfang.” It was unfortunate that Lionfang genuinely would absolutely fight a pack of wolves if given the opportunity, but as much as he loved his brother, Lionfang could not defeat them with power and sharp instincts alone. Lionfang was the equivalent of a pair of Warriors on his own, but even the entire group would experience great losses should they attempt it.
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lavellan
Administrator
she/her
75 Posts
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Post by lavellan on Mar 8, 2023 19:44:38 GMT -6
Blushingdawn had managed to brush aside Tallwhisker's flirting easily, almost as if she hadn't even noticed it in the first place, despite how blatant it was. Instead, she remained quiet as those around her talked, listening to each of their suggestions. Entangledsnare was right about the kits and elders needing rest - after all, the queen was far more likely to recognize limits than Blushingdawn was. Though, they were also likely in dire need of food. Prey had definitely been scarce lately, and she was unsure how much scavenging would get them.
Her gaze swept across everyone, her anxieties being pushed aside as she took in the range of emotions. Just like her, everyone here was doing their best to survive. She had fought tooth and claw to live before, she refused to let it be all for naught - and she would protect everyone that she could as well. Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath, finding her courage again. Making decisions wasn't something that the she-cat was used to, and it felt weird having everyone ask her for permission on what to do. They were all in the same situation, so it was a decision between all who gave their opinion.
"If we found shelter while you guys hunted, would you be able to find us?" she asked, her green gaze coming to a rest on Tallwhisker. "Otherwise, we could all find a place to rest first, and perhaps be able to send out a slightly larger hunting party."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 8, 2023 20:38:19 GMT -6
Tallwhisker had only spared a second before responding confidently, giving his usual purr, “Of course, beloved Leader.” It had always been on his agenda to get enough for everyone to eat efficiently. Tallwhisker could tell Entangledsnare wasn’t in good shape, and the stress of cold and hunger could kill her unborn kits and herself. And if the kits joined their group tonight? No newborn kit could stand the environment. Tallwhisker dreaded the guilt that Entangledsnare would feel at more kits to mourn for. He would rather die a thousand times in the freezing depths of the coast than let a kit die. Anguish set its cold claws on his soul when he thought of letting anyone else join Silverpelt. He did not know if he had it in him to continue if he did.
Tallwhisker, as if to spite his fear, gave a mockingly charming meow as he left to get Lionfang, “Dearest Entangledsnare, don’t make such a sour face. It ruins your good looks.” He forced himself to chuckle convincingly as he moved past her. |
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newyorkhaze
New Member
28 Posts
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this is hazelton. give him a pet.
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Post by newyorkhaze on Mar 10, 2023 0:25:50 GMT -6
Off to the side of the group, a stocky dark grey tom stood silently, watching the conversation unfold. Rookbriar's pale green eyes flicked back and forth between each speaker, absorbing everything that was said, each plan that was set.
Like many of his companions, Tallwhisker's flirtatious attitude toward Blushingdawn caught him off guard. He eyed the tom curiously for a moment, wrinkling his nose in confusion, and then glanced at the she-cat, giving her features a quick examination. Tallwhisker wasn't wrong. Blushingdown was quite lovely, although Rookbriar had never quite fancied she-cats the way most toms did. But even he could recognize feminine beauty.
Tallwhisker and Entangledsnare's bickering snapped him back into focus. Rookbriar shot a warning look at Tallwhisker upon his insinuation that the queen was indifferent to her kit's potential demise. He figured the tom ultimately meant well, but there was no need to cross that line, especially when everyone was already weary and short-tempered. Most parents would take offense to such a comment on a good day, let alone after moons of starvation.
He felt the hairs settle down along his spine as Blushingdawn took control of the conversation once again. He wasn't angry by any means, but worried that the group would stray from the mission and potentially jeopardize their chances of food and warmth that evening.
"Blushingdawn, I would be more than happy to join the hunting party." Rookbriar stepped forward and dipped his head to the group's leader, tail shaking in his eagerness to depart. His mind wandered to the forest and its depleted resources. "I will hunt all night if I have to. We will bring something back, Blushingdawn, even if it's just for the kits and elders. I give you my word."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
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Post by muffin on Mar 10, 2023 9:52:03 GMT -6
Tallwhisker walked faster and faster as if trying to run away from the cats who all seemed to be filled with life. He noticed Rockbriar’s unapproving gaze, the tom’s eyes seemed to remain, burning into Tallwhisker’s pelt. They all had such bright eyes, especially their hardworking ‘leader,’ and Tallwhisker hated when those eyes turned to look upon him. It was unbearable.
He caught a green, hostile stare, and he returned it to Quietstrike. Sighting his brother, Lionfang, away from the crowd he flicked his tail in greeting. The large, muscular tom’s only similarity to Tallwhisker was his bright cream pelt and green eyes. Tallwhisker meowed softly, “We are going hunting. Try to stay out of trouble please.” He knew he did not have to ask for Lionfang to come along. “I promise nothing,” he nearly laughed.
Tallwhisker, as he suspected, saw Rockbriar among the cats waiting for his return. He could never understand Rockbriar’s view of the world but he did not let that stop him from dipping his head into the older tom. Not that it took much to be a warrior older than Lionfang and Tallwhisker. They were both made warriors early, both nearly at their deaths. Tallwhisker meowed warmly, “I hope I wasn’t keeping you all too long. We’re ready to go.”
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desolate
Junior Member
74 Posts
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Post by desolate on Mar 10, 2023 16:19:13 GMT -6
Crispkit felt herself shrink back at the older cats mention of her own life. And she felt her ears burn with embarrassment at the very idea. Little did he know, her mother was rather indifferent towards her, but that wasn't exactly public knowledge. Curling her tail over her little paws she tried to shrink away into the background, trying to draw as little attention to herself as psychically possible. She did not want to see her mother get even more upset, not when she was the one who would hear about it later.
The queen's lip curled back in a bit of a snarl at the toms mere suggestion that she wasn't a good mother. She was a wonderful mother and she was quiet possibly carrying the clan's very future with her. His comment to try and sooth over her already displeased mood was nowhere near enough. Her tail lashed as his flirtatious ways were directed her way for a mere moment, "You should never underestimate a mother, Tallwhisker." she snorted, "I never said berries would be the best thing - however I would rather give my kitten berries and know that there is something in her stomach then just let her starve. But what do I know.."
The weight of her stomach was starting to get to her and she gave a small heave as she sat down, unable to stand on her paws much longer. She was not the most loving cat of the group, and with kits on the way and the never-ending naw of hunger - she was not in the mood to mask her displeasure of some of the cats around her. Thankfully it could all be chalked up to moodiness from their circumstances.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
5 Likes
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Post by muffin on Mar 11, 2023 0:00:28 GMT -6
Tallwhisker turned his head to the young Queen once again. She was struggling, that much he could tell by the way her breath huffed, and her body heaved. The long-legged tom knew that he should let it go as Entangledsnare was having difficulty as it was. But something stirred within him, and for the first time in many moons he spoke before he could think of what to say, “Darling Entangledsnare, you do realize that it would take much longer to find berry bushes in this leaf-bare, let alone ones with berries on them, than it would prey? It would not only waste what energy we have but waste time- there would be no way it would give any nutrients to anyone. Only empty flavor.”
Something within him growled, angry, painful, “As for your kit- you may think to yourself that you're a decent mother, you try to provide for your kit and stay strong, but if Crispkit died today, would you be okay? Would you think ‘I gave her the best of what little life she had, I gave her all my love to give?’ The way I see it- probably not. If she were to die today, her death would claw and gnaw at you with agony that no poppy seed or juniper berry could heal- and the question of whether or not you could have done something to make her life a little brighter will torment you so badly it'll make the Dark Forest look like a beautiful, generous and fuzzy place. But hey, that's just my take on things.”
Tallwhisker passed the Queen, padding off to go hunt without waiting for the hunting patrol. Lionfang, seemingly unfazed, kept his excited demeanor, “That must be a first- you're super impressive, Entangledsnare.” The passionate green-eyed tabby flicked his tail to the hunting patrol, “We should leave now or else it'll be the next sunrise by the time we're done.”
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vexingode
New Member
17 Posts
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Post by vexingode on Mar 11, 2023 12:27:42 GMT -6
Memoriesrapture's pelt tingled at the tension between the cats, but flicked her ears in annoyance at Tallwhiskers tone with the queen. What would a tom know about motherhood. dismissing the sharp banter she turned to Blushingdawn.
"I am a decent tracker, despite the snow." Her mind flicking back to her time as an apprentice, all the times her mentor would leave her in the woods to track him down. "we should be alright finding the group." the warrior was eager to go find prey. but wanted to make sure she didn't speak for every cat. Looking to Rookbriar, "do you think it would be fine?" she asked.
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
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Post by muffin on Mar 11, 2023 13:24:23 GMT -6
Lionfang’s tail twitched impatiently, but he too waited for the tom’s response. The large Warrior’s voice was joyful, and rich, but his eyes held no such tame, “Oh- Rookbriar, do you need me to stick by you so you don't get lost? I am sure you can handle yourself, but there could be danger out here.” He did not act in mockery, but what looked to be friendliness.
But his eyes still burned- like a hungry green fire- like a starving lion may look at a plump gazelle.
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newyorkhaze
New Member
28 Posts
6 Likes
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this is hazelton. give him a pet.
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Post by newyorkhaze on Mar 17, 2023 0:39:29 GMT -6
Rookbriar's mental tranquility lasted only as long as Tallwhisker was away. As soon as the ornery warrior flounced back to the group, a monstrous feline in tow, he'd instigated another tiff with Entangledsnare. Although Rookbriar was a serene cat on the worst of days, even he was starting to feel the effects of the long, arduous journey. Like Tallwhisker, he desperately wanted to arrive at their forever home as soon as possible, but unlike the younger tom, he knew quarreling -- and with an innocent queen no less -- to be the antithesis to any progress.
'What are you even trying to accomplish?' He thought, ear twitching. To him, Tallwhisker was causing unnecessary trouble.
But like the gentleman he was, Rookbriar kept his cool. That is, until the cream-colored tom brought up Crispkit's hypothetical death once again. In uncharacteristic passion, the dark grey warrior stalked in between Tallwhisker and Entangledsnare, ears flattened and tail low. His mind swirled with unpleasant memories of surging water, faint cries, and the sharp pang of fresh loss. He remembered it all vividly -- chasing them downstream, pulling their breathless bodies onto shore, burying them and then leaving them behind forever.
"How dare you?" Rookbriar's voice was hoarse and low but full of disgust as he fixed his pale green gaze on Tallwhisker. "How dare you even speak of such a tragedy when you must know how many of us have lost loved ones before or during this journey? Do you have no tact? No thought of others? I don't know you well, Tallwhisker, but it seems to me you are simply saying these things for your own amusement. I certainly don't know Entangledsnare either, but I would gather that, like any parent, the thought of losing her child is unbearable."
Rookbriar realized he was breathing fast and paused abruptly in his monologue. 'What am I doing? I'm losing control.' He felt his fur grow hot as he struggled to regain his composure. While Tallwhisker was being a jerk, he didn't need to add to the festering negativity.
"Forgive me." Rookbriar ever so slightly dipped his head to Tallwhisker, an apology for making it personal, and then to the rest of the group for his contribution to the argument. "I just feel we need to get to hunting as soon as possible, and attacking each other, even verbally, will only hold us back. Please, let's keep moving and leave the bickering behind us -- at least until we reach our new home."
He tried to end his speech with some humor, but the words got caught in his throat. It was then, in the brief silence after he ceased talking, that it hit him that he had accidentally ignored both Memoriesrapture and Lionfang. Fur growing hot once more, he dipped his head to Tallwhisker's ginormous sibling and the she-cat. Although he did not notice Lionfang's hungry stare, he felt inclined to avoid the large cream-colored tom, if only to stay away from Tallwhisker himself.
"I'm quite alright to wander by myself, Lionfang, but thank you for the offer." He dipped his head once more. His head felt weird from all the dipping.
Turning to Memoriesrapture, he said, "Yes. That should be fine. Would you like to hunt as a duo? I'd enjoy hearing some of your tracking tips."
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muffin
Junior Member
61 Posts
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Post by muffin on Mar 17, 2023 1:14:19 GMT -6
Lionfang nodded his head politely, looking somewhat disappointed. Even if the tom had just rebuked his brother- the large cream tabby did not seem to mind. Instead, his eyes glowed with curiosity and some other unreadable interest. Lionfang kept his positive manner as he sighed, “I understand. Spending more time with you would’ve been so riveting; how unfortunate for me.” Lionfang’s words tightened at the word, “unfortunate.” Looking ready to laugh, he meowed, “Well then, Memoriesrapture? Should we start?” He looked restless, and his tail curled with anticipation.
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