Leafclan and Soaringclan finally discover the predator that's been lurking in the glade. = = = = = = = = = =

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Mechanics:

You might be asked to roll for this event! But don’t worry, staff will tag you in #event-rolls stating what you need to do ^^

(edited)

With the announcement delivered to both clans that there would be a meeting once more at the Deadlands, eager recruits come from both Leafclan and Soaringclan— trailing their respective leaders out of their camps and territories, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed as the sun began her rise above the landscape. By the time that the sky had become a deep blue with comforting rays of the sun now shining down in the early afternoon, Soaringclan had been the first to make their arrival to the famous landmark. Fortunately for any of those within the patrol that happened to be feeling particularly antsy, there was only a very brief wait before the scent of Leafclan drifted into the air… Followed by the presence of Leafclan cats coming over the river and toward their patrol. At the front of Leafclan’s grouping was Fogstar, looking the definition of poise and grace even as she shook the water from her pelt. Stonestar stood from his seated position to approach his fellow leader, offering a respectable dip of his head toward her. Fogstar looked neutral as the tom-cat spoke. “Are we all set to go, then?” “Of course.” Fogstar mewed curtly, sparing a glance toward the Soaringclan cats behind the leader. With a squint of her eyes, she looked back toward her own cats. “Stay close, stay alert, and remember, we are to act as allies against a common enemy for the time-being.” The she-cat tipped her head toward her own cats before padding forward, clearly expecting Stonestar and Soaringclan to follow. … Which they do, of course— Stonestar looks a little apprehensive at first, before suddenly straightening his stance from his prior slouching position, nodding firmly. “Fogstar’s right. Stay close, stay together, no fighting.” The tom-cat gruffly stated to the Soaringclan cats with him, before gesturing for them to follow himself and the Leafclan cats with a flick of his tail.

Echopaw shuffled her paws nervously. For all that their relationship had been strained at the end, Talonheart had still been her mother, and whatever this predator was had taken her from them. And while she hadn’t been a novice for even a full moon yet, she had to come. She had to see what it was that had taken her mother away. Besides, Ebonystep was here. She’d be fine. Right?

For most cats they would be nervous about what was going on, not only was there a predator that was a threat to both clans, but the two clans had to work together which was in the past, seemed inconceivable. However, Butterflysong was just as carefree as before, her body relaxed, and was actually excited. Not because she was going into some crazy adventure, no in fact she knew how dangerous predators was and it could lead to a big problem for the clans. No, the reason why she was excited is because for once the clans were actually working together. She may be the only one to think this (or at least she often thought she was) but she always thought the feud between the two clans to be pointless. She could not understand why two leaders like Leafstar then Timberstar and Cloudstar could be so ignorant about putting their differences aside and working together. However, now the two clans were actually coming together to work on a common cause and it gave her an optimistic feeling that maybe this would be the step in the right direction for peace and friendship between the two clans. (edited)

Even though the novice had their usual cheer, Sunpaw didn't talk very much on the way into outside territory. He knew it was about the beast, and he could tell that some of the cats were nervous about him coming along with the patrol. Despite their worries, it assured it's clanmates that he will be fine, especially since he's got Fogstar and Pebbledawn's messenger with them too. As the patrol entered the area, Sunpaw curled his nose with the scent of rock and dirt. He shook his head as he tailed behind Fogstar. The cats who sat before them looked just as strong as his own clan. As much as the novice wanted to know their names, he kept himself still by tapping his feet in place. Then with Fogstar's word, the patrol turned and followed their leader. Yet again, Sunpaw had to tap his feet as he looked over his shoulder. Watching the grey tom stand to his feet before following, and with the rest of the cats tailing him, Sunpaw assumed that he must be Stonestar. "How far are we going into neutral territory, Fogstar?" He whispered up to his mentor trying to keep pace with her paw steps. "Do we even know what this beast is?"

Although Nettlehawk felt comfortable sticking solely to her clan, she remained within the relatively-mixed center of the group. It wasn't her duty to stick to the frontlines anymore, but she could fight just as well—if even more—than any other cat! ...But, she has a duty now as a herbalist-in-training. She made a mental note of all the herbs she had brought with her, and the procedures to use in specific scenarios that Barleyflower had taught her. Surely, she could be of some use to the clans, couldn't she? ...Maybe, just maybe, she was getting ahead of herself. But now wasn't the time to worry about that! The safety of the clans remained at stake. It was time to hunt. (edited)

He didn't want to go along, but not only did Shrewstripe ask him to go, he knew that his novice would want to go as well. Ebonystep simply sighed as he sat down behind Stonestar, about ready to rethink his decisions as he sat beside cats that he wouldn't trust to clean his nest. He looked over to see Echopaw's shuffling feet and knew this was her first time outside the territory. Ebonystep didn't know how to comfort her and decided to gaze off to where the Leafclan cats began to enter. The tom followed Stonestar's lead and eventually stood up, filling behind the rest of the cats. It was a little gesture, but Ebonystep took his tail and rested it beside Echopaw, gently pressing into her side as he brought her ever so closer to him. From the back, it seemed almost natural for the spotted cat, but from the front... Ebonystep seemed to be yelling at himself from the inside as he contemplated all of his decisions since leaving the camp.

Rustlepaw was growling — in fact she had been growling for the past... what was it, half an hour? Continuously short huffs and grumbles rumbling from her throat, paired rather roughly with her furrowed brow and curled lip. Today had been a bad day, even by Rustlepaw’s low standards. She had woken up with a sore throat and stuffy nose, missed a stupid bird because she had ended up sneezing just before her launch. Ugh. What a fucking shit-fest. At least this mission would help her brush up on her skills — Rustlepaw thought, stifling a cough before shaking her head to clear her mind. United against a common enemy, no shit — Leafclan’s rancid stench hung atop of the forest like a heavy fog. Rustlepaw scoffed, they would alert whatever the fuck it was that they were hunting at this rate. ’Allies against a common enemy,’ Rustlepaw mocked, quietly, keeping her voice high and soft as she took off towards the forward front of the combined patrol. Like it or not, there was no denying that Rustlepaw had an air of brisk skill as she weaved between the throng, slipping past some no-name strangers before diving into the underbrush. Leaving the patrol a little ways behind as she set off to do her own thing. Nearby — but recklessly independent in intent.

The bright midday sunlight cascaded over Dusklily's dilute calico pelt as she sat with her tail wrapped around her paws, waiting for the arrival of the LeafClanners. The warmth soaked into her fur, and it would have been a beautiful day to sunbathe if not the for task set in front of them. The advisor found that she couldn't relax, although she was trying to so that she could set a good example for her Clanmates. Panic never helped anyone, she had to remind herself. But the she-cat found her stomach twisting as her nose caught the scent of LeafClan on the air, although she remained still as Fogstar and her party of cats approached. She was worried about how well all of these cats would cooperate; the leaders were tame enough, but Dusklily knew not everyone would take cues from them. And the number of young cats with them didn't do anything to ease her fears either; she had come to respect Rustlepaw's capability even as a novice, but she tended to be unpredictable and rash; likewise, she didn't know what to expect from Echopaw, and her green gaze lingered uncertainly on the twisted limbs of the little cat trailing Fogstar. "StarClan be with us," Dusklily murmured under her breath before standing to follow her leader with the rest of the patrol, confining her anxiety to a steady twitching of the tip of her tail.

She didn't exactly seem enthused by this development. Obviously this 'truce' was just temporary. This wasn't going to improve anything down the line, at least Fogstar's distant attitude hinted at that. This was more of a transaction. "We input energy to kill this thing quickly. Then we are both safe." An exchange of time and power so that everyone in the Glade could be free of this anxiety hanging over the felines for the past moon. Like usual, Torrentleap hung around the fringes of the large clowder. Now that Fogstar had made her order the Outrider couldn't help but contemplate how she could be more useful in this situation. Perhaps scouting outside of the group itself? Making sure nothing was waiting in the shadows to ambush the distracted young clanmates seemed like a better use of her skills. They could make a loose line of Outriders and Trackers at the front keeping their senses out for anything unusual... Glancing up to Fogstar the younger cat didn't have to think about the subject very long to uncover the reason. Everyone here was the bait. After all, such a large amount of cats could not be expected to be quiet enough to sneak up on anything. Especially a wily one like a "predator"- if it actually was such a creature to begin with. It wasn't like the small cat wanted to be skeptical of the leaders and the reasons behind the situation. But in order to be careful she had to think out every possibility. What was waiting for them and how they could be ready for it was always going to be on top of that stack. Though she wanted answers Torrentleap didn't move from her spot. Padding in line with those around her she didn't do much besides staring at Fogstar every few minutes. Waiting for an order. Any order.

To hell with this whole "cOoPeRaTiViTy" bullshit. What she wanted was results, not the stench of SoaringClan nor their preaching on friendship and StarClan and how they "didn't need LeafClan's" help. Yeah, sure- Muddystar hadn't been rocking their shit or anything like that. Pebbledawn walked with her head low and her hackles bristling, an occasional rumbling growl sounding from the depths of her throat. Was bringing her along a good idea? Absolutely not! But confining her to camp rather than allowing her to protect her clan from the perceived threat (...and the beast)? An even worse idea. She visibly grimaced at the sight of them, her bicolored ears flattened in a displeased manner. Oh, of course, StarClan's lil 'goodie-goodies' have to show up early. Ugh, she hated them, she hated every one of them! Especially Stonestar and his stupid smug face. Although the steam seemed to be visibly rolling from her ears, Pebbledawn kept herself (temporarily) composed by halting as the leader greeted each other, nonetheless gazing over ever SoaringClanner in order to size them up. I could take that one. She thought as she glanced upon one, and the another. Could pulverize that one into a paste. She glared at another. That one is *so *on my list. I don't like their face. Her attention snapped to Stonestar as he had the audacity to take lead on the project. A small growl escaped from Pebbledawn as she shifted from paw to paw before stiffly marching onward, forcing herself alongside Fogstar. "...But don't even think about getting too close." It was evident that the Combat Specialist had immediately promoted herself to "Fogstar's personal guard", and maybe that was for the better. At least Pebbledawn would be in close enough proximity for Fogstar to drag her off another warrior if need be. She didn't trust Stonestar. She refused to allow him to be near Fogstar, or with her alone at any time, for that matter.

Her mind had been clouded by all the stresses of setting up this meeting. The last moon or so hadn’t been the easiest, especially with some of her clanmates’ evident disapproval of her actions. Fogstar didn’t want to disappoint them or upset them, but she had to do what she had to— Feelings be damned. It hurt a little that she would never have the means to fully explain that, so she instead devoted her attention on making sure everything was as smooth as possible… Though some things were entirely out of her control. She tried to not think about how much could go wrong just because they were all mingling. Her novice’s question reached her ears and she peered down at him, her attention a little unfocused. “That depends on where the clues lead us. The patrols sent out informed us that the predator’s scent crossed this territory many times. I am sure, with the majority of us, we shall find where it is squatting.” As if reminded of the important mission, she swivelled her ears forward and kept them perked for any suspicious activity up ahead. While she concentrated her attention on scouting, she shook her head at Sunpaw’s next question. “No. None of us have smelled a scent like this before— All we know is that it is bigger than us, if the beast’s dirt has anything to tell us.” Her heart quickened as she thought about the predator’s size. They would be lucky if none of their clanmates died today. Pebbledawn’s presence brought her out of her panic. The molly, despite all the trouble she caused, managed to calm Fogstar. Perhaps it was her perseverance and strength… Or something. Her whiskers twitched at the Combat Specialist’s protective stance, though she didn’t mention it aloud. Even if their relationship may have been strained lately, she was grateful for the other’s companionship even if it was only in a professional setting. (edited)

"Ugghhhhhh..." Oh, whoops! Did he say that out loud? The messy-furred gray tabby was dragging his paws the entire journey. Whoever came up with that awful lie, that whole "it's not about the destination, but the journey" nonsense? The journey was horrible, absolute torture. Journeys required walking and not napping, trekking across long stretches of land and making your paws go numb. The destination? It was his nest- what could possibly be more wonderful? But just what was his brother thinking, making him rise with the sun? He preferred to wake when the sun was high, and then take another nap a few hours later just to recover from the exhaustion of waking up again. "Y'know, there's some great napping spots around here." He was trying to be optimistic, although this whole adventure thing pained him. "...Not that I'm the one who found that out." While the rest of the SoaringClan cats surely seemed composed when LeafClan arrived, Raccoonspring was (once again) a hot, melted mess. The gray tabby was loafing with his forehead pressed against the earth, occasionally shuffling his body around in a failed attempt to get comfortable. Unlike most, he seemed pretty interested and collected when LeafClan arrived. While naps were his favorite thing in the entire universe, Raccoonspring did enjoy getting to know others and learn about the other clan. More importantly, he liked being able to manipulate others, in order to avoid doing more work. LeafClan trying to be oh-so-helpful was the perfect opportunity for him to pass off even more work. Maybe someone would carry him if he was nice enough? With another dramatic ughh from the effort of getting up, the gray tabby slowly sauntered after the rest of the two clans. He trotted up to the nearest LeafClanner in a nonchalant fashion, flashing them a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice weather we're having, eh? Sunny with a chance of death and destruction? I'm Raccoonspring- who're you?"

Echopaw gratefully leaned into her mentor’s touch. It was soothing, having such a strong, anchoring presence beside her. “Thank you.” She mewed quietly, addressing Ebonystep and Ebonystep alone.

Crowstrike sat patiently near his fellow advisor waiting for Leafclan to arrive. He kept note of his poor apprentice as they didn't seem to be feeling the best, even if they hid it like they normally did. It might be wise to stick near her and make sure she doesn't get into more trouble than she tens to cause. He himself though was very tired. His mate wasn't sleeping well so Crowstrike would stay up with her. All the talk about a beast nearby put everyone on edge. It's not like he would've gotten much sleep either if his clan was in danger. He waited for Leafclan to arrive and soon they did. He noted Pebbledawn with Fogstar and mumbled a bit. He was not in the mood for Pebble's antics and would probably try to stay away this time around. Not that he doesn't think she can be friendly, he just doesn't have the energy to try and break that shell of anger. When the following leader passed he passed a sign of respect and moved from Dusklily's side to stand on his own closer to Stonestar. Then, he just waited. His nerves were getting the better of him on this occasion and admittingly, they were quite hard to hide. A monster was around and there were young apprentices running around? Usually he would be all for gaining experience but now isn't the time. He won't be able to protect them all so what is he to do? Pick and choose? No, he's going to protect them all. He just hopes others have the same idea.

The Seer had to be told to follow by a clanmate once LeafClan arrived. Mind clouded she simply watched and paced behind the cat in front of her. She probably knew them, but at this moment was content in just moving her paws. There had been a reason for her coming... Had it been Racconspring? Rockpollen was sure that he had mentioned something about wanting her to go... It was a passing concept but it fluttered away from her thoughts has the wind picked up for a few moments. Her fur felt nice in the breeze. Strange. That feeling didn't last long though. Whatever the case something had spoken to her. And as if it had been an order she quietly complied. No doubts or joy flooded to the surface, like a single-celled organism that was just reacting to stimuli. The young cat floated like a cloud behind the host she attached herself to. Rockpollen's pawsteps were light and slowly paced. Shifting her weigh, she would have seemed more graceful if not for the invisible weight that she carried on her shoulders. Each touch of the earth was deliberate and low. At times her toes would drag on the ground and rub against the grass or a stray rock like she was a tired apprentice who just got out of their bed. Was she actually fatigued or simply being lazy with her gait? The molly didn't appear to notice nor care. The brown and ginger feline wasn't exactly paying attention to her surroundings either. By now she couldn't remember why everyone was out here. She knew LeafClan was here and she knew a lot of SoaringClan was here. But that didn't ring any warnings in her head. Whatever the case she would do as she was told, but until then the cat in front of her was going to lead her path. {Open to a cat of either clan to claim she is following them lol} (edited)

Brighttongues gorgeous pelt glittered in the sunlight- though the vile scene around them did absolutely nothing to compliment his stunning appearance. Dead trees and hardly a hint of vibrant foliage to compliment the rich hues of his orange markings. It was honestly very disappointing and the tom was already regretting his decision to accompany the patrol- alas he couldn’t pass up an opportinity for gossip among the other clan, the chance to learn of all their juicy secrets. He trotted along with his tail upright, and head held high. The sound of stonestar’s gruff firm voice was intriguing- did the brutish tom not have anhthing to say for himself? How how peculiar. He sidled up to the leader with a saccharine smile on his face. ”Not every day the clans work together like this, hmm, Stonestar?” Brighttongue greeted with a curious tip of his head. ”I must say its quite peculiar this so called predator of ours- any theories on what it might be?” @kait [ s & s ]

Echopaw couldn’t help but overhear the question, and had a suggestion of her own. One that by some prank of StarClan she had the courage to voice before her own brain could catch up to her audacity. “Um, maybe a super big weasel, with fangs as tall as a grown cat!” Even just the mental image made her shudder. And, w-well, since she’d already spoken up… “Something agile and sneaky and nasty, that’s f-for sure.”

Despite the last big incident affecting her hearing, Meadowshade wasn't afraid to volunteer for another. As a warrior, she should act as an example to apprentices the importance of stepping forward whenever the clan needs them. That would be her practiced reason if asked, but her real reason was a part of her were curious of the other clan. Her only impression of them was when they invaded Soaringclan during Muddystar's reign. She was only a kit, but that night terrified her. Since then, Leafclan always left a bad taste in her mouth, but maybe the clan changed. They must have since they were willing to work together against a common enemy. However, her interest with the other clan only went as far as curiosity. She wasn't interested in befriending a Leafclan cat. It's not that she was terrified or suspicious of them (she definitely was), she just doesn't believe a friendship with a Leafclan cat will be sustainable. Meetings will be difficult and they'd be too different to get along. She's totally not afraid of the other clan, but she made sure to stay near her father's right side. This way, her deaf ear is towards her father and her hearing ear is towards the crowd, allowing her to be more aware of the noises around her. (edited)

Crush

Apprehension burns at Stonestar's pelt as he watches cats of both clans intermingle and speak with one another, although this isn't the cause of his anxiety. The grey tom-cat can't help worrying about what's to come with this... ' Expedition ', and what sort of beast the two groupings could potentially find. Expressing this worry outwardly, however? He's very aware that this worry being outwardly expressed is a big no no, especially after the last outing that he had taken a patrol on. Soaringclan doesn't need more reason to doubt him, especially since their Seer is present this time around. So the tense tom draws in a breath, rolls his shoulders, and readies himself to approach anyone familiar— Until an unfamiliar voice reaches his ears, and he's being approached by a brightly colored Leafclan cat that makes his pelt itch with irritation. Stonestar's first instinct is to offer an angry rebuttal to the stranger, to tell him to go and ask his own leader... But that doesn't seem like it would end well with Leafclan. AKA, Fogstar. So the tom-cat bites his tongue and ponders over the question ( why isn't this cat asking his own leader? Stonestar simply can't rack his brain for an answer to that question, yet. ) "Sure." Stonestar replies flatly to his first question, side-eyeing the tomcat beside him wearily. "Although, I don't think it wise to speculate on what this predator could be. I, and Soaringclan, are simply here to investigate." (edited)

After the clan cats had settled once more and were now in a (somewhat strained) level of companionship, the task they had before them came back into focus. The two leaders sent a glance towards one another before deciding that it was probably best for the both of them to address their own clan. Fogstar spoke first. Motioning towards Pebbledawn, she spoke, “I believe our best bet would be to split into smaller groups. Pebbledawn will prove most significant in these next few moments. Please listen to her instructions if any groups encounter danger— Look after yourselves and the other cats in your group. Stay focused.” Her gaze lingered on the Combat Specialist, her expression one of authority but also a slight plea. It said: Please put our problems aside for now and do your duty. The Soaringclan leader had turned to his own clan, shoulders set as he addressed them. “Crowstrike and Dusklily will put everyone into smaller groups.” He was careful not to completely follow Fogstar’s instructions. “We’ve had to brave many things these past few moons and I have faith in every single one of you. Soaringclan won’t be bested by something as common as a predator. Watch each other’s backs as always, and call out if you need help.” He nodded at his advisors to begin. (edited)

17:56

IC GROUPS (FOR RP PURPOSES):
   - Fogstar, Sunpaw, Dusklily, Rockpollen
   - Crowstrike, Rustlepaw, Nettlehawk, Butterflysong
   - Ebonystep, Echopaw, Pebbledawn, Torrentleap, Timberstrike
   - Stonestar, Meadowshade, Brighttongue, Raccoonspring

(edited)

17:57

Once everyone had been placed into their groups, Fogstar spoke up again. “Now, our most efficient method will be to put our scouting ranks at the forefront. Outriders and…?” “Excavators,” Stonestar replied, flicking an ear. “Yes, excavators. These two ranks shall work together to search for clues. Everyone else, please listen to Pebbledawn’s instructions— Her combat experience may just save your life.” The Soaringclan leader’s mouth wrinkled just a little (most likely due to the fact he didn't think any of his clanmates had to rely on Pebbledawn), but he nodded his head in assent. Time to get to work. (edited)

🌾 Everyone is allowed to roll to search for clues, though OUTRIDER and EXCAVATOR ranks shall roll ADVANTAGE (roll twice, result being their highest roll). 🌾

Nettlehawk looked to her group—of which the only cat she knew of personally was Butterflysong. Crowstrike, the advisor of Soaringclan, seemed nice enough by looks alone... but it was the other Soaringclan cat that put her on edge. Rustlepaw? That was her name, right? The bitter young molly seemed against every bit of this outing from the get-go, and certainly looked like she was going to snap at a Leafclan cat in a moment's notice, given the angst permeating from the novice. She sucked an inward sigh and steeled herself for what's to come. As she took a glance between all of her new crewmates, she stepped a few paces ahead—although the very fibers of her being told her to slink to the back of the group and keep her trap shut. The novice herbalist began with a curt meow and a gentle flick of her tail to grab her group's attention. "Where do you all suppose we should look first? There's certainly options, but we'll have to make sure we're not crossing paths with another group." She turns a 180 and begins to scan the area for paths to take from where she stood, and seeing if she could spot anything from the get-go. [ Nettlehawk is looking for clues ] (edited)

After hearing that the excavators were leading, along with the outriders, Ebonystep let out an audible sigh as his ear fell back behind his head. He wasn't ready for any sort of leadership, but being the most 'experienced' cat of his rank, he sadly had no choice. With said no choice, the tom turns his head and examines his group. Of course, Echopaw was placed with him, but 2 other cats as well. If it wasn't for their forest like scent- agh who was he kidding; if it wasn't anyone besides his father and Crowstrike's family, any of the cats in his group was a stranger. That said, one of said strangers caught his attention... and not for the better. The spotted excavator took an active step back when he accidentally caught the calico's cold glare. The nasty scar on her side wasn't what deterred him, it was the gentle indentation of her muscles that rippled under her pelt. Whoever she was, she meant business, and Ebonystep wanted to not be in that business. Not wanting to be her business at all brought a cold chill to his spine, so he turned around and began to slink away, hoping everyone else would follow. After a few steps he looked around with a low head and caught the curled-ash molly in his sights with the rest of the group. He knew neither her nor the calico's name and he didn't care to ask. He wanted to be out of this group as quick as possible to go back to his father and complain. With that in mind, Ebonystep began to look for things which stood out to him, hoping that if anyone spotted it, it would be Echopaw. Unlike him, he hopped she would actually speak up when they find something important. [ Ebonystep is looking for clues ]

Sunpaw had to tap his feet as he watched the cats shuffle around him. Every fiber in his body was wanting to run up to each of them and ask who they were and how've they been, but this was not a good time and the stiffness of everyone told him it wasn't a good place either. That said, it didn't take him long before he saw two Soaringclaners stand behind him and Fogstar. The orange fluff looked like it was about to explode, its rump rested on the ground as his tail wagged so fast and wild that his tapping feet seemed to be the only thing from keeping the novice from flying into orbit. Once everyone began to spread out, Sunpaw ran up beside the two mollys and looked up to them. "Hi I'm Sunpaw! Are you both from the other clan?" His tail continued to wag, however his face seemed to light up with curiosity. "What are your names? Are the clans ready to work together?" After a few moments of Sunpaw's mental silence, he quickly darted off with a cheerful "Bye!" before springing up and down trees. For something his size and age, he was rather quiet as he moved apart from the random explosion as he charged out of a bush. He wasn't doing it for fun though, as much fun as it is, Sunpaw was looking for anything that seemed odd to him or from stories kits told in the log. [ Sunpaw is looking for clues ]

Stonestar would have been relieved with everything moving along, had he not been stuck with the strange, curious Leafclan tom, and the laziest brother he has available. At least Meadowshade is here, and considering the fact that she’s his former novice… Stonestar has some hope in accomplishing their goal here. He spares a glance toward his clanmates and ugh, the tomcat who was questioning him, before padding forward. ”Please be alert and aware of your surroundings. Mainly you, Raccoonspring.” Stonestar replies with an affectionate tail bump to his brother’s side, although he can’t hold off the warning in his tone. The grey leader would not be surprised should his brother decide to fall asleep after their first few steps. Hell, he’s impressed that Raccoonspring isn’t asleep now. [ stonestar is looking for clues ]

Crowstrike looked at the two LeafClan cats he would be traveling with and gave a small nod as a greeting. He was less than thrilled to have Rustlepaw with him at the moment although she is his apprentice so out of everyone it is his duty to watch her. Lovely. His attention was grabbed by a she-cat, Nettlehawk he believed. He gave a smile and replied We shouldn't stray too far in case we or another group run into trouble. However I'll go wherever you all decide to!" Waiting for the other two to respond, Crowstrike also tried to look around and see if he could catch anything right away. [ Crowstrike is looking for clues ]

Well, time to get started then. Though Echopaw had a rather glaring lack of training, surely another set of eyes and paws couldn't go amiss? [ Echopaw is looking for clues ]

Butterflysong of course was oblivious with about Nettlehawk's frustration instead Butterflysong seemed completely relaxed and mellow about the whole thing. She just continued to have a big huge smile on her face and began scanning the area to see if she could find any sort of clue that would be significant and helpful to them. (Butterflysong is looking for clues)

Rustlepaw clicked her tongue in disapproval, wrinkling her nose as she jerked her head back towards Stonestar’s pitiful display. Being walked all over by Leafclan’s leader sure was a choice, and she could feel the amusement from Leafclan pooling at the bottom of their paws like floodwater. Pebbledawn. Rustlepaw turned around, then, shooting a glance at the dappled molly Fogstar was referring to. Big, bulky, all talk. Standard Leafclan cat, Rustlepaw thought. No doubt she would be throwing her weight around. Rustlepaw scoffed aloud, suspicious. Rolling her eyes to the left, Rustlepaw fell back, weaving her way towards Crowstrike. What met her, though, was the rank stench of leaves and sap that usurped the smells that Rustlepaw knew. Hesitation gripped her and she paused, eyes narrowing as she stared at the notable herbalist that stood side-by-side with Crowstrike. Rustlepaw lifted her lip — aggressive at the flip of a switch. It wasn’t nationalism, not from Rustlepaw — it was general distaste turned to paranoia. A herbalist. She was scared. ”We should start by looking for anything in the underbrush. We won’t find anything directly with everyone fucking around on the surface unless we scale trees.” Rustlepaw turned sharply to glare at Nettlehawk, singling her out. ”You should start looking underneath rocks for cobwebs, leaf eater.” The slender feline, who stood at an adults height, pinned her lips back. ”But be quiet. For your sake, ‘cause if you even think about fucking up whatever we find then you’re gonna answer to me.” Rustlepaw took a step forward, looking at Nettlehawk with guarded hostility before turning around sharply — nearly shoulder-checking Crowstrike as she did — opening her maw to taste the air. Normally she would have been keen on climbing trees, but the lack of thick foliage made doing that difficult. (Rustlepaw is looking for clues!)

Nettlehawk's gaze narrowed at Rustlepaw. It took everything in her power not to swat Rustlepaw in the back of the head. She stepped forward past the rest of the group, sparing only a passing glance to Rustlepaw as she moved along. "Tough talk for a cat that doesn't have their full name." Her sharp gaze stared Rustlepaw up and down, an unimpressed look on her face before she returned back to staring off into the distance for anything of interest. "Let me take a wild guess: Stonestar held you back? Certainly seem a little big for a novice." "Here's a tip: I've wrestled cats more than you've even set paw on. If you're not interested in letting the predator come to us with how much you scoff and groan, so I propose you keep your nose in your own business and stick to your duty. For your sake." The molly mocked in her usual cold, monotone voice—albeit hushed for the sake of not causing a racket—keeping her ears pricked and alert towards her environment as she continues to explore around. Unfortunately, nothing hit her nose quite yet, and she squinted in a fit of light frustration.

Crowstrike was used to getting bumped by Rustlepaw, he didn’t mind at that point either. However, that wasn’t his concern. Usually if someone talked back to Rustle, Crowstrike wouldn’t mind but seeing things heat up quickly he knew he had to step in. He quickly dropped his niceties ”Hey hey hey! We’re in a group working together so let’s TRY to get along alright? We don’t need the predator to find you all just from your bickering alone! Seems we’ve made it past basic manners so let’s just get this over with. If you all prefer silence that’s fine with me, just don’t slow each other down on the mission. Friends or not we have a job to do!” Crowstrike narrowed his eyes at his apprentice with his ears back and tail flicking as a warning. Moving his eyes between the two, he eventually ended his speech walking away from the two to try and concentrate, praying to StarClan this ends better than it started.

What? Oh hell no- she wasn't going to just let Fogstar go alone with two SoaringClanner's and Sunpaw as back up. "I think we should reorganize the groups." She stated pointedly with an irritated swinging of her tail, sending a not-so-friendly glance at Dusklily and Rockpollen that served as a clear reminder that she would not tolerate so much as a hair out of place on Fogstar's coat. But fine, whatever. It wasn't like Fogstar was going to listen to her, so what was the point? Stonestar clearly had bees for brains, so it wasn't like discussing it with him would be of much help. Oh...oh. Now what she said held water? Why didn't it matter a quarter moon back when she didn't want to work with SoaringClan? Fine, suddenly I'm the Combat Specialist. The marbled warrior seethed as the lashing of her tail began to quicken, back and forth like a little propeller as it disturbed the tall grass. Some little punk-ass novice was glaring at her, too. Typical SoaringClan brat. Pebbledawn ensured that she locked eyes with the trainee, to make a point ~~that she too was a child~~. She looks like that drowned rat of a leader. The calico's hackles began to lightly bristle once again. Very punchable face. With a soft huff, she barked out her suggestions. If those StarClan-loving suckers chose to ignore her advice, than good on them. That was less SoaringClanners for her to chase off the border later. "If this beastie is as big as it seems, don't engage. Stick together, and get reinforcements upon sight. I will repeat: do not engage without the rest of us." Pebbledawn's judgmental visionaries fell onto the SoaringClan novice once again.

01:08

"'Less you wanna be some silly snack for it. Not that it'd bother me." She paused. "If it finds you and engages, surround it and call for help. If you run, it might be inclined to chase you down and gut you like a fish. If it's more powerful than expected, head to the trees- thin ones that it can't climb, if it's really big." Could those SoaringClan saps climb trees? Eh. Their problem, not hers. "When we all come together, the goal is to surround it and drive it out. Think of it like wolves surroundin' a pissed elk. Aim for the rear, back off when it spins around. Heckle it enough and it'll surely high-tail it outta here." She twitched her tail and begrudgingly headed for her assigned group. She sent a final glance in Fogstar's direction to ensure her safety, and a vicious warning glare to the two SoaringClan cats that accompanied her. She then turned to the two SoaringClanners that she was stuck with: a spotted tabby and some novice. "Piss me off and I will obliterate you." Short, sweet, and to the point- perfectly Pebbledawn. ...Minus the "sweet". [Pebbledawn is looking for ~~trouble~~ clues]

They were walking even more now? He wanted a refund. He dragged his sad excuse for a carcass after his littermate and their assigned group, heaving himself as if he was sent off for slaughter. This was basically a death march, anyways. Might as well act the part to get the full experience, right? At least he was getting to mingle, and with the LeafClanners that didn't look like they wanted to kill him. How nice! "Hey there! I'm Raccoonspring." Were they supposed to be quiet? But the sooner he attracted this predator, the sooner he could go home and sleep... "Figured we should all get to know each other before we die, y'know? You're all invited to my death vigil." His blue eyes flickered to Stonestar. Right- he was here. "...Heh, I'm just kidding." But was he? "Uh, not about the invitation, but about the death. I'm not the rude type." Riiiiiight, anyways...! The gray tabby slowly bumbled after the patrol, taking his sweet time to admire the trees and the rocks and all the prospective sleeping spots. Oh! Maybe they'd get lucky and have to do an all-night stake out? Of course, that meant having to stay up and keep watch... He felt Stonestar's tail brush against his side as he commented about Raccoonspring's lazy behavior. "Aw- c'mon, brother! You know that I'm-" He lazily glanced to Stonestar before quickening his pace to ensure that he kept up to argue his point, but promptly tripped over a root and fell onto his face. The bicolor tom quickly floundered to his paws before clearing his throat. "-...ignore that." He looked around briefly to ensure that the other groups hadn't seen him eat the dirt before trotting after his group as if nothing had happened. "Alright then, time to show you my real Guardian skills." [Raccoonspring is looking for clues]

Now though Butterflysong was usually carefree hearing Nettlehawk getting annoyed with the apprentice did stir her to pay more attention, and it did not help that Crowstrike seemed to have noticed this issue and was trying to calm things over. Now, she still believed that this mission was not going to be that dangerous, however she knew how dangerous a pair of cats getting into a fight could be. So she would quickly stop doing what she's doing and walked next to Crowstrike and gave Nettlehawk and Rustlepaw a smile. "Yeah, we're a team and need to stick together, so how about instead of fighting we try to do some meditation excecises to get us all relaxed okay? Let me start," Butterflysong immediately closed her eyes, sitting down, and began to let out a small hum a peaceful expression soon enough showed.

Rustlepaw flinched, swiveling to glare at Leafclan’s herbalist as she strode past. Rustlepaw’s indigent sputters , coming off of the shock of being talked back to, ended in a spit as she shook out her dark dappled coat and rounded the sweet-smelling molly confrontationally. ”It’s rich that you tell me to mind my own. Your purpose is exemplified by serving, herbalists don't know how to think for themselves.” Rustlepaw hissed quietly, cheeks flushed with the adrenaline that came with setting an argument. ”I could take you in a fight. I could take anyone in a fight, certainly some rinky-dink stem-smelling bi-” Crowstrike moved in front of her before she could say anything more. Whatever Rustle did say next was muffled between Crowstrike’s dark fur and subsequent glare. Rustlepaw was quick to return the favour, miffed. Butterflysong’s… whatever it was, though, made Rustlepaw stop in her tracks. Turning to stare incredously at the bright-smilled molly before lifting her lips in a outbursting snarl. Was this cat being stupid, orr were they trying something? Impulsive Rustlepaw turned to face the humming cat, pinning her ears. ”Make one more noise and I’ll beat the shit out of you, rock for brains.” Rustlepaw snapped, ”The stench of sap and wet eyes is going to turn me into the most dangerous thing around this wasteland. Fuck off!” Now that whatever was in the immediate area had been scared off, Rustlepaw snapped her jaw shut. Issuing another growl between a congested cough, the overgrown novice spun on her heels and streaked ahead. Fuck that, fuck all of that. She was gonna find this predator first, take it down, and get her trapper name tonight or die trying.

Having to be shuffled over to her portion of the effort Rockpollen's eyes were pinned to the earth below her. It seemed... farther, than usual. Her pupils outlined and shaded every blade of grass that fell under her shadow. She didn't notice who she was paired with- or really even that subsections had been made. Dusklily was here though. The molly could sense it. It was like being next to a bright pink petal with a kind scent. What would a kind scent smell like? Her best answer was Flamescratch and Dusklily. Suddenly a young cat with a fiery pelt appeared before her. For the first time this day her expression shifted into that of moderate surprise. A new cat was before her. Small guy. Like a little happy bug. The feline wanted to give him a little pat. Her attention was spread so thin that Rockpollen almost didn't register his questions. 'Rockpollen,' she wanted to answer passively. /B-but it didn't come out./ Not to mention the slurry of questions dumped upon the Seer- so much so that a touch of concern painted across her face. Raised brows explained her lack of confidence and slight confusion. Backing away slowly she looked to Dusklily for help like a shy kit hiding behind its mother. What had the boy said? To any cat it was obvious the Outrider novice was excited- but such body language was lost on the Seer. Once Sunpaw's pause finished her ears perked up slightly. An intense gaze watched his quick gait and pounce onto the nearest tree. "Bye," a soft response followed the LeafClan apprentice. Her subtle smile returned as the Sunpaw left to do his own thing. Shifting side to side she eventually decided to follow his example (and the behavior of those in the other groups) and look around. It was a wild and uncoordinated effort where she wasn't paying attention to what she was seeing. Not that she even knew why this event was happening today.

01:43

But it was something. Her fur bristled at unseen eyes burrowing into her coat. S-something was looking at her with a passionately threatening intent. Spooked by the sharp aura Rockpollen again returned to Dusklily's side. What had done that? What had thought such things? Frantically glancing around she scanned to see what was safe and not-safe around her. Tags: @20mia08 [Pebble & Raccoon] @January | Dusklily @PlatinumPlayz [ Rockpollen is scanning very broadly for clues ] (edited)

At first Butterflysong just blinked a couple of times after Rustlepaw snarled at her, just looking more confused then anything. Until finally she looked at Crowstrike, her big blue eyes were as big as sauser plates, with the expression of puzzlement and hurt as she meowed: "What did I do? I was just trying to help," (edited)

Irritation bubbled in her stomach as the cats around her, namely Nettlehawk and Rustlepaw, began spitting at one another. She flexed her claws in frustration, trying to keep her attention on searching for the clues but the squabbling kittens only grew louder the more time passed. It felt like claws raking on stone in her mind, and her eyebrows furrowed together as she gritted her teeth in annoyance. Would they ever just shut up? What were they even arguing about in the first place? Didn't they know that every single cat here was in danger of dying?! A fierce yowl ripped from her throat and she rounded on the group behind her. "SILENCE! While you all bicker like kits, the predator may well be planning to hunt us at any moment!" Her tongue ached from the snarl vibrating in the back of her mouth, but she pushed on, "Nettlehawk-- I expected better from you. You're a herbalist! Act like one." Despite punishing her own clanmate, she sent a withering glare towards Stonestar (mostly because the culprit, Rustlepaw, had stomped off into the distance). She didn't speak to him, but her glare told him one thing: control your clanmates and I'll control mine. More angry than ever, and also in some disbelief that Pebbledawn was finally one of the cats she was least worried about, she flicked her tail and clawed at the ground. Turning on her heel harshly, Fogstar instead began glaring at the bushes around her. So much for trying to look for clues-- She was so furious that she was finding it hard to think. Why did her clanmates continue to embarrass her like this? She didn't want to be here either, but she had to. Most of them wouldn't know one thing about such responsibility, and she viciously simmered in a quiet corner for a moment. She'd take a few deep breaths before deciding what to do next. Tags: @figment | nettle + goat 🌿🐐 @kait [ s & s ] @Alex | Egg & Rust

[Brighttongue] Brighttongue trotted beside the Soaringclan leader, taking more interest in the tom's facial expressions than the area around them. He wasn't all that interested in the predator lurking in the shadows- so long as it didnt desturb his beauty rest back home. He had hoped that Stonestar would be a little more interesting than this- but it seemed he was as dull as his name implied. In an attempt to play nice- the smile didnt fall from the tom's face, but it didnt quite reach his eyes. "Simply here to investigate- that is true of us all," he cooed, a slightly sharp tone bleeding in. He knew the leader wasn't implying such a thing- but come on, this was boring. "Why would any of us be here if not to find it? I for one am truly curious what is is- and how it has evaded us all thusfar."

Nettlehawk's teeth grit as Rustlepaw not only targeted her, but Butterflysong as well. Despite Crowstrike trying to calm the brewing storm between them, Nettlehawk's temper was ever-rising beneath the collected surface. It wasn't until Fogstar gave a scathing snarl at her and Rustlepaw that she finally breathed out and let her subtly-bristling fur fall flat. "...Yes, Fogstar. My apologies." Nettlehawk returned to Butterflysong's side and nudging the molly up from off the floor. "You're not in the wrong, Butterflysong. Let's keep on with it and focus our attention towards progress—Crowstrike made a good point." @Tiger-Butterfly, Bear, Sheep

Good Starclan, what the hell is happening? One moment the tomcat is talking to his brother... Who faceplants miserably and reduces Stonestar's faith in him even more, the next? Rustlepaw is running off, Fogstar is glaring at him and Brighttongue is in his face with more of his goddamn questions. Stonestar can't help but look at Fogstar with offense as she glares at him. What did he do to deserve such a thing? It's not Stonestar's fault that he doesn't have a grip on each and everyone of his damn clanmates. Groaning, the grey leader runs a frustrated paw across his face. He wants nothing more than to go home, and they haven't even started their search yet. "I... Apologize, Fogstar, for Rustlepaw's behavior." Stonestar admits, trying to temporarily ignore Brighttongue's poking and prodding in favor of appeasing the other leader's stress. The two of them being visibly... Negative, he supposes, won't do much for morale or encouraging their clanmates not to make complete buffoons of themselves. The tomcat glances ahead thoughtfully, knowing fully well that Rustlepaw is more than capable of surviving momentarily without their large grouping. Probably. Giving a hefty sigh, he finally glances back toward Brighttongue with a shrug of his shoulders. "You have me there, I suppose," The tomcat grumbles. "Apparently I'm here to help bear witness to everyone bickering... So, how about we continue searching instead?" His question prompts him to look back toward Fogstar, who he figures will have the same mentality that he does. Brushing past this situation would... Do good. It has to be better than whatever is happening right now. tags: @Crush @nym ✦ fbt

Staying an appropriate distance from Pebbledawn, the tabby stared and assessed her posture. Oh she was super duper pissed. To be angry wasn't unusual for the calico. But this was a level that Torrentleap had not seen for... a moon? So that made it kind of uncommon. Distracting herself for a moment she look in the other members around her. Two SoaringClan cats she didn't know and Timberstrike. Her view drifting pass the unknown cats she turned to the large male accompanying the party last minute. "Nice to see you," she quietly told the tom. When the voice of Pebbledawn rose again she snapped back to the molly. She carefully listened to the Combat Specialist's advice. In response the short cat nodded along. 'Don't engage.' Nod. 'Stick together.' Nod. 'Don't engage'- again. Nod. 'Call for help and gut like a fish.' Nod. Almost every other sentence spoken another nod would be made in confirmation from the Outrider. Even the part about 'obliterating' the SoaringClan allies in their squad received a nod. Though it was soon followed by a tilt of Torrentleap's head and a face of mild confusion. Maybe she wasn't supposed to seem attentive nor supportive at that last part... Looking back to where the Excavator and novice had been her eyes narrowed at seeing them a little ways already. She didn't feel any particular emotion at their start- in fact it was likely an advantage to begin before all the chaos erupted. The shouts of cats like Fogstar, Nettlehawk, and Rustlepaw supporting that claim. Her head lowered and her confident posture seem to deflate ever so slightly. Oh this was going to be a whole play wasn't it... "I shall join the efforts," Torrentleap reported to Pebbledawn before climbing up a nearby tree to get height advantage.

02:22

She wasn't going to leave the area around the squad, and she took careful consideration of any movement around those she was grouped with. Tags: @20mia08 [Pebble & Raccoon] @Azrael | Dawnheart [ Torrentleap is looking for clues ]

Feeling quite embarrassed that he caught the leaders attention he hid his face and apologized ”Technically she’s my responsibility and I apologize for any distress she caused, please continue on as if that didn’t just happen.” More quietly he mention ”And special apologies to the both of you” looking towards Nettle and Butterfly ”I’m sorry you had to face her wrath, usually that’s stored for me at camp” And with that he raced after Rustlepaw. Still deciding to try and calm her down or beat her (gently-ish) over the head

The other leader's reply was... Surprisingly mature, to say the least. Fogstar paused for a moment and had to control her expression from betraying her inner thoughts, though her anger dissipated a little. It would do them good to just move past this, and get along for the time being. After the predator was dealt with, they could all go back to hating one another again. She didn't know if that would be a good or bad thing, but from the interactions of this one patrol... To be honest, she'll probably be relieved once they all know their place once again. A truce between the clans that didn't involve the gatherings didn't seem it'd ever be possible at this rate-- and Fogstar didn't think she wanted it to. She turned her attention back to Stonestar and gave him a slight nod that indicated she accepted his apology. "I, too, apologise for my clanmates' part. We are all on edge and that does not excuse their behaviour." Fogstar flicked her tail in amicable farewell and rejoined her group, namely looking for her novice. She needed to keep Sunpaw safe. Tags: @kait [ s & s ] @PlatinumPlayz (edited)

With how Raccoonspring and Brighttongue act, it won’t be that difficult for her to show Stonestar how good of a warrior she is. She just has to follow orders without hesitations. She doesn’t bothering greeting the Leafclan cat in their group before going off on her own. [Meadowshade is off to find a clue]

Brighttongue just hums at the leader, and turns his head towards the formerly arguing cats while letting Stonestar walk away. It seems both clan leaders were completely unabashadly dull. He spots the tail end of crowstrike vanishing ahead after the troublemaking apprentice. Well- if anyone would be able to entertain him, it would be this gang of troublemakers. [Brighttongue is looking for clues or whatever :/ ]

Butterflysong was still confused at why Rustlepaw would throw her aggression towards her, and felt pretty bad about it. She always believed that she was pretty good at calming cats down or at least was okay at it but having somebody yell at her and get so upset with her was so new to her. She could feel the wheels in her brain turning as she tried hard to grasp at what Butterflysong said to get her upset. When all of a sudden she felt Nettlehawk nudging Butterflysong up and reassuring her she did nothing wrong. This helped Butterflysong snap out of her saddened state or at least a little and gave Nettlehawk a grateful smile. "Yeah...you're right," Then she heard Crowstrike chime in, apologizing for his apprentice's behavior in which Butterflysong continued to smile but this time it became sympathetic towards the tom. "No...you really have no need, I mean...we were all apprentices once after all, its just natural for them to have those types of moods from time to time," She meowed reassuringly. Tag: @figment | nettle + goat 🌿🐐 @Volt | Crow / Rain

Within time of walking away from the group, it wasn't hard to figure out that Ebonystep had thanked his past self (which was no more than a few minutes) for taking the action of leaving. Seeing that his novice was at his side, he peeked around bushes and trees and just tried to keep an eye on her while also keeping his ear pinned behind his head. As 'stylish' as his pumpkin hat was, it didn't muffle the sounds of strangers yelling. Despite this, his ear did spring up when he heard Crowstrike speak, although it fell once more when another cat spoke. He really shouldn't have hidden in the novice den. That hiding spot is compromised now, and Ebonystep is already planning out a place to make a new one.

She was attentively looking for ~~a scrap~~ clues when the bickering grew louder. Good for nothin' SoaringClan...! Ancestors- for once was was trying to think, and now she couldn't even hear herself! She mostly ignored the noise while muttering obscenities to herself before a familiar voice rode over them all in the form of a yowl. Fogstar. Immediately things snapped. Pebbledawn spun around with her hardened muscles tensed, taking up her infamous murder-death-kill stance as her chest puffed and her tail bottle-brushed. Was Fogstar OK? Who did she have to kill?? However, it would seem that things had (unfortunately) not escalated to a fight. Not yet, anyways. Pebbledawn curled a lip when she decided to give the situation the all-clear. Boss was safe. Got it. Back to tedious busy work.

Dusklily was glad to be able to choose cats in her group -- that meant she could keep Rockpollen close, and work with the most tolerable LeafClanner she knew. But the explosion of noise as soon as the cats were sorted made her wonder if would have been better to keep cats with their Clanmates. She'd hoped the proximity would foster cooperation, but it didn't seem like that plan was working very well. The advisor's mounting anxiety was interrupted by the little tom accompanying Fogstar, and an uncertain smile played across Dusklily's face as Sunpaw blinked up at her. "Hi, Sunpaw," she mewed softly, casting a look at Fogstar. But as the novice fired questions off at her, a memory flitted across her mind of the LeafClan leader at this age -- Fogstar had not been so eager as a kit, but somehow Dusklily could see little Fog's eyes in Sunpaw's, and her unease seemed to melt a little bit. "I'm Dusklily, and this is Rockpollen." She touched her tail-tip to the Seer's shoulder, seeing that she seemed a bit wary. But Dusklily didn't find an answer to the novice's final question before he bounced away -- were the Clans ready to work together? It didn't seem like it. With the distraction of Sunpaw gone, Dusklily looked up in time to catch Pebbledawn's unfriendly glare. Her only response was a subtle narrowing of her eyes; thank StarClan she wasn't working with her. Dusklily swept her tail reassuringly down Rockpollen's spine, but she found herself too distracted to really search for any clues. Too many problems were presenting themselves simultaneously, between Rustlepaw's embarrassing behavior, the lack of any cat who could control her, the need to keep an eye on Rockpollen, and the sudden obligation she was feeling for Sunpaw's safety. Dusklily took several deep breaths, willing her heart to stop beating so fast. StarClan, please, help us, the she-cat prayed again. She was feeling a growing sense of dread about how this day would end...

@nym ✦ fbt @PlatinumPlayz @AnneOtaku | Torrent, Rock

Timberstrike struggled with whether to join this or not. On one paw, it was his duty to the clan do do all he had to. This Predator was dangerous to his clan and deep down...he didnt think he could bear anymore losses. On the othe paw, the headache of the tension between the two clans was enough to make him apprehensive. Did he want to deal with that? Could he handle it? He didnt know. So it was no surprise to him that that uncertainty remained even as he finally caught up to his leader and clan. The large tom Paladin gave quiet apologies for his tardiness, but was otherwise quick to move where he needed to be. Though he could already feel the headache forming as Nettlehawk started arguing with some kit from Soaringclan and Pebbledawn was....Pebbledawn. A paw raised and was placed at his temple and he grimaced to himself, trying to prevent the oncoming ache. Thankfully a reprieve was offered as Torrentleap greeted him. "Hello..." he said simply, nodding his head as a simple quick greeting. "Let's go...the faster we do this...the faster all this...tension can be escaped...." @AnneOtaku | Torrent, Rock Timberstrike has arrived! Timberstrike is looking for clues

Echopaw wasn’t really finding much of anything, despite her best efforts. She knew the likelihood was low to begin with - she hadn’t even been a novice for a full moon yet - but still, the disappointment curdled in her gut.

It didn't take long for Sunpaw to stop his search and cling to the trunk of a tree. He tilted his head as he heard a sudden barage of angry cats. He was worried about all those involved, even Pebbledawn's messenger who never seemed to care for him. Although the Soaringclaners weren't from the forest, he still wanted to calm them down too, especially because he wanted everyone to work together. With that in mind, the little rusted cat worked his way back to the group. Without even much of a warning, Sunpaw was overwhelmed with everyone's emotions. Looking left and right at each cat, he saw felines of both clans yelling at any cat who sat nearby. Anger, frustration, disappointment- it all swarmed around the novice as angry words pounded his head. He was frozen as futile plans of calming soon-to-be friends came and went in his mind, his thoughts racing as he felt helpless. Was he breathing too fast? He couldn't breathe at all. Was he shaking? He couldn't move anything. Insults and threats were fired left and right until a single voice shouted over them all. Sunpaw didn't even see that both leaders were still nearby, and Fogstar's frustrated yowls brought his mind into focus. She was upset and the quick memory of her pent up feelings at camp flooded the young cat in an instant. Sunpaw wanted to move but he legs wouldn't let him. He felt just as trapped as he did at the log and the sudden image of the dozens of foxes he had seen in his time under the dark-coated cats stood off in the distance. They watched over the cats and moved every closer as Sunpaw stood helplessly, his tiny heart beating faster than ever and his breath quick and shallow. He suddenly felt tiny as even smaller bodies shivered around him as muzzles reached through the dust and plucked misty kits before disappearing into the woods... He recognized all of them, every single kit had told stories of hidden monsters and terrible storms.

Sunpaw had never felt so cold before... Suddenly he saw clanmates again and his paws moved wildly underneath him as he spotted a gray figure turn towards him. He fell as he heard his tiny and weak breath escape through his tight mouth, but he stood and darted into the forest. He felt dazed, he couldn't see anything but hidden eyes within the growing darkness behind the trees. But he stopped as he watched himself fall into a bush in which he curled up beneath its branches. Sunpaw froze as he stared, his head spinning with negative emotions as he waited for another fox to grab him like they did with the rest.

Dusklily's touch was like an anchor dragging along an ocean floor. It relieved some of the turbulent waves that pressured Rockpollen to abandon her senses. For a moment the molly thought a fur ablaze with red and orange fur was at her side. But with a small blink she quickly came back to reality. The fur was possessed much more grey and white than orange. And even then it was a much paler color than... Whatever the case it didn't matter much to the Seer. An old friend had trained her how to calm down and out of habit she enacted the method to control her breathing. Taking a deep breath the feline held the air in for several seconds before releasing it slowly. Rockpollen repeated a few more times. The fur along her spine relaxed and her posture returned to its regular fluidity. "Ok. Ok." The Seer called softly with her eyes stared at something ahead. There wasn't anything there of course, she naturally didn't draw much of her attention to other cats. Her tone didn't seem scared anymore and instead sounded like she was calling out to someone nearby. Akin to when a cat called another forward by their name. "Ok. Ok. Ok. Ok." She repeated a few more times in a quieter manner. Something about the condensed layout of the forest felt uncomfortable to Rockpollen. One could say that SoaringClan's territory was even more encaged than this place- full of single-exits leading to caverns and caves and other small and contained layouts. But there was something about the large trees above that felt like they were going to grasp around her... Their branches like limbs ready to snatch her up! Her mind tossed and mixed in the fear and the calm and beauty into a whole new image in her mind. Nothing was the same at every glance and step. Just like how the grass bent and reacted to her pawsteps so too did her mind to the environment.

@January | Dusklily

Barleyflower cursed as she sped through the forest, having gotten distracted by the sounds of the creek and the twittering of birds high up in the canopy. She swore she only looked away for a second! Some healer she was if she couldn't even keep up with a damned patrol. Her paws thudded lightly on the ground as she ran, sniffing the air until she caught the whiff of several different scents, some familiar and some not so familiar. That HAD to have been them. Creeping from behind a tree, Barleyflower sighed heavily as she finally caught up to the patrol, ears pinned flat out of embarrassment. "Sorry! I uh... I got turned around," she whispered to Fogstar, flanking the side of her leader as she desperately avoided eye contact with anyone. If her fur was any lighter, she'd be beaming red. Her eyes skimmed the ground out of desperation. Barleyflower has finally joined! She is looking for clues. (edited)

With tensions temporarily settled from the yelling that had taken place between a certain grouping of cats by the Leaders, it was safe to continue on with their search for clues… Anything to give the clancats an idea of what they could possibly be facing. Stonestar is the first to stumble upon a particularly large paw print that looks strangely feline. But no clan cat has paws of this size… Do they? Raccoonspring, despite being absolutely determined to do absolutely nothing, shakes the embarrassment of his prior fall… And steps in something that does not feel like the natural dirt previously beneath his paws… Ew. Pebbledawn does her best to ebb the anger from her bones by focusing on the busy work around them… And hey, have those large claw marks always been on that tree she’s going past now? Crowstrike is the last to find another clue; after crossing the river into Leafclan’s border, the grey-furred tom-cat takes notice of a large tufting of fur… Hm.

21:13

4 / 4 clues have been found!

21:13

All of these clues led the clan cats toward and beyond the river— even those who weren’t keen on water would be forced to cross the expanse of the calm stream to continue following the markings that had been laid out before them. By the time that each cat had crossed the river and into Leafclan territory, Crowstrike had stumbled upon the large tufting of fur… But before anyone in the large grouping of cats had a chance to mull over or discuss with one another what exactly they all had just stumbled upon; a loud yowl emitted through the air. While the emotion behind it was hard to decipher, considering Rustlepaw had run off into the distance earlier… None of the cats in the large patrol take their chances. Springing forward, the sound of paws thumping against the earth as the clan cats come bounding forward to investigate the yowl—

21:13

21:13

Holy. Shit. Only a few foxtail lengths away from the clancats is Rustlepaw, and a particularly large cat that no cat within the clans had ever laid their eyes upon before. But the massive beast almost looks nervous, a paw lifted in the air and a startled expression over its face. With wide, amber eyes, the impossibly large cat looks over to the clancats that have now gathered near it…

Nettlehawk was about to converse more with Butterflysong when the yowl made itself present within the Deadlands, causing Nettlehawk's fur to jut on end in surprise from the noise as her head whipped towards the sound of the noise. That--wait, didn't Rustlepaw run off that way...?! Uncertainty filled Nettlehawk's gaze as she looked to Butterflysong one more time as the crowd began to move. Without the words to say, though, she could only exchange glances with the other molly before darting off with the others towards the yowl, making sure the herbs she'd brought along with her were still intact. Only one thing was on the molly's mind as her feet stamped against the ground with every lunge forward alongside her clanmates: Please, Please don't let them find a dead body! As she skidded to a halt following the gradual slowdown of the cats around her, she spotted it from afar. What... Was that a cat? It's way too big to be one! A Cougar, maybe..? Despite the mixed, almost unsure look in the beast's gaze, Nettlehawk couldn't help but feel intimidated by the very presence of it. She kept a close eye on Rustlepaw from within the group, praying that the novice wouldn't do anything too rash.

At this angle, the broad-shouldered wildcat cast a remarkable shadow over Rustlepaw’s arched back without even raising to their heavy feet. The size of the beast had caught Rustlepaw off guard - hence the yelp that led into a frustrated growl as the rest of the clans caught up with her. Fuck. Rustlepaw worked her claws into the sand, making sure to place herself between.. whatever this was, and the rest of the groups. With that in mind the dappled novice turned her head up and narrowed her eyes, trying to get a read on the predator and whatever the fuck it’s intentions were. It almost seemed.... nervous, which was weird in and of itself — made even more peculiar by the wobbly expression that it’s face held. Disappointment held its place with fear in Rustlepaw’s chest as she paced in front of the animal. She had been hoping for something big and scary, like a moose, at least then she would have known what to do. But instead as Rustlepaw raised her hackles defensively she drew a blank.

Echopaw’s eyes went wide. That…that was a giant cat. Holy StarClan, that cat was huge. And yet… “Do we have the wrong, uh, cat?” The mostly white she-cat asked nervously. “They seem nervous…maybe they’re also being hunted by whatever’s attacking us?”

One moment Stonestar is rushing forward, the next he's coming to a grinding halt with his paws digging hard into the earth and grass underneath him as he looks at the impossibly large cat, his eyes widening with surprise. The massive beast almost seems nervous, but Stonestar can't focus on that— he can only direct his gaze toward Rustlepaw, his heart climbing its way into his throat at the sight of the prickling novice staring up at the beast. She's dangerously close. But is he really surprised? She's his kin, after all— the cats in his bloodline are known for being reckless fools. Grimacing in an attempt to shake the wandering thoughts from his brain, the panic that he can feel burning into his pelt because his clanmate, not the kit he continues to deny, is in a very, very bad situation. The rest of the clan cats that had come with him are in immediate danger, too. Himself included— but Stonestar's safety doesn't matter, and that much he knows. He spares a glance toward Echopaw, his tail flicking hard. "Hostile or not, this cat is a threat." His voice directs to the rest of his cats, who he glances anxiously toward. His heterochromatic gaze scans the crowd, desperate for a sign of one of his advisors— Dusklily, Crowstrike... Hell, even Rockpollen could prove helpful here. Maybe she could call upon Starclan to strike the beast down. That's how her job works, right? She talks to the dead cats and all far more than the grey tomcat is ever willing to... "No one make any sudden movement," He calls, because it's the smartest decision he can think of making. "We do not need to give it any reason to become hostile."

There was no point in discussing clues. Everyone would head that way anyways without even a passing glance back to those clues. Ebonystep just wanted to go back home. He cared enough about a few of the Soaringclan cats that he didn't want them to come to any harm, so he had forced himself to stay. If everything goes wrong, then atleast he knew what happened. When the yowl sounded, it brought everyone to their feet before the cats charged into the woods. The spotted tom ran alongside his novice, his eyes constantly darting around to keep in check of danger. It was a surprise when the group came across the large cat, and Ebonystep froze in fear. His hackles were raised and his ear fell back, his gait and his eyes were wide and ready to leave in an instant. Although his breath was quick, it was still under control for the most part. Despite this, he was able to snap out of it to go over and anxiously hush Echopaw before turning to his leader. "We should leave it alone..." Ebonystep's voice came out in a squeak as he whispered over in the hopes of someone hearing him. "Observe it from a distance." He knew Rustlepaw was ready to make any move as she stood cornered by the beast, but the excavator could care less. His attention turned towards familiar faces as he counted off how many of his clanmates he could care about. It wasn't many. As far as he could tell, none of them were in danger. Even if they were, there wasn't anything he could do.

It had taken her a while to actually find Sunpaw, though her progress had quickly sped up once she found his tracks. Discovering him hiding under the bush made it clear that he was feeling overwhelmed, and Fogstar readied herself for any emotional tension— She was truly the worst when it came to comforting words, though perhaps it didn’t need words right now. The molly patted it gently on the side to let it know she was there, and though every moment mattered when it came to the beast, she didn’t rush it. After a few quiet moments, she asked, “Would you like to be escorted back to camp?” There wasn’t enough time for an answer. A loud yowl split the air and Fogstar instantly sprang to her feet. She hesitated for a small second, glancing back at Sunpaw, before deciding that he was probably much safer where he was. Yet she didn’t want to doubt him, so she quickly gave him a choice, “Either stay here or follow me. No shame.”

While many of the cats gathered were hanging back, the lynx's ears pulled back and it showed its teeth. Its body language was strained, on edge due to the sheer amount of opponents facing it, though it continued to hold its ground. The little fluff of tail it had stood erect and its shoulders were tense. Fogstar was nowhere to be found, so it was up to Stonestar to take control of this situation. His words were smart, but he had other cats' choices to keep in mind. Despite being Soaringclan's leader, he couldn't command the other clan... He tried not to think about where the other leader might be, and instead focused on trying to keep every cat in the united front that had been stressed repeatedly earlier. (edited)

🌾 Time to make a choice! 🌾

You have three options: ATTACK, FLEE or DISTRACT.

Echopaw wasn’t arrogant enough to think she could take something like that on. She was too inexperienced, too weak…at least, for now. “Maybe we can distract it and lead it elsewhere?” The young novice voiced. “It’s uh. Not supposed to be in our territories, you know? It can’t stay here, it’s too dangerous.” [Echopaw votes to distract]

’It shouldn’t be on our territories’ Rustlepaw took the time to fire an incredulous look at the delicate pale apprentice behind her. Uh, yeah, no fucking shit. God what a waste of words. Echopaw was like that, Rustlepaw thought - Ebony was her mentor after all - rolling her eyes before turning back focus. No matter, though, because unfortunately Echopaw’s stance aligned with Rustlepaw’s own. Fighting gave the opportunity for casualties, and turning your back on a predator was possibly the worst thing you could do in any given situation. Rustlepaw, being the closest to the sweaty heap of fur, was in a unique spot. She could do most anything and the throng of felines would surely gain something out of it. So why not be a little fancy with it? Deciding to tempt fate, Rustlepaw lashed her bristling tail and took a step forward — eyeing the Lynx and taking into account its tense disposition. If it ran? Cool! If it killed her? Fine! At least it’s intentions would be clear. If she lived? Well, that was preferable. Rustlepaw raised a brow. Earning her trapper name would be ideal — but given the sheer volume of cats in the vicinity that wasn’t a priority anymore. [ RUSTLEPAW is attempting to distract! ]

When he first felt the gentle pat on his side, Sunpaw felt his fur stand up. As Fogstar continued to comfort him, the easier it became for the young cat to center himself and figure out his bearings. He didn't want to leave, but he didn't want to move just yet. Gentle memories took place of the unease as the orange cat was taken to a stormy night in the log in which a snuggled against a dark mass of fur... As the yowl sounded across the woods, it took only a small moment before Sunpaw's ears sprung upwards. It looked over to the gray molly before getting to their own feet. He didn't want to be left, not again. For the rest of the journey over to the rest of the group, Sunpaw tried his best to keep up with the leader, although he needed a bit of help to cross the river. Once they had arrived, the patrol before the two had come to a standstill as they gave hushed directions and opinions about their next actions. Since leaving the bush, Sunpaw has made no sound and continues to do so as he stays within the treeline with his head tilted to the side, silently watching the large cat who stood beside the antagonistic Soaringclanner. [ Sunpaw doesn't wish to fight ]

"We need to leave, that's what." With his hackles already raised and his ear as far back as it could go, Ebonystep cautiously began to step back slowly. "If it is here, there could be more. It could be strong, it could be agile, who knows." Could it know the territory? How long has it been here? Questions like these flooded the excavator's mind, there wasn't anything anyone could do safely but wait, which was dangerous in of itself. "We need to back away slowly, get out of it's way, then observe it." The tom flattened himself to the ground as he continued to back out from beneath the group. "Once we know more about it, we can come back and deal with it." Coward or not, getting out of here seemed to be the best course of action. [ Ebonystep votes to flee ]

Echopaw froze. She didn’t even think about that - what if there were more? An entire patrol, or, or even enough to be a clan!! The young she-cat tried to regulate her breathing and calm down, mentally telling herself that was stupid, though it was clear from her raised fur that the novice was terrified. That’s when Echopaw noticed Rustlepaw approaching the giant cat. “Rustlepaw!!” Echopaw hissed, trying to keep her voice down and not startle the predator, and yet still have her words heard by the older novice. “What are you doing?!”

Already being on edge, Rustlepaw's distant yowl felt like claws suddenly stabbing into Dusklily's chest. The advisor rushed along with the rest of the group, keeping a close eye on Rockpollen and desperately trying not to imagine the SoaringClan novice meeting some horrible fate. But when the massive cat came into sight, Dusklily stopped dead, her eyes wide and ears flat to her head. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but it wasn't this. The creature did look startled rather than particularly aggressive, but Dusklily felt sick as she took in the size of its claws and teeth, imagining them tearing into any of her Clanmates or even the LeafClanners. There were too many cats here, too many opportunities for something to go wrong. "We should go," Dusklily mewed, echoing Ebonystep's sentiment as she caught Stonestar's gaze. "We need a plan, now that we know what we're up against, we -- " Dusklily broke off as she spotted Rustlepaw moving, her tail bristling with anxiety. Her voice came out louder and sharper than Echopaw's. "Stop! Great StarClan, Rustlepaw, stop, back up!" [ Dusklily votes to flee ]

”Good god will you two shut up?” Rustlepaw said, voice achingly quiet as she approached the large feline — squinting at its still paws and gritted teeth. All was well so far. ”Yelling will aggravate it.” The dappled novice hissed, ”If you plan on leaving and drawing it back to our camps, where all of our elders, kits and healers are, by the way-” Rustlepaw’s tone turned into a sneer. ”-Then do me a favour and don’t turn your backs when you run.” A small smirk donned her muzzle before it was whisked away into a titular frown. Inquisitively Rustlepaw parted her jaws, scenting the air. It did seem to be alone, but the fear was valid — unfortunately the idea was Ebonysteps so Rustlepaw paid no mind to the thought. The Lynx hadn’t hit her yet — and the longer Rustlepaw lingered the more she had to gain. Ultimately Rustlepaw just hoped that a halfwit like Butterflysong wouldn’t come up and ruin the tense peace she had with the carnivore by singing about going vegan, or something.

Echopaw’s jaw moved, but she couldn’t get anything out. Her eyes flicked between Rustlepaw and Ebonystep, clearly pleading for her mentor to do something.

Butterflysong is not really a fighter, in fact it she could find a more peaceful solution to a problem she will. So when the lynx began to reveal its teeth she felt panic going through her. This was really bad and it was clear that her trying to befriend the lynx was not going to do anything. However, she knew she could not leave any of the cats before her, so she began to think hard, trying to plan on what she should do. When all of a sudden she got an ephiphany. Butterflysong quickly ran to a rock and with no warning began to bang on it akin to someone using a drum and began to sing really loudly (though to twolegs it would sound a typical cat yowling). She hoped that by doing this she could give some other cats time to escape and get back to the others safely. (Butterflysong is gonna distract)

Without much of even a thought, a small blur of tan brushed through the grasses before Ebonystep pounced upon the racket-causing Butterflysong as he slammed her into the ground behind her. "Do you wish for death??" His strained voice was brought along with whispers of a hiss. "Keep it up and we are all liable to be killed." He glanced over to his novice, then to the a-hole lashing their tail at the enemy. As he did before slowly backing up towards the crowd, he scanned for faces. Soon enough, he set his body down beside a bi-colored tom. He whispered up to the advisor as he continued to watch the enemy. "For the safety of everyone else we must leave before someone else decides to get us killed."

Nettlehawk's ears flattened with eyes narrowed to slits at the threatening display, equally keeping her defensive stance. It was a clear outnumberance—If this beast made any moves, it'd be a quick dogpile to take it down. Her heart nearly skipped a beat when Rustlepaw pushed onward with her aggressive display. Her teeth grit in a manner of holding back from barking orders at the apprentice, keeping her claws outstretched. When Butterflysong began to sing loudly, Nettlehawk was ready to smack some sense into the molly—well, that was until Ebonystep did it first. "If even one of us is attacked—it means that beast is a threat to us all. We don't have to jump right in... But I'd have my claws at the ready, if I were you." Nettlehawk mumbled with her bundle of herbs nearly snapped from how much pressure she put on her still-gritted teeth. [Nettlehawk votes to beat this cretin to a fine pulp!] (edited)

The calico's body tensed, hungering for a good release of her ~~toxic~~ pent up energy. Of course, she was surrounded by pitiful SoaringClan cowards who'd rather run with their tails between their legs. How lovely that they chose flee rather than defend their own when she was faced with a predator. And it was the obnoxious apprentice, the one that faintly resembled Stonestar...well, Pebbledawn couldn't really blame them, then. "If you spineless cowards want to run cryin' to your mommas while your own is basically at death's door, then by all means. Really goes to show SoaringClan's true colors. Yellow bellies." She seethed in a quiet hiss while her hackles began to lift. The Combat Specialist looked back to the overgrown cat. Maybe it understood them, maybe it didn't. But if it had anything functionable between those damned ears, then it'd understand that she meant business. Despite her evident agitation, Pebbledawn kept her voice low to avoid instigating the beast. "I didn't come out here to dance 'round this intruder and then risk leadin' it back to my home. I came out here to get shit done and keep the furballs and elders back at home safe. If you won't protect your rat novice, then fine- I will." Ew. Did that really just come out of her mouth? Whatever. She just wanted to hurt something. And if it wasn't the lynx, then it'd surely be Stonestar for wasting all her damned time. [Pebbledawn has chosen violence.]

Even now as the clancats sit infront of the danger they have been searching for, they continue to argue. Sunpaw couldn't understand this, wouldn't this be an opportunity promote unity? He had only just arrived and it's ears had already flattened once again. The constant back and forth between cats, particularly those within their own clan, brought forth a quiet whine within the orange novice's throat. He needed to help, one way or another. Sunpaw pushed himself back into the forest before he quietly scuttled up a tree, using that as a survey point to watch over everyone. As he sat above, his mind continued to work as he tried to think of the best way to get everyone out. After watching the cats, he snuck back down another tree trunk before turning and crouching his way to the enemy cat. The trees gave him a clear shot as he slunk through the grasses towards the group, hoping that the cat wouldn't see him. Oh, he hated this plan so much, but this seems to be the only choice for bringing together the clans, over his dead body or not. Atleast then he can be back at the log.

It was a bold to assume that Rustlepaw’s approach was inherently aggressive… Sure maybe it felt that way to some cats, and given her history this wasn’t a far cry from what she was usually up to. Rustlepaw was in fact smart enough to not be aggressive while up as close as she was. In fact she was anything but. Rustlepaw cocked her head — rolling her eyes briefly as Pebbledawn spoke. She was perfectly fine without the ‘help’, not that Pebbledawn would actually do anything of note. Unfortunately, though, Rustlepaw would concede with her on some aspects. The amount of mindless blabbering coming from her clanmates was quite bemusing. Thanks for the support guys, Rustlepaw felt a pang in her chest, thanks a lot. ..Whatever, she didn’t need them. Rustlepaw flicked her tail again, still wary but stifling her fear before the Lynx smelt it. She didn’t need anyone.

16:45

The dappled novice looked up, up, up at the beast’s face — keeping her eyes slitted and her feet firmly planted. It had a wide muzzle with a large, flat nose and narrow eyes. Definitely a carnivore, certainly a predator. Diet probably consisted of something bigger than a few birds and mice — though those were certainly on the table. It wasn’t starving, though, it’s sides were firm with well defined muscle and tough skin. This begged the question of what in the actual hell was something as big as this doing in clan territory if it was well marked? Maybe it was biding it’s time. That would be smart. Wait until something happened to make a move. ”Give me a second before you die, will you.” Rustlepaw said off hand, restlessly digging her paws into the dirt. This was a learning opportunity that would go to waste. ”I’m not going anywhere.” That was true! Rustlepaw had half a mind to sit down right where she was, but she was smarter than that. However Rustlepaw was not smart enough to not poke the metaphorical bear. Keen, and perhaps even excited in a rather morbid way, Rustlepaw reached forward with a claw and poked the Lynx’s foreleg, jumping back as soon as she did to avoid a swipe — should it happen.

Crowstrike waited and watched as the big cat stood before him. He pondered what to do before the interruption of cats coming entered his mind. Strength in numbers, but now they all see it and can all be in danger. While the others planned and argued, he tried to gather all he could on the situation while trying to listen. I don’t sense any other bigs nearby, was it just this one? Even so we need to know about this one. Does it live nearby? If so it’s needs to be dealt with and we can’t just run it off. Neither should we run off either and risk leading it somewhere… unless that somewhere is…” He left his own thought at the sound of Ebonystep. ”Where would we go? And also if we flee there’s a chance it would follow and kill us! Right now it’s just waiting for our move, we need to be smart about this.” He looked at Dusklily for a quick moment mouthing ”Away” before moving his gaze to find the two leaders. Without even mentioning to Stonestar, the tom fluffed his tail and held it high, moving it from side to side in a swaying monitor stepping closer to his apprentice slowly. ”You got a plan? Can’t get your name if you’re dead, you stepped up so let me hear your ideas and if it’s not gonna get someone killed, I’m in.” He whispered to Rustlepaw. Crowstrike wanted this thing gone and if anyone is crazy enough to not back down and somehow have a somewhat level head, he’d put his trust in his apprentice. [ Crowstrike is trying to distract! ]

She’s been quietly and obediently following Stonestar, until she saw her dad. She’d definitely feel much better being beside her dad then the leader, so she stood at Crowstrike’s side, fur lightly touching. Of course, she was only there because she wanted to keep him safe. Not because she was terrified of the sight of the biggest cat thing she has ever seen. ~~She’s almost petrified.~~ She wanted to run away, and she definitely didn’t want to fight it, but if her dad said he’ll distract, she trusts his judgement more then Stonestar. “I … Think distractions would be better then running away or attacking. There’d be a lot of unknowns, but that could be a good thing.” [Meadowshade chooses to distract.]

A spark of frustration overcomes Stonestar as he watches his clanmates have varying reactions — at least Dusklily is willing to talk to him about her idea, unlike Crowstrike who strides right up to Rustlepaw with Meadowshade in toll. Chaos seems to have broken out around the grouping of cats despite nothing happening on the gigantic cat's part, between singing, arguing, and conflicting opinions on how the situation needs to be resolved. Stonestar's head is absolutely roaring at the thought. Clenching his jaw, he looks back to Dusklily with uncertainty. "They're right — if we flee we could lead it back to the camps." The grey tom states, his voice firm with conviction. He spares a glance at the fools coming up toward the giant cat, and he has to fight the grimace making its way onto his muzzle. If anyone had a chance to survive an aggressive encounter with the beast in front of them, it wouldn't be his clanmates — but himself, or Fogstar. Unfortunately, the tom-cat has no idea where the Leafclan Leader is, and this situation is in his paws. "What do you think about leading our other clanmates back to camp, Dusklily? I'll stay and distract, make sure whoever wants to stick around here doesn't get themselves killed." He pauses, now aware of the pounding of his heart in his chest — roaring deafeningly in his ears. "Fewer heads here the better, right?" The Soaringclan leader spares a glance toward his currently not rogue advisor to listen for her opinion, his ears twitching with apprehension. [ Stonestar votes to distract. ]

17:37

@January | Dusklily

Dusklily twitched her ears indignantly at Rustlepaw's retort, but gave up trying to make her do anything; she should have known better than to try to give her any command in the first place. The she-cat rapidly redirected her train of thought to things she could control, stifling the spikes of anxiety induced by Butterflysong's sudden obnoxious display and Rustlepaw inching ever closer to the beast, only to be joined by Crowstrike and Meadowshade. "Yes, right, well, we don't have to go back to camp, in case it does follow us." Her voice was tight with pent-up apprehension. "Back across the river, yes. And some cats can stay. There are too many of us here." Dusklily dipped her head assentingly toward Stonestar. "I'll lead a group back to camp."

Having returned from fetching her apprentice, Fogstar had a strange scene to fall into. From the yowl that had alerted them to come to this location, she’d expected a whole lot more chaos and violence. Well, it wasn’t exactly like no chaos was happening at the moment, but at least everyone was still alive. Though it seemed some cats were determined to get themselves into trouble. After catching up with her clanmates, she got the general consensus, though worry teared at the pit of her stomach. The smart decision would be to distract it, but would that truly get rid of their problem? What if it found its way back here, or found their camps and got to the defenceless? Though Leafclan had measures in place to deal with that, it still didn’t mean they were fully safe— They’d have to do something more than just distract it. They’d have to drive the lynx out. “I do not think we have much of a choice. We cannot allow it to gain confidence and destroy our clans.” [ Fogstar votes to attack ]

The panic that coats the big cat’s face only begins to worsen as chaos devolves around it. With the clan cats arguing about what to do and what not to do, the big cat looks borderline perplexed— visibly flinching when Rustlepaw pokes it with a delicate claw. “NO! No hurt!” A feminine but scratchy voice cries out when the animal opens her jaws. The sound seems to cause the ground underneath the paws of the clan cats to rumble and vibrate, and confused glances are cast to one another as they look for the source… Which makes itself apparent, coming from the slightly shaking big cat. “No hurt Littlevoice!” The lynx exclaimed, lifting a gigantic paw to her chest at ‘Littlevoice’, as though trying to refer to herself. Her eyes were wide and alert, darting between the cats surrounding her. She still seemed unsure about them, and didn't completely open up her defensive stance. Her next words slightly whined with a plea, “Littlevoice friend; have little cat name.” As if she didn’t know whether she’d get the chance to say the next few words, they rushed out quickly, “Littlevoice have cub — yours! Can… Can show you?” (edited)

Within moments, Nettlehawk's aggression diffused. This... This was certainly far from a threatening character, if she'd ever seen one. Her pelt settled once more as her ears perked, returning to a neutral stance. This... beast had as much aggression as a mouse. Littlevoice was their name, and they certainly didn't seem to want to maul them anytime soon by their words alone. "A cub..? Do you mean a kit of ours..?" Did... did they lose a kit? Did someone abandon a kit..? Worry pricked at Nettlehawk's pelt. She looked back to the crowd, raising her voice slightly to make herself known. "Has anybody gotten a report of a missing kit? It'd be quite a distance from either clan, I'd think..."

Abruptly, the fear dissipated, like water rushing downstream. It - she - talked. Talked. “We won’t hurt you!” Echopaw blurted out. “You’re big and scary but you just wanna help, right?” Perhaps it was stupid, but Echopaw padded over to the significantly larger feline. “Can you show us where the kit is? Clanborn or no, we have a duty to protect them.”

Having crouched about halfway between the trees and the group, there wasn't much of a distance to cover when Sunpaw was about ready to charge between the large cat and the Soaringclan novice who poked it. He didn't know what he was going to do then, but he was ready to defend either cat however he needed too. However Littlevoice did the job for him, crying out in defense and quickly stating her reason for being there. Sunpaw knew she was friendly to begin with (or atleast it hoped she was) and didn't understand why the opposing clan was trying to intimidate her. It was too late to go up the Littlevoice now as he was already hidden in the grass. Coming out of the grasses could startle her, and it didn't want that to happen to her again. Instead, through the best idea he had, he crouched over to the main group with his clanmates and would just, stand up there. Atleast then, Littlevoice shouldn't get startled, his clan shouldn't either, right?

As soon as the Lynx - Littlevoice began to talk, Rustlepaw’s back sloped and her ears flicked upwards. She knew it, she knew that this Lynx wasn’t aggressive. As soon as it didn’t bite her that should have been obvious. Rustlepaw turned to fix both Leafclan and Soaringclan’s populations a triumphant glare. Then she looked back toward Crowstrike, purposefully keeping her sharp gaze flicked away from Meadowshade before her expression fell into one indicative of melancholy. It was a short lived victory. Nobody was going to congratulate her on being right anyway, they had all moved on. Without her. ... Whatever. Rustlepaw shook her head. Whatever whatever whatever. Rustlepaw didn’t want to know more about the stupid Lynx anyway — it could jump off a cliff for all she cared, (This was a lie, Rustlepaw’s paws itched to know more about Littlevoice. Had the large feline been watching them this whole time? Could all big cats speak cat-tongue? It sounded rather difficult for her... but alas, Rustlepaw had fallen into one of her self-deprecative states.) With a short huff Rustlepaw pushed past Crowstrike and sat somewhere a little ways off, sitting in brambles and pushing her weight down until the small curbed thorns pierced her skin. So much for glory.

"We would go into the forest to watch what it does!" He spat to the tom, probably louder than he should have. "If we leave now and watch it there would be less chance it would-" and he left... His chance of talking some sense into someone just left, and now he is also attempting to distract the beast. They were all lucky that the large cat wasn't aggressive because Ebonystep was surely not going to pry their dead corpses from the bobcats mouth. His father would be so disappointed in him. Then with the sudden cry coming from the big cat, Littlevoice stated her reason. She talked. She... talked. It was a very clear motion that Ebonystep nearly high-tailed and ran as it seemed like his feet where trapped into the ground itself as he tried to leap from his spot. This was too much, he never signed up to be talking to bobcat. He never signed up to begin with! And to think that her reasoning for them not to attack her was because she had a name like theirs. Ebonystep still couldn't ignore her plea, she was scared. He especially could tell when she blurted out that she had a cub of theirs. This... behemoth of a cat was just as scared, if not more so, than any of the patrol. He hated to say it, but he was glad that Rustlepaw reached out and poked it. Otherwise he would have watched this innocent cat die between the hands of the idiots that wouldn't have given her a chance to leave in peace. If his instincts were wrong and Littlevoice was actually aggressive... Atleast that would have kept the clan occupied with Rustlepaw's death and had given him some time alone.

The Seer had relaxed and stuck by Dusklily's side the entire way up until now. When she began to sense the Advisor's nerves grow she too turned restless. What was wrong?? Staying within her comrade's view her nose flicked in different directions into order to find a source of the danger. After some time however the molly didn't find anything... There were some distraught cats, some rocks, lots of weird trees, a freakishly large cat, a ladybug- Wait. Turning her dazed orbs back to the lynx she seemed to think for a bit. (Or maybe Rockpollen just possessed a sort of stillness that one would assume led to the action of contemplation....) Whatever the case after a few long moments she gingerly stepped her way over to Littlevoice. Her light padding and tall lifts of her paws placed her setting as if it was made of pebbles and steep boulder faces rather than the soft earth the clans were in now. As usual there was no sense of urgency or self-awareness in her behavior. No guard was up. No preparation in case the bad became worse. The loud sound from Littlevoice shook the unfamiliar ground beneath her. Teetering back and forth the smaller feline lost her footing and gently bumped her head on Littlevoice's shoulder. With a tiny flick of her ears she continued to stand there awkwardly.

Once the lynx appeared the Outrider waited for instructions from her leader. Not hearing one stated for some time she scanned around for the molly. Where had she- Before the leaders and their co-leads had made announcements several cats already began to make their own choices and chaos ensued. A bristled Torrentleap stood her ground against the wishes of those around her. Looking to the official leader of combat, Pebbledawn, the feline waited for the calico to give a command. Just from her stance Torrentleap could piece together Pebbledawn's ultimate decision. To let fur fly. Torrentleap nervously glanced to some of her clanmates. Butterflysong had been the first to act against the humongous creature before them. Banging rocks and singing to grab its attention. Several other cats executed their own distractions as well. Torrentleap wasn't sure what she would say even if given an opportunity. Distractions could help in battle? But some of those within this expedition obviously didn't think the same. Disappointment and aggression a suffocating smog in the air. Oh this plan is going horrible. Torrentleap felt bad for Fogstar and to a smaller degree Stonestar. Maybe some cats will get punished after this who knows... Trying not to think too far ahead, the Outrider was distracted by one of the SoaringClan cats shoving Butterflysong to the ground. Concerned, and remembering some uncomfortable moments the last time Torrentleap had visited nearby territories with such a large amount of cats, Torrentleap made her way over. Placing herself between Ebonystep's previous spot and her clanmate she stared daggers at the tom walking towards one of the Advisors. The cat waited for him to finish his statement. A deep aggressive growl emitted from her throat. She called out, "If you want to be a coward then walk away! Go dig your own hole before I make you one!" (edited)

23:21

A cold stare burrowed into the spotted feline. Personally Torrentleap had wanted this experience to give her some more faith in the cats of the The Glade. To have more hope like her mentor, Twilleaf, had preached about so much. But seeing all of this unfold now... well it made her acknowledge that maybe such peace was not meant to be.

Butterflysong was slightly embarrassed when her distraction was interuptted and felt sillier then she already was before. She really thought that distraction would help but she suppose she was not really great when it came to foresight. However, by some miracle of Starclan the lynx did not seem to get upset, in fact it became confused and was startled when Russtlepaw poked them. This caused them to sink and acted fearful. At first Butterflysong was absolutely confused even startled upon realizing that this cat was practically harmless Butterflysong felt herself relaxing a little and slowly approached the lynx with a gentle smile on her face. "It's okay," Butterflysong reassured kindly. "We won't hurt you Littlevoice, we were just caught us all by surprise," It may have been putting it lightly but she wanted to try to keep things calm and relaxed and as far as she was concerned it was clear that they were as scared as the clans were. So if they wanted to find out about the missing kit they will need to make sure that Littlevoice did not run off in fear.

To say he was startled by the loud feline would be an understatement. Normally cats wouldn't think about talking to Ebonystep, so once he heard an unfamiliar voice shout over to him, he was genuinely shocked and fell over with a twist. His head swiveled around before his eyes landed on the curly furred molly. Her glare wasn't anything he has already seen before, but even still he felt a chill go down his spine. He didn't know her, nor did he care. As far as he knew, she could be a clanmate of his. Ebonystep only knew so many cats, and many weren't because of any good reason, so having yet another stranger on his bad side didn't shake the tom. He didn't even correlate the curled feline to the black-saddled one who began singing obnoxiously. Ebonystep's ear pointed upwards as his eyes narrowed towards the stranger. "Oh, I didn't know we were supposed to defend each other," he threw a nasty glare over to Stonestar knowing that much of this was the leader's fault, "You're lucky that you have your own support team to help you when things go south!" That was supposed to be an insult, but once he said it Ebonystep knew that wasn't one for her. His face showed little change beside a small furrow to his brow spots. "And be my guest, dig me a hole right here! It would be better than listening to everyone argue over nonsense." Ebonystep was being really ~~stupid~~ brave as he shouted over to the cat. He stood alone as his fur stood on end and his legs shaking softly beneath him. What the hell am I doing? The two held eye contact for longer than they should have and Ebonystep swore that she could see his fear, and possibly any hurt that he has pushed apon himself. I should just shut my trap, keep to myself before I make myself vulnerable.

Crowstrike was amazed it talked?? All Crow’s fur spiked before relaxing orderly back on his body. He’d never heard of a Lynx speaking in a language they understand. He was a little excited yet confused at their words. Rustlepaw pushed past and Crow watched her leave and sit down but he was more focused at the Lynx. No hurt Littlevoice! Littlevoice friend!” Crowstrike repeated towards the big cat, taking a step closer. ”Crowstile friend!” with a paw on his chest, introducing himself the same way Littlevoice did. He glanced back at Stonestar with a small smile and motioning his head towards the Lynx to do the same. A quick glance to Fogstar as well. ”Cub? Yes please show us!” He tried to sound the least threatening as he could but also loud enough for the Lynx to hear. If “cub” meant “kit” then is that why they are here? Did they come looking for us? Even if Littlevoice is nice, the kits should see a medicine cat as soon as possible.

Timberstrike felt like they were experiencing WHIPLASH from everythings happening all at once. There was discourse...mayhem. His leader was missing for a short moment. Stonestar couldnt co trol Leafclan and seemed to struggle with his own clan. This Massive feline was a threat...maybe. it didnt seem to pounce or lunge like a fox would. It seemed Timid...terrified. Finally his leader returned, not that that helped the discourse. Until the giant cat spoke Littlevoice? Did it have... a clan name? Whatever the case, whatever offensive stance he had dropped...a bit. Now it seemed outright scared and begging. And a cub? Did they mean a kit? A lost child of theirs? But who had lost a kit recently? Hmmm He took one steady step...for once happy about his own great size. "Show us the...cub."

Stonestar can feel his head pounding from the everything going on around him — between cats yelling and sudden anger being directed by him, followed by the sudden revelation that this beast can speak ( and of course, how could he forget Rustlepaw’s foolishness? ), the tomcat looks troubled and exhausted. He casts his gaze toward Ebonystep, expression firm with irritation. ”Now is not the time to begin an argument, Ebonystep.” His voice comes out a near snarl, his tail giving a lash before directing his gaze back to the lynx with concern. A cub? At the questioning of if she means kit, Stonestar’s interest is significantly piqued. ”A kit?” He repeats, eyes growing wide as he recalls a certain litter that had come into the world shortly before his leadership — back in a certain tom’s reign. ”Well, where the hell are they?” And as he speaks, he recalls Rustlepaw again — her foolishness, and the near pride that he also feels for the fact the she-cat didn’t get herself killed. He spares a glance toward where the novice had gone off to, but only for a heartbeat before looking back to the large cat ahead of the grouping.

Barleyflower yelped softly at the sudden presence of the lynx, her dappled fur fluffing up as the big creature halted in its tracks to stare at them all. Rustlepaw dared to go forth, and the Leafclan Herbalist nearly barked at her to stop, to get away, don't get yourself hurt! But before she could say anything, the lynx spoke in cat tongue-- broken cat tongue, but they were at least somewhat understandable. "Littlevoice have cub — yours! Can… Can show you?" Cub...? Wh-was that one of their one kits?! "Wait! Please," she gently nudged her way through the crowd, looking up at the lynx before stopping a whole cat length and a half away, ears tilting down out of nervousness. "I am Barleyflower... I heal wounds with herbs. Is this cub okay? Do they need help?"

First he was tripping over roots and sticks, then he was stepping in shit, and now his heart was pounding in his throat when he broke through the undergrowth. Rustlepaw, his niece, his face-to-face with an intimidating and perhaps equally shocked enormous feline. It was safe to say that Raccoonspring was suddenly feeling very much awake. But now, they had (groan) decisions to make: flee, distract, or attack. Ugh...why couldn't "sleep on it" be an option? He didn't want to do anything too impulsive that might result in Rustlepaw being placed in harm's way. His blue eyes darted over to his brother as he and his adviser discussed splitting up SoaringClan. "I'm not leaving Rust. Look, I know she can handle herself, but I'm a Guardian, it's my duty to-" ...Oh. So, it spoke their language...sort of? Everyone was asking questions and probably overwhelming the poor thing, so the lazy tom (happily) sat back to resume his typical lifestyle of being useless and doing nothing. Ah, the comfort of returning to his natural state...nonetheless, she was still a monster for shitting in the middle of a path. "Littlevoice needs to bury their dung where it belongs." He muttered under his breath as he winced at the memory of stepping in the ooey-gooey. When she spoke of a "cub", Raccoonspring sent a furtive glance in Stonestar's direction. Hmm...was his brother getting around again? Eh, another time. He'd tease him later...if he wasn't too tired later on. The gray tabby stepped back to let the professionals handle all that jazz as he shuffled back over to his niece. He had to make sure she was okay, too. Maybe Stonestar didn't see her as family yet, but Raccoonspring sure did. "...So what did it feel like, the fur on that big cat?"

The warrior spared a few glances towards Fogstar to ensure she was still safe- check. She continuously eyed the creature with caution and vicious intent while occasionally looking toward her own clanmates- double check. While the large cat was an immediate threat, she wouldn't discredit the danger SoaringClan could still impose on her clan. "United" or not, she didn't trust those StarClan-suckers. "Yeah, go on 'n run back home, cowards! I'll prove once and for all that LeafClan can handle this on its own." With her muscles tensed, Pebbledawn prepared to leap at the overgrown cat to give them the brawl of a lifetime- regardless of what those cowardly SoaringClan cats might choose. Maybe beating the snot outta this beastie might teach them a valuable lesson: to not fuck with LeafClan. Or do. She wouldn't mind another scrap later. Then, the creature spoke and begged for mercy- such a bore. Pebbledawn snorted in disinterest before narrowing her pale eyes into a pair of slits. Kits were disgusting, but if it belonged to LeafClan...that was an entirely different story. "Why the hell do you have our 'cub'? You tryin' to use some innocent kid as leverage? How sickening." The combat specialist challenged the overgrown kitty in a furious snarl. Was this turning into a hostage situation? "If you were the 'friend' you claimed to be, then you wouldn't be stalkin' around our home and shittin' in public paths." The muted calico kept her ears pinned against her skull. Someone was going to get their head bashed in- and she didn't care who at this point. She'd take Stonestar, or this funny-talking stranger. "Better start explainin' before I start swingin'. My patience is as thin as ice, friend- especially when our own kitten might be involved." Not that she liked kittens...but she did like excuses that got her even a little bit closer to brawling.

The LeafClan cat was very big, and Echopaw was very small. True, the muted calico wasn’t as big as Littlevoice, but still. She felt so very small in comparison, and not all of that had to do with size. “Y-you don’t know that!” Echopaw protested - as nervous and out of her comfort zone as she was, she had to say something! “A-and we’re not running either! There’s, there’s a kit in danger, we’re not going anywhere!”

Butterflysong looked at Pebbledawn, her ears perked when Pebbledawn immediately started accusing the lynx about purposefully kidnapping a kit and that threatening to beat them up. Now, Butterflysong could not say she was super smart however, she knew that it was unwise to start provoking a fight especially with one so big after all there was a popular saying her grandmother would say to her and that is "Do not...poke...the bear". So Butterflysong immediately turned her attention to Pebbledawn, for once looking actually strict and gave a large hush to her. "Threatening is not going to help the situation Pebbledawn," She meowed firmly.

The combat specialist sent a threatening hiss in the direction of the novice as she stepped out of place. How dare that SoaringClan worm attempt to correct her. "And you don't know that she didn't, either. Know your place, squirt. Don't make me remind you of it...because I'll do so with pleasure." She growled with a flex of her claws. The warrior sent a hot glare towards Stonestar and his gaggle of advisers. "Seems that SoaringClan has no control over their novices." She turned back to Butterflysong, not hesitating to loom over her fellow warrior. "Appears to work wonders for me, actually. But go ahead- go yodel at her, or whatever that awful dying-squirrel-with-its-ass-on-fire noise was you were making earlier. Now all the resident predators are probably on the look out for a cheap-ass meal, thanks to you." The specialist returned her attention to the lynx with a sniff, her posture powerful and confident. "Besides, you're significantly outnumbered. I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to protect my clan and get the answers we need- and I'll do whatever I have to in order to get them." She glared daggers over at Butterflysong. "With or without the likes of you."

What did this Excavator think they were here for? Of course they were here to defend each other- because they both cared about the cats in there clans. Torrentleap shook her head with disappointment. There had been no point in teams had there? Most teams were probably going to end like hers had. Such a chaotic mess... As Ebonystep continued to state his points Torrentleap awkwardly stared as Butterflysong took her leave of the situation. She seemed to care more about comforting the lynx than speaking about how she felt about being shoved. The Outrider couldn't help but feel bad. Was Butterflysong fine? Most would assume the bright molly was an airhead but... Torrentleap didn't see the feline in such a light. She was very caring and sweet which is probably why she didn't want to argue with the SoaringClan cat. It was a respectable choice. But how am I to get out of this grey-pelted prickly thorn's side? She actually took his mention of a 'support team' more as a threat than a mispoken insult. Was he saying that if other members of LeafClan were not here that she would win a battle against her? How confident he was! Torrentleap sized him up. He didn't seem terribly strong? Hearing Stonestar scorn the cat's- or Ebonystep's- behavior her eyes glanced between the two toms. Though still feeling heated about how the Excavator how treated her clanmate the stern molly acknowledged that pushing for a fight wasn't going to get them anywhere. With a long sigh she then gave a final long displeased glare at Ebonystep. Torrentleap opened her maw to speak some words but ultimately came to the conclusion there was no point. With a flick of her tail she turned away and padded over by Fogstar. Though short and unable to see everything happening around her- the tabby still had fair hearing. Not that Pebbledawn was quiet at all with her gruff attitude but it helped when picking up on the current discussion with the lynx. Ohhh. Oh no.

02:09

Having their Combat Specialist threatening an apprentice was not a great look. Not in the slightest. Turning to Fogstar she seemed to try and plead with the taller female. Please stop her before a fight breaks out. Pleeeeease. Torrentleap would be willing to try and save the young cat who had stumbled into the calico's wrath... But against Pebbledawn of all cats she had no clue how that situation would play out. So- Torrentleap opted to not place herself willingly against the light multi-colored feline.

A strange mix of feelings rushed through Dusklily when the lynx opened her mouth to speak: shock, wonder, a touch of sympathy, and an overwhelming rush of relief. She wasn't going to attack them. With all the voices piping up, Dusklily did not feel the need to add her own, but silently wondered where this creature had come from and why she had a name like theirs. Did she know about StarClan? The advisor's anxiousness was being quickly replaced by curiosity. She did feel a brief spike of panic as Rockpollen left her side to approach Littlevoice; she crept a bit closer but decided that the Seer wasn't in any terrible danger for the moment. As long as the Clanners didn't spook Littlevoice, and remained civil --which some cats seemed incapable of doing. Dusklily took a protective step in front of Echopaw, her lip curled in the faint beginnings of a snarl as she glared at Pebbledawn. Normally the advisor was not very confrontational, and she had at first pretended to ignore Echopaw's boldness -- another time she might have scolded the novice for being so sharp with a high rank, but Dusklily personally agreed with Echopaw, even moreso because it was Pebbledawn and some cat had to tell her what was what. I would calm that tongue of yours, Pebbledawn," Dusklily warned with an uncharacteristic growl in her voice. "At least our warriors know not to act like novices." She stared pointedly into the combat specialist's gaze, her eyes only straying to glance just as pointedly at Butterflysong. It was true that the SoaringClan novices weren't giving them an especially great look, but at least it wasn't their adults who were picking fights and singing songs. If Dusklily had been a bit wittier (or perhaps not held herself to a higher standard), she would have asked Pebbledawn and Butterflysong why their mentors had let them out of camp unsupervised.

Echopaw looked like she was about to burst into tears, the six moon old novice somewhat shamefully hiding behind the older SoaringClan cat. She knew she could’ve kept her mouth shut, but she had to say something, anything, to that LeafClan cat claiming SoaringClan was actively running away. It was true that they didn’t 100% know Littlevoice’s intentions, but…at least she was right for defending her clan, right? …Right?

Butterflysong just stared at Pebbledawn, not angry or anything, just trying to be as visibly calm as she could after all she did not want to fight with her clanmate as much as they were acting irresponsible. She did not even want to say anything sarcastic it just did not fit into her personality that well. Fortunately, it did not take long for a Soaringclan cat to notice Pebbledawn's attitude and called her out. But of course she would give the same look to Butterflysong afterwards, but frankly she was not to much bothered by it as long as Pebbledawn was kept in check and made sure that things remained as diplomatic and calm she was all fine with Dusklily judging her. (edited)

He was almost glad that the curly molly didn't seem to show him any sympathy. It was better than what he had in mind, especially since Stonestar told him to shut his trap. As the molly opened her mouth, the tom relaxed. She clearly didn't seem to want to inquire about him, better off having himself being mauled than having to talk about himself. "Should've dug me that hole," he mumbled with a disappointed hint in his quiet mew. It took Ebonystep a second to realize his novice was being threatened, but at the same time he just really wanted to go home. He plops himself down and rests his head really low, glaring at anyone who even thinks to come close. Littlevoice can speak, got it, we found the problem. Can we get this kit and head home now? With the gentle slapping of his tail to the ground, Ebonystep began to weigh his choices. He could go home, but that would be in unknown territory and risk being caught by a Leafclan patrol. Standing up and sighing as he approached Echopaw (his only reason to stay) he stands beside her and watched the advisor, flashing a cold stare at both her and the muscular calico she spoke to. "Stay out of the high ranks way, some cats are here to help out their clan and others to help out both," he whispers gently into Echopaw's ear, although he sound like he was ready to snarl. He also knew some people weren't here to help, by the looks of Raccoonspring, it seems that some people were dragged along for one reason or another, himself included.

After squeezing him in between the group, everyone ~~yet again~~ began arguing and yelling. The young cat's ears flattened and it began to back out of the group with its tail curled around their twisted legs, tripping over a rock and running into a large gray tom. Possibly the first time Sunpaw hasn't apologized to someone, he continued on only glancing at the cat's face and catching sight of their heterochromic eyes before continuing to scoot back. He had stepped on several cat's paws as he closed his eyes tight before eventually being stopped by a furry wall. Sunpaw crouched down at their black feet as he covered his ears as it watched the group. He was intrigued, but that doesn't mean that they were ready to talk to them again. The constant bickering reminded him of rougher times in the log, especially days when Destiny didn't return with any food and the kits began to get hangry. Even without being overwhelmed, those days still held onto him tight, and even now Sunpaw wants to make sure his clanmates ate before him so that they could get a meal. A quick meal won't stop the disgruntled felines, and until they stop or it gets moved, the orange novice will remained anxious with covered ears and a shaking breath.

That did it - Echopaw burst into tears, the quiet, scolding snarl of her mentor and idol echoing in her ears. Mortified, she tried to swipe them away, only to find they wouldn’t stop coming.

For a moment, Rustlepaw debated on not getting involved — but throwing herself into other cats business was exactly the type of thing Rustlepaw did best. So she stood up, shook out her pelt, and opened her mouth. ”Oh my god will you all SHUT the FUCK UP.” Rustlepaw’s commanding bark rose above the conflicting clamour of both Soaringclan and Leafclan’s members alike. It was a little aggressive, but then again Rustlepaw knew nothing but. The dappled novice let the remaining morose pang trickle down her spine. She’d deal with that later. Unpredictable as she was, Rustlepaw didn’t look like she had just been sulking. Instead she held herself brazenly and perhaps a bit too confidently. She stepped over Sunpaw, hovering over the ginger novice with a confused frown before lifting her muzzle to face who she considered to be the loudest. Pebbledawn and Dusklily, not surprising. Rustlepaw doubted they would listen to her, but she decided to address them anyway — Rustlepaw was almost a trapper after all, predators were her bread and butter. ”We have a cool ass talking Lynx — Littlevoice. A talking Lynx! But all you can think of is running your mouth!” Rustlepaw felt nothing of the hypocrisy in her words, it didn’t matter. ”Debating adults and novices and whatever the fuck y’all are arguing about should be left for the leaders. You have no place sitting around and flapping your lips instead of doing what you said you would and getting the job done. Funny how a herbalist can be more proactive than a specialist, or an advisor for that matter.” Rustlepaw didn’t believe that Stonestar had the spine to resolve anything — but that wasn’t the point. After a moment, Rustlepaw threw her paws in a gesture towards the hulking feline behind her.

08:26

”And hey man I’m all for fighting, but there’s more important things to focus on. The Lynx isn’t aggressive, this is a massive learning opportunity, so put your big boy claws away and go shit yourself elsewhere.” Rustlepaw finished that with a scuff of her paws against the dirt before parting her maw to scent the air — waiting to either get jumped or for something to happen that was not. That.

Timberstrike's head was pounding from everything going on. The constand back and forth. Bickering...yelling arguing. Between the discourse, Pebbledawn's threats, and no one's ability to control the situation, he was getting upset.. Until Rustlepaw spoke up. How...strange that a voice so young was the voice of reason. Even Sunpaw was more well behaved than many of the adults. Timberstrike usually hardly spoke up. But now he felt he had to. "The Soaringclan novice is right, you know. We have an unaggressive cat infront of us, who says they may have one of our kits. We have no idea what clan this kit is from or if it comes from a clan. Not only that...they talk. We do have an opportunity, and instead we have high ranks making threats...or unable to control their respective clans and discourse because you cant get passed your dislike long enough to get along for 5 minutes." He stopped to collect himself. This felt like the mosy he has said in his life time. "Let the novice talk to them. They seem to be the only one...actually level headed enough to focus on the task at paw...then fighting with each other." The large Paladin gestured to Rustlepaw with his paw, willing to let them take the lead with communicating with this Lynx. "And if your so worried about it...create a united front then cause this thing could easily take us all down without how much we seem to be fighting each other than focusing...." [Heavy mentions of Rustlepaw @Alex | Egg & Rust and implication of few others! @kait [ s & s ] @20mia08 [Pebble & Raccoon] @nym ✦ fbt ] (Inwhich Timber talks more than he ever has before)

Look what he did. What a way to communicate. Did he really sound so mean to make Echopaw cry? It's not surprising that Ebonystep doesn't have much in the way of words. He already needs to shut up after all of this. Even so, looking down at his novice trying her best to hide her tears, Ebonystep knew he messed up. Thing is, he didn't know what made her break down. The snappy shouts from Rustlepaw made the excavator look up, but he brought his attention back down to Echopaw. Whatever Stonestar's kin has to say is either something along the lines of "get yourselves together and quit bickering" or even "shut up and let me yell at all of you". Whatever it was, it meant he was going to get scolded and right now everyone who has spoken to him, implied or not, is on his bad side. If he is going to get yelled at by a scrappy soon-to-be he might as well not listen. Just follow the crowd and shut up, like I should've done from the beginning. Rustlepaw aside, the most pressing matter was trying to calm down Echopaw. She is already awkward enough in social situations that she tries her best only to get yelled at by a Leafclanner. Sounds familiar. He sits down beside her and studies her face before reaching out a paw to try and wipe away some tears. As he began to gently lick the top of her head, Ebonystep curls his tail around the young molly. He couldn't say anything yet, not with a tom speaking up over everyone else. Were they speaking with Rustlepaw or against? He didn't care. He was just hoping the gesture his father used on him would calm down his struggling novice.

The Lynx shifts her weight uncomfortably between her four large paws as she watches the cats in front of her bicker with one another… Perhaps wanting to take a moment to re-evaluate her choices, but feeling out of her depth to do such a thing since beginning her initial conversation with them. “No fight!” The beastly she-cat calls, her voice still timid — but a strong boom that demanded attention paid to it by the cats surrounding her. Laying her ears down some as she re-captures the attention of her audience, Littlevoice gives an encouraging bob of her head toward the way that she came — away from the grouping and deeper into Leafclan’s territory. “Come, Littlevoice show cub.” The she-cat encourages before curling her mouth upward into what seems to be her own attempt at a smile — in spite of the large teeth that show because of it. Before protest can arise from any of the present cats, the big she-cat turns on her heel to begin padding in the direction that she gestured to, sparing a glance over her shoulder to ensure that the clan cats were following her when she was a few foxtail lengths away from the crowd. “Come.”

With Littlevoice’s request made clear to the clan cats currently present, the grouping was offered no choice but to halt whatever conversations or ~~arguments~~ strongly worded conversations that they were having in favor of following after the lynx. At the end of the day, their main priority would now be to find these kittens and bring them to some sort of safety. With a uniting goal in mind, the grouping of cats trot forward and after the large beast guiding them away from Leafclan’s territory and toward neutral territory. It isn’t a very long walk, which is likely a blessing in disguise, considering their prior bickering with one another. But their scenery gradually changes from unfamiliar, open plains to a small forest, thick with shrubbery and trees that cause heavy shadows to loom over the cats. Eventually, Littlevoice leads the group toward an old, toppled over tree laid on its side. Carved into the middle of the bark is a particularly large hole, where the scent of Littlevoice and… Something both unfamiliar and familiar lingers in the air.

“Cub here,” Littlevoice mews, interrupting the silence that settled between the beastly cat and the group with a purr. The big cat comes forward and toward the den, bending down with a gentleness that the clancats hadn’t quite witnessed from a predator such as herself before. The beastly she-cat sticks her head into the den, and a sudden sound escapes her — it isn’t quite a growl, or snarl — but it’s certainly… A noise. To the surprise of some, the lynx pulls her head back from the den with an affectionate and sudden purr as one head pops up from the den — revealing a small, speckled grey kitten with fur covering their eyes and folded ears. Following this kit is a ruddy colored kitten with green eyes that comes up beside them. When this kit appears, they cast their gaze toward the group with a tilt of their head. Littlevoice turns her head toward the group, the purr never leaving her chest as she does. But the lynx has shifted her body now, clearly blocking the group from coming any closer to the kits or the den that they reside in. “Cub here.” She mews with a firm nod. “Cub need home. No leave till home found.”

Here's the kits!

The Seer didn't leave Littlevoice's side the entire time, like a sticker to an unlucky paw. Sooooft. Her head nestled into the lynx's brown fur whenever she was able to get close enough. At times when the larger feline pulled away for space she would soon catch up with a faster pace. It was only when the lynx split away from the group did Rockpollen finally allow the nervous creature some space. With a tilted head she watched with a dim gaze of curiosity. Was it a gift? Her mind aimlessly wandered in its own directions obviously having blocked out all the discussions from before. When little babies started popping out under the tree Rockpollen's head tilt rolled even more to the side. Flipping on her back she stretched out all her limbs like in preparation for a nice long nap. Instead of pulling her front paws back, however, she instead flexed her toes in an "opening" and "closing" gesture. Grabby paws. Babiiiiies. It gave the impression of a lazy cat calling kits toward her. A loud purr rose from out of the tortie. "Flame. Flame. Flame." she repeated the name giddily as if calling the kittens to her. Rockpollen didn't go closer to Littlevoice and simply laid there trying to call the small forms to her playfully. (edited)

Nettlehawk felt her heart soften to a mushy pulp upon seeing the two kittens. The beige one in specific reminded her of her brother, Crocuswren, only adding to the heartache she felt for the kits in that moment. "How long have you had them for...? Where'd you--Where'd you even find them in the first place?" The molly couldn't help but ask as she stuck by Barleyflower's side, tail twitching in uncertainty. "Barleyflower," she murmurs to the mottled brown molly, giving Rockpollen a confused glance at whatever she'd been doing (but, ultimately did not try and stop,) and leaned to converse with her mentor. "They seem... Healthy, at least... Not sick, nor malnourished... But they don't seem like kits from our clan. Do you think we should give them check-ups, though... Just in case?" @herbalwolf | Barley

Following Littlevoice there wasn’t much he could do other than walk and every so often turn his head to make sure no one was left behind. At least from Soaring’s side, he couldn’t remember all the LeafClan cats. He at least tried to unlike some cat he could probably mention. Waiting at the front with a few others he watched as Littlevoice brought out two kits. Immediately following, Crowstrike straightened up with glee They’re so precious!!! Stars were in his eyes as he gazed upon them before finally listening to Littlevoice’s words. ”Thank you so much for bringing the cubs to us! It’s very appreciated and we’ll make sure they’re looked after! As for a home our clans would be happy to take them and provide for them!” He tried to step a little closer but was blocked by Littlevoice. A fair enough reaction. He then turned to the group of cats. ”Alright WITHOUT arguing we need to decide what to do with the kits. They need a home and our friendly Lynx seems to agree. Any thoughts from the leaders first?”

Butterflysong waited patiently for Littlevoice, her curiosity about the cubs became stronger as she waited expectedly until finally two little kits emerged in which it did not take long for Butterflysong to join in with Rockpollen on the cooing and admiring the two little fluff balls before them both. With Butterflysong's eyes becoming wide her smile also becoming equally big. Slowly laid herself down trying to make her prescence seem less threatenig and softly meowed: "Why hello little ones, my aren't you both cute little buds," @AnneOtaku | Torrent, Rock (since Rockpollen was mentioned)

As tensions continued to mount, the combat specialist took great pleasure in throwing around her sour attitude. She turned to Dusklily and Rustlepaw with a peeling back of her lips, "you can take your little lectures and shove them up the darkest part of my-" The lynx had spoken again. It didn't want to fight? How pathetic, how boring! Maybe it didn't, but she sure as hell did! And more than anything else, she wanted answers. Why the hell did that lynx have clan kits? And were they clan kits, or were they the property of some careless stray? Could she be setting them up? Pebbledawn glared at the back of Littlevoice's skull as she lead them away, ensuring that she trotted near Fogstar for safety purposes. She kept Barleyflower in her sights as well. The last thing they needed was their herbalist getting in harm's way. Fogstar might be able to hold her own if things turned into a shitfest, but Barleyflower... Hm, those kittens didn't look familiar. Pebbledawn looked from the two rugrats, to her clanmates, to SoaringClan, and then back to the furballs. They didn't seem to resemble any of the cats around her, but then again, who was she to know how coat genetics worked? While two mollies rushed to babytalk them, Pebbledawn sat back with her ears flattened out of sheer disgust. "Yuck." She mumbled dryly with a wrinkling of her nose as if she'd smelled something sour. Those noises pained her. Stars, was this pathetic. She was embarrassed just being in the general vicinity of those cooing mollies. She hated children. Ugh, please let SoaringClan take them...

When Rustlepaw let out a loud yell, Sunpaw flattened himself to the ground, then shivered as the body he stood under moved. Even with the two cats talking over the rest, the young cat was still overwhelmed. Once Littlevoice began walking away, that was when Sunpaw stood to follow, although he stayed at the back of the group regardless. He stayed behind a cat's length behind the person infront of him, and he stayed quiet throughout the trip, his head hung low up until the group stopped. As the kits were pulled out from the log, Sunpaw walked over and examined the area. Although it reminded him of his log, it wasn't. Probably best for the patrol, the dark coated cat wouldn't have liked strangers taking their kits. He padded forwards after Littlevoice set the two down and Sunpaw looked them up and down. He certainly didn't remember them from anywhere, nor did he recognize their scent hidden underneath Littlevoice's. He tilted his head before sitting down infront of them. "Hiya," he whispered over to the red and gray kits with a gentle smile on his face. "I'm Sunpaw, do you guys have names?" He hoped to be as quiet as possible, sitting away from Nettlehawk and Butterflysong as much as he could.

Ebonystep’s gesture was more comforting than he knew. The young she-cat calmed down, leaning into her mentor’s touch before padding over to join Sunpaw and Butterflysong.

Stonestar looks at the set of kits behind Littlevoice with surprise. Out of everything, this was the last thing that the tomcat was expecting to see. Two young kits... They certainly didn't fit the age or criteria of Flamescratch and Muddystar's missing kits, but between their presence and Rockpollen's insistent mumbling of Flame, the gears in the grey tom's brain are turning, rather quickly. He spares a glance toward Rockpollen, and then to Crowstrike with a bristle of his pelt. Wasn't his advisor one of the cats that were a part of the previous problems they were facing earlier when first encountering this strange lynx? No matter. His gaze casts toward Fogstar. Their cats are asking them to make a decision, and Stonestar certainly has one in mind. "I think Soaringclan should be allowed to take them." The tomcat says as though he's talking about the color of the sky, straightening his stance and rolling back his shoulders as he watches the she-cat near him with a neutral expression. He certainly isn't trying to start a fight, but can't help the bitterness that seeps into his tone with his next statement. "After all, Leafclan has plenty of new novices and kits among the ranks. Do you not?" (edited)

22:56

@nym ✦ fbt

She had been silent during the whole journey following behind the lynx, ready to command her ranks to leap upon it if this all deemed to be a trick. Even after it became clear that the predator would struggle to even squash a worm, Fogstar still wished to be on the cautious side. It wouldn't do well to land in a fight alongside Soaringclan, who she truthfully couldn't trust with her prey. As time passed and they continued to walk through the undergrowth, Fogstar became aware that they were closing the distance to Leafclan territory. She pushed down the irritation that bubbled up at the thought that Littlevoice had been taking precious resources from her clan's land. Once they arrived at their destination, her frustration turned into curiosity. Her mind couldn't comprehend why this beast would choose to care for two little kits not even of her own species. What did that mean? Fogstar knew it was significant but now wasn't the time to theorise about it. As Stonestar's words reached her, the molly's ears perked. Any chance she'd get to make Leafclan stronger had to be taken, and she had the points to prove it. Flicking her tail at the accusation in his tone, she answered, "One would argue that we have the strength and numbers required to care for the kits. Surely you would want them to thrive, Stonestar?" Fogstar bit back, though she kept her expression calm and collected. She brushed past the cats gathered around to stand beside the Soaringclan leader and the lynx, addressing the crowd, "Additionally, we are within reach of Leafclan territory-- Not only would the journey back to Soaringclan be a difficult one for kits these young, would you not agree that we have more of a claim on them due to their vicinity to our camp?" Her eyes landed on Stonestar and held his gaze, a subtle challenge tinged in her tone.

Pelt bristling with offense at the foggy-furred leader's words, Stonestar squints his heterochromatic eyes at Fogstar with agitation. She makes some good damn points, and the tom very much knows it — they are closer to Leafclan's territory, and Soaringclan's numbers and security have been lacking... But the agitation that blooms in his chest as he recalls Soaringclan's missing litter spurs Stonestar on to continue arguing with the pointed molly. "While you make some fair points, Fogstar," He acknowledges with a dip of his head, his ears flicking down. "Soaringclan has been missing a litter of kittens since the battle against Muddystar. Back when Leafclan came onto our territory — suspicious timing, don't you think?" It takes everything in the grey tom to avoid snarling, his frustration only growing stronger in his chest — like a wildfire waiting to be set out. But he isn't arguing, no. He's just stating facts. Crowstrike certainly can't be angry again with the tomcat for just stating the truth, can he not? And who in Soaringclan wouldn't be angry with the fact that multiple of their kits were gone, scattered to the goddamn wind to Starclan only knows where? "All I'm saying is that I am uncertain that their best chances for survival will be in a clan of potential thieves." No accusation. It can't be an accusation when he isn't outright telling Fogstar that he's certain Leafclan had taken the kittens of Muddystar and Flamescratch. The tomcat spares a glance toward his own cats, his tail flicking with agitation at Fogstar's attempt to gauge the crowd's reaction, and Littlevoice's approval. The challenge in the leader's tone doesn't go unnoticed by Stonestar, who's feeling awfully competitive in the hopes of proving his clan's competency.

00:34

@nym ✦ fbt

The molly kept quiet the entire trip, not leaving the area around Fogstar until the leader stepped away to calmly confront Stonestar. Upon seeing the kittens Torrentleap couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. They were quite small... Babies always made her feel uncomfortable. She didn't know how to read or understand their childish logic. Not to mention the Outrider wasn't exactly a model of gentleness either. So most of her interactions with children had gone- uh- awkwardly. When contemplating the leaders' points she could sort of see where each of them were coming from. Looking to the kits she couldn't help but feel a bit sad. Obviously she wasn't going to volunteer to be a parent, that thought stressed her out intensely, but she also didn't want them to go to SoaringClan. If they went there they were likely going to be future enemies. They would learn to be more faithful to StarClan and some of the other weird aspects of the clans culture. If the kittens could choose Torrentleap would feel much less guilty about this decision...

Tension in the air was set off like a puffball mushroom under a paw as Stonestar began to speak on behalf of the kits, and Nettlehawk began to grow restless. Her tail flicked as she unknowingly began to leave Barleyflower's side, subtly closer to the side of Fogstar this time around. She gagued the words of Fogstar with a curt nod, speaking her mind on the topic, whether to the chagrin of Stonestar or not. "We have the resources available to care for two more kits, do we not? I don't see why it wouldn't be an issue to ensure the safety of these kits in a timely fashion." Nettlehawk hissed, stamping a paw down at the very gall of Stonestar! Like a hornet's nest being shaken, She began to raise her voice with an increasingly aggravated expression. She was past the point of passive-aggressiveness--She couldn't just allow Stonestar to jostle their reputation around like this! "The fact you try to accuse us of something as horrible as stealing KITS? SOARINGCLAN kits, for Starclan's sake!" Her tail lashed with a squinted, bitter gaze. "Are you trying to antagonize us to make yourself feel better?" Nettlehawk's teeth bared. "Are you hearing yourself, Stonestar? Or is your name representative of how thick your skull is? Even if they're by some Starclan-sent blessing or somehow Muddystar's kits--Who, may I remind you, would've been far older than these kits--NOBODY knows who they belong to!"

Butterflysong attention towards the kits eventually went to the two leaders who were at this point debating on which clan should take the kits to which clan and Butterflysong could not help but sense that this was gonna turn into a fight. It did not help that Nettlehawk was meeting with Stonestar's accusation with aggressive, though it was deserved, it would still cause a problem especially when they were suppose to work together. Normally, she would just stay out of it, but frankly she did not want a war over kits to occur so slowly Butterflysong stood up, gave the kits one last reassuring smile, and joined Nettlehawk. "Um...I know it may not be my place, but seeing how there's two kits...maybe Starclan wanted each clan to take one of the kits. So how about one kits go to Soaringclan and the other can stay in Leafclan? Wouldn't that be a more peaceful compromise?" It was not the perfect solution, frankly she did not like the idea of these kits ending up becoming enemies, but on the other paw she did not want to see a battle break out either. So she could only hope that brining up this idea can help smooth things over.

”While I agree with everyone’s point we must think about what’s best for the kits” He said pushing himself in between the argument of the leaders, walking over to them. ”Of course each clan is going to argue theirs is better so let’s rule that out. And I’m sure LeafClan had nothing to do with Muddystar’s kits” Crowstrike bat an eye to Stonestar, ”But think about what’s best for the kits! SoaringClan is most likely safer and I already know of at LEAST ONE mother who would accept them. Besides, I’ve heard not everyone in LeafClan adores kits, I’d hate to burden them with the thought of more running around, no offense Fogstar. I don’t question you or your clan, it just seems better to bring them to SoaringClan.” I can feel this is about to be a shit show. Lionfall give me strength to survive this argument

The feline went stiff at hearing Crowstrike's words about certain cats of LeafClan disliking kits. ...Was he reading her mind?? The molly watched the conversation get more heated with a couple individuals and felt a rising need to speak some of her opinions. Looking to Nettlehawk she gave a stern and concerned look. "Let's not raise our voices and scare the kits." Her voice was low and soft like a rare breeze in a forest. The Outrider nodded over to where the tiny forms were behind the lynx. Turning to Crowstrike she gave a similar, but slightly more gentle look. "And I will state it is a bold take to say Advisor. I feel like there are cats in both clans who would and would not find skill in caring for kittens. Please make sure to keep this in mind- for both clans." She glanced to Butterflysong, a great example of a feline who seemed to treasure children in LeafClan. Torrentleap paused before continuing again. "I do not think anyone here wants to see these kits grow up and be a potential opponent in the future. But unfortunately I think this is a decision we adults have to make." Her throat felt a little hoarse from all this speaking. Turning to Stonestar and the other SoaringClan high ranks (including the super weird Seer) she dipped her head. "Please take their health into consideration. "

Now that what she said had gone through (barring some pushback, naturally.) Rustlepaw settled down — rolling her eyes at the debacle going on about where the kits would go — as if that was important. Frankly Rustlepaw could care less, she was still fixated on the Lynx and would continue to be until a resolution was made. Rustlepaw raised her tail and budged her way through the crowd until she reached the outskirts and lowered her head — trying to scent anyone or anything else close by. (Open for interaction — otherwise this’ll be Rustle’s last post!)

Fogstar made good points, and Pebbledawn was not biased. She had no interest in keeping the kits, but it'd be safest for them to travel less. And...LeafClan was obviously the better clan of the two. She stood behind Fogstar for some time, seemingly confident that the spineless Stonestar would cave to Fogstar's points, and let her clan take the kits. Until he didn't. Oh. Oh. Hold the fucking phone for a minute. "Why would we want the kits of that dirty ass tyrant? Throwin' some AWFULLY fuckin' heavy accusations there, Stonestar." The muted calico's hackles immediately began to bristle, and her body began to tensen. She took a few stiff staggers forward until her chest was practically pressed against Fogstar's hind legs. "You know what else is heavy, outside of that thick skull of yours? The ROCK I'm gonna put on your GRAVE if you dare accuse Fogstar of somethin' like that AGAIN. You hear me?!" It was hard not to, because she was literally shouting so loud that she was on the tip of her paws. Oh, was she going to make this bastard hurt for offending her clan. NOBODY talked about LeafClan like that- especially that yellow-bellied StarClan-preacher! With a cruel grin, she motioned to Rustlepaw with a lash of her tail. "At least LeafClan can train its novices. Last I checked, that one's awfully super sized to still be trainin'. Sure does resemble you. Awful shame that Stonestar's own family members can't even pass a silly little assessment- especially when they're started so young." She flashed her teeth. "So what's your secret, No-stones-star? Bad genetics, or just poor trainin'?"

As the blue cat lowered her head the Seer saw her moment to strike. Flopping over to be slightly closer to the short cat, she gently placed a paw on Torrentleap's hair tuft. It was so fluffy. With a purr she pawed at the curly fur.

Seeing everything turn from "okay" to "oh gods no" made Torrentleap make a deep, deep sigh of defeat. Nothing was going to work out today... Above all she was actually *beginning to see that Pebbledawn might be a part of the problem between the clans. The calico might be a good fighter but- maybe that wasn't the only reason she should have gotten into her rank... To make things worse Torrentleap felt something get caught in the fur that fell over her face. Eyes flittering up she was surprised to be face-to-face with SoaringClan's Seer. Following up the torbie's extended arm she quickly put together what was happening. *I want to go home.

Crowstrike appreciated the manners from one LeafClan cat, Torrentleap was their name? ”I suppose that’s true, thank you.” he said equally as calm. Crowstrike was cut off from a calm and civil discussion from none other than Pebbledawn. Crowstrike knows Stonestar can handle himself but when she threw her spit as Rustlepaw, HIS novice, Crowstrike blew up. ”Oh that RICH coming from a cat that didn’t seem to grow up at all! Rustlepaw is an amazing novice and at least has the common decency to figure things out in a way that WON’T get everyone killed!” Crowstrike growled but stood his ground next to Stonestar. ”Look now isn’t the time for this, let’s just focus on the kits! They’re probably scared to death right now over your voice and I doubt they would even want to go anywhere near you!” As much as he tried to lower his voice it was still louder than he would have wanted. ”I trust both of our leaders to make a decision to satisfy us all, so please let them do that!”

Butterflysong slowly turned her attention towards Pebbledawn, now normally she was not the type of cat to get annoyed let alone aggressive afterall that was against her better nature. But at that moment she really wanted to find some sort of large piece of moss and scream into it as Pebbledawn had to take a situation from a 0 to a 100. Even Torrentleap was not appreciative of Pebbledawn's aggression and everypart of Butterflysong wanted to yell at her to be quiet. However, she found herself swallowing that thought inside her and just glared at the ceiling just asking why in the world was Leafclan like this. Fortunately, Crowstrike was able to get his priority straight and mention how this was not doing well for the kits. So at least he had some form of common sense.

Aw man, he just wanted to go home and nap! They found the lynx, problem solved- now they should all go home! He angled his ears backwards, mostly because he was trying to block out the excessive amount of yelling. Maybe if he summoned enough internal peace, he could pretend he was sleeping until this whole thing blew over. Except instead of blowing over, it seemed that things were about to blow up. "I'm starting to think this isn't just about the well-being of the kits anymore..." Raccoonspring mumbled to himself nervously as he remained in the back of the crowd. Poor kids. They'd lost their family, got adopted by some semi-spooky giant, and now a hoard of strangers were trying to fight over them. And they didn't even know their names! As much as he wanted to saunter off and take a nap, he couldn't let this gaggle of vagabonds threaten his littermate. He was Stonestar's brother- he had to keep him safe! And without Brookshine here, he was fully responsible for his brother's well-being. The big gray tabby slowly pushed his way forward to get himself a little closer to his littermate, in case he needed to flex those (extremely, extremely rusty) Guardian muscles of his. Gee, and they called that lady a combat specialist...she seemed to be more of a shouting specialist. Raccoonspring shifted his weight from one paw to the next. "Look, maybe we should all just-" Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no oh no. Please tell me she didn't just say what I think she said. "R-Rustlepaw...-" his voice cracked. This was about to turn into a total shitfest.

Fortunately for the partly deaf warrior, Meadowshade didn't find the yelling too upsetting; to her, talking was like whispering, while yelling was like talking. She always thought any interactions with the other clan would have turned out as a nightmare. Especially when (not if) conversations eventually shifted to "which clan is better". Like her father, she was hoping the peace would last, but the topic of the kits were the final straw. Not even her wise father could calm the crowd then. She didn't exactly plan on taking part of the big fight, but the loud and harsh words of a certain Leafclan warrior got her attention. She was about to confront Pebbledawn on her words, but booming words from her usually softspoken and patient father beat her to it. She rarely saw this side of her father, and she's quick to try calming him back down. As an advisor, the clan needs him to be calm, especially when Stonestar is being a bit unreasonable. She presses against Crowstrike's side, whispering to him. Pa? It's ok. They're just words. You're right about staying focused on the kits. That includes you too."

[ TW | VIOLENCE ] And just as Rustlepaw had taken to the sidelines — fully unengaging — she was drawn back in. Rustlepaw stopped. Nose half buried in dirt as Pebbledawn mused aloud. Rustlepaw felt blood rushing to her head, and suddenly the clamour of Soaringclan and Leafclan cats felt… a lot further away. ’Rustlepaw?’ Slowly, Rustlepaw turned, blinking back the wet lines that had begun to form under her eyes *(...tears?) That voice was one she recognized. ”...Bad genetics.” Rustlepaw conceded under her breath. It was like a switch had been flipped. Rustlepaw swayed, vision hazing — heart stuck in her throat. Being called pathetic in front of her own mentor was embarrassing. Rustlepaw was embarrassed. Embarrassed for Crowstrike, how she had been turned to ammo against him. Fire ignited in the overgrown novice’s belly — though she didn’t act before giving Racconspring a two pronged grin. Subtle, a flinch of clarity before Rustlepaw all but blacked out mentally. May as well own it. After a few provocative steps forwards, Rustlepaw broke out into a full fledged sprint — hackles raising as she abandoned her former peaceful demeanour for one that was more natural to her. Snapping her jaws open, Rustlepaw leapt; practically flinging herself at Pebbledawn’s flank and digging her teeth into the combat specialist's thigh. Blood filled Rustlepaw’s mouth, though she wasn’t sure if it was Pebbledawn’s or hers.

Nettlepaw looked to Torrentleap, then to Butterflysong, then to her own paws. She didn't want to let Stonestar blow his own ego up by putting Leafclan down. She had to speak her mind! ..But, but, every cat proved a point. Crowstrike, Butterflysong, Torrentleap... It was about the well-being of the kits, not the clan. She quieted down and took a more passive stance, though her gaze remained bitter towards Stonestar. She listened in to the meows of others, her tail flicking side to side in a muted agitation. And then, Pebbledawn entered the fray. And then Rustlepaw. Within moments, she looked up to see the novice flinging himself at Pebbledawn, a shocked expression on her face as the pounce connected into Pebbledawn's thigh. Her paws begged her to run into the fight, pin the novice down and show her what for--but, instead, by some act of Starclan, she remained still, claws firmly planted in the ground as she watched the scuffle rage on.

The specialist's cruel glare was locked onto Stonestar, waiting for him to make his move. Do it. Make my day, you bastard! Her muscles remained tense, although she was yet to unsheathe her claws until she gave him a reason. She wanted him to give her a reason. But did he have the chutzpah to do such a thing, if he couldn't even summon enough strength to spare his own clan from Muddystar without the assistance of LeafClan? "Take my clan's name out of your dirty mouth. It ain't LeafClan's fault that you can't keep track of kits or train them. She curled a lip, with her posture remaining stiff and threatening. Yet, she didn't attack- not yet, not without Fogstar's permission. Until, the tables turned. There was an explosion of thundering paws, causing Pebbledawn to swing her head around and temporarily cease her harassing of Stonestar. She saw a flash of tortoiseshell, and instantly a bitter grin grew from ear to ear. There you are, you little rat! The novice collided with her side, clinging like a hungry little tick. Pebbledawn side-stepped into Fogstar (whoopsie) as she absorbed the impact, briefly gritting her teeth as the novice's teeth connected with her flesh. She knew Fogstar would be pissed at her. She knew Fogstar would want her to be the "bigger cat". But Pebbledawn was the combat specialist- she couldn't help herself! So, she'd be nice and keep her claws sheathed (for now), but she still intended to send Rustlepaw some nice little bruises to remember her by. And to, quite literally, get her out of her hair. Pebbledawn swung herself around to gain a little bit of extra moment before slamming her side into the ground, hoping to knock the wind out of Rustlepaw with the impact. "I don't have to take cheap and dirty shots to be good!"

The force of Pebbledawn’s signature body slam onto the ground did indeed loosen Rustlepaw’s grip from the she-cats leg. In fact as soon as Pebbledawn came down on Rustlepaw the combat specialist’s weight immediately loosened Rustlepaw’s jaw (and probably bruised a rib or two. OW, what were they feeding this cat?) a choked gasp escaped Rustlepaw’s throat, followed quickly by a snarl as she scrabbled to free herself — pushing up and forwards until she was able to squeeze out from underneath Pebbledawn. Rustlepaw shook her pelt out, blood and spit gathering at corners of her jowls. Breathless, still, Rustlepaw began to round Pebbledawn like she was a vulture , clearing a decently sized circle in her wake. ”Wh-why not?” Rustlepaw called, panting hard, “You ... you used my heritage as a weapon, I’d call that a fucking cheap shot!” After a beat of silence Rustlepaw returned the shit-eating grin that Pebbledawn had given to her just seconds before. ”Unless you’re afraid-” Rustlepaw taunted, ”Of an overgrown novice. God, how fucking embarrassing. Leafclan’s combat specialist being all bark and no bite.” The dappled novice peeled her lips back, ”If you’re the best Leafclan has to offer, then maybe the kits should go with Soaringclan.”

The combat specialist tossed back her head with a chorus of bitter laughter. "The only thing cheap 'round here is that so-called 'training' that SoaringClan pushes! You call that a bite? I've seen flies do more damage than that. Although...you might just beat them in terms of being a nuisance." Although her shoulders were squared and her eyes locked on Rustlepaw, her posture was one of confidence. Whatever this SoaringClan peon tried to throw her way, she could handle! She knew it. She cackled at Rustlepaw's insults- they were welcomed. Anything she could use as ammunition towards egging the novice on and making it seem like Pebbledawn was just defending herself from these attacks. Although, any sensible cat would surely see through her ploy. Unfortunately for Pebbledawn, most of these cats had more sense than she did. She just had muscle- and lots of it. "Oh no- I don't want to hurt the wittle novice before she gets her name in...what- 20 more moons? 'Less you really want to be put out of your misery. How many times have you failed your assessments, anyways?" Pebbledawn offered a sickening snicker. "Maybe you should be taking notes. Although clearly, you aren't good at that if you've failed stars-knows-how-many times." She spared a glance towards Stonestar with a small scoff. "And it ain't like SoaringClan has very high standards if StarClan picked him as leader. Really settin' the bar low there, Rustlepaw. Buy hey, look on the bright side-" she turned to snarl at the novice once more, "-maybe you'll be SoaringClan's first ever elder novice."

The kit's didn't seem much smaller than him as he looked between Littlevoice's huge feet. There was already two cats watching them, but Littlevoice seems to be keeping a keen eye on both parties with a concerned and warning glare, or atleast that's how Sunpaw saw it. Her expressions could be different from clancats, maybe her face actually showed pleasure. Either way, he wanted to keep her space sacred and not get too close to the kits. Thennnn everyone began to argue. First it was about the kit's safety, then it was about the safety if the clans themselves. Both already began to make him worry; he was sure they would have started to attack each other by then. But as more voices added in and the more the arguing seemed like verbal attacks about how bad the other clan is, Sunpaw couldn't help but let out little whimpers in worry. He knew that he wanted to run, but it's priority was the kit's now. It was back at the log whenever a fox came in for a quick meal, it either held all of the kit's on the other side to keep his own body between them and the fox or slashed at the fox's muzzle whenever it got close. He stood up and began to look around at the cat's, seeing that the two who were once watching the kits were no longer near. Sunpaw's feet began to tap along the ground, his little body bobbing up and down with each placement. He looked up and whined, "Miss Littlevoice..." He didn't know if he got her attention, so he took his nose and shoved it into her large paw. Eventually he got her attention and craned his neck to look upwards. "Miss Littlevoice... can i please take the kits into the log. Im- im sure they are scared with all the yellin and I just want to keep them calm." He turned his head to the kit's, then swiveled it back to the clan as he heard a loud argument suddenly break out. His paws tapped faster on the ground and his face contorted into a terrified wince as tears began to form around his eyes. "Please..." he cried.

All this yelling was about to give him a headache. Just who gave everyone the right to argue? Ebonystep couldn't even think with all the bickering, nevermind the attacks on everyone. Sure he hated everyone, but that doesn't mean they can fall apart infront of him. He was already mad at several of the arguing cats so it gave him no reason to stink his nose into it, he just shuffled away and out of the circle before sitting down and watching from a very short distance. He wanted to keep an eye on Echopaw, Crowstrike, and Meadowshade, giving that they are the only reason he is even there right now. This watching didn't last very long before he stood up with a concerned face as Crowstrike began lashing back at another cat, then his daughter tagged along to argue as well. I can't do anything right now, not even run. Crowstrike was meant to fight, he trained with Shrewstripe so it's no surprise. Still, that doesn't mean that Ebonystel will just watch as one of the few people he trusts get pummeled by a Leafclan cat. No way. That doesn't mean that he will get in the way either. The best he could do was pray to Starclan that he makes it out okay, for his family's sake.

Barleyflower felt her heart swell at the sight of the two kits, pupils rounding out as she looked at them. Ohhh, the little darlings-- where on Earth did Littlevoice find them? Were they even clanborn? She glanced then at Nettlehawk, nodding once as she asked whether or not they should bother with helping them. "Don't forget the Code; No cat can neglect a kit in pain or danger, even if the kit is from a different Clan. The same goes for even loner kits-- in my eyes, anyway. If they need help, we are going to provide." In an ideal world, it would be wise to split the kits up to go to both clans, to make it fair-- but Barleyflower thought that would be too cruel. Even if these kits weren't siblings, they had lived together and likely formed a bond. But... as the leaders began to bicker, it only made her want to scoop them away and take them home to Leafclan. Yes, the trek to Soaringclan would be much too treacherous for the kits to make, surely. Nettlehawk then commented on Stonestar's thick-headedness, and Barleyflower had to bite back a hiss. "Nettlehawk! I expect better from you!" One thing led to another, Pebbledawn hissed a cruel word about the older novice, and Rustlepaw flung herself at the Combat Specialist, aiming a good shot at her leg. They scuffled and Barleyflower felt that hiss bubble back up in her throat, an ugly, horrid noise that she very rarely ever made. Without thinking, the Head Herbalist of Leafclan flung herself forward and skidded in front of the two fighting cats.

"ENOUGH!"

"Are you even hearing yourselves?! Pebbledawn, stand down! The LAST thing we need right now is an injured cat on either si-ide!" Her voice stammered for a second, paws quivering with anxiety. "What we need to do is focus on where these kits should go. Not shoot hasty remarks towards each other!" her gaze flitted to both Fogstar and Stonestar, ears pinning back.

A frustrated growl had been building in Dusklily's throat; between Rustlepaw's insolence, Pebbledawn's continued aggression and Echopaw's sudden burst into tears, she was left struggling to decide on which issue to address first. Perhaps mercifully, Littlevoice decided for them that the fight was over. Dusklily was glad it had not escalated, although she was ready to give Rustlepaw a sharp cuff around the ears. Who did she think she was, exactly, to tell Dusklily her place? And if only some cat could put tree sap in Pebbledawn's mouth and glue her jaws shut for a while... The advisor stalked along with the group, her tail swishing angrily behind her, but her curiosity welled up again as Littlevoice guided them along. And upon the presentation of the kits, Dusklily felt her heart melt. Rockpollen even got a laugh out of her with her rolling around on the ground, because perhaps in a different situation she would have done the same. For a fleeting moment the kittens' little faces relaxed her. But then the repeated chanting of Flame sunk in, and Dusklily's own thoughts began racing in a similar direction to Stonestar's. Where could these kits be from?

04:58

Dusklily kept silent, although of course several cats immediately disregarded Crowstrike's suggestion that the leaders talk it over first. The she-cat would not give her input unless Stonestar asked, but her heart selfishly tugged to keep the kits for SoaringClan, and surely they couldn't split them up. Were they littermates? How long had they been living with Littlevoice? But within what seemed like the blink of an eye, the patrol had dissolved into chaos. Dusklily watched in disbelief as Rustlepaw threw herself at Pebbledawn and the scent of blood hit the air. All of her questions for Littlevoice dropped from her mind as Dusklily cast desperate looks at both Fogstar and Stonestar. "For StarClan's sake, stop them!" she blurted out, her jaw remaining agape as she watched the fight unfold. Her ears flattened as she watched Barleyflower throw herself into the mix, half expecting the scuffling cats to start tearing into the healer as well. Her premonitions about this patrol had been right, it seemed, but not for the reasons she had expected...

Stonestar feels his hackles raise as the first herbalist novice comes rushing at him, angry with the accusation that had spewed from his mouth in the heat of the moment. The tomcat doesn't show his frustration aside from this, straightening his stance to watch the cat in front of him with an unimpressed look. Nettlehawk. He can recall her vaguely— although he doesn't really care for any of the cats within Leafclan's ranks unless they were the ones that he spoke to out of necessity. And then chaos continues to devolve, with a random novice of Leafclan approaching Littlevoice while Echopaw burst into tears and Rustlepaw, of course begins a fight with Pebbledawn, who Stonestar wants nothing more than to rip right back into. He isn't angry at the disrespect, he understands why they're angry with his words. But it only solidifies the concept that they have in fact, taken the kits. The glance that Dusklily gives him tells him that his advisor may be thinking the same thing as him. He glances back to her, tail flicking irritably behind his person. This has devolved into a mess... And has only proven that he was right. Soaringclan should take these kits. "Just as Barleyflower has said," The tom-cat booms out, his voice level in spite of its volume. "That is ENOUGH! We are here to have a discussion that will be held between myself and Fogstar!" Stonestar nearly snarls out, his scathing gaze hovering over his cats in specific. Fogstar could take care of her own cats, he wouldn't dare apologize nor attempt commanding anyone of Leafclan. Holding his gaze to the crowd, the tomcat hopes that this is enough to still the complaints and arguments of the crowd as he looks back toward Fogstar, trying once more to continue his conversation with the older molly. "As you were saying, Fogstar?" Stonestar questions, tilting his head to the side. "Soaringclan is unable to care for these kits due to... Our numbers? Perhaps a smaller environment is more suitable for them." [ won't be tagging mentions, but will be tagging @nym ✦ fbt for interaction! <3 ]

While trying to ignore the chaos around her, the Outrider overheard Sunpaw's request to Littlevoice. She closed her eyes and gave another tired exhale. It probably wasn't his intention but it could look like an underhanded move on LeafClan's part if the Novice had a plan. Torrentleap imagined that he simply wanted to do what he had stated- but that didn't mean cats unfamiliar with his personality would understand. Worried for his safety she opened her eyes and looked to Rockpollen. "Please let go," she whispered desperately. I don't even remember this high rank's name... Hopefully I don't have to say it for her to hear. Thankfully it didn't seem such grasping at straws was necessary. Once the torbie had done so Torrentleap slowly padded her way next to Sunpaw. She didn't give any acknowledgement to the lynx nor made direct contact with the warm-colored Novice. Standing from this vantage point she looked prepared- not particularly aggressive or defensive, just aware of her surroundings. "Sorry," the tabby stated in a neutral tone to no one in particular. At least it appeared to be the case before she turned her head to look at Littlevoice. "You were just trying your best to help them and we caused more trouble." She gave a deep nod. "I apologize we have not acknowledged our strain on your situation nor your kindness." Torrentleap then said in a much quieter tone so only those next to Littlevoice could hear. "Know that I will respect your decision on the matter." The cat seemed to be implying more but did not clarify what that exactly was.

A fight broke between Rustlepaw and Pebbledawn and small amounts of blood were being shed. As much as Crowstrike wanted his apprentice to fight for her own, he knew it had to stop. He flexed his claws in hesitation but before he could move, Barleyflower stepped in the way to break it up. He was thankful for it. As Stonestar began to talk to the other leader, he shot a hateful glance at the two. Not a word not a growl, just a squint of the eyes. He ended up walking over to Rustlepaw, half grabbing her by the scruff and half pushing her with his head to back up. “You’re crazy but I won’t yell at you for doing something I would have done. You won’t be getting in trouble by me.” He turned his attention back to the others but made a point to stand by his apprentice.

The molly was a bit sad her fluffy thing had walked away. Trying to ignore the fighting around her she flopped back on the ground and stared at the sky. Hearing the voice of Barleyflower her gaze suddenly snapped to the Herbalist. For some reason those creatures made her uncomfortable... Clawing up earth she pulled herself up and got into a crouch. Scanning the area she crept over to Dusklily and laid down next to her using the Advisor as a wall between her and the scary being. For the moment the kittens were out of her mind and replaced with Barleyflower.

Not expecting her insults to not work, Rustlepaw began to sputter indignantly — ears heating up quickly as she found herself embarrassed — again — by whatever Pebbledawn had thrown at her; slurring her name like an insult. At the very least knowing that she had caused Pebbledawn some bother was reason enough for Rustlepaw to feel some inkling of pride. Of course, unbeknownst to Rustlepaw she stood little chance — she was built for fast combat and hunting, certainly not the brawl that she had engaged. But it was too late now, and Rustlepaw was far too driven to back down from most anything anyhow. So, as one could expect, Pebbledawn’s unwillingness to even unsheathe her claws was far more irritating to Rustlepaw than anything else could have been. Maybe that was what Pebbledawn sought to do — in fact that absolutely was what the leafclan cat aimed to achieve, and the fact that it had worked so effectively would have made Rustlepaw even angrier if she wasn’t already aiming to wipe that smile clean off of Pebbledawn’s muzzle.

13:07

”Blah blah blah blah blah, will you SHUT UP already!” Rustlepaw snarled throatily, unable to think of a retort that would matter and air her grievances at the same time. At that point Rustlepaw was speaking as she ran, paws thrumming against the dirt. The dappled novice’s eyes fixed onto Pebbledawn’s sneer first, and for a moment it seemed like she would jump onto the combat specialist’s face. This was a short lived theory as Rustlepaw feinted left just as Pebbledawn’s pricked fur brushed against her face, sliding beneath the Leafclan she-cat’s legs and swinging around to disjointedly grab the edges of Pebbledawn’s muzzle. Rustlepaw sank her teeth into the corner of Pebbledawn’s lip, claws scrabbling to grind into the specialist's face as her narrowed eyes looked glaringly at Pebbledawn’s own unamused ones. Growling, Rustlepaw began to shake her head back and forth like a pointy dog to a thick-skinned chew toy. Desperate to make Pebbledawn feel something, anything other than annoyed — but no dice. And, for now, she’d have none. It took a few moments of hanging onto Pebbledawn’s face like a deranged clump of moss before Rustlepaw felt a sting on her scruff. With a muffled screech Rustlepaw began to struggle, thrashing around blindly as Crowstrike pried her off of Pebbledawn’s mug and pulled her back. Specks of blood stained Rustlepaw’s face, though it seemed like sweat and exhaust plagued her scent more. (Being WWE slammed on the ground would do that to anybody.) After Rustlepaw realised who was behind her she came to. Slumping onto the ground with stiff legs as Crowstrike finally let her go. Wordlessly Rustlepaw spat out some of Pebbledawn’s fur onto the ground — baring her teeth and breathing heavily.

The warrior had every intent of egging the novice on into another scuffle. Perhaps if she attacked Pebbledawn again, Fogstar would yield and give the specialist the a-ok to teach her a real lesson. She waited eagerly for Rustlepaw's reaction, and it seemed that the novice was at a loss for words. Back and forth the calico's tail swung in challenge as a smug expression quickly overtook her. "Can't even come up with-" "ENOUGH!" It was then, to Pebbledawn's great displeasure, that Barleyflower interrupted. Damn it all! Curling a lip, she sent a small glare in the herbalist's direction. Party pooper. Yes, actually, she did hear herself. She heard herself quite well- it was hard not to, with Pebbledawn's big mouth and incessant shouting. She was certain that everyone back at camp was capable of hearing her. Although her posture remained tense and her eyes gleamed with wrath, it seemed that the combat specialist was standing down for the time being. She couldn't risk putting the weed-whisperer in harm's way. Barleyflower was too valuable to LeafClan to risk injuring. While Pebbledawn wasn't much for feeling anything at all (outside of pure rage, of course), she did always feel an ounce of guilt whenever the weed-picker became upset. She was so innocent and defenseless- it wasn't right to direct her anger towards the herbalist. But she felt no remorse in being irritated with Stonestar. "Last I checked, he started with the hasty remarks." Pebbledawn curled a lip. "I just finished it. Nobody bad-mouths my clan."

13:51

Then, in the corner of her narrowed eyes, there was a flicker of movement. Pebbledawn pinned her ears before she felt the novice's teeth connect with her jowl, wincing before her muscles flexed. Every molecule of her being begged her to give Rustlepaw an unrestrained smack on the head (or several, really). But Barleyflower was here and it was evident that she could easily get a rise out of the novice by not reacting. There was a sinister glint in the combat specialist's eyes as she remained still, a show of bravery and restraint. Let them all witness her power, let SoaringClan tremble before steeliness the next time they meet! To add insult to injury, Pebbledawn cackled. She felt flesh tear as Rustlepaw was reeled away by her mentor, maintaining a stance that screamed vigor and triumph. She'd won today. The warrior tasted the metallic tang of her own blood as a thin stream dribbled into her mouth from her wound. She swore that, with time, said taste would be replaced by that varmint's blood. "Just you wait," she snickered as Rustlepaw was dragged off. "The moment Fogstar finally gives the ok...I'm comin' for your head. Better learn some real battle moves before then, kiddo."

Rustlepaw let out a grinding growl — gritting her teeth and pricking her hackles as she held her ground in face of Pebbledawn’s sneer. Though untamed, and perhaps a display of foolhardy ignorance, it was hard to deny the bravery in Rustlepaw’s stance too. Not once did she slink away, in fact every part of Rustlepaw wanted to move forward. ”So loyal.” The heaving novice hastily spat, pinning her ears back so Pebbledawn couldn’t see them twitch. The threat brought her no shame, nor excitement — it steeled her gut and resolve alike. ”Scared of offending your pretty little leader?” Rustlepaw sniffed, ”Fine.” She would not cower. She would not cower. ”Save a tooth for me.” she added, licking the blood off of her muzzle and taking a second to relish in the fact that it was, in fact, not hers. ”I want something to take home as a trophy.” Being shown around like that was a slap in the face, and Rustlepaw would be embarrassed about it sooner rather than later — but it did show her that at the very least she had more to learn. It gave her something new to do; a good pastime for all of the time she would spend fucking grounded in camp, Jesus Christ. …But it was worth it.

He kept his feet tapping on the ground as he waited for a reply, his ears pinned against his head as he tried to not run over the sound of the group. His tail curled around his hind legs as his eyes kept darting around. Then with the sudden entrance of another voice, Sunpaw fell backwards and hit the ground, body bouncing as he began to right himself. It wasn't even standing before its legs began to move towards the familiar figure, his ears buzzing with a low drone of a fast-paced heartbeat. He ran right into Torrentleap's chest and shoved his face right into her fur. He couldn't even hear anything anymore but his own panicking body, so even the snarling group itself wasn't anything more than a muffled murmur. "I wanna go home" he cried as his face was thrown at the outrider. It tried its best to stay calm, and also knew that the molly wasn't too particularly fond of him, however his drive to leave and to feel a spot of comfort overtook his natural instincts to protect, and such melted into Torrentleap. The young cat sniffled away some tears, but the gentle hiccups that appeared between tight breaths showed nothing more than despair. This must have been one if the few (if not the first) time Sunpaw has cried wince being adopted into Leafclan. "I wanna go ho- ome. Every- one is yellin and- and fightin." This whole interaction was doomed since the beginning, and it all has been too much for the emotion-sensing novice. Tension have been high and their urge to help the group was slashed across the face within the first moments of arriving. "I wanna see Destiny aga-ain," Sunpaw's plea was broken by a drawn out whine before his cries turned into broken heaves of air as he shoved his face further into poor Torrentleap.

From the mix of yelling and whining and crying from cats all around him, he was done. He felt somehow this wasn’t about the kits anymore. He let out a loud and low growl and pinned his ears back. “I BELIEVE,” he started looking at Rustlepaw but moving his gaze towards Pebbledawn “Our leaders are the only one’s who should be speaking right now!” He sat down hoping to say “that’s enough” and narrowed his eyes at the LeafClan she-cat in front of him. Without moving them, Crowstrike brushed his tail against Rustlepaw in small support.

That little toothy grin was telling. As his niece darted on by, the Guardian (gasp) actually put in an effort. Oh no oh StarClan- what if she got seriously hurt? What if they held her back even longer for this? "Rust, don't give that broad the pleasure-" it would seem that the lazy gray tabby's paws were still asleep! As he turned to encourage his niece to ignore Pebbledawn, he tripped over his own paws with slammed his chin into the ground with a soft thunk. Ow! Ow, ow, ow, ow! Aw man, his beautiful face had finally healed from that accident within the caverns, and now it pulsated from agony. Raccoonspring watched pitifully from the ground as Rustlepaw engaged Pebbledawn and the two got into a bit of a skirmish. Ah, well...he was better down here, anyways. If things got too bad, he'd intervene. But with Rustlepaw's angry teen spirit, things weren't exactly against her. She had enough rage to put out in order to hold her own against the combat specialist, who seemed surprisingly restrained. Thank StarClan she was, at least this time...things were already getting messy. They spat out a few sour words, and Rustlepaw was hauled off by her mentor after giving that Pebbledawn a well-deserved nibble to the face. He couldn't help but to smile a little. Was it wrong to be proud of Rustlepaw? Raccoonspring sent an uncertain glance in Stonestar's direction. He knew his niece would likely receive some sort of punishment for it all, but Raccoonspring quietly wondered how Stonestar really felt about it. Was he proud of Rustlepaw for standing up for herself? Was he internally reeling after all those snarky comments Pebbledawn shot his way? If Raccoonspring wasn't so lazy, he'd certainly give that mouthy LeafClanner a piece of his mind for insulting his family. But alas...he was a lump, and now, his jaw felt swollen again. Sigh. Not worth the effort.

The Outrider tensed as the Novice fell backwards. She did not mean to- before another word could leave her throat the small feline ran into her chest and tried to find comfort in her fur. The molly froze and simply stood for several moments not knowing what to do. Giving a nervous glance to Fogstar an expression of pure anxiousness painted across her appearance. (A large break through her cold mask.) She knew the chance for her leader to help was slim. After all she had to look out for all of her clan's safety above a single Novice's. But, as usual, Torrentleap prayed that the grey she-cat would be more selfish this one time. She wasn't qualified for this... stuff! Fogstar was probably better at it right?? Turning back to Sunpaw her ears perked up slightly at hearing an out of place term. 'Destiny'? Was that meant to be a name or- Well, whatever the case that was something low on her priorities right now. Her green optics flashed between Littlevoice and the Novice leaning on her. She didn't want to leave the lynx alone, as she could become a target of both clans if things didn't improve soon. But Sunpaw's mental state obviously wasn't in a condition that was safe for himself and as a clanmate didn't he take priority? And then there was the topic that was meant to be focal point of discussions. The kits. Things were beginning to extremely overwhelming for the tabby. "I- uh." She stuttered over her own words. Raising a paw she gently placed it behind Sunpaw. Torrentleap didn't pull it closer to herself as she didn't want to make it uncomfortable. (And being overly conscious of her own sensitivities when it came to things like embraces.) She simply used her limb as a sort of wall to help the Novice feel more protected and separated from the arguments around the two. Was this how you comfort others??

16:31

Now she wished her siblings had given her lessons on such behaviors. "Ah. Um- I am also sorry Sunpaw. To you- I mean." She held in a breath. Oh she didn't know if she could do this. "We can go home soon?" Torrentleap flinched at how wobbly her voice had been. Clearing her chords the tabby tried again. "I can't entirely understand how you feel. I am sorry," she whispered softly. "But I won't leave you if you don't want me to leave." The short cat paused and did a small motion with her curly tail at the kits watching this event unfold. "You remember how you came to LeafClan? W-well maybe I don't know where these two will end up. But- I- I'm not sure we can leave them with how things are, right? So if you can keep strong and stay close we can get through this together. Alright?" Her tail again shifted to curl along the side of Sunpaw tp hopefully make him feel more secure. "And we can go home soon- very soon even! And I can get you your favorite prey and maybe we can even talk to Frogstep about our-" She made a small stop as she scrambled to find what to say next. "-favorite things!! Does that sound ok?" Good quick recovery. Her tone had grown to be a little more energetic as well to try and get its spirits up. Unsure of how well her words would be heard by the Novice she awaited a response on edge.

Rustlepaw snapped her glare towards Crowstrike as he attempted to support her; frustrated and angry as she usually was. It was clear that the dappled novice didn’t appreciate being apprehended in the slightest, even if it was for the good of her health — and even if Crowstrike’s kindness made her feel some sort of way about being used as ammunition against him. It wasn’t right. He deserved better. Rustlepaw sniffed, turning her nose up as she took a second to sear the throng of collected cats with her narrowed eyes. Some Leafclan novice was wailing, Echopaw was still hunched, Stonestar kept that flaccid-ass look on his face that only aggravated Rustlepaw more, and Raccoonspring? Rustlepaw shot her grounded uncle a raised look, arching an eyebrow before rolling her eyes and pushing her shoulders forward in a lengthy stretch. This was, of course, followed by a wince as Rustlepaw felt her bruised muscles jerk around in protest. Steeling herself the dappled novice spun on her heels and began to strut the opposite direction of the crowd, tail raised as a final ’fuck you equivalent. Screw this, Rustlepaw was going to camp — and she was gonna catch something on the way back. At least then she’d actually be doing something of use. [Ping me if you want to join/try to corral Rustle back in! Otherwise she’s left and cannot be interacted with]

She had watched the entire clearing burst into chaos around her due to the accusation thrown haphazardly from Stonestar’s mouth. The grey-furred molly had been about to give him the reply he seemed to so desperately crave, though every cat here also wanted their voice to be heard. Fogstar usually encouraged her clanmates to challenge others, especially her, as she wished to know all the context before making a decision— She refused to be like Timberstar had… or, Starclan forbid, Leafstar. There was nothing worse in Fogstar’s mind than being unprepared or in the wrong. Yet her clanmates had given her no choice. She had never been this angry in her entire life. Not even when Muddystar had unjustly avoided his punishment because of Flamescratch’s desperate plan. Her tongue felt so bitter that it was as if her throat and chest was on fire. It took all her focus not to bark at the Leafclan cats for so shamelessly embarrassing her. Fogstar knew that as soon as they returned back to camp, she would not hesitate to hand out punishments for this complete disregard of conduct. There were certain unspoken rules that shouldn’t be broken, but she didn’t have the time to point them out right now. She needed to focus on whatever she could to try and turn this around— Or at least convince Stonestar that his suspicions were unwarranted. With a slight sneer, she regarded the other leader again, “I did not even know your clan had kits. Furthermore, I would not stoop down to stealing them— especially since I do not doubt Soaringclan cats would fail to adjust to our lifestyle. Kit or not.” She was trying her best to concentrate on her words, but all she could think about was how she was losing. Fogstar despised losing. “I doubt you would be petty enough to follow us back to camp and check, though please do feel free to. You seem to enjoy doing the first thing that comes to mind.” Like throwing around baseless accusations.

16:28

Her ear twitched and her shoulders ached from how tense she felt, though her eyes continued to focus on his face. She needed to watch him carefully to ensure he didn’t do anything irresponsible— Fogstar knew next to nothing about him, especially how he was as a leader. Her dislike for him continued to thrive in her chest, though she was prepared to listen to what he had to say.

"I only enjoy suggesting a possibility when the timing seems correct, and evidence is in my favor." Stonestar retorts, giving an irritable flick of his ears at Fogstar's sneer. It's not like the tomcat could say that he would be happy to be in her position, but he's beyond pleased with the fact that her cats are only adding to his points. Their hostility is only further proof to suggest that they did, in fact, have something to do with the missing Soaringclan kits — or that they weren't capable of raising young cats such as these two rogues, to begin with. "As I said before, the timing of their disappearances was convenient, Fogstar. Can you blame me for being concerned that the only other group of cats could have taken them? Especially with how your cats have decided to handle our discussion now." His head dips in sudden acknowledgment, and even Stonestar is willing to temporarily put his grievances aside for the sake of the best solution to these kits' predicaments. "Although I will admit, my cats have had quite the hand in allowing this chaos to continue. I apologize... For that, and my claims. I shouldn't have... Accused your cats." And while the next words to slip from his mouth certainly don't reflect how the tomcat truly feels, this discussion is to sort out a proper arrangement for the pair of kittens that stay tucked away behind the beast called Littlevoice. "At the end of it all, I just want to see these kits come to a proper home. I believe that they could be fine additions to Soaringclan's ranks, and we do have the means to care for them with myself and my Advisors in charge, rather than Muddystar." There's a particular venom that fills Stonestar's voice as he says the tyrant's name, pelt bristling with anger he barely contains fully. "We are determined to not make the same foolish decisions as he did."

16:45

@nym ✦ fbt

Her ears pulled back at his words and the sense of wanting to get out of here as soon as possible increased tenfold. Stonestar was beyond easy to deal with when he was fumbling around like a blind kitten, but now that he was gaining confidence? Fogstar was growing more exasperated and she didn’t like the direction this conversation was steering in the slightest. “Of course it is convenient, Stonestar. Anything is convenient when your entire clan is in disarray and you are trying to pick up the pieces,” She spat. The grey-furred molly was completely done playing nice, now on the defensive for both herself and her clanmates. It was disappointing that Stonestar seemed to also hold the traditional Soaringclan attitude of believing they’re better than Leafclan cats. She shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was disappointed nonetheless. It was evident that Stonestar was painfully stubborn, and Fogstar was growing evermore tired that she felt like she had to fill in for the other clan’s mistakes. “If you wish to take the kits, fine. Go ahead and exhaust the poor things all the way back to your towering mountain and hide away.” Her eyes squinted and her expression grew cold. “But just know that Leafclan managed to claim your camp once already, and we will not hesitate to forget such skills should you act so forwardly rash again.” She was done with him, and didn’t accept his apology. Fogstar wished to go home and forget this ever happened, though she knew she wouldn’t. This loss would simmer in the pit of her stomach for a while. (edited)

A scoff breaks from the grey tomcat as Fogstar speaks to him, her frustration evident. He has to bite his tongue to fight back the smile, to fight back the urge to ask if Fogstar is feeling bitter over her losing battle in this conversation. "And Soaringclan is doing just fine in picking up the pieces left by a Tyrant. While we will continue to be grateful for Leafclan's former aid, my clan will be prepared to defend themselves from your hostility if need be." The tomcat continues, straightening his stance with a flick of his tail — the only outward expression of the pride swelling in his chest. Finally, he's done something right by his clan. And better yet? He's gotten an upper hand on Fogstar, who looks out of her element. Embarrassed and angry. Stonestar knows that bringing the kits back to Soaringclan's camp will be little issue, in spite of Fogstar's insistence on the convenience of Leafclan's location. He'll have to speak with his clanmates about those who are best suited to carry the small scraps of fur back, likely Dusklily and Crowstrike... But the tomcat doesn't dare edge the conversation forward, choosing to not continue pressing his luck against the Leafclan leader. Instead, his gaze drifts toward Littlevoice with a purr damn near forming in his chest. It feels good to be the victor. "I believe we have come to a decision, Littlevoice. The kittens will come with Soaringclan, and be raised amongst our ranks."

Nettlehawk had nothing left to say. The scolding from Barleyflower was enough for her to pipe down fully, everything now said and done with. She simply said what everyone was thinking, wasn't she? Her nose wrinkled slightly when Stonestar gave what she could only weigh as an empty apology, but she simply sighed and stood down, returning to the bulk of the Leafclan cats to mull over her thoughts. She could only hope the kits don't become carbon copies of that stone-brained fool...

Her attention was pulled by the leaders' discussion. So... that was it? Her heart felt like it had received a small cut from a thorn. All LeafClan could hope for was that the kits would be raised by good cats. In a happy home that allowed them to feel joy. A tight invisible vine circled around her chest and made it hard for her to breathe. All of her attempts to help this day had been for naught. The predator. The arguments. The kits. Nothing had been worth it this day. Even now the Outrider contemplated the suggestion no one had acknowledged from Butterflysong. '-maybe StarClan wanted each clan to take one of the kits.' While the tabby wasn't a fan of placing such a spiritual connection on the amount of kits- such a compromise could have made his development much smoother. Now that Torrentleap thought about the possibility more... an ending like that would have been neutral for both clans. It would have been preferred compared to the worst result none of the clans wanted: one of the clans getting all of the kits. Maybe the young felines were siblings, that was a worthy point to bring up. But- but maybe it would make the Outrider feel better than she did right now. Head hanging low she silently cursed herself for being so useless. This is why she was happy she wasn't in a position of power like Fogstar. Torrentleap wasn't happy about losing both of the kittens to SoaringClan and a portion of that frustration was aimed at her leader. Yet the Outrider also recognized that making such a choice was not on her part at all. Looking to Pebbledawn, however, she couldn't help but give an upsettle tail flick. It was due to such radical behavior that Fogstar gave up so easily as well. Such an insult on LeafClan in its entirety... The molly wished that just punishments would be handed out once they returned home. Even if Torrentleap was caught in the crossfire she would take the swing with honor and diligence.

23:09

Could Pebbledawn do the same?

She'd resorted to temporarily shutting her pie-hole while she watched in triumph as Rustlepaw wandered off to leave. That's right, run. Just you wait. The calico had kept herself behind her leader while her hackles remained bristled, as if challenging any to step forward and bad-mouth her clan again. As Stonestar continued to speak, it seemed that her eyes hardened. That's right, bastard- apologize. The situation brought a self-assured grin to her features. She hoped that he saw it, she hoped that this grin would haunt him for the rest of his miserable life. And her grin only widened when Fogstar's continued to passively threaten SoaringClan. "Grateful, my ass." Her comment (albeit somewhat silent) was followed by an almost blissful sigh as if Fogstar moving to remind Stonestar of his place had lifted some burdensome stress from Pebbledawn's shoulders. Maybe constantly snarling was exhausting, and it was relieving to have someone threaten Stonestar for her. "Take the rugrats- ancestors know you'll need all the firepower you can possibly get the moment I come stormin' into your camp." The stab didn't seem to be directed at Stonestar personally. Rather, Pebbledawn was just running her mouth...again. What's new? "At Fogstar's command, of course." A flash of her teeth in the form of a toothy, shit-eating grin. "My clan's actually led by a leader worthy of leading." Now she was just trying to brag. Naturally, Pebbledawn would happily support any leader that'd potentially cave to her war-hungry desires...and wasn't Stonestar.

Littlevoice had watched the arguing group of cats with a dissatisfied expression on her face, keeping her perched position in front of the cubs that she had sworn to protect. Sunpaw’s request falls on deaf ears, even as he’s guided away by another face unfamiliar to Littlevoice. The large she-cat glances between the leaders as silence is commanded by Stonestar. The lynx clearly doesn’t catch onto everything being said, but she gets the general idea when it comes to a decision having been made. With a gruff nod, the beast stands so she can sit on her haunches— towering above the others, and allowing Soaringclan access to the young cubs she had so diligently watched over. “Littlevoice glad. Take cub.”

With permission provided, the Soaringclan leader dips forward to take grasp of the first kitten behind Littlevoice, when the molly moves to allow the tomcat to take grasp of the kittens now put into Soaringclan custody. The ruddy kitten squirms in the leader's jaws, but allows themself to be passed to Dusklily, quickly followed by their grey-furred sibling, who looks to shrink into themself as they're handed to Crowstrike. Fogstar watches the exchange with disapproval, but doesn't express such feelings outwardly. Instead, the Leafclan leader looks toward her clanmates with a neutral expression before standing to her paws, ready to guide her clan back to their territory.

“…That Pebbledawn does know there are giant cats in both clans, right?” Echopaw asked her mentor, somewhat intentionally loud enough for the combat specialist to hear. She may not be useful in a fight, not at six moons, but she had to say something, right? “Just assuming a large cat is a failure by looks alone…” Doesn’t say much good about her, Echopaw can’t say. She pads over to Rustlepaw, about to speak, before closing her mouth again. She takes a breath, not entirely sure what to say to the older novice.

Whether it had been Torrentleap's words of reassurance or the fact that he had a body to relax with, by the time the leaders had began their discussion Sunpaw had quieted down quite a bit. The young cat had stopped his cries aside from a few sniffles followed by a small shake of his fur. By the end of the diplomacy, he sat still and had moved away from Torrentleap enough to still be in her fur, but not against her body. It's head turned to watch as the leader went over to pick up the kits, but it went back to being buried within curled fur soon after. "I'm sorry," he whispered, "for running to you, Torrentleap." Even as he spoke, Sunpaw's voice seemed to be holding back another wave of emotions. There was a long pause from the novice before he spoke again. "Destiny should've taken the kits. " The name is such a commonplace for him that Sunpaw doesn't even recognize that cats won't know of the figure he spoke about, outside of him recounting his past life within the log. But the way that the orange furred cat spoke about this claim, it seemed as if he was stating a fact blanketed by a fierceness of truth that could not be wavered, a complete shift of emotion from what he was just exhibiting. Whatever it was about this phrase, it seemed to have brought a complete silence to Sunpaw, not even small sniffs could be heard as he shuffled himself out of Torrentleap, it's head facing down with flattened ears. "I want to go home."

Even before the fights even started, Ebonystep made sure to direct Echopaw to the back with him. Out of the way, it seemed as if it had been the best plan when Rustlepaw decided to lunge at the molly that Ebonystep vaguely recognized. From where, who knows, and he didn't care as his face grew tense as he watched cats get involved to put this fight at an end. That itself brought a sigh of relief out of the excavator, right before growls came as Stonestar decided of the custody of the kits. "Littlevoice should have decided, " the tom spat under his breath. Ebonystep listened to the cats around around turning down to look at his novice. "Knowing there are big cats and seeing herself as the strongest one are different ideas entirely." He didn't respond to her final statement before she walked away, but he kept a close eye on her as she went up to Rustlepaw. The older novice wouldn't hurt her, surely, but that itself isn't a reason to not be concerned.

Crowstrike still felt off about everything, giving Littlevoice an apologetic look as they walked over. Stonestar passed over the grey-furred kit and Crowstrike gripped them by the scruff. The poor kit was probably afraid, maybe even afraid of him? Am I scary to them? Was I too harsh and now they’re scared of me? Oh no, crap! I’m sorry! He tried to let out a soft purr to try and ease the kit’s tensions but now Crowstrike was panicking if he should carry them back. He looked for Dusklily and brought the kit over, trying to see if they were just scared of not being near their sibling.

Oh! Before she forgot! Echopaw whirled around, racing back over to Littlevoice before giving the large lynx a smile. “Thank you for saving them.” The little novice said earnestly. “Thank you.”

The Little Voices event is now over! Responses are closed.

Participation rewards pending . . .

— REWARDS @Pikabolt | Echopaw has earned +63 moss

Echopaw has earned +20 Prestige!

@Tiger-Butterfly, Bear, Sheep has earned +116 moss

Butterflysong has earned +25 Prestige!

@PlatinumPlayz has earned +328 moss

Sunpaw has earned +35 Prestige! Ebonystep has earned +25 Prestige!

@figment | nettle + goat 🌿🐐 has earned +121 moss

Nettlehawk has earned +25 Prestige!

@Alex | Egg & Rust has earned +171 moss

Rustlepaw has earned +30 Prestige!

@January | Dusklily has earned +113 moss

Dusklily has earned +25 Prestige!

@AnneOtaku | Torrent, Rock has earned +300 moss

Torrentleap has earned +35 Prestige! Rockpollen has earned +25 Prestige!

@20mia08 [Pebble & Raccoon] has earned +298 moss

Pebbledawn has earned +35 Prestige! Raccoonspring has earned +25 Prestige!

@nym ✦ fbt has earned +140 moss

Fogstar has earned +30 Prestige!

@Volt | Crow / Rain has earned +128 moss

Crowstrike has earned +25 Prestige!

@Crush has earned +39 moss

Brighttongue has earned +15 Prestige!

@Birdy | Meadowshade has earned +47 moss

Meadowshade has earned +15 Prestige!

@kait [ s & s ] has earned +161 moss

Stonestar has earned +30 Prestige!

@Azrael | Dawnheart has earned +49 moss

Timberstrike has earned +15 Prestige!

@herbalwolf | Barley has earned +52 moss

Barleyflower has earned +15 Prestige!

(edited)

04:05

Thank you to everyone who participated!