Windswept Plains

[BEAR.]

At this point, uncertainty lingered over Fernpaw like a storm cloud, and he was hesitant even as Wolffang agreed to collect Eldersky. When Wolffang didn't immediately change his mind, he forced himself to relax, to breathe for a moment, and tried to compose himself in preparation for the journey.

But he couldn't help it. The clinging thoughts of being at fault, his failures as a Clan-mate, everything that boiled down to this moment and threatened to bubble over. "She's.. this way." Fernpaw tentatively began to head back the way he'd come, pausing shortly into his walk to glance back at Wolffang. He swallowed down the lump in his throat, heart thudding in his chest.

"Wolffang," his voice trembled. ".. Will Twilightstar let me back?" He found himself unable to hold his gaze, glancing away. "I know what you said, but .." How did he begin? "I didn't.. go to StarClan, I don't know where I was. I saw some StarClan cats, but it wasn't StarClan. I know StarClan," this bothered him a lot more than he had previously let on, as he thought about it. "I wanted to see Mom again, and she didn't come. I guess Eldersky saw her when she was kitting, but I.." he needed her, and she didn't answer his call. "It wasn't StarClan. I don't think they are happy with me after I came back the first time."

It wasn't even just that! Fernpaw was a mess, and letting it out before they had to face Eldersky and her kits. He hadn't said a thing to anyone about what happened and the closer he got to having to face her the more he felt he was going to burst. He didn't know how she would react, especially after her mental struggles, and he needed someone with a clearer head to hear him first. "I am an apprentice. But it was my idea to head in that direction. I know Nettlespark was apprehensive. I didn't listen to any warnings about ShadowClan. Twilightstar's injuries were the worst of what I'd seen them do, and it wasn't enough to make me more careful. I spent so long outside reality it didn't hit me until I was directly impacted." Dying as a kit, spending a lifetime in the stars, it blinded him to the harshness of the world. The massacre hit him like a falling boulder, and he felt immense guilt in not recognizing the signs sooner and being less foolish. "I was useless. I watched them die, I could hardly fight back. Maybe Nettlespark would've had a fighting chance if he wasn't distracted by me.

"I don't know how long I've been alive again. I saw Eldersky and I went with her. I let her take us wherever in the search of a cat I don't even know. I chose going with my sister over going back to the Clan." Tears welled in his eyes, and he didn't bother blinking them away. "I was too afraid to go back. I'm still afraid. I'm so scared of facing the Clan, of going in the territory, of seeing .. that spot, of seeing them, I don't know why Twilightstar would want me back." WindClan deserved a better Clan-mate. The more he reflected, the less he liked the mirror of himself.

[ @TheNyanCatMinecart ]

[Pitou]

**Toadpounce**

His paws ached though he wasn't sure if it was a natural ache or the accumulation of his shame and regret weighing them down as he trekked out of Windclan territory and into only vaguely familiar areas. He always knew the tunnels and surrounding areas far better than he knew the rest of the territory or anything outside of their borders. All the same, he recognized the scent markers clear as his own scent as he past them over. His body was wracked in one massive nervous shiver.

One week. But could he make it one whole week? Being out in the open was tensing his muscles anxiously, strange for a Windclan cat. But Toadpounce had always felt more comfortable in the confines of the tunnels. Maybe he'd talk to Crowtooth about becoming a tunneler like his son...Toadpounce hung his head. As if Crowtooth would want him after this. Twilightstar had to take him back, though, right? He'd done the patrol but his stupid mind had simply spaced reporting.

Toadpounce sat down heavily with a sigh, the grasses tickled his chest fur but, thankfully, the nearby thunderpath seemed to be quiet for now. The rising tang of twoleg and monster scent was beginning to swirl in his head and spark a headache. He'd have to find somewhere safer than this to hunker down and live out the next week on his own. He pulled himself back to his paws and padded heavily through the grass, heading towards the more wooded area. The trees weren't any better, possibly worse, on his anxieties but there was no cover out her and the trees offered better prey. If he was lucky he'd find some tunnel entrance that he could borrow.

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ WOLFFANG ~

Thank StarClan, Fernpaw seemed to be calming down a bit. Wolffang watched as the apprentice seemed to take in those deep breaths and relax himself. Wolffang wasn't good at comforting other cats, as he'd thought plenty of times during this interaction, and although this probably sounded mean, he just... wasn't sure what he would do if Fernpaw continued to cry. Hopefully, this would sort itself out. Wolffang could help him find Eldersky, then tell Twilightstar to let Fernpaw and his sister back into the Clan. Hopefully things would work out. They both deserve a place back in the Clan - especially Fernpaw. The poor tom had been through so much. Fernpaw seemed to be struggling to hold it together. Wolffang knew what that was like. He started to follow the apprentice, but they'd hardly gone several pawsteps before Fernpaw stopped. And dumped him with dialogue.

Some of what Fernpaw said was confusing. Wolffang knew that Twilightstar would let him back, and he'd have to make sure the apprentice knew that, but there were clearly other pressing matters on the brown tabby's mind. It wasn't StarClan? And wait. Fernpaw had died... more than once? How much had this apprentice been through? Wolffang was trying to put his thoughts together. Fernpaw had gone through a lot; it made sense that he was stressed, and confused. Wolffang continued to listen. Now Fernpaw was blaming himself. Apparently, he had been the one to suggest going in that direction. He was just an apprentice; he hadn't known any better. But it made sense why it was weighing on him. Wolffang listened to Fernpaw talk.

Fernpaw had a lot of stress weighing on him. Wolffang could relate to that. He took a deep breath, ready to talk to the apprentice.

"Fernpaw." He fixed his bright yellow gaze on the green-eyed brown tabby. "StarClan clearly chose you to come back. Why would they resurrect you multiple times? They want you to be alive, and to live happily in WindClan. Why else would you come back? I know it's scary, but don't forget: you're still young, and an apprentice. There's a lot of stress and worry, but don't be too hard on yourself. It's not just that you're young. I understand what it's like to be stressed. Either way, no matter how much fault you're at, you can't change the past. You just need to keep moving forward."

"Twilightstar will let you back in. And if she objects? I'll make sure that she does. Same with Eldersky, and whoever her kits are. You aren't a disappointment. A lot of unusual things have happened to you, you're still young and learning, and you have your whole life ahead of you. Now come on." Wolffang flicked his tail. "We're going to find Eldersky and get this all sorted out."

@BILL.

[BEAR.]

Fernpaw wasn't convinced StarClan had anything to do with this. Why not do it sooner, or.. tell him what was going on .. he was still deeply unsettled by his last death, being in the unknown with StarClan strangers that couldn't explain anything to him.

Even so, there was comfort in Wolffang's words. Having someone listen to him and assuage his concerns and fears was.. beyond therapeutic, even if he didn't find himself quite deserving of Wolffang's kindness.

You just need to keep moving forward. He would try. In the moment it felt almost impossible, like a giant mountain he needed to climb, but he would try. If not for himself, then for others: Eldersky, Wolffang .. Nettlespark, his patrol.

Fernpaw couldn't formulate the words he wanted. It was like his mind was muddled, distorted by a combination of relief and the need to cry. He didn't understand it, like many things, but tried to work through it with a choked cry. For a second, he almost collapsed into Wolffang's side, wanting to breathe in his scent for just a moment while he collected himself. "Thank you." Simple, but he couldn't get much more genuine than that. He needed that.

Mentally, he was exhausted. Physically he was too, but it seemed insignificant when they still had a journey ahead of them.

After that much needed lapse in stature, Fernpaw drew himself away. "Yeah, we should.." For the first time in a while, excitement sparked through his pelt. "It won't take long, she's not too far from here." Wolffang was with him, and they were going home, and things were going to be okay.

Feeling optimistic, he resumed making his way toward Eldersky.

[ @TheNyanCatMinecart ]

[Rani]

A lone molly wander through the beaten plain fighting the snow and wind in equal measures as she trecked. Where she was going? Well even she couldnt say but that she was aiming for better places then this desolation.



If further asked who she was she'd simply answer June and where she belonged she'd say nowhere, as she'd long since left anything she could claim to call home. It wasnt spite or malice that drove her away simply the slow treck of time, inevitable and slow that meant she no long belonged. That was ok, she wasnt upset by that truth just... adrift, trying to find somewhere new. She'd drifted here it seemed plodding through the snow ear twitching until.... A strike! And the molly emerged once more now dusted with snow two small mice in maw to sustain herself for another day. One more day, an apt description for her life.


[Open]

[beau]

Echo let out a hiss of frustration, tail lashing as she stalked through the terrain. She was absolutely ticked off, and had been for a while. Thea had left long ago, that she didn't care about. Let the brat wander. What hurt was Azzy's disappearance. Her sister, her guide, her lifeline was gone. Echo was almost certain she had been abandoned, why else had her sister not found her? Why else would she have heard nothing? All other times they had been separated, the longest they had ever gone apart was a little over a week. It had been moons now.

Everything was infuriating. She hated these plains with absolutely no tactile feedback, save a few unexpected dead tree roots that were ludicrous considering Echo had not been near trees in ages. She hated the snow with how it muffled all the sounds and numbed her paws. She hated the lack of prey in this terrible place. Everything sucked.

But then, something interesting. A warm scent of prey that enticed the starving molly. She immediately bounded after the scent - cursing as her paw struck yet another root - then paused, catbrows draw together in confusion. Another scent... a cat. One she hadn't met. "Who are you?" Her tone came out more demanding than intended, but she was a bit defensive around other cats, especially since she hadn't seen a fellow feline in ages. Who else could be stupid enough to try and survive in this nightmare-place? Her milky green eyes locked onto her best guess of where the other cat was (she always found eye contact made her more intimidating,) but knew she would get a better grasp of where the mystery cat was once they spoke.

@Rani

[Rani]

Tick tock thump thump seconds carried out in heartbeat to track the time, track ones life by beats and blood. Blood that gave blood where the mice the prey dripped out to give to June. Give take and right now she took and what she took was hers. Hers. So why was she approached now by someone with no other reason to be here but take what wasnt theirs? It wouldnt do just wouldnt and Junes eyes narrowed at the gall to have aggression here.


Who was this that was the question to answer hanging in the long silence June was letting stretch and she spent time considering it uncaring of the tension this thickened in the air. Blind was the first decision. She masked it well certainly but she'd tripped over a too obvious root just before their encounter and her ears, nose everything but eyes moved in a frantic fit try gague the world around she could not see. The most definitive though, was that her stare fixed not on her but two cat lengths above her shoulder. Blind yes but to what end? An out of place question it was not as this could be used. A savvy cat might aim to twist sympathy to gain her prey, a frightened one would be wary of the threat June posed to a blind clan. This may yet be both.


Suspicion not aggression, that was the choice here and her prey then came to rest between young defensive paws.
"Who am I is an odd question given that you were the one to come upon me. And if I gave you my name would that even matter to you? I am a nobody among nobodies, so my name would be useless to you as yours would be to me. A better question is what do you want as I shall ask you. I am nobody and what do you want?"


Thin muscles tensed but claws did not extend the molly already having made the choice to how this encounter might end if not gone 'right' fleeing was the choice. Sure she with her basic fighting skills could probably beat a blind cat but what would be the point? No the silver molly would chose to leave that barren place rather then fight or gift prey that was hers.

@Naiad

[beau]

[sorry it took a while to get this up, I was struggling to get this reply out xp]

Echo's gaze immediately corrected itself once the other molly began speaking, locking onto a more accurate location, though perhaps not perfect. It sounded like a young she-cat, maybe a bit younger than twelve moons. The blind molly stayed tense as the other she-cat spoke, though kept her claws sheathed. She was not in search of a fight - though she certainly did not doubt her ability to hold up in one - however, she did not want to be completely off-guard.

It sounded like this other she-cat - deemed 'nobody' by her on statement - wasn't looking for a fight either. The grey molly snorted at the prattling prelude about nobodies, but supposed the stranger wasn't necessarily wrong. "Simply exchanging pleasentries, Nobody." Echo's tail twitched, somewhere between irritated and amused. Young cats thought they were so profound with their little speeches, huh? A nobody among nobodies.

"Anyways, I suppose you took my question a bit literally, hmm? It was a bit surprising stumbling across another cat - especially one so young - out in this wasteland. I don't suppose you have family around here?" The question was partially to make conversation, but more so assessing what threats she may need to look out for. The more cats that lived in this desperate place, the quicker she would need to make her way out. She would not spend her time sparring over scraps of prey.

"In regards to your question, I want nothing from you. Perhaps one of those mice, but I will not steal them. I'm not anymore a thief than you, presuming you are of good nature?" Considering Nobody had yet to attack her, Echo presumed that she did, in fact, have a decent moral compass. Those who were cold-hearted were quick to chase away others, unless they could be found useful; despite her own assuredness in her ability, she was very aware that she would not appear to be valuable to most.

@Rani

[wolfie]

[ closed post ! do not reply! ]
The oriental heaved the dead body out onto the open lands, dropping it with a thump the moment he steps foot onto the familiar place. His fur is still bristling, breath ragged - coming to short full steps. He gives the body a weak kick to get it away from him - he makes no effort to bury it. The birds can enjoy a meal. Wormbite takes a step back, eyebrows furrowing together in confusion. He's angry but he cannot place why. (Words ring in his ears. He does not listen to them.) Sickness fogs his memories, his thoughts, his whole being.

how much time has passed? he can still remember ottersplash's blood bleeding onto his paws, staining his fur - fawnspring's joins this imagery. wormbite hasn't asked him what happened - if he knows. he has ideas, theories. he failed them both - he's going to fail ravenflight. he had responsibilities but they were slipping, or were they? where were these ideals he had to uphold? it wasn't that long ago he just cuddled with kestrelstar; a man that left a sour taste in his mouth.

These things shake Wormbite and he crumbles, wheezing overtakes him. Every cough wracks his body and sends a painful shiver up his spine. He cannot remember the last time he felt alive. (This terrifies him. )

"Wormbite, was it?" A low voice enters his ears, dripping with honey so sweet it made the Shield's stomach turn. Wormbite whips around, staring wide-eyed at the offender in confusion. Too hazy, mouth too dry, instead of speaking he growls. Windclan. Why would a Windclan cat be here? This confuses him, halts his aggression. "So ... aggressive, " They muse, taking a step closer, a tail brushing against Wormbite's scarred chest. He jerks back, hissing. "Dear, there is no need to worry, " suddenly the Shield is desperate to run.

"Hmm, interesting hobby there," The warrior rumbles, moving to peer at the dead body that lays before Wormbite. "It - it isn't mine, " He sputters, quick to offend himself. "Well, I would certainly hope it wasn't. Really now, I am entirely sane - not enough to be delusional. Hm, " a sigh of disappointment. "Your work is... too neat, for my liking. Quick. "

This warrior steps up close to him, Wormbite could feel their breath on him. His heart beats, it feels like a snake is coiling around his body. He can't breath, he can't - he .. "I will not spill your secrets. I hope to see you improve, Wormbite, " his name is spoken again - it sounds wrong. this warrior takes a turn and pawsteps fade in the distance.

the dark lord stands dumbfounded, confused. you know, when you are under the belief someone is a murderer, you don't exactly stop and make chit-chat. jeez, wormbite didn't even get to EXPLAIN himself. urgh. this place is so open, the wind whips against him - he shivers, whimpering in pain. he won't remember this. not for a bit. he leaves soon after.
xxxx

[taillow]

Otterfluff
Where to dispose of... where to drop off... Questions swam like fish inside the water bowl that was Otterfluff's mind. His lips had begun to hum a quiet little tune as his paws danced easily past the RiverClan border. The young tom was almost certain that no one in RiverClan would want a loner who just barged into camp like she owned the place buried on their soil, so that left the outskirts. A place not many within the Clan had trodden, but one that Otterfluff came to quite regularly.

The first spot that came to mind, a place he had coined as Stumpland due to the plethora of trees cut down in their prime. Easily sliding the body off onto the soft floral-dotted meadow Otterfluff leaped onto one of the stumps and stretched each leg in turn, ending in a tall arch of his back. There did not seem to be much life out here, which he didn't mind at all. "A quiet work space," he chirped to no one in particular (because no one was really around) and slid off the trunk rather gracefully.

Instead of getting to work right away, Otterfluff hesitated. Curiosity picked at his heart as he circled the body as if to observe it from all sides. His claws remained in their sheathes and truly, nothing would have seemed out of the ordinary to the regular onlooker - except that he was circling a dead body as if it were alive. Coming to a stop near the head the brown feline used one paw to turn the face so that the loner's lifeless eyes were looking up torward him. She was pretty - nothing he would be interested in, but pretty. "Despite the jarring ending," Otterfluff sighed as he removed his paw and the head fell back parallel with the ground, "at least this allows you the reunion with your brother, wherever you two get sent."

...There was more to this, he knew, but with the sun already beginning its descent in the sky Otterfluff knew the Clan would began to question his disappearance. Plus, part of him no longer desired to continue carrying the body any further, so his paws set to digging a shallow grave next to the stump. His tune came back to be hummed as he worked, tail flicking in the air behind him.

[ @sid - for brindlefeather! ]