RiverClan Territory

[ophelia]

[ @canineantics ]
BEASTFLAME
︿︿︿︿︿︿︿︿
The leader nodded at Beastflame's acceptance of his apology, and an awkward silence hung in the air. To the warrior, it seemed as though he could see Pikestar retreating into a shell of reservedness, farther and farther. This disappointed the tabby tom, who would have much rather preferred the opposite. This preference surprised him, as he usually didn't care much about what other cats were going through. It was usually 'tough luck' and then moving on. That is, if the other cat even got around to telling him their issues. Long story short, Beastflame was not the character that others typically vented to. It wasn't because Beastflame was a bad listener - on the contrary, he was an excellent one - it was just the part that came after. The consoling. He knew this about himself, which was why he was confused as to why he kept pushing the leader to share more. It was too late now, though, so he supposed he'd just have to try really hard to find some words of encouragement.

After a moment of hesitation, during which Beastflame thought perhaps Pikestar was having second thoughts about his companionship, the dark-furred leader began setting the pace. Beast fell in step beside him, listening thoughtfully to his response. To his satisfaction, he actually found that the words flowed easily to meet the leader's ailments.

"Well," he began, shifting the snake in his jaws slightly, "I would take that as a sign that you're doing it right." Hopefully Pikestar wouldn't take the input as helpful rather than disrespectful. "Nobody in their right mind would be comfortable in a position such as yours," he continued, Dawnstar forming a mental image in his head. Beastflame certainly wouldn't be comfortable as a leader, that was for sure. Partially for the reason that Pikestar addressed next: there was no one in charge. No one to keep him in check. Although, with Beastflame's bipolar temper and tendencies to separate himself from others, there would likely be different issues if he were in a position of power. "There might be no one telling you what to do, but there's always cats able to give you advice and counsel," he pointed out, struggling to express the jumble of thoughts that had popped up in response to Pikestar's explanation. A cat of few words, this was often difficult to do.

"I guess what I mean is," he said slowly, "Being in charge doesn't equate to being alone. It's okay to rely on others." Beastflame had seen the way Pikestar's children and senior warriors demonstrated their loyalty and willingness to support. "You just have to let them in first," he said, softer, feeling like an enormous hypocrite. When was the last time he let someone in? That's different, he told himself, amber eyes turning up towards the dark, swirling, angry sky of menacing clouds. You're not suited for friendship. You don't need it. Pikestar does. He reminded himself of these things methodically, suppressing the rare wave of sorrow that was threatening to rise up deep in his chest. There was no time for that.

[ameko]

Cloverdust | open

It was raining.

Cloverdust padded along the low lands of RiverClan, her matted fur ruffling as the cold drizzle seeped through her pelt. Not the most optimal of times to be outside, but she had told herself that she was going to go out into the territory, and that she would do—no matter the obstacle. Besides, it had only just started to sprinkle. A bit of rain wouldn’t hurt her.

She had gone to Cattail Pond recently, chatted with a clanmate whose name she couldn’t remember for the life of her. It was nice. She appreciated having someone to sit with her when her thoughts and emotions were being so confusing. Her mind wasn’t the whirlwind of feelings that it had been that day—no, today it was blissfully silent. She stared blankly ahead as she walked, one paw in front of the other.

Walks did her good, usually. If nothing else, they gave her something else to focus on, and perhaps even the opportunity to provide for the Clan. And they were great to find her little trinkets! Today, though, she wasn’t looking for any. Just walking. Her path took her directly towards a river, and she froze before she strolled straight into it. Oh, the ice had melted! A small smile graced Cloverdust’s muzzle as she gazed down at it. There were still bits of ice along the riverbank that had yet to thaw, but she was glad to see that it was warming up. That meant the plants would start to grow back, and then, finally, she could see how cattails tasted. She kneaded her paws against the marshy riverside, happily lost in thought about the antics she could get up to come newleaf. The rain continued its steady descent, but Cloverdust was none the wiser.

[Captain]

PIKESTAR // closed fishing post

✧ Pushing through the tall reeds that made up the camp’s entrance, the large RiverClan tomcat wasted no one's time in stalking out into the dense hunting grounds, soon being greeted by a rumble of thunder and heavy raindrops falling onto him. A heavy rainstorm was the last thing anyone in this clan needed right now, but Pikestar tried to see the positives in it―the weather would work in his favor to wake him up. The icy chill would make sure their lazy body did not slack off while they aimed to bring back a sizeable haul for the fresh-kill pile. His chest still felt rather heavy, as well as his head, but Pikestar refused to even consider giving up. He needed to do more for his clan. He needed to start putting in more effort. Or else they would all give up on him, if they had not already. The Lord of the River shook away the trouble thought and quickened his pace, aiming to find the main river that ran through their hunting grounds. His specialty was fishing, not hunting, so that was what they aimed to do now. Many RiverClan cats preferred fresh fish anyway, right? It was in their blood.

After awhile, the longhaired oriental would arrive at his destination, drawing to a halt once his paws hit the smooth pebbles that made up the riverbank. He quickly settled down at the water's edge, swiping his tongue over his muzzle. Thankfully, Pikestar had chosen a specific spot to fish, where the green trees shielded the water from the rain. In doing so, he could carefully watch the surface for movement without having to deal with the rain's pesky disadvantage. Now was the waiting game. Hopefully he was well enough awake now that he wouldn't risk nodding off and missing a fish. They needed to stay focused, or else nothing would improve. His single blue eye stayed fixed on the steady river water as it flowed past the tom, never wavering from that area for a single moment. Then, they spotted movement and Pikestar's front right paw immediately shot forward. Dipping into the cold water, his paw scooped out a heavy-bodied golden-brown fish, which flopped onto the bank. Slamming a both his front paws down onto it, the Lord of the Waters held it down as he delivered a swift bite that made the fish fall limp in his grasp. Pikestar lifted his head and gazed down at his first catch of the day, his one eye shining with satisfaction.

It was only then that a yawn made it's way up his throat and out of his mouth, making the oriental longhair stretch his mouth open wide to release it into the air. His body was obviously trying to tell him something. Okay, okay. We caught something, can we go sleep now? But Pikestar wasn't done. Oh, no no no, one fish wouldn't be enough to satisfy his urge to feed his clanmates. They pushed the large fish―which was known as a carp―off to the side, before they would settle down again into yet another waiting game. Just a few more, and then Pikestar could rest. Yes, then they would've actually earned some sleep.

A full minute or so would tick by, or maybe more, before he'd see movement again. Same as before, the tall RiverClan leader would extend their right paw quickly into the water, pulling out another fish, which was a dusky silver color. This one was a bit smaller than the last―being known as a chub―but it was still something Pikestar deemed worthy enough for the fresh-kill pile back home. He held it down with one paw and sank his teeth into it, not letting go until it would stop thrashing against the stones. Once it fell dead, he'd push it to the side to rest against the carp. Okay, one more and the oriental tomcat should be good enough to go home and rest. They would hunt more in the daytime after a small rest if their body allowed such. For the third and final time (for the time being, of course), Pikestar would ease himself into a crouch right before the water's edge. Hopefully one more fish would come by and he'd be able to head back home with a good amount of meat. There were many hungry mouths to feed in the nursery these days, soon amongst them would be the Lord of the River's very own nieces and/or nephews. A flash of movement in the water immediately broke Pikestar from his thoughts, and he would pull out yet another small fish―another chub. Boo. The dark longhaired feline would scowl with annoyance and deliver a quick killing bite before adding it to the small freshly-caught pile. Alright. That should be enough for now. Pikestar stood up and picked the several fish up by their tails, making his way back in the rain.

[Estelle]

The lethargic tabby tom was pleased to see Beastflame arrive so promptly, and as such returned the respectful nod once he finished announcing patrols. From then on, it was only a few seconds of watching the patrols gather before he left himself, ready to catch some prey for the clan despite the recent fight - and injuries. Well, it wasn't as though he hadn't done this before. He walked across the territory with Beastflame presumably at his side, the deputy didn't stop until they were a decent way away from camp, remaining silent lest the other decided to speak. It perhaps wasn't the best way to get acquaintanced with others; that may be why it was no surprise the tom was often seen alone. As for Beastflame, he didn't know - it had yet to be discovered if he was the quiet of chatty type, though Gingerfrost wouldn't write him up for the later. Slowing to a halt, he finally looked to the warrior.
"Meet back here?"
He suggested with a light quirk of his brows, gesturing in opposite directions to indicate the idea of going separate ways - mainly so one wouldn't disturb the prey of the other. It allowed him to cover more ground too, in a way to check whether the creatures had actually gone.


[ @ophelia ]

[Captain]

PIKESTAR // closed herb collection post

✧ Within the earlier hours of today's afternoon, the large dark-furred tomcat had decided to go deep out into RiverClan's territory for a walk. To do what was a sure mystery, even to him if he was completely honest. All Pikestar knew was that he wanted to do something useful with his free time. He could fish, hunt, mark their borders, or even look for herbs. A light and gentle rain poured down from the sky's gray clouds, misting their long fur with cold rain water. Despite that, a mighty and powerful yawn would leave his jaws shortly after they stretched open to release it into the air. The night before had not brought the Lord of the River any more sleep than what he usually got in the recent days. It was bothersome, and probably really bad for their health, but Pikestar brushed it off and focused on far more important things. RiverClan deserved a hard-working, active leader. He’d done so much around camp as a shield, so surely there was a chance he could regain that respectable cat who he once was, right? There was no doubt talk among his warriors that he had fallen from grace, so to speak, and shamed them all for his ignorant actions. However, Pikestar had taken a day to cry about it, and now the tall clan leader was ready to start kicking his butt into action. After all, it was like the saying went: actions spoke louder than words. His lovely mother had taught him that phrase at a very young age, but looking back on that, it was very hypocritical coming from her. All he’d do was shake his head irritably and move ahead.

As much as his heart wished to scream out apologies and say very word he knew to try and convince their clanmates otherwise, Pikestar knew that there was not a single word he could utter to make up for his past mistakes. He once believed that the same would go for actions, but the tall oriental tomcat was clinging onto the hope that if he showed cats that he was truly sorry and that they wanted to do better, through hard work and dedication, that things would eventually work out for RiverClan as a whole. These kinds of changes could not happen overnight, but he was determined. Now, if they’d stop just walking around aimlessly and thinking about all this, then maybe they could do something worth the trip all the way out here. Flicking the heavy water droplets off his tufted ears, Pikestar quickened his speed slightly, settling into a brisk canter deeper into the forest alone. In a sense, with the sound of the rainstorm overhead and the lack of needing to conversate with anyone, the Lord of the River found temporary peace here. They seriously doubted any of their own clanmates wanted to be seen around them right now anyway. A low rumble of thunder made him lift his head silently to peer through the leafy branches above the lone tomcat. He wondered what the probability was to be struck by lightning while he was out here. Maybe Pikestar would get cool powers or something if he did. What a silly idea. The dark RiverClan tom chuckled to himself and continued onward, his long bushy tail swishing from side-to-side.

After awhile, a bright yellow hue among the lush green grass caught his eye, making him turn off the path he’d been traveling down. Upon a much closer inspection, Pikestar would immediately recognize the flowering plant as the herb coltsfoot. They could vaguely remember Fawnlight treating them with that when quarantined with greencough moons ago. Surely that was an important thing to have in the clan’s medicine stores, yeah? The fluffy oriental tomcat wondered if Stonepaw would appreciate the help, or see it as Pikestar not thinking he could handle gathering herbs himself. Of course, all the River Lord wanted out of this was to help out, and that was the truth. Just take the damn flowers, and stop overthinking. He scolded himself sharply, before leaning down and plucking a sprig of four yellow flowers out from the dirt. Holding them securely in his mouth, Pikestar glanced around for a moment or two and then swiftly headed back the way he came. With the changing of the seasons, clanmates would surely be getting sick, so these were definitely needed.

[ameko]

Cloverdust |

She stared at the river a few moments more, conscious thought drifting gently away from her. It was easy for her to get distracted like this, zone out and live in her own little world in her mind. Cloverdust watched the ripples on the water's surface, gazing at the steady downfall of rain droplets but not really seeing them. The water looked pretty on this chilly morning. The sun, just beginning to rise above the distant hills of Rugged Range, shined its golden rays onto the river and glinted off a fish beneath the waves.

A fish? Cloverdust blinked back to reality, honing in on the movement before her. She had been so thoroughly disconnected from her body that it hadn't yet noticed her. It helped that her shadow stretched out behind her, instead of over the river itself. She eyed it a while, waiting, until it swam just within her reach and she darted out a paw, nimbly scooping it up onto the riverbank. It flapped futilely before she held it down and killed it with a nip. Well, she hadn't been expecting to hunt on this walk, but more prey was always good! Allowing herself a triumphant hum, she patted the fish with her paw and turned back to watch the river with renewed interest.

The rain picked up, soaking through her thick pelt and pooling around her. She paid it little mind as she watched the waters before her. More movement within the ripples, and Cloverdust swiped out! But alas, her paw came up empty. Too hasty. She huffed, returning her paw to her side and waiting for anything else she could spot. Perhaps she should've moved elsewhere, found a place where more fish were residing, but that thought never crossed her mind. As she sat, she steadily began to lose her focus until the river looked like a blob of gold and blue. Cloverdust blinked a few times to bring back her attention. She was acutely aware of every second that ticked by as she tried not to lose her focus again. Finally, she spotted a shadow amidst the rain and the waves. This time, she waited, holding herself still, until it darted closer and she snatched it up out of the water, leaving a shower of water in its wake. Before it could flail back to safety, she ducked down and bit into it. After it ceased its struggling, Cloverdust sat back, swiped a tongue across her muzzle, and nodded happily at her success. The two fish she'd caught weren't anything special, but she was proud to have caught something.

Though she could've stayed out here all day, she needed to get this prey back home. Cloverdust picked up the two fish—a small sunfish and a bass—and plodded back towards RiverClan's camp.

[ophelia]

[ @Estelle ]
BEASTFLAME
^^^^^^^^
The walk was quiet, but not in an unpleasant way. They traveled in comfortable silence through the territory, Beastflame just slightly behind the deputy's right shoulder, and about a tail length away. The warrior much preferred this to other patrols he'd been on, where cats elected to talk his ear off about the weather, or deviate from the path to chase butterflies and whatnot. Yes, this was much nicer. He passed the time by casting amber eyes around the forest, taking in the scenery he knew so well. It was interesting to him, how he noticed something new each time, despite walking the same paths for thirty somewhat moons.

Gingerfrost slowed to a halt, breaking the quiet for the first time since they set out. "Will do," Beastflame acknowledged, angling in the indicated direction. As soon as he turned away from the other tom, he focused in on his senses, scenting the air and swiveling his ears thouroughly to catch every sound. He padded softly through the grasses, placing his paws gently to avoid making noise. As he neared the edge of a small trickling stream, a rustle caught his attention. Large amber eyes flicked to the movement, lowering with the rest of his body until...

Pounce! The large grey tom leapt the short distance, a huge clawed paw coming straight down on the little creature. The impact got the job done immediately, and he crouched to lift the limp mouse, which likely seemed comically small in his gaping jaws. He set it aside in the shelter of a large stone, then continued on the the stream to try his paw at some fishing.

[Estelle]

With Beastflame gone one way, Gingerfrost went the other. With his maw agape, he scented the air until the familiar smell of blackbird tickled his nose. It wasn't strong, but present, and he opted to follow the smell. After some walking, the smell growing stronger, the tabby crouched down to eye the calm bird. How did this go again? It's been awhile since he last hunted birds, though if he remembered well, he ought to go for the wings. Getting ready, certain the wind wouldn't betray his presence, the tabby tom waited a few heartbeats for the blackbird to get distracted by something else before creeping closer, and jumping out from the grass. His right paw landed on a wing, the other on it's body, Gingerfrost receiving a few slaps from the bird's free wing. Still, he was able to lean down and give the ending bite to the bird's throat. And that was that. He buried the piece of prey then went on searching for something else.

The next thing he came across was a little mouse; it was a rather quick catch, a simple run and hit and the mouse was down, between his jaws. They were common around these parts, and easy prey to catch, unlike the bird from before. That being said, although the tabby preferred returning well before the other patrols (so he wouldn't miss any potential early reporters), the tabby figured staying out a little longer wouldn't be an issue; he could go for a third piece. Opening his maw again, it wasn't long before he smelled the next victim -- upon closer inspection, a water vole (although admittedly, Gingerfrost didn't see much of a difference between hunting mice and voles). Staying downwind, he hid within some tall grass, eye locked on the little creature. He waited patiently for it to get closer and closer, until it was close enough for him to pounce -- but he was a heartbeat too late, and the tabby felt the vole's tail slip away from below his paw. So, he broke to a chase, quickly pouncing again to lock the water vole under his claws this time, not hesitating a moment to give a final bite.

With that done, he went to retrieve his previously caught mouse and blackbird, slowly returning to the agreed upon meeting place. He had his three pieces, albeit potentially a tad bit late (like he cared), as long as it was before patrols were due it was fine.


[ @ophelia ]

[ophelia]

[ @Estelle ]
BEASTFLAME
^^^^^^^^
The grey tom sat at the edge of the river for a moment, then realized he was casting a shadow over the water. Oops. He leapt clear across the creek, landing heavily on the other side and turning back towards the back. There. Now the sun was facing him, casting his shadow the opposite direction. That was slightly embarrassing. Part of the reason he preferred hunting by himself. Thankfully, Gingerfrost was out of sight.

The warrior crouched low, amber eyes watching the rippling water carefully. It was a few seconds before the first movement caught his eye. He flashed his paw out, snagging the fish by the gill slits. Unable to keep a good grip on the slippery scales, it flew into the air. That was okay. Beastflame leaned forward a tad, squinting as it came back down against the sun, opened his jaws, and caught it with his teeth. It was identified as a good sized trout, now that he could see it better. Satisfied, he leapt back across the stream and set it with his mouse.

Hmm, perhaps there was time for one more before he returned to meet the deputy. He stood still, glancing around and parting his jaws to intake the scent of his surroundings. Perhaps his stomping around had scared off the prey. He was about to give up when motion near the roots of the closest tree caught his attention. Immediately, he dropped low to the ground and snaked towards the trunk of the tree, peeking around it carefully. Aha, a squirrel. More of a Thunderclan prey animal than a Riverclan one, but he would take whatever was available. The little creature was digging through the dirt, completely distracted. Beastflame lunged quickly, bringing an unsheathed claw down on its fluffy tail. It tried to bolt, but found itself pinned down by his weight. He stood, keeping his right paw in place, and bent his neck to deliver the killing bite.

Once all three of his pieces were collected, he made his way back to the designated meeting spot. The other tabby was arriving as well, with three pieces. Beastie nodded to the deputy, quirking his tail to confirm that they would be heading back now. He would’ve asked, but his mouth was rather full. Besides, he didn’t much like talking anyways.

[Silvershadow13]

-Silentripple-

As she burst out of camp and into the territory, breathing hard as she ran through the thin forest that is near the camp, slowing down as she neared the river, she stopped and opened her mouth, searching for any possible prey. Catching a whiff of shrew and some birds, she frowned, not much to work with, well this is a bust, I’m just gonna go fishing she tells herself.

Hurrying towards the river, she crouched down near the edge and peered in, seeing a few small minnows she sighed, these would have to do, getting into position, her tail flicked slightly from habit and a light breeze ruffled her fur. When one careless fish darted close enough, she jabbed her paw into the water and pulled it out killing it with a quick flick of her claws.

By the time she had three fish, she decided to go back to camp and hope this would be the last of the punishments she would need to do.