[ivyy.]

xxlast post | last response

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2,461 words
❝ ♥ ❞ opt in y / n
lv 8 | 055/1000 exp
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active quest(s):
wahoos monthly quests: 1-3 (tortoise + shell mentioned, tortie, tortoise emoji)
︶꒦︶꒷꒦︶
cats on patrol:
cherrybounce ; she/her
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
peachcrown ; she/her
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
sunpaw ; she/they
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
[url]name[/url] ; prn/prn
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
[url]name[/url] ; prn/prn
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
[url]name[/url] ; prn/prn
hp 100% | hup 0% | sick: n
︶꒦︶꒷꒦︶

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✦

Tails swaying, the pair of sisters stood waiting patiently for the patter of small paw pads that grew louder as they neared. "Hello Peachcrown, Cherrybounce!" Sunpaw greeted, out of breath from the dash between the medicine cave and the main cave where Peachcrown and Cherrybounce stood waiting for the young apprentice. Cherrybounce curled her tail happily over her back, "Hi! Ready to go?" Peachcrown paused, noticing the absence of the spunky cub that Sunpaw deemed her companion. "Where's Kovu running about these days?" Peachcrown asked light-heartedly, a touch of playfulness shining through in her voice. Sunpaw shrugged and started for the cave exit, flicking her tail as she passed both warriors. "Goldenleaf agreed to watch him for me while I'm gone. I don't think she was too keen on it though." Sunpaw giggled to herself, remembering the way Kovu just loved to stumble through the freshly laid out herbs, much to her mentor's fury.

Peachcrown was pleased to see the usually stressed apprentice enjoying her time under Goldenleaf. They'd always had a mother and daughter bond, one that seemed unbreakable, but Sunpaw had many other issues keeping her mood down. It was about time she started enjoying her life. "Let's head on then." Taking the lead, Peachcrown and Cherrybounce kept close pace with each other, Sunpaw trotting in the middle of the two sisters as they passed the salty seashore, the gentle splash of the waves echoing behind them as they reached deeper into the sandy forest. The wind carried no scent of tresspassers, much to the patrol's relief. It seemed as though that's all OceanClan seemed to worry about nowadays- the cats of the Ashen Trails, a ring of battle-hungry and vengeful felines that stop at nothing to get back at the cats of OceanClan. What if there were cats out there who weren't so bloodthirsty? There just had to be. Wasn't Brokenscar originally an outsider? And Raccoon? Glancing at Sunpaw, she relived the day they had found the adorable sandy she-cat. She was technically from the Ashen Trails too.

Peachcrown sighed quietly and continued on, forcing the questioning thoughts away. There was no point in trying to decipher it now when Sunpaw needed her help collecting some herbs for Goldenleaf's store. Leaving Cherrybounce trailing behind, distractedly staring at a pretty bird, Peachcrown caught up with the medicine cat apprentice and gently rested the tip of her tail along Sunpaw's back, alerting her of her presence so she wouldn't jump out of her fur- something Peachcrown learned fast to do when Sunpaw had been younger and more overwhelmed by the new cats of OceanClan. "How's your training going?" She asked gently, her voice comfortingly silky. Sunpaw kept her head facing forward but she glanced at Peachcrown nervously, "It's a lot. But Goldenleaf is such a good mentor..." She trailed off uncertainly. Peachcrown didn't press her, instead walking alongside her, her fluffy tail still resting on the apprentice's spine- a sign of friendly comfort Peachcrown had a habit of doing. Sunpaw remained quiet, the time passing leisurely between the two golden she-cats.

---

Tortishelle paws crashed into golden stripes as the two had a friendly sparring match, Peachcrown watching gleefully, enjoying the sight of her sister and Sunpaw playing in the sun warmed valley. Her back legs stretched out behind her, she laid and soaked up the greenleaf sun. In between her pink-padded paws, she inspected a tortoise shell Cherrybounce had found along the way. The patrol had successfully found the needed herbs and would be taking it back to camp soon, Peachcrown suggested a rest and the other two she-cats happily complied, playing together in the afternoon heat, fruit flies drifting lazily in colonies through the air, seemingly enjoying the show of the tussling she-cats as well. The sky was littered with slow drifts of clouds, making their daily journey across the blue-gold sky, traveling as the loners of the Ashen Trails would- alone. Lowering her gaze back to the shell in her paws, she ran her pads along the crannies and nooks of the detailed shell a tortoise would have called home in the past.

Her whiskers twitched as she sensed something change in the environment. The two were still playing happily a few fox lengths away from her but the air tasted sour in her maw. Sitting up she unsheathed her claws and noticed a shuffle in the bushes to her left, scenting what would be her utter nightmare. Her heart leaped when she noticed an ear flicking behind the foliage, someone was watching them. How long had this cat been there? Were there more? Questions stormed her head but one thought lay grimly in her mind- she had to warn Sunpaw and Cherrybounce. Galloping over to where the two she-cats now lay panting, Peachcrown nudged them to their feet, whispering warnings quietly enough that only the two beside her could hear. "Get up. Someone's here." Cherrybounce's normally unserious gaze hardened and her hackles rose, "Stay with Sunpaw. I'll check it out. Be ready to back me up." Peachcrown nodded quickly, hunching her shoulders and crouching next to Sunpaw, wrapping her tail protectively around the apprentice.

One ginger-and-white paw at a time, Cherrybounce crept closer to where the shadow of a cat was outlined behind the foliage of the bush. Hissing, Cherrybounce leaped, shining claws outstretched, ready to catch the fur and skin of the intruder. The yowl of another young cat echoed along with a thump. Cherrybounce returned to the clearing, dragging the scruff silver and white tabby body of a cat no older than a year. A gasp left Peachcrown as she noted the severe burn marks covering the apprentice-aged cat. The apprentice-aged feline was kicking and yowling about how her group would tear Cherrybounce apart and how vicious they were. Peachcrown was shocked to not have noticed the yelling apprentice earlier. Peachcrown finally opened her maw to speak, "What. Are you doing in OceanClan territory." She forced a fierce growl but even Sunpaw could call her bluff- every cat in OceanClan knew Peachcrown would rather go for a salty swim in the ocean instead of attacking a cat younger than her. "ME?" The cat snarled in outrage, still trying to escape Cherrybounces firm grasp. "You're in OUR territory! This land belongs to the Night Crawlers, bird-brain!" Fury flashed in the silver cat's eyes along with something else Peachcrown wasn't able to identify. "Let her go." Peachcrown mumbled, barely loud enough for Cherrybounce to hear, her green gaze still searching the new cat curiously. What was she doing here? Why didn't she attack them?

Cherrybounce hesitated, muttering something through the new cat's fur before dropping her to the ground, the silver tabby's paws splaying out clumsily in front of her. "What's your name?" Peachcrown asked, stepping away from the equally curious Sunpaw, still crouched against the dew covered grass. For the first time, the hardened look of the she-cat wavered, anxiety lingering in her eyes. Before either of the warriors could stop her, the silver tabby leaped away and disappeared through the undergrowth, Cherrybounce rushing after her yelling angered insults. "Leave her, Cherrybounce. She's long gone by now." Peachcrown turned to look at Sunpaw, barely hearing her sister's angered muttering. "Are you alright?" Peachcrown knew she was fine physically but the event of being caught off guard by an Ashen Trails cat isn't a forgetable one. "Yes, fine. She didn't even get near me." Sunpaw looked distracted, staring at the place where the silver she-cat had disapeared, her eyes sparkling. Peachcrown nodded slowly, noting the look in the apprentice's eyes before turning back to Cherrybounce, visibly ruffled and covered in leaves from her earlier tussle with Sunpaw. "That was odd." Was all the tortie she-cat grunted before turning and silently leading Peachcrown and Sunpaw away from the clearing, Sunpaw noticably trailing behind, her gaze still locked on the spot where the Ashen Trails she-cat had disapeared.

Cherrybounce kept pace with Peachcrown, still leading, "If you ask me, I think we should report this to Tansystar. Our mother would know what to do." Peachcrown nodded in agreement, grabbing the collected herbs on their way out of the clearing and calling for Sunpaw to catch up with them. "Let's see what else we can find on our way back." She mumbled, muffled through the herbs. Cherrybounce flicked her tail in recognition but the golden striped she-cat's words didn't seem to reach the still distracted medicine cat apprentice.

---

Trekking along the sand, moist paw prints were left behind as the ocean swallowed them right back up- smoothing the cool sand back down where it had been disturbed by the patrol. Sunpaw had taken the herbs from Peachcrown and softly pushed ahead, the two sisters still whispering about the stranger they had met during their patrol. Sunpaw was intrigued by the silver tabby she-cat, wondering what her group had looked like and why she had been following them, stalking behind the cover of the greenleaf undergrowth and... her scent... it had been covered by lavender. She had smelled very distinctly of it when she was dragged into the clearing by the sturdy Cherrybounce. She... she looked worried. She looked scared, just like Sunpaw had felt when a stranger was announced by Peachcrown, disturbing the peaceful greenleaf haze that had shadowed them into letting their guard down.

Sunpaw shook her head slowly, attempting to forget the incident, lifting herself, to the rough stone ramp that led to the entrance of the main cave where the OceanClan cats left one or two guards to keep watch. Sunpaw nodded greeting to Squirrelmist and Dusteye who sat guarding the cave, still as stone and noble as a lion, Sunpaw easily admired how serious they took their duties- even though they weren't always the serious type outside of their jobs. Brushing past them and leaving the sisters to their slower pace, she dashed down the main cave tunnel that led to the dens, the medicine den being the first on the right. Across from the dome opening was a storage room-like den that could barely fit a cat curled up. The clan had long ago decided to make it a storage room for herbs so that the medicine den would have more space to allow the sick and injured to be tended to.

Sunpaw loved the storage den. It was a space where she could sit quietly and organize Goldenleaf's herb storage, her thoughts belonging to her and her only. Right at this moment, she felt overwhelmed and craved the silent echo of the storage den, the chatter of the main cave a mere whisper behind her as she made her way to the herb-storage. She sat and combed through what she was able to gather on patrol, storing them in their appropriate space and combing through to see if there were any useless herbs hiding behind the bright green leaves and soft rosemary scent. Behind her, she felt the gentle patter of paws- someone waited behind her. Turning she saw through the weak lighting that it was Briarkit. "Hello." Briarkit whispered timidly, squeezing past Sunpaw's hindquarters to sit beside her, glancing at her nervously as if she expected the medicine cat apprentice to berate her at any moment. Briarkit had only just been rescued from the river a quarter moon ago and flinched at even the slightest rise in one's tone. It was clear she had endured some sort of trauma before her time in OceanClan although she refuses to even mention where she had come from, aside from the river.

"Hello, little one." Sunpaw lifted her paw to shift the herbs on the third shelf, all thoughts of the newcomer forgotten as she saw Briarkit flinch. Pausing mid-air, she changed direction and gently brought Briarkit closer with her paw, allowing her to half-disapear into Sunpaw's pale ginger fur. "It's alright Briarkit. I'm not mad at you. You're welcome to hang out with me whenever you'd like." Offering a small smile, Briarkit perked up a little, still burried in Sunpaw's belly fur, the medicine cat apprentices' paw still resting comfortingly on her little shoulder. "Now, what made you want to come hang out with me?" Briarkit looked at her with big blue-gray kit eyes, relief at her gentle tone sparking in her gaze. "I... I couldn't find Goldenleaf." Going back to sort the herbs, she listened as Briarkit told her about her day and how she didn't want to leave the den since the other kits were right outside, opening up more than she ever had to anyone but Goldenleaf. "Then," She continued slightly, shifting closer to Sunpaw's warm flank, "Peachcrown saw me rolling around in my nest and told me you were back and to come ask you for..." Scrunching up her face deep in thought, her eyes saddened, turned up to Sunpaw again, "I don't remember what it was called." Sunpaw licked the tuft on her head softly, "Don't worry about it, Briarkit. I think you wanted some poppy seeds and... lavender? That was one of your favorite flowers wasn't it? Goldenleaf had told me to collect some for you today but I couldn't find any. Only some shrivled stalks right here."

Sunpaw patted the shelf just above Briarkit's head. Briarkit stood on her back paws, nearly able to look at the shelf's contents. "Oh! That's fine. Could I have it still?" Briarkit asked, sitting back down on her haunches, seeming a little more confident. Sunpaw nodded, "Of course. And here," Crouching lower she reached and grabbed a small dosage of poppy seeds, gently passing them to the brown-and-white patched kitten. "Here are the poppy seeds and I'll give you the lavender when you're quite done licking those up." Sunpaw purred, happy that the kit had begun to perk up. "Thanks Sunpaw." Briarkit murmured, licking the seeds up and taking the lavender Sunpaw grabbed for her. "Can you take me one day?" Briarkit asked as she turned to squeeze out of the storage. Sunpaw blinked slowly, "To the forest? Sure, Briarkit. When you're just a tad bit bigger- you can count on it." Watching her nod happily and yawn, Sunpaw chuckled in amusement, "Run off now, take that lavender and share some with the kits. Try asking their names. Maybe they like lavender too." Briarkit blinked pleasantly at Sunpaw before dashing off.

Sunpaw looked back at the herb stores and thought of how the lavender was used to conceal the stranger's scent, her thoughts drifting back to earlier. She'd go out again soon. With the other apprentices, maybe they'd agree, and she'd find the pretty silver tabby she-cat. Maybe she wasn't as tough as she seemed...

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inventory !
2x Bug Piles = 1 FP each [-1 Bug Pile for last patrol]
1x Mouse = 2 FP each
7x Small Fish = 2 FP per
+ 4 FP [-4 FP for last patrol]

1x Celandine ll 3x Deadly Nightshade ll 1x Daisy Leaf ll 2x Goatweed ll 4x Bindweed ll
4x Yarrow ll 3x Tansy ll 2x Blackberry leaves ll 3x Cobweb ll 1x Comfrey root ll
3x Elders Leaves ll 1x Broom ll 1x Ragwort ll 2x Mallow leaf ll 2x Mint ll 1x Goldenrod ll
5x Poppy seeds ll 1x Willow bark ll 2x Stinging nettle ll 1x Lovage ll 1x Hawkweed ll 2x Holly Berry
2x Willow Leaves ll 2x Sorrel ll 3x Thyme ll 1x Lungwort ll 1x Water Hemlock
2x Burdock Root ll 1x Catmint ll 1x Borage Leaves ll 1x Lavender ll 1x Feverfew ll
1x Chickweed ll 2x Coltsfoot ll 1x Fennel ll 1x Death Berry ll 1x Chamomile ll
1x Wild Garlic ll 1x Honey ll 3x Horsetail ll 1x Alder Bark ll 1x Marigold ll 1x Stick

used item(s) !
-4 FP // -1 Bug Pile

notes !
when the writer responds, it would be in between the time they left the stranger encounter and when they made their way home! 1-3 quest this month completed c:
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code credit ♥

[Vivika]

✦ PANDORA !!

x⊰ thani ✦ archive ✦ last post ⊱

and in the moments before darkness descended. before shadows slashed across shivering shrooms. before the wrath of gods spilled from a shattered goblet. before secrets severed bonds and corrupted beasts broke from a dying realm.

in that fragile sliver of a moment, a breath between heartbeats in time, was peace.

peace in the dancing steps of pixies skipping from shroom to shroom, pirouetting in a dozen dizzying spins for a final flourish. peace in the ghostly song of the wind whispering through evergreens. peace in the falling arc of shooting stars and meteor showers. peace in the shared gazes between friends before the world as they knew it shattered from a divide between warring gods. (+1fp mushroom pixie [x16], +1 blackberry leaves, +1 foxglove seeds, +1 tormentil, +1 ragwort leaves)

and in the stillness of her watch, maggie savoured that moment as if it were gently brewed tea.

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⊰ patrol status updates ⊱

• all patrollers gained +10% hunger
  
• no health changes
  
• no sickness changes

⊰ xp earnings (death opt in/out) ⊱…………………

• +270xp for writing, +20xp for patrol sent
• +32xp for prey, +8xp for herbs, +30xp for
  wahoo's monthly task #1
⊰ findings ⊱

• +1fp mushroom pixie [x16]
  
• +1 blackberry leaves, +1 foxglove seeds
• +1 tormentil, +1 ragwort leaves

⊰ level totals ⊱

• 360xp → level 6 (847/800xp)
  → level 7 (47/800xp)


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congrats! you've reached level seven and earned an additional +4fp (your choice), +3 herbs (your choice), +1 c myo and +1 shooting star!

⊰ notes; n/a! <3
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[Vivika]

✦ TAILLESS COMET !!

xxxxx⊰ 0zero0 ✦ clan archive ✦ last post ⊱

the stranger’s eyes glinted with the sparks of a dragon’s fury. every part of her tensed, harsh angles and soft contours folding into a fighter’s stance. in another life, perhaps she really would’ve been a dragon━a winged beast startled from slumber, her hooked talons curving into a cruel grin around his throat.

uh-oh. a rosy warmth bloomed across spoon’s cheeks, his breath a snare in his throat. if he didn’t placate her soon, his final breath would spill into the abyss like the last of the dying dawn. “wait! before you feed me to the birds, i-uh have something for you. a gift!”

at her pause, he spun through the field, touch wandering across the heads of wild oats and rye. the last of dawn shone, painting the fields in a rosy glow that seemed to shimmer with something otherworldly. (+75 stardust for completing wahoo’s third task!) grasses breathed a husky melody, their song a rustle through time and space, reaching somewhere inside him. running through the fields, through the tall grasses with the beat of his paws upon fresh earth, had unlocked a yearning inside. a reckless wild abandon.

but it also had unearthed something else. the dragoness before him had not been the only one awoken from from her slumber. (+1fp moth, +1fp moth, +1fp moth, +1fp moth, +1 daisy leaf, +1 thyme)

she eyed him, a huff escaping her lips. “a peace offering? did you really think i would-”

“shhhhhh, stone.” the slide of emerald silk shivered against his skin. as if spun from air, a head of midnight curls stepped between them, a wrinkle etched on the freckles of white dotting her nose. her scarf drifted with the mournful breeze. “someone else is here. and it’s not a coyote this time.” (rogues spotted!)


⊰ rogues spotted! they seem to be a good distance away (not-trespassing)! does the patrol confront them or leave them be? ⊱

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⊰ patrol status updates ⊱

• all patrollers gained +10% hunger (hup)
  
• no health changes c:
  
• no sickness ^^

⊰ xp earnings (death opt in/out) ⊱…………………………

• +240xp for writing (doubled again for
  completing wahoo's first task), +20xp for
  patrol sent, +8fp for food, +4fp for herbs
⊰ findings ⊱

• +1fp moth [x4]
  
• +1 daisy leaf, +1 thyme
• +75 stardust

⊰ level totals ⊱

• +270xp → level 4 (728/500xp)
  → level 5 (228/650xp)


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congrats! you've reached level five and earned an additional +3fp (your choice), +2 herbs (your choice),
+1 random custom (an artist will design this for you and post it under stars' main page) and +150 stardust!

⊰ notes; n/a! <3
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[canadianhowl]

xxx
★ previous post ★ previous reply ★ font credit ★ divider credit ★

[ 1400 words ]

A few were shaken indeed. Claws extended, their paw pads gripped onto the smooth surface. Their eyes were locked and focused dead center on the gang of rouges. Naturally Firestrike and Durianblaze would have pounced on this opportunity but, both stepped aside. Seeing how they were already on unfamiliar ground, another added hazard was unnecessary. The two toms took a short glance at each other, their minds connecting, and they nodded in agreement. “I think we should leave them alone.” Durianblaze started. “Look, we don’t know this place. The last thing we need is the encounter to go wrong. Besides we’re fighting on unfamiliar and dangerous land.” His look was confident, check puffed out knowing this was the right thing to do not only for him but for everyone else as well. The others all nodded and with a final look, the patrol of five padded away from the rogues, tails swishing to indicate they were simply passing by…

The group stayed close to the sides where the forest laid. They encountered a cute tortoise who had rested by the edge of the rocky lake. It blinked and gently ate some food that was nearby. There was quite a lot of tortoises here actually… plus a few empty shells. Poor guys… Well as much as the younger cats wanted to go look over the edge, even they knew that wouldn’t be a good idea. Now they just had to think of a way to get the river flowing again. Destroying the rocky edge wouldn’t work, not even their claws could make a dent. In fact the rock only hurt their claws. Perhaps a reroute to a smaller stream that also lead to their fishing area? The cats began to gather and plan. Claws traced the delicate earth where they drew out their intricate ideas and tested them out on tiny mock streams they made. It was Quicksilver who made the solidified plan and motioned what everyone should do. It was simple, try and build their own dam large enough to make the river flow towards their stream instead. That or make two paths for the water to go down so it stays unnoticed by whoever runs this unknown structure.

Day after day the group worked gathering twigs to branches, mud, rocks, leaves, and roots to tie everything. No stick was too weak to help and their fur had to be washed often from the mud. In the end they settled for the two path idea and soon were delighted to see the muddy structure they made. It wasn’t too bad for a patrol made up of mostly hunter cats and one guard cat. Normally they’d never work this this task as that was something more seen with the gatherers. When night crawled into the sky, all they could do was wait and see what would happen downstream. Maybe the other group also thought of a better way... Unfortunately they’d never know until they returned to camp and saw results. This could have been all for nothing. Perhaps it was too much? They’d just have to see.

As night rolled in, the group eventually fell asleep. Hollyheart had herself cuddled with Durianblaze and Firestrike making sure they didn’t sneak off to explore. Piketail was tossing and turning before he snapped awake with a frustrated grunt. Something in his mind wasn’t right… he took a look around before freezing when seeing Quicksilver was gone. He didn’t even alert the others before he raced off to go find her. After a minute or so his paws lead him back to the rock edge lake where Quicksilver was. She was rested on the shore on a grassy area, paws dipped in the water as she groomed herself. A few turtles 🐢 rested by her clearly uninterested with what the cat was doing. Her eyes twinkled in the moon, it glistened in her fur, her white spotting almost glowing. Piketail of course couldn’t help but stop and take in her beauty. She was more gorgeous than ever… maybe this would be a good time to finally confess to her? It felt so right now… and his worry was gone. The tom took a deep breath as he walked over and gave a small meow in greeting to alert her he was here. Quicksilver turned to face him and nodded in return. “Evening Piketail.” She spoke, her tone warm and inviting.

Piketail smiled as he went to sit down beside her. “Lovely night isn’t it? I haven’t ever seen the moon so clear out here. I mean sure we got the flower fields to go to but it just seems more… outstanding here.” Piketail mentioned as he purred loudly. Quicksilver only nodded.

“What’s awoken you?” She asked.

“Oh just… thinking… may I uh tell you something? Or well can I ask you something first?”

“… I suppose.”

Piketail took a deep breath and began, “So what are you doing out here anyways? Y’know when I woke up and didn’t see you you- you nearly scarred me half to death!” He laughed awkwardly.

Quicksilver let out a low chuckle before she smirked and answered, “I couldn’t sleep. Personal reasons but I decided to go on a walk to clear my mind. Naturally I went here as we’ve never seen such a place before. Tell me, do you think there are fish we’ve never seen down there simply because this is such a large lake?” Piketail peaked over the grassy edge and into the water. Only so much was visible to look down into under the moon’s rays. His head tilted a bit before he shrugged, “maybe, honestly I’m pretty surprised this was even somewhat near our camp let alone the border. I mean we for sure didn’t make it, you think twolegs did?”

“Twolegs? As if. Those hairless things couldn’t make something so large as this. It had to be something greater.” Quicksilver laughed before she stopped when seeing Piketail get nervous again. “Alright Pike, what did you want to tell me? It wasn’t just what I thought about everything wasn’t it?” That got him to snap back to his senses and focus on this entire encounter. Right… “Well uh… I thought it was such a lovely night and was well wondering, you maybe… uh… well I don’t know wanna try and… take a swim?” He asked before mentally slapping his face. Quicksilver even seemed taken back before she smirked. As stoic and reserved as she was, even she couldn’t turn down a suggestion that could be risky. “Swim in that? Yeah right… though it’s not often we come out here if at all. Haha, why not?” And with no hesitation she leapt into the large rocky edged lake. Piketail winced before he screamed and leapt into the water. There was no ground beneath them at all. It took a bit for him to adjust before he swam around. Quicksilver snickered as she regally swam laps around the silver tabby. They splashed each other and dove under the water. Piketail swears he did see fish somewhere under there, and things were fine.

Until he went ahead to try and swim beside her a little closer. Quicksilver noticed and swam away to keep her space. “Pike, something on your mind?” She asked and stopped him by pressed a paw on his chest. Piketail flinched before he sighed. “I… Yeah. Look I just… I need to tell you this. It’s been on my minds for moons and I know we weren’t ever really like friends friends but I felt we’ve gotten closer on this journey and I just- Quick I love you so much. Yes as a friend I want to be friends but also… I’d love to be mates with you if you’ll have me.”

The gaze she made told him everything. Confused and stern… “I apologize Quicksilver. I’m already with someone?”

“… huh?!”

“You didn’t know?” She asked

“No… not at all.”

“I thought it was obvious but… well- I’m with Ravenfern. I’m sorry you didn’t know I feel awful leading you on but, I can’t accept anything. We can be friends yeah but that’s it. I’m not changing my mind either. Raven is a very sweet guy and… and we have things planned out. I do hope you understand.” She sighed before turning away to exit the lake leaving Piketail alone treading the midnight blue water.

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★ - NOTES - ★
Id like for the following exp to be added: 30exp, 85exp, 110exp, 65exp
completed wahoo's task numbers 1 and 3

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★ level 7
experience: 126/950

★ items in inventory used
x2 crow, x2 hare

★ active quests:
quest 1

★ opted in to death?
yes/no

★ custom predators / prey
link here

★ prey
mice | 1 FP | x9
squirrel | 1 FP | x0
rat | 1 FP | x5
lizard | 1 FP | x11
hare | 2 FP | x3
finch | 2 FP | x4
minnow | 2 FP | x2
crow | 3 FP | x6
bass| 4 FP | x3
deer | 5 FP | x1
ram | 5 FP | x0

★ herbs
Bindweed | x1
Borrage | x1
Bright Eye | x1
Burdock Root | x2
Catchweed | x2
Chamomile | x1
Chervil | x2
Chickweed | x2
Cobwebs | x1
Daisyleaf | x2

★ herbs cont.
Deathberries | x1
Dock | x2
Elder Leaves | x2
Fennel | x1
Feverfew | x2
Foxglove Seeds | x1
Goldenrod | x2
Holly Berries | x1
Honey | x3
Horsetail | x1
Juniper Berries | x1
Lavender | x2
Lungwort | x2
Mallow Leaves | x1
Mint | x1
Poppy Seeds | x3
Sorrel | x1
Sweet-Sedge | x1
Tormentil | x2
Watermint | x1
Wild Garlic | x1
Willow Leaves | x1
Yarrow | x1

★ - PATROL - ★

Piketail




he/him
hp | 100
hup | 0
sick | N
Quicksilver




she/her
hp | 90
hup | 0
sick | N

Hollyheart




she/her
hp | 95
hup | 0
sick | N
Durianblaze




he/him
hp | 95
hup | 0
sick | N

Firestrike




he/they
hp | 100
hup | 0
sick | N
Name




xx/xx
hp | --
hup | --
sick | --

[blshluhvy]

Hill of Sunflowers

───────────────────────
xxlevel;; 2
xxexp;; 173/300

xxon patrol;;
xxxxKeishi | he/him | 3 years
xxxx⤷hp 100% | hup +10 | sick: N
xxxxKaen | he/him | 3 years
xxxx⤷hp 100% | hup +10 | sick: N
xxxxname | gender | age
xxxx⤷hp 100% | hup 0 | sick: N

xxprey;;
xxxxbugs |# 1| x3
xxxxmouse |# 2| x2
xxxxsquirrel |# 2| x1
xxxxrabbit |# 4| x2

xxherb;;
xxxxcatmint |N/A| x1
xxxxchickweed |N/A| x1
xxxxfeverfew |N/A| x1
xxxxmarigold |N/A| x1
xxxxraspberry leaves |N/A| x2
xxxxsorrel |N/A| x1
xxxxwild garlic |N/A| x1
xxxxwater hemlock |N/A| x1
───────────────────────

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clan link | last explore | last reply | WC: 1,000

items used;; n/a
active quests;; #1
allow for death roles;; yes/no

Keishi’s lips curled into a frown as he looked down at Kaen, who hadn’t woken up. For a brief moment, the thought of smacking him awake flashed through his mind. He shook that thought away; he didn’t exactly feel like being burned.

He crouched down, his nose bristling the grass beneath him. He stared down at the blackened earth beneath Kaen. He sighed, licking the side of Kaen’s face. It used to wake him up, so why shouldn’t it work now? That did seem to do the trick, though. The fiery tom shifted around before blinking his tired eyelids.

He scowled at Keishi, quickly standing up. “What is wrong with you?!” He snarled, his tone practically laced with venom. Keishi stood up, backing away slightly. “Was just trying to wake you up. It worked when we were younger.” The sunny tom frowned, his head turning away

“That- that was so much different!” The reddened tom seemed to turn redder, whether that was out of anger or embarrassment couldn’t be told. “We were younger and- and we had something going on between us! That doesn’t count, you blundering idiot!” He seemed to go on a tangent, which made Keishi yawn loudly. “You bore easily. Just because it was long ago doesn’t mean it changed now.” He watched Kaen’s reaction, knowing he’d gotten to him. He smirked.

“I’m very gracious, you know. I could have just left you here. Be thankful I got you food, too.” Kaen grumbled a low ‘thank you’ and shuffled to add the meat into the bag on his left side. He caught up to Keishi as they kept walking through the forest.

“She’s gonna see you, ya know.”

“I know.”

“You gonna tell her?”

“She knows.”

“Stars and stones, Kei. You can’t just avoid her. She’s your mate.”

The sunshine tom didn’t respond. He knew he was right, but it stung to hear. He grumbled slightly, and his head swarmed with memories.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The young fiery apprentice bounded across the fields of flowers, his paws not yet burning the grass around. He’d been chasing a butterfly, or a moth. He was never good at telling the two apart. A chipper voice came from behind and before he could react, he’d been tackled to the ground. “UFH!” He blinked rapidly, looking at his yellow stomach, and smiled happily. “Keipaw!” He laughed excitedly.

Keipaw smiled wide, happy to know he’d been able to make his “best friend” laugh. “Were ya scared? Did’ya jump?!” Keipaw, who’d been excited to see him, got off of Kaen and laid next to him. “I was soooooo scared, Kei!” Kaen crawled closer to Keipaw, his tail wrapped around his. The tall stalks of sunflowers kept them hidden. Angelhaze is the only one who’d been told. The only one who was okay with it.

Keipaw leaned his head on Kaen’s shoulder, looking at the ants crawling along the dirt. “You missed breakfast, by the way.” He batted his eyes, looking up at Kaen after speaking.

“Did I? Darn... it was mice today, right? Ugh... I love mice..” Kaen frowned at the dirt, his ears drooping softly to his skull in disappointment.

“Weeeeeeell... I know they’re your favorite, so..” Keipaw paused for dramatic effect before pulling a small mouse from a small leaf pack on his side. He slid it over to Kaen. Kaen’s face seemed to turn redder than his fur.

“Awh shucks..”

“Can’t have you go hungry, now can I?”

“No, I guess not.” He laughed softly, looking over at Keipaw. He pressed his nose to Keipaw’s, his red eyelids closing. “Thank you, Bumblebee..” Kaen was the first to pull back after a few seconds. Fear of being caught seemed to hold him back. They both hated this so much.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Keishi’s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the clan. He didn’t think he’d been pondering that long. He paused right on the edge of the territory, frowning down below. His shoulders dropped, and he slumped down. “I didn’t think it’d be this hard, ya’know?” He picked his head up and looked at Kaen. He didn’t like the look in his eyes. The same look he got when he announced that he was courting Angelhaze.

“Too bad. Deal with it, prick.” His response was gruff. The grass behind him had long since burned. A dead giveaway to where the clan stood hidden. Kaen hadn’t found anything nice about his “gift”, it seemed more like a curse to him. Both his and Keishi’s gifts seemed to cause them nothing but trouble. Even Kaen could admit that.

“How are you not worried about showing back up, just to be exiting past the mountain?” Keishi seemed like he was making an excuse to stay at the border for longer than needed. He didn’t want to go back in.

“Because I didn’t leave because of idiocy. I left because you’re a fool.” ‘A fool I still love,’ he started to think. He shook his head to rid himself of the thought. “C’mon. The sooner we’re in, the sooner we’re out. Angel should be in her nest right about now.”

“How you know my mate’s schedule is scary.” Keishi couldn’t help the grumbled laugh that left his throat. He sighed, getting up off the ground once more. “Alright, alright... let’s get this over with.” He huffed, walking down into the clan’s main property.

They looked around at the nests, and everything seemed to be eerily quiet. Their steps could have been heard from miles away. “K... does it seem... too quiet to you?” His voice was low so as to not disrupt the quiet surroundings. “Don’t read my mind, loser.” Kaen’s voice was a grumble. He looked up at the sky, trying to determine the sun’s position. “Right. Weekly hunt party is today.”

Keishi had to stop himself from face palming. He rolled his eyes, padding around the grass. Just a little further until the other side of the property. “Ugh. I forgot about the weekly hunt.” He frowned worriedly.

[Vivika]

✦ LAKECLAN !!

x⊰ echoire ✦ archive ✦ last post ⊱

a ruinous song seemed to haunt the heartbeat of the woods.

in the jaundiced light, the evergreens withered, needles like mangled claws twisted into something beyond recognition. snow whorled in slow drifts, a maelstrom of ash and frost that nipped the nape of her neck. it was as if the forest, too, had downed the bitter poison of restrained fury and bitter sorrow she had consumed moments earlier. and now, the poison had awoken something sinister within it.

a shiver pulsed through her and her touch froze upon the thin ribbon of black ice at the lake’s shores. in the glossy sheen, the faintest ripple of light winked. the only warning she’d ever receive from the spirits.

a thundering force tore from the shadows. flashes of midnight curls against a bone white snowscape, their ends wild and whipping with an unnatural energy. alabaster fangs glinted between cords of thick saliva as the beast threw its massive head back, unleashing the warcry of her nightmares. (predator [wolf] attacks!)

the collision ripped the breath from her lungs. her world splintered into a kaleidoscope of colors. in that pocket of time, the ghosts of her past crystallized. the faces of those she had lost. her little brother, cheeks smudged with mud and laughter like a bonfire, filling the empty crevices of her soul. her parents sharing a quiet kiss under the boughs of pines and moonlight. her friends. her family.

she reached out to touch them, to hold them one last time, to feel the gentle warmth of their touch against her own, to whisper all the words she yearned to say, all the words she hadn't said. but the colors were already bleeding, the ends soft and wispy. f a d i n g.

the wolf loomed above her now.

yet, she couldn't will her limbs to move. her breath trembled in her chest, her heart a caged songbird. maybe this was it. maybe fate had returned to haunt her, maybe this was time reversing, looping back, resetting to its destined course. maybe she was never meant to have survived that day.

had it all been for nothing? all that fire and spit, the shame and sorrow, the sleepless nights and lonely sunrises. all the breaking and rebuilding, the tearing and mending. all that time and energy and tears and blood and pain. and rita. that sweet, gentle angel.

a hum of energy spilled in the space between her and the beast. warmth grazed her cheek, across the slender curve of her neck—

“no.” the whisper lodged in her throat. heat raced across her skin, the first flicker of life. this couldn’t be the end. there had to be more, there had to be something. a reason she was still here. “not like this.”

she willed iron into her bones, steel into her marrow. curling her claws, she lifted her paw and slashed at the beast. she braced for the rotting stench of teeth tearing skin, for the rivulets of scarlet painting snow. it didn't come. her strike passed through the beast as if it were nothing but a phantom. as if it weren’t there at all.

a gasp trembled on her lips. “what-”

the turn of the wolf’s gaze stilled her tongue. in the set of those eyes was a kaleidoscope of colors, a thousand lifetimes and memories—a thousand faces blooming in its iridescent gaze. the faces of… home. it tugged at her, tethering her to this wild, ancient creature.

a giant paw pressed against her heart, less of a physical touch and more a steady, pulsing presence. with a careful nod, the wolf lifted his head, the arch of his neck regal, midnight curls falling in loose ruffles down his back, and howled. light and sound collided, shattering in a rainfall of sparks and embers. (wolf has left!)

as the songbird in her heart quieted, she opened her eyes. the forest breathed a quiet melodious sigh. only a single golden leaf with silver veins and the scent of salt and secrets in the air hinted that anyone had been here at all. (+1 herb (your choice) for completing wahoo’s second task, +3fp grayling)

“flurry?” a slant of light illuminated the hard ridges of damir's jawline. he hesitated for a beat. two. “is everything alright?”

─────────────────────────────────────╮


⊰ patrol status updates ⊱

• all patrollers gained +10% hup
  
• flurry (30% hup), osa + damir (10% hup)

⊰ xp earnings (death opt in/out) ⊱…………………………

• +1140xp for writing (doubled twice for complet-
  ing wahoo's first task), +20xp for patrol sent
  +6fp for prey, +20xp for predator battle
⊰ findings ⊱

• +3fp grayling
  
• +1 herb (your choice)

⊰ level totals ⊱

• +1186xp → level 6 (1363/800xp)*
  → level 7 (563/950xp)


……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
congrats! you've reached level seven and earned an additional +4fp (your choice), +3 herbs (your choice), +1 c myo and +1 shooting star!

⊰ notes; * corrected a lil level typo here! level 6 is just out of 800xp (instead of 650), but the math and everything was perfectly on
point!! lmk if you have any questions / concerns about anything at all! <3
───────────────────────────────────────────────╯

[Vivika]

✦ FALLEN ROSE KINGDOM !!

xxxxx⊰ sushifoxx ✦ clan archive ✦ sushifoxx's last post ⊱

if wishes and dreams could come true, it seemed that hers was here. because for the first time in lifetimes, colors splashed aiyana’s world in full bloom. shapes crystallized as if she were seeing through a prism, and the scents and tastes of the woods unfurled in gentle drifts. sounds rang out, crisp and clear. the chirp of cicadas leaping from leaf to leaf, the whizz of a hummingbird drinking deeply of daydew and sweet nectar, the ripple of a fish leaping from cool, freshwaters streams. woodland critters seemed to tilt their little heads, showering the moment with the finest of summer’s greens. (+1 yarrow, +1 tormentil, +1 stick, +1 hawkweed)

sylvan was alive. and she, too, had come alive.

until a feverish spell consumed her. an arthritic creak settled into her bones, sending shivers trembling through her. her head ached, spinning as if she’d drunk a forbidden elixir that doomed her to forever dance with the devil’s little details. if sylvan was here, why hadn’t she come back? why hadn't sylvan returned to her?

one year, sylvan. it’s been one year. words shriveled on her lips, her throat impossibly tight. it was as if the language she once breathed had been lost—forgotten like an artifact in time, forgotten like the promises they had once shared in a petal whirl of forget-me-nots.

a breathless laugh wheezed from her chest. maybe this was truly a dream. a fantasy spun from the threads of delirium and wishes. a cruel trick by capricious spirits or perhaps a gift with hidden strings from fox-faced fae. and if she were to touch sylvan, perhaps the honey-stained soul would disappear, dissipating like a stream of stardust.

but still, she reached out.

the tips of her toes faltered, her steps swaying as if she were dancing. her world morphed into a landscape of monochromes and stars scintillated, bright and searing, at her periphery. the cry of cicadas and of her companions cut through her, a crescendo amidst the sudden deafening quiet, but it wasn’t enough to snap her from her delirium. she crumpled into a bed of thistles and thorns. ( -10% health [belly wound] for aiyana, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs, +1fp bugs)

and the world faded into an abyss—a quiet, dreamless sleep.

─────────────────────────────────────╮


⊰ patrol status updates ⊱

• all patrollers gained +10% hunger (hup)
  
• aiyana is now at 90% health (hp)

⊰ xp earnings (death opt in/out) ⊱…………………………

• +220xp for writing (doubled for completing
  wahoo's first task), +10xp for patrol sent
  +10xp for prey, +4xp for herbs, +60xp from
  july '24 qb
⊰ findings ⊱

• +1fp bugs [x10], +1 hawkweed
  
• +1 yarrow, +1 tormentil, +1 stick

⊰ level totals ⊱

• +304xp → level 6 (348/800xp)


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⊰ notes; hi, i love the lore in your explore post─i'm excited to see what happens with aiyana and sylvan from here! 👀👀

also i noticed that one of your quote boxes also vanished!! might just be a lil coding mix-up, but make sure to include a section for "inventory items used" for future explore posts! c: and definitely lmk if you need any help with that too! <33
───────────────────────────────────────────────╯

[Vivika]

✦ UPPER CIRCLE !!

x⊰ jaxytheghost ✦ archive ✦ last post ⊱

a sullen huff adorned the space between them. even without turning, spots could sense the reluctant shuffle of his daughter’s paws against damp earth and the secret eyeroll thrown behind his back. the hint of a smile tugged at his lips, unfurling a gentle spark of warmth in his chest.

tinker’s sense of empathy, while small now, meant everything. if she could nurture that like the curl of a tiny bean sprout, perhaps it would one day bloom into her greatest strength. and maybe even into a beanstalk—a magical staircase of broad, bouncing leaves leading to a realm of mystery, music and adventure.

“the twolegs didn’t just leave the tortoise behind, y’know?” fronds of tall bluegrass gently tugged at him, their ends knotting into his dark curls. “come take a look.”

nestled in the tangle of sun-dried stalks and sprigs was a trove of treasure. the fragrance of bread crumbs and the sweet tang of cherry tomatoes twined in the morning breeze from within an abandoned picnic basket. time had already aged the woody exterior of the basket, softening the once polished and sturdy rims, but it hadn’t yet touched the gold inside. (+1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1fp scraps, +1 thyme, +1 dried oak leaves)

“look, dad.” the stormy tuft of tinker’s head tickled his chin, inviting him closer. a faint aureate glow shone from the depths of the basket. inside, his touch closed around a slender plastic wand filled with the essence of a thousand stars. (+50 stardust for completing wahoo’s third task; xp bonus given below!)

─────────────────────────────────────╮


⊰ patrol status updates ⊱

• two free explore posts remaining
  
• all patrollers gained +0% hunger

⊰ xp earnings (death opt in/out) ⊱…………………………

• +30xp for writing, +10xp for patrol sent, +10xp
  for prey, +2xp for herbs, +10xp for sept task #1
⊰ findings ⊱

• +1fp scraps [x10]
  
• +1 thyme, +1 dried oak leaves

⊰ level totals ⊱

• +62xp → level 0 (62/100xp)


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⊰ notes; n/a, welcome to explore!! spot & tinker have my whole heart oh my gosh─their interaction was so sweet 🥺❤️
───────────────────────────────────────────────╯

[crexmii]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐭é !!



last post 🐢 last reply ★ level 5 [ 206/600 ] ★
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"not again?!" weasel groaned, lashing her chocolate tail. "how many times are we going to run into more strangers?" she hissed.
"i hope they don't hurt us again.." melete mumbled, red eyes looking around nervously. belladonna said nothing and simply tasted the air. the unfamiliar scents were wafting closer.

"guys. guys. those cats don't look very friendly," weasel whispered, nudgind belladonna's shoulder frantically. the tortoiseshell glanced over her shoulder. a small patrol of four felines made their way through the long grass, scanning their surroundings. what seemed to be the leader of the patrol, a blue tabby, strolled ahead. pip squeaked in alarm.

belladonna stared as they got closer. and closer and closer...
her eyes glazed, recognition dawning in them.
"hide." she hissed desperately.

the tortie had only said a single word, yet the other two mollies knew that she meant it. the trio dived into some nearby bushes and squeezed in between the leaves. it was night, so hopefully their dark coats could blend in with the shadows. cheeto had luckily perched in a faraway tree, so his feathers didn't glow and expose them.

as the felines passed by, belladonna could feel her companions' warm breath on her pelt. none of them dared to make a sound until they had left.
"who were they?" shuddered melete. belladonna shifted and snarled, "lilies of the void. i hate them."

the rosetted tabby stared in confusion. "they're part of a cult. they worship the void and believe some cat named nyx controls them, and that the void is for the rebirth of the world or something like that. i think it's a whole pile of fox-dung," weasel added helpfully.
"what if they'd found us?" asked melete.

"then we'd all be coming back to their camp with them as new members," weasel meowed dryly. "no, but seriously, i don't know why, but they're really convincing. if you look into their eyes it's like..being hypnotised."

"...surely that part can't be true." melete meowed softly.

weasel was getting tired. the journey had been long and they still weren’t back at camp yet. she was struggling to keep her eyelids from closing.
the chocolate molly felt herself beginning to nod off. stars, she was so tired…


something brushed against her paw.

jolting awake, weasel leaped back and stared around wildly. no, oh no, had they been found?
however, she saw no other feline. just a…

“weasel, what is it?” belladonna hissed.

she looked down.
“it’s…a tortoise.”
the creature was slowly moving forward, unaware of the fear it had caused the three cats in front of it several seconds ago.

melete couldn’t help herself and snorted, breaking into a grin. weasel rolled her eyes and saw that even belladonna was chuckling.
“come on guys, i was just worried!” weasel protested, stamping her white paw impatiently. “let’s keep going.”

as they emerged from their bushy hiding spot, weasel noticed that it was already dawn. the first few rays of light were shining down on them.
“should we take the beach route? i mean…it’s longer, but safer. we won’t be so near the cult’s camp.”

belladonna murmured agreement and continued to gaze at nothing in particular. her blue and red eyes had a faraway look in them, like she’d seen something that melete and weasel could not.

the black tortie shook her head and padded forward, overtaking the other two travellers.
weasel gave belladonna a concerned look. “bella, are you sure you’re alright with this? if you would rather get home faster, then…”

belladonna nodded. “i’m fine,” she hissed. weasel decided not to push her any further.

————————

as the wanderers passed the nefelibata’s shores, they saw all kinds of washed up starfish and seaweed as they padded along the sandy coasts, their paw prints leaving marks in the sand.

suddenly, melete darted away from them. “hey! what-“

she’d come back with a conch shell. to weasel, it didn’t seem like any ordinary conch. it shone and glimmered as the sunlight hit it, a prismatic rainbow of colours, all dancing together in one shell. melete’s eyes shone. “it’s beautiful! i hope you don’t mind if we take it back to your camp.”

weasel gazed at it. it really was pretty. “yeah, alright…let’s bring it back.”
belladonna glanced at it. the fur on her neck seemed to bristle slightly, but she flattened it again before turning away and continuing to lead the way.

it seemed like melete had seen it too, because red and green irises met as she exchanged a concerned look with the chocolate she-cat.

i wonder what that was all about.

—————————

the eyes. they were back. belladonna’s fur pricked once more.
“i know you’re there.” she snarled, barely a whisper, but she knew it would hear her anyway.

a flicker of neon in her periphery. the shores glowed, blinding her. it was as if the sunne was falling.
rainbow stars in front of her. she blinked once more, and the world was dull again. the beach no longer shone. the sand was normal coloured, the luminescence all gone.

blink.
rainbows and lights.
another blink.
normality.

ugh.

she’d definitely gotten something now. must’ve been from the paracosm, all those years when eunoia…
don’t think about eunoia. she’s gone mad.
but maybe i’m going mad too.
soon you’ll be just like her!

the voice that echoed in her head sounded just like wind chimes.
and she hated it.
get out of my head, mania.

belladonna dug her claws into the sand and glanced behind. weasel and melete were deep in conversation and at a good distance behind her, not paying any attention to her.

she felt sick. her stomach lurched and she wanted to vomit. and it would be the of bright neon lights, the kinds that gave her a headache.
technicolour rainbows.
that’s what they were.

static filled her head.
yeah, she was going mad. she stared up at the ether. the stars…
they turned and turned like a giant carousel. endless rotating and undulating.
and she wanted to get off, but it wouldn’t stop turning, and she—
oh, she was so
d i z z y .

i want to go home.
she lay there on the sand, staring up into her friends’ worried gazes.
one crimson red, one bright lime-green.
belladonna coughed. and she saw her own blood on the sand. bright eye-burning pink that—

“hush. you’re okay.”

“i’m so sorry. it’s just…mania, they—“
melete hushed her. “it’s alright. you don’t need to explain. let’s continue.”
weasel had helped her up, got her back on her paws.

they really were her friends.
belladonna barely knew melete, and yet it felt like she’d known her for years.
and yet, what if they left her? she was just a burden. and the colours had come back. they were flickering back into sight, she wanted to scream and tell them to go away.

“okay. we’ll be here, alright? we will not leave you behind if you faint.” weasel mewed firmly.
huh. had she said that part aloud by accident? probably.
her mind was too confusing for her these days.
but it was okay, because she had her fellow wanderers who would pull her out of the mess.

they were belladonna’s safety net if she fell, if the ground gave way and she collapsed with it.
they would protect her from the colours, the neons and the static fuzz.

“let’s go home,” melete mewed gently.
i’d like that.

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[ # 1, 239 words ]

-- cats on patrol
belladonna | she / her | HP 90% | HUP 10% | Sick: No

melete | she / her | HP 95% | HUP 10% | Sick: No

weasel | she / her | HP 95% | HUP 10% | Sick: No

-- custom predators / prey? n/a

notes :: +5 exp from quests

yayy i love making my cats spiral into insanity!! it’s so fun to write lol

inventory items used
none!

active / monthly tasks
completed monthly tasks 1, 2 and 3 (forgot to add this lil bit but warning that the emoji might look different because i use an iPad to write these)

[/quote]

-- level 5
experience: 206/600

-- opted in to death?
nope

-- inventory

scraps | 1 FP | x1
bugs | 1 FP | x3
small fish | 2FP | x1
mouse| 2 FP | x1
shrew | 2 FP | x1 (fp of choice from lvl up)
squirrel | 3 FP | x2
frog | 3FP | x1
minnow| 3 FP | x1 (fp of choice from lvl up)
bird | 4 FP | x1

cobweb | x1
chamomile | x2
borage leaves | x1
willow leaves | x1
willow bark | x1
broom | x1
hawkweed | x1
mallow leaves | x1
feverfew | x1
fennel | x1
ragwort | x1
poppy seeds | x1
stinging nettle | x1
goldenrod | x1 (herb of choice from lvl up)
coltsfoot | x1 (herb of choice from lvl up)
lovage x1 | (herb of choice from lvl up)
daisy leaf x1 | (herb of choice from lvl up)

[dimi.]

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Last Explore Post // Last Explore Response

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[1542 words]

"Of course... we did." Kora replied meekly, moving to Soot's side before collapsing. The wound etched into her face had been losing more blood than she thought, and with the adrenaline wearing off, the last of her strength faded. She would drift off next to Soot, but she was still breathing steadily - something Envy thanked the stars for.

"We can't continue like this. We're going to have to turn around, as soon as we all get some rest." Envy said, hissing in pain as she tried to press her paw into the soil beneath her, pain shooting up her leg. "Dammit! Curse that dog, curse those cats..." She collapsed as well, looking forward at her two rogues before her. Seeing them in such shape because of her rash decisions burdened her with an undeniable guilt, but it was not one she could address. Her adrenaline had worn off too, and she would fall into a slumber alongside the other two mollies, her chest heaving as it tried to thwart away the pain and various scratches across her pelt.

-----

The camp of the Heart of Decay was peaceful, a rather uneventful day for the rest of the cats. Hunting and scavenging patrols had come and gone, and all the duties for the day were nearly complete. And yet, one patrol was still missing - that of Envy, Soot, and Kora. Outside of the camp sat Nola, whose whiskers twitched and white fur swayed in the wind. She was always more atuned to the feelings of those around her, but something in the air felt... wrong.

There was a heavy stress and anger filled smog surrounding Nola -- however, it wasn't immediately before her. It seemed much farther away, in the direction of the mountains far from the camp. It wasn't like Envy to come back from a patrol late, in fact, it was unheard of. She was punctual, calculative, she wouldn't come back late if she had a choice. This alone made Nola race to the den of the deputy, Onyx. Onyx is not only the deputy of the Heart of Decay, but Envy's mate -- Nola felt a sense of dread when she entered the den to break the news.

"Nola! I hope you are faring well." Onyx said, surprised by her entrance. Then, her gaze shifted upon seeing Nola's expression. "What is wrong?"

"I think something went horribly wrong on Envy's patrol. I sense stress coming from the mountains. And... physical pain. I can't take it on though - they're too far away. I can only sense it." Nola grimaced, Onyx's ears perking.

"That would explain why they're late. Thank you, Nola." Onyx rose to her paws, maintaining her composure until she exited the den, breaking into a sprint for the medicine den. She flung herself into the cavern, her eyes wide. At the end of the medicine den, Avia sat, sorting through a variety of herbs.

"Onyx? What's going on, why do you look so scared?" Avia asked sternly, her pupils suddenly shrinking. "Envy never came back. What do you know?"

"Nola thinks she sensed the patrol by the mountains. There is potential injuries. I need you to gather herbs right now, we are out of here!" Onyx ordered in a panic. "I'll meet you outside your den, I... I need to gain my composure." Avia, without hesitation, bowed her head and turned to her shelves, stuffing as much as she could into a small black glove that Bria had brought back from one of her expeditions. It was perfect for holding large amounts of herbs, while also easy to transport. Upon filling it, she exited the den, looking forward at Onyx.

Onyx's body quivered, her eyes locked on the ground. Why didn't I investigate this sooner? Dammit, dammit, dammit! She cursed herself, immediately snapping out of it upon seeing Avia. "Sorry. We need to move out, before the sun sets. We will be running. If you need me to hold that glove, you tell me and we'll keep moving forward." The two shared a mutual nod before taking off into the forest.

As Onyx ran and the wind brushed through her fur, she thought about her lover. She hoped that Envy wasn't dead, that she was just wounded from protecting the other two. Envy was strong, much stronger than most comprehended - it had to of been a formidable opponent to hurt her. Onyx just hoped it wasn't a cat that would come back for a round two out of spite. The two cats continued to run, taking turn carrying the bags of herbs. Eventually they came to a stop, the pair panting. Despite their training, cats were only meant to run for so long, and they had reached their limit.

"We'll just... rest for a moment, and keep going." Onyx drew out with a sigh, her ears perking. The leaves next to them had begun to rustle, but oddly slow. Avia and Onyx exchanged a glance, the two mollies slowly rising before shifting backwards, making sure not to trample over even the smallest twig. They were ready for what was on the other side. So you can imagine their surprise when an absurdly large turtle [tortoise!] emerged. It's body was a peculiar green, donned by a large shell.

"Is that a 🐢?" Avia asked, tilting her head. "It's... veeeery large for a turtle." She added on with a squint of her eyes.

"Better a turtle than anything else, I'd think." Onyx sighed. "Well, that gave me enough adrenaline to keep moving. Come on."

The two mollies pressed on, the tree line before them soon breaking. They emerged on an open field, Onyx's nose to the wind. The faint scent of her lover's aroma filled her nostrils, and she tilted her head in the direction of it. "That way."

By this point, the sun had begun to set. They didn't have much daylight left to approach the patrol. Onyx and Avia finally arrived at the sight of the patrol, and it was ghastly.

Envy's paw was visibly sprained and slightly swollen, a pool of blood was found around Kora's head, and the way Soot was wheezing in her slumber, she too had fallen ill - just like Zara.

"What attacked them?" Onyx inquired. "Okay... get to tending to the injuries. I'll talk to Soot when she awakens."

"Dog."

"Eh?" Onyx looked down at Soot, who the voice had come from. It was weak, and riddled with coughing.

"A dog got us. Envy.. and Kora protected me. I got sick on the way out here, and it's been getting worse fast. But I don't want to be the reason we turn around."

"To be blunt, Soot, you are probably turning around either way, or resting here for a couple days before continuing." Avia stated coldly. "You guys are SO lucky that dog didn't do more." Avia then turned to the glove, pulling the herbs out of it and placing them atop to sort through them. As she sorted, her paw struck something hard. She looked at it, tilting her head in confusion.

"Onyx, what is this?" She kept her paw over it, lifting it once Onyx came to look.

"That's a shell. Was it just in this two-leg thing?" Onyx asked, peering into the glove.

"Yeah. Odd." Avia gently tossed it to the side before getting to work on tending to their wounds. As she tended, she spoke to Onyx.

"Sort those herbs for me. I'll need to find something to treat Soot's illness before we take her back home. I do not want a plague striking our clan." Avia ordered, and without hesitation, Onyx began to sort. Her tail remained draped over Envy's body, the rhythmic breathing soothing Onyx's otherwise shot nerves.

Soot looked forward to Kora as her wound was tended to, lifting a paw up to touch one of Kora's. "I am so sorry."

The sensation of touch seemed to awaken Kora, her eyes opening.

"Ah ah, keep your eyes shut unless you want a stinging poultice in them." Avia quickly cooed, Kora closing her eye.

"Are we all alive?" Kora asked grimly, her paw curling inward to tightly grasp Soot's.

"Yes, you're all okay, but this patrol is turning around as soon as Envy is awake and Soot is no longer ill."

"No... no Envy won't allow that. We are so close to the mountains, we need to find who is inflicting this sickness on us, if it isn't the stars." Kora retaliated.

"Even when your whole patrol is injured, you are still so persistent." Onyx said with a sigh. "I don't think my love is of rational thought right now. I will try to talk her into coming home, but if she refuses, I will be joining you."

"But, Onyx. That leaves no leadership back at camp."

"That's incorrect. When Envy and I are on a mission, you are the next in line for leadership duties. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am." Avia quickly obeyed as she tied the final cobweb and stick around Envy's paw. "That's as good as it's going to get out here."

By this point, the sun had fully set, the patrol sitting in silence. They would await Envy awakening.

[You can continue with Envy awakening, or not, I don't mind. Next explore response will probably be a timeskip/cat switch unless something monumental happens lol]

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━ cats on patrol
Soot | She/Her| HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Envy | She/Her / HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Kora | She/Her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Avia | She/Her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Onyx | She/Her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

Notes:
leave soot alone /silly

claiming xp from
august quests
+ 150xp (i think?)

━ level 6
experience: 174/800

━ inventory items used
x1 squirrel 3fp [divided between envy, kora, soot]
x3 bugs 1fp [one per envy, kora, soot] --
used to restore 20% HUP.
x1 chickweed, raspberry leaves,
and alder bark [using 1 herb of choice]
TO HEAL SOOT. HORRAY!
x1 bindweed and x1 cobweb [both
herbs of choice] to heal envy's
15% hp

x1 cobweb [herb of choice] to
heal kora's 10% hp.

━ active / monthly tasks:
Monthly Task 3 [🐢]
Monthly Task 1 [Tortoise and Shell]

━ opted in to death?
after that last response hell no!

━ inventory
bugs | 1 FP | x1
mouse | 2 FP | x2 [4 fp claimed]
squirrel | 3 FP | x1
frog | 3 FP | x1
minnow | 3 FP | x2 [6 fp claimed]

burdock root | x1
coltsfoot| x2
lavender| x1
catchweed | x1
lamb's ear | x1
sweet sedge | x1
borage leaves | x1
ragwort leaves | x1
foxglove seeds | x1
herb of choice | x4

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