[Berryy]

Username:
Storage: LushClan
Last Patrol Post: Click!
Patrol:


Paradise closed her eyes, letting the ocean breeze fill her senses, salty but refreshing. It tasted like freedom. She wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

“What ya doing over there, lass?” Her shipmate, Salty sat down next to her on the deck.
“Oh nothing, just having a quiet moment before we arrive wherever the two-legs take us next. I’m hoping for a big city, I guess? There would be plenty of rats and mice for us to eat and you know how locals are a lot more eager to chat and mingle with a full belly. Oorr… something really crazy, like something that is completely beyond anything we’ve ever seen. Although, it would be pretty hard to beat the time monkeys stole all the fruits, while the two-legs tried to chase them down” The young molly’s whiskers twitched with amusement at the recollection of the memory. Now she turned her gaze away from the seemingly endless waves of the ocean to Salty. “What about you, what kind of adventures does the Great and Fearsome Salty wish for today?”
“Hmm, I don’t really think about these kinda things. Whatever happens will happen anyways and daydreaming all day is a pretty good way to set yourself up for disappointment, don’t you think, little bird?” The older tom gently nudged Paradise’s flank with his tail.

“In my humble opinions imagination adds a little flavor to everyday life, thankyouverymuch” In retaliation, the young molly nudged the tom back even harder. “Anyways, I’m heading to the kitchen, the twolegs are about to eat and the lady always gives me some if I go there and act cute enough. I’d be happy to share the spoils with you if you come?”

--------------------------------------

It has been a day since the ship arrived to its destination, a small town bustling with life, strange yet exciting smells to be explored at every corner. The air was thick from humidity and huge, dark vegetation encircled the settlement, like the thick bramble walls of a den. Eventually, the pair stumbled upon a small group of cats in the marketplace and hit it off with them immediately, as usual. They spend the day pulling all kinds of mischief, such as stealing and entire bag of sausages or annoying the nearby dogs and scaring any twolegs walking nearby with their loud barking. But it starts getting late before they know it and they need to walk a long way back to the ship, through what they’ve come to know as the “rainforest”. But as they were about to step onto path leading back to the ship, one of their new friends, a silver tabby she-cat stopped them.

“Umm, I wouldn’t go that way, if I were you. Usually twolegs chase all the predators, such as giant snakes away, but I wouldn’t risk it. Also, some strange cats life in those trees. Like very dangerous, savage cats who hunt in groups and attack anyone who crosses into their territory. They are called a clan, and their members are fighters or something like that” Paradise could feel her heart skip a beat. A Clan!? Like, the ones her mother used to tell her about? She has to investigate this!
“Hold, what was that last part, something about a clan? Can you tell me where do they live?”
“Uhh, I literally told you, they are dangerous, why would I know? Plus, I’m not even sure if they even exist. In the past couple of moons, I only ever encountered some cats Wolf’s pack and let me tell you, those guys are even worse, because they don’t care about borders or rules, they’re just a bunch of bullies!”
“So, which way should I head then…?”
The silver tabby let out a defeated sighed “You really wanna see those cats, don’t you? Well, you’ve been warned. They’re that way, from what I’ve heard.” She flicked her tail in the direction.”But please be careful!”
“We’ll be fine, the two of us are a lot tougher than we seem” Salty meowed and with that the pair disappeared into the thick undergrowth.

For a while everything was silent, except for the excited chirping of birds, from seemingly everywhere. Gosh, why is there so many of them? Or are they just so loud that seems like there’s many of them? Paradise wondered. The air felt suffocating, somehow it was even worse than it was at the market, yet her paws seemed to move instinctively forward, as if something was pulling her by a string. A thirst for adventure, perhaps? After her mother’s untimely passing, she tried to find her clan to seek protection from a world that was way too big for a small, orphaned kitten. And also, to inform them of her mother’s fate. But Paradise never found them, so eventually she figured that maybe she didn’t remember the details right or maybe it was all just a mirage of her childish imagination. But now she can finally gather proof. This clan is too far away from her birth place, it is quite unlikely that her mother came from here, but maybe they can help her find out how she can find that other clan? That’s how it works, right? But she didn’t have much time to ponder, as angry yowls snapped her back to reality. She shot a worried glance at Salty. Someone’s in trouble, should they go and help?

Word Count: 900 words exactly B)

[dimi.]

Patrols for the week of October 18th are now closed.
To claim this XP, head over to Leveling and fill out the Patrol form! This experience will not be applied until you do so.

ivyy. 83 xp
ArithMedic: 108 xp
ruethefangirl: 153 xp
syn_cat: 90 xp
moonblaze-angel: 105 xp
Berryy: 90 xp

Posts for the week of October 25th are now open!

[Alizba]

Username: Alizba
Storage: TreeRoots Clan
Last Patrol Post: Here
Patrol:
The long night and short days are coming upon the clan. The winds of the night tell tales of the past and some say they even tell you the future. Snow’Owl sat there one of the long nights getting ready to leave before the sun rose up. The need for prey was greater than before with the winds telling the cats of the long cold night ahead of them self. The cold night met there will be little prey wondering the nights and days. Snow’Owl got up and gather Pony’Tail to join them for this long night. Pony’Tail then informed Fox’Tail to guard the camp while they were out. Snow’Owl and Pony’Tail then left the camp to walk the borders and find something for the prey pile and themselves.

With the night still young Pony’Tail speaks “Snow’Owl if you don't mind me breaking this quiet night?”
“You may go on but we must keep walking while you do.” Replied Snow’Owl not once looking back.
“That works with me. I must ask why does your fur smell of flame and ash?” Asked Pony’Tail with a worried expression. Snow’Owl stop for a moment looking down and in a harshed toned replied. “You may not ask that all you need to know is that the past is long gone and the smell of flame and ash will stay as long as we walk the plains of my lands.” Snow’Owl then went back to walking now a little faster then before. Pony’Tail looked over with sadness in their eyes. “Are we not sisters who share the lands with other cats?” She asked. Snow’Owl who slowed back down replied. “We are not sisters, we do not share the same kin but we do share the lands. I'm sorry you see that the smell of flame and ash is a touchy subject for me.” “I see I will not bring it up but do tell me there a good reason when you're up to it. I will lead the clan once you run with the winds. I must know the past of the founders if I wish to help the clan grow with are roots.” Replied Pony’Tail.

“That is true but only time will tell if I can walk around the fields then I will walk around the past as much as I can. You can know that I have seen and heard things that most cats say are not real, that the shadows do not talk, the cats of these lands say I am going mad. I must ask what do you know of the shadows that talk and the trees that misguide you?” Asked Snow’Owl who now stopped looking at Pony’Tail right in the eyes. Pony’Tail felt fear as their leader looked them in the eyes. “I know of no shadows or trees that misguide you. One thing I can say is there are stories and tales saying the agent leaders of a clan far from here can see the evil of others and the longer that evil lengers around them the worse it gets. There may be a chance that you are the old kin of that cat if that, so there one that will only do harm in are clan.” Pony’Tail says in a worried tone. Snow’Owl looked around before walking on. “We must keep going, we have long ways to go but while we walk I have heard of those stories from my kin. I do also believe there are only tales to keep kits good are they not?” “That is true I also had heard the tales from my kin long before they took me away and the little I remember of. I believe every story you have heard had to start from somewhere while the tales may not be true there are parts of it I believe are.” Pony’Tail replied. Snow’Owl then hums a little before asking “You say your kin told you before you were taken? By any chance, what was your name back in your old life? If you don't mind me asking.” Pony’Tail looks off in the distance before replying “I do not mind but I do not remember an old name before I join the clan life. I had fallen off something I believe that makes my memory a little fuzzy.” Snow’Owl looks a little sad while replying “I see that is fine. I thought you were or had known who I am seeking out for. If your memory is fuzzy you will not know as it's from when I was a kit long before this clan or the members of it.”

The rest of the night was quiet as the moon started to set. The two cats were able to hunt a rabbit to bring back to the clan and one for themselves to eat before needing to be back. The two cats that looked alike and showed sadness in their eyes were now safely back at camp with a Fox’Tail looking at them annoyed and probably plotting something and a Doe’Eyes looking annoyed at the prey they brought back as they hid their own little rabbit friend away in their tail.

Word Count: 858

[dolly]

Username: dolly
Storage: Forum/viewtopic.php?f=103&t=4994860&p=146954542#p146889694
Last Patrol Post: n/a
Patrol:

A few miles from the two-leg city sits the beginning hills of a vast mountain range. It’s far enough away from civilization that two-legs rarely venture that far, while also being close enough for new recruits to find their camp.
Nestled between two tall hills nicknamed “The Sisters” sits a rocky clearing serving as one of the main congregational points of the coalition. While some choose to sleep there, most only gather there each moon when the cats of the territory come together as one to speak. See, it isn’t uncommon for member cats of the coalition to go days without seeing one another. Their territory is vast beyond imagination, and their rules emphasize freedom over ones life. Yet, it isn’t simple law that keeps in-fighting away, but respect for the iron paw Storm rules with. Not cruel, not merciless, but firm.
Individual cat dens can be found all over The Sister’s range. It isn’t uncommon for cats to nest in small family groups, away from the bustle of the highlands dens. Some may also choose to nest alone. It is of no concern to anyone else as long as they follow the laws of hunting and respect.
But those who do seek company will find it in the highlands of the First Sister where Storm watches over their territory like a mighty eagle. Those who find there home up there are known to be both the oldest cats and the newest journey-makers. Both long allies of Storm as well as the weak, driven from the competitive two-leg city. Nurseries take up the center of the highland dens, far, far away from the cliffside. Nurseries where queens care for their young in unison, often without a tom to accompany them. Alongside them, many elder cats can be found. Those who struggle to hunt for themselves like they used to, yet who have found sanctuary within the mountain’s coalition.
Down the side of the First Sister runs the mighty river. While the current down the hill is too strong for most, it settles into a calm lake below. All cats of the coalition make use of its many great qualities. Fish are abundant, as well as frogs and lizards. The water is fresh, unlike the polluted puddles of the city. Best of all, it is deep enough to swim through. While kittens are never permitted to visit it alone, many adults make use of it as a recreational activity during the days and nights. Most of them had never seen anything like it until arriving at camp.
The best hunting grounds are considered to be that between the sisters, particularly that by the lake. Mice, hares, chipmunks, and even eagles can be grabbed by a vigilant hunter within its boundaries. But, as rule states, one may only hunt what feeds themself. All excess must be left as tribute to the rest of the clan. Any cat caught hoarding is subject to trial by combat in the meeting clearing. There have only been two cases in the many moons they’ve lived here, and neither ended particularly well for the challenger. For each challenger must face Storm herself, and there are few cats arrogant enough to believe they’ll win that fight. Three legs or not, Storm is brutal opponent with a fierce determination to win.

Word Count: 552

[KelpieMomma]

Username: KelpieMomma
Storage: GorgeClan
Last Patrol Post: Patrol 2
Patrol: It was strange, to have a group of cats around her again.

First it had just been Skeeter and Slip, and she had tried to teach the young tom everything she knew but most of what she knew was herbs and healing, and the darker side of it all. She didn't know how to fight well, knew how to hunt only enough to keep her alive, and knew how to find a decent denning site after all the time she'd spent on her own, learning the hard way to look for a solid ceiling when it looked like it was going to rain and decent wind-blockers when the chill came calling. Caves had been her safety since she'd arrived in this territory, gradually combing over every inch until she knew the safest ones. Waterfalls reminded her of home, and so when she found a combination of cave - with suitable exits - and waterfall she had...

Well. She'd fled from it. Afraid that the sound might send her back in time, back to when she was young and innocent and happy.

She hadn't thought that being surrounded by cats might do the same thing. Skeeter had been just one cat, safe. And then she had found Koi and Spice fleeing from a coyote, and they'd caught a chill due to the cold water and fleeing and had been stuck with her and her... protege? Tagalong? Companion, for a time. And then along had come Mousedapple, a beautiful she-cat that Jagged could tell Skeeter was admiring, though the spotted cat had her own hang-ups. Mousedapple was something like a friend of Koi's, a sort of mentor-apprentice pair, though neither used the words. And then Glass had wandered in, with a nose as sharp as he pleased, setting Skeeter's fur on edge - as well as Jagged's, though she was used to hiding her discomfort by this point - and the older tom absolutely delighted in teasing the younger one. It now wasn't uncommon to hear Glass's smooth voice followed by a shriek from Skeeter. Were it not for Slip, the little white cat's constant companion and partner in crime, scaring the lilac tom at every opportunity she may have truly intervened. As it was, she let them sort it out.

Jagged was no leader.

And yet, despite that, despite everything, something in her chest felt more and more complete with each cat that wandered into her path. Each of them held something that made her believe more and more, there might be a clan here.

She was a healer, with Skeeter - for now - following closely in her pawsteps. Koi had a knack for finding pathways and staying hidden, not exactly a warrior but an excellent lookout. Mousedapple delighted in a fight, seeming to have a bone to pick with life itself and using her anger at her past - and the idea of clans at all, something mildly worrying to Jagged - to fuel her ability. Spice had taken one look at Jagged and Skeeter's temporary residence and begun to fortify it without second thought, as if it was something she was used to. And Glass kept them all entertained with stories of his past, exploits and adventures, many of which Jagged was certain were made up. It kept the cats who had found her, who seemed to gravitate towards her, entranced though.

A healer. An apprentice. A scout. A warrior. A camp-maker. An elder.

What they didn't have was a leader, nor a way to contact the Beyond.

A sinking feeling in Jagged's gut told her that it wouldn't be that way for long.

Word Count: 600

[Moonblaze-Angel]

Username: Moonblaze-Angel
Storage: MooseClan
Last Patrol Post: Mousepaw meets Alpine
Patrol:

"Oomph!" Mousepaw exclaims as the tortoiseshell launches himself into her. She rolls as best she can, albeit clumsily. She's never been taught to fight! Only the moves Leafpaw has shown her when they practice with each other. Thinking quickly, she goes limp in his paws.

"I got her! Mintstar I-" his meow of triumph is quickly cut off as she launches upwards, throwing him. He tumbles off and she whips around, claws out. She's about to ask him what he thinks he's doing attacking a medicine cat, but Leafpaw barrels into his side.

"How dare you attack my sister, you coward! Fight an apprentice who knows how to!" He knocks the tortoiseshell over, who does a barrel roll and pops back up, light on his feet. Whoever this apprentice his, he's agile and sturdy.

Alpine seems a little befuddled by the sudden attack and takes a pawstep forward. "Are you from MooseClan? Perhaps you should ask us what are plans are before attacking us?" She takes another step forward, this time menacingly. The three of them seriously outnumber the tortie apprentice.

"Hold on!" Mintstar drops down out of one of the trees nearby. Mousepaw jumps a tiny bit, not expecting to see him this close to the border.

The border! They must have crossed it while she was zoned out. No wonder the tortie had attacked them! The three cats had crossed the border without even pausing. Leafpaw and Mousepaw should know better by now.

"Mudpaw, back down. These cats are friends." He approaches softly, grass smashing beneath his paws. He studies the three cats for a moment, then continues.

"What brings you here, Mousepaw? Leafpaw? Medicine cat business?" He tilts his head a tiny bit and his expression softens. Minthop - no, Mintstar - was always kind to the two of them as kittens. Mousepaw was briefly his apprentice when she thought warrior training was for her. It must be weird for him to see her again.

His gaze falls on Alpine, and he straightens up to look a tad more regal. He had mastered the look years ago, Mousepaw had been told. "I have yet to meet you. My name is Mintstar, leader of MooseClan. I believe you may be looking for us?"

Alpine nods her head. "I came to the mountains in search of a home and heard you're recruiting." She turns her head to look at Mudpaw, then back to Mintstar. "Can you teach me to fight better? Your - what is it called, apprentice?" She turns her head to Mousepaw and Leafpaw for nods of approval before continuing, "Your apprentice fought fearlessly. I wish to learn this."

Mudpaw visibly perks up, glad that someone had complimented his fighting skills. Now that Mousepaw has gotten a clearer look at him, she can tell he's mostly fluff.

"But of course. MooseClan embraces cats of all backgrounds and futures. If you would like to follow me, I can take you back to the camp." He flicks his ear. "Mousepaw, Leafpaw, did you want to drop by for a mouse or two? I can't imagine Smokestar sending you here without a mentor. Unless he thought you two are about ready to become full fledged warrior and medicine cat?"

Mousepaw ducks her head in embarrassment. She wouldn't say she's ready quite yet! They still need to learn so much, and see even more. She hopes she can be a medicine cat soon, of course, but not until she knows everything. A medicine cat who doesn't know her remedies is hardly a medicine cat at all!

She looks over to her brother to see how he reacts to the compliment. As usual, Mousepaw can read every little emotion on her brother's face. He is absolutely ecstatic. I bet he gloats to the other apprentices later. Getting a compliment from a clan leader is pretty tough, after all. Smokestar is very fair in his leadership, but tough on the apprentices. He wants to make sure they can survive in the cold leaf bare season.

Apparently last year, two apprentices had been hunting alone and gotten stuck in an avalanche. They weren't sure if the snow had gone first or if the rocks had, but one apprentice got trapped under the rubble. The second was so busy trying to unbury the first that she hadn't noticed the eagle swooping in. It was far too late for either cat by the time their mentors found them. Since then, no apprentice I'd allowed out in the snow without at least two warriors. It was one of the first rules Smokestar had implemented since taking over as leader.

Well, taking over is a nice way to put it. Smokestar had fought off Morningstar when he was still just a warrior. Morningstar had been a really difficult leader and the clan was angry all the time with her around. She'd kicked Mintstar out of the Clan for being a kittypet at one point. There were rumors that she was threatening apprentices and stealing food from the elders, too. The final straw was when Smokestar, then Smokefoot, found out she had taken out the previous leader, Wrenstar. Wrenstar was his mentor and he kind of lost it.

Nowadays, he's a very chill leader. He's been even more excitable with his kittens being almost old enough to be apprenticed! Mousepaw is worried about the three of them. Well, Grasskit, really. She really, really wants to be a medicine cat apprentice, but Mousepaw is already one. Would they replace her with Grasskit? Would Grasskit have to be a warrior because she took her spot before she was old enough? Hopefully not.

Word Count: 940

[ruethefangirl]

Username: ruethefangirl
Storage: Sunclan
Last Patrol Post: Patrol 1
Patrol:
The Jungle Cats have lived for generations on the opposite side of the jungle as Sunclan. They started out much like any clan, but by the time Magmatuft was born, a coup had resulted in his father and older brother becoming the leader and deputy of the colony.
“He’ll be a fine leader one day,” his mother purred as she watched Magmakit play with his older sibling.
“I’d say,” his father agreed. “Not too soon, though.”
“What about me?” Lavakit asked. She wanted to be leader! Unfortunately, they had no interest in a she-cat running the clan.
Magmatuft grew up laden with his parent’s expectations, despite never showing any interest in leadership. He was nitpicked for not sitting straight enough, making mistakes, and being ‘irresponsible.’ Lavahiss grew resentful of all the attention her brother received. She antagonized him.
The warrior initiation had once been a hunting test. Under his father’s leadership, it had became a test of strength and endurance. The clan would watch as two apprentices battled it out until one gave up or passed out. The cat who won would get their warrior name. The cat who lost only got one more chance to prove themselves to the clan before being exiled to endure the jungle alone. Magmapaw failed against his sister. His next test was against his only friend in the clan. To make matters worse, his friend has also failed their first test. He didn’t get any sleep the night before. He considered running away. There were too many eyes on him, though. His siblings protected the camp at night. Magmapaw did the only thing he could do: he won. He became Magmastrike. A few days later, wracked with guilt, he ran away. He spent days trying to find his friend with no success. He wandered the jungle for a long time before exhaustion caught up to him. When he woke up, he was surrounded by worried Sunclan cats. He chose a new name for himself that day.
…
Sunflower led her new clan mates into camp.
“No way!” Oceanbreeze exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to see a real waterfall!” She meowed happily.
“Do you know how to fish?” Sunflower asked hopefully.
“I’ve never done it before, but I’ve seen them do it on the picture box.”
This was perfect! She knew more than Sunflower did. “Maybe you can teach us,” Sunflower meowed.
“Of course!” Oceanbreeze meowed. She ran off to get a closer look at the pool. Sunflower watched MouseSqueak and Oceanbreeze explore the ins and outs of their new home. MouseSqueak was inspecting the dens with much more caution than Oceanbreeze. Sunflower purred. The first week without cats had been lonely.
Both joined Oceanbreeze by the water for a lesson on fishing.
…
Later, Sunflower asked, “Do you want to come on a walk in the jungle with me?”
“Sure!” Oceanbreeze meowed.
Sunflower looked at MouseSqueak.
MouseSqueak would have preferred to stay in the confides of camp. It had been an overwhelming week after being kicked out of her human nest, having to adjust to being outside again, and then moving to Sunclan. But, she might as well get it out of the way so that it wasn’t so new. She nodded. Sunflower led them up the cliff. “I keep seeing these creatures. I’m not sure what they’re called. Maybe you’ve seen them on your ‘picturebox?’ They’re hairy brown things. Kind of like humans?” Sunflower described. “Look, there are some up there.”
Oceanbreeze had seen jungles on the picturebox. It was so unreal to explore one in person just like she’d dreamed! “You must be talking about monkeys.”
“Monkeys. Are they a danger to us?”
“I don’t think so. We should be fine. They should not attack us unless we mess with their young or their food.”
MouseSqueak’s ears swiveled to catch the birdsong and sounds of leaves shaken by the monkeys swinging above them. Sunflower and Oceanbreeze were inspecting a butterfly when MouseSqueak noticed the brown furry lump on the ground feet away from them. “Um…? Guys? What is that?” She hoped it wasn’t a body. She really wasn’t prepared for that.
“Huh?” Sunflower meowed.
Oceanbreeze began to chase the butterfly, oblivious, until she tripped over said body. “Oops!” She shook herself off.
Sunflower approached with MouseSqueak following on her heels. It was a cat.
Oceanbreeze poked it. “Hello?”
“Is it alive?” MouseSqueak peered around Sunflower.
Sunflower looked the cat over. He was breathing. He had a few scratches that didn’t look fatal. “Yeah.” He just looked a little white. “Can you bring me some water please?” She asked Oceanbreeze.
The cat began to stir. “Hey,” Sunflower meowed.
Magmastrike drifted into consciousness to the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Ugh. He groaned. He was so tired. Hungry. He definitely needed a drink. He could only hope these cats wouldn’t harm him for being in their territory.
“Here you go.” Oceanbreeze placed a leaf with water pooled on it before him.
Magmastrike drank gratefully.
“I’m Sunflower. Are you okay?”
“Think so.” Magmastrike meowed. He’d live. He eyed the cats as he sat up. “Give me a day and I’ll leave if you want me to.”
“No, it’s okay. Do you want to stay with us? We have a camp near here. You can rest for as long as you need before you leave. Or you could stay permanently…?”
He could stay? Magmastrike brightened. He wouldn’t be alone in the jungle. He could just be himself without worrying what his parents wanted from him. “Really?”
Sunflower nodded. “What’s your name?”
Magmastrike realized these cats didn’t know anything about him. He could tell them anything. He didn’t have to be saddled with the name Magmastrike, a reminder that he had struck down his own friend down to save his spot in the clan. “I’m Magma… Magmatuft.”
“Welcome to Sunclan, Magmatuft.”
Just like that, they had a new member.
-
Ginger looked around the den at everyone getting ready for bed. “Wait. You don’t have someone watch the camp at night?”
“Well… no,” Sunflower meowed. She hadn’t thought about it. Their camp was secluded enough.
“What if someone comes in through the tunnel? They’d attack us in our sleep before we even knew they were here!”
MouseSqueak’s eyes widened.
“Or the tigers could get us!”
“I don’t think… “ Oceanbreeze trailed off. She couldn’t confidentially say a tiger wouldn’t mess with them.
“Okay. I’ll stay up, then,” Sunflower meowed.
Magmatuft rolled over. “I will do it.”
“Are you sure? I want everyone to be comfortable.”
“No problem.” Magmatuft went to stand outside. This was how the “Tunnel Watcher” rank came to be. This cat’s job is to guard the magic tunnel behind the waterfall to make sure that no one else enters without notice. There are two tunnel watchers. They alternate days. On their off days they can take a break or participate in other clan activities. Two additional guards are posted at night at the front of camp. One stands at the top of the cliff. The other stays hidden near the bottom of the cliff, watching the other guard for a sign of any trouble.
…
The full extent of what Ginger had done hit her as she was attempting to fall asleep that night. She’d left the junkyard without telling anyone goodbye. They probably thought she was dead! All Ginger had to do was bat her eyes and one of the tomcats would find her something to eat. Now she’d have to catch her own food! She missed her old beat up cushion. She missed the chatter. The games they’d play as they were falling asleep. Was it worth it? Should she go back? At least let them know she was alive? Ginger had never made such a life-altering decision before. As if sensing her thoughts, Lulu nuzzled up closer to her face. Ginger remembered the day she found the squirrel.
Ginger and Root were climbing on the tire pile while their mother watched. “I can climb higher than you!” Her brother had taunted. “Not uh!” Ginger retorted. She batted at his tail before jumping to the next tire. She would beat him- Eek! Eek! Ginger’s head shot up. What was that? “I’m winning!” Her brother called. Ginger’s ears swiveled. Eek! She hopped to a new tire, near where the sound was coming from. Ginger crept even closer- oof! Root knocked into her before she could approach the source. “Get off!” She yelled. Root bit her ear. Ginger shoved him away.
“Play nice,” Their mother interjected.
Eek!
Root shot to his feet. He gave Ginger a sly look before taking off.
“Root!” Ginger whined as she chased him. They both peered down at a squirrel in one of the tires. Root batted at it. “I’m gonna eat it,” he said. “No!” Ginger hissed at him. She gently climbed down next to the squirrel. The squirrel put a paw to her nose. Ginger purred.
“What is that?” Mama cat asked.
“Her name is Lulu,” Ginger meowed.
“What’s happenin?” Oscar padded over to them. “You’ve got a friend, aye?” He chuckled. “Jack, come look at this.”
Mama-Cat shook her head. “That thing is going to get eaten.”
Lulu climbed onto Ginger’s back. “She will not. She is my friend.”
“Ginger gets what Ginger wants,” Jack meowed affectionately. That was that. There had been a few accidents but otherwise Lulu was just a part of their life.
Sunflower had made sure to introduce Lulu to the clan when she was making introductions.
…
“I wanted to say I’m grateful that you all are here. I know that adjusting to a new life is not easy for everyone. I’m working out the kinks of this clan stuff. If there’s anything I can do to make things easier, please let me know,” Sunflower meowed.
“You’re doing great!” Oceanbreeze meowed. Others nodded in agreement.
“Thank you, Oceanbreeze. Actually, you gave me an idea the other night. I was thinking today we could spend the day hanging out together. We could play games. Swim together.”
“Let’s do it!”
“Sounds good.”
“I have to get wet? But my fur!” Ginger protested. Her thoughts warred with her words, though. She did want a chance to get to know Sunflower better.
“You don’t have to do anything, princess,” Magmatuft meowed.
Hmph. Ginger glared at him, too dignified to respond.
“He’s right. I don’t want anyone to do anything they’re uncomfortable with, but I wouldn’t want anyone purposefully left out.”
“I… suppose I could get my paws wet today.”
“Let’s go slide down the Little Falls!” Oceanbreeze bounded over to the smaller waterfall on the left side of camp. MouseSqueak stood apart from the others observing as Oceanbreeze walked to the edge of the rock. She leaned forward until she was sliding down the decline into the pool below. “Weeee!” Magmatuft went next. “Whoa!!” He laughed. Sunflower looked at Ginger. Ginger looked down at Magmatuft and Oceanbreeze, then met Sunflower’s gaze.
“Will you do it with me?” She asked, hope swirling in her chest.
Sunflower smiled. “Sure.”
Ginger returned a smile of her own. They lined up next to each other.
“On three?”
“On three.
“One…”
“Two.”
“Three!”
They slid down together and came up splashing water at each other playfully. Ginger felt the butterflies take off inside her.
“MouseSqueak! You coming?” Magmatuft called.
MouseSqueak’s tail flicked. “I dunno…”
“You can do it,” Oceanbreeze encouraged.
MouseSqueak walked along the edge, debating. No, it was way too high. She made her way down the rocks instead. She didn’t mind watching the others play rather than joining. She liked observing.
“It’s okay, MouseSqueak!” Sunflower meowed.
MouseSqueak would look back at this first month in the clan with the most fondness. The smaller group, less business, more chill.
…
The five cats laid in the sun dying off.
Ginger loved the way Sunflower’s eyes glinted in the light…
“Do you miss your old home?” Oceanbreeze asked.
“No,” Mamgatuft meowed. He hadn’t shared too much of the details with them. Just that he’d done things he regretted. “Living with my family was rough.” He had longed to be close to his sister, but his parents had ruined that.
Ginger didn’t say anything. Guilt curled in her stomach again. She had had a nice family.
“A little,” Sunflower admitted. “I liked the humans. I don’t think they meant for me to be lonely or bored. I think they were just… clueless.”
Did MouseSqueak miss the humans? “Not really,” She whispered.
“What about you?” Sunflower asked Oceanbreeze.
Oceanbreeze sighed. “Yeah. I loved getting brushed and fed. I couldn’t imagine not getting to explore this place, though. Getting to visit the things from the picture box in person.”
Thankfully, they didn’t seem to notice that Ginger hadn’t answered, because Magmatuft asked, “What is a ‘picture box’?”
“You’ve never seen a picture box before?”
“No…”
“Only humans have picture boxes. They wouldn’t have them here,” Sunflower meowed.
“It’s a human contraption with changing pictures in it. It talks, too. You can see all kinds of things without going anywhere. Even other cats! I saw pictures of the jungle on it.”
“Other cats? Without going anywhere?”
“Yeah!”
Magmatuft didn’t believe it. He turned to Ginger. “You’ve seen this box?”
“I have seen it from a distance.”
“Huh.”
“We could take him through the tunnel,” Sunflower meowed.
“I’ll stay here,” MouseSqueak meowed.
“She shouldn’t stay alone. What if something happens?” Ginger meowed.
“Are you volunteering to stay?” Magmatuft asked.
Ugh. Magmatuft reminded Ginger of her brother. If she stayed, would Sunflower stay? If she left, would she get a chance to stop by the junkyard?
“That’s a good point. Not everyone should go,” Sunflower meowed. “Plus, we need to go hunting.”
“I want to take him,” Oceanbreeze meowed.
Turning toward Sunflower, Ginger made up her mind. “Could you show me those hunting moves again?
…
“Keep your tail still,” Sunflower instructed. They were crouched close together. Ginger’s fur tickled Sunflower’s face.
“Oh,” Ginger whispered. She was just so… overwhelmed with Sunflower this close to her. “What else?”
“You have to be quick. Lizards move really fast.”
“Uh huh…”
“Watch.” Sunflower pounced, but the lizard managed to wiggle out from under her paws. Ginger ran after it. “Come back here!”
Sunflower laughed as she chased after it with her. Ginger managed to send it running right back into Sunflower’s claws. “Aha!”
“I did it!” Ginger sat up proudly.
Sunflower giggled at Ginger. “Technically… I did it?”
“Really? You lost it the first time.”
“I gave it the killing blow.”
“How can I catch anything when my instructor is flawed?” Ginger teased.
“Hey!” Sunflower laughed.
“I technically got it.”
“Okay. We’ll tell the others you caught it, if you insist.”
“I do.”
“You try this time. Look over there.”
Ginger spotted the mouse Sunflower was referring to. She pounced, managing to give it a killing blow.
“Good job.”
Ginger purred.
Word Count: 2,482

[Ju_is_Lucky]

Username:Ju_is_Lucky
Storage: xxx
Last Patrol Post: none yet
Patrol:

Buck remembered when his name still had a meaning. At least he was always told only full Tribe names had actual meaning. He never quite felt connected to Little Buck That Hops, and everyone always called him just Buck anyways. He never felt all too connected with anything in his Tribe, mayhaps it was this indifference to their traditions that got him to be such an outcast. Whether it be naming traditions or sharing prey, even ceremonial Skyseeking was always of no interest to the young tom. He knew he would never see anything in the Everlights up in the sky and he was sure none of the others did as well. They might claim they did, but all there ever existed were the dancing lights in the sky, over the mountains surrounding their valley. They were just that, floating colourful light and they would never be more.

His father was always displeased by Buck’s views. He was not only the Healer of the Tribe, additionally with that he also the Leader; Thus appointing him Stoneteller, both in name and in title. As was his late father before him, and his father before that. It was assumed amongst the other tribe members that Buck would soon also follow in his father’s pawsteps, but once again, his attitude quickly extinguished all hope of that ever happening. He was also his fathers first and only kit, he was born with no littermates. For that reason, many cats saw it as a bad sign. The Healers own kit didn’t participate in the Tribe's traditions, nor believed in the Tribe of Endless Hunting. It was impractical and outright blasphemous. He became even more of a black sheep, when his younger siblings were born. Both were so much more involved and model tribecats in their behaviour and beliefs. Even though Buck was the older brother, he quickly was called Little Buck by everyone, thanks to his siblings. Another name often given to him was Lazy Buck. He spent a majority of his time sleeping. He never neglected his duties of course, but every other moment he’d be in his nest sleeping. What Buck saw in his dreams was like an open secret to the Tribe. Something they all preferred to be blissfully ignorant of.

Since he was a kit, he had always been visited in his dreams by a much bigger cat. Bigger than any cat he had ever seen. Broad build, paws that looked like they could even take out a deer with just one swing, muscles that were even clear under all the fur and gigantic canines. Just one of its fangs was almost as long as Buck when he saw it the first time. The creature told him it was a Saber Tooth Tiger. A mighty beast that had lived in this land many, many moons ago. It told him it was a Darctum . Or also known as Fate. A Spiritual Guide unlike any other. It, or rather he, also had a name. Dar Laqua Da Unstam. Buck already thought Little Buck that Hops was a mouthful to say, so he proposed just Laqua. The Darctum seemed displeased, yet he couldn’t stop the kit anymore once he had set his mind to it.

Everytime Buck would sleep. He’d be visited by Laqua. When the young tom didn’t pester the beast with questions, he would often just follow him around. Sceneries upon sceneries of places he had never seen before. From snow covered peaks, to endless stretches of scorching hot sand, even through the wet luscious forests, with the biggest trees, no cat could imagine without having witnessed them first. He saw other animals, some long gone, just like Laqua’s species, others too far away from where he actually lived. But here, he got to see it all.

Laqua also taught him how every species had their own culture. From other cats, to the smallest mice, even dogs or owls. Each living being followed its own rules and customs. And even though Laqua was a sort of spiritual guide, each species was most often actually led by their ancestors. Their actual guides and protectors. Buck had to admit he was wrong, maybe there was more between the ground underneath him and sky above, but the way his Tribe lived still didn’t seem fitting for him. Maybe for other cats, but not him.

When he tried to explain to his father everything he learned from Laqua, he had never seen him so angry. Called a heretic in front of every cat in the Tribe and threatened with exile, all he could do was lower his head and agree with his father. But he saw it, not that day, not while they were fighting, but the day after. His father had spoken to their ancestors about what to do with him, declaring they would choose how to punish him. No punishment ever came. He noticed it in his fathers eyes. The look of conflict, disbelief and fear. He never said anything again about Buck’s dreams, but he also never let him speak about them. And no other Tribemember ever asked. Either not wanting to know like his father or too scared to ask.

Buck could accept his standing in the Tribe. He understood that this knowledge was nothing light to hear, so he’d be the keeper of the tales and their teachings. Even as he met more and more of the Darctum. They told him to just call them the Council, an easier name for a mortal cat like him. They were not the only Guardians, next to them rules to Chaodra. Each group guarding the afterlives. The Darctum guarded the Place of Harmony and the Chaodra guarding the Shattered Realm. And Buck got to see both destinies. He didn’t know why he got to know about all this, but he was told that many species and even other cats had met them before. Not many had met them all. The reasons would always reveal himself with time.

The moment Buck became a Prey-Hunter, Laqua’s visits stopped. From one night to the other, suddenly his dreams were empty. Darkness and the cool, were all he could experience in his sleep. He could run endlessly and scratch at a ground he could not see, but nothing happened. He mewed at the boundless dark, he even cried out, but he’d only ever wake up in his nest. It felt like he lost a Tribemember, no, a family member. All his life he knew Laqua. All his life he was more of a father to him then any other cat he had ever known. He had never felt lonely in his Tribe before. He was always an outcast, yes, but with Laqua in his dreams, it never felt like he was actually by himself. Now it was like a drowning solitary. Yet, at night when he looked at the Everlight, it was the first time he felt like something was calling to him. Maybe that’s what his Tribemates meant when they spoke about Skyseeking and how they could hear the calls of their ancestors.

Buck couldn’t stand it any longer, he snuck away from his Tribe in the night. Out of their territory, out of their valley, and up the mountain. Step by step. Buck knew he’d probably not be back at dawn, but he didn’t expect for the journey to be multiple days long. Yet, he made it. All the way to the mountain’s peak. It was night and the Everlight was more clearly visible to him than ever. Standing right underneath it, he could see it. In the colours there were so many animals. Some he had seen in person before, others he had only witnessed in his dress with Laqua. All of them were up there. Together with the stars that seemed to move with them, glowing brighter than Buck had ever seen them. Still, he couldn’t see Laqua. He called out to him, but received to answer. His last hope, to maybe find him here again in his dreams. Curling up, Buck slept as close as he could under the Everlight, deep in the snow and freezing wind.

For the first time in so long, his dreams were filled with colours again. All the colours there ever were and between them moving all kinds to animals once more. Moving past, over, under and through him. And yet, when he woke up he still hadn’t seen Laqua. This whole Journey for nothing. Buck gave up, ready to turn back and accept his lonesome place back in his Tribe, when he heard a noise. It sounded like a small mew, coming from a cave. Buck hurried over. He didn’t think a kitten could survive up here, so he had to find it. And when he reached the opening he saw…him? Barely bigger than a kit, but the proportions seemed a little off. Yet the eyes were the same, and the canines longer than those of any normal cat.”Took you long enough” Laqua spoke and Buck never felt happier to hear his voice. It might have been quite a bit higher and softer compared to his dreams, yet it sounded just like him.

Word Count:1537

[selkirks]

Username: selkirks
Storage: https://toyhou.se/sprigatito/characters/folder:6096189
Last Patrol Post: n/a
Patrol:

River Sanctuary's territory is located within a forest. In the middle of the forest is a small island surrounded by a river. The camp is situated on the lone island, so cats must know how to swim. Kits are trained from a young age to know how to swim. In the center of the camp is a large tree which has been struck by lightning. The leader makes their announcements there. Land predators are not an issue for the colony, but avian and aquatic predators are. guards are posted throughout the day, especially when kits are learning how to swim. The river leads into a large lake, where cats find shells and rocks to decorate their nests and the woven walls of their dens. Shells and rocks can be used as mate ship gifts. If a cat wants to ask another to be their mate, they usually give the desired cat a glamorous shell or rock. Near the lake is a small dig out in the ground. Not deep enough that cats are injured or hurt from falling, but it makes great climbing practice, with ledges for cats to place their paws.

Another landmark is an abandoned human house. It has been in disrepair for about fifty years. It is a great source of cobwebs and prey, as prey, especially during the winter, like to hide in there. The house also has a basement. No cat has ventured down there yet, but some are very curious about it. Especially when there's creaking noises heard from down below. Raggedy blankets are taken from the house and are used as nests. Rarely, bats nest in the house and prove to be a rare delicacy for the cats of River Sanctuary.

Aside from bats, River Sanctuary enjoys a variety of prey. Notably their most common prey is mice, thrush, squirrels, robins, and trout. When the river freezes over during the winter, they hunt land prey. Though some inventive cats have used sharp rocks to break the ice and fish from the hole in the ice, though most cats prefer to just hunt on land. The predators that hunt River Sanctuary cats are hawks and pike, though for cats away from the island, foxes, wolves, and the occasional stray dog are threats. Deer are also common in the forest, but the cats don't bother the deer and in turn, the deer coexist with the colony. Every spring there is a day-long festival involving deer. A popular game is in which cats compete to see who has collected the biggest pair of antlers from deer shedding their antlers. The winner gets first pick from the prey pile. Another fun event is that cats dress up as deer. Using small antler shedding, a slab of rock or hardened clay, and sap, cats create 'deer helmets' and parade around as deer. River Sanctuary is a huge fan of celebrations and festivals like these.

Clay is found by the river and lake. Claymaker are able to take this clay, mold it into toys for kits, bowls, or something else, and leave it in the hot sun to dry. Clay crafting is usually only done during the summer due to the heat, so any necessary items are created during the summer before it can become too cold to dry the clay. To prevent especially elaborate work from breaking, sap is added to the clay as well to ensure a better chance of it sticking together. Claymakers are taught from a young age how to make pottery, and they pride themselves on their work. It is a respected craft, as so many cats use the pottery that the claymakers create.

Word Count: 610

[dimi.]

Patrols for the week of October 25th are now closed.
To claim this XP, head over to Leveling and fill out the Patrol form! This experience will not be applied until you do so.

Alizba: 85 xp
dolly: 55 xp
KelpieMomma: 60 xp
Moonblaze-Angel: 94 xp
ruethefangirl: 248 xp
Ju_Is_Lucky: 153 xp
selkirks: 61 xp

Posts for the week of November 1st are now open!