[Vivika]

✦ RONAN'S VOW !!

x( jazz. ✦ archive ✦ last post )


The low rumbling calls of puffins was far from music to his ears.

Their calls carried above the winds, a raucous cry as the flocks swooped and dipped, rising and falling with the winds in a graceless dance. Clumsy takeoffs and tumbling, belly-flop landings. Bumbling creatures with raw technique, but determined a;; the same. Admirable, perhaps. But now… how would they hold up under a few cats?

Dice’s head tilted, flitting to the Rex. “The puffins have arrived. We should gather the rest of the patrol and hunt them while they’re still here.”

Pillar remained motionless, an unwavering force against the buffeting winds. His form was steady, tall and still, unmovable, with the barest wisp of a smile touching his muzzle. “Just wait for a moment, Key.”

“Wait?” With a light kick, he cast a pebble down the ledge. “I don’t understand.”

A different song pierced the horizon. The call of another winged creature, a monarch of the skies, one who ruled with hooked, iron talons. An eagle.

The eagle joined the graceless waltz, wings still and spread wide, casting a long shadow over the clumsy creatures beneath. It swooped, precise and swift, talons hooking around a fumbling puffin.

And like that… the music changed. Puffins diving for the waters, feathers kicked up in a flurry, rumbling calls kicked to a higher pitch.

“We let the eagle do its work for us.” Pillar’s voice broke the trance, lilting with quiet confidence. “Only then will we strike.” Clouded eyes turned to meet his, unseeing, yet… knowing. “Come. The rest will be waiting for us.”


✦✦✦

Dice’s breath came in quick puffs as he navigated the cliffs, clambering up a rocky ledge. The outlines of a large nest of interowven sticks and twigs peeked out amongst the rocks, along with a few shadowed forms. A friendly face poked out, offering a wide grin.

“Dice. Pillar.” Rhythm’s eyes twinkled as he gestured to the raided nest. “Come to see the catch? A decent haul if you ask me… Wire did a fine job pinning down that eagle.”

Rhythm rummaged through the nest, waving him close. “Here look, puffins, an eagle and a few herbs! What do you think?” (+2FP puffin, +2FP puffin, +3FP eagle, +1 daisy leaf, +1 rush, +1 rush)

xx

✦ totals (opted in for death!)

xx+0% hunger for each patrol cat (no free posts left!)
xxxx↳ pillar (0% hunger), rhythm (0% hunger), wire (0% hunger)
xxxxxdice (0% hunger), essence (0% hunger), daybreak (0% hunger)

xxxp stats
xxxx↳ +150XP for writing, +20XP for patrol sent
xxxxxx+14XP for prey, +6XP for herbs


xxprey + herb finds for patrol
xx+2FP puffin, +2FP puffin, +3FP eagle
xx+1 daisy leaf, +1 rush, +1 rush

xxlevels
xxxx↳ +190XP → level 2 (268/300XP)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────x
xx

✦ notes: n/a! <33

──────────────────────────────────────────────────

[Swishy & Broken]

There is a new code-word, that being "Winter" or "Leafbare" (or whatever your clan uses for the season)! Using this word in an explore post any one time this month will earn you +20 EXP and a chance to win some super cute explore kitties: [x] [x] [x] [x]

This code-word can only be redeemed once, using it any further times will not yield any extra EXP or higher chances to win an explore cat.

[Cinxer]

Clan Ember

+40XP for 267 words written
+20XP for patrol sent
+0% hunger (two free posts left)
Emberstar looked at the long legged cat beside him and groaned. Of course it made sense for the apprentice needed to be trained and who better to do it than the leader? The young cat sure had a lot of ground to cover before his warrior ceremony. As they patrolled the sandy covered beaches emberstar tried to take mental notes about the surroundings: the twolegs, large rocks, occasionally twoleg rubbish. But what emberstar hadnt noticed was the strange object crowcall found half buried in the sand. It looked odd but he imediatly recognized it as something useful +1boon of fertility, +2XP maybe the spunky tom did have some skills.

After spending some time searching the new territory cloudrunner suggested she teach crowcall some hunting techniques. Cloudrunner pointed out a seagull pecking the ground for twoleg scraps, she whispered to crowcall to stay down wind but approach the bird head on. Meanwhile emberstar watched as the she-cat clambered on top of a rock just above the bird and perched herself ready to pounce at any moment. Crowcall was wiggling his tiny black haunches before leaping at the bird. It tried to fly but crowcall managed to catch its wing in his claws as the bird tried to fly away. The two fell to the ground in a tangle of fur and feathers. Cloudrunner waited until crowcall had pinned the birds wing to the ground before jumping into its back and delivering the killing bite. Together they carried it triumph gleaming in their eyes. +1seagull, +3FP, +6XP

On their way they also found some herbs. That should make blossomcrown happy. +1bright-eye, +2XP

Total:

+70XP | +0% Hunger (two free posts left) | +3FP | +1bright-eye | Level 0 (70/100)

Notes: seeing as you didnt have prey/predators listed I went ahead and gave you food that might be found on the beach. You can change this later as long as it still equates to 3FP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MistClan

+10XP for 71 words written
+10XP for patrol sent
+10% hunger for mistystar
Furzetuft blinks gratefully to mistystar and tells her she plans to stay in bush a few moments longer to catch her breath. Mistystar not wanting the she-cat to be alone as well as maintain her protected borders waited by her side. Finally as furzetuft rose to her paws another cat apeared from behined the bush. Furzetuft introduces the strange cat to mistystar who had been apparently there the whole time but too scared to help their friend. However watching mistystar's kindness made the cat more calm. Furzetuft is ready to move on from mistclan territory but as she disappeared into the distance mistystar realized the strange cat was still beside her. The cat dips their head politley and asks to join mistclan +1C MYO, +15XP for quest completed

Mistystar realizes with a pang that she hadnt eaten yet this sunrise and thought her clanmates would likely be hungry as well. Mistystar recalled that when she left she had only seen a meager pile of prey so it wouldnt hurt to hunt. Hunting had been strange since leaving thundering but she was slowly getting used to it. Luckily there was one thing that stayed the same. There are plenty of mice! It wasnt long before she managed to catch one +1mice, +2FP, +2XP

Along with her mouse she found some more herbs. Considering she used one for furzetuft finding two was a blessing from starclan!+1alder bark, +1dried oak leaves, +2XP

Total:

+39XP | +10% Hunger for mistystar | +2FP | +1alder bark, +1dried oak leaves | Level 1 (128/200)

Notes: when useing herbs or prey please put the used items in the "items in inventory used" quote box please <3

[RoxyTBDW]

MistClan
Last Explore Post | Last Response Received

Miststar returned to camp. She had two new cats! Ribbon, and Crystaleye. She enjoyed these new cat's company. She still needed to pick a deputy, though. She decided one of the four new cats would be her deputy. She jumped up onto her high rock. "Clan meeting!" she called. All the four cats gathered. "I gather you here to say, welcome to MistClan! Sadly, I have not decided deputy, but I will decide soon enough. For now, I will take Crystaleye with me on a patrol with me." Crystaleye flicked her tail in honor. Miststar meowed a dismissal and then hopped down. She flicked her tail at Crystaleye in beckoning. "Let's go!" she smiled. They disappeared into the trees.
[ 119 words ]

-- cats on patrol
Miststar | She/her | HP 100% | HUP 10% | Sick: N
Crystaleye | She/her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

-- custom predators / prey
N/A

-- level 1
experience: 128

-- items in inventory used
N/A

-- active quests:
N/A

-- opted in to death?
No

-- inventory
Bugs | 1 FP | x2
Mice | 2 FP | x1
prey | 2 FP | x0
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 4 FP | x0

Ragwort Leaves | x1
Dock | x1
Elder leaf | x1
Lavender | x1
Daisy Leaf | x1
Alder Bark | x1
Dried Oak Leaves | x1

[Shuurock]

🌲The Pride🌲
No Previous Explore Post

Lion pushed forward, “Come on everyone. No chickening out now!”

Sticky let out a small sigh, “We’ve been walking for what feels like days now Lion, where are we even going?”

Putting her head up Lion let out an irritated grunt. “We’re going until we find a territory!”

Sticky grunted, but continued to follow behind her silently. Noticing this Gentle Pine pushed forward to stand next to Lion, “Can we at least take a day to hunt and rest. We can’t keep just catching whatever passes by, we’re starving ourselves.”

Lion shot Pine a look before flicking her tail and walking faster, “Fine! We’ll go hunting and rest, but after that we’re going to keep moving.” as if holding a breath Sticky let out a big grunt and sat down where they stood, wheezing slightly after the long trip.

Pine brushed Lion aside, knowing she needed time alone before they spoke again, “Smell any prey Sticky? Surely your nose can smell anything out here.”

Sniffing at the air, Sticky immediately pointed their tail in the direction they came from, “There’s a vole that way, but” they sniffed again, “I smell another cat following us.”

Lion’s ear twitched and she turned around, quickly walking back. “Where!”

“They’re following us, still a few leaps away trying to catch up.”

The brown tabby scanned the horizon and then ran to find the stranger. Pine’s tail dropped as she followed behind, knowing Lion would make trouble on her own. “Stay here Sticky, catch your breath”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”

-----

Thistle walked amongst the trees, sniffing the ground and following the scent of the three cats who ran away from the human city. His feet ached and he double guessed why he was following these cats to begin with, he should have stayed with his humans. As he sniffed he heard a branch crack, bolting up he looked up, but was hit by an unknown brown tabby. “OW!”

The stranger growled right in his face, claws softly digging into his chest, “Why are you following us? You got a bone to pick?” she seemed to scan his face, “I don’t know you. I expected you to be a cat I’ve upset, but you’re just a random cat. Explain yourself!”

If the cat would ease off his chest or give him a moment to speak, maybe he could explain himself. Then the air went silent and Thistle realized it was time for him to speak. “Oh! Uhm. I’m Pu… I’m Thistle! I’ve seen you harassing my neighbors, but I’ve never been allowed outside. I wanna join you!”

This clearly wasn’t the response she was expecting to hear because she stepped off him, but remained wary, “Now why should I let you?”

Another cat pranced from behind her, stepping between the two of them. “So sorry about her, she’s a bit grumpy today.”

“I’m not-”


“What reason do you have to run away? Let alone join a group of strangers you’ve never met?”

Now that was a hard question to answer and Thistle picked at the grass as he thought. How was he supposed to explain that he had a dream where he turned into a butterfly and had friends in the forest without sounding like he’d lost his mind. “My paws itched- No… that’s dumb. I wanted something more. I’ve never been outside, but it’s beautiful out here isn’t it?”

The calmer cat smiled and nodded, “It is beautiful isn’t it. My name is Gentle Pine and this is Lion’s Roar. She’s our queen and she’s guiding us to our new forever home in the forest.” she nodded at Lion, “If it’s ok with Lion, I would like to offer you a place with us.”

Lion puffed out her chest, “He can join, but only if he can prove he knows how to hunt, it may be summer now, but we can’t have mouths to feed in winter that can’t pull their weight.”

Thistle felt small and he cowered down, “Well, as I said, I’ve never been outside. My only experience is playing with those cat toys the humans use.”

“Well Sticky has scented some prey around here, why don’t you track it down. We’ll catch it together.” Pine offered.

Thistle nodded, heat running in his ears from embarrassment. After some sniffing he could smell something in the distance, he nodded to Pine and she followed after him.

“Oh boy, a full grown cat we have to teach to survive…” Lion followed far behind in case their efforts failed immensely.

[ 756 words ]

-- cats on patrol
Lion's Roar | she/her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Sticky | they/them | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Gentle Pine | she/her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Thistle | he/him | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

-- level 1
experience: 20
bank

-- items in inventory used
N/A

-- active quests:
N/A

-- opted in to death?
no

-- inventory
prey | 1 FP | x0
prey | 2 FP | x0
prey | 2 FP | x0
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 4 FP | x0

herb | x0
herb | x0
herb | x0

hopefully my mention of winter counts-

[nindroidzane]

Last Explore Post | Last Response Received
Custom Prey/Predator | Explore Tracker
Font

A few moons had passed since that fateful day with the fox. Still, the thought of running into another one - which wouldn't even be unusual, really - sent shivers up her spine that even the cold tundra air couldn't replicate.

Fortunately, not everything had changed for the worst. Littlekit had grown so much that Breezewhisper figured she must be around the right age to begin training - at least, from what she'd heard in old stories. She'd already been helping a great deal, coming along on hunts and helping look over Leaf while she'd been recovering, so the only thing that had really changed was her new name, Littlepaw. And she really was on the smaller side - Breezewhisper was hesitant to let her go off hunting on her own, especially with danger hiding in plain sight all around them. So instead, she'd decided the three of them would hunt together - once Leaf had recovered, of course.

She was almost surprised Leaf hadn't left soon after she'd healed. But the old loner seemed very content to lay relaxing in the snow, and she'd gotten rather close with Littlepaw over the moons, the two of them often sitting together to watch the stars. Breezewhisper joined them on occasion, though she was usually just listening for the soothing sounds of the tundra, since she couldn't exactly see the stars Leaf was pointing out.

When it became clear that she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, Breezewhisper had officially offered her a place in the Clan, as well as a new name to go along with it - just to be sure of whatever the loner's plan was. Leaf, well, she was Leafshade now, had chuckled and agreed, rumbling something about winter always having been her favourite season anyways (whatever that meant).

And since then... it had actually been rather quiet. Breezewhisper enjoyed the company of the other two, and the tundra was still as peaceful as it had always been; despite their occasional chattering, her companions both seemed to enjoy sitting in silent tranquility from time to time as much as she did.

But right now wasn't the time to sit and relax, though she was sure there would be plenty of time for that later. Breezewhisper gently swished her tail, feeling it brush against Littlepaw's side - the two of them were going on a hunt today, after a couple of days without much luck. It wasn't too dire yet, but something about it was a little... unsettling.

She could hear the other two walking behind her, chatting about birds or something of the sort. Littlepaw's quick, light steps - and Leafshade's heavier ones, with that slight limp that had never seemed to go away after the fox attack. Breezewhisper shuddered, pushing the thought to the back of her mind. That was the last thing she needed to think about right now. At least Leafshade was only walking them part of the way; her legs were aching today and she was supposed to be resting. Was it wrong of her to be a bit grateful for that?

Relax. Breezewhisper huffed to herself, digging her claws slightly more into the snow. But her ears still flicked at every sound on the wind, and she felt uncomfortably tense.

Everything will be fine. She tried again, though it didn't even sound convincing within her own mind. Her pelt pricked slightly, but she forced it flat.

It's fine. It's just a hunt like any other.

She heard Leafshade's pace slow as she said her goodbyes, then listened as she lumbered off back to camp, the sound slowly fading off into the distance.

Everything's fine.

[ 602 words ]

--inventory
egg | 1 FP | x4
berries | 1 FP | x1
lemming | 2 FP | x2
stoat | 2 FP | x1
arctic tern | 2 FP | x2
herring | 3 FP | x1

honey | soothes sore throats & infections | x1
tansy | treats coughs & heals wounds | x1
thyme | calms cats & eases muscle pain | x1
lungwort | cures coughs | x2
deathberries | extremely toxic red berries | x1
daisy leaf | eases aches & sprains | x1
chervil | treats infections; helps bellyache & birth | x1
chamomile | strengthens heart & soothes mind | x1
alder bark | treats toothache | x1

--cats on patrol
Breezewhisper | she/her | HP 100% | HUP 30% | Sick: N
Littlepaw | she/her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

--items in inventory used
none!

-- active quests: none

--level 2
experience: 246

-- opted in to death?
no

[Griff]

Clan Ember
When we Last Left Off... | Crowcall might be something yet!

In the end, Emberstar did manage a slightly proud look at the young tom who had managed to well, actually be productive. "Crowcall, you're doing just fine. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be a fine hunter!" Crowcall perched onto a piece of driftwood, grinning.

"It is because I have all the skills! HAHA!" He proclaimed, pleased with himself. Cloudrunner sighed.

"Just... do not forget to be careful too. This is Winter after all, and the colder weather even around here can be a bit dangerous..."

"Danger? I laugh in the face of danger! HAHAHA! Laugh with me guys! HAHAHA!" Emberstar groaned, ears flattening back.

"I take back what I said earlier. Now hush down a bit before you alert every prey in the area we're here alright?"

"Yeah yeah. But you've got to lighten up!" Emberstar scoffed, looking about the area again. One seagull would not be enough to feed the whole camp after all!

[ 156 words ]

-- cats on patrol
Emberstar | He/him | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: No
Cloudrunner | She/Her | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: No
Crowcall | He/Him | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: No

-- custom predators / prey
No custom form currently!

-- level 0
experience: 70/100

-- items in inventory used
Any items used/eaten this post? None Yet

-- active quests:None
quest #1 (linked)

-- opted in to death?
Yes Link here!

-- inventory
prey | 1 FP | x0
prey | 2 FP | x0
prey | 2 FP | x0
seagull | 3 FP | x1
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 4 FP | x0

bright-eye | x1
herb | x0
herb | x0

[DiamondDogg]

Last Explore Post | Last Response Received

Heatherkit pounced on Petalkit, and pinned the she-kit to the ground. "Got you!" She backed away from Petalkit and let her stand while she shook her own pelt out. The two had been playfighting since dawn, and it was nearly sunhigh. Heatherkit enjoyed Petalkit's company, and neither had their own littermates, so they spent every moment together. Heatherkit might be a moon older, and yet Petalkit still nearly matches her skill in their playfights. As Petalkit and Heatherkit both groomed their fur, their leader, Ravenstar, called to the clan. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath me for a clan meeting." The black tom stood above his den, which was inside a fallen tree trunk. Heatherkit looked at Petalkit, alarm in her eyes. "My apprentice ceremony! I wonder who my mentor will be." The two she-cats padded towards the growing group of cats. Petalkit sat near her mother, and Heatherkit broke away from her friend and joined her mother on the other side of the clearing.
"Today is a very special day. A new apprentice will be joining us. Heatherkit, step forward." Heatherkit padded forward, stopping in the middle of the clearing. "Heatherkit, from this day until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Heatherpaw. Your mentor will be Snowcloud. She is a brave and clever warrior, and I trust her to train you well." Heatherpaw's clanmates called out her name, but Petalkit was loudest. She blinked at her friend, before turning to her mentor.

"From this day until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Petalpaw. Your mentor is Kestrelfoot. He's a loyal and courageous warrior, and I trust him to pass on his skills to you." Petalpaw's clanmates called her name, but just as she had done for Heatherpaw's ceremony, Heatherpaw called her name out the loudest. Petalpaw touched noses with her mentor, and felt Heatherpaw come up beside her, nudging her and purring. Snowcloud came up behind her apprentice. "Perhaps taking the two of them out together wouldn't hurt," Snowcloud suggested to Kestrelfoot. The tom nodded in agreement. "We'll explore our borders first," he explained. "Even if we don't have any neighboring clans, we still have rogues and loners who may try to take our prey, especially in leafbare." Snowcloud nodded. "And we always talk first. Never think with your claws first. If we can avoid battle, we will."
Heatherpaw walked next to Petalpaw. The she-cat stopped suddenly and dropped into a crouch. As their mentors walked ahead, Petalpaw stayed beside Heatherpaw, whose jaw was open to taste the air. Petalpaw copied her, but couldn't make out one scent from another. She wondered how her friend managed to distinguish prey scent from forest scent. As she watched, Heatherpaw leaped past undergrowth and Petalpaw heard a shriek. Their mentors stopped and noticed that their apprentices had fallen behind. Heatherpaw reappeared a moment later with a squirrel between her jaws. "Good job," Petalpaw congratulated her as their mentors reached them. "Well done Heatherpaw," Snowcloud purred. "We can stop and eat if we want since we aren't a hunting patrol." Kestrelfoot agreed, and the four cats settled around Heatherpaw's catch.

Petalpaw ran up to Heatherpaw's side. The she-cat's fur was still damp from her river trial, and she was clearly tired. She carried a rabbit between her jaws, which Petalpaw took and brought to the fresh-kill pile. Ravenstar looked at Heatherpaw, clearly pleased. When the two she-cats reached him, he finally spoke. "Well done Heatherpaw. You have earned your warrior name. He leaped onto the fallen tree and summoned the clan."Heatherpaw has completed her warrior assessment. Heatherpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect your clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do," Heatherpaw said firmly.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Heatherpaw, from this moment onwards, you will be known as Heatherbreeze. We value you for your loyalty and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of SparrowClan." The clan cats cheered Heatherbreeze's new name. Petalpaw ran up to her side once more. "I'm so proud of you," she murmured as she nudged her friend's shoulder. The two she-cats purred before breaking apart. Heatherbreeze would have to watch over the clan in a silent vigil tonight, and Petalpaw felt bad for leaving her by herself.

Heatherbreeze sat in the clearing, her fur finally dry and warm again after her trial. She heard pawsteps behind her and turned around, only to see Petalpaw a tail-length away. She looked at her friend in confusion, not able to speak due to the vigil.
"I wanted to keep you company, I hope that's alright," Petalpaw whispered. Heatherbreeze's gazed softened, and Petalpaw sat next to her friend, helping to keep watch throughout the night.
As Ravenstar appeared outside his den the next morning, he saw Petalpaw crouched asleep next to Heatherbreeze. He wasn't shocked the apprentice had come out to sit with her friend. Heatherbreeze noticed him, and he nodded, signaling she could go to her den and sleep now. He watched her nudge Petalpaw, and watched as they both went into the apprentice's den. He'd excuse her from duties today, and let Heatherbreeze know that she could stay in the apprentice den until Petalpaw also got her name. The two were clearly close, everyone in the clan knew they were inseparable, and he found it nice to know that they'd always have each other.

"Petalskip!" Heatherbreeze cheered her friend's name. They were both warriors now. As the sun set and warriors went to their den, Heatherbreeze and Petalskip went to the center of the clearing for their vigil. Just as Petalskip had done for her, Heatherbreeze would sit with her all night. Ravenstar looked at the two she-cats and blinked approvingly. The two she-cats sat in the clearing all night, silent as they watched over the camp. Heatherbreeze went through memories of their younger moons to pass the time. The time they playfought before Heatherbreeze's apprentice ceremony; when Petalskip got her apprentice name and they shared a squirrel together alongside their mentors; Heatherbreeze returning from her river trial; the two were certainly inseparable, and she knew the whole clan knew as well. But she didn't mind. Neither of them had grown up with anyone else. The oldest kits would be apprenticed within the next moon, so they never would have shared a den with anyone else besides their mothers. Heatherbreeze never minded it though. As kits, they'd sometimes sneak outside the nursery to play or explore after everyone else was asleep. As apprentices, they'd stay up talking, or go into the forest to practice battle moves or hunting, or even just to walk. Heatherbreeze glanced at Petalskip, and saw in her eyes that she was thinking similar thoughts. They looked away in comfortable silence. Finally, dawn arrived, and Ravenstar sent them to the apprentice's den temporarily. Later, they'd be able to make nests for themselves when the warrior's den wasn't as crowded.

Leafbare was harsh. Prey was scare. But thankfully there were no kits to take care of, and the only elder was still strong enough to fight sickness. Petalskip and Heatherbreeze were strong hunters, and almost always managed to bring back something to the clan each time they went out. But soon they had to make a choice. Stay in the clan, or leave. And they made their choice.
"I hate leaving during this harsh of a leafbare, but surely across the river, there will be more prey?" Petalskip meowed. Heatherbreeze's response was only a sigh. It was night, and it was cold. But they snuck away, not wanting to face their clanmates. Once they realized the two left together, surely they wouldn't be as worried, at least that's what both she-cats silently hoped. They crossed the frozen river, and almost immediately spotted a larger rabbit than they'd seen since leaf-fall. The two caught it swiftly and ran it back across the river. This was their second catch, the first having been three mice. They ate one of the mice to keep their strength up. Heatherbreeze looked at Petalskip. "I think we should bring these back to the clan now. The sun will rise soon, and I don't want to have to face them."
Petalskip nodded in agreement. "I'd rather not face them either, lets go." Petalskip picked up the two mice while Heatherbreeze grabbed the rabbit. The sky was just beginning to change colors when they arrived at camp. They set the prey down, quickly left the camp, and sprinted off towards the river. They crossed the river just as the sun rose. They sat down, tired and cold. Petalskip looked at Heatherbreeze. "We can't stay here, they might still send out a couple of search parties. Let's go find somewhere warm to rest, and maybe something to eat."
The two she-cats padded through the unfamiliar territory before picking up a scent. "Cat," was all Heatherbreeze spoke before a black tom with dark stripes padded out in front of them. Heatherbreeze's hackles lifted, but the tom remained calm. His claws were sheathed. Heatherbreeze relaxed slightly as she realized the tom wasn't likely to attack them.
Nightstar glanced at each of the she-cats. Despite it being leaf-bare, both looked strong and able to defend themselves. "I am Nightstar," was all he said.
"Nightstar?" Petalskip questioned. "What are you, a clan leader?"
Nightstar shook his head. "No, however, I am the leader of my own tribe, the Tribe of Endless Traveling. Currently, it is just me, however, StarClan has granted me nine lives. I was a loner before, but now I suppose I need some cats to travel with me. We will never live in one place, only roam a territory, and you are free to leave if you wish. Would you care to join me?" He looked between the two she-cats. They looked at each other, considering his offer.
Petalskip gave Heatherbreeze a tiny nod. "It'd be like living in a clan that moves. And from what it seems, we'd stay close to the river, close enough to continue bringing prey to our old clanmates," she whispered.
Heatherbreeze sighed, then turned to Nightstar. "Alright, we accept your offer."
Nightstar blinked warmly at the she-cats. "Thank you, now what are your names?"
Petalskip spoke first. "I am Petal, and this is Heatherbreeze."
"Petal? You're giving up your warrior name?" Heatherbreeze was confused. It hadn't been that long ago she got her warrior name, and now she was giving it up?
"I will always be Petalskip in StarClan's eyes. But for simplicity's sake, why not shorten it? I will forever value the name Ravenstar gave me, however around Nightstar, I will just be Petal."
Heatherbreeze dipped her head respectfully, though still not too sure about this. "Alright, I understand."

By leaf-bare standards, the two she-cats were doing pretty well. They were able to catch prey at night to bring to their clanmates, and still have enough to feed themselves. They enjoyed the freeness of living in a loose structured group. They hunted when they pleased, and because there were just three cats and no kits or queens, they only had to hunt for themselves. Nightstar was a good friend to the two she-cats as well. Heatherbreeze became more comfortable in the forest, learning trails and shortcuts, where the prey was richest, and the warmest spots.
As Heatherbreeze was bringing two mice to the SparrowClan camp, she heard footsteps. She crouched down and hid. Kestrelfoot, Snowcloud, and two other warriors were out. What were they doing? SparrowClan cats never hunt at night. She watched as they sniffed the air.
“I smell mouse. Dead mouse,” Kestrelfoot said, clearly confused.
“Maybe it’s just something left over from a rogue,” Snowcloud responded, though she didn’t sound convinced of her own statement.
Aaa the patrol continued warily, Heatherbreeze collected her mice and dashed for the camp. She dropped them outside the camp before running off. She skidded to a stop when she saw white fur in her path. She crawled under a bush as she realized it was her former mentor. Snowcloud looked around, and Heatherbreeze wouldn’t be surprised if the she-cat had seen her.
“Hello? Is someone there?” was all her mentor said. She watched Snowcloud sniff the air, before realization lit her eyes. “Heatherbreeze, is that you?” Snowcloud looked around, clearly hoping to find her former apprentice. When Heatherbreeze was nowhere to be seen, she sighed and, tail drooping, continued on looking for prey. Heatherbreeze felt sorry. Maybe she could tell just one cat in the clan. She crept out from her hiding place and quietly walked up towards Snowcloud. As the white she-cat sniffed again, her head shot up. She turned and looked directly as Heatherbreeze. Her eyes widened. “You’re back!” She ran up to Heatherbreeze, nudging her shoulder. “Where have you been?” she asked as she stepped back to look at her former apprentice. Before Heatherbreeze could reply, Snowcloud spoke up again. “Wait, are you the one who’s been leaving prey at the camp? Did you leave us to find richer prey to feed us?” Heatherbreeze nodded. “I’m just across the river. Me and Petslskip have been bringing prey when we can.”
Snowcloud purred. “Will you two return for newleaf?”
This was the question that Petal and Heatherbreeze kept avoiding. They both enjoyed their new life, and didn’t know what to expect when they returned. Heatherbreeze dipped her head solemnly. “Petalskip and I aren’t sure yet. We broke the code by leaving our clan, and we don’t know what we would come back to. Plus we enjoy the freedom we have now.”
Snowcloud’s eyes filled with sorrow knowing that the cat she had spent moons training would likely never return. They sky behind Snowcloud grew pale.
Heatherbreeze’s eyes widened in panic. “I’m so sorry, I have to leave now before the patrols. You can’t tell the clan where I am, but you can tell them that Petalskip and I are safe and happy.”
Snowcloud nodded in understanding. “I’ll miss you, but I understand that you feel happier.”
Heatherbreeze dipped her head once more before turning and running off.

Heatherbreeze returned to the camp that Nightstar had made. It wouldn’t be permanent, but he figured it’d be safer to stay in one spot during leafbare than to constantly move into potentially dangerous territory. Petal welcomed Heatherbreeze back. "Where have you been? You took longer than normal."
"I met Snowcloud when I was trying to return here," Heatherbreeze admitted. "I told her the truth. But I trust her enough to not tell anyone else. She did ask one question though..."

The newleaf sun warmed Heatherbreeze as she lay resting near the river, Petal asleep next to her. They had decided they weren't going to return. They both enjoyed the freedom they now had and didn't plan to give it up soon.

It's been nearly six moons since Petal and I joined Nightstar. He's been a wonderful leader. We've even received some new friends. Apple's our healer. She surprised me initially with how much she knew about plants and herbs! And Mouse is an excellent hunter. Badger's the only other tom besides Nightstar, yet he chooses to hang around Apple and Mouse more. Odd. Oh! There's Nightstar!
"Up for a hunt you two?" He asked as he approached.
Petal blinked her eyes open slowly, waking up from a nap. As soon as she came to her senses, she jumped up and nodded eagerly.
Heatherbreeze chuckled before agreeing. And so, the three of them set off on their hunt.

[ 2604 words ] [last free post]
[Notes: i have received 20exp total from two catvent prompts (which i will add to the total in my next explore post)]
[1, 2]

-- cats on patrol
Nightstar | he/him | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Petal | she/her| HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N
Heatherbreeze | she/they | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

-- custom predators / prey
custom prey form!

-- level 0
experience: 68/100

-- items in inventory used
Any items used/eaten this post
ex. food, herbs, etc.

-- inventory
2x | Scraps | 1 FP
0x | Mouse, small fish | 2 FP
0x | Squirrel, minnows | 3 FP
0x | Rabbit, birds | 4 FP
0x | Birds of Prey | 5 FP

1x | Dried Oak Leaf | prevents infection

-- active quests:
1. none

-- opted in to death?
nope

[Vivika]

✦ MISTCLAN !!

x( roxytbdw ✦ archive ✦ last post )

Her clan was growing.

Growing like the soft greens and flecks of pastels blooming all around her to the melody of the wind. Growing like the flocks of tiny songbirds cloaked with the shades of the rainbow and new life blossoming in summer’s caress. With that came… changes. Decisions. And one of them was a new deputy. But who?

A gentle laugh from the feline beside her eased her thoughts.

It was… odd to have another beside her. She’d wandered the woodlands for so long in the morning silence, but the company and camaraderie of another was different. An echo of the past, but also… familiar. In a good way.

“Think it’ll come down?” Crystaleye flicked a tail, a small gesture towards a curious little finch peeking from above the branches. Its head was crowned with scarlet tufts, eyes bright with the morning’s glow as it observed.

Miststar tilted her head. “Maybe. Or… we could go up to━”

A strangled peep wrenched itself from the little bird. Wings outstretched, the finch hopped along the branch darting into a hollow. Almost like… it’d been startled. Frightened.

Crystaleye frowned. “Something scared it. Almost like━”

“Wait. I think I have something…” Her nose wrinkled. The stench… musty and damp, laced with mire. Almost like… slobber. A creature of sorts. She traced a slow path around the tree. A few tufts of fur poked out along the roots. Dark and thick. “Crystaleye, I━”

The ground beneath her paws gave way.

She skidded, sliding down a slope. Mud and leaves kicked up, sticks snaring into her pelt. Digging her claws in to slow her descent, she gasped as her shoulder connected with a large rock. But she’d stopped. A plus, perhaps. (-5% health for miststar for a shoulder injury ━ no herbs or rest needed!)

“Miststar? Are you alright?” Tiny pebbles skittered down the slope, signalling another’s approach. Crystaleye. She maneuvered down with an easy grace, navigating around slick patches of mud. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m alright! Just… stunned, that’s all.” With a small smile, she eased herself to her paws. “There’s something here as well.” (+3FP squirrel, +3FP squirrel)

Crystaleye nodded slowly. “I’m glad. You were saying something earlier…?”

It came flooding back.

The awful stench, the slobber, the shaggy fur… everything was amplified here. Almost like…

Her heart skittered.

No.

But she couldn’t deny it. Ivory bones lay at her paws lacerated with claw marks and scrawled nicks from jaws exuding strength. They came from a creature. A wild creature, reckless and untamed, one with a howl arching through the night. A creature from the past like that dark night writhing with shadows so long ago.

The night her mother disappeared.

“Crystaleye…” Miststar met those pale green eyes, softened with concern. “There’s a dog nearby. And this… this is its den.”


✦ Miststar has scented a dog (predator) nearby! Does the patrol confront the
dog to chase it off? Or leave it alone to wander their territory? ✦

xx

✦ totals (opted out for death!)

xx+10% hunger for each patrol cat
xxxx↳ miststar (20% hunger), crystaleye (10% hunger)
xxxxxname (00% hunger), name (00% hunger), name (00% hunger)

xx-5% health for miststar (no herbs/rest needed!)
xxxx↳ miststar (95% health)

xxxp stats
xxxx↳ +15XP for writing, +10XP for patrol sent
xxxxxx+6XP for prey


xxprey + herb finds for patrol
xx+3FP squirrel, +3FP squirrel
xx+ no herbs </3

xxitem finds
xxxx↳ n/a

xxlevels
xxxx↳ +31XP → level 1 (159/200XP)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────x
xx

✦ notes: n/a! <33

──────────────────────────────────────────────────

[RoxyTBDW]

MistClan
Last Explore Post | Last Response Received

Miststar looked around. She was terrified, because.. this was a dog. She hated dogs for what they did to her mother. She hated that fateful day.. But she wanted revenge on the dog. She decided she would go back to camp first. "Miststar, we should return home. Are you sure you're fine?" Miststar nodded. She hurried back home with Crystaleye, keeping watch for the horrid dog. As she entered camp, Ribbon skipped over to the two cats. "Welcome back!" Ribbon's eyes darted to Miststar's shoulder. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine, it was only a rock," she said. Ribbon gave her shoulder a lick. "Alright you two," Crystaleye smiled. "I need you guys to help me.. There is a dog in the territory, Crystaleye already knows. We are gonna at least try to chase it from our territory," Miststar planned. "Try not to get hit by it," she added. Ribbon nodded. "Are we going now?" they asked. "Not yet, first let's eat something for more energy." They nodded and Ribbon and Crystaleye went to the fresh-kill pile, Miststar following. Ribbon declined having prey, as they were not hungry. Crystaleye decided to pick out a squirrel, and Miststar ate a mouse. They then set out to find the dog to chase it out. "Leafbare is very cold, but we will survive and chase out the dog."
[ 224 words ]

-- cats on patrol
Miststar | She/her | HP 95% | HUP 20% | Sick: N
Crystaleye | She/her | HP 100% | HUP 10% | Sick: N
Ribbon | They/them | HP 100% | HUP 0% | Sick: N

-- custom predators / prey
N/A

-- level 1
experience: 159

-- items in inventory used
Squirrel x1
Mice x1

-- active quests:
N/A

-- opted in to death?
No

-- inventory
Bugs | 1 FP | x2
Mice | 2 FP | x0
prey | 2 FP | x0
Squirrel | 3 FP | x1
prey | 3 FP | x0
prey | 4 FP | x0

Ragwort Leaves | x1
Dock | x1
Elder leaf | x1
Lavender | x1
Daisy Leaf | x1
Alder Bark | x1
Dried Oak Leaves | x1