Sootpaw | Duskclan Apprentice | 13 moons | Small, gray tabby tom | Location: Duskclan Camp | Mentions: (Direct) Owlfeather, Weaselflight (Indirect) ---

Sootpaw flashed his mentor a curious look but obediently did as he was told, walking over to stand near Weaselflight. Perhaps Owlfeather wished to talk to Blackstar about the locations of the traps? He wasn't sure why he would be sent off for that, but maybe there's something more to the contraptions that she didn't want him to know. Wait! What if she was asking Blackstar if Sootpaw was really suitable for the task? Owlfeather had never seemed to doubt his abilities before, in fact she was usually quite supportive, but maybe he hadn't shown the qualities of a mature warrior?
Well, that's just not true! Maybe he still got a little hot-headed sometimes but he was more than capable of checking a few traps!

Nearing Weaselflight, Sootpaw understood why the tom's accompaniment was in question. Now, Sootpaw was no medicine cat, but he was certain that a cat's paw should not be twice the size it normally was. He now came to crouch near Weaselflight, staring down at his swollen paw. "What happened? Did you get stung by something?" Sootpaw wanted to give the paw a sniff- just to see if it smelled any different from an average paw- but decided against it. He didn't want to accidentally nudge the afflicted area when it could be sore. "Hm." Sootpaw finally looked away from the paw to actually look at Weaselflight. "Will you be able to come on the patrol?" Sootpaw was sure that he and Owlfeather could handle it on their own, but lately, he's felt more comfortable with leaving the camp in groups. Even if the paw slowed him down, having Weaselflight along would at least give them the insight of a second experienced warrior, which could always be useful. Besides, they probably wouldn't do much running anyway if they were just checking on the traps. If the injury was too painful, however, then Sootpaw wouldn't blame the tom for sticking around camp this time around.

Blackstar|Leader of Duskclan|One eyed Black Tom|Location: Camp|Mentions: Harepaw, Mothpaw, Dustpelt, Owlfeather, Sootpaw

Blackstar twitched an ear as Harepaw approached, tension in her voice. He didn't blame the young cat, it was a lot he was asking. Part of it was, perhaps selfish. He did not want to leave the camp unguarded, but he also knew that the tension between himself and Gingerstar was strong as ever. Even if Mothpaw was nearing the age of a warrior, he had only trained as a medicine-cat; and Harepaw had only just started her training two moons ago.
"What will be will be." He muttered so quietly, it seemed as if to himself. He nodded at Harepaw, and then to Mothpaw. However when his jaws parted, they called for Fawnpelt, one of the senior warriors. For a moment, the two cats spoke quietly together, Blackstars brow furrowed. He then twitched a tail for Dustpelt, again the warriors talking to quietly for anyone else to overhear. Finally, he returned back to the apprentices.
"Perhaps my fear of leaving the camp unattended is unfounded. I trust both of you-" His gaze flickered over the pair.
"But Gingerstar should perhaps hear of this from my own mouth. You both will still be coming. Mothpaw, you should speak to Ravenblaze. You've trained for some time as a medicine-cat but just in case, you two should get better acquainted." He didn't exactly say in case of what, but the tinge of sadness in his voice implied plenty.
"Harepaw, Dustpelt recommended you still come as well, and I agree." His eye betrayed a hint of something unsaid, but he merely turned his attention back to the cats.
"Try to finish the patrols by sunhigh. Hunt if you will, we don't want the prey pile to suffer." He began to move forward slightly, looking at the medicine-cat apprentice.
"Mothpaw, check on Weaselflight, and then we can go when you are ready." With that he finally shifted, turning back to listen to Owlfeather as they broke away from the rest. At her words about Sootpaw, he purred in agreement.
"After the clan gathers tonight then, we shall have the ceremony." He looked pleased as his eye watched the apprentice. Sootpaw had proven himself capable the past few days, and though they were low on kits, having a strong warrior was always a boon in difficult times.

Gingerstar | DawnClan Leader | 48 Moons | Mollie | Camp | Umbraclaw; Foxpaw

Gingerstar's gaze switched between Foxpaw and Umbraclaw in silence as they spoke, and her tail twitched slightly when Foxpaw had completed her vocalizations on the matter. She gave a little yawn, and glanced between the two again. Both seemed too standoffish to continue the situation, and so she gave a little huff, and turned her gaze to Foxpaw. "Foxpaw," she addressed the apprentice in an amused tone, "is that what you think Umbraclaw wants?"

She did not wait for the apprentice to respond before she rolled her eyes over to Umbraclaw. "Umbraclaw. I've known you for your entire life and you can attest that I do not often forget things. I do not believe I have once heard you outright state that you do not want to mentor Foxpaw. Perhaps you would both be better off discussing your thoughts with one another rather than running to your leader to solve the problem."

She viewed that as an adequate dismissal. The leader rose up onto her paws, shook herself thoroughly once, and trotted away from the deputy and apprentice. It was not a very nice way to handle it but... well, when was Gingerstar ever nice. She made her way across the camp quickly, ducking out through the exit without so much as a word to anyone else. She moved swiftly away from the camp, hoping for a breath of fresh air and perhaps a little quiet. She was not particularly far away when she vaulted onto a low hanging branch and draped herself over it to rest and think.
If you ask too many questions, or seek too much approval, nothing ever gets done


---

Weaselflight | DuskClan Warrior | 21 Moons | Tom | River Rocks | Dustpelt; Harepaw; Redeye; Blackstar; Mothpaw; Owlfeather; Sootpaw

Weaselflight looked saddened when their leader broke up the patrol into two factions, him and Dustpelt on different sides. He shrugged a little at Dustpelt's concerned voice about his paw, it hurt like the stars but he didn't really want to think about it too much. His head raised when Sootpaw approached him, and he shook his head slightly. "I t-t-tore the claw out," he stammered, not specifying where or how. They both had been there for a small while. There was no reason to bring it up again. When Sootpaw asked the question, he straightened as much as possible, nodding. "Y-yeah, o-o-of course," he said as firmly as a shaking tom with a stammer could.

He looked over when Mothpaw was told to come check on his foot, and he offered up the offending appendage willingly. He looked up at the large group of cats that would make up the triad of patrols, and said very weakly and nervously, "I-I'll be able t-to g-g-go." His little body cowered under their eyes, and he seemed to shrivel up before them, crouching low and looking down, unable to make eye contact with anyone except for Dustpelt.
Better safe than sorry


[Sorry these are short!]

⇺ [ Hornetpaw ] ⇻
18 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Medicine Cat Apprentice
Location: Camp • Mentions: Flamepaw, Foxpaw, Umbraclaw, Gingerstar

As Hornetpaw began making his way back to the medicine den, Flamepaw’s erratic movements were caught out of the corner of one eye. Glancing the younger apprentice's way, he found her pacing to and fro, her anxious gaze switching between her mentor and their leader. Hornetpaw changed direction, halting in front of the ginger molly seconds later. “Flamepaw, is everything alright?” He asked gently, words laced with concern. “You look troubled.”

He followed her gaze to Gingerstar’s den, noticing Umbraclaw and Foxpaw had returned and were speaking to her within the privacy of her den. His tail flicked anxiously, suddenly sharing Flamepaw’s worries. “Your sister will be alright, whatever happens,” he assured her, forcing an encouraging note to his voice. “Until you and Foxpaw can speak, why don’t we take a little walk?” He added, nodding his head towards the edge of camp. They couldn’t leave of course, but it would give the younger apprentice something to do with herself. “How’ve you been coping?”

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⇺ [ Falconstrike] ⇻
30 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Warrior
Location: Camp • Mentions: Scorchwing, Gingerstar, Lightsong, Umbraclaw

Amusement glittered in his gaze, the hint of a smile crossing his muzzle as if he were up for the challenge before Falconstrike’s expression dropped into something more serious. “I understand why it might be difficult, but you should remember you aren't at your best when you deny your body rest and nourishment. You will become a danger to yourself and a hindrance to this Clan if you don’t attend to your needs. I will speak to Gingerstar if you continue to neglect yourself,” his voice was gentle, yet firm, expressing concern while also making it clear he wasn’t joking.

His head snapped toward Lightsong as the other tom approached from his blind side, his ears flattening in unspoken offense. Forcing his bristling coat to smooth out, his single eye settled on Lightsong’s face, regarding him cooly. It was no fault of Lightsong’s if he’d forgotten Falconstrike preferred to be approached from an angle in which he could see another cat coming, but with tensions as high as they were he was feeling less forgiving. “Not yet. Gingerstar just left and Umbraclaw is occupied.”

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⇺ [ Redeye ] ⇻
36 Moons • Male • DuskClan • Warrior
Location: Camp • Mentions: Blackstar, Mothpaw, Vulturepaw, Owlfeather, Dustpelt, Harepaw, Weaselflight

Redeye’s tail lashed and eyes narrowed, clearly unhappy with Blackstar’s final decision. His crimson gaze held a challenge that ultimately remained unspoken, rapidly spinning toward where his apprentice currently rested near the prey-pile. As he neared he forced a more pleasant expression, though an undercurrent of annoyance seemed to linger when he spoke. “Finish up Vulturepaw. You’ll be attending patrol with Dustpelt and I.”

With that said he made his way towards Dustpelt, pausing as he caught sight of Weaselflight’s injured paw. A strange emotion washed over him, his chest tightening and stomach tying into knots. He silently urged the brown and cream tom to stay behind, but it appeared he had other ideas, perhaps feeling as if it would be cowardly not to go. He approached, touching his nose to the shorter cat’s shoulder. “Stay safe and be careful. I wish you could be with us,” he murmured.

His own actions surprised him. He wasn’t sure either Weaselflight or Dustpelt considered him a friend, but...they were the closest he had to such a thing. Besides that, he felt protective of Weaselflight. He was softer than the rest of his Clanmates and Redeye sometimes questioned why he’d ever chosen this lifestyle, but even he knew it would be rude to ask. “If anything hurts you out there I’ll hunt it down and rip its guts out,” he added, seemingly meaning to be encouraging.

Backing away awkwardly, he offered Weaselflight one last nod before moving to stand beside Dustpelt. He could sense the tortoiseshell warrior was just as uneasy as himself if not more about being separated from Weaselflight and Harepaw. Redeye felt grateful that at least his own apprentice would remain by his side for this patrol. He wasn’t keen on letting the small black tom out of his sight.

Owlfeather|Duskclan|Deputy|36 Moons Old|Siamese She-Cat|Location: Camp|Mention(s) Directly: Blackstar|Mention(s) Indirectly: Sootpaw, Mothpaw, Weasleflight

Owlfeather nodded her head, she was happy that Blackstar agreed with her. The deputy felt proud that Sootpaw would become a warrior soon, she also felt a bit of excitement welling up in her. Soon, very soon, her apprentice would become a warrior. "Thank you", the she-cat said, dipping her head to the king. Getting to her paws, Owlfeather felt a bit shaky. Trying not to make anybody concerned, the deputy shook herself out, to hide it. Stretching her legs and back, somehow her back was hurting her, Owlfeather started walking to Sootpaw and Weasleflight.
Mothpaw had also joined the warrior and apprentice, the deputy looked curiously over the medicine cat apprentices shoulder. A torn claw, the deputy thought, overhearing Weasleflights words. The deputy flinched a bit, that sounded painful.

Flamepaw|Dawnclan|Apprentice|13 Moons Old|Ginger She-Cat|Location: Camp|Mention(s) Directly: Hornetpaw|Mention(s) Indirectly: Mothpaw

Flamepaw staggered to a halt, practically tumbelling over her own paws, as Hornetpaw came up and started talking to her. "Y...y... yes", Flamepaw answered, staggering over her words. It was unconvincing and Flamepaw looked down to her paws, as the medicine cat apprentice continued to talk. "Alright", Flamepaw sighed, scuffing her paws on the ground. The ginger apprentice followed Hornetpaw, she was still looking at the ground. The young she-cat did not know what to say, so she was glad that the medicine cat apprentice was first to speak. "Well... pretty good I guess", Flamepaw answered vaguely. "I try not to think of.... well you know", the ginger tabby she-cat said, her eyes grew a bit sad. "I've not really been out a lot", Flamepaw said. "I want to be, but I don't want to be around anybody. I just want to run, but I know that I'm not aloud out alone", the ginger tabby apprentice said, a slight sigh left her as she finished. Maybe.... she could?
"But it helps me a lot, thinking of someone.... else", the apprentice said confessing. She did not say Mothpaws name, but it help her confessing this. A slight smile was on her face now, as she thought of the young Duskclan tom.

Sootpaw | Duskclan Apprentice | 13 moons | Small, gray tabby tom | Location: Duskclan Camp | Mentions: (Direct) Weaselflight (Indirect) Redeye, Owlfeather, Blackstar, Mothpaw

Sootpaw's lip curled in visible disgust at the tom's answer. "Tore it out? That's... kinda gross," he mewed, quickly adding, "Um, no offense. Sounds like it hurt." Indeed, Sootpaw could never imagine working in the medicine cat's den. Too much to remember, too much pressure, and too many unpleasant sights. Not that his training to become a warrior had been exactly easy, but it took a different sort of cat. Even if a medicine cat were cold and snippy like an elder in leafbare, Sootpaw had to admire their work when they serve the clan well.

Sootpaw sat up straight and nodded at the wounded warrior, glad that he was willing to tough it out long enough to join the patrol. The apprentice looked away as Redeye approached and shared his words with Weaselflight, noticing that Owlfeather was done speaking with Blackstar and padding over to the small group. Hopefully, once Mothpaw took care of Weaselflight's claw issue -or lack thereof-, they'd be able to get going on their way. The gray tom then glanced up at the sky, searching for any trace of clouds. "Hopefully it won't rain again for a good while," he mumbled absentmindedly to himself. The ground was quite dried out by now after that storm they had, and Sootpaw hoped that it would stay that way for at least a few days. "I don't think anyone could keep dry up in a tree..." he continued quietly, his brow beginning to furrow in thought as his mind trailed elsewhere.

Blackstar|Leader of Duskclan|One eyed Black Tom|Location: Camp/territory|Mentions: Mothpaw, Harepaw
Blackstar gave a purr to Owlfeather, nudging the she-cat gently in comrodery before he padded to talk to the remaining warriors in the camp for a few moments. Once everything was settled, he turne dhis attention towards the young cats he would be escorting. When he saw Mothpaw finish with Weaselflight, he twitched an ear for him and Harepaw, and pushed his way through the tunnel out of the camp.
Once into the forest, Blackstar set a steady pace towards the border, angling north of the River Rocks, where their territories met at the base of the lake. Though it was close to the area of recent controversy, Blackstar knew meeting one of the patrols here would ensure the quickest route to the Dawnclan camp, even if it meant using rocks to cross the river, and not the two-leg bridges. Even still, the water, while still high, had calmed somewhat now that the rain had ceased. He did not speak, but his ears were a constant swivel of motion as he took in each sound of the forest, jaws parted to catch every scent. Though the two-leg scent was still present, all seemed calm. As the border grew closer, Blackstar slowed his pace to a walk. By the smell of it, it didn't seem as though Dawnclan had refreshed their borders yet.
"We will wait here until a patrol comes by." Though he would have normally sent Adderflight, with the special permission granted to cross borders without waiting, the messengers missing status meant things had to be handled more delicately. He knew to cross without knowledge in such times, with young cats would be reckless. He drew ever closer to the marker, finally stopping.
"If you need to hunt, do so but be sure to stay on our side of the territory." With that, he settled down onto his haunches, his face calm but his tail ever twitching as he continued to scan across the forest, where the trees grew thin.


Dustpelt|Warrior of Duskclan|Leggy Calico Tom|Location: Duskclan Territory|Mentions: Weaselflight, Redeye, Vulturepaw

Dustpelt pushed against Weaselflights side in comfort and reassurance, sticking with his friend. As Redeye spoke, he blinked warmly at the white tom. As odd at the cat was, Dustpelt liked him and knew that the warrior would have his back. Even though he knew they should be heading out, Dustpelt waited until Mothpaw gave his assessment. At the words, Dustpelt gave a snort.
"Pfft, he's not the medicine-cat yet." He mewed into Weaselflights ear, a twinkle in his eye. Giving his friends cheek a final swipe with his tongue, Dustpelt finally rose fully into his paws, giving a shake. He didn't like leaving his friend, but his muscles ached with the urge to be moving, and so he gave a few small prances in place, then turned his bright eyes onto Redeye.
"After you, otherwise I'll leave you all in the dust." He purred, knowing that their pace would probably be a bit slower anyway, if for any reason, to keep up with Vulturepaws shorter legs. With that he pranced forward, slipping from the camp and into the forest. taking a deep inhale, he glanced at their small patrol.
"So, Two-leg place up, or vice versa, or?" He mewed, curious which direction they'd visit all the traps in. He figured it couldn't take them too long if they were smart about it.


Foxpaw|Apprentice of Dawnclan|Small Ginger Tabby She-cat|Location: Clan Borders|Mentions: Umbraclaw,
Foxpaw averted her eyes slightly at Gingerstars tone, and nodded as Umbraclaw led her out once more. As they finally found a quiet spot, she listened as silently as ever, before she finally spoke, her tail tip twitching.
"I will become a great warrior, not matter what." she mewed, looking slightly more like her old self.
"And then I can..." She paused, and her ears pricked and she flinched ever so slightly, as if hearing something, before she gave a faint twitch of her pelt. Tensing slightly she turned her attention back onto Umbraclaw. For a moment she looked like she couldn't remember, or didn't want to finish her sentence.
"Um, then I can protect the clan, Sorry Umbraclaw for causing trouble. A warrior would know better" The shift in her attitude was faint, but there was something unreadable again in her yellow gaze. Then she blinked, and it was gone. Even still, it was the most the she-cat had spoke in several days.
"Can I go hunting? With all the patrols, the prey pile is looking small. " she looked towards the forest.
"I've already helped the Elders this morning. Hornetpaw could come, he probably needs to restock herbs anyway."
She was speaking more briskly now, much like she usually did when figuring out what to do with herself for the day. Her gaze returned back to Umbraclaw, unreadable.

News/Events

The forest is buzzing with unknown secrets.

Scorchwing | Warrior of DawnClan | Long-Limbed White & Charcoal Female | Location: DawnClan Camp | Mentions: Falconstrike, Lightsong [Direct]

She chuckled for a moment at the sheen of levity in his single luminous eye. Her laughter faded quickly at the change in his expression, her ears folding off to the sides in shame as he chided her. She knew her new habits were beginning to take their toll, but she couldn’t sleep. It felt as if she was wasting time with each normal activity. Maybe, her mind whispered, it will attack while you sleep. She swallowed thickly and tore her gaze away from him.

She had no doubts he would do as he said. They weren’t the most acquainted cats, but she still knew the shallow end of the tom, and that was enough to worry her. And, if he were to go through with it, Gingerstar would surely seclude her to camp. After all, it was the logical play, and the mollie was all about logic.

Scorchwing’s ears twisted, the faint sound of pawsteps alerting her of Lightsong before his voice did. Her fur bristled subtly. The strange cat never really sat well with her. Aside from his lack of manners or consideration for Falconstrike, his ideology is as strange as him. The way she saw it, there was a noticeable line between devotion and obsession, and he had long crossed it.

She pivoted to watch him with a neutral expression, her legs still tucked beneath her. For a moment she remained as still as stone, eyes appearing to be glazed with deep thought before she took a deep breath, suddenly surging back to life. “Should we just gather a couple of able cats and bounce? I’m tired of waiting, and I would like to either stock the pile or attack some fleabags along the way.”

Harepaw | Apprentice of DuskClan | Small, Hickory & Cream Female | Location: Border | Mentions: Blackstar, Mothpaw, Dustpelt

Harepaw remained in her low position, ears bent and head low. She felt as if she was growing to be cowardly. A shameful apprentice of her Clan for not taking the order in long strides. Perhaps she was. Her curious nature seemed to have been stripped from her like a second skin, and the desire to be daring had be chased from her heart with the freezing feeling of sorrow.

She watched passively as he called upon Fawnpelt, and then her own mentor. Ears lifting slightly, she watched him hopefully. Let me stay with you, her eyes said. But he never once glanced her way. Feeling dejected, she backed away towards Mothpaw and kept her eyes on the ground.

She couldn’t quite tell if she was afraid to die, or afraid to find justice for her mother. Justice or revenge, it didn’t matter what you called it. She had listened to the elder’s stories just as much as the next young blood. Revenge is for fools, justice for the self-righteous. But to die? She hadn’t thought about it.

Harepaw flinched, listening as Blackstar’s voice was suddenly directed at herself. Her eyes snapped up to his single eye, watching as something hung inside them like a veil of moss before it flitted away. Recommended? She thought, finding it peculiar. It wasn’t like she was anything miraculous. She knew how to run and give a solid silent treatment. What else could she provide?

With a deep breath, she waited until Blackstar gave word to leave. And, once his ear gave a pointed twitch, she practically bolted towards him in a timid manner, continuing the small journey near Blackstar’s side. But it was clear that once they had started, she seemed to loosen up a tad. She had missed the way the forest made her feel hidden.

She paused with the toms, her ears swiveling and flicking to and fro, watching as the water moved at a calm pace. The ground still felt sticky and damp, but it was better than it had been, and that made her all the more happy to be out. It wasn’t bad to run in, either. As long as one knew how to keep their balance and avoid the sheen of moisture on slick roots and rocks. She hummed at the mention of hunting, but stayed seated. Her nerves hadn’t soothed enough for her to even think of eating. “How long do you think we have to wait? Surely they’re awake by now.” Her voice was still small in comparison to her normal, confident tones but it had lost its gravelly edge.

Owlfeather|Duskclan|Deputy|36 Moons Old|Siamese She-Cat|Location: Camp - Territory|Mention(s) Directly: Weasleflight, Sootpaw|Mention(s) Indirectly: Mothpaw

Owlfeather sat there and listened to Mothpaw, as the medicine cat apprentice assesses Weasleflights injured paw. The deputy was displeased, when the young tom said that the warrior should stay in camp. Getting to her paws, Owlfeather turned to Sootpaw. "Let's go then", the she-cat said to her apprentice. Turning back to Weasleflight, the siamese she-cat looked the tom over. "If you want to stay here, I understand", the deputy told the tom. She did not want to undermine the medicine cat apprentice, but they did not have many warriors, so they needed every cat to pull their weight.
Turning away from the small group that had gathered, the deputy started to walk towards the camp entrance. With a brisk walk, the deputy lead the way to the nearest trap. As they neared the smaller lake, that was the closest to the camp, Owlfeathers fur started to stand on end. Her eyes scanned the ground, she knew where the trap was, but there was no way to know if the Two-Legs had placed more of them. The deputy was not keen on losing any clan cats to those traps, she did not care for what reason the two-legs had placed the traps there, the only thing the deputy really knew was that they were dangerous. Pausing for a few heartbeats, Owlfeather waited until Sootpaw was at her side. Nodding to her apprentice, the she-cat pointed in the general directed the trap was in. "I want for you to lead the way, make sure to step lightly", Owlfeather said, letting the younger tom walked past her.

Sootpaw | Duskclan Apprentice | 13 moons | Small, gray tabby tom | Location: Duskclan Territory | Mentions: (Direct) Owlfeather (Indirect) Mothpaw

Sootpaw gave a little huff of disappointment at Mothpaw's verdict but said nothing to undermine it. He wasn't about to argue over things he knew nothing about, and it would only delay them. He stood and followed Owlfeather out of the camp, keeping an eye out for the unusual glint of any traps that may lay hidden and undiscovered. As Sootpaw caught up to his mentor, he blinked in surprise at her request. He only nodded before taking a few wary steps forward, his eyes glued to the ground before him. The apprentice paused, taking in his surroundings for a moment. Once he felt focused, he then continued onward toward where the trap should be located at a relaxed walk. He knew he should be careful, but he didn't want to move at a snail's pace, for star's sake.

As the trap came into view, Sootpaw quickened his steps as much as he dared before coming to a stop near the strange thing. He had left a tail-length or so between it and himself, unsure about how close was really a safe distance. Sootpaw slowly began walking around the trap. Though he was a little uneasy, his amber eyes were curious all the while as he took in the sight. "Is this how Two-legs hunt?" He genuinely wanted to know, but as soon as the question left his mouth, a chill ran up the tom's spine. It was an uncomfortable thought, that the Two-legs were hunting cats. Were the Two-legs even more of a threat than Sootpaw had realized?

⇺ [ Hornetpaw ] ⇻
18 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Medicine Cat Apprentice
Location: Camp • Mentions: Flamepaw, Foxpaw, Umbraclaw

Hornetpaw listened intently as Flamepaw spoke, walking beside her and offering an encouraging nod every now and then to show he was paying attention. “That’s understandable. You suffered a terrible loss. It’s natural to want to isolate yourself, but I think being around your family and friends will help you more than you think. If you want a chance outside of camp to just run off some steam I’m sure that could be arranged. I’ll speak to Gingerstar about it.”

He paused as Flamepaw implied she had a special someone to keep her thoughts occupied and his eyes widened slightly. She seemed so young to be enamored with another cat already, but he quickly reminded himself he was only five moons her senior and he’d had his first crush not so long ago. “Whatever helps is a good thing,” he replied softly, not wanting to pry.

As they walked a circle around camp he noted Foxpaw and Umbraclaw had left Gingerstar’s den and were now conversing in the open. Some of the tension between them appeared to have eased and he let out a sigh of relief. “Looks like they’re alright.”

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⇺ [ Falconstrike] ⇻
30 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Warrior
Location: Camp • Mentions: Scorchwing, Lightsong, Blackstar, Harepaw, Mothpaw

Falconstrike considered Scorchwing’s suggestion for a quiet moment, the tip of his tail flicking in thought. Gingerstar was nowhere to be found and Umbraclaw appeared more concerned with her apprentice. While generally more content to wait, Falconstrike was feeling restless and just as eager to get out of camp. “So long as we follow Gingerstar’s rules I don’t see why we can’t get things moving. The three of us will do for a border patrol,” he concluded.

Rising to his paws, he led the way out of camp without waiting to see if the dark-furred deputy would notice, certain if she had any objections she would soon announce them. When he didn’t hear her yowling after them he picked up the pace, making his way toward the border. It wouldn’t do to let their markers go stale, especially during such troubling times.

As they drew nearer to the border DuskClan scent drifted toward him, the strong odor causing his nose to wrinkle and pace to falter. “There are DuskClan cats up ahead. Stay alert and keep your claws in...for now,” he commented, critical gaze lingering on Lightsong far longer than Scorchwing, who he trusted had enough sense not to attack.

Starting forward again, he emerged from the brush, finding DuskClan’s leader and two younger cats, likely apprentices, waiting behind the border. His eye was cold as he halted mere inches from Blackstar, scrutinizing the other one-eyed cat with an unreadable expression. “Something we can help you with?” He asked gruffly.

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⇺ [ Redeye ] ⇻
36 Moons • Male • DuskClan • Warrior
Location: Camp • Mentions: Dustpelt, Vulturepaw

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Redeye retorted, eyes gleaming with amusement. Once Vulturepaw was present Redeye started off at a slow trot to accommodate the smaller tom, camp soon left behind. Ears flicking as Dustpelt questioned where they’d start off, the white tom shrugged his thin shoulders. “Where would you suggest?”

Redeye struggled to remain focused. It was more important than ever to be alert, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. Would their friends really be alright separated from them? Harepaw was so young for such a crucial mission and Weaselflight’s injury was worrying.

“Why did Blackstar put us all on different patrols?” He finally blurted out, sounding frustrated. “Harepaw is your apprentice, she should be with you. And Weaselflight...they shouldn’t have asked him to go out in his condition!”

Owlfeather|Duskclan|Deputy|36 Moons Old|Siamese She-Cat|Location: Territory|Mention(s) Directly: Sootpaw|Mention(s) Indirectly: Weasleflight

Owlfeather was proud to see, as her apprentice walked ahead of her. Sootpaw had grown up so much in the last moons, the mentor realized. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, Owlfeather was proud, soon the young tom would be a warrior. As the she-cat followed her apprentice, her eyes and ears scanned her surroundings. The siamese she-cats tail lashed, as the trap came into few. It did not seem that there where more traps, thank StarClan. Stepping passed her apprentice, Owlfeather walked closer to the trap and inspected it.
The deputies ear twitched, at Sootpaws question. Looking over her shoulder, the she-cat slowly shook her head, "No, normally they", Owlfeather looked back at the trap, "they do more of the hunting themselves", the deputy said.
A slight shiver went through her body, as she remembered a time when she was younger. Back then Owl, Orion, and Scorch had snuck into a two-leg garden, they'd soon been chased out though. The littermates were chased away by a large and angry two leg and an even angrier dog. Only a sneeze brought the deputy back to reality.
Stepping back from the trap, Owlfeather shook out her fur. As her back paws made contact with the ground, they suddenly sunk in a bit. Looking back, interested, her eyes narrowed. The ground was wet and not just from the recent rain. Turning around, the deputy looked over the river. It had over reached its banks, Owlfeathers brow furrowed. This might not be so bad now, but she should probably let Blackstar know nonetheless. Making a mental note of this, she turned back to the trap. "Sootpaw, I want you to mark the trap. Just so none of our clan mates. stumble over it by accident. Then we'll head off to the next one", Owlfeather said. Stepping away from the trap, the she-cat scanned the area for any sign of more two-leg activity.

Flamepaw|Dawnclan|Apprentice|13 Moons Old|Ginger She-Cat|Location: camp|Mention(s) Directly: Hornetpaw, Gingerstar|Mention(s) Indirectly: Foxpaw, Umbraclaw

Flamepaw gave Hornetpaw a kind nod. She knew that sticking with family and friends in such hard times, was good, but.... Flamepaw let out a slight sigh. Somehow she and Foxpaw just could not really connect anymore, after their mothers dead. On the other paw, Lightsong was trying a bit too hard, in her opinion. The ginger tabby she-cat looked up, at Hornetpaws words. The tom was right, Foxpaw and Umbraclaw had left. Stopping and digging her claws into the dirt, the young she-cat was fighting with herself a bit. Maybe she should go and see Gingerstar, about what she wanted to talk with Flamepaw about before. Her heart in her throat, the ginger tabby she-cat started to slowly walked to Gingerstar.
As the ginger apprentice reached the leaders side, Flamepaw cleared her throat. "Emm... Gingerstar?", Flamepaw said, a bit hesitant. "There was something, you wanted to talk about?", the young she-cat said, there was apprehension in her voice. Was she also in trouble, like Foxpaw had probably been?

Blackstar|Leader of Duskclan|One eyed Black Tom|Location: Camp|Mentions: Harepaw, Mothpaw, Falconstrike


Blackstar did not turn to look at Harepaw when he spoke, his narrowed gaze still focused on the Dawnclan territory.
"Patience is a virtue." he mused, looking content despite the tension in his muscles.
"But, I'm sure not long. The scent here is faint, and I'm sure they're just as eager as we are to refresh the borders." His tail tip twitched, and again he fell into silence. It seemed he was lost in throught, but the moment the opposing foliage rustled, his ears pricked and his eye opened. Pushing himself upward onto his feet, he did not flinch when the Dawnclan warrior neared, speaking in the usual gruff tone he had come to expect from their neighboring clan.
"I have important matters to discuss with Gingerstar, that are better spoken in person rather than as a message." He mewed, keeping his posture carefully neutral. It wouldn't do to be flaunting any aggression.
"These two need to come as well." His tail twitched towards Mothpaw and Harepaw. He hoped the Dawnclan cat would have enough sense not to begrudge them entry, and though he was asking, his tone did not offer any argument. He was, after all, a clan leader.
"If you would kindly escort us there, we will soon be out of your fur." He mewed, glancing at each of the apprentices to make sure they stayed close. It would be Harepaws first time going to Dawnclan terrain.

Dustpelt|Warrior of Duskclan|Leggy Calico Tom|Location: Duskclan Territory|Mentions: Redeye, Vulturepaw

At Redeyes shrug, Dustpelts brow furrowed.
"Mmm, two-leg place. Its early so it might be less busy." He offered, though as they moved on it was clear Redeye was distracted. Keeping his eyes twitching between the white warrior and Vulturepaw, Dustpelt nearly jumped out of his skin when the tom paused, and suddenly spoke.
"I, I don't know?" he coughed slightly, taken off guard. It was true that cats often fell into their own groups, but it didn't mean they couldn't work without one another. True, Dustpelt would always choose Weaselflight to have his back, but that didn't mean he didn't care for each member of his clan.
"I think, Blackstar wanted to make sure everyone's skills were being best utalized?" He offered after a moment of pondering.
"I mean, we both know two-leg stuff, so patrolling for things they might be up to makes sense?" He neared the other warrior.
"And Weaselflight is tougher than he looks, injury or not. With Owlfeather I'm sure he'll be in good paws." He gave the tom a bump with his shoulder of reassurance, then twitched his whiskers, looking a bit more mischevious.
"As for Harepaw, I think her path may be taking her down a route that means knowing Dawnclans terrain." He purred, feeling proud but not wanting to jinx the young cats possible future.
"So don't worry! We'll figure out this nonsense, and things will go back to the normal adventures." True or not, Dustpelts raised head and energetic step certainly made it seem like he believed every word he had said.

News/Events

Event for: Owlfeather, Weaselflight, Sootpaw
You can tell from the scent that humans have not been at the traps today. As you make your way towards the next one however, you realize that the odd scent from the previous days is stronger than ever, as if its source is nearby. It is leading towards one of the traps, and as you near you realize something, or more-so someone is inside.