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

The deputy growled, in response to her apprentices words. After the Two-Legs had gone so far, that the she-cat could not hear them anymore, Owlfeather started to walk out of the bush. After she cleared the last branches, the siamese she-cat shook out her fur. She was not happy at all with the situation, why where Two-Legs so far in Duskclan territory? The deputy let out another annoyed growl and licked strey leaf off her chest. Owlfeather looked back at the young tom, as he asked his question. "Not sure", the siamese she-cat answered. Looking in the direction, that the two-legs had carried the serval away in, the deputies shoulders sank a bit. Blackstar would probably not be back from seeing Gingerstar, the deputy guessed. The she-cat guessed that they should probably still look at the next trap, just to make sure that it had not been moved, taken away, or if there where more now. This trap was close to the River Stones and the Cavern.
Looking back to Weasleflight and Sootpaw, the deputy made a decision. "We'll check on the last trap and then.... and then we'll check on the cavern. I want to see if that cat/serval actually was telling the truth", the deputy said, stating her thoughts. She was keen on checking the cavern now, was this story really true. What would they do if it was?

Flamepaw|Dawnclan|Apprentice|13 Moons Old|Ginger She-Cat|Location: Dawnclan Camp|Mention(s) Directly: Harepaw, Mothpaw, Scorchwing|Mention(s) Indirectly: Gingerstar, Blackster

The ginger apprentice looked over, as Scorchwing came to a stop beside her. Flamepaw was still smiling, elated that she was going to be a messenger, when the apprentice looked over at her mentor. Flamepaws ears dropped a bit and her smile faded, although she could tell that her mentor was not angry, she definitely did not look happy. "Sorry", Flamepaw mouthed, making sure that the Duskclan apprentices would not notice. She would need to speak to her mentor later on, maybe she should've waited for Gingerstar to speak to Scorchwing.
Her attention turned back to Harepaw, as the Duskclan she-cat asked her question. "Well.... I don't know yet", Flamepaw answered honestly. Nodding her head in the direction Gingerstar and Blackstar had gone off in, she added, "Gingerstar and I where just about to talk, when you came." The fluffy tabby ginger she-cat tries to cheer up a bit by saying, "Have you started training yet? Are you a fast runner? How fast are you?", the questions came shooting out, one by one. Flamepaw was way too excited, but how could she not, another messenger apprentice and Mothpaw. The apprentice was so happy that Mothpaw was here, she wanted to talk with him so much, but knew that it would probably be suspicious if she did.

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

Redeye’s suspicions grew as they tracked the Twolegs, sharing a meaningful glance with Dustpelt once a raccoon was freed from the first trap they visited. Their query managed to pull ahead of the small patrol and Redeye would come to regret keeping such a cautious distance as a disturbance occurred ahead, shrieks of outrage filling the air, the sound cat-like yet...not. His pelt prickled, body tensing as moments later the Twolegs appeared with what appeared to be a covered trap, the creature inside hidden from view.

The scents of his Clanmates were detectable, as was something else...and if he had to hazard a guess, the something else was in the cage. “No, I doubt any of our own were foolish enough to risk getting in one of those things,” he whispered, only speaking once he could no longer hear the monster’s strange growls. Standing at his full height, he cast one last glance in the direction the Twolegs had departed before leading the way toward where the trap previously occupied.

It wasn’t long before he came across Owlfeather’s patrol, relieved to find all three cats in attendance. “What happened?” He asked, sensing the trio was disturbed. “Did you see what was inside?” His gaze shifted to Weaselflight’s injured paw, noting he was favoring it even more than when he’d left camp. Alarm lit his gaze, but he couldn't see any other injuries on any of them to signify a fight had occurred.

| Wolfstorm | 38 Moons | Female | Duskclan Warrior |
Location: Duskclan Camp
Mentions: Open I guess?

Wolfstorm had been up bright and early on a hunting run, and had thankfully managed to catch a squirrel down by one of the streams that fed into the Twoleg swim place. Luckily she'd known to be careful of the traps down there, though she wasn't sure how any cat would fall for them, they stank of the bitter, unnatural scent of twolegs. Though perhaps it was just because the creatures had come to check on them not long ago. Still, they hadn't scared off the prey, they'd distracted it. She was lucky to have caught the fat thing, as it had been so distracted by twoleg-scent that it hadn't noticed her as she stalked it. A squirrel's mistake and her clan's gain.

She dropped the squirrel on the fresh kill pile, intending to rest for a while before going out again, with their medicine cat gone missing, it was imperative to keep all warriors in good shape to avoid illness. She stretched out, looking around for someone to talk to. Perhaps she could even get someone else to go out hunting with her if they weren't busy. She was well aware of the patrol that had been sent out to Dawnclan, even her leader had gone! Still, she hadn't been chosen, and she wasn't ruffled by it. For now, she just wanted to relax and chew the mud from the fur on her paws before going right back out into it... It was a neverending fight to traverse the territory she called home. Still, she wouldn't trade it for anything.

⇺ [ Hornetpaw ] ⇻
18 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Medicine Cat Apprentice
Location: Camp • Mentions: Mothpaw, Harepaw, Flamepaw, Scorchwing

Disappointment filled him once it became apparent Mothpaw wasn't as eager to meet him, the younger tom even appearing agitated by his presence. Hornetpaw's expression visibly dropped for a moment, his ears flicking back anxiously. Had he done something wrong? Or was it just the typical Clan rivalry? Weren't medicine cats supposed to be above all that? The mention of a prophecy, however, saw a knowing look return to his gaze. "We received an omen as well. They may be connected," he replied somberly.

"I'm sorry Ravenblaze isn't here, but I saw the omen with my own eyes and I'm just as qualified to discuss it with you," he added a bit sharply. While he understood it was natural to prefer the full medicine cat Hornetpaw had trained under his mentor for many moons now and was likely close to earning his own name. Far more-so than Mothpaw, and if he could be here in Fleetwhisper's place why shouldn't Hornetpaw speak for his Clan? His attention was momentarily diverted when Scorchwing joined them, his heartbeat increasing and a sensation he could only describe as feeling like a bunch of butterflies were fluttering around in his stomach causing him to pause. He offered the charcoal molly an awkward smile before quickly looking away as she addressed her apprentice.

As Flamepaw announced she was the new messenger apprentice, he seemed to forget his sudden shyness. "That's wonderful news Flamepaw, congratulations! Looks as if you'll be doing a lot more running now," he added humorously, remembering their prior conversation. Turning back to Mothpaw, he regarded the smaller tom with an expression that seemed to imply he was unsure what to think of him before turning to the medicine cat's den, beckoning the other tom to follow with his tail. "Come on then. Let's get to discussing what you're here for."

Owlfeather|Duskclan|Deputy|36 Moons Old|Siamese She-Cat|Location: Duskclan territory|Mention(s) Directly: Redeye, Vulturepaw, Dustpelt|Mention(s) Indirectly: Sootpaw, Weasleflight, Sootpaw

Owlfeather looked in the direction of the cavern, it was Dawnclan territory. Should they really go? If they were caught it might cause trouble. Blackstar would not be happy, but they needed to check. If a Dawnclan patrol did intercept them, then they could, to some extent, tell the truth. If they did, the Dawnclaners might even accompany them. The deputies head snapped to the side, as she heard a noise coming towards them. Where the two-legs returning? Owlfeathers shoulders tensed. Her muscles relaxed though, when the scent of her clan mates came to her. That was right, Redeye, Dustpelt, and Vulturepaw had gone out on patrol. Getting into a more relaxed position, the deputy waited for the three cats to approach.
After listening to Redeyes questions, the siamese she-cat looked passed them, as if she could still see the two-legs. "Yes, we know what's inside", Owlfeather said. She did not really know how to explain the recent events, to be honest Owlfeather was still trying to wrap her own head around it. "There was a serval, it was trapped", Owlfeather explained, nodding to the spot where the trap was (Is it gone or still there?). Realising that the other cats might not know what a serval was, the deputy continued, "It was a large black cat, e said his name was Shadow. Then the two-legs came and took it away, the traps where for the serval". The she-cat nodded her head to Redeye, "You were right, they were not for us", the deputy edmitted. "Before he was taken away, the serval said that his sister was hidden in the cavern. We were planning on going there right now", Owlfeather said, finishing she looked over the cats. It would definitely help, to have more cats to help.

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

The ginger she-cat swallowed a purr, at Mothpaws congratulations. Turning to Mothpaw, she kindly nodded to the tom. She was not keen on anybody knowing the truth, the she-cat hoped that Hornetpaw would not notice. "Thank you", Flamepaw said, a bit curtly. The fluffy ginger she-cat then looked to Hornetpaw, "Ya, I'm pretty lucky, right?", Flamepaw said, with a smile.
Seeing Harepaws reaction, the ginger she-cat gave her a kind smile. "No need to be afraid", Flamepaw said. The she-cat wondered what her own reaction would be, the first she'd go to Duskclan. Would she also be scared? They'd probably not be very kind to her either. Maybe she should ask her brother, what it felt like, the first time he had gone.
The apprentices ear twitched, as Hornetpaw said that he and Mothpaw should go and talk alone. Looking to Scorchwing, Flamepaw asked, "Should I go with them?" They where both medicine cats, so maybe she would just be in the way, but technically Mothpaw was a Duskclan cat.

Foxpaw|Apprentice of Dawnclan|Small Ginger Tabby She-cat|Location: Camp/Dawnclan territory|Mentions: Umbraclaw, Larkclaw, unknown cat

When Umbraclaw moved between her and the odd shape beyond, Foxpaw felt the frustration within her rise again. Perhaps she would work better if her mentor didn't treat her like a kit. Exhaling strongly, she kept her tongue mostly in check, though there was a quiet muttering under her breath.
Still, she knew she had to at least follow the older she-cats words for a few more moons, and then she could prove what a warrior who was unafraid could do.
As Umbraclaw finished explaining, she made sure to hang back in her 'proper' place, though she kept her eyes on the figure. She didn't trust it, and didn't understand why Umbraclaw was so insistent on talking to whatever wandered into their territory. Dawnclan was sopossed to have a reputation for fierceness, and letting cats go without a clawing to remind them of their strength didn't sit well with the orange apprentice.
It was in the middle of her angry thoughts, when she had a thought. Though Umbraclaw was taking a quiet approach, there were still twigs and bracken to avoid. With a flash of narrowed eyes, Foxpaw stumbled, her paw landing heavily on one of the branches, causing a sharp snap to resound. Looking taken aback she crouched slightly.
"I tripped!" she hissed apologetically, looking faintly ashamed, her gaze casting towards a bit of root on the ground.



Dustpelt|Warrior of Duskclan|Leggy Calico Tom|Location: Duskclan territory|Mentions: Redeye, Harepaw, Weaselflight, Owlfeather, Sootpaw, Vulturepaw, Wolfstorm

Dustpelt shook his head at Vulturepaw, trying to reassure the small apprentice despite his own concerns. As he was about to speak however, they heard a new noise. He jumped again as the two patrols met, looking distinctively ruffled as Owlfeather and Red-eye talked. As the did so, he gave Weaselfligut and Sootpae a checking sniff. They both seemed alright. He was about to question more about the mystery cat, when Owlfeather made her decision to cross the border.
His eyes widened slightly. Though he wasn't about to argue with the deputy, he couldn't help but think sneaking into Dawnclan territory while the leaders were distracted would come across as a bad idea. He knew Duskclan was made for stealth, but the Dawnclan territory wasn't.
His green gaze met Weaselflights for a second and his shoulders gave the faintest twitch of disconcern. He was always up for an adventure, but he preferred to keep his pelt in one piece as well.
"I ah, I'll head back to camp. If Blackstar comes back, or something happens some cat needs to know where everyone is." He mewed with a faintly apprehensive tone.
"Besides, we still need some prey caught." He knew they weren't sopossed to be traveling alone, but with the recent change in information he wasn't particularly worried. Giving a nod to Owlfeather he waited a few more moments to listen to the others, before splitting his own way.
-
Dustpelt hunted quick as he could, and though he only managed a mouse and a small songbird, it was better than nothing. Slipping back into camp, he dropped off the catch before looking around. It was still quiet. Shifting his weight from paw to paw, Dustplet couldn't sit still, and so he angled his way towards Wolfstorm, giving a pleasant wave of his tail to the she-cats, though his brow was still furrowed in thought.
"Hey, Wolfstorm. Everything calm still?" he asked, trying to look relaxed but only managing a sort of half grimace.

| Wolfstorm | 38 Moons | Female | Duskclan Warrior |
Location: Duskclan Camp
Mentions: Dustpelt

Wolfstorm purred as Dustpelt approached her. "Hello to you too! I'm doing alright, I noticed the fresh kill was running low, so I've been out trying to hunt for a while. Most of the prey is in hiding thanks to all the twolegs tromping around with no respect to the forest." She huffed. "I hope they go back to their own places soon, otherwise they'll scare the prey clear out of the forest... Thankfully I was able to make a couple catches." She sat down to face her fellow warrior.

"What about you? Hopefully you've had good luck today in your ventures? Any news about the missing cats? I'm quite worried about them." Her ears fell back slightly as she frowned. To have cats just up and disappear like that was worrisome, especially with having so many twolegs running around clan territory as well. "Would you like to go with me out hunting again? It might be good to try looking up past the training valley, no twolegs have been scented up there, so prey might be less skittish."

Gingerstar | DawnClan Leader | 36 Moons | Mollie | Camp | Blackstar

Gingerstar's lips curved up into a smile when Blackstar's voice edged into a growl. It was soothing to know that she had been able to put him off his game even just a bit. Her tail flicked and she heard him out in silence, before she rose onto her paws and walked to the far side of the den, her gaze no longer so importantly latched to his single eye. She thought in silence for several long moments, the power struggle for once diminished. This was not to say that she was in any way welcoming to him, she had simply dropped from the offensive, aiming for something a little more... not amicable but at least civil. She was no longer trying to outright provoke him.

"DawnClan has experienced similar situations," she finally admitted, "but in much different frequencies. we've only identified a single metal 'trap' as you call it on our territory. It was good none of our cats happened to walk into it, by the time it was found it was sprung on an unfortunate beaver who waddled into it's grasp. However," she rounded on him now, her eyes narrowed, "if your story is to be believed, we have lost three times the cats you have in a much shorter period of time. Two at the River Rocks, and our messenger just a few days before. Whatever foolish thing the twolegs have done now they don't seem to be doing it right."

Her tail lashed now rather fiercely, and she closed her eyes a moment, schooling her emotions back into their places. "There is an explanation for all of this," she allowed, "and it makes sense that it may be connected. However there's no way that either clan will be able to discover it without messengers to run between the clans. We've lost ours, and Flamepaw's training is bound to be more difficult without it. Your messenger- I assume you haven't just plucked that apprentice out of nowhere, so the one who will be training her, perhaps it would be beneficial to collaborate between the two and help both learn the opposite terrains."
If you ask too many questions, or seek too much approval, nothing ever gets done


---

Weaselflight | DuskClan Warrior | 21 Moons | Tom | The Traps | Shadow that Walks Beside You; Sootpaw; Owlfeather; Redeye; Vulturepaw; Dustpelt

Weaselflight's head shook suddenly when Owlfeather suggested they head into DawnClan territory to inspect the cavern and try to locate Shadow's sister. He was about to open his mouth to protest when an unruly white form bounded into their midst, quickly followed by the stubby legged Vulturepaw and taller, disquieted Dustpelt. He could see that Redeye was concerned about his foot, and he winced, dropping it down so that it didn't look quite so hurt. He didn't want to worry the other tom unnecessarily. This wasn't to say that he didn't think that he was hurt- his paw still throbbed with every motion, but if they were to be going into DawnClan territory as Owlfeather was suggesting, then they needed to be as undistracted as possible.

He bumped his head against Dustpelt's when the other tom came over to give him a sniff, offering a wavering smile. He was having a very hard time with the fact that they had been unable to save Shadow from the trap in time, it was upsetting to him perhaps more than it needed to be. His tail swished sadly when Owlfeather recounted the events of the day. His ears flattened anxiously when Dustpelt turned and left.

If Dustpelt wasn't going, he certainly did not feel qualified to. However, he could feel a tugging in his chest at the idea that he would not be helping to figure out what had happened to Shadow and where he had been taken. It wasn't fair of him to have coaxed the other cats in the patrol to have attempted to free him just to now abandon the idea, was it? He turned his gaze downwards silently, dropping miserably down onto his haunches. His breath was a sigh as he turned his gaze back to the little patrol that stood around him now.

"S-s-s-should the apprentices c-come with us?" he stammered anxiously, not wanting to put more cats in danger than absolutely necessary.
Better safe than sorry


---

Event For: Umbraclaw, Larkclaw, and Foxpaw

As the cats begin to approach, a large dappled feline head rises up from the flurry of feathers, piercing amber gold eyes latching onto the cats beginning to approach. The creature stays low to the ground, but when the cats begin to split up into groups, it starts to growl deeply, a threatening noise even to a well trained warrior. When Foxpaw snaps the branch it springs to it's paws, giving a loud half scream half roar, and it quickly becomes apparent that it stands only on three of its four limbs. The reason for this becomes apparent when it spins around to face the bigger threat of both Foxpaw and Umbraclaw, the elevated limb flashing through the light to reveal the badly scarred tissues and shrunken muscles. It makes a noise almost like a chirp, both threatening and inquisitive, and it's half length tail lashes. It can be noted that the tail doesn't look like it was torn off it's just short. It begins to scan the area around them for an easy exit, and begins to edge itself in a direction that leads vaguely towards the cavern and the ruins, ears flat and eyes narrowed, a constant stream of wordless noises flowing from it's mouth as it faces down the deputy of DawnClan and her apprentice.

⇺ [ Hornetpaw ] ⇻
18 Moons • Male • DawnClan • Medicine Cat Apprentice
Location: Camp • Mentions: Mothpaw, Harepaw

“I’m sure it won’t be difficult,” Hornetpaw replied dryly, casting an unimpressed glance over his shoulder before leading the smaller tom into his den. He was aware he was being petty, allowing the other apprentice's less than pleasant mood to sour his own, but well...Hornetpaw would be the first to admit he could be easily offended. If Mothpaw saw fit to be sassy then he’d sass him right back.

It seemed he’d stopped to speak with Harepaw, likely assuring his Clanmate would be fine without him. In the meantime Hornetpaw sat near the back of the den so Mothpaw would be nearest the entrance, sitting up straight and curling his bushy tail neatly around his paws while he waited for Mothpaw to join him.

•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•☾☼☽•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

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

Redeye listened closely as Owlfeather explained the situation, his eyes narrowing sharply and gaining a hard glint as she described the giant feline. “What makes you so sure these creatures aren’t behind all of our troubles? Any cat will lie when they don’t have any other options,” he growled suspiciously, ears pinning against his skull and tail lashing to-and-fro. “This could be a trap. Even if this ‘Shadow’ is telling the truth, how do we know his sister is as friendly? An injured cat confronted by strangers could be dangerous.”

His expression grew dismayed when Dustpelt excused himself from the patrol, allowing the disappointment to linger in his gaze long after the tortoiseshell tom had disappeared beyond the trees. Redeye hadn’t expected the usually exuberant cat to be so quick to depart and half expected Weaselflight to follow him. If anyone had the right to return home it was certainly him, but shockingly the anxious warrior appeared keen enough to stay, albeit expressing his typical nerves.

The question of whether or not the apprentices should attend had him glancing first from Vulturepaw to Sootpaw thoughtfully. Though he was sure the inquiry had been meant for Owlfeather, he offered his own opinion within seconds. “Sootpaw is nearly a warrior. He’s earned his right to come if he so wishes, I’d imagine,” he commented, eyes straying to Owlfeather briefly. “But, Vulturepaw, I want you to return to camp. We don’t have any clue what waits for us in that cavern and I won’t risk you being hurt,” he ordered his own apprentice. He hoped the small tom wouldn’t feel too terribly put off. They didn’t have time to argue.

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

Sootpaw's head whipped around in alarm to hear something approaching but immediately relaxed once he realized that it was their clanmates. The apprentice listened carefully as the warriors spoke to each other about the current situation, and though he knew it was a serious matter, a bit of excitement pricked his paws at the thought of traversing into Dawnclan territory. Though Redeye's skepticism would normally have made the apprentice unsure, Sootpaw was only more encouraged about the idea of going to the cavern when Dustpelt volunteered to go back to camp, his reasoning for doing so assuring Sootpaw that they would likely receive quick assistance should they not return in due time for whatever reason.

When Weaselflight questioned whether or not he and Vulturepaw should be able to go, Sootpaw made a point to stand a little taller. It wasn't like he was a helpless kit wandering too far from the nursery! Why, he was on the cusp of becoming a warrior! But, then, he had to consider Vulturepaw as well. Was the small tom fit for this adventure? He wasn't sure, but he couldn't very well suggest that Vulturepaw go back to the camp while he got to go on an interesting trip. Sootpaw had begun to consider Vulturepaw as a friend and he didn't wanna upset him by saying he wasn't suited to come along. However, he also didn't want to put Vulturepaw in danger by trying to convince the others that he should join them. In fact, he wasn't even sure if Vulturepaw wanted to go.

Sootpaw watched the fellow apprentice a moment longer when his eyes darted to Redeye once more as the pale tom spoke. It was strange, hearing the odd warrior speak so well of him. Not that Sootpaw had ever had any problems with Redeye in the past, they just didn't interact much. Admittedly, this was likely because Sootpaw may or may not have avoided him on occasion. He'd have to remember to actually speak to the warrior at some point.
As for Redeye's order for Vulturepaw to go back to camp, Sootpaw was both relieved and a bit disappointed, but he knew it couldn't be helped. Sootpaw looked to Owlfeather for approval or lack-there-of, his whiskers twitching anxiously for her decision. He wanted to go and help if he could, but Sootpaw knew he would be resigned to obey an order to stay put if the deputy requested it.