☼SunClan☼

Mudsong || Location: Twoleg Bridge || Mentions: Hawkpaw, Creekstep, Duckpaw

One might think it wiser to lead apprentices- Mudsong, however, thought it would be better to let the adolescents dart ahead, so long as she still had them in sight. It was easier this way, especially with Hawkpaw being the brooding sort that might unexpectedly walk off on his own (as done earlier), or with Duckpaw being as inquisitive as they came. If she lead ahead of them, she'd have to frequently look back to ensure that they followed. Even if she did that frequently, she might lose one of them as soon as she let her guard down. For now, the short-legged warrior kept up an even pace, ensuring that the duo of apprentices remained in her view. She thought she heard Creekstep following behind her- she hoped, anyways. As a warrior, she'd expect him to be on his toes and be aware that they were heading out. 

Mudsong bit her lip at Duckpaw's incessant questions and overwhelming enthusiasm, silently praying to StarClan that it wouldn't annoy her own apprentice and send him over the edge. She was already tip-toeing on glass here. Keeping a close eye on the apprentices as they moved on ahead, the pointed feline kept her ears tuned to the noises surrounding her- birdsong, the distant babbling water, the soft pawsteps of the apprentices. Nothing seemed out of place, and on scents seemed particularly foreign or threatening. At least, not yet. 

They had come to the river, with Hawkpaw snagging a quick drink while Duckpaw tested the creek with a paw. The grass here was trodden, overlaid with her own scent and that of Foxstar from when they'd chatted by the waterside. She cast a cautious side-glance to the apprentices by the water's edge, ensuring that neither of them slipped in while she meandered towards the peculiar wooden structure that overstretched from one bank to the next. The path before it was worn, as if it was crossed several times before. Mudsong gently pressed a mottled paw against the smoothed wood before tasting the air. The scent was faint, even a little difficult for her to detect. It had been time since they last past through, but it was concerning nonetheless. 

"Hawkpaw, Duckpaw," the small warrior called to the duo calmly, raising her voice ever-so-slightly to ensure that she was heard over the water and the molly apprentice's excited voice. "Come here for a moment. Do either of you recognize this scent?"

Remus || Rogue || Location: Gray Fox Burrow || Mentions: N/A

How long had he been waiting for? He didn't know- he only knew that the mere stench of old fox alone made his lungs sting. It felt like he was suffocating in the tight burrow, paws pressed beneath his weight. Had his pursuer left at last- the walker that had come from potential hallucinations, the ones Biscuit once rambled on about? Remus wasn't certain if a ghost or voice (whichever it had been) would be much of a threat. Nonetheless, Biscuit had taken it seriously, no matter how silly it had seemed to the giant Remus. The silver tabby had let his belly-fur press into the flattened soil of the burrow, regaining his energy and strength while choking on the overwhelming stench all the meanwhile. He was glad the foxes were gone. 

As his energy slowly rejuvenated, he thought of his escape- or if fleeing was even necessary. He could not quite comprehend the sensation of anxiety that he was feeling. He thought he'd be overjoyed to finally have something speak to him, even if it'd merely been apart of his imagination. He missed Biscuit so much. He missed his only family as much as the moon would miss the stars. 

When the aches in his joints subsided to a more bearable nagging pain, he cautiously hovered near the burrow's exit. This day- it was only dawn, and already it had him feeling dizzy. He still needed to catch himself some breakfast, and dig up some comfrey root to restock his supplies. Maybe he'd work on expanding the old burrow Biscuit and he shared, just to make it more comfortable for himself now that the old tom was gone...

Family.

The voice had mentioned having a family of its own. It made Remus' heart yearn for company once more, yet still he was paranoid. Afraid. Anxious. The rogue poked his head from the fox burrow and noted that all was clear. Hesitantly the giant feline plodded around, testing the waters and letting his curiosity get the best of him. As he tasted the air, he found himself taken by surprise.

There was a scent.

He didn't know what to do. Something had been there- it wasn't a walker. It wasn't just a voice. It was a thing, a living and breathing cat. He wouldn't be alone anymore. He could have comfort, a friend, a family, a cat to show the forest and share all of its great secrets with. It felt like a distant dream...but also, a nightmare. Remus could not deny the peculiar fear that nipped at his belly.

So once more, he ran.

🦅Hawkpaw | Location: Temporary Camp | Mentions: Mudsong, Duckpaw🦅

Hawkpaw grinded his teeth as Duckpaw's incessant questions cut away at his already short temper. He refused to answer any of them, hoping that she would eventually loose interest and fall silent. Internally, he let out a string of insults to please himself. He couldn't stop his tail tip from flicking with aggravation, though. He was about ready to push her into the river when Mudsong finally surpassed them. For once, he was quick to get back on his feet and eager to hear whatever she had to say--whatever would cut through the younger calico's endless babble.

He took note of the strangely assembled bits of old tree as well, and drew in a deep breath as the warrior posed a question to them. He noted the obvious, such as earth and grass, and a few stale prey scents, but the strongest was less familiar to him. He knew he had come across it a few times in the old territory, and plenty on their journey here, but oh what was it? It was too weak to be a monster, and surely something alive--right! He remembered, now.

"It's some wretched two-legs. Are we certain this forest isn't infested with them? I think we've had enough trouble already." Although the scent was only as strong as a single individual, and stale, the pessimistic tom couldn't hold back the skeptical remark. To be fair, it was the nicest thing he could say in order to avoid insulting his annoying denmate.

🦊Foxstar | Location: Temporary Camp | Mentions: Dawnpaw🦊

The scarred leader felt antsy, unwilling to sit around doing nothing. She fidgeted for awhile, kneading the rock, pulling off a tick, scratching the occasional itch. None of it distracted her for long. She needed something more engaging to help pass the time. Her eyes landed on the only apprentice remaining, and she hopped down from her perch. Foxstar approached Dawnpaw as she would Hawkpaw, seeing a mirror image of her nephew in the young tom. She waved her tail in greeting before speaking.

"Dawnpaw, would you mind helping me catch some fish? I'm sure our slower rising clanmates would appreciate a fresh meal. And of course, you could have some yourself if you like." the leader tilted her head, donning an expression of empathy, "I'm sure you're not feeling like doing much, but from one grieving cat to another, lying around doing nothing never solved anything. Even doing something small--like catching a fish--can make the world seem a little normal again."

The calico flicked her tail towards the nearest bend of the river, "Now I'd hate to play the bossy leader, so please join me of your own accord over there." With that, she turned and began meandering in the direction of the water.