Territory INTO THE WOODS — SCOUTING PATROL

[PIKESTAR]

{$title} Pike leads the scouting patrol to Riverclan's ancestral home

To say that he was not seconds away from puking the moment the patrol members all gathered and quickly set out was an understatement. While it had been Adder- Oh, Thank you Adder, If I could kiss you! NOT in a disrespectful way. Wait, no... I don't want Wave to kill me for kissing his cheek as thanks for his ideas. A glance is spared to the chocolate ticked tom who looked as if he was five seconds away from clawing at their throats if anyone decided to say how was he on this lovely morning. On second thought... Let's not do that. And so, from there he quite awkward led the small group away. The problem was that he could feel their piercing stares on his back, especially Bay who hadn't been given in answer in how he knew of the place they were now traveling to. If looks could kill, then he would have been dead already nine times over. Just keep walking, just keep walking. Pretend like you know were you're supposed to be going. They don't have to know we're all kinda going blind for now.

Eventually the group had made it to the twoleg place. Pike would be lying to say he didn't breathe a sigh of relief when the twoleg place came to view, so that weird cat was right... HUH?! That can't be, cause he was just a made up in my mind! Right? We just, I just got lucky. There's no way dreams are real. Nuh uh, not at all. In any case, everyone had decided to take a small rest before they continued with the rest of their journey. After all, their paws ached from walking at first light to noon.

Once again they are following him, though he is a little less sure of where to go from here. A river. I have to look for a river. It's got to be close. And so they travel along the outskirts of the twoleg place until they are able to see a body of water from the distance. There? It has to be there. Riverclan. Oh. I get it. I get it now. It's cause we're next to the river. He feels a bit sheepish at the realization of why the clan had such a strange name. It's not that different from the Shipyard. It tells you all you have to know about the place. Guilt eats at him, the urge to apologize to the cat in his dreams becomes ever persistent. He wouldn't have known where to go if the place where he was meant to go didn't give a hint of where or what it was. If Seabriar had told him the place where they were meant to go was called a pizzeria where there was a mechanical bear, chicken, bunny, and fox... Yeah, they would not be finding that anytime soon. It's not like a place like that existed anyway, right?

Anyway, silver paws stop at the edge of the river. He looks back to the patrol, all of them are accounted for.

"I hope you don't mind getting wet."

It's the only warning any of them are given before Pike plunges himself into the cool river. He is not too alarmed at the slight increase in difficulty swimming here than in the shipyard. Before he had even joined those in Shipyard, his twoleg had taught him how to swim in lake. It was somewhat similar though the water was less calm than a lake. Thankfully, they have a nice patch of land not too far from them. They wouldn't be swimming long.

It only occurs to him when he is crosses the river and is standing on a nice patch of land is this: They know how to swim, right? I did say we'd have to cross a river. I DO REMEMEBER SAYING THAT! Unless I didn't? But there's no way I didn't? Perhaps, it's amusing for the patrol swimming across seeing him so flustered and pacing around the shore anxiously. Even as they make it with varying degrees of difficulty, there Pike is fretting about each and every one of them. It's only when all of them cross successfully he sighs in relief.

Crossing the river was a start. Now the trouble was finding that island. Considering there was land that went about a good distance, they needed to keep pressing forward and find another river before they found what they were looking for. However, before they do that he looks down and finally notices it. Surrounding the group is a meadow, with various types of flora. I know this place. The memory of Seabriar comes to mind. The starry tom had come running to him in a field of flowers. They had spoken in this very place. He brings a careful paw to caress one of the flowers beside him.

The patrol is waiting for him to stop wasting time, he knows this. He is well aware of their question looks as his frame trembles. Chuffs leave his maw as before it erupts into full blown cackling. None of them will ever know. HE'S REAL! HE'S NOT JUST SOME MADE UP THING! IT'S TRUE! WE WERE HERE TOGETHER. I WAS HERE WITH HIM. THIS WAS A HINT, SO THAT MEANS-

"It will make sense in practice, given time."

None of them will ever know. Know that even though he spoke of this new home as if it existed, he took a chance on it. Not because he believed Seabriar was real, but because they had nothing else. If he had said nothing, then they would rot away in the shipyard, or try and head further away. Far from the bounty of the forest's rivers. Excitement surges within he as he looks to the members of the patrol. Paying no mind to how maddening he appeared.

"WE'RE CLOSE! WE'RE ALMOST WHERE WE'RE MEANT TO BE!"

It is then that he realizes the looks each is giving him, and the excitement he had in him is immediately snuffed out. Nerves begin to take their place as he nervously looks around, unable to look anyone of them in the eye.

"I... I, uhm, mean... we're super close to that island, i, uhh, bet, that, y'know? If we ran, w-we'd get there in n-no time. we'll see another r-river, but i-it's the last one. So uhhh, what do you, guys? T-t-think so far? Does, it, uhm, look good so far?"

They weren't there yet, but it was nice to get some opinion so far of the new place. After all, they would all be living here in the future if everyone on the patrol was in agreement.

// @Adderfang @Peachy @Bay @downy @willow here y'all go we are in RIVERCLAN TERRITORY!!!! for reference we are in what will become known as sunset meadows. more information about riverclan's territory can be found here!

 

[Adderfang]

There's a dark cloud hanging over him today. His usual scowl is set a little longer, jaw tight with tension. He barely speaks the entire trip, save for some advice he knows will keep their party alive.

Their rest at the twoleg place is brief—thankfully. Whose idea was it to stop there anyway? There are loud noises and strange scents. Hardly a place to rest. He sure didn't. Adder remains on edge until the moment they leave, shoulders stiff, ears constantly twitching at the slightest sound.

He's endlessly grateful Pike listened to him. The thought of leaving without sleep—especially with his present company—might have driven him mad. They'd only been away from the shipyard a day, and already, he missed Wave and the kits something fierce. His mind churns with a thousand worst fears—dogs, sickness, two legs, outsiders—any number of dangers that could befall them in his absence.

He worries his kits might venture too close to the water and drown or— forbid—follow him here and get lost or worse. His gaze flickers to his companions. Cats he's lived with for moons, and yet there is no trust fostered. Can he rely on them? If it comes down to it, will they have his back the way he would theirs?

And Pike… Was he telling the truth about this place? Did he even know how to get there, because he didn't act like it.

Adder wants to believe it. Desperately. His family's survival hinges on it. And yet he isn't so sure.

He watches Pike carefully as they travel. He wishes him no harm—but if this was a lie, if Pike had dragged them out here for nothing...

He won't be coming back with us.

That worry is dampened, slightly, when they reach a river. When it comes time to cross the water, Adder doesn't hesitate. Wave ensured he had enough practice. She was a menace in the water—pushing, pulling, splashing, dunking. A typhoon with a heartbeat, pushing him in and sweeping him up in her laughter. He'd grown to love it but still, he was no fish.

The tom drops into the icy river, whiskers quivering in distaste. A half-snarl tugs at his lips as the shock of the cold bites into him. He grunts, a string of short chuffs escaping as he paddles furiously to the other side. His tail snakes behind him, winding like his namesake, until he hauls himself onto the bank, water streaming from his coat.

Adder shakes himself out, pelt rippling, but the chill still gnaws at his limbs. "Dry yourselves quickly," He barks to the others. "You don't want to get sick out here." They'd left enough injured and feeble behind at the shipyard. If any of them fell ill, he doubted they would make the journey back.

Once they press forward, Adder takes a long, steady look around. The rivers, as Pike promised, were hopefully teeming with fish. Opening ahead of them, a frosted meadow, stretching out beneath a dull sky. He studies the area with deep scrutiny.

Pike's sudden laughter causes his ears to flick back. Adder turns sharply, watching the tom, brows furrowing in something akin to confusion, even concern.

Erm…

For a moment, he has a mind to ask if Pike is alright—but stops himself. Of course, he isn't. None of them are. After everything that's happened, it shouldn't surprise him that Pike's finally cracked.

Adder clears his throat loudly to divert from Pike's rambling. "Uh, well… it's not bad. Plenty of spots to fish," Wave's wish to be near water would be fulfilled should they decide to stay. "Although, there's not much in terms of shelter. That will be a problem." If he had anything to say about it they wouldn't be sleeping in another dilapidated shed.

"But you said there's more to see." His gaze drifts from Pike to peer at the island. "So I'd prefer to give my full opinion once we've seen it all." The sooner they finished scouting, the better. But that didn't mean he wouldn't be thorough. If his family was going to join them, he would leave no stone unturned.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​

 

[willowburn]

(☾) slender paws ache as willow pushes herself along, maw sealed shut, head down. she plods along with the rest, complaints never escaping her mouth, even if her paw pads are scraped and her ear tips are numb from cold. she is fueled by the thought of her family, left behind in the shipyard for the day. the thought of duck's glowing green gaze, of smoke's steady shoulders, even of little clay's quiet presence keep her going as she pads at pike's side. there is faith, too, in their leader - pike may be a goofball, may be hard to take seriously at times, but he seems so... involved in this. his steps seem assured, his ears pricked forward as if recognizing each landmark that they pass. within twolegplace, willow could pass it off for the man recognizing his old haunts as a former kittypet, but now, as the silver man pauses in front of a river, she watches, bemused, as he plunges in with confidence. pike never does anything with confidence.

it's slightly confusing, but mostly encouraging. willow has no fear of water - growing up on the ship, she'd spent plenty of time paddling about, and so she sinks herself into the river after pike. the water is cold, but the way it flows around her fur is almost welcoming. it caresses her sore paws, numbing them of pain for a time as her muscles strain to carry her across. emerging on the bank, willow takes a moment to breathe, taking in the new space she finds herself in. shaking droplets from silky smoke fur, the molly pads to join pike again, watching her fellow shipyard dwellers as they cross. adder and bay seem confident, so too does peachy, but there is a nervousness to downy that is almost endearing. willow half wonders why the molly had even volunteered to come in the first place if she doesn't know how to swim. she had seemed rather excited... glancing back at pike as the man takes in the sights, the smoke moves back into the water, feeling its cooling touch on her skin as she strikes out for the other shore. "need some help?" she asks downy as she arrives, blinking up at cerulean eyes. "free of charge." tone teasing but not unkind, willow offers a smile.

downy grudgingly agrees, and willow slips back into the water, beckoning the puff-ball former kittypet forth. "it's cold," they warn. "watch your pretty paws." shoulder rough against the other's, willow guides their companion into the deeper waters. "strike out with your front paws, kick with your back ones. you'll float, don't worry." like her namesake, downy's fur, while slightly sodden, is thick enough that it wicks water from its innermost fluff. swimming with her, willow feels rather like a soggy rat, their own feathery fur slicked to their skin. rocks brush against slender paws and the smoky molly steadies themself, waiting for downy to scramble out before the two join the rest on the bank. shaking the wet from their fur, they sniff. "not bad," they admit, giving the cloud of a cat a nod. "you'll learn quick, i suppose."

padding back towards pike, they are surprised to find his silver form shaking. green eyes find ember as willow exchanges a glance with adder, one eyebrow raised. "is he okay?" they mouth, before they are interrupted by pike's mad laughter and delighted cry. "oh!" willow smiles at their friend, but he is already calming himself down, maw forced straight, throat cleared and voice calm. "that's good," they encourage, glancing about for the first time. frost coats a field of what may soon be flowers, meadow stretching off onto the horizon. it's a beautiful place, admittedly, although not the spot willow would choose to settle permanently. still, it gives hope to their diminished spirit. "it's beautiful alright. i like the river, it means fish." emerald eyes find pike's own and willow steps forward, scenting the air. "okay, let's find this famous island ."

WITH THE ECHOING HYMN ☾ OF MY FELLOW PASSERINE

• // helping @downy across the river " #979c88"
• 
• WILLOW ☾ SHE / THEY, SHIP-YARD CAT. 28 MOONS OLD, PENNED BY LAVS
  
  
  a lithe black smoke feline with ghost striping and leaf green eyes. long smoky fur dashed through with grey and white adorns her frame, sliced across by darker stripes that frame her face and legs. eyes like sage, brilliantly green, gaze with an intelligent look. she is scarred across the bridge of her angular nose.

​

 

[Bay]

Bay still has questions, and he has never been the patient type, but he supposes finding a new home is more important. Pike had decided to lead this whole operation; a surprising fact in and of itself, because basically anyone could do this with more confidence... barring kits, maybe, though those can be quite egotistical too. His revelation about knowing the answer to all their problems had been even more surprising. Pike is hiding something, and Bay will get to the bottom of it — after they find some place worth moving into, so that they could all avoid freezing or starving to death.

So, Bay follows Pike. The land slowly but surely changes around them. Looming walls cast shadows over the scouting patrol, and it's the first time since his departure that Bay actually feels uneasy. Claustrophobia claws at the sides of his throat. Let's just get out of here. Fast.

Thank the skies above, they exit that awful, dirty place soon enough, only to enter wilderness once more. Bay can breathe again; his lungs had yearned for the clear air. It is full of unfamiliar scents, none of which he knows where to place, but the sense of adventure kills any doubts he may have. If nothing else... he can get back to those still waiting for them with the knowledge that he did something.

"Stop squirming,"

Bay snaps once, glaring at Pike.

"You've got burrs in your pelt or something?"

Their makeshift leader had cautioned about the wetness, but Bay couldn't have been more glad for the lazy laps around his body. It's refreshing.

He falls into silence after that once again, similar to Adder's stoic disposition. This whole ordeal... it is responsibility, and Bay feels the pressure of it fully, perhaps for the very first time in his life. Caring for little others had meant freedom from this feeling. The cats of the Shipyard had slotted together like pieces of a puzzle, though Bay's intention was far from being part of said puzzle. He doesn't want to think about it too much. It is much easier to sear the untouched territory before him with his eyes and feel the gentle, cold wind in his fur. At least his pelt being short means he dries fast. It would be wholly embarrassing to catch a cold now; his sneezes would surely alert every predator and scare away every prey in the vicinity.

Later, Pike exclaims like he has been doing ever since the shelter collapse — gone mad, maybe. No, he goes far beyond that. He laughs like some sort of maniac whose evil plan had just bore fruit.

Bay exchanges a glance with Adder.

"It's nice,"

he says, too dumbfounded to be enthusiastic. The longer he basks in this discovery though, the more drawn he feels. It had been entirely illogical, but some parts of Bay had hoped for yet another sea-side dotted with abandoned structures to become their home. This... this is so different, but he doesn't hate it. The snow-kissed clearing and the criss-crossing streams make sure of it.

"Really nice, actually... is this really it? Wasn't that too easy?"

 

[Peachy]

Let's play like we're children and sing till the moons full

Before the day we turn to nothing but sand

​

The extra day of rest was much appreciated by the brightly colored molly of the group. After all the excitement that had happened only a night before – from the shed collapse, to the tense talks afterwards, to even the argument Wave, Willow, and her had with Rose's mother – it all culminated to a bought of exhaustion that Peachy didn't even realize she had until her head hit her nest that night. Adder had been right in his suggestion and the molly woke up with new found energy.

Even as her front paw ached against each step, the excitement in discovering a new place to live held back the slight twinge in both her shoulder and wrist. As they started their journey, saying their goodbyes, in hopes of it being short lived, and promising to find the place Pike had talked about, the mood seemed to shift. Everyone traveled in silence and though it hurt her heart to not try and bring the mood around to something more fun, even the light-hearted Peachy could tell how they carried themselves. They were on a mission, afterall, and everyone was worried for family that they had left behind...

With the lightest of sighs, the blue-eyed molly fell towards one of the edges of the patrol, deciding to make herself useful in scouting for any dangers that could ambush them from the wayside. Plus, she could enjoy the sights! Just cause everyone felt more on the down side, it didn't mean she had to be! Throughout the journey, her voice would pipe up, making sure to be light and cheerful in order to show that it was not about a danger, but instead, something she had spotted on the way that she found intriguing. Maybe it was an interesting critter's nest she hadnt seen before, or a large lone tree with strange leaves that hung like vines. One was even to point out a lone flower, frost coating it's petals like a powder of snow, a sign of hope against the leafbare chill.

By the time they had arrived at the two-leg place, her enthusiasm had ebbed slightly, the burning sensation in her wrist worse after so many hours pressing pad to earth. It still wasn't so bad that she was limping, that was lucky enough since she hated to think that she would worry the rest of the patrol with her insignificant injury. Plus, the twoleg place helped perfectly in giving her a new distraction from the pain. The whole place was so different then all the sealeg colonies situated by the different docks she had visited and she spent a good majority of the rest speaking with the former kittypet that guided them now, curious about the knowledge he had on these twoleg dens.

Yet, time never waits for the living. As the sun moved across the sky, so did the small traveling group. The reprieve off her paw was surely needed and despite not wanting to continue so soon, the red tabby didn't protest when the others insisted they continue their path. It wouldn't be long, even if Peachy felt a twinge of sadness at being unable to explore more of the strange twoleg dens, before they stepped back into the wilderness once again. The sound of flowing water was heard before the sight of the river came into view...

And their guide jumped into it with as much confidence as a kit on the beach. It brought a smile to Peachy as she stepped to follow the others. The frosty cold water was like a salve to her aching, swelling wrist, coolness working it's way into the inflamed muscles like mint leaves on the tongue. It made the swim across all the more enjoyable, on top of the familiar feeling of water flow tugging at her fur and paws. The molly closed her eyes as she crossed, her mind bringing back memories of swimming near the docks with the sealegs of her ship. Although she did flow a bit more downstream then the others because of this enjoyment, she found the other shore with ease, paws finding purchase in the stone and sand underfoot.

For now, Peachy stayed in the shallows, allowing the swelling of her wrist to ebb slightly in the cool flow before she stepped out once Downy and Willow came across themselves. Giving her pelt a harsh shake to rid her long fur of any excess droplets, Peachy stepped up beside Bay to watch with curiosity as their guide burst out into near maniacal laughter. It seemed to scare the others of the patrol yet the older molly stepped up with an even brighter smile, brushing her wet pelt against the silver tabby as a sign of encouragement and companionship.

As with everyone else, the molly nodded her agreement, looking out over the meadow of frosted grass with brightness in her eyes. "I think it looks perfect! Can you imagine the rabbits or mice that would make their burrows here? And Im sure the river will have plenty of fish!" She looked to Willow during those words before she looked ahead, towards the coverage of trees. "Maybe we should start heading towards the place with the most cover? Rivers go through forests right? It's better then being out in the open!" Peachy made a few steps towards the foliage, before turning back with a smile on her maw, her injured paw lifted innocently as she waited for their leader to, once again, take the charge.
​

OOC ✧❦✧ Basic Info

• ooc
  —— xxx!
• 
  string of lyrics / lengty or short quote goes

  here

  ​
  ​
• Peachy She/Her
  ❀ A Long Haired Red Classic Tabby with Low White & Ocean Blue Eyes
  ❀ Warrior of the Shipyard
  ❀ 36 moons; Ages on the 23rd of every month
  ❀ speech thought attack
  ❀ peaceful + healing powerplay permitted
  
  penned by Taru​

​

 

[PIKESTAR]

Willow being the first cat to successfully join their ranks is no surprise. He's known her since forever (not really) now and saw her from time to time padding about in the Shipyard. It's kinda breathtaking watching her swim up close compared to watching from so far away. Maybe it's a bit creepy that he watches her swim, but it's not like he actively searches for her. If he passes by and sees her paddling in the water, he decides to stay for a few moments to watch her. He's never had the courage to join her in the water. After all, her swimming is graceful. She's as graceful as a salmon, and I'm not saying that 'cause they're my favorite fish. Unfortunately, his mouth begins to water at the mere mention of salmon. It's been so long. Oh, how I miss your juicy pink flesh. In... In my restless dreams, I see that fish. Salmon. Hmmm, try again. That didn't sound as cool as I thought. What would even sound cool? In my restless dreams, I see that... What? UGH, TOO HARD! Let's scrap it. I'm... I'm getting distracted.

"Stop squirming. You've got burrs in your pelt or something?"

His reaction is immediate,

"W-wha?! No I don't! And... HEY! What do you mean something?!"

Silver and black fur bristles, as he hops in place. It. It quite honestly looks more silly than threatening. A screech leaves his maw,

"I've got nothing in my pelt!"

Is it really that bad to care about you guys? I don't want any of you to die for crying out loud! He really should consider putting Bay into a compassion class or something because it weas totally uncool of the dark pelted tom to be so mean towards him. The only crime he committed was worry, and what was so wrong with that?

Anyhow, it is at this moment he turns to look beside him to find Willow missing. Adder has taken her place, but his words fall on deaf ears as he panics and whips his head around until green eyes spot her back in the river. Green eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets when he notices that Willow is helping Downy in crossing the river. I THOUGHT SHE KNEW HOW TO SWIM?!!!!!! WHY'D SHE EVEN COME IF SHE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM?!!!!! GIRL I SAID WE ARE CROSSING A RIVER! He genuinely wants to collapse to the ground and weep at the situation. Fortunately nothing bad has transpired, but that is all thanks to Willow who kindly teaches Downy how to swim (as much as you can for the first time anyway) and guides her to safety. Though, the urge to throttle Downy is immense.

Perhaps, this is also why in Adder's view, he finally cracked. One again, he is grateful for the rugged tom, pulling him into reality. It's not as rude as Bay, but it's not to the point of coddling him. He's unable to voice this as he feels something brush against him. His fur bristles, as he shrieks and takes a couple of pawsteps away. What he comes face to face with is none other than Peachy and her bright smile, despite his shriek and fear. Haggard breathing fills the gap between them before he awkwardly clears his throat.

"S-s-sorry Peachy. I was, uh, surprised."

It was a pitiful apology and he knows it, but what else is he supposed to say? Hopefully she wouldn't take his actions too poorly. It was genuinely all his fault. They're not given any time for more words as Bay voices his opinions and concern, which is followed by Peachy's own opinions on the place. He gives her a sheepish smile before giving Bay his utmost attention.

"Well, no? There's still lots to explore! Just like Peachy said! The river's gonna have plenty of fish, but we don't know about the mice or the rabbits when it's warmer. Food isn't going to be much of worry... OH GOSH! WE'RE GONNA HAVE FOOD!"

It seems like Peachy's excitement has rubbed off him, so much so that he forgets all reason when he pads over to pay, still wet mind you, and proceeds to place his sopping wet paws on Bay's shoulders and begins to shake him.

"F. O. O. D. Food, Y'know? I mean, back in the shipyard we have... A little. Can you imagine it? All of us finally having full bellies?!"

If Bay was giving him a glare that could kill, then the dark pelted tom would be met with a beaming grin. Maybe you'll be less of a grouch with some yummy fish in your belly. After all, you're not you when you're hungry! Well... You're still a grouch with a full belly. I dunno if you could be.. Not a grouch? Actually, that would be kinda freaky. Oh shoot, that's right! Oopsie, kinda forgot there for a second. He pats a wet silver paw on a damp dark fur,

"It's only easy because it's only a few of us. The hard part comes when we bring everyone."

Wrangling in kits in the Shipyard to sit still was hard enough. He can't imagine how much more difficult it could be to actually bring them on this journey. After all, those who came with him were adults. They had some experience with the dangers of the world. They had the skills to defend themselves, but kits did not. They could cry for help, however with the number of adults who were injured? He doubts that an injured cat could easily rush to a kits aid. Not to mention their natural curiosity. He wouldn't put it past the kits to try and explore the twoleg place. As for the rivers they would have to cross? Even though some may be more afraid than others, ultimately they would have to be carried across by one of them many adults in their group. However, he was getting ahead of himself.

While most have voiced a positive regard in food, which was good, they needed to consider other factors. Shelter, as Adder mentioned being one of them. What good was an abundance of food if they didn't have some shelter to protect themselves from the cold or from the pouring rain? It was just as Adder said, they were unable to give a full opinion if they weren't at the island yet. The place where they will be making their shelters, or hopefully had some shelter already. As much as it appeared as if he knew what the place looked like, he was figuring everything out alongside those on the patrol. Seabriar said this was our ancestors home. I doubt our ancestors would live here if the place didn't have shelter. Unless... That's why they're not there anymore? He... he didn't tell me what happened to them. I MEAN THEY'RE DEAD. I GET THAT PART. Just, if they're our ancestors. How'd we?

If he thought about this any further, his brain would explode from the numerous questions he had. It was best to ponder about the past when they were in their new home. A final pat to Bay's shoulder, he draws away from the dark pelted tom to face Adder.

"You're right, Adder. We haven't seen it all. Though, I'll, uh, be honest. I just know the island. I haven't, uh, explored the rest."

More like I was just told about the island. And some High Stones? That's north apparently, but he just said me to touch... my nose on some moon rock? or whatever. It's in the heart of a cave. Caves have hearts? What's a cave heart even look like?

Finally, the silver tom shakes his pelt. Droplets spraying everywhere, oh, if he wasn't leading them then he would have been dead a long time ago. He has failed to notice Peachy's discomfort this whole trip. When he had asked for to come, he was unaware of her injury. If he learned before they even set out, then she would have remained at the Shipyard. However, she had a gleam in her eye and the way she carried herself said otherwise. He trusted in her, so much so that he never considered the facade she'd be pulling this entire time. Her suggestion is met with a smile before he approaches her and purposely brushes against her as a sign of companionship and encouragement. Just as she had done for him early. (Somewhere within the Shipyard Blaze is seething, though she can't explain why).

"I think that's a great idea!"

He takes a few pawsteps forward, before turning to look at Willow.

"After all, we gotta get to that famous island."

Little is said from his end as he takes charge. This time, he must truly rely on his wits. The only hint he has is that they must find an island, which meant water. If they could hear the sound of water they were going in the right direction. As they travel deeper into the land, the number of trees has increased drastically. He can't help but look in awe at the towering spruce trees. Whoa. I knew trees were big, but this? And there's so many different ones. They're big too. There's no biggest tree. Everything is just.... HUGE. The ground beneath their paws is damp. He simply can't discern any of the fauna that surrounds them, but even though he can't, without a doubt the sight before them was marvelous. Although, the experience may be hampered by the fact that- GEEZ! It's like we're swimming on land! Either I'm sweating a lot, or it's just super wet here. Hold on. Sneakily (not really considering he stops abruptly) and sniffs himself. Phew. I don't stink. I was getting a little worried there.

And with that, he continues their trek. Eventually the sound of flowing water reaches his ears again and if that was true, then it was true for the others on the patrol. It's all his willpower not to dart off in excitement. Once again, the patrol finds themselves in front of a body of water. The sounds that emit from it are nothing like the river that had crossed. It is gentler, and smaller. It doesn't look deep. Crossing should be easy. Easier? A patch of land, lined by pebbled shores and thin bundles of reeds is surrounded by water. This is it. It has to be. THIS IS THE ISLAND!

"We made it,"

he mutters.

His paws move forward, crossing the stream, touching the cool smooth stones. He looks to the patrol, each of them having a much easier time crossing. No words are exchanged as he pushes past a bundle of reeds and into the unknown.

Green eyes instinctively land on the willow tree. His breath hitches. A pale gray tom with a starry pelt is there beside it. Seabriar. The starry cat simply turns and retreats into the hollow of a willow tree's roots. The patrol he has lead is nearly forgotten. Whoever is talking to him is the least of his concerns now. All he can manage to say to the group is a simple,

"Look around."

If they called out to him while he approached the willow tree, their cries fell on deaf ears. When he enters the hollow, Seabriar is nowhere to be found. Huh? But you were just here. As if in desperation he searches the den for any sign of the tom, yet his efforts are fruitless. Where are you? I wanted to talk to you. I... I wanted to say I'm sorry. However, there is no one but himself. All alone in the darkness.

If I stay here any longer, I think I'm gonna lose it. Or maybe I lost it already? Ugh, if someone told me I was gonna go crazy over some weird ghost cat, I wouldn't believe them. Heck, I'm still having a hard time with it! I don't even know if he's actually there watching more or if I'm just imagining it! In my dream he actually talked! But when I'm awake? He doesn't say anything. Does that mean I'm actually imagining him or what? UGGHHHH! JUST GIVE ME A SIGN! The only sign he gets is silence. Thanks.

With a heavy heart and sigh, he leaves the den to regroup with the others. They had been given some time to inspect the place, so he hoped they had a better, more full opinion now. Especially Adder, the most apprehensive of the bunch. Who could blame him? He has a mate and kits. There's more at stake for him than me.

"So... W-what do you all think? This could be a new home for us?"

 

[Adderfang]

The tom gave an exasperated sigh as the others offered their opinions about the area. He thought they were being a bit overzealous, considering they hadn't seen everything. The proximity to a river was nice, as were the meadows, but what if there was some sort of catch? He already didn't like they had to cross past that… two-leg encampment, to get to it, and he wanted to ensure the area was entirely safe before they made efforts to move. "Perfect is getting a bit ahead of ourselves, don't you think?" He said roughly, as Peachy spoke—a bundle of excited energy as always.

"We want this place to be safe too," He hoped for a spot where his kits could sleep safely at night, preferably where nothing could fall on them. That would certainly be a start.

Adder kept his gaze fixed ahead as the patrol moved deeper into uncharted territory, each step careful, his eyes and ears on guard. Somewhere nearby, he could hear the gentle whisper of bubbling water, hopefully meaning they were going in the right direction.

The trees in this area were something else entirely—stretching upward in a wild tapestry against the sky, still green even amid leaf-bare. Even Adder marveled at them for a moment before continuing. The various plants held little interest for him, but he mused that it might be a good place to hunt if the river grew sparse.

When they arrived, Adder was disappointed to find the island almost completely bare, aside from a pair of boulders and a solitary willow tree. The very bones of the island consisted only of sparse reeds and pebbles, though he gave an approving hum as they crossed the stream.

The ground was soggy, and the air was heavy with moisture—lacking the distinct saltiness he'd grown accustomed to. It felt denser, as if the dampness clung thick to the air, weighing down his lungs. "Uh-huh," He muttered as Pike dashed off somewhere. The tom couldn't have cared less where—he was more interested in his surroundings.

He wandered away from the others, padding slowly among the boulders that formed a sort of makeshift barrier, brushing against them briefly, feeling the smooth edges against his pelt. He stepped back, digging his paws into the damp earth, his haunches wriggling as he gauged the light jump. Adder pounced atop one of the rocks, his head swiveling to take in the sights—a good perch. He assessed the streams, noting everything he could see in the distance. Undoubtedly, anyone following them would have to learn to swim quickly. He certainly wouldn't be left fishing their bloated bodies out of the river.

Thankfully the island was surrounded by shallow water. It would make a good place for swimming lessons for Cres, Rush, and even the newest addition to their growing crew—Rose. When they had more, he imagined Wave would appreciate having a safe spot to teach them as well.

Already, he could picture himself lying in the grass, watching his kits splash each other, Wave dragging him in. For the first time since the trip began, he cracked a faint smile. There was potential—he'd give it that.

When Pike reemerged, he stepped to the edge, gracefully leaping down the side of the boulder to rejoin the other scouts. There wasn't much to be discerned from his expression, though his eyes held a new glint.

Adder was quick to make his thoughts heard. "Good visibility, and the streams offer some protection—being shallow enough for the kits to be around," His tail swished thoughtfully. "But I'm not gonna tell you it's perfect, 'cause it ain't. The wind's gonna be a problem—better than back at the Shipyard, but not by a whole lot. Also, I doubt my mate would appreciate our future kits being born out in the open for every dog, fox, hawk, and cat to see. And even if we huddle together, it'll still be wet and cold." He didn't hold anything back when it came to the safety of his family. If Pike wanted him to fill his ears with honey, he was short a hive. But, Adder wasn't finished. "Even so, that stuff can be fixed. There's plenty around here to use, but it'll be work."

"That said, It is a step up. You did good." He gave Pike a small look of approval, though it was seasoned with suspicion.

After all, he had his share of questions too—about why Pike had withheld this place from them for so long—but he'd let the others voice their concerns first, that's if he wasn't the only one with them. Though he was certain Bay, out of all of them, would let him have it.

___________________ There wasn't a wrong or a right he could choose 𓆟 He did what he had to do ________________

• "speech" - thoughts
  

• 

• Adderfang he/him & riverclan
  𓆟 Chocolate ticked tabby w/ amber eyes. Peppered with scars. Deep gash across the right side of his face exposing one canine slightly. Missing left ear.
  𓆟 Deep gravelly voice that might unsettle others.
  𓆟 Would and will kill a man.
  𓆟 Peaceful and healing powerplay permitted. For other powerplays, DM.
  𓆟 Fur smells faintly of river reeds and damp earth.
  
  
  penned by Scarlet​