and the sky is grey !

[chirrup !]

The ditches were too close to the Thunderpath, Ashfall decided. Even though she was not able to see that lethal stretch of strange soil and terrifying monsters, she could still hear it. The monsters seemed to be particularly crazed tonight, the strange sounds they emitted constantly disturbing Ashfall’s walk. She could feel the faint vibrations through her sensitive pads, and could hardly repress a shudder. By StarClan, the Thunderpath was frightening, even to a self-assured warrior such as herself.

However, Ashfall convinced herself to press on. There had been whispers going through the Clan that a small flock of crows were seeking refuge in a large tree by the ditches. Well, that was all very well and good, but the warrior who first reported this cache couldn’t quite remember which tree. So here Ashfall was, shivering in the cool twilight air, looking for a tree. Not exactly how she had imagined spending her evening.

While she journeyed for this supposed crow-nest, Ashfall kept a keen eye out for other prey. She wasn’t going to waste her time out in the woods, not while the Clan was starving in this harsh leaf-bare. Every snap of every twig was noted by the she-cat, and she crept gingerly in hopes of stumbling upon some unsuspecting prey.

Eventually though, Ashfall realized that she would have to return to camp soon enough. Her patrol would start once the night had settled, and the sun was fast approaching the horizon to the west. Mentally defeated, the warrior let loose a small sigh and turned tail, nimbly making her way through the trees. This had not been a successful expedition, and Ashfall was frustrated that she would not be bringing back needed freshkill. Later, the she-cat promised herself, I’ll go hunting right after my patrol.


ooc. feel free to bounce in on Ashfall!

[ORANGE »]

( i'm never far behind ! )

Golden tabby paws carried the she-cat away from the camp, her bright pink nose sniffed quietly in the darkness, catching the scent of a familiar warrior. Redberry swiftly carried herself along the scent trail, her ginger tail held high as she prowled through the trees with confidence, she knew this place like the back of her paw, it was her home after all. Really, Redberry should have been curled up snugly in her nest, or just resting in the camp, so she was ready for patrol at dawn. However, the young golden tabby had noticed something for most of the night, Ashfall, her kin and one of her closest friends, was not sleeping in her nest. Naturally, she was curious for they were in the patrol soon and with no sign of her kin, she decided to go look for her. Redberry was a little surprised that the she-cats scent was still traceable, what with the cold weather and by how long she had been out. Thankfully though, the trail had not vanished completely.

As her paws carried her gracefully through the forest, her ears twitched now and again, picking up slight noises in the forest that reached her ears. She was checking for prey, in the harsh season of Leafbare, every piece of fresh kill was vital to the clan and Redberry knew that the clan needed to be fed. Before long, she came across a small scrawny sparrow pecking at the freezing earth with its back turned to Redberry. Halting her pawsteps, the tabby came to a stop a few foxlengths away from the bird. Automatically, she crouched down and started to glide gracefully towards it, her tail held above the ground so she wouldn’t stir the twigs and dead leaves below her paws. Much to Redberry’s dismay though, the sparrow turned and caught sight of the golden tabby prowling towards it and flapped away, making a hasty retreat. Standing up straight, Redberry spat a little in annoyance, she could have gotten it if the bird didn’t turn around.

Feeling a little disappointed with her failed attempt, she went back to her previous mission, finding Ashfall. It didn’t take long for her to spot the white and grey BirdClan warrior coming in her direction, she must be returning back to camp! She let out a soft mewl to get her kin’s attention as she picked up the pace, bounding towards Ashfall before skidding to a stop in front of her. “I’ve been looking for you!” The golden tabby mewed, her whiskers twitching slightly as she eyed the warrior up and down. “I was getting worried, it’s almost time for the patrol and you weren’t back yet. What are you doing out here?” She asked curiously, blinking her bright green eyes as she waited for an answer.

» words 468 !
» for miss ashfall !
» notes first ic post !

[chirrup !]

Ashfall could feel the chill settling into her bones as she moved, light but frigid breezes wafting through her winter pelt. They hadn’t even reached the worst of leaf-bare, yet the forest had frozen over. Ashfall eyed the icy ground with aversion; it was the reason the prey had died so quickly, not having had enough time to forage for food. The she-cat couldn’t imagine how any feline could comment on the ‘beauty’ of this season, for all she could see was the sorrow it raised. However, Ashfall knew she would accomplish nothing by moping, and so with a renewed sense of purpose she quickened her pace and searched the forest with intense eyes.

Such was her search that the warrior noticed her kin approaching from distance away; her ginger fur flashing against the dull brown the wood. Affection for her younger cousin warmed Ashfall’s gaze; the two had been close for most of their lives. Ashfall and Redberry were close in age; only three moons separated them. Looking at the two side by side, though, one would never guess they were related – Redberry boasted a gingery-orange pelt with darker streaks, while Ashfall maintained a longer coat colored white and gray. Differences apart, the two were close-knit, and Ashfall was decidedly proud to call Redberry both kin and friend.

The she-cat dipped her nose in greeting upon hearing Redberry’s distinct mewl, settled to a stop before the other cat. Redberry didn’t waste any time with the usual pleasantries, instead driving right to the point – where had Ashfall been? Her cousin’s concern touched Ashfall, though she couldn’t help but let out an amused purr. “I’m sorry, dear Redberry. I was looking for a tree.” A clear note of humor colored Ashfall’s voice, the slight twinkle in her eye suggested a story best told while sharing tongues. The mention of the impending patrol did invoke a slight mental wince though; if they were late Shadowstripe would probably have more than a few sharp words to greet them with.

Shifting her weight from paw to paw, Ashfall gazed over Redberry’s shoulder, towards the camp. She could just barely make out the distinctive tree; only a BirdClan cat would know that underneath the tree was the home of the best climbers in all the Clans. Sending a shudder throughout her body, Ashfall shook away the cold that had stiffened her muscles and took a step forward, indicating her chosen direction. Accompanying her movements was a light mew, saying, “Perhaps it would be in our best interest to head back to camp, StarClan knows how happy Shadowstripe will be if we are late.” Taking another pawstep, Ashfall glanced back to make sure her Clanmate was keeping up.