Night has fallen by the time Adora realizes she’s alone.
It had been many hours since her mother’s housefolk had left them by the side of the road. That’s her mother’s word for the long black earth that stretches endlessly toward some distant horizon, disappearing into trees and dense shadows. It’s scary to imagine what could be on the other side of the road, especially when the forest is singing around her. Creatures snap through the undergrowth; birds nestle against tree branches, clacking them against one another.
“They’ll be back for us,” the snow-pelted queen had insisted to her daughter, to empty air, as they watched the housefolk shuffle back into the beast’s belly and fly far away, down the road. Adora had nodded. Why would her mother be wrong? The housefolk care for them, love on them, feed them soft strands of meat that swim in liquid. Of course they’ll be back.
That had been when the sun still hung in the sky. That had been before she was alone.
Adora curls against a stiff white body. The warmth has gone out of her mother now. Fur that had been plush and comforting and smelling of milk is now cold and unyielding. The scent that had once wrapped around her and filled her with security is tainted, coppery. The beast with massive black paws had hurt her. There’d been a yowl, a shriek cut too short, and then she’d quivered, blind to Adora, blind to the world, gasping and shuddering, until finally, her body had stilled. Then it had been quiet.
Adora is waiting for her to wake up with all the patience she can muster, but she’s cold. She’s cold, and the forest is scary, and she’s hungry, and why did they have to be in this place? Why had the housefolk left them here? She sniffles against her mother’s pelt, leaving streaks of drying mucus and tear stains.
And then she hears the snap! of paws crunching undergrowth behind her. She stills, her pelt spiking into clumps. Fear rounds her dark brown eyes. She turns hesitantly toward the sound, wondering what new monster has come to feast on her like prey.
ooc: feel free to be the one approaching! tl;dr there's a kitten curled up by a cat who clearly got hit by a monster. this takes place after the wolves have been driven out.
Adora, she/her w/ feminine terms.
— “speech”, thoughts, attack
— 2 moons old, ages realistically on the 16th.
— mentored by n/a ; mentoring n/a ; previously mentored n/a.
— thunderclan kit. npc x npc, gen 1.
— penned by Marquette.
lh white she-cat with curled ears and brown eyes. compassionate, righteous, naive, idealistic, self-doubting, self-destructive.
Palefire wasn't sure how much more tragedy she could bear to witness. Her clan had suffered so much loss in the past few days, and she carried the full weight of that guilt with her everywhere she went. Most days it was hard to even be in camp, left alone with her thoughts for too long and unable to keep the waking nightmares from overwhelming her. She needed to keep busy, if for no other reason than to survive the emotional tidal wave she'd been struggling to cope with. Her paws moved heavily across the moonlit earth as if by memory alone, her thoughts drifting once more back to gnashing teeth and bone-chilling howls. At times it felt hard to believe that the wolves were truly gone; she half expected to round a corner and run into the beasts at any minute.
The young warrior was so distracted that she hadn't realized she wandered all the way to the Thunderpath. She somehow almost missed the putrid stench of it entirely, only truly realizing where she was when she pushed through the undergrowth and came face-to-face with the black stone river. A soft sigh left her lips at the realization that she'd probably gone too far for one night, and the lilac-furred molly turned around, ready to head back to camp hopefully in time to make morning patrols. It was only as she was about to step back into the leafy brush that a patch of white caught her eye. At first she froze, fight or flight mode kicking in as she was assaulted by visions of all-too-intelligent eyes glowing yellow in the darkness.
But it wasn't wolves that were curled up in the grass beside the Thunderpath. Heart in her throat, Palefire slowly trod towards the still white body, recognizing the unmistakable scent of blood as she drew near. It seemed fairly obvious what had happened, however unfortunate; the poor she-cat had been battered and broken by a twoleg monster. It wasn't the first time she'd seen it, and likely wouldn't be the last. But this wasn't the same as every other time she'd found a victim here; the dead feline was not alone. Sky blue eyes slowly widened as they fell on another, smaller ivory figure, one she hadn't seen at first but the kitten had obviously seen her. "Foxdung," she cursed quietly under her breath. Another orphan, left behind for Thunderclan to find. It seemed that fate was not done dealing out heartache. At least they now had queens who could take the little girl in, as she knew they would do without hesitation.
"Hello there, little one," she whispered softly to the kitten, who was staring up at her with fear-laden eyes. "Are you... alright?" She grimaced at herself immediately after asking it. It was a stupid question, obviously she wouldn't be alright, not after losing who Palefire assumed was her mother. She'd lived a similar life, and knew what it was to grow up without the love of your parents. It was hard, and not something she'd wish on anyone, let alone an innocent kit. Her paws shuffled nervously, but she didn't make any move to get closer to the child. "I um... My name's Palefire. What's yours?" She really had no idea how to handle this situation; what had the others done when they'd found Sparrowkit, Quailkit, and Deerkit? Should she just take her back to camp?
જ➶ The only reason she found herself outside of camp was simply because it was Palefire. Really if it was anyone else the young apprentice didn't think she would feel confident enough to venture too far out. Especially not after the wolves. After Sunfreckle, Batwing... The injured and so much blood. Sometimes it was all that she could see when she closed her eyes at night. Keeping just behind the warrior her eyes wandered around the territory. Her fur is on end though and she keeps thinking she sees those vicious jaws around any dark corner. It's not true though. The wolves are gone. Thunderclan is free from such danger and can be at peace again. Taking a slow and deep breath pale paws shift across undergrowth and the acrid smell of the Thunderpath strikes against her nostrils. Eww. Honestly she never liked it and she felt her eyes narrow slightly. Though she has to stop up short to not bump into the other. "What's wrong, Palefire? What's up...there..., oh.."
The scent of blood smears the air and she shakes her head. Almost stumbling back she doesn't want to see but she catches a glimpse of a broken and pale colored body. An adult battered by those black pawed monsters. And then she realizes that Pale is speaking to it, no, no, not the body but to a small bundle laying there. A kit. "Should we...um, should we get them away from the Thunderpath?" Not knowing what else to do she looks to the kit with bright amber orbs. "Hi, I'm Dustpaw."
'CAUSE SOMEWHERE DOWN THE BANK — The loss of several clanmates weighed heavy on his heart and he wishes for them to be alive but he knows that's out of the question, Gentlestorm pads through the forest knowing that the threat of wolves were gone from their home. He searches for herbs or downy feathers that could've fallen from the nests of some birds certain that it would make the nest of the queens a lot more comfortable if he didn't find any he could spare a herb or two though those were normally intended for patients. He isn't stingy by any means but its a thought that he'll mull over for a heartbeat or two, the longhaired giant manages to find a few and an entire flight feather which he places close to his chest. It reminds him of the feather that Sunfreckle had given him causing his heart to ache further though the sound of Palefire and Dustpaw's voices are enough to make the healer approach with curiosity, his eyes locking onto the Thunderpath that seemed endless. He remembers when he had needed to cross it to reach the moors and Highstones when he had been on the journey though the metallic scent of blood is enough to draw him out from his mind, Gentlestorm's nose wrinkles at the smell of it and the way it makes his insides churn uncomfortably.
He treads over cautiously with both of his ears pricked forward noticing the stilled body near the endless asphalt river and it seems that the pair of cats already present had found something more than a corpse. A kitten. A recently orphaned kitten. He can feel his heart squeezing within his chest immediately, Dustpaw's right about getting the kitten away from the Thunderpath, and just like his name... Gentlestorm carefully draws closer but not enough to potentially scare Adora though his dark golden gaze is observant trying to see if the pale molly had been hurt at all. He ducks his helm slightly pulling the feather out from his plush coat holding it out to her only to place it carefully for her to see "Hello little one," His gaze notably softens as the exhaustion leaves him in this moment, "You must be cold and scared." The gentle murmur brushes through his slightly parted maw hoping the the three of them wouldn't scare her, his eyes holding a hint of sadness in them.
✿ a longhaired blue sepia tom w/low white and brown eyes ✿ gentlestorm is a very warm individual and friendly to those who he meets, he's very social and willing to lend anyone a paw if they need it. he's very patient, caring, and it's usually rare to earn his ire. ✿ 53 moons old; ages the 27th every month ✿ widowed mate of little wolf ✿ easy to befriend/interact with ; hard to anger/upset ✿"speech", thoughts, attacking ✿ peaceful powerplay allowed
Ravenstrike had been on a solo patrol doing rounds for any unfamiliar scents, disturbance of the environment and other smaller things when the copper scent hit her nose. A moments grace caused the fighter to feel her paws itch and fend to get into a brawl, and her anticipation brought her to the Thunderpath. Her vibrant amber gaze catches sight of Palefire, Dustpaw, and Gentlestorm huddled over a white bundle of fur. Really? Just a dead kittypet and her kit. She scoffs to herself and it's very obvious that the warrior is irritated due to the disappointment of her discovery. She was really hoping that one of her soft-hearted clanmates got themselves in trouble with a rogue, another clan cat or /something/.
The raven colored female observes her clanmates before moving to the side to get a better angle, was the kit alive or dead? If it was dead then they were just standing there mouse-brained instead of getting rid of the corpses to prevent predators from coming on their territory. Weren't they already crying enough about wolves slaughtering their friends and families but wouldn't take precautions to stop it again? Most of her clanmates confused her with how they acted and she couldn't justify it in her dictionary on why they behaved that way. "If the kit is fine then take it to the camp, that kitty pet is going to attract predators." Her voice rippled off from the distance as her cold gaze rested on the corpse as she scoffs under her breath.
"All we need next is for other predators or potentially bringing wolves back here for free food." Ravenstrike would meow as she turns her gaze off her clanmates and observes their surroundings as her claws flexed into the dirt. The scarred female didn't talk much unless absolutely necessary and this was a case mostly for the sake of her mental health. She was tired of hearing others wallow in grief already from losing their loved ones. Clearly the kitten needed a warm place to rest and a temporary home (or permanent until she could find for herself) meanwhile they just stood there asking unnecessary inquiries. A claw tapped impatiently for them to gather up the white kit and head to the camp so she could get rid of the mutilated corpse far enough to prevent the attraction of other predators.
The undergrowth snaps under the weight of approaching paws. The she-kit’s white pelt clumps with fear, and she backs up until her tail bumps into her mother’s stiffened body. A group of cats, led by a pale tabby, emerge from the brush. Their eyes glow like star-fire in the gloom. Adora’s body trembles at the smell of them, something strong and wild, feral, that pierces her nostrils and drives bolts of lightning into her brain. Everything in her screams run, but she can’t leave her mother—and where would she go? Onto the path where monsters fly, where they crush everything and leave broken, still bodies in their wake?
The she-cat leading the procession has gentle blue eyes, and when she speaks to Adora, it’s with whispered tones. Palefire, she calls herself. Adora’s eyes glisten. “I—I’m Adora,” she answers, sniffling. Other cats pad up beside Palefire, a speckled brown cat, a she-cat with a harsh tongue, and a tall, enormous pale tom. She can’t stop herself from trembling, but she meets their gazes against her better judgment. “My… my mother. Won’t get up.” Her voice is choked with pain, clotted with tears. She knows something is wrong with her mother, but the finality of her situation hasn’t sank in quite yet.
The sharp-tongued cat says take it back to camp. She blinks, tears slipping onto her cheekbones. Is she it? “Wh-what is camp?” She crouches, her ears flattening against her skull.
Palefire smiled warmly as the kitten bravely met her gaze. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Adora. That's a very pretty name." The warrior's heart squeezed as she watched the terrified young girl explain that her mother wouldn't get up. "Ah... I see..." She cast a glance down at the still white figure beside her, cold and lifeless and obviously not capable of getting up again and caring for her child. But this kitten was far too young to be outright told that her mother was dead, and would not be coming back to her. She nodded subtly to Dustpaw's suggestion, and a warning look was shot to Ravenstrike, who clearly had no compassion or sympathy for Adora's current circumstances. This needed to be handled delicately, lest they traumatize the poor kid forever. She turned briefly to Gentlestorm, silent though her mind was running a mile a minute. They needed to get Adora somewhere safe, quickly, otherwise they ran the risk of running into something far worse than a twoleg monster; in that much she agreed with the ebony-furred molly.
Coming back to Adora, she stepped a bit closer to shield her from the others, trying to keep her tone light and comforting. She could see the kit becoming overwhelmed by all of them. "Camp is where we live. We all come from a really big group of cats that live just inside that forest," she gestured back into the trees with her tail. "Gentlestorm here, this tall tom next to me, he's a medicine cat. He's really good at taking care of sick cats, so I think he could take a look at your mother and see whats going on, yeah? But for now, how about the rest of us go back to our camp and get warm and have a nice meal. That way, your mom won't have to worry about you being out here all alone." Her stomach twisted at the blatant lie she was telling the child, but what else could be done? Palefire wanted to make sure that Adora was safe and cared for without having to tell her now, in this moment when she was already vulnerable and scared, that her mother was dead. "Have you ever tried a mouse before? They're real tasty, and we have lots of them."
PALEFIRE♡ she / her, warrior of thunderclan, 13 moons
⭃ lh lilac lynx point w/ low white and blue eyes. tall and slender. built for speed and agility. ⭃ currently emotionally volatile, all opinions are strictly ic and likely spur-of-the-moment ⭃ single, open to relationships / / mentor to no one // mentored by nightbird ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking. ⭃ penned by limerence ↛ @limericks. on discord, feel free to dm for plots.
જ➶"Ravenstrike, you could be nicer about it...." The apprentices whispers softly as she glances at Adora and then back to the older warrior. Afterall, the kit just lost her mother to a monster on the Thunderpath. It's a harsh thing to happen and so suddenly and the young kit doesn't seem to understand that her mother is gone. She'll never get up again. The idea pains her greatly in thinking about it but she merely smiles lightly and nods her head along with what Palefire says, trying her best to be encouraging so that the kit will start moving. Hopefully one of them can get the kit going and soon as she looks up and down the Thunderpath and then taking a few steps back and smiles, trying to be slightly enthusiastic. "Plus, there are other kits that are back at camp too. Friends you can make and play with!" She is sure she will have fun there but then her smile falters a bit. Who is going to have to tell her that her mother isn't coming back? Dustpaw knows she doesn't want that kind of responsibility and she looks over to Gentlestorm, worry glinting in her amber orbs before she looks away.
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