- Aug 10, 2022
- 707
- 171
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XXXXXThere is no leader among the cats when they return home—the warriors who’d chosen to advance their journey pad side-by-side, the apprentices who have grown into warriors in all but name nearly matching step. The RiverClan cats who’d left had been loyal to one another, but those who return have a mutual respect that is fiercer than the tide that laps at the riverbank. Dew-streaked reeds leave trails of moisture on Iciclefang’s pelt as she slips through her beloved riverlands. The sun is higher now, though the air is gray and promises only enough warmth to melt the overnight frost coating the cattails.
XXXXXThey’d left their friends back at Highstones, and strangely, the closer Iciclefang gets to RiverClan’s camp, the surer she is about her decision to leave Stormpaw behind. The lungwort causes her tongue to feel dry—all of them carry their shares, now, ready to give them to Ravensong who they’ve since learned had fallen ill after they’d left. Her paws itch to return to camp—how do her Clanmates fare? How is Cicadastar, Smokethroat, her apprentice? Mudpelt and Steepsnout—she knows they’ll be excited to see her and Fernpaw return, to see how strong Fernpaw has grown.
XXXXXHer paws sink into the water circling their island, and she drops her bundle of lungwort at her paws. “We’ve returned,” she announces in a cool, loud voice. Pale eyes flick through the emerging cats, looking for a spindly black-and-white shadow, for the snow-flecked deputy. “And we’ve brought lungwort, enough for every cat.” She frowns—Cicadastar does not appear immediately, but she catches Smokethroat’s weary ember eye and dips her head. “Dovethroat remains behind. A ThunderClan apprentice was badly injured and he volunteered to help carry her home.” She flicks an ear, expressionless. “The rest of us are accounted for.”
XXXXXAfter a moment, she exhales, looking patiently around. “Can I take this to Ravensong? I want to check on Mudpelt and Steepsnout.” Her pelt tingles with anticipation.
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leader tag: @Smokethroat journey tags: @hazecloud @Lakemoon . @FERNPAW @Mosspaw
anyone may post, but please wait for Smokethroat before double posting!!