Cattail Pond

[dionysus]

@elysian
Grizzlybug watched the kit from the undergrowth, having followed the suspicious scent of kitty pet to cattail pond from where he’d been walking. The young tom looked dirty and tired and hungry- Grizzlybug could practically hear his stomach growling from the bushes- and the fluffy tom decided to take pity on him. He didn’t look like he posed much of a threat, even if Grizz hadn’t been large for a warrior. So, the big brown tabby stepped out from his hiding spot and sat neatly just behind the Siamese, clearing his throat, “You’ll never catch one that way. Your shadow is directly on the water- the second those fish feel the temperature change they’re gone.” Grizzlybug licked a paw, running it over his ears. “Now, I think I can guess, but I have to ask you what you’re doing on Riverclan territory, little guy.” Grizzlybug was a sucker for kits. He just wanted to sweep this little cat up into a hug and take him to camp and see him well fed and safe. Of course, he couldn’t do that- but he secretly hoped the youngin asked to be taken to Lionstar. He looked like he needed a clan to protect him.

[vellichor]

@Beau

Bean jumped and nearly landed in the water. This cat was huge! His eyes grew wide and frantic. His paws gripped the ground frantically, searching for some kind of hold. His back claws were out, and his front ones would have been, if not for... well...

He relaxed just a tiny bit when he determined the large feline wasn’t going to snap his in half. “Uh... I uh..." his voice quivered with fear, but he still asked, "W-what’s a fish? And — um, what’s a RiverClam?" This 'RiverClam' seemed scary, whoever they were. Bean attempted to take a step back from the much older cat and ended up stepping into the water. There was no backing out.

[Bread]

Originally Posted by Zesty Mango

Salmonsong gave a little nod,” Don’t worry, you’ll improve and one day, you’ll be good enough to swim in a big river, but the river you fell in is one that most warriors don’t swim in, the currents are rough there....” she added a twinkle of amusement was in her eyes, she was glad should could laugh about it now.

Duckpaw looked up at Salmonsong. ”Okay!” she squeaked, and just like that, she was back to her normal self.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by .Bread.

Duckpaw looked up at Salmonsong. ”Okay!” she squeaked, and just like that, she was back to her normal self.

Salmonsong smiled,” Are you tired or do you want to learn to catch fish?” she asked gently, knowing the kit was young.

[dionysus]

@elysian
Holy stars this kit was adorable. Grizzlybug dissolved into laughs at the word ‘Riverclam’ and had to take a quick moment to compose himself. Still chuckling a bit, Grizz answered, “fish are the little creatures you see flashing about in there. They are scaly, swimming animals that can be found in ponds or rivers- even the sea, though it isn’t worth the risk. They’re pretty tasty and not too hard to catch once you learn the tips and tricks.” Come to think of it, Grizzlybug could use one. The other tom looked like he could use one too. But, unfortunately, the warrior code abided and Grizzlybug couldn’t offer the poor wanderer a fish. Maybe if he had to escort him off of Riverclan territory he could catch him something for the road.
The fluffy tabby went on to explain, “Riverclan is my home. A clan is a large community of cats all living together- most of whom born and raised there- who hunt and fight for each other and protect each other. We have ranks and training and families and kits and elders, and of course our leader, deputy, and medicine cat. Prey is usually plentiful,- at least for Riverclan- and we take care of each other. Riverclan is my clan, one of four, and we are known for swimming and fishing mainly. This is our territory you are on.” Normally, if the outsider was older, Grizzlybug would have refrained from offering quite so much information. But, this little kit didn’t seem dangerous, and this seemed to be the usual interaction that came before a new addition to the clan, so he chose to give the whole spiel.

[vellichor]

@Beau

Was this giant, scary looking cat... laughing at him? The kit’s mood dampened only slightly until the older feline began to talk. Bean slowly gained a more relaxed posture as he listened, the curious side of the siamese stimulated. As a reminder that he still hadn’t eaten, his stomach rumbled more fiercely at the thought of food. Ohh, how he would love to have some fish right now. Bean glanced back at the water, deep blue eyes reflecting the water, full of longing. He snapped back to attention though, unsure what the cat would do if he turned around too long.

That feeling of longing returned as the stranger described this RiverClan. The thought of so many cats scared him, but also piqued his interest. Would that mean that there’d be food? And friends? He didn’t understand some of the things the other tom said, like what a "medicine-cat" was, but that didn’t matter. He pawed the ground in anticipation, debating whether he should ask for more. But what if the cat got mad at Bean? He exhaled, nervous. "I’m sorry," he started, not wanting to offend the big cat. "Would I, um, can I be part of, joining RiverClan?" he made sure to say it right. He didn’t dare look the feline in the eyes, for fear of seeing anger or annoyance. Instead, he opted to stare at his stupid, clawless front paws.

[dionysus]

@elysian
“Well, my dear, I’m so glad you asked!” Grizzlybug gushed, getting to his paws and hurrying to the small cat’s side. Grizzlybug had a hard time remembering that he was a massive cat outfitted with bundles of fluff and thus nearly knocked the poor kid into the pond by his movements, but he managed to avoid sending the little Siamese to be fish food at the last moment by drawing away from the pond. Grizzlybug also, unfortunately for the newcomer, had a tendency to forget about personal space and flashed a paw out to draw the young cat into his fluff in a friendly embrace. Beginning to walk in the direction of camp with a flick of his tail to gesture for the other cat to come along, Grizzlybug chattered, “now, I can’t let you into the clan ufortunately- cos I would, you cute little thing. Only Lionstar can let a new cat join the clan, but I can’t see why he’d turn you away. Oh, and don’t worry about meeting him. I know he can sound a bit intimidating with that big scary name but he’s a nice guy, really, and dreadfully handsome too- not that you need to worry about that.” Grizzlybug continued to chirp on and on as he walked, eventually pausing for breath long enough to remember introductions, “Oh, yeah! I’m Grizzlybug, by the way.”

[vellichor]

@Beau

Bean’s heart raced when the stranger came close to him. He grasped the dirt below him, eyes wide. Until... was this cat hugging him? And, more importantly, why did he feel less afraid? Maybe he was just gullible, but the kitten snuggled into the older cat’s fur. It smelled like water and... something else, but he didn’t care. It was nice to be comforted. Bean’s eyes welled up with tears, but he blinked them back. What was wrong with him?

As they stood up and walked, the young tom had to lengthen his stride, and speed walk to keep up. It was fine, though, he guessed. Wait. Lionstar? What kind of name was that? He momentarily fell behind, but bounded forward. His hunger was temporarily forgotten, replaced by curiosity and a slight hint of fear. He was just as surprised to learn the large cat’s name. "Grizzlybug?" he repeated, trying the name out. It sounded pleasant, but seemed odd. "I’m Bean," he managed to squeak out. But... wait. He looked at the ground and saw claws poking out of their sheaths. This cat had claws... did he know Bean didn’t? Would they not let him in? He should ask... probably. "Um, uh, Grizzly...bug?" He tried his best to get his name right. "I... uh... can I... I have a question, I think..," He looked up at the feline, keeping eye contact this time.

[dionysus]

@elysian
Grizzlybug, oblivious as usual, didn’t notice the smaller cat’s totally reasonable nervousness at being enfolded by a massive stranger- nor did he notice the other emotions the other cat seemed to go through. He did notice, however, and greatly enjoy the slight indent to his fur that came from the kit pushing into the hug. It took some time, of course for the big clan tom to notice his companion’s difficulty in keeping up and Grizzlybug slowed his pace ever so slightly to make it easier for him without seeming patronizing. The fluffy tom gave a cheery “mmhmm!” when Bean repeated his name and purred, “oh what an absolutely precious name! I’m happy to meet you, Bean.” Despite slowing their pace a bit, Grizzlybug plowed right ahead through the grass toward camp, not stopping while they exchanged words. He did look at Bean often while speaking, though, trusting his knowledge of the territory to keep him from tripping and tumbling into the river or a ditch or something. When he heard Bean’s emphasis of his name, Grizzlybug smiled and answered after the Siamese mentioned a question, “you can call me Grizz, if you’d like, Bean. It’s a bit easier for one used to to shorter names. Buuut, it’s also a very special honor only given to my friends, so you’d better be suitably impressed, young Bean! And of course, ask your question, feed your young mind!” He figured Bean would feel better calling him Grizz since clan names could be a bit confusing to outsiders.

[vellichor]

@Beau

Through his nervousness, Bean couldn’t help but smile. He had seen few faces during his trek away from his humans, and they hadn’t exactly been friendly. Why was Grizz being so nice to him? It was a wonderful feeling to have, companionship. If only until he and Grizz arrived at this "camp". He should express his gratitude. "Grizz... thank you." he didn’t try describing the feeling he had, both due to his lack of advanced vocabulary and he was entirely unsure anyone could describe the warm feeling in his chest.

But the cold crept back in as he realized he needed to ask this question. The longer he hid it, the worse off he would be. Maybe Grizz could even tell his friends so that Bean didn’t have to. If he had to describe his predicament more than once, well... it’s definitely take a toll on his already worn out emotions. So, with a shaky exhale, he asked, "I, I don’t have..." Come on. His voice quaked. He had to say it! "I don’t have claws!“ he forced out, stopping in his tracks. He hoped his new companion didn’t leave him behind now. "Will they still, let me in...?" Bean’s voice was shakier now, dripping with emotion and very hard to understand. He wished he could just grow claws back. Walking like this hurt, he was constantly reminded of his disability. The young cat sniffed.