Willow's Rise

[Fawn]

￫ Tansythorn 🌵

Tansythorn might've dug her paws in and stood there a while longer if she could afford to be petulant, see where that got them since Whitewolf couldn't do anything about it. Always been a code follower, simple like that but that's what she supposed they were known for around here. The simple part as of late."Nobody? Not anyone? Well, I'll be darned." There went the opportunity to at least attempt optimism and pleasantries. Misery loved company, but in this case, it was just pretty much the miserable company.

Thankfully, she was accustomed to getting the short end of the stick. Life had taught her well. "Wanting to hunt is a generous statement ya got there." Wanting to eat, to get her clanmates something to eat? That was the winner.

Particularly with Whitewolf, as it were. If that was how she treated a clanmate, Tansythorn dreaded to know how she treated her friends. What a gem Tansy had acquired, but then again, she found Whitewolf more tolerable than the rest of the warriors ThunderClan had to offer. The stars had never been terribly kind to folks like her and misfortune in their numbers--in their leaders--had been a longterm companion of the Clan's.

It was a tiny consolation to have the added Tawnybird, and she regarded him with friendliness. About to greet him, she was stopped by the abrupt statement from her other patrolmate.

The tree wouldn't be the only thing weeping at this rate, though it was laughable Whitewolf had thought it necessary to add it was her choice whether to follow. What would anybody do about it? Die, realistically. Long as it wasn't the youngins taking the hit, she wouldn't comment on how much was inaction.

She allowed them to stay in tense silence during the walk, imagining that was more of a favor to Whitewolf than herself or Tawnybird. Typically, Tansythorn considered conversation to be enjoyable. This one had demonstrated not only were they out of food, but any sense of ThunderClan's trademark gallows humor or finding comfort in clanmates had also left the forest. Colder than leaf-bare, she was. Didn't know the first thing about morale, neither. For both going through the Dark Ages, they'd sure learned different lessons, and she stole a peek at Whitewolf when considering if "how to stage a takeover (if only to later fail from your grand plans)" was among them. The glance didn't linger as they'd reached the Weeping Tree and she quietly split off to sift through the territory for whatever might be edible.

Tansythorn knew she was no Clan savior when it came to tracking down small, non-kit creatures, but to be out here diminished that voice in her head saying she wasn't doing enough. She couldn't recall the last time she'd actually been alone--there was no such thing as privacy in camp, or when around curious kittens--but separated from the patrol, it was eerie. Never had been a fan of this place with those cursed marks on the tree, thought it was gosh-darned unsettling that anyone would even willingly tromp through in passing. If the creatures had any sense, they would have high-tailed it outta this section of the land.

[ @spade ; @OhZeeWolf ]

[Zee]

[ @Dipper ]
[ @spade ]

Wanting to hunt--well. Tansythorn had a point as far as the current meaning of the word was concerned. Whitewolf found herself lacking all kinds of motivation lately. Wanting was something she'd always done; she'd wanted her Clan to prosper and she'd run herself ragged trying to see that happen. But there they were with an empty freshkill pile, rumbling bellies, rebelling cats, cannibalistic ideations, and a long list of other features associated with levels of chaos Whitewolf deigned to classify as damning.

As quickly as (or perhaps quicker than) the cats who'd known her their entire lives lost faith in what had been her honorable, gentle, and loyal mind, Whitewolf began to think she was witnessing the death throes of ThunderClan. StarClan had sent Icicleripple a prophecy for their demise. It was likely that meant Whitewolf's ancestors had abandoned her altogether; that wasn't too far fetched a thought from where she stood. Yet she still bothered with the Warrior Code, sent out patrols, hunted, and fought. She was convinced she'd go down performing her last set of duties for the derelict that used to be her home.

Well, then. So be it.

On the way to the Weeping Tree, Whitewolf looked from Tawnybird to Tansythorn. Tawnybird had encouraged her when things were dire; she looked even starker now than then and so did ThunderClan. He was someone she should have considered a friend. So, when she looked to the cat that had known her during her Apprenticeship--who had been a loyal member of ThunderClan when she awoke to a missing leg and news her elder sister had passed on--why didn't she?

Her acknowledgement of guilt was fleeting as feelings often were (well, for her as of late) and she quickly gave each of her patrol-mates a nod before heading off in her own direction. She made a shabby hunter but knew she'd have to catch something, not to prevent herself from falling further into the darkness she'd gotten lost in but to feed her starving Clan.

[spade]

It wasn't like Tawnybird had really been expecting any friendly chat upon leaving the camp. Walls that confined them to see and speak to each other on a daily bases didn't exist out in the territory. So despite the weak glue that stuck the three together, the sparking tensions between Whitewolf and Tansythorn threatened to rip them at the seams.

"Seems we've been too worried about the rising tides outside of camp that we've yet to take care of those within our own walls," Tawnybird chuckled half-heartedly, to really neither of his companions in particular. He hated the feeling of ants seemingly crawling under his pelt - stars, what had happened to Whitewolf? She wasn't the cat he knew. The ferocious warrior who worked herself to the done and was a friendly face for young and old Clanmates alike. At least Tansythorrn wasn't retaliating that much - not that he was surprised as he knew her to be a rather patient cat.

Tawnybird fully expected his attempt to lighten the mood to flop and fall on it's face - it was hard to convince two proud cats to not toss verbal spike balls back and forth, and he wasn't about to try. They were all here providing for a starving Clan, all had one common goal - to serve their home. And with Tansythorn taking a break from the confinements of the nursery and kits curiosity, the tom was certain she was grateful and excited for the hunt.

With that in mind, he swiveled his head to watch as each molly took off in a different direction. Something tugged at him to follow Whitewolf, perhaps check in on her to see what had her tail in such a twist. But another part of him missed talking with Tansythorn. It had been awhile since they had last had a conversation, and the warrior found that he quite missed them. They had essentially completed their training together, and while they weren't immensely close he considered the queen a close acquaintance.

His paw steps were kept quiet as he made his way over to the general area that Tansythorn had headed off in. Tawnybird kept his distance a bit, instead offering his friend a small nod of encouragement before parting his own jaws to scent the air. A certain stillness gripped the area, and for a moment the tom was worried this would result in no catches.

But perhaps the stars hadn't totally abandoned them after all; the pitter patter of claws on a pile of pebbles captured his interest, amber eyes snapping over to study the source. A familiar fluffy tail stuck out from a patch of flowers, and instantly Tawnybird dropped into a hunter's crouch. Each paw step was calculated, noise minimized and movements still as could be. Just a few more whiskers and then...

Tawnybird was swift in lunging forward, foreclaw hooking the haunches of the unaware squirrel, other claw coming forward to silence it with a killing smack before it could utter a cry for help. "Thank StarClan," he breathed, leaning over the kill to send up a silent prayer before working to bury it so he could rejoin the hunt.

// @Dipper @OhZeeWolf

[~Sayonara~]

Cherryblossom went to the weeping tree, laying in it's shade and resting his head on his paws and closing his eyes, thinking about when he was an apprentice as well as hunting prey. His fluffy tail flicked from side to side, some sun starting to pool from in between the branches onto his soft pelt. He was in his own world, thinking about past family and future if he has any.

[poppy]

[Missing Patrol Mentions: @Kai.Cougar @I draw war cats @Pheasantflight [Yewbark, Foxpaw and Brindlepaw![This is for the patrol assigned to Firefly Cove, but it was moved here because of the RiverClan occupation]]
[Aspen's Patrol Mentions: @~Fierceclaw~ @Twilight Wing @Zee [Goldeneyes, Bluestripe and Tigerpaw][Do not mention the missing patrol rpers in your post, we don't want to spam them]]

Aspenstrike limped through the forest, trying to focus on walking steadily and mostly, finding that missing patrol. Her pale yellow gaze scanned the forest as they neared the assigned stretch of the territory. Hopefully, they would bring those cats back in one piece [or not, after she was done with them], and they could get this over with.

She liked being trusted, of course. But walking around the territory, looking for idiots wasn't her idea of a good patrol. But, it was for the Clan. It always was.

Looking over her shoulder to her patrol, she noted how Bluestripe had never shown up, and had been left behind. They didn't have time to wait. Something bad might've happened to the missing cats, and every second wasted could be crucial to their safety.

"We need to split up." She announced, slowing to a halt once she was in front of the Weeping Tree and turned to face her patrol. "We need to find these cats. Tigerpaw, I want you to go over there-" She gestured towards the place to the side of where the apprentice now stood. It was closest to camp, and while Aspenstrike was against babying cats, she wanted the young she-cat to be safe, she didn't trust the other Clans right now.

Not in the mood for any possible argument the apprentice would come up with, she turned to face Goldeneyes. "Goldeneyes, you go to the left of the Weeping Tree, and go a ways back there, and look for signs of the patrol. I'll be going over there-" She flicked her tail in the direction opposite of the older she-cat, so the three cats made a triangular shape.

"If either of you find someone, or anything that is important, call for us or come find one of us." Looking up at the sky, she noticed it was a little while before Sunhigh. "We will meet back here at Sunhigh, and regroup."

Now, she expected them to walk off [which was unrealistic, someone was bound to ask a question or even better, argue], so she stood there, waiting for them to leave before she began to search.

[Zee]

[For a corrected mention of the missing patrol members [ @Prevail ]]
[ @poppy. ] [ @Twilight Wing ] [ @~Fierceclaw~ ]

Tigerpaw felt her eyes roll when Aspenstrike asked her to search a certain area. Any Warrior was mad to think the new Apprentice would focus on Clan duties unprompted; it was a miracle she agreed to come on the patrol in the first place. She'd done it because she was afraid of punishment and for no other reason. That Whitewolf was a savage, after all, and Tigerpaw felt wrong not to fear her presence. No one else in ThunderClan terrified her but they were still mongrels all out of sorts.

Aspenstrike would have probably been surprised that Tigerpaw stalked off in the direction she was told to go. But she shouldn't have been; the Apprentice went that way to be alone rather than to work. She needed some fresh air and a good amount of space.

[Zee]

[For context, Whitewolf is assembling a patrol of cats to gather cobwebs and marigolds and will be taking cats aged 6+ moons regardless of whether or not they have been Apprenticed. It is not too late to sign up for this. To be mentioned in the next post, sign up here].
[ @Stardust~ ] [ @Kunaiskrill ] [ @poppy. ] [ @Jayden ]
[ @finnzel ] [ @Willowfern ] [ @WinterRabbit5350 ]
[ @~Fierceclaw~ ] [ @WarriorzFan ] [ @littlelove ] [ @Nixey ]
[ @Kyrieknight ] [ @SharpSight ] [ @Zesty Mango ]

Whitewolf looked down, seeing Elderkit looking eager but patient. It was good to sit in the presence of a child who didn't want to talk her already-damaged ears off or urge her out into the woods. She saw Shadowheart report wordlessly, too; a Warrior she hadn't really formed an opinion of yet. Then Softkit arrived, and Softshadow, who was the first cat to say anything. The dip of his head seemed to indicate that he knew his place with her, though. Whitewolf didn't dip hers back and instead met him with a steely stare as he joined the patrol. She'd been skeptical of him since Icicleripple's Clan meeting...he thought himself worthy of performing Eveningmist's duties. Whitewolf doubted he'd do a better job than the predecessor in question.

Cinderkit looked eager and spoke loudly, a feat that didn't assist with the senior Warrior's splitting headache. At least Pinewatch was keen to join them. She'd keep her mouth shut if Whitewolf told her how badly her head was hurting, but Whitewolf knew she'd need Pinewatch's voice so she didn't bother asking her to can it. Instead, she wordlessly headed toward the Weeping Tree. It was only fitting the kits get the most depressing part of the tour over with. She then gave Pinewatch a nod--her voice was tired and she urged the young Warrior to tell everyone about where they were.

[~Sayonara~]

Originally Posted by Zee

[For context, Whitewolf is assembling a patrol of cats to gather cobwebs and marigolds and will be taking cats aged 6+ moons regardless of whether or not they have been Apprenticed. It is not too late to sign up for this. To be mentioned in the next post, sign up here].
[ @Stardust~ ] [ @Kunaiskrill ] [ @poppy. ] [ @Jayden ]
[ @finnzel ] [ @Willowfern ] [ @WinterRabbit5350 ]
[ @~Fierceclaw~ ] [ @WarriorzFan ] [ @littlelove ] [ @Nixey ]
[ @Kyrieknight ] [ @SharpSight ] [ @Zesty Mango ]

Whitewolf looked down, seeing Elderkit looking eager but patient. It was good to sit in the presence of a child who didn't want to talk her already-damaged ears off or urge her out into the woods. She saw Shadowheart report wordlessly, too; a Warrior she hadn't really formed an opinion of yet. Then Softkit arrived, and Softshadow, who was the first cat to say anything. The dip of his head seemed to indicate that he knew his place with her, though. Whitewolf didn't dip hers back and instead met him with a steely stare as he joined the patrol. She'd been skeptical of him since Icicleripple's Clan meeting...he thought himself worthy of performing Eveningmist's duties. Whitewolf doubted he'd do a better job than the predecessor in question.

Cinderkit looked eager and spoke loudly, a feat that didn't assist with the senior Warrior's splitting headache. At least Pinewatch was keen to join them. She'd keep her mouth shut if Whitewolf told her how badly her head was hurting, but Whitewolf knew she'd need Pinewatch's voice so she didn't bother asking her to can it. Instead, she wordlessly headed toward the Weeping Tree. It was only fitting the kits get the most depressing part of the tour over with. She then gave Pinewatch a nod--her voice was tired and she urged the young Warrior to tell everyone about where they were.

Littlepaw sits at attention, smiling and waiting for things to begin. He was excited for this. He would hop around if he could but he didn't want to get in trouble.

[~Fierce~]

~Goldeneyes~
Goldeneyes followed Aspenstrike towards The Weeping Tree. It seemed that they were continuing a patrol and looking for, guess what, the missing cats from the patrol. They had never come back. She listened to Aspenstrike's instructions and nodded, instantly leaving to go comeplete her assignment. She felt somewhat comfortable with Aspenstrike, even if she was a tom at birth. The one she didn't feel comfortable with was Tigerpaw. Sure, she was a she-cat, but she was homophobic. Shaking her head, Goldeneyes started sniffing around for her missing clanmates.
@poppy. @Zee

[Nixey]

~Shadowheart~
Shadowheart had paused at the weeping tree along with the others. Her blue eyes searching around as the memory of what this place was stirred silently in her thoughts. It made sense that Whitewolf had brought them all here first, leave the more exciting things for last to bring up spirits.
@Zee