Darkwater Mire

[Rose]

[ credit to ophelia and Weekend-Wondering ]

A foggy, marshy wetland, dotted with pines and covered in tall grasses. Although the area is dark and the soil can be treacherously soft to those unfamiliar with the territory, the bog is home to several frogs, snakes, and other prey.

Surrounding the bog is thick moss, damp grassy grounds, and large spruce trees. Berry bushes are abundant in this area, scattered around the landmark. A diverse variety of insects and critters live here, as well as small birds and squirrels. Woodpecks can be heard knocking away bark constantly. When the sun falls, owls awaken and fill the night with their song. The area carries the sweet scent of berries and wet bark.

[alec]

->> rookpaw <<-
[ they/she | shadowclan | 14moons | purrks ]
a scarred dark blueish grey cat with minimal white markings and grey eyes

with evergreen grotto off her list, rookpaw had once again been painfully reminded what it was like to be an apprentice, begging a random warrior and/or enforcer to take her into the territory just so she could see was a pain. maybe it was a good thing she was attempting to speed through her shadowclan training, she had been here for almost one and a half moons now and it was getting embarassing. now, venomstrike had been her unlucky victim, but she didnt care, any warrior that couldve taken her out to see darkwater mire was a fine warrior and rook was a tiny bit proud that she'd be one of the first apprentices that had knowledge of the new territory.
"thanks for taking me by the way" she mewed, a slight smile on her face as she turned towards the warrior aand lostspark is also there, trust. the shadows danced on his dark pelt as the two of them walked towards the marshy area that was darkwater mire. the name was pretty fitting actually, but rook couldnt help but be a tiny bit disappointed that shadowclan had gained another wet soggy place. at least it looked like you could gather moss day in and day out here.

[ @ollie @Rose ]

[Desert Rain Frog]

Lionflop Sunned Himself.

[Rose]

Lostspark
She/Her | Purrks Overlook

Eyes narrowed with irritation at the golden pelt in the distance, Lostspark stalked behind Rookpaw, annoyance flaring. She recognized that pelt. Knew it as one of her very own clanmates. Seven skies, did these ShadowClanners have fluff for brains??? This one probably did, considering the sheer amount of fluff on his body - if that was all that was inside his head too then she would not be surprised.

"Enjoying yourself, Sunflop?" Lostspark drawled sarcastically as she stopped beside the warrior who was sunning himself. She was clearly very pissed - the only other feeling was the bit of pity for Rookpaw that all their outings were being ruined by warriors who don't have their heads screwed on straight.

[ @alec - Rookpaw / @ollie - Venomstrike / @Desert Rain Frog - Lionflop ]

[Desert Rain Frog]

LionFlop

Confusion. That's What The Golden Giant Felt. Confusion. The Former Medicine Cat Was Confusing Him. Was He Doing Anything Wrong? Oh Wait. The Three Cat Patrol Rule Maybe? He Should Still Answer. Ohhhh...... The Three Cat Patrol Rule Is Still In Order? Very Sorry! I'll..., Head Back Now, LostSpark. I Forgot About That, Please Do Whatever You Must. I'll Be On My Way. The Golden Giant Got Up, And Moved In The Direction To Camp, Keeping His Calm. He Was Careful Not To Show This Cat The New Scar He Bore, Near The Shoulder. He Quickly Padded Into The Bushes, Towards Camp, Keeping His Calm. It Took Everything In Him, Not To Bare His Fangs And Correct LostSpark. He Wasn't SunFlop, He Was LionFlop. StarClan, Even His Own Clan, He Had To Try Not Sending Them To Their Ancestors! He Kept His Calm, And Continued Moving.
.
{ @Rose - LostSpark }

[ellie]

｡ﾟﾟ･｡･ﾟﾟ｡
ﾟ。 Mossfreckle (ShC)
　ﾟ･｡･ﾟ they/he ~ medicine cat

❦ Mossy hues flitted across the clearing as the freckled oriental shaped tom herbalist watched his patrols depart from the shadowy patch beneath the Grimpeak, one patrol and then the next, each group of felines seemed to be exiting the camp in precise ordered order with ease… a nice change form the lackadaisical ways that had caused the move in the first places… thought the feline as his white tipped feathery tail flicked idly in anticipation of his own patrol - well, more specifically, Grousepaw’s second lesson. Mossfreckle kept the eclectically molted appearance in his peripheral as he waited, angular ears perked in the mollies direction even as his eyes darted around his main focus remained on Grousepaw as he spoke albeit with an awkward tension that hung in the air around the two felines although Mossfreckle ignored it, the apprentice would adapt of get over it, he just hoped that the tom would do so sooner than later rather than stewing in whatever internal turmoil he had bubbling beneath his pelt like the fire that flashed in his amber eyes - the aforementioned fire, however, was a positive but the mental war waging within his apprentices mind needed to call a ceasefire before it ate the young lad form the inside out and dug him a grave so deep even his large size wouldn’t help him. Angular head bobbed along to Grousepaw’s words before the lanky medicine cat spoke himself, ”Yes, poisons,” a soft breathy chuckle slipping form his white twinged maw, ”not the loveliest of lessons but it’s good to have them on hand for herb lesson so that the young - well, all who listen - know what to avoid, if we gather a few of each we can grab some marigold and cobwebs to complete our haul of space permits,” standing and turning to pad on diligent petite paws out of the camps entrance and into the conifer canopied world beyond. Turning to the tom trotting along at his side, Mossfreckle spoke in open tones that were calm demeanoured - both direct and open, a delightful tête-à-tête on the edge but an opening to the gentle paw offered forth to untangle the webs of tension it seemed that his apprentice still had, ”How have you been, Grouse - I know it can be quite a lot to have every set of eyes on you,” he had felt it, the class of insecurity and the fear of messing up… of being a choice made in vain… maybe Grousepaw felt the same, maybe he didn’t but at the end of the day the herbalist cared for the feline - nothing more than the usual feelings of a mentor and apprentice at the moment but part of him hoped that it wouldn’t simply be a relationship of eggshells and a shared profession, hoped it would be more like it was with Lostspark… family, a home, a freindship…

{ @redshiftreign ~ Grousepaw // very rushed and short post as I have been so severely busy with family outings this week and need to meet my quota }

[Estelle]

Oh how delightful! Both Tuftedtusk and Quillpaw were quick to join her side for the patrol, and Nightshiver offered each of them a gentle smile in turn. Her eyes crinkled, glancing from the polite warrior to the quiet apprentice, tail flicking lightly.
"Ready... t-to go?"
She asked, awaiting a few moments before carefully setting off towards Darkwater Mire.

Nightshiver was yet to grow familiar with the new territory; most new location were still rathe foggy in her mind, and as such the forever queen took care with the road they walked, wanting to ensure they took no wrong turn. She couldn't afford leading them the wrong way, with a job to carry out and an apprentice to - albeit not teach - she shouldn't show Quillpaw any wrong paths through the territory, and she hoped Tuftedtusk could correct swiftly (and with consideration) should she take the wrong turn.

But before long Darkwater Mire resided beneath their paws, and Nightshiver took a careful look around, taking in the mire's... Dark atmosphere. But they were here to hunt, not to dwell on the vastly unfamiliar territory and heartache that came with yet another move. Mismatched eyes kindly rested on Tuftedtusk, trusting the warrior would be able to handle himself, before shifting towards Quillpaw with gentleness.
"How i-is... your.. hunting?"
She asked the young apprentice, wanting to get an idea of whether she needed to cover any bases with the youngling or not - it'd been moons since she taught anyone any of a warrior's duties, but hunting.. She should be able to manage, if needed. Though she knew Quillpaw had been apprenticed for over a moon now, unexpected situations often slowed down training, and some required more practice than others as opposed to the many quick-studies that walked this clan. Nightshiver had not been one of them.


[ @Aroogi @furrensic ]

[SuspiciousMindz]

[Hawkbite]
Enforcer Commander
Shadow Fiend | Agatha Kitty | Kitty Softpaws

A frustrated growl escaped him at his apprentice's lack of appearance. He wasn't going to wait forever though. Hawkbite clenched his jaw, but got up and headed to the camp entrance and out towards Darkwater Mire. If they were going to join, they'd best catch up now before he got there. They'd both be getting an ear full when he got back.

Catmint, chickweed, and celandine. Those were the herbs he was tasked with. Sounded easy enough. He could grab a little bit of each if he could find them. Doing as instructed; he kept a distance from the lines of deathberry bushes in the area. They'd have to clear these out soon. This was a disaster waiting to happen.

@MockingRabbit - Eggpaw | @zozelen - Brownpaw [last chance to appear for this patrol]

[zozelen]

Brownpaw, She/her, 8 Moons
Shadowclan Apprentice

Though Brownpaw didn't know just how late she was, the apprentice finally made her way over to Mossfreckle's patrols, having heard from one of her clanmates that Hawkbite was looking for her. She rubbed her eyes with a paw and sniffled, nose looking a little runny, and scanned the area for her mentor. She couldn't see him, but he had to be here, right? Was he upset that she was late? She needed to go say sorry...

The apprentice wove through the few lingering cats, checking over and over again for the warrior in the patrol place and the clearing. But if Hawkbite wasn't in camp, then where was he?

Brownpaw tried her best to stifle a sneeze, head feeling very stuffy and sort of warm. She had just woken up that way, and more late in the day then she ever usually would, if the sun in the sky was anything to go by... Though she wasn't sure why. Sometimes she would sneeze after sleeping in old moss, or rolling around in the grass, but she hadn't done either of those things! For some reason, Brownpaw had the feeling there was something she was missing... something that could be causing her to feel all sniffly and warm and so tired, despite sleeping in for some extra hours. But intelligent thoughts were coming slow to her right now, like a very sleepy snail.

Brownpaw's paws slowed down until she simply stood in the almost empty patrol place, a naively lost look on her face. There were usually more cats, when patrols were called... had nobody else showed up? That wouldn't make any sense. Mossfreckle needed more herbs, they needed to be collected so he could take care of everyone.

Could Hawkbite have already gone... without her?

Suddenly, the puzzle pieces Brownpaw simply had in front of her clicked together. Hawkbite had left for Darkwater Mire, that's where they were going, right? Because Mossfreckle needed the patrols, and if Brownpaw was silly and slept in too long he couldn't just wait for her. He would leave on his own and do the job they were supposed to do together, without knowing where Brownpaw was, or that she was sorry. He was probably angry, too.

...Brownpaw already had the feeling Hawkbite didn't like her very much. They hadn't done a whole lot together since her bad hunting patrol, and that one time two moons ago when he yelled at her. Maybe Hawkbite was trying to avoid Brownpaw, because he was still frustrated. But that was okay! Brownpaw just had to make it up to him, show Hawkbite she really did want to be a good warrior. And then maybe, he'd want to be her mentor again.

She remembered, moons ago at her apprentice ceremony, how he pressed his nose to her forehead... promising to be a good mentor. And he was! If anything, Brownpaw was just a bad apprentice. But if Hawkbite wanted to like her back then, even just a little, then Brownpaw could still prove herself. It wasn't too late.

A newfound fire in her heart, Brownpaw decided to find the Darkwater Mire on her own, meet Hawkbite and gather so many herbs he'd have to know she was useful. And very sorry for sleeping in, of course. She'd never been there before, since this was still new territory and all, but it couldn't be that far away. Hawkbite had gotten there, so she could too. Brownpaw nodded to herself, pink nose sniffling but hazel eyes determined.

Waiting for nothing, Brownpaw hurried out of Shadowclan camp, now in the... well, the foresty area surronding it. And there were a lot of directions to go. Darkwater Mire could be anywhere!

Trying her very hardest to think, even with her head feeling full of fluff, Brownpaw pondered where she should head first. It was Darkwater Mire, and mire meant wet. Where would the wet be? Wet was like water, which was like river. But she couldn't see any rivers.

Well, since in a mire everything was wet, maybe the closer she'd get the softer the ground would be. Like after it rained. That could be helpful! And if she saw any streams while she was walking, she could try and follow it. It might take a little bit, but Brownpaw just had to be patient... she always enjoyed nature, and there was lots and lots of nature all around her!

Beginning to explore further away from camp, Brownpaw walked in winding paths and looping circles and occasionally zig-zags. No mires yet. Brownpaw picked up a few, good looking chunks of moss she had found, hoping that Mossfreckle could use the extra supplies. She didn't feel confident enough to grab any of the plants, they might just be useless or poison her. Brownpaw would feel pretty bad if Hawkbite found her dead body on the walk home. What if Dawnstar got annoyed at him?

Time continued moving as reliably as ever, unlike Brownpaw. The more she walked, the quickly more tired she felt, and eventually she started falling down little holes and stumbling into thorny bushes. Burrs and leaves got stuck on her scratched up pelt, her paws only getting slower and more heavy. But Brownpaw wouldn't give up. She needed to find Hawkbite, if it was the last thing she ever did!

So at the end of her determined, feverish, increasingly hopeless walk in the forest, Brownpaw was covered in a litany of small cuts and bruises, coughing and sneezing only growing worse. It felt like... probably a lot of time had passed, though she couldn't tell how much. And Brownpaw was completely alone, and it was getting kind of dark, or maybe that was just the shadows. There were lots of shadows. Brownpaw was quite little compared to all the pines and tall grasses around her, looming over the apprentice far from home. And Hawkbite... was still gone. Was he already done with the patrol? Brownpaw didn't know how to get back to camp.

For the first time since she left, Brownpaw stopped moving. She simply stood there, looking up at the clouded sky, too gray to see any sun.

Brownpaw... felt so tired...

Slowly, her gaze travelled down from the sky, back to her dirty paws sitting in the wet mud. She blinked slowly, head feeling much too warm, but enjoying the cool wetness on her paws. Everything around her felt very wet, actually. The ground was squishy, and Brownpaw almost felt like she was going to sink into it.

The earth was... wet?

The apprentice's hazel eyes widened, and her head snapped up to reveal a luscious wetland, just across the trees. On clumsy paws she ran into the mire, looking around with the moss in her mouth and on her dirty, scratched fur, searching for the brown tabby pelt of her mentor.

"Hawkbite!" She called, voice excited and hopeful, no trace of exhaustion left in it. "Hawkbite, it's me! Brownpaw! Are you still here? I made it, I did it!!"

(+3 moss)

@SuspiciousMindz @MockingRabbit (i was busy with irl stuff, apologies for the wait! i definitely thought brownpaw would try and follow, especially since she's sick and not thinking straight. realistically though, she has never gone here before and would have no idea how to reach darkwater mire, so i thought this would make the most sense. if you'd like, hawkbite could even be gone already, if he didn't take his time on patrol... then it'll devolve into a lost apprentice plot, though.your choice!

also, for eggpaw, he totally could've followed hawk the more normal way. in case you're planning on him catching up. ^^)