beginning [p]

[vellichor]

•° Violetfreckle °•
Rapid Recovery • Collector • Master Scout

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Something was wrong.

For the past few days, Bumblestar had been... quiet. Reserved. Absolutely not the strong-willed, bull-headed, loud and opinionated cat she knew and loved. At first, she'd given her mate some space; everyone had their off-days, and being leader was one hell of a lot of work, Violetfreckle figured. But then one day became two, then three, then more and more. This couldn't be ignored anymore. Something was very wrong.

She crept into the leader's den, feeling wary. "Bumblestar?" she called as she walked in. Violetfreckle stopped for a moment to take in the familiar scents and truly acknowledge them, a brief moment of pause before what could be a hard talk. Bumblestar's scent, intertwined with her own. Strong. But there, just faintly, Wolfhive's. Despite moons of not being here, it still lingered. Violetfreckle missed the kid; she was honestly about to go out and find a damn cure herself. A sigh as she realized she'd just have to trust that he would be back here soon enough. And then, just barely, a little bit of a flowery scent. Maybe Violetfreckle would have to grab some snowdrops soon, depending on how this went.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Vi took just a few more steps in and fully entered the den. She went to nestle and settle beside Bumblestar, assuming the other cat would let her. "Bumblestar," she repeated, softer. Gentler. Almost a mumble. "What's wrong?"

// @dino. \\

[dino.]

Four days ago, she had buried her son.

Four days ago, she had locked herself in her den, and hadn't left since.

She should have told the Clan. They deserved to know - all of the deaths, not just Wolfhive's, or Redhawk's - but she couldn't force herself to get up and say it out loud. And having to say it, well, that would just make it all the more real.

Bumblestar was being selfish, but it was better than admitting her son was gone.

Violetfreckle's quiet voice floated over her, nearly breaking her all over again as she realized she didn't know. Oh, stars, how could she tell her? She deserved to know, possibly more than anyone else here, but damn it all, Bumblestar knew the words wouldn't make it past her throat unless she slit it open and pulled them out that way.

Her unkempt fur bristled where Violetfreckle's made contact. The open aggression wasn't fair to her mate, even if she couldn't help it. Bumblestar pulled her face away from her paws, eyes glassy, and opened her mouth to try to explain.

What came out instead was a pathetic, pitiful noise. Her shoulders shook with a fresh bout of sobs as she shoved her head against Violetfreckle's, desperately seeking out any ounce of comfort she could reach. "Th- The cure-" A crack in her words. "Wolfhive-"

[ @vellichor ]