Dove'fluffs voice hit his ears as soon as she spoke.
What was this? More death and drama? OH YEAH! Excitement flaring up inside, the rush of a million questions muddled his brain as he bounded up to and around Dove'fluff. " Wow! You look like a mess! Was it really that bad?" Crackle'paw sniffed around Dove'fluffs entire form as if trying to inhale the entire crime scene. This was the coolest thing ever! They had their very own murderer on the loose! How exciting! But unfortunately for him there was little information on the victims death. Dove'fluff was holding it all back like the coward she was...
Not to fret though, it seemed that the others were about ready to leave and go pay respect to the body, or something stupid like that. This was the perfect opportunity to tag along and see the extent of the damage. " Oh! TAKE ME! I too want to pay my respects to...uh- what's his name again? Oh, right! Dark'petal!" nodding vigorously, the apprentice felt his claws itching with anticipation. This was going to be sooooo good!
// @jupiter \\
(My very considerate boy would like to pay his respects)
__________________
" Death is not mercurial. It's patient... unlike life."
The first cat to approach, thank the stars, was Bumblestar. The fluffy gray queen ducked her head in a respectful meeting, deep blue eyes searching the leader's face. No suspicion, thankfully. She wouldn't know what to do if she was accused of such a horrible crime. Grateful for at least the benefit of the doubt, she lowered her voice so that only Bumblestar could hear. "I found him deep in the territory, but he wasn't near any borders. The closest border I could smell was the one we share with the Outskirts. He had brown fur in his claws, so I think that would be a clue, and it was definitely rogue scent. And um..." She choked on the words slightly, faltering a bit. "He was... half eaten." That would hopefully explain why she was a little... bloody. It had been a messy job, moving the dead tom to the burial space. Most of her reasoning for not bringing the tom into camp was the clear as day, feline bite marks in his body. It wasn't just a murder, it was the result of... a hunt.
She looked around the clearing, locking gazes with Springpaw. The uncertainty in the young cat's eyes caused her stomach to clench. You don't really think I did this? She wanted to plead, but instead forced her eyes to move to other arriving cats. Dragonflycliff and Mothdapple, the former looking very... suspiciously at Dovefluff. The molly felt like she shrunk under the calico's gaze, and turned to look back at Bumblestar. Relax, Dove. You didn't kill anyone. You didn't... you didn't do that to him. You can barely catch prey without guilt tripping yourself. Anyone can see you're not a killer.
Although the odds were stacked. She had joined from ShadowClan 5 moons ago. The Clan well known for gruesome murders. She was covered with blood by carrying the destroyed body to Willow's Rise. You look like a monster, Dove. She was just glad that the murderer didn't have gray fur, or that would just add to the unnecessary suspicion.
Jumping slightly as Cracklepaw came darting over, sniffing her (wait what?) and chattering away excitedly, the queen sighed softly. How could he ask such questions? Like they were going to see something cool and exciting, and not a mangled corpse. "Bad for the kits." She murmured a response, luckily there weren't many kits in the clearing. She didn't understand Cracklepaw- and honestly she didn't want to try to. She tried to believe in the good, especially in children, but... oh hell, she was probably still going to assume that he was just a dumb kid who didn't understand death (which was obviously not the case)
Looking back at Springpaw, she felt a twinge in her chest. The poor thing looked like she was going to be sick. Because of Dovefluff. She was covered in the blood from carrying the dead Darkpetal and half the cats here looked like they thought she was the psycho cannibal killer. Clearing her throat, she made the decision to wait for a few more moments to allow more cats to come, as well as give Bumblestar any information she could, while waiting.
The molly stumbled into camp after dropping Darkpetal's body off at the burial spot, blood smeared over her paws and chest- the product of her attempting to revive to dead tom. Shaking slightly, she lifted her tail to try and gather the attention of the Clan, the former ShadowClan queen cleared her throat, voice sounding quite strangled. "ThunderClan... I-I hate to be the one to bring the news, but Darkpetal has passed on. I believe that he was... attacked by a rogue in the territory. He was already gone long before I found him. I didn't bring his body in as customary because it's in a... very rough state and I didn't want the kits to see, instead I took it to Willow's Rise where anyone able to leave camp will be able to pay their respects." Avoiding the words "dead" or "killed", for fear of frightening the kits, she also didn't mention any of the... very specific markings, she assumed that any warriors or authoritative figures would want to ask her about the death, but she didn't want to disclose the information to the prying eyes and ears of the younger cats. From what she had seen and heard, they had been traumatized enough.
Wiping her mouth, she was surprised to see that the blood from his neck wound was smeared over her maw and throat, and she tried to wipe it away the best she could. From afar, she looked like she was very seriously injured, and that wasn't what she wanted it to appear like. She didn't want to startle or freak anyone out, but if she had had time to clean herself up, she would have. It was either a very bloody, sick looking Dovefluff or a mangled corpse in the clearing, so she decided that the first was... less horrifying.
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
Oh dear.
Gentledoe had just emerged from the warrior's den when she heard the sound of Dovefluff's voice. Bicolored eyes widened at the sight of blood, causing her to rush over and look at Dovefluff worriedly. The she-cat didn't appear to be hurt, however. But Darkpetal- ah, he was dead. Gentledoe's ears flattened. Darkpetal had been with her and the others at the Thunderglade, and now here he was, dead. She sighed and shook her head.
Of course, any cat coming in without a body, covered in blood but uninjured, would be suspicious. However, Dovefluff appeared to be in great distress.
Being as she didn't know the tom personally, she would not go. She would pay her respects from afar, dipping her head and sitting in silence for multiple moments. Then came the explanation, and her eyes widened once more. Oh dear. What a gruesome, awful way to die. Her stomach twisted. If a rogue was doing this, then who else was at risk? Gentledoe raised her head and turned to Bumblestar, standing and walking over.
"Bumblestar, love," she started, "Allow me to lead a patrol to be sure the rogue has left our territory, alongside any others who may be lurking around. One death is more than enough."
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
[Just to make this easier, I will be shifting the timeline to be after Bumblestar has received her name and after Darkpetal's death. ]
Gentledoe made her way back into camp, bicolored eyes immediately seeking out a familiar tabby pelt. After doing so, she looked behind her, catching sight of Petalflight and Stormclaw. Now back at camp, it was time to figure out what would be done.
"Stormclaw, make sure all kits stay away from Blackfir's body. It would be dreadful for them to see such an awful sight. Please give room for others to pay their respects before he is buried, if they wish to do so," Gentledoe commanded, flicking her tail toward the tom before turning her attention to Petalflight, "You will come with me. Bumblestar will decide what is to be done."
She spun forward once more, signaling for Petalflight to follow. Gentledoe then approached the leader, a serious expression on her face.
"Bumblestar, I regret to inform you that a murder has taken place of one of our Clanmates. I was patrolling the territory when I heard a yowl- rushing over, I came to find Petalflight standing over Blackfir's body. There was a strong scent of WindClan, but as it was in the Thunderglade, we cannot be sure of the reasoning for this scent," she explained, speaking in a hushed voice. It would not be good to cause panic amongst those who may be listening. "Upon being asked for an explanation, Petalflight was unable to provide one. We have brought her to you, with her following willingly, to decide what action will be taken, if any."
Dove'fluffs voice hit his ears as soon as she spoke.
What was this? More death and drama? OH YEAH! Excitement flaring up inside, the rush of a million questions muddled his brain as he bounded up to and around Dove'fluff. " Wow! You look like a mess! Was it really that bad?" Crackle'paw sniffed around Dove'fluffs entire form as if trying to inhale the entire crime scene. This was the coolest thing ever! They had their very own murderer on the loose! How exciting! But unfortunately for him there was little information on the victims death. Dove'fluff was holding it all back like the coward she was...
Not to fret though, it seemed that the others were about ready to leave and go pay respect to the body, or something stupid like that. This was the perfect opportunity to tag along and see the extent of the damage. " Oh! TAKE ME! I too want to pay my respects to...uh- what's his name again? Oh, right! Dark'petal!" nodding vigorously, the apprentice felt his claws itching with anticipation. This was going to be sooooo good!
// @jupiter \\
(My very considerate boy would like to pay his respects)
Quote:
Originally Posted by jupiter
tw: this post references cannibalism
Dovefluff
The first cat to approach, thank the stars, was Bumblestar. The fluffy gray queen ducked her head in a respectful meeting, deep blue eyes searching the leader's face. No suspicion, thankfully. She wouldn't know what to do if she was accused of such a horrible crime. Grateful for at least the benefit of the doubt, she lowered her voice so that only Bumblestar could hear. "I found him deep in the territory, but he wasn't near any borders. The closest border I could smell was the one we share with the Outskirts. He had brown fur in his claws, so I think that would be a clue, and it was definitely rogue scent. And um..." She choked on the words slightly, faltering a bit. "He was... half eaten." That would hopefully explain why she was a little... bloody. It had been a messy job, moving the dead tom to the burial space. Most of her reasoning for not bringing the tom into camp was the clear as day, feline bite marks in his body. It wasn't just a murder, it was the result of... a hunt.
She looked around the clearing, locking gazes with Springpaw. The uncertainty in the young cat's eyes caused her stomach to clench. You don't really think I did this? She wanted to plead, but instead forced her eyes to move to other arriving cats. Dragonflycliff and Mothdapple, the former looking very... suspiciously at Dovefluff. The molly felt like she shrunk under the calico's gaze, and turned to look back at Bumblestar. Relax, Dove. You didn't kill anyone. You didn't... you didn't do that to him. You can barely catch prey without guilt tripping yourself. Anyone can see you're not a killer.
Although the odds were stacked. She had joined from ShadowClan 5 moons ago. The Clan well known for gruesome murders. She was covered with blood by carrying the destroyed body to Willow's Rise. You look like a monster, Dove. She was just glad that the murderer didn't have gray fur, or that would just add to the unnecessary suspicion.
Jumping slightly as Cracklepaw came darting over, sniffing her (wait what?) and chattering away excitedly, the queen sighed softly. How could he ask such questions? Like they were going to see something cool and exciting, and not a mangled corpse. "Bad for the kits." She murmured a response, luckily there weren't many kits in the clearing. She didn't understand Cracklepaw- and honestly she didn't want to try to. She tried to believe in the good, especially in children, but... oh hell, she was probably still going to assume that he was just a dumb kid who didn't understand death (which was obviously not the case)
Looking back at Springpaw, she felt a twinge in her chest. The poor thing looked like she was going to be sick. Because of Dovefluff. She was covered in the blood from carrying the dead Darkpetal and half the cats here looked like they thought she was the psycho cannibal killer. Clearing her throat, she made the decision to wait for a few more moments to allow more cats to come, as well as give Bumblestar any information she could, while waiting.
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
Oh dear.
Gentledoe had just emerged from the warrior's den when she heard the sound of Dovefluff's voice. Bicolored eyes widened at the sight of blood, causing her to rush over and look at Dovefluff worriedly. The she-cat didn't appear to be hurt, however. But Darkpetal- ah, he was dead. Gentledoe's ears flattened. Darkpetal had been with her and the others at the Thunderglade, and now here he was, dead. She sighed and shook her head.
Of course, any cat coming in without a body, covered in blood but uninjured, would be suspicious. However, Dovefluff appeared to be in great distress.
Being as she didn't know the tom personally, she would not go. She would pay her respects from afar, dipping her head and sitting in silence for multiple moments. Then came the explanation, and her eyes widened once more. Oh dear. What a gruesome, awful way to die. Her stomach twisted. If a rogue was doing this, then who else was at risk? Gentledoe raised her head and turned to Bumblestar, standing and walking over.
"Bumblestar, love," she started, "Allow me to lead a patrol to be sure the rogue has left our territory, alongside any others who may be lurking around. One death is more than enough."
Two seconds with Cracklepaw and she already had the temptation to bite him. Angling her head toward the apprentice, Bumblestar muttered firmly, "You will behave while you're over there, 'n if I hear even a word to suggest otherwise, you 'n I are gonna have a real long talk." Being a general nuisance was one thing—disrespecting the dead was another entirely.
Back to Dovefluff. Her stomach twisted in disgust. Eaten? Not just a rogue, then, but someone sick in the head was responsible for this. "Go clean yourself up," she ordered the queen. "You can take whoever wants to go when you're ready.".
Gentledoe's approach was a welcome one. Thank the stars for the brown tabby, Bumblestar didn't know what she would do without her. "Hey, sweetheart," she greeted, turning her attention briefly away from Dovefluff to speak to the other she-cat fully. She didn't even catch the petname that slipped out. "Yeah, do that. Take two other cats with you and sweep the area. If you see anyone who looks suspicious, Clan cat or otherwise, take care of 'em any way you have to." If cats wanted to come onto her territory, threaten her warriors, then they could deal with the consequences. "Report back to me when you're done."
storm law followed the group into camp, his eyes gazing at gentle does command and with that a simple nod was shown. The tom looked around for kits who are outside.
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
[Just to make this easier, I will be shifting the timeline to be after Bumblestar has received her name and after Darkpetal's death. ]
Gentledoe made her way back into camp, bicolored eyes immediately seeking out a familiar tabby pelt. After doing so, she looked behind her, catching sight of Petalflight and Stormclaw. Now back at camp, it was time to figure out what would be done.
"Stormclaw, make sure all kits stay away from Blackfir's body. It would be dreadful for them to see such an awful sight. Please give room for others to pay their respects before he is buried, if they wish to do so," Gentledoe commanded, flicking her tail toward the tom before turning her attention to Petalflight, "You will come with me. Bumblestar will decide what is to be done."
She spun forward once more, signaling for Petalflight to follow. Gentledoe then approached the leader, a serious expression on her face.
"Bumblestar, I regret to inform you that a murder has taken place of one of our Clanmates. I was patrolling the territory when I heard a yowl- rushing over, I came to find Petalflight standing over Blackfir's body. There was a strong scent of WindClan, but as it was in the Thunderglade, we cannot be sure of the reasoning for this scent," she explained, speaking in a hushed voice. It would not be good to cause panic amongst those who may be listening. "Upon being asked for an explanation, Petalflight was unable to provide one. We have brought her to you, with her following willingly, to decide what action will be taken, if any."
Either this was a nasty test from StarClan, or there really was a curse plaguing her Clan.
Bumblestar swung her head around to see Gentledoe and Stormclaw step into camp with yet another body. She stared for a moment, before quickly collecting herself and rising to meet Gentledoe halfway. The hushed explanation made her ears twitch. "Go help Stormclaw with the body. I'll take care of this."
She turned furious eyes on Petalfight, glancing the she-cat over. There was no blood on her paws, so either she had been fast with cleaning herself up, or WindClan was at fault here. "Start talkin'," she snapped. "You better have a damn good reason for this."
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
Oh dear.
Gentledoe had just emerged from the warrior's den when she heard the sound of Dovefluff's voice. Bicolored eyes widened at the sight of blood, causing her to rush over and look at Dovefluff worriedly. The she-cat didn't appear to be hurt, however. But Darkpetal- ah, he was dead. Gentledoe's ears flattened. Darkpetal had been with her and the others at the Thunderglade, and now here he was, dead. She sighed and shook her head.
Of course, any cat coming in without a body, covered in blood but uninjured, would be suspicious. However, Dovefluff appeared to be in great distress.
Being as she didn't know the tom personally, she would not go. She would pay her respects from afar, dipping her head and sitting in silence for multiple moments. Then came the explanation, and her eyes widened once more. Oh dear. What a gruesome, awful way to die. Her stomach twisted. If a rogue was doing this, then who else was at risk? Gentledoe raised her head and turned to Bumblestar, standing and walking over.
"Bumblestar, love," she started, "Allow me to lead a patrol to be sure the rogue has left our territory, alongside any others who may be lurking around. One death is more than enough."
Mothdapple overheard Gentledoe's suggestion to Bumblestar, and quickly padded over to the two. She gave a quick nod as a greeting. "If you'll allow me, I'd want to come with you" The molly asked, catching herself sounding way more formal than her usual self. She did really want to go though. She wanted this rogue gone, even dead if possible. Even if they didn't find the one responsible for this, at least they could secure the territory for now, to ease the nerves for some cats.
The kits eyes were huge, filled with both horror and anger. She was on the brink of becoming an apprentice, but yet, there lie two warriors in the clearing. She only just spoke to Blackfir days ago. He gave her a one-on-one lesson to complete her requirements and now here he was. . .
YOU DID THIS
The voice rang in her head, she took a step back.
YOU DID THIS! YOU DON'T BELONG
Treekit shook her head, finally peeling her gaze away from the warrior, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. How could she have done this?? She was only around him for a lesson! Still, the voice could be right. . . maybe.