autumn returns [p]

[ophelia]

[ @illiri ]
Autumn

Nine moons.
Nine moons since Autumn had set foot in these woods. It was simultaneously familiar and new, comforting and terrifying, like something from a dream. She moved through the edge of the forest warily, trying to recall the path to the Thunderclan border. The smell was definitely there, but it was polluted by the area's multitude of scents. After living for so long in the open meadow of her current home she'd forgotten there were places where the air didn't smell crisp and clear.
Autumn stopped in a small clearing, stub of a tail waving uncertainly as she lifted her nose to the breeze. After sorting through the odors for several moments, she finally picked out the track. Excited, the patched tabby darted forward, bounding over stones and roots. She skidded to a stop as the scent of Thunderclan became concentrated, breathing heavily. Bright blue eyes peered eagerly into the territory's depths, fighting the urge to enter. This was not her home. She doubted a single she-cat with the scent of a queen's milk still clinging to her would be attacked on sight, but she wasn't here to make enemies. She just wanted to see her siblings.
So Autumn sat by the border impatiently, awaiting the arrival of a familiar cat.