Fandom A Runaway’s New Home [Private 1x1]

[Honeypool]

Honeypool said nothing more than that and continued to follow behind him. Her ears twitched slightly feeling like he was being a bit to prideful, but she let it be. It wasn't her place to say anything. If he wanted her help, he could clearly ask. She bit back her statement and forced it down. Let him be. She fell behind a bit more, slowing down her pace and closing her eyes as a gentle breeze brushed past them. She had stopped to enjoy it. Feeling the cold breeze ruffle her silky fur was nice. It almost felt like she was home.

Turning her head up towards the sky, the pale blue turning brighter with each moment. It was still weird to look up and see trees to her. She was so use to the wide openness of the moor to now be thrown here really made her head spin when she thought about it. Her long dark tail waved behind her like a shallow stream as she began to walk again. Feeling the softening ground beneath her paws she wanted to pick up her feet a little higher but the fear of throwing herself off balance was a risk she didn't want to take.

She took notice of how quiet the forest was, outside of a few birds, and the sound of their paws stepping on leaves and other noisy objects. She hated it. The feeling made her fur stand up slightly. She swallowed. The air now feeling heavy and awkward as she followed behind the patched tom. A conversation would be too difficult to have right now with their situation and she had no clue what to talk about to begin with.

Make small talk? She thought but quickly brushed it off as her mind was drawing blanks. She breathed in sharply through her nose, giving up on the idea to say anything at all and just deal with it. Camp was closing in, or so she hoped it was. But what would she do back at camp? She didn't know anyone and most conversation about her were more tied to her past and why she was there than anything else. Doubt settled in.

Maybe she could spend some time with Dewspring in her den. She didn't seem to mind her company, or at least she hoped she didn't.

She stopped walking again, watching Robinfang jump onto a rock and scrape the mud off his paws. Could he not wait until we got back to camp to do that? She questioned but still said nothing. She looked down at his damaged paws realizing he would need new bandages now. She wanted to sit down for a second but stopped remembering her position and instead continued to stand but she did take this moment to stretch out her legs one by one. What she really wanted was a good run. Would she be allowed out of camp by herself? She heavily doubted it.

She glanced over at Robinfang once more. "Your paws might get infected in they keep getting dirty like that." She finally spoke. "Is there not a stream nearby where you could wash them?" She voice was quiet and slightly tense. Feeling as if she might have overstepped her boundary, she took a step back. "Only if you want too, of course." The last sentence was rushed.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang's ears perked at HoneyPool’s voice, always finding the sound unexpected from the finicky she-cat. The warrior’s tense tone, in turn, made him stiffen, coiling in on himself for a millisecond before figuring there was most likely no real danger.

The suggestion took a moment to settle in the tom’s head, his response rolling on his tongue, unsure if he’d rather waste resources or time on his mild wound. “I’ll be on border patrol soon enough, and I may as well wash up while we have the time. ” He settled on, not wanting to slow down his patrol group in the future with something so small.


He makes quick strides to rid of the remaining muck between his pads, suddenly feeling embarrassed by forgetting the she-cat’s presence and wasting her time. “It’s good you’re getting to know the territory already. The marshes are close by the border.” He praised, his poor form of an apology, now walking with a quickness in the opposite direction to regain whatever time they may lose.

He just hoped the new destination wouldn’t mean any of his clanmates would notice their absence, questioning them further.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool opened her mouth to speak but stopped. She wasn't actually sure where they were and just offered the idea on a whim. Guess she just got lucky. She blinked and followed him to their new spot. Her ears were up as she half strutted behind him. The prey on her back slowly starting to weigh her down a bit but she pushed on quickly. She mentally scolded herself for saying something in the first place, but the quiet was driving her up a wall. She just had to say something, and she took the opportunity when she saw it fit.

She sighed feeling as if she was giving on the wrong impression. Why should she care if his paws got infected? She was supposed to be avoiding him, keeping her distance, and yet here she was trying to spark up a conversation, given it was for her own needs, but still a conversation with him, nonetheless. She wasn't good at following her own instructions. Feeling annoyed with herself she drew back a bit, letting him get further ahead only a bit. I guess it's good to note the marshes are close to the border. She continued to follow at her own pace, keeping his fur within her eyesight. If he did manage to slip away without her noticing she would be lost.

Being lost was the last thing on her mind. She doubted any strange cat would be this far into ShadowClan territory, but the thought of coming across him would never leave her mind. She would have to face him again, one day. She just hoped one of them would be dying when that time came. Or at least she would be on her way out of here and away from this whole mess. Whichever came first. "If I ever see him again it would be too soon." She mumbled out loud, giving her head a quick shake to clear the thought.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang’s ear twitched when HoneyPool murmured to herself, not catching what she said but picking up the distinct sound of foreboding. The tom’s pelt prickled at the alarms it set it in his mind, before forcing his fur to settle again. He should’ve figured that it was just the calm before the storm when it came to HoneyPool, the she-cat proving to be paranoid consumed since she got here.

RobinFang shivered at the memory of her panic attack in the medicine den, the veiled anguish in her eyes still vivid. He shoved these thoughts aside as they neared the marsh, his feet sticking to the ground despite his best attempt. Even if he did go through the hassle of aiding the she-cat, poking his nose were it didn’t belong, he would prove to be useless. That was more of DewSpring’s thing.



He treads to the shallow stream, its movement slow with algae as it passed through the thick roots of maple trees. Setting his prey aside, he shoves his front paws under the surface as the cool liquid eases his sores and cuts. RobinFang laps at the water, unaware until now how dehydrated he was, his chest now soaked and his hind legs caked in mud resting along the bank.

The warrior’s gaze turned back to the she-cat, HoneyPool keeping her distance from the tom. He grumbles, a bit annoyed seeing her tired stature, waving her to come join with his tail.

‘I’m rather train a dozen of these weirdos before taking a kit on a patrol.’ He thought, wanting to prevent KestrelFall from chewing off his tail if HoneyPool dropped dead from exhaustion.

 

[Honeypool]

Once stopping, Honeypool sat back, finding a patch of sunlight to warm herself up on. Her amber eyes hung slightly as she starred off in the distance. Thought she was far she could see the end of WindClan territory from this angle. Her fur bristling slightly at the sight of the flat lands. The pale green grass rippling under the morning sun, making it look like a little lake of its own. She stared, unblinking at the small piece of territory. A feeling of nausea and homesickness rushed through her.

How her heart ached to go back home. To race across the stream and just keep going until she found herself back in WindClan camp. Had anyone wondered where she had gone? What lie did Mistletuft come up with? Did he tell them I’m dead? Her eyes clouded slightly at the thought. Even if she did come back what would happen if she told them the truth? Her claws unknowingly dug into the ground.

The thought was too risky now. She had been away to long, been in ShadowClan long enough to know if she did go back her clan would know where she was and just how easily things could be turned against her. It was pointless and there was no hope in wishing.

She turned her head to glance over at Robinfang to see him looking back at her. Her tail fluffed up in surprise. How long had he been starring at her. Her fur flushed warm taking notice in what he want. She slowly padded up to him and looked down seeing he had cleaned him paws. She smiled a bit seeing he had list to her recommendation. “I can make a temporary wrap for your paws, until you get back to camp.” She offered having a small idea come to mind. “To keep them clean at least.” She lifted up a paw of her own realizing just how filthy the marshlands where and how quickly things got dirty.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang paused at his lapping on the dirty water’s surface as HoneyPool padded up beside him, his green eyes expectant for her to take a drink. The she-cat, however, chose to speak instead, the tom listening as he lifted his head from the swamp with a click of his teeth as he swallowed his drink.


He snorted slightly in amusement when the she-cat face soured in disgust as she lifted her paw, her soft fur now ruined with the dirt and muck of the marsh. He did take up on her offer, pulling one of his paws out of the stream with some effort, giving it a lap of his tongue in a futile attempt to dry it before bluntly offering the limb to the warrior.

He gave himself a quick shake, half of his pelt now heavy with water, helping dry his muzzle and front as he pulled his other leg from the swamp. He flicked his paw to shake off some algae that stuck to his fur, his green eyes scanning the area around them.


“There aren’t many herbs here that seem of use..” RobinFang meowed, the area wet with slippery mud and puddles, the only plants in sight being the giant oaks and maples above, the parasitic green moss and mushrooms along the bank, and the water weeds below the surface. The tom slowly retracted his paw from HoneyPool in doubt, waving himself off as fine without treatment.

“There is a herb supply at camp. I can wait.” RobinFang shrugged, grateful for the drink anyways.

 

[Honeypool]

Her ears twitched slightly as he pulled his paw away from her. It was his choice of course. She stepped back a bit wondering to fight with the Tom or let it be. There you go again. She mentally could feel herself rolling her eyes as she sighed giving in. “Of course.” She waved the offer away before turning away from him to try and get a drink.

Couching down she carefully wiggled herself into position before taking a few quick laps from the running stream. She mentally groaned feeling the wet ground beneath her web its way deeper into her paws and chest fur. Quickly getting up she backed away a bit too quickly from the slippery slop, the ground sliding under her always wet paws and she slipped half into the murky water.

A startled yowl escaped her jaws before the upper half of her body submerged itself. Pulling her head up from the depth she coughed, her body now shaking from fear and the ice cold water. Scrambling, she pushed her back legs up from the surface and backed up back onto the surface. Sulking away from the stream she spat up another mouthful of water. Her nose and eyes burning.

Frustration and embarrassment warmed up her pelt as she gave herself a quick shake. ”Not a word.” She coughed again, her back towards Robinfang as she quickly tried to lap up the remaining water from her chest fur. She sat down, her head low as she fur plastered itself to her skin. She would have to find a patch of grass to roll into get most of this off. She sighed loudly as her tail tip twitched in annoyance. Now she just wanted to head back to camp.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang was gathering his prey he’d set aside on the bank while HoneyPool took her drink, getting ready for the two of them to go. He is careful not to dirty his pads, his front legs standing on his toes as his haunches rest on the bank.



When HoneyPool yowled, the tom nearly jumped out of his skin, his pelt spiked and ruffled as he turned to face the she-cat. The tom had to hitch his breath to prevent a laugh from escaping from his throat at the sight of a full-grown warrior now sulking amongst the algae like a scorned apprentice.

When the she-cat spoke with him a glare, he had to cover his grin with a paw, her coat sticking to her skin now making her look like a clueless wet dog. “I didn't say anything.” RobinFang smiled with his mouth carrying rats by the tails, his long fangs poking out from his jaws.


As soon as he realized his own expression, he coughed, hiding his muzzle into his tail as he turned away from the she-cat. When he does turn back to face HoneyPool, his grin is gone, but his eyes remain softened and light from the entertainment. He treads over to her side of the bank.

“Need help?” RobinFang asked, a sly grin still stuck in his tone, as he crouched down and craned his scarred neck down to the fallen warrior.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool gave her pelt another shake. Water splattering the already soggy forest floor. She got to her paws, shivering as water dripped from her half-wet body. It was going to take her pelt forever to dry. She would have to find a sunny spot in the clearing to sit for a while. She was praying for rain. She lifted her paw and brushed a pile of algae from behind her ear and shook her paw roughly to get it off. Why in StarClan does any cat live here? Everything is wet and slimy.

She closed her eyes for a second before halfway opening them, a glimmer of anger and annoyance was clearly settling in them. She could hear the amusement in Robinfang's voice as he spoke, the fur along her spine pricked up slightly and her ears drew back a bit. She sighed, but she couldn't be upset either. She would probably be laughing if the roles had been reversed.

She found herself looking down at Robinfang, her eyes dark as she continued to shiver in place, a frown plastered on her face. "Can you just put the rats back so we can go back?" She muttered out before turning her attention to her pile of rats she had left beside a sunny rock. She padded up to them, grabbed a few between her teeth and remained crouched down.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

He huffed when droplets of water managed to reach his pelt as HoneyPool shook her coat. Wiping the dew off his muzzle with the back of his orange paw, RobinFang strolled beside HoneyPool’s side at her request, carefully tiptoeing on his feet to not dirty his pads.

He places down his own prey as he sits, gathering HoneyPool’s share of rodents to his side before picking them up with his muzzle. He quickly lays the game along her back, making minor adjustments to balance them along her spine. RobinFang seemed less tense than usual, his shoulders looser and posture no longer stiff as a board, the dull glint of amusement in his eyes as the she-cat scowled.

Once done, he turns to take hold of his own prey, the rats’ hides dragging along the earth as he stands with their furs gathering mud. He turns to HoneyPool for her to catch up, his green eyes a bit less sharp by the successful hunting, before carefully choosing his steps not to ruin his pads further.


The mud caked tom them back to camp, the duo leaving the wet, muddy marshes to return to the more dry woods and rocky plains. The canopy changed from the orange and dark greens of Thunderclan to return Shadowclan’s pine, the grounds below them turning to the hard hot stones that outstretched the north of the territory.

The sun danced on the tortoiseshell’s pelt as they left the swampy border, drying the mud and dirt on RobinFang’s coat before cooling as chill winds ruffled their furs. The dark trees and the rising of thorns marked the hunting partners nearing camp, RobinFang’s dread raising his pelt as the clan’s waking murmur of sharing tongues and chitchat could be heard.

 

[Honeypool]

Lifting herself back up she followed beside Robinfang. Her pelt leaving a drippy trail as she walked. Her pelt grew warm at the thought of the sight of her. Her top half wet and plastered down again her skin while her rear end was still fluffy and dry. Her eyes squeezed shut, blinking away a few drops of water as she gave her head another shake. Her nose wiggled slightly as she held back another sneeze.

Some rays of sunlight warmed her pelt as they made their way back. The maple and oak scent of ThunderClan was fading the the now familiar scent of pine had washed over her. Looking back slightly to watch WindClan grow into a tiny speck before fading out of her vision, the homesickness grew. She swallowed it down the best she could as she turned her attention to what was in front of her.

She was wet, dirty, and tired, and now she just wanted to take a small nap. A chill in the air was still present as they walked. Honeypool drew her tongue around her muzzle, licking up the droplets that cling to her pelt. She was hoping she didn’t get sick from this. Her ears twitched flicking water off of them. She did not mind being wet, though it wasn’t a favorite feeling of hers, she was more annoyed of how she had gotten wet. She wasn’t normally so clumsy on her paws.

You’re still getting use to the territory. WindClan is a lot dryer than things here. Her tail waved her own comment off. While it was true she didn’t see it as an excuse. She looked over at Robinfang. “Do you think Dewspring would like a rat?” Her voice coming off as slurred from the prey she carried. Now being able to hear the clan in the distance made her pelt prickle.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang’s orange paws were cushioned by the occasional crunch of fallen pine branches and moss, careful not to worsen his cut pads as he crept through thorns. His eyes flashed back behind him to face HoneyPool as she spoke, RobinFang walking a few paces ahead of them as they neared camp before his gaze returned to the ground.

“Yeah, she would.” The tortoiseshell shrugged, planning his steps as he trotted to the bramble-barricaded entrance. He would have to stop by the she-cat’s burrow to retreat his paws before joining his patrols for the day, the thought of the work making the warrior groan under his breath in dread.



RobinFang crouched under the thorny walls, their spikes catching on his pelt but not seeming to mind as they pulled at tufts of orange and gray fur. Shaking off his coat, dust and dry mud wafting off the warrior, RobinFang huffed as he entered the camp’s ground.

Once scanning the camp, the tom turns back to the entrance using the back of his paw to help raise the barricade to ease HoneyPool’s access. Shadowclan was still in the early hours of waking, the specs in the canopy above letting weak sunlight stretch along the clearing where a few warriors lazed about to share tongues.

Before he could take a step deeper into the clan, he was stopped by a familiar ThornMask and a similar-looking tom who smiled at the duo. RobinFang’s eyebrows creased with grimaced at the coming encounter, flinching back with a mouthful of prey as they neared.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool padded on, trying to not get lost in her thoughts. The sounds of the clan waking up had made her uneas. The quietness was nice while it lasted and so was their little adventure. She glanced over at Robinfang. Watching the ginger and black tom’s pelt walk a few lengths in front of her she was glad he had been bearable this morning. The awkward tension from last night slowly slipped from her brain as she let out a sigh of relief.

Was she the unbearable one? Her eyes turned to look at the thorn barrier closing in on them. Her paws now feeling heavy as they got closer. Was that why things had got sour back home? She shook her head to get rid of the thought. She wasn't perfect that she knew very well, but she didn’t think she was so bad that she deserved what happened to her. Unless you did. She stepped past the thought, not wanting to deal with her own self negativity right now. She was still wet, tired, and growing hungry.

Robinfang entering camp made her pick up her pace as she began to fall behind. Breaking into a small trot she pushed her way through the barrier, being careful to not let the prey she had get scratched up. Stepping out onto the clearing floor she blinked at the dimly lit camp. She had forgotten how dark it was here. She looked over the Robinfang and nodded her head as thanks before turning his attention to Dewspring’s den. Was she awake? She tried to spot movement from inside but saw nothing before she turned her attention back to Robinfang.

Opening her mouth to speak but stopped as his facial expressions changed. Growing confused she looked behind her to see a familiar she-cat with an unknown Tom. She was quick to notice how similar they both looked. There’s more of her? The brown she-cat mentally groaned at the thought.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

“How was your two’s hunting trip?” ThornMask chirped as she padded up to the warriors, her focus gravitating to HoneyPool, the tom strolling behind her at a relaxed pace. RobinFang scowled deepen at the obvious front, his pelt rising as the she-cat budded her nose where it didn’t belong.


The tom’s sharp green eyes darted to the medicine den as ThornMask went on, now sitting too close for comfort between him and HoneyPool. “I was scared you got cold feet on us! I was telling SnakeShine all about you.” The gray tabby said with amusement, her teeth poking out to reveal a crooked grin as she waited for a reply about their hunting status.

“It’s really none of your business-“ RobinFang disgruntled murmur was interrupted as the spotted tabby Tom laid a paw on his coat, the contact making him visibly flinch before sending a glare at SnakeShine. The tom’s heavy eyes were blue, the only notable difference between him and ThornMask, a friendly honest gleam lighting his gaze.
SnakeShine pawed at the seething tortoiseshells shoulder, his voice smooth as honey when he spoke. “Me and my sister just wanted to introduce ourselves to the new cat. It’s exciting to see a new face in camp.” The tom explained, his speech a deep contrast to his sister’s more nosy and intense tone, turning from RobinFang to HoneyPool.


“Contrast to other clan’s beliefs, Shadowclan is very close with one another. So it’s neat to have such a pretty she-cat to join us.” SnakeShine bantered, much more gracious than ThornMask. RobinFang squinted at the two, seeing through their facade and straight into the core of their familiar intentions, swatting away the spotted tom’s claws from his coat.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool stood there awkwardly. Why even ask a question like that? Could she not see everything they were carrying? Her tail twitched behind her wondering what the she-cats motives were this time. At least this time she’s not trying to bribe me with food. Honeypool smiled to herself at the thought.

But it was quickly pushed away as she noticed how close the tabby had gotten to her. Honeypool took a step back. Snakeshine? Honeypool’s amber eyes wandered to the other tabby tom besides Robinfang. She said nothing before turning her attention back to Thornmask. Her tail twitched in annoyance. What is there to even say about me? Honeypool kept her mouth shut however, not really wanting to know what was being said about her in camp. She turned to look at Robinfang who didn’t look pleased to be here.

It was nice while it lasted. Honeypool muttered to herself taking quick notice of the patched toms attitude creeping back up. She turned her attention now to Snakeshine’s spotted pelt. She honestly couldn’t tell if they were being honest with their words or not. Her fur fluffed up slightly at the feeling.

Water continued to drip from her pelt, pooling at her paws in small puddles. She really just wanted to dry herself off, eat, and nap. But here she was caught by Thornmask again. She really could tell what her intentions were to being with. The other Tom, however didn’t seem as nosy to her, but she knew better than to judge so quick.

Pretty? Her pelt flushed warm as she gave her chest fur a few quick licks. A compliment was not something she had been expecting from anyone in camp, let alone so soon. She was lost at what to do with herself as the word had caught her off guard. Part of her wanted to just say thank you and the other half wanted to laugh. She cleared her throat as she shuffled her paws slightly. “I, um. I-“ she stared to speak but a string of unfinished sentences and stuttering was the only thing she could get out. Her ears warmed up. “I’m not much to talk about.” She finally managed to get out, her pelt burning.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

“I’m sure that’s not true.” SnakeShine reassured at her comment, taking his paw away from RobinFang’s fur to playfully wave off the she-cat’s modesty. The brindle coated tom took the opportunity to gain some distance from the group, stepping a few paces away as he found the complete change in environment overwhelming.

ThornMask’s tail waved behind her gently as the two inched closer to the she-cat, SnakeShine going on with a purr in his throat. “You must have quite the story to tell, especially with a catch like that!” He complements, gesturing to her fresh-kill as he pressed on, ThornMask giving a reaffirming nod. RobinFang could’ve easily crept his way to the food pile before making his way to DewSpring’s nest without a fuss, but hesitated.


The tortoiseshell had a sick feeling in his stomach as he watched the three interact, a scornful blaze creeping up his coat as they spoke. While he never liked ThornMask’s obvious nosiness, he felt like scratching at SnakeShine’s muzzle since they were apprentices. The tom always managing to weasel his way into every crevice of privacy before boasting whatever he found to the entire clan.

While not particularly interested in whatever they’ll manage to squeeze out of HoneyPool, he couldn’t help but be spiteful to the two.

“Didn’t you want to give DewSpring some fresh-kill?” RobinFang bluntly spoke, breaking the natural flow of conversation between the group as he offer the she-cat an out. The two tabby’s look back at the awkward intrusion, halting the siblings from sitting down comfortably to continue their talk.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool shook her head slowly at the tom’s comment. “We just got lucky, it was more of Robinfang’s doing anyway.” She mewed honestly, turning to give the praise to the patchy male. She was still new here and don’t know the territory at all. A few memories of their hunting at the old twoleg nest sparked in the back of her mind. The sights and new smells has excited her wishing she could’ve explored a bit more.

She eased up a bit as the conversation continued. Keeping her attention away from Snakeshine as his previous remark had made her warm up slightly and ruffled her soggy fur. She blinked slowly turning her attention to Robinfang as he began to speak. Dewspring! Of course! She felt embarrassed forgetting about the medicine cat so quickly. “Of course!“ She spoke, quickly turning to the vine covered den. Honeypool swore she could smell the bitter herbs from here.

She was glad to leave the situation as Thornmask made her very uncomfortable to even just be around. She waved a ‘bye’ to the two siblings before quickly making her way into the darkness of the den. Not really wanting to sticking around herself, she casually stepped into the den and peered around. “Dewsprin, are you awake?” Honeypool’s mew was soft but loud enough to be heard.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang squinted at the two before following HoneyPool to the medicine den, leaving ThornMask and SnakeShine to whisper about the duo as they crossed the clearing. The tortoise paced himself a few tails away from the she-cat to not crowd her, only drawing up beside her as she called out to DewSpring.


DewSpring turned to the sound of her name like an owl, her long claws halting in their motion as they stuck in the ivy above. “I’m awake, HoneyPool.” She called out in her calm tired tone as the healer recognized the she-cat’s voice. Her green eyes drooped lazily to the entrance as her talons tugged on the clinging vines, untangling herself as she stood on all four again at sloth’s pace.

“Do you need anything?” She blinked, her shaggy coat weighing her down as her cinnamon tail curled around her short form. DewSpring sat waiting for a reply, her pupils scanning HoneyPool’s features, trying to figure out if she came here to aid her panic or night terrors.


The medicine cat made no note of the tom, unaware of his presence due to her lack of observation, as RobinFang licked at his pads beside the burrow’s entrance.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool padded into the den. The scent of herbs growing to be familiar on her as she trotted deeper into the shaded cavern. She shook her head once at Dewspring’s question. She was fine for now, at least. Just cold and wet. “I’m okay.” She spoke softly before placing down the biggest rat she had with her on the den floor. “We just wanted to bring you something to eat.” Her new was light, feeling comfortable in the healer’s presence.

Honeypool turned to the side expecting Robinfang to come inside with her but he hadn’t. Her tail waved as she turned her neck further to look behind her seeing him sitting at the entrance of the den.

She frowned slightly but said nothing before turning her attention back to the cinnamon colored she-cat. “I slept well, thank you for the herbs.” She added in, feeling relieved to finally have a nice night of sleep, thought it wasn’t much, it was nightmare free and she was grateful enough for it. She just hoped her small nap would be handled the same way.

“Robinfang also needs his paws redone.” She spoke some more flicking her tail in the direction of the red and black warrior.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

The tortoiseshell head poked through the moss-encased burrow at the mention of his name, his ears twitching at the sound as he stepped through the entrance. DewSpring lazily turned to the tom’s appearance, the she-cat not seeming to even register RobinFang for a moment too long.

“I lost my bandaging while I was out hunting.” The warrior huffed, the healer making a small ‘O’ with her mouth as it finally hit her. She circled the two cats as she collected materials from her supply, twisting her claws around the ivy to pull down small white flowers, cobweb-twisted twigs, and moss from below.


DewSpring took RobinFang’s paws in his own, the tom hesitant to lift his injured pads, before facing his feet upward for her to bandage. “Thank you for the prey!” The medicine cat thanked HoneyPool as she worked on the tom’s wounds, dapping his feet in moss as she popped yarrow into her mouth to chew.

“It’s nice to know some warriors are thinking about me while they hunt.” She blushed at the she-cat’s thoughtfulness, lazily lapping at his cuts to apply the herb. RobinFang hissed slightly, the mix of herbs and dirt diving burning sensations into his cuts quickly before he was able to shut up.

DewSpring sighed as she began bandaging his paws, sensing his pain. “That’s why you don’t go running around on injuries.” She lightly scolded, the tom pulling his hand away scolded by her calling out. “I can’t just laze around.” RobinFang huffed as he stood up, already planning his patrols for the day.


DewSpring waved off the sour tom with her tail, turning to face HoneyPool once she finished his bandaging. “Do you two need anything else?” She blinked lazily, yawning as she sat.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool took this brief moment to sit down. Her legs were a bit shaky from standing up for so long. Turning her attention to her pelt she began to lap up the extra water that she could reach with her tongue. She wasn't use to being this dirty and the feeling of it all made her pelt itch slightly. Lifting a paw to fix the small tufts of fur on her ears she finally relaxed a bit, feeling a bit more comfortable and taken care of.

"Of course." Honeypool mewed, a warm feeling flooding her belly at Dewspring's comment. Her amber eyes shining a bit. She was glad to help out Dewspring in any way she could as she was frankly the only cat she felt comfortable around. Plus, she was nice to her and seemed to enjoy her company. "If you need help with anything else I will be happy to lend a paw." She chimed in at the end. She wasn't too sure what she would do with herself if Robinfang was out of camp as she didn't feel comfortable being alone for too long. She could make herself useful and help Dewspring collect herbs or something until she settled in a bit more.

You're getting comfortable. No, I'm keeping busy until I come up with a proper plan. She turned her attention to Robinfang as he hissed out. A small frown overcame her. Maybe they should've hunted something a bit easier for him? It was clear that the tom wasn't going to sit around and wait for his paws to heal so it was practically his fault that he was in pain. It would take him longer to heal this way. "Taking a few days off won't kill you." Honeypool mewed out. "Or at least doing something simple if you want to be useful." Her voice trailed off as she wished she had held her tongue now fearing she had stepped out of line. He was a groan warrior, no point in telling him what to really do with himself.

But she did, and she would continue to do so without thinking first. That always got her in trouble back home. Even if what she had said was true or she didn't mean it to cause harm. The results were always the same. She waved her tail, trying to brush the thought away. Honeypool turned to face Dewspring, thinking for a second. She had felt fine, a little cold, but she was fine, nonetheless. At least physically. "No, I don't think so?" She eyed Robinfang slightly before shaking her head.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

“Well.. I could use some company while I fetch some yarrow. RobinFang keeps using all my supply.” DewSpring offers, unsure what task to give the unofficial warrior, RobinFang glaring at the small cat for her comment. The tom took the opportunity to stretch as the two spoke, the fur along his pelt bristling as he arches and curves his spine with his two front paws outstretched ahead of himself.


His teeth click together as he yawned, sitting up satisfied with the crack his bones gave at the action. He scanned the den, the moss easing his hinds, spotting the supply of rodents he and HoneyPool splayed about the burrow. He’s quick to stand to begin cleaning up the mess, slowly picking up his own rodents before gathering the fresh-kill that rolled off HoneyPool’s back.

While he was unsure what HoneyPool stood to gain from him laying about, it wouldn’t stand in the way of the tortoiseshell’s work. RobinFang couldn’t stand being still, trapped in camp doing nothing while sapping away at his clan’s resources. His nose puffs a plume of air, internally scoffing at the thought of being useless.


DewSpring’s green eyes remained on HoneyPool as the tom crouched about. “Really you’re free to do whatever you’d like! I’m don’t think most cats expect you to do much, it’s only your first day.” The healer chirped reassuringly, giving a slow scratch to the back of her ear with a claw.

 

[Honeypool]

Honeypool’s eyes wandered slightly as Robinfang moved around the den. His pelt flashing from the corner of her eyes. ”I used up some herbs as well.” She pointed out knowing she had been stuck in this den since she first got here. She could help gather whatever she could.

A small task to keep her mind from wandering too much and to keep other cats from bugging her. She huffed remembering the tabby duo she just happened to run into before coming in here. Her amber eyes closed for a few seconds. He did call me pretty. Yeah and so did the last male you were with. She reopened her eyes. “I can do something though. Plus I think going out a bit will do me some good.” She said with an adamant tone.

She just wanted the company. Something to block out her memories. Something else to focus on instead of living in her past 24/7. At least with Dewspring, even though the she-cat was odd, she hadn’t judged her or tried to really pry her for knowledge of here whereabouts.

 

[Chill Alley Cat]

RobinFang’s mouth was full of rat tails, the large number of rodents throwing the tom’s weight off as he stood. His ears twitched as the two she-cats talked, lifting his head from the ground with some effort. Unsure where to place himself in their conversation, figuring it unnecessary and intrusive to his brown clanmates, he leaves the burrow to place the fresh-kill in the food pile before looking to join a border patrol.


“That’s good to hear!” DewSpring meowed encouraging, happy to have HoneyPool come along. She went on with a slow blink, her claw scrapping along the ground in thought. “It’s pretty damp here, so the only place yarrow really grows is the caves. It’s always safe to have a warrior come with.” She added, not bothering to elaborate on what she meant before standing to lead the she-cat along.

She trotted off completely oblivious, assuming HoneyPool would follow as she lazily pranced out of the medicine den.



A roll of thuds and snaps hit the ground and vines as RobinFang drops the prey into the curling branches of bramble, the rodent’s fur catching on the thorns. The food pile was located beside the leader’s den, the boulders’ circling overgrown thorns and roots used to spike their fresh-kill along the branches to keep bugs away.

“That’s quite the catch.” QuailBerry meows, mid-conversation with his mate, PoppyBush, as the two sat, sharing a newt only a foxtail away. RobinFang simply puffed air through his nostrils in acknowledgment of the compliment, not thinking too much of it, his paws shuffling through the thorns to get the prey in order, the queen squinting at his lackluster reply.

“Do you know who’s going on border patrol?” He bluntly asks the two, his gaze still focused on the food pile ahead of him. The ginger and black she-cat shrugs in response despite the tom not being able to see the action, shortly returning to her prey as her mate responds. “Oh yeah, KestrelFall got a few warriors together a moment ago. I think they are still looking for one more to come with.” The patchy tom spoke in his small, timid tone.

Finally turning to him, RobinFang asks. “Who did she pick?” His green eyes scanned the bicolored tom’s features in search of an answer, wanting to know how tolerable the journey would be before coming with. Before QuailBerry could reply, RobinFang spotted two gray striped cats quickly making their way over to him as the duo spoke.


“You’re going on border patrol too!” ThornMask smiled, waving the tortoiseshell over to the siblings with a paw as she overheard the conversation. A pit opened up in RobinFang’s stomach in realization, his heart dropping into the gapping hole with dread.
‘You gotta kidding me..’ RobinFang cursed internally, praying starclan was pulling his leg.

 

[Honeypool]

Caves? Honeypool opened her mouth, but quickly closed it as Dewspring began to walk off. She got to her paws and followed after the she-cat, not realizing that she wanted to go herb hunting now. She stepped out of the dimly lit burrow and squinted her eyes at the brightly lit camp. She sniffed. The air was slowly starting to get warmer as the sun climbed higher into the sky. She had paused to look around seeing more cats awake now she was glad to be stepping out again, even if it was for a moment. She turned her head to the camp entrance and followed Dewspring back out into the marshes.

---

"I wanna go too!" A high-pitched squeak came from inside the apprentice's den. Some scrambling was heard before a dark ginger tail popped out. Backing up, a semi-fluffy she-cat popped out of the den. Her fur speckled with bits of moss and ferns as she turned to face the group. Her pale blue eyes filled with excitement and energy as she quickly made her way to the group. A small bounce was noticeable in the way she trotted over.

She was breathing heavy once she finally reached the group and gave her pelt a quick shake, sending bits of whatever was stuck in it flying through the air. A small sniffle was heard as she sat down with pleading ocean blue eyes. "Yeah? I can go? Please let me go." She was pretty much begging as her body shook with excitement. Her eyes looking from warrior to warrior hoping one would say it was fine.