it's the leaving that's hard [open for one]

ooc: part of galloway's long walk


SkyClan's territory had been a welcome visit, but now Galloway was as far as he had ever gone into the thick of the woods. Sunhigh brought birds which chattered and small prey creatures which rustled the many ferns and bushes. The undergrowth was becoming thicker under his paws with every step. The scents were changing, too. The soreness in the tom's little paws reminded him of how far he had walked beyond the long fence. If he were less weary, he might explore, but even a scout needed to rest. Galloway got the feeling from the stale, mixed scent markers that this was a border territory. No one had made a solid claim to these woods in a very long time. A great big fallen oak tree made a perfect place to corner shrews and mice, and the ferns around the mushroom-and-moss laden log were a wonderful nest. With bubbling enthusiasm, the tom surveyed the perimeter of the little clearing for wandering cats, and finding none, he set off to build a temporary resting place.

Plucking the ferns up by the root, Galloway made quick work of constructing a nest at the foot of the oak log. He knew a small bit about weaving from the construction of his pelt with the Asylum. Being a scout, the tom learned to make himself comfortable anywhere. This was especially true in twolegplace, where the meager pickings for dens left much to be desired. Even if this nest was not his best work, he collapsed into it gleefully, curling up until his tail brushed over his muzzle.

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee, sang the birds. A small nap before he looked for a meal would be just what he needed to get to the forest's center before nightfall.