Bloodstained Petals (C)

Their first difficulty of the journey, after crossing the tall fence that separated Twolegs and forest, had been to cross a wide Thunderpath that lay just on the other side of the first row of Twoleg nests, monsters rushing by every which way.  It had taken a while to find a calm moment, but when they did the group of clan cats dashed across, escaping into the bushes beyond.  Basilbloom felt her chest pound after running so fast and took it slow for a long while afterward.  Thankfully though that Thunderpath had seemed to be the busiest one they would encounter; all the rest were small and usually pretty clear of monsters, but they exercised caution regardless.  As they walked Basilbloom gazed around at the towering Twoleg nests built out of red stone, awed both by their size and their sturdiness.  How did they build such unbreakable dens?  If only we had such powers, leaf-bare could become nothing but a minor nuisance.  She also peeked at their gardens too, glimpsing patches of snow-covered greenery between wooden fence planks, but no purple flower or distinct flower head stood out to her.  Truthfully, she wasn't expecting to find the fully-mature flower in the dead of leaf-bare.  However, most flowers left traces of their beauty even in the dead of winter, whether that be in the form of fallen petals, dried seed heads, or even just leaves.  She recalled the flower's scent like she could recall the scent of a close friend; if anything remained of the potential herb, she would track it down.

The sun was lowering in the sky by the time the patrol came to their destination; a row of old and decrepit Twoleg nests, just like Beechfang had described.  There were holes in the walls and the roofs, and strange vivid lines of color swirled on the red stones, creating designs she had never seen before.  Well, I guess they're not as unbreakable as I thought...  They came to one of the nests, which a large hole in the back fence offered a tempting escape from the bustle of the Thunderpaths.  Following Beechfang and the others behind the fence, Basilbloom felt her neck bristle with uncertainty.  What if a Twoleg was waiting for them, or rouges?  As they emerged through and Basilbloom make her way to the front of the patrol, she felt those anxious feelings melt away.  They had found a beautiful sanctuary.

Overgrown bushes and tall grass created a wild effect, just like back in the territories.  A tall old oak tree, its widespread branches dusted by snow, seemed to guard the space; she guessed that in green-leaf it would be quite a shady and peaceful spot.  Creeping ivy grabbed hold of the tree trunk as well as the back wall of the Twoleg nest, softening the rough-hewn edges of the red stones.  Turning to meet Beechfang's gaze, she smiled and nodded.  "This place will work perfectly for a resting spot!"  Turning around, she waved her tail at the rest of the group and meowed.  "We'll stop here for the night.  Let's see...we'll need to do some hunting and make some nests before we can settle down for the night.  Maybe we medicine cats could stay here and get the nests ready while the warriors look for some food?  It looks like there'd be a lot of mice hiding out in the Twoleg nests, hopefully."  She felt odd taking charge like this, but at the same time, it made her feel more confident in undertaking this journey.  This was her responsibility, to care for this patrol and make sure they got home safe, as well as fulfill her dream.  As she walked over to one of the overgrown patches of tall grass and began flattening it down into a nest, she smiled to herself.  If only Mama and Papa and my siblings could see me now, maybe they wouldn't worry about me as much.

((OOC Note: While in twolegplace, we use outsider rolls for hunting. Beech, Clover and Ash are additionally under disabled stat penalties, while Dovefrost and Thrushnose are disadvantaged due to Thunderclan not holding a disputed territory.))

Beechfang led the group through twolegplace in silence. Busy thunderpaths turned quiet the farther they got from the large, wider thunderpath, and after a long trek from fourtrees Beechfang would be glad to make a nest in the abandoned twolegplace and do some hunting. Traveling herbs had staved off the hunger, but they were beginning to wear off.

Beechfang remained alert for signs of rogues or other predators. There were a few faint scent trails, but she wouldn't let her guard down completely. The abandoned nest she led them to was quiet and secluded... Good enough to make their nests and go hunting.

"Stay within yowling distance of each other." She mewed gruffly, "The rogues here are opportunistic foxdung and know these alleys better than any of us do." She mewed after Basilbloom was done talking. "I'm going hunting." Some of the patrol would be more welcome to join her than others.

With that, Beechfang turned away, seeking out prey. The scent of squirrel seemed fresh among several stale scents, and she quietly followed it, spotting it near some overgrown plants. Her claws unsheathed, and the warrior silently crouched, stalking forward. She leapt, and the squirrel's head turned as a soft breeze blew. Her paws slammed onto the ground a heartbeat too late, just missing the squirrel's fluffy tail. Beechfang's tail twitched once in annoyance. She'd forgotten that prey in twolegplace tended to be... Difficult. Harsher environment and all that, she supposed.

Beechfang attempted to catch a squirrel for -7 sp. Catch was unsuccessful.
83 / 90 sp

The member 'kjSage' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 3

A thin fog had settled in Thrushnose’s head. Nothing unexpected, given how far they had traveled, but annoying all the same. It was one thing to be less than her best at home, where habit and muscle memory could guide her as well as her eyes and ears did; here, though, she needed to be vigilant. Fortunately, the group’s pace was easy enough to match. They crossed one Thunderpath, then several others (though those hardly thundered at all). All the while, Twolegplace opened up around them. Leaving the search to the medicine cats, Thrushnose instead marveled at row after row of looming stone nests, the flashes of leaf and color in their gardens and sitting behind holes covered by clear panes.

At last, they reached their destination. Thrushnose’s eyes gleamed at the sight of it. Before she could launch a full inspection, however, reality called her back. They needed to turn this place into a proper camp, with nests and perhaps some extra shelter. More importantly, they needed to eat. At the mention of a hunt, she withdrew from the wall she’d been peering at to face the second cat who’d spoken. “I’ll come with you.” Though Beechf—Beechfang looked more than capable of protecting herself despite seasons spent in the medicine cats’ den, an extra set of eyes (and claws) couldn’t hurt. Besides, Thrushnose guessed she was more than a match for this new territory. She couldn’t hide herself and her tabby stripes amidst the trees out here, but her silent stride was still useful. Her ThunderClan strength, as well, if the rogues Beechfang had mentioned came calling.

Away from their makeshift camp, Thrushnose closed in on the Twoleg nests. Warm, sturdy, safe—they had all the elements of a perfect hiding place. Sure enough, a squeak reached her ears. Fresh mouse-scent soon followed. Moving in fits and starts, so close to the ground she could feel the snow’s chill on her belly, she tracked the mouse to a gap between nests. At last, she spotted her target. Her eyes went dark, and she prepared to spring.

A cough burst from her chest. Thrushnose thrust her muzzle into her fur in time to muffle the ones that followed, but the damage had been done; the mouse scurried toward the nearest abandoned nest, wriggled through a gap in the stones, and was gone. She watched it disappear, quietly dismayed. “…Foxdung.” Missing one’s prey was part of life—miscalculating the distance or the wind, making too much noise, simply not being fast enough—but more often than not, it happened because a mistake she’d made. A problem with a clear solution. Not something involuntary. Intent filled no bellies, though, and after another moment’s staring, she backed into the open and raised her nose to the frigid breeze.

Thrushnose attempted to catch Rodent, using 7 stamina. Failure…

Thrushnose
65/65 HP
123/130 SP (-7)

They've traveled for a while now, with Beechfang leading forward. She.. seemed to know where she was going. Has she been here before? Only in stories had he briefly heard of Twolegplace, yet he never thought that he'd be able to reach it, now. Thunderpaths grew shorter and shorter by the distance, and most were absent of Twoleg's presence. However, continuously traveling could only lead them so far. Beechfang stopped at a secluded, seemingly abandoned nest. It was, perhaps, the safest place to stop and rest.. for now. Though as she mentioned hunting, Duskflight flicked his tail, ready to help. He wasn't the absolute luckiest in hunting, although he'd.. try. "I'll come too, then."

Duskflight's ears perked, and a rustle from the bushes caught his attention. The two other warriors, Beechfang and Thrushnose had been unsuccessful. He frowned, hoping that he'd at least be able to catch something instead, for the patrol. Soon turning away from them, he crouched, approaching the prey with careful steps— then leaped at it. Then before he knew it, another figure cut him off. One that he was too familiar with already: a raccoon. Alarmed, he backed away, hissing at the creature. Oh, even here, too?... It reared to him, slashing his other cheek— and Duskflight gritted his teeth, bowling the creature over with his paws. He helped to pin it down, guiltily exchanging a quick look of the other warriors before looking back at it again.

Duskflight attempted to catch Squirrel, using 7SP. It was Unsuccessful, bringing a predator instead!
Raccoon appeared! Raccoon used Quick Swipe, using 10 SP and dealing 8 damage. Raccoon is pinned for 2 turns!
Duskflight used Leap and Hold, using 15 SP and dealing 8 damage.

Duskflight:
42/50 HP (-8)
98/120 SP (-22)

Beechfang:
45/45 HP
83/90 SP

Thrushnose:
65/65 HP
123(?)/130 SP

Raccoon: (pinned)
12/20 HP (-8)
110/120 SP (-10)

The member 'Arcana' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 10

dice roll

The member 'Arcana' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Effect Dice' : 4

Beechfang continued to search for prey, until the sudden scent of raccoon and a hiss made her whip around with a growl. It was fighting the Shadowclanner. What was his name, Duskflight? Any other time Beechfang might not have cared, but they were on this patrol together. She bounded forward, claws slashing at the raccoon's flank. Best get the filthy thing downed before it could do more damage than it already had.

Beechfang used Front Paw Strike on raccoon for -7 sp, dealing -8 damage.

Beechfang
45 / 45 HP
83 / 90 SP (83 - 7)

Duskflight
42 / 50 HP
98 / 120 SP

Thrushnose
65 / 65 HP
130 / 130 SP

Raccoon pinned
4 / 20 HP (12 - 8)
110 / 120 SP

Dovefrost followed silently along with the group, sticking towards the back of the patrol to bring up the rear, even though he wanted to be up front and chat with Beechfang he knew he would only distract her in the long run. The Thunderpath didn't bother him too much considering how often he had to cross it on the journeys he took the apprentices on. Granted that one was a little busier than what they were used to.

The large white tom continued to linger behind, even as they approached the abandoned nest. His nose twitching slightly as Basilbloom took charge.. Stay behind and make nests...? He was a warrior before, staying back and making nests wasn't something he wanted to do.

The sound of a fight caught his attention, carefully he followed the others to see what was going on, but it was just a mere Raccoon. It seemed the stronger warrior's had it handled. "Well I suppose you have this handled. Duskflight I will patch up your wound after it's dealt with." He said to the tom.

A hiss from behind made Thrushnose’s ears flatten. The ShadowClanner who wasn’t Basilbloom—Duckflight, she thought, or something like that—had a snarling raccoon pinned to the snow. Between this and the gashes Beechfang left on its flank (she did fight like a warrior, after all), the beast hardly stood a chance. Still, no point in giving it an opening. Even if they’d had a whole Clan’s worth of medicine cats with them, avoiding any risk of injury was safer. The raccoon’s head jerked upward. Thrushnose’s paw shot out, moving a fraction slower than it would have any other day. She buried her claws deep in its throat and tugged until they came away with a mass of blood and fur, which she shook off as best as she could.

Watching the raccoon go limp, she almost suggested they bring it back to camp. The thought stalled on the tip of her tongue, and she opted for something less outlandish. “At least it wasn’t a rogue. Are—” Her voice snagged in her throat. She gave another cough, a flash of annoyance crossing her face. “Are you all right?” Belatedly, Thrushnose caught sight of the scratch on the ShadowClanner’s cheek, Dovefrost waiting in the wings to heal it. With that settled, she turned to Beechfang, who looked more or less unharmed. ”And you?” Granted, Beechfang could treat her own injuries, but it seemed important—at the very least, polite—to ask anyway.

Thrushnose used Front Paw Strike on Raccoon, dealing 10 damage and using 7 stamina. Raccoon can no longer fight.

Thrushnose
65/65 HP
116/130 SP (-7)

Beechfang
45/45 HP
83/90 SP

Duskflight
42/50 HP
98/120 SP

Raccoon [pinned]
0/20 HP (-10)
110/120 SP

Soon, Beechfang and Thrushnose dived forward, quickly helping him finish the raccoon. Maybe he should've stayed and helped the nests instead, though. Apparently, predators just really loved him, for whatever reason that it came with. Was his pelt that scar-able to them? Duskflight shook away the thought, giving a thankful nod towards Dovefrost. He felt bad how materials were already wasted yet because of him, though the wound would likely be infected if it wasn't treated— and that'd be a larger problem. Thrushnose's cough quickly caught him off guard, and he frowned, whiskers lowered. "Thanks, but I'm fine. I'm mostly used to it already, and Dovefrost will treat the wound for me later on. Are you alright, though? The cough looks like it's troubling you, maybe you should check on it soon." He gave them yet another nod, glancing over to Doveforst's direction, then back at them. "I'll help Basilbloom and the others with the nests, getting my wound treated meanwhile. I'm not sure if I want to continue attracting attention, though do call for me if there's anything needed." He smiled, excusing himself over to the medicine cats. Duskflight knew when to stop before he attracted even more attention, based on just how well it went with Deerpaw last time. He didn't want to trouble them again as he did just now; for that wouldn't be.. a very good impression.

Muddythorn had limited experience with Thunderpaths, and so even after crossing many on the journey, he still stayed in the thick of the group as they moved across the hard stone surface. They reached the Twolegplace with little trouble along the way, and he noticed Basilbloom looking carefully into the gardens they passed. Hopefully retrieving the flower wouldn't put anyone in immediate danger, like having to run from Twolegs. Even as a warrior, Muddythorn had been no swift Windclanner. Still, he found himself peering at everything as well, more out of curiosity than anything else.

A lot of Twolegplace was similar to how his mother had described it in nursery tales; loud and busy, packed with sounds and smells, many of which seemed to promise danger. However, the place where they ended up setting up camp was starkly different. Red stone walls coated in ivy and greenery everywhere, not a predator in sight. Muddythorn nodded along as Basilbloom spoke, admiring how the Shadowclan medicine cat had taken leadership, even though she was seemingly unused to it.

"I'll go collect any moss and greenery I can find." He called as he padded away. If he spotted any familiar herbs, or any purple flower at all, he would grab that as well - better to be safe than sorry. He could've hunted if he wanted to (he still did occasionally), but cats were still needed to sort out nests. Anyways, he was a bit out of practice and didn't want to find out how easily he could scare prey away by accident.

As a pawful of warriors set out to hunt, Muddythorn investigated the large oak tree, hoping there would be moss clinging to its roots. Just as he had expected, he found plenty there, along with a cluster of cobwebs. They were usually pretty easy to come by, but he was in unfamiliar territory, and didn't know how easily they would come across them. And so he grabbed a swath, a large bundle of moss in his mouth. Shouts coming from not too far caught his attention, so as fast as he could, hobbling awkwardly on three legs, he returned to the group.

"What's happened? I've got some spare cobwebs just in case." None of the warriors seemed to badly hurt, so he continued. "Oh, and there's loads of moss over there, I couldn't carry it all."

Timbersun hadn't had nearly enough experience crossing thunderpaths, the only time he could clearly recall crossing one was on his moonstone journey and that was so long ago now.

Once they entered twolegplace, he ran ahead, making sure the path was clear. He was always confused by the twoleg nests, how different they were but upon closer inspection they all appeared to be made of the same material. Some did decorate their nests, it looked like. But it was hard to see much because of the odd grey bits of stone that stopped them from entering the nests so easily. (Like he'd ever want to...)

The smells too, were interesting, but he really couldn't smell much over the strong scent of twolegs and... maybe a bit of dog. The place Basilbloom decided to make them stay was definitely much nicer, first of all, it didn't smell so bad, and looked safer too.

Timbersun was busy resting his paws to hunt, he was planning to hunt later. He was a Windclan cat, but he had only ran short distances before, he hadn't exactly travelled so far before now. "Stay safe guys!" He called after the others, striped tail flicking lazily. He jumped to his paws once hearing fighting. Uh oh, they better not be fighting each other. I can't imagine having to travel with a group that's constantly tearing itself apart. Dovefrost had already left to check it out, so maybe he'd go ahead and try hunting in a different direction... "I'm heading hunting, but uh, I think I'll go somewhere else..." He informed Basilbloom, standing up and heading out into a new alleyway.

Scenting around, it wasn't long before the scent of squirrel hit his nose and he spotted a grey one. It was near a wall, but it didn't see him. He dropped into a crouch, preparing to pounce... And right as he was about to run towards it, it darted up the red stone to somewhere out of sight. He huffed in a bit of frustration, then sneezed as a bit of snow entered his nostrils.

Timbersun attempted to catch a Squirrel... Failure... -7 sp (Timbersun)

The member 'Memories' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Hunting Dice' : 8