The First Renewed Tunnelers

Some days had passed since Brackenwing and herself had first journeyed to the tunnels for the first time and encountered the fox. Somehow, the interaction made her more determined to make the tunnels safe again for her clan. Predators could lurk there unchecked, apparently. Cats, particularly apprentices, would go down to the tunnels anyway. The only way to allow them to do so would be to make them safe. Coyotegrin furrowed her head and ears, concern riding over her face as she pondered on the top of the Lone Stump, waiting for the warriors she summoned to join her as the moon rose in the sky. Sure, working the tunnels would be safer in the long run, but what about her safety now? What about the safety of the small group she chose for this task? Were their lives less valuable to the Clan? Once again, she found herself cursing Shrikestar in frustration for not choosing her for Deputy. Couldn't Small bean done this instead? He was just as small as she was.

Her train of thoughts was interrupted as the first cat she summoned joined her. "Please, sit!" She said cheerfully, sweeping her tail to indicate a half-circle around her. The warrior had decided this would be the meeting place of the Tunnelers; a quiet place away from camp far from prying ears. It was a good choice, in her opinion.

Scorchtalon trotted happily through the territory, his fluffy tail bobbing along above the tall grass. He had to admit, when he’d first heard about Coyotegrin’s plans to fortify the tunnels, he’d been a bit… hesitant. After all, so many lives had been lost in the tunnels. They were teeming with predators, potentially deadly rockfalls, and Starclan only knew what else. Not to mention their general creepiness. Every time he went down there he felt like the cave walls were closing in on him, like the tightly packed earth above could collapse at any time, burying him under the rubble. Still, he had to admit Coyotegrin made several solid points about the tunnels being beneficial to the clan, and he wanted to help in any way he could. Especially since they were so low on warriors. Privately, part of him hoped that if the truth about him and Marshmallow ever came to light, Shrikestar would consider Scorchtalon’s service to the clan and decide not to exile him. It was a far-fetched dream considering the fact that he was going against the code, but optimism had helped him through losing his family, so he saw no reason not to continue to apply it to his life.

As he approached the Lone Stump, he flicked his ears in greeting to Coyotegrin, making himself comfortable in the area she had indicated.

Blazefang was late too, but more because she straight up forgot. Now, having realized the time, the fiery cat sprinted across the moor, desperately hoping she wasn’t in trouble. She certainly didn’t want to miss out on spending time in the tunnels! Skidding to a stop, she nodded to Scorchtalon, Coyotegrin, and Whisperear. “Hey, sorry I’m late!” she said, disheveled fur sticking out in all directions. “Everyone here? I hope I didn’t keep you guys waiting!”

Coyotegrin nodded to each cat as they entered. They fully expected Whisperear to be late; she'd provided them mentally the allowance to do so due to their condition. But Blazefang was an energetic cat and fully capable; it was slightly annoying she was the last one there and even after Whisperear. This was a serious thing for Coyotegrin, and she hoped Blazegang would shape up to view it as just as serious. She'd keep an eye on her, but for now, she'll allow grace.

"Thank you everyone for coming. I briefly gave you the run down of why I asked you here today, but I'll explain a little bit more. I would like to clarify, that the secrecy on this manner will soon be confirmed with the clan, but I ask you not to disclose what I am telling you quite yet. Shrikestar and I are still trying to decide how to approach the subject." Coyotegrin cleared her throat, before continuing. "Shrikestar and I have decided that it will be in the clan's best interests to get the tunnels up and running again. The biggest reason for this is to provide safety to the clan. The tunnels as they exist now are dangerous to apprentices and warriors alike. They are prone to collapsing and harboring dangerous animals that can harm are clan. Additionally, these tunnels can be used as hide-outs in emergencies, once they are deemed safe. They can provide relief in the winter as well as safety in case of an invasion." The Tunnel Captain allowed the information to sink in as she studied the cats she has chosen.

"This will be a dangerous task, but I chose each of you to help me start out this task. I have created the name 'First Renewed Tunnelers' to pay respect to the fact that we are not the first of our clan to venture to the tunnels, but the first in many generations to renew them. For short, we can call ourselves 'Renewers'. I ask that you decide if this is not a task for you tonight, so I may select another warrior." Once again, she paused to see if any cat looked like they were going to back out before continuing- better to get all of the information out before they discussed further.

"I will be frank with all of you- I have nowhere to start on this. Brackenwing and I tested a tunnel and was met by a fox. There is no cat alive to help guide us, we will have to learn via trial and error, studying what is in place now, and creative thinking. I view all of you as capable of this task. Does anybody have any questions, or opinions?" Finally, Coyotegrin ended her speech with a cocked head. Around them, the sun glowed a beautiful color and the grass waved in a lazy wind.