Forest cats? No such thing! (C)

Hazel had padded out of the nest and into the cat flap, pushing her way past. This was the second time this week she had left her nest in search of something to do. The forest was there... no! She had to ignore these intrusive thoughts. But maybe... maybe... a change? A change of life free from her twoleg hunting and catching prey that was there in the forest. Her eyes glinted with curiosity. She wasn’t used to the winter weather and would barely stay alive in the harsh conditions out there, but every once in a while, that cat scent came around. If cats existed in the forest, couldn’t she live there and hunt and follow their ways?

But she heard from the other cats that the forest cats were mean and ruthless. She stepped towards her fence. Nothing ever happened in her life. It was just eat, sleep, and play with the toys her twoleg gave her. Would a change even benefit her? She warily eyed the forest, then back at her nest, and brushed her fur against the fence.

"Is anyone there?" she asked into the unknown. Now it felt stupid. No cat was there. It just felt like a wild goose chase that wouldn’t help her at all. She sighed. It was utterly useless. She stepped away and grumbled. Was her mind playing tricks on her? Was she getting a bit too old and forgetful? Well, she was only a few moons old. That couldn’t be possible. But she was just imagining everything. Thinking of all of this hurt.

She stepped towards the soft grass and away from the wooden oak fence and laid down. She purred. It was so comfy, even if the bitter cold snow stung her every few seconds.

Tasked with hunting for a sizeable meal, Alethea knew that no such thing would happen. She was always just a hair late when it came to the chase and would usually end up with a bruise or two as a result of her reckless hunting methods. There were always easier, less tasty ways of finding food however. The humans that populated the stone forest adjacent to the natural one had always seemed keen on tossing a few vittles their way. All it took was a little flaunting, a few tail flourishes, and a couple meows. There were bonuses if you allowed them to touch you, but Alethea didn't really like those grubby, unnaturally lanky paws reaching for her. She would settle with stealing a couple belly's worth of meals from the humans before going back.

The voice of a young molly split the serene forest air as Alethea picked her way toward the wooden walls that separated the stone forest from the real one. Ears flicking in curiosity Alethea padded towards the origin of the voice, settling her gaze on a resting... kit? Great Stag she looked so young, was she fending for herself out here? Alethea knew just how hard that was. It broke her heart to find such a kind looking kit abandoned by her parents, forced to wait until someone came to take care of her. The molly stepped on a twig, letting the loud crack announce her arrival to the kit. "I'm here, do I count as anyone?"