Swooping In [joining, kj + Stags needed, open!]

Despite nearly a half moon coming and going, the grizzled tomcat couldn't leave the forest in his mind. When he ambled back to the city, it felt like a disappointment. With the weather getting ever colder, the tensions in town were hitting a fever pitch. If he were not the massive cat that he was, he would likely have had even more problems. But none of them dared cross him now that he was known for killing an eagle.

His scrapes from the talons felt like they were finally healing. Whatever Waspswarm put in them, it did the trick.

Another morning came, drizzling like that fateful day. And still, the construction parted the cityscape just enough to see the gnarled thicket that he walked through.

He sat on the same stairs, staring at the same place, and he felt his heart sink. How much longer would he stare at a memory? How much longer could he stay in the city, knowing there was a whole world beyond this? What kept him here, anyway?

Claret sat, his eagle feather under his paws. A nasty shriek and hiss rattled up the stairwell– two cats scrambling underneath. He sighed, remembering the tortoiseshell talking about living with her family...

Watching the two of them scuffle girded his nerve. He couldn't do this anymore. Time stops for no cat, and while he was an eagle killer today, what would be in several season's time?

He grabbed his feather, resolute. The city was no longer home, and he would never forgive himself if he watched the forest for all his days to never walk the grasses again.

Claret walked through downtown, eventually reaching the mouth of the thicket. He took a deep breath before walking onto the grass, letting his paws lead him back.

----

It had taken some time, but the stubborn tom found his way. Copper eyes flicked around, the faint smell of SkyClan bringing the memory back of the tortoiseshell. Did she remember him? The massive ruddy tabby remembered her. He smirked to himself a bit.

Was he an idiot for this? Perhaps. But he could not and would not spend another sunrise in a stairwell if he could help it.