BRISKafternoon.

[C!NDERDUST]

It was chilly on the moors that afternoon.

Cinderdust sat upon the Outlook Rock, green eyes slanted against the breeze that ruffled her gray charcoal fur. Was this the coming of Leafbare? She could scent it on the wind, but she didn't like to think about. Cinderdust hated cold weather. Especially snow. It was beautiful, but she would rather be warm.

The medicine cat thought back to her dream last night. She had been surrounded in the darkness by something, energy, vibrating nearby, pushing her back into nothingness and yet pulling her forward until she cried in pain and sadness. She had felt betrayed, confused, and angry. It was ominous, and sitting there on the chilly rock, gazing out upon the colorless moors, the young medicine cat shivered, not quite sure what was coming.

She should have been collecting herbs. Maybe that would have cleared her head and allowed her to concentrate on her job. But she wasn't in the mood. Where were her Clanmates? Were they all off training or hunting? She couldn't see a single colorful pelt against the harsh moors.

Someone had to be out and about. Cinderdust scanned the craggy hills, sloping against the horizon, for a familiar face, someone to keep her company, someone to talk to.

[worst piece of crap i've ever written.]

[brittlebreeze ♠]

(Oh, thought you might enjoy some dramatic irony)

Dawn had long since risen above the edge of the horizon; it was climbing higher and higher into the blue, cloudless sky. Not a single cloud dappled the vast blue; it was empty. It lacked even a swirl, curl or patch of white. If not for the warmth of the sun, one might question the irony. The territory below had lain still after the thingy-crow shower, all except for the glints of dew and droplets that slid from the plates of leaves and twigs.

A figure slithered out from between the marshland fronds; underbelly plastered with muck, forepaws a sediment mess. This far into their expedition, the Medicine cat had remained nearly mute. What could he possibly tell them?

’Oh, we’re just on a mission to find the one cat who might be able to save the entire Clan, let alone forest, from the destruction of a traitor in ShadowClan.’ Because that seemed the logical way to elucidate the dilemma and reason for their travel; perhaps it might even unearth the bright side; after all, two negatives make a positive, right? ’I knew it. I’m becoming a total loopy.’ Brittlebreeze didn’t feel like making short conversation, considering their importance. It wasn’t fair to joke and talk ignorantly when the Clan was in danger, there was no silver lining to leaving everyone in camp, completely unaware of what was going on, and there was no silver lining to leaving everyone in camp, completely alone, and perchance with whispered turncoat.

The mottled tom wasn’t good at playing the pretenders role anyway, so he didn’t even bother to search within himself for the slightest of good things.

Reedfisher and Emberpaws pawsteps echoed rather loudly behind him. Up ahead, the Thunderpath loomed black, an unmoving wreath of sticky fumes. Inhaling, his throat burned like fire. Monsters raced along the boundaries of hell’s paths, since that was a very good way of summarizing what they were; once there was a break, the patrol raced across, and onto ThunderClan territory. Enemy land.

Even still, Brittlebreeze’s mind swarmed with images and memories, and also fears. Fears that were very real and very alive, even whence their death had past. He knew for certain, something both other toms knew too, glancing at Reedfisher, their striking blue eyes locking… in ThunderClan territory, they could not afford to get caught. They just had to keep moving. Their destination currently was the barn, if Tobias wasn’t there, then they’d check for the outskirts. He prayed to StarClan that they wouldn’t have to leave the forest. If that happened, it would probably take forever to find the Rogue, and by then, it wouldn’t even matter. Everyone home, left in camp with unknown danger, would probably be dead; from the wisest elder, to the most innocent kit. His heartstrings lurched violently at the visual display of blood and death, of bones and bodies, and red skies mocking the gnarly and macabre scene below that blazed swiftly like the wind before his mind. A panic passed through his gaze, and he turned away from his brother. “Just stay low,” he murmured, his voice shied away from the daymere. He kept ahead.

Passing through the dense woodland and the rushing river, the ShadowClan patrol made its way to the rim of WindClans turf.

Stopping beside Reedfisher, he flicked an ear. “What’s the easiest way through WindClan…?” Assuming the warrior might know. If Hawkstar hadn’t sent Emberpaw, there might be another experienced mouth to throw in some practiced advice. His bright azure eyes grazed over the apprentices short, golden coat briefly, then returning to the dark tabby. “We could always go around... but that takes another quarter of daylight.” Heaven knew the Medicine cat wasn’t big on the idea of trekking in darkness. He grimaced.

Brittlebreeze wasn't exactly one to throw himself into other Clans territories, but this was a dire situation. If they found Tobias, learned who the traitor was, they may be able to save not only ShadowClan, but all of the Clans from this terrible threat. It was worth it - even if a fierce WindClan patrol caught them.

He wondered what Reedfisher was thinking, and if he had any idea how dire this journey was.

Of all the unexpected shadows, he was more afraid of which ones could be real and very alive… of that, his fur prickled uncomfortably, and Hawkstars parting words rebounded in his ears: “And you as well, all of you.”

StarClan, the Medicine cat silently breathed, please keep us safe.

All of us.

(Okay, Reedfisher or Emberpaw can post next. We'll probably end up going right through the territory, which can leave an opening for Cinderdust to step in. :'3)

856

[! R E E D F i S H E R]

The wind ruffled Reedfisher's thick tabby pelt as the tom padded behind Brittlebreeze, stopping occasionally to wait for Emberpaw, who was taking his sweet time wandering through the trees, gaping at every new sight he happened upon. It was the first time the fiery apprentice had been far from camp, although he was one of the more experienced ones. Reedfisher believed in giving his apprentices chances to see new sights and places, in the hopes that they would come to respect everything in the forest, and not just their own small world.

"come along now, emberpaw," he called back quietly, although his voice was anything but sweet. The truth was that Reedfisher was a bit troubled. Why had Hawkstar sent him along with Brittlebreeze, and why bring his apprentice? The broad shouldered tom wasn't complaining, but it seemed odd. He had never been on a mission quite like this before - why, he didn't even know where they were going.

Ahead, Brittlebreeze had paused, his head tilted and his blue eyes thoughtful. "what's the easiest way through windclan?"

[/color] The orange and white medicine cat blinked at Reedfisher before allowing his eyes to slide over Emberpaw, a faint disapproval lingering in their blue depths. Flicking an ear, Reedfisher fought the urge to make a comment. They had to be careful, especially when they were surrounded by enemy territory. "we could always go around ... but that takes another quarter of daylight."[/color] Brittlebreeze was speaking to himself again. He had been doing that a lot, lately.

"keep along the thunderpath, i'd say,"[/color] Reedfisher meowed cautiously, trying not to sound pushy. He was just accompanying the medicine cat on this mission for protection. "perhaps we could move in a bit further, inside the boundary of the trees? we'd be able to move faster then, instead of pushing through these brambles."[/color] The lanky tom eyed the tangled mess of thorns distastefully. He wasn't a fan of having to pluck those things out of his pelt every evening.

Of course, assuming that Brittlebreeze took his advice, he'd have to make sure that Emberpaw got his head out of the clouds and payed attention. He didn't want to have to watch over his apprentice in case they got attacked.


[/blockquote][/blockquote][/font][/size][/blockquote]

[ember2]

As the early morning slowly crept into noon time, Emberpaw trotted around the two older tomcats. This was the first time he had been far away from the camp. Well...the first time without breaking the warrior code. The autumn coloured apprentice was thrilled by everything around him, and he noticed the ground getting dryer and dryer as the traveled along.

'come along now, Emberpaw,' his mentor's voice shook Emberpaw out of his thoughts and the young cat realized that he had fallen behind. Reedfisher's voice was not as it normally was, and Emberpaw feared that the two tomcats were getting impatient with him. 'Of course I make myself look like a fool in front of two older cats,' Emberpaw trotted up and and made sure his paw steps matched Reedfisher's.

'Just stay low.' Emberpaw began to notice that the ground was no longer marshy, and the trees had thinned out quite a bit. In front of them, the moors great hills stood and the chilly wind rolling off of the golden plains had Emberpaw amazed. Brittlebreeze stopped walking and meowed, 'What’s the easiest way through WindClan…?'

The question was obviously aimed at Reedfisher, since Emberpaw had never been inside WindClan territory before. The tomcat's green eyes widened when he realized he was in enemy territory and the question came into his mind, Where are we going and why? Suddenly Brittlebreeze turned his gaze over Emberpaw. It was obvious that the Medicine cat thought that bringing an apprentice was a waste of time. Emberpaw lowered his head and listened to the to toms talk. 'We could always go around... but that takes another quarter of daylight.'

'Keep along the thunderpath, I'd say. Perhaps we could move in a bit further, inside the boundary of the trees? We'd be able to move faster then, instead of pushing through these brambles.' Emberpaw glanced at the clump of spiky plants and didn't like the thought of those getting inside his pelt. His green eyes glanced back up at Brittlebreeze, and the young tom wished that he could say something that would their journey.

But he was very young, and he had no experience.

[C!NDERDUST]

As the gray medicine cat prepared to turn around and disappear against the blank backdrop of moorland, a slight flicker caught her eye. She hesitated, one small paw raised, ready to head off if her imagination had been playing tricks on her. Squinting, Cinderdust could barely make out a small feline form, not one of her clanmates.

Any other cat would have been afraid. Any other cat might have run back to camp to raise the battlecry. Any other cat would have feared death, feared the unknown, feared pain. But she didn't. Pain was one of her closest companions. She lived with it, kept it close to her heart, and learned its secrets so that she might relieve her fellow felines of it. And yet no one knew pain like her. She had spent moons in a desperate, silent wait for something that would never come. She continuously dreamed of it, and yet it was never hers to hold. She was constantly reminded by the sharp tang of herbs what she had forsaken in her quest to find herself.

But again, she was not like other cats. Any other cat might have sat there, pondering, forgetting to be afraid and forgetting what was heading along the border far below. Cinderdust, on the other hand, was already making her way down towards the faint line of trees, her mind on her destination and her heart on her dreams.

It could have been any cat. A rogue, a loner, a friendly face, a snarling growl. But it was only Brittlebreeze.

Brittlebreeze. she thought to herself, emerald eyes taking on a distant glaze as she recalled the scene at the Moonstone. How he had been dismissive, even reserved. What was he doing here, with two other Clanmates? Heading to the Moonstone? She dismissed that notion. They wouldn't have to cross WindClan borders to do so.

Approaching the small group, the pretty gray queen waved her tail in welcome. "hello there. what brings you across our borders?"

[brittlebreeze ♠]

It was obvious that going through WindClans territory wasn't the best idea for their safety, but if they wanted to get to the barn before nightfall, they had very little choice in the matter. The barn was just beyond the highlands, surrounded by it's tall wheat field, and going around would take too long and it would delay them further. As if they weren't already delayed! If they followed the Thunderpath, a monster might veer off to the side and crush one of them in it's sticky, rancid mass; not only would that be bad luck, they wouldn't get to the barn until the next morning, if at all.

ShadowClan was depending on them to find Tobias, though they didn't even know that the three toms had departed on this very crucial journey (let alone, most of their Clanmates would not remember Tobias), they would probably be thankful if they had any idea.

Besides, the sooner they got to the barn, the sooner they could leave and be off either back to ShadowClan, or their next destination in search of this traveler. So, in the end, it came down to that definite decision, they would absolutely have to cross through WindClan, for all of the reasons mentioned already. Plus, Brittlebreeze was a Medicine cat, and no Warrior was permitted to harm him. That included attacking their patrol for crossing through, so long as they kept their own claws sheathed and away from the moorland rabbits. To inflict injury upon a Medicine cat was a bad omen from StarClan, any wise cat knew very well not to.

Then again, when said Medicine cat was a previous Warrior... they knew very well not to.

The mottled tom listened carefully to Reedfisher's advice, his ears perking as he glanced away from the tabby, blue eyes scanning the vast range for any sign of movement. From what he could see, nothing stirred, not even the slight vegetation dappled here and there. It was a wonder how they could put up with it, and how the ShadowClanner's would be able to slip through unnoticed.

Keep along the thunder-path, I'd say. Perhaps we could move in a bit further, inside the boundary of the trees? We'd be able to move faster then, instead of pushing through these brambles. Hmm, perhaps but the brambles ended after only a mouses length, and they wouldn't reach them for at least two foxlengths anywho. A brave Medicine cat indeed, he was going to take his chances.

"We don't exactly have an overabundant amount of time... I'll go through the brambles first, and leave a gap for you two to slide through. It won't be so hard then," he nodded to Emberpaw and his brother, hoping to show some kind of generosity for the consideration of their well-being, he was, after all, their Medicine cat.

But before he could take even two paw steps, a familiar scent flooded over them, and Cinderdust's mew split the atmosphere; he turned in time to see her tail brandish in greeting, and dipped his head respectfully, even if she was his equal.

hello there. what brings you across our borders? Shoot! Now he needed a proper explanation.

He hurried to make up a half-truth excuse; he wasn't going to tell her that ShadowClan was vulnerable right now, that was a bad idea. She could tell the rest of WindClan and before you know it, they'd be all over ShadowClan territory! Though it's least prey-filled, every piece would be welcome to fill the hungry bellies of their elders and warriors... Not a chance! I may be for peace, but I'm not a mouse-brain! Panic concealed, he blinked warmly instead and ushered his chin in the direction behind her. Then again, he couldn't immediately jump to justifications, it sometimes made them even less believable. He relaxed his shoulders, and allowed his fur to lie flat - in the pretense she had only startled him.

"Greetings Cinderdust," he started coolly, whiskers twitching, "I hope Leaf-bare as not been unkind, does WindClan fare well?"

Glancing behind him at Reedfisher, he blinked, before swiveling back around to face the gray she-cat. "We were just passing through, no harm done. With the Thunderpath's edges half covered in snow and ice, it seemed more dangerous to travel that way to the Moonstone. More than usual, I mean... We only need to cut through..." he meowed calmly, "With all due respect."

757

[C!NDERDUST]

At her question, Brittlebreeze's eyes flickered and his nose twitched. The gray medicine cat sensed a wave of fear and suspicion tumbling from his being, and she blinked in surprise. What was he so jumpy about? A moment later, however, his blue eyes were clear and welcoming, respectful even, although he was the elder medicine cat. He dipped his head to her, pelt now lying flat, and she waved aside his strange behavior. Perhaps it was just all of the cold weather.

"Greetings Cinderdust. I hope Leaf-bare as not been unkind, does WindClan fare well?" His voice was formal and cool, just like him. Cinderdust had never been one for large words or elaborate sentences; she was a rather uncomplicated cat. So she contented herself with responding simply. "Quite well, thank you." Her pretty green eyes danced warmly as she glanced past the orange and white tom to eye his companions: a handsome, lanky brown tabby and a fiery young apprentice. She knew the tom, Reedfisher, for he was well liked among the Clans for his easy-going ways. She assumed that the apprentice belonged to him, for as far as she knew, Brittlebreeze already had one.

Having followed her curious gaze, Brittlebreeze jumped in. "We were just passing through, no harm done. With the Thunderpath's edges half covered in snow and ice, it seemed more dangerous to travel that way to the Moonstone. More than usual, I mean... We only need to cut through..." His voice was yet again cool, protected, guarded. Cinderdust knew all too well what had transpired between him and the ShadowClan apprentice. Those things had a way of getting around. But she didn't let it enter her gaze, and she simply blinked once more, her sweet mouth still curved in a gently smile.

Sensing her silence, Brittlebreeze pushed onwards. "With all due respect." He seemed determined to remain calm and friendly, but there was a stress behind the words that hinted at urgency. Wondering what could possibly be the cause, Cinderdust nodded.

"Of course. A medicine cat is always welcome in WindClan territory." And that was all she needed to say. It would make no sense for her to push for more information. Whatever Brittlebreeze was up to, he was perfectly entitled to it. And she didn't have to know what it was to know that it was important to him. So she stepped aside and gestured down the path. "Care if I join you? As long as you're in the territory?" Without waiting for a response, the pretty gray queen began strolling through the snowflakes, her eyes closed as she wondered just what was on Brittlebreeze's mind . . .

[! R E E D F i S H E R]

Reedfisher blinked as the pretty medicine cat joined their small party, his bright blue eyes taking in her sleek gray coat. He was always the charmer, always the sweet one, and he made sure to keep his polite distance as he fell into step next to her.

"Wandering about your territory all alone? That's quite brave of you."

[/color] An easy smile softened his remark and his gaze, and the medicine cat rolled her eyes playfully in his direction, flicking his shoulder lightly with her tail.

"Easy, big guy." she chuckled, her bright voice making it clear that she wasn't bothered by his forward approach. If anything, it was a nice relief from the boring days she'd been having in the WindClan camp. Sorting herbs, treating wounds, coughs, stomachaches . . . it wasn't quite the thrilling drama she'd always expected it to be. But she wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.

Glancing over in Cinderdust's direction as the pair trod along behind Brittlebreeze and Emberpaw, Reedfisher caught her gazing off into the distance, green sea glass eyes glazed as she focused on some faint detail, just out of the grasp of reality. "Penny for your thoughts,"[/color] He murmured, and she jumped slightly, as though she had forgotten his presence. His pride stung - he wasn't used to being forgotten. But he forgot all about that when she fixed him with her brilliant gaze and laughed again, that sweet, charming laugh, and meowed, "It's going to take a lot more than that to read my thoughts, Reedfisher," And then she trotted ahead to walk beside Brittlebreeze, her ashen coat contrasting sharply with his splotched one. And then Reedfisher was alone.

Time to think. About life, about where he was headed, and about a pretty little laugh belonging to an even prettier little medicine cat . . .

[crap. sorry.]


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[ember2]

emberpaw

I have no power of this, you know I'm afraid, the walls I built are crumbling

The water is moving

Brittlebreeze seemed to have decided that Reedfisher's plan was not the best one for the journey, because after a few moments the medicine cat opened his jaws to speak. 'We don't exactly have an overabundant amount of time... I'll go through the brambles first, and leave a gap for you two to slide through. It won't be so hard then,' Emberpaw's tail dropped and he let out a sigh, it seemed as if Brittlebreeze already had his mind made up, and nothing was going to change it. The tomcat began to head up to the prickly undergrowth, ready to create a space for the two other cats. Suddenly, a she-cat's voice echoed from behind, 'hello there. what brings you across our borders?' Startled, the apprentice whipped around and faced a pretty gray she-cat. Emberpaw recognized her slightly from the gathering, but he couldn't put a name to the face.

Judging from the scents of herbs on her pelt, she must be a medicine cat like Brittlebreeze. His frosty green eyes settled on his own medicine cat. Yes Brittlebreeze, what does bring us across the border? He had no idea why he was going with these cats, he didn't have even the slightest amount of information. Hawkstar seemed to have wanted the patrol to be off as soon as possible. 'Greetings Cinderdust. I hope Leaf-bare has not been unkind. Does WindClan fare well?' Yes! Cinderdust was this she-cat's name! Emberpaw gazed at her. She was very pretty indeed, and in some ways he was reminded of his beloved Lilysong.

Brittlebreeze began to speak again, but Emberpaw didn't bother paying attention to what he had said, the only thing he could think of was the little ThunderClan she-cat who would sneak away every night to visit him. He hoped the she-cat loved him as much as he loved her, but the way she acted on their most recent visit was amazing. The two had raced up a tree and sat watching the moon, listening to each others breathing.

Suddenly, the patrol was moving again, but this time Cinderdust was joining them. Right now she was talking to Reedfisher, so the apprentice matched his pawsteps with Brittlebreeze. He wished that the medicine cat would give him some information, at least. It was driving him mad not knowing anything.

I am slipping away

Words: 722 with codes Tag: Reed, Brittle, and Cinder Notes: blaaagh Credit: STALK ME REDNECK! for the lovely template.

[brittlebreeze ♠]

It seemed to him that the pretty WindClan Medicine cat was overall, unconcerned with his reasoning, more importantly, blasé towards their travel. Sensing this, Brittlebreeze was both thankful and relieved, considering there was enough woe's in Clan life presently, anymore and one would need to scroll in order to comprehend top to bottom. Of course. A medicine cat is always welcome in WindClan territory. Cinderdust meowed warmly; his icy blue eyes thawed. revealing a glint of gratefulness. At least WindClan and ShadowClan weren't butting heads, like the rest of the forest... Care if I join you? As long as you're in the territory?

He didn't even hesitate, although his mind swarmed with doubt. If she was a Medicine cat, perhaps he could trust her... ? What if WindClan had been dealing with similar things? What if she had heard of it already from StarClan? He couldn't be sure. "Not at all, in fact, I rather like the company." He purred, his ears perking upwards, orange tabby patched tail waving, contented.

As they slipped deeper into the vast moorland, the sun was high in the sky, burning down on them, heating their backs. With the chilly weather, no matter the sting, it always felt good to feel that blaze... A seasonal reminder that New-leaf was right around the corner, and prey would be frolicking about all territories soon enough. He hardly noticed Emberpaw come up beside him, matching his pace, step for step. He said nothing, but when the Medicine cat glanced at the golden apprentice, he figured he was hoping that Brittlebreeze would say something, instead. No query, he knew already what was on Emberpaws mind. "Trouble is brewing," he murmured under his breath, his tone more friendly than before. "Not many of our Clanmates know about it..." Orbs turning to make sure Cinderdust was out of earshot, and she was; she was chatting casually with Reedfisher a foxlength and a half behind them.

"Hawkstar and I have decided to keep it quiet from the Clan, to keep order. If everyone knew what StarClan revealed to me, there would be chaos. Although, I have permission to reveal as little or as much as I desire to you both, since you are my guards," At that, he snickered lightly, but hushed, as the she-cats scent drew nearer, and she too, was walking with him. He flicked his tail for Emberpaw to give them a moment alone; or rather, as alone as their journey permitted.

"Have you heard anything from StarClan?" He whispered urgently to her, more quiet than when he had spoken to Emberpaw. Hopefully, she would trust him as much as he trusted her; it would be a shame for ShadowClan if she used any of her newfound knowledge against them.

[C!NDERDUST]

Slanted eyes scanning the winter moorland, decked in all shades of white, Cinderdust felt the absence of Emberpaw's presence, and turned to glance at her fellow medicine cat. He was deep in thought, and something was clearly troubling him, but she was smart enough not to pry. It wans't her business. And besides, Cinderdust had always been a wise kind of cat.

When his voice hissed to her, a low, soft decibel that barely reached her ears, Cinderdust's own velvet ones angled forward towards the tom, and her gaze took on one of intensity. "Have you heard anything from StarClan?" Brittlebreeze sounded worried, and an inkling of fear crept into Cinderdust's peaceful mind. What was going on?

"StarClan haven't spoken to me since we last saw one another," she replied evenly, but truthfully. She had nothing to hide from another medicine cat. It was StarClan before any other, and besides, they were all in the forest together. If one Clan went down, the rest were sure to follow. Cinderdust remained silent for a moment longer, giving the information time to sink in. She wasn't particularly bothered that StarClan hadn't spoken to her. She had no control over the situation anyhow. But if they had mentioned something about trouble to Brittlebreeze, then perhaps something was wrong.

Clearing her throat gently, the gray queen voiced the question that was lingering in the frigid air between their warm bodies. "What's going to happen, Brittlebreeze?" She knew that he knew something. It was in the way his eyes flicked from shadow to shadow between the gnarled branches of the dancing trees. It was in the way his tail lay low to the ground. It was in the tension that ran between his muscular shoulder blades. It was in his voice, short with anxiety and worry. And it was in his breathing, ragged, rapid, almost choking. Maybe it was just the cold.

Or maybe not.