theeriginals
White Star
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Posts: 51
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Post by theeriginals on Sept 27, 2022 3:04:18 GMT
Aster hiding where Thorns grow - TOPP
Words: 123 words
Aster sat outside the Poolwalker’s den, paws tucked neatly and tail curled on top of them. Her posture was rigid, almost like a soldier standing guard. Perhaps she was taking her role for today a little too seriously. The young molly rolled her shoulders and then her neck in an attempt to relax. It helped only a little.
She flicked her ears towards the sound of songbirds, tilting her nose up to see if she could catch their scent. Nope.. nothing. Probably too far away. Restlessness began to creep up her spine and she closed her eyes, feeling her tail tip thump like a nervous tic. The cool stone beneath her paws offered some form of distraction as Aster waited for her leader.
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Sept 27, 2022 14:13:33 GMT
Butterfly Drinking from Stream -
It was a bright morning, streams of light entered the ample cave in ribbons and casted large splashes on the floor. Butterfly always enjoyed both the early mornings and late afternoons as it made the cave warm and gave much needed light to the small bouts of greenery revealing themselves in the small crevices of the cave. The rays also reflected off the small pool of water in the center of the den, glittering above and around the small white she-cat. Although she was not thrilled at the idea of leaving, she knew she had asked Aster Hiding Where Thorns Grow to accompany her to collect herbs. She enjoyed the young molly's company, and knew she had been wanting to take a walk around the territory as recent tribe set backs left her quite concerned.
The white molly sighed, shooing away her droning thoughts and taking one last look at the healer pool before walking towards the entrance of her den. Her tail swished behind her, watching her step as she trotted over small moss covered rocks, the soft smell of Aster lingering in the air. Butterfly purred, finally stepping out and smiling at the caramel molly as she rose. "Good Morning, Aster." she mewed softly "I hope you slept well". She turned her eyes towards the small walkway that opened up to the rest of trails, tail softly swaying behind her. "Were you able to eat? It may be a while before we're back." She turned back to Aster, meeting her cooper eyes. "Or we can always hunt as we go if you're up to the task." She chuckled, softly nudging the to-be.
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theeriginals
White Star
Currently in College, May not respond right away
Posts: 51
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Post by theeriginals on Sept 27, 2022 19:39:45 GMT
The Poolwalker had caught her off-guard, Aster having gotten lost in thought while she waited. The only indication that she had been startled was the slight prickle of fur on her scruff. The to-be got to her paws and shook out her fur to release any leftover restlessness. “Good morning, Poolwalker. I slept well, thank you.,” She replied, voice sounding raspy and underused. She didn’t talk often, but made an effort to talk to Butterfly out of respect.
“I was able to snag a small minnow before you came out. Have you been able to eat yet?” Aster mewed and briefly looked over the older molly’s frame, looking for any hint of hunger, “If you’re in a hurry, I can fish for us on the way.” Her ears twitched as she tried to decide whether the sun was making the Poolwalker’s pelt glimmer, or if she still had sleep in her eyes.
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Sept 28, 2022 16:48:17 GMT
The Poolwalker purred at the she-cats response. "Then on the way it is."
She looked back towards her den, wondering to herself if she missed anything and turned back to the molly with a small smile. "Off we go." she mewed, padding past the large molly and heading towards the winding path. Small bird chirps could be heard in the distance and the wind was softly blowing fallen leaves throughout the path, sometimes getting caught under her paws and crunching underneath. She was nervous for the upcoming weather changes, the fish would become scarce as the water would be too cold and would have to rely on other methods of hunting. She distantly thought about the clans, wondering if they would need to hunt in other areas below the mountaintop due to their arrival, and as much as she enjoyed occasional chats with them, she knew to keep her distance for the sake of the tribe and avoiding fights.
"Times are changing fast." she casually mewed, continuing down the path. The different trails worn down from years of use echoing with the sounds of other cats waking from their slumber to start the day. It was always best in the morning, when the caverns were warmed by the rays of the sun, and a lot harsher at moonrise when the wind picks up and wails through the caverns.
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theeriginals
White Star
Currently in College, May not respond right away
Posts: 51
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Post by theeriginals on Sept 28, 2022 17:08:19 GMT
Character: Aster - TOPP
Words: 221
The caramel colored molly followed wordlessly, dipping her head in acknowledgement when Butterfly mewed for them to head off. The wind ruffled her fur gently and the leaves both mollies stepped over were thin and crunched pleasantly under Aster's paws. She could almost feel it in her bones that the cold weather was on it's way. As much as she loved the cold, she knew it'd be challenging to catch fish whether the waterways iced over or not. Aster walked in silence behind Butterfly as she considered what to do about hunting, she'd never been good at catching land prey but..... Her ears flicked backwards and she let out a quiet sigh, brow furrowing a little as she considered asking a fellow tribe cat for help with hunting practice.
At the sound of Butterfly's voice her ears immediately swiveled forward and she looked up from her paws, her gaze having drifted downwards as they walked. "They are." Aster replied and looked up at the tree branches above them, spotting squirrels jumping from branch to branch and their nests nestled high out of reach. She looked back at the smaller female and tilted her head, almost missing the anxiety on the Poolwalker's frame. She cleared her throat and quickened her pace to walk beside Butterfly before asking, "Is something on your mind?"
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Sept 28, 2022 18:33:04 GMT
Butterfly paused at the molly's question, slowing her pace as she began to think. She knew things were a little tense in the tribe since the new cats had arrived, and with a potential decrease in hunting grounds, they might suffer...but how does one explain that to the whole tribe? She sighed heavily, ears drooping slightly as she turned away from Aster. "Bare Leaf is approaching, and as prepared as we can try to be, there is still the issue of where our hunting grounds below the mountain ." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts as she wondered if she could divulge information without judgement. "The agreement with the clans below may be of some detriment to us. With more mouths to feed below, the prey has the potential of running low and with that, Leaf Bare could be very difficult to get through.."
The white she-cats eyes began to water at the thought, breaths beginning to hitch before she steadied herself, trying to control herself. She was embarrassed. Embarrassed about the situation and about how she as a leader feels. Thoughts of disappointed looked from her tribe mates swirled through her head. What could they do? She shook her pelt, trying to regain her composure. "We will get through." she said softly, almost as if she was trying to convince herself. |
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theeriginals
White Star
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Post by theeriginals on Sept 28, 2022 18:58:58 GMT
Aster listened to the molly speak, nodding her head in agreement. This time her tail tip twitched back and forth, the only sign that she was just as conflicted. The clans were……. Strange. To put it simply. Yet so many clans against one tribe….. She shook the thought free from her head, knowing that Butterfly and the rest of the tribe would never let things get that violent. Aster had heard of the fight with that loner group.
She opened her mouth to say something but before she could, she caught the wavering sound of her leader’s voice. It wasn’t something she heard often, only really remembering Butterfly sounding confident or calm. The caramel molly took a moment to think before reaching out with her tail in a rare moment of physical affection. Her tail tip rested on the white she-cat’s shoulders for a brief moment, long enough to get the point across and stay professional. “The tribe is strong.” Aster murmured as she studied Butterfly’s concerned gaze, “You’ve led us well during their arrival and after. I’m sure we will be fine as long as the clan cats keep up their end of the bargain.”
The larger female then took a step to the side, returning to a distance deemed professional. However she couldn’t shake how the space next to her suddenly felt colder.
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Sept 28, 2022 20:41:26 GMT
The white she-cat froze, eyes wide with thoughts swirling through her head as she heard the younger molly speak. She had never been one for praise, and had always worked hard to do right by her tribemates though felt as if she had not been doing her best. She wanted the clans to have a better life, and with the new agreement to allow the clans to live below, she felt as though she had made a mistake. She had finally found them a home and she was so sure it was here...
The feeling of Asters tail on her shoulders brought her back from her pounding thoughts, turning to look at the caramel molly with soft eyes, a stray tear trailing down her face at her words. She had a point. She had led them this far and had found them a safe home, and even with new cats around, they could stay strong.. or so she hoped. "Thank you." she said softly, bringing her tail closer to Aster's and intertwining it for a brief moment before she walked forward. "We need to take a detour to the Star Cliffs," she mewed, trying to orientate herself. "I need to know how to help." She turned back and flashed a smile to Aster. If she could just talk with her ancestors, she would know what to do.
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theeriginals
White Star
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Posts: 51
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Post by theeriginals on Sept 28, 2022 20:56:23 GMT
The feeling of the white molly’s fur brushing against her own had Aster hyper aware of where their tails had briefly intertwined. Her shoulders relaxed more when the Poolwalker’s concerned gaze softened, even more so when the molly had smiled. Aster felt accomplished, proud that her attempt at being reassuring and honest had been well received. Her usual stone faced expression seemed to soften as well, not as serious as it usually was.
She fell back into her previous spot as Butterfly began walking again. “Lead the way.” Aster said as she followed. The ancestors would surely have advice for the Poolwalker, right? Their advice hadn’t led the astray yet anyway. The To-be took a deep breath of the mountain air, it beginning to develop a crisp and cool feel. She wondered briefly as they traveled whether she’d need to wait at the base of the Star Cliffs for Butterfly, at least while the older cat was talking with the spirits.
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Sept 29, 2022 13:38:07 GMT
With her new found task at hand, they took the path with more rocks, trying to remember which rocks to step to lot loose their footing. As soon as they were over the rocks, it was a steady path to the cave mouth. Butterfly had been there before, speaking with Sky and her other ancestors looking for guidance, but didn't think Aster had ever came with her. It was an honor to follow the Poolwalker to the communing pool, and she remember vaguely the original communing stone Sky had introduced her to back at the old camp. The feelings of excitement when she saw the cave and the way Sky just knew the way. It gave her butterflies just thinking about it, but she did have to admit that their new communing pool was quite the sight, especially with the views on the way.
Once at the base of the cave, Butterfly stopped. She looked at the winding rock trail, noting some of the rocks in different positions than last time. She shrugged it off, thinking one of their last heavy rains caused some movement and turned to Aster. "This is the base of the Star Cliffs." she mewed, looking deep into the others amber eyes. "I usually make this walk alone, however I don't think you've seen the tops of the cliffs, have you?" She smiled, eyes filled with mischief as she looked up. Whisps of water droplets occasionally filled the air as the intertwining waterfalls were not too far up. "I think you'll enjoy it." |
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Oct 12, 2022 19:17:45 GMT
The Poolwalker purred softly as they continued down the small path, trying to pad slowly as to not make Aster hurt her leg even more. As they walked, the soft rumbling of the river could be heard and finally came into view a few tail lengths away which signaled their arrival at camp. "Thank the stars we're home." she mewed happily, turning to the larger molly with a smile. "You did very well, and I'm proud of the tribe cat you will become." She twitched her tail, eyes still soft and full of pride as she dipped her head at the To-Be. "The feats you displayed today to not only taking me out of harms way, but trusting me to lead you home even in extreme pain shows me exactly the type of cat you are. A strong and very capable member of this tribe." Her tribe was strong, and the cats within it were strong. Nothing could take that away from them.
"Now, we do need to get your foot looked at properly..." The white molly began, looking back down at the larger molly's foot. "I'm sure you would appreciate some pain relief" she chuckled nervously as she turned to look up the path. The flowing river calmed her nerves, and was more than welcome in comparison to the deathly silent tunnel. Even though the tunnel was no easy feat for her, she felt as though she had a fairly good time while being there, more specifically she enjoyed having Aster's company there. She felt her pelt grow warm at the thought, but quickly tried to shake off the feeling, suddenly finding the smooth rocks below her paws signifying the end of their drawn out travels. |
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theeriginals
White Star
Currently in College, May not respond right away
Posts: 51
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Post by theeriginals on Oct 13, 2022 1:48:48 GMT
Stepping onto familiar paths and earth sent a flood of relief and calm over Aster. She was startled by Butterfly pausing and giving her praise, which caused the to-be to grow hot and flustered. “Thank you, Poolwalker.” She mumbled with her ears flicked back slightly bashful. Unsure of what else to say the large molly ducked her head and gave her thick chest fur a couple of licks. When the smaller molly commented on her injury, she too glanced at it.
The paw had swollen quite a bit but it definitely would’ve been worse if the two cats had taken the usual path. The tunnel was long and winding, as well as claustrophobic, but having her leader to guide her had put her at ease. She grimaced at her paw and looked to the side, still unhappy that she had injured herself while on an important assignment. “Pain relief would be nice,” Aster acknowledged with a nod of agreement, “Hopefully I won’t need too many of your herbs.” As the Poolwalker led the to-be onward, Aster was able to return to her thoughts.
Slowly she processed Butterfly’s praise and felt her fur prickle with an unknown emotion, while pride swelled in her chest. The unknown feeling made her slightly uneasy, but it was the least of her worries. Especially after receiving such high praise. Perhaps this was a good sign that she would get promoted to a higher rank in the coming moons and be able to properly serve the Tribe……
Would she still be able to walk by her leader’s side?
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Oct 13, 2022 14:33:26 GMT
The Poolwalker chuckled to herself as they continued down the small path from the river to the entrance of camp, familiar scents filling the air and becoming more intense as they grew near. "You will take all the herbs I deem you need," she teased, smiling at a few tribe cats as they entered camp. "Besides, I need you in tip top shape in order to send you on other patrols." The sound of other cats bustling around tending to their duties filled the air, from the elders sharing tongues about the past and the To-Be's jumping around with excitement, anxiously waiting a new assignment. Everyone was happy, or so it appeared to her, and she could ask nothing more. She continued forward until they entrance to her den appeared to them, surrounded by soft green moss and smaller blue hued mushrooms that twinkled just barely.
Butterfly ventured inward, taking in the sweet scents of herbs and honey that filled the den. She shook out her pelt once more, releasing a huge sigh as she went to her herb stash. "Make yourself comfortable!" she called back, perusing her collection trying to find what she needed. She dug around before finding some beautiful marigold flowers and poppy seeds to help ease the pain. She turned to Aster and motioned to the empty nest that sat close to hers, walking towards the spot and plopping her herbs down. "Come lay here, let me fix you up." she mewed, happily swaying her tail behind her. |
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theeriginals
White Star
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Post by theeriginals on Oct 13, 2022 18:27:29 GMT
She huffed and relented, knowing better than to argue with Butterfly, “Alright, alright.” Familiar sounds and smells further relaxed the stiff molly, her stride becoming leisurely despite the limp. When the other tribe cats were in view, Aster straightened a bit and attempted to appear unbothered as she followed Butterfly. She dipped her head in greeting at the to-be’s that passed them, waving her tail at the elders that called out to them.
Fatigue was creeping up her spine as the two molly’s slipped into the Poolwalker’s den. The familiar glowing blue mushrooms led her gaze across the den, over the empty nests and then to the stash of herbs. The white patches of Butterfly’s fur almost seemed to glow as well. At the Poolwalker’s gesture to one of the nests, Aster padded over with heavy steps. “Thank you again, Poolwalker.” She mewed and yawned before resting carefully in the nest. It was a little musty from lack of use but soft and comfortable as the caramel molly settled. “Do you need me to lay my paw a certain way?”
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Dappledolly
Red Star
The unrelenting constancy of love and hope can rescue and restore you from any scope 🧿✨
Posts: 32
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Post by Dappledolly on Oct 20, 2022 14:29:56 GMT
The white molly nodded, neatly wrapping her tail around her paws as she looked back at her herbs. The bright orange and yellow marigold petals swayed softly with the breeze and she pulled them towards her. "Just keep your paw steady and I'll work around you." she mewed softly, pulling the poppy seeds out from her pile and placing them before the younger molly. " Eat these first, you won't be as painful when I tug on your paw with this." The Poolwalker flashed the To-Be a smile and looked back down at the paw as the other ate.
She worked quickly, making a small poultice with the petals and lightly placing the wet mixture around the caramel molly's paw, lightly massaging it in. "I'm sorry if its painful.." she trailed off, trying to be as gentle as she could. The Poolwalker was know to have soft paws, and made the practice of applying any poultices rather easy for most. She made sure pain medications were provided beforehand and lightly continued her work as they rested. She was hopeful she would feel better soon. |
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