- ℍ𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖 -
𝔻𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟
If it could go wrong, it was. From Sandadder and Briarfrost opening their big mouths to influence the weak willed. To the dark grey clouds that were beginning to roll in from the mountains, bringing with it high frosty winds. The tall and broad tomcat walked his way out of Desertstar’s den, his expression troubled. She was not in the forgiving mood, not that he could blame her since a good handful of their clan mates had turned their backs on her leadership. But he had a fairly good majority of family who were confused and just following mischief. Scorching amber eyes slowly scored over the clearing, ears twitching slightly as his long and feathery tail flashed. His mind was on Pinepaw, the son that had decided to follow after Sandadder and Briarfrost, which was hard to swallow. But he was the boys father, and he could be mad later as long as he knew Pinepaw was okay.
Grunting, the massive tomcat walked down the slight slope from the den, tip of his tail twitching slightly. “Nectarpool, Nightfire.” He called, dark grey and white fur fluffed up against the cold wind that was threatening to shear his pelt off. Beckoning the two mollies to his side, he narrowing his eyes slightly as he noticed a she-cat eyeing him from around the fresh-kill pile. Smirking, “Frozencinders, come here, please.” He ordered, walking with the three mollies at his heels as he gazed up at the sky for now. “We are heading out to see if we can track down Sandadder and his followers. This is a recon mission, I don’t plan on confrontation.” Hailgaze explained the reasoning for this patrol, his amber eyes turning back towards his warriors. “Remember these are your clanmates, whether they agree with us or not. If you happen to confront one of them, avoid conflict.” He explained, whiskers twitching slightly as he turned away from the she-cats beginning to lead them out of camp.
“Oh, and if you see my son. Let me know if we still standing or starving.” Hailgaze hummed.
Q U I E T
quiethawk -- currently a grumpy dad
don't bark if you can't bite
Hailgaze stands, presence silent but demanding authority. There is patience in his gaze, but the touch of mourning edging each syllable reflected in the hidden corners of his otherwise unreadable face. The observer remains quiet, hidden, ears pricked and vivid yellow gaze burning into the scene before him. The deputy dismisses the collected felines, and the former medic retreats, a limp marring his graceful movements. His shoulder stings, lacing each step with the echoes of pain.
His steps are silent, his presence a shadow and existence unspoke as he creeps after one duo. The pair were composed but young, fresh-faced-- they looked the part of experienced warriors, but he remains agitated, feverish anxiety setting each nerve on fire. His faith was in only one of them, but he was not trustful by nature, so this meant little beyond a declaration of blatant favoritism. The dark-pelted molly takes forward point, and it reassures him yet fails in soothing any of his uneasiness.
The warrior follows them, unaware of the passage of time until the temperature has become cruel on his short pelt. Still, he refuses to return now, fighting against the wind-- knowing his scent would carry if he walked anywhere else. Dry grass and snow prick his steps, but he ignores them in favor of eyeing the treeline closest to him as he follows the she-cats' decision of hiding themselves by a snow mound. There is something there, and it unsettles him, but he has never been called a coward-- he will not be one now.
"Intruders!"
The cry shatters the quiet, and the Windclanner is flinging forward, powering past the white-hot pain in his front leg to shove Nightfire behind him. There was a time when he eyed the former outsider with distaste, his purist views unable to accept the inevitable dilution of his clan. That time was long gone, a vague memory in the wake of the fierce, protective love that surges through him now. She is not his apprentice, and he is not her mentor, but she has assumed the role of someone precious in his life. It is that reason he trekked out here-- that reason he would not let her and Frozencinders face these traitors alone.
"Didn't Hailgaze say to avoid conflict, kit?" Quiethawk snaps, hushed and tenderly condemning. Louder, he whips toward their attacker, standing tall and disregarding the ache of his shoulder. "Traitors are intruders, actually-- kind of like you, actually?"