- ℍ𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖 -

𝔻𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟

Relief flooded through the tomcat as he was the first to spot their missing clanmates walking through the tall grass in order to reach them. Smiling softly to himself as he watched felines rush to greet their loved ones, his own flaming orange eyes were watching Iciclepaw as she came running towards him and her family. Leaning down to drape his tongue over his granddaughter’s forehead, breathing in her scent that was tainted with the soot but he was reassuring himself that his granddaughter was safe and where she belonged. Ears twitching as he heard Eveningstorm barreling through the crowd of cats, the only reassurance he had that Desertstar was alive as he looked down at Iciclepaw. Hesitating slightly as she requested to join the patrol, eyes lifting towards Scorchedbones as he gave a single nod. “I want Littlewoods or Moosepaw to look her over first.” Hailgaze reasoned. 

Glancing towards Novafall as she stepped up to join the patrol as well, but his eyes narrowed as he gave a wave of his tail. “I want you to see Littlewoods or Moosepaw, once you get cleared you can join the patrol.” He said firmly, he wasn’t about to send cats out into the unknown without knowing their state of health. Letting Eveningstorm and Desertstar have their moment before he stood up and walked towards his leader slowly as she finally noticed him. Dipping his head in a respectful greeting, his eyes roaming over her pelt briefly to ensure her health before he grunted. “Welcome back.” He meowed, whiskers twitching. “I’m putting together an exploration patrol together. Find somewhere to settle more.” He explained.

»--•--«

✿ 𝔾𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕠𝕤𝕖 ✿

 ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟

Vibrant green eyes were constantly roaming over her kittens, golden tail lashed when she noticed Cougarkit tackling Sagekit to the ground, unbothered that the fact one of their siblings were missing. Beetlekit and Dunekit were attempting to lick the soot and ash from their fur, but she found amusement in the scrunch of their noses and Dunekit’s gag. Truth be told that she was worried that StarCan had claimed another mate and two of her kits. Unable to eat with the uncertainty, glancing to the side to see the dark clouds of smoke still rising in the distance from their home. It’s gone. She thought to herself, shaking her head slight with anguish before she leaned down to rasp her tongue over Dunekit’s forehead. 

Instantly, upon hearing a familiar voice, Goldenrose lifted her head and half turned to where she could see Viperkit’s black and white furred boy of fluff running towards her. “Viperkit!” She immediately began to purr as the kitten barreled into her chest, smiling down at him as she rasped her tongue over his forehead before she immediately sought out Cometchaser and Novafall. Relief caused the she-cat to slump down into a sitting position as Cometchaser’s massive head bumped affectionately against her shoulder blade. “I was so worried, about all three of you.” She said softly before she noticed Novafall approaching Rockymountain, but then her daughter immediately offered to go on this exploration patrol. “She just reunited with the clan.” She muttered.

»--•--«

:: 𝑅𝑜𝒸𝓀𝓎𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃 ::

𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒞𝓁𝒶𝓃

Chest heaved with relief as his eyes roamed over Novafall’s figure, gently shouldering his way through the crowd in order to reach his mate’s side. Pressing his nose against her cheek before his pale yellow eyes roamed over her pelt with a worried gaze. “I’m sorry that we got separated. I am so glad that you got out.” He purred, cheeks and ears warming up with slight embarrassment with her nickname. However, he paused in confusion when Novafall glanced at her father before she was immediately offering to go on Hailgaze’s exploration patrol. Ears lowered against his head, lips parting to speak before he suddenly jumped when he was pushed out of the way as Eveningstorm suddenly spotted a certain Molly. 

Biting his tongue as he knew that his father was very excited to see his mother, his own yellow eyes relieved to see his mother limping into the clearing in order to be smothered by his father. Chuckling slightly, he knew better than to interrupt the two felines in order to welcome his mother back, but he sighed and glanced back towards Novafall.

»--•--«

🌩 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕞 🌩

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟

At first he was agreeing to participate on the patrol in order to occupy his mind, but as their missing clanmates began to reunite with their loved one, dark amber eyes were immediately searching the few cats for one particular she-cat. Both his ears and tail immediately perked up as his eyes landed upon the familiar stature of his mate, Desertstar. Without much thought to care for those around him, Eveningstorm was swiftly trotting through the crowd in order to reach Desertstar. “Desertstar!” He called out, his voice trembling with relief as he instantly wrapped his larger body around her own as his tongue began to drag along her face, cleaning away the soot. He didn’t care if she was the leader, he was going to ensure she was safe. 

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t come back for you. Are you okay?” He meowed worriedly, taking barely a step back for his eyes to roam over her pelt as he grunted. “You should see Littlewoods after you speak with Hailgaze, just in case.” He said softly, looking over her beautiful face as he pressed their noses together in a kiss. “I’m glad you are here.” He said with relief before he finally stepped back so she could address her clanmates, not wanting to smother her.

Novafall Windclan Warrior 

The golden molly had been following behind Desertstar, walking next to her father, Orion. Viperkit was stumbling in front of them, getting distracted with the burnt leaves. “They’re crispy!” Viperkit squeaked, looking at his father with wide eyes. The little black and white tom was certainly adventurous, Novafall wondered if he would inherit Orion’s sense of adventure like Novafall did.

Upon returning to camp. Viperkit’s eyes widened “Mama!” The kit squeaked, running to Goldenrose. Novafall narrowed her eyes playfully, Viperkit was so carefree, the kit had basically forgotten that he was in a devastating fire. Orion had followed after the kit, pressing his head into his mate’s shoulder while leaning down to check on his other kits. Novafall went to Rockymountain, and grinned at him “Glad you made it out Big Guy, I was starting to worry.” Novafall teased him, calling the brown and gray tom by his nickname. Looking at the patrol that was forming, she looked over at her father.

The huge black Maine Coon had seen the look in her eyes, the same look that he had when he was younger.

“I would like to join.” Novafall went towards the patrol, a huge smile on her face. Although she wssn’t experienced as her father.. Novafall had a great sense of adventure and couldn’t wait to see what the lands had in store for them.

Scorchedbones

The irony taste trickled down his throat as he anxiously chewed his inner cheek to the point of it bleeding. Scorchedbones silently prayed Desertrain had indeed parted ways with Windclan territory after their last meeting. The thought of her being stuck out in the flames engulfing their home sickened the tom. His gaze locked on the sea of flames behind them, tempted to go back and search the territory..or what was left of it, but he had the young impressionable Iciclepaw to look after now. Scorchedbones was honored that Desertstar trusted her grandkit to him, he couldnt go traumatizing the apprentice by dying himself for someone who made it clear he was not needed, the scar Desertrain left him stinging at the thought. 

His attention had been drawn to the visitor Windclan picked up, his bones had stiffened the moment he laid eyes on the tom cat. He knew right away who the tom cat was, while he might not look identical to his parents individually he was, to Scorchedbones, the perfect mix of the two. The dapple pelted warrior slowly trudged over to Cerberus, his tail gently resting on the tom for a moment, “I hope your little friend is recovering well.” His words seemed almost hollow, his eyes heavy as he passed by Cerberus. He wanted to stop and question him about his mother, if she was safe, if she was eating properly…if Renly took care of her; he just couldn’t.

Exhaling deeply, Scorchedbones lifted his head high as he made his way over to the huddle of clanmates around Hailgaze, his own apprentice gathered with them. He appreciated her enthusiasm, and could honestly use some of his own. Following his apprentices lead, the warrior chuckled softly before flashing a grin at the deputy, “I’ll look out for her.” trying to reassure the deputy that his granddaughter would be safe with him.

Desertstar

Leader of Windclan

           As they crested the hill, the smoldering ruins of Windclan camp came into view, tendrils of smoke still curling lazily into the air. Desertstar felt a pang of sorrow in her chest at the sight of her home; the smoldering remnants of their camp. The once vibrant green of the moorland was now a charred, blackened wasteland, and she worried how they’d manage with most of their territory burnt to a crisp. Some of it was still burning.

           With a heavy heart, she picked her way through the destruction, limping through what was left, the ground charred and still warm beneath her paws. It was difficult to accept that the place where generations of her ancestors had lived and thrived, had been reduced to ash and embers. Regardless, she prayed to StarClan that her clan had all made it out safely, that no lives had been lost in the blaze. That was the most important thing. As long as her clan was safe, she could deal with the rest.

           Turning away from what was left of her camp, she led the group towards the river, her golden fur glowing under the early morning sun. In the distance, she spotted her clan gathered on the opposite side, and breathed a small sigh of relief. From the looks of it, everyone seemed to be accounted for, and for that small mercy, she could relax. Feeling much more at ease seeing her clanmates, she waded into the water, the coolness of it rushing over her paws and legs, washing away the soot and ash that clung to her fur.

           Halfway across the river, though, she froze, her eyes widening slightly as they fell upon an unfamiliar, yet familiar face. The large apprentice-aged tom stood on the opposite bank, his pale green eyes locked with her golden ones. There was something deeply familiar about him, a certain set to his jaw or the look in his eyes that reminded her of... someone. But try as she might, she could not place who it was that he resembled. She studied him intently, her brow furrowing as she wracked her brain for any shred of recognition.

Cerberus

           After staying by Spark’s side all night, Cerberus left the makeshift medicine cat den to sit by the river. Littlewoods, the Windclan medicine cat, had worked tirelessly through the night to treat Spark's injuries, applying soothing herbs and poultices to her blistered skin. For hours, Cerberus had sat vigil by her side, gently brushing the fur of her face with his tail, comforting her as Littlewoods worked. He had not left her side until the medicine cat was satisfied with her treatment and assured him that Spark would live. He had always been taught to hate Windclan, to see them as the enemy. And now, here he was, willingly walking into their territory, trusting them with the life of someone he cared for.

           Now, he watched the water bubble and flow over the rocks, the sunlight dancing over the ripples. The events of last night replayed in his mind, and he found himself grappling with the harsh reality that neither he, nor Dorian and Spark, could return to The Immortal Ones. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as the weight of their situation settled on his shoulders like a stone. He knew he could go home to his mother, Dez, whenever he wanted, but Spark and Dorian were outcasts now, with no home to return to and no guarantee of safety.

           Cerberus took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs as he gazed out at the rising sun and thought about what the future held for them now. Dorian had shown great courage in standing by his side, and Cerberus felt a surge of gratitude towards the young tom, knowing that Dorian had put himself at great risk by defying Kaelan's orders. As for Spark, he knew she would need time to heal, both physically and emotionally.

           Lost in thought, Cerberus didn't immediately notice the figure limping down the hillside towards the river. It wasn't until her golden reflection fell across the water before him that he glanced up, his pale green eyes narrowing as they landed on the familiar face of Desertstar. She paused at the edge of the stream, her gaze locking with his own. For a moment, time seemed to still, and Cerberus wondered if somehow, against all odds, she could see the truth of his lineage etched into the lines of his face. Did she recognize the same defiant stare that belonged to his mother, or the proud set of his jaw that mirrored his father's? Cerberus held her gaze, his jaw set in a defiant line, refusing to look away or show any sign of submission. He knew she couldn't possibly know who he truly was, but still, he felt a surge of anger, hot and fierce, as he stared at his grandmother.

Iciclepaw

Apprentice of Windclan

           Her yellow eyes, usually sparkling with curiosity, now reflected the eerie orange glow of the distant flames. She listened intently to the distant conversations around her, her heart aching for the loss they all shared. Yet, amidst the grief, a small part of her mind was already racing with thoughts of what lay ahead, the unknown that awaited them. Iciclepaw's gaze drifted over to her sister Tinypaw, then back to the flames, her eyes reflecting the dancing light. It was admittedly beautiful.

           As Hailgaze, the WindClan deputy, called for hunting parties, Iciclepaw's ears perked up with interest. Iciclepaw's heart raced as she considered the possibility of joining the patrol. She was young, yes, but she could still be of use. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, her small paws padding softly on the earth. She looked up at Hailgaze. "Grandpa Hailgaze?" she asked, her voice steady and clear. “May I also join the patrol?" She needed this, needed the distraction, the purpose. She couldn't bear to sit idle when there were better things she could be doing.

Tinypaw's little head whipped around sharply when Hailgaze gave her something to do- something with purpose and importance. "Yes, sir!" she chirped, her tail shooting straight up. The deputy's comment about her grandmother warmed her chest. She had never met Tinyflame, the warrior whom she was named after, but she had heard great things. She felt pride to be compared to her.

"Alright, Appleblossom! This way!" She began directing her mother, attempting to heard the queen in the direction of the path they were taking as if she were sheep.

Airheart snorted at the sight. Although humorous, it was endearing. They could use someone full of energy and life in a moment like this. When Littlewoods joined them, the warrior dipped her head to him in respect. While the pair took his words in, she smiled. They were truly blessed to have such a fantastic healer. "Well, then. I'll be on ahead. Someone's got to keep eyes on Tinypaw before she tries to run the whole patrol." Though she didn't touch on the subject, the tom's words soothed her soul as well.

- ℍ𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖 -

𝔻𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟

Perhaps he hasn’t been able to conceal his feelings in this moment, eyes narrowing as he watched Littlewoods approach him… but then again the little Tom was more so connected to StarClan than he could ever hope to be. Breathing in deeply, Hailgaze nodded slowly, the prospect of those living within StarClan following them to wherever they went… it was comforting. “Thank you, Littlewoods. I would greatly appreciate it if you could look into that for me.” He gave a small nod before he felt a small head rub against his chest.

Lowering his eyes, he watched one of his youngest sons giving him comfort. Boarkit blinked owlishly up at his father, apple green eyes innocent as he smiled sheepishly. Grunting, Hailgaze leaned down to rasp his tongue roughly over his kits forehead before he glanced around to see his current mate watching. She always knew when he needed extra strength. “Go back to your mother, I’ll be over in a minute.” He said softly, watching the grey and white ball of fluff scamper towards Blackfire as he looked at Airheart and Tinypaw. “What’s with all this sappy nonsense?” A deep and scratchy voice made Hailgaze sigh as he turned his chin in the direction of a tall and wry male, his coat a deep grey with even darker tabby stripes. His milky blue eyes looking at nothing in particular, Startledcrow, their former medicine cat.

“Dad, don’t start.” Ibisgrowl said with a soft hiss, his bright aquamarine eyes gazing at the tomcat worriedly as if searching for any injuries. “Maybe I’d be more pleasant if I hadn’t been tomhandled out of camp.” Startledcrow snapped and used his thin tail to smack his son’s maw. “Leave me be, I’m fine.” He huffed while Ibisgrowl continued to check his father’s pelt regardless as the elder grumbled. “That excuse of a leader show up yet?” Startledcrow growled while Hailgaze narrowed his eyes. “Address her correctly, Startledcrow. Desertstar has yet to return.” He admitted.

Startledcrow snorted and lashed his tail, “Do something with Eveningstorm, he’s about to pace a trail through this stone.” He said irritably, speaking of his older brother. Indeed, as Hailgaze turned his attention towards the massive brown and white tabby, he was pacing and watching the flames, clearly waiting impatiently for his mates return. “Eveningstorm! Patrol!” Hailgaze ordered, causing Startledcrow to smirk, Ibisgrowl to roll his eyes and Eveningstorm to hesitate before padding towards his deputy.

LITTLEWOODS

Medicine Cat of Windclan

The fire had taken its toll on Windclan, the little tom knew. He could heal physical wounds well enough, but there were many mental wounds he could not. It hurt him to think of his clanmates suffering in any capacity, especially when there was little to do. But he understood. Their clanmates had been buried here for generations- those who remained were torn at the concept of leaving their families behind. Of course, they'd be in Starclan, but it was different for a medicine cat. It was a world they saw so regularly that it could be hard for them to understand the thought process of a cat not so tuned in with their ancestors' world.

He trusted that Moosepaw would be okay leading the wounded- she'd grown into a fine and intelligent apprentice. He could spare a few moments for Hailgaze, especially considering the forlorn look on his face. Approaching him, he dipped his head slightly. "Airheart is right. Our clanmates who are no longer with us will follow us wherever we may end up. Whilst we may no longer be able to be where they were laid to rest, they will not abandon us." He mewed. "If it would ease your burden, Hailgaze, when us Medicine Cats next share tongues with Starclan, I can seek her out."

He stood beside the deputy, resting his tail against his flank. "No cat expects you to be entirely unaffected by this. Whilst they will look to you for guidance, this is as difficult for you as it is for any of us." Looking up at the bigger tom, he smiled gently. "You have your family to support you. You shouldn't shy away from that."

- ℍ𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖 -

𝔻𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕟

Nostrils flared with the familiar scent of his daughter, pausing in his tracks long enough for her tongue to gently swipe a comforting lick across his shoulder. Looking towards his apprentice aged grandkits as they huddled around Goldensun and Appleblossom, but his eyes gravitated back towards Airheart. Silently he was thankful that Blackfire was helping another Queen, not wanting her to see the turmoil he felt with leaving Tinyflame behind. Sighing softly, his amber eyes followed hers as he looked towards the sky for a long moment. “I pray to StarClan that she finds us.” He said softly mostly to himself.

Ears twitching as his granddaughter and apprentice spoke up about the flames, chin lowering to gaze at the little molly before he gave the flames another stare. “Your grandmother would’ve said the same thing.” Hailgaze grunted before he gave a flick of his tail. “Tinypaw, I want you to help your mothers through the wall, let myself or Desertstar know if the pace gets to be too much.” He instructed with a small reassuring wink.

Leaving behind what you knew to be your home was never easy. It weighed on each and every soul that was born and raised here. As the flames raged, they became more and more devastating. Airheart watched with sadness in her eyes as the fire bore into the earth and tore apart their home. WindClan, like their neighboring Clans, had no choice but to abandon ship.

"I never thought fire could be so ruinous." She murmured, allowing herself to bury her nose into Goldensun's fur. They gave themselves a moment to grieve, a moment to linger for just one more second. And then they had to move. If they stayed, they'd be lost, too. "Come on," She whispered gently, her tail brushing against Appleblossom's flank while she supported her expecting mate. The three of them huddled around their young, ensuring with very close and thoughtful eyes that their kits wouldn't stray far from their parents. Although apprentice-aged and not young enough to wander off recklessly, the parents still worried for them.

While they gathered and left, she caught her father's subtle, distressed gaze. She stopped by his side and rasped her tongue over his shoulder. She knew he was hurting too, and she knew why- even if he didn't say it. Hailgaze was never a strong verbally emotional cat, but he spoke miles with his eyes. Perhaps that's what gave him his namesake. Airheart knew her father well enough to know how to read him by now.

"She'll always be with us," she told him, turning to face the stars. "No matter what sky we're under, or what ground we walk."

"It's kind of beautiful." A voice interrupted her train of thought, and Airheart glanced down to see her daughter, Tinypaw, standing close by them. Her blue eyes shone, despite the darkness. And in this light, her pelt nearly matched the warm light of the now-faraway flames. "Ah- uh- I mean-" Startled by what came out of her mouth, almost like she knew it was inappropriate, the apprentice cleared her throat. "Sorry, mom, grandpa."