Now I've got her, boys!
The boss is on a roll!
This poor unfortunate soul
Oasismist pulled ahead of Skipperpaw to take the lead. Within their chest, Oasismist felt their heart skip to a silent swan song, of which was not tolling for them. No, for if everything fell perfectly into place as orchestrated by Oasismist- then only one warm body would be coming back to camp. Oasismist would ensure it would be their own warm body, they would return back, with no blood staining their claws. After all, it would not be their fault if Skipperpaw should so happen to go collect a pile of herbs on an unsteady cliff edge, would it? Oasismist might have put them there in the purpose of luring the apprentice to the edge, but well- semantics. It's not as though Skipperpaw would HAVE to go to the edge, that would be her choice. There were other herbs there, plenty far away from the edge, safer herbs to collect.
Skipperpaw would fall from her own folly if she also went for the herbs on the ledge. Skipperpaw's own life was in her paws. Whatever happened next would not be any skin off of Oasismist's pelt. For Oasismist would say nothing, and just let the stars align how they may. It's not as though Oasismist set the trap specifically for Skipperpaw, however- she was just so vulnerable, easily manipulated. Just young enough that Oasismist would have no qualms in guiding her astray. A far easier target to catch unawares than Littlewoods. Where he would probably sense the hint of danger, and possibly evade the trap, Skipperpaw was far less experienced. Far less in tune with the perils all around her. "We are here, young Skipperpaw!"
Oasismist came to a stop and twirled their torso, so they were looking over their back at Skipperpaw.
"I think that there's quite an abundance of herbs here, it should keep the Medicine Stock well for moons." With a flourish of their tail and a flick, they gestured to the large patch of growing herb. Their eyes glinting, in the golden rays of the sun, full of thinly veiled anticipation. Oasismist might not know much about herbs, but they understood that the ones they'd placed near the edge played a vital role in the clans. They harbored a somewhat of an irresistible scent. Catmint.
The perfect bait for the most perfect and sickeningly sweet trap.
Well, it would have been perfect, if not for a certain little tracker that Oasismist hadn't accounted for. Uknown to Skipperpaw or Oasismist, Daisykit had tracked them down all the way out here and was currently crouched behind some rocks.
The tiny and somewhat frail kitten peeked her head around the pile of rocks concealing her, as much as she dares. Enough to see, but not risk being caught in Skipperpaw or Oasismist's lines of sight. The kit stared at the patch of herbs and their nose crinkled at the pungent aroma of them. Herbs, really?! That's the big surprise?! If I wanted to see herbs, I would have just stayed at the Medicine Cat den! This cannot be all to the surprise, right? I need to stay here and find out! If not for fear of being caught, she would have scoffed. She had smelled and seen enough herbs to last her lifetimes. If she never smelled another one, it would be too soon.
Skipperpaw had no qualms with following Oasismist as she led the way into the unfamiliar territory. Her nose twitched as she looked at her surroundings, fully taking in as much as she could. The terrain was far different than home, as it was jagged and mountainous instead of grassy and semi sloped. Her heart drummed in her chest with excitement and anticipation. She was eager to show Littlewoods how well she was doing and how far she had come with her training.
Oasismist's demeanor didn't alert her in the slightest. Maybe it was her unfamiliarity with the warrior, or maybe it was her misplaced trust; but was it really misplaced when it was a Clanmate?
Her mottled for puffed out when they arrived at the small area that was bordered on most sides by steep and jagged cliffs. "Thank you for bringing me here, Oasismist! I see a lot of herbs that might be helpful!" She grinned at the older cat and then skipped ahead. She stayed a few fox-lengths away from the edge for good measure and thoroughly examined the different patches of flowers that were sprouting.
"Mm.. This one here I believe is parsley. Not really helpful right now, but I'll earmark it and check with Littlewoods just in case." She murmured mostly to herself. This continued for a bit, with Skipperpaw relaying information - mostly to herself - about what was around. At one point she asked Oasismist to gather some cobwebs she found in an abandoned hole while she worked on gathering what little bit she had truly found. After much careful plucking she was only rewarded with some burdock and dandelion.
"I hope this helps the clan." She mumbled to herself from where she sat with her small pile. Her gaze wistfully scanned the area they were in and her ears drooped. What if this wasn't enough? The burdock would help everyone after the long journey while the cobwebs would help with the cracked pads and minor injuries. The dandelion would at least ease some of the pain her clan mates felt, but it still didn't seem like enough.
Then a breeze blew by the small molly. Her fur became wind blown. Her nose twitched as it hit her. Her eyes widened and she drew in a sharp breath.
Catmint?
Pulling herself to her paws the apprentice followed her dainty nose to the scent she was oh so familiar with. Sure enough, right on the cliff's edge was a freshly sprouted bundle of catmint. "Look, Oasismist!" Her paws carried her forwards faster than she could think about it. "There's catmi-" A startling crack sounded and cut off her exclamation. Just as quickly as she had stepped on the ground near the edge had it given way beneath her and just like that she plummeted.
Skipperpaw released a scream of terror and twisted her body to try and grab a hold of any of the ledges that jutted out of the face of the cliff. Several of her claws were ripped out during her descent but by some miracle she was able to grab hold of a small rock. Her breath was shallow and ragged, bordering on the edge of wheezing as shock began to grip her quivering body. Her pads were torn and bloody and few claws were still in tact.
"O-oasismist?" Her voice was a raspy whisper followed by a fearful whimper. "Help.." Tears blurred the little apprentice's eyes and she felt her feeble hold weakening. She was a good fox-length down the cliff face, well out of reach of a helping paw, but she hoped that her more experienced companion would have a quick idea that would save her.