Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
Fur disheveled and dripping with rainwater, Desertstar stood at the edge of their devastated camp, her golden eyes reflecting her weariness. The previous two moons had brought unprecedented challenges, as the weather veered from one extreme to another. After unleashing its wrath, the storm that’d hit them earlier in the day had finally relented, replaced by frigid temperatures and a cold drizzle that seeped into their very bones. The once familiar moorland now lay flooded, frozen and inhospitable beneath their tired paws, and with a heavy heart, she called for a clan meeting.
"Windclan," she began, her voice quivering with a blend of weariness and steely resolve, "I know this isn’t what any of you want to hear, but we must make the difficult decision to retreat to the mountains." Her words hung in the air, mingling with the mist. The cats around her shifted uneasily, their breath forming visible puffs in the chilly air. Desertstar's gaze hardened, her voice growing stronger as she continued, "It will be dry there, and the peaks will offer shelter and safety from the elements,” she reassured them, understanding the fear that accompanied such a transition. While she and many of the older warriors had traveled to the mountains once before, for many, this would be their first.
The clan exchanged hesitant glances, their eyes betraying their inner doubts and fears as they grappled with the unknown. However, the Windclan leader did well to conceal any hint of anxiety. She squared her slender shoulders and raised her head up high in a graceful display of confidence, as if to encourage them that everything would be fine and they need not fret or fear. As always, she would do her best to ensure their safety.
With authority lacing her words, she addressed the apprentices first, urging them to lend a helping paw to the elders. "Apprentices, I expect you to assist our wise elders. Ensure they do not fall behind and treat them with the respect and care they deserve," she told them, her tone firm yet filled with warmth, knowing in her heart that they would do their best. Then, shifting her focus to the warriors, she continued, "I need a couple warriors to aid the queens and help carry their precious young. They are too small to keep pace and must be kept off the ground,” she requested, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for protection. The leader didn’t want the youngsters to even attempt to brave these conditions on their own. As cold as it was, they’d most likely freeze or be swept away. “I also need a few warriors to assist Littlewoods and Moosepaw, our medicine cats, and help them carry herbs, supplies and any other tasks they may need help with," she carefully instructed, ensuring that every aspect of the clan's well-being was accounted for. Their collective efforts were crucial for the survival and success of the clan.
Satisfied that she had covered all necessary details, she cleared her throat and declared, "We shall leave at moonhigh.”
S k i p p e r p a w
WindClan's energetic medicine cat apprentice
{interactions include: Daisykit and Oasismist}
Hues of honey golden peered up at the shadow that seated itself next to her with a swirl of fear and confusion before realization struck. Oasismist had briefly been mistaken for a stranger, and while Skipperpaw didn't personally know the older warrior she still recognized her clanmate. She sighed softly with relief - liking thinking that the 'stranger' had been something more than a simple cat - and offered the warrior a bright smile. "Don't worry, Oasismist! We'll be safe and sound as long as we follow Desertstar and stick together! We're all a big family, and mama always told me that nothing can go wrong as long as family sticks together!"
Her soft smile turned into a full grin that showed her pearly whites and it was entirely possible that the naive apprentice was mistaking Oasismist's warning for nervousness. In true Skipperpaw fashion, she tried her best to be uplifting and positive so as to settle the warrior's "anxiety" towards the move. Her attention only faltered when she noticed young Daisykit wobbling out of the nursery and she politely excused herself from Oasismist's company to go greet the young kitten.
By the time she approached the small group that was worriedly fussing over the sickly kitten Littlewoods had already soothed some of her coughing and was handing out herb bundles. "I'm going to be more towards the front of the patrol, but if you get bored and want a travel buddy, I'm just a meow away," she purred softly. Her long feathered tail wrapped protectively around her little patient and she leaned down to give Daisykit an encouraging lick on the forehead. "Carrying herbs should be left to the grumps so that we won't have to listen to them fuss as much," she whispered to Daisykit with a mischievous smile and a little giggle of her own.
With that, Skipperpaw scooped up one of the little emergency bundles of herbs, for she wanted to be prepared to take care of injuries at the front of the patrol if she needed to. She then moved forwards to catch up with Desertstar who had begun to lead the clan out of their now swampy home.
---
Skipperpaw's thick fur was barely any protection against the cold winds that struck them. The barren lands and lack of shelter made it easy for the elements to assault them on any and all fronts. Her happy-go-lucky demeanor hadn't changed, however, even with the wind giving her fur a windswept look while her eyes were squinted and her ears were angled back. "Ish hekkim' wimdy," she observed around her bundle of herbs. Her paws carefully navigated different cracks and rocks and she often found herself moving to hug the rocky walls to allow others to pass her by so that she could cast her gaze over the line of elders, warriors, apprentices, queens, kittens, and her mentor who trailed behind her.
A I R H E A R T
Cautiously, the queen placed one paw in front of the other, her eyes pinned on the uneven, rocky terrain in front of her. While Littlewoods's careful treatment had saved her eye from her injuries, her eyesight wasn't what it used to be. Her left-side was more cloudy than it was before and with how far along her pregnancy was, she needed to be more cautious where she was stepping- especially on unfamiliar ground.
That being said, her mates hadn't left her side during the entire trip. Goldensun on her left, supporting her bad side, and Appleblossom on her right, there to walk side-by-side with her. Their husband had been adamant about postponing WindClan's move as long as possible, but no matter how much he voiced his concerns with Desertstar, there was no avoiding the inevitable. Airheart could tell that he was unhappy with the situation, but both she and Appleblossom knew that it was just because he was worried about his mate and their kits.
She loved both of her mates dearly, and their upmost attention and care to her benefit and health, but there does come a point where one begins to feel like they worry too much. "I will be fine," she assured them gently, a purr in her throat. "I'm not the first cat to take a trip with kits in their belly."
Desertstar
The Leader of Windclan
The terrain quickly began to transform from the familiar moorland into rocky slopes, the once lush grass giving way to dry, barren earth as the clan followed Desertstar. The sky above remained a gloomy gray, threatening more precipitation, as her golden gaze scanned the terrain ahead, looking for the safest path.
The climb was slow and arduous, but the clan pressed on. The elder cats panted heavily, their muscles straining with each step, while the younger ones seemed to have an endless supply of energy. A few warriors, as per Desertstar's request, had volunteered to help carry the queens' kits, while others assisted Littlewoods and Moosepaw, the medicine cats, as they carried essential supplies.
Glancing behind her, she watched Orion as he spoke to Morningpaw, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of the bond between her dearest friend and her daughter. She knew that Orion, like many others, had no doubts in her decision. They'd been through too much together for mistrust to grow. A small smile graced her lips as she watched Morningpaw's determined face, her eyes following her for a moment. She knew that Morningpaw's role in the coming days would be crucial, as long as everyone else’s, and she trusted her daughter to rise to the occasion.
The golden leader turned her attention back to the clan, her gaze sweeping over the warriors and queens, making sure everyone was accounted for.
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
Once enough time had passed for preparations to be made, Desertstar returned to the center of camp. Carefully, she stepped forward, her paws sinking into the cold, hardened earth. The clan fell into a respectful silence, their eyes fixed on their leader, awaiting her dutiful guidance. Desertstar's gaze swept across the gathered cats, her voice calm.
"Clanmates," she began, their words carrying a weight that matched the gravity of the situation. "Today, we leave behind the only home we've ever known. I understand that this news may be unsettling, but staying here would only put us in further danger." She paused to look around, then with a steely glint in her golden eyes, added, "We have faced adversity before, and we have always come out stronger. This is no different. We may be leaving our familiar territory, but remember that the heart of WindClan resides within each and every one of us. It is not the land that defines us, but our resilience, loyalty, and unwavering spirit. Wherever we go we will carry our clan's legacy with us." she concluded, gaze falling upon each individual, hoping that her words would reach the depths of their hearts and give them some sort of courage as she began to lead her clan in the direction of the mountains. She looked ahead at the jagged peaks knowing that the journey to the mountains would not be easy, but she also knew that they had each other, and that no matter what, they would manage.
Bumblenose smiled warmly at Littlewoods, accepting the herb bundle with a nod of respect. "No problem, Littlewoods," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. “As for the evacuation, we're taking every precaution to ensure that our expecting queens are comfortable and safe during the journey,” she told him, then, sensing his unease, she paused for a moment, her eyes brimming with empathy. "No need to worry, Littlewoods," the warrior added softly, "When it comes to the evacuation, we are taking every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of our expecting queens during the journey,” she said reassuringly, her voice filled with genuine care. “I'll personally check on them later to ensure they're doing well. We're all working together to make sure everyone gets to the mountains in one piece."
As Whitesnake entered the nursery, his eyes narrowed at the sight of the playful kits clumsily darting between his long legs. A deep sigh escaped his lips, already uncomfortable.
Dandelionstem let out a quiet laugh before affectionately bumping into her son. "A little out of your element?" she teased, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.
Whitesnake rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated huff, his grumpy demeanor on full display. "And what if I am?" he grumbled, his words laced with a hint of resignation, "All that matters is that I make sure they stay safe and get where they need to go."
Dandelionstem nodded, appreciating her son’s willingness to help despite his aversion to kits. "Thank you,” she purred, “We need every cat's contribution to ensure a smooth evacuation."
Unable to hold back his sharp tongue, he couldn't help but scoff. "Smooth? I highly doubt there will be anything remotely smooth about evacuating kits. They'll be bouncing off the walls and testing my patience, I guarantee it," he grumbled. "I'll do my best to keep them safe, though."
With that, Whitesnake reluctantly joined the group of cats responsible for transporting the kits, his expression stern and unyielding. Whenever a kit got too rowdy or strayed too far, Whitesnake would let out a sharp hiss, reminding them to stay in line. As he inspected the group of kits before him, Whitesnake couldn't help but let his gruff voice carry through the air. "Alright, which one of you furballs are coming with me?" he asked, narrowing his pale, ice blue eyes.
Littlewoods
The kind-hearted medicine cat of Windclan
The little tom looked instinctively to Daisykit as she followed out of the medicine den. Quickly, he stooped to her level and rubbed at her chest with a paw to ease her coughing somewhat as she spoke, allowing her mother to take over once she arrived. He flicked his tail and brushed it across the kit's forehead, checking that she wasn't nursing a fever- just in case.
"I appreciate your offer for help, Daisykit, but you need to be focused on the journey." He let her down as gently as he could, "There will be a day where you can help me carry my herbs, but right now you need to be strong." Leaning in close, he added in a whisper to her. "...I think that Amberspark needs your help more than me. I'm sure a clever kit like you will be much more help taking care of your mother."
He sat upright again as Daisykit's father, Swiftstrike, offered his help, bowing his head and placing down one of the bundles of herbs from within his mouth. It made sense to split the herbs between cats, therefore if one supply became damaged, it wouldn't leave his clanmates without any healing herbs. Sure, he was certain he could request aid from his fellow medicine cats, but minimising the need for that was always ideal.
"Thank you greatly, Swiftstrike." He smiled at the tom as much as he could with herbs still in his jaws. "It's my responsibility as Windclan's medicine cat to care for all sick cats, and Daisykit is a pleasure to have around my den. She gets along well with Skipperpaw, having the energy around the place really helps keep every cat's spirits up."
As Bumblenose approached, Littlewoods nodded and handed her the other herb bundle. "Thank you too, Bumblenose. How goes the evacuation of the nursery? I'm really hoping any of our expecting queens aren't feeling the pressure of the journey already..." He wanted to step in and help, but he knew that he was needed on high alert in case of any injuries. He watched as Hailgaze's younger brother, Lighthollow, pushed his way through the nursery entrance, returning with a couple of small kits in his jaws, followed shortly by their mother.
He knew he could trust the warriors and queens, but it was still anxiety-inducing to see kits with their eyes barely open being taken from the camp much sooner than he'd like them to be. But with the way the camp was flooding quicker than ever, there wasn't much choice. "I'd like one final patrol right before we leave, just to double check we have every cat assembled safer up on the higher banks, especially the kits and elders...once we get moving, it will be much harder for Desertstar, Hailgaze and I to keep a consistent eye on every single cat."
He knew his parents and siblings would be helping as much as possible too, and yet he couldn't help but worry, especially about Morningblush, with how close he was to his younger sister.
In the heart of the bustling nursery, an older pale golden tabby moved gracefully among the queens and kits, her soft green eyes scanning the nursery with a discerning attentiveness. Her fur, adorned with faint patches of silver, shimmered like moonlight in the darkness of the den. As the mother of Desertstar, she carried herself with an air of quiet authority, and with a tender touch, she gathered the kits close, their tiny forms nestled against her soft fur. The older queen approached the younger mothers, offering her support and guidance. Her soothing voice, like a gentle lullaby, reassuring them that everything would be fine.
“Come, little ones. Gather around me and feel the warmth of my fur. I am here to protect you. We’re going on a journey soon, and some warriors will be here soon to carry you,” she purred, trying to make the whole ordeal less scary for them.
Right outside the nursery, amidst the aftermath, stood Whitesnake and Bumblenose. The two siblings stood side by side, the sturdy frame of Bumblenose bracing against the chill as Whitesnake surveyed the damage, his ice blue eyes narrowing as he glanced out at the frozen moorlands. The pair listened intently as Desertstar, their sister and clan leader, made the solemn announcement that they would be leaving their storm-ravaged camp and embarking on a journey to the mountains. The news hung heavy in the air, and uncertainty flickered in the eyes of their fellow clanmates. Whitesnake, usually quick-witted and sarcastic, was uncharacteristically quiet, his normally sharp tongue tempered by the seriousness of the situation.
Bumblenose stretched her muscular frame, already feeling the strain in her broad shoulders from the weight of the tasks that lay ahead. “I suppose we should start helping with preparations for the journey,” she told him, then glanced at the nursery, “You should stick with mom and help her with the kits.”
Whitesnake narrowed his eyes. "You’re joking, right? You know I don't do well with kits,” he grumbled, flattening his ears.
Bumblenose smirked, shouldering him playfully. "Because I trust you to take care of mom,” she answered honestly, then a playful glint appeared in her gaze before she added, “and besides, they're going to need my big muscles to carry all the heavy stuff."
Whitesnake rolled his eyes. “Whatever,” he shook his head, slinking towards the nursery. “Try not to strain any of your big muscles.”
With that settled, Bumblenose spotted Littlewoods and walked over. “Need a paw with those herbs?” she asked.
Daisykit The Delicate Daisy Of Windclan
Three-moon-old Daisykit, a petite diluted ginger, cream and white splotched frail kitten- hard barely been outside the nursery since the day she was born. Though she had been the strongest of all her siblings at birth, being the sole survivor, she was still fairly fragile all things considered.
The fact that Windclan’s weather was fluctuating so violently from one extreme to the next, was not being kind to the she-kit. She had developed quite a nasty sounding cough, and wheezed whenever she exerted herself, which caused her parents Amberspark and Swiftstrike to worry incessantly over her well-being.
Though Daisykit puts on a cheery face, on the inside she feels crushed with guilt, because she makes everyone worry about her so much. Even though it isn’t her fault. Daisykit hates how prone to illness she is, and wishes and prays to Starclan at night when she thinks no one is watching her. She wants nothing more than to get better, even though she fears as the days go by, she never will, so she can stop worrying everyone.
That’s why in spite of her vulnerabilities, she makes the attempt to contribute any way she can.
This is why when she heard Littlewoods ask for assistance, as she was escorted out of the Medicine Cat Den by her mother, she scampered away from Amberspark and towards the cat who never complained a day in his life over having to care for her.
“I-I can...I-” Daisykit began, but broke off, hacking and sniffling as her body shivered with the fierce bite of the chilly air. “I can c-carry...” She heaved and wheezed, as she tried desperately to catch her breath. “I can carry them!”
“Daisykit!” Amberspark rushed over and curled her tail around her and pulled her close, “My sweet darling, you mustn't exert yourself so. Especially in such dreadful weather as this.” She craned her head down and rubbed her face against her back, to stimulate her breathing.
Once Diasykit’s bout of breathlessness settled, Amberspark pulled away and licked the top of her head. “Never you worry about the herbs, I’ll have your father Swiftstrike offer his own help to Littlewoods.”
“B-But I-” Daisykit began as she looked up to her mother, wanting to protest but when she saw the deep-rooted worry shining within her mother’s eyes she deflated, and gave her a dismal nod. “Yes mama...” Though she reluctantly gave it up, a shimmer of tears misted up in her blue eyes, and she sniffled in frustration.
Swiftstrike, spotting his mate and their kit, bounded over to check over the situation. "Amberspark my love, is Daisykit alright? "She's fine, dearest, just a little winded. You know how she gets when the weather is unfavorable. I'll look after her and keep her safe, would you terribly mind in assisting Littlewoods with his herb stock?" Amberspark flicked her tail tip towards Littlewoods. "Not at all." Swiftstrike replied, as he licked his mate's forehead and then craned down to lick his kit's forehead. "You be careful now, my little flower. Stick close to your mother, and if you start feeling more unwell let her know so Littlewoods can have a look at you." With that he padded off to Littlewoods' side and bowed his head in a display of deep respect, after all without Littlewoods and his constant caring of Dasiykit... she may have perished with her siblings in their first moon of life. "I'll carry some of your herbs, Littlewoods. After all, I owe you at least this, and more for looking after my daughter, Littlewoods."
Littlewoods
The kind-hearted medicine cat of Windclan
Littlewoods had been sleeping when the clan meeting was called, having been working tirelessly into the floods to try and protect the herb stores from getting soaked by the water that had pushed its' way into the medicine den. Patients had already been evacuated, but the little tom had insisted on sleeping beside the herb stores, determined that he would be there to protect as many as possible if the water threatened to surge even higher. It took a couple moments for him to stir once Skipperpaw prodded him but once his eyes were opened he was wide awake.
Standing, he watched his apprentice as she seemed excited by the prospect of leaving camp. Whilst he probably should have chastised her for her inappropriate excitement considering the circumstances, he could understand her restlessness. It was something new, something exciting, and he knew many young cats would be feeling the same.
"...Yes, We need to be ready as soon as we can, but for now, you should go and help our clanmates. I'll bring what we have left here. I would like you to be there in case anyone gets any injuries on the way. I'd like you to be at the front of the patrol, since it's your first time properly moving like this." Luckily, none of their clanmates so far had perished in the storm, and he'd like to keep it that way. Skipperpaw was still fairly new as his apprentice, and yet he had to admire her energy. It was a lot less challenging to teach an apprentice who was actually willing to learn. "And remember, Skipperpaw, listen to Desertstar and Hailgaze. I may be your mentor, but they will keep you safe. I will be at the back of the patrol, so don't be afraid to come to me if you need anything."
Once his apprentice had headed out, Littlewoods began preparing herb wraps. It wasn't the neatest work he had ever done, but the little tom had thought ahead once the storm had begun setting in and had prepared some larger leaves to wrap his herbs in to keep them easy to carry. He wrapped neatly-tied bundles of herbs in tufts of rabbit fur and duck-feathers he'd managed to stop from spoiling, and wrapped them in larger leaves. He did not regret the choice of doing so, feeling much more confident that even when dipped in water, the herbs would be safe for long enough to be kept and still used.
Picking up his leaf bundles in his jaws, the medicine cat hopped down from his raised herb storage, padding out into the clearing and making his way to Desertstar's side. His fur was already beginning to stick to him, and his tail twitched uncertainly across the muddy grass.
"I need someone to take these herbs, they are wrapped well so if they get a bit wet, they'll be okay." The tom spoke through the bundles in his teeth. "I'll be at the back of the patrol unless I'm needed for any injuries, making sure every cat is keeping safe and no cat gets left behind. I have grabbed everything that is important from my den, so no cat needs to worry about it if it gets washed away. Our den can be replaced, but your lives cannot! Protect your clanmates first. We can rebuild our dens, we can rebuild our camp. But we need all of you here to do it."
Littlewoods may be small, but his words carried a passion in themselves.
~Oasismist~
“Best you keep a level head.” From seemingly out of nowhere, Oasismist appeared next to Skipperpaw’s side. Oasismist, was known by their clanmates for their eccentrics and for being one of Desertstar’s kits. Most notably, and infamously, they were known for having been cat napped in the Civil War and coming back... changed.
Though how changed were they truly?
No one in Windclan knew for certain just how the experience had changed them. Only Oasismist could answer that, and yet they refused to even speak of what they’d gone through.
The clan couldn’t even begin to understand the depths of Oasismist’s trauma. “Leaving camp like this is not to be taken lightly. Though you are relatively safe, never forget.... dangers can wait just around the bend and prove lethal.” Their voice was edged with something indiscernible, perhaps something sinister? Or was it just merely a warning to be aware?
Honestly, no one could tell with Oasismist.
Ever since that day, Oasismist had something dark hanging over them, like a storm cloud, so heavy and threatening to burst forth into a turbulent storm. Leaving their clanmates to wonder what exactly would occur if it ever did.
Unbeknownst to Windclan, it already had done so.
But theirs was a silent storm.
Oasismist stared deeply into Skipperpaw’s eyes, and just underneath the surface, a subtle glint of emotion flashed within their eyes. Before Skipperpaw could even ponder on what the look might mean, Oasismist turned away from the apprentice, before she had the time to even get a word in edgewise.
“We best make both ourselves useful, mhn? I wouldn’t want to disappoint my mother dearest by sitting on my rump while things need tending to.”
With that, Oasismist started to gather up essential supplies for the evacuation. Their "warning" hanging heavily within the air.
It should have come as no surprise that, as Desertstar called a clan meeting, golden hues were quick to flash from the darkness of the medicine cat's den. Full of life and much energy, Skipperpaw was not really much for sleep. She often times was up at odd hours of the night, so being one of the first few to answer the call of their leader was not out of character for her. At first she merely sat at the entrance to the shared den and listened to Desertstar only to spring to her paws when it dawned on her that she should make sure that Littlewoods had heard the call for the meeting and was awake.
"Littlewoods!" She chirped out the tom's name and scrambled back into the den where his nest was. She gently patted the top of his head with a white tipped paw before she rested it back on the ground. Her nails pricked the soil as she began kneading at the ground in anticipation. "We're leaving camp!" Her voice had an odd tone of excitement to it as opposed to the expected fear or uncertainty like many of her clanmates. "It's like we're going on an adventure!"
The tortoiseshell's body shuddered every now and then with the excitement she felt. She didn't wait long for the medicine cat to rouse from his nest. Instead she opted to return to the camp for the rest of the meeting where she settled herself next to Sagecloud. Her claws worked at the softened soil when she once again began her biscuit making, all while her body still trembled. "I've never left the territory before," she murred under her breath to no one in particular.
Morningpaw
&
Orion
The massive Maine Coon tom had let out a long sigh, listening to Desertstar’s words. Of course the former traveler predicted it.. The weather was getting too harsh, it was becoming unbearable to live in camp. The friendship between Orion and Desertstar had been strong since the start, the two had been through a lot together.. The black tom wouldn’t dare question his best friend’s choices, she was making a choice that would benefit Windclan. Sitting up from the entrance of warrior’s den, his dark green eyes were narrowed and moving towards the apprentices
“Morningpaw, make sure that you guide the others.. You’re the eldest apprentice, gotta put on a brave face for the young ones.. They’ll be looking at you for guidance.” Orion said, to which Morningpaw had looked at the massive black tom with a determined face “Yes sir!” Morningpaw said, running off. The youngest daughter of Desertstar was very determined to help her mother in order to make sure that everyone left.. The golden and black bengal wanted to make sure that her clanmates were safe just like mama!
Letting out a soft hum, Morningpaw went towards the apprentices’ den and peaked into it “Come on guys! We got to listen to Mama and get out!” Morningpaw said. Although the golden and black bengal molly was the only kit in Desertstar’s second litter, she was incredibly spoiled by both of her parents hwen it came to attention and love.
sagecloud
The multicoloured feline shivered due to the extreme weather, eyes tightly shut as she sat outside the entrance to the warriors' den. A part of her almost believed that if she blocked out the sensations around her, she might just wake up from this horrendous dream. Alas, the destruction of her home was not a nightmare, but the reality Sagecloud and her clan were currently living. Starclan why? Pulling her paws closer to her chest, the she-cat finally opened her amber eyes to look up at the sky, desperately trying to see if any stars were visible, but the storm clouds tainted the sky, taunting the clan with their destruction.
Her eyes caught the leader, Desertstar, as the feline called a clan meeting and gave the news they all feared. Shifting her paws uneasily, Sagecloud looked around at her nervous clanmates, their eyes carrying the same uneasy, anxious feelings the windclan warrior felt herself. Turning her gaze back to their leader, Sagecloud felt a surge of reassurance flow through her body when she noticed Desertstar’s unwavering confidence. Sagecloud had an unwavering loyalty to her clan and an unbreakable trust in her leader. “Desertstar will keep us safe,” the dappled molly started, looking at her peers, lifting her chin to show her confidence in their leader, “I trust her completely.” Though the feline was not a senior warrior, she hoped her faith would influence the others.
Listening to the rest of Desertstar’s instructions, keeping the leader's gaze, hoping that despite her show of confidence, her eyes would not betray her fear. “I will help the queens and kits.” Sagecloud offered, nodding along to Desertstar’s instructions. Her heart sank at the thought of the young kits, their first memories being a life-threatening storm - would their small bodies be able to handle such destruction? Sagecloud shuddered at the thought of losing even a single clan member, though the anxious thoughts fueled her resolve. Giving her leader a nod, the she-cat glanced at the dwindling, pitiful fresh-kill pile, her stomach clawing at her insides with hunger, but turned to the nursery, knowing the others would need to fill their bellies to gain strength for the journey far more than her.