Post by Moonblazer on Jun 23, 2024 22:17:22 GMT -5
Foxrose was nearly silent in her darting, the familiar paths through the dark forest easy for her to follow. She did make one change though, flicking her tail against the foliage just barely to keep him chasing. She smiled to herself, thrilled with the chase, but also relieved that Yarrowcloud would have another familiar face to talk to. His anguish struck her. It was impossible not to be, seeing as he had been such a dear friend when they had grown up together, been apprentices together, everything. Yes, this would be a grand gift.
Once she reached the tangled walls of thorns and thistles that began her path to her secret grove, she stood still beside the entrance opening, her muzzle curled with a playful smile as she waited for Warblerwind to approach closer. Waving her tail invitingly, she darted into the opening.
Yarrowcloud’s head shot up from his resting spot in the soft black sand of the hollow. He could hear Foxrose’s quiet pawsteps, but more importantly, much louder approaching ones. He bristled, the spirit jumping to his paws and preparing to strike at whoever was threatening or chasing Foxrose.
Before him stood the spirit of a formidable cat, so different to the elder he'd seen at Gatherings. His mouth opened and closed uselessly, and he found himself struck dumb by the sight of Yarrowcloud restored to his former glory.
Yarrowcloud had lunged forwards the moment that Foxrose had skittered to his side, aiming to catch the intruder with large claws, only to stop at the last second before his claws could connect. Thumping down and skidding to a halt, the large tom widened his black-rimmed eyes, the blue in the center like a round pool. Releasing a breath full of adrenaline, he gaped. “Warblerpaw?!”
“Warblerwind, now.” Foxrose reminded with a little giggle, brushing at Yarrowcloud’s side as she whispered. “I brought you another friend.”
“What are- you shouldn’t be here.” Yarrowcloud stammered, before his voice hardened with a soft concern. Powerful, yet clearly caring for the younger tom’s wellbeing. “What are you doing here?!”