After every [Frost] comes the [Sun]

[ℓυиαя]

OOC: Alright, so I'm going to set this after Vineheart walks out of the den after speaking to Fallowmist and Ratstar (as she doesn't want to hold of the patrols) so this will be shortly after the spat between Sandstrike and Russetfox. They could still even be around if you'd like, ya know, to cause a bit of drama ;) Right- [Acro.], Avery

Passing through the entrance to Ratstars den, Vineheart felt the pressure that crushed her chest lift now that she was out of the scrutinizing gaze of Fallowmist. That had been.. difficult.. however she knew that regardless of Ratstars opinion, she was doing the right thing, for Wildpaw. Looking out over the camp Vineheart noted that most of the cats had dispersed back to the comfort of their dens and she didn't blame them. A chilled wind picked up around her as she made her way around Moonrock, her long fur buffeted by the cold, invisible force. It was still hard to believe that her best friend was actually.. missing. As in, not away on her own plans but.. missing.

Golden eyes teared up at the thought and she shook her head to clear them. They would do nothing, NOTHING to bring her friend back. Narrowing her eyes at the tears, their presence annoyed her. She shouldn't be weak during a time like this, she would make a patrol and everything would be ok. It would all be ok. 

Yet as she told herself that, the ball of dread stayed in her stomach, unmoving, growing bigger.

Looking around camp, Vineheart tried to see some cats that could be interested in a last minute patrol. She knew it was cold and most had gone to bed but.. she couldn't sleep knowing she hadn't at least tried. The thought crossed her mind that some might think her annoying or pathetic yet those would most likely only be those that didn't care about Wildpaws absence, those that were cold and cruel. Vineheart didn't care. For her, friends came before reputations and though Wildpaw didn't haave a great one, she made an amazing friend. And so, with that in mind the young deputy yelled out in the clearing.

"All those free for a patrol, please report here immediately." Her voice, which was usually warm and welcoming held almost a hollow quality, those eyes hardened against all other emotions. She would do this.

Wildpaw would be found.

[[Acro.]]

ooc:// THAT WOULD BE GREAT EXCEPT RUSSETFOX HAS ALREADY "briskly trotted out of the camp clearing and into the surrounding forest." but DON'T WORRY I GOT THIS.
WHEEEEEE

He needed to calm down.

Collect himself.

Steady his insides.

Sandstrike had grown up with Ratstar and Fallowmist--he knew their ways, their styles, their mannerisms, how they could always hide everything behind a sheet of some cold exterior--so one would think... that maybe, maybe the tom would have picked up on some of that talent.

but, no.

He was an expert liar, but when Sandstrike really had a feeling to feel... he didn't always hide it so well. And now was no exception. He'd kept it together with Russetfox in his face, but once the she-cat had left, leaving him with her lovely parting words, he'd lost his casual air and the fire had bloomed across his face. Now he was stalking across the clearing, knowing he needed to not follow the treacherous she-cat or else he'd risk disaster. His head was low and his tail was lashing, and he hardly felt the cold for the heat that radiated away from him. Russetfox did not threaten him...

but she did disgust him.

The long-legged tom was just on his way to grab some partially-frozen freshkill--something he could freely dig his fangs into--when he brushed past Otterfrost, talking to her new apprentice. Sensing the tension, the slender, chocolate she-cat excused herself and trailed after the senior warrior, her own long legs easily keeping pace beside him. "Sandstrike," she greeted, glancing around and keeping her voice down. Though she was younger, different circumstances had granted her a certain familiarity--perhaps even camaraderie--with the tom. And now she could tell he was bristling beside her.

"Otterfrost," he returned, practically growling out her name, his voice low.

"What's going on?" she prompted, her brow furrowed and her soft yellow eyes filled with concern. The tom's lip curled back and he lashed his tail, but before he could hiss a reply, a voice slowed him down and drew his attention away from the red he was seeing in front of him. He halted, and Otterfrost remained at his side.

"All those free for a patrol, please report here immediately."

Oh, absolutely--did he ever have energy to burn tonight.

The cinnamon warrior threw a glance toward his chocolate companion, who lifted her brow in return, and then he made his way over to the Deputy. Otterfrost hung back, watching him go, expression contemplative. "Here," he announced as he approached Vineheart, keeping his eyes focused on anything except for her. He knew if he saw her now, he would only be reminded that he was angry. "Otterfrost is coming, too."

'...I guess that's what I'm doing, then,' thought the lanky warrior as she made her way over to join the expanding patrol. "Deputy Vineheart," she greeted respectfully with a nod of her head. And then she was quiet, looking to the brown tabby for direction... and wondering what had so riled the tom beside her.

[Avery]

Tags:
Muse: Meh
Words: 505
OOC: I give people permission to hate on Wildpaw haha and agree with Gorsefur.
---

Half-blood?
Pure-blood?
Mangy tabby-fur?

What was the crazy badger talking about?

Liquid chocolate orbs were round with horror at the words Gorsefur spewed from her cracking lips. Spit flew as she continued to rant on and on regarding his friend Wildpaw. Not really grasping what the Elder or Softblossom was going on about, Sunpaw slowly slunk away from the two bickering she-cats. He moved into the center of the clearing, hoping to catch a glance of his brother Tigerpaw, still wanting to congratulate him and asking if they could perhaps patrol one of these days.. because that's what apprentice's and warriors seemed to do. Glancing over his shoulder he watched curiously at the exchange between his older sister Russetfox and the senior warrior Sandstrike. The two seemed interlocked in a battle of words, each throwing poisonous glares towards one another. Although, truth be told, Sunpaw believed his sister would win that round. She had quite the toxic look.

"All those free for a patrol, please report here immediately."

Large, round ears swiveled forwards and the young tom pounced on his paws to the front row of the cat's that were slowly gathering. Coming to a halt near Sandstrike and Otterfrost, he puffed up his small chest and raised his tail. "I'm here! I'm ready to patrol!" His meow was strong, and caught the attention of those around him. "If it's for Wildpaw you won't prevent me from going. Just try." Narrowing his blazing eyes he looked around, waiting to see if someone was going to challenge him. Sure enough, the moment he finished, his new mentor declared to lead a patrol (@lilykit).

---

"I-" The she-cat's rant was cut off at the yowl of the young deputy. Head swinging she tried to locate where Softblossom and Sunpaw had ended up, only to realize that she had been ranting to nothing but air. Snarling in anger the elder hauled herself onto her paws and set off to find Sunpaw in order to continue tearing a strip off the tom. These apprentice's need to learn! They just think they can walk all over the place. Well, we shall see about that. Her thoughts swirled around her mind wrapped in darkness, bitterness and anger. After bumping into a few of the cat's that had already gathered Gorsefur finally scented Sunpaw nearby. "You!" She growled, only to be cut off again by several cat's yowling that they will join a patrol or lead a patrol. "Now listen here! Why are we bothering putting out patrols for a she-cat that probably doesn't want to be found? I know myself, and a majority of other's, find her rather unwanted and rather useless in this Clan. So really, why waste the resources looking for a cat that has probably gone off to find a tom or a new home or perhaps join a rogue group?"
A slight pause before a look of slyness replaced her anger twisted face, and she rasped out, "It's been a month, she's probably dead."

[ℓυиαя]

Soon after her call, the little tabby noticed a familiar sandy tom head over to her. Within the tendrils of dread and suffocating darkness that seemed to fill the Sunsetclan deputy, there was a flicker of light, like a small flame, still vulnerable yet a stand against the dread that had settled in her gut. It wavered and danced, not caring that all around it was darkness and the unknown. It didn't banish the night completely but it was a start.

It was hope. 

She wasn't in this alone, others missed and cared for Wildpaw too.

"Sandstrike, Otterfrost" a small smile of thanks came with the soft greeting. Those large eyes searched for the toms and when he never met her gaze, white whiskers twitched anxiously while rounded ears flattened. What had changed? Was the sandy warrior merely shocked and upset about Wildpaw's disappearance? It was certainly understandable but from what Vineheart knew of the experienced warrior, he seemed to hide everything behind a sly grin and a cunning wink. Never had she seen him like this, never had he so outright ignored her and made her feel invisible. Confused and hurt, Vinehearts soft gaze swept to the pretty she-cat beside him, a she-cat with a intact face and an air of confidence. Otterfrost. The hurt escalated in those eyes and once more she looked back to the sandy tom, hoping that maybe she had imagined the whole thing. That she would catch that charming grin and a caring gaze.

Just like that, the flame went out and she was immersed in the choking darkness once more.

Taking a deep breath that was a paw length away from shuddering, Vineheart averted her gaze and busied herself with looking around camp, anything to keep her eyes dry and her breathing controlled. but it was hard, her body tense, her gaze dull with the effort. It would only be a matter of time until - "I'm here! I'm ready to patrol!"
Gaze snapping to the owner of the eager determined voice, Vineheart was glad for the interruption. "If it's for Wildpaw you won't prevent me from going. Just try."
The determination in that young voice was the reason for the small smile to once again cross the young deputies scarred face. It was soft and feeble but his words gave her a distraction to lock onto. "Of course you may join Sunpaw," she said with a kind gaze. "I wouldn't think of turning you away." The small tom had been close to Wildpaw, Vineheart knew and had just as much right to be here that any of them did. 

"Now listen here! " A rasping voice called out. Gorsefur, an elder known for her grating personality and harsh words. Turning her gaze towards the older she cat, Vineheart flattened her ears slightly as the coot carried on. "Why are we bothering putting out patrols for a she-cat that probably doesn't want to be found? I know myself, and a majority of other's, find her rather unwanted and rather useless in this Clan. So really, why waste the resources looking for a cat that has probably gone off to find a tom or a new home or perhaps join a rogue group?" 

Ignore her.

"It's been a month, she's probably dead." 

The change was sudden, the normally soft eyes  narrowing and flaring to a bright anger as those ears flattened more against her skull. Never had the kindhearted deputy looked as mad as she did, as furious as she did in that moment. Body tense, tail snapping against the air, Vineheart pinned the elder with eyes like claws. "I care not for your cruel words, Gorsefur. It you would prefer to not partake then kindly keep your nose out of it." Watching the elder, Vineheart's voice remained firm but lost some of the anger. "I understand you have an opinion but right now I would appreciate it being kept to yourself. Regardless of what you think, we are going to find her and these cats wouldn't be voluntarily if they thought as you do." A dismissive flick of those rounded ears and the tabbies gaze returned to the gathered cats, passing over each one and using her annoyance to block her sadness for the time being.

Now was not the time for her to think about her feelings. This was not about her and as much as she wanted to go to Sandstrike and ask him why or curl up in her den and be left alone, she would have time for that later. Wildpaw was missing and that came first. Her duties as deputy came first. Taking a deep breath, Vineheart nodded to the group, "Right, we best be off."

[[Acro.]]

Sandstrike glanced Sunpaw's way as the newly-made apprentice eagerly joined their growing troupe. A part of him, his rational side, was proud that this little cat was so bent and determined to find his Clanmate--that he showed little fear in the face of warriors and his Deputy. However, the tom was still molten on the inside, his blood boiling with hot anger, and so he said nothing to the younger feline and instead swept his eyes around camp. He could see Vineheart in his peripheral, and Russetfox's voice whispered darkly in his ear: "Be a shame if something were to go wrong with your... responsibilities..."

His whiskers pulled back and he turned his head sharply, ensuring he could not see Vineheart at all--or, more importantly, ensuring she could not see him.

She didn't need to see him in this state.

She didn't need to think it was because of her.

Best to shield her from it.

She had more important things to worry about than some slimy she-cat who thought she could threaten without consequences. Sandstrike would take care of that.

Meanwhile, Otterfrost watched the Deputy curiously, seeing how Vineheart's gaze had brightened and then quickly dulled after they'd approached. 'Huh...' She wondered what the cause could be, and then she felt Vineheart's gaze on her and her soft-yellow eyes widened. What was that? What had that look been? And why did Otterfrost suddenly have this creeping feeling that she had just caused someone, somewhere, some kind of offense? Scrambling to piece this increasingly odd night together, the she-cat's thoughts were interrupted by a rasping, irate voice.

"Now listen here!"

Oh, great, it was Gorsefur. As the senile old creature rambled on, Otterfrost did well to ignore her, for the most part. She remembered back when the geezer and Wildpaw had fall into an actual, physical altercation... Just what was it with those two?

"It's been a month, she's probably dead."

Otterfrost winced, feeling Sandstrike tense beside her. She was afraid the tom was about to step forward, put the Elder in her place... but, even more unnerving than the threat of him unleashing his temper in this way, was the fact that Vineheart, of all cats, beat him to the punch. While the Deputy stood against Gorsefur, Otterfrost watched Sandstrike watch her. His eyes were narrowed, blazing, but he also seemed... surprised. Pleasantly. He turned away once Vineheart turned back to the group, and Otterfrost was, again, left wondering.

"Right, we best be off."

Right.

The long-legged she-cat acknowledged Vineheart, glancing back at the young apprentice who had joined them. "Come on, Sunpaw," she chimed with an invitational flick of her tail. "Show us warriors how patrolling is really done." "And get away from that crazy Elder," she wanted to say, but kept her mouth shut, knowing better than to add fuel to the fire.

Sandstrike simply nodded in return to Vineheart, his eyes narrowly fixed onto the camp's entrance. Where Russetfox had gone. StarClan help her if he found her out there. Or, StarClan give him the strength to not make the she-cat need their help. Not tonight. Her words, again, intruded into his thoughts, and his lip curled. "And I'd like to see that warrior try Sandstrike."

Oh. Oh, he would do more than try.

Bristling, the tom, caught up in a haze of his own temper, lashed his tail and began stalking toward the entrance, passing Vineheart without a glance and not caring who from the patrol followed or lingered behind.

He just needed to move.

[Avery]

Tags: ℓυиαя, [Acro.]
Music: None
Words:
Muse: Solid
---
"I care not for your cruel words, Gorsefur. It you would prefer to not partake then kindly keep your nose out of it. I understand you have an opinion but right now I would appreciate it being kept to yourself. Regardless of what you think, we are going to find her and these cats wouldn't be voluntarily if they thought as you do."

Although the matted brown furred warrior could not see the young deputy she could hear the dismissal in her voice and that infuriated her. Fur standing on end (well as far as it could go with all the mats) the elder's shredded ears pressed flat against her skull the she-cat pulled her lips into the beginning of a snarl. "I-" She began before the deep red furred tom cut her off, "Stuff it Gorsefur." Sunpaw's tail flicked angrily, his liquid chocolate eyes blazing and locked onto the bulky frame beside him. "That is no way to speak to-" She was cut off once again by the voice of another elder, this one kinder and slightly exasperated.

"There you are!" The petite form scuttled hehe towards her friend and gave her a sharp nudge on Gorsefur's shoulders. "Sorry Vineheart, I went to the dirt making place and when I came back she was gone. I went back to the den, unaware that we had a meeting and well I heard her voice..." She gave her den-mate a hard glare, "C'mon Gorsefur, let's get some poppy seed in you and off to rest. You've had enough adventure for one day." Gorsefur opened her mouth at the indignant act and was about to respond again, before the other elder gave her a firmer shove. "Fine!" She snapped icily her head swinging towards the elder's den. "I'm going! No need to push!" Head held high, she stomped forwards only to pause at Sunpaw. "You'd best watch yourself Sunpaw. I'm not one to take lightly... Ask your friend Wildpaw ... If she's still alive that is." With a wicked cackle the elder marched onwards unaware of Sunpaw's response.

---

"You'd best watch yourself Sunpaw. I'm not one to take lightly... Ask your friend Wildpaw ... If she's still alive that is."

You take that back you mangy old fleabag!


The stench of Gorsefur's breath reeked as the elder leaned towards him. Bunching his muscles the young tom prepared to launch himself directly at her, wanting her to regret saying those words about his friend. "You!" He stuttered out before he took off, only to find a body of fur in front of him. Rearing back in surprise he noticed it was Otterfrost. "Let me at her!" He growled, pressing himself to the ground to peer at the retreating golden brown elder from underneath Otterfrost's belly (she was to tall for him to look over her). "She deserves a good lesson!" Evidently the fresh apprentice completely forgot that he hadn't really learned anything to teach the elder anything.

[ℓυиαя]

Feeling that the elder still had more to say, Vinehearts golden gaze once more snapped to the matteredoncelookedbetter elder, her eyes daring her to step across the line. For once, the gentle she cat had more anger and frustration than she knew what to do with. If any cat was to step on her wrong side there would be hell to pay. Tail swishing at the air, sure enough the elder went to rant once more.

"I-" 

"Stuff it Gorsefur." Sunpaw to the rescue, his young voice cutting the irate elder off.

"That is no way to speak to-" 

At the second interruption, Vineheart watched as the elder was prodded away, nodding in thanks to the second, clearly apologetic elder. Yet as Sandstrike stalked out of the camp not seeming to care if anyone followed or not, Vineheart's eyes were drawn to him much like a fish to water. The anger from her encounter with Gorsefur still simmered but deep down was the fresh stinging hurt at his cold ignorance of her, of his dangerous silence. Standing up, her tail up high behind her, Vineheart looked over to the other warrior and apprentice before she too trotted out of the camp, with a flick of her tail for them to follow. The best thing for now, would be to distance herself from the tom, keep an air of cool professionality and forget..

Forget about how he had treated her wounds,

Forget about how he had stayed till the small hours to groom her coat, curled up in her nest,

Forget.

Because clearly that is what he was doing.

Shaking her head to clear it as much as she could, with a shakey clearing of her throat, Vineheart took a deep breath and looked around the sparsely spread out patrol. Turning her mind to the other aspect of her worry and frustration, Vineheart thought of Wildpaw. There was no doubt the entire territory would need to be searched but what would it do if half the patrol was distant from the other. Eyes moved to the tom out in front and she moved her legs faster to catch up, when she did so keeping her distance. To get too close would mean her resolve would break. She was an emotional cat at the best of times without her best friend missing and Sandstrike giving her the cold shoulder.

"We will keep this patrol to our perimeters for now.. if everything seems to be in order, then we will consider other options." With a flick of that tail, Vineheart pulled ahead of the group, forcing herself to not look at the tom she wanted to more than anything. What was left unsaid was in her tone, strong yet fragile. I hope it doesn't come to that.

The dread crept back in.

[[Acro.]]

"Let me at her! She deserves a good lesson!"

Otterfrost, relieved she had intercepted the fiery little tom before there was a repeat of Goresfur vs. Apprentice. She quirked her brow down at Sunpaw and then dug her eyes into the elder's receding form before trying to usher the apprentice away, back to the patrol. "Oh, she absolutely does," the she-cat remarked quietly, voice low for only him. "If you're ever assigned to clean the Elders' nests, well... maybe accidentally drop a thorn into hers, hm?" The slender warrior quirked her brow down at the tom, hoping he was intrigued enough by her proposition to forget he was about to chase after the rickety elder.

"We will keep this patrol to our perimeters for now.. if everything seems to be in order, then we will consider other options."

Otterfrost looked up in time to see the patrol (well, Vineheart and Sandstrike) already departing. "Come on, Sunpaw," she repeated. "Let's not be left behind." She then began striding to keep up with the others, her long legs carrying her easily to trail beside the Deputy, her eyes worriedly on Sandstrike a few paces away. The last time the tom had been angry like this, he had inadvertently attacked Otterfrost (though, back then he had been much angrier)... which was probably why she was so anxious about him now, and also why, interestingly enough, she was not afraid of him clawing her ears off.

Been there, done that. Terrifying, yes, but survivable.

And better her than the Deputy, who might not be expecting it.

Trying not to be too obvious about it, Otterfrost altered her pace and then veered toward the tom, approaching him calmly and keeping her eyes fixed straight ahead. She inclined her head and dropped her voice to speak to him, one ear trained in his direction. With the way he was moving, she was convinced he'd walk right over her if she got in his way, or even if she just got too close. "You sure you want to be out here right now?" she questioned quietly, not bothering to sugarcoat her concern. She tried to speak lowly, but there was a high chance that the others could hear her. The downfall of such a small patrol.

The tom stalked on, his tail weaving dangerously behind him. His eyes burned ahead, and he was sure the cats around him would be able to feel the heat washing away from his body. He tried to put a bit more distance between himself and Vineheart, not wanting her to be subject to his hot anger. He wasn't as concerned about Otterfrost--she was familiar enough with his temper. At her question, the cinnamon tom flicked his ear in response, dismissing it. but then, as the initial haze began to subside, the tom considered the situation and threw a glance toward Vineheart. He thought of Russetfox, out there somewhere in the territory, and how easy it would be to track her down... Sandstrike sharply averted his eyes once again, and then muttered darkly to Otterfrost, "Don't leave me."

Don't let him go off alone.

Otterfrost swallowed dryly and then gave a tense nod, glancing apprehensively toward the young apprentice and then to the Deputy, wondering if Sandstrike wanted to protect them from his anger... or if it was something else, entirely.

[Avery]

Tags: [Acro.], ℓυиαя
Muse: Very high
Music: None
Words: 544
Ooc: Can I just like squish this cute little bugger?
----
"If you're ever assigned to clean the Elders' nests, well... maybe accidentally drop a thorn into hers, hm?"

Bum wiggling in anticipation at launching himself at the receding backside of Gorsefur, he flattened his ears, narrowing his eyes to pinpoint his location. "Wait, what?" He meowed, snapping out of his position and stood to face Otterfrost. "I can do that? Wait, I have to clean the Elder's dens?" Light brown eyes clouding with confusion before he realized that she didn't mean right now. "Oh!" He chuckled, his white whiskers twitching in amusement, and a wicked grin crossed his handsome features. "'Accidently... right..." Plumed feather tail flamboyantly sashayed behind him as he watched the brown tail tip disappear into the darkness of the Elder's den.

That would definitely be a good idea.

"Come on on, Sunpaw. Let's not get left behind."

"Coming Otterfrost!"

The young tom eagerly bounded off after the set of warriors, and he couldn't help but feel the excitement pour from his paws. His first patrol! His first time out of the camp and it was with the coolest, most bad ass warriors in Sunsetclan! Liquid chocolate brown orbs slid from the lithe and majestic form of Otterfrost as she scurried towards the tom in the middle of the pack. He marveled at the way she stepped quietly, almost gliding across the forest floor like a Starclan warrior. Moving towards the light cinnamon warrior beside her, he couldn't help but cock his head at Sandstrike. The tom seemed agitated but Sunpaw didn't ignored the tension that radiated off Sandstrike. The older warrior radiated power, and held a commanding stature that demanded respect. Ears sliding forwards he tried to mimic him by puffing out his white long furred chest slightly and forced his legs to take longer strides. Sunpaw could only manage the position for so long before he deflated and resolved to practice later. Birds twittered overhead and caught his attention easily, watching the bright small figures dancing amongst the dark green New-Leaf foliage above them. The forest was different compared to their sea-side camp, and flicked his tail. He couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed in the fact that his mentor couldn't be with him, but the feeling quickly evaporated once he caught sight of who was at the front.

... His first patrol.. was with the deputy!

Bounding forwards he brushed past Sandstrike and Otterfrost in order to match the pace of the petite tabby. "Vineheart!" He trilled, clearly excited at the prospect of having a conversation with someone he looked up to. "Vineheart! I just want to say thank you for allowing me to join you! I mean, I know I'm just became an apprentice, but it's an honor to be here helping look for my friend Wildpaw. I was worried that you wouldn't let me because I'm so new, but thank you. I can't wait to tell her once she's back." His voice trailed off at the end, worry over powering his eager emotions. "I mean, we are going to find her right? I know she hasn't really been around all that much.. but she wouldn't just leave right? She promised to show me some hunting moves in the morning..."

[ℓυиαя]

OOC: AVERY HE IS SOOO CUTE!
Tags: [Acro.], Avery

As the tabby trotted along, she tried to forget about the tension radiating from behind her, tried to lie her pelt flat and squish the ball of dread curled in her stomach. Why was it that the moment it went bad it was really bad? Because among her worry and dread for her best friend, there were doubts running through her mind on Sandstrikes behaviour.

Where was she?

Had he always thought like this and it was only now coming to the surface?

Had Wildpaw been taken? Was she still alive?

Or would she stumble across her over the next dune?

Shuddering, Vineheart squeezed her eyes shut and focused on the sand under her feet rather than the cold anger radiating from behind her and the dread that stormed her mind. Everything would be OK, Wildpaw would be found and things would return to normal. Everyone was just stressed out and tired. It would be OK. Repeating the mantra to herself as she opened her eyes, Vineheart surveyed the area around them wondering how successful this patrol would be when Sandstrike didn't seem capable of working with her right now.

A scampering of paws had her furrowing slightly before an excited voice piped up to her side.

"Vineheart!" Ahh, Sunpaw. Vineheart had a soft spot for the young apprentice and turned her head to take in the little tom, eyes kind and hiding her worry. He continued with the excitement ringing in his voice.

"Vineheart! I just want to say thank you for allowing me to join you! I mean, I know I'm just became an apprentice, but it's an honor to be here helping look for my friend Wildpaw. I was worried that you wouldn't let me because I'm so new, but thank you. I can't wait to tell her once she's back... I mean, we are going to find her right? I know she hasn't really been around all that much.. but she wouldn't just leave right? She promised to show me some hunting moves in the morning..."

Looking down at the tom as he padded along beside her, Vineheart latched on to the distraction from the force radiating behind her, used his determination and innocence to fill her own tank. "No need to thank me, you have just as much right to be here than the rest of us." You are doing more than you know, little one. His chatty personality and positive attitude lifted a little of the heaviness from around the deputies shoulders. As he turned more serious and a cloud of doubt shrouded his vision, the deputies gaze grew more serious and her pace slowed slightly. "Yes Sunpaw, we will find her." In the morning? Why would she say something like that if.. if she had intended on leaving. Up until this point, Vineheart had never really thought that she would have left the clan without telling anyone but the apprentices words further cemented that opinion. If she was planning on coming back, why hadn't she? Taking a deep breath, Vineheart once more spoke to the tom, straining but managing to keep her voice steady. "Wildpaw is good with promises, you will learn those hunting moves soon enough. Maybe not in the morning, but soon."

Shaking out her long pelt, Vineheart turned her gaze out ahead, focusing on teaching and working with the inexperienced tom than what was going on behind her and inside her head. That would not help her friend come back and as great as it would be for Sandstrike to be his usual supportive self, she had known Wildpaw for years, she was going to find her.

Because Wildpaw hadn't left because she had wanted to.

"Look out for any scent out of the ordinary Sunpaw, be that a strange cat scent or non cat. If you see anything unusual in the area as well let me know. Even a disruption of the sand could help us."

[[Acro.]]

ooc:// Avery and ℓυиαя!!! <3 D:

Both Sandstrike and Otterfrost perked their ears in Sunpaw's direction when he mentioned Wildpaw. She had told the young tom she'd be around to help him...? That meant she most likely hadn't left of her own accord, right?

Sandstrike thought so.

Otterfrost still wasn't so sure.

"Yes Sunpaw, we will find her." Vineheart.

The cinnamon warrior twitched his whiskers, appreciating the certainty (feigned or otherwise) in the Deputy's voice.

"Look out for any scent out of the ordinary Sunpaw, be that a strange cat scent or non cat. If you see anything unusual in the area as well let me know. Even a disruption of the sand could help us."

but could it really? The territory was... expansive, and if Wildpaw had been wandering across borders... well, then this patrol just got a whole lot more complicated. but, of course, neither Sandstrike nor Otterfrost had overheard that tidbit of information. That remained between Ratstar, Fallowmist, and Vineheart.

In his restrictive silence, Sandstrike offered little in the way of conversation, which meant Otterfrost felt an increasing pressure to play it all off like nothing was wrong. She had been about to go to bed, and now, instead... this is what she had to deal with. Granted, she loved being able to help her Clan, her Deputy, she just wished the atmosphere (or, at least the atmosphere beside her) wasn't so... oppressive. Sighing mentally, Otterfrost remained dutifully at Sandstrike's side, but addressed the Deputy ahead of her. "Vineheart," she began, curling her tail in curiosity. "How long have you and Wildpaw been friends?" She could tell the Deputy and apprentice knew each other, but the extent of their friendship was a mystery to Otterfrost. The chocolate warrior wasn't one for asking personal questions, but she needed to say something, and hope this wasn't inappropriate.

[Avery]

Tags: [Acro.], ℓυиαя
Words: 375 D:
Muse: Solid
Music: None
ooc;
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"No need to thank me, you have just as much right to be here than the rest of us."

His plumed tail curled in delight at the deputies words, and his fluffy white chest puffed out like a rooster. What a day! He was saddened that Wildpaw was missing and that she hadn't been present when he had finally received his first step at being a warrior, but he knew deep down that she would be just as disappointed. However, he couldn't let the thought of her dampen his spirit, because of her he was currently treking through the forest with the Clan's greatest warriors.

"Yes Sunpaw, we will find her. Wildpaw is good with promises, you will learn those hunting moves soon enough. Maybe not in the morning, but soon."

The mood shifted and his thoughts flickered back towards the small tabby. He missed her, and he was silently praying to Starclan that she would return home safely. Hopefully, when she returned she would be a lot more cheerful then she had been these past couple of weeks. He remembered a few time's when she would return home from her night time journey's, and snap at him if he got to pushy or insistent that he taught her something. Or perhaps that was because Russetfox was standing nearby? Or maybe it had something to do with the fiery tom that would slowly return a little bit later? Shrugging the tom trotted ahead, pushing the thoughts from his mind.

For all he knew, it was grown up things that he would never understand.

"Look out for any scent out of the ordinary Sunpaw, be that a strange cat scent or non cat. If you see anything unusual in the area as well let me know. Even a disruption of the sand could help us."

Liquid chocolate orbs rested on the deputy for a few heartbeats before he nodded and set to work. His brow furrowed in complete and utter concentration. Placing his nose towards the ground he began to scurry along, his long legged hindquarters swaying behind him.

We will find you Wildpaw, and you will return home, and you will teach me those moves

[ℓυиαя]

OOC: I don't know if you guys want to continue on with this one or leave it as is and assume the gathering came next. I'm cool with either c:

"Vineheart, How long have you and Wildpaw been friends?"

The female voice brought her attention back to the tense environment behind her. What was it about Otterfrost that meant she was able to be close to him when he was like this and why did she get the feeling if she wasn't, the situation would be a lot worse? Never had she imagined she would be in this type of scenario with the sandy warrior. Throughout the moons she had known him, all she had been witness to was a friendly, confident tom that she enjoyed spending time with. This... this cold anger that radiated from him now was far from that and if the deputy was honest, it was a bit unnerving. 

Why at her and no one else?

What felt like forever since Otterfrost had asked the question, had in reality only been a few seconds. The small deputy watched the bouncy apprentice scout the sand dunes dutifully before shaking out her pelt and forcing herself to answer the question about the other difficult cat in her life. Her head turned slightly to acknowledge the chocolate coated warrior but she kept her eyes far away from Sandstrike as to not drop her guard. When she spoke, her voice was soft woven with old memories, and old, so much older than her moons. "We grew up together," a small twitch of white whiskers as she thought back to moons spent tumbling in the nursery and training together as apprentices. It was when her mind served up memories of the rough patches in their friendship that Vineheart spoke again, clearing her voice before she continued. "She knows me better than anybody. I guess you could say we are more sisters than friends."

Wasn't that the truth. Even if they had their differences and obstacles along the way, friends were easily lost but family wasn't.

Turning that scarred face away from Otterfrost, Vineheart eyes rapidly swept around before them, looking for something, anything that would hint to Wildpaws whereabouts. but there was only the damp sand and cold wind to greet her. For the umpteenth time that evening, Vineheart felt like she was struggling to keep her head above water and it wouldn't be much longer until it was all too much.