Kosmo, Lawn Gnome, Ghost & Whoever
Some inspection of the barn's overrun herb garden as well as investigating up north to discover more about the strange deaths
Northern Barn area, starting near the herb garden
23
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Another successful outing, even if his to do list was only partially completed. A wide grape leaf hung in his mouth, dangling with his catch of select parsley leaves from the overgrown herb garden just over the Windclan border. Here was a bounty that few places could muster, and whatever order has once reigned these plants in have now taken control of the entire plot. He'd have to remember to come back to fill out his collections - there was more than plenty to give.
But what had intrigued the cat was the scent that seemed to linger beyond the border. The two-leg den was clearly abandoned, yet there were signs of life yet - including cat smells. An inviting proposition, but also one that caused a morbid curiosity to stir his paws as they lingered. Could this place be afflicted by this forest blight as well? Only way to find out was to do a bit of investigating and get to know the locals.
His initial patrols hadn't unearthed any particular signs of death, but one couldn't be too careful. While caution fueled his steps, his deep seeded need for uncovering this mystery kept his paws without need for indecision. Action was required to lift this curse. Perhaps when the clan cats have suffered enough they'd applaud his efforts, but for now exploration brought him closer to the barn's side, nostrils sniffing while his large form was partially hidden from the overgrown underbrush. But what kind of well meaning cat would sneak around unannounced?
"Hello?" He called out, tenor casual while his entire pelt permeated of parsley. A freshening smell indeed after a long while doting around the plant life.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
GHOST
Sharp ears pricked at the sound of a foreign mew, and a few moments later, a strange scent wafted through the air. From her place up the staircase, Ghost's hackles raised. She silently snuck around the railing, all too aware to keep her stark-white coat out of the stranger's eyesight for the time being. It was a tom, she realized, and she could spy an orange coat from her position. Growling, she stalked over a ridge jutting out from the wall above him.
"Who are you?" she hissed, claws digging into the wood.
Gnome:
The voice of her daughter drifted through the air, and brought Gnome out of her afternoon nap. Curled up in their shared bedding, she stretched - feeling a twinge in her legs that refused to leave no matter how much she shook them out. A sigh escaped her as she caught the defensive tone that Ghost took with their guest. Had she not said to let the house and yard be a safe space for all to use? Either way, she would probably have to head up before a fight broke out.
Slipping out of the small space, Gnome traversed though the maze-like tunnels that ran underneath the house. They were probably originally dug by a large gopher but for Gnome and her daughter, they were the perfect size. The entracnce was a big of a squeeze, from beneath the deck and though a small gap in the lattice fencing - but it inspired her to keep in shape and no predators or larger cats could ambush them there.
After shaking the dirt and webs from her creme-white pelt, she made for the barn. Hopefully Ghost wouldn't attack in the time it took for her to get there...
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Kosmo's muzzle shot in the direction of a voice, a presence that was quick to make themselves known. Hackles and voice raised he half wondered if this she-cat would immediately jump at him from above, using the railing as an advantageous leaping point, but the tom wanted to try and ease her concerns. That would begin with an introduction.
"I am a cat who does not wish harm upon you. You may call me Kosmo." He sniffed in her direction. It was clear that her scent wasn't the only one here, but it paid to be respectful, especially if he came across some place with multiple cats - a clan of sorts. His package of parsley rested neatly at his paws, half hidden in the foliage. There was no mistaking the scent, and secrety he relished in the flavor that hung on his tongue.
"This must be your home, then?" The large tom asked her with some purpose; a speaking cat was not usually an attacking one.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
GHOST
Ghost kept her ears perked as she listened to the tom's mew. Even though her mother was so insistent on keeping their home open, she couldn't help but feel defensive at strangers. Those clan cats could be awfully territorial, she knew, so who was to say they weren't trying to expand into her own home?
With a sigh, Ghost crawled back over to the staircase, quietly slinking her way down to meet the new cat. The odd-eyed tom sitting with a bundle of plants at his paws was a better sight than some scarred, puffed up cat ready to fight, at least. Still, friendliness did not come so easily to her as it did to her mother, who might still be napping under the house, for all she knew. Ghost kept her distance, fluffy white tail waving slowly in the air. "Yes, this is my home," she replied. "What brings you here?"
Gnome:
There was a stranger on the farm, a tomcat by the looks of it. Gnome stopped and stretched one final time in a last ditch effort to remove the numbness from her legs, before padding up to the barn.
"Ghost, dear, I hope you haven't been spooking out guests." She gave the tomcat a wide berth - some cats were strange about their personal space - and settled next to her daughter. He was much larger than her - a lilac tabby with a little stumpy tail. It looked to be an injury, unlike her lacking tail. She blinked at him, sizing him up. Was he a clan cat? That would certainly make him more interesting.
"Hello honey - My name is Gnome, and this is our farm. What brings you to our little slice of paradise?" Maybe he would stick around? Gnome settled into a loaf as she eagerly awaited more information on their guest.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Her suspicions were valid, and if there were stranger in his home, he'd be a bit defensive too. A dark ear flicked as he felt the heat simmer off her pelt, somewhat quelled by his nonchalant honesty. "This area has remained a place of interest to me for some time..." He began, although his expression turned to one of gentle curiosity when he spied another cat emerging into view. An older she-cat, not unlike his mentor or mother. Perhaps she called her self Mistress to his place.
"Ghost, is it?" He repeated on his tongue, tasting the name. Like a spirit, white and wandering. And then there was Gnome, similar to - an idol of some sort? He wasn't quite sure what to make of her name or perhaps how she obtained it, but nevertheless, he wanted to return her welcome in stride.
"It's good to meet the both of you. You may call me Kosmo. As for my purpose here, I suppose there might be a couple." He began as he returned to all four paws. He still carried the heavy scent of herbs on his pelt, and he gave an appreciative nod. "The herb garden for one - there are plenty of natural commodities that can lend a helping paw to those in need. That's what I am, a medicine cat of sorts. A healer of some skill, taught by the finest clan cats." Which wasn't false; his mentor was once an experienced, devout healer of the highest caliber. And her wide skill set was unhindered and much expanded when she was forced to leave.
"Have you need of healing? Have you noticed any creature sick or destitute around your 'little slice of paradise'?" He inquired, not wanting to divulge the bleak news of the forest so suddenly in case of upsetting them. Kosmo padded to the side of the fence, giving a little experimental wag of his hind end before he hopped onto the uneven pickets, the shadows of his eyes calm but wanting.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
GHOST
As her mother settled beside her, Ghost looked over the tom warily. He carried himself with the confidence of one of those self-righteous clan cats, at least. She'd never understand why her mother was so friendly to such rude wild cats. She nodded as he asked her name. It wasn't a name she particularly loved, but it was what she'd been given, and she hadn't cared enough recently to come up with a new one.
"You want to use our garden?" Ghost asked as he explained his reason for visiting. She glanced down at her mother to confirm. "I mean, we don't use it much." Her curiosity piqued at the mention of his being taught by the clans. From her experience, they didn't care much for those born outside of their groups, so how did he gain access to that knowledge? She decided to ask later, and shook her head to his question. "I don't believe we need any serious healing, but it's a kind offer."
Gnome:
A healer? Gnome debated his answer. She had never heard of a non-clan healer before. Perhaps he was half-clan - If his mother or father was a healer that would make more sense. She didn't know much about the medicine cats of the four clans. Perhaps Kosmo could tell her more about it. She was always interested in information that might make talking to those cats easier.
"The garden is free to use by anyone who needs it - and the property for that matter." She took pride in her home, but it was only home to her and her daughter. If a single loner wanted to pick some herbs from the out-of-hand bushes, they were more than welcome to. Gnome wasn't the most territorial cat and certainly didn't have the power to back up her claim. But she still wanted to be a place where cats could come and go as they pleased without fear of retaliation.
It gave her some piece of mind... and might even provide the opportunity for herself and Ghost to expand the cats who lived at the farm. She gave a somewhat melancholy sigh - she did miss her companions.
"The only destitute creature that has wandered our way would be you, Kosmo." Her tone was joking. "As for healing, if you know of anything good for old aches and pains, I would love to hear it. Where did you learn these skills - I've never met a clan-born healer, or half-clan... or whatever you are." He was intriguing. So sue her.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Yes. A kind offer by a kindly wanderer who offered the only things that he thought might appease them for their initial distrust. A helping paw was more welcome than a swiping one, and his jaws turned towards a smile that made his white whiskers twitch with soft appeal. He stood on the fence pickets before his form dipped down into a stretched that grasped one farther out front, claws grazing the wood as Ghost's had done. A good way to sharpen your claws in any rate.
"Oh~ good!" The tom mewed in a pleased tone. "The garden is welcome to take freely from, then. You have no idea how offended those clan cats get when I try to pluck a plant from their territory. I must say, you're next to gracious compared to their hospitality. Lack thereof." his mismatched eye, the green one in particular winked towards the older she-cat. How odd that she didn't possess a tail at all it seemed. He wondered if she had lost it somehow during her lifetime or perhaps was born without it.
The tomcat chuckled as he aimed to lower himself on his haunches, exchanging a glance between the both of them. The thrump of his cinnamon hued half-tail hung sloped from his hind. The humor shared by Gnome was refreshing as she seemed to call it as she saw fit, and hey, he wasn't going to argue based off first impressions. He probably did look a bit ragged at the moment. At the mention of releiving aches and pains he got to mentally projecting what kind of treatment he'd prescribe.
"Well, that all depends on what specifically ails you? Have you suffered a dislocated joint or limb before, or old injury acting up? Any inflammation or just general stiffness?" He had instinctively began to size her up, a sharpness to his eyes as if they were an extension of his precise knowledge of medicine cattery.
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
GHOST
Ghost shifted in her place, feeling better to know that this cat was one of the ones who loved plants more than anything else. She ran her tongue over a paw, carefully swiping it over her ears and face as her mother conversed with the tom.
"Are you going to stay long?" she asked when there was a pause in their questions. "We have plenty of food. I can catch some pretty quickly."
Gnome:
There was the hospitality she was hoping for from Ghost - she knew her daughter had it in her. Just needed a moment to get her worries out. He was more than welcome to take as much as he wanted... but his comment about the clans being defensive of their plants brought another idea to mind... perhaps that was her 'in'. A way to speak to them, civilly. She would discuss it with Ghost later.
"Oh, no injury in particular honey." She looked back at the 'medicine cat' as he stretched out. "I'm just old and tired, one day - if you're lucky - you'll know what its like." She blinked up at him. "I'm... oh, what do those cats call months Ghostie?" Gnome had heard the term - it had something to do with a celestial body but for the life of her she couldn't remember which one. " Well, either way I'm going on around 126 of them at the moment." Or was it 127? The math was hard when you worked in years for the most part.
"Why don't you go find some food Ghost, I'll show Kosmo here to the main house. The attic is cool and dry - it might be a nice place to stay for the night." Gnome slowly got up, feeling the 9 years of life weigh on her bones. She wasn't quite done yet - but perhaps this cat had some remedy she hadn't thought of yet.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
He wasn't sure exactly how long his investigations would take on this farm. Probably not long at all, but a bit of time may be required to fully check every nook and cranny this place had to offer. His odd-eyed stare caught the younger white cat, tufted ears perking. "If it's perfectly acceptable, I could stick around for a few days." It could afford him some measures of interacting with the prey around here, as well as laying low from the clans , starting with Ghost's efforts of catching food.
"Ooh," He began, the brightness of his eyes catching the sunlight as he shifted his attention back towards Gnome. "You mean the passing of moons. Monthly calculations that shift with the appearance of the moon in the night sky. Those cats hold the moon in sacred accordance to their beliefs, sharing it with the stars alongside them, of course, as well as the passing of the sun." He caught himself with a half grin as he rambled. No prior serious injuries then. Good.
"If only our bodies didn't age!" His dear mother would have benefitted well from his care of his mentor, who had been much older than Andromeda. He happened to pick up a few tips and tricks to soothe an aging body, and remedy or mask pain. "The attic sounds nice - cool and dry, you say? Perhaps it could be a good place to store the beginnings of a herb collection for your immediate needs. Like this parsley, here..." He paused only briefly to retrieve the small herbal package. "I'd only need another grape leaf or two -- a wide leafy plant like this one here, if you know of any on your farm."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
GHOST
Ears flicking to her mother, Ghost nodded at the idea of getting food for the three of them, pacing away with a wave of her tail as they started talking of moons and herbs. Still keeping an ear out for any trouble or interesting bits of conversation, she trotted off with an intent to catch a few things quick.
(OOC: she'll be busy hunting for a bit, so we can probably skip her next turn)
Moons! Yes, that was the phrase she had heard while eavesdropping on some of those strange cats. She purred happily, glad that her description hadn't thrown Kosmo off. Perhaps he really was a clan cat! "You are more than welcome to stay for as long as you need Kosmo. We don't get company, or friendly company very often anyways." It was rare Ghost took a liking - or even a tolerance - to a stranger. Perhaps he could show her more about plants...
"A...grape." She paused, thinking of a plant that matched that description. "I don't think we have any in the garden, or haven't for a long while. There were some once but ever since the wood frames rotten they haven't really grown back." It was very odd - she had assumed that plants just grew regardless. That was their only job after all.
"But!" She continued, not wanting to disappoint. "There are a few just to the North of here. It's in those plain lands. But the clans seem to frequent the area a lot so I cannot recommend it." Gnome was fairly confident in the borders that the clans had, but they also meant nothing to her - and all blended together in the end. Who could really tell the difference between all those cats?
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Kosmo kept a cautious eye out for anything in particular. No doubt he'd have some time to himself while on this farm, but still it'd help to know if there were more cats here, or creatures. Every little sound caused a tufted ear to flick in the direction, and while his demeanor was polite, friendly even, he was distracted.
"Well I certainly don't wish to impose too long on you and your kin. But I assure you I'll be in the area long enough to manage a bit of herb gathering. A bit of basic herbs to aid you and your guests should you ever be in need of it. I wouldn't use any plant unless you're absolutely sure what it is, and its uses and how to apply it." He warned with a careful sort of note. Her enthusiasm was appreciated, however, so he wanted to make sure at least they'd have some for emergencies.
As both continued through the house, it seemed a bit ominous to him - imposing to once know this was a den for humans, that once they lived here, although the scent of them seemed replaced by the musk and dust that now claimed the establishment. "To the north, huh...?" He mewed quietly, his thoughts taking him to the place in which she described. The north plains... The plains which brought flashes of his mentor's teachings to mind. Sacredmoor. "I see. Thank you for the information, I'll have to go there and check." Wanting to smooth over any doubt, he offered her a smile, whiskers twitching.
"Maybe after Ghost returns with our meal. Have you two lived here long?"
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Gnome watched Kosmo's distrsctedness with practiced politeness. He was not the first flightly loner to come through the home and probably wouldn't be the last. Still, she would do everything she could to put his mind at ease.
"Oh, I was born on the streets in town." She padded through the old house, not sharing the same reservations about humans that Kosmo did. "My mother was brought in, and humans raised me and my brothers. We were seperated - of course - and I've been mousing here ever since. The housefolk left us behind." She stopped to look over the semi-abandoned living space. Seemed the human kits had been back briefly to drop off more of their strange glass bottles. Oh well. "Ghostie was born here - her father's were taken by the human's kits." She paused.
"You haven't met a Milo or Spud on your travels, have you Kosmo?" There was a hopeful lilt to her tone, but Gnome didn't expect much. Really, she just wanted to know if they were doing alright.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
The edges of Kosmo's odd-eyes softened at her description, very much unlike his own upbringing. While his childhood found him far from human contact, it was anything but an easy life despite having his immediate family, at least, before the brutality of nature picked them off one by one. He suspected his grandsire and granddame had a good long life, and his mother too, but his sister and brother had been lost far too soon. Why must it be him? It wasn't uncommon for his subconscious to ask such a thing every once and awhile, but the voice had dimmed, replaced by a drive that kept his legs moving and his senses keen.
Once they ascended the stairway into the attic space he glanced around to assess the disheveled environment; practically aged with dust but at least it was a space he could make use of. True to her word it seemed dry with plenty of crevices to stash herbs. "I've never expected anything positive from humans, nor was I raised alongside them. Fortunate, though, they seemed to care for you and your kin - you and Ghost seem healthy enough at first glance." Other than Gnome's telltale signs of natural aging, that is. Ghost seemed fit as any she-cat.
Kosmo did a once around the attic, sniffing occasionally without disturbing the dust too much by his initial investigations. His head lifted to regard her solemnly. "I'm sorry they abandoned you - and so separated from your offspring's sires. I haven't heard of them, but if my travels bring me to cats with such names you'll be first to know." The shadows of his eyes flickered briefly, reminded of his own decisions, and while part of his plan, still left him scrapping at the hollowness left inside during the aftermath of Bella's death. "Perhaps your humans had no choice."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Gnome:
He satisfied with the attic, and Gnome sat back to give Kosmo space to explore it at his own leisure. He seemed cautious - not an uncommon trait in clan cats as far as she had seen - but there was something else. He wasn't as... noble wasn't the right word. Reserved? She blinked, trying to place it. Certainly, he was disciplined... but in a different way. Truly, it was none of her business.
But she hadn't gotten where she was by being patient and reserved.
"I appreciate it, I suspect we would have been re-homed elsewhere if the twolegs had caught us." She stretched, another bid to remove the pain from her joints, and settled again. "I didn't want to leave the farm - even with the older twoleg no longer here. It felt... wrong to leave somewhere I have spent so long looking after. But the clans are such an interesting group - I can always make an exception to see what their lands look like."
She started cleaning her ears coyly, curious if that would make Kosmo angry. If he was a clan cat, he would take some offence to that. They always did.
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
Kosmo tried to imagine humans invading his home and tearing him from his family, or separating one from another. Such beings should never have so much power, should never dictate the fate of creatures who shared their world - but indeed, humans did share his world, and while he couldn't confer with them as he may an owl, their ambiguity was heinous in his eyes. Perhaps, if fate allowed, he could study them more closely if only to try and understand them.
His head peered down into a revealed floorboard, half ripped up where he peered into the murk. After a moment his tail twitched, still privy to Gnome's own musings. Muzzle tilted towards her after his inspection, a cat brow lifted, simulating car or at least interest in her statement. "Hmm... There are no wood-boards to hide under under deep in the forest. You'd most certainly be outrun by a capable warrior, outmaneuvered on strange territory, and chased back over the borders. Unless they catch you..."
The tips of his tufted ears flattened against his skull, but as soon as it may have seemed tension rose, he shrugged it from his shoulders with a roll of his muscles, bouncing a bit as he returned to her side. "Or, perhaps they'd be willing to chat for a bit, but with a home that belongs to you and Ghost, of course, would you risk it? As a medicine cat, it would be unprofessional of me to suggest you put yourself in harms way."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Gnome:
There was some clan in him. But, he shook it off quickly enough. She really was considering his heritage and half-clan kept reappearing - If that was even something that happened.
"Kosmo. You, as a loner, should know better than that." She teased. "Wanderlust rarely makes sense. I could curl up here and never move again, letting Ghost being me prey. I could let those humans catch me, fix me and adopt me out to a plush life in the city."
She gave him a sly grin more in line with an apprentice proposing a daring scheme than a cat of her age. "But that seems so boring. Why live in safety - it'd be like you hadn't lived at all!"
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
GHOST
It didn't take long for Ghost to make quick work of a few fattened mice. She came quietly back to the others carrying three mice by their tails, and settled down beside her mother. At least the stranger didn't seem to be shady in any way. If anything...just a little odd, like his eyes.
As Gnome concluded her remark on safety, Ghost couldn't help but nod. "That's why I like exploring as much as I do," she mewed as she bit into her meal.
Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧
As a cat who had nearly walked all paths in life and moved as he pleased there no no denying the she-cat's claims. Life wasn't nearly worth living unless you had the freedom to pursue your dreams - wherever they took you, no matter the risks. That is, if the shadows of his odd eyes didn't flick so, like scorched embers that pained his very soul. To Kosmo, he had lost everything - his homeland, his clan, his mentor, his family, his tail, parts of his very being that were so far away and slippery like a fish as if trying to catch one without claws. "You're right." He echoed, but it was hollow, he was going to say more but was interrupted as Ghost returned with their meal.
Sitting opposite of them, he accepted the mouse with grace, bowing his head before he'd ever consider consuming another creature. He gave it a good sniff before taking a small mouthful, relishing its flesh before he glanced up and the two. "How has the prey been running? You haven't noticed the animals around here acting weird, have you? There's been some disturbances in the forest I've been tasked to sort out.". He hoped he didn't sound too abrupt, but he didn't want to divest his interest here for too long before business could be conducted.
"Also, I appreciate the food - I haven't really hunted for myself recently."
FROM RIVERCLAN:
Cottonbright, ♀ Anxious Warrior
Nettleplume, ♂ Cynical Medicine Cat
Merrypaw, ♀ Steadfast Apprentice
Otterwhisker, ♀ Adventurous Elder
FROM THUNDERCLAN:
Brindlespice, ♀ Selfish Warrior
Bravesong, ♂ Gracious Elder
Leopardrose, ♀ Striving Warrior
Wildcry, ♀ Fierce Elder
Rimekit, ♀ Rowdy kit
FROM WINDCLAN:
Cloudflare, ♂ Suave Warrior
Barleyswipe, ⚧ Ornery Elder
Heatherkit, ♀ Sweet Kit
FROM SHADOWCLAN:
Palestar, ♀ Stern Leader
Honeyglow, ♂ Reserved Elder
Emberdust, ♀ Artless Warrior
Duskpaw, ♂ Opportunistic Apprentice
FROM WHITEHART & BEYOND:
Ahryndae, ♀ Princess of Camelot
Lelouch Von Noon, ♂ Marquess of Noon Cattery
Kosmo, ♂ Visionary Feral
Montgomery (Monty), ♂ Sentimental Semi-Feral
Gnome watched the tomcat eat. He hadn't necessarily agreed with her. So he wasn't happy with his wandering lifestyle then - or perhaps had lost much because of it? She leaned over to her daughter and gave her a meaningful look. Perhaps Kosmo wouldn't understand having just arrived at the farm, but Ghost would definitely know what that look meant.
Something along the lines of 'Well? A tom who knows medicine and is looking for somewhere to stay? Isn't it about time you found someone Ghost?' She didn't always annoy her daughter - and didn't always press the point of having kits one day. But when a perfectly good tom just wanders onto their territory, sometimes fate was knocking at (or in this case kicking down) the door.
"Haven't-" She turned back to him as he looked up at them. "What do you do then Kosmo, if you don't hunt?" She was somewhat teasing, giving Ghost a moment to recollect herself after her jab. "We don't know much about the comings and goings of the forest, but as of now the farm hasn't had any strange animals - besides humans of course."
Characters:
Coldgaze: (M) Ruthless Riverclan Deputy
Lawn Gnome: (F) Motherly Semi-Feral Shecat
Redpaw: (M) Thoughtful Shadowclan Apprentice
Sootbounce: (M) Bubbly Shadowclan Warrior
Sturgeonpaw: (M) Altruistic Riverclan Apprentice
Sunstrike: (F) Anxious Thunderclan Queen
NPCs:
Quailcall: (F) Fierce Thunderclan Warrior
GHOST
Giving her mother a small glare, Ghost rolled her eyes. Must she always try to set Ghost up with nearly every random tom that happened by? The thought of looking after a small pack of kits...however cute, she'd have no time for herself anymore. She needed at least a few more wandering expeditions before then.
Her ears perked at Kosmo's strange question. "Prey acting 'weird' as in...sick? Poisoned? All the mice and birds around here seem fine. Those stuffy clan cats don't ever let me near their territory long enough to see anything strange like you're talking about."
