Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Dawn hadn't quite broken and camp was caught in that quiet stretch between night and morning. Duskmantle's eyes had already been open for some time as he lay in the Warrior's Den, listening to the steady breathing of the cats around him hoping sleep might return if he simply waited long enough.

When it didn't he sighed and stood up, unfolding himself onto stiff paws and slipped from the den. The lukewarm air greeted him as he emerged into the clearing and spotted Emberdust on sentry duty. Duskmantle stretched slowly, forelegs extended until his claws flashed.

He wasn't called for dawn patrol, but still as his back arched and returned to stand, his mind refused to settle...He wasn't sure if he should take a quiet walk about camp, volunteer for the next patrol or check over the fresh kill pile for crowfood. Standing idly never made sleep come any easier...

 

"The sunhigh patrol will be led by Clovershine," the red and white deputy told the warriors, "the dusk patrol will be led by Hollyclaw, the moonhigh patrol by Emberdust, and tomorrow's dawn patrol by Echobright."

 

As he looked out at his Clanmates, Dawnflurry reflected on the past moon. Losing Flutterdream had been a blow, but they had gained Glowkit, Muddypaw was of course in good paws with Rowanglade and the other medicine cats, and they had another warrior back with them.

 

With that well in mind, Dawnflurry felt optimistic as he finished up the assignments. "Brackenwing and Dazzleflame will organize the hunting patrols."

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Duskmantle moved through marsh with his nose low, weaving between reed beds as he followed a morning scent that didn't come from any Clan...His ears remained pinned forward, every sense fixed on the path ahead.

The trail had appeared near one of the less traveled stretches of border. At first he'd assumed it was another wanderer passing through. Then he'd found it again towards the edge of ShadowClan territory.

Duskmantle stopped at the border facing the kittypet-dens. For several heartbeats he simply stood there, staring across the border and lifted his head to take another breath. It would have been wiser to report it and bring a patrol if needed.

None of those options satisfied him and the smoky tom stepped closer to the border line.

Tiptoe through the murk and mire
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Duskmantle returned to camp with a duckling hanging limp from his jaws, marsh water still clinging to the downy feathers. It wasn't the largest catch he'd ever made, but prey was prey. He'd been heading straight for the fresh-kill pile when Emberdust intercepted him. The conversation had been brief and instead of depositing it anamously like he may have preferred he was somehow convinced that bringing it to the nursery would be a good idea.

The duckling swung lightly from his jaws as he peered into the den. After a moment's hesitation, he stepped closer to the entrance. Emberdusts' reasoning had been ridiculous like always, but he didn't recall formally introducing himself to the newest member of the Clan. A foundling...like he was. Maybe that was part of the reason why he was holding back.

The smoky tom lowered the duckling onto the ground and it lay there looking considerably less impressive now that it wasn't dangling dramatically from his jaws. "Glowkit?"

I can go the distance

＊

Entering the den Ashcloud had led them to Glowkit's golden gaze surveyed the space. It was covered in moss, and it smelled like something sweet yet so familiar he couldn't quite place it. There were so many cats outside, but this den was empty. It felt good to get the eyes off their pelt, even if they were now surrounded by walls. It was strange not being able to see the sky though..

"Is this.. where I sleep now?" She murmured, pawing at the moss lining the den. It was so soft, he'd never felt something so soft before. They looked back at Ashcloud, awaiting the answer to her question. 

 

 

Once everyone was assembled at the bramble patch, the deputy meowed, "The sunhigh patrol will be led by Redthicket, the dusk patrol by me, moonhigh patrol by Heronsong, and tomorrow's dawn patrol by Hollyclaw. Sootbounce and Quailfeather will organize the hunting patrols."

In youth we learn; in age we understand.

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Sunshine made the day feel warm as Ashcloud made his way into camp. As soon as he led the way through the West Tunnel his eyes switched to roving around in search of the pale form of the leader. Seeing her as quickly as possible was necessary. He needed to know if his plan would be accepted…

“Palestar? Are you around?” His voice was hesitant. He’d never tried to directly summon the leader. He was a Warrior. Normally he was the one being summoned! “It’s important!” 

Screaming into the void counts as progress

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There was no telling when Brackenwing would awaken.

They had arrived, bloodied alongside their hunting companion, Emberdust, who described the harrowing experience of being brutaly attacked near the edges of their easternmost territory. Palestar had been notified, but now Flutterdream - and Muddypaw - had to try and save the life of another. It was a harsh introduction to becoming a medicine cat.

It was the next morning and Flutterdream entered the sick den with the intension of changing the poultices on Brackenwing's injury. A deep cut in their belly indicated both their discomfort and last night they slipped in and out of conciousness. They haden't awoken, it was likely a coma, but they needed to prevent infection and clean the wound again regardless.

 There would be tasks to accomplish today.