Private Thread Pine on the Moors

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

Instead of resting like she should have, seeing as she had the spare time, Aspenberry was busily fluffing up the edges of her nest with fresh moss. She had been out that afternoon to collect some, for herself and anyone else who wanted some. With carefully placed paws, the spotted she-cat pressed the moss into parts she felt needed some more cushioning. While carrying the last bundle of moss over, Aspenberry was started to see Cloudflare enter the warrior's den, seemingly more stressed than usual. 

She dropped the moss instantly, weaving her way over to the entrance, concern flitting over her eyes. 'Cloudflare? You alright? Has something happened?'. He looked fine, really pretty much acting fine too, but the slight stiffness in his walk, and the heavier rise and fall of his chest told her something was likely off. She brushed past him, her tail lightly hitting his flank, indicating for him to come outside with her so they could speak. No words were needed, for she was sure Cloudflare would understand what she meant. 

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare dipped his head in acknowledgment, relieved to see Aspenberry’s concern shift to focus. As she brushed past him, the gentle flick of her tail against his flank was all the encouragement he needed. He followed her out of the den, his thoughts already racing ahead to the rock fields.

Once they were outside, he cast a quick glance around to ensure they were out of earshot. He didn't want to garner any unnecessary attention, but would leave it up to Aspenberry if she believed they'd need more more cats on their patrol - but two seemed enough. “It’s a male pine marten." His voice was a low note of urgency, copper eyes level. “I caught its scent near the rock fields. We can't let it nest through leaf-bare...” He let the sentence trail off, knowing she would understand the implication.

Cloudflare’s muscles tensed as he spoke, his instincts already urging him to head back out. “Are you with me?” His copper eyes met hers, filled with the determination that had driven him back to camp so quickly.

'I am yet to understand my place in this world, but with you by my side, I know things just might be alright'
✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧ ⭒ ✧

At the mention of a pine marten, the she-cat's ears twitched, the only hint of any sort of panic she let herself show. She turned her gaze to meet Cloudflare's, eyes betraying nothing other than a churning brain as Aspenberry decided on the best plan of action. Martens, while similar in size to a cat were deadly to anyone alone, a male one especially. 'You are right. We can't let it nest and bring more danger, especially to the younger, less experienced cats. Lets go now, we will be fine ourselves, or does our senior warrior think we need another?' she mewed, letting a little bit of humour creep into her voice despite the less than pleasant situation, though Aspenberry knew that she and Cloudflare were more than capable of handling it together. 'Reporting to Fawnstar can happen once the marten is dealt with. We have no time to waste as I don't want to loose track of its scent. Lead the way.'

A pine marten was rare enough as it is, and on WindClan's territory especially surprising. Aspenberry had never come across one before, and despite being taught how to deal with one, the inexperience she held made her worry just a little. With Cloudflare, they out numbered the predator, but one wrong move and they could be met with a lethal bite. If Cloudflare got badly injured, Aspenberry would never forgive herself. 

Love is just a cloudy sky as far as I can see
⤝ ⥈ ⥈ ☁ ⥈ ⥈ ⤞

Cloudflare offered a small, appreciative nod at Aspenberry’s humor, knowing she was using it to steady her nerves. “Two of us should be enough.” His tone firm but carrying a hint of reassurance. “We’ll be careful, stick close, and take it down if we have to. If things go south, we’ll fall back and regroup.”

He turned his gaze outwards from camp, the memory of the scent still fresh in his mind. “If we move quickly, we can catch up to it before it gets too far.” His muscles coiled with anticipation as he prepared to lead the way. With a flick of his tail, Cloudflare set off, his steps quick and purposeful as he guided them out of the camp. The thought of facing a marten was daunting, but with Aspenberry by his side, he felt a surge of confidence. Together, they’d make sure the threat was eliminated before it could cause any harm to their clan.