Day In, Day Out [Tawnystar and Cinderstorm]

[willow]

The sun was shining, the birds wre singing songs to each other and the ground was soft underfoot. There wasn't a cloud in the brilliant blue sky and warmth from the midday sun seeped through Cinderstorms pelt, making her let out a rare purr of satisfaction. It was a sweet noise, Cinderstorms purr, a purr that could take away worries and lullaby kits to sleep. She followed Tawnystar, keeping her ears pricked and her mouth slightly open allowing scents to easily wash over her scent glands.

After a few minutes, the deputy and leader neared the border. Cinderstorm lifted her nose and pointed to the furthest hills,
"This is where I picked it up the other day, so I assume the noise and the scent is coming from over there."
The tasted the air again, closing her eyes to dampen her other senses and concentrate on picking up the faint traces of the mysterious new resident of the Badlands.

[Jay]

Tawnystar loved their Clan. They loved their territory, their clanmates, even the little bush that grew at the top of a small hill right near the camp.

They liked walking with Cinderstorm, too. They'd found that long ago. Even if nothing was said, just the trip to where they were going was enough to ease a bit of the anxiety off.

But it returned full force when they reached the border. Tawnystar paced nervously, their head lifted and jaw open, tasting every scent to puzzle them out.

It was there. Something unfamiliar, harsh, like a coyote but not. Bigger. The hair on their shoulders raised.

"What is this," they murmured to themself. Inwardly, Is it dangerous?

[willow]

Unease crackled through the air between the two CliffClan cats, Cinderstorms dark ears were flattened to her head as a sliver of panic slid through her veins. Her eyes widened and the words escaped her mouth before she could stop them.
"Do you remember those nursery tales?"
She trailed off, not needing to explain which story she was referring to. If Cinderstorms realisation was correct, then the Clans had not faced this danger in generations. Tawnystar would have to raise the issue at the next Gathering, as Cinderstorm knew the rest of the Clans would be as bewildered as they had been. Her rising anxiety was making her thoughts race through her head as she tried to think of what to did in preparation. But how do you prepare when you don't know what you're preparing for?

[Jay]

Stricken, Tawnystar turned to Cinderstorm. Understanding flooded their eyes. "No," they whispered. "It can't be."

It was impossible. They left long ago. Why would they come back? What was the point?

"This isn't possible," Tawnystar mewed decidedly. "Even if it is them, surely they won't come close to our territories."

It was a stupid hope, too optimistic, too naive. But Tawnystar couldn't think of anything else to say.

[willow]

Cinderstorms tail lashed,
"We can not tell the rest of the Clan our suspicions."
She meowed bluntly. It was as simple as that. Cinderstorm knew that if any cat even muttered the word wolf the whole camp would be in an uproar. More patrols were a must, but that was difficult because of the lacking of young cats in the Clan. But she would get the elders to patch up their den, they wouldn't mind if it was Cinderstorm that asked. Her Clan respected her, and she liked that. She deserved it.

[Jay]

"Definitely not," Tawnystar agreed. "If they haven't figured it out on their own there's no need to worry them. Keep an ear out for rumors, though." They considered a moment. "And perhaps see if the apprentices pick up any gossip at the next gathering."

They cast a look out over the boundary again and turned away.

[willow]

With a last long look at the hills on the horizon, Cinderstorm turned and padded after Tawnystar in the direction of their camp. Her claws unsheathed instinctivley, now she knew what prey felt like. If wolves were coming. Nowhere was safe.