Searching || Iva, River & Open

[Wargrace]

Honeyflower
Outside of camp, wandering.

Go on, go on, go on,
When everything is wrong,
We move along.

The day was young, the first rays of sunlight just stretching beyond the horizon, chasing the shadows of the prior night away, and the honey-ginger she-cat was already on the move. She had risen before the sun, set to grooming her sleek pelt into top condition and then set out when the sun finally began to shatter the window of night. Now she was on her way out of the makeshift camp, leaving behind the sleeping and just stirring in favor of searching. Searching for herbs. She wasn't a medicine cat anymore. She had left the rank for love -- but it still called to her. She still carried the faint scent of herbs in her fur, and felt the desire to help others. She was driven to wake up early, and leave; before the warrior tasks began, to go off and complete her own personal tasks. Perhaps she should've considered asking Weaselstar to let her return to the rank, if only temporarily. There was only one medicine cat right now; from Reedclan.

What would happen when the clans split and Stormclan had no medicine cat or apprentice? If allowed, she could train an apprentice to take the rank. For now, she'd attend the duties of a Medicine Cat unofficially. Gather herbs when she had time -- when it wouldn't interfere with her rank as a warrior -- and helping if anyone needed it. It wasn't as if the knowledge and skills of a medicine cat would vanish as soon as the rank was left. No, she'd carry the knowledge until either her mind grew tired with age or she joined Starclan.

Camp was behind her now; and Honeyflower was focused. Both on her steady thoughts, and her hunt. Head lowered, light pink nose working, she moved onward. The sun was a bit further now, rising fast -- reflecting honey golden on her pale ginger pelt. Was there any herbs to find in the ruin..? Hopefully. Ah -- if there was one thing that never died off, it was dandelion. Such a hardy little plant. The glimpse of golden flower perked the ex-Meddie's spirit. Forward she went, pausing to carefully pluck several leaves. Best to make sure she didn't pull out the root system. If that was left, it would soon regrow. The warrior purred a bit, peering at the plant. Amazing, the benefits of even simple plants. Perhaps not the number one choice of herb, it did have it's benefit -- a painkiller. Something she was sure would help someone in the combined clan -- there had been injuries from the 'quake, afterall.

[riverstone]

RiverStones

Everything in this world had been so strange...so different. Riverstones, being a newly formed clan cat, had no idea how to comprehend the complexity of the lifestyle these cat's lived. It was much different from being a loner. Though, Riverstone never expected it to be easy.
After the earthquake Riverstone had left her ways of a loner after her beloved, yet adopted, father had died underneath a branch shortly after the ground had stopped shaking. Riverstone couldn't help but wish she had been there to help. But that was awhile ago. Riverstone was now a Brookclan cat and it was time to help. No more acting like a kit.

Now being away from the camp the overwhelming scent of cat started to linger away and the smells of the ruined lands wafted in the blue she-cats black nose. It was much more comforting than sitting awkwardly in a land of cats doing nothing. Perhaps she'd find a mouse or two.
Keeping light on her paws and ear's tilted high she listened for any noise that might indicate something useful. The only sounds were the wind blowing through. How useful.

Giving off a soft sigh, Riverstone sat down on her hind end and wrapped her bushy tail around her dainty paws and took a moment to breathe. Prey had become so scarc- ...
Raising her head and tilting her ear's forward she scented something. A mouse! Now that that is useful. Getting up quickly, making sure nothing brushed upon the ground, Riverstone dropped into a crouch. Her deep blue eyes narrowed, spotting the gray structure burrowing through a leaf. Moving forward in silence, Riverstone stopped and pounced. She nipped the mouse in the back of the neck letting the warm smell of fresh-kill burn in her nostrils. It smelt good her mouth began to water.
Looking up the young warrior gasped and dropped the kill. She seen a flash of honey like fur. Riverstone didn't even know if she startled the cat or not. It was just a reaction.

"I-I'm sorry!" Riverstone explained with a gentle voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you!" Feeling the tips of her ear's get hot, Riverstone looked down. Why didn't she scent this cat? What a silly and foolish mistake.

[Iva]

Tunnelheart

As soon as Honey had woken, Tunnel had too, disturbed by a nearly supernatural force that told him his mate was on the move. It wasn’t a new thing to arise early, after all..No doubt, from the time he could walk again onward, he had following Honey in much the same way; rising before duties, and just walking along with her has she collected herbs and went about her Honey time. He had even remembered some of them for himself, from when they were needed on him..And of course, if she light tabby she-cat ever made a comment about what did what, or what was for what, he would store the information. He never was, and never would me a medicine cat..But it was good knowledge. Less someone worth treating be caught out with him, away from any medicine cats. Yeah, not likely.

No one was worth his attention. Apart from Honey, of course! He followed her happily, almost like a duckling to it’s mother; tail waving happily but silently behind him, steps characteristically limped from behind, but quick none the less. He didn’t question what she was doing, or where she was going.. He never had. It was her business..He just loved being there. Not only because he was a tad paranoia these days, but because..It filled his heart with warmth. As cold and broken as he had come, the she-cat still managed to light the fire in him.

What was that..? Movement. Instantly, Tunnel froze; sharp hearing whipping his head around in that direction. Movement. He heard it, more then saw it, thanks to his lack-of eye..Then he did see it. Going at Honey. But..It would never get there. Not if he had something to say about.

And hell, did he ever.

From immobile to bullet-like in less than a second, the tom rocked back; launching oddly with his weak legs, front legs aiding in propelling him, tail slashing. A venomous yowl ripped from his throat; filled with hatred and madness. Honey was getting attack! Or, atleast, he thought she was. His reaction wasn’t exactly unexpected; he had turned into Attack Mode Tunnel.

Die creature!

[Wargrace]

Yes. Tunnelheart. He was usually near. It was sort of reassuring, really. Even if she was a trained warrior, now, not an untrained medicine cat. He still offered a sense of security she lacked when alone. She was a good fighter, however peaceful she prefered to be. Not very strong, but fast and tactical, atleast. For now, though; things were peaceful. She sense no danger. All there was to do was seek for herbs in the early morning light, and listen to Tunnelheart, following along quietly. Well, that was almost all. A mouse was near; she scented it abruptly after plucking several dandelion leaves.. and reacted. There was always time for hunting, of course. Prey was needed as much as herbs, perhaps more-so currently. As such, the little she-cat shifted her weight carefully, took in the scent -- and then jumped.

Not for a mouse, but to the side slightly, bright blue eyes sharpening. Something else had went for the mouse; that was all. However she startled a bit at the unexpected appearance. Another warrior; a blueish she-cat. From what clan? She didn't have time to debate further, an apology was coming.. and so was Tunnelheart. The warriorr had launched into attack-mode. Going after the unknown she-cat who had, or atleast looked to have, attacked. Not good! It didn't take more than a second for the she-cat to realize what was going on. Tunnelheart was attacking; but no danger had actually occured, just a bit of bad-timing and hunting. "Tunnelheart! It's alright, she wasn't attacking!" Would he hear her..? Hopefully.

Nontheless, Honeyflower wheeled herself around, and made a bolt. Not for Tunnelheart, but for the other she-cat. Tunnelheart.. was a good bit bigger; she couldn't hope to knock him off course. But.. the other she-cat wasn't too much different in size. So, the goal became darting for the Brookclanner and trying to get her out of the way.. before Tunnelheart ended up.. doing some sort of damage. Hopefully, high-speed would pay off..? Or Riverstone would move away in time; but if not.. Honeyflower would try to force her out of the way. Oh, misunderstandings...

[riverstone]

Just as Riverstone got her words out and looked down another sound slammed into her ears leaving them ringing.
It was fierce battle cry and a rustle in the bushes. The honey colored cat seemed to know the call and who it was from.
Riverstone noticed the she-cat glance at her then back at the sound.
With blood pumping through her ear's Riverstone barley heard Honeyfern cry out to the now emerging dark tom to stop.

Tunnelheart? That must be this attackers name. This honey cat seemed to know him... but Riverstone didn't. Nor what clan either of these cats were from. This was difficult.

Before Riverstone had noticed what was occuring Honeyfern began to dart towards her. Was this cat going to attack the dark tom or attack her? Riverstone felt trapped and dropped to the ground and began to back up with her eyes wide in fear. Should she run and leave her mouse for these cats to chew? It sounded like a plan.

Just as Riverstone pushed herself up and turned to run she stopped. She was suppose to be a clan cat! Not turn tail low and race away. How many times had she watched kits and apprentices attack one another while sitting lazily in camp? No. With her spine fur rippling straight up and her tail puffing twice the size she turned back around and snarled. Facing the dark tom she noticed the honey one looking to intercept the course of this tom, Tunnelheart.
She only felt somewhat relieved but danger was still near. Riverstone lowered the front half of her body and unsheathed her claws, snarling darkly. If this tom wanted a fight...he had one!

[Iva]

A mixture of protectiveness and rage filled him. There would be no time to wait and use logic. It was just..Attack attack attack! Forward he sailed. To his surprise, he did not land on his victim; good, too, for he sunk his claws right into the ground where he landed, instead, jaws closing with a snap, before being repointed to admit a hateful, crazed hiss. Wait. What had Honey said..? His ear flicked toward her, but he still wasn’t entirely paying attention. Even on the ground now, as he was, he saw only the strange cat’s aggression. So, his fur spiked up, too; black claws glittering as he unwove them from the ground, flashing them dangerously.

Did he not notice Honey wasn’t attacked, and that Honey had come near, not away as a cat getting attacked would do..? He did. It was a large part of the reason why he didn’t just throw himself at Riverstrones and try again instantly. He was confused. Confused, so the hatred won; another defensive hiss ripping from him, tail slash-slash-slashing behind him. “Who are you?” Was she going for Honey? Nope. Still, he wasn’t entirely sure of the situation, and wouldn’t let his guard down. If the blueish she-cat so much as moved, he’d probably launch himself again. Attack Mode Tunnel.. It wasn’t entirely observation first, think later. It was attack first, then as questions..If the ‘prey’ could even ask questions.

He flicked his ear again, toward Honey..trying to figure out what she said. He had heard, after all..And now his mind was recollecting it. She wasn’t attacking? He tilted his head, too peer at the light tabby. It wasn’t a second before he was back one-eye glaring down the stranger. Even if she wasn’t..She looked aggressive enough now. Sure, there was reasons..But what did he care about reason? Little.

[Wargrace]

Tunnelheart missed the unknown she-cat, thank Starclan.. but that didn't end it. Because the blue warrior took on an unfriendly pose. Aggressive? More likely defensive, considering the situation. As such, Tunnelheart was also back to an aggressive pose in no time. Fighting wasn't good, though. She couldn't let it occur. Not over a misunderstanding, atleast. If it had to.. then so be it, but this wasn't a fight that had to be. Honeyflower bristled a bit, sleek fur standing slightly on edge. What to do now? Try to stop the conflict before it really got started, of course.

Off went Honeyflower again, this time hurrying towards her mate; to his side, trying to brush against him. "Tunnelheart, she was going after a mouse, not me. Don't fight," A slight sigh, the honey-ginger cat moving to rub her head on the darker tabby reassuringly. Focus on the blue she-cat, now. "Weren't you?" Going after the mouse, that is. For a moment, the ex-medicine cat was quiet, taking in the situation. Had the hostility lowered at all? Fighting seem likely.. all too likely. Over nothing but a misunderstanding. It made her shake her head a bit in disapproval, blue stare calmly shifting over the two. Then.. forward she went, attempting to move between the two and sit, tail curling close. "Fighting over a misunderstanding is asking for tragedy, you know." A slightly.. scolding tone. Warm, affectionate as ever.. but with a sort of.. mother-scolding to it. Yes, even at her mate. Fear of being attacked..? She didn't have much of it at the moment. Tunnelheart.. she'd not know what to think if he ever attacked her. It would be.. shocking. As for the still-unnamed she-cat? She hadn't been aggressive to begin with.. would she attack over a non-provoking movement? Hopefully not.

Ah, so much aggression. Undoubtedly, unseen or not, the star were frowning upon it in a time like this. What were the ancestors thinking? Had they sent the earthquake to punish the clans for something..? Now wasn't the time to dwell on that.

[riverstone]

Everything began moving at a faster pace. Images blurred and the roaring in Riverstones ear's grew louder and her heart began to pump harder.

The tom missed. Riverstone hissed and took a step back, keeping herself lowered to the ground. Her eyes were wide with anger, confusion and fear. She had never got into a fight before, did she even know how to defend herself if possible? Questions blurred in Riverstones mind. But none of that mattered. She had to stand her ground.

Gazing at the tom, she seen confusion flash through his eyes. But as soon as it appeared it disappeared and the aggressive look returned. Riverstone kept her eyes locked on Tunnelheart. She didn't want to glance at Honeyflower for a second and see what happened to her. Nothing mattered right now except defending herself.

"Who are you?"

Riverstones ear's tilted forward as she snapped from her overwhelmed mind. Was that him? It apparently was. Slowly Riverstone eased herself up off the ground and stood, raising her head proudly. Flicking her bushy blue tail and growled.

"My name is Riverstone. I am from Brookclan." She growled angrily. Just as she got her words out, the honey colored cat walked up to the tom. Their fur brushed and she talked in a soothing voice to him.
Did she do this often? Wow.
Riverstone blinked from her gaze realizing the female was now talking to her. Mouse? Oh...right.

"Y-yes." She growled, her voice cracking a little. Fear, perhaps? Riverstone didn't know. Nor could she be sure. "I was chasing a mouse." Riverstone wasn't sure what to say next. Maybe it was best to keep her mouth shut. She still didn't know who these cats were...or what clans they were from. Or why she was rudely attacked. But by the sounds of it, this tom or Tunnelheart is a little over protective of this she-cat. What a bad day to go hunting...

[Iva]

Overprotective might’ve been an understatement. More like..Psychoprotective. Emphasis on the ‘psycho’. But..Honey was soothing him, and in no time, his glance got a bit less..predatory. A misundesrstand. “I see..” And, with that..He relaxed, tall body instantly seeming to deflate, moving from his tense, standing position to a slightly awkward looking sit. He flicked his tail out, to wrap around Honey’s..He was relieved. Even if the danger hadn’t been real, he was relieved that it was gone now. No need to brutally maul anyone today. Tomorrow, maybe. Ohright..Riverstones. “I am Tunnelheart, and this is Honeyflower.” Apology for his near-attack? None. He wasn’t apologetic, after all. It was entirely Riverstone’s fault for seeming as if she was attacking Honey, obviously.

No? Try telling him them. Even if Honey wasn’t endangered, he didn’t approve of making it seem that way..Even if it wasn’t intentional. Tunnel. He wasn’t nearly as fluffy or caring as he used to be. None-the-less..He nodded his head, and try to blow off the entire situation. Not entirely appriate..But better then continueing the fight, no..? Which was what he probably would’ve been doing, if Honey wasn’t trying as she was to try and stop it. “I was just worried for you, love..” Trying to redeem himself a little. He knew too well fight over misunderstands was..Not advised. But, really.. One was not to scare him in such a way. Because he would shred them to the bone.

[Wargrace]

The conflict was diminished. Just like that. She saw the change in the scarred tom's posture. He wasn't as aggressive now -- so, it was over, wasn't it..? Unless the Brookclanner held a grudge and decided it wasn't. The honey-ginger she-cat relaxed a bit, glancing over the two briefly, before moving herself back again to Tunnelheart's side, settling into a sit close to him. Introductions. Riverstone of Brookclan. And Tunnelheart gave both his name and her own. "Nice to meet you, Riverstone. We're from Stormclan." With a friendly purr of greeting and a warm blink, the Stormclanner took in the situation. Ah, what would've happened if the two had gotten into a fight.. and not stopped so quickly? Bloodspill, no doubt. Unnecessary, and potentially.. provoking. Would that strike tension between Stormclan and Brookclan..? Possibly. But it was ended, now, she did hope.

"I know," To Tunnelheart, this time, as he said he was just worried; the ex-medicine cat shifted herself a bit to give his shoulder a lick. Oh, the dandelion leaves. Remembering these.. Honeyflower moved, retreating over to where they had been abandoned and gathering them up again before returning. "Don't forget your mouse, Riverstone~" A tail flick towards wherever it had been dropped when the conflict began. "Nice morning, isn't it~?" No more conflict dwelling! Honeyflower was herself once more, purring at the two warriors -- clanmate and none. No need for hostility.

[riverstone]

It was done.
All hostility and anger seemed to melt away from Tunnelheart. Riverstone wasn't sure she liked how quickly it seemed to vanish. Someone could get hurt with such anger that Riverstone still felt uneasy being near the tom. However, the honey cat seemed perfectly fine with it.

Riverstone said nothing as she watched both cats stare at her. They even introduced themselves. But Riverstone kept in her standing position until she realized how fluffed out she actually had become. It was most unappealing and might create more feelings that she didn't want. Quickly the blue cat turned and licked her fur flat and turned back towards Honeyflower and Tunnelheart.

With a slight movement she noticed Honeyflower get up and walk to her leaves. How odd? These two seemed to be mates. But this cat seemed connected to a leaf.
Slowly Riverstone reached out and grabbed her mouse, pulling it closer to her and glanced at Honeyflower.

"Are you a medicine cat?" Riverstone asked cautiously. "When I first seen you...You were looking at them. But..But you two seem to be..mates." This conversation was getting awkward already. Come on River! Where are your social skills? Oh ya. That's right. You have none. "And..if I'm right..medicine cats...can't..have...Mates."

Once more the tips of Riverstones ear's grew hot with embarrassment. She was gonna have to work on this whole...talking business.

[Iva]

Yes, it was done, and Tunnel showed nearly no sign that he had been vicious maybe a second before. Apart from a bit of his fur that still stuck up, which he quickly smoothed back down with a lick. Then, he turned his head, to return Honey’s lick, aiming for the she-cat’s golden side. Yes, Tunnelheart was perfectly calm now. His body language told of nothing, his eyes told of nothing, and his voice showed only a calmness. Atleast in it’s softness it was clear that he wasn’t in a bad mood, and seemed not to hold anything against the she-cat that had scared him.

It was a mistake, after all. He did hold grudges. Huge, everlasting, all consuming grudges. Of course, this was no grounds for a grudge, even for the tom that might’ve been a little mentally..Abstract. He gave his side another lick, ears perking. “Hm?” Ah, the conversation had changed. So did he, once again; stiffening, but not doing much else. Another mode, he was in; a dangerous one that could go either way. There must’ve been something in him urging to calm, however, for he actually tried to keep his head on. It was most likely Honey’s influence. “She is a warrior, now.” That offered little explanation. By the flash in his eyes, though, it would be easy to see that Riverstones best not wait for one. It was private. None of her business. His tail slashed a bit. What was this going to turn into, now..? Whatever it was, he was ready to defend. Even if it was just from words, this time.

[Wargrace]

The honey-ginger she-cat sat, quiet now; resting the dandelion leaves at her paws, ignoring the taste they left in her mouth. Not bitter, but tangy. Not necessarily a taste she liked; but not one she necessarily couldn't bare. It was easy to ignore, really. Atleast.. she found it easy to ignore. Perhaps it was just the moons of near-constant herb-collecting..? Because really.. that's all she'd done during her apprenticeship and early meddie-life. She'd kept herself thoroughly isolated as a kit -- she'd become a bit more social as an apprentice.. and she certaintly was much more social now. Questions. She listened to all of Riverstone's words, and Tunnelheart's reply without much reaction. Yes, it was a private matter -- but at the same time, was there any reason to keep it a secret..? Not particularly. There wasn't reason to disclose every detail, either, though.

"Yes, we're mates, and medicine cats can't have mates. I was, originally. As Tunnelheart said, I'm a warrior, now." Something she never expected she'd be. As a kit, yes, she had looked forward to it -- then the rogue attacked, and she felt.. more compelled to help the injured and sick than fight. But.. things changed. A medicine cat couldn't have a mate or kits; love won out. "I still like to gather herbs when I have the time, and right now there's only one official medicine cat." The warrior shifted herself, licking a white paw and drawing it over her ears slowly, then repeating a couple times. "Are you new to the clans~?" Most cats were.. well aware medicine cats couldn't have mates, but this she-cat seemed uncertain. Perhaps she was new, then? It would be nice to know a non-clanner survived the earthquake and joined the clans.

What else to say? Nothing for now. Honeyflower would wait for a comment or reply, then decide if she had anything more to say, or for the topic to change.

[riverstone]

Riverstone's ear twitched slightly as she seen Tunnelheart's reaction to her question. She had better learn to play with her words carefully so she didn't offend this tom in any way again.
Glancing carefully over to Honeyflower she heard her words. Again. Same response to the question. It was understandable. Riverstone didn't exactly meet with favorable circumstances with the couple.

Looking downward things felt awkward. The first two cats Riverstone actually got to speak to and things weren't going as planned. How stupid!
Riverstones ear flicked hearing a question directed towards her. She listened and bent her head back down once more. Was it that obvious?

"I am." She replied softly keeping her head still focused on her paws. Her ear's burned hotly. This wasn't how she was raised to be...all shy! Taking in a deep breath the blue fur she-cat raised her head and smiled. "I feel I owe the both of you an apology. I didn't mean to startle you or," She glanced at Tunnelheart "appearing as a threat to your mate. I am in fact new and still have much to learn about your methods of living. You'd think I was just a new apprentice with my hunting skills!" Riverstone smiled lighthearted. "I should have smelt you as well as the mouse. However...as a rouge I never had much to worry about another cat being just beyond the bush!" Riverstone purred happily at the thought and curled her tail around her small paws. "As for my question earlier...I didn't mean to offend either of you, if I did. Ah! Here I am. Making a fool of myself once more."

[Iva]

Tunnel sat and watched, reacting little until the two she-cat’s were done speaking. So..Riverstone’s was new to the clans, after all? Maybe this was a little reassuring, maybe it wasn’t. It gave her an excuse to be a little ditsy, atleast. Another cat..Wouldn’t have had an excuse. He might even get angry at them, not that he thought about it. Was he mad at Riverstone? Not.. Quite. Now that the danger had passed..Or been dismissed as not actual, he had calmed a bit. His ears still stood pricked on his head, and his posture was still sort of tense..But, alas, he was Tunnel, and always would be Tunnel. Although he had been known as friendly, all-loving, all-caring, soft kit..He had changed a lot. That kit Tunnel was long, long gone. Now..He was hardly any of those. Excluding to Honey, of course. He eyed the blueish she-cat finally, smiling slight and shaking his head. “New, I see.. Be careful who you take too, then. There are a few unpleasant bodies around.” The smile..It wasn’t as happy as it was.. Strange?

Was he giving her advice, a warning, or just being strange yet again? That was for her to decide. There were bad cats about. Traitors, weaklings. If this cat knew anything, she would stick to the better ones. Which ones were better..? He was not the one to ask. He didn’t get involved in clan life to a terrible extent. He knew some of the bad, but not all. Likewise, he knew some of the good, but not all. It was bad to go by what other’s thought, anyway. In choosing her own good-and-bad, it would prove what type of cat she really was.