The River (6 Spaces): Plot Thread

[Inkling]

Cutting through the very heart of the Narnian countryside, the great river ebbs and flows, weaving its way across the land. It has already begun to freeze over, and a light dusting of frost coats the cattails along the bank. To the west, the water cascades over a set of falls, meaning that anyone who fell in would be in trouble. Boulders also line the edges of the water, providing a place to rest for weary travelers. Several trees, without dryads, naturally, have been cut down to build a dam halfway down the stream. It appears to be the work of industrious beavers.

Several smaller creatures have also made a home here in order to have convenient access to the water. On a very still day, it is possible to make out the soft conversation of the river's naiads.

Feel free to use this thread for a discussion taking place outdoors, re-describing it based on your needs.

Only 6 characters at at time, please, and keep in mind the time limit for staying here.

[Petraverd]

Onyx leads his sister wordlessly to a small, secluded grove of trees. After a brief talk with a dryad, who agrees to give the two unicorns a little privacy for a time, he beckons the young filly closer, while letting out a low sigh. His slightly agitated countenance melts into a fairly weary one as he nudges Agate.

"I'm guessing there's a lot of questions on your mind... and I'll do my best to answer them. But... I hope you know that whatever you might think about the answers I give, know that... that I've had your best interest in mind. And always will."

[Inkling]

Agate enters the glade just after Onyx does, her legs still a bit shaky. She glances about anxiously, starting a bit as a leaf flutters down to land just in front of her.

Stop being such a baby, Agate. How's he ever gonna tell you what's going on if you act like you're scared of everything?

She glances over at her brother, hoping he hasn't noticed, and tries to make herself look as grown-up as possible. She actually ends up coming across as rather absurd, of course, for all she tries.

"I do. Might not always /agree/ with you, but you know I love you too." She tilts her head, as an idea comes to her. "Does this have to do with why Mum and Father had to go on that trip?" She bites her lip and waits to hear what she's fairly certain /isn't/ going to be good.

[Petraverd]

The grove, due to the shelter of the canopy of the evergreens above them, is less snowy than elsewhere, and Onyx takes advantage of it. He settles himself onto the ground by one of the larger trees, letting out another sigh as he does so.

In the motion, he looks rather older than he actually is.

He tilts his head in another motion of beckoning. "C'mere, Aggie. We've got a lot to talk about, I at least owe you that... I'm not sure it's going to be very easy for either one of us, though."

He nods a little at the question. "It does... except... they didn't /have/ to go, they chose to. And... it wasn't exactly a trip, either."

[Inkling]

Agate's small whinny matches the confusion reflected in her gray eyes. She settles herself on the ground facing her brother, so the two can see each other eye to eye.

Her brow furrows, creating tiny ripples along the base of her horn. "But...why would they wanna leave us? Specially if..." and here the filly's voice drops to a squeaky whisper, despite her best efforts not to let it show. "/She's/ real. The witch..."

[Petraverd]

Onyx nuzzles his little sister gently, taking a slow breath. If there is anything in his expression that betrays his own feelings on what he's about to say, he does his best to cover it... though most likely with little success.

Easy, Onyx, you were told to protect her... and that means emotionally too. It's going to tear her up enough without seeing how it's hit /me/ as well.

"Aggie... there's a lot of whispers going around these days, and I don't know which to believe and which not to. But... I do know that there /is/ a witch. That's... that's why they left. Father didn't want to see his children live in fear of something like her, and Mother... well, she wouldn't hear of him doing so alone. So they went, along with a few others, to see what they could do about the situation. Father took me aside, and told me to do my best to look after you... and Mother talked to you."

He lowers his head a little. "Father thought it best if you didn't know too much, and I listened to him... I knew it'd come out eventually, though. And now I don't know whether keeping it from you was really the best thing either..."

[Inkling]

The unicorn filly listens, several different expressions passing across her face: shock, bewilderment, and, finally, what looks almost like anger. She practically jumps to her hooves, turning away from him.

"We need them /here/. She LIED to me...she told me that they were only gonna be gone a little while. That everything would be just fine, and that I hadta stay safe and do what you told me while they were gone. She said there was nothing to worry about." She fights back the tears that threaten, doing an admirable job of it other than a small sniffle.

"What if..." she lowers her voice again. "What if they're not coming back. What if she got them? It's been a really long time...longer than it should've been."

Wheeling about sharply, Agate appears to be about to bolt. "We haveta go after them. Maybe help somehow, if they're in trouble."

[Petraverd]

Onyx frowns as he gets to his hooves again and moves to his sister's side.

Well you could have phrased THAT better, Onyx...

He takes a slow breath, trying to keep his voice calm and even. "They only /intended/ it to be a little while... and things /will/ be fine, in time. When, I don't know... and even then, 'fine' hardly ever looks the way we think it will... but if we don't think things are going to be fine someday, then what's the point?"

His expression flickers, not knowing how to respond to the last part of it.

Well, I do... just not in any way that's going to make her feel any better.

He takes a deep breath, and his facade cracks a little... but only if somebody's looking for it. "Aggie... that fox friend of mine... he... he went with them. And a little while back, he stopped by again... she... they..."

He shakes his mane and sighs. "There's no easy way to say this... but... according to my fox friend, they're... they're gone...."

[Inkling]

Agate freezes in place, the shock too great for her even to cry. "No. 'S not true! They're coming back..." She paws at the ground with a hoof, through the deep layer of snow, and the moment when the reality inevitably sets in is obvious to anyone watching her face. It is set.

"I wanna do something to stop her. How could she hurt them? They didn't /do/ anything."

She takes in a deep breath as she comes face to face with pure evil for the first time, and she starts shaking as she tries to hold in the emotions that threaten to overwhelm her. Finally, there is some calm, though whether it is merely the eye of the storm is not yet apparent.

"We're gonna have to take care of each other. If something happens to you too..." She nudges Onyx, needing the physical reminder that her brother is still right there, just fine.

[Petraverd]

The stallion lets out yet another sigh, this one of slight relief that Agate hasn't bolted or screamed at him or some such. He nudges her back. "I suppose they /did/ do something, though... they opposed her and tried to stand in her way."

He is quiet a bit, comforting his sister by remaining close... and admittedly, taking comfort from keeping her close as well. "I promised Father I'd do everything I could to make sure you were kept safe... and that's /not/ going to change anytime soon. I'm not going to lose you too..."

The thought of such causes the stallion's voice to crack a bit, in spite of his efforts to maintain a strong countenance for his sister.

Careful, careful, she's got enough to deal with without her brother breaking down on her...

[Inkling]

Agate finds a relatively snow-free spot and curls up into a tight little unicorn ball. At first, she is too caught up in her own misery to notice his, but gradually her head pokes up and she stops shaking.

Perhaps it's the small catch in his voice, but a look of concern passes across her face. "Mum and Father said we don't always have to be strong when we're hurting, right, Onyx? And you've gotta miss 'em as much as I do." She gets up and comes over, leaning her head against her brother for a minute.

"It'll be all right, even if we don't know how yet. We'll watch out for each other. You'll haveta figure out how to put up with me somehow, cause I'm not going anywhere, and I'm gonna make sure nothing happens to you either..." Her words are said with a solemnity that goes beyond her years, and it's clear how much she means it.

[Petraverd]

"I'm... I'm fine. I've... had more time to sort through it."

His tone might not be quite as convincing as he might like.

The stallion's countenance hardens a bit as he nudges his sister in return. "Nothing's going to happen to me. And nothing's going to happen to /you/, either. I'm going to do all I can to keep the both of us safe..."

[Inkling]

Agate gives her big brother a look which is, frankly, skeptical.

If Onyx is fine, how come I'm not? I don't think anything's /fine/ right about now...

She mutters something under her breath, of which the only discernible words are "suuuure" and something that sounds an awful lot like "stubborn".

Having very little filter, she blurts out, "You don't haveta act like you're doing great for me. I know better...I know lotsof stuff..." She attempts a rather strained smile. "And I know you're gonna protect me, 'cause I'm gonna protect you too. That's what family's supposed to do. And maybe someday we'll both actually really be all right."

[Petraverd]

Onyx looks rather startled at his sister's outburst, but his hardened expression drops away, replaced by the grief he's denied from showing on his face. "All right, all right, you got me... it's just... you've got a lot to let soak in yourself without me adding all my problems to it. Just... don't worry about me, I'll be okay, I just need time."

As if I haven't had that...

He nuzzles Agate again. "And I'm... I'm sorry I've kept all this from you. Father just thought it best for the time being, and... I wasn't sure when to start questioning it..."

[Inkling]

Agate's mouth quirks into an approximation of a smile, and her tone is just a little bit lighter. "You've /had/ time, you know. 'Sides which, I only worry when I care about someone, and you count, even if you /are/ my brother. And you can be a pretty nice brother when you decide to be."

She gives him a look that plainly shows she really does look up to him; it reflects her trust. "I know you wouldn't've if you didn't think you were helping. But I figure things out anyway, so may as well tell me." Something in the filly's posture is slightly straighter, as if she's suddenly grown up almost in an instant. In a way, she has.

[Petraverd]

Onyx, on the other hoof, looks rather akin to a young colt wanting to run to his father. "I just... I don't know what to do, Aggie."

You've gone this far, Onyx, may as well get the rest of it out.

The stallion shuffles a hoof in the snow. "I promised Father I'd look out for you as best I could, but... I'm not even sure I know what that /is/. I'm not used to this, I don't know what I'm doing..."

His eyes mist a bit, and for once he doesn't try to hide it. "I wish he was here... I need his advice..."

[Inkling]

As much as she herself can be frank almost to the point of bluntness, Agate is startled by Onyx's confession and blinks rapidly, several times.

But...he always knows what to do...doesn't he?

She nudges him, staying close and shifting from hoof to hoof, worried and not sure how best to comfort him.

"You'll figure it out, and I'll help. I promise. 'M not used to it either, but we just haveta remember what they /did/ tell us, which was an awful lot. It'll be all right," she says again, and this time her voice is a little steadier, a little more certain.

"And you're not gonna be by yourself. You've got me."

[Petraverd]

"I know, and it helps... I just miss them..."

It's at this point that Onyx finally lets a few held-back tears fall, remaining close to his sister.

We may live with a few other unicorns, but she's all I have left of my family... and I've always looked out for her, but then I had Father to help nudge me onto the right track. Who've I got now?

Despite being the older of the two by a fair amount, the stallion suddenly feels very young, and rather lost. The pretense he's kept up for his sister's sake falls away, and though he tries to at least retain some degree of composure so as not to completely startle her, he finds such a fight one he's rapidly losing - in letting loose a few things he's held back, the rest want to follow suit.

[Inkling]

Agate can't help the tears which begin to fall freely as hurt for her brother, sadness for her loss, and fear at the uncertainty of their future mingle.

She sniffles and nudges him again. "Me too..."

[Petraverd]

Several moments of silence pass before Onyx gets a hold of himself and breaks the quiet that has fallen between them.

"I think I needed that... I've been holding back for too long. More than just what I haven't said, I guess..."

He shakes his mane, truly looking a little better than when he first brought his sister this direction. "It's going to be rough, trying to get a handle on all this, but... but at least we have each other. That's a start."

[Inkling]

Agate takes a deep, shuddering breath and sniffles, then finally stops crying. Whether she's feeling better or whether she just has no tears left is unclear. She rests her head against Onyx, mindful of her horn, of course.

"Yep. It's a start, and we're gonna be all right. Gotta be, somehow. Thanks, Onyx...'m really glad you're here."

[Petraverd]

Onyx manages a small smile, his dark eyes still a bit misty, but at least looking in slightly better spirits. "I'm glad you're here too... doubt I'd be getting along half as well if I didn't have my sister around..."

He butts her gently, hoping to lift her spirits a bit as well. He says in a rather joking manner, "Besides, bossing somebody around makes me feel better. Even if I don't quite know how to go about doing it..."

[Inkling]

Agate is actually smiling, though it's faint and more to reassure him than anything else. "Well, 'm not that easy to tell what to do. Sometimes I just...forget. Or I just don't wanna do it...or I get distracted..." She looks just a bit impish as she says this.

Suddenly, she sobers, once again looking older than she should. "But I'm really gonna try and be better. Think they'd want that...last thing they said was I hadta listen to you. And I haven't always." She takes another deep breath, willing herself not to cry again, and actually succeeds. Somewhat.

[Petraverd]

Once again Onyx nuzzles his sister in a comforting sort of gesture. "I think we're both going to have to try a little harder. And be a little more patient with each other, too. We'll figure it out."

He gestures out of the grove. "Come on. I think we've got things as sorted as we're going to right now..."

OOC: Back to the Lantern Waste thread!

[Inkling]

Agate nods, then darts out ahead of him as she usually does. Suddenly, she slows her pace to a walk, her head drooping a bit.

Nothing feels like it used to anymore...just doesn't feel right.

There are a few birds circling overhead, and their song is almost grating to her sensitive ears. She lets out a little sigh as she heads back towards the Pool.

'S not their fault. They don't know.

OOC: Further up! Further in!

[Knight of Narnia]

Icefang paced about for a bit before looking up at the others.

"We need to figure out where we should try and go. If we head north towards the mountains, we are likely to encounter somewhat more fierce resistance from the queen's forces. If we travel east, we will be moving towards the sea. So perhaps south would be our best option for now?"

OOC: I've made a map to kind of get an idea of where everyone in this RP should be right now. Understandably, Ninecatcher and co. don't know about Icefang and co. or the unicorns and likewise is true about the others. I think I got everyone right, but if there are any problems with it just let me know.

MAP (http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/Ooakmi_Baka/map4-1.jpg)

[~Lava~]

Ava walks up to Icefang after following him down to the river. "I think we ought to go south. If we head toward Archenland, perhaps we will find some help. Just remember Icefang, I know you are not keen on large cats but if we do meet some or if the leopard from back in the clearing do come, we ought to at least give them a chance."

[Knight of Narnia]

Icefang replied to Ava

"Hm. Yes. Perhaps it would do us good to go south. We should start by going to the Great Woods and seeing if we can find any of the wolves I met up with earlier. I'd rather have help from my own kind than to ask those cats for help."

[Copperfox]

OOC: Thanks, K-of-N, for the map. Ninecatcher is tearing eastward from where you show her as fast as she can; but given the size of the territory mapped, she has not made it far enough yet to make an appreciable difference in her marked location. If you head south, you might well meet the centaur Marius and the Archenlander Bryan, who were with Ninecatcher till recently. By the way, in progression of time, Ninecatcher is in only the first night since the "onstage" action began.

[Knight of Narnia]

After resting at the side of the river, letting the cool water wash over the cuts and scrapes on his paws, Icefang picked his head up and looked over at where Ava and Kayla were sitting.

"I was thinking, have you heard of a human settlement to the south? When I was working with Jadis, I had heard whispers from among the other wolves that they had seen a large human settlement far to the south past the mountains. As much as it pains me to say this, perhaps we could use their help. I don't know if they would be any more capable of defeating Jadis than us animals would, but the idea of strength in numbers is something we wolves value greatly."

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: hello. :)

IC: Flower came trotting up behind the others.

"Doesn't it get warmer to the south? I'm tired of frozen everything. I know my home is that way to... So if we find any black cats let me know!"

She thought a moment.

"Resistance. Hmm. Humans, never hated them never was close to em. I've heard little about humans... Little will you find of them from me."

[~Lava~]

"I just barely know it. Like I said, I had to study geography as a kit (it has something to do with female foxes leaving home) and it was taught by a centaur who has been all over the place. He said that if you go past the mountains to the south, you are no longer in Narnia at all. They are a friendly country but a different one; it is completely run by humans. He called it Archenland. Southward seems like it is our best bet for any form of safety or resistance. Perhaps the witch won't even go into Archenland."

OOC: I know by the time that the Pevensies got to Narnia the creatures had forgotten all about their human neighbors to the south. I wonder why that happened. Perhaps Jadis did something to make commerce impossible. Perhaps she made a large ice across the pass, maybe we ought to do something that makes it happen.

[Knight of Narnia]

OOC: I wonder if Lewis had even thought of Archenland when he wrote LWW. I'm trying to think if Archenland even appears outside of HHB? I don't remember any references in SC or LB, but I could be wrong.

However, the idea of somehow cutting Archenland off from Narnia might be an interesting plot idea.

[Knight of Narnia]

BIC:

"Alright then. It's settled. We should rest up tonite and let our wounds heal some more, and take off early tomorrow morning. We will head south, first to the great woods to try and meet up with the other wolves, after that we will head southward to the mountain ranges in hopes of finding others to help in the fight against Jadis."


OOC:

This should end our River discussion. Once everyone is back on, we'll start moving southward.

[Frodosgurl]

OOC: finally I found the boat instead of missing it..lol

IC: Kayla limped and nearly fell once. "Sure is nice and quiet here." she said.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower darted into the clearing near the river and waited for Sterling to come, sending a loud yowl in case he was lost.

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling lets Flower gets ahead of him, enjoying the scenery. He hadn’t been outside the castle really since Mama and Papa had been turned to stone, and it’s nice to see the icicles and snow. Everything is so pretty. He barely notices the person who spoke to Flower. He has a mission, and at the moment, that is getting to know the other cat.

He heard a yowl, and rolled eyes, pick up his speed. He comes out by the river and scampers over to sit by Flower. “Sorry, I was just looking around. I didn’t mean to get so very far behind you,” he smiles brightly, seeming more relaxed without so many other creatures around.

[faithfulpurelight]

OOC: Ummmm you can't say he stopped to catch a mouse because you are not Sterling. That's kinda god-modding. And I think this was just supposed to be between Sterling and Flower, but *shrugs* I guess not

[Inkling]

OOC: Hold the phone...Marianne and Sterling need to wait for their turn in the other thread to pose out and come over here...also, I'm fine with Marianne following, but she should make sure she has a /reason/ IC to do so.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: Hold the phone...Maryann and Sterling need to wait for their turn in the other thread to pose out and come over here...

OOC: Oh ok. *Waits*

[NarniaGirl12]

OOC: Also, I'm fine with Marianne following, but she should make sure she has a /reason/ IC to do so.

But...I do have a reason to do so...I promised Flower I would stay with her. Should I state that In Character?

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: Wait I looked back a few pages in the 'Lantern Waste' and Sterling was following Flower before... Does that count as him 'signing out from that thread or no?:confused:

[Inkling]

OOC: I just saw that. It counts in my book, so Sterling is fine.

Marianne will need to post out if she decides to follow...and be prepared to explain it.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: I deleted my earlier post concerning Sterling and Marriane being introduced.;)

IC: Flower sighed, glad to be alone with her own kind for awhile.

"So Sterling, what do you like to do? What are your hobbies and such I mean." she said, "I like hunting, until Mid left, an ocasional play-fight and..." she smiled and pounced playfully on the young cat, claws sheathed.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

The kitten gives the human a once over, hiding his disgust very well. He really does not want to be near this. . Marriane, not in the slightest bit. He holds his tongue however, and merely nods to the girl. He’s amused by the irritation obviously coursing through Flower, and can’t help but be impressed. She obviously wants to be alone with him a bit, and perhaps he can use that for something.

“Flower? Is something wrong?” he asks, shifting closer to the other cat. He shoots Marriane a glare, it’s reason obvious. She made the only person he really trusts annoyed.


OOC:Marriane isn't here... yet. She has to sign out of the Lantern Waste thread first to come here, so the kittens are alone.;)

And Flower has decided to playfully attack Sterling.:p:D

[faithfulpurelight]

He smiles, his eyes glittering playfully. He hasn’t been able to be a kitten it what seems like forever, since he and Argent had to step into the adult role to keep all four of the kittens alive. He rolls her over, claiming dominance in their game with a roguish grin. “I like to play fight too. I used to play with my brothers all the time before...” he trails off, and playfully nips at her, not actually hurting her.

“You think your any good?”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Smiling Flower is also being a kitten for the first time in ages.

Laughing as Sterling rolls her on her back she says,

"Look out little cat whatch out for my feet!" she said and playfully and gently pushed him off using her front and back feet. Sending Sterling rolling off her.

Still laughing she says, "Alright enough. I don't want to re-open a wound I have." she said "I put something on it but for now lets stop before it begins to hurt again... Or out of pain I may injure you on acident."

"So where do you live? I'm from the Waste you see."

[faithfulpurelight]

He shakes his head, still smiling. “You can’t start something and call it off because you’re going to lose,” but his smile doesn’t falter much and it’s not serious. He frowns however hearing she’s hurt. While it’s true that she’s only hurt because she was silly enough to fight his queen, he would rather she didn’t have to get hurt and would just see the light. “Hurt? Are you okay?”

He hesitates, knowing he can’t say where he lives now. “I used to live near the empty Cair Paravel, actually. It was so pretty there,”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower nods, "Yeah I'm fine, nothing I won't recover from." she states.

"Cair Paravel. Really? I've never been there. What was it like? Did you get to go into the castle itself?" she asks eagerly.

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling nods excitedly, almost seeming to come alive as he talks about his old home, and his old life. “Mama didn’t want us too, but we did anyway. It was so beautiful, so wonderful, you would have loved it. My brothers and I used to sneak in there and pretend we lived there, that the King or Queen used us for important messages,” he admits. “I loved it.”

He pauses, turning the table on her. “But what about you? Did you like living here in the Waste? I mean everyone says their home is boring, so that doesn’t count,” he teases. “What are your siblings like? Or is that a sore subject?” he adds quickly.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

"Naw, I still dunno if my family's all gone or not. I like living here alright but I want to have adventures....Well I suppose adventure has found me on its own." she said smiling, "I do want to see other places, south is Archenland, East is Cair Pavavel, and north is... North is danger. North is /her/ house." hissed Flower.

Turning to the rest of the question, keeping only a bit of her caution she says, "Well Mid is my best friend, he is black and protective, loyal and would do anything to protect me and the others. Susa is my sister also black,very kind. Mars is shy but kind and he can fight if need be, he has a marble coat. Zippy is... Fast very very fast, still with a marble coat. He's like a tom version of me. He's a ferocoius fighter if his family's involved."

"Me, I'm defiant, thats what everyone who knows me would probably tell ya. Well my sibblings would..." she concludes, still only telling Sterling her sibblings nick-names.

'If some of the trees are on her side... I won't risk it.' she thought.

[faithfulpurelight]

He nods, taking the information in carefully, it’s important to know who her siblings are, and their personality types. If they can not be saved, it’s best to keep them away from Flower. Of course, she did say that she’s defiant and probably stubborn. Maybe once her mind is made up, it would be that much easier.

“Ar’ was a great thinker, even at our age. He was always trying to keep me out of trouble. He looked out for us, he always felt responsible. Sil’ was really mischievous, you had to watch out for him so he didn’t get himself into some huge trouble, all the time. And Kle...was innocent, really. He was the youngest.” He uses his siblings nicknames, or failing that, shortens their names, so that he’s not exactly lying to her. Never lie unless absolutely necessary, because it helps your case later. And while his siblings weren’t gone, they weren’t like that anymore. Not really.

He smiles and nuzzles her hesitantly, trying to see if she trusts him fully or how much yet. “So can I ask you why you’re traveling with a fox and a wolf? They aren’t creatures we can trust usually.”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower alows him to nuzzle her.

'Its been a long time since I felt someone do that.' she thought, then made up her mind.

"My friends the wolf and the fox have proved trustworthy companions. "

She puts a kind friendly look about her, almost motherly.

[faithfulpurelight]

OOC: Didn’t they give him their names before? In the other thread, I think they did

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: Didn’t they give him their names before? In the other thread, I think they did

OOC: I don't know I'll check. I have a bad memory sometimes.;):o

[faithfulpurelight]

Right, like you can trust a deserter, he thinks nastily. He can’t understand why anyone would desert the Queen, since she’s what can keep you safe. And surviving, is everything, isn’t it? He doesn’t let anything he’s thinking show on his face though, he’s too good an actor for that. He shrugs. “If you say so I guess.”

He pounces on her playfully again, being very careful of her wound. He smiles brightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t you miss being with other cats though? I mean traveling with a wolf...aren’t you afraid she’ll eat you or something?” he asks, truly curious. Neither he nor Argent were afraid of the wolves, although they haven’t met too many. But it is true, wolves can not be trusted, and they can eat them. “And aren’t foxes out for their own gain?”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Rolling on top of the smaller cat Flower said, "If you'd like you can come with us. You'll see they'd never hurt me or you."

She thought a moment.

"I-I miss my family. Especially Midnight. We were always the closest..." Suddenly she stands, letting go of Sterling, and looks to the distance.

"Midnight, oh Midnight, where are ye now?" she whispers into the eve.

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling shrugs, trying to quell his discomfort. He doesn’t like being beneath anyone, even Argent, and he trusts him more than anything. It makes him feel vulnerable, something he never wants. “I guess I could come,” he says softly. “If you promise that they won’t hurt me.”

He stands as she rolls off of him, watching her. “I have an idea, since Midnight isn’t here, how I’ll protect you? Not that you need protecting or anything, but it’s good to know that someone has your back. Someone you can trust.” He smiles shyly, almost like he’s hoping she’ll say yes but expecting a no. Like he might be getting a crush on her.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

"Of course they won't hurt you!" exclaims Flower, coming out of her trance.

Smiling she says "Midnight wanted me to be protected. I got into more trouble than ever though. If I could I'd reverse it all but... But now I have a chance to have some of my wrongs be righted... Alright Sterling, I say yes." smirking suddenly she added, "But I'm hard to look out for. And in return I'll whatch out for you, alright?"

[faithfulpurelight]

He shrugs again, not really phased by her surprised outburst. “Mama said never trust wolves and foxes, because they’ll trick you as soon as they find it in their best interest. And I wouldn’t want you hurt because of them.” The last part is true, he doesn’t want her hurt and on the wrong side of things because the deserting wolf and tricky fox did something to her. He really does want to keep her safe, put her on the right side, with the Queen. But that will take time, it would always take time.

He smiles and nods. “We can keep each other safe then,” he laughed, one would almost call it a giggle. “Us against the world.”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Shrugging off her worry of Sterling not trusting Kayla nd Ava, she says "Interesting way of putting it." she says to his comment of 'Us aginst the world'.
"Midnight and I always said 'We may seem alone but never far is the one who loves more than any, keeping us safe.' Its from something my mother used to sing to us:

'I may seem far away
But even if I am
He is never far
To watch out for you
And keep you safe
He is kind and great
So even when I'm far
My little one
Never doubt
We may seem alone
But never far is the one
Who loves more than any
Keeping us safe
Safe from evil
Safe from horror and despair
So as long as you have Him
You are Never alone.

I always think of that when I get scared. I know I always have someone watching over me, keeping me safe."

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling smiles softly, listening to the song. “It’s pretty, that’s for sure. Mama was more of a storyteller then a singer, and Papa couldn’t sing for his supper if he tried,” he chuckles, his eyes dancing.

“It’s good to know that someone’s always near you. And now, you have me, right? So someone obviously is watching over you, because they sent me to you. Or maybe...they’re watching over me. I don’t know.”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Smiling Flower said "He watches everyone. He knows every tree, wolf, fox, even us kittens he watches."

Sighing she said "Mother told us stories too... Long ago... I never new my father. I asked Misty, my oldest brother, once and he said 'Flower lil girl that ain't somethin a kit so small 's you should know.' Misty took on head-of-the-house since we didn't have a father. I grew up with Misty's answer in my head, but when this venture's over I'm gonna go loking for my father." she said it defiantly but she thought,

'If you live that long.'

[faithfulpurelight]

“I’m sorry you never knew your Papa. I wish I could help with that, but I don’t know how. I haven’t seen any other cats but you, actually. But maybe I can help?” He has the resources at the castle, he knows he can help her find her father, or find out if her father’s dead. But before he can do that, he has to gain her trust, and get her onto the right side.

“Unfortunately we’re hardly kittens anymore, are we? With everything that’s changing. . .”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower nodded. She new what he meant. Their time here, being just kittens, was limited.

'I've gown so much in a day. From a sleepy kitten emerging from her den, to a warrior of a cat.'

She remebered another thing her mother had told her, ' Be bold and strong Don't be afriad. He is with you...'

Suddenly Flower asks a completly un-called for question, "So what do you think of the witch?"

'I can't believe you said that!' screamed her brain. Nevertheless she waited for an answer.

[faithfulpurelight]

He starts, looking at her with wide eyes. His heart is beating very quickly, and although he knows that he has given nothing away, this is his first chance. He doesn’t want to lie unless he expressly has to, or she might not trust him later. This needs to be handled as delicately as possible.

“I...” he hesitates, trying to gather his thoughts. This is his first challenge he really has been given as a spy. He takes a deep breath. “I don’t rightly know. I mean. . .where is He? He’s left us it seems like, and I don’t want to die. I don’t . . .” he trails off momentarily before pushing on. “What about you though? I mean, we’ve only heard rumors about Her it seems, and I don’t know what to believe.”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

"Well... As far as I can tell...Well..." she thinks carefully then says, "The Witch has never caused me anything but pain and... And Aslan has only ever helped me. The witch is... She does wrong. I don't know if I could ever forgive her if she's... Done in with my family... I've never been sure about either side... Midnight and mother always believed so strongly in Him, I-I never doubted. But now... Now I must have Trust."

"So do...Do you believe in Aslan too? I mean the witch, she's killed all your family and some of mine but Aslan... Can help us, he's helped me before..." she waits, trying to adress the matter as well as she can, and finds herself sounding a bit like her brother Midnight...

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling makes a face, looking unsure. “He. . . well shouldn’t he be here by now if he cares about us? If She’s really as bad as everyone’s saying, then He should be helping us, right? I mean...what wrong did we do that He’s left us? What if She can offer us protection? The rumors say that she’s bad, but maybe She isn’t as bad as we all think. What if She hasn’t hurt your family? Or maybe I’m wrong about mine. . .I don’t know. But I don’t think we should make any decisions until we know the facts. That’s what Papa always said, right?”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower stiffened, "Mother and Midnight always said..." she begins then relizes something,

'I'm not them. This is my decision...Not theirs.'

"I-... My brothers left about two months ago. They promised to be back by the time Mid and I left but they weren't... They never broke their promises. Mother cried so much... We- we left just to get away from the sadness... A bird had told mama something... Susa had heard some of what it said and told us. It said, 'Ma'm I'm sorry to say your eldest sons they a, won't be comin' back. They went to, /her/ house with a couple others an' was real bad... Ye may not want me to tell ye the details though with er lil one so close.'
Then mother told Susa to leave..." she hung her head, then continued her voice quavering, "I-I was so scared... For awhile I thought they'd come back but... But they never did."

"Aslan on the other paw, is the only one who seems to care. The witch wasn't always here you know, Sterling. My first few months were spent before winter set in. It was beautiful, Sterling, beautiful. The leaves fall off trees , you know? They aren't always like this. Thats what Aslan did. He made it beautiful. He still is whatchin' us. You're livin' proof of that! If Aslan wasn't whatching over us I betcha you'd be dead now, with your brothers and family."

[faithfulpurelight]

He shakes his head. “Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe He made all that beauty, but I’ve never known it. And maybe He’s abandoned us, maybe he hasn’t. But shouldn’t we treat everything with a grain of salt, until we know the truth? I mean, you only heard that they went to her house...maybe...” he brightens. “Maybe they’re okay! I mean maybe she didn’t hurt them, and they just like living with her because she gives food or something. You said yourself that we gotta be careful who we trust...”

He sighs. “No, Aslan didn’t keep me safe, my brother did. He’s the one who kept me safe.” He nuzzles her again, lending his support. “Don’t worry, we’ll find the truth.”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Flower stares at the kitten. Everything she has ever known is being challenged, and by who? A kitten only about half her age.

"Who says the witch can be trusted then? If I can't trust Aslan, I can't trust the witch any more than I can trust Him." she contradicted.

[faithfulpurelight]

He nods. She’s making sense out of everything now, just likes he wants her to. “That’s what I mean. Maybe we shouldn’t trust either of them until we get some proof, right? Because we don’t want to get into trouble for believing rumors either way, right?”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

A tinge of caution leaps up in her mind, but Flower quickly dissmised it.

'What he says makes sense. Aslan may not have abandoned us but He's not doing anything it seems.'

"Right." said Flower "Facts. I should have thought of that. I never was one to really think things through, though." she suddenly decides on something, "Maybe we should travel alone, to find out about things and tell the others latter. They want to go down south. Acusing the witch of it all without proof..." Suddenly she remebers something,

Onyx and Agate.

'Onyx was captured by /her/! And Agate went after him! I must find them!'

Shivering she says "I know how to find facts. Go to the witch's house. She took two of my friends there. If they still remain we can ask them whether the witch is evil or if she can be trusted... If its alright with you of course."

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling brightens at the idea of traveling alone, but he’s also supposed to gather information. He already knows that the wolf is a deserter, and that she’s traveling with at least a white fox. But at the same time, Flower isn’t ready to go to the castle yet. Not yet anyway. Traveling alone might make things easier, and he can learn about where the resistance is going without seeming sneaky. But if they go to the castle now, she’ll get turned to stone or something. He doesn’t want that.

“I don’t know...I don’t think we should go to Her home yet, not till we’re sure of a few more things, you know? Traveling alone, maybe we should...Where are your friends going?”

OOC: If he takes her to the castle right now she’ll get turned to stone. So that’s not possible yet.

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

OOC: Flower doesn't know she'll be turned to stone since Sterling is, manipulating her.

IC: Flower wonders if she should directly adress the subject of resistance.

'He may want to join, but yet... Who's right and who's wrong? I don't know anymore.' then a sense of longing takes over.

"Midnight I sure wish you were here."

It takes her a moment to relize she has just said her thoughts of Midnight out-loud. When she does, her ears turn bright red, her equivelent of blushing.

When she regains the ability to speak she says, "We should travel alone for awhile I suppose..." she suddenly remebers her friends, saying they'd help her...To find the one thing she truly wants and needs...

Her family.

Tears form in her green eyes.
'Eyes to match the greenest grass.' Her brother, Marble, once told her.

"You are never alone..." she mutters.

Lifting her head, tears still in her eyes, she says, "If we leave alone we leave now. If you are willing to follow then do." she tensed, ready to spring out of the clearing, yet she waits for Sterling's response.

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling shrugs and nods. He’s doing well, manipulating the way she thinks. Being alone with her means that she’ll grow to trust him more, which is wonderful for him. “Fine, lets go then. We can figure this out for ourselves. After all, I have your back and you have mine.”

He seems hesitant for a moment before moving to lick her nose in what some might consider a kiss before bouncing away. “Which way are we going?”

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

Alowing Sterling to kiss her nose, she thinks it merely the same as when her sibblings did it. As respect and a pledge of honor.

'Flower you've never been outside the Waste! This /is/ stupid.' sighing she says,

"I will alert the others to our leave first," she said, just before she lets out three ear-spliting yowls.

"We will go south first to my family's old home. Then we will turn east with whoever we pick up from my home."

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling shrugs, ready to be moving again already. "All right, I guess that works. Will...will your friends chase after us?" he asks, thinking of the human, and the wolf, and the fox.

Kayla, Ava, and the human...who's name escaped him at this moment. At least three members of the resistance, and by traveling, he could learn more, and still keep Flower safe. "Lets go."

[Mozart the Meerkitten]

"Keep up!" Flower cried to Sterling as she lept over a bush, and into the undergrowth.

[faithfulpurelight]

Sterling chuckles and leaps after her, easily keeping pace, at least for now. He'll probably tire later in their journey, since she's older than he is.

"No problem. Lets go."

[Josh]

Drainor fell upon the ice of the River and stood up. He growled angrilly at Blackclaw. "Come and Fight! I don't fear week, pathetic, little pups like you!"

[Narnia_Nut]

It swirls around with bored indignance, deciding to let Blackclaw handle the Werewolf since he appears so eager.

[Josh]

Drainor tried to swing at Spyros, when suddenly he heard a loud CRACK! The ice beneath him was beggining to crumble.

[Knight of Narnia]

Blackclaw saw the ice beginning to crack beneath Drainor. He knew his weight would be supported by the ice, but he had to be careful about where Drainor was standing so as not to have the ice crack on him.

"Well now half-breed, it seems you've gotten yourself into quite a mess now. Maybe you should come over here and show me how tough you really are!"

[Josh]

That did it. Drainor ran forward with all haste, filled with anger and rage. He lowered his head to knock over the wolf.

[Knight of Narnia]

Blackclaw watched the angered half-breed charge towards him. Thankfully, having four feet with claws helps a great deal when on the ice. Blackclaw watched the werewolf charge towards him knowing full well the werewolf would be off-balance and have a difficult time adjusting his charge, Blackclaw moved just out of the way of the werewolf's charge in time to turn and leap towards him in hopes of knocking him over and causing the ice to break underneath him.

[Josh]

ooc: Thats the whole reason why I took the fight to the ice...to kill Drainor.

ic: Draninor evaded Blackclaw's attack and slid to the side. He laughed. "You'll have to do much better than that. I won't get killed so easily as if-" CRACK!!!! Suddenly the ice fell beneath Drainor and the werewolf fell into the cold dark waters, gasping for breath as he plunged deeper into the cold dark waters.

[Knight of Narnia]

Blackclaw saw the ice cracking and ran as fast as he could towards the bank. He made it back to the bank in time to turn and see Drainor go down for the last time.

"Hmph. That cursed river stole my kill. Bah. At least the half-breed is gone. I should return to the castle and report this to her majesty."

[Narnia_Nut]

It seems almost disappointed to see the fun over so soon.

Shall I go inform Her Majesty? I am faster than you.

[Knight of Narnia]

"Yeah, you go do that. Not like you're good for much else. I'll make my way back to the castle soon enough. I thought I smelled a familiar scent on the way over here...."

[Narnia_Nut]

Swirling above Blackclaw's head, it looks at him with pure disgust at the insult (an expression rather difficult to read in a cloud).

Oh, useless you think I am?

It's orbs stare at Blackclaw in a creepy, unblinking way for several moments, holding his gaze. A strange chant enters Blackclaw's thoughts and a weird light begins to form above Blackclaw's head, an eerie purplish flash of light. The spectre suddenly surrounds the Wolf and the light flashes a bright, brilliant blue before vanishing. It circles him and speaks in the Wolf's thoughts.

As you will see, I have some skill. No doubt you will provide much amusement when you speak. I look forward to your report to Her Majesty. I personally hope she says 'wolf' a lot. Seeing as a lot of her...minions are wolves, your chances are great. But now she'll have a unique one. A mooing wolf. Yes, you heard me. You'll now 'moo' in response to the word wolf. It snickers pettily.

Without another word-thought, it dissipates and vanishes.

[Knight of Narnia]

"Bah. That accursed cloud thinks hes so smart. Well I may be able to outsmart him still. All I have to do is figure a way to prevent the queen from saying 'wolf' and I should be fine and that obnoxious floating gas cloud will just have to hover around and continue to be useless."

[~Lava~]

OOC: This may be interesting if he (Icefang) and Blackclaw find each other and have it out.

[Narnia_Nut]

OOC Especially since the cloud can't be hurt :P And he/it can't inflict damage either...

[Copperfox]

~ ~ What, being able to cast spells with no fear of retaliation ISN'T being able to do damage??

[Inkling]

Which is partially why I need to talk to Ephinie...more when I have it solidified.

[Josh]

After a few hours of running, Drainor finnally made it to the frozen river. Without hesitation, he quickly crossed it, and ran into the dark forest.