What Else Is Out There? [Project: Penumbra]

What Else Is Out There?

Mallow, Rowan, Shore, Tiny

Exploring

During Chapter 1

Word Count: 16003

Google Dov Ver.

Leaving the Shrinking Isle behind, Quill's frozen bridge brings you all to a thin band of pale sands and darker silts- runoff from the towering Mammoth Glacier looming the to north. Your sights, however, are set elsewhere.

The shore gives way to hard, packed earth. The grip of the world's endless winter has still kept it warm, but you begun to feel it give way the closer your path takes you to the river. Pale wisps of steam rise against the dark land that stretched before you. To the west are towering mountains, its flanks blackened by struggling woodlands. To the east, a ravine rises first at a gentle slope and then to an intimidating climb. Hardy shrubs dot the eastern side of the river. If prey hides among them, you're unable to tell. The faint scent of sulphur leeches out from the boiling river as surely as the heat does.

Your group stands at the bottleneck that has thus far protected the Valley's refugees from desperate predators and savage weather. And yet, despite the danger, the shapes of other groups and wayward souls spread out around you all. The ground between you all is covered in vivid pops of green. Your group, along with others, begins to head due south along the Boiling River's edge, hugging the warmth it provides.

Lifted by the gradually warming air, Rowan found himself optimistic of the path ahead. Over the passing month, he had stuck with Mallow and ended up loving the company-- not that he detested it in the first place. Their complementary hunting skills led to them catching a meal more often when they worked together. He found Mallow endearing and observant, and was happy to have found an ally in them as quickly as he did.

When flora and fauna began sprouting within the valley, and the isles ever smaller, Rowan had discovered there were quite a bit more cats than he could've guessed living in the very same spot as he and Mallow. Specifically two new faces he'd become familiar with, the small, plucky Tiny and the enigmatic, distant Shore Where Stars Rest. Rowan had never heard such an elegant name before, and it continued to make the factions ever more peculiar to him.

Starting along the path beside the Boiling River's edge, the heat instilled Rowan with an eager sense of motivation. Looking to his newly formed group, he smiled receptively. "How far do you think we'll get to go today?" I hope we see one of those deer up close."

Shore kept his long, fluffy tail somewhat high to prevent it from dragging and picking up unnecessary dust. His eyes had an amused glint, as if this was a field trip and not a dire situation in which they needed to leave as soon as possible lest the resources, or lack thereof, ended with all the groups. 

His big paws touch over the grass, something he hadn't seen as alive in quite a while, and it was that what initially kept him from responding to Rowan's question. In this short time it had been clear that while Shore was fond of talking, he didn't waste words, and did so when he felt like it. Of course, this depended on what Shore himself considered "wasting words", which probably didn't align with most cats' idea of the phrase.

"That depends on what we find outside of the valley." his voice is silky and deep "Or rather, what finds us."

Yet he doesn't sound worried in the slightest, despite how alarming that probably was to think of.

"They will probably be watching, as well, so we should behave respectfully as we go."

Rowan nodded, though the ominous remark didn't seem to bother him any. There was always the possibilities of predators wherever they went, and maybe even more so when they depart from the territory. His second comment, however, had Rowan tilting his head. "Watching? Who? You mean the leaders of the factions?" He glanced over his shoulder, looking from where they've come. "Oh yeah, shoot. I don't wanna offend any of 'em." 

However, he was sorely uneducated in how he could avoid offending any of the faction leaders. He barely knew any of them, still struggling even to match names to faces. Looking back at Shore and Tiny, he dismissed his thoughts on the leaders. "You two are part of the Balance, right? Is everyone's name so long and pretty there? What's it like being part of a group like that? Do you like it?"

There had been some kind of electrifying tension in the air ever since morning hit, Mallow had a hard time disguising if it was one of excitement or one of nervousness. Perhaps because it was a mixed bag considering the sheer amount of cats on the isle. It was only proven by the amount of cats they realized were there. It would be nerve wracking if Mallow focused purely on the amount, instead, they had been able to keep their attention on their companion, Rowan.

Liking his company was a bit of an understatement, Mallow enjoyed Rowan's company more than they could put into words. It was nice having someone else to talk to, Rowan was a bit goofy and very playful, which was wonderful really. After they had their little mud accident and ate a meal together, they found themself tied to Rowan's hip practically. Wherever Mallow went, Rowan also did. It warmed their heart that Rowan had decided to keep with them as they travelled, and now, they had two new face that were trotting beside them.

"We'll see how far we get," Mallow drawled out their words softly in their usual airy tone, head tilted slightly to peer at Rowan, a hint of amusement curling in them at the mention of deer before their gaze turned to the largest feline of the group. "What finds us?" The golden feline echoed Shore's words faintly before humming. They couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the sudden wave of questions that left Rowan as they leaned closer to lightly bump his shoulder with theirs, "Don't overwhelm him with too many questions now," They teased lightly.

The tabby tom simply smiles- and does not elaborate. He just lets Rowan assume that he means the factions leaders. Which yes, Shore thinks may be watching as well, though not in the same way, of course.

"Let him talk, now. After this time sharing the isle, it won't hurt to know more of each other." Shore purrs "And what wouldn't finds us? It's not our territory, so to say that we found anyone feels off. If we step into something's territory, they would be finding the trespassers, wouldn't they?" his whiskers flick in amusement "And there's always bigger things than deers."

Shore kept to the back, aware that he was the biggest and not wanting to block anyone's view of... the charming scenery the eclipse had left, naturally. 

"We are from the Balance, that's correct. And indeed, our names are all as mine and Tiny's. Tiny, you can get on my back if you want to see higher. It's but a worthy appreciation of the world that surrounds us and its wonders. But a homage." he explains "You two... are from Quill's group, correct?" Shore supresses an eyeroll "Ah, apologies. He's not a leader, is what he says, doesn't he?"

Your group heads south through the scruby meadow, making quick progress into the forest south of it. As you enter, you come across a fairly snowless area, the snow having melted and made way for undergrowth to start returning. As you all talk, a distant roaring, rushing sound can be heard...

Rowan, you end up walking a bit ahead of the group as small talk is made. Your ears flick this way and that as they pick up the roaring sound in the distance, growing louder as you walk through the trees. They loom ominously around you, casting dark shadows. You can only imagine what a place like this would have looked like in daylight. 

Whatever daylight looks like.

You see a bit more light ahead, indicating a clearing of some kind. You unintentionally quicken your step, eager to get closer to the area where it's easier to see. Suddenly, the ground drops out from under your front paws. Your back paws scramble for some kind of purchase as you begin falling into a ravine you did not see.

Tiny, Shore , and Mallow may roll a d20 to attempt to grab Rowan.

Rowan loved chatting with the rest of the group, though found an opportunity to press ahead somewhat as the others found themselves in conversation. Ensuring to stay at least within eyesight, he trodded ahead, scenting the air eagerly. The dull roaring in the distance piqued his interest, and he wondered if it was some sort of river. Glancing back at his friends to make sure they were still nearby, he trekked ahead, smiling as he went.

"Do you guys hear that? It's like a river, or something! I'm gonna get a better look from up he--" Rowan's voice died as his large paws broke the ground underneath them and he began sliding forward. He gasped as he attempted to scramble backwards, eyes widening at the sudden ravine yawning down below. "WOAH!! Woahwoahwoah, I need a paw-!!" 

It happens so fast.

Rowan suddenly begins sliding downwards, yowling for help as they take in the gaping maw of the ravine below. Shore is unable to react fast enough, nor is Mallow. The one cat who does is the smallest among them.

Tiny, now perched upon Shore's shoulders, sees this happening before the other two from their vantage point. They launch off of their faction member, landing just behind Rowan and grabbing him by the tail.

Tiny was trotting quite fast alongside his group members, his eyes wide and dilated to take in everything he could see. The green was something that was new to him, something beautiful and wonderful and it brought him so much joy just to see everything.

The small cat stayed quiet as the rest of his groupmates chattered amongst each other, and he spared Shore glances every now and again. He sent the tabby a couple excited smiles, though he continued to pitter-patter.

When Shore directed the idea to stand on him, the little calico let out a prrp as he leapt onto the larger cat's back. His eyes were wider now- somehow- now that his vantage point was much higher.

It looked like the trip was going as hoped!

Except... when it didn't.

A crumbling sounded just in front of them and the view of the dark tom falling into a large hole caught the Balance cat's attention.

Almost as if on instinct, Tiny zeroed in on Rowan and with a strength that no one would have known had this not fell on his shoulders, Tiny leapt from his large friend's shoulders and bounded effortlessly to the ravine, skidding to a halt and grabbing Rowan's tail with his teeth.

"SORRY!" he shouted, the sound muffled by the fur in his mouth.

His claws dug into the earth and he felt the energy from his paws drift all the way up to his head, sparks flying behind him as he skids.

From his spot all the way to the back, and having to shove anyone else to get right at Rowan, it was no wonder Shore hadn't been fast enough. He tried, though, just a moment after Tiny, but his jaws only snapped at the place where Rowan had been, failing at getting a hold of his scruff.

How Tiny of all cats managed to hold onto him without falling as well, was anybody's guess, but Shore decided it wasn't time to question that and instead time to prevent that scenario from happening.

The big tom laid on the edge of the newly opened hole and grabbed Rowan's flanks, he couldn't reach his neck like this to get him out like a mother would a kit, so he could only dig his claws a bit on his pelt and move backwards, to help the almost-dead-but-thankfully-not cat get a footing on the ground again and prevent Tiny from also going down.

"Mallow, hold him by the scruff!" he indicates, just so their combined weight doesn't happen to let more earth loose.

Everything had occurred so suddenly, it was startling as everything seemed to slip pass them so quickly. Their caramel eyes wide with fear shining through them, lunging forward as they attempted to grab onto their companion but he slid from their grasp. "Rowan!" Panic made itself clear in their voice as they skidded towards the edge, desperate to try and save their friend, but there was nothing but pure relief as the tiny little white patched feline managed to grab onto Rowan's tail. 

The wheat furred feline jolted, barely able to understand Shore's words but lunged forward as they were instructed, sinking their teeth into his scruff as they tugged at him, trying to balance themself across the earth, nervous that it miht crumble beneath their weights as they did their best to help tug the russet tom back to the safer ground. Their heart pounding in their ears as they tried to keep themself steady, they needed to calm down- if they panicked then they might lose Rowan and Tiny could go tumbling with him. Their tail swished behind them as they listened closely to any other instructions they were given.

Rowan began to feel his purchase give way under him, as he slid down further, his body weight very nearly lurched him forward and he would've started rolling down the ravine with reckless abandon. But just before that could happen, he felt a jaw close on his tail, keeping him anchored in place. He grunted and sucked a breath in through his teeth, his whole back end suddenly aching from being held up by Tiny. But he didn't even care as relief flooded him.

As claws suck into his flank and teeth grabbed his scruff, he felt his weight lifted up more and more, and his paws found purchase again, and he pushed back, helping the other three to get him back up and over as quickly as possible.

The panic subsided and Rowan couldn't help but laugh as he joined up with the other three again. "H-holy crap. I was almost a goner for a sec, there. Thanks, guys."

You have successfully saved Rowan.

A small hole now sits opened in the side of the cliff face you all had not seen moments ago. If you take the time to approach carefully and look down, though, you realize that the ravine is traversable. A small walkway seems to lead down, and you can see water glistening in the dark below. Distantly, waterfalls - you realize now it must be waterfalls - roar as they pour into the ravine. Dark shadows cling to the sides of the rocky cliff, hiding much of what may be down there from view. You'll need to descend to get a better look.

LOCATION DISCOVERED. DO YOU ENTER?

Shore sighs silently as everyone is back on their paws. That was a very close call.

His gaze though goes, of course, first to the unholy ominous hole in the ground, rather that their companion.

"Well, we have our next route." Of course this man of all people wants to get in the dark hole. "I didn't know there were underground caves."

There was a level of panic within Mallow that they had never experienced before. It had a strangle hold on them as they were desperate to drag Rowan back to safety, but they didn't move till they could safely pull the russet tom back onto stable ground. He only let go once he was sure that their companion was on stable ground before they were pushing themself closer. "Are you okay, Rowan? You must be more careful- that was incredibly dangerous, what if Tiny didn't catch you?" There was nothing but worry in their tone as they peered at the tom.

Mallow couldn't help but shake their head at Rowan's light laughter, they knew it was from the shock of everything that had just occurred, but it didn't stop their worry. "I'm just glad you're okay- that could have gone horribly," Mallow uttered as they let out a deep sigh, their heart was slowly starting to calm down from its racing state, they half thought they were going to have a panic attack from what had occurred. They were sure Rowan would be sore from the claw marks and teeth that had been sunk into his scruff and tail, but at least Rowan was safe and that was what was most important. 

Their gaze swung over to look at Shore as he spoke, feeling their pelt bristle slightly, "Our next route? That could be dangerous- Rowan almost just fell down there," Mallow couldn't help but protest as they pressed their flank to Rowan's, "Even if we went down there, how could we possibly get up?"

"You're one strong dude. Thanks for catching my tail." Rowan grinned down at Tiny, before returning his gaze to Mallow. "I'm all good, no need to worry! That was my bad, though, sorry to scare ya. I'll be more careful where I put my paws." Rowan stood close to Mallow, smoothing out the nerves from his voice to give the illusion he'd calmed down immediately-- though it was plain to see his legs still shook and his fur was still bristled slightly from the shock.

He followed Shore's gaze then, peering down into the hole. "Check it out, there's a walkway. If we're careful, maybe go single file or something, we won't fall. And there's that roaring! I thought it was a river, but it's gotta be waterfalls!"

Shore pulls up a cunning smile, still glancing down, but stopping to look sideways every now and then when someone spoke.  Clearly Mallow wasn't convincing him at all of the dangers, whether Shore thought there were none or he didn't care for them was unclear though.

"Your little darling dear here is right. On both things." his ears flick. Shore gives a tentative pawstep on the walkway, to check that even his weight wouldn't make it give way, but it seemed solid "There's a way up, so it's worth a try. Whatever doesn't find us up here will find us down there, regardless, and we are out here to explore."

Mallow couldn't help but frown slightly at how easily their worries were shrugged off, Rowan could have been seriously injured if Tiny hadn't caught them yet they still wanted to go down there? The wheat furred feline's ears flattened to his head as he eyed the hole wearily, though they were a bit relieved as they brushed their pelt against Rowan's. Leaning over to drag their tongue over Rowan's pelt to smooth out some of his fur, similar to how they had when they had shared their first meal with laughter over their first muddy incident. 

"Well... As long as we're careful." Mallow agreed hesitantly as they glanced between the three felines around them. Although it took a small moment to register what Shore had called Rowan, blinking their caramel ears but exhaled softly, a bit more careful as they stood near Rowan. Not as eager to go down the hole as the other two, We are here to explore..."* They uttered, tone still unsure but they relented to Shore's and Rowan's desire to go.

Shore had the face of someone who was getting his way. Because he was, apparently.

"What say you, little hero?" he prodded at Tiny's side, they were after all part of a democracy, and he hadn't joined the balance just for the pretty names.

The split second of dangerous sparks emanating from Tiny's eyes faded as his group finally got Rowan safely back on the right side of the hole- which is to say, the outside instead of the inside.

The little cat tried to make up for the fact that he dug his tiny sharp teeth into the bigger cat's tail by gently grooming it the second that he could. He listened to the rest of them talk as he made sure Rowan was okay, but was only brought back to the conversation once Shore asked him a question.

"What, sorry?" he mewed softly, trying to very quickly re-process what everyone was saying.

"Oh!" His fur felt warm at the title "little hero", but he smiled a little and looked to the hole.

"I'm all for exploring what's in there! Rowan just took an unlucky tumble, it's not the hole in the ground's fault that it is the way that it is. As long as we keep each other safe and keep our ears open, we'll be okay!"

Truly the way of democracy. Of course, Shore wouldn't dream of upholding a belief in the Balance and not applying it everywhere.

"Then down we go." He places himself forward "Allow me to go first. If something can hold my weight, it can hold yours."

After Rowan almost tumbled down badly, it was probably best that they checked the rest of the terrain. So he carefully started descending before stopping.

"Oh, and if we lose each other in the dark and we hear one of our voices... Ask for my or Tiny's full name, and we'll ask the name of your leader. If those questions aren't answered, you run, yes?"

He instructs, starting to descend and keeping his tail high so they may follow the tip.

Rowan cast a warm glance to Mallow as he felt them smooth out his fur, silently offering his thanks before turning his attention back to the entrance. Grinning at Tiny's eagerness, he stepped forward a bit, stepping behind Shore.

"That's a specific back 'n forth you got there. Do you think there'll be things that can mimic our voices?" He glanced back at Mallow and Tiny, and his tail beckoned them closer. He began the descent, one pace behind Shore, trying to stay slow and, thankfully, much more carefully since his tumble. He kept his attention mainly on the cat's tail in front of him as well; the last thing he wanted was to let his mind wander and bump into Shore when he had stopped for any reason.

"You said earlier Quill wasn't really a leader by his words, right? I only actually saw the guy just today. He seems pretty cool, but I can't personally vouch for his coolness." Rowan kept his voice low as they ventured further, not wanting to alert every creature in a five mile radius of their presence... But still not being deterred from talking at all. "You and Tiny... Your leader is, that, uh... The silver one, right? Sorry, I'm still trying to match names to faces. Star on the Sky, right?"

Mallow offered a soft smile in response to the warm glance, but pulled away from all of the grooming. Though it didn't stop their nerves, at least the others were taking precautions to make sure that they didn't fall down again- or get lost. There was some worry certainly and Shore wasn't helping with the way they were talking, it made their ears flatten to their head as he furrowed his brow. "Mimic our voices..."* Mallow trailed off as he winced at the idea. They just needed to stick as close at to Rowan as they could- if not, one of the others. 

They exhaled softly as they slowly started to pick their way down the path, very careful about where they placed there paws as they glanced briefly over their shoulder, "Come on, Tiny, we best get moving before they leave us behind," They rumbled softly, though there was a hint of playfulness to their voice, mostly to mask their own anxiety. This time, Mallow tried to pay more attention and be more attentive, they really didn't want a repeat of what had happened to Rowan, they didn't think they could take another scare like that.

"Quill is certainly well respected, he is very kind from what I've seen," Mallow uttered softly to add to the conversation, "He has always been very serious about no fighting in his home, he is considerate," The golden feline murmured as they cocked their head to the side, letting their mind try to draw up the same of Shore's and Tiny's leader, although it came up blank considering they didn't really know much about the factions around here.

You all follow after Shore, letting the largest of you test his weight against the steep cliffside slope. Once you've found the path, you find it's actually relatively easy to keep on it. Perhaps some other animals, before the eclipse, had used this path to get to the water below. The trek is not very long or harrowing, though a misplaced paw could frighten a weary soul. Eventually, all four of you arrive on flat ground once more. A stream rushes by, thicker up here, but you see that it tapers off a bit farther south in the ravine.

Rowan , ever the curious one, you start exploring along with the others. Your paws carry you farther down the river, to where the riverbed becomes more sandy. Here, the water has receded somewhat, pulling away to one side and leaving the other exposed. You realize after a moment that the exposed rocky cliff face has some small caverns in the side of it. Bushes grown by falling seeds have also made some areas where shelter could be taken, and a large tree hangs over part of the shoreline area. You can only imagine what it will look like when the leaves are in full bloom on the branches once again.

ROWAN HAS DISCOVERED THE RAVINE CAMP

Rowan continued along the path with his friends, trying to patiently keeping his steps in time with Shore, though he itched to prance ahead and take in everything. When their paws finally found solidly flat land again, he bounced forward, trotting around in a circle and craning his head around to take in the sight of the ravine fully. 

"Woahh, you guys. Check out how this place opens up! Hello!" He called to nothing in particular, and loped to the bank of the stream, leaning his face towards the water. He scented it, wondering if it reeked of sulfur like the water in the Shrinking Isles.

Tiny followed Mallow as everyone started moving along, the heat beneath his fur puffing him up and making him look like a moving fluffball. The smaller cat listened as everyone spoke, looking around with his big eyes at the scenery inside this hole.

He was amazed by the deepness Nature had carved this hole out, and he felt like this would be a very interesting place to just watch the sky above.

When they all finally got to the base of the hole, Tiny looked to Shore and passed by the larger tom, batting his tail playfully along his flank as he strode past him with his little legs. Rowan's reaction was pretty on par with the proper feeling he was getting here.

"Oh... my gosh..." He breathed, his claws burying shallowly in the ground beneath him to feel the energy within.

Shore, of course, didn't elaborate about the possibility of voice mimicking.

"As far as cats know, Quill doesn't want to be addressed as a leader. Or so I've heard." Shore explains, and then smiles "You mean Star On The Horizon. She's not our leader, either, she's but a greeter to newcomers. We are not lead, we all collectively agree or disagree to what must be discussed at any given point."

After a bit, Shore didn't mind that Rowan separated a bit- he was no leader, either, but a means to test the weight of the path after the first accident. His ears perk up as Rowan calls for them, and he smiles at Tiny as the smaller cat skips by him, but he doesn't rush his own steps on that direction. He raises his head a bit with interest.

"Well would you look at that. It is well-sheltered, has fresh water... and if those trees do come back to life as well, good shade. Not that we need more than that." that last part may have been carried away a bit from the memories of another time. Alas.

Mallow couldn't help but wrinkle their nose when Rowan darted forward past everyone, that was certainly not careful like they were hoping. But they kept their mouth shut, there wouldn't be much use in scolding Rowan or calling him back towards them. So they let him trot forward, exhaling softly as their tail swept behind them. The wheat furred feline glanced up back to the sky before lowering their gaze to look around them. They could understand why they were so taken away by it all, it was beautiful. 

"This has been beneath our feet all this time?" Surprise curled in their voice as they surveyed the area, watching as Tiny darted past them and towards Shore. They still felt the most hesitant as their ears flickered, taking in Shore's words. So The... Balance didn't use a leader? That was rather interesting, they don't know if they'd ever really heard of that one. But now their attention was being directed to the plant life around them. As their eyes fell onto the clear fresh water and they could feel a longing prickle beneath their pelt.

Mallow trotted over towards the water to stand beside Rowan, sheering at it. It made their paws itch almost. The water looked so nice and peaceful...  It was like faint whispers to their ears but they turned their gaze over to Rowan, they needed to be careful no matter what pull they felt. "To think such a beautiful shelter was under us and we had no clue." They hummed.

"Everyone's gonna be so stoked when we tell them about this place." Rowan brushed his paw lightly against the surface of the water, feeling the liquid collect in his fur at the edge of his toe. That, along with Shore's observation about it being fresh water, encouraged Rowan just enough to dip down and take a drink. When he raised his head again, Mallow was standing beside him.

His lopsided grin pinned up on his face again as the other spoke. "I know, right? And there's those holes in the walls. That'd make some nice dens safe out of the weather!" He purred with glee. Turning to glance at everyone, he tipped his head toward the water. "Do you think there's fish in here?? We could catch a snack."

Tiny walked in a tight circle to really capture the essence of the place they had found, his tail fluttering behind him as he moved. The calico kept his ears sharply perked, his eyes wide and doing everything he could to just drink it all in.

A smile grew on his face as he looked to Shore and Mallow and Rowan as each of them spoke, nodding along with what Shore was saying about Miss Star, then whipping his head around to Rowan, he bounded towards the water as well.

"Oh, I hope there's fish! I feel like it's been a bit since we got some good fish!" He chirped.

The small cat nestled himself by the river nearby Rowan, also looking into the water with a smile. His tail curled over his back, the tip of it flicking with unreleased energy.

Shore, of course, didn't elaborate about the possibility of voice mimicking.

"As far as cats know, Quill doesn't want to be addressed as a leader. Or so I've heard." Shore explains, and then smiles "You mean Star On The Horizon. She's not our leader, either, she's but a greeter to newcomers. We are not lead, we all collectively agree or disagree to what must be discussed at any given point."

After a bit, Shore didn't mind that Rowan separated a bit- he was no leader, either, but a means to test the weight of the path after the first accident. His ears perk up as Rowan calls for them, and he smiles at Tiny as the smaller cat skips by him, but he doesn't rush his own steps on that direction. He raises his head a bit with interest.

"Well would you look at that. It is well-sheltered, has fresh water... and if those trees do come back to life as well, good shade. Not that we need more than that." that last part may have been carried away a bit from the memories of another time. Alas.

Mallow couldn't help but wrinkle their nose when Rowan darted forward past everyone, that was certainly not careful like they were hoping. But they kept their mouth shut, there wouldn't be much use in scolding Rowan or calling him back towards them. So they let him trot forward, exhaling softly as their tail swept behind them. The wheat furred feline glanced up back to the sky before lowering their gaze to look around them. They could understand why they were so taken away by it all, it was beautiful. 

"This has been beneath our feet all this time?" Surprise curled in their voice as they surveyed the area, watching as Tiny darted past them and towards Shore. They still felt the most hesitant as their ears flickered, taking in Shore's words. So The... Balance didn't use a leader? That was rather interesting, they don't know if they'd ever really heard of that one. But now their attention was being directed to the plant life around them. As their eyes fell onto the clear fresh water and they could feel a longing prickle beneath their pelt.

Mallow trotted over towards the water to stand beside Rowan, sheering at it. It made their paws itch almost. The water looked so nice and peaceful...  It was like faint whispers to their ears but they turned their gaze over to Rowan, they needed to be careful no matter what pull they felt. "To think such a beautiful shelter was under us and we had no clue." They hummed.

"Everyone's gonna be so stoked when we tell them about this place." Rowan brushed his paw lightly against the surface of the water, feeling the liquid collect in his fur at the edge of his toe. That, along with Shore's observation about it being fresh water, encouraged Rowan just enough to dip down and take a drink. When he raised his head again, Mallow was standing beside him.

His lopsided grin pinned up on his face again as the other spoke. "I know, right? And there's those holes in the walls. That'd make some nice dens safe out of the weather!" He purred with glee. Turning to glance at everyone, he tipped his head toward the water. "Do you think there's fish in here?? We could catch a snack."

Tiny walked in a tight circle to really capture the essence of the place they had found, his tail fluttering behind him as he moved. The calico kept his ears sharply perked, his eyes wide and doing everything he could to just drink it all in.

A smile grew on his face as he looked to Shore and Mallow and Rowan as each of them spoke, nodding along with what Shore was saying about Miss Star, then whipping his head around to Rowan, he bounded towards the water as well.

"Oh, I hope there's fish! I feel like it's been a bit since we got some good fish!" He chirped.

The small cat nestled himself by the river nearby Rowan, also looking into the water with a smile. His tail curled over his back, the tip of it flicking with unreleased energy.

While Shore was optimistic, it was obvious that he was far more reserved and cautious about the exploration, moving around elegantly and trying not to drive much noise with his pawsteps, whether intentional or not. 

He didn't go to check the water, but instead kept his eyes on the extending darkness and the trees.

"I don't see signs that anything has used it as a den before." Shore comments, partially to himself, looking around for signs of recently eaten prey, or nests. "We would do well keeping mark of where it is. Ah, careful with the water. You could catch a cold." he points out "Or something could catch you."

Mallow tittered by the waters' edge, they weren't as excited about the water as say their companion beside them was... but it didn't stop that soft curling whisper in their ears. The water seemed to call to them so softly, low murmurs that caused Mallow to flex their paws. There was an urge there, to dip their paws into the water just as Rowan had done. But the wheat furred feline could feel hesitation curling in their throat. All they could think about was Shore's words, the ones that warned them off responding to things they didn't know.

Caramel eyes stared into the soft flowing water, staring at the reflection that looked back at them. They studied their reflection in silence as they listened to the chatter of the cats around them. Although the voices slowly seem to fade in and out depending on how hard Mallow stared at their reflection, just tracing their face in the distorted image of them. An odd connection that tugged at the golden feline, one that both drew them in but lit their nerves aflame, not understanding what this calling was.

It was Shore's words of warning 'or something could catch you' that echoed in their head and had them stepping away from the water's edge. That original feeling of being called seemed much colder to them at the idea that something could suddenly appear within the water. It had their breath caught in their throat although they smothered any possible expressions as they hummed softly, "If we're exploring, perhaps we should leave marks, per say in the wall with our claws or something to show we've passed through. Mostly as a safety net if we were to get lost in this place," Mallow offered their words softly, turning their body away from the soft calls of the water to look towards Shore, slowly drifting further away from it. 

Rowan picked his head back up and looked around, seeming to, finally, actually take note of his surroundings. His ears swiveled and he finally saw how empty it really was. There was no particular scent that stood out to him either, just earth and stagnant air.

He glanced down at the soft ripples in the water, his smile falling as he thought of Shore's warning. He'd never seen anything bigger than a fat fish swimming around in the water. He had heard of stories where bold fish would use their muscled bodies to flip around when caught, slapping hunters in the face before swimming safely back down to the depths. He imagined a fish as big as him, and imagined trying to tussle with it. 

Just then, he noticed Mallow stepping away from the water, and glanced back to watch him retreat. Assuming he was just being cautious, he smiled at him encouragingly. "Hey, that's a cool idea. We can let anything else that tries to run through here that this territory belongs to the Shrinking Isles cats now. And after we're done... Lunch."

Rowan turned his gaze down to Tiny. "How's your fishing skills, little hero?" He winked, swiping the nickname he'd heard Shore use.

Tiny stared at the water, watching the ripples move in and out and away from the bank, his eyes fixated on little sparkling things that were just under his nose.

Before realizing those were just his own eyes, Rowan shot him a question, and Tiny let out a little chirp at the nickname being used again. He really did like the sound of it even though he just did what anyone would do and leapt into action as fast as possible.

This place would be a lot less pretty with grilled Rowancakes on the ground.

He looked back to the water, this time focusing on finding the shapes in the water.

"I've done my fair share of fishing in my life!" he said confidently. Despite being, presumably, the youngest here, he did try and do some fishing when he first met up with Miss Star, just to show her he could do it.

"I can always give it a shot!"

The tom nods at Mallow's offer. He approaches a mossy rock and softly draws his claws upon it, leaving some sort of pattern that would take a bit to be overtaken by moss again. But he doesn't mark the rock itself, fearing the noise it may make.

"Anything that may run through here will be far better than what could've come from above."

He let the cats fish, but moved alongside the riverbank too, a bit away from the shore, trying to see what was deeper inside, if there was anything deeper inside to begin with. Part of him hoped yes, part of him hoped no.

There was a weird discomfort that curled in Mallow, they eyed the water wearily, not understanding how they could be so close to it. Did they not hear it's whispers or calls? It only drew more anxiety to the surface but he shifted to stick closer to Shore for the moment, watching as he carved a pattern into the moss. Humming quietly in approval although his words certainly brought no comfort to the wheat furred feline. "Well, let's simply hold hope that we won't run into anything," Mallow uttered softly as they dipped their head. 

They turned their caramel gaze to both Rowan and Tiny chattering at the bank's edge, biting back that urge to herd them away from it. Mallow spotted the encouraging smile Rowan tossed to them, but they couldn't stop but feel it unsafe, but every time they looked back at the water, they heard it again. So they pushed themself to trot after the larger tom, they didn't really wish to be near the water right now. So Mallow moved quietly to walk beside Shore, eyeing the darkness warily as they tilted their head to the side.

"...Do you think something may actually be here?" Mallow asked in a slightly hesitant voice, tail sweeping behind them as they curled it closer to themself. Hoping for a good answer, maybe there was nothing here and they were just imagining things right now. They really hoped that the water's whispers were just in their head, maybe they didn't get enough sleep.

"Sweet." Rowan grinned at Tiny, squinting into the water to try and spy for a fish. His tongue drew over his jowls at the prospects of lunch, though unfortunately, he couldn't spot anything on an initial glance. Undeterred, he hummed, picking his head up and looking further down the river where the water flowed. Had he scared them away when he pawed the water?

He spotted Shore and Mallow off to the side, leaving carefully-applied marks into the vegetation. Mallow seemed particularly bothered by something, but Rowan couldn't put his paw on it. Perhaps he was still shaken from the fall he'd nearly taken earlier. Maybe he'd feel better after a bite to eat.

Just as he considered suggesting to Tiny that they move downriver, he caught a flash of movement. His paw rushed out, splashing clumsily underwater, dealing a glancing blow to the scaly flank of the fish.

"Shoot I missed it-! Tiny get it!!" He gasped, his eyes sparkling.

Unlike Rowan, Tiny kept his eyes fixed on the water in front of him. Even as Rowan moved a bit to try and find somewhere else to look for fish, Tiny stayed stock still, his eyes twinkling from the water his face was quite close to. The smaller cat was undeterred- they would get the fish.

A splash sounded clumsily from near him as Rowan tried to catch a fish and failed, giving Tiny the opening to do so from where he was.

He dug his claws gently into the dirt, pulling energy from within the earth, and lurched forward, dunking his paw into the water with a fshh.

It was a short, bubbly sound, but it was enough to just barely distract Tiny, allowing him to nearly miss the fish. However, the little cat was determined, so he launched his other paw in to catch it, and the sound didn't sway his attention this time.

He caught the fish.

He dragged it onto the bank; it was smaller than it looked in the water but it was enough for a little traveling snack for the four of them. He looked to Rowan, his eyes filled with pride.

If Shore was aware he was almost single-handedly increased Mallow's anxiety, he didn't show it, amusedly looking at him as he walked around. His whiskers wiggle.

"If I think there may be something here?" he says it like the idea that he has doubts about it is kind of funny "There's always lots of things, everywhere. Here, down under..." he paws at the dirt, seeming to grow increasingly excited "Even upwards!" he glances to the dark sky "If the Eclipse wasn't there, of course."

Shore chuckles and leaps atop of a rock, not a very big one though, his tail swishes with his movements and his eyes shine in the night.

"Why, the more we remain ignorant, the less prepared we'll be. So much to see, and so little cats that listen, is it any wonder we are in the situation we are now?" 

The tom trots up to the other two cats, fully expecting that Mallow follows, and beams at the fish. Though it's a less ominous smile this time.

"Well caught! We can eat and move along- without the leaders, there's little to do lingering here."

By Icygale

Mallow's anxiety curled in their chest uncomfortably, it was almost suffocating as they listened to Shore speak attentively. Ears perked forward to hear him although soon they were flattening against t heir head as they took in a sharp breath, watching as the larger feline seemed to get more and more excited as he spoke. Watching him with widened caramel eyes, they tried to cling onto their calm façade and tried to reign themself in. They felt incredibly hesitant now, watching as the large grey feline hopped off the rock, trotting past them to return to the two cats near the bank of the water.

'Is there that much I've missed?' The golden feline thought anxiously as they took the moment of peace to calm down, gently pulling their emotions back to them as they forced themself to calm. Shaking their fur as if it would rid them of all their anxiety before they were turning and trailing after Shore. Tail sweeping behind them as they eyed the white and red toms tentiavely.

"It is a very good catch," Mallow added in softly, they stayed the closet to the land. furtherest from the water as they peered at the fish. "Shore is right, we should get moving after this, it would be best to not linger in the same place for long." The feline rumbled softly. 'No thanks to Shore's words,' They thought quietly.

"RIGHT ON, little hero! That was kickass!" Rowan cheered, briefly rearing back as though they'd landed the world's largest tuna and not a fish that was one step up from a minnow. He trotted over to Tiny, his large paw patting them on the shoulder. "It's the perfect size for all of us to share a bite." He stepped aside smoothly to allow ample room for Shore and Mallow to make their way over and behold their brilliant catch.

Mallow seemed to keep his distance, though, and he looked even more shaken than the last time he'd looked at him. Rowan glanced at Shore, but didn't sense the same feeling from him. Then again... Shore didn't seem like the type to be bothered by anything. Rowan decided to hold out hope that a snack, and maybe moving on from their current location might spur Mallow out of this funk.

"You should get the first bite, Tiny. It's your kill. And after our snack... I'll be ready to hit the road!"

Tiny beamed brightly as the other cats gathered around his catch- his catch- and threw him praise like it was simple. Who knew doing good things would get this many cats to smile?

He should do this more often.

When Rowan suggested he take the first bite, he gave a single nod and bent down to eat his bit.

He made a face to note that it was weird, but not unpleasant.

"Huh. I've never had a warm fish before." he mewed softly.

He shrugged and backed up, looking towards the other side of the ravine and taking a couple cautious steps while the others ate.

Eventually, with your bellies full of a little snack, you set off again. Climbing out of the ravine is certainly an option now that you know where the path is, but you decide to follow it south instead. The streams runs alongside you, burbling quietly. It's rather peaceful, actually, and you find yourselves laughing and talking as you go. You can't imagine why General Flint and the other leaders have barred you from the Valley for so long; this place is great!

The ravine narrows the farther you go, angling south and west more than just due south. The stream dries up on occasion, only to spring up again from an underground source several feet down the rocky shore. The sides of the ravine loom over you steeply, with trees hugging the edges above. You realize that you must be going through a forest, even though none of the trees are really fully leaved yet.

You walk for a while, actually. One of you might suggest turning around to get out, as the sides of the ravine are too steep to climb here, but you all press onwards. Surely it must end soon, right? Gradually, the slopes of the ravine start to come down, or maybe the land you're walking on is rising up. Either way, it feels less daunting as you pick up with the stream again. It soon flattens and widens into a shallow but steady waterway, leading you out of the ravine at long last.

Mallow , you see it first. As the others gaze upon a new stretch of marshland revealed before you, keen eyes spot some trees to one side. The land there looks a tad risen up, and is covered with bushes (albeit without their leaves) and trees that have spread out from the forest now to your north.

MALLOW HAS DISCOVERED MARSH CAMP

As they travelled through the ravine, Mallow had a hard time stamping down that anxious feeling that was starting to bubble up in them again. The fluffy feline pressed themself closer to Rowan, making sure that he stayed in paws reach at any given moment. They didn't like the feel of this place, nor how much the walls started to narrow in around them. It was like they were being enclosed and they absolutely hated it. It made their fur bristle as they made efforts to remain calm as to not cause anyone else anxiety within the group. The brush of Rowan's pelt against theirs did help ease their anxiety at least a little bit. Their caramel gaze glancing upwards, their breath cut in their throat as they watched the trees that loomed over them on either side.

Mallow wished they could turn around and leave, but here they were, pushing forward. Carefully picking their way forward as it starts to become a little less dark, a bit more open. But that anxiety eating away at them never left them, Shore's words constantly bouncing within their head, light warnings and mindless words he had spoken. But slowly, things started to flatten and open up, Mallow still stayed close to the walls of the ravine, avoiding being too close to the stream. They didn't want to even look at it or acknowledge its whispers and calls with how close they were to the water. They were too close to it, it only got louder and louder-

Mallow's pace picked up as things started to open up more, they wanted to move away from that damned stream. They were finally able to let out a sigh of relief at the wide open grounds around them, letting their gaze drift around carefully. There was more water. They hated staring at it, turning eyes to stare at the raised land, "It's a bit taller that way, I think going that way would be best." Mallow rumbled quietly as they tilted their head towards the said area.

Rowan was having a great time with these cats. Walking along the ravine, he laughed and chatted freely with his friends, more than eager to see what lay ahead for them. He stayed in pace with the rest of the group, especially when he noticed Mallow's demeanor remaining muted and anxious. He could tell the other cat was keeping close to him, and so he kept his habit of running ahead squashed firmly down. 

As the ravine walls began to give way, and the group traversed to more open land, Rowan watched as Mallow picked up the pace. He smiled a little, and trekked directly forward, over to the pool. 

Thankfully, they wouldn't have to wade through any icy, mucky water to get past here. Mallow pointed out some raised land to them, and once he began to walk over to it, it was easy to see. Something was truly bothering him, and it finally occurred to Rowan that maybe the valley's potential dangers were beginning to get to him. He glanced at Shore, remembering his vague warnings and mysterious demeanor. Tiny was likely used to him, and Rowan wasn't deterred at all. He hadn't thought of it bothering Mallow.

Looking back down at the water, Rowan spread out his toes in the mud, a far cry from the neat, clean bank of the ravine. Just then, he got an idea. This'll cheer Mallow up, he thought. If not, it'll be easy to drop the skit.

Rowan took a generous helping of mud from the edge of the water, and slopped it onto his head. As the thick earth seeped down his face, he chuckled. "Uh oh, guys." He kept his tone light, so that it was clear that whatever he was doing was in a playful nature. "Watch out. I'm a valley monster. Oohohoho, here I come." He turned around, droplets of the mud falling from his jaw. 

Shore walked solemnly, far less outwardly playful but every now and then shooting a smile to the antics of his companions. Tail above ground, prevent as much of his fur from getting dirty, and ears and eyes peeled. Aside from being a long walk, it was more or less uneventful, but thankfully he had good stamina and they were taking it slowly, plus they had eaten.

He scans over everyone but decides none of them look particularly tired so there's no need to point out going back, if anything they'd stop to rest later. The tom stays on the back end of the group again, seeing unlikely that they cross another place that may give in to their weight, and prefers keeping watch of the rear. 

But as the others raise their voices a bit, he trots up to glance upon  the land as well. How charming! A shit ton of mud.

"This place shows some promise. Should we explore?"

Of course, despite his warnings, he steps down to the muddy waters, carefully starting to explore it's depth and whatnot. He chuckles at Rowan's impression.

"Watch out indeed." he looks up to the raised land Mallow pointed out "Perhaps we can afford to divide a bit. But the trees and bushes are more likely to provide shelter, which is something we are looking for, so checking it out first would be ideal, yes. "

Rowan squared his shoulders and chuckled in a mock sinister fashion. He would've licked his jowls like a hungry predator if not for the fact he could feel the cold mud dribbling over his mouth. 

"Oh yeah, divide. That's just what I want! Let's go, big guy." Rowan stepped closer to Shore threateningly, still not abandoning the skit, it seemed. "Show me what you frail kittens of the Shrinking Isle can actually do. Bwuhahahaha!" He loped up to Shore, raising up his filthy paws to swipe at him harmlessly. His claws were safely tucked away, and he kept his movement slow and easy to predict-- Shore may not want mud smeared over that long fur of his.

Schlopping back into the mud after a deliberate miss, he turned his evil attention onto Tiny. "Oho, you're next, little morsel." He chuckled, lowering his head and beginning to clumsily stalk over.

Anxiety was certainly not good for one's health, Mallow could say that with some certainty. They were mostly quiet as they pushed themselves along the ground carefully, eyeing the water from the corner of their eye before they were following after their companion who was making his way to the raised land. It certainly was very muddy around here, it was almost a throw back to when Rowan and them first met- hearing Rowan's voice made Mallow snap their head to the side, expecting to see something. What they hadn't expected, was for Rowan to be standing there with a glob of mud on his head.

There was a moment of silence from them, before they were letting warm laughter escape them, feeling that anxiety lessen a tad at the sight. "The valley monster?" The golden feline echoed with more laughter, "You look exactly like when we first met! You didn't tell me you were the valley monster then," They teased the russet furred tom with a warm smile, tail sweeping behind them as they briefly turned their gaze over to Shore. "You think we should split up?" A hint of concern and anxiety returned to their voice at the idea, splitting the group? Was that even a good idea?

Though that amusement from Rowan certainly hadn't died down quite yet, although it didn't stop that quiet whispers when so near the water. Nor that growing anxiety at the idea of breaking from the group.

Shore mrrows amused, because he knows that even if Rowan wanted to wrestle, he wouldn't be able to move an inch of his body like this. He looked down at the muddy spots Rowan left, considering humoring him. Which he did as he approached to Tiny.

"Oh no! Whatever shall we do?" he whines playfully, before crouching into a partial stalk "Don't worry Tiny, I shall save you."

Shore sneaks his head under Rowan's belly, muddying himself some more in the process but not caring, and once he's there he simply... stands up. Fully intending for Rowan to go up his back and then fall into the mud completely. Not hurt him, of course, this wouldn't hurt a fly with how slowly he does it. But fun nonetheless.

"I said we can afford to, but we don't have to. I am slightly concerned that Tiny may be at a disadvantage traversing the marsh." he explains, a tiny bit more serious now "But if we were to split up, we could do as much without fearing losing each other as much."

Tiny had been mostly vibing through the whole journey, his tail high and gently curled, his eyes taking in everything they could take in. He watched as Mallow nervously toed around the swampy water, watching them with softness and concern. He felt like they needed a little cheering up- his buddy Shore was not helpful when it came to journeying the unknown, but, he figured, they would soon realize that Shore kind of just says things.

His attention then turned to Shore who had suggested splitting up, but was quickly diverted to Rowan being a little bit of a funny guy, just a bit of a prankster. The smaller cat watched Rowan as he stalked jaggedly to him, Tiny swatting his paw at the larger cat's face with a playful grin.

"Oh no! Someone stop the valley monster!" he purred.

He watched as Shore made his way over to distract the "valley monster", and watched as he dipped below Rowan and into the mud, and watched as shore pulled Rowan from the ground and onto his back simply by standing up. He let out a soft laugh, and then his attention was turned back towards Mallow and Shore.

"You're right, it would be harder for me to go through the mud and water- it seems pretty dang deep." He flicked his tail, not letting the smile go completely from his face. "If we split up I would have to stay with someone that could, probably, have me sit on their back like a log of driftwood if the water got too deep." He pawed up some mud and rolled it around absentmindedly, not noticing the quiet hsss coming from the wetness of the mud.

Tiny, it is pretty funny to be joking around about Valley monsters. In fact, you've had such a good time on this little foray into the unknown, you might have almost forgotten that there are some real dangers lurking about.

You look around absently after pawing up some mud, waiting to hear what the others say, when you see it. It...almost looks like your faction-mate, Fox that Sings at Dusk, and you almost call out.

Almost.

You realize with a sinking feeling this is Dusk's namesake, a true fox, watching you all from the bushes.

Tiny's eyes flick around his groupmates when a splash of red hits his vision. It was a shape he had some idea of, and he smiled to himself, ready to call out to his buddy Dusk!

For a split second he could feel himself about to call out to the other Balance member.

And then his eyes refocus on the shape.

That's not Dusk.

That's NOT Dusk.

The small cat bristled and scrambled to his paws with a quiet "Guys guys we need to go right now."

Rowan was just about to pounce onto Tiny and rope him into wrestling, when he heard Shore's added remark next to him. He opened his mouth as he started to lengthen his stride, laughing, "there's no saving you, little mor-- woah-!" He felt a presence under his belly, and it took him a split second to realize it was Shore. Sneaking under him! Another split second later, he was rolling down his neck and off his back, face first into a particularly goopy puddle of mud.

Rowan shouted as he peeled his face from the earth. "Augh!!" He groaned, rolling back onto his feet and shaking the fresh globs on his face away. "What the hell! Come here, big guy, now it's on!" Unsteadily raising to his feet, and giving his body a quick shake, he charged at the other cat and tackled into his flank. Despite his complaints, Rowan's smile was still plain as day and his words laced with laughter. "You're going down!" He pushed, realizing his feet were only squishing deeper into the soft ground, not pushing Shore over.

So distracted was he that the conversation pertaining to their actual task wasn't first on his mind. He briefly thought they could pair up, as himself or Shore could easily lift Tiny up on their backs. But he needed to get Shore on his side first.

That is, until he heard Tiny's voice, tense with fear. It broke Rowan out of his game, and he stopped, looking at the smaller cat with concern.

"What's up, Tiny?" Something was wrong, clearly, and he took a few steps closer to him, all play vanished from his face.

Mallow let their gaze remain on Rowan, a fond look on their face as they chuckled softly. They couldn't help the happiness that curled in their chest, Rowan was always so goofy. It was all too easy to smile and watch the others roll about, though they giggled when seeing Rowan fall face first into a puddle of mud. "Rowan, you're absolutely covered in mud!" Mallow remarked with a shake of their head, they were ignoring the mud that was already on their paws from being near the water. Their warm smile refused to die down at they watched Shore and Rowan, their tail continued to sweep behind them as they watched. It was only when he heard Tiny's sudden quiet but urgent tone that had them jolting.

The golden feline froze, but their caramel eyes were rapidly combing over their surroundings in search of what Tiny could have seen. But their question was answered when their gaze landed on what was causing the urgency. A fox. There was a fox in the bushes. "Remain calm. If we panic it'll only get worse," Mallow rumbled, trying to keep their voice even and calm, not knowing if it may trigger the predator to attack them if they suddenly started to scramble. Although they took a few hesitant steps backwards, feeling water brushing against their paws. It only caused more anxiety to well up in them as they could hear the faint whispers and pulls of the water once again.

But Mallow didn't have time to dwell on the fact the water was touching them when their group was in possibly danger.

Shore was really, all for this. They had been walking all day and found not one but two suitable spots that they could go back to, some fun wasn't too bad... alas.

As the air gets tense, Shore immediately changes his tune, a calm but serious demeanor as he instinctively doesn't move. Whatever is going on, he isn't sure because he got a goddamn fucking 6, but he has been living out in the wild for a while and doesn't need to be told twice.

"I will assume it's a living creature." he murmurs "We are covered in mud, if we can get out of its sight, it'll be hard that it follows our track."

Since none of them feel like pointing out what's in there, and Shore doesn't feel like moving even for checking, he's gonna have to work with this.

"We should see about climbing a tree." he proposes.

Time seems to slow.

You all look around, and Rowan, with your keen instincts, you finally see it. The fox.

What do you do?

Rowan N20, Mallow 10, Shore 4, Tiny N1

Rowan kept his gaze on Tiny, though after a second of quiet, he scanned around the marsh at surface level. His ears swiveled in Mallow and Shore's direction, listening to their hushed comments. He took them to heart, slowly inhaling and exhaling to remain calm. He scanned the environment again, paying attention to the trees this time. There were a couple that were within a short distance.

And finally, his eyes land on the fox, crouched in the bushes. His heart threatened to hammer in his chest, and he gulped, taking another slow, deep breath. Stay calm, he thought firmly to himself. Stay calm.

Lowering his head, fur bristling through the patches of thick mud spattered on his body, he flattened his ears and hissed. "Back off." He took a few steps forward to put himself between the fox and the others, his words followed by a fierce snarl. "Back off or we'll fuck you up!"

INITIATIVE 13: FOX

cw biting and injuries

The wiry beast hasn't looked away from Tiny since spotting the small feline. It looks ragged as it creeps forward, and you all can realize with ease that it's hungry. It glances only briefly in the direction of Rowan, but it doesn't seem bothered by his spitting and hissing.

Instead, it launches itself at Tiny. Within seconds, the beast has its jaws latched firmly around the little cat, sinking fangs deep into him. ROLL TO HIT: 25

Tiny takes -8 vitality damage.

The creature now assesses its position, looking every bit like it plans to run with its catch.

Mallow could feel their adrenaline pumping through their veins as they stared at the fox that was prowling out of the bushes. Rowan's hisses and snarls echoing in their ears as they took in a sharp breath. What could they do? They weren't good at fighting- practically useless when it come to physical fighting. They were good with words not with their claws. But when they saw the fox suddenly lunching at Tiny, they forced themself to spring into action. Leaving behind the water that called for their return as they lunged forward. 

But in their panic to help Tiny, Mallow missed their swipe. Missing their target and unsuccessful to hit their target. Roll to hit: 4 [fail]

They skidded slightly past the fox as the mud made it slippery but kept their footing the best they could as they puffed up their fur with a furious hiss directed at the fox. Trying to find an opening for their next attack, they could only hope Shore and Rowan could do something more useful than them.

Shore wanted to laugh as not to cry. Rowan wasn't a very intimidating cat, and even so... 

Even so, he didn't expect such boldness from a fox, it was four whole cats. But it probably was just as hungry as everyone was, it's was to tell it hasn't had a bite in days, absolutely willing to take the risk.

As it dashes for Tiny, Shore let's out a yowl, and seeing Mallow fail to grab even a tuft of hair, he impulses himself towards the fox, aiming to latch onto it's back and either scratch it or get a hold of it's neck, long claws fully extended and finally making use of all that muscle underneath.

Roll to hit: 18. Damage: 4

Tiny barely processed that the fox had lunged for him until it was too late. The small cat was whisked out of the air, pinned in the jaws of the fox, his limbs scrambling for purchase and finding nothing but air.

He wriggled in the jaws of the fox, but nothing happened. He was trapped and his body trembled.

I'm going to die here.

By batreiis

Rowan barely had time to react when the fox darted out, slipping right past him. He gasped, whirling around in time to see the fox sink its teeth into Tiny, picking up the poor kid with a hungry glint in its eye. Rowan gave chase, sidestepping Shore so his claws wouldn't accidentally find his companion instead.

He swiped at the Fox's face, roll to hit: 10 but had to close one of his eyes as a residual drop of mud tried to roll into it, and combined with the fox's quick reflex, his paw went wide.

Shaking his head to actually clear off the rest of the mud, he glanced quickly between his companions, and then to the shaking form of Tiny. He let out another angry hiss, squaring his shoulders again.

"Don't worry, Tiny! We're not letting this thing hold you for long." He tried to fill his voice with confidence, reminding himself that it was four on one. This thing wanted to rock and roll? It was gonna get it.

The fox was going to run, but when Shore lands on top of it, it struggles to do so. It growls around the mouthful it had of Tiny, trying to clamp down harder.

ROLL TO HIT: 14

Thankfully, it doesn't seem to get any good purchase this time.

Mallow stared at the fox, fur bristled as they desperately searched for anything they could do. Those whispers of the water curled in them as they could feel the anxiety and tension rising in them once again. It felt like they were simply drowning in it. Their caramel gaze never left the fox, trying to find a way to help out as they lunged forward to try to land another hit. Roll To Hit: 9 A small hiss of frustration escaped them as they missed their target again- even when Shore was literally on top of the fox! 

Their emotions curled in them rapidly, only growing as they were unaware of the mist that slowly started to creep away from the water. Mist drifted across the ground as it started to gather in the area, filling it with the particles of air the more as their emotions only rose. Digging their claws into the ground as they tried to ground themself, they needed to find something else to do- they needed to aid them somehow instead of fighting- but how could they? What could they do to help? 

If only they were more useful in this situation!

Shore, for all he's worth, is not usually much of a fighter. However, he is big, and he has been around for a while all things considered. He's not letting any fox or anything get away with one of theirs now that they had managed for so long keeping as many members alive as possible.

"We said let him go." Shore growls, the first time he has any semblance of an angry cadence to his voice, even if it's not much.

Roll to hit: 13. Damage: 9

The tom doesn't have time to focus on his other companions, digging his claws harder on the fox's shoulder and biting at the side of its neck, refusing to let go unless he's shaken off or Tiny is released from his jaws.

Tiny didn't know what to do. He was trapped in between the jaws of a creature that was ready to take him home and feed him to its babies or something, and he couldn't do anything about it. The small tom was helplessly watching his friends try as hard as they could, between Rowan striking and missing to Mallow figuring out what to do, he barely registered that Shore had gotten to the fox until its entire body had lurched under the weight of the tom.

Tiny tried to crane his head as much as he could to see Shore, but he couldn't and it made him panic.

A collection of whispers echoed between his ears, all of them saying "get free"

"Let me go, let me go!" The small cat wriggled from in the fox's jaws, his claws outstretched and slashing.

One voice echoed above all the others.

Burn.

"Let... Me.... GO!" Tiny roared as he caught his claws on the fox's face, sparks flying as his paws flurried and smacked against each other as he did what he could to hurt the fox. His shout shot black smoke from his mouth, and finally, with a shredding sound and a thud, bloodied and trembling, the little cat was on the ground.

While it did no proper damage, he got back onto his paws, the thin wisps of smoke still pouring from his mouth.

Rowan's paws itched to swipe with reckless abandon at this fox, but the tangle of creatures in front of him made it hard to find an opening. If he wasn't careful, he'd end up sinking his claws or teeth into Tiny or Shore. He tried to circle around in tandem with Mallow in an attempt to box the fox in. The last thing he wanted was for the fox to bolt with Tiny still clamped in its mouth. 

To his delight, Tiny quickly dispelled that fear, wrangling himself free from the fox's teeth. Flashes of sparks flew from his paws and thick smoke poured from his mouth. A small part of Rowan reeled in fascination at the display of magic radiating from the small cat, before his attention whipped back to the fox. 

"We got you now, ugly." Rowan laughed, lunging freely at its face. 

Roll to hit: 14. Damage: 9 

He threw his weight into it, using his momentum to try and knock its head away from Tiny's recovering form. His claws found satisfying purchase at last, as did his teeth as he sank them into the fox's muzzle.

The fox howls as Tiny suddenly slashes at it with paws full of sparks and embers. It drops the little cat, reeling backwards a few steps and right into Rowan. It shrieks as Rowan lashes out at it as well, turning to try and slash at its new attacker.

ROLL TO HIT: 22

Its large paw slams into your shoulder Rowan, cutting deeply. 

Rowan takes -6 vitality damage.

Mallow couldn't explain the pure relief that swept over them all at once as they watched the sparks and smoke burst around the fox's mouth before Tiny went tumbling from his jaws. A hiss curling in his voice as Rowan flew forward, lunging at the fox. They hardly took a moment to shove themself forward and pounce on the fox at the same time. The mist only seemed stronger, curling around them as they pounced on it's haunches. 

ROLL TO HIT: N20. DAMAGE: 3

Digging their claws into into it's flesh before they were letting their gaze quickly dart to Tiny to check on the smaller cat. They could see the smoke pouring from Tiny's mouth mixing with the mist all around them. When had there been mist? But they could hardly linger on the idea when they still had the fox to worry about.

Good, the cat was out of the jaws. That meant none of them had to hold back for fear he'd get further trampled in the fangs or that they'd scratch him instead. But right now? That didn't matter.

"Tiny, get away!"

They couldn't afford him getting caught again, or getting furthermore hurt. Ah- but it was going after Rowan now, that wouldn't do.

Roll to hit: 25. Damage: 8

Grabbing the fox's neck again, Shore tried to get a good grip while sliding to the side,  attempting to take the fox down to a side with their combined weight, hopefully making it lose its balance and try and expose its belly.

Tiny stood where he was for a few moments longer, gaze locked and filled with a fury towards the fox. All he could hear was burn, burn, burn.

He scraped his claws against the dirt, his claws sparking dangerously, and his mouth filled with more smoke. The taste didn't bother him. Nothing would, not now.

For a few moments, he stayed like this. Shore's voice was the only thing that finally pulled him out of his head, and he blinked, looking at him now rather than the fox.

The little tom was suddenly acutely aware of the wounds on him and his aching muscles, so he very quickly ran to the side and hid in a bush.

He spent the time thinking about the flavor of the smoke.

Rowan hissed as he felt the fox's claws cut into his shoulder, unsurprised as warmth began to blossom down the fur of his front leg. He still clung to the fox however, biting down and feeling his own claws ripping satisfyingly through flesh.

Roll to hit: 14. Damage: 5

His eyes left the fox for a split second to look where Tiny had just been, and noticed he'd darted off into the bushes. Hopefully this fox would bolt soon, if they didn't shred it to death first.

The fox takes a gnarly blow from Rowan, and suddenly it doesn't seem so certain about this meal it was trying to get. It lets out a yelping bark as it turns, attempting to flee.

ATHLETICS: 5

You may attempt to hit it on the way out, or let it escape.

Mallow felt their fur bristle, ready to jump into action although they certainly couldn't explain the pure relief that surged through them when Tiny managed to skitter away from the fox. Pressing himself forward, ready to step forward if the fox gave chase. Although luckily, that didn't seem like it would be the result as Rowan landed another blow onto the predator. Mallow didn't bother to try and attack, instead, shifting away to give it a chance to bolt past them, they were sure if this was a fight their group wanted to take considering two of them were already injured as it was.

The golden wheat furred feline carefully slinked along the edge, mist collecting around their pelt, cooling the air around them despite the heat that Tiny had been providing earlier. Ears flattened against their head as they edged around closer towards Rowan, the scent of blood was heavy in the air and they were more than certain they saw their companion get bit.

Mallow chooses to let the fox escape.

As the fox scrambles away to escape, Shore promptly lets go of it, sliding off its back and catching his breath. As the fox leaves, a gust of winds follows it and disappears just as quickly as it raises. If Shore is aware that was from his own paw or not, he doesn't show it.

"Let it go. We have more urgent matter than chasing mangy foxes."

Shore sighs, more mud than cat after moving around with the fox. His long fur was heavy like this, but he paid it no mind as he approached the bushes where Tiny went to hide, but keeping an eye on the fleeing fox.

Rowan danced back a few steps as the fox shook him off and turned to bolt. He took a few bold steps after it, taunting. "That's right, loser, that's what you get! What's it like to suck!?" Before spitting a wad of blood out of his mouth in the fox's wake. He huffed with satisfaction when it seemed like the creature wasn't going to double back. Play with fire and get burned.

Speaking of fire...

Rowan glanced down at his shoulder, giving it a brief lick as he turned and followed Shore over to the bushes where Tiny was curled up. He passed by Mallow on the way, giving them a confident smile and walking by them, just in case something else decided to come up.

"Tiny, what even was that back there? Are you okay? That was badass! How'd you get your paws to make sparks like that and blow all that fire smoke out of your mouth? You scared the shit out of that fox!" 

Tiny watched as the fox started to get ready to flee, and his groupmates- his friends- came to see him under the bush. The adrenaline had finally started to fade and the small cat pressed his face into Shore's fur and started to cry.

His shoulders shook and his body ached and he was so tired, but he was alive. The valley didn't need his bodily resources yet and fate proved that by giving him friends that would protect him.

When Rowan came by as well, the little cat looked up, his face wet with tears, and he shrugged, his body shaky.

"I-I don't... know... I heard my- my voice just echoing in my head, and suddenly I was- I was on fire. And now I'm here."

The mist continued to slowly curl through the marsh, collecting most heavily around their paws and a bit lighter as it carried along. Mallow's focus slipped to it briefly, debating it's appearance. The call of the water certainly got much quieter throughout the fight... And they truly weren't sure why. It made their fur prickle nervously but they tried to ignore it, pushing forward to follow closely on Shore's heals to search for Tiny. Although that confident smile Rowan flashed them didn't help very much when he was clearly bleeding from his shoulder. 

The moment Mallow heard sniffling, it made their heart squeeze as they pushed forward to stand beside Rowan, a soft frown on their muzzle as they peered at Tiny. Mallow couldn't help but feel a bit useless throughout the entire encounter, only having landed a single hit... But they tried to ignore it as they dipped their head closer to Rowan as they softly dragged their tongue over his shoulder carefully a few times. "The injuries are dangerous if not treated," Mallow murmured with a furrowed brow, "Even if we can't treat them now, we can at least rinse them with water to try and clean them. We don't know what the fox has been in." The golden feline advised in a soft voice.

Shore was slightly surprised that Tiny stuck to him, but thinking it over, the poor lad was scared out of his fur. The tom leans down to lap at the cat's head to calm him down, taking the chance to nuzzle around and check the injury. Well he certainly wasn't in immediate danger, doubted that Rowan's were as well, but he still was inclined to agree with Mallow.

"Why, if it isn't our dear General Flint's magic, isn't it?" Shore purrs, raising his head "Magic is returning to the valley, so they say. What else would it be if not that?"

He prodes Tiny a bit to get him out of the bush, allowing to stick with him but indicating that they should start moving. Shore looks back, and then to the sky, his gaze fixates on it for a while before talking again.

"Let's retrace our pawsteps. We will come by the river again where we can clean the wounds, and then go back to the isle." 

Shore was right. Magic! Rowan's ears perked up in interest, and excitement found its way on his face. "Magic, for real!? Was that how you got that fish to feel hot before? Tiny, that's so cool!" Softening his voice, he added, "the most important thing is that you're okay, though. We're all okay! Though I'd love to give this a little dip in that river." He chuckled, rolling his shoulder slightly and grimacing.

Beginning to walk back the way they came, Rowan turned his head to glance back at the marsh, just now noticing that the mist that had been building up during the fight was slowly dissipating, though it coalesced around Mallow still. "Where'd all this mist come from? Looks like it's coming from you, Mal. Woah, wait... Is that magic too?" 

Magic? Tiny snuffled and dragged his paw onto his cheek fluff and over his muzzle. He supposed it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility, considering their de facto leaders and representatives had it. He looked at Rowan and gave him a small smile.

"Y-Yeah! I guess? I guess my soul wanted uhm, fire, so that's what I have!" The little cat tried to remember how it felt to use magic, but his brain was really hazy, as if everything was covered in a thin layer of smoke. He shrugged it off as an effect of the anxiety of nearly being eaten, and did his best to reactivate the fire in his heart.

He inhaled, still shaky, and with a pff, a thin cloud of smoke puffed out of his muzzle. He stared at it, a smile growing a bit more on his face as he looked at everyone.

Rowan then turned his attention towards Mallow, and the little cat curled his tail up.

"Row's right!" he chirped. "I think you might be using magic."

Mallow could feel sympathy curling in their chest, poor Tiny. The small cat was injured but looked so relieved to be surrounded by them. They listened softly to everyone else's words but as Shore ushered the white furred feline out from under the bushes, Mallow found themself gravitating to Tiny's side. They couldn't stop the pure worry that was holding them tightly, what if further movement was irritating both Rowan's and Tiny's injuries? But at least everyone was agreeing with them that a dip in the river would be benefical. 

"Alright, although I think Rowan may need it most of all. Someone did put mud all over his head," A hint of a purr curled in their words, hoping to lighten the mood even more. Although it seemed like everything was a bit better as they started to move along. Though hearing Rowan's question made them cock their head to the side, blinking their eyes rapidly as their caramel gaze switched to look at the mist that was curling around them, although slowly dissipating as they moved further away from the marsh. "I don't know about that, maybe just an odd coincidence," Mallow disagreed gently to their words as they ushered the felines to get moving. 

"Now, let's get you cleaned up, you're both a mess!"

Shore lets out an amused, low purr, his whiskers moving accordingly. 

"Those things are for stronger, more capable cats. There's no way I can do that just like that." Shore meows, in a falsetto that makes it clear he's not speaking for himself. Then turns to Mallow "Is that what you're thinking? Because you're looking at it the wrong way."

Without elaborating further on that point, Shore begins to move, at a slower pace than usual (which is saying something for a cat that always moved in a way that made it seem like he was stalking prey) as not to over exert the injuries their companions carried.

"Let's wait to be in a part of the river course closer to a warm place, like the magma pools. Or else, you'll get wet and catch a cold. Or something worse." he points out, though doesn't disagree with a bath, given that some of his fur is also thoroughly muddied.

Rowan couldn't stifle the purr when he saw a puff of smoke leave Tiny. "You're a powerhouse, man!! You gotta show us how it's done, later-- er, after we heal up, of course."

As they walk, Rowan bounced a little bit, still fascinated by the mist as they began to take their leave. "Think about it, Mal! Tiny's magic came out when things got intense! I bet yours did too!" His weight landed particularly hard on his shoulder and he winced, letting out a hissing exhale. He chuckled sheepishly, as though he just now realized he was getting a bit ahead of himself. At least while bouncing.

"Aw, Shore, you don't like brisk swims? Nothing wakes you up like the winter waters." He laughed, playfully leaning over to lightly bump the tom with his good shoulder.

Tiny looked at Rowan as he complimented the magic, and though the smoke that came from his mouth made his brain a little hazy for a second, he smiled brightly and nodded.

Oh yeah, he was still hurt. The little calico sat down again rather harshly, the bite to his body coming back to the forefront of his mind. Ouch.

"Y-Yeah, let's get cleaned up."

He raised to his paws again to the best of his ability, and he looked up at Mallow.

"I know it doesn't seem like you would have magic- I mean I sure didn't, let alone fire- but the valley wanted all of us to wield her gifts. We made it, and she's rewarding our skill. You've got what it takes merely by existing, and who knows? It could be fun to have magic! I mean, if the mist was you, imagine how much more fun playing with your friends would be!"

He shook his pelt of and bonked his head one by one, gently, on each of his groupmates.

"Whatever water we find, I hope it's clean at least, but I think we should head back anyway so we can wash up and then share with everyone else what we found!"

Mallow watched their group quietly, admiring how excited Rowan was compared to the two, although Tiny looked quite shaken up still. Shore was calm as ever... it keyed them in to just how interesting their little exploring group was. They couldn't put their paw on his they were brought together but they were at least a bit amused. The most slowly disappeared the more they walked, moving away from the sight of the bloody fight that had occurred recently. 

Hearing everyone's insistence on them using magic was a bit jarring, but they simply offered a smile. That doubt festered in their stomach as they hummed softly, "Who knows," They hummed in response. They held their doubts, they weren't one to believe in such things like Tiny spoke of, but they could respect his choice of beliefs. Tail sweeping behind them as the group trotted forward in search of a place to wash their wounds. 

But they keyed into the low exhaling hiss from Rowan as their ears perked towards him, giving him a warning look that told him to stop. "Don't irritate your wounds further, Rowan. No more bouncing," They scolded him gently as they lightly flicked their tail against his flank.

"You got it, boss." Rowan laughed lightly, slowing down his steps and favoring his leg to keep from irritating his shoulder further. Tiny's encouraging words almost got him bouncing again, but he held off. 

He knew frightfully little about magic, but from the way Tiny was talking about it, anyone could be capable of wielding magic. And he was right! Having powers related to the mist would make for some pretty awesome games. When Tiny bumped his head against him, he returned the gesture. "Shore's got a point, we might wanna clean up in the warmer water. It's a longer walk, but it'll be worth it." He smiled at the larger cat as he referred to him, before facing ahead again.

"The rest of the groups are gonna be so jazzed with all the cool places we found. And you gotta tell Star on the Horizon about your badass stunt today, Tiny! We were awesome. I'm so happy I got lucky enough to have you guys as a group."

Shore purrs amusedly.

"Well, unless you have a brilliant idea as to how to dry all this fur before I catch a cold, I think I shall stick to minimal water and my tongue."

And no he wasn't about to let Tiny experiment his newfound fire powers with him. Later, maybe, but he would rather not have Tiny's first purposeful use of magic be on him.

Ah yes, Star on the Horizon. Shore was wondering how they'd phrase that. Either "we almost lost Tiny to a fox" or "a fox almost got a non-specified member of our group but you're never going to guess who". Even though for anyone who knew what a fox was before hand, they could probably guess who a hungry one would try to get first and foremost.

"Well, it's not everyday that you get to face a fox and come out barely scratched-" he hums "...have any of you encountered foxes before?"

They all looked like babies to him.

Tiny looked at Shore as he asked the question about foxes.

"Only heard stories, for me. Can't believe we saw one up close."

The little cat hummed and scuffed his paw on the ground. There was so much danger out here but... It was worth it. They could have a home now.

He took a deep breath and pranced past his groupmates.

"Come on then! Let's get back so we can tell Star! We can clean up when we get back to the island!"

And with that, Tiny led his new friends back out of the ravine and back to the island, the only remnant of the fox attack being the bite on his sides.