Old ShadowClan Camp

First topic message reminder :

A camp is a site where a Clan makes its permanent home. It is where the wolves sleep, meet, bring fresh-kill,get treated for injuries or illness, receive orders, and make reports to the Clan leader or deputy. Some wolves, such as queens, kits and elders stay in the camp, while the warriors, deputy and leader patrol the territory and hunt. Each Clan has one camp.

ShadowClan camp is surrounded by prickly brambles and bushes and hidden in a well-concealed hollow. There are constant patrols sent out and the camp and borders are fiercely guarded. There is a small, always guarded path leading to and into the camp. The leader's den is located underneath a large oak tree. You must gain entrance and not enter the den without permission. Near the edge of the clearing of camp there is a large, smooth boulder used for meetings and announcements. Right next to that boulder, there is a smaller rock. Underneath this rock is a cave where the Medicine Wolf resides. Sick and injured Clan members visit and get aid there. The warrior's den is located underneath bramble bushes and is lined with moss and pine needles. There is also another thorn bush. This is the nursery where new born pups and their mothers live until the pups have grown.

Despite the fact that RiverClan and ShadowClan had combined, both camps are still used frequently by each Clan.

The sound of twittering bird songs drew Apache from his sleep, pushing out with his forelegs the pup stretched a huge yawn forcing his mouth to open wide. A whine of satisfaction bubbled from deep within the pup’s throat as he finished his stretching and stood, amber orbs taking in the dim confines of the Nursery. Looking down at Sky pup Apachepup smiled before quietly making his way out of the den, thorns caught hold of his fur as he passed. But the little male ignored it, his mind still fogged with sleep contained only one thought; food. After a night of restful sleep the pup’s stomach called out for more food as his ever growing body sought nourishment, if he could find something big enough he‘d drag it back to the den to share with Skypup.

He enjoyed the time spent with his fellow clan-mate, the day before had been fun as he sat and listened to Darkfeather’s words. The medicine wolf had been kind enough to take the time to show them some of the many herbs she used to care for the injured and sick of the pack, how she could remember so many things he did not know. Thinking about the time spent in the medicine den brought bad the same feeling of unease that had come over him when Skypup seemed to drift away, he was too young to understand the many things a wolf could experience and he had yet to fully learn to trust his instincts that told him something had happened to his friend. That something was wrong, and like all pups Apache found himself becoming easily distracted, and as he emerged from the den the darkened sky drew his thoughts away from yesterday’s events.

Gazing up at the mass of rolling, angry clouds, such a dark gray that it bordered the line between gray and a blackness rivaled by even the darkest of night. He could feel the tension in the air as the calm before the story drew on, even the songs of the birds that had awoken him earlier sounded strained. The whole forest felt muggy as the humidity rose as everything waited with held breath for the clouds to split and release pounding torrent of rain. Wrenching his gaze away from the sky Apachepup made his way toward the fresh kill pile, his over sized paws and spindly legs making the trek all the more challenging. His gate was awkward, one would even venture to call it gangly, but even so the pup still held an air of confidence that could not be easily crushed- even by the hardest of blows.

Blue eyes jolted open, piercing through the darkness of the med den. She wasn't sure what had woken her but sense she was awake now she might as well go ahead and get her "chores" done. Slowly rising from her resting spot she shook the dirt and moss from her ebony pelt she walked out from her den, letting what was left of the sunlight turn her dark pelt a lighter shade of grey. As she walked towards the welcoming scent of prey a smile curled upon her face and she let out a yawn, she felt like she hasn't eaten for a decade but she made sure that she picked out the stalest, skinniest prey, leaving the good things for those who needed more.

She just sat where she was and ate the rabbit she settled with, slowly chewing the stale meat and savoring the taste. Her sapphire eyes drifted skyward, the sky seemed even darker then yesterday, the storm would break anytime soon and Darkfeather, being a medicine wolf needed to stock up on herbs that could be useful in this weather. Finishing up her small meal she straitened up and thought about bringing the pups with her but decided against it, it wouldn't be safe for them if the storm came while she was gone.
With no other reason to stay in the camp Darkfeather headed towards Burnt Sycamore to pick up a few herbs.

Apachepup hadn't had any luck finding a piece of prey for both him and Skypup, and so he had settled for dragging a piece of prey to the entrance of the Nursery to be found my Skypup when he awoke. Then he settled down with his own prey, eagerly gulping down mouthfuls of meat savoring the taste. He had just finished his food when Darkfeather emerged from the medicine den, the pup watched her as she chose a piece of prey from the pile. Silently he observed her as she stood up and left the camp, curiosity perked Apache stood and trotted after her.

The pup skidded to a halt when Darkfeather glared down at him, returning her harsh stare with an even gaze of his own. he remained silent waiting for her verdict, he didn't have to say anything she would tell him whether or not to stay or leave all on her own. Anything he said wouldn't change that.

When she told him he could stay the young put burst into a grin, his small tail raising into the air. "I'll be sure to do what ever you say!" He yipped.

Smiling the dark canid began walking towards the Burnt Sycamore again, glancing behind her to make sure the pup was following. Her paws glided gently over the ground, she was worried about the pup and thought about changing her mind and sending him back but let him follow for now.

-To Burnt Sycamore-

Excitedly Apache scrambled after Darkfeather, tripping over his paws as he went.


-To the Burnt Sycamore-

Emerald eyes made themselves shown as Skypup started to wake up. He sighed and stretched. His front legs reached out far in front of him as his spine popped back into place. Sky let out a moan of approval before he padded out of the den and to the fresh kill pile. His nose crunched up at the thought of food, but he was growing and needed it. With a heaved sigh, Skypup picked up a small bird. He walked back over to the Nursery and laid down. Sky then began eating the food.

The male leader had returned to the camp and all was quiet. For a moment, his paranoid mind thought that everyone had disappeared, but then he realized it was not so. Walking over to the nursery, he saw the two pups, Skypup and Apachepup sleeping, curled up next to each other. Padding noiselessly over to the Medicine Wolf den, he saw Darkfeather sleeping as well, curled up into a ball. Taking note of the low amount of herbs she had now, he walked over to his own den. Although his belly rumbled, Shadestar knew that right now he needed to sleep more than eat. His mind must be clear for tomorrow morning in order to make a plan. Walking into his den, he curled up and went to sleep, allowing his mind to wander.

---

The sound of paws leaving camp was the first thing that awoke Shadestar. He blinked blearily as he stood up, yawning and stretching. Looking out of his den, he saw Darkfeather and Apachepup leaving the camp. His eyes narrowed. Now she was helping him leave, too? What was wrong with these wolves? He sighed, walked over to the fresh kill pile and helped himself to one piece of prey. He took it back to his den and laid down, chewing it thoughtfully. The clouds hovered over the camp like the mark of some kind of black death, a terrible omen of what was to come. Simply thinking of it made him shiver in apprehension. Soon the storm would break, and no one would be able to know when. The fresh kill pile would definitely be either washed away or the food would become inedible if they did not move it. They could not bury it, the water would probably wash away that layer of dirt. Perhaps they could put it in the elders den instead? Shadestar thought the Clan would be safe, as their camp was high up elevation wise and the water could easily drain. As long as everyone was in the camp when the storm broke, everyone would be okay.

Skypup sighed as he finished his bird. Now that he was awake and fed, there was nothing else to do. Of course, he could cause trouble with the Elders or with Shadestar, but with the upcoming storm he didn't feel right doing anything bad. He scoffed at himself. There he was, a trouble maker, saying he wouldn't do anything naughty. But above his troublesome self, Sky was loyal to his Clan. And would do anything, even if it was being behaved, to help get through this.

The sky above had grown darker. It made Skypup uneasy. This was not going to be an easy time. For all the Clans.

The young male observed the camp. It seemed like it was almost in total darkness. He rolled his eyes. As if the camp needed to be harder to navigate through. He continued to look around until emerald eyes caught sight of Nightfeather eating. She was watching him intently, like if he moved an inch she would jump over and chew his ears off. He cocked his head to the side and a brow rose in questioning as he stared back at the she-wolf.

Skypup feigned innocence, "Me?" he mouthed back. For good measure he even flicked his tail to point at his chest. His left ear twitched as he gave Nightfeather a smile. It was fake, of course, like most of them were. He used them to mess with wolves. Sky would be the first to admit that he could mess with others easily. Especially when he was all happy and joyful. Sometimes, though, he wondered if others thought he was always a troublesome pup, someone who couldn't be genially happy for one moment.

Skypup's whole body flinched at the gust of wind. It was uncomfortable to him. It was unnerving and made him feel like nature was trying to turn him back, to forget everything. The leaves didn't help one bit. It was like nature was telling him to leave right now. To not remember.

He shook his head slightly, hoping Nightfeather didn't catch him deep in thought. Then came a smaller gust. The wind seemed to be saying sorry. Skypup was fed up with the weather by now. He just wished it would go away.

Skypup let his gaze wander on Nightfeather a moment more before he turned his attention back to the sky. It made him uncomfortable not being able to see the sun. You couldn't even see the corona through the clouds. It was unsettling to him, just as he assumed it was for every wolf. The sky was the only source of time they had around here. He turned his gaze over to the dens around him. The wouldn't hold well during the storm. The clouds predicted that much. But how much would survive it? Would the Clans even survive? Sky shook that thought away. Don't get too negative. he thought sternly. It won't do any good. And we need good in these times.

Not sure where to start here, so here goes nothing.

Silently, the female slipped over the marshes. Wherever the others were was hardly anything of a matter to her - she was on patrol for danger. Anything that was unusual would be welcome, really. She wanted to learn new things and experience the unknown - or maybe catch a wind of gossip.

Her dark ears flicked. What was this? Something scurrying. A croak. Just a frog she thought irritably. What else would there be to do?

A small, black form sat at the edge of the Shadowclan camp, watching the others go about their day. This young apprentice wolf, one of midnight black fur and stunningly bright blue eyes. Her tail was curled gently around her paws as she took in all that was going on. Soon however she grew bored and the small black wolf rose to her paws, making not a sound. She slipped out, somewhat surprised no one asked for her yet, and, after slipping behind a tree, stretched and yawned. /All right Lightningpaw,/ she thought to herself. /What shall I do today?/

Lightningpaw sat at the base of the tree, waiting to see if anyone or anything interesting would come along. She knew she probably should go and find some prey but she didn't want to hunt right then. She kept her ears pointing behind her and her eyes searching in front of her while her nose sorted out all of the scents. If something interesting didn't happen here, she would head off somewhere else.

As he ate he saw the clouds growing darker and darker and darker. As he ate the last of his meal, the storm broke with a bang. Rain began pouring down and Shadestar couldn't see anything. Lightning flashed and thunder roared. The prey wasn't what mattered, now. "Everyone get in camp and go to the Elders den!" Shadestar howled, hoping everyone could hear him. He needed an accurate count in order to help. Going back and forth between dens, he carried all of the prey that he could, even though now it was completely soaked. They had no time. He should have given orders. If a wolf was lost, this was his fault. Determination was in his eyes now. Running towards the Elders den, he stayed there and waited for the others.

Skypup jumped as Shadestar yelled to the Clan. He sat there a moment before he finally processed what the Clan leader had said. In a quick movement, Sky was on his feet again and on his way into the Elder's Den. He looked at the sky from where he stood. It was darker than before and hard to see through all the rain. Thunder and lightning broke through the sky, making the pup jump. His fur clung to him and made him shake a little.

Apache arrived in camp stumbling and slipping on the mud in time to hear Shadestar's call, exhaustion threatened to over come the small pup but fear served as a great motivator spurring his heart to pump more adrenaline into the wolf's veins. Giving him the extra burst of speed and energy to make it to the elder's den.

The muddied practically flew into the elders den, blindly barreling into his clan leader. Falling back Apachepup only remained on the ground long enough for the air to return to his lungs before his was back on his feet his soaked muddy fur flecked with bits of moss and pine needles. Staring up at the wolf he had ran into the pup's already wide eyes grew to the size of the full moon as he gazed up at his leader. Struggling to gain control over himself Apache managed to say. "M-my apologies Shadestar, I d-didn't see y-you there." Dipping his head in respect the pup backed away a few paces making sure to move away from the den entrance in case anyone else came crashing in.

Then a thought hit him, where was Darkfeather? Anxiously the pup watched the entrance preying to Starlcan, begging them to send her crashing in behind him.

Shadestar's eyes glanced around the Elders den. So far only Skypup had made it. The leader noticed his shivers and gives him a look and beckoned him farther into the den, away from the rain and lightning. This was probably the worst storm the pup had ever experienced, so keeping him out of it while it was at its worst was the best idea. Suddenly a ball of soaked fur ran straight into him, and the leader looked down, seeing Apachepup. "It's fine." The leader says to the pup's apology, also beckoning him deeper into the den. His troubled mind recalls the memory of earlier this morning when the pup left the camp with Darkfeather, the Medicine Wolf. She had not returned to camp as far as Shadestar could tell, and especially not the Elders den. His gaze saw and met the eyes of Nightfeather, who also had made it to the den. So, four Clan members altogether. Three were left out in the dust. Shadestar narrowed his eyes in order to see farther through the rain. Taking a deep breath, he stepped outside of the den in order to see better. The rain overcame his sense of hearing, all he could hear was its thundering around him. He thought he saw a figure in the distance, one of a fellow Clan member, more towards the entrance of the camp. "Come to the Elders den!" he howled again towards the figure and whoever else was left in the camp, hoping they heard. Quickly he retreated and padded back towards the Elder's den, sitting at its entrance and looking out for any more Clan members. If they did not return, he would have to go out and find them himself.

EDITING POST: I'm sorry, hadn't even realized my tenses were all whack.