The End of the Journey

[froststream]

Solace felt heavy on his paws as he crept through the fields. The chirruping of crickets and soft, soothing coos from an owl did nothing to improve his state. His body was exhausted, hardned and struggling for every movement. HIs mind was alert, picking up every noise, scent and action. But that tiredness crept through him and dulled his senses. He wished he could be back in the warmth of his nomadic groupe, but they were probbly out of the area now. Well, they had left him only a few minutes ago. If he wanted to, he could probably sprint around and find their scent. But he was tired and he didn't want to spend the rest of his energy shadowing a group of cats. Besides, he had left the groupe because of this exhaustion, and it wasn't bringing him back.

He loved the group, for sure, and they had loved him. But, he didn't sut the lifestyle. In the beggining, it hadbeen exciting. Then, it became tiring. He wasn't suited for those long distances. He wanted to settle down, maybe catch a good meal and then sleep.

A ruslte in the field caught his attaention. A plump brown hare sped out from the field, only a few tail legnths from him. His slow movements probably hadn't alerted it. Warily, he stalked it and pounced, expertly catching it. Many cats had left the group, it wasn't like he was a loner. Or, well, now he was. All alone. He craved warmth, and saw a barn in the distance that might provide it.

[Mousy]

Stalking through the long grass, Near caught sight of Solace catching the rabbit. He nosed Far's shoulder and said,

"Well, look at that! I've not seen him around here before. Wonder who he is." He said. Far shrugged.

"Well, I don't know. Maybe we should ask? I think he's looking for somewhere to live." She said.

"I don't know... there's a lot of us, and I think the barn is pretty well full. But still."

Near padded over to Solace and looked the thin cat up and down. "Hi." He said. "My sister and I saw you, and we wanted to know if you were looking for somewhere to stay. The barn up ahead has a lot of cats, and pretty much all of us are friendly, so you could stay there for a while." He said as Far padded up on Solace's other side.

[froststream]

Solace nearly choked on a mouthful of rabbit. THe young tom had startled him. Sputtering, he hopped backwards, head thrashing side to side. He felt himself bump into another cat. Panicking, he crouched low, tail waving back and forth. He felt a hiss rise in his throat but caught himself. HIs heart beat crazily, while his eyes bulged with terror. He took a breath... then another... The tom was speaking nicely. She wasn't threatening him. Solace bowed his head aoplogetically and murmured in his Irish accent, "Sorry. I didn't see you there."

He could sense these were fairly peaceful loners. Good thing, too, because he had no energy left to fight with them, let alone two of them. Panting and throat dry, he turned to the she cat, and gave them both curt, polite nods. "Yes," he whispered. "Please. I haven't been here before. I came from Ireland a few moons ago... But I've never stayed in this forest."

As he calmed, he thought of how lucky he was. He barely knew how to hunt in these conditions, he had no den, no company, and absolutely no knowledge. "I'm sorry to be inconvenient," he said slowly. Then, remembering his manners, he ducked down into a clean bow and said, "My name is Darragh Solace."

[Mousy]

"Honestly, Near!" Far said, purring slightly as she nosed her brother's shoulder. She purred and looked at Solace. "So, you're from Ireland? And don't worry about the fact that you've never been here before. Just so long as you don't hunt right in the forest or where you scent strange cats, there are four Clans, see, you'll be fine. We'll show you the Rogue Loft, the Kittypet Territory and the Clan Territories later. The Clans are all pretty friendly unless you don't cross them, but there are a couple that are a force to be reckoned with. Now, I was going to meet Swiftstorm to ask how things are on his end, but I saw Toadpelt heading over there earlier, and the Rogues don't like too many visitors, so I'll go later. I'll show you around this place, first." She said.

"The one thing my sister forgot to mention are our names! I'm Near and she's Far. There are loads of Loners, but always room for more!"

"Far! Weren't you going to visit Swiftstorm earlier, because I swear by StarClan that you were. If you weren't, I'll head back to ShadowClan territory and- oh, hi there!" Fireshadow said, "I didn't see you there. Who are you, because I don't regognise your scent." She said.

"Oh, hey, Fireshadow!" Near and Far said at the same times.

"Solace, this is Fireshadow, Fireshadow, this is Darragh Solace." Near said.

Yes, I was. But I'm not now." Far said.

"Fair enough." Fireshadow said, padding back towards ShadowClan territory.

With that, the three Loners padded towards the barn.

[OoC at whoever reads it:// I edited that about 20000001 times because of font and font size and other stuff! *Implodes.*]

[froststream]

Solace nodded, slowly, processing all this information. Finally, he said slowly, carefully, "Thank you." Again, he nodded politely to Fireshadow. His half-eaten rabbit lay forgotten on the floor as he drew himself up to his full height, which was quite tall. The air had cooled and right now he wanted nothing more than curling in a warm, safe place. He fetl a bit overwhelmed, for sure. This was a big adaptation for him, having to start all over somewhere.

Before, he had only stayed in one spot for two days maximum. Now, he wanted to stay in one place for at least a moon to recover and heal. If there was danger here, he wouldn't have a chance, and he would have to find a new forest. The thing was, he wasn't sure if he could find another forest. So, it was lucky he had help.

"Pleased to meet you, Near, Far, and Fireshadow," he mewed soflty. His energy was ebbing away quickly. "Thank you so much. So much. I wouldn't have a chance if you weren't here." He came to realization of the truth in this, and a wave of gratitude washed over him again.

[hedgie]

Birchpaw's head popped out from underneath his tail, as he had been sleeping all but soundly in his spot by the window.The young tabby tom lept down to the lowest level of the barn, ears perked at the sound of voices. "Hello?" He called, leaning against a wooden post in front of the nearly-open door. From hat he could see, there was around four or five cats outside, and he padded out to meet them.

"Hey. I'm Birchpaw. Are you looking for somewhere to stay, if you aren't already living here? I'm sure we have room." His tail was lifted high in greeting, but he was still a bit wary. Birchpaw was amazed how many loners were out in the world. Maybe he'd make a friend this time around. The more cats, the bigger the chance.

"Come inside. No grand tours, because I barely know my way around here myself. Just arrived recently, actually."

[froststream]

Solace blinked greatfully at teh new loner, a young tom. Solace didn't think he looked any older than a kit, but yet he looked experienced, as though he had already seen it all. Great thought Solace. A kit knows more than me. . But still, he didn't decline the cat's offer. There were tiny bits of hay in his fur, and they radiated promised warmth and safety. Solace swallowed slowly, blinked his yellow eyes again, and nodded. "Pleased to meet you, Birchpaw. I'm Darragh Solace. I'd love to get somewhere safe."

Solace knew he didn't have much more time. If he didn't get somewhere warm soon, he would faint. Though the cats were nice, he doubted any of them would try to save him. One less loner in the world would make no difference.