[ti]Open[/ti]Expedition

[silverfang218]

Fish is itching to leave Stonehome to do some fishing or anything really. While Fish is far from a hyperactive cat, he always prefers to be outside rather than in Stonehome. It’s a warm place to sleep, but it’s always so crowded. The amount of cats usually makes him anxious; if he had his rathers, he’d already be swimming in the river but Thunder has perhaps finally drilled it into his young to-bes head that Fish should always take at least one cat with him.

So here he waits at the exit, waiting for any cat to stray close enough for him to ask to come with.

[KajkaElina]

Shark Hidden from Sight
female, home-guard

    It was impossible for Shark to sleep. She kept waking up whenever she managed to dose off. Perhaps it was something in the air, or maybe she just didn't tire enough. Going outside might help her, maybe just a small walk could prove to be what she needed to fall asleep. The fawn molly stood up and stretched. She liked the atmosphere of the plant-covered ruins. They always gave off a mysterious vibe. Somehow, they were solemn and serious as they encircled the camp. Stonehome was a spacious place to sleep, although it was often crowded.

    A young to-be stood by the edge of Stonehome. She recognized him as Fish. His cream coat stood out anywhere. The changing markings puzzled her, they seemed to appear out of nowhere after he was born. It looked like he couldn't sleep either, so she walked over to him. "Are you waiting for someone?" she asked. He was almost fully grown now. Kits can grow so quickly sometimes! Soon, he would be larger than many female prey-hunters. Maybe he would even outgrow some home-guards. "If not, would you mind joining me? I'd like to go out for a walk. Maybe you could try catching something," she meowed. Shark wasn't exactly sure what she was doing, taking a to-be out while everyone slept didn't seem like something that would earn her much respect. But she had felt so lonely lately... It was like she lost who she was before, an excited to-be that had many friends. Where did they all go?

[silverfang218]

Shark isn’t wrong; the to-be has been having trouble sleeping ever since Doe that Lives in Forest died. While the young tom didn’t remember his own parents’ death, Doe’s story is extremely close to that of his own father’s. A story that ended up leading to the deaths of Fish’s mother and siblings. The whole thing hits a bit too close to home for the tom, and Fish’s heart feels heavy for Talon.

Fish is about half zoned out by the time someone joined him; a female voice makes his head jerk up as he quickly finds it’s source. He recognizes the voice to be Shark Hidden from Sight, as the young to-be has made a point to remember every name and face within the Tribe“He-hello Shark. I’m n-not waiting for a-anyone in particular. I’d l-love to g-g-go on a walk.” Fish is once again cursing his nervous stuttering; he shuffles his paws a bit, hoping that Shark doesn’t mind. He stands from where he had been sitting, then gives a big stretch before gesturing with a respectful nod of his head for Shark to lead the way.

[KajkaElina]

Shark Hidden from Sight

female, home-guard

    Shark let out a reassuring purr and let her tail brush over his fur. It was a comforting gesture that was meant to soothe the tom, although she wondered if it made Fish feel that way. He was a nervous cat, that was for sure. Being an orphan was difficult, and Fish's low confidence didn't help him much. She couldn't help the sympathy she felt for the tom. Maybe this is why I'm helping him? Shark wasn't an orphan, she was sometimes given too much attention by her mother. But still... something seemed to connect the two. Shark couldn't find the word for it.

    "How about you decide where we go?" her meow was cheerful. Letting Fish choose where to walk might let the young to-be relax. Going where he was the most comfortable should calm him, right? "I couldn't sleep, something always woke me up," she attempted to start a conversation. "And how about you? Why aren't you asleep?" She took a small step backwards to let the cream tom pass. Their pelts were quite similar in color. If she stood close to him, they might even blend together. "It's a nice night," she looked up at the stars. No clouds obscured her vision, so she could see them shining brightly.

[silverfang218]

Fish’s immediate reaction to the brush of Shark’s tail is to tense up for no good reason at all. He gives her a grateful look, quickly realizing that it was meant to be soothing, though he feels frustration both for his reaction to the she-cat’s gesture and the fact that she felt she needed to comfort him Most cats he meets either find the stuttering annoying or think he’s scared out of his wits, not that he isn’t scared to death when faced with social interaction but he tries hard not to be.

He gives her a smile and a nod as she says he can lead the way. When the sky starts to get dark and the stars start to come out, there’s a beautiful place he knows: a stretch of river where the Swiftwater slows down and creates calm pool; while any cat who tries to dive in the deep pool will quickly be reminded why the river is called the Swiftwater in the first place, swimmers are relatively safe on the surface… assuming they know how to swim.

While some Tribe cats may be spooked by the thought of the river after Doe’s death, Fish and Swiftwater have always seemed to have a bit of an understanding; the to-be respects the water, and the water doesn’t harm him. Fish is confident in his ability to keep Shark safe near the river, assuming she doesn’t already know how to swim.

“I-I haven’t been sl-sleeping much lately.” He responds simply to her question. “It-it is. A beautiful night.[/b]” He nods awkwardly. Yup, stars are out, sky is clear. The air is warm with the scent and sounds of life. And his head is filled with the mental screaming of Fish attempting to figure out how to social. Fish takes a breath to try and ease his stuttering just a bit. “So… ah-h… what something kept waking you u-up?”

[KajkaElina]

Shark Hidden from Sight
female home-guard

    Shark glanced at Fish as he tensed up. Was there something wrong with her gesture or was he simply so jumpy? Is it me who is making him so uncomfortable? I never show this much interest in to-bes.. Maybe I should. They needed guidance from adult cats and it might help her improve relationships with them. She might become more respected if she also focused on the younger members of the Tribe. Is that really my only motivation? It's like something changed in me... Always focusing on being respected was tiring and lonely. Although, was it fair to just relax? I haven't accomplished anything yet. I owe it to my mother. She had to keep track of her priorities.

    Shark's ears drew back a little as Fish mentioned his lack of sleep. Apprentices should get their rest. It helped them to stay focused on their important training. What could a sleepy apprentice possibly accomplish throughout the day? Nothing much, probably. "You should try to sleep more. It's a good thing to do, a tired cat helps no one," she offered some advice. Was that what made him so anxious? She didn't know; the fawn molly never talked to the to-bes before. She barely knew them by name.

    It took her a moment to figure out what to say. Fish was clearly uncomfortable talking, but she didn't like to say much either. Looks like I have no choice, though. What a strange situation to be in. "I think it's the temperature, it's been getting warmer lately and I'm not used to it. I tend to fall asleep easily, but this night is just different. An owl calls loudly or someone sneezes and it wakes me up when I'm dosing off. I guess I didn't do enough throughout the day, she meowed.

[silverfang218]

Fish is simply uncomfortable with social interaction; it’s a sad thing, as the to-be likes to feel included and more often than not feels lonely because he really doesn’t fit in. Social anxiety has plagued poor Fish from the start, but he tries his best. Luckily, his stutter seems to fade as he grows more comfortable with a particular cat or conversation. This conversation feels a bit stiff and formal, though he gives a nod in agreement to the thought he should get more sleep. He does, however, give her a sideways look. "S-same goes for you, though."

He listens carefully to the home-guard’s explanation, giving another nod. “I rather like the w-warm ni-nights. Not freezing my t-ta-tail off when I c-come out to lo-look up at the stars.” He responds simply. It wouldn’t be the first time the to-be snuck out past dark, though he usually just sits outside and looks up. “I th-think it’s peaceful out here.”

[KajkaElina]

Shark Hidden from Sight
female home-guard

    Shark purred in amusement at Fish's reply. It was adorable that he worried about her, even if she was his senior by many moons. "I usually sleep well, this night is just a bit different. I also don't have training the next day," she chuckled. Fish was a very nice cat and it saddened her that she was only finding out now. Maybe I could spend more time with Fish. He could probably use a new friend. "I like warmer weather too. It's nice to not have to worry about becoming too cold. We should also be able to see more prey now," the fawn molly meowed.

    She smiled at the to-be before she realized what she was doing. Why am I acting like this? Now Fish will think I'm a cat to joke around with and treat as an equal. That's exactly the opposite of what I want! Her posture immediately became more formal and intimidating. "Lead the way," she said coldly. Hopefully this would fix at least some of the damage done.

[silverfang218]

Fish manages a smile in return, seeming to relax in the she-cat’s presence. He nods once again, agreeing that the homeguard at the very least doesn’t need to train the next day, but Fish knows that doesn’t mean she won’t have an important job. While Fish in no way sees himself as an equal to Shark, as she is both his elder and out of training while he is not, it is nice to speak to her as if they are peers rather than a guard looking out for a trainee. “Should be a lot more prey, now.” He agrees, his stutter fading as he grows more comfortable with the conversation.

Fish notices the moment that Shark’s posture changes; it takes him completely by surprise. It had thought they were getting comfortable with each other, but it seems he was wrong. His pace speed up as she orders him to lead the way, falling completely silent. He believes that something he said must have angered her. As they come to the Swiftwater, Fish slows and puts himself between Shark and the river. While he loves to be as close to the water as possible, he also is unsure how comfortable Shark is around the water.

[KajkaElina]

Shark Hidden from Sight
female home-guard

    Shark didn't know how to swim. Being a home-guard, she never needed the skill. It was a beautiful place to be though. "Do you want to fish here?" her tone was still cold. I'll just sit back here and watch the stars in the pool. "You don't have to shield me form the water, I won't fall in," she said.

((sorry, my inspiration is low))