[ti]Private[/ti]Melting the Iceberg

[pants]

With tensions rising between MistClan and MothClan, it was no wonder why Dogear had started to send more patrols. Borders could be pushed. Fights could break out. The unexpected could be around the corner, and MistClan had to be prepared. No one knew why, but only certain cats from MothClan were out on border patrol. The border markers were left by the same cats. It was odd. Did something happen? Were the warriors injured? It's not like Eveningstar would ever let the other clans know. The black tom was notorious for never showing weakness.

The sun was barely starting to come up at the time of this patrol. Bright and early. The MistClan deputy had decided to send a small patrol before the main dawn patrol to scout out anything unusual before sending the brawn of the clan to back it up. This mini patrol consisted of Jaggedstream and Echofern, two of MistClan's quieter members. No useless chatter would come of the two, as not to alert any nearby MothClan cats. And if there was talking? Surely it would be softer than a kitten's step.

Jaggedstream ambled along the border, his paws gently compressing the grass below. LeafFall was upon them, and the foliage began to wither away for LeafBare. The warriors would need to be aware of the crunching of the grass soon... But for now, the large brown tom was focused on the open space of the field, the longer grass waving gently as a crisp breeze cleanly swept the plain. 

"Think MothClan would have cats out this early?" the tom whispered to his patrol partner with his usual, deep voice, watching a small wisp of his breath exit his muzzle before dispersing into the clear air. His green eyes were carefully watching for anything unusual and would dart here and there, even though his posture was cool and composed.

[dapplefire123]

    Echofern knew very well that extra patrols were needed during this time of tension between Mistclan and Mothclan. That did not stop her from resenting having to get up so early for them. She supposed she had to be thankful that she was put into a smaller patrol, and with a cat that she felt she got along with well enough. If he thought the same about her, however, she did not know.

    As they walked, she felt a chill creeping under her fur. It was cold these days, especially in the mornings. She preferred the warmth of Greenleaf, and already she missed the relaxing feeling of basking in the warmth without a care in the world.

    Just as she opened her jaws in a huge yawn, Echofern was startled by the sound of her patrol partner's voice. Quickly, she stifled the yawn and shook her head. "I'm not sure." She murmured, her voice soft as it always was, yet with an awkward undertone. "Maybe they will wait until later, when it's warmer. I wish we had." She lowered her head to sniff the ground carefully, hoping for a bit of prey to show itself . 

[pants]

Jaggedstream flicked his ear in response to his patrol partner's words, acknowledging them. He waited a few more seconds before deciding the coast was clear. With a nod, he began to continue on, his large paws carrying him along the border, "Let's hope they aren't out and about. We don't need that sort of trouble..."

A few foxlengths down the border, Jaggedstream stopped, remarking the area that, freshening the checkpoint. Just as they were beginning to leave, a booming voice broke the peaceful morning breeze.

"You there! Halt! Just what do you think you are doing?" A large black smoke tom could be seen as Jaggedstream turned his head. The MothClan warrior known as Grizzledwolf was staring them down with blazing gold eyes, standing a few foxlengths behind them. He must have been following the two MistClan warriors. But he was alone. At this hour? Usually, MothClan had more cats on their patrols. Eveningstar must be up to something...

Grizzledwolf's golden eyes glared as he began to pad towards them, tail high and slightly puffed out. "You are trespassing on MothClan territory! I demand you leave! Especially since you had the audacity to mark it!" The tom growled, snarling. The MothClan tom was huge and well built for fighting - definitely a force to be reckoned with. Jaggedstream turned to face the threatening warrior.

"Grizzledwolf, is it?" Jaggedstream inquired, his voice calm and melodic, not wanting to rile up the threat. "I do believe we are on our side of the border. We were just refreshing the markers, and we mean no harm..." the brown tom explained, expression relaxed. There was no point in retaliating. It was obvious their new friend here was looking for a fight. Jaggedstream looked to Echofern, trying to read her take on the situation.

[dapplefire123]

    Echofern bristled up slightly in shock as the newcomer's voice rang through the crisp morning air. Turning her head to face him, she put on a stern expression.

    "What he says is true." She agreed with a flick of her tail toward Jaggedstream. "We are on our side of the border. There's no need to start a fight."

    Normally, Echofern was a quiet individual. But this deliberately wrong accusation was enough to get on her nerves. She wanted to defend her Clan at any cost, especially in these times of tension. She had no idea what this warrior was up to, out by himself instead of with a patrol, but she knew it couldn't be anything of good intention. 

     She had to admit that the warrior before them was intimidating, especially with her small and lithe build in comparison. She would defend Mistclan's borders, but if this cat was looking for a fight, she just hoped that Jaggesdstream was a good fighting partner. "May we be on our way now?"