First her mom dies. Things only go downhill from there. Alongside raising her new siblings, Junco must navigate the now dangerous waters of life as a Wanderer. Death and feelings are the worst kind of problems.
Oriole was always very cheerful, and...
As a wanderer, Junco spent a lot of time walking, and yet, it never really got less tiring. You'd think I would be stronger by now.
Oriole, on the other paw, seemed to enjoy it. Her long legs carried her high above the grasses, and she could have easily outpaced the group. Instead she was walking next to Junco.
Llano and Estacado were in the front of the group, with the former constantly running ahead and back. Snapdragon followed them, and then herself and Oriole.
In the back were Blizzard and Static. Blizzard had seemingly given up on ignoring Static and the two were chatting amiably. I'll never understand her.
It was almost midday and the group had made their way out of the forest they had been in. Now they were walking through a wide field that appeared to go on for days. The area was full of wildflowers and Snapdragon had stopped to pick a few for her herb pouch.
"How many days until we get to the mountain, do you think?" Static stuck her head forward and asked.
Oriole turned her head to respond, "I'm not sure, probably a good number."
"It's so annoying how far we must walk, all the time. And just so you can talk to the ancestors."
Blizzard mewed quietly, "I thought you liked the trave–"
He stopped after Static struck him.
"Is that really necessary, Static?" Junco retorted.
"Of course, you would defend her."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" She's the worst!
"Let it go," Oriole murmured and walked ahead a bit, "She's just trying to make you angry."
Junco caught up to her. "I know, I know. It works though."
"That's why you have me!" Oriole cuffed her lightly across the ears.
Laughing, Junco retaliated by hitting Oriole's head with her tail.
"Hey!"
"Now we're even."
I really do love her, and I think she really loves me. She's going to be the best leader and we can live the rest of our lives together.
Her train of thought was interrupted by Oriole, "I think we should find a shady spot to stop and rest until the evening, when it cools down again."
"That's a good idea."
"I'll tell the others."
...
Junco rooted around a cleft in a rock looking for some moss for her bedding. They had found a few large bushes on the edge of the field to rest until dusk. Static and Blizzard were hunting and everyone else was doing the same as her. It's going to be a pain to find moss every day. Too bad we don't have a lot more pouches like Snapdragon's.
She moved from the rock to a small slope. Moss was growing in abundance here. "Hey! I found some!"
Oriole joined her seconds later. The she-cat looked across the patch and quickly determined, "There is enough moss for about six nests here."
"That's one short."
"Well..." Oriole paused, "We could share."
Junco smiled, "Of course, how could I have forgotten? I do love you." As soon as she said it, Junco felt the weight of her words. I suppose that was bold, but I would never take it back. I've been thinking it for quite some time, why put of telling her?
Oriole seemed to also feel the weight, she had the same flustered and slightly goofy look she had worn the day with the fox. "Of course, well uh, let's bring this, this uh moss to everyone else."
"Good idea. And hopefully Static and Blizzard will be back with some prey."
"Hopefully."
Oriole began to groom her, smoothing her fur and pulling out leaves. "You're a mess! How did you do this to yourself?"
"Hey, I'm fine!" She pulled her head away as Oriole began to lick her ears.
"Come on!"
"Noooo," she dragged out the word. I actually feel happy, no sad undertones.
This is nice.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
