Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Oct 22, 2020 23:43:14 GMT
With the arrival of leaf fall, the cats of Shadowclan seemed as jumpy and agitated as the quivering leaves overhead. These past few moons had brought nothing but trouble to their clan. With two unsolved murders in their wake and their leader's brutal execution of his ex-mate Leafjaw, deputy Finchclaw's death couldn't have come at a worse time. Clearly, Thunderclan had to have been involved in his untimely demise. It's by no mistake that her wandering paws brought her closer to the thunderpath that separated the two clans. Of course, Rubythroat would claim this little excursion of hers was no more than a hunting trip. Ramstar hadn't forbade his warriors from the reaches of the territory. She had every right to hunt wherever the tracks of prey might lead within their borders. Her mouth parted in a panting sniff. The acrid stench of the thunderpath nearby stung her nostrils. Rubythroat made a point to stay within their borders and away from the black edge of the road. However, she could hear the rumbling thunder of the beasts who traveled the path every so often. Her pawsteps carried her into the brush surrounding the path, and her slender frame weaved through the branches with ease. The mackerel-colored tabby listened for the faint scurries of mice or gentle thuds of toads. Unfortunately, the trail of her quarry fell cold, and Rubythroat was left to wonder if something else might have picked it off first. Or perhaps it fell prey to the thundering beasts beyond... Or was there something else? Something sinister? With a shake of her head and a snort, Rubytail set her green eyes upon the dark path ahead. What had really happened to Finchclaw anyway? Her gaze roamed to the trees beyond the path. Thunderclan. Her pink nose wrinkled in disgust. Who would kill another clan's deputy in cold blood, without cause? How honor-less could a cat be? ...No more so than a leader silencing his mate with a savage snap to the throat... No, no, she mustn't entertain such thoughts! Leafjaw had gone far beyond her rights to challenge Shadowclan's leader in such a way... Right? He'd been chosen by Starclan to lead their clan into greatness. Tail twitching over troubling thoughts, the feline rolled her shoulders to settle into a quiet crouch. Perhaps she could stay in the brush and watch the borders a while. Besides, any prey around here was long gone and her hunting trek wouldn't amount to much now anyway.
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Ramstar
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Shadowclan
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gender: Male
rank: Leader
age: 65 Moons
pronouns: He/him
tag: @/ram
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Post by Ramstar on Oct 24, 2020 21:56:17 GMT
His deputy was dead. Shadowclan had lost a skilled cat with the untimely demise of Finchclaw. One that Ramstar, up until now, had served through the entire duration of his own leadership. It was surreal. There was a pang somewhere deep in Ramstarâs heart.
Two patrols a day almost felt like too little now, and yet Ramstar regularly debated if more was really so wise. A debate that he actually voiced to some of his clanmates; is it better to be vigilant and exhausted or stay at the same pace and risk another unexpected death? For now, Ramstar took matters into his own claws; leaving Shadowclan camp at random hours to patrol one very specific border. Heâd be going there alone, sure, but heâd like to meet the Thunderclan cat bold enough to take him on. Frankly, itâd solve the big problem in Ramstarâs eyes.
As he approached the border, he didnât immediately notice anyone else there. He stood on top of a hillock and peered down at the border. Watching the Thunderpath. It was only as he paused did Ramstar catch the flash of movement.
His muscles tensed and his eyes went wide. His fur raised as he slowly started to make out the form crouched in the brush. Just as his claws came out, he noticed the shape was facing the wrong way; the rump to him and Shadowclan opposed to the thunderpath.
This wasnât someone who walked into Shadowclan territory but was facing outward.
At the realization, Ramstar relaxed somewhat as he started padding forward quietly and curiously. His jaws opened to scent the air, but he made out the fur pattern before he caught her scent. Ramstar recognized her; Rubythroat. One of his own.
He eased up entirely at that point, stepping closer and closer but no longer bothering with trying to stay silent.
âIf you are looking for toms outside our fine clan, then I would beg you to at least have higher standards than Thunderclan toms.â Ramstar spoke up, disdain in his voice. He didnât sit down right next to her, instead giving her the space to stay hidden if she wished while he sat out in the open.
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Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Oct 25, 2020 17:11:05 GMT
Lost in her own thoughts, Rubythroat hadn't been listening for pawsteps within their own borders. The breeze blew from across the thunderpath, and she couldn't have scented him if she'd tried. At his voice's sudden intrusion, the warrior managed to still her body, save for her startled ears. They swiveled back immediately to catch his disapproving concern. Ramstar. Of all cats, she hadn't expected to cross paths with him out here. However, she supposed it might make sense considering recent events. Who wouldn't want to secure their territory from those irreverent cowards?
Like a kit caught sneaking from the nursery, Rubythroat half-turned her body to face the tom. "Ramstar-" After a brief pause, she dipped her head in polite acknowledgement of his presence, then regained her wits well enough to offer a playful retort, "...pffft, don't insult me with the suggestion." Her green eyes flashed with playful mirth, but truly she intended to conceal her own worries- He wouldn't really think so lowly of her, would he? To insinuate the thought would surely land her in a world of trouble. Besides, a Thunderclan mate was the furthest idea from her mind and she hoped her lighthearted rebuke might set him at ease.
Rubythroat turned fully to face him, but remained within the outer edges of the brush. Shadows skirted across her tabby coat as a light breeze toyed with the leaves. The she cat figured she might be better off offering an explanation for her whereabouts if only to further correct him. "I just figured an extra set of eyes by the border might be of use." That was all. Of course. Not that their current patrols were inadequate or anything. Gulp... At least she outwardly composed herself quite well considering her own troublesome inner thoughts just moments ago.
With a tilt to her head, she shifted the subject to more pressing matters. "They've grown too bold..." Rubythroat allowed her voice to trail off, alluding to the obvious. The loss of Finchclaw had been a sudden and harsh blow for the clan. Unexpected and unwarranted. Finchclaw had been deputy longer than she'd been alive. To kill him outright and unprovoked tainted the honor of his service to their clan. Had Thunderclan grown complacent enough with Shadowclan's seemingly fierce reputation to feel comfortable in taking such a skilled warrior from them? In her opinion, Thunderclan had earned any retaliation their leader saw fit. So, what would he do about it?
For Rubythroat, confronting external enemies was always easier than dealing with internal affairs.
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Ramstar
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Shadowclan
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gender: Male
rank: Leader
age: 65 Moons
pronouns: He/him
tag: @/ram
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Post by Ramstar on Oct 25, 2020 19:49:20 GMT
Ramstar watched the thunderpath while Rubythroat spoke but she could clearly see his expression change at her playful remark. Squinted eyes softened and his lips twitched; the leader was at least a little bit humored by her words. He certainly didnât offer a sharp rebuttal or accusation after that. However wily or love-smitten a she-cat could be, a Shadowclan she-cat was still Shadowclan first. That, Ramstar unquestionably trusted until proven otherwise.
In fact, he didnât offer much for disagreements. He hummed a gruff but quiet meow of concurrence at her reason for being here. His tail twitched slightly but his eyes were still on the Thunderpath. Now peering across at the foliage beyond. He half expected to spot a warrior the same way he just had Rubythroat, but so far there was nothing.
At the remark of Thunderclan being bold, Ramstar offered a louder growl of agreement. âTo say the least! If all of Thunderclan is aware of what happened here, then we can assume just as well that the foxhearted lot of them will murder again!â
Ramstar grimaced, teeth baring momentarily. âPerhaps there is one or two over there right now, waiting for either of us to cross... Just to push us back into the black stone. Until we know more, we should assume crossing here is as dangerous as leaping across a waterfall.â
The concept clearly irritated Ramstar. Even if he wanted to pick Thunderclan apart for their culprit, he couldnât. If Thunderclan was on the side of their murderer, then Ramstar could only be sure that the thunderpath would be smeared in Shadowclan blood.
His green eyes then flicked over to Rubythroat. His tail twitched like it had moments earlier. For a moment, there was a harsher, judging look in the way he sized her up, but whatever he wanted to chide her for he stopped himself. He breathed a rough breath out from his nostrils before instead remarking:
âWeâre going to have to play this smart.â
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Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Oct 26, 2020 23:17:45 GMT
The Shadowclan leader clearly held no restraints when it came to his opinions of the clan across the thunderpath. Rubythroat gave a swift nod in agreement before her own eyes skirted beyond the border when he mentioned the possibility of slinking, sneaky Thunderclan warriors. Pupils narrowing suspiciously, she wished one might dare to slip over into their territory while they stood watch. Any foolish trespasser would meet a swift, just end- It would be merciful considering their slaughter of Finchclaw. Be it one murderer or a whole clan of them, those Thunderclan cats wouldn't get the opportunity to spill more Shadowclan blood at the border. For a moment, it comforted the she-cat to hear his own disdain for the foxhearted lot.
Her gaze returned to Ramstar just in time to catch a fleeting glance of his judgmental eye. Her tail flicked, and the look unsettled her momentarily. What? What was that look for? Oh Starclan, those harsh green eyes were going to haunt her in her sleep tonight... If she were waiting for some sort of rebuke, it never came. Instead, he alluded to how this dispute between the clans must play out. Smart, yes. She agreed. Rubythroat drew her front paws closer beneath her, tucked tight against her belly as she sat to ponder at just how smart they might have to be.
"Yes... and I suppose they'd only lie if we confronted them outright," she hissed in thought, disgust evident in her tone. Wouldn't that be like a Thunderclan cat. There wasn't an easy solution to their dilemma. To accuse a cat of unwarranted murder was akin to questioning their loyalty to the warrior code. Add to it that a whole clan might take responsibility to defend the actions of one, and well, that complicated matters. Regardless of Thunderclan's intent or knowledge of the attack, they were responsible for keeping their own warriors in check. An oversight such as this shouldn't go unpaid. An eye for an eye.
Rubythroat huffed a disgruntled snort and growled, "Too bad we don't have someone loyal over there who could sort through their mess and give us a name." Or however many names that needed to be held responsible- Better yet, take vengeance from the inside. To her, it wasn't a question of if Thunderclan had murdered their deputy, but who. But unfortunately Thunderclan would never let a Shadowclan loyal inside their borders, despite a reputation of taking in all sorts of kittypets, loners, and the like. Bleeding hearts, they were. Ha, no wonder they were so lawless. They'd tainted themselves with cats without the good breeding and heritage of the clan. Rubythroat thanked Starclan she could trace her pedigree back through Shadowclan on both sides of her lineage.
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Ramstar
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Shadowclan
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gender: Male
rank: Leader
age: 65 Moons
pronouns: He/him
tag: @/ram
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Post by Ramstar on Oct 27, 2020 0:10:55 GMT
âToo bad we donât have someone loyal over there who could sort through their mess and give us a name.â Rubythroat said that and Ramstarâs eyes immediately widened. Silent and staring while she growled. Her frustration was admirable, as was her wit. Whether she realized it or not.
âHm.â Ramstar turned his back to the thunderpath and quietly considered Rubythroatâs words. The two were in agreement that Thunderclan must be filled with scoundrels, so who was to say one of the bunch couldnât be a scoundrel for Shadowclanâs benefit?
âPerhaps then it wouldnât be so bad if a Shadowclan warrior wooed a Thunderclan tom.â Ramstar mused. His voice was just loud enough for Rubythroat to hear; Ramstar really didnât want to risk being overheard by anyone on the other side of this border. He then seemed to grow more amused and huffed a devilish chuckle.
âSomething to keep in mind if you ever see a friend of yours leaning on their border in such a manner. Maybe it is best encouraged, for now.â Ramstar then tilted his chin up and his expression melted back into severity as he disdainfully and rigidly conceded, âuntil we have our own means of sifting through Thunderclan, we may need to..â He opened his mouth and puffed out a loud sigh. âTurn to Riverclan for.. Assistance.â
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Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Oct 27, 2020 1:06:03 GMT
Ramstar's tone shifted to devilish contemplation. It took a second for his meaning to register and sudden bemusement flickered across her face- As it clicked, she couldn't help but feel a touch of vain disgust, then amusement followed by the curl of a toothy grin. That was a preposterously cunning, idea... She hated it. She loved it. Either way, it held merit, and the she-cat had to give the tom credit for his alternative matchmaking skills.
Before he shifted back into his cunning, calculated self, Rubythroat murmured quiet agreement. "I'll keep that in mind," tail twitching and ears perked, her sly interest was evident. Truly, she hadn't though about the suggestion in such a way- He'd put the pieces of her jumbled musings together. So perhaps she'd watch her fellow she-cats and queens just a little bit closer. All the more reason to stake out the border, right? Either she might witness the opportunity for a grand scheme, or become a piece of it all the same (preferably the former if she had any say personally).
Ramstar then proposed a new vague suggestion, and Rubythroat couldn't keep her tongue from questioning, "Riverclan?" He appeared a bit more reserved with this possibility, so she kept her voice low. "Why would they have any concern for our... affairs?"
There was more to their ask than their humble assistance, so she surmised there might be a good deal of convincing or favors to be had. Rubythroat had yet to attend a gathering and wasn't familiar with other clans beyond the names and stories told to her. While Riverclan also shared a border and the infamous sunning rocks with Thunderclan, the young warrior couldn't decipher why Riverclan would bend an ear to matters of Shadowclan. Did Ramstar have a debt owed? Curiosity flickered in her eyes like a kit hoping to hear a new tale from the elders.
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Ramstar
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Shadowclan
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gender: Male
rank: Leader
age: 65 Moons
pronouns: He/him
tag: @/ram
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Post by Ramstar on Oct 28, 2020 0:42:05 GMT
Ramstar nodded confidently at Rubythroatâs questioning of Riverclan. As decisive as he was, Ramstar also most certainly didnât like his own proposition.
âThe enemy of my enemy.â Ramstar summarized bitterly before elaborating. âThundeclan and Riverclan leaders have hissed at each other since before even I was made an apprenticeâ He jerked his head to face her as he said that, eyes wide to emphasize his own opinion of his own age. Even if he wasnât the oldest cat in the forest, it was still a far too long time to watch two clans squabble.
He then slowly brought his green eyes back to the thunderpath, snorting gruffly as he did so. The fur on his back raised as he then rambled. âBut Rosestar will be quite the thorn..! A she-cat of her luster does not gain her position due to heroism or even simple luck; her clan swooned and put a pretty molly in charge before they took any time to consider the long term ramifications.. Riverclan is truly full of the vainest cats...!â
Ramstar then huffed with disgruntlement before growling more loudly. His tail wapping against the grass harder and harder the more he went on. âSheâs a mouse brained leader! I donât know if she understands strategy well enough to see what we could have together! Iâm half-tempted to bring a queen along to explain the idea to their leader like she might to a kit!â
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Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Oct 30, 2020 1:45:37 GMT
Ramstar alluded to an old saying. His remark wasn't lost upon the younger cat. The clans had been squabbling over far less for far longer. She blinked silent comprehension in response. While Rubythroat had heard of the Riverclan leader before, hearing him speak of her in such a manner brought an amused grin to her maw. Ha! How could a warrior become leader by looks alone? Surely, if what Ramstar said was true, then Riverclan was full of vain, mouse-brained felines. Becoming a good, worthwhile warrior to the clan took moons of dedicated training. Becoming a leader of such fine warriors should surely require even more, the she-cat thought as she watched Ramstar. His opinion might as well have been written in stone considering how confidently he voiced his thoughts concerning Rosestar. Rubythroat would take a strong battle-worn leader any day over the pretty queen-of-a-mole-hill-across-the-creek. Ramstar might have scars beneath that thick red pelt of his, but there was no doubt that he'd dealt his equal share. His words carried the weight of a promise, followed by decisive action (as Leafjaw had experienced firsthand a couple moons ago).
Truly, Rubythroat thanked Starclan she'd had the good fortune to be born amongst the strongest cats alive... They might not be the prettiest, but they were worth their weight in strength and pride. Perhaps it was the tough training- or similar threats of promise recently ingrained in their memories- that pushed them further than the other clans.
The mackerel tabby cat hissed out a muffled laugh at his suggestion of an explanation. "Now there's an idea!" The warrior shook her head, amused at an internal visualization of the thought, before composing herself.
She snorted away a chuckle, "And if she still can't make sense of good strategy, then you'll just have to appeal to her other senses." Since he was in the jesting mood, Rubythroat couldn't resist adding yet another little barb of a joke, "though I doubt there's much to pick from." She grinned a sly, conniving glance before continuing.
"But I've yet to meet a she-cat who could resist a good gift or favor, and since they're all so vain, well, you know..." The warrior rolled her shoulder with a shrug, making light of her casual suggestion. For all she cared, give Rosestar a pretty trinket that matched her fur in return for her clan's assistance- That sounded more their style after Ramstar's ramblings. Better yet, a sliver of temporary hunting ground to prepare for the coming cold season. Or perhaps a trove of herbs? A useless field of flowers to roll in? Some handsome warriors on loan? Who knew what they valued beyond looks, but Rubythroat was sure the Shadowclan tom might have ideas of his own... Better yet, did they have anything they needed to be rid of? "I wonder if there's something they like," Devious, she mused, "or something we don't need."
[ooc: Shadowclan is the clan that regifts old christmas presents or gives stupid things like a stapler because they forgot about the party but still wanted a piece of cake.]
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Ramstar
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Shadowclan
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gender: Male
rank: Leader
age: 65 Moons
pronouns: He/him
tag: @/ram
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Post by Ramstar on Nov 4, 2020 1:57:46 GMT
As Rubythroat laughed, so did Ramstar. The large tom giving a hearty, earnest guffaw at her remark. Shadowclan she-cat certainly did have a lot over any Riverclan cat--or any other warrior outside their territory. The barbed wit of a Shadowclan she-cat was unmatched, and Rubythroat embodied so much of what Ramstar wanted to protect in his fold. It was days like this that made any tireless night, fruitless hunt of the Thunderclan border, or risk of his lives worthwhile.
His ranting and sourness seemed entirely behind him after that. The leader in good spirits, even while watching as a monster dashed down the thunderpath.
His eyes brightened at her next suggestion. The older leader having the spirit of a young cat in him as Rubythroat laid out her clever plan; a gift.
âOf course!â Ramstar exclaimed with delighted fervor. âA GIFT! What a grand idea!â
He chuckled warmly again and curled his tail around himself as he considered her suggestion. To pick something they didnât really need. As delighted as he was, Ramstar was sure they needed to be careful with that. It needed to be useless but meaningful, worthwhile and yet not to be used against Shadowclan.
âIâm sure Lionfire can part with some plants,â Ramstar assured with a slow nod. He wasnât sure what herbs, but that was perhaps best left to the medicine cat. âPerhaps another nicety would be as simple as bedding.â
The leader looked up at the nearby trees. Some losing their leaves while others stood just as they had for moons and moons; evergreens.
âDoes Riverclan even have pine branches?â Ramstar wondered out loud. âItâs a wonder they survive the coldest moons.â
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Rubythroat
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Shadowclan
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
rank: Warrior
age: 26 Moons
pronouns: She/Her
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Post by Rubythroat on Nov 9, 2020 1:44:03 GMT
The heavy mood lifted with Ramstar's laughter. The earnest sound nearly took her by surprise, but it was truly comforting to see their leader loosen his shoulders and relax his otherwise stern features. See, their problems couldn't all be so bad- Neither could he. There was a bit of humanity and sincerity to the tom yet, and the shift eased her mind and opinions considerably. Let bygones be bygones and redirect that troublesome energy to more pressing matters. Perhaps the stress of Shadowclan's past moons might melt so easily away if they could find a solution to their Thunderclan woes today. Even more, Ramstar seemed thoroughly delighted by her suggestion of a gift. The warrior purred her gratitude and grinned with satisfaction as the idea took swift root. She was glad the thought was to his liking- Surely the pair of them could think up something simple enough, yet useful to Riverclan. She gave a subtle nod as he considered Lionfire's herbs. Rubythroat glanced around while pondering over possible gifts, tail tapping and whiskers twitching. Her head tilted upwards to look at the pines above as he mentioned bedding and branches. She wasn't quite sure what Riverclan had beyond their expansive cliffs of rocks, snakes, and streams (such meager poor things). Her maw broke into a wide smile. "If they do, they can't be as big and full as ours!" What a great idea! Shadowclan had pines to spare and the collection wouldn't take too much effort. It was perfectly harmless to give. Excitement growing, she looked back to Ramstar, "We could even line some of the branches with moss or cattails from the marsh. That would keep a cat warm... And it might look prettier too," she gave a knowing chuckle at the unspoken punch line. It's all about presentation, since those mouse-brained queens might enjoy the look more than the practical warmth of the gift itself. The warrior stood and stepped from the shade of the brush, her tail drifting loftily behind. She moved to half circle slow, chin tilted upwards to assess the height of the pines. Yes, the thickness of the evergreens would provide ample warmth to a den during the cold season. Her red chest fluffed with proud satisfaction. Look at them! Problem solved! All they had to do was knock a few fresh limbs down. Somehow. Or gather a few from the ground, though they might not look as green and warm. OOC: Hi ho to work we go
OOC: 408 words for NaNoWriMo
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