Among the Ridge

Perseverance is not a destination, it is a continuous journey that never ends. A journey, in which you travel.
Prologue
I inhaled the crisp autumn air, relishing the cool temperature. The harsh fall winds coursed through the surrounding trees, causing their leaves to bristle and ultimately cascade to the earth terrain. I reluctantly stepped on those leaves, the crunch satisfying. I gazed admiringly at the multicolored oaks as I ambled on, the mesmerizing sound of the tree leaves wavering soothing to my ears.I veered horizontally, entering a wonderfully constructed den. I surveyed the interior of the structure, the silence unsettling. Panic caused my stomach to churn as I immediately backed out of the den.Where? Where was my family? Their scent lingers out of the den and off into the plains, yet, the aroma is oddly stale.I hurriedly padded to the brim of the forest, staring into the emptiness of the pasture as I gingerly placed a paw onto the lush grass.Am I willing to search for my family?
Chapter 1//The Start
I began my trek across the pasture, the silence eerie. All that could be heard was the occasional chirping of a bird, which was alone, too. I turned my head in various directions, spotting a significantly large dip in the ground. I bounded to the ominous location, eager to investigate. I reached the hollow, gazing down into the peculiarly inhabitable site. I stumbled back as a strong scent wafted into my flared nostrils. Cats. Lots of them.But where? There were none in sight, though it is obvious they live here.I ventured, sliding down into the hollow, rocks and dirt following, coloring my fiery orange and white pelt with brown. I breathed heavily as I arrived at the bottom, the air dry and frigid.Almost instantaneously as I stood, I was bowled over. My instinct was to fight back, but hunger weakened me. I hadn't ate in days, the colder season driving prey away.I blatantly hissed, allowing myself to get pinned as the unfamiliar cat finally stopped barreling me over. Fear clouded my gaze as I stared up to the challenger, who was evidently larger than me."What are you doing in BreezeClan's territory- let alone camp!" The cat snapped in my face, his voice husk, yet bold."I-" I didn't know how to respond, I was in fright. I was nearly stifled as this cat's weight fastened me to the compact, dirt terrain of the hollow."Answer me mouse-brain!" He snapped again."I'm searching for my family!" I blurted out, writhing beneath the cat's grip as his claws scraped at my pelt.The feline just scoffed, stepping off of me. I turned abruptly to run, but I couldn't climb the steep walls of this "camp". Again I panicked, frantically searching for a way to escape as the cat just watched, entertained.I began to get fatigued, my breathing accelerated as I crouched. I kept my gaze onto the amused feline."Adderstar won't be too happy with your presence... What is your name?" He questioned, sauntering closer to me. I backed up slightly at his movement."Astoria." I stated, lashing my bristling tail."Hm- I'm Mudpelt, and I mean you no harm.""I can tell by the way you attacked me." I retorted, gaining self-assurance as Mudpelt became friendly."You're young. You have that same ignorant confidence as some of the apprentices here." Mudpelt chuckled, eyeing me."How is it ignorant?""You know well I am much older and skilled than you, yet you get aggressive."I didn't respond, he was right."Anyways, you should go. The rest of BreezeClan should be back from the gathering soon." He urged me up the grimy barrier of the hollow."But where do I go?" I asked, unsure of where I currently was."Back where you came from. If your family came through here, they're long gone." Mudpelt nudged me away.Sadness formed an infamous knot in my stomach as I sprinted away.WIP
Category:Cats
Category:Stories