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*