A Ridge of Feathers

Markstar padded out of his den, his coat dull. He shook himself vigorously, feeling sick. Tonight would be the half-moon, so Nestflame would be going.

(I actually don't know if it is. >.< But whatever)

Markstar padded to Nestflame's den.

"Nestflame?"

Nestflame looked up from the herbs he was sorting.

"Markstar? What's wrong? You look sick."

Markstar nodded.

"I think I may have White Cough or something. "

Nestflame padded forward and pressed his nose to Markstar's forehead.

"It doesn't feel or smell like White Cough. I'll give you some herbs. It may just be a cold."

He grabbed some herbs, and told Markstar to eat them, and come back later. As Markstar left, Nestflame noticed Burst watching, his eyes cold. Nestflame started slightly as he looked at those eyes. Then he shook his head, wiping his mind of any thoughts. He had to leave for the MoonCave.

::---::

Ridgefeather lifted his head as Maple prodded him.

"Come on! It's warm out! We can go outside!"

He leaped to his feet. He had not been outside in moons. He padded after Maple, and slid past the slightly cracked door. Immediately he sniffed the air. Taking in all the strong scents he had almost forgotten. He looked around at the sky. Such a blue sky. And the grass. So green. He sniffed the air again, and stiffened. His ears swiveling to the fence. He leaped into the small tree in the backyard, and looked out. His heart pounding as he watched him. Nestflame. Ridgefeather took a step forward on the branch, his brain telling him to race after Nestflame. To go back to the clan, where he belongs.

He jumped slightly when he felt Maple leap up beside him.

"What's wrong?"

She followed his gaze, and watched Nestflame disappear into the trees.

"Who's that?"

"Nestflame. My mentor. It must be the half moon... "

Maple looked at Ridgefeather as he spoke.

"I need to do something. At Moon-High. I need to make a sign, to let him know I'm okay."

Maple nodded.

"You're not leaving?"

Ridgefeather didn't respond.

"Can you come with me there? I'll need your help to get of the Two-leg Nest."

Maple nodded.

"Of course. I'll try to keep a window open."

Ridgefeather nodded his thanks, and waited for Moon-high.

::---::

Moon-High came quickly, and Maple and Ridgefeather slipped out of the Two-leg Nest, padding quietly towards the Moon-Cave. All his old senses and memories came back to him. This was a familiar path. Something he knew. As he got closer to the MoonCave, he grew more anxious, and only when he stepped in front of the large opening did his body relax. He heard Maple gasp, making him smile. He looked into the stream to see a stone slightly shining. Not tonight. Ridgefeather gathered some non-shiny pebbles, giving some to Maple, and padding into the MoonCave. Nestflame was sleeping deeply. Ridgefeather smiled and breathed in his scent deeply, before starting to set up the pebbles. he created a perfect ridge on the other side of the small pool. It surrounded half the pool, and was strong. Nestflame would be waking up soon. Ridgefeather nodded to Maple, and she handed him a large, tan feather, almost the same colour as his fur. He placed it sticking up among the rocks. The tip embedded amongst them, and the top swaying slightly in the breeze. Ridgefeather smiled at his sign to Nestflame. He nodded, then padded out of the MoonCave quickly with Maple.

He leaped over the fence, and before he slipped back into the Two-leg Nest, he heard a loud yowl of shock as Nestflame awoke. Ridgefeather hoped he was doing the right thing, and slipped in after Maple.

I didn't try hard on this, but below is the pool, then the ridge of rocks, and the feather. I jsut wanted to give a general picture of what I imagined. ^_^ If I had actually spent time on this, it would have looked really good. ;)