Elderberry straightened up from his bow, and respectfully backed away, offering a nod to the wolf lying at his mother's side as he went. Not turning away for a moment, as though presenting himself to a queen, he settled back amongst the others and simply stood, watching, green eyes focused upon mother. For a while he simply listened, ears perked, and every inch of his body stood to attention.

No surprise crossed his features, but a few feathers in the mane of quills along his back rose slightly. His eye scoured over the other gathered children for a moment, and though he didn't speak aloud, a pawing of one hoof against the stone beneath him gave a hint to the flame of excitement that took light within his breast.

Finally, Elderberry would have the chance to show Mother just how deep his loyalty ran; how true. He would sing their name as a warcry and foes would falter in the face of his unwavering resolve. Mother would be so proud.

---

"When I speak."

When I think.

@Blackberry

Blackberry nodded at the children that had responded, but was thoroughly disappointed at the lack of response. There had been a simple "I will fight for you", a howl from Jayberry, and a squeak from Sylvanberry. But it didn't matter - she would have their support anyways. She glanced around at them all. Hopefully this would be plenty to storm Eridanus. If they found Blueberry on the way, and Dewberry, and maybe even Baneberry, but she doubted that her daughter would make an appearance.

"In one cycle we will attack. We will not hid ourselves - I want the cat to know we are coming so that he can fear. He may have backup, he may not, but I want you all to be ready for a hard fight if he does resist. You have time to get ready - train yourselves, scout Eridanus if you must but until the attack comes do not be seen." She narrowed her eyes. "This is our chance to prove that the family is strong and we are not afraid. We will show everyone that we can, and will, do anything we want!" She finished her words with a hiss and turned away, sitting down at her nest. "Now, go, get ready."

You may now exit the thread if you wish or stay behind and practice with siblings or with Blackberry. She is available to talk until the battle happens - the fight thread will begin on December 27th, one month from the beginning of this thread.

@Cloudberry @Heart-song @Elderberry @Jayberry

Elderberry's ears twitched. He continued to listen to his mother's words, fire still burning through his veins. One cycle to prepare. One cycle to train. It would be enough. For now, Elderberry turned away- his motions precise and well planned. He turned to go towards Orion, and broke into a swift trot. To Eridanus; to scout, to train. He would be there, waiting for his family. He would lead the charge, and make Mother proud.

It was time to truly become a Bloodberry.

The thrill of war enveloped him as he went.

-exit elderberry-

---

"When I speak."

When I think.

Cloudberry listened. There was no point in pretending to be loquacious when silence would do. The others were speaking enough to fill any silence, anyway.

Huckleberry's thoughts, unknowingly, were echoed--a dim and distant Why..? There wasn't much concern with it--concern threatened to bring worry, confusion, doubt. It was all pushed aside, instead.

The others were all preparing. It was time for Cloudberry, then, to do the same.

What they were meant to do, exactly, wasn't clear--kill the cat? There were so many family here. One cat would never stand a chance.

It was puzzling, but-... Everyone else seemed to accept it, so Cloudberry glanced around in silence before dipping their head and pacing quietly out.

exit