Cedarwood

Cedarwood led the short trek from the Ruins to the southern portion of the Croal Mountains, where the cliffs grew steeper and a number of waterfalls spilled over the jagged rocks, flowing too swiftly for the winter temperatures to freeze over completely. Their rumble echoed against the many sheer walls around them, creating an endless cacophony that could disorient any creature who relied too heavily on their ears alone. It was no problem for the sharp-eyed eagle however, who led his friend along an ever narrowing path towards the Breve Ridges.

The raptor landed on the trunk of a tree that leaned precariously out over a 100-foot drop, and swiveled his head around to bob at Katara. "I spotted some pretty large tracks on a ledge just below this one. I know of a lynx den a little ways off, too."

Katara

She followed him and listened.alrightShe said and moved about searching also for tracks.

Cedarwood & *Others*

The eagle had been wise in his selection of terrain, for Katara would soon come across a set of rather large prints on a ledge just below the one she was on. It would be a bit of a dangerous maneuver to get down to them, but the faint scent of feline that clung in the air suggested that these tracks were fresh.

A bit of further searching would locate the lynx den further down along a nearby ridge, with relatively fresh tracks. These were far smaller than the other prints, but they too were made recently.

Katara

Katara looked down below and looked around before deciding her path down. She wondered if they cared if the cats were big or small? She hoped not in case she came across a lynx or bobcat. She decided to go to the den first and investigate it. Her ears and body on fully alert.hello?She calls.

Cedarwood & *Others*

The scent of lynx could be caught in the air, and it grew stronger as Katara neared the den. A low, angry growl emanated from the dark recesses of the small cavern, and quickly grew into a fierce cry that could send a tingle of fear down the spines of anyone. There was definitely a lynx in the den, and they were not happy to be woken up. "Who are you, and what do you want?" The voice was feminine enough, but if Katara listened closely, she would hear a second, deeper growl sounding from deeper within the den.

Not wanting to get himself caught in the crossfire, Cedarwood stayed perched on the tree, watching with anxious curiosity as the scene began to unfold.

Katara

Katara was not scared of no lynx. She sat at the entrance of the den but left enough room that they could get out and escape. Katara, Im looking for other felines that want to join a pride of other felinesShe asks calmly not phased by either growling.

Cedarwood & Others

Some of the rumbling died away, at least from the female in the den, but her words were still cautious. Katara may not be scared of the smaller felines, but they were terrified of the giant cat outside their den. "A pride?" From the darkness, the vague outline of a lynx's face became visible as she moved forward, "What kind of pride is this? Other cats like yourself?" She studied Katara from the shadows of her den, noting how unusual her spots were, and how broad and powerful the fae's face was. She was exotic for sure.

Katara

Katara tilted her head.to be honest it seems to be mostly made up of large cats, but they could probably do with some smaller. Im not actually from it. I need to find enough cats to set some of my actual pack members free from them and my pack doesn't have enough cats to give them the number they wantShe said laying down as if to look smaller.

Cedarwood & *Others*

It eased the lynx's fears a little when Katara laid down, making her look less like a hungry predator ready to pounce. She took a mincing step closer to the mouth of the den, so that the light flooding in through the tunnel now properly lit her face and tufted ears. Large eyes blinked and squinted against the sun. "So it's not your pride?" Her stubby tail twitch, and her heart continued to thunder in her chest. She calculated her odds of being able to rush past Katara and make a break for it, but doubted she would be quick enough. The lynx settled down onto her belly. "Are you offering me as a prisoner then? What's in it for me?"

A second form appeared, one slightly larger than the female. A male lynx scooted forward and eyed Katara, but he remained silent. Although two years old and capable of living on his own, he'd remained with his mother on his second year after she failed to have another litter.

Katara

She shook her head and listened.Not a prisoner no, Only if your willing. A pride can offer you protection and easy mealsShe said calmly. She eyed the male but did not budge or show fear.

Cedarwood, Feather-Paw, & Rufflan

"A pride offers bickering and fighting. It adds complications." The female lynx retorted, "Especially one made of big cats - I'd be last to eat at every meal!" Her eyes narrowed and her ears went back, declaring a waning interest in what Katara had to offer.

That's when the male spoke, "A pride of cats like yourself, like lions and such?" His mother rumbled a warning at him, but the brute was no longer a kitten and no longer swayed by her commands. He had an itch to explore, and this pride sounded like a lot safer option than roughing it on his own.

Katara

She sighed at the cat.Perhaps some bickering, but this pride seems to get along fairly well. Im pretty sure i'd be last to eat given the circumstancesShe said then looked to the male.Yes like myself. I didn't see the whole pride so I do not know what else lives with themshe said.

Cedarwood, Feather-Paw, & Rufflan

The mother cat growled to her son, warning him to get back and stay away from what this stranger was saying. But Rufflan's interest was piqued and he crept forward, until he was only a foot or so away from Katara. Ignoring Feather-Paw entirely, he continued to speak to the much larger feline, "Where do they live? Because I haven't seen any prides like that around the cliffs here." He blinked his large eyes against the bright light that was now falling fully into his face.

Katara

Katara tilts her head.It seems at least for now they have taken up residence in the prarie at some cavernsShe said.

Cedarwood, Feather-Paw, & Rufflan

"Rufflan, do not listen to this cat. You don't belong in a pride." Feather-Paw warned in a deepening rumble, her stub tail now twitching in agitation.

The male's growls had all quieted, and he had little more than an ear to swivel back at his mom's comments. "There's caverns out there? Well that's not so bad." Rufflan stepped boldly out of the den, stretching his long legs brazenly looking Katara up and down. "It might be entertaining at least. Sure, I'll go check out these other cats."

Behind him, Feather didn't budge from where she had withdrawn into the dark shadows. Her ears were back though, and that rumble continued to roll through her throat. But Rufflan was a grown cat, larger than her even, and she couldn't stop him from making this decision.

Katara

Katara was calm. She had one ear on the mother while looking at the male.I will warn you that once we go we may be stuck with them. I don't want you to make the choice unless you are ready for thatShe said slowly sitting up.

Cedarwood & *Others*

The young male was naive, but he was also confident and eager for more excitement outside the protective confines of his mother's care. "No, I'm ready for this." He squeezed out past Katara, his desire for adventure having quickly overtaken that initial fear of the big cat. He stretched, leaning forward and digging his claws into the frozen ground, "I'm a lot quicker than you might think, I'm good at getting out of tight spots." He turned and leaped, landing on a rock that hung above the den. "Lead the way miss, lets get this adventure started!"

Katara

She listened.Alright, first we need to collect a few other cats to join us. I am trying to get the three pregnant captives free from them and they told me I need to bring 9 new members including myselfShe said.

Cedarwood, Feather-Paw, & Rufflan

"Other cats?" Rufflan began to pace along the rock outcropping, feeling bolder now that he was temporarily taller than the crouching Katara. "I have a few other siblings out there, but I don't really know them well. Really, I don't talk to other big cats other than my mom." His stubby tail twitched and he stretched again, needing some form of movement to exercise the growing excitement he felt. "Maybe we can run into some along the way?"

Katara

She nodds.im sure we willShe said calmly.