As newly chilled air moves the clouds, streaks break through from the sun. The thin coated tom let his eyes wave over the territory, taking in the sight of brittle and naked tree branches. Among the ground slid small multicolored leaves that used to dress them. In his mouth, he held a small amount of moss. With cold air came the chance that his clanmates would fall ill, and at such a fast rate already. He set a few apprentices to the job earlier and he saw them one by one go back and forth to fetch a clean bit of water. He supposed they deserved a break before they caught a cough themselves.

The tom was half way there, when he heard it. A jingling noise. So horribly familiar. The deputy almost thought he was imagining it for a moment as he was ripped from his calmed state of thinking. He had to admit it left him startled for a moment, a pounding heart left beating against his ribs. As he turned his ears, he listened, confirming that he was not wrong. Wrinkles distorted his face as he frowned, stepping forward. He listened again. Now, there was a voice that came with it. With the careless ringing, he knew that must mean a kittypet had found their way out here, and they probably wouldn't come as a threat to the clan.

Dropping his moss ball onto the leaves that scattered over the earth, the dark tom padded forward with quick steps, listening to the chants grow louder.