The Descents (RP Thread, Sign Up Link Inside)

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A shape of black-and-white could be seen as a lean cat slowly made his way down the large expanse of the den that was the leader's den. Only just recently, after the death of the former leader Frances, Constantine had taken over in his place. His cold green gaze briefly scanned his surroundings for a fraction of a few seconds before placing another paw carefully in front of him. Many too often, cats died rushing down those den sites, tripped and fell to their deaths, and he wasn't about to start out his new leader like that now was he?

Landing silently on the ground before him, now getting to the base of the cavern, usually he would spot one of his clanmates gazing at the waterfalls to the south of the cavern, especially around this time of day, at dawn it was quite lovely. But, he had no time to waste on something so idiotic, he was far more concerned in getting a cold grip over his clan, making sure they didn't forget him so easily after his death... yes, that was what he wanted. He glanced up towards the other dens, quite expecting the underground caverns to be bustling with activity soon enough, but he supposed they'll wake up soon. Taking his own liberty in hunting for a little bit, the lean tom stood up and moved over to the only entrance within the underground cavern.... I should plan out escape routes... just in case....
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Draven's ears flattened as he was watching Constantine. The large brown tom didn't say much at all, rather quite and nervous really to be around others, although Constantine did grant him a ranking in the least, he still felt something off putting around the black-and-white cat. It was actually pretty pathetic how afraid of every other cat he was here... it was almost as if he was afraid of his own shadow. The other slaves wasn't too nice to him either, due to his unusual bulky size and somewhat clumsy traversing of the caverns, they often would scold him severely for his actions. And the rest of his clanmates who were higher up... even the kits here... He shook his head as he immediately dispelled the thoughts.

He already knew he was the child of Frances and one of the mistresses who died recently: Snow. His clanmates never let him forget that he was the result of his father's unfaithfulness to his consort. It wasn't like he complained much, and often gave in to the whims of this cruel society, and he was handed the worst of fate. So be it, he had to deal with it and try to make the best of his life and then... maybe he would probably be promoted... but then again it may prove futile. But he was sure getting the extra boost from Frances being his father would actually prove to be somewhat favorable in Constantine's eyes. But pleasing the leader would be quite difficult... Getting somewhat discouraged, the large brown tabby stepped slowly out of the slave's den, awaiting a day full of orders, demands, rebukes, and of course the familiar lashing out at him as usual.

OOC: lol That's okay :3
IC:
Constantine made his way through the tunnel, since it was fairly dark, the tom was forced to rely on his sense of smells and whiskers to traverse his way through. He wasn't too bothered by it though since he went this way many times before. Getting to point where he saw light, he already saw Hallow was outside. Constantine had watched the tom's progress closely and he already knew the tom's amibitions, yet he was keeping an eye on him to actually see if he was good enugh for the rank, though he supposed keeping an eye on the hunter a little longer wouldn't hurt. Besides, he was slightly curious as to what Hallow could do, especially since his sister was appointed as one of the spies. With a silent nod, Constantine padded past the hunter and disappeared into the forest beyond.

Draven's gaze flickered to Whisper, he flattened his ears and hastily turned to leave, he didn't want to get in the way of anyone and especially offending one of the higher positions. The large tom clumsily made his escape, scrambling back up the rocks to where the moss storage was, due to the fact he had to clean out all the nests he was quite used to it by now and keeping out of the attention of others was good enough for him.

Draven stared at the moss that was stored away, he supposed they would need more soon. After all, the group was getting bigger... He shook his head, it was none of his concern, the apprentices would take care of it... sooner or later. Moving over to the back of the den, he unsheathed his claws and began to drag out a load of moss, carefully taaking what he needed for the lower dens. Picking up the moss hastily, the large tom backed out of the den, slowly trying to make his way down the rocks without tripping. Today he was determined not to mess up again. Draven's gaze briefly flickered over to Hallow and Whisper. He envied their freedom, though he didn't dare to stare at them long. He quickly looked away, managing to make his way to the lower dens where the elders and kit-mothers were located. He slowly went inside, but it was severely clear he really wasn't looking forward to it as he slowly went inside, already bracing himself for the disgusted looks and snide comments as well as the occasional stray claw managng to draw blood. He held back a sigh as he began to clean the empty nests, replacing the old with the new moss and making sure it was as soft as possible. He didn't want to get complaints again. After that was done he picked up the old moss and went to dsicard it, quickly making his way to the waste pile that was at the farthest end of the cavern and placed it there. Only once he was done, he slowly made his way back to the main clearing, sheepishly watching Hallow and Whisper with nervousness. He didn't want to get in trouble with anyone... but still he did wonder what it was like to be in their positions.

Costantine's tail twitched as he moved silently though the undergrowth. He was currently on the trail of a wood mouse that had scurried along the pathway to the lake. He almost had the small rodent in his grasp before... but it had changed course quickly and this was an annoyance. With a final scan of the area around him, Constantine proceeded forward, spotting the mouse ahead of him. His eyes narrowed as he tensed up, tail tip twitching then he leaped forward, springing into action as his claws sank into the hindquarters of small piece of prey. He flicked an ear as he stood up, thinking, Hmph... that was sloppy... I guess I'm a little bit rusty..

Draven silently slunk away, moving back towards the rocks back up to the moss storage when he spotted Luna. Hesitating, the tom silently padded over, keeping his gaze downcast as he spoke nervously, "L-luna, the nests need to be c-changed... and doing it by myself would take awhile..." His voice trailed off, expecting a backlash, stammering, "C-can you help m-me... p-please..." His ears flattened, still refusing to meet eye contact. It was somewhat pitiful how much he was downgraded in the clan to this unconfident shell of a cat.

Draven had flinched back at the sudden venom in his tone, tensing up out of a reaction. At her apology following afterwards with the unexpected smile. He smiled slightly back, somewhat relieved though still nervous, "...Thank you." But he glanced towards the moss storage as well, the smile disappearing from his face. He sighed as he moved forward, back up the rocks like a million times before to get to the moss that was there.

Draven, going through the usual process of cleaning out the moss nests. When the nests were done, the large cat hesitated unsure of what he should do next. Usually the elite members would personally order the slaves around, though this left him at a lost. He couldn't be caught doing absolutely nothing, but slaves weren't allowed outside unless the elite members were with them. He paused and glanced towards the tunnel, spotting the familiar shape of Constantine. The leader had a plump blackbird and a hare in his jaws. The tom's stomach growled at the prey, though it was tempting he wouldn't dare approach to ask for a small piece, he knew his place.

Constantine's gaze briefly flickered over to Draven. The slight hope in the young tom's broken spirit was actually quite amusing. A cold and crisp look came to his eyes and slowly the hope was crushed and replaced with fear as the young cat flinched back and hastily lowered his gaze. The prey in his mouth hid the cruel smile that crossed his face as he thought, To think such a formidable looking cat... the son of Frances himself to be reduced to this.... amusng indeed.

Draven's eyes widened as he looked at Luna as if she had grown a second head, "N-no! Don't... you'll get in trouble if you do..." He glanced towards Constantine and flicked his ears back, "...plus you really don't want to cross Constantine..." But he had to admit, he was slightly shocked by Luna's bravery and would actually be in admiration of it if it was a completely different situation.

Constantine stopped in his tracks as soon as Luna stepped in front of him. His eyes narrowed as soon as she had begun to speak and was silent for a few moments. He flicked an ear as he thought, ...This one... she's bolder than the others... It seemed as if he wasn't about to respond and instead ignore her, but ever so slightly the claws on his left paw unsheathed.

Draven had noticed the action, he stiffened up in slight fear then hurtled forward quickly just as the leader was raising his left paw he caught the blow to his head. The pain was brief but extreme as since Constantine seemed not to hold back in the blow. He staggered briefly, blood already spilling from the new wound as he carefully placed himself between Luna and Constantine, saying quickly although the pain was bothering him greatly, "I-I'm sorry Constantine! I-I asked her to ask you for food..." He peered through his eye that he could still see with and wasn't blinded by blood, the leader's face was cold, thinking clearly. Then he heard the response, "Tell her to learn her place then." Draven's tail drooped as the leader walked past, but was surprised when he had left the blackbird behind.

OOC: Basically all that happened was Constantine returned from hunting, Luna had asked Constantine for prey and Constantine was about to attack her for it and Draven instead took the blow and Constantine left a piece of prey behind... that's basically it.