The Scent of Men

[Duskmoon]

The disgusting scent of human construction, metal, sweat and exhaust oozed from every surface, even though they had done their construction far away. It seemed to carry in the air as well, making every breath Shadow took feel like thistles dragging over her glands.

How ironic. Thistles, in Thistle Plaza.

Home. Finally, she could feel her dirt beneath her pads, sip pooled water out of her fountain, enjoy her land again.

Unfortunately, there were few to share it with, as most if not all of the Posse had wandered off as the prey grew scarcer. She'd let them leave, understanding their doubt in the humans' fickle natures. When the shiny new buildings had finally been abandoned, they waited several more weeks to confirm that the humans were gone again.

Then she'd gone back to where she belonged. Where she reigned.

Queen Shadow opened her mouth and let the scent of the Plaza, tarnished as it was, pour in. With some more cats, the old smells would quickly return, along with Obsidian Dawn's strength.

With a triumphant yowl, she pounced, landing on a passing mouse and killing it. The first catch of a new era.

And it tasted so good.

[Deadstar]

How many moons had passed since the humans had invaded their land was not known to many cats, fewer still knew that the places the humans had erected were now deserted. Quiet movements, rippling like water through a flowing stream, could be seen through the trees that surrounded the Plaza. The harsh stench of the humans permeated his nostrils; sweat, blood, metals and cruel chemicals. Ears laying flat back against his skull, the inky black small tom made his winding way through the trees, coming to stand on the very edge of the Plaza. White paws stood out in a harsh contrast against his black pelt, along with a small bit of white on his chest and a white tail tip.

The tom slid forward, his eyes on the ivory figurine of beauty, one he had not seen in months. The spy's tail lowered slowly as he crept toward her, the scent of blood heavy in the air as though she had just made a kill and his mouth watered with hunger. Pickings had been slim where the male had taken his leave, fleeing before most of them. He had not been unfaithful, merely..worried. He was a wary creature, one who feared attacked and so when it appeared as though the Posse was turning on smaller members for food, he had fled. He knew not what had happened to Shadow or their kits, but he fully expected to be sent up the tower. He crept toward her and laid down at her feet, head bowed and ears back.

[Duskmoon]

As Shadow took a none-too-dainty chunk out of the mouse, she heard rustling behind her and instantly turned her head. A black cat bowed at her feet. At first, she did not recognize the tom, but his scent was reminder enough as it flooded through her, burning with memories of betrayal. "Jailbreak," she snarled.

For several moments, she stared down at her former mate. He had deserted the Posse, after all, and that could only mean one thing, could it not? The tower. A deserter was of no use to her, even with none left traveling with her and only her two kits to accompany her on the journey. Scar and Mallone had been sent to investigate the area around the base of the tower - she had expressly forbidden them to climb it - and she could see Jailbreak in little Mallone, which was absolutely infuriating.

"You left. I should send you up the tower without a second thought." Still, she paused, scanning him from head to tail. "But I need cats, and I've missed you," she admitted quietly, before rushing up to rub her cheek against the top of his head.