this won't go well

[Wolfmist]

Wolfmist didn't mind the snow. Her pelt was thick and warm, protecting her from the worst of the weather, and she was used to it. Years of living in ice and snow could do that to someone. On that particular day, it was lightly snowing, but the wind was low. Before long, the tabby's pelt was spotted with white. 

She padded in the direction of the river, but the going was slower than normal. She wasn't entirely sure why she was out—all the prey would be inside their dens or whatnot, and the water was frozen over in most parts. Still. It felt good to stretch her legs and be out in the open air for once.

Tanglepelt

[Tanglepelt]

I padded through the mountainous terrain, my tail swishing behind me. Maplefrost's big reveal still shocked me. My mentor, dead. My friends, missing. Why had I stayed away for so long? I could have spent some time with Redstorm. Maybe he wouldn't have died earlier. Maybe he was lonely. I shook my head as I walked.

I took in a breath of cold mountain air, the snow dappling my fiery pelt. I flicked my green eyes to the side, spotting a familiar face. One I wasn't too fond of.

"Hello, Wolfmist," I greeted stiffly, tail flicking.

[Wolfmist]

The sounds of her name caused Wolfmist to pause, and she turned her head to see the face of Tanglepelt. She went rigid, her face growing cold. She recognized the older she-cat instantly—how could she forget when they had literally fought against each other?

Wolfmist, obviously, had been on Crimsonsky's side. She remembered how he'd told her about how evil Darkwing was—how could Tanglepelt have been on his side? And to think of how it had driven her best friend away made her even angrier. 

"Hello, Tanglepelt," she responded frostily, studying the other female. She'd definitely gotten older.  

[Tanglepelt]

Speaking of the devil Crimsonsky, he had been nothing but a liar and a wannabe. Darkwing was as innocent as a newborn kit. Crimsonsky didn't know how to let go of a grudge. And like Darkpool I would fight against one of my closest friends for his idiotic brother.

"I see you haven't disappeared. I've heard a lot of cats have disappeared... like Crimsonsky. And Darkwing." Maybe I was testing her now. Would she react at the mention of my friend's brother? Would we have a fight?

I hoped not. I was old as dirt by now, not as strong as I used to be.

[Wolfmist]

Wolfmist bristled at her words, but forced her fur to lie flat, keeping a calm, nonetheless angry, expression on her face. "You either, unfortunately," she responded, raising her chin in a dominant stance. She wasn't sure how a one-on-one fight would go—Wolfmist was fast and tall, but Tanglepelt seemed to be stronger. However, they were both getting old.

"Crimsonsky didn't disappear. He was killed, along with Falconwing. Darkwing was the one who disappeared, though it doesn't surprise me. He wasn't a good person, and I hardly believe that he was loyal to his Clan." She watched the orange tabby levelly, waiting for a reaction. This would be interesting.

[Tanglepelt]

I wrinkled my nose, my green eyes narrowing. "You're as rude as ever." I felt my tail lashing with agitation. I sat down on one of the rocks, licking my paw absentmindedly. I took noticed, though, that she had definitely aged a bit since I had last spotted her. Perhaps, if we argued too much, I would have to find younger allies. Who knew what she could do. The sooner I retire, the better.

"Even better, then. He deserved death." I bared my teeth at her for a moment before regaining my composure. "Darkwing was one of the best cats in this clan. He wasn't a liar or a grudge-holder, unlike someone we both knew." I made sure to emphasize the past tense. I raised my chin with a superior air.

[Wolfmist]

"You could say that," Wolfmist grunted with a shrug, watching as the old she-cat sat down. She, however, remained standing, her tail flicking rythmically back and forth. Wolf wasn't entirely rude—in fact, she could be quite kind to those she liked. But, as she aged, she became grumpier—especially around those she didn't like.

Tanglepelt's hurt Wolfmist, but she didn't let on. "He did not. No one deserves to die—except those who wish it on others, perhaps," she said, eyeing Tanglepelt with one fictional eyebrow cocked. "Oh really? Then where was he if he was one of the best IceClan cats? Where was he for what, two, three years? That doesn't sound very 'great' to me," she retorted.  

[Tanglepelt]

I gave her a narrowed look. "Then perhaps you and me both deserve it. I know what you're thinking. Don't be a hypocrite." I yawned, rolling my eyes. "Great cats don't stay forever. Take Redstorm for example. One of IceClan's best, but he died. Besides, he lost both of his brothers. Perhaps he's doing soul searching. That doesn't make him any less great."

[Wolfmist]

"I'm not wishing it on you, no, I'm simply saying that maybe you deserve it." She shrugged, internally rolling her eyes. She was sure she wouldn't have to deal with Tanglepelt for too long—she was almost an elder, which is just another step closer to death. And Wolf was sure that by the time she was retired, Tanglepelt would be gone. "I'm not talking about death. Death is a noble way to disappear. He served his Clan until death—but Darkwing, he isn't dead. He disappeared."

[Tanglepelt]

I wasn't going to argue with this mousebrained cat. But, I would defend Darkwing's honor. He didn't deserve what happened to him. He lost Crimsonsky, and then he lost Emberstorm. Emberstorm was a coward, but not Darkwing. "Maybe you're getting your cats confused. Emberstorm was never loyal to our clan. He was the one who didn't deserve to stay. Darkwing wanted peace. And, you have no proof if he is dead or not."

[Wolfmist]

"Emberstorm? I don't know who that is but mayber you're right—maybe whoever Emberstorm is didn't deserve to stay, but that didn't mean Darkwing did." She was going to defend Crimsonsky with all her breath. "Even if he is dead, that doesn't justify his leaving. He had duties as a warrior and he didn't follow through."