[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft] Of all her siblings, it was Aphid who had decided to follow her parents to the mountains. She was certainly the weakest member in her family but her determination and spirit more than made up for it. She was hanging back, listening to the various kin mingle and talk while full of excited nerves.

A fluffy tail caught her eye and she smiled, delighted by the kin she spied sitting away from the main group. The Kiokote seemed interested but nervy, clearly not ready to talk to anyone yet but that didn’t stop Aphid from walking over to say hello.

“Are you nervous too?” She asked, giving her best friendly smile. “Hi, my name is Aphid!”

@HannahBug

At least someone here thought she would make a good leader. Swarm wasn’t sure herself but it hardly mattered. She would get them all there and back regardless. From another scan of the growing crowd and listening to the burble of conversation, there were quite a few strong personalities she would have to contend with. They would listen well or be put in their place.

She was growing impatient, ready to begin their long journey and so she moved away from the group to slightly higher ground. Brother and Sister rose into the air, flanking her on each side with a loud buzz of their wings.

“It is time." As usual her voice had little inflection and wouldn’t have carried over loud conversation but the wasp duo was usually enough to get the attention she required to shut everyone up for a second. Plus she had another boon to take advantage of and she exerted her will as queen of this hive.

Her voice held the hum of a thousand wasps and would be heeded.

“Prepare yourself to leave. Weaker and less experienced kin travel close to me. The rest of you guard our rear and flanks.”

Hivemind - Swarm can, when she wishes, rally a group of kin together for a common purpose or task, letting them act in near-perfect unison,
as if they are all of one mind. She cannot ask kin to do something they would not ordinarily do [such as leap off of a cliff or eat poison],
but she can inspire them to act on impulses they agree with but would not normally undertake solo.

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft] She had since watched a few more kin creep up on the gathering that didn't seem as eager as the rest. It made her feel a bit better, a little less out of place. Still, these others seemed to know each other and ones that didn't would just start getting along... It reminded her not to draw any nearer despite feeling herself relax slightly. It didn't seem to matter, though

She flicked her eyes towards the figure approaching, at first only using the corner of her vision just in case she had miscalculated where the doe was going. She was most definitely coming this way. Cloy subtly straightened herself and turned her head fully so that she would look polite

"Hello," she murmured, introducing herself before answering the question "I am Cloy. And I do not think I am meant for this, but I feel I have no say in the matter" She motioned slightly towards the growing crowd with her nose

She scarcely was able to finish her thought before the leading mare separated herself from the group demanded attention. The first sentence did not bother her, but the ones that followed made her flick her ears against her head. She didn't like the way they rattled around in her mind... What a way to gain a kin's trust, to do...whatever this was. She shook her head vigorously, as if it would toss the buzzing away. Logically, yes, she should be in the center of the group when it started to move, but she felt something deep within her balk. To be surrounded by kin with no means of escape did not exactly interest her. She shifted her hooves, grappling with what to do before flicking a glance back at Aphid and grumbling "I find myself doubting I will enjoy that one's company"

@Ruriska 

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft] “I think you are,” Aphid replied mildly, also glancing at the crowd. “Meant for this, that is. You look very capable to me and there’s no knowing what sort of kin will be important on this trip. You have every say in the matter.” Her smile brightened. “It’s daunting now but once we’re on the way, I’m sure everything will be fine.”

The buzz that rolled through her was a familiar one. She hardly needed the extra pressure that was her mother’s will. She would have heeded regardless, taught well to obey her queen.

“She’s uh, not so bad once you get to know her,” Aphid said wryly, shuffling her hooves a little bit. “And she doesn’t really talk much.” She was already shifting to move forward and follow the call. “She’s nervous too. You won’t be stuck near her the whole time. She’s just trying to help.” Her mother was often misunderstood and she couldn’t help but defend her.

“Come on, we can stick together!”

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgright]She had been resisting her urge to yell at the other squabbling totoma to shut up for a while now, the pain in her head like an enemy's horn being driven in further and further with each word. Though she'd held her tongue, letting the two of them figure it out on their own- there was no need to treat them like foals, and they seemed to be working through it. Still, if they'd rather fight among themselves, that was their priority. They'd just be left behind.

The buzzing of Swarm's voice, then, made her lift her head a little. Her words, at least, were wise- and she had no reason to refuse the order. Purposefully this time, she lowered her head in deference to the mare. "I'll take up guarding the rear, then. I've never been the fastest of travelers, so that won't be much challenge." More of a challenge to keep herself close to the group than anything. Despite herself, she cracked a wry smile.

It was an unenviable job, but she wouldn't be alone in it either, she presumed. She surveyed the party- likely the kiokote and zikwa among the group wouldn't be suited for the task, so she mostly ignored them. Her eyes eventually landed on Tidal Terror, who had agreed with her earlier. "You 'spoke the truth' too. If we hope to keep ourselves in fit shape, we need to make sure we stick together- leave none behind. The least I can do is follow my own advice."

She still wasn't looking forward to the walk.

@Ruriska
@Gl!tch~

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]

"Well it wouldn't so much be a tribe as just the two of us hanging out."

Rep went from admiring Stay's markings and fully agreeing that they matched very well, to inclining his ears in Swarm's direction.

There was a terrifying quality to their voice that seemed to reach past rational thought and reasonable control and to something more primal in him. Even though it simply made him want to follow along - which was something he would have done anyway - it tripped an absolutely primal terror in him in addition to obedience.

"Shit." he said, eyes wide. "Do you feel that?" he asked, hoping that Stay could feel it too. "I don't want to. I don't fucking want to guard these people." he said. "And yet I feel like I'm gonna. This is creepy as HELL."

His wolves looked panicky at their master's distress.

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft] "The buzzing?" Stay asked, trying to process it himself. He gave Rep a nudge with his nose, half for the company and trying to feel something real. The words rolled around like...what had they said their name was? Swarm?

It made all of him feel buzzy. He wasn't sure of he liked it, or not. There was something nice about it. And it was like he could feel everyone else humming, too. Like there was invisible music, and all he had to do was follow the steps. He could feel it further, too, like the buzzing was all around them, like everybody could feel it.

"Legendaries," he said, throat kind of dry. "Weird. Yeah. Yeah, it's like...like I want..." He pushed around the feeling. "Like I want to help somebody. And I don't care if I get paid for it. Real weird. I usually don't do this for free," Stay said, finding it hard to resist backing up in time with that low and coaxing impulse that seemed to creep under his skin.

His voice was more nervous as the wasps buzzed overhead.

"N-not a fan of bugs," he said.

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]

Cicada-Crusher glanced from Swarm to his daughter. He wasn't unnerved by the insects, familiar with the buzzing and familiar with this Legendary in particular's buzzing. The wasp-hum speech was unusual, but it made sense. He as used to travel, and as a Totoma he'd do his best to guard their flanks, keeping near the front so he could be nearby to help if anyone got hurt or ill. His pack rested snugly on his back, ready to be used if need be. He watched the other kin carefully, trying to identify who might need him in the future. Not wanting to interrupt anyone, he merely nudged his daughter's shoulder and took his place at the group's flanks.

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgright]


Follow The Moths felt maybe she counted as less experienced, though not weak. Her father migrated to the swamp, but she was born there. She never traveled far before, even with a group. Suddenly, she was glad she had come with her father after all. She looked at the wasps buzzing, wondering if they would come with them. She liked wasps. Next to moths, they were one of the more interesting insects to show her a prize, though it was often fermenting fruits that had fallen. Follow took place near her father, though she'd stay close to the legendary.

Late to the party- fashionably so, some might say, though not Fish. She’d been busy with the summer weirs, getting her traps set- and then safely taken down when she heard about the excursion. It irked her to be late, but she wasn’t going to be hasty, not with her fish traps- and besides, she’d been chilled to the bone when she heard it. The mountains.

As soon as she heard, her heart seized up. No. It froze. It froze into a block of ice, thawing and melting as it pulsed. All these years, she’d known she’d never see it again. But things changed, and not always predictably like the tides. When she heard, she quietly packed her things, notified a few key individuals, and left her pets in the care of her son.

All but one.

Her eagle had never been to the mountains, but like her, the great hunting bird was a scion of those distant stones. She deserved to see them at least once in her lifetime. It was something only the Totoma and her constant companion could really understand- it was intrinsic to them, who they were. The mountains called to both of them, a challenge to be conquered. Eagles knew it. Totoma did, too.

Fish knew she’d climb up, and then again she would climb down. The swamp was her home now, but it would be so nice to see them again. They were her beloved childhood companion, her teacher, her adversary. She’d been oh-so-intentional when she left, for her place was not there. Oh, there was a place there, one she could have if she wanted it, but... she didn’t. It didn’t fit her, not really; it would be like a caiman trying to wriggle into a tortoise’s burrow. Doable, but uncomfortable. She’d be squeezed into a role she hadn’t carved out for herself. It wasn’t what anybody who loved her- herself included- would have wanted. They all understood why she left.

If she saw any of them again, her family- would they understand why she returned?

She saw them, others like her. They were being directed with the droning hum of a kimeti... or a wasp... or both? Both in one, perhaps. Quietly, her eagle drifting above her, she joined the rear guard. Wrapped parcels of dried fish bounced against her armor as she fell into a marching rhythm. How many were there? More kin than she’d ever seen united in one purpose. It was a festival on legs, except they moved with an urgency no mere party would ever hold. She strode up beside a Totoma doe, one she’d glimpsed talking to another. “A good day for a hike, isn’t it? Need some food for the journey? I brought fish.”

Of course she did.

She always brought fish.

@Mima

"That is wonderful and now I am wondering on what sort of things you have discovered following moths and other insects," Shelter replied curious. He did enjoy learning about new things. "Follow is a wonderful nickname, I will keep it in mind." It certainly was simple enough for him to recall and he paused to answer Blaze. "Certainly colder but we will have to see when we get there."

"And it looks like we are to move out." Shelter nodded to Swarm and the call to action, a strange buzzing lingering in his ears and mind. "Lets see what the new world has to offer." Not to mention what sort of delicious edibles there was and new areas to find and new foliage to bed down into. He flicked his tail and settled nearer to the front. He wasn't a warrior so guarding was beyond his abilities. It was time to keep close and learn.

@purplerosesbeauty

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgright]Real Big Fish taking a place at the back lines with her was some reassurance. The other doe seemed quite capable, not to mention well prepared- a blessing. Sleeping Terror could likely identify plenty of edible plants and hunt game when they got there, but... Not hunt to the extent of the eagle she noticed had joined their little gathering along with the late-coming totoma.

Her moths had stayed home to protect her garden- well, “protect.” They offered vanishingly little on that front. But even though she loved the little ones, they would be of no help here. Real Big Fish was lucky to have a familiar with a utility more than pollination.

”Yes, I’m glad we were called in the summer. If we’re lucky, we may even see a plant or two,” Sleeping Terror snorted at her own joke. The packs of fish the other doe bore were tempting, but she shook her head. ”If you need help in carrying them, I can assist you. But I think for now it would be best to hold off on eating until everyone has a chance.” She had eaten in preparation for the journey, of course- and she had a feeling some of the less mountain hardy kin among them would need the meal more than her.

She was self-sufficient, thanks. Even if she hadn’t foraged these mountains in years, it wasn’t a skill you forgot easily.

...She hoped.

@Scaramouche Fandango

[imgright]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgright] He didn't know anyone here, and so Eats Flowers had hung back uncertainly, barely with the group at all. But he wanted to go, so when the doe who was also a wasp addressed them and the group started moving, he went as well. He wasn't a warrior, as such. He wasn't ... tough. But his pride was obscurely stung by the idea that he might be weak, and he wound up towards the back of the group, hoping that nobody would challenge him.

He had only dim memories of the mountains. He had come to the swamp very young, and had, of course, never left it since then.

[imgleft]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Slowly, he nodded, closing his eyes and reveling in her warmth while he could. "Of course," He said softly, "All will be well."

With another sigh, he stepped forward, following Guardian's shadow as they approached the group. As they walked, his acid green eyes flicked over the kin with whom he was to travel with. While it was true that being a part of the MothBorn had pulled this shy buck from his shell, strangers were always difficult for him. He had learned to read those he lived with and even trust most of them. But instead of judgement he saw excitement, curiosity, and unease in their eyes.

Many of them were Totoma, which didn't surprise him any. They were the best suited for the Mountain's fury, having lived there for generations. Even those born here in the heat of the swamp would still bear their ancestor's durability. There were a few Acha, which he found interesting. Their tiny hooves could be useful on sheer cliff sides and their bodies, while delicate, were used to fluctuating temperatures. Kiokote and Kimeti were present as well. Most interesting of all, of course, was the mare who had taken the lead. With wide eyes, he watched as she switched between hoof and wing and soon a thrumming buzz filled the air. His focus tightened and he heard his hoof-falls begin to merge with the others around him.

@Lirilei

[imgright]http://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/image ... k_blue.png[/imgright] Nighteyes didn't give an inch but -- at least Badgerlock seemed to notice, this time, his expression going knitted and thoughtful as he looked down to the wolf. Noticing, yes, but not necessarily understanding. He seemed ready to comment on it, to say something, when Swarm's rally brought his head back up.

At his core, Badgerlock was a buck meant (or at least trained) for easy obedience, snapping to attention in the face of an authority figure. And so he hummed, and looked to Merry, eyebrows raised meaningfully.

"I feel like I should usher you to the middle. But I can stay nearby, make sure everything is safe."

@Beejoux

She led the way closer to the group with Stil following her when she heard the Mare talking and turned to her mate with a smile. "Weaker, that's me right now hm? Lets go get closer to her." she was experienced with travel sure, but with this new limp to her step she wasn't as strong as she had once been, and while he wasn't weak, he wasn't experienced with travel.

It seemed best to take them as close to the Mare as they could get, but she easily shouldered the 'blame' for this need. So with a smile over her shoulder at him she moved closer to the center, being mindful of the other kin around them so she didn't bump into them. "Though if you feel the need to be nearer to the back I understand." of course she did, but she had a feeling he wouldn't be far from her.

@Blinded By Silence