You nod, and they beckon with their tail for you to follow them. As you walk along paw-thin paths and sheltered tunnels that only someone who'd lived here for years would know, your guide continues to speak.
"Let me guess, not used to seeing cats around here?" they purr, amused. "Don't worry, I don't mind. They all think that. We may not be the strongest Clan – or colony or pack, if you'd prefer – but we're loyal and determined."
"There's much evil in the forest," they continue, voice dropping to a murmur. "I've seen some of the worst of it." They glance to the side and, following their gaze, you notice massive clawmarks in the nearest trees. They're far too large for even a bear and a strange, sickly scent clings to them. Your hair begins to puff up, and you're glad when they continue. "There's good too, though. We try to make this world a better place in every way we can."
Up ahead, an overgrown patch of common thistle grows, trees receding to give it the sunlight it requires. You wait for Briarsong to turn away onto a different path before giving them an incredulous look as they continue forward.
Less than a tail-length from the spined mass, they turn and tilt their head. "Are you coming?"
Hesitantly, you follow. As you approach, they gesture with their tail to a small tunnel beneath the thistles. They climb in and, with a deep breath, you follow.
The tunnel is dug into the earth, but the only top is the thistles – thankfully far enough away to not scratch you. The earth smells of worms and dampness, but the scent of many cats lingers as well.
It's not long until light can be seen ahead and Briarsong steps out of the tunnel. Clambering out after them, you look around. A clearing has formed naturally in the middle of the thistles as the dirt gives way to rock. At one side of the clearing, a narrow cave entrance recedes into the stone. A ledge juts out from the rock, a pile of prey lies in the shade it offers.
A black silver minkpoint queen leaps to her paws as you enter, claws unsheathed. Briarsong blinks at her calmingly. "It's okay, Shriketalon. They're a visitor." With a nod to you, she sits back down beside the entrance. You guess that she's guarding it.
Something moves on the ledge, and a cinnamon tom leaps down. His brown fur must have camouflaged against the tan rock, as you hadn't seen him until now. Trotting over, he dips his head in greeting.
"Welcome! I'm Squirrelstar, first leader of SquirrelClan. You're welcome to stay and learn about us, if you wish."
–|◇■◇|–
Allegiances (nicknames in brackets):
Leader:
Squirrelstar (Squis) –
a muscular longhaired cinnamon selfcolour tom with heterozygous white and green eyes.Deputy:
Shriketalon (Shralon) –
a thickset shorthaired rex black silver selfcolour minkpoint queen with blue eyes.Healer:Stormpetal –
a thickset, sleek longhaired black silver selfcolour cat questioning their gender with heterozygous white and pale brown eyes. Apprentice: Plotherpaw.
Winter 
Day Weather: 
Brimstone
