Genderqueer
smokey
we out here
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Post by smokey on Apr 3, 2019 2:47:07 GMT -5
At the sight of Spottedkit, Swiftstrike lifted his head and let out a loud, rumbling purr. "Spottedkit, hello. What brings you here?" The brown tom motioned with his tail for her to come sit with him, his eyes warm. "I'm not complaining, of course. Company is always welcome here," he mewed happily. He was always glad to meet the younger cats, partly because he was lonely, but also because he liked to assess the characters of the younger generations.
At the sight of her sister, Tallwhisker raised her head. She purred and touched noses with Brighteyes, waving her tail in a friendly greeting. "This is my sister, Brighteyes," she explained, looking towards Hornet and Bee. "She's a fantastic warrior!" She turned her attention back towards her sister. 'Are you doing alright?' she signed, brushing her tail along the white warrior's flank.
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Post by zero on Apr 3, 2019 8:11:10 GMT -5
Spottedkit perked up when she heard the elder's warm voice. She rushed over and clambered into the nest. She sat down so their fur was bushing and tucked her legs under her. After making herself comfortable, she looked up at the elder. "Well, Sunstar was bringing us her after we...went to his den." She didn't want to bring up how messy they had make the tom's den. Probably wasn't a good thing now that she thought about it. Yeah, she wasn't going to bring up that. "Some cat wanted Sunstar to go to over to the weird smelling cats that came into camp so he might not be coming." She explained with a frown before brightening up. "Can you tell us a story?" She asked then added quickly, "Please."
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Post by infernoMarshmallow on Apr 3, 2019 9:26:07 GMT -5
Sootnose nodded thoughtfully. "I don't ever want to join the elders," he mewed. "It sounds boring, doing nothing all day. I mean I know they do stuff, but I'd miss hunting and patrols. Maybe when I'm all old and creaky I'll look forward to it more," he joked, but he realized that he wasn't really joking. Maybe that's why senior warriors don't really mind? When they get stiff it's probably really hard to hunt and fight effectively. He turned to the elder's den nervously and then said, "Don't tell Swiftstrike I said that. I don't know if he'd like that."
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Post by Wolfspirit on Apr 3, 2019 10:25:07 GMT -5
Bee felt eyes on him from what seemed like all sides, and was relieved by Tallwhisker's offer of prey, murmuring a quick "thank you" to the warrior before bending down and sniffing the creature to hide his face. Vole, he guessed, though he hadn't seen enough to be sure. Mice had made up most of their diet back in the field, so he was curious as to how this would taste. He took a small bite, pleased to find he liked the flavor. While he chewed, he found his thoughts churning. Nightclaw and Tallwhisker's greetings had been very different, and it made him wonder how the leader, Sunstar, would react. His eyes flicked up, glad to see Quailfang had stayed with them.
"Yes, thank you!" Hornet repeated, relaxing a little under Tallwhisker's warm gaze. Relief zinged through her that most of the cats had been happy to meet them; she would be sure to treat Nightclaw politely, in hopes she could eventually earn the trust of all the cats in this fascinating group. While Bee started to eat his share, she looked around, spotting a couple of kits a ways off. They seemed to be staring at her, and she resisted an amused huff. Turning back to the others, she noticed a new cat had joined them, and the others were all signaling to her with their tails. Deciding not to ask at the moment, she dipped her head at Tallwhisker's introduction. "Hi Brighteyes," she meowed, dipped her head a little in greeting. "I'm Hornet, and that's Bee," she pointed with her tail to where her brother was still slowly chewing his bit of vole. Probably to give himself time to think! she thought in amusement. Glancing back up at the others, she noticed how strong they all looked. "Being a warrior must be hard work," she found herself saying, eyeing them with admiration.
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Post by owlspots on Apr 3, 2019 10:54:40 GMT -5
(Sorry about the wait! It seems like I'm always asleep when you guys are online, and I've just come home from school ^^)
Snowpaw gaped at his mentor's catch, having just barely caught the whole thing as he had peeked out into the clearing. "That was so cool!" he beamed up at the black-and-white tom, "I can't believe you still caught it after changing your leap midair!" He was excited to try out the move, but he remembered with dismay that the other birds who had been flitting around the clearing had already taken flight and disappeared. "Do you think there'll be any more birds around?" he asked rather hesitantly, twitching his ear.
Sunstar had been about to follow the little ones, a purr rumbling in the back of his throat, when the rustle of the camp's entrance snatched his attention and he looked up, his golden eyes suddenly darkening as he remembered the patrol and their discovery. His gaze honed in on Silverstrike padding towards him, but he did not miss the two cats who came in with him and Quailfang; the fur on the back of his neck raised slightly as he moved to meet the silver tabby warrior halfway. "What is it, Silverstrike?" he questioned, his voice betraying his tension, "Do we have guests?" He was already moving slightly past Silverstrike to get a look at the strange cats who had accompanied him. He turned to look at Mossfoot over his shoulder. "Mossfoot, could you make sure that Swiftstrike is with the kits?" he asked, twitching his ears apologetically. The ginger tom beckoned for Silverstrike to follow him as he approached the small cluster of his warriors who had gathered around the newcomers, so the silver tom could explain their presence as they walked.
Breezebounce winced, suddenly remembering the bird that Owlswoop had caught. "I can carry the rabbit," he blurted his offer rather frantically, his eyes widening. He didn't miss the other tom's joking tone and was slightly comforted by the lack of seriousness behind Owlswoop's remark, but he couldn't prevent the hot flush of embarrassment that burned the tips of his ears. "Or the bird, I don't mind," he added sheepishly, his tail sweeping a small pile of leaves and twigs to the side.
Plumpaw readied herself for another spring. She watched Streamheart settle by the tree and took a deep breath, turning back around to face the other way. I can't mess up, she told herself, gritting her teeth as she bunched her haunches. Hesitating only a moment, the stocky she-cat leaped backwards, praying to StarClan that she'd land properly this time. It seemed moving forward had been a good decision on her part, as she hit the trunk of the tree with much less force. She'd be lying if she said she didn't panic a little bit when her paws made contact with the bark; she was scared she'd slip again. She pushed off as hard as she could, leaping forwards into the air, and could've yowled in triumph if she hadn't wanted to jinx herself. Yet, it seemed she did anyway, because instead of a graceful landing like her mentor, she stumbled forwards, overshooting her jump and tumbling over in an awkward forward roll. She flopped to the ground on her side, wheezing and coughing out dust. "I mean, it was better than the other one, right?" she joked, raising her head to look at her mentor.
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 3, 2019 11:40:56 GMT -5
Brighteyes nodded at Tallwhisker, letting out a purr, and blinked, somewhat uncomfortably, at Hornet. 'Well... they seem friendly enough,' she gestured. Her eyes glittered with intrigue. She wondered what Sunstar was going to do with these two.
Mossfoot nodded curtly. She mouthed a quick, 'good luck!' to him before she went to join the kits with Swiftstrike. She smiled softly as she poked into the den. "Hi, kits. Hi, Swiftstrike," she mewed quietly, dipping her head respectfully.
Rushfall chuckled. "Don't worry about it," he said. He peered over to where cats seemed to be congregating in camp. "Looks like we've got company," he meowed, lowering his voice. "Seems like they had all the fun on patrol."
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Post by SmugGull on Apr 3, 2019 11:48:21 GMT -5
Quailfang translated Hornet's greeting for Brighteyes in sign. His whiskers started twitching again at Hornet's questions - he liked the newcomers, despite himself, and hoped they found whatever it was they were looking for on the mountain. It was Windstep, however, who answered. "It is," she answered. "But we train for it all our lives. We're not just throwing ourselves to the hawks and hoping for the best!" A small mrrow of amusement worked its way out of Windstep's throat at the thought. ~~ Scorchkit trotted into the elder's den after Spottedkit. "Tallwhisker gave the strangers food," he announced. "I don't think they're bad. Hi Swiftstrike!"
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Post by owlspots on Apr 3, 2019 11:54:43 GMT -5
Thrushfur had come stumbling out of the warriors den only to see what looked like his entire family congregated around the entrance to the camp, crowding two rather odd-looking cats who he definitely didn't recognise. "Hey, what's this, a family reunion?" he called over jokingly, bounding across the clearing to where his littermates and mother stood with his uncle Quailfang and his older sister Brighteyes. As he came within clear earshot of the group he signed his joke to Brighteyes with a purr rumbling in his throat, hoping that he'd at least make his elder sister laugh if nobody else. He studied the newcomers with slightly wary eyes, but quickly deduced that they wouldn't be much of a threat - they were obviously younger than he was, and definitely unused to being around so many cats. "Hiya, I'm Thrushfur, nice to meet you both!" The ticked tabby tom purred, waving his tail in greeting to the strangers.
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Asexual
Lycaonia
Getting Better, but Very Tired.
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Post by Lycaonia on Apr 3, 2019 13:28:21 GMT -5
Silverstrike
Padding after his Leader, Silverstrike straightened his back, settling into the more serious attitude he rarely showed. "We were following the border and reached the area where it is closest to Camp when we heard a yelp," He explained, eyes drifting to the young cats talking with Quailfang's family, "Quailfang move around to an advantageous position while I approached. It turned out to be the two cats we brought back. The she-cat is called Hornet, the tom Bee." Tail curling in slight nervousness, he glanced at Sunstar, hoping the Leader wouldn't be too harsh on the pair. "They weren't aware that they had crossed our borders," He meowed, ears drifting back, "They've never encountered a Clan before and they seemed genuine. They are apparently heading to the mountain, so I told them it was a bad idea, but that they'd have to get your permission to pass through the territory if they were set on going. I didn't think it was wise to advise them to leave and go around, not with whatever that scent was earlier. They seem like a sweet pair of younglings. Very polite and curious."
Badgertuft
Badgertuft chuckled moving to bury the bird so they could collect it later. "I was very close to loosing it," He admitted easily, patting the dirt down over his catch, "Birds are tricky, especially ravens and the like. As you grow, you'll learn your limits. When to change your leap and when to let a catch go. Another heartbeat longer and I wouldn't have tried changing direction to catch the wing."
Twisting his ears, Badgertuft caught ever so faint strains of birdsong to the east. "There are plenty of birds around," He assured Snowpaw, motioning for the Apprentice to follow as he headed towards the ever-so-slight noise, "They are all around us, even now, hiding in the trees and waiting for us to leave so they can continue feeding. All we must do is move on to an area where they are not yet wary. See if you can lead us to a few, Snowpaw."
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 3, 2019 15:37:01 GMT -5
Brighteyes purred at Thrushfur's joke. 'Hi, Thrushfur. It's good to see you...' She turned back to Hornet and Bee and gave them a gentle dip of her head. 'It's nice to meet you. Welcome to our Clan. Being a warrior can be difficult, but it's the most rewarding thing in the world, I think.'
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Post by owlspots on Apr 3, 2019 16:02:02 GMT -5
Sunstar listened carefully to Silverstrike as the warrior spoke, never taking his eyes off of the two young cats in the middle of the small cluster by the entrance. "I will speak to them," he told Silverstrike, "and warn them about the strange scents, at the very least. If they have any more requests I will hear them." The tall ginger tom stepped carefully around Brighteyes and Thrushfur, dipping his head in greeting to the pair, and stopped in front of the newcomers. "I am Sunstar, leader of StormClan," he mewed, "it's not often that we encounter travelers such as yourselves - we are accustomed to the more...aggressive sort. Is there something you wish to ask of me?" He remembered Flightstar's diplomatic means of dealing with strangers who were brought to the camp, and fully intended to mirror her fair treatment with these young cats. Although he did not want to appear weak in front of his warriors or Hornet and Bee, he also did not wish to appear hostile and violent.
Snowpaw followed Badgertuft closely, matching the older tom stride for stride as they continued walking. "Okay, I think I can do that," he affirmed, already straining his ears a little more than usual in an attempt to pick up anything that might lead him to his target. He was able to detect the faintest lilt of bird-song coming from somewhere nearby, and he parted his jaws to taste the air, keeping his eyes trained on the branches that arced above his head in case he spotted anything. There were no birds in the treetops, but there was no mistaking the scent that hit his nose as a gentle breeze blew at his fur. "This way!" he exclaimed, attempting to keep his voice to a whisper, already bounding off into the bushes. He slowed himself down as soon as he'd emerged onto the other side, and lowered himself to the ground, watching and listening. The large white tom paused as he picked up the same sound he had heard earlier: the rapid fluttering of feathered wings and a small crunch of twigs beneath talons. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to focus on his thoughts. What did Badgertuft do? He recalled how quick the black-and-white warrior had been in stalking the bird, keeping his tread light and noiseless, but moving as fast as his bulk would allow so the bird had no time to react when he pounced. But first he had to locate the creature.
Thrushfur peered at the strangers for a moment before turning back to his sister. 'Who are these two?' he signed to Brighteyes, 'Did Quailfang bring them back from patrol or something?' The ticked tabby tom was more than curious, especially when he spotted Sunstar and Silverstrike approaching the group. He supposed it was basic formality for Sunstar to greet the newcomers, even if he would only be sending them off again - he'd seen Flightstar do it once or twice when he was younger. He stepped back out of the way so that the StormClan leader had enough room to stand while he spoke to the pair, but kept a close eye on them, staying as close as possible.
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Post by zero on Apr 3, 2019 16:14:12 GMT -5
Spottedkit blinked when the other two cats entered the den. "Really?" She was a bit surprised they would give their prey to newcomers but she supposed the older cats knew what to do. "I guess they are fine." She mumbled under her breath. Then she saw Mossfoot enter and thought of strange cats left her mind. The kitten purred as the den filled. "Mossfoot! Swiftstrike is going to tell a story." She announced.
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Owlswoop frowned at how frazzled Breezebounce become. Most cats understood his jokes. Maybe he wasn't being obvious enough. His tail twitched, bothered that he might have upset his friend. "You carry the rabbit." He said, with a small smile, "I might have landed the killing strike but you chased it to my claws. I caught the bird so I'll carry that." He padded along, slowly relaxing as he walked. It was easy to let his feelings to slip away with the breeze. "We just have to quick. Don't want the apprentices delivering the sunfall meal without us." He joked again. This time he make sure to look at the tom with his lop-sided smile.
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Genderqueer
smokey
we out here
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Post by smokey on Apr 3, 2019 17:26:09 GMT -5
Swiftstrike nodded a greeting to his clanmates, purring louder at the sight of Spottedkit's littermate. At the mention of strangers, he tilted his head. "There are strangers in the camp?" he asked, turning a wary gaze to Mossfoot. "I guess that's what I was smelling..." He leaned close to Mossfoot's ear so the kits wouldn't hear him and whispered, "Do they seem dangerous?" Although there was hostility in his voice, it was overshadowed by concern. All the clan knew that Swiftstrike was fiercely protective of his daughter, even if he knew she could protect herself just fine.
Tallwhisker dipped her head respectfully as Sunstar approached and stepped aside. Although she made sure to stay out of the way, she still stuck close to Hornet and Bee. She understood how intimidating it might be to meet a clan leader, even if Sunstar was kind to them.
Streamheart let out an amused snort and smiled. "I think that's enough for today," she said, stretching her already sore hind legs. The jump and pin was an excellent move, but pushing her entire weight off from the tree with only her back legs left her backside feeling sore and exhausted. "I'm already aching... I didn't think I was that old," she murmured, motioning with her tail for Plumpaw to follow as she began to pad back towards camp.
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Post by Wolfspirit on Apr 3, 2019 22:26:44 GMT -5
Bee, no longer having any more of his bite of vole to stall chewing on, glanced up to see considerably more cats around them than there had been before. He felt his eyes go wide as moons, and sat down with a dazed sort of bump, trying to focus on all the faces. He settled on a slim brown-ticked tom, who looked only a little older than he and Hornet did, and through his own internal stress he heard the tall cat introduce himself as Thrushfur. "I'm...Bee," he got out, starting to habitually shuffle his paws again. It was only the approach of a giant ginger tom that made him still, apprehension zinging through him as the cat, who seemed giant to him, revealed himself as Sunstar, the leader. He turned to Hornet, desperately hoping his sister would take the lead on this.
Hornet was nodding to Windstep and Brighteyes, feeling excitement whoosh through her at the thought of such training. How confident in themselves and their abilities they must be after all the practicing they must do! Curiosity prickled her paws again at the signs the cats were exchanging with Brighteyes, but before she could ask she heard Sunstar's voice. She glanced around to see her brother giving her that intense look of his that meant she was more than free to talk and ask questions as soon as possible. The ginger tom seemed really tall, and she would've found herself getting nervous except for seeing the friendly faces of all the cats she'd met, such as Tallwhisker, Thrushfur, Brighteyes, Quailfang and Silverstrike, watching nearby. Their presence boosted her nerve, and she lowered her head in what she hoped was a respectful gesture.
"Um, yes, actually, Sunstar, nice to meet you," she took a breath. "Well, we were heading up the mountain, because..." Suddenly because it looked cool seemed like a really stupid answer, so she just rushed on. "Anyways we accidentally crossed into your group's land, and we met Quailfang and Silverstrike -who are really nice by the way!- and they said we'd need to talk to you about our options going forward." She paused for a moment, determined to end on this formal note. However, after a couple of heartbeats, she couldn't help but venture. "Uh...also, what do you mean by 'aggressive sort'?
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 4, 2019 9:58:32 GMT -5
Mossfoot shook her head. "They seem... young. I doubt they're a threat. I think they're just lost." She peered out of the den, back to where the cats were gathered. "I'm more worried for Sunstar, if anything. I think he's letting the pressure get to his head."
Brighteyes hesitated momentarily, slightly narrowing her gaze. 'I've got no idea. I guess they're called Hornet and Bee...' She silently scanned them up and down and lightened up once more. 'They seem like they'd hardly be out of the apprentice den. I doubt they would pull any stunts.... if they were smart, I mean.'
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Post by owlspots on Apr 5, 2019 10:25:35 GMT -5
Sunstar listened carefully to what the two had to say for themselves, and he was, in all honesty, surprised to have heard such an innocent explanation from them; he had been expecting something along the lines of prey and hunting. "You were heading to the mountain?" he inquired, tilting his head as though he was uncertain he had heard the young she-cat correctly. Do they know about the danger? If I allow them to pass, they'll go up there and they might never come back down, he thought, his earlier conversation with Thistleshade springing to the forefront of his mind. He knew it might sound cruel of him to deny them of their adventure, but his paranoia would not let him send them to what he was certain would be their deaths. "I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to pass through our territory. My warriors have picked up some strange scents and there has been increased predator activity from eagles, foxes and even wolves up in the mountains according to our patrols and some of the scents we've picked up. It is simply too dangerous, and I cannot send any cat willingly to such a place," he explained with a sigh, his eyes darkening, "I will be more than happy to arrange a patrol to escort you to the border, from where you will be able to choose your own path, but I'm afraid I cannot grant you passage. If it were any other time, I would have gladly allowed you to cross our territory; I am sorry." He had no idea whether his decision had been the right call - could he realistically prevent these cats from doing as they wished, unless he drove them off with force? At Hornet's question he paused with a sigh. "We often encounter violent rogues who come into our territory to steal our prey, and sometimes even our kits," he told the she-cat, "when Silverstrike announced we had guests I had assumed he meant cats along those lines. I am glad to see that I was wrong."
Plumpaw nodded, also realising that she too was a little sore - especially around her chin where she had made contact with the ground on her first jump. She yawned, stretching out luxuriously with a full arch of her back. "Can we practice that move some more next time? I'll get it then, I promise," she purred, a little throaty from needing a drink.
Breezebounce could feel his paws pricking with embarrassment. Of course it had been a joke, how hadn't he understood? Silently cursing himself, he leaned over to take the rabbit from Owlswoop's jaws; the creature was heavy, he realised with a jolt, snapping his neck back up to hold it high above the ground. This time when Owlswoop spoke, he noticed how the boxy tom turned around to smile his signature lop-sided smile, and he purred, relaxing a little more. "I bet our catch is way better," he hummed through his mouthful of fur.
Thrushfur watched Brighteyes carefully as she signed a response to him, making sure he hadn't misunderstood anything before he signed back - he had never been very good, even though he'd been practicing since he was old enough to understand that his older sister was deaf. 'If they were smart, they wouldn't be going through our territory in the first place,' he hoped his jesting retort wouldn't fall flat, as he didn't really know how to incorporate his impeccable sense of humour into his sign language, 'Sunstar looks like he might pass out from nerves, I wonder what's got his tail in such a-' he paused, wracking his brain to think of how to sign the word that was just on the tip of his tongue. 'A twist,' he quickly signed to finish his sentence, proud of himself.
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Post by Wolfspirit on Apr 5, 2019 11:11:30 GMT -5
Bee and Hornet looked at each other, and he could see his own surprise reflected in his sister's eyes. The mountain had been an intriguing enough sight, towering in the distance, that they had chosen it to be there destination upon leaving their home in the field. Hornet had wanted it for its newness- the mountain was the opposite sort of terrain from what they were used to, and she wanted the adventure, the discovery. Bee had agreed to his sister's plan, but less due to his curiosity and more out of his desire to stay with his littermate. To hear Sunstar's denial was disconcerting, as they hadn't considered not being able to go to the mountain. Although it sounded like they might not want to, if what the leader said were true.
"Oh," Hornet managed, sounding taken aback. She had no idea what wolves were, but had heard of eagles, and foxes she knew well from their home. She didn't really fancy encountering either. Not going to the mountain left their future open, and with a blooming excitement Hornet realized that maybe their journey could end here, with these cats and this Clan. These cats, who were strong and worked together to carve out their own lives here in this forest beneath the mountain. Maybe this is the kind of place we've been looking for. But Sunstar hadn't said anything about the possibility of staying...
"We're certainly not the violent type," Hornet assurred, privately horrified at the thought of other cats stealing kits. Just how much did this Clan have to deal with? "And..." she continued hesitantly, "we will leave, if that is your wish." She wanted to ask if they could stay, but faltered at the thought that the Clan might not want them.
Bee knew instinctively that Hornet wanted to stay. He'd seen her enthusiasm at meeting the Clan cats, and recognized the wistful look in her eye she'd had back when they were watching the mountain at a distance. The thought of staying had its appeal, Bee admitted, though he worried about how they'd be received. Why would they want two random field cats?
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Post by SmugGull on Apr 5, 2019 13:14:59 GMT -5
Windstep studied the pair through narrowed eyes. They were disappointed - naturally - but there was something...else. As if they were hoping for a mouse to run across their path but too afraid to pounce on it. She turned to Quailfang and stared at him pointedly, willing her littermate to understand. Thank StarClan, he seemed to. Quailfang glanced between Bee and Hornet, Sunstar, and Windstep, his head tilted curiously. Are you sure? he signed back to Windstep. No, Windstep admitted. But what's the harm in offering?Quailfang conceded the point with a grunt and stepped up next to Sunstar. Keeping his voice low enough that Bee and Hornet couldn't hear (he hoped), he offered, "What if they stayed until the problems with the mountain are over?" He glanced back at Windstep, who blinked encouragingly. "They'd be better prepared, at least, and we can always use another set of paws." ~~ Across camp, Redwing's attention had snapped to the entrance as soon as Scorchkit had ducked into the nursery. She laid her tail over Stormkit's shoulders protectively - Sunstar wouldn't let anything happen, she was sure of it, but there was simply no way she would be trusting strangers in StormClan's camp any time soon. Not after what you did, she thought, sending a bitter curse towards Cedarheart's memory.
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 5, 2019 14:10:47 GMT -5
Brighteyes blinked slowly at her brother. 'Your signing is improving a lot,' she replied. 'But as for Sunstar... well, I expected him to be a little nervous. This is his first time handling a situation like this, yes? Dealing with strangers can be a nerve-wracking thing for any leader.'
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Genderqueer
smokey
we out here
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Post by smokey on Apr 5, 2019 17:44:20 GMT -5
At Quailfang's words, Tallwhisker's ears straightened and her eyes sparked with excitement. "That's a great idea!" She turned her gaze to Sunstar, cautiously lowering her head so as not to disrespect the leader by speaking in support of Quailfang. "If they stay, we can teach them how we deal with predators, so they'll be safer when they go. And maybe they know some things we don't that they can share." As she spoke, Tallwhisker gradually shifted her attention between Sunstar and the two guests.
"Of course! Maybe we'll practice somewhere quieter next time though," Streamheart mewed with a twitch of her whiskers. As they approached camp, she slowed, feeling her tail puff out at a strange cat scent. What is that? Along with it, she picked up the scent of her fellow warriors. They didn't come alone, at least. "When we get into camp," she started, "go to the medicine cat's den. I know you said you were okay, but I want to make absolutely sure." With a final flick of her tail, Streamheart pushed into camp and nearly jumped out of her fur at the sight of two cats she didn't recognize. I know I picked up outsider scent, but I didn't think they'd be in camp!
With a relieved sigh, Swiftstrike backed away from Mossfoot and looked down at the kits. His calm and playful demeanor returned in an instant. "Well, little ones, what do you want to hear about today?"
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Post by owlspots on Apr 6, 2019 6:57:59 GMT -5
Sunstar was rather taken aback by Quailfang's suggestion, not expecting the senior warrior to be so accommodating towards the wanderers. He knew that there would be numerous cats within the Clan who would not be so keen on him inviting these cats to stay with them, especially after the encounters that many of them had had with outsiders. There was also, he realised, the very real possibility that these cats could bring even more strangers to their territory - perhaps with more malevolent intentions. But his Clan needed strong young cats now more than ever in order to stand their ground against the rising threat that came from the very place they held so sacred to them. He glanced at Quailfang, meeting the older tom's eyes with his own worried ones. "Would the Clan be alright with that? I...don't want to make anybody angry," he whispered his response, already wincing as the words left his mouth because he was bitterly aware that he sounded like a frightened kit. He was StormClan's leader, for StarClan's sake: these decisions were his to make. Tallwhisker also had spoken in favour of letting the strangers remain with them, he noticed, and gave the young warrior an affirmative nod. He could not turn these cats away. He knew he would have to face the consequences if any came from his decision, and although that thought terrified him, it would have been what Flightstar would have done.
He had made his decision.
"If you would like, I can offer you temporary stay in our camp," he began, forcing himself to meet the disappointed eyes of Hornet and Bee, "and you can learn to hunt and fight. You will be granted the protection of the Clan as long as you actively contribute to both your and our well-being. However, if you wish to leave, you will be escorted safely to our border." He was nervous, he would not deny it. The fur on the back of his neck still stood on end, and the pace of his heart had increased to the point where he could feel it thumping against his ribcage; he just hoped that nobody could not hear it.
Thrushfur purred at his sister's praise, puffing out his chest and holding his head high. 'Thanks, Brighteyes,' he signed, beaming at the white she-cat. He glanced at Sunstar, not missing the way their leader's neck fur was stood on end, or the nervous shifting of his paws that gave away his uncertainty. 'Nah, I bet he's plenty nervous, he's trying to mimic Flightstar right down to his words. I have a lot of respect for him - I really do, honest - but he's not fooling anyone.'
Plumpaw nodded, bounding cheerfully after her mentor. "Yeah, the river was a bit noisy," she remarked, her eyes drifting away from the path in front of her to the trees that walled them in on all sides, "but it was fun! It was hard to concentrate, so it'll help me get better at focusing." When they reached the camp, an unknown scent immediately invaded her senses, and she stopped dead in her tracks, bristling with alarm. Streamheart had entered the camp anyway, and Plumpaw quickly darted after the silver tabby warrior, already unsheathing her claws. She was greeted with the sight of two strange cats stood in front of Sunstar, a little group of familiar faces clustered around them. "Streamheart," she hissed quietly, lashing her tail, "who in the name of StarClan are they?"
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Genderqueer
smokey
we out here
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Post by smokey on Apr 6, 2019 8:15:10 GMT -5
Tallwhisker felt herself shaking with excitement at Sunstar's words. We're going to have new cats in camp! she thought, biting back an exhilarated purr. She looked towards Hornet and Bee, blinking at them warmly. "I could help them settle in!" she mewed towards Sunstar, though she quickly realized it was not her place to make such suggestions and bowed her head. "I-If that's okay, of course..."
Streamheart wasn't sure how to tell her apprentice that she had no idea who these cats were or what they were doing in camp. "Go to the medicine cat's den," she ordered, flicking her tail in its direction. "I'll find out what's going on." With a decisive nod, Streamheart approached the group of cats. She searched her clanmates' faces for signs of hostility, but found very little in the small crowd. Finally, she found Sunstar's eyes as she gently nudged her way into the center of the crowd. "Sunstar, what's going on?" she asked softly, nervously shifting her paws.
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Post by Wolfspirit on Apr 6, 2019 8:39:29 GMT -5
Bee had watched Quailfang murmur something to Sunstar, and was startled when Tallwhisker spoke up. Are they really willing to let us stay? Surprise made his ear twitch, and as Sunstar spoke he exchanged another glance with an equally shocked Hornet, who was looking at him expectantly, waiting for his input. To stay and learn from these cats? Glancing around at them, he couldn't help feeling a little awe at the idea of being as tough-looking as they were. Though what would they bring to the group? Bee supposed some field tricks might not be as handy here in the forest. But I'll try my best, he decided. Once he had given Hornet a tiny nod, she turned back to meet Sunstar's eyes.
Hornet thought the leader seemed a little nervous, which was odd. What did a leader of so many cats have to worry about, concerning the two of them? Pushing her thoughts aside, she focused back on her happy disbelief that they were being afforded this chance. She shot a grateful look at Tallwhisker for voicing support for them, and at Quailfang, who she suspected had done the same. "We would be honored to stay," she started, tamping down her enthusiasm to try to find the proper words, "and learn from you. We promise, we'll do whatever we can to contribute."
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 6, 2019 9:53:16 GMT -5
Brighteyes looked back and forth from Sunstar to Hornet and Bee. She turned her questioning eyes back to Thrushfur. 'What's Sunstar saying now?' she questioned. She trusted Sunstar's judgement, and knew he would make the best decision possible, but she was a little nervous.
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Post by owlspots on Apr 6, 2019 10:02:52 GMT -5
Plumpaw glanced fretfully at her mentor, not really wanting to leave the clearing in case she missed something in regards to the strangers, but she figured that she should probably do as she was instructed. Reluctantly, she trudged towards the medicine den, casting frequent glances over her shoulder at the two unfamiliar cats and the group that surrounded them.
Sunstar nodded gratefully to Hornet, dipping his head to the young she-cat. "Thank you, Hornet. You and Bee will train as apprentices during your stay with us: you will sleep in the apprentices' den, and I'll assign mentors to you who will be responsible for teaching you," he informed the pair, already scanning the faces of his Clanmates. He wasn't really sure whether one single mentor would be enough, considering these cats were already older than any of StormClan's apprentices, and had likely never seen a fight in their lives. Looking around at the faces of their youngest warriors, Sunstar wondered whether it might be more effective for Hornet and Bee to learn from cats around their own age as well as their mentors. He figured Tallwhisker would be the easiest to convince regarding this, taking into account the young warrior's enthusiasm and eagerness to allow the newcomers to stay. I'll discuss it with her later, he decided, drawing himself up so he could stand a little taller; he noticed he had started to slouch. "I will make the announcement and perform the ceremony at sundown, when all of our cats have returned to camp," he mewed, "and yes, Tallwhisker, please make them feel welcome." He dipped his head to the group and turned away, towards Streamheart who had just joined the little gathering. He beckoned for her to follow him as he moved a few tail-lengths away from everybody else, where he could talk to the she-cat with reduced risk of being overheard. "Quailfang and Silverstrike brought these young cats to camp after finding them in our territory. They don't seem to have bad intentions - they just wanted to cross the territory so they could go to the mountain for something. I...uh, well, I told them they couldn't because of how dangerous it is, and Quailfang and Tallwhisker suggested that they could stay with us for a while and maybe help us deal with the, uh, 'problem'," he confessed, shrinking into his pelt a little, "so I've agreed, but only if they help us with hunting and the patrols." Now that he was away from the attention of the crowd, his nerves began to calm, but that also meant he deflated massively: while he had stood tall in the presence of Hornet and Bee to convey an image of strength, he shriveled in front of Streamheart, his tail drooping and ears flattening against his head. "Was I wrong to let them stay..? I know we've had really bad experiences in the past with outsiders, and I don't want to do anything foolish."
Thrushfur glanced at Brighteyes, and watched her as she signed her question. 'He's saying that they can stay, and he's gonna assign them mentors so they can learn how to hunt and fight and everything. But if they don't want to stay then they can leave and he'll send a patrol out with them to take them to the border. Tallwhisker wants to show them around,' he explained, his own signing a little bit on the slow side as he wracked his brain for the right way to convey what he wanted to say. When he was satisfied, he padded closer to the cats who were apparently to be his new Clanmates, sliding up to Hornet's side where there was a gap large enough for him to stand. He was surprised to see that both of these cats were actually far shorter than he had expected, as he towered way over them. In comparison to his gangly limbs, though, they looked a lot sturdier. "So, how about me and Tallwhisker show you around? You guys can meet everyone else, if you'd like. We've got apprentices, kits, queens, elders, even a medicine cat," he offered, flashing the pair his signature lopsided grin.
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Post by 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗘〡𝑟𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 on Apr 6, 2019 10:28:38 GMT -5
Brighteyes raised her eyebrows. (cats don't have eyebrows but you know what I mean) 'Really! That's interesting,' she signed, following her brother. 'Do you think they'll get apprentice names?' Brighteyes licked her paw and flattened the fur on her head. She stared at the new "apprentices", her eyes wide and inquisitive. They were going, but they looked like they could make strong cats in time. ...In time, is the keyword. She thought to herself. I almost hope they do get real apprentice names... Hornetpaw and Beepaw are kind of cute.
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Post by Wolfspirit on Apr 6, 2019 11:21:57 GMT -5
Hornet wasn't exactly sure what all the title of 'apprentice' entailed, or what the ceremony Sunstar had mentioned was about, but giddiness was overtaking her as what was happening washed over her again. "Thank you, Sunstar," she managed, before turning as one of the cats -Thrushfur, she remembered- spoke up. "Yes! Yes, that'd be great!" She glanced up at the -good grief, very tall- cat excitedly. "I mean I don't know what a medicine cat is, but they sound interesting." She nudged Bee, "Right, Bee?" While waiting for her brother to respond, she noticed the cat they'd called Brighteyes was looking at them. Brightening, she waved her tail friendlily.
Bee had been thinking about Sunstar's common on 'When all of our cats have returned to camp', and marveling how there were apparently even more cats still out there, when he felt his sister's nudge. Quickly replaying the conversation, he nodded his head. "Yes, uh, we'd appreciate that," he replied awkwardly.
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Post by zero on Apr 6, 2019 12:23:56 GMT -5
Owlswoop tried to muffle his snort when Breezebounce struggled to lift the rabbit. It wasn't a giant, but paraphs large, rabbit but with the tom being so skinny, Owlswoop could see why Breezebounce had trouble for a second. He would offer to swap prey but he knew his friend could manage the load and didn't want to hurt anyone's pride. "We shouldn't discredit the apprentices...but, yeah, I don't see them being able to catch a fat enough rabbit or snatch a bird from the sky." Owlswoop said, his whiskers twitching as he imagined a tiny apprentice trying to carry a fat rabbit back. The tom found his bird and uncovered it when they came closer to camp. "But we can teach them." He said, now more excited as they neared camp and their end goal. "You should give the rabbit to Rosebloom. Those tom-kits of hers are ravenous and would probably eat a rabbit by themselves by now. I'll give the bird to Redwing." Owlswoop planned as they padded into camp.
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Spottedkit hummed when she thought. Her muzzle wrinkled as she searched her mind. She really wanted to pick this story before Scorchkit could. Thankfully, a thought came to her as the older cats spoke. She looked up at the elder. "Have their been any strange cats in camp before?" She asked.
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smokey
we out here
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Post by smokey on Apr 6, 2019 12:59:39 GMT -5
Streamheart nodded along as her leader spoke, her gaze gentle. Once he'd finished, she pressed against him in a comforting gesture. "Sunstar, you did the right thing," she mewed softly. "If they go off on their own without training, who knows what'll happen to them?" She gently ran her tail along the leader's flank. "If we turned away every cat that came to us, we'd be no better than a band of rogues."
Tallwhisker's tail waved as she tried to vaguely motion towards dens, nudging Hornet and Bee in the directions she indicated. "That's the warriors den, where the older cats who've finished their training sleep! And that's the apprentice's den, where you two will be staying. And--" She rambled unintelligably, then looked back towards the two excitedly. "Got it?"
"Hm..." Swiftstrike narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, his tail rustling the dirt behind him as it swished back and forth. "None of significance. Not in my lifetime, at least. We've had the occasional aggressive rogue, but none of them stood a chance against me!"
Winterpaw perked up at the sound of paw steps. He looked towards the den entrance and noticed Plumpaw approaching. As she walked in, he looked her over, noticing that there was nothing visibly wrong with her other than a bit of ruffled fur. "Hello, Plumpaw," he greeted her with a nod. "What brings you here?"
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Post by zero on Apr 6, 2019 13:12:07 GMT -5
"Woah." Spottedkit whispered, suddenly very interested in these new cats. If a cat like Swiftstrike didn't know about them, then they must be special. There was also a part of her which was very glad for the elder's protection. He must have been one of the best warriors in the clan. Spottedkit was sure of this. "What else have you battled?" She asked in a hushed tone.
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