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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 22:36:08 GMT -5
Hiddendream frowned slightly before letting out a sigh, "Well...I mean I guess," she shook her head a bit. Her tail tip twitched looking from him towards Songbreeze, "I worry about what she will think....she just lost her kits...what if she gets upset?" she couldn't bring herself to speak of this news. Maybe she could keep silent until a bit further in her pregnancy before speaking about it, maybe the clan will be a bit better off by that time.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 22:40:04 GMT -5
Eaglesight followed her gaze to Songbreeze and he flicked his ear. He had no way of knowing how Songbreeze would react. He expected that their little sister would be happy for Hiddendream especially after Hiddendream lost her mate, but with how every mention of kin was bringing tears to Songbreeze's eyes, he couldn't be sure. "If you want to keep it hidden for a while, then that's your choice. I won't tell anyone either." Eaglesight looked back at Hiddendream. "Maybe Lionscorch can help Songbreeze calm down and grow past the pain, I'll try to help her too, and you as well, Hiddendream. I don't want you to overexert yourself."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 20, 2020 22:42:30 GMT -5
“And why do you say that?” Stonesong said a bit defensively. “You’re brave and strong and handsome.” She spoke. “The way you care about your clan is unlike anyone else.
Kestrelgaze steppes into the nursery to check on his mate. He purred softly, seeing her and stepping forward. “Hello my love.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 22:47:45 GMT -5
Ashrock almost laughed in her face. "Brave in the way that I use dastardly tactics to steal leadership from my own brother? Strong in how I almost got Coalpaw killed for not passing on that strength. And handsome?" Ashrock scoffed. "Please. I'm the only one of my kin that does not look similar to the others. Ask anyone, Stonesong, and they'll tell you I don't care about this Clan. I only care about myself. Can't you see that?"
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 22:51:30 GMT -5
"I just...I worry," Hiddendream sighed softly shaking her head frowning, "But...I guess....others would start getting suspicious of me when I am not doing much," she looked at him though there was a soft smile, "Thank you Eaglesight," she purred. Her tail swished, "Would you....come with me to start telling others. Im sure once the nursery is finished....that is where I am going," she spoke.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 22:53:26 GMT -5
Eaglesight nodded back to her, a supportive smile on his face. "Of course I'll go with you, Hiddendream. You don't need to do anything alone."
(And Eaglesight starts sliding into the role of fatherly uncle xD)
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 22:55:34 GMT -5
Jaysong lifted her head smiling slightly trying to purr though it was rough she nuzzled against him. Her smile faded as she grimaced her tail tip twitched feeling a bit of pain laying her tail across her belly. The she-cat frowned unsure what was going on she had been feeling pain for a little while now but it was only getting worse.
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 22:57:53 GMT -5
"Thank you," Hiddendream smiled nuzzling him slightly, "I don't think I would be able to do this without you," she tried her best to relax. Though she still had a look of worry on her face, how would the clan really react to this news?
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 22:58:32 GMT -5
Eaglesight chuckled. "I think you're stronger than you think, Hiddendream."
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 23:06:36 GMT -5
"Yeah...right....," Hiddendream shook her head, "You have been so strong through all of this Eaglesight….you are stronger then all of us combined....how do you do it?" she asked him.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:12:08 GMT -5
Eaglesight tilted his ears back at the question, not exactly ready for it. "I...I guess...I guess its just easy for me. I always looked after you, Songbreeze, and Smokestorm. Your guys' well being is more important than mine." He smiled softly at her. "So, its easy to be strong for you guys when you guys are what I value most. You guys, mother and father. I don't think life is self-centered--father's stories have taught us that much. So, I put others over myself."
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 23:16:37 GMT -5
"You are important too though," Hiddendream frowned slightly moving to stand beside him nudging him softly, "Though I am glad you are and have always been there for us. You really are such a good brother to us," she told him smiling.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:22:30 GMT -5
Eaglesight chuckled. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Hiddendream. I try to be the best brother I can be."
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Post by Jewelspirit on Sept 20, 2020 23:37:36 GMT -5
"You have always been an amazing brother," Hiddendream nodded her head smiling softly, "And you will be an amazing uncle," she purred flicking her ears. She was rather interested to see how her family would react to the kits she would have.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:38:26 GMT -5
Cliffheart stood outside Cedarstar's den for many long and pounding minutes. He couldn't get himself to believe what his kits had told him. Owlshadow couldn't be dead. She couldn't be. This was just some cruel trick his kits were playing. Yet, he knew they would never lie about something like this. He knew they would never want to hurt him. Not after all they had been through together. Owlshadow's death is my fault, he told himself. If he had stayed with her. If he had been there for her. Yet, Cliffheart had chosen to escort the queens and kits out of the camp while his mate went to check on the apprentices. They had split up and that was their mistake. His mistake. I didn't even get to say goodbye...
Cliffheart didn't register that Cedarstar called for him to enter until the Clan leader called again. Cliffheart licked his chest a couple times to gather himself before slipping into the den. His ears fell back at the state of his former apprentice. Cedarstar was till heavy with his burns, his skin crisp and charred, and herbs and poultices were plastered all over his pelt. "Cliffheart." Relief blinked in Cedarstar's green gaze. "I'm glad to see you've return alright. Is Cardinalblaze--?" When Cliffheart nodded, Cedarstar sighed in relieft. "You're both alright. That's good. What about SkyClan? Were you able to make it to them in time?"
Cliffheart slowly sat down and flicked his tail around his paws. He had thought about what he was going to tell Cedarstar on the journey back from SkyClan, but after what his kits had told him, he couldn't remember what he was going to say. "We reached SkyClan before the fire." Cliffheart really had to focus to think of what happened after he left Fourtrees. He swallowed tightly. Had Owlshadow been fighting for her life in the flames of the apprentice den while he was running to SkyClan? Oh StarClan, he hoped that wasn't the case. If he had been running to his old Clan while his mate had been... Cliffheart shook his head to banish the thoughts. He was supposed to be reporting to Cedarstar. "We were able to warn them and they climbed the cliff of their camp to safety. There were a couple of their warriors who didn't make it though, those out on patrol and those unable to climb the cliff." Cliffheart flattened his ears at the thought of three SkyClan warriors who didn't make it, but at least SkyClan only lost three. "The fire died down quickly on their rocky territory. They've already returned to their camp." He couldn't stop his thoughts from lingering to his conversation with Spiritstar. The promise he asked of his sister. I asked her to tell our parents I loved them, to tell Eaglecry I was sorry, because I'll never see them again. Cliffheart turned his gaze downward. I wonder if she'll tell Owlshadow how much I love her for me? If she'll tell her how sorry I am...
"Cliffheart?"
Cliffheart blinked at the sound of his name. He looked up to find Cedarstar squinting back at him in light confusion. However, that confusion slowly faded away to solemn understanding and the young leader's hesitance was betrayed in the rapid flick of his ear. "You heard the news about Owlshadow, didn't you?"
Cliffheart swallowed tightly and couldn't meet Cedarstar's gaze. He didn't trust his voice not to crack so he only nodded.
"Cliffheart, I'm so sorry." Cedarstar's ears fell back in guilt. He started to get up and pain winced on his face at the crinkling of his crusty skin.
"Cedarstar, you shouldn't be moving." Cliffheart stood up to stop the young leader, but Cedarstar motioned him off with a flick of his tail.
Cedarstar slowly shook his head. "I'm so sorry, Cliffheart."
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Cliffheart flattened his ears when Cedarstar rose to a sitting position. The simple movement left Cedarstar exhausted and his green eyes were dappled with pain. Even as an apprentice Cedarstar was always so stubborn. "Owlshadow's death isn't your fault."
"But it is." Cedarstar looked him in the eye and Cliffheart swore he never saw him look so miserable. He had grown close with Cedarstar during the moons he had spent training him. Cliffheart had held nothing back about his past to the younger tom so that Cedarstar might learn from his mistakes and in return, Cedarstar was vulnerable to him in return--because it wasn't like Cedarstar could be vulnerable to his own kin. Cedarstar rose to a stand, pain scrunching his face. "It is my fault. I didn't save her. The den collapsed on top of her and I couldn't get her out." Cedarstar looked away from Cliffheart. "I know that means you'll never see her again and I'm so sorry I failed you, Cliffheart."
The den may as well have dropped below zero. Cliffheart could only stare at his former apprentice. Cedarstar had been the one to lose Owlshadow? Cedarstar had been the one to be there when his beloved mate died? If the den collapsed on her, it had to have been a fiery and painful death. The thought twisted Cliffheart's racing heart. His former apprentice tried and failed to save his mate. No, Cliffheart swallowed tightly and steeled himself. Its not Cedarstar's fault. It's mine. "You did all you could, Cedarstar." He looked back at his former apprentice. Cedarstar looked so miserable. Already, Cliffheart knew the leader doubted himself. He blamed himself for the fire and the deaths of his clanmates, and even though he took those awful burns trying to save everyone, he still felt he didn't measure up. "Owlshadow's death isn't your fault. StarClan took her from me so cruelly. Do not blame yourself." Cliffheart slowly shook his head. He flattened his ears and deflated, his gaze pointed downward. "I never got to tell her goodbye..."
"It's not fair." Cedarstar sighed heavily, watching Cliffheart. "Why can't StarClan forgive you?"
"Because my crimes are unforgivable, Cedarstar." Cliffheart shook his head again and looked at his former apprentice. "Nothing can change that. There is nothing I can do to earn a place amongst the stars, you know this."
Cedarstar pinned his ears back in disapproval, but had the sense not to argue. "I'll tell her for you," he said suddenly. "When I walk with StarClan, I'll tell Owlshadow how much you loved her. Though Cliffheart," he smiled softly. "I think she already knows."
Cliffheart flicked his tail and only nodded. As relieving as it was to hear that his leader would speak to StarClan for him, he still felt hollow. Owlshadow was his rock. How was he supposed to continue on without her? How was he supposed to avoid the temptations and the whispers of the Dark Forest without her? He wasn't strong enough to stand in the light on his own. Not when the light turned its back on him. "Thank you, Cedarstar." Cliffheart took a deep breath. "It's been a long trip back from SkyClan. I could some rest."
"Take all the time you need." Cedarstar stepped forward to touch noses with his former mentor. "I'm glad to hear you were able to help SkyClan. Hopefully, Spiritstar will realize she's in our debt and leave us to recover from the fire alone. Swiftstar's already been by, I don't want Spiritstar showing up as well." When Cliffheart gave him a puzzled look, Cedarstar flicked his ear. "You'll have to ask the Clan about it." Cedarstar winced when he lowered himself back to a sitting position. "If Snowdance finds out I'm moving too much, I'll get an earful out of her...again."
"I'll leave you to rest, Cedarstar." Cliffheart nodded in understanding and once again looked over Cedarstar's burns. "StarClan willing, you'll be back on your paws in no time. Just please," he sighed softly. "Don't blame yourself for Owlshadow's death. I...I suppose StarClan just decided it was her time...
"A cruel time." Cedarstar nodded slowly and eased himself back down in his nest. He looked at Cliffheart. "If you need anything--"
"I'll be fine." Cliffheart nodded back to the leader, his tone was reassuring, but inside he still felt hollow. Cedarstar didn't need to worry about him right now. Oh, Owlshadow...Cliffheart turned to leave the den, sorrow piercing his heart right through. What am I going to do without you?
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Post by Frozen on Sept 20, 2020 23:41:05 GMT -5
(Gah, wish I could remember. I'll have to check the discussion page...) "Er... not exactly," Cinderspeck responded sheepishly. "I haven't even started. Some cats just know where to go, I guess." (Let me know what you find out. I can check my Clan Family Tree. Cinder might be on it.) "I know what you mean." Tumblefoot nodded in agreement. "I just go out hunting to feel like I'm doing something. It's all the older warriors who know how to rebuild the dens." He paused in contemplation, then a thought perked up his ears. "Wait, I have an idea! When I was an apprentice, Closesky would gather the apprentices together for a training session just to brighten the mood. I bet the apprentices would appreciate it if we took them out on a training session. It would be a good distraction for them. Everyone's been working hard in rebuilding the camp, they might appreciate a break." (Yeah, it was Hazel) Cinderspeck listened to the young warrior's idea, nodding. It could be a good idea to keep up with their training. "That sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure how useful I'll be. I don't have any mentoring experience." he admitted.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:42:30 GMT -5
Tumblefoot blinked at him in surprise. "You don't? Well...I don't either..." He looked around the camp. "Maybe there's someone who does who can help us?"
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:43:00 GMT -5
"You have always been an amazing brother," Hiddendream nodded her head smiling softly, "And you will be an amazing uncle," she purred flicking her ears. She was rather interested to see how her family would react to the kits she would have. Eaglesight chuckled. "Hey, if you need me to be there for your kits, then I definitely will. Anytime you need a break from them or something for them, I'll be there if you need me."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 20, 2020 23:44:52 GMT -5
(I gotta go for the night, I'll probably be on tomorrow. Night guys!)
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 9:55:15 GMT -5
Kestrelgaze noticed the discomfort in her face. “Are you ok?” He asked with concern in his voice. “So I need to go get Snowdance?”
Stonesong looked at him. “No your methods aren’t the best thing but that doesn’t mean you don’t care. You did those things because you want Shadowclan to be strong and safe.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 21, 2020 9:59:48 GMT -5
Ashrock snorted. "Try telling the others that." He shifted to grab another bramble to weave into the den, but lightly winced when his paws hit the ground. he lifted one pad to lick it real quick, the skin upon it was raw and worn away from his previous burns and constant working. There was even pus and fluids leaking from it, but Ashrock just licked it up real quick and went back to work.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 10:01:55 GMT -5
“You should get your paws treated.” Stonesong said flatly, turning her head back to the work. “You’re going to be no good to anyone if you can’t walk.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 21, 2020 10:05:40 GMT -5
"And let the Clan think I'm no good and lazy?" Ashrock snorted. "Face it, Stonesong. If I help the clan, I'm accused of trying to take Cedarstar's place, but I don't do anything, I'm accused of not caring. Just ask Pinefeather. She had plenty to say about me at fourtrees. Besides, I think Cedarstar needs the herbs more than I do."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 10:09:39 GMT -5
“Don’t listen to Pinefeather.” Stonesong snorted. “She’s old and doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” She looked at him. “When will it get through your stubborn head that it’s ok to ask for help and get treated? No one is going to get upset if you do.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 21, 2020 10:15:33 GMT -5
"And no one is going to get upset if I don't either, so why risk it?" Ashrock hauled another bramble into place, one end of it being long enough that Stonesong would have to help him. "Besides, I can treat myself." He snorted. "I learned enough of it when confined to that blasted medicine den."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 10:17:05 GMT -5
Stonesong moves to help him, starting to weave the bramble into place with precision and ease. “Then treat yourself oh great one.” She glanced around him sharply. “Because you’re no use if you can’t walk.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 21, 2020 10:18:12 GMT -5
"I'm fine, Stonesong." Ashrock frowned at her. "If you would get your head out of the clouds and think straight about your feelings, you'd see that."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 10:19:40 GMT -5
“Well if you got your head out of the sand you’d see that you’re not ok and I’m just trying to help.” Stonesong looked at him, tail flicking back and forth.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 21, 2020 10:22:07 GMT -5
"I don't need anybody's help! I can handle things just fine on my own!" Ashrock snapped back at her, his own tail flicking sharply.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 21, 2020 10:24:46 GMT -5
“Why?” Stonesong looked at him. “Why do you have to put up these walls and act like you don’t need anyone.” She countered. “Why can’t you understand I want to help you and be there for you.”
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