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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 1, 2024 22:09:05 GMT -5
Snowdance visibly relaxed at Spiderbite’s promise and pushed the herbs closer to Cliffheart, “And I trust you to keep your word, Spiderbite. You’re a talented medicine cat, so I’m sure that you understand my worry about sending one of my clanmates out like this when he’s still recovering. You’ll reach Lavendersky in time, that I am sure of.” She said, sitting down and wrapping her tail around her paws before turning her attention back to Cliffheart, “Go ahead and eat those herbs, then try and get yourself up. And don’t move too quickly, or you’ll end up straining yourself.” Spiderbite puffed his chest out at Snowdance's praise. He wouldn't let her down, he silently swore it. When he turned to Cliffheart, he frowned at the way the warrior looked at Snowdance's herbs in disgust. "Hey, those are good-quality herbs. You have to eat every bite, don't be wasteful." Cliffheart mildly glared at Spiderbite, but he muttered, "thank you," to Snowdance and began lapping up the herbs. Having not eaten since before he was attacked, their bitter taste didn't bother him much. He was just grateful for something in his stomach. Cedarstar flicked his ear twice as he watched Cliffheart lap up the herbs. He pressed his nose to Starrylight as an affectionate way to show he was departing the den. With a glance at his kits, he slipped out. Cedarstar was feeling the exhaustion of the past couple days when he slipped out of the den. He started to turn toward Clan Rock, wondering how many times he had jumped up on it lately, when he spotted Cardinalblaze's patrol in the middle of the camp. Horror dropped his jaw when he saw the gray body of Stormfury laying like a clump of matted fur by the patrol. Cedarstar rushed over. Smokestorm blinked at his mate. "Wait...what?" He looked at her and at the nursery, at the kits. "Like Softmist? Are you saying...?" he trailed off with his ears falling back. Songbreeze had her doubts. These days, it didn't seem like any cat showed up with good reason. Even Lightningstar had the warning that the dark forest was coming back. "I hope it isn't bad," she muttered softly. Littlemoon opened her mouth to reply when she spotted Cedarstar rushing over. Her ears flattened and she nodded to Cardinalblaze and departed quickly. Cedarstar didn't take notice of Littlemoon's quick exit. He stared at Stormfury's body as he slowed upon reaching the patrol. He hadn't wanted it to be true. Not Stormfury. StarClan...not Stormfury. Cedarstar's ears fell back. After everything he and Stormfury went through, he couldn't believe it ended like this. Snakesong looked at Smokestorm for a long moment, her eyes betraying her gentle resolve. She mewed lightly. “I spent every moment of my kithood waiting to be scorned, or hurt. Brittlefoot and I spent so long wondering what we did so wrong that our own mother could look at us with such… disgust. She never protected us. Nobody did.” Her paws curled in slowly, claws extending before she tucked them away as quickly as they came out. She looked at their kits with a raw adoration. “I look at our kits, Smokestorm. All I can think about is how any cat could see such tiny, fragile, wonderful things, and want to… to tear them apart. Softmist was the only cat that I felt I could even somewhat call a mother. She looked at every kit as her own, and I… I can’t help but do the same. I want to do the same, more than anything I’ve ever felt before.” Brittlefoot hadn’t heard his sister’s quiet admission, though he did focus on Songbreeze in front of him. “I wanted to ask you, for a long time now. After all you went through, Songbreeze. Did you find a way to regain faith in Starclan?” He asked, his expression unreadable. Cardinalblaze watched Littlemoon go with an almost wistful gaze, though he quickly focused his attention on Cedarstar. The deputy, looking half-drowned and frazzled, could only offer the leader his report. “We found him, deep in the territory. The flood likely deposited him there. I only wish he had been alive, but… but he had been gone for hours by that point.” His ears fell, grief present as he shook his head. “I know how much he meant to you. I’m so sorry, Cedarstar.” |
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 11:28:02 GMT -5
((just resetting my characters don't mind me))
Featherkit was tucked deep among the moss of the nest she and her littermates shared with their mother in the nursery, an unmoving ball of pale gray fur. She listened as the older cats talked, and as Brittlefoot plainly said what had happened to Stormfury. It was true - their father was gone, off in the stars. The quiet kit remained still, hoping no cat noticed her.
Oakfall sat close to the thorny wall of the camp. Most of the larger holes were patched up, but overall the protective barrier was still ragged. He lapped at a stubborn thorn that was embedded in his paw pad. He would get it out on his own; StarClan knew how often his big paws would trod on one when he wasn't looking. He pointedly avoided looking at the vigil.
Fuzzypaw hunched miserably near the ClanRock, her fur damp and paws muddy. She'd helped with some rebuilding, and had been on her way to see if Snowdance needed any help when Spiderbite had come charging into the camp. Now, she watched Cedarstar emerge to speak with Cardinalblaze and his patrol near where Stormfury's body lay with sad eyes.
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 13:49:12 GMT -5
((just resetting my characters don't mind me)) Featherkit was tucked deep among the moss of the nest she and her littermates shared with their mother in the nursery, an unmoving ball of pale gray fur. She listened as the older cats talked, and as Brittlefoot plainly said what had happened to Stormfury. It was true - their father was gone, off in the stars. The quiet kit remained still, hoping no cat noticed her. Oakfall sat close to the thorny wall of the camp. Most of the larger holes were patched up, but overall the protective barrier was still ragged. He lapped at a stubborn thorn that was embedded in his paw pad. He would get it out on his own; StarClan knew how often his big paws would trod on one when he wasn't looking. He pointedly avoided looking at the vigil. Fuzzypaw hunched miserably near the ClanRock, her fur damp and paws muddy. She'd helped with some rebuilding, and had been on her way to see if Snowdance needed any help when Spiderbite had come charging into the camp. Now, she watched Cedarstar emerge to speak with Cardinalblaze and his patrol near where Stormfury's body lay with sad eyes. "I never much like these vigils either." Lynxdapple mused quietly as he padded up to his son's side. Oakfall was larger than his father, so it made an odd picture of the tiny tom consoling his larger son. Even so, Lynxdapple didn't seem to care much about that. Rather, he lifted his paw the second he noticed Oakfall trying to lick at it. "Ahht. Let me see. Hold it still." He ordered, humored yet saddened at the same time. "How many thorns have I had to pull out of this pad for you, kitto?" "It's all so..." Lightpaw trailed off as she siddled up to Fuzzypaw's side. Seeing as Brittlefoot had taken Longpaw away for camp stuff, she desperately wanted someone to talk to. "...sad. You look really sad." She blinked over at where Cedarstar had rushed over to Cardinalblaze. "Oh no... he was in his den, wasn't he? He doesn't even know that Stormfury's gone." |
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Post by Willow on Nov 2, 2024 17:03:07 GMT -5
Hazelblaze flicked her tail, looking a bit nervous. "I mean, they did take over the forest once already. I know Starclan won out in the end, but it was a long fight before then. With everything bad that's been going on, I wouldn't be shocked if some cat's faith was starting to be shaken. Especially with Opalmist being banished."
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Post by Willow on Nov 2, 2024 17:17:50 GMT -5
Frigidshard tapped his tail anxiously on the ground as he waited outside the medicine cat den. He had relaxed slightly as Cedarstar exited, hoping Spiderbite wasn't too far behind. He had to get out of this camp, there was far too much mourning.
Starrylight curled around Palepaw, carefully grooming his fur around his injuries as Cedarstar left the den.
Duskpaw scooted closer to her mother's side as her father exited the medicine cat den. Her eyes still trained on Cliffheart as he ate the herbs. She felt a pang of pity for her mentor; he had just awoken, and now he was going to say goodbye to his sister. She turned to touch her nose gently to Palepaw's shoulder, hoping she wouldn't have to do the same.
Cherryvine looked at Cedarstar as he approached. Fury shone in her eyes as she met his gaze, though she stayed silent.
Mistkit was watching from the nursery entrance, hesitant to join the vigil.
Hailkit tucked close to Featherkit, touching his nose to his sister's ear. "It's gonna be okay." he murmured softly to reassure himself just as much as his sister.
Bumbleskip hovered behind Cherryvine, looking lost; he knew the pain his daughter was facing. He had just only pulled himself out of it. How was he supposed to comfort her now?
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 17:19:36 GMT -5
“I still can’t believe that happened. We really needed both our Medicine Cats.” Burninghope mumbled, sighing deeply afterwards. “How can we possibly hold up so much faith when it seems like there’s none to go around?” She shook her head sharply and stubbornly.
“No. I can’t let myself fall for that helplessness. It’s exactly what the Dark Forest would want, right?”
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💜Hollyleaf💜
my user image is not made by me, it is a google image, so i do not get credit
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Post by 💜Hollyleaf💜 on Nov 2, 2024 18:11:42 GMT -5
Vipertooth shook her head, eyeing a particularly muddy hole by her paws and making sure she didn’t accidentally step into it, before going to respond. Her clanmates were right in their concerns and she felt the same. They weren’t in any shape to take on any more troubles caused by anyone - StarClan or the Dark Forest.
“The best thing we can do is keep faith in StarClan and hope they keep faith in us.” She said.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 18:24:11 GMT -5
Cedarstar drooped the longer he stared at Stormfury's body. When Cardinalblaze spoke, he didn't meet his deputy's gaze. It was Whorlpaw's quiet whimper that finally pulled his gaze from the deceased warrior. The look on his daughter's face broke Cedarstar's heart. He reached out to her, but only took one step forward when Whorlpaw suddenly darted to him. She pressed into his side, her warm sniffles huffing into his pelt. Cedarstar wrapped his tail around her and pressed his nose once to her forehead. She didn't say anything and he offered no words. After fearing Cliffheart would pass, he knew there was nothing he could say to comfort Whorlpaw.
He didn't move so his daughter could stay against him, but Cedarstar did look back at the patrol. Tension squinted his eyes when he met Cherryvine's eyes of fury. He doubted he could say anything to comfort her either, but he had to try. "I was wrong about him," Cedarstar admitted calmly. "When he first arrived at the Clan, I tried everything to prove he didn't belong here, but he passed every trial I threw at him. I was wrong, Cherryvine, and I was wrong to warn you about him. After everything, I...I started to think Stormfury and I could be..." he lowered his gaze and a sigh as heavy as the pines slipped from his lips. "I thought we could be friends. He didn't deserve this."
Smokestorm's mouth hung open. She was saying what he feared she was saying, he couldn't believe it. "But that...that would mean." He took a step away from her and his gaze darted to the kits and back to her. "Snakesong, you...you can't."
Songbreeze looked away from Brittlefoot as his question had struck a nerve. She felt it wasn't the tom's business where her faith stood, but the more she thought about it, she realized the entire Clan probably had that question. She had walked the Dark Forest, after all. "I believe my mother is there and my sister..." her voice cracked, "...and my kits. I believe my father when he says their path is what we should follow. I want nothing more to be reunited with those I've lost." Her ears tilted back as a twinge of bitterness crept in her voice. "But my father follows them faithfully and he guides other cats to them and yet...he won't be welcome there when he dies."
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 18:57:47 GMT -5
((just resetting my characters don't mind me)) Featherkit was tucked deep among the moss of the nest she and her littermates shared with their mother in the nursery, an unmoving ball of pale gray fur. She listened as the older cats talked, and as Brittlefoot plainly said what had happened to Stormfury. It was true - their father was gone, off in the stars. The quiet kit remained still, hoping no cat noticed her. Oakfall sat close to the thorny wall of the camp. Most of the larger holes were patched up, but overall the protective barrier was still ragged. He lapped at a stubborn thorn that was embedded in his paw pad. He would get it out on his own; StarClan knew how often his big paws would trod on one when he wasn't looking. He pointedly avoided looking at the vigil. Fuzzypaw hunched miserably near the ClanRock, her fur damp and paws muddy. She'd helped with some rebuilding, and had been on her way to see if Snowdance needed any help when Spiderbite had come charging into the camp. Now, she watched Cedarstar emerge to speak with Cardinalblaze and his patrol near where Stormfury's body lay with sad eyes. "I never much like these vigils either." Lynxdapple mused quietly as he padded up to his son's side. Oakfall was larger than his father, so it made an odd picture of the tiny tom consoling his larger son. Even so, Lynxdapple didn't seem to care much about that. Rather, he lifted his paw the second he noticed Oakfall trying to lick at it. "Ahht. Let me see. Hold it still." He ordered, humored yet saddened at the same time. "How many thorns have I had to pull out of this pad for you, kitto?" "It's all so..." Lightpaw trailed off as she siddled up to Fuzzypaw's side. Seeing as Brittlefoot had taken Longpaw away for camp stuff, she desperately wanted someone to talk to. "...sad. You look really sad." She blinked over at where Cedarstar had rushed over to Cardinalblaze. "Oh no... he was in his den, wasn't he? He doesn't even know that Stormfury's gone." Oakfall obediently held his paw out for his father's inspection, warmed by his affections. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, though more subdued due to circumstance. "Probably more than in this whole forest," he said. He didn't even wince as the thorn was pulled free. "You're sure you weren't supposed to be a healer, pops?" Fuzzypaw sighed, her ears laid against her head and her tail curled tightly against her side. "Well, it is sad, isn't it?" she said. She followed Lightpaw's gaze, feeling like a cold stone was in her belly and weighing her down. "He definitely knows now..." |
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 19:00:59 GMT -5
Hailkit tucked close to Featherkit, touching his nose to his sister's ear. "It's gonna be okay." he murmured softly to reassure himself just as much as his sister. Featherkit whimpered quietly, but was glad for the warmth and comfort her brother provided. After a few more moments, she whispered back, still not wanting the queens or warriors in the nursery to notice them. She didn't want them to look at them with those sad, sad eyes. "...But what about mama?" |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 19:04:40 GMT -5
Cardinalblaze did his best to hide the heartbreak etched into his heart at the sight of Whorlpaw running to her father’s embrace. He looked at his leader with heavy eyes, though he felt he needed to make sure that Stormfury’s death wasn’t in vain. Littlemoon’s words had soothed him, more than he expected.
“Because of Stormfury, Raccoonmask is alive. He’s the reason my sister has a chance to recover. I won’t ever forget that. He was a true Warrior of Shadowclan. I believe he always has been, even before he joined us.” The deputy admitted, before he bowed his head once.
Snakesong seemed crestfallen by Smokestorm’s response, but her shaky voice remained true as she mewed. “Smokestorm… I’ve never been worth much as a Warrior. I can fight well because my mentor was… she forced me to fight. But I’ve always been too afraid to claw, to run into battle. I…” She sighed, eyes falling down. “I love you so much. But I love Shadowclan too, and this is where Shadowclan needs me. It doesn’t mean we can’t share nests. Starclan, I’ll share any nest with you anywhere.” She pleaded.
Brittlefoot listened to Songbreeze silently, taking in her words. He admired her ability to still have faith in Starclan, even after all she had gone through. He looked at her for a long moment before he shook his head tightly. “If your father can’t be accepted by Starclan after all he’s done for Shadowclan, then can any of us?” He glanced away, not sure if he should admit he had no beliefs. No Starclan, no Dark Forest, he wanted neither. He shook his head. “If anyone encompasses the meaning of faith, it’s cats like you, and him. So, that has to matter.” He assured.
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Post by Icefire15 on Nov 2, 2024 19:12:16 GMT -5
Snowdance turned to check on Palepaw once she was sure that Cliffheart had eaten the herbs, mewing some last instructions to him, “Try and eat something small before you leave, Cliffheart.” She said over her shoulder. Snowdance dipped her head respectfully to Starrylight before she bent down to check over Palepaw’s injuries again, wanting to make sure that she hadn’t missed anything.
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 19:12:17 GMT -5
"I never much like these vigils either." Lynxdapple mused quietly as he padded up to his son's side. Oakfall was larger than his father, so it made an odd picture of the tiny tom consoling his larger son. Even so, Lynxdapple didn't seem to care much about that. Rather, he lifted his paw the second he noticed Oakfall trying to lick at it. "Ahht. Let me see. Hold it still." He ordered, humored yet saddened at the same time. "How many thorns have I had to pull out of this pad for you, kitto?" "It's all so..." Lightpaw trailed off as she siddled up to Fuzzypaw's side. Seeing as Brittlefoot had taken Longpaw away for camp stuff, she desperately wanted someone to talk to. "...sad. You look really sad." She blinked over at where Cedarstar had rushed over to Cardinalblaze. "Oh no... he was in his den, wasn't he? He doesn't even know that Stormfury's gone." Oakfall obediently held his paw out for his father's inspection, warmed by his affections. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, though more subdued due to circumstance. "Probably more than in this whole forest," he said. He didn't even wince as the thorn was pulled free. "You're sure you weren't supposed to be a healer, pops?" Fuzzypaw sighed, her ears laid against her head and her tail curled tightly against her side. "Well, it is sad, isn't it?" she said. She followed Lightpaw's gaze, feeling like a cold stone was in her belly and weighing her down. "He definitely knows now..." Lynxdapple managed a small chuckle, eyes twinkling with mirth as he admitted. “I used to be the cat that would pull Snowdance’s tail for fun. I was in the medicine den for so many bumps and thorns that she would threaten to glue me to the nest with tree sap.” He remembered his apprenticeship with both grief and fondness. Adderclan had been dreadful, but the moons after had been so full of adventure with Goldberry, Spiderfang, Pinefeather, Crowfur, Flintclaw… He missed Crowfur immensely as he continued. “You got this from me. Falling into thorn bushes. But, you also got in you a strong sense of passion, and selflessness. Care.” He looked knowingly at his son, voice soft as he asked. “You’re in love with him, yeah?” “Stormfury was the bravest cat I’ve ever known.” Lightpaw mewed suddenly. “My mentor’s alive because of him, and I love my mentor so, so much.” She admitted, looking over at the medicine den, before she tucked herself down at Fuzzypaw’s side. “I bet he’s a super bright star now. I bet we can see him right now.” |
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 19:13:50 GMT -5
"I..." Smokestorm pulled his ears back. He never wanted kits in the first place, but he wanted Snakesong to be happy. I didn't know it would end up like this. Misery tightened his face. The chance of Snakesong choosing to become a permanent queen never crossed his mind. "I can't stay in the nursery," he stated rather bluntly. If she chose this, she'd stay here and toms weren't exactly allowed.
Songbreeze still wouldn't look at Brittlefoot. She wanted his words to be comforting, but Cliffheart had died before and StarClan hadn't been there for him. She feared they wouldn't be there for her. "My father did terrible things when he walked the Dark Forest, Brittlefoot." Cliffheart made sure she and her siblings knew his story. Every evil detail to warn them how dangerous the Dark Forest was. She hated that she hadn't listened to him. "He cursed StarClan's very name, drew others to the dark forest as well, and...he killed cats." She finally lifted a sad gaze to Brittlefoot. "He said he was as bad as Robinstar once."
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 19:20:31 GMT -5
Spiderbite perked his ears forward at Snowdance's instruction to Cliffheart. He hadn't thought the tom might be hungry. How long was he out? Spiderbite shook the question away. "I'll wait for you outside," he nodded to Cliffheart and slipped out of the den. Once outside, he remembered he needed to thank Snowdance and he called a quick one through the den entrance.
Spiderbite's pelt crawled seeing the crowd around the dead cat in the camp. I guess ShadowClan is facing hard times as well, he cleared his throat and glanced at Frigidshard by the den entrance. "We're almost ready," he stated curtly. Spiderbite forced his fur to lay flat as he padded out into the ShadowClan camp. He found the measly pile that was their prey pile and a frown crossed his face at the frogs and lizards upon it. Reptiles. Gross. SkyClan had a place to hunt the squirmy little things, but he couldn't think of one cat that would eat one. Spiderbite pawed a couple lizards to the side. Cliffheart probably eats this stuff everyday. With a sigh, Spiderbite gingerly reached down to pick up a lizard, but he dropped it with a gag when the slimy taste graced his tongue.
Cliffheart nodded to Snowdance and took a moment to collect his strength after eating the herbs. He attempted to offer Duskpaw a smile. "I'll be right back," he mewed quietly. "And we'll continue your training." Cliffheart rose to shaky legs, but he felt better after a stiff stretch.
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 19:30:31 GMT -5
Oakfall obediently held his paw out for his father's inspection, warmed by his affections. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, though more subdued due to circumstance. "Probably more than in this whole forest," he said. He didn't even wince as the thorn was pulled free. "You're sure you weren't supposed to be a healer, pops?" Fuzzypaw sighed, her ears laid against her head and her tail curled tightly against her side. "Well, it is sad, isn't it?" she said. She followed Lightpaw's gaze, feeling like a cold stone was in her belly and weighing her down. "He definitely knows now..." Lynxdapple managed a small chuckle, eyes twinkling with mirth as he admitted. “I used to be the cat that would pull Snowdance’s tail for fun. I was in the medicine den for so many bumps and thorns that she would threaten to glue me to the nest with tree sap.” He remembered his apprenticeship with both grief and fondness. Adderclan had been dreadful, but the moons after had been so full of adventure with Goldberry, Spiderfang, Pinefeather, Crowfur, Flintclaw… He missed Crowfur immensely as he continued. “You got this from me. Falling into thorn bushes. But, you also got in you a strong sense of passion, and selflessness. Care.” He looked knowingly at his son, voice soft as he asked. “You’re in love with him, yeah?” “Stormfury was the bravest cat I’ve ever known.” Lightpaw mewed suddenly. “My mentor’s alive because of him, and I love my mentor so, so much.” She admitted, looking over at the medicine den, before she tucked herself down at Fuzzypaw’s side. “I bet he’s a super bright star now. I bet we can see him right now.” Oakfall chuckled as Lynxdapple recalled how he was when he was young. At his next statement, Oakfall expected to feel the heat of embarrassment under his pelt, but felt only a comforting, warm feeling in his chest. Golden eyes softening, he smiled gently. "Yeah," he said. He didn't even need to ask - they both knew exactly the tom he'd fallen for. "Hopelessly, I fear." Fuzzypaw gave a small smile, glad for Lightpaw's presence. They weren't very familiar, but Fuzzypaw found she'd really like to be friends with the other she-cat. She leaned into her slightly to share warmth in the damp camp. "Yeah," she said. She raised her head, and to her surprise, there really was a star shining in the sky. It was faint, due to the sun still being out, but it was there. "Oh, Lightpaw! Look!" |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 19:43:36 GMT -5
"I..." Smokestorm pulled his ears back. He never wanted kits in the first place, but he wanted Snakesong to be happy. I didn't know it would end up like this. Misery tightened his face. The chance of Snakesong choosing to become a permanent queen never crossed his mind. "I can't stay in the nursery," he stated rather bluntly. If she chose this, she'd stay here and toms weren't exactly allowed. Songbreeze still wouldn't look at Brittlefoot. She wanted his words to be comforting, but Cliffheart had died before and StarClan hadn't been there for him. She feared they wouldn't be there for her. "My father did terrible things when he walked the Dark Forest, Brittlefoot." Cliffheart made sure she and her siblings knew his story. Every evil detail to warn them how dangerous the Dark Forest was. She hated that she hadn't listened to him. "He cursed StarClan's very name, drew others to the dark forest as well, and...he killed cats." She finally lifted a sad gaze to Brittlefoot. "He said he was as bad as Robinstar once." “I’m not a prisoner to this den, you know. I can still nap in camp with you. Our kits can join us. And if I need a break, I know I can trust the other Queens to give me one.” Snakesong reasoned with a gentle voice, saddened to see Smokestorm so saddened. She knew he wouldn’t be happy with this, but she knew she had to do what she felt was right. “I… I’ll understand if you don’t want anything to do with me, for this…” She whispered, trying not to cower from the thought of losing him. Brittlefoot was silent once more. He knew that Cliffheart’s past was a bloody one, that the family he hailed from was drenched in blood. The worst legacy in all the Clans. How could one escape from that? And yet… Brittlefoot remembered his own frail paws aching as he had pushed the Carrionpile apart. He remembered the shower of rats that rained upon Blackmist. He remembered how much hatred he felt for that monster of a cat. How much he relished hearing her screech in pain and fury in her last moments. Brittlefoot almost wanted to bitterly smile. If Cliffheart regretted his actions in the past, then he was already better than Brittlefoot. He didn’t regret a single moment. Brittlefoot offered Songbreeze a sympathetic look. “Do you feel like he regrets it, though? That he’s worked hard to make up for what he did? With a family like his, I’m sure he was pulled into a dark life at a very young age. Do you believe that cats can change? Things like that?” |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 19:47:48 GMT -5
Lynxdapple managed a small chuckle, eyes twinkling with mirth as he admitted. “I used to be the cat that would pull Snowdance’s tail for fun. I was in the medicine den for so many bumps and thorns that she would threaten to glue me to the nest with tree sap.” He remembered his apprenticeship with both grief and fondness. Adderclan had been dreadful, but the moons after had been so full of adventure with Goldberry, Spiderfang, Pinefeather, Crowfur, Flintclaw… He missed Crowfur immensely as he continued. “You got this from me. Falling into thorn bushes. But, you also got in you a strong sense of passion, and selflessness. Care.” He looked knowingly at his son, voice soft as he asked. “You’re in love with him, yeah?” “Stormfury was the bravest cat I’ve ever known.” Lightpaw mewed suddenly. “My mentor’s alive because of him, and I love my mentor so, so much.” She admitted, looking over at the medicine den, before she tucked herself down at Fuzzypaw’s side. “I bet he’s a super bright star now. I bet we can see him right now.” Oakfall chuckled as Lynxdapple recalled how he was when he was young. At his next statement, Oakfall expected to feel the heat of embarrassment under his pelt, but felt only a comforting, warm feeling in his chest. Golden eyes softening, he smiled gently. "Yeah," he said. He didn't even need to ask - they both knew exactly the tom he'd fallen for. "Hopelessly, I fear." Fuzzypaw gave a small smile, glad for Lightpaw's presence. They weren't very familiar, but Fuzzypaw found she'd really like to be friends with the other she-cat. She leaned into her slightly to share warmth in the damp camp. "Yeah," she said. She raised her head, and to her surprise, there really was a star shining in the sky. It was faint, due to the sun still being out, but it was there. "Oh, Lightpaw! Look!" “Ohh, you poor thing.” Lynxdapple sighed, full of immense understanding and a fatherly hint of pride. He nudged his son once. “When I was younger, I used to pray that Crowfur would notice all the signs I gave him. Handsome, that tom was! Oh, Starclan, and he didn’t even know it! Of course, it never became anything, and I fell deeply for your mother right after, but yet another thing you get from me? Falling hopelessly for a tom. The only difference being that you should totally do this better than I did.” He snickered. “See?!” Lightpaw gasped as she looked right at where Fuzzypaw was pointing. Leaffrost’s boundless energy shone through Lightpaw’s golden eyes, a giggle escaping her. “I told you! He’s right there, right up in the sky!” |
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 19:54:36 GMT -5
Smokestorm rocked on his paws. "No, I just..." He didn't want her to think like that. "I'll always love you, I just..." He couldn't take it anymore. The den felt too crowded. There were too many little kittens around. Smokestorm fled the den.
Songbreeze gave a small tilt of her head at Brittlefoot's questions. Her eyes watched Smokestorm leave abruptly. She didn't think much of it considering it seemed like it happened a lot these days. "I believe he regrets it. I used to hear him beg StarClan's forgiveness at night. However, of all the things he's told us of his past, I can't help but feel he's still hiding something." She curled her tail tighter around Grovekit and Flowerkit as if the thought what Cliffheart could be hiding scared her. "Cats must be able to change, right? If my father used to be a horrible follower of the Dark Forest and now he's a loyal ShadowClan warrior. He must have changed."
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Post by Willow on Nov 2, 2024 19:59:43 GMT -5
Cherryvine's eyes softened slightly as her gaze moved to Whorlpaw. "I wish you had seen him sooner for what he was Cedarstar, but I realize what it meant when you gave him your daughter to train. He cared about her greatly. I only wish he got to see her earn her name and watch his kits grow up."
Frigidshard nodded to Spiderbite, his lip curling in disgust as he watched the medicine cat try and pick up a lizard. "Don't they have any like.. mice on that pile?"
Duskpaw dipped her head to her mentor, "I think we'll have to take it slow if you don't want Snowdance shredding your ears. But, I guess that's alright. There's no way I'm earning my name without Palepaw beside me, and it looks like he won't be training for a while." Her eyes flicked back to her unconscious brother beside her with a frown.
Hailkit shrugged, "She's got us... and her sisters. She's gotta be alright, too. I know she's all sad right now, just like us, but the other queens said he's safe in the stars, right? We'll see him again."
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 20:01:45 GMT -5
Oakfall chuckled as Lynxdapple recalled how he was when he was young. At his next statement, Oakfall expected to feel the heat of embarrassment under his pelt, but felt only a comforting, warm feeling in his chest. Golden eyes softening, he smiled gently. "Yeah," he said. He didn't even need to ask - they both knew exactly the tom he'd fallen for. "Hopelessly, I fear." Fuzzypaw gave a small smile, glad for Lightpaw's presence. They weren't very familiar, but Fuzzypaw found she'd really like to be friends with the other she-cat. She leaned into her slightly to share warmth in the damp camp. "Yeah," she said. She raised her head, and to her surprise, there really was a star shining in the sky. It was faint, due to the sun still being out, but it was there. "Oh, Lightpaw! Look!" “Ohh, you poor thing.” Lynxdapple sighed, full of immense understanding and a fatherly hint of pride. He nudged his son once. “When I was younger, I used to pray that Crowfur would notice all the signs I gave him. Handsome, that tom was! Oh, Starclan, and he didn’t even know it! Of course, it never became anything, and I fell deeply for your mother right after, but yet another thing you get from me? Falling hopelessly for a tom. The only difference being that you should totally do this better than I did.” He snickered. “See?!” Lightpaw gasped as she looked right at where Fuzzypaw was pointing. Leaffrost’s boundless energy shone through Lightpaw’s golden eyes, a giggle escaping her. “I told you! He’s right there, right up in the sky!” Now that sent heat flying under his fur. "You, you're-?!" Oakfall spluttered before failing to hold back a peal of laughter, quickly stifling it. "Okay, a lot of things just made sense to me. Wow." He shook his broad head, exasperated with himself for not noticing something like that. "Ah, well. I think he might have eyes for another cat...a she-cat, specifically," he said with a wry twist of his mouth. "As far as I know, he hasn't got a clue about my feelings. But really, that's okay. I...I'm happy just to be near him, and to be his friend, and to see him happy." When he said it, there was no secret sadness to Oakfall's words. Sure, Waspflame returning his affections would be...well, it would be perfect. But he also knew better than to chase something he couldn't have. And he really was happy to love Waspflame as he already did, with no expectations attached. "Amazing..." Fuzzypaw said, a little light finally making its way back into her eyes. She wasn't ever too keen on StarClan, not having known them the way the others in the Clan did, but now? Well, one star was enough to make her believe. |
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 20:03:55 GMT -5
Cherryvine's eyes softened slightly as her gaze moved to Whorlpaw. "I wish you had seen him sooner for what he was Cedarstar, but I realize what it meant when you gave him your daughter to train. He cared about her greatly. I only wish he got to see her earn her name and watch his kits grow up." Frigidshard nodded to Spiderbite, his lip curling in disgust as he watched the medicine cat try and pick up a lizard. "Don't they have any like.. mice on that pile?" Duskpaw dipped her head to her mentor, "I think we'll have to take it slow if you don't want Snowdance shredding your ears. But, I guess that's alright. There's no way I'm earning my name without Palepaw beside me, and it looks like he won't be training for a while." Her eyes flicked back to her unconscious brother beside her with a frown. Hailkit shrugged, "She's got us... and her sisters. She's gotta be alright, too. I know she's all sad right now, just like us, but the other queens said he's safe in the stars, right? We'll see him again." Featherkit, composed and quiet, finally let a thin, wobbly whimper escape her. "Oh, Hailkit! I want to see him now! I really, really miss our papa!" she cried. "I want him back! StarClan can't have him! It's not fair! It's not..." |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 20:12:17 GMT -5
Smokestorm rocked on his paws. "No, I just..." He didn't want her to think like that. "I'll always love you, I just..." He couldn't take it anymore. The den felt too crowded. There were too many little kittens around. Smokestorm fled the den. Songbreeze gave a small tilt of her head at Brittlefoot's questions. Her eyes watched Smokestorm leave abruptly. She didn't think much of it considering it seemed like it happened a lot these days. "I believe he regrets it. I used to hear him beg StarClan's forgiveness at night. However, of all the things he's told us of his past, I can't help but feel he's still hiding something." She curled her tail tighter around Grovekit and Flowerkit as if the thought what Cliffheart could be hiding scared her. "Cats must be able to change, right? If my father used to be a horrible follower of the Dark Forest and now he's a loyal ShadowClan warrior. He must have changed." Snakesong’s ears fell with confusion as Smokestorm fled from the den. She started to get up, but Hiddenkit’s squeak of protest kept her from standing. She helplessly stared after him, both relieved and saddened by his words. He did love her, but now she was assured that he was afraid of how their life together was at the moment. Brittlefoot watched Smokestorm go with a concerned scowl, though his attention was drawn right back to Songbreeze as she answered his question. He nodded firmly. “I do believe that a cat can change for the better. And that already makes your father a better cat then… then alot of other cats.” He mused, before he admitted. “For now, Cliffheart is still with us, with Shadowclan. We’ve got time, and that’s a better gift than anything else, right?” |
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Post by Moonblazer on Nov 2, 2024 20:17:24 GMT -5
“Ohh, you poor thing.” Lynxdapple sighed, full of immense understanding and a fatherly hint of pride. He nudged his son once. “When I was younger, I used to pray that Crowfur would notice all the signs I gave him. Handsome, that tom was! Oh, Starclan, and he didn’t even know it! Of course, it never became anything, and I fell deeply for your mother right after, but yet another thing you get from me? Falling hopelessly for a tom. The only difference being that you should totally do this better than I did.” He snickered. “See?!” Lightpaw gasped as she looked right at where Fuzzypaw was pointing. Leaffrost’s boundless energy shone through Lightpaw’s golden eyes, a giggle escaping her. “I told you! He’s right there, right up in the sky!” Now that sent heat flying under his fur. "You, you're-?!" Oakfall spluttered before failing to hold back a peal of laughter, quickly stifling it. "Okay, a lot of things just made sense to me. Wow." He shook his broad head, exasperated with himself for not noticing something like that. "Ah, well. I think he might have eyes for another cat...a she-cat, specifically," he said with a wry twist of his mouth. "As far as I know, he hasn't got a clue about my feelings. But really, that's okay. I...I'm happy just to be near him, and to be his friend, and to see him happy." When he said it, there was no secret sadness to Oakfall's words. Sure, Waspflame returning his affections would be...well, it would be perfect. But he also knew better than to chase something he couldn't have. And he really was happy to love Waspflame as he already did, with no expectations attached. "Amazing..." Fuzzypaw said, a little light finally making its way back into her eyes. She wasn't ever too keen on StarClan, not having known them the way the others in the Clan did, but now? Well, one star was enough to make her believe. “Oooooh.” Lynxdapple groaned with a wince, realizing what this was. He patted his son’s back with his small paw. “You really do have a heart of gold. Because I can tell you aren’t hiding anything. You genuinely would see him happy with another cat if it meant he was just happy. Starclan, you will be a wonderful mate to a lucky cat one day.” He humored, before he admitted. “I see Waspflame look at you the same way you look at him. If he does like this she-cat, then he’s more like me than you might be.” He laughed. “Appreciating all prey on the pile, yeah?” “My mama says that she likes to make shapes out of different stars. When you see a shape in the stars, it’s a border patrol in Starclan, or a hunting patrol planning a group catch! So, he’s hunting by himself right now, but once more stars come, he might be on a patrol.” Lightpaw explained with a proud puff of her chest. |
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 20:19:26 GMT -5
Cedarstar brushed his tail down Whorlpaw's side. Her huffling sobs had quieted. He remembered being thankful to see Stormfury in the crowd after his blunder of trying to give Oakstalk two apprentices. He hadn't realized how much he trusted Stormfury until then. "We'll hold vigil for him tonight." Exhaustion hugged the edge of Cedarstar's voice. "Send him off like a true ShadowClan warrior." He gently coaxed Whorlpaw. "Your mother and siblings are in the medicine den, you should go to them." The look in Whorlpaw's big, watery eyes made Cedarstar swallow with guilt. He didn't want to send her off, but he had to attend to the Clan. She didn't argue with him, but gave his pelt one more nuzzle. For a moment, her gaze found Stormfury and Cedarstar feared she wouldn't be able to look away, but without looking at anyone, Whorlpaw ran to the medicine den to find her mother and siblings. She wouldn't miss the vigil, that much Cedarstar knew.
Cedarstar took a deep breath to collect himself. His gaze shifted to Cardinalblaze and the other members of the patrol. "Is there anything else I should know?"
Spiderbite huffed and couldn't take his eyes off the lizards. "They don't have much at all." He looked up when a shadow fell across the pile. Kinkfire--Spiderbite thought that was her name--had a very cross look on her face as she looked at the two SkyClan cats standing over the ShadowClan prey pile. Spiderbite cut her off the moment she opened her mouth. "Oh good." He flicked the lizard to her with his paw. "You can carry that to Cliffheart. He's woken up and needs his strength if he's going to make it to SkyClan." He caught surprise in her eyes as her gaze glanced fleetingly toward the medicine den. Spiderbite tapped his tail with impatience. "We are in a hurry," he stated pointedly. Kinkfire glared at him, but snatched up the lizard. Spiderbite twitched his whiskers in disgust seeing how easily she carried the slimy thing. With a glance at Frigidshard, Spiderbite got up and went back to the medicine den, but he didn't go inside.
Cliffheart blinked in surprise seeing Palepaw in the nest next to him. He had no idea what happened to the young tom, but the bandages didn't look good. They were stained with blood. Cedarstar must be frantic. He could only manage a nod to Duskpaw. He didn't know what to say and he felt there was no time to ask what happened. He slowly headed out of the den to find Kinkfire just outside with a lizard and Spiderbite not far behind her.
"You are awake," Kinkfire dropped the lizard as she about ran into Cliffheart. She nodded to it. "That's for you. Why are you going to SkyClan?"
Cliffheart shook his head. "I'm sure Cedarstar will explain. There's no--" He cut off when he saw Cedarstar with a patrol of cats. Stormfury's body laid in the midst of them. StarClan, what happened? How long had he been out? Cliffheart snatched up the lizard and moved to the side to start eating it. His heart ached. In his unconsciousness, had he abandoned his Clan? I have to get to Lavendersky, Cliffheart choked down the food. If she's dying, I have to be there.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 20:27:45 GMT -5
Smokestorm rocked on his paws. "No, I just..." He didn't want her to think like that. "I'll always love you, I just..." He couldn't take it anymore. The den felt too crowded. There were too many little kittens around. Smokestorm fled the den. Songbreeze gave a small tilt of her head at Brittlefoot's questions. Her eyes watched Smokestorm leave abruptly. She didn't think much of it considering it seemed like it happened a lot these days. "I believe he regrets it. I used to hear him beg StarClan's forgiveness at night. However, of all the things he's told us of his past, I can't help but feel he's still hiding something." She curled her tail tighter around Grovekit and Flowerkit as if the thought what Cliffheart could be hiding scared her. "Cats must be able to change, right? If my father used to be a horrible follower of the Dark Forest and now he's a loyal ShadowClan warrior. He must have changed." Snakesong’s ears fell with confusion as Smokestorm fled from the den. She started to get up, but Hiddenkit’s squeak of protest kept her from standing. She helplessly stared after him, both relieved and saddened by his words. He did love her, but now she was assured that he was afraid of how their life together was at the moment. Brittlefoot watched Smokestorm go with a concerned scowl, though his attention was drawn right back to Songbreeze as she answered his question. He nodded firmly. “I do believe that a cat can change for the better. And that already makes your father a better cat then… then alot of other cats.” He mused, before he admitted. “For now, Cliffheart is still with us, with Shadowclan. We’ve got time, and that’s a better gift than anything else, right?” Smokestorm shook his pelt out as soon as he exited the nursery. Why was everything changing? Didn't Snakesong know he wasn't good enough to be a father? And for her to be a permanent queen? Did that mean she wanted more kits than the ones they just had??? He paced away from the nursery and headed to the warriors den, oblivious to what was happening in camp. Yet, even walking to the warrior's den, he felt hollow. It would feel so lonely without Snakesong. He felt as if their lazy days of napping peacefully or enjoying the sunshine around the camp were over. Kits were never peaceful, after all. Songbreeze smiled softly, but she was still wounded with doubt. "Time...yes. StarClan has taken so much, but we still have so much." She looked down at Grovekit and Flowerkit, but her ear was alerted to the quiet whine near the back of the den. StarClan, Cherryvine's kits. They heard everything. "Hailkit, Featherkit, Mistkit, Pinekit, come here." She smiled gently and reached her tail out to the younger kits. "Until your mother gets back, why don't you lay with us?" |
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 20:34:32 GMT -5
Now that sent heat flying under his fur. "You, you're-?!" Oakfall spluttered before failing to hold back a peal of laughter, quickly stifling it. "Okay, a lot of things just made sense to me. Wow." He shook his broad head, exasperated with himself for not noticing something like that. "Ah, well. I think he might have eyes for another cat...a she-cat, specifically," he said with a wry twist of his mouth. "As far as I know, he hasn't got a clue about my feelings. But really, that's okay. I...I'm happy just to be near him, and to be his friend, and to see him happy." When he said it, there was no secret sadness to Oakfall's words. Sure, Waspflame returning his affections would be...well, it would be perfect. But he also knew better than to chase something he couldn't have. And he really was happy to love Waspflame as he already did, with no expectations attached. "Amazing..." Fuzzypaw said, a little light finally making its way back into her eyes. She wasn't ever too keen on StarClan, not having known them the way the others in the Clan did, but now? Well, one star was enough to make her believe. “Oooooh.” Lynxdapple groaned with a wince, realizing what this was. He patted his son’s back with his small paw. “You really do have a heart of gold. Because I can tell you aren’t hiding anything. You genuinely would see him happy with another cat if it meant he was just happy. Starclan, you will be a wonderful mate to a lucky cat one day.” He humored, before he admitted. “I see Waspflame look at you the same way you look at him. If he does like this she-cat, then he’s more like me than you might be.” He laughed. “Appreciating all prey on the pile, yeah?” “My mama says that she likes to make shapes out of different stars. When you see a shape in the stars, it’s a border patrol in Starclan, or a hunting patrol planning a group catch! So, he’s hunting by himself right now, but once more stars come, he might be on a patrol.” Lightpaw explained with a proud puff of her chest. Oakfall snickered at that. He doubted his father's words, but was glad for Lynxdapple's reassurances anyway. "As lovely as it'd be, I have to doubt it," he said good-naturedly. Not wanting to let himself hope too hard, he barreled on in that determined way of his. "My heart probably comes from my awesome dad, if I had to guess. The muscles are all mom, sorry!" Fuzzypaw blinked at Lightpaw in wonder, turning her face back to the slowly darkening sky. "That's...so comforting," she said. |
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Post by Willow on Nov 2, 2024 20:46:25 GMT -5
Hailkit followed behind Featherkit, sniffling quietly as he settled into Songbreeze's nest.
Mistkit wandered over to the nest silently, looking just about everywhere but at her siblings.
Pinekit huffed, getting to his paws and following after his siblings. "You two sniffling over him isn't going to bring him back. He's dead."
Cherryvine sighed, letting Cardinalblaze tell Cedarstar about the patrol as she pressed her face back into Stormfury's damp fur. Her heart broke again as she realized his scent was fading fast.
Starrylight's head rose as Whorlpaw entered the den. She smiled sadly at her daughter, "Come here my love, there's space for you beside Duskpaw."
Duskpaw frowned as her eyes swept over Whorlpaw's expression. "Why do you look so sad? Palepaw will get better."
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Post by thistle on Nov 2, 2024 20:48:36 GMT -5
Featherkit settled obediently beside Flowerkit and Hailkit, shooting a heavy look at Pinekit. "You don't have to be mean just because you're sad, you know," she mumbled.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Nov 2, 2024 20:50:55 GMT -5
Whorlpaw slipped quickly over to her mother and siblings. It was comforting to feel her fur pressed against theirs, but she couldn't look at Duskpaw. "We found Stormfury," she mewed sadly. "He's dead." Her voice cracked. More than anything, she wished Palepaw would wake up. She didn't want him to end up like her mentor.
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