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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 1, 2023 9:12:57 GMT -5
Larkpaw scampered forward, rolling the large rocks into Siltpath’s pile neatly. She was surprised to find how much easier it was to move the stones compared to when she first became an apprentice. She purred quietly, pleased at her sign of growth. It was Ivyvine’s turn to flush now, eyes sweeping down to catch his prey by his paws, pelt warm as emotions swirled within him, muddling his brain. He stood silent for a moment before composing himself, raising his head to meet Soarshadow’s easy smile, “Well, now that we’re both warriors, you can join me on patrol any time want.” His tail flicked as he caught sight of the slowly lowering sun over the moon, his eyes tried not to relay their disappointment. “We should head back, I think I am on camp guard duty at moonrise.” “Just like that. You’re already a natural.” Siltpath praised as he glanced back to monitor Larkpaw’s work. He felt a swell of pride, that he was able to actually train another cat, even when he himself was still a rather young Warrior. He continued. “Once we finish with the rocks, we move on to the graveled and pebbled soil.” Soarshadow purred. “I’ll just have to take you up on that offer.” He felt a flash of giddiness as he tested out his newfound confidence. Any other cat, he’d be a ball of shy embarrassment, but with Ivyvine, he felt like he was completely comfortable. He felt even more delighted realizing that Ivyvine certainly must have felt the same way he did, and yet the small thrill of dancing around the line of admission was just too good to resist. It made Soarshadow truly feel like he was no longer a clumsy-footed, wet-nosed apprentice. |
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 2, 2023 14:42:12 GMT -5
Weaselstride sighed as she made her way back towards camp with Palegaze. “Good to know that Honeycrest still grates at nerves without even needing to speak. He’s always been a master at it.” She rolled her eyes, before looking at Palegaze. “I’m not good at this… talking, stuff, so. Thanks for handling that.”
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Post by thistle on Aug 2, 2023 16:51:00 GMT -5
Palegaze chuckled, warm and deep. "Every cat's got their special talents," he said. "Even if that talent is being a pompous ball of fur."
"Of course. I know Lynxdapple from past Gatherings, he is a good and well-respected warrior," he meowed. "And I'll never force you into an uncomfortable situation, if I can help it."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 2, 2023 17:16:10 GMT -5
Palegaze chuckled, warm and deep. "Every cat's got their special talents," he said. "Even if that talent is being a pompous ball of fur." "Of course. I know Lynxdapple from past Gatherings, he is a good and well-respected warrior," he meowed. "And I'll never force you into an uncomfortable situation, if I can help it." “Hah. You couldn’t force me to do anything I wouldn’t want.” Weaselstride smirked, before she nodded. “Thank you though, for saying that anyway. You know… the first time I ever saw Lynxdapple at a gathering, I thought he was an apprentice, my age. He turns around when Antbite tries to ask him if he’s here with his mentor, and the voice of a grown tom comes out.” She recalled, remembering the words. “He said “Actually, I’m here with my apprentice, and my kits of course, but I get that alot.” with all the patience in the world for how often he must be mistaken for an apprentice.” Weaselstride snorted lightly as she remembered Antbite’s ruffled and flustered response. “He’s patient, and funny, for a Shadowclan cat.” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 3, 2023 8:10:56 GMT -5
"Yes, he's got a good sense of humor about him," Palegaze agreed with a chuckle. "I can only imagine his expression! I was mistaken often for a warrior right after being apprenticed on account of my height, so I get it too."
Palegaze smirked, flicking one large ear. "Though I must confess, rowdy apprentices at Gatherings always settle with one look from me!" the ghostly warrior chuckled.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 3, 2023 17:53:52 GMT -5
"Yes, he's got a good sense of humor about him," Palegaze agreed with a chuckle. "I can only imagine his expression! I was mistaken often for a warrior right after being apprenticed on account of my height, so I get it too." Palegaze smirked, flicking one large ear. "Though I must confess, rowdy apprentices at Gatherings always settle with one look from me!" the ghostly warrior chuckled. "Hah. You could never intimidate me." Weaselstride scoffed with a light smirk, looking at the tom up and down for a moment. "You are obscenely tall though. Really, I bet you could sneak into Skyclan right now if you tried to." She admitted, thinking of her own shorter and stocky body, strong and sturdy. Her legs were nowhere near as long as his. |
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Post by thistle on Aug 3, 2023 18:24:15 GMT -5
The lanky tom chuckled, smirking. "Is that right? You've never seen me in a fight, then," Palegaze said.
"If I were covered in mud, maybe! Sometimes I wish I didn't stick out so much, means I don't get to do stealth patrols," he said.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 3, 2023 18:50:25 GMT -5
The lanky tom chuckled, smirking. "Is that right? You've never seen me in a fight, then," Palegaze said. "If I were covered in mud, maybe! Sometimes I wish I didn't stick out so much, means I don't get to do stealth patrols," he said. “I’d love to see it.” Weaselstride admitted, always getting a thrill out of a fight or a spar. “But I’m no pushover myself, so just be warned.” She fluffed out her fur, before she mewed. “Don’t worry. Even if you stand out, you certainly aren’t the only one.” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 4, 2023 9:52:21 GMT -5
"We'll have to have a friendly spar sometime, then," he said. He closed his eyes as they padded along, taking a moment to drink in the warm breeze. "I've heard rumors of another cat like me, in the Twolegplace past SkyClan's territory," he meowed. "I've never been there or confirmed if it's true, but that must be interesting."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 4, 2023 9:55:09 GMT -5
"We'll have to have a friendly spar sometime, then," he said. He closed his eyes as they padded along, taking a moment to drink in the warm breeze. "I've heard rumors of another cat like me, in the Twolegplace past SkyClan's territory," he meowed. "I've never been there or confirmed if it's true, but that must be interesting." “I’ll hold you to it.” Weaselstride smirked, before her eyes grew serious and curious. “Twolegplace? Who’s been going there enough to know all that? Hm… a cat, alot like you. You don’t think you’re related or something, right?” She asked. |
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Post by thistle on Aug 4, 2023 10:02:01 GMT -5
"Oh, I've been around long enough that I've spoken with wanderers and SkyClan and ThunderClan warriors alike regarding the Twolegplace," he said with an air of humor. He shook his head at her question. "Doubtful," he said. "My mother never shared who my father was with anyone, but I doubt they'd have come from such a distance," he meowed. "My mother never took a mate, Peatkit and I were blessing from StarClan, that's what she'd say."
The tips of Palegaze's ears warmed a bit with the realization of how open he was being with Weaselstride. It wasn't often he clicked so well with another cat so quickly. "Ah, sorry. You probably didn't need to know all that," he chuckled.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 4, 2023 10:43:57 GMT -5
"Oh, I've been around long enough that I've spoken with wanderers and SkyClan and ThunderClan warriors alike regarding the Twolegplace," he said with an air of humor. He shook his head at her question. "Doubtful," he said. "My mother never shared who my father was with anyone, but I doubt they'd have come from such a distance," he meowed. "My mother never took a mate, Peatkit and I were blessing from StarClan, that's what she'd say." The tips of Palegaze's ears warmed a bit with the realization of how open he was being with Weaselstride. It wasn't often he clicked so well with another cat so quickly. "Ah, sorry. You probably didn't need to know all that," he chuckled. “Ah. So, probably a loner then.” Weaselstride mused, knowing that some she-cats said that kind of thing to avoid admitting their kits’ father. She looked at Palegaze and shook her head. “It’s okay. I don’t mind hearing about you. I’ve got far less interesting personal stuff to share though in return, sadly.” She shrugged, hoping he could tell that she didn’t mind. It was kind of nice, to learn new things about him. |
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Post by thistle on Aug 4, 2023 12:16:59 GMT -5
"I doubt that, too," he said. "Every cat has a story. Maybe not an epic tale or anything, but it's very one's got something. What's your favorite season?" Palegaze shifted easily over to small talk.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 4, 2023 12:57:07 GMT -5
"I doubt that, too," he said. "Every cat has a story. Maybe not an epic tale or anything, but it's very one's got something. What's your favorite season?" Palegaze shifted easily over to small talk. “Leafbare.” Weaselstride answered simply, knowing it was not a common answer, but she answered confidently, eyes softening ever so slightly. “One of my earliest memories is of playing in the snow with my mother. I was never a talkative or energetic cat… but Grasslight could have made a blizzard into a wonderland if she wanted to.” She spoke fondly, and protectively of her mother. |
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Post by thistle on Aug 4, 2023 15:45:07 GMT -5
"Grasslight is so good-hearted, you're a lucky daughter," Palegaze said. "I like leaf-fall, myself. The way the forest looks with such vibrant colors, and the scent of flowering heather. My mother was always fond of it, too, so maybe that's why!" he said. "Your turn to ask a question, now."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 4, 2023 16:27:11 GMT -5
"Grasslight is so good-hearted, you're a lucky daughter," Palegaze said. "I like leaf-fall, myself. The way the forest looks with such vibrant colors, and the scent of flowering heather. My mother was always fond of it, too, so maybe that's why!" he said. "Your turn to ask a question, now." Weaselstride seemed a bit unsure for a moment, eyes flickering as she mewed. “Uh… well. I’m not too good at this…” She thought for a moment, before she asked. “Would you ever want to be Deputy one day, if you could?” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 4, 2023 19:54:19 GMT -5
Palegaze thought for a moment, humming as his eyes roved the moorside, looking at nothing in particular.
"I don't think I would necessarily strive for a position of authority," he said. "But I do think, given the chance, I would prove myself to be a good deputy, or even a leader someday. When Eclipsesky and I were apprentices and I was far more arrogant, I'd tell him all the time that one day he'd be taking me to the Moonstone."
He laughed, the nostalgic memory warming him. "I've mellowed out since then, clearly. What about you, though? Do you have ambitious plans?"
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 4, 2023 20:17:15 GMT -5
Palegaze thought for a moment, humming as his eyes roved the moorside, looking at nothing in particular. "I don't think I would necessarily strive for a position of authority," he said. "But I do think, given the chance, I would prove myself to be a good deputy, or even a leader someday. When Eclipsesky and I were apprentices and I was far more arrogant, I'd tell him all the time that one day he'd be taking me to the Moonstone." He laughed, the nostalgic memory warming him. "I've mellowed out since then, clearly. What about you, though? Do you have ambitious plans?" Weaselstride shrugged, though mostly to push away the reminder of the nightly training she had partaken in the Dark Forest. A part of her was more and more influenced to just leave it all behind in general, after all it didn’t take a genius to know that no cat offering to train her did it selflessly. She had never much thought about leadership though, certainly not as much as Antbite. “I think I’m best suited to stay as a Warrior. I prefer taking orders from a competent cat, not giving them out.” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 5, 2023 0:34:43 GMT -5
"That's a good point, too," he mused. "I'm of the opinion that cats who want leadership usually don't deserve it, and the cats who do deserve it, don't want it."
He sighed as they came to the edge of the hollow where rested the camp, the last rays of the sun bleeding just over the edge of the horizon. He turned to face Weaselstride, a small but genuine smile crossing his face.
"This was nice," Palegaze purred. "I haven't spoken at length like this with any cat but Eclipsesky since Pansyfoot joined StarClan."
"Thank you."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 5, 2023 6:59:42 GMT -5
"That's a good point, too," he mused. "I'm of the opinion that cats who want leadership usually don't deserve it, and the cats who do deserve it, don't want it." He sighed as they came to the edge of the hollow where rested the camp, the last rays of the sun bleeding just over the edge of the horizon. He turned to face Weaselstride, a small but genuine smile crossing his face. "This was nice," Palegaze purred. "I haven't spoken at length like this with any cat but Eclipsesky since Pansyfoot joined StarClan." "Thank you." Weaselstride perked her ears in a rare show of bewilderment. Palegaze’s admission was a genuine one, and it did mean alot to the stoic she-cat. She nodded quickly, a bit awkward, but certainly honest. “Oh, uh… anytime. Really, I’ve enjoyed it too. Thank you for listening, I guess it makes me really feel like a Warrior now.” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 5, 2023 8:31:49 GMT -5
"You've had the spirit of a warrior since the day you were born," Palegaze replied. His jaws parted in a yawn. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some rest. See you!"
With that, the albino tom slipped down into the hollow, curling up in the same spot where Weaselstride had tripped over him just that morning. He purred quietly to himself, slipping away into pleasant dreams of conversation and walks across the moors.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 5, 2023 16:05:22 GMT -5
"You've had the spirit of a warrior since the day you were born," Palegaze replied. His jaws parted in a yawn. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some rest. See you!" With that, the albino tom slipped down into the hollow, curling up in the same spot where Weaselstride had tripped over him just that morning. He purred quietly to himself, slipping away into pleasant dreams of conversation and walks across the moors. Weaselstride watched Palegaze go for a long moment, able to recognize that she enjoyed his company alot. She wasn’t sure if this was what that mooning sensation was supposed to feel like, but she enjoyed how it felt to talk with him, and learn more about him. She finally moved to push her way back into camp, only to be met with the knowing smirk of her brother, Antbite. “You know, you and Soarshadow are real rabbit-tails for getting to spend time with other cats while I’m still here by my lonesome! And I’m the handsome one!” He teased. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 5, 2023 19:53:34 GMT -5
“Just like that. You’re already a natural.” Siltpath praised as he glanced back to monitor Larkpaw’s work. He felt a swell of pride, that he was able to actually train another cat, even when he himself was still a rather young Warrior. He continued. “Once we finish with the rocks, we move on to the graveled and pebbled soil.” Soarshadow purred. “I’ll just have to take you up on that offer.” He felt a flash of giddiness as he tested out his newfound confidence. Any other cat, he’d be a ball of shy embarrassment, but with Ivyvine, he felt like he was completely comfortable. He felt even more delighted realizing that Ivyvine certainly must have felt the same way he did, and yet the small thrill of dancing around the line of admission was just too good to resist. It made Soarshadow truly feel like he was no longer a clumsy-footed, wet-nosed apprentice. Larkpaw rolled the last stone into the pile and turned expectantly to Siltpath, "Should we pile the gravel and pebbles somewhere else? And should we seperate them or can they be placed in a pile together?" she asked, eyes shining with delight at all the new things she was learning. Ivyvine led the way back towards the camp, his stinging paw forgotten as he padded along leisurely beside Soarshadow with his fresh catch. He hummed quietly to himself, more content than he had been in days. He hadn't realized how much he had missed Soarshadow in the moon they had been seperated as new warrior and eldest apprentice. Once at the fresh kill pile, he dropped his catch and dipped his head to the other tom. "I better go relieve Sandfall of his guard post, thanks again Soarshadow, see you later!" |
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 5, 2023 20:02:29 GMT -5
“Just like that. You’re already a natural.” Siltpath praised as he glanced back to monitor Larkpaw’s work. He felt a swell of pride, that he was able to actually train another cat, even when he himself was still a rather young Warrior. He continued. “Once we finish with the rocks, we move on to the graveled and pebbled soil.” Soarshadow purred. “I’ll just have to take you up on that offer.” He felt a flash of giddiness as he tested out his newfound confidence. Any other cat, he’d be a ball of shy embarrassment, but with Ivyvine, he felt like he was completely comfortable. He felt even more delighted realizing that Ivyvine certainly must have felt the same way he did, and yet the small thrill of dancing around the line of admission was just too good to resist. It made Soarshadow truly feel like he was no longer a clumsy-footed, wet-nosed apprentice. Larkpaw rolled the last stone into the pile and turned expectantly to Siltpath, "Should we pile the gravel and pebbles somewhere else? And should we seperate them or can they be placed in a pile together?" she asked, eyes shining with delight at all the new things she was learning. Ivyvine led the way back towards the camp, his stinging paw forgotten as he padded along leisurely beside Soarshadow with his fresh catch. He hummed quietly to himself, more content than he had been in days. He hadn't realized how much he had missed Soarshadow in the moon they had been seperated as new warrior and eldest apprentice. Once at the fresh kill pile, he dropped his catch and dipped his head to the other tom. "I better go relieve Sandfall of his guard post, thanks again Soarshadow, see you later!" "They can be placed together, but in a pile away from the larger stones. Remember, big rocks first, then the pebbles and gravel, and then the silt and sand." Siltpath responded with an enthusiastic patience, happy to see how delighted Larkpaw seemed to be working on filling in an old tunnel. Siltpath dug away at the gravel, pushing it in a pile behind the large rocks. He continued. "See how the tunnel is looking clear again? Doing this also gets rid of any dangers for the moor runners, so they don't trip on rocks or twist a paw in a tunnel ceiling." Soarshadow wanted to plead for Ivyvine to stay a bit longer, but the young Warrior knew that he couldn't pull him away from guard duty. Instead, Soarshadow purred warmly. "See you later. Hopefully sooner, rather than later, but... you know." He blinked, blue eyes trailing after Ivyvine as he released a gentle sigh, heart thumping with trepidation and joy. Maybe he truly had a chance! |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 12:48:01 GMT -5
Larkpaw hummed in agreement before she got to work gathering the small pebbles before brushing them into another pile with her tail. She worked alongside her mentor easily, and although she found this part far more tedious, she didn't mind knowing that it would make her clanmates safer in the tunnels and the moor. "Onto the last step them right Siltpath?"
Ivyvine let out a deep sigh as he settled at the camp entrance, already feeling the loss of Soarshadow from his side. This new feeling racing inside him was as exhilarating as it was terrifying. He had always had a little kitten crush on the other tom, but now his feelings have seemed to blossom into something even stronger. He shook his fur out, only hoping that maybe Soarshadow would return the feelings some day.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 12:56:38 GMT -5
"That's right!" Siltpath announced, stepping back to shake the sand and dirt from his fur. He looked at the now cleared tunnel entrance with a nod of approval. "Now, we pick a spot a few tail-lengths into the tunnel, and start stacking the large rocks in as the blockade, and fill it in until the entrance is no longer visible."
Stonepath carried a blackbird towards Sagefoot, knowing that his mate probably overworked herself again and would have forgotten to eat. He chuckled lightly to himself, inwardly more than proud of just how well she was doing as Windclan's deputy.
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 14:13:44 GMT -5
Larkpaw rolled the first stone forward until she was a few tail-lengths into the tunnel, just as Siltpath had said. "Is here a good spot? Once we lay all the stones, will we fill in the gaps with the silt and gravel to make sure they stay in place?"
Sagefoot turned from where she was talking with Fallowmeadow, smiling as Stonepath approached. "Hello love, coming to check on me again?" she teased, eyes bright.
Fallowmeadow watched them with a fond smile, before dipping her head and slipping into Swiftstar's den, going to check on her own mate.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 14:32:36 GMT -5
Larkpaw rolled the first stone forward until she was a few tail-lengths into the tunnel, just as Siltpath had said. "Is here a good spot? Once we lay all the stones, will we fill in the gaps with the silt and gravel to make sure they stay in place?" Sagefoot turned from where she was talking with Fallowmeadow, smiling as Stonepath approached. "Hello love, coming to check on me again?" she teased, eyes bright. Fallowmeadow watched them with a fond smile, before dipping her head and slipping into Swiftstar's den, going to check on her own mate. “You’ve got it! That spot looks perfect. I’ve got the Clan’s next best Tunneler here!” Siltpath purred, bright and approving. Larkpaw’s instincts were perfect for this kind of job. He began rolling the large stones towards her so she could tuck them around the tunnel. “Tell me when you’re out of room to place anymore rocks, and I’ll start passing you the gravel.” “I can’t help it.” Stonepath mused, calm and fond as always as he seated himself right next to her. He often enjoyed just being near her, even if they were both quietly doing other things, like napping or plucking feathers for the nursery nests. “Have you eaten yet?” He asked pointedly. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 17:24:39 GMT -5
Larkpaw lined up the rocks as best as she could, although once she had laid the foundation and the second row she frowned, unsure of how to proceed to fill the whole entrance. "What's the best way to make it taller? I don't want it to fall."
Sagefoot frowned as she thought about it before shaking her head. "Not yet, I just sent out the evening patrols though, so I can eat with you now. I think I'm starting to get a rhythm to this. I hope the clan is getting used to me too." she mewed with a small smile.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 17:36:44 GMT -5
Larkpaw lined up the rocks as best as she could, although once she had laid the foundation and the second row she frowned, unsure of how to proceed to fill the whole entrance. "What's the best way to make it taller? I don't want it to fall." Sagefoot frowned as she thought about it before shaking her head. "Not yet, I just sent out the evening patrols though, so I can eat with you now. I think I'm starting to get a rhythm to this. I hope the clan is getting used to me too." she mewed with a small smile. “You could either use some small stones to fill in a base, or you can now wedge another large stone in the gap you have, now that it should be small enough for the stone to get stuck.” Siltpath offered, knowing how annoying the gap could be when blocking a tunnel. “Good. You work so hard, you deserve some time to eat and rest.” Stonepath nodded, before he brushed her shoulder with his tail. “I’ll tell you now, most of us are more than happy with your progress. You’ve already got an air to you now that makes us want to follow you… Sagefoot, if I’m honest, I think that you might just be on the path to be Swiftstar’s last deputy.” He said knowingly. |
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