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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 13:04:07 GMT -5
Darkeyes stood still for a moment, eyes glinting at Wrenflight as he settled in front of the other tom. "I'm listening, what do you have planned Wrenflight?"
Goldfire shook his head, frowning down at the apprentice, "Oh you poor thing, that must have been so hard for you to see. Spiritstar made her own decision when she tried to help you. Of course, it's not your fault Emberpaw. You're just an apprentice, no one would expect you to be able to save yourself and the leader. You're not strong enough for that. Spiritstar is safe now yes? I'm sure she has plenty of lives left."
Halfshadow nodded, always happy to hear that he was right, "I've given Yellowmoon a task to keep an eye on the kits as well as the deputy's kits. Larkpaw and Juniperpaw are too strong to pull in right now, but the second they falter, Yellowmoon will let us know. I'll even give you the honors of approaching them if you'd like."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 13:18:38 GMT -5
Darkeyes stood still for a moment, eyes glinting at Wrenflight as he settled in front of the other tom. "I'm listening, what do you have planned Wrenflight?" Goldfire shook his head, frowning down at the apprentice, "Oh you poor thing, that must have been so hard for you to see. Spiritstar made her own decision when she tried to help you. Of course, it's not your fault Emberpaw. You're just an apprentice, no one would expect you to be able to save yourself and the leader. You're not strong enough for that. Spiritstar is safe now yes? I'm sure she has plenty of lives left." Halfshadow nodded, always happy to hear that he was right, "I've given Yellowmoon a task to keep an eye on the kits as well as the deputy's kits. Larkpaw and Juniperpaw are too strong to pull in right now, but the second they falter, Yellowmoon will let us know. I'll even give you the honors of approaching them if you'd like." Wrenflight wrapped his tail around his paws. "Right now, I've begun to feel the connection to Silentflare opening again. I assume he's been angered, and Hollowpaw's training may have something to do with it. But more importantly, I can feel Yarrowcloud's anger even more strongly. I expect he will be here soon, to flap his jaws like he always has. I have waited so long for this moment. To return to that wretch of a tom what he did to me, and steal his life away after all these moons I've turned Silentflare against him, turned Shadeclaw against Thunderclan. See, I plan to hurt Lightningstar too, take his first apprentice away from him, take your daughter's mate away from her. I want to see them all suffer." Wrenflight snarled darkly, his hatred for Lightningstar overcoming even that of his hatred for his oldest son. "All I need, is a little support when I have my lovely family reunion. You can even get your claws dirty, if you like." "It must be my fault." Emberpaw rasped. "I was stupid enough to climb it, I should have listened to Hawkpaw, and now Spiritstar has two less lives. That...Is that why I'm here, Goldfire? Is Starclan angry with me?" She asked, desperation thick in her voice as she looked at the tom. "I would be delighted to." Meadowbrook grinned, more than happy to sink her influence into the deputy's kits. As much as she hated Sagefoot's siblings far more, she still felt a desire to get Brownleaf into a position of leadership. Sagefoot had to step down for that to happen, and nothing would wear a mother down more than her kits being used against her. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 14:26:47 GMT -5
Darkeyes' claws dug into the loose soil beneath him, eager for action. Especially if it harmed Shadowblossom along the way. She had taken his precious Skyblossom from him after all, she had turned her away from the darkness where he resided and back into Starclan's favor. "You know I never have a problem with dirty paws Wrenflight, I'd be happy to assist you," he replied with a nasty smile.
Goldfire's tail ran over Emberpaw's shoulder in a soothing motion, for a moment his thoughts flashed back to his orphaned son. Withermist had never known his father's comfort. "No Emberpaw, you are simply visiting in a dream. Starclan can't even see that you've been here. You must have known you could use my help to visit me like this. Apprentices need mentors, perhaps your mentor in the waking world isn't challenging you like she should be? It's Briarpatch isn't it? Isn't she headed to the nursery any day now? Who's going to teach you then? Spiritstar hasn't named a replacement. I could show you a few things if you'd like. It'd be our little secret. You're not trapped here Emberpaw, you'll find yourself right back in your nest the second you open your eyes."
Halfshadow's ear flicked, "Good, I will let you know when it is time to strike then. Yellowmoon has much to discuss with them before it can happen." He sighed, rolling on his back and looking up at Meadowbrook. "Yellowmoon and Goldheart are too brash, they have no charm. They could really use some lessons from you and I on the merit of being persuasive and nice just to get what you want. Weaselstride may be ahead of them but not by much."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 14:44:24 GMT -5
“That’s good to hear.” Wrenflight nodded, before he promised. “And of course, in return, if I catch wind of any possibility of your son residing elsewhere, I will do what I can to assist you in getting him back here with us. Where he belongs, yes?” Wrenflight crooned.
Emberpaw hesitated for a moment. Maybe that meant she still had a chance, that Starclan was not angry! And yet… she felt a hissing voice in her ears telling her that nothing she could do would restore Spiritstar's lost lives. She did flick her ears with interest as she admitted. “I care alot about Briarpatch, she’s been a great mentor… but she’s having kits, yes, and I was tasked to help care for her and the Queens for 2 moons. Which, I… I don’t mind it, I deserve as much but… it means I’ll be behind in training. You would be willing to help me, Goldfire?” She asked, weary but hopeful. She trusted the former elder, after all.
Meadowbrook flicked her tail. “Weaselstride cares far too little about her own pride or feelings to be persuaded as easily as Goldheart or Yellowmoon. It might be best to keep her training with Silentfeather away from our true goal.” She mused. “Fallenlight has told me that Robinstar has managed to snag Spiritstar’s only kit. His pride may be his downfall. Perhaps, Skyclan’s downfall as well. A power vacuum, and they intend to have Fluffcloud and Eelshock take advantage of it.” She flexed her claws, eyes bright with amazement.
“Adderstar and Robinstar truly are cats born for leadership. It’s inspiring. I only wish I had seen it when I was younger.”
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 17:37:22 GMT -5
Darkeyes got to his paws again with a stiff nod, "Let me know when you need me. You've got yourself a deal." he mewed before slipping back into the darkness.
Goldfire nodded, "Of course, I am always willing to help out a clanmate. I know I was an elder when you knew me, but you also know my sister's kits are around your age. I was only an elder because of my lost sight and our rocky terrain. Skyclan is probably the worst clan to be blind in. I will help you with your training while your punishment lasts. Briarpatch will be so impressed when the two moons are up, you won't be behind at all. Now, my training is going to be a bit different because I cannot see you. I may enlist my friend Blackbird to help correct your form or paw placement."
Halfshadow let out a purr, "Yes, I wish you had fought with us from the beginning, but no matter. Look at all the destruction you caused later on. We were all impressed with you Meadowbrook. Adderstar and Robinstar will lead us to victory with the help of our apprentices. They grow in numbers every day."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 18:04:52 GMT -5
Darkeyes got to his paws again with a stiff nod, "Let me know when you need me. You've got yourself a deal." he mewed before slipping back into the darkness. Goldfire nodded, "Of course, I am always willing to help out a clanmate. I know I was an elder when you knew me, but you also know my sister's kits are around your age. I was only an elder because of my lost sight and our rocky terrain. Skyclan is probably the worst clan to be blind in. I will help you with your training while your punishment lasts. Briarpatch will be so impressed when the two moons are up, you won't be behind at all. Now, my training is going to be a bit different because I cannot see you. I may enlist my friend Blackbird to help correct your form or paw placement." Halfshadow let out a purr, "Yes, I wish you had fought with us from the beginning, but no matter. Look at all the destruction you caused later on. We were all impressed with you Meadowbrook. Adderstar and Robinstar will lead us to victory with the help of our apprentices. They grow in numbers every day." Wrenflight watched Darkeyes slink off, a satisfied smirk curling over his muzzle, before it sank back down into a hateful scowl as he thought of all he wanted to do to tear Yarrowcloud's life away when the chance finally came. If he killed him here, then he would be trapped here, to suffer away from Starclan's precious paws. He deserves it. Wrenflight thought with a raw anger. Thunderclan deserves to suffer for supporting Lightningstar, when it should have been me with those nine lives.
"Blackbird... that name sounds familiar, but... I can't remember from where." Emberpaw shook her head. She supposed it wasn't that important then. But, if Goldfire trusted this friend of his, then she could too. She nodded, grateful, even if she still felt opened like a wound with her guilt. "All I want is to be the best I can be for Skyclan, just like my father." She pleaded. "I'll do anything to make them proud!" Meadowbrook didn't relish in the praise, but she did appreciate the recognition. "I only wished I had been able to do more when I was still alive. At least take lives away from Swiftstar, or get Brownleaf where I wanted him to be." She shook her head tightly. "If Splashstone is still entrenched in his pain, then I bet he will be back here sooner than expected. And perhaps he will be more content in a united clan that doesn't punish his existence as a half-clan cat." She mewed knowingly. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 19:05:38 GMT -5
Goldfire purred quietly, an unusual sound from the tom. "Starclan has big things planned for you Emberpaw. You will be a great warrior someday. You will make your whole clan proud. Now go, the clan is waiting for you. Return to me when you're ready. I'll be waiting."
Halfshadow dragged a paw over his ear, "Who cares about half-clan cats anymore? I did see Stormfury's little son here the other night though, " he mewed with delight. "Lilyleaf told Hailkit a bunch of stories and he lapped it up like honey. I'm sure he'll be back soon. Goldheart will bring Fireblaze in shortly, I have little faith in being able to sway Stormfury himself though, or Silverspirit. Silverspirit's too close to that pathetic medicine cat of hers."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 19:16:16 GMT -5
Goldfire purred quietly, an unusual sound from the tom. "Starclan has big things planned for you Emberpaw. You will be a great warrior someday. You will make your whole clan proud. Now go, the clan is waiting for you. Return to me when you're ready. I'll be waiting." Halfshadow dragged a paw over his ear, "Who cares about half-clan cats anymore? I did see Stormfury's little son here the other night though, " he mewed with delight. "Lilyleaf told Hailkit a bunch of stories and he lapped it up like honey. I'm sure he'll be back soon. Goldheart will bring Fireblaze in shortly, I have little faith in being able to sway Stormfury himself though, or Silverspirit. Silverspirit's too close to that pathetic medicine cat of hers." Emberpaw was bewildered by Goldfire's assured words. Big things planned for her? She prayed that it was good, and that Goldfire's words were true, that she would become a great Warrior. She wanted to say more, but the moment she blinked again, the dark forest and Goldfire's visage blurred away into nothingness. "Oh, that's a delightful turn of events." Meadowbrook sneered, voice dripping with malice for Stormfury. Her hatred for him knew no bounds, and she still relished the day he had been banished from Windclan. Now, his kits were vulnerable, and she enjoyed the idea of making him suffer even more. She scoffed. "Silverspirit moons after Eclipsesky as blatantly as Stormfury did. He was always unimpressive, I suppose mediocrity attracts mediocrity." She flicked her tail. "Tinyflower." She mewed suddenly. "There's a darkness in her that I had not seen when I was still alive. I think that you or Fallenlight might do wonders cultivating it." |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 19:51:52 GMT -5
Goldfire waited until the apprentice was gone before turning his unseeing eyes toward the nearby darkness. "Happy Blackbird? I think that went rather well." he mewed, a malicious grin spreading wide. "She ate up every word."
"Tinyflower." Halfshadow mused quietly. "I will observe her and attempt to pull her in shortly then. I must admit I have not noticed her in my time watching the clan. Is she close to any of the others?"
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 20:01:33 GMT -5
Goldfire waited until the apprentice was gone before turning his unseeing eyes toward the nearby darkness. "Happy Blackbird? I think that went rather well." he mewed, a malicious grin spreading wide. "She ate up every word." "Tinyflower." Halfshadow mused quietly. "I will observe her and attempt to pull her in shortly then. I must admit I have not noticed her in my time watching the clan. Is she close to any of the others?" "Happy as can be." Blackbird crooned, slipping out of the shadows like a spector. Her eyes glinted as she gave a silky purr. "They're always so easy at that age. Hungry for recognition, and praise. A deputy or leader's kit, even more so. And now, we've got both." She grinned, teeth gleaming, before she grew cold once more. "Now if only it were so easy to get Withermist back here. I'm assuming he still does not know what you were to him?" She asked, knowing he had had only died rather recently. "She's the daughter of a former loner. Siltpath was the social one, as well as he did when he trained here at my side. A foolish one though, too pure and bright to be brought back. But... Tinyflower has nobody, and I imagine she's been harboring alot of anger towards the fact that other Windclan cats can be proud of being born in the Clan. Her? Not so much, when you've got no legacy in the Clan." Meadowbrook mused, crossing her paws and inspecting her claws leisurely. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 20:24:43 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, knowing Blackbird was still mad at his lack of care for their son. "No, he still believes he is an orphan. It was better that way," he replied stubbornly. "I am worried if he learns now, it will ruin him and he will never come to our side."
"A perfect combination, discontent and alone." Halfshadow giggled. "Well I will be visiting Tinyflower soon then it seems. Thank you for the information Meadowbrook."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 20:46:11 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, knowing Blackbird was still mad at his lack of care for their son. "No, he still believes he is an orphan. It was better that way," he replied stubbornly. "I am worried if he learns now, it will ruin him and he will never come to our side." "A perfect combination, discontent and alone." Halfshadow giggled. "Well I will be visiting Tinyflower soon then it seems. Thank you for the information Meadowbrook." "What other side is there for him?" Blackbird demanded, eyes flashing with a knowing and cryptic look. "It's only a matter of time before the origins of his existence catch up to him. He thinks he was born, like a normal kit. Ruined or not, Withermist will always return to the Dark Forest." She reminded, before she sighed softly. "The honor we have, that I held inside of me for so many moons, to be given this gift. I need him to be used to his potential, as he was destined to." "Always a pleasure." Meadowbrook smirked, flicking her tail. "For a moor-runner, Tinyflower was at least tolerable. Young, but driven, and angry. She'll be stronger because of it." |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 21:05:16 GMT -5
Goldfire tensed at his mate's tone, knowing that he had said the wrong thing. Yet, every time he had tried to reach their son, he seemed to be shrouded by some other force. "Have you tried to reach him Blackbird? I have been unsuccessful every time. He may be delighted to know he has a mother, especially one that cares for him. If you don't want to reach him yet, send Creeksplash or Leafsong. I am not a cat he will want to see." Halfshadow got to his paws, looking unbothered. He was never as bothered by moor runners as Meadowbrook had been. "I will let you know of my progress. Tell me anything else you find out in the meantime. For now, I have someone waiting for me." The tom got to his paws, humming in delight as he made his way toward an unremarkable tom. It was time for some fun (  ) |
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 21:16:36 GMT -5
Goldfire tensed at his mate's tone, knowing that he had said the wrong thing. Yet, every time he had tried to reach their son, he seemed to be shrouded by some other force. "Have you tried to reach him Blackbird? I have been unsuccessful every time. He may be delighted to know he has a mother, especially one that cares for him. If you don't want to reach him yet, send Creeksplash or Leafsong. I am not a cat he will want to see." Halfshadow got to his paws, looking unbothered. He was never as bothered by moor runners as Meadowbrook had been. "I will let you know of my progress. Tell me anything else you find out in the meantime. For now, I have someone waiting for me." The tom got to his paws, humming in delight as he made his way toward an unremarkable tom. It was time for some fun ( ) “He was inside of my belly for longer than many of Skyclan’s Warrior’s today have been alive.” Blackbird reminded sharply, voice as cold as ice. “Of course I have tried! But forces beyond mine chose him to be given life, and I… meet the same block you do.” She finally relented, hating to admit it. “How could I have denied it? Starclan sent their messenger. The Dark Forest now has ours. At the cost of our complete claim over him.” She grumbled. “How thrilling.” Meadowbrook snorted with a knowing smirk, before she waved her good-bye to her companion. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 6, 2023 21:33:44 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, moving forward slowly until he could feel the soft puff of her breath against his face. He brushed against her cheek with his gently. She was the only cat he had ever shown true kindness to other than Shadespots. The only cat who had truly mattered to him. "We will get him eventually Blackbird. There must be a reason for this block, it is not his time yet to join us here. But, as you said. It is his destiny to return here someday regardless of the life he lives."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 6, 2023 21:51:22 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, moving forward slowly until he could feel the soft puff of her breath against his face. He brushed against her cheek with his gently. She was the only cat he had ever shown true kindness to other than Shadespots. The only cat who had truly mattered to him. "We will get him eventually Blackbird. There must be a reason for this block, it is not his time yet to join us here. But, as you said. It is his destiny to return here someday regardless of the life he lives." Blackbird eventually relented to her mate’s closeness, for even in the Dark Forest, love was not unheard of, and even in Starclan, hatred was not unheard of either. She sighed, rasping. “I waited, so long for you. I only wanted you to know that our legacy didn’t truly die when I died. I know you didn’t know, I didn’t know myself when I fought my last battle for Adderclan. But he was there, and now, he’s here. And you. You’re free of that damned Starclan praising leader. With me again.” |
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Post by Willow on Aug 7, 2023 14:39:51 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, he had grown used to the darkness that plagued him since that last fight for Adderclan. Yet, he wished he could see Blackbird's face once more. He wished he could see their son. "Describe Withermist to me, I was always too scared to ask. I didn't want anyone questioning me. What does our son look like?" he pleaded quietly. Voice much too soft for a tom like him.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 7, 2023 15:00:08 GMT -5
Goldfire sighed, he had grown used to the darkness that plagued him since that last fight for Adderclan. Yet, he wished he could see Blackbird's face once more. He wished he could see their son. "Describe Withermist to me, I was always too scared to ask. I didn't want anyone questioning me. What does our son look like?" he pleaded quietly. Voice much too soft for a tom like him. “His fur is silver, with markings like pale smoke. From the flashes I’ve seen of him, he is wiry but agile, and his eyes are blue. The palest blue you’ll ever see.” Blackbird described, knowing Goldfire at least could visualize him. “You would have known his voice and scent better than me, though.” She mumbled, wishing she could really feel him as he was now, grown and alive. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 7, 2023 15:20:49 GMT -5
Goldfire pressed his forehead against hers, feeling her pain at never knowing their son. "I didn't get close very often, but his voice is soft. Higher pitched than mine like the song of a sparrow. He is a kind cat, but many of our clanmates did not understand him. He does not fit in very well with the others." he admitted, claws digging into the soil. "There was a she-cat he was close with though, Frostlight. I think they will probably end up being mates one day."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 7, 2023 17:04:59 GMT -5
Goldfire pressed his forehead against hers, feeling her pain at never knowing their son. "I didn't get close very often, but his voice is soft. Higher pitched than mine like the song of a sparrow. He is a kind cat, but many of our clanmates did not understand him. He does not fit in very well with the others." he admitted, claws digging into the soil. "There was a she-cat he was close with though, Frostlight. I think they will probably end up being mates one day." Blackbird bristled a bit, assuming that this Frostlight was probably a pure soul. As much as she held detest for Starclan, she supposed that if she was making an attempt to be understanding of her son, that she could ignore it for now. She mused. “Well. He won’t need any cat who refuses to understand him, when he finally comes to us.” She promised. |
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Post by Willow on Aug 7, 2023 18:18:35 GMT -5
Goldfire chuckled lowly, stepping back out of Blackbird's space, "I suppose you're right. And who knows, maybe Frostlight will join us as well. They're both young, they've got plenty of potential."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 7, 2023 18:30:54 GMT -5
"I'll be the first to latch onto it if she leaves a path open for us." Blackbird sneered. Perhaps she could be persuaded to at least lose favor in Starclan. After all, many cats here did not strive for blood, but rather simply did not want to join Starclan for their own reasons. While she herself had no problem drawing blood for the cats she was loyal to, she knew Goldfire was less aggressive. Needless to say, she was just content that he was here with her again.
"What guilt to have, Emberpaw. To watch Spiritstar fall and die, saving you." Blackbird mused, not caring for Spiritstar, but sympathizing with the young apprentice's plight. "She'll be a delightful apprentice for you to have."
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Post by Willow on Aug 7, 2023 18:48:02 GMT -5
"Training apprentices was one of the things I missed most once I lost my vision. I will do everything I can to keep her here with us. I will just need your assistance in being my eyes to perfect her training. Robinstar has done good work with Warblerpaw already. I have heard Splashecho lurking in the shadows here as well. Her son Twigpaw is one to watch, perhaps you can work with him. He's a stubborn spitfire, but he's Creeksplash's blood." Goldfire replied, tail wrapping around his paws idly.
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 7, 2023 20:40:05 GMT -5
"I was thinking exactly the same." Blackbird purred smoothly, content with Goldfire's suggestions. It seemed he was as clever as ever. Dark Forest, she missed being able to just hear his voice. She nodded. "I'll pay Twigpaw a visit very soon. I have a feeling that he'll become more accessible these coming days."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 12, 2023 15:07:10 GMT -5
Robinstar waited in her usual spot, sharpening her claws slowly on one of the stones at her paws. After all, the Dark Forest often mirrored Starclan, with rivers and midnight moors, shadowed pine burrows and marshes, and cliffs that descended into nothingness. The general forest was often the common ground though, and it was easiest to summon cats from here. Warblerpaw would be asleep soon.
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Post by thistle on Aug 12, 2023 15:56:17 GMT -5
Warblerpaw's eyes snapped open. He was standing in a gully thick with ferns, the gloom pressing in from all sides.
I'm here again.
He began to pad into the forest, trusting that his paws would carry him where he needed to go; he couldn't pick out anything but the scents of decaying vegetation and fungi in the still air beneath the trees.
In time, he came to the clearing that was now familiar to him, the white pelt of Robinstar glowing eerily in the dimness of the wood.
"Robinstar," he said, dipping his head. "Did you bring me here tonight?"
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 12, 2023 16:02:35 GMT -5
“I did.” Robinstar turned to give Warblerpaw a light yet delighted look. “I just couldn’t stand to wait so long to see you again. After all, I get a feeling Spiritstar will have your assessment started soon. Which means, we have to make sure you’re in perfect form.” Robinstar nodded quickly, purring. “What an exciting thing, to become a Warrior.”
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Post by thistle on Aug 12, 2023 16:11:17 GMT -5
Warblerpaw nodded eagerly, puffing his chest out with pride. "She said it'll be very soon," he said. "About time, right? I can't wait for them to all see what I can really do."
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Post by Moonblazer on Aug 12, 2023 16:17:00 GMT -5
Warblerpaw nodded eagerly, puffing his chest out with pride. "She said it'll be very soon," he said. "About time, right? I can't wait for them to all see what I can really do." “Your potential is limitless. One day, everyone will see that.” Robinstar promised, sickly sweet and delivering a tone of persuasion. In reality, his potential was whatever she saw fit. And soon, he would be just what she needed to finish Spiritstar off, once and for all. “Would you like to learn some fighting techniques that can give you an edge in any battle?” |
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Post by thistle on Aug 12, 2023 16:24:27 GMT -5
Warblerpaw's claws tingled at the prospect. He nodded firmly, crossing the clearing to stand opposite of Robinstar. "Please," he said. "Anything to make me the best."
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) 
