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Post by aether on Mar 15, 2020 18:09:11 GMT -5
Rowanblaze ;;
Rogue Territory ;;
Pansy ;;
Sand ;;
Clan life sure was complicated, but Rowanblaze loved every moment of it. That is why he felt so heartbroken now to be exiled - sent off to be alone, away from his family and his friends. Perhaps when he had some food in his stomach and some shelter over his head he would feel a little bit better - or so he could hope. He felt so vulnerable in this strange territory with his coat sodden and clinging to his sides. He didn't even have to energy to argue that his Clan did appreciate him and love him, but they were just merely mistaken. Yet, he wondered if it were entirely true. He'd been in the wrong place at the wrong time and others accused him of murder but there hadn't been much evidence - there was ginger tufts between Ashtail's claws but Rowanblaze had no idea where it came from. The last time Rowanblaze saw Ashtail, he'd been walking out of camp - a strange shadow over his face. It wouldn't seem unreasonable that this she-cat who knew nothing of the circumstances would think that his clan was cruel. "They made a mistake. I'm sure if I think of a plan they'll let me go back. I miss them, the Clan is the only home I've ever known. I know you might not understand because you don't really have a home, but out here... I just feel lonely."
With those words left in the air, he quickly moved down into a crouch and slunk forward, following the scent of the mouse. He ducked under an extended tree root and had to ignore his stomach as it grumbled impatiently. The mouse was soon in sight; expertly, Rowanblaze moved closer, then prepared himself for the pounce. Momentarily he forgot about the world around him and was focused solely on the mouse - there was no more heartbreak or confusion or curiosity about Pansy. Instead, he was focused on moving his paws lightly, until the moment came for him to leap into the air and land with his paws on the mouse, swiftly biting it, then lifting it in his jaws with a sense of victory. Turning, he followed his path back to Pansy and watched as she stalked a vole. As she did so, he glanced around for somewhere the pair could sit and eat. There! He caught sight of a fallen tree with a hollowed out trunk. The exterior was soaking, but the interior looked as though it was dry enough.
When Pansy had finished her hunt, he nodded towards the trunk and bounded over to it, nosing his way inside. The entirety of the trunk was not hollow but there was just enough space for the two cats to sit comfortably out of the damp. Rowanblaze sat at the back and waited for Pansy to join. "Do you have any friends? Or family?" He inquired as he took his first mouthful of the mouse - instantly he began to feel revitalized. "It seems like it would be lonely if you were out here by yourself all the time." He added over his second mouthful.
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Non-binary
☾ѕησσzє☽
no im not okay, I suck at a game I play 8 hours a day
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Post by ☾ѕησσzє☽ on Mar 15, 2020 20:31:54 GMT -5
»𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕪
♦𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 aether 's sumi
♦Where
↦↦✿↤↤
The tom cat was having a horrible sleep, tossing and turning in his bed as he kicked out his legs. He was running in his dreams, racing against what he would only assume was time. The trees would whiz past him as he forced his way deep into the forest. His heart was hammering in his chest as he came jumped over a log, nearly missing his footing and bringing himself to a full stop. Where am I? Why is the forest so dark? His eyes scanned the area around him, searching for answers in the darkness. He stopped when a pair of amber eyes caught him off guard. Their unblinking gaze making his fur stand on end. "Lucky..." The voice began, stepping out of the shadows to reveal a large white and black tom. "The clans, they must reunite." The tom turned his head to look off to the right side of Lucky. He slowly followed his eyes and found himself staring at a battle unfolding. The noise of their fighting finally filling the air. He willed himself to leave this area, he had never seen something like this, not even in his days as a street cat.
"Many must become one defeat the growing Unkindness" The voice spoke so clearly to him once more before he woke up in his own nest with a start. What was that...? He wondered, bringing himself to his paws. As he stepped out of the warmth of his bed and unto the cold hard surface of his den, he felt an urgency once more in his chest. I should go see Sumi, she might know what's going on. He had only known the she-cat for a moon, since the day he arrived to his twolegs but he found himself trusting her more each day. He quickly went to the door and yowled loudly, causing the female of the den to open it for him. He didn't give her a chance to close it again as he dove outside and took off running towards Sumi's den. |
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Post by aether on Mar 15, 2020 23:48:31 GMT -5
Sumi ;;
Twolegplace ;;
Lucky ;;
☾ѕησσzє☽ ;;
Sumi stared longingly at the wooden barrier that, when opened, would allow her to roam outside of the nest. At that time it was closed, and she meowed high-pitched for her twolegs to open it, but the only twoleg around was the one she liked the least: the tiny one. It's paws were always sticky and it would stomp around and chase her about the nest until eventually it would manage to corner her, grab her, and rub her fur uncomfortably whilst yowling with joy. Sumi stared at the miniature twoleg and bared her fangs threateningly, "Leave me alone, I don't want to play with you!" She hissed. It persisted, so she swiped at it - catching its fore paw and making it yowl and scream. A heartbeat later, the full grown twolegs thudded out of the next room, instinctively Sumi bounded to the door and reached up as tall as she could to claw at the wood, a gesture which she had trained the twolegs to understand as 'I want to get out!'. The annoyed twoleg opened the door and Sumi slipped out the moment it was wide enough. The air outside was fresher and cooler, much more pleasant than inside. Sumi did enjoy her twolegs, but ever since the tiny twoleg had started to walk by itself the nest had become insufferable.
As she padded out into the soft grass, she sighed softly. The sun was in the sky but its heat was still gentle - morning was her favourite time of day. As a breeze swept past, she picked up the newly familiar scent of her neighbour. Lucky is out! Sumi bounded a few steps towards the metal fence that separated them, then she bunched her muscles and leapt up to the top. Her back legs scrambled as she pushed herself up until she was sat safely atop the cool surface. "Lucky!" She called, her voice was warm and her worries of the twolegs in her house now forgotten, "What's up? Is something wrong?" She couldn't help noticing the confused look that glinted in his green eyes.
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Non-binary
☾ѕησσzє☽
no im not okay, I suck at a game I play 8 hours a day
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Post by ☾ѕησσzє☽ on Mar 16, 2020 4:56:50 GMT -5
»𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕪
♦𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 aether 's sumi
♦Where
↦↦✿↤↤
When she showed herself on the fence, he approached with caution. He was still unsure of what to make out of his dream, could it be something about where he was resting now? He found himself reaching up to her, stretching himself out on the post as he unsheathed his claws and lightly scraped them down before resting them against his chest. Standing on his back legs like this was more comfortable than one would think, it allowed all the wary bones in his body to stretch and come to life. He was so caught up in his stretching he nearly forgot that Sumi was waiting for an explanation on his sudden change in aura.
"Oh yes, I had..." That wasn't right, he had this dream more than once. "I've been having these strange dreams and usually I would chalk it up to me adjusting to new surroundings and whatnot but these feel.." He trailed off for a few more heartbeats, trying to find the right words. "These feel important, like I need to do something before bad things happen. Maybe they already happened though and I need to correct them." He flicked his ear looking down at the grass beneath him. It was certainly causing him a great distress, the home he had been begging to have since kithood suddenly felt so claustrophobic after his dreams. He felt the need to go racing out, find the forest in his dreams. Many must become one. Yes that part of the dream, there had to be others didn't there? |
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Post by aether on Mar 16, 2020 23:23:23 GMT -5
Sumi ;;
Twolegplace ;;
Lucky ;;
☾ѕησσzє☽ ;;
Sumi rolled her golden eyes as Lucky took his time to stretch, leaving her question hanging the air. She prepared herself to raise a paw and swipe playfully at his ear, but he finally looked at her again and opened his jaws, so she relaxed her muscles and tilted her head curiously as she listened. She stared at him blankly as he spilled his troubles, it wasn't until he finished did she seem to react. "Strange dreams?" She murmured under her breath, her golden eyes narrowing. Like my dream... She recalled vividly the dream in which she'd been swallowed by a river, tossed and turned over and over, to be spat out onto a pebbly shore. While she'd been gasping for air, whispers filled her ears, and her body shivered - not with cold, but with tingling emotions that she couldn't pinpoint. When she had lifted her head, a beautiful grey she-cat had stared back, but the dream faded to black before she could ask the question, 'what is happening?'. The theme of water dreams, strange whispers, and starry cats had plagued her for sunrises now. Was it possible Lucky was experiencing the same thing?
Leaning forward towards the sleek black tom, Sumi gaze was glittering with interest, "What kind of dreams? I've been having strange dreams too... like I'm being tossed about in water, but then I'm safe... there's whispers and starry cats a-and whenever I wake up I just can't forget it!" Her whiskers twitched, but he had her undivided attention, "I know what you mean - it just feels special." She added more softly.
[ all good brambleflight ! no need to rush, enjoy ya time away Cx ]
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Post by Sand on Mar 17, 2020 1:07:58 GMT -5
Pansy - accompanied by Rowanblaze -
- hollow tree trunk -
[aether ]  If what Rowanblaze truly wanted was to go back to his clan because of a mistake they made, Pansy couldn't blame him. She just didn't agree with him, but there was obvious reasons for that. She never grew up in a tight knit clan like his and, for her, it was hard to understand. He was right, though; she wouldn't understand what a home felt like as it wasn't something Pansy had ever experienced. Before she could get a word in, the ginger tabby took off to catch his mouse. Offering help wasn't a good idea right now, but maybe later, when they had shelter and full stomachs. The black and white she-cat disappeared into the undergrowth, following the scent of the vole she had noticed not too long ago. She slipped past ferns, some shrubs, and over scattered leaves and twigs cautiously in case the prey would hear her pawsteps. Once she saw the brown rodent move towards a more open spot in the undergrowth, she crouched down with her copper eyes fixated on her next meal. With one sharp leap, she popped into the air momentarily before landing squarely on top of the vole. She instantly bit down on its neck, picked it up with her jaws and rushed out of the undergrowth.
As soon as she spotted Rowanblaze nodding towards a hollowed out trunk, the rogue hurried after him. She made her way inside where the ex-warrior was sitting at the back with his mouse. Pansy eagerly joined the tom, sitting next to him with her vole. "I've had both," she replied, taking a small bite of the vole. "My family didn't stick together for long because we all had our own ideas of where we wanted to live. My mother and littermate preferred living not far from the Twolegplace and my father liked the Highstones. He was more of an adventurer. As for friends, well, I've met other cats as I have wandered through the forest. Sometimes we share nests and prey, especially during leafbare."
She took a large mouthful of the vole before pausing to think; was she really lonely, being alone out in the forest all the time? Pansy had her fair share of companions, though not many made a huge impression on her. It was more like she had temporary friends and family than anything else. It got her thinking; what was it like to have family and friends surrounding you every day? "I'm... not sure if I'm lonely. I guess I have had family and friends before, but... they never lasted," she admitted, taking another small bite. "Do you have family in your ThunderClan, Rowanblaze? What about friends?"
image credited to Pixabay - (CC0 license) |
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 18, 2020 17:47:36 GMT -5
 Sapphireheart - The border -
w/ aether 's Sootwhisker The night was quiet and the chilling winds that brushed through her fur were refreshing. After all that had been going on between EagleClan and ValleyClan, it was nice to finally get a chance to try and clear her head. Although that was easier said than done. Alderstar had always been aggressive when it came to their rival clan but things were beginning to spiral out of control as the leader grew older in age. His attacks were becoming unjust, to the point where even she found herself struggling to go along with them or reason with them. Unfortunately, her opinion wasn't a very common one. His family held deep roots within the clan and none of them seemed to question his leadership. It wasn't an easy situation.
Sapphireheart let out a troubled sigh and paused in her steps. She wished that things were easier but with everyone's tensions high, it felt like there was little the deputy could do. Alderstar was rather set in his ways after all.
The gray she-cat had been so lost in thought that she hadn't even noticed the threat that was nearby. Suddenly the pounding of large paws and an excited bark caught her attention. Bristling in alarm, she whirled her head around to see a dusty brown mutt barreling for her. The deputy let out a hiss of alarm and took off in the opposite direction, not realizing she had run straight across the border in her panic. Her heart raced as the dog followed closely at her heels. For once, she thanked StarClan for her lack of tail, feeling certain that the mutt would have been able to grab a hold of it.
As she raced, the gray cat looked desperately for a way of escape. She couldn't keep this pace forever. Just as she was looking for a way out, she heard a voice call out to her. Her minty eyes flickered over to spot another cat nearby, offering his help. Without second thought, she swiftly changed direction and raced towards him, too panicked to even realize that the tom was from the rival clan. "Please! I can't get rid of it!" she panted as she caught up to the black and white tom. Her sudden turn had thrown the dog off slightly but the beast was still intently charging towards them.
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Post by aether on Mar 19, 2020 1:04:59 GMT -5
Rowanblaze ;;
Forest ;;
Pansy ;;
Sand ;;
The life that Pansy led baffled the sandy tabby tom as he chewed more slowly in his mouth, listening intently as Pansy explained about her family and friends. Having friends and family walk in and out of one's life, not acknowledging the bond that they shared, sure seemed lonely to him. Did she trust her family? Could she trust cat's who she hardly knew? She seemed welcoming - that was clear as he sat beside her to enjoy a meal - but trust and welcome were two separate ideas. His initial instinct was to have a sense of sympathy for the rogue yet he knew he couldn't assume anything - for all he knew, she was the cat who left her family and friends to spend a life as a nomadic rogue. Craning his neck, he took another mouthful of the tantalizing mouse, perking his ears as she continued, then asked him a question. He quickly swallowed and mused for a moment before answering.
"I have family, my brother Fireskip and I were really close. And I had friends too, Thornstrike and I were always challenging each other to be the best warriors we could be." He purred in amusement, remembering days when he was apprentice. Thornstrike - then Thornpaw - would often challenge him to see who could hunt the most prey, the winner would get first pick of prey, whilst the loser would check the elders for ticks. He also remembered early into his apprenticeship he came ill with whitecough, and Fireskip would always work extra hard to catch enough prey for the elders and his sick brother. It was for those reasons that Rowanblaze rose his chin and smiled, his eyes aflame with hope and love. "I don't want to be without my family and friends. They mean so much to me." Glancing to Pansy, he looked determined, "That is why I am going to find out who killed Ashtail. Then my clan will have to take me back!"
He didn't consider the possibility that he may never discover the murderer, and therefore never be welcomed to the clan again. His tail flicked behind him and suddenly the sodden, sad tom seemed keen to get back out. "I think I would really appreciate your help though, you seem like you know this area well and I could use some help." His whiskers twitched sheepishly, "I only know the territory I was raised in."
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
Once the cat changed directions, Sootwhisker froze. Well, what's the grand plan now?! He hesitated, glancing from side to side. Dogs can't climb! If we can get to a tree... Nearby, a lone elm tree stood with its branches stretched out, but due to leafbare, it was without leaves Whilst it would provide protection from the dog, it did not protect them from the elements, and they would still be in the dogs hungry gaze. "Follow me!" He yowled before pelting to the tree, but instead of leaping straight up its trunk, he turned back to the grey she-cat and flicked his tail. "You go first! I'll follow!" He figured that after running she would be exhausted, and he wanted to make sure she reached safety before he went up himself. The dog - slowed by bounding down the steep slope - was now hurdling towards them with its tongue lolling out the side of its mouth. Sootwhisker recoiled as it disgusting scent hit his nostrils and he hissed. "Hurry!"
Will we be stuck in the tree? What if the dog never leaves? It's coming closer! Thoughts swirled in his mind and he struggled to pinpoint the most logical. Sootwhisker glanced out of the corner of his eye to the grey cat before he pelted off in an alternative direction, his lean body and strong legs made him built for speed. This was evident as he sped down a short distance. I can lose him at the river! That thought was the most logical. Looking back to make sure the creature was following, Sootwhisker bounded down a clear, rocky slope. Below, a rippling river took shape and he dug his paws into the ground, his eyes locking onto a birch tree which had fallen over the river creating a bridge that was strong enough for a cat to balance on, but not the great beast at his heels. "Come on you mutt! Want to play?!" He yowled.
He bunched his muscles and lunged to the birch bridge, gasping as his front paws caught onto the trunk, but his back legs slipped. He clawed desperately to get a hold, and when he secured one he breathed a sigh of relief - one that was short-lived. The dog skidded against the pebbly shore, then toppled into the icy water with a helpless yelp. It had been too caught up in the chase to notice its surroundings. But as it's body thrashed in the water, moving quickly down stream as the current pulled it, it collided with Sootwhiskers back and sent his paws back into the water. He managed to keep a clawhold with his front paws, but struggled against the current. His mouth filled with icy water, preventing him from yowling for help. StarClan, please don't let this be the end of me! He cried in his mind.
[ i hope you don't mind what i did there? wanted to make sootwhisker be a 'hero' of sorts, but then he also needs saving himself Cx ]
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 19, 2020 2:12:06 GMT -5
(Not at all! xD I love it!) Sapphireheart - Border -
w/ aether 's Sootwhisker Sapphireheart gave a brisk nod as she raced after the black and white tom. Her wide, panicked green eyes locked in on the elm tree that was ahead of them. Realizing what the stranger had in mind for escape, she raced forward with a bit more confidence alongside her desperation to get to safety. She slowed as the black and white cat reached the tree in front of her, expecting him to scale the tall elm first. So, the deputy was caught slightly off guard when he flicked his tail and told her to go first. She paused, giving him a quizzical look before hurriedly following his orders as the dog grew nearer.
Bunching up her back legs, she leapt upward into the tree, digging her claws deeply into the bark as she began to scale up to the first sturdy branch that she saw. The gray she-cat let out a breath of relief as she finally placed her paws down onto the branch, finally having a moment to catch her breath since the chase had first begun. Panting light, she noticed that the cat that had helped her had not followed her up the elm. Instead, her gaze landed on him as he lead the dog away towards the river. It was then that it struck her that the tom that helped her must have been a ValleyClan cat as she was on the wrong side of the river! Her eyes widened as she watched him face the dog on the bridge, reeling from the revelation that she had not only strayed into enemy territory but had also been saved by one.
Despite her sudden realization, her focus quickly returned to the situation that was playing out at the river. She watched with relief as the dog fell into the water only to stiffen at the sight of the ValleyClan cat nearly falling in as well. He was hanging on by a thread that likely wouldn't last long against the current. Without second thought, Sapphireheart launched herself down from the tree and raced towards the tom. ValleyClan cat or not, he had saved her and it was her duty to return the favor.
As soon as she reached the bridge, her pace slowed down some, her claws digging into the bark of the fallen birch tree as she feared falling into the river as well. "Just hold on!" she yowled to the tom as she treaded with rushed care towards where he was desperately clinging onto the wood. As she reached him, the gray she cat sunk her claws into the bark and leaned forward to catch his scruff-as well as some water-in her teeth. Using what power she had, she help the black and white cat hall himself back up onto the bridge besides her. She let go of him and spat out the additional water that had entered her mouth as well.
Catching her breath, her green eyes swept over the black and white tom. "Thank you for saving me... Are you alright?" she asked.
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Post by aether on Mar 19, 2020 3:35:21 GMT -5
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
Water flooded all of Sootwhisker's senses as he thrashed with his back legs, trying to reach up and catch the birch. His pale green eyes were wide with desperate fear, but when he opened his jaws to beg for help, his voice was drowned by the water that rushed into his face. Oh, I can't hold on any longer! His thrashing was becoming weaker and his claws felt as though they were about to tear away. The current was tugging and pulling and he closed his eyes, preparing himself for his fate. I don't want to go... he thought feebly.
Teeth grasped his scruff and pulled him upwards and forwards. For a moment Sootwhisker was a dead-weight as he accepted his destiny, but when the pounding water finally stopped hitting his face, he gasped and scrambled with his paws again. His front paws grasped at the trunk, and his back legs pushed himself up onto it's safety. He coughed out a mouthful of water and trembled with cold, crouching on the trunk with his claws digging into the wood for dear life. After gathering himself for a moment, he looked to his savior. It's so ironic that I would save her, then she would save me... he began to recognize her fluffy grey pelt and bobbed tail now that the insanity of the chase was over. Looking a little shaken, he twitched droplets of water from his whiskers and bowed his head to the EagleClan deputy. "I-I'm okay. Thank you for saving me, Sapphireheart," he meowed softly. With his long fur now stuck to his sides he looked smaller and thinner, much weaker than the tom who had taken the attention of the dog. Despite his dripping pelt, he didn't dare shake it. Instead, he crept forward slowly until he was able to jump from the trunk and plant his feet back onto land. When his paws hit the pebbled shore, he sank to the ground on his side and panted. This herb gathering adventure has turned into something much different. He peered at Sapphireheart then lifted his head, "Are you okay? The dog didn't hurt you, did it?" As a medicine cat his first duty was to help and heal others, not to worry about the opposing clan crossing borders. Shakily, he pushed himself back to his paws and padded to Sapphireheart to give her a few sniffs in an attempt to scent any signs of blood.
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Post by aether on Mar 19, 2020 17:46:22 GMT -5
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
Contented that what she said was true - she had no obvious signs of harm - Sootwhisker sat back and relaxed his shoulders. "That's good," he murmured softly. He took a moment to concentrate on his own physical state but couldn't feel any immediate pain or soreness, other than a dull ache in his front claws. Mostly he just felt exhausted and cold, the icy breeze that swept past made him tremble with a chill. I hope I don't catch a chill from this... how will I explain being soaked to my clanmates? He couldn't outright state that he had saved Sapphireheart after she had run onto their territory as that would surely aggravate Whitestar. Given the current hostility between the clans, it would be for the best if Sootwhisker did not speak of this night to anyone else.
Her question pulled him his musings and he couldn't help an amusement smirk at her curious meow. With a small shake of his head, he answered, "I have no quarrel with you or your clan. I'm a medicine cat, I want to help others." He tipped his head slightly, "Though I do stand loyal to only ValleyClan, I also can't stand by and watch someone else while they are in trouble." He finished his reply with a small sniffle. He knew that Maplecloud might share a different view and perhaps that is why Sapphireheart questioned his intentions. But Sootwhisker was not a fighter, he was compassionate and thought deeply of others - he did not want a war, but it seemed like the warriors were all hungry to prove their strength.
Turning his pale eyes to the she-cat he flicker his thin tail curiously, "How did you end up being chased by the dog?" It seemed odd that she might have been alone instead of on a patrol, especially seeing that times were running high with tension now. |
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Post by Sand on Mar 19, 2020 23:06:05 GMT -5
Pansy - accompanied by Rowanblaze -
- hollow tree trunk -
[aether ] Though Pansy wasn't sure if her life was considered lonely or not, something deep inside her said yes. Closeness wasn't a trait her family had and the same applied to her friends. She grew up with learning how to fend for herself and not rely on others for survival. She was taught well, at least that's what Pansy thought, and she was thankful for it. If she didn't have those basic skills, she was crowfood for other cats that lurked in the forest. It was something she refused to become. She was too used to being nomadic as was her family, but she could only hope Rowanblaze could respect that. Listening to his story, the black and white feline finished off her vole while savoring its taste. She noticed that Rowanblaze's family and friends had strange names like his. I guess all of the cats in ThunderClan have odd names, she thought before purring quietly at the tom’s memories. It was refreshing to hear him purr due to the happy memories instead of his current somber state. Maybe it was just her, but his happiness was more encouraging than his grief. "Your brother, Fireskip; do you look alike? And Thornstrike, what does he look like?" the rogue asked intently, copper eyes glimmering. She imagined that Fireskip was similar to the sandy tabby, but it didn’t hurt to ask, right? When she saw him lift his chin and his eyes glowed with hope and love, she couldn’t help but purr yet again. It was great to see him content even if it lasted for a few moments. When he mentioned the name Ashtail, she tipped her head to one side, perplexed. "Who is Ashtail? Are they the reason you were exiled?"Pansy felt her stomach twist and coil into knots. If a murder was the reason to Rowanblaze’s exile, surely he didn’t kill this Ashtail? To her, the ex-warrior seemed like a kind, harmless soul and she had trusted him blindly. What if she was wrong? If he was out to get you, Pansy, you would be dead by now, she told herself, letting out a deep breath. Once he asked her for help, she was stunned-- what would she know about Ashtail’s death? But then, she remembered… The cat from the forest! Could it be?The rogue wasn’t sure if the death she witnessed not too long ago was that of this Ashtail that her new friend had mentioned. To her, it seemed like a pair of rogues or even loners fighting over prey, maybe even territory. She wasn’t too sure of what took place before the killing, but Pansy knew it didn’t sit right with her. Swallowing her fears back, she turned towards Rowanblaze. "I will help you. I will do anything to help you and get you back to your ThunderClan, Rowanblaze," she promised, dipping her black and white head. Her tone became solemn and stern. "But first, I need to know more about Ashtail and their death."image credited to Pixabay - (CC0 license) |
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Post by aether on Mar 20, 2020 3:37:27 GMT -5
Rowanblaze ;;
Hollow Tree Trunk ;;
Pansy ;;
Sand ;;
He hadn't thought much of it before, but Rowanblaze was glad to have Pansy's presence now. Just conversing with someone else was easing his spirits now, making him feel less useless and more hopeful. When she asked about his brother and his friend, he smiled and nodded. "Fireskip is a bit bigger and darker than I am, but I think we look alike. And Thornstrike is very strong. He had dark grey fur." He meowed thoughtfully. As she asked about Ashtail, Rowanblaze lowered his gaze. He wasn't so miserable now, but his gaze held a longing for something that was now distant and untouchable. "Ashtail was our deputy. Everyone loved him but-" his voice chocked momentarily and he cleared it before continuing, "-he was murdered."
Rowanblaze shifted uncomfortably now. What if she doesn't believe me? He thought, she had no real reason to assume he was innocent. He took comfort in the thought that hopefully she would think that a true murderer would not be so honest and open about the details. "I don't know if it is true but I think I was framed for the murder. There was orange fur in Ashtail's claws, but I wasn't there when Ashtail was murdered!" His voice squeaked in his desperation to appear innocent. "I looked up to Ashtail so much. I hoped that one day I might be able to be a deputy just like him, but I would never want him murdered. I would want to stand under him as deputy!" It would be hard to think Rowanblaze was lying when his voice was filled with honest conviction.
Her agreement to helping him lifted a great weight off his chest and he nodded. He wasn't sure why, but having someone to help him - even a stranger who wouldn't know anything - made him feel comforted. It was probably his yearning for companionship that made him feel that way. He continued on his story, "On the day he was murdered, Thornstrike told me to get Sagewhisker from the border because Hailstar needed him. I don't know why, but I went right away, and when I got there I couldn't find Sagewhisker anywhere." His voice choked, but he continued on, "I kept on looking and then... I found Ashtail. He already felt cold... I swear I didn't kill him." He sighed, letting out a long breath that he didn't realize he'd been holding. Looking to Pansy with pained yellow eyes, he could sense a strange seriousness to her gaze. "You haven't noticed anything strange, have you?" He asked hopefully.
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
Clearing her head, huh? I wonder if EagleClan is going as crazy as ValleyClan is... Sootwhisker thought as Sapphireheart explained how she had been chased by the dog. He couldn't blame her though, if he'd been unlucky enough that the dog had spotted him first, he would have been so engrossed in his herb gathering that he wouldn't have time to escape. He gave his shoulders a small shrug, "Well, I'm sure if that dog manages to swim ashore it will learn it's lesson and won't bother you anymore." He meowed with a hint of amusement. He was a nice feeling, being able to interact with the EagleClan deputy. He felt as though he couldn't lose all faith that clans would erupt into a thoughtless war - not when there were others like Sapphireheart, who seemed reasonable and kind.
At the mention of returning back to camp, Sootwhisker hesitated. How in StarClan am I going to explain this? Everyone will think I'm daft if I tell them I fell into the river! There was not point standing around and avoiding going back to camp though, he was only feeling colder and colder by the minute. Rising shakily to his paws, he let out a small grunt of effort. He didn't realize how stiff his muscles had already become in the cold. "You're right. Now would be the worst time for me to get a cold," he sighed softly. "I'll see you to the border, to make sure no one else catches you and gets the wrong idea." He started padding back up the slope and towards the border. Moving made the blood in his body move, therefore warming him, but not enough to stop the shivering that went down his spine.
With the border in sight now, he glanced to his unlikely companion and tilted his head slightly, "Will you be right going back to your camp? If you feel a bit shaken up you can ask Maplecloud for thyme. That'll soothe your nerves. I don't think there's any nearby I can give you now..." he glanced about, but to no avail. Thyme grew in the spongy grassland areas on the other side of the territory.
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Post by aether on Mar 21, 2020 4:59:07 GMT -5
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
A soft mew of amusement passed his white lips when Sapphireheart joked about the fox and her tail. It was good to see that past accidents and injuries hadn't affected her spirits. He saw it all too often with warriors from his clan who might injure themselves, then they would heal, but their pride would still be hurt for a long time. Sapphireheart's resilience was admirable in that sense. "Well I bet that dog is glad it got away with only a drenching then," he added with a jesting mrrow.
He was very aware when Sapphireheart pressed her soft blue-grey pelt against his soaked black sides. A tingling warmth spread from his flank to his paws, and he found himself feeling momentarily distracted. She's so warm! Or maybe I'm too cold... he felt himself flush, a warmth under his pelt that felt like a buzzing sensation. It was something he didn't think he'd ever felt before so he was reluctant to name any reason for it. You're just cold, and she's just helping. He stepped close, pressing his sodden flank against hers, and gave a slight nod of the head. "I appreciate it, it does make me feel warmer." He smiled softly and turned his head to match her green gaze - his mint orbs matching her emerald. As they neared the border - it was now in sight - he couldn't help feeling reluctant to step away. You have to remember your duties, Sootwhisker! You're a medicine cat. He paused at the edge of the border and lingered with his side against hers.
"I-I hope you don't get into any more strife," he meowed, an awkward hitch to his tone, one that he could only conclude was from his cold. But the buzzing sensation was fading at the thought of her leaving, and he couldn't help feeling disappointed by it. You needn't worry about her! She's deputy, she can take care of herself. The sooner she's gone and your back at camp, the sooner everything will be normal. "Remember, thyme is good for soothing your nerves." His voice was softer now, and he gazed at her, "Thank you for saving my life." |
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 21, 2020 17:50:33 GMT -5
Sapphireheart - Border -
w/ aether 's Sootwhisker Their lacking distance made the warrior warm from her paws to her ears. She wasn't sure what the reason for it was since she was still aware of a faint coldness that came from pressing her dry pelt to his wet one. Logically, it didn't make sense to her. Was she truly that nervous just because she was close to some tom? The deputy wanted to scoff at herself for getting so worked up over such a thing. She was just beginning to inwardly chide herself when Sootwhisker spoke up. Finally, she turned her gaze to meet his, blinking as he smiled so softly at her. It wasn't something she even thought was possible between a EagleClan and ValleyClan cat. "I-I'm glad. I'd hate for you to freeze on my behalf." she meowed with a small smile before looking away once more.
With the border ahead, she was hitting by a surprising amount of reluctance as well as disappointment. This is ridiculous. I just need to get back to camp.... Maybe that dog did shake me up a bit more than I originally thought.. Sapphireheart gave a small nod to herself. That must be why she felt so strangely. The dog had been right on her heels so perhaps it had scared her. Sootwhisker's company was just reassuring to have around since he had not only saved her but he was a medicine cat as well. Now that things were beginning to make sense again, the deputy felt herself let out a small breath of relief.
As they reached the border, Sapphireheart slowed her pace and looked over at the medicine cat besides her as he said his farewells. She smiled and nodded her head, trying to ignore the disappointment that was still clinging all too tightly to her. "I'll remember that. And thank you for saving my life, Sootwhisker." she meowed softly before taking a step away from him to cross the border. Almost immediately she noticed how cold her side felt now that he was no longer besides her but she did her best to ignore it. "I hope our paths cross again, peacefully." she dipped her head to the medicine cat and then turned to bound off to her camp.
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Post by Sand on Mar 22, 2020 1:30:46 GMT -5
Pansy - accompanied by Rowanblaze -
- hollow tree trunk -
[aether ] Pansy allowed her thoughts to drift off, afraid of the conclusion she would come to. There was no way that Rowanblaze was the murderer. He was too emotional over Ashtail's death and it didn't sound like he had much to gain from it either. She paused for a moment, realizing she didn't remember seeing anything orange at the time she saw the killing. What if the killing she witnessed wasn't Ashtail's murder? She realized that she needed to calm down and listen to the exiled warrior for more clues. If she didn't know the entire story, she wouldn't be able to help Rowanblaze and she promised him she would help. Surely there was more than one orange-furred cat in ThunderClan unless, like the tom before her suggested, Rowanblaze was framed. Still... it didn't add up. If Rowanblaze didn't kill Ashtail, who did? Sagewhisker, maybe? Thornstrike? It could always be a rogue looking for an opportunity, she thought, even though she hated the idea of that theory. The black and white rogue rested her tail on her companion's shoulder, trying to comfort him in a proper way. She hoped she hadn't crossed any boundaries with him just now. The moment he finished his story, Pansy turned towards him and offered a look of sympathy. She could feel the pain that Rowanblaze was going through once he had explained it fully. It was worse than she could ever imagine. Being exiled over a murder that he didn't commit was heartbreaking and not to mention inexcusable in her opinion. A flash of memories washed over the rogue rapidly, her fur bristling like pine needles and copper eyes flaring with agony. "I-I think I have, Rowanblaze," she meowed, trying to speak as loud as she could so the vulnerability didn't slip through her voice. "I'm sorry, but... Ashtail... I..." She took a shaky deep breath, her black ears drooping like a dog's. She stared at Rowanblaze, copper eyes full of distress. It was like she hit a breaking point. "I-I saw the cat who killed Ashtail! I'm sorry, Rowanblaze! If I had just..." she admitted, bursting into soft, emotional wails. She stood up in the hollow tree trunk, visibly trembling from head to toe. "If I had done something... Ashtail wouldn't be dead! Y-You would be safe, at home with your clan, if it weren't for me..." Silence followed as Pansy tried to catch her breath. She was close to hyperventilating and she felt awful that the ThunderClan warrior had to witness her kit-like outburst. Her mother would have had her pelt for that and she knew it too well. "I-I'm sorry, that was childish of me," she apologized, taking a deep breath. Her voice was more muffled and meek, the complete opposite of her outburst. "W-We need to find Thornstrike or Sagewhisker. O-Or maybe for now we lay low and check out where Ashtail was killed. I know the area well. Look, it's up to you, Rowanblaze."image credited to Pixabay - (CC0 license) |
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Post by aether on Mar 22, 2020 6:03:39 GMT -5
Rowanblaze ;;
Hollow Tree Trunk ;;
Pansy ;;
Sand ;;
The response that Pansy gave was not what the ginger tom expected. His eyes grew wide like moons when she admitted that she saw who killed Ashtail. Stunned, he didn't even have the chance to think of accusing her for not saving the grey deputy before she wailed her apologies. He sprang to his paws and shook his head quickly, however he hadn't any words to say. Instead, the air was filled with Pansy's shrill voice. "I-It's okay, Pansy," he tried to keep his own voice was quivering as he laid his tail over her shoulders - returning the comforting gesture she had offered him. His yellow gaze blazed intensely with so much emotion that it was hard to pinpoint what was going on inside the toms head, but there was nothing to indicate he was angry with the black and white rogue. "I don't blame you for anything," his voice was softer now, edged with just as much emotion that he held in his gaze. "I'm just glad you are safe... I'm sure StarClan must have put you in just the right place." He knew that Pansy wouldn't have faith in StarClan like he did, even so, how else could such a coincidence be explained? Not only had she been witness, but she had found him.
He perked his ears to her suggestions and nodded thoughtfully. He felt hope shimmer in his heart - sparking and transforming... with Pansy to help him now, he would be able to prove his innocence! Come on Rowanblaze, no one will believe a rogue... the thought was like a cloud releasing a downpour, and his shoulders sagged. If she knows who did it though surely we can gather enough evidence to prove myself, he dug his claws into the soft bark of the hollowed trunk and he nodded his head. That was it. They would prove to his clan he was innocent!
"Pansy, if you could take me back to the place where it all happened then maybe we could look around the area for any clues?" He added on to her suggestion, "I really appreciate your help a lot, but I would understand if you didn't want to risk your own safety..." he added. His words were honest yet his gaze dipped. He could only pray to StarClan that the she-cat would be open to helping him no matter the risks; honestly, if she wanted, she could turn tail and forget anything happened. She had no obligation to help. Stepping forward, Rowanblaze nudged her shoulder with his head gently, "I promise that in return I'll catch you all the mice I can find," he added in an attempt to lighten the mood.
The rain outside had now eased and the sun was beginning to shine through the cover of leaves; the forest was welcoming them back into its depths.
Sootwhisker ;;
Border ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
Sootwhisker stared up the rocks as they she-cat bounded away, springing expertly from rock to rock until her shape disappear from view. Despite his trembling cold, he hesitated for a few extra moments, a strange feeling sent butterflies into his stomach. He hadn't the slightest idea how to interpret it. C'mon, better get back to camp before you catch a cold. He turned tail and raced back to camp. The exercise was enough to warm away his shivering, but his coat wasn't drying quickly due to the cool weather, so when he arrived back to camp he was panting with effort but still damp. He was lucky enough to slip unnoticed by most of the cats were who now sharing tongues as the day was ending, and he only paused momentarily to nod to Grasswhisker and Pebblesplash who were lazing nearby the medicine cat den. He pushed his way inside the rocky crevice and sighed softly when he was finally out of the weather. As he began to rasp his tongue tiredly over his pelt he realized how worn his muscles were.
What a strange turn of events, he mused as he finally curled into his soft nest of grass and feathers, I never thought I'd end up saving the EagleClan deputy... then she would save me. He remembered the moment he felt her raise him from the water and he was able to grip to the safety of the tree bridge again. A wave of appreciation ran over him, making him feel warm. Usually he would feel cold within his solitary den, but now with the thoughts of her blazing emerald gaze, he felt comforted as he drifted to sleep.***
Waking the next morning, Sootwhisker sniffled. He slowly raised his head and stretched his jaws wide in a yawn. "Sootwhisker! Help!" The frightened shriek came from outside his den and as the black and white tom scrambled to his paws, Poppyfern skidded past the lichen entrance. Her yellow eyes were round with fear, "Cloudgaze is ill! Moorwhisper said he has been coughing all night, now he is wheezing and oh!" Poppyfern's feathery pelt was bristled, and Sootwhisker was aware that she was so concerned because Cloudgaze was her father. He stepped forward and stifled a sneeze of his own - he couldn't get sick now! How would he explain that he managed to catch a cold in the first place? "Calm down Poppyfern, I'll go check on him right now. Please go tell Whitestar that he is sick though, I don't want anyone else getting too close and potentially getting sick too." His words were clear and concise and he waited for Poppyfern to nod before he pushed past her and padded hurriedly to the elders den.
He pushed his way inside and was instantly hit with the sour scent of illness. Whilst warriors practiced their keen sense of smell for hunting, he practiced for healing. He stepped towards the wheezing white tom and perked his ears, taking note of the raspy sound of his lungs and the moments of silence in-between. How has he gotten so unwell so fast? I don't have any catnip to give him! Fear clenched Sootwhisker's stomach as he bent and pressed his cool nose to Cloudgaze's flank, only to recoil a heartbeat later. He is scorching, with a fever that high he needs medicine right now! "Cloudgaze, it's Sootwhisker. I'm going to get you herbs you need, but you just need to stay where you are and rest." The elderly tom didn't seem like he was going anywhere anytime soon, and merely coughed in response. Glancing to Moorwhisper, who was crouching at the opposite end of the den, Sootwhisker added, "Please tell me if anything worsens. I'm going to fetch him something now."
After fetching the elderly tom a few bitter leaves to help ease the strain of the illness, Sootwhisker knew it wouldn't be enough to cure Cloudgaze. I haven't found any supplies of chickweed of catmint yet! He pushed his way out of the elders den and into the refreshing air outside. He knew one place where the precious greencough-curing chickweed always grew as lush as any medicine cat could hope... but it wasn't in ValleyClan territory. Digging his claws into the ground, Sootwhisker looked to the leaders den, where Whitestar was sat outside. She looked identical to her ill father, and her concerned blue gaze swept over him. A flick of her tail gestured for Sootwhisker to step forward, and he obliged.
"Will Cloudgaze be okay?" Whitestar's voice sounded smooth as ever, but the glinting concern in her eyes spoke a thousand words. Sootwhisker hesitated before looking down at his paws. "You know a medicine cat can't make any promises like that... I will do my best though. We have limited time and I need to collect chickweed, which grows-" he stopped himself. Would Whitestar let me travel to EagleClan territory to fetch chickweed when the tension between clans is so high? Even for the sake of her father, Sootwhisker couldn't be sure. "It grows near the border. I'm going to get some right now. I won't be too long." With an encouraging nod from his leader, Sootwhisker turned tail and pelted out of the camp. He retraced the same path he had followed the day before to reach the border by the river. As he neared he slowed his pace and panted, feeling his own lungs wheeze. You've chosen the worst time to catch a cold! He thought.
At the borders edge, he glanced up at the rocky terrain and sucked in a deep breath through his maw. If caught, he would be in trouble not only from EagleClan but from his own clan as well, so he would have to be smart about it. Stepping lightly, he crossed the border and started leaping from rock to rock, further and further into the territory. Fear gnawed at his stomach as he moved across the unfamiliar terrain, but he kept one thought in his mind: Maplecloud mentioned once there is a clump that always grows near the EagleClan hollow.
[ wow hope u enjoyed my novel xD ]
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 22, 2020 14:16:46 GMT -5
Sapphireheart - Border -> Eagleclan Camp -
W/ aether 's Sootwhisker Sapphireheart climbed up the mountainside with ease. Her heart was pounding in her ears and her muzzle felt strangely warm despite the coldness of the night whenever she thought about what had occurred between herself and Sootwhisker. Perhaps I am coming down with a fever... She thought with a shake of her head. The deputy picked up her pace. There was no sense in dwelling on what had happened between her and the ValleyClan medicine cat. It was a rare, peaceful meeting, one that likely wouldn't happen again. It was time to get back to reality and her clan. She just wished that she didn't feel so disappointed over it.
The deputy let out a snort and hurried back to her camp. She slipped in through the rocky entrance of the EagleClan camp and glanced around with a hint of caution. The she-cat was hoping to slip into the warriors den without being questioned by her sudden return to camp. She was about halfway across the camp when her brother spotted her. "Sapphireheart." Bluefrost meowed to get her attention as he walked over to her. He opened his mouth to say something but paused as he seemed to noticed her ruffled fur. "Are you alright?" he asked instead, clearly confused. Sapphireheart paused, for a moment unsure what to say. As long as I leave Sootwhisker out of the story it'll be fine... She thought before meeting her sibling's gaze. "I'm fine... I just ran into a bit of trouble.. There was a dog but it's gone now. It fell into the river during the chase." she explained with a shrug.
Bluefrost's eyes widened in alarm but before he could say anymore, the deputy walked passed him to retire to her nest in the warrior's den. "Sorry, Blue. I'm a little tired. I'll talk more about in the morning." she mumbled without waiting for a response. The gray she-cat managed to get to her nest without any other interruptions and laid down for the night, tired from the events at the border. She found her mind often wandering off to Sootwhisker, curious to know more about him and also saddened by the fact that she likely never would. Somewhere in between, she drifted off into a much needed sleep.
***** The next morning, Sapphireheart woke up a bit later than usual. She felt groggy as she slowly lifted herself up from her nest and couldn't help but wish to keep sleeping. But she had patrols to arrange so she forced herself out of the den and began to look around the camp as she thought about who would lead what patrol that morning. "Sapphireheart!" A sharp-toned voice came from her right and she turned her head to see Alderstar sitting outside his den, his tail lashing back and forth. "I'd like a word with you."
Well that didn't sound pleasant. She felt a bit of panic wash over her. Why did her leader suddenly demand to speak with her? Had he somehow found out about her not only being saved by but also saving the ValleyClan deputy? She cringed at the thought and reluctantly rose to her paws. Maybe he just needed to speak with her about something else though? It wasn't uncommon for Alderstar to speak with his deputy about his plans of attack. Perhaps this was another moment of that. She certainly hoped it was. Taking in a breath, she trotted over to join her leader, following the large tom into his den as he motioned for her to step inside.
"What did you wish to speak to me about, Alderstar?" Sapphireheart meowed as calmly as she could. The deputy sat down and looked expectantly to her leader. The scruffy tom narrowed his eyes at her and lashed his tail with clear annoyance. "I've heard rumors that you were chased by a dog last night. Is that true?" he asked with a grunt. The deputy stiffened slightly and shuffled her paws with unease. She already disliked the topic of discussion. However, there was no sense in lying about that. She had already told her brother and a patrol could easily find the scent trail along the border. "It is. It snuck up on me while I was on a walk by the border last night." she explained. "But I'm sure it's gone now. It fell into the river and got swept away." Alderstar's yellow eyes glinted darkly at her words. The deputy noticed his claws dig into the hard ground underneath him. "The border? The ValleyClan border?" he asked in a low growl. Sapphireheart tensed slightly, disliking where the war-hungry leader was going with this. She gave a meek nod, unable to make up a lie. The leader let out a loud scoff and rose to his paws. "Of course! They're too foxheart to fight their own battles so they sent a dog at us instead!" he growled with a dangerous gleam in his gaze. "To think they'd send it right after my deputy too... They're crafty but they will not get away with this attack."
Sapphireheart frowned. "Alderstar... I-I don't think it was something that ValleyClan planned. If anything the dog was coming from our own territory." she meowed softly, in a less than hopeful effort to get her leader to see reason. It's also why I ended up running straight into their territory... She added inwardly. Unfortunately, the leader didn't even consider her words. In fact, he acted as if he hadn't even heard them. Her green eyes traced Alderstar as he paced back and forth in his den, his yellow eyes narrowed hatefully on the ground. "Those mousebrains won't get away this... Sapphireheart, come with me" he commanded as he waved his tail and bounded out of his own den. Unsure and a bit nervous about what he was planning, Sapphireheart slowly trotted after her leader and watched as he gathered various warriors that were nearby.
"Let's see... Bristlestorm, Amberleap, Oakfrost, Hollowhowl! Come." Alderstar called the group over with a wave of his tail. Naturally, the warriors listened to their leader and trotted over to join him. Sapphireheart glanced with a hint of alarm between her leader and the group. Once the cats had all gathered, Alderstar raised his head. "ValleyClan made an attempt to target us! They sent a dog after my deputy and we will not stand for it! It will be your duty to go to the border and make sure ValleyClan knows not to trifle with us. We will move the border further into their territory as compensation for this attack." he announced, earning a battle ready growl from Hollowhowl and Bristlestorm while the other two warriors narrowed their eyes. Alderstar nodded his head in approval of their reactions before turning to his deputy. "Sapphireheart, you will be leading this patrol. I expect that you will know how to deal with the dog in case of it returning."
Sapphireheart stared in mild bewilderment as Alderstar utilized the dog attack as a reason to target ValleyClan. She supposed it was overly surprising considering how war-hungry her leader seemed to have gotten on his last life but that didn't make it any less alarming. Coming out of her shock she numbly nodded her head in agreement, knowing from experience that arguing against his orders was futile. The deputy could only hope that there wouldn't be any ValleyClan cats at the border when her and the patrol arrived. "Of course, Alderstar." she mumbled with a dip of her head. She lifted her head to look over the warriors that had been selected for the patrol, each now looking at her expectantly. "Let's move out!" she commanded as she turned to lead the patrol out of the camp and charging towards the clan's border. Fear and discomfort gripped the she-cats heart. It wasn't right what they were doing but what could she do? Her leader's words were law.
(I did cx Hopefully you enjoyed my novel as well xD )
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Post by aether on Mar 22, 2020 20:00:37 GMT -5
[ ooooh I will be on to reply soon! Also I am tossing up between: sootwhisker taking the herbs and sapphireheart maybe helping him escape, or him being captured by the patrol and kept prisoner? Being a cause for increased tension. Whatcha think? ]
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Post by aether on Mar 22, 2020 21:19:58 GMT -5
Sootwhisker ;;
EagleClan Territory;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
The tom stepped lightly over each stone, keeping his eyes staring cautiously to ensure he didn't knock into any lose stones or any footholds that seemed loose which might cause him to tumble. He leaped upwards and upwards, taking care to glance around when he landed on each boulder, until finally the earth mountainous territory flattened out in front of him. No turning back now, Sootwhisker. He continued forward, keeping low to the ground as he went. He knew that the chickweed would grow in sunny areas nearby water, so he had an idea of where he might find the life-saving herb, however he was unfamiliar with the territory. No point second guessing yourself, Cloudgaze needs these herbs! Sootwhisker twitched his ears and kept on moving despite a gnawing in his mind that him him to turn back now!
Occasionally, he would hear the sound of beating wings overhead and the tom would press his flank to the rock walls that surrounded him. Eagles flew over the valley but rarely preyed on the ValleyClan cats - he had heard stories of how dangerous the birds-of-prey could be. He crouched down and stared upwards at the great bird, watching as it circled the air, then moved off - it must have been planning on catching a rabbit. Sighing in relief now that the great bird was caught, Sootwhisker turned his head back down and opened his jaws to scent the area. The scent of rocks and earth was overwhelming, how could anyone feel at home here? He thought momentarily, feeling grateful that he lived in the valley - with the scents of grass and fresh wind. There was something else here though...
"EagleClan patrol!" The words were a hushed hiss from his lips. His minty green gaze narrowed as he quickly turned his head to find a hiding spot, or a way of escape. Everything here was so unfamiliar, so he felt like a piece of prey waiting to be caught in the claws of the warriors. Over there! He surged forward, bounding upwards to reach a ledge, his leap wasn't high enough so he scrabbled with his back legs to reach the top of the ledge and pull himself forward. The earth was flat in front of him and a thin trail of water drifted a short distance away, there was a rocky alcove nearby he could hide in if needed. As he padded towards the stream he noticed pawprints in the softer earth and hesitated. Where am I now? Do cats come here regularly? There were sprouts of green life along the river and Sootwhisker realised that this must be the hollow near the EagleClan camp that Maplecloud mentioned! I'll get the chickweed and go, there's no reason to stay here longer than needed! With a rushed pace, he started padding along the small stream, keeping his gaze moving around in search of the life-saving herb.[ lets have him be captured because it would be good bonding time. plus that means there will be a lot of repercussions and drama to come >:3 ]
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Post by Sand on Mar 22, 2020 21:34:14 GMT -5
Pansy - accompanied by Rowanblaze -
- hollow tree trunk -
[aether ] Pansy knew that Rowanblaze would be stunned by her admittance, but what she didn't expect was for him to comfort her. Maybe she should have expected it because as soon as the ginger tom laid his tail upon her shoulder, she felt at ease. The shrills and hyperventilation came to a halt and she was grateful for his company. She was lucky to have him though he was luckier to have found her. If she hadn't approached him in the forest, then Rowanblaze wouldn't have the chance to go back to ThunderClan. "I-I know," she mewed quietly, hanging her head sadly. "It's just not fair to you, Rowanblaze, let alone your clan." She barely reacted to the mentioning of StarClan because, really, it didn't matter to the black and white she-cat right now. If she wanted to know about this StarClan so bad, she could ask later. Asking more questions about a clan cat's life and all the lore were completely insignificant compared to Ashtail's murder. Yet there was one thread of hope for them to hold onto. Since Pansy witnessed Ashtail's murder, there was a chance she could explain it all to ThunderClan. Believing a rogue would be foolish, she thought, the words stinging her pride. As if they will believe you, Pansy; they are loyal to their own and treat each other like family. Why would they put all their trust in a lonely, useless rogue? When Rowanblaze asked to go back to the scene of the murder, a lump formed in her throat. She could only hope by going back they wouldn't get caught. It wasn't considered trespassing, at least to what she remembered from that day. "Of course. I'm sure there's something still there. There has to be!" she meowed, hope trickling into her voice. "I can't tell you no, Rowanblaze. Your life depends on this and so does Ashtail's, even if he's not here right now. The truth has to be revealed." As much as she was reluctant to return, Pansy was going back whether she liked it or not. This was going to be for Rowanblaze and Ashtail, both whom she barely knew. If she could find something of importance, maybe the ThunderClan cats would believe them! A bit of excitement fueled her heart as her copper eyes lit up briefly. She nudged the ginger warrior's shoulder in thanks for his support. It meant a lot to the rogue, having someone by her side to help her out. He may not realize or know it, but she was going to find a way to thank him properly soon enough. "They better be the best mice I have ever had!" she challenge him, peering outside the trunk. "Do you want to head off now? It might take a bit to get there and you know your clan's borders well in case we get caught."image credited to Pixabay - (CC0 license) |
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 22, 2020 22:00:59 GMT -5
Sapphireheart - EagleClan Territory -
w/ aether 's Sootwhisker Sapphireheart trotted at the head of the patrol, keeping a steady pace as they headed towards the border. She silently prayed to StarClan that the border would be quiet by the time they got there. She wasn't eager for a fight but she knew a couple cats on her patrol would be. "Ready to get some revenge?" Hollowhowl suddenly spoke up from besides her, his amber eyes gleaming dangerously. Pulled out of her thoughts, the she-cat jumped slightly before looking over to the warrior at her side. She frowned a little at his words and focused her gaze ahead. "I wouldn't call it revenge..." she mumbled.
Hollowhowl studied her with curiosity as he smoothly climbed down the rocky terrain they called home. "What do you mean? You think ValleyClan is innocent?" he asked in a lowered voice as he glanced over his shoulder at their clanmates. Hollowhowl was a good warrior but he was quick to buy into every word that came out of Alderstar's mouth. It was only after a bit of thinking and discussion that he came to see reason. Sapphireheart let out a sigh and nodded her head. "The dog didn't come from anywhere near their territory... I doubt they had anything to do with it.. But it'll be good to make sure that it didn't somehow come back." she explained quietly. She was just about to jump down onto the next rock when Amberleap suddenly yowled.
"There's a trespasser!" the dark orange tabby suddenly exclaimed before charging off in the direction of the smell. The deputy had been so focused on getting the patrol over with that she hadn't even bothered to scent the air. As she did now, a clear smell of a ValleyClan cat nearby and it was something the other warriors picked up on too. Her dark green eyes tracked Bristlestorm and Oakfrost charging after the smell as well, their fur bristling with anger. "Let's go!" Hollowhowl suddenly growled before taking off after his clanmates. Sapphireheart blinked, coming out of her surprise, and took off to join her clanmates. Out of all times to have a trespasser! That ValleyClan cat will regret this! She thought with a shake of her head.
As she caught up to the rest of her patrol, it very quickly became obvious that the intruder was not only close to camp but also near the stream that Maplecloud had herbs at. What in StarClan would a cat be here for? She wondered only to feel a strange sense of fear grip her as she realized it was a hotspot for medicine cats. Oh StarClan please tell me I'm wrong... Don't let it be Sootwhsiker. Well if StarClan was listening, they were ignoring her. Ahead of her, she spotted the warriors closing in on someone and a cold chuckle sounded ahead.
"Well, well aren't we lucky to have the ValleyClan medicine cat as our guest!" Bristlestorm sneered at Sootwhisker as the warrior circled to the right of him. Sapphireheart slowed to a stop behind Oakfrost and Amberleap, the two older warriors crouching down, looking ready to lunge at Sootwhisker as soon as the command was given. The deputy looked over at the medicine cat, frowning faintly. "Sootwhisker. Why are you on EagleClan territory?" she asked, hoping the tom had a good enough reason that letting him go wouldn't cause an outrage. Not only was attacking a medicine cat wrong but she also just simply didn't want him getting hurt. After the night before, it seemed that she still had lingering feelings of comradery towards the tom.
(Sounds good cx Gotta love that drama lol )
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Post by aether on Mar 22, 2020 22:48:14 GMT -5
Rowanblaze ;;
Hollow Tree Trunk ;;
Pansy ;;
Sand ;;
Knowing that Pansy was prepared to help him solve the mystery alleviated stress from Rowanblaze's shoulders. Most importantly came the feeling of companionship and thankfulness that he wouldn't be alone in an otherwise frightening journey. He couldn't put it into words yet, but her agreement to help made his heart swell with appreciation. He nodded, emotion causing his throat and tighten. We'll do it not just for me, but for Ashtail. There were a lot of thoughts and emotions swirling about in his mind, so the sandy tom took a moment to steady himself with a deep breath and a long exhale. As she nudged him back in support, he steadied his gaze and looked ahead. We will do this. With Pansy to help, I'm sure we'll find out all the answers. "They'll be the fattest mice in all the forest," he promised with a smile hitting his lips, then he started padding out of the trunk "Let's go now." He meowed quickly.
The air outside was cool and damp, but the rain had ceased. Under-paw the leaf litter squelched and slipped, nothing was going to stop Rowanblaze now though. Determination to solve the mystery was now at the forefront of his mind. "It's a little after sunhigh, so I think we'll make it to the border after the evening patrol does the final round. We'll keep our eyes open, but I think we will be okay." He glanced back to his rogue companion to make sure she was by his side. There was something about the way she didn't hesitate to accompany him on the journey and the supportive gleam in her copper eyes that made him smile. I'm sure StarClan has sent her to me. He mused.
As they weaved through the forest undergrowth, Rowanblaze tilted his head curiously, "Pansy, do you think any of your other rogue friends might have seen anything? Maybe we could ask them sometime?" He suggested. After inspecting the scene of the death - the idea of which sent a chill down his spine - they would need another plan of action. If they did find something or they didn't, they had to keep on gathering clues and information. It would take a great amount of convincing from an exile and a rogue to make the clan welcome him back again.
Sootwhisker ;;
EagleClan Stream ;;
Sapphireheart ;;
brambleflight ;;
There! Joy exploded in Sootwhisker's heart as he spotted a lovely bush of chickweed extending out of a crevice. Excitement filled his paws and for a moment he forgot he was enemy territory, so he allowed himself to skip forward to gnaw at the stems. Their bitter taste enveloped over his tongue and his lips curled in distaste. I can't take too much or else Maplecloud will know, but I need enough for at least a few rounds of treatment. He was lost in thought as he picked stems from the plant and spat them onto the cold rock surface. Distantly, he thought he could hear voices; it was at that moment that he realised he'd been too lax. I need to get out of here! The sound of thundering pawsteps on the rocks told him he was too late. When he spun around, he could see the shapes of EagleClan warriors sprinting towards him - moving expertly on the rocks until they reached the smooth surface by the water.
He recognized each warrior as they skidded to a halt around him - Bristlestorm, Oakfrost, and Amberleap. He felt like a tiny mouse as they towered over him, and he ducked his head awkwardly to avoid eye contact. What do I do?! What do I say?! He groaned inwardly and cursed himself - Whitestar would have his pelt for being such a clumsy fool! At Bristlestorms jeering remark, Sootwhisker raised his head and swallowed thickly. He couldn't think of a witty reply, only managing an uncomfortable shift of his paws.
A blue-grey pelt over the rocks moving towards them made Sootwhisker feel only a tinge of hope. Sapphireheart... would she help me? She had already repaid her debt by saving him from the river, Sootwhisker could only hope she felt the same sense of affinity that he had for her. Her company yesterday had left him smiling all the way until his sleep, and when she stopped in front of him, he felt the warmth on his flank return where she had walked against him. She's also the deputy and is loyal to EagleClan; you are a medicine cat, who shouldn't even be here!
"S-Sapphireheart," the black and white tom straightened up, however his tail drooped nervously, "I'm here on medicine cat business. I, uh, Maplecloud told me there were herbs here that I need." He didn't want to outright declare that he urgently needed chickweed to cure a case of greencough in his clan; he may as well ask the surrounding warriors to walk into his camp and take advantage of them! "I'm not here to steal prey or cause any fights. In fact, I can leave right now." He attempted to shuffle sideways, but Oakfrost to his right was like the rocks that surrounded them; not moving and tall.
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Post by Sand on Mar 23, 2020 0:23:19 GMT -5
Pansy - accompanied by Rowanblaze -
- hollow tree trunk -> forest -
[aether ] With all the emotions and thoughts coming to her mind, Pansy wasn't prepared for them. There was so much to process and figure out, but for now she needed to focus on what was ahead of them. She took a long, deep breath before letting out a lengthy exhale. This is for Rowanblaze and Ashtail, she reminded herself, you'll find all the clues and answers you need to get him back to ThunderClan safely. She wasn't so sure of her own thoughts though, but she wanted to stay as positive as possible. She let out a soft purr at his promise and quickly followed the ginger tom out of the hollow tree trunk. She forgot how much she despised the feeling of wet leaves beneath her paws. The squelching and squeezing of the foliage made her grimace in disgust because it was so uncomfortable to hear. As she followed Rowanblaze, she made sure to be aware of her surroundings. The air was stuffy while the sky appeared overcast with lighter clouds forming at the surface. "It might be a tight fit for time, but I think we can pull it off," Pansy mewed, padding next to him. She was glad that Rowanblaze hadn't seen her as a threat when she first approached him. Maybe she had been wrong about clan cats, at least the few she had seen before. The black and white rogue grumbled as some of the undergrowth stuck to her shiny pelt. She glanced at the exiled warrior momentarily before thinking. "Well, when I went to where Ashtail was killed, I was chasing some prey," she explained. "I brought another rogue with me because we are close. His name's Hoot, but I'm not sure if he was around when Ashtail was attacked. We went our separate ways... and I haven't visited his nest since." A pang of guilt pummeled Pansy's chest when she realized Hoot had been around the entire time. What if he too had saw the murder? Even if he had, would he have told me? she wondered. Either way, a visit to Hoot was going to be crucial even if Pansy wanted to avoid it to spare herself from acting like more of a mousebrain. "Rowanblaze... you don't have to see where Ashtail died. I don't want to put you through trauma since you knew him," she meowed before changing the subject immediately. "I think we should look for the ginger fur that you mentioned. It doesn't sound like it fits with what happened."image credited to Pixabay - (CC0 license) |
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brambleflight
Holiday craze. Replies wont be coming for a while sorry!
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Post by brambleflight on Mar 23, 2020 0:29:34 GMT -5
Sapphireheart - EagleClan Territory -
w/ aether 's Sootwhisker Sapphireheart shifted the weight of her paws at Sootwhisker's words. After the night before, she found herself believing his words without further questioning. He hadn't struck her as the type to cross over the border without good reason. He was a lone medicine cat, hardly a threat to the clan. If only it was so easy to convince the rest of the warriors of that. "Fox-dung! We know better than to trust any ValleyClan cat!" Bristlestorm snarled before the deputy could say anything regarding the situation. The large warrior flex his claws, looking all too eager to pounce on the medicine cat. "He's probably a spy!"
"Or he's just here to steal herbs!" Amberleap chimed in now, glaring at the medicine cat. "ValleyClan has no morals!" As growls of agreement rose from the rest of the patrol, Sapphireheart quickly stepped forward, planting herself between the warriors and the medicine cat. "Enough." she commanded, raising her head up. The deputy knew very that merely escorting him to the border wouldn't be an option. It'd look like she was helping the enemy and with tension already high, it wasn't something she could easily do. The deputy had to go for the next best option there was to keep the warriors from outright attacking and chasing the medicine cat off like a common rouge. "He claims it is medicine cat business so we will have to confirm this with Maplecloud. He will come with us back to camp." she announced with a glance at Sootwhisker. For a split second, her hardened gaze softened into an apologetic one as she met his eyes. The moment was fleeting though as she focused back on her warriors.
"Oakfrost and Amberleap to his sides. Hollowhowl you take the back. Bristlestorm you're with me at the front." Sapphireheart instructed as she moved to take the lead of the patrol back to camp. She looked over her shoulder at Sootwhisker. "If Maplecloud approves your story, we will escort you to the border afterwards." she explained with a helpless shrug. The deputy could only hold onto hope that Sootwhisker's story did in fact check out with the other medicine cat.
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