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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 14:12:49 GMT -5
WELCOME Sky and I are back on our 1x1 clan ideas again. cx Please bear with us as we try and survive the jungle this time. So, anyway, this is our little thread and we're just hanging out, being our goofy selves. c: The usual, essentially. Aaand, we're starting up again - for hopefully the last time! ^^
INDEX i. welcome, index
ii. about, territory, plots
iii. allegiances
xi. relationships, updates, character tracker
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 14:14:06 GMT -5
ABOUT Living in the jungle is no easy life. There are predators at every turn and safety is never a guarantee. Most nights you're lucky to go to sleep with a full stomach and a dry nest. RainClan has settled in these parts for generations. determined to tough it out in their jungle home. No challenge is too great for these fierce and mighty warriors... except maybe the Cursed Mountains that sit at the far edge of their territory. That area has brought nothing but death to the clan for years and it's forbidden to go near it, even for the bravest of warriors. RainClan avoids the area like the plague. However... loggers are moving into the territory, beginning to encroach on the clans hunting grounds and destroying their home. Soon the clan might have no choice but to escape into the mountains... TERRITORY As mentioned, RainClan live in a large jungle, where it rains often and there's plenty of life. The area is mostly sheltered beneath incredibly tall trees, blocking a lot of the sun. Only in clearer areas can cats really sunbathe, or if one is daring enough to climb up into a tree. Thick, unforgiving undergrowth surrounds the cats at almost all times. There are ferns, bushes, vines, roots, and ivy all across the forest floor and even a few flowering plants. It takes skill to be able to navigate through the territory quickly and safely. There are many streams, pools, and two waterfalls within the clan territory, providing plenty of water and opportunities to catch fish. PLOTS - MAIN PLOT - Loggers are moving into the clan territory and tearing up our hunting grounds and destroying our home. How long will we be able to stay in the area with these dangerous two-legs and machines, while still facing the other dangers of the jungle? Will RainClan be forced from their home and up into the mountains?
- MINOR PLOT(S) - feel free to suggest, always open! <3
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 14:14:53 GMT -5
ALLEGIANCES Leader
Ebonystar - 38 moons. athletic, tall black tom with golden eyes.
Deputy
Leopardshine – 23 moons. beautiful golden-and-black spotted she-cat with green eyes.
Medicine Cat
Snakestrike – 38 moons. sleek, skinny black tom with a white underbelly and yellow eyes.
Medicine Cat Apprentice
Orchidpaw - 8 moons. lithe reddish brown she-cat with a white chest and green eyes.
Warriors
Morninghowl - 37 moons. ginger she-cat with a single black spot over her throat, green eyes.
Duskleap – 35 moons. massive pitch-black tabby tom with pale blue eyes.
Scorchheart - 35 moons. scarred black tom with gray patches and amber eyes.
Risingmoon - 26 moons. muscular light golden tabby tom with white paws and gray eyes.
Dawnripple – 26 moons. slender ginger-and-gold she-cat with green eyes.
Quietbreeze - 23 moons. cream tabby she-cat with a white tail tip and light blue eyes.
Riverheart – 22 moons. pretty tortoiseshell-and-silver she-cat with blue eyes.
Batflight – 20 moons. large black-and-brown mottled tom with amber eyes and large ears.
Archfeather - 20 moons. pale brown tabby tom with a white chest and dark green eyes.
Fernpool – 12 moons. small dappled brown she-cat with pale gray eyes.
Apprentices
Frogpaw – 10 moons. cream and brown tabby tom with large paws and blue eyes.
Sandypaw - 10 moons. small soft tan she-cat white flecks with big blue eyes.
Antpaw – 8 moons. tiny black and white tom with green eyes.
Stormpaw - 8 moons. handsome dark gray and white tabby tom with blue eyes.
Pantherpaw – 6 moons. lithe pitch black she-cat with one blue and one amber eye.
Jaguarpaw - 6 moons. a golden bengal tom with black spotting and hazel-green eyes.
Queens
Willowcloud – 20 moons. dark brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes and white spots along her flank.
Kits
Shadekit - 1 moon. a brown and white dappled tom with russet rings around his tail and legs. blue eyes.
Marblekit - 1 moon. pretty marbled brown, russet, and golden she-cat with green eyes.
Elders
Piranhaface – 94 moons. Pale bluish elderly tom with snaggly teeth and pale amber eyes, one of which is blind.
Boaspring - 94 moons. calico dappled she-cat with intense orange eyes.
Mossbelly - 87 moons. black she-cat with a white stomach and dark green eyes.
Outsiders
none currently known.
StarClan
none of note yet.
Dark Forest
none of note yet.
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 14:17:06 GMT -5
RELATIONSHIPS FAMILY
Venomclaw + Dappledpelt = Piranhaface & Boaspring
Bananaleaf + Clearsong = Mossbelly, Seedflight, Opalcloud
Darkstalker + Littleowl = Ebonystar & Snakestrike | Fernpool, Barkpaw, Nightstep
Gingertalon + Leopardstrike = Morninghowl, Tinderstorm, Ashkit, Emberkit
Piranhaface + Mossbelly = Duskleap, Fallensun, & Scorchheart
Jaggedstreak + Boaspring = Risingmoon & Dawnripple
Palefur + Opalcloud = Leopardshine & Quietbreeze
Lemurjump + Silverfern = Riverheart
Tinderstorm + Bravestrike = Batflight, Willowcloud, & Archfeather
Scorchheart + Dawnripple = Frogpaw & Sandypaw
Cavefeather + Riverheart = Orchidpaw, Antpaw, & Stormpaw
Duskleap + Morninghowl = Pantherpaw, Jaguarpaw, & Sweetkit
Risingmoon + Willowcloud = Shadekit & Marblekit
Mentors & Apprentices Ebonystar mentors Frogpaw
Duskleap mentors Sandypaw
Morninghowl mentors Antpaw
Leopardshine mentors Stormpaw
Quietbreeze mentors Pantherpaw
Dawnripple mentors Jaguarpaw
Romance Piranhaface ♥ Mossbelly Scorchheart ♥ Dawnripple Duskleap ♥ Morninghowl Risingmoon ♥ Willowcloud
Ebonystar ↔ Leopardshine Fernpool → Archfeather Stormpaw → Pantherpaw Batflight → Sandypaw UPDATES - 3/11/22 - And we begin again! Just daily clan-life as of yet. The twolegs continue to move in on our territory.
- date - news
- date - news
CHARACTER TRACKER - Sky [ ~Skyblaze~ ] - Leopardshine, Snakestrike, Duskleap, Dawnripple, Riverheart, Batflight, Willowcloud, Frogpaw, Antpaw, Pantherpaw, Piranhaface
- Blu [ little blu ♥ ] - Ebonystar, Orchidpaw, Morninghowl, Scorchheart, Risingmoon, Quietbreeze, Archfeather, Sandypaw, Stormpaw, Jaguarpaw, Shadekit, Marblekit, Boaspring, Mossbelly
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 17:06:52 GMT -5
[[ save for previous posts ~ ]] Ebonystar with Shadekit
in camp
@ Tag
The jungle was never quiet. Not during the day and certainly not when the moon was high in the sky. The afternoons were probably by far the loudest though. The rustling in the tall trees, screeches of monkeys, cries of birds and the restless chittering of rodents. RainClan's home was one that never slept. Ebonystar grunted as he tugged at the vines that held the roof of the nursery together, tightening the fronds together. The afternoon heat and humidity was in full swing and his black fur felt much too warm but he'd volunteered to help reinforce the dens today. A small tug on the end of his vine, followed by a warm tumble of fur against his legs brought the tom's attention down to the little bundle sprawled out beneath him. Willowcloud's young tom peered up at him, his tiny face twisted into an adorable pout. "Thank you for your help, Shadekit," he praised the kit, nudging the little one to his paws. To think that only a few sunrises ago they'd still been nest-bound.
"I help?" the kit squeaked, peeking up at him and the leader nodded very seriously, which inspired Shadekit to try and puff out his chest. The action almost sent the kitten tumblng over. They're just becoming steady on their paws. "Careful. Where's your mama?" Ebonystar asked, taking a glance around the clearing, unable to spot the dark brown tabby she-cat. Shadekit looked around too, his blue eyes widening as he seemed to realize that his mother and sister were nowhere to be seen. Before any hysterics could start, the tom swept the kit closer with his tail. The brown and white little one shuffled closer, pressing his trembling body against the sturdy legs of his leader.
"I'll help you find them."
Orchidpaw with OPEN
in camp
@ Tag
The young russet she-cat had a bit of a rough start this morning, having stayed up late to test herself on the herbs stored in the medicine den. As result, she'd been rushing around all morning trying not to fall asleep on her paws. The apprentice had lost track of time and she'd dozed off amongst the herbs, sleeping deeply into the afternoon. Finally, Orchidpaw had woken up, feeling groggy and a bit disoriented since she wasn't in her nest. Her green eyes scoured the thick ferns that made up the more private part of the medicine cat den, realizing Snakestrike wasn't anywhere to be seen and his scent was growing stale.
With a wide yawn, the ruddy molly pushed herself up to his paws, careful not to step on any of the Chervil and Horsetail she had on the ground before her. She'd been diligently sorting through both this morning when her exhaustion had caught up with her. Using a light touch of the paw, she rolled the herbs into bundles for better storage. Then she lifted them into her mouth and gently placed them in their proper space. When the herbs were put away, Orchidpaw wondered if he should search out her mentor. He might be just enjoying his afternoon...
The persistent rumble of her stomach settled the decision for her really. She needed to go out and find some grub and if she ran into Snakestrike on the way then it was perfectly a coincidence. Giving her legs a final stretch, the soft furred she-cat weaved his way through the small entrance of their ferns, then out of the medicine cat den altogether. She briefly wondered what her siblings were up to, a smile crossing her face. Antpaw and Stormpaw always seemed to have stories to tell from their adventures as warrior apprentices. Orchidpaw was more than content in her choice though. Herbs just.. made sense to him.
Scorchheart with Dawnripple
near Banana Grove
@ ~Skyblaze~
His gray splotched flank brushed gently against his mate's, a scowl on his face even though he was more relaxed than he had been in days. This walk had been the first quality time that he and Dawnripple had been able to spend together in almost a moon and already his dark mood was lightening. Scorchheart cast a glance at the pretty tabby, watching from the corner of his eye as she padded beside him. Just the sight of her there soothed the anger he often carried around with him. "It's been too long," he grumbled, glaring off into the trees. His claws slid out of his paws briefly before he clenched his jaw and pushed down his temper. It would help nothing. Dawnripple's scent fell over him and soothed his nerves.
Scorchheart knew he wasn't the easiest tom to love, his temper ran hot and he had a bristly disposition on the best of days. The young molly beside him had chosen him though, even with all his faults, and he had never loved anyone more. Though his kits were a pretty close second. "I've missed you," he murmured, his deep voice taking on a softer tone that was solely reserved for Dawnripple, his mother, and his children. He paused his stride to touch his nose to her ear, brushing his chin against her cheek affectionately. The warrior sat beneath a shorter tree, enjoying the shade and slight reprieve from the undergrowth. The two were far into RainClan territory, near the eastern border.
Leopardshine | Camp | Ebonystar & Shadekit
________________________________________
"Scaring a kit? Come now, Ebonystar." The playful mew came from Leopardshine, who had just slipped back into Camp. Two mice hung by their tails form her jaws. The RainClan deputy fixed her vivid green eyes on her leader, brimming with amusement, and...something more. There had always been an unspoken...something...between the two of them, long before they'd become the Clan's leadership. Most of the Clan could see it, even if they couldn't. The way they looked at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. The way they lingered at an accidental touch. Every cat figured it was a matter of time....except for the two cats who it concerned. Of course, it didn't stop them from being great friends.
Leopardshine set the mice down, and turned her gaze to Shadekit. "Willowcloud went out for a short walk." She mewed. "I saw her on my way back. She was only gone a spell, to stretch her legs, and these two were fast asleep. I guess one woke up." As the only queen in the nursery, there were no other queens to watch Willowcloud's youngsters so she could leave camp, and the dark tabby queen resolutely refused to pull any warriors away from their duties for her, not even her mate Risingmoon. As such, she could only steal these small opportunities to get out for a bit. "Don't fret little one, your mama will be back in two heartbeats." She purred. She nosed one of the mice over to the dappled tom. "Why don't you share this with your sister while you wait?" She suggested, knowing the treat of fresh-kill for kits who had just begun to eat solid food would be the perfect distraction from their mother's brief absence.
~
Snakestrike | Camp | Orchidpaw
_____________________________
"Glad you could join us, young dormouse. I was afraid we wouldn't see you till nightfall!" The wry greeting came from Orchidpaw's mentor and the clan medicine cat, Snakestrike. The lean black tom was crouched beside the fresh-kill pile, digging into a marsh rat, and his piercing yellow gaze was currently fixed balefully on his apprentice. Of course, any cat knew that Snakestrike was grumpy at the best of times, and that snark was expected. He was stern and sarcastic, but the medicine cat was also shrewd and wise, and he truly cared about his clanmates.
The tom flicked his ears and continued. "You're as bad as Ebonystar. StarClan knows he slept through half his apprenticeship. You'd think he was a sloth more than a cat." Only Snakestrike could talk about their leader in such a manner, not only as the medicine cat, but also as the leader's brother. If Snakestrike was being short with you, it was usually a good sign. It was when he went quiet that every cat knew he was truly angry. No cat was spared the medicine cat's sharp tongue, with the sole exception of Piranhaface, the Clan's former medicine cat and the menor of Snakestrike's mentor, Oakflash. The old tom had stepped down as medicine cat to start a family with Mossbelly, his longtime love. He'd loved her since their early days, but had stayed loyal to his creed and had never taken her as a mate. It was only once he had fully trained Oakflash that he had finally stepped down and allowed himself the happiness of his love. Piranhaface was an elder now, but Snakestrike still treated him with an awe and reverence that went beyond respect. The skinny tom had always claimed that his former mentor had an extraordinary connection with StarClan, beyond anything he'd ever seen.
Of course, he was just as tough on Orchidpaw as his other clanmates, but it was clear he liked and respected the young cat and her work ethic. While he was strict, he was never unfair, and while he may poke fun at her occasionally, he treated her as he would any full medicine cat, knowing that in an emergency, she would have to act as one in his stead. As such, any cat who disregarded her as an apprentice would face his full wrath. While his words may be stony, his actions showed how much he cared about her. Even now, for all his bellyaching about her nap, he pushed his half-eaten rat towards her, inviting her to share.
~
Duskleap | Jungle | OPEN
_______________________
Duskleap let out a disgruntled growl as he crouched near the edge of the jungle, watching the new influx of twolegs spill out of the rumbling monster. It seemed as if more and more were arriving by the day, with their shiny, buzzing claws that glinted in the sunlight. Twolegs had always been a minor nuisance to RainClan, but recently, they'd been encroaching further and further towards the Clan, and though they had not yet reached their regularly patrolled territory, they seemed to be getting closer with every sunrise. Duskleap had come to monitor their progress each day, and he still wasn't sure what they were up to yet. They didn't seem to be doing anything, at least not yet. They just kept coming in their huge monsters, setting up dens. Only time would tell.
He turned now and began to pad away from the cacophony. He needed to report this to Ebonystar and Leopardshine. Of course it had to be him. He thought darkly to himself. Duskleap was...a bit of an enigma in the Clan. He didn' really get along with any Cat. He was stoic and moody at best, and outright confrontational at worst. No cat really knew what went through his head, and most cats didn't want to. He was well aware of how other cats perceived him, and he was more than happy to keep things that way. The only cat who seemed to really understand him was his mate, Morninghowl. It was a wonder that any cat had fallen for him, but Morninghowl had a way of soothing his soul that no other cat did. He'd surprisingly been a doting father when his kits were in the nursery, but Sweetkit's death seemed to have even pushed him away from really bonding with his surviving kits. Though he remained polite and regularly checked on their progress, his demeanor around them was icy and impassive, as if he feared that allowing himself to truly care for them would hurt them again, and so he kept them at paws length. His apprentice Sandypaw was given to him in the hopes of softening this cold exterior, but it was for naught. While he was a good mentor, training her fairly and effectively, his attitude towards her was brusque and distant. He was a good warrior, but no cat was willing to cross his path.
~
Dawnripple | Banana Grove | Scorchheart
_____________________________________
Dawnripple padded contentedly beside her mate, the mid-afternoon sun casting dancing shadows upon her ginger and gold pelt, lighting it aflame in radiance. With the sickness that had recently ravaged through the camp, both of them had worked hard in the past moon, picking up extra patrols, taking extra hunting trips, doing whatever they could to keep he Clan afloat as their fellow warriors fought for their lives. This left little time for themselves or their family, and now that peace had finally returned to them, Dawnripple was determined to finally relax a bit, and there was no better way to do that than by Scorchhear's side.
Dawnripple was the water to Scorchheart's fire. The cool, calming presence that always knew just how to get him to settle down whenever his unpredictable temper flared up. Of course, that flame was never directed towards her, but she was always ready o stand in its path and quench it, no matter where it was directed at. "Far too long." She agreed with a gentle purr, the sound rumbling through her throat as their pelts brushed together. "I heard Frogpaw and Sandypaw are doing great in their training. They've both become such wonderful apprentices, and I know they'll be amazing warriors." The young tabby never had a bad word for her children. She was their bastion and rock, their eternal ally. She doted endlessly, but she also knew when to step back and simply observe with pride. Now was one of those moments, out here alone, with no other cat in sight. She stopped walking and closed her eyes, allowing a cool breeze to run through her fur, before looking up at the vast mountains looming above them like a dark shadow. She hadn't realized how far they'd come. No RainClan cat ever entered the mountains.
~
Batflight | Outside Apprentice's Den | Sandypaw
___________________________________________
"Sandypaw!" The eager mew came from Batflight as the mottled tom slipped through the large ferns near the camp entrance, and made his way towards the apprentice. "Duskleap said I could take you hunting today since he's watching the twolegs. He said it would be fine to handle a day of training since you're going to be a warrior soon." Though his mew was casual, his eyes belied his excitement, as did his twitching tail. It was no secret that the young warrior had been padding after her since they were both in the apprentice den together. Though he was now a warrior, not much had changed in that regard.
Though Batflight would have no doubt taken the initiative, it was just like Duskleap to happily hand over the reigns of mentorship for the day. He was an effective mentor, but he found the role tiresome. Batflight, on the other hand, was young and driven, with hopes of having his own apprentice one day, so this was a good opportunity for him. Of course, some time with Sandypaw was a welcome bonus as well. Besides, it was a chance for Sandypaw to spend some time with a cat who wasn't always just stonily appraising her.
~
Fernpool | Camp | Archfeather
___________________________
Fernpool let out a soft yawn as she padded back into camp, just returning from another patrol. She'd gone on a dawn patrol and then a hunting patrol right after, but one of the perks of being young was boundless energy, and Fernpool was the Clan's newest warrior, ready to prove herself. Not only was she the only surviving kit of her litter, she was also the younger sibling of Ebonystar and Snakestrike, the leader and medicine cat. Barkpaw had died in an accident as an apprentice, and her sister Nightstep had been a young, strong warrior, passing away only shortly after their ceremony to the terrible sickness. Though both her parents were gone too, she resolved to still strive to do her best, for her family watching from StarClan, and her remaining kin.
As she looked around camp, she spotted Archfeather, and her eyes brightened as she padded over. The young warrior had held feelings for the tabby tom since she'd been an apprentice. Now that she was a warrior, she hoped he would notice her affections. "Archfeather! Leopardshine wanted me to check on the twoleg camp on the east side of the territory. Do you want to come with me?" She mewed a bit shyly, scuffing her paws. "I'm sure it'll be more interesting than fixing dens in this heat." She began to head back towards the camp entrance, then looked back over her shoulder slyly. "Of course, if you would rather stay and melt your fur off, I'll tell you all the stories later!" She added cheerfully.
~
Frogpaw | Apprentice's Den | OPEN
________________________________
"Ow!" Frogpaw complained as his blue eyes shot open in a mixture of confusion and pain. The cream and brown tabby looked groggily around the den, and then down to his flank, where a stray branch had buried itself into his fur. The oldest apprentice grumbled under his breath and dislodged the offending stick, getting to his paws with a sigh. He'd returned from the midnight patrol and was so tired upon returning that he had gone straight to his nest. With how RainClan's territory was alive at all hours of the day, nighttime patrols were often more important than those in the day, and every now and again, he ended up with the short end in the stick. And now, I got the long end. He noted wryly, wincing from the sore spot on his flank.
The den was nearly empty now, as the apprentices who had been fortunate enough to have not been assigned night duties were all out training or hunting. The only other apprentice with him was Antpaw, curled up tight in the far corner of the den with his tail over his nose. Frogpaw felt a pang of sympathy as he looked at the tiny tom, who looked even smaller now. Antpaw remained as one of the last vestiges of the plague that had swept through the Clan. While the other survivors were now fully recovered, Antpaw remained weak even a moon later. Though the fever was gone and he couldn't pass it on to others, he was still wracked with coughing fits and heavy exhaustion. The illness had reduced the once sleek, fit tom into skin and bone. At this point, there wasn't much that could be done. Though Snakestrike checked up on him every day, the medicine cat said that it was up to the apprentice to fight this on his own. It must be even harder for Antpaw's sister to see him in such a state, especially as a medicine cat apprentice. He shook his head firmly. No. He'd always had a soft spot for Orchidpaw, but he couldn't allow his thoughts to stray further than that. She was committed to becoming a medicine cat, and he wanted to be deputy one day. Besides, Stormpaw was his best friend. Pushing the unwelcome emotions out of his head, he padded out of the den, casting one last look at the sleeping Antpaw.
~
Pantherpaw | Fresh-kill Pile | Jaguarpaw
_____________________________________
Pantherpaw took a large bite out of the flying squirrel, taking a moment to savor the taste of it, before pushing the remnants of the shared meal towards her littermate. "You can have the rest. I'm stuffed." She puffed, leaning back with a contented sigh. The two were the youngest apprentices in the den, just recently apprenticed, and Pantherpaw couldn't be happier. She was a natural tracker, her black pelt breaking up perfectly among the long ferns of the jungle. At night, it was nearly impossible to see her if she held still enough. She was learning a lot from Quietbreeze, even though it had only been a few sunrises since they'd begun to go out into the forest.
The pitch black she-cat turned her heterochromatic gaze on her brother. The curious contrast of blue and golden, especially against her night-colored pelt, could be off putting at first sight, but they were a sight that Jaguarpaw had seen from the moment he opened his own eyes. The two littermates were closer than most, especially after the death of Sweetkit. Since then, Pantherpaw had resolved to always make time for her brother, no matter how busy her day was. "What do you think Dawnripple has planned for you today?" She asked idly. "Quietbreeze mentioned she was going to teach me abou monkey hunting soon. Though I'd suppose I would need to learn climbing for that first." She added with a purr of amusement.
~
Piranhaface | Medicine Den | OPEN
_______________________________
Piranhaface let out a wheezing cough, amber eyes screwed in consternation. The oldest tom in the Clan was also one of the last remaining cats still suffering from the sickness. Though like Antpaw, he had gotten through the worst of things, he was still struggling through the debilitating after effects of the illness. Unlike Antpaw however, the reason for Piranhaface's issues was plain to see. The tom was old now, very old, and his body simply couldn't fight off sickness the way it used to. The former medicine cat was well aware of this fact, and while in general he seemed to slowly be getting better, some days felt just as bad as the beginning. Today was one of those days, when he'd woken up struggling to breath, his breathe easing only when he'd managed out some of the nasty yellow slime from his lungs. Snakestrike had given him a mixture of coltsfoot and crushed juniper berries, but Piranhaface only felt minutely better.
The worst part of the sickness was that it isolated him from his clanmates, and this was driving him crazy. While Antpaw had been permitted to return to the apprentice's den, as his denmates were young and strong, the same did not hold true for Piranhaface's peers. As such, he was still confined to the medicine den, away from his sister and beloved mate. The frustration of isolation, more than anything, was getting to him, and Piranhaface regularly felt a profound sadness. He could feel a stirring in his bones that he hadn't felt in many moons, a strange exhilaration for life that had largely left him since he'd retired. Something inside told him that he was finally beginning to feel the pull of his warrior ancestors. The old tom was stubborn however, something he had seemingly passed onto both his sons. Whatever his destiny was, Piranhaface wouldn't take it willingly without a fight.
Ebonystar with Leopardshine & Shadekit
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
"Scaring him was never my intention," the black tom retorted easily, his golden eyes landing on the leopard spotted shape of his deputy. He had the odd urge to stick his tongue out at her and he shook off that childish thought. "He's probably more scared by your lack of hunting skills. Two mice was all you could manage?" the leader taunted, flashing her an amused glance to take the sting out of his words. Their relationship consisted of a lot of teasing and good-natured ribbing, all in good fun. Ebonystar had made Leopardshine his deputy for a reason, there were few he trusted as implicitly as the golden molly.
Ah, the queen had gone out for a quick walk. He couldn't exactly blame Willowshade, he couldn't begin to imagine being cooped up in the nursery for a whole moon. There were plenty of warriors around during the mid-afternoon, so now was the perfect time for her to go out. Her kits would be safe. "Okay! Tanks!" the kitten purred, grabbing the mouse by the tail and dragging it into the nursery to share with his sister, the absence of his mother forgotten for the moment. To have the attention span of a kit.
"Well, that solves that problem," he muses aloud, turning to his deputy with a shake of his head. Ebonystar couldn't help but feel slightly relieved. He'd never been good at dealing with crying kits. "Should we ask Risingmoon to look after them? I think he's still around camp.." as he speaks, his gaze is already wandering across his clan-mates, searching for the fluffy golden coat of the younger tom.
Orchidpaw with Snakestrike
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
Orchidpaw perked her ears as her mentor's words reached her, a bit of guilt settling in her chest. She shouldn't have fallen asleep when there was work to be done. Before she could rush out an apology, Snakestrike continued on about Ebonystar being like a sloth in his youth. The young molly couldn't help but imagine the leader hanging upside down in a tree, fast asleep. Chuckling under her breath, she padded over to sit next to her mentor, undeterred by his sarcastic wit and complaining. Her brothers often teased her about having the worst mentor in the clan - but Orchidpaw would always defend him fiercely. There were few cats - if any - that the ruddy she-cat respected more than her mentor.
"Slothstar has a good ring to it, no?" she joked as she settled down beside the dark-furred tom, accepting his offer to share with a small purr. "I am sorry for falling asleep. I trust you were able to hold the clan together while I napped?" Orchidpaw asked, peeking a glance at the tom with her soft green eyes. Part of her wanted to ask about her brother, who had been released back to the apprentice den but was still mostly nest bound. Though he wasn't the only one that was still recovering from the sickness, her personal devotion to her litter-mates made her vulnerable. Still, her constant worry would likely annoy the older tom so she wisely chose to keep her concern to herself.
Quietbreeze with Duskleap
jungle
@ ~Skyblaze~
The she-cat zipped through the undergrowth, silent as she slid under ferns and around wide patches of underbrush. Her blue gaze was latched on the falcon soaring low through the trees as she chased after its shadow, never falling too far behind. Her cream-colored pelt made it difficult to blend in at times but she had rolled in a bit of mud beforehand, to give her a bit of an edge. The warrior was so focused on her prey that she wasn't exactly watching where she was going, which of course resulted in a paw slipping on some loose mud. Quietbreeze let out a small mew of alarm as she went tumbling across the jungle floor, stopped by a raised tree root. "Oof." The she-cat gingerly sat up, wincing as she felt the soreness spread through her body, centering mostly on her back and legs.
As she tried to shake herself off, a familiar scent was carried on the wind towards her. One of her clan-mates? Quietbreeze peered around for the source, almost instantly spotting Duskleap's dark fur against the bright greenery. Embarrassment burned hot beneath her pelt and she ducked her head to lick at her chest fur. "Er, hi," she greeted, unsure what else to say really. The larger tom was intimidating and didn't have the greatest reputation within the clan. The only feline who really seemed to enjoy his company was his mate, Morninghowl. The poor ginger warrior was still trapped in the warrior's den, recovering from the illness that had spread through the clan like a wildfire. Both her parents had been lost pretty early on and they weren't the last. The clan had suffered a great loss.
"W-Were you heading back to camp?" Quietbreeze asked, noticing that he appeared to be turned in that direction. Now that she'd lost her falcon, she might as well return too. She was sure Leopardshine already had. Then again, her sister was deputy and had more important things to do than hunt around in the forest all afternoon.
Scorchheart with Dawnripple
banana grove
@ ~Skyblaze~
"Of course they will. Our kits are becoming strong warriors like their mother," he replied, his amber gaze steady on hers. StarClan forbid those kittens to take after him in any way. For a long time, his biggest fear had been that Frogpaw or Sandypaw would inherit his temperament and antisocial nature - which he and his brother seem to share. To be honest, a lot of the trouble started when the toms lost their brother, Fallensun. Scorchheart thanked his lucky stars that his children seemed to take after their mother, making friends with the other apprentices and goofing off beside the apprentice's den. He and Duskleap had often played too rough to be allowed to join in with the other apprentices. Quite a few of his scars came from tussling and battle practice with his brother.
"I don't want them to inherit the violence that flows through my veins, Dawn," he growled quietly, pressing his cheek to the top of her head tightly. As though if he pressed close enough to Dawnripple his fear would cease to exist. While her scent did soothe him, the worry remained. Scorchheart felt the breeze flutter over his coat and took notice of how close they'd gotten to the border. The ripe, sweet scent of bananas had faded and the couple now stood startlingly close to the foot of the Cursed Mountains. As though an omen, a chill raced down his spine. "Horrid place," he grumbled, turning back to face the way they'd come, peeking at his mate out of the corner of his eyes.
Sandypaw with Batflight
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
The light tan pelt, for which she'd been named, almost seemed to glow pale gold in the sun as she stretched out her limbs carefully. The molly had slept a bit awkwardly the night before, wedged between Pantherpaw and her brother, and her legs and back were aching a bit as a result. Still, the little feline wouldn't let that slow her down. This is why she'd gotten up relatively early this morning and practiced her battle moves with Stormpaw. Then, of course, she'd volunteered to take care of the elders with Jaguarpaw and assist in reinforcing the dens. All in all, it had been a busy day for the small apprentice.
Her ears perked right up at the sound of Batflight's voice. She turned eagerly to greet her friend, flashing him a bright smile even as her spirits sank a bit. She shouldn't be surprised that Duskleap had handed her off to another warrior... again. While her mentor was distant and cold at the best of times, she longed for his approval and pride. Still, at least she got to spend time with Batflight, who'd never made her feel like a silly apprentice even if she was a bit younger than him. "Hunting sounds great, I haven't been out of camp yet today," she admitted, flicking her tail eagerly. She didn't mind helping with chores around the camp but being out in the jungle was where she loved to be. "Any certain prey we're aiming for?" she asked, padding towards the entrance at an easy pace.
Archfeather with Fernpool
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
The pale brown tabby tom lifted onto his hind legs, banana leaf clamped delicately in his jaws as he carefully tried to weave the leaf into the roof of the elder's den. He'd almost completed his task and worked diligently with Risingmoon, who stood on the other side. The amount of rain the clan received meant that the dens needed to be reinforced quite often due to water and wind damage. Working under the hot sun was less than appreciated. He had just lowered himself back down onto all four paws when the sound of his name rang in his ears. His head turned just in time to catch Fernpool stopping next to him. A small grin tilted his maw, dark green eyes flashing with interest. Anything was preferable to working endlessly in the heat, especially accompanying a pretty molly.
Laughter bubbled out of the tom as he padded after the small dappled she-cat, shaking his head at her taunts. "Why melt my fur off, when I can spend time melting your heart?" he teased, chuckling at the corniness of his own statement as they exited the camp, passing Sandypaw and his brother, Batflight, on their way out. "Checking out the two-leg camp, huh? Such a dangerous mission, I'm lucky to have you to protect me," he joked, nudging her shoulder with his own as he finally caught up to her, walking along at her side. Though he had to shorten his strides since Fernpool was much smaller than him, he didn't really mind all that much.
Stormpaw with Frogpaw
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
As soon as Frogpaw exited the den, the dark stormy gray tabby nearly ran right into him. His dark eyes lit up at the sight of his friend, a crooked grin tugging at his muzzle. Just the cat he'd been looking for! "Hey, finally you're awake!" he said, backing up a bit to give the older apprentice a bit of space to stretch out in the sun. It was certainly a warm day here in RainClan, with the sun blistering through the openings in the trees and reigning down on the camp. Stormpaw had thought it'd felt good at first but after a short while he'd desperately sought out some shade, seeking the comfort of the cool shadows.
"How did the midnight patrol go last night? I'm still upset Leopardshine wouldn't let me go," he grumbled, kicking at a small rock with his forepaw, sending it rolling through the grass. The gray tabby loved patrolling with his best friend, finding it much more interesting and even educational because Frogpaw would often give him little tips. Stormpaw was an adventurous, wild-hearted tom. His impulsiveness and ability to get himself into trouble was legendary within the clan. So spirited, many warriors found it odd, the admiration he felt for Frogpaw, who was much more responsible and level-headed.
Jaguarpaw with Pantherpaw
in camp
@ ~Skyblaze~
Jaguarpaw was stretched out beside his sister, his tail twitching contentedly back and forth as he washed her shoulder fur. The nudge of the flying squirrel had the young tom pulling away and licking his lips, looking so much like the jungle cat for which he'd been named. He took his time finishing off the prey, in no rush. His green eyes flashed lazily around camp, acknowledging that his mentor was nowhere to be found. As a relatively new apprentice, it would be expected for the tom to be upset about this, but Jaguarpaw couldn't seem to make himself care. He'd learn from Dawnripple when she deemed it necessary. There was no hurry. Though it was easy to label the golden bengal lazy, the apprentice could be very active when the mood suited him. He was already shaping up to be a skilled hunter and some of the older apprentices had been impressed by how quickly he could strike and dodge during his first battle training. It was safe to say Jaguarpaw wasn't a feline to be underestimated.
The feeling of his sister's gaze on his pelt was intimately familiar. He always seemed to know when Pantherpaw was around or when she was seeking out his attention, without her having to say a single word. Shifting to face her, he took in her bi-colored eyes without flinching. The blue and gold were soothing, a sight more comforting than his mother's pelt. His sister spoke of monkey hunting and climbing, excitement and a purr in her voice. Warmth settled in his chest as he acknowledged his sister's eagerness to learn. "Definitely climbin' first. Gotta know how to reach the monkeys before you can catch 'em," he replied, a slight smile on his lips as he rested his head on his paws. He'd always been on the quieter side, due to some difficulties with his speech but he never hesitated to speek with Pantherpaw. "Dawnripple said somethin' about learnin' to fish," he admitted after a moment, an almost thoughtful look in his hazel green eyes. Swimming was an enticing idea to the tom, who quite enjoyed the water and had from a young age. At least it would keep him cool in this awful heat.
Boaspring with Mossbelly & Piranhaface
medicine den
@ ~Skyblaze~
"I am not going to be kept away from my brother any longer, Mossbelly. He's stuck in that smelly old den without anyone to talk to! We'll be fine," the abundantly fluffy white and calico she-cat snapped, peering at her much more level-headed den-mate in annoyance. Boaspring adored her sister-in-law, under normal circumstances, but enough was enough. The stubborn elder marched out of the den and stormed right over to the medicine den, noting with satisfaction that Snakestrike and his apprentice where near the fresh-kill pile. Her old ears could just pick up the shuffle of paw-steps, telling her that Mossbelly was right on her tail, if only to keep her friend from getting into too much trouble.
"Boaspring... I really think we should wait until Snakestrike gives us the all clear... I miss him just as much... if not more," the mostly black feline tried to reason with her, the pain in her voice only slowing down Boaspring's determined stride. She knew Mossbelly was taking the separation from Piranhaface hard, the poor thing barely slept or ate and worried herself to tears nearly every day. "We have to do this," the calico responded, her voice barely rasping. The sigh of defeat from behind her didn't bring the normal smirk to her face. There was nothing fun about winning this argument.
The two elders slipped inside the medicine den and instantly spotted their den-mate. "Piranhaface!" the two of them called, simultaneously. Mossbelly seemed to have lost most of her resistance to the idea at the sight of her mate curled up in his nest. "It's so good to see your face. You look better - don't look at me like that, you really do! You're going to get through this fine, I just know it. Especially since we have new kits in the nursery to tell stories to. Oh, you should see them, Piranhaface! Marblekit is so curious about the world and Shadekit is such a sweetheart..." Boasrping continues to babble onto her brother, almost as though she's afraid to stop. If she stops talking maybe he'll stop listening and just fade away. Meanwhile, Mossbelly is pressed tightly against the blue-gray tom's side, licking gently at his forehead and ears.
Leopardshine | Camp | Ebonystar & Risingmoon
___________________________________________
Leopardshine watched with a purr of amusement as the kit scampered away, his woes forgotten. She'd always liked kits, though having her own was not something that had often crossed her mind. She'd always been too focused on her goals. She watched Shadekit reach the nursery just to make sure, then she turned back to Ebonystar, emerald gaze warm. "Good idea. I'm sure he'd also appreciate a break from den building." She added playfully. Giving her friend a light flick on the flank with her tail-tip, she turned to where Risingmoon was working beside Archfeather.
"Hey, Risingmoon!" She called out, padding over to the tom. "If you've got a free minute, can you keep an eye on Shadekit and Marblekit? Willowcloud's out stretching her legs for a bit. Don't worry about this." She mewed jokingly, flicking her tail at the Elder's Den. "We'll make sure it gets done before Piranhaface is back to complain about the drafts." Maybe saying it out loud would will it to be true. Like all of the Clan, she was well aware of the elder's current situation, and hoped he would be back in the comfort of his own den soon.
~
Snakestrike | Camp | Orchidpaw
__________________________
"I haven't lost a cat yet today. It's a new record." A wry smile twisted on the tom's face, belying the sense of humor that occasionally bubbled below his gruff exterior. He peered keenly at her, his yellow gaze noting her hesitation. It was clear she had something on her mind. The perceptive medicine cat had learned most of his apprentice's tells in the past two moons of working with her. Now, he had a pretty good idea of what was on the young she-cat's mind. "There's no change with Antpaw, by the way." He added casually. Family was one of the few things he had a soft spot for, and he could understand how he would feel if Ebonystar was in the same situation. "Though he spends so much of the day sleeping we may need to rename him Hedgehogpaw." He added. Though he was teasing, the excessive sleeping was a bit worrying. Rest was good, but the young apprentice should have the energy to fight this off while he was awake. He kept this worry to himself, however. No point in worrying Orchidpaw about it if it turned out to be nothing.
"I'm more worried about Piranhaface." He admitted, concern clouding his amber gaze. "He's been getting worse. And it's not even the sickness that's affecting him. He's just too old and frail to fight off what's left of the infection. I gave him some coltsfoot and juniper berries this morning, but he's not responding to it." His eyes gained a faraway look as he considered various remedies, then they focused as he quickly quizzed her, "Why did I give him that, by the way?" This was a good learning opportunity after all, and he liked keeping Orchidpaw on her toes. She was still a young apprentice, and had much to learn after all.
~
Duskleap | Jungle | Quietbreeze
_____________________________
The distinct sound of something crashing through the thick undergrowth raised the fur on Duskleap's neck, and he unsheathed his claws preemptively. If he had come across a big cat or wild boar, it was better to not be caught unawares. However, as the shape finally exploded from the ferns, he saw cream cat fur, and the scent of RainClan wafted over him. He watched as Quietbreeze half ran and half tumbled unceremoniously into the tree root, then put his claws away with an exasperated sigh. Why did he worry about boars when he had clanmates that made even more of a ruckus. He regarded her impassively as she turned to face him. "Quietbreeze." He meowed with the slightest incline of his head.
At her question, he made a show of looking around the scene, eyeing the trampled foliage and broken twigs. "Well, I'm certainly not hunting." He replied matter-of-factly. "Any prey in the area should be halfway to the Cursed Mountains by now. And it's probably best I leave the area before a jaguar comes to investigate." He was annoyed at the sudden bedlam, and just as Quietbreeze wasn't entirely sure what to say to him, Duskleap was feeling similarly reticent. Without another word, he whipped around in the direction of the camp and began to pad away, then stopped after a few pawsteps. "I'd recommend you do the same." He added curtly over his shoulder, before continuing on his way.
~
Dawnripple | Banana Grove | Scorchheart
_____________________________________
Dawnripple turned her gaze back from the mountains towards her mate, pushing her nose into his fur. She knew that Scorchheart struggled with the demons of his past, and she wanted to do nothing but comfort him, to tell him that everything was okay. "You're a wonderful father." She mewed firmly. "And those kits adore you. I do, too. Even if you're the most difficult furball in the entire clan sometimes." She added playfully, running her tail-tip along his side. Dawnripple just got Scorchheart. She knew just how to reassure him enough without coming across as overbearing.
As Scorchheart began to walk away from the mountains, Dawnripple couldn't help but cast another glance up to the dark, twisting crags. She'd always had an adventurous side, especially as an apprentice, and the thought of travel had always appealed to her. Though she had settled down and started a family, a part of that wanderlust had never really left her. As such, she was one of the few cats in the Clan who weren't completely unnerved by the mountains that rose up like a great spine before them. She stood there a few moments longer, contemplating them, and then shaking her head slightly, she turned tail and hurried after her mate.
~
Batflight | Camp | Sandypaw
__________________________
As Sandypaw stepped in beside him, Batflight felt his fur heat up slightly, and he forced the prickling fur along his neck to lie flat. To distract himself, he began to consider her question. "Why don't we go up to the hills?" He suggested. "We can find rats and pacas." The hills lay near the mountains and were heavily forested. Though they were a higher altitude than the rest of the territory, they were still not nearly as sheer as the mountains. They were also usually teeming with prey, and their location was usually avoided by the aquatic predators, and the big cats that preferred hunting larger prey. Plus, since it was mid-afternoon, the large constrictors that frequented the area would be hiding from the heat. They would emerge later in the night, once it was cool.
As they began to pad out into the forest, Batflight turned his gaze on his young companion. "Are you excited to be a warrior soon?" He asked as he padded leisurely, leaf litter crunching beneath his paws. Sandypaw and her brother only had a moon or two left in their training, and he knew that soon, Leopardshine would begin arranging assessments. It was only a matter of time before she would be joining her in the Warrior's Den. As aloof as Duskleap was, he was still a good technical mentor, and Sandypaw's training had progressed without any issues.
~
Fernpool | Jungle | Archfeather
____________________________
Fernpool's pretty gray gaze filled with amusement at Archfeather's quips, alongside undisguised adoration as they padded side by side. The young warrior was so smitten that she was even willing to accept such cheesy quotes. "You're such a mousebrain!" She laughed, nudging him back as a purr welled inside of her. "Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll carry you out myself!" She added teasingly. She was delighted by his interest, and as the forest swallowed them up and away from the camp, she pressed closer to his side, allowing their pelts to brush against each other.
"And we're not barging headfirst into a twoleg camp." She mewed, whiskers twitching in amusement. "They've been cutting down the trees closer and closer to our territory, so Leopardshine wants me to go and see just how far they've gotten, to see if they're going to be a problem soon. With luck, the twolegs won't even know we're there. Unless of course, you decide to serenade them." She purred, flicking her tail against his as they pushed further into the forest. "Those howls of yours will probably send them running to the Cursed Mountain!"
~
Frogpaw | Camp | Stormpaw
_______________________
Frogpaw's whiskers twitched in amusement at Stormpaw's excited energy, so early in the morning. Of course, it was only morning for him, he noted. For most cats, the sun had been high in the sky for a while now. Night duties always tended to mess with his sense of time the next day. "Hey, Stormpaw." He mewed as he stepped out into the sun. It felt nice to get a hot day with all the rain that usually seemed to settle in their territory, and he arched his back, allowing the warm rays to bounce off of his cream and white fur. He stood like that for a second, and then the heat was already scorching his back, and he shuffled quickly out of the direct rays.
When he'd found refuge from the heat, he turned to his denmate, letting out a purr of amusement. "You can't tell me you wanted to go on a nightfall patrol!" He laughed. "It was quiet, as usual." Quiet being relative, of course. RainClan territory's noise ranged from a symphony of gentle hoots and croaks to a cacophony of screeches and howls. "Ebonystar thinks a jaguar may be poking its nose a bit too close to camp. We scented it all around the Moss Basin. Hopefully it moves on before we have to do something about it." Jaguars were large and powerful predators, far too dangerous for a single warrior or even a regular patrol to handle alone. Driving away a jaguar usually involved half the Clan's warriors. "Pantherpaw wished you could come, too." He added slyly. He was well aware of his friend's affections for their newest denmate.
~
Pantherpaw | Camp | Jaguarpaw
_____________________________
"Unless I learn to fly, of course." Pantherpaw joked, purring at the thought of soaring above the lush jungle, fur brushing treetops as she snatched monkeys out of branches. Her whiskers twitched in amusement at the brief daydream, then her attention returned to Jaguarpaw at the mention of fishing. If she hadn't just eaten, she would have definitely been salivating. Fish was an important of RainClan diet, and the water by the shore, as well as the various rivers and streams crossing the jungle, were usually teeming with life, from the small but delicious angelfish to the large, brawny catfish that required hunters to work in pairs.
"Maybe you'll catch a piranha!" She mewed excitedly. Every RainClan was told from a kit to avoid the schools of shiny, blue little fish with red underbellies and sharp jutting jaws. The cats saw on a regular basis what happened to any misfortunate animal that had decided to wade in the river at the wrong time. Hunting piranhas were exceptionally dangerous and rarely done, as they were so small that a single piranha did not provide much of a mouthful, for how difficult it was to catch it. Of course, that didn't stop the more courageous - or foolhardy, perhaps - among them from trying.
~
Piranhaface | Medicine Den | Boaspring & Mossbelly
_______________________________________________
Two of the most familiar scents in his life wafted through the entrance of the den, and Piranhaface pricked his ears, slightly perplexed. Then, sure enough, his sister and mate padded into the den. "Boaspring! Mossbelly!" He croaked, voice rasping in surprised delight. "What are you two doing here? I still can't have visitors. What if I spread something?" He protested, his gaze pained as happiness at seeing them and worry for their well-being battled within his eyes. Nevertheless, he indulged Mossbelly a lick between the ears before shying away, unwilling to potentially infect her with anything.
"I am glad to see you." He added gratefully. It was so long since he'd spoken to a cat other than the medicine cats. "How are Duskleap and Scorchheart?" He asked, inquiring about his kits. "And Frogpaw, Sandypaw, Jaguarpaw, and Pantherpaw?" He was happy to have so much kin among the Clan, especially considering how difficult to get along with his kits were growing up. Somehow, they had both found mates who truly loved them. "I'll be thrilled to see them again." He mused. Though his voice was strong, especially after their arrival, his eyes were still glazed, showing just how weak and frail he was in his current condition. He didn't look capable of moving anywhere. |
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 11, 2022 17:20:15 GMT -5
A long-suffering sigh escaped the tom, even as amusement flashed in his yellow eyes. "There's nothing wrong with enforcing the dens! It's honest work," he called after the retreating form of his deputy. There was no one in the clan who got under his skin like Leopardshine. Sometimes he wondered what madness drove him to make her his deputy. Then she'd send out patrols or effortlessly brake up spats and he'd reluctantly have to admit she was made for her role. It suited her.  At the sound of his name, the fluffy golden tom paused in his work and turned to gaze at Leopardshine curiously. His hind legs ached with the effort of holding him up, as he reinforced the roof of the elder's den. "Good afternoon," he greeted, falling back to all fours. Risingmoon carefully stretched out his limbs, releasing some of the tension in his joints. His large ears perked atop his head at the mention of his mate and kits and his throat rumbled a little purr.
"Of course not! Any excuse to spend time with my kits," the young father enthused, gray eyes shimmering with warmth. "Though I do wish Willowcloud had warned me before she left... they're so young..." he mumbled to himself. As a new dad, the tom was full of worry and caution when it came to the little furballs. He'd driven Willowcloud a little crazy in the moons before they were born - until his mother had cuffed his ears and ordered him to stop being such an anxious mother hen. Boaspring was a force of nature, even in her old age! Risingmoon shuddered at the memory of his mother's ire.
The deputy's comments about the elder's den brought him out of his thoughts. He couldn't hide a snort of laughter. "Archfeather and I got some decent work done, I'm sure Piranhaface won't have anything to complain about!" the tabby chuckled, his mind briefly drifting to his uncle. The old tom had to get better. "I'll go keep an eye on my kits, thank you, Leopardshine," he mewed. With a respectful dip of his head, he padded towards the nursery, calling out a greeting to Ebonystar before he disappeared after Shadekit.  "Not even one? That's incredible!" Orchidpaw didn't hesitate to tease her mentor, delighting in the humor that he shared with her. Another rumble of her stomach reminded her why she'd left their den in such a hurry. The ruddy molly peered at the fresh-kill pile, enticed by the scent of fresh prey. To her disappointment, there were no flying squirrels on the pile. The magestic rodents were easily her favorite prey. Instead, she hooked a claw into a small mouse and dragged it towards her.
A twitch of her ear is all the acknowledgment she gave at Snakestrike's update on her brother's condition. Of course, her mentor had been able to see right through her. Antpaw's slow recovery ate away at her good mood and suddenly the apprentice didn't feel so hungry anymore. "Right... Hedgehogpaw," she muttered, green gaze slipping to rest on the apprentice's den. The sickness that had devastated the clan had come early in her apprenticeship. This meant she hadn't been able to be of much assistance without her mentor there to aid her. Orchidpaw couldn't fight the feeling that she'd been more of a hindrance than a help, often watching as her clan-mates faded right before her eyes. Instead of admitting defeat, the molly had pushed herself further, desiring to better herself.
"Coltsfoot and juniper berries? Both can be used for shortness of breath, so I assume that's why you used them on Piranhaface. Juniper is also good for stomachaches," the red and white molly replied promptly. She spoke with a surety that she had lacked only a moon ago. "I was thinking about going to find some honey for him today. He was coughing all night and his throat must be sore," Orchidpaw said, forcing her gaze back to the black and white tom at her side. 
Scorchheart with Dawnripple
Banana Grove
@ ~Skyblaze~ Scorchheart peered down at his mate in blank disbelief. She really thought that he was a good father. The idea baffled him. "If you think so..." he was reluctant to disagree with his mate, "I'm just glad they have you." He released a long breath, padding easily at Dawnripple's side. The black and gray tom had a great role-model for fatherhood. Piranhaface was a loving father and had always supported his sons - even when they turned out to be aggressive heathens. Still, Scorchheart couldn't help but doubt his ability to raise his little ones. He wished Fallensun were still alive, his level-headed brother was always the tom he'd go to for advice.
"What do you think their warrior names will be?" the warrior wondered aloud, his amber eyes narrowing in thought. "Frogpaw reminds me so much of Fallensun..." he mumbled, almost to himself. His son was remarkably responsible and had definitely inherited his mother's smarts. He would make an excellent warrior. Not that Scorchheart thought any less of his daughter. Sandypaw had a big heart and he enjoyed watching her grow into a compassionate young molly. 
Archfeather with Fernpool
in the jungle
@ ~Skyblaze~ "I resent that! I definitely have a bigger brain than a mouse!" Archfeather gasped, full of drama even as his eyes danced with laughter. He gave a playful growl as he picked up the pace. The undergrowth was thick and lush this close to camp and the tom nearly lost sight of Fernpool as he weaved around a flowering plant. He could just pick up her paw-steps and followed the sound until he caught back up to her. The jovial tom let out a hearty chuckle as he pictured the little dappled she-cat carrying him from danger. "So you're saying that you'll be my hero?" he joked, seeking out her pale gray eyes with his own.
The mention of twolegs and their horrible tree-eating monsters sobered Archfeather a bit. There was nothing funny about what those furless creatures were doing to the forest. "They've gotten bolder, huh?" he mused, straining his ears, trying to hear the obnoxiously loud monsters. The two were still relatively close to camp, however, and the sounds of the jungle still dominated the world around them. Fernpool's teasing brought back the goofy smile to his muzzle. "Fernpool! I thought you liked my singing! See if I ever serenade you again," Archfeather gave a haughty sniff and pretended to storm off, careful not to wander too far. The pale golden molly couldn't resist a grin at Batflight's suggestion. She'd always been partial to the hills, especially during the day, when there was the most sunlight. The trees were much more sparce there and one could actually see the golden dappling of light on the grass. "That sounds like a plan," she agreed pleasantly. Padding shoulder to shoulder with the warrior, the duo traveled deeper into the jungle.
"Of course! I hope that my assessment comes soon, especially because the apprentice's den is becoming a bit crowded," Sandypaw mewed, her thoughts drifting to her den-mates. With the arrival of Pantherpaw and Jaguarpaw, there was less freedom to move around without bumping someone or stepping on someone's tail. "My back is a bit sore from all of Pantherpaw's kicking," she laughed, shaking her head. She wasn't really one to complain but Batflight had always made her feel comfortable with him.  "Why not? That's exactly what I'm saying! Midnight patrol is so much fun when it's all dark and shadowy in the jungle and you never know when a predator might strike!" Stormpaw enthused eagerly, revealing his adrenaline-seeking nature. The danger this tom put himself in on a regular basis was concerning, to say the least. Probably the most memorable of those stunts was when he tried to take on a wild boar on his own. The dark gray and white tom was lucky to be alive. It's a wonder how Riverheart hadn't had a heart attack yet frankly. Ebonystar had put him on elder duty for many days after, but he hadn't learned his lesson. Which was made clear when he went racing after some monkeys the same morning he was let off suspension.
"A jaguar! You have all the fun," he grumbled, though his blue eyes glittered with admiration for the older tom. The tom's whiskers twitched eagerly as he imagined chasing the large spotted cat through the tall trees. He couldn't hide his wild grin and Stormpaw fought against the impulse to rush out of camp. Frogpaw's blatant jab at his crush on Pantherpaw brought the apprentice back to earth. "Ugh, whatever! I don't like her, Frogpaw," he complained. His ears felt warm but he lashed out a paw to nudge the cream and brown tabby. "D-Did... she really? Wish I was there, that is," Stormpaw asked reluctantly, casting a half-hopeful glance at the molly.
 Jaguarpaw's muzzle was pulled into a slight grin at his mental image of Pantherpaw soaring through the sky like a bird. "If anyone could pull it off, ya could," he said, affection barely disguised in his tone. He fully believed that there was nothing his littermate couldn't do if she put her mind to it. The golden spotted tom placed his chin on his paws, enjoying the slight breeze that ruffled his fur. The shade felt phenomenal on such a blistering day.
Angling his ears in Pantherpaw's direction, the apprentice scrunched his brow in thought. "Maybe. It'll probably take a lotta practice to catch one of those," Jaguarpaw mewed, imagining the jagged teeth of a piranha. He hadn't heard of many warriors who sought out the red-bellied fish. "I heard that's why Weevilstep lost his hind paw," the tom admitted, thinking of the recently deceased warrior. The skinny brown tom had been deathly afraid of water as long as the young tom had known him. He had been taken by the awful illness that spread through the clan. 
Boaspring with Mossbelly & Piranhaface
medicine den
@ ~Skyblaze~ "Nonsense, we'll be fine, you worry too much Piranhaface," Boaspring assured her brother, ignoring the nervous glance Mossbelly shot her way. The truth of the matter was there was a very real danger of the sickness spreading to the she-cats, their immune system much weaker in their older age. It was just a risk they were willing to take in order to see their den-mate. The calico and white molly didn't regret being in the medicine den but it hurt to see her brother so frail and sickly. She felt her throat grow tight at the sight but her smile never wavered.
Mossbelly had settled beside her, working the ground with anxious paws. Carefully Boaspring placed her fluffy tail around the smaller feline, offering support. "Oh! Duskleap has been working with Leopardshine and Ebonystar to keep an eye on the twolegs. And Scorchheart brought down a hawk the other day with only Frogpaw for backup!" Mossbelly jumped at the opportunity to update her mate on their kin. "Our grandchildren are wonderful! Sandypaw brought Boa and me some prey this morning, the little dear! Pantherpaw and Jaguarpaw are both excelling at their training, Quietbreeze and Dawnripple are so impressed! I saw Jaguarpaw use that battle move you taught him against his sister the other day!" the younger elder's voice was soft and full of love as she spoke of their family. |
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Post by ~Skyblaze~ on Mar 14, 2022 20:38:28 GMT -5
Leopardshine | Camp | Ebonystar & Risingmoon
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Leopardshine shook her spotted head slightly at Risingmoon's fretting. Though she was younger than him and didn't have kits of her own, it was clear that Risingmoon was overreacting, and the cats that did have experience in the matter seemed to have told him so many times to no avail. She doubted he would stop worrying until they became apprentices, and maybe even after. "Risingmoon, their eyes are open, they were asleep, and they're in camp where any cat can see them leave den. A mouse doesn't get through here without some cat knowing. Your kits are fine, so enjoy your time with them!" She called after him, resisting the urge to add, overprotective furball.
When she'd been a kit she loved exploring, and Palefur and Opalcloud had really given her space to come into her own. StarClan knows, she would've gone crazy if she'd been stuck in the nursery full time. She doubted that changed even now, and the thought of being stuck in the nursery as a queen was no less as appealing as being stuck there as a kit. Then, she turned and briefly caught Ebonystar's eye, and she purred inwardly. Maybe for the right cat, it would be worth it. She amended. The sleek spotted she-cat padded back to her leader. "Want to hunt a bit?" She offered. "Patrols are all taken care of. Unless of course, you'd prefer your 'honest work'." She added playfully with a look over at the mostly-finished dens.
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Snakestrike | Camp | Orchidpaw
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Snakestrike didn't ponder on the topic of Antpaw. There wasn't much that they could do at the moment and fretting would get them nowhere. He got enough of it from Riverheart, their mother. He nodded at her quick response however, pleased at the prompt answer. "Good." He mewed. "You're right. The juniper berries are also to give him strength, by the way, and he'll need as much as he can get, for however long we can give it to him." He added. Though he listed off the remedy, Snakestrike had a medicine cat for long enough to know when a patient's time had come, and it seemed that Piranhaface was just about ready to join their warrior ancestors. However long the elder felt fit to give himself however, he would do the same. There was still something that felt exceptionally strange at even the thought of it. For as long as he'd been alive, Piranhaface had seemed invincible. Even after Oakflash's unexpected death, it had been Piranhaface who had stepped in to complete his training. The whole afair was tinged in sadness.
Orchidpaw's next comment drew his attention back to her. "I'm sure he would appreciate that. I don't think we can stop the coughing, but at the very least we can make it easier." He mewed. "Take a warrior with you, though. The twolegs have been coming closer and closer to our territory, and the last thing I want is you running into one of those furless brutes unprotected." He added. "One of these days, we're going to have to teach you some basic battle moves, but we need to deal with this first." He mused, sweeping his tail in the direction of the medicine den to indicate that 'this' referred to the last remnants of the sickness in camp in Piranhaface and Antpaw.
~
Dawnripple | Banana Grove | Scorchheart
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"Who knows that Mothstar has in mind!" Dawnripple responded with a purr of amusement. "I remember when he was a kit, Frogpaw was telling any cat who'd listen that he wanted to be called Frogleap." Her eyes twinkled with warmth as she thought about her tabby son. "He really does seem like a mini Fallensun, doesn't he? I'm excited to see what kind of warrior he becomes. And Sandypaw is so spirited, I hear she always does her best in training! Even Duskleap seems happy with her, and nothing makes Duskleap happy." She commented with a mrrow of laughter.
She decided to leave out how much time their daughter had been spending with Batflight in recent moons. It wasn't in Scorchheart's nature to be subtle in his overprotectiveness. Besides, Sandypaw was almost a warrior, and was perfectly capable of making her own decisions. Of course, once she did become a warrior, it would be far harder for Scorchheart to not notice. It would be an interesting warrior ceremony indeed. Of course, she had special news of her own to share. "We might have a couple new faces in the apprentice's den eventually," She meowed casually. She knew Scorchheart wouldn't be expecting this news, which made her all the more excited to share it with him. "seeing as I'll be moving back into the nursery soon."
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Batflight | Heading towards the hills | Sandypaw
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"With six apprentices, I'm not surprised." Batflight replied with a purr of amusement. "Eventually, Shadekit and Marblekit will be apprentices too, and who knows how many kits after that. Of course, by the time they're apprentices, you'll be a warrior already." He turned to look at her, amber eyes warm. "I can't wait for you to join me." He murmured, brushing his tail lightly along her flank, before ducking his head sheepishly and turning his gaze in front of them.
The dense undergrowth continued even as they reached the hills, the incessant jungle coming to a halt only against the stone of the mountains. However, the hills were a seeming intermediary between the jungle and the mountains, the ground rising away in gentle upwards slopes but still dotted with the same foliage of the jungle. The ground underfoot grew soft and peaty as the leaf-litter that normally covered it became boggy soil from the increased rain. The air also grew crisper as they began to gradually climb upwards. It was almost as if they were entering a different world.
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Fernpool | Jungle | Archfeather
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Fernpool let out a loud purr of amusement as Archfeather pretended to storm off. "Come back, you great furball, you're going the wrong way!" She called out to his retreating form, whiskers twitching in laughter. Sure enough, the path under her paws had begun to tremble gently, no doubt from the twoleg monsters rumbling up ahead. The soil had also begun to grow hard and cracked underfoot, and acrid black smoke began to waft through the air.
Fernpool crouched low as she slunk through the ferns, stretching her neck to get a better look. As she peered through the undergrowth, her gray eyes widened and she let out a gasp. "They're so much closer!" She meowed in alarm. The twolegs had been just a dark line on the horizon at one point, but now they were practically on the doorstep of RainClan territory. Large shiny monsters whirred as their teeth sank into the bark of ancient trees, felling them with loud crashes. It wasn't just monsters, either. The whole clearing was swarming with twolegs, running about and yelling in their unfamiliar language. There were way too many to fight. Ears flattening, Fernpool pressed herself against the ground with a hiss. "What should we do? We need to let Ebonystar know somehow!" She mewed to Archfeather in a low mew.
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Frogpaw | Camp | Stormpaw
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Frogpaw shook his head slightly, still amazed that after everything his friend still wanted to dash off into the jungle. "You'd think after the boar you'd decide you didn't want tusks and teeth in your tail after all." He mewed in exasperation. He had to admit, there was a bit of a thrill that came with patrolling in defense against the large predators that stalked the jungle night. However, Frogpaw was just more practical than that. And Stormpaw could carry on all he wanted, but even if StarClan themselves came down and ordered it, there was no way he was taking on a jaguar on his own.
The tabby tom's face was a mask of innocence at Stormpaw's shy question. The gray-and-white tabby was the picture of bravado, until it came to a certain black apprentice. Then, Frogpaw reasoned Stormpaw quite resembled an uncomfortable sloth instead. "Maybe she did. Maybe she didn't." Frogpaw replied casually, clearly unwilling to freely release such valuable information for free. "Maybe you should....ask her?" He suggested with a purr of amusement. He'd stop teasing in just a second - but for the moment, this was just too fun.
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Pantherpaw | Camp | Jaguarpaw
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Pantherpaw nodded enthusiastically in response. "Boaspring told me a story about how a boar fell into the river once during their feeding time. They turned it into bones in heartbeats. Such a big creature, just like that..." Though the thought was thrilling, a shiver of awe passed through her jet-black form. "I think I'll stick with monkeys." She decided firmly with a purr of amusement.
Meal finally finished, she got to her paws and stretched, shaking out her pelt. "I should find Quietbreeze, if I'm late for training, she'll probably just let the monkeys have me." She joked, flicking her ears. "Maybe we'll see each other at training today, but if not, I'll see you later!" She mewed with a purr, flicking her tail in farewell as she hared off to find her mentor, meowing a greeting to Frogpaw and Stormpaw as she passed.
~
Piranhaface | Medicine Den | Boaspring & Mossbelly
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Piranhaface's gaze grew soft as Boaspring regaled him with stories of his children and grandchildren. It seemed that they and the Clan were truly thriving, and he felt at complete peace for the first time in a long time. He turned to look as Mossbelly, gaze full of a deep and long-lived love, one that had been won through sheer tenacity and sacrifice. "We did it, Mossbelly. We really made the family we always wanted." He murmured softly. Though his mew was little more than a croak, it was content.
Then, his paws shifted as he moved away from the two of them, still resolute that he would not spread his illness to them. "I think that's quite enough time, you two. If Snakestrike finds you here, he'll have all our tails and I wouldn't blame him. If you two got sick, I'd be devastated. You should go now. And Boaspring," He added knowingly. "Please don't pester that poor cat about me. I know my condition. He does too. I used to be a medicine cat." There was a bit of dry humor to his mew, but it held a somber tone. "StarClan have been silent for a long time, ever since I became a warrior. But I think soon enough, our warrior ancestors may wish to share tongues with me once more. Until then, I'll make do with every day they give me in this jungle."
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Post by little blu ♥ on Mar 22, 2022 17:53:01 GMT -5
The golden tabby flinched at his deputy's light scolding - a reminder that he was being a bit too protective. He heaved a quiet sigh, shoulders slumping. "I know... I just don't want anything to happen to them," Risingmoon mumbled, mostly to himself. He'd seen so much death and grief in the past moons, it was devastating to think of his kits in that position.
Carefully he entered the nursery, watching Shadekit and Marblekit giggle together and tuck into a mouse. He delighted in their excitement and wonder, a warm smile tugging at his muzzle. When his children noticed him, the scurried to wrap themselves around his legs and Risingmoon's purr could have shaken the den. The father would do anything, give anything to keep his little ones safe and happy.  Ebonystar gave a firm tug, pulling the fronds in a tight weave that would protect the nursery from the downpour that was expected later today or tomorrow. The humidity in the air was undeniable, causing his black coat to feel much thicker. Golden eyes narrowing in concentration, he took a step back, admiring his work. The approaching paw-steps of hid deputy had him bracing - who knew what taunting little comment she'd come up with next. That strange warmth that filled him whenever he was around Leopardshine unfurled in his chest.
And there it was. Her dig about 'honest work'. Resisting the urge to cuff her ears, the tom gave her a look and snapped, "The dens needed to be reinforced. If you want to go out in the middle of a rainstorm and patch up the leaks, be my guest." Ebonystar took a deep breath to calm himself, mind drifting to her question. Hunting? It had been almost a moon since he'd gone out on a casual patrol. There had been too much happening in camp and a whole load of new responsibilities since Leafstar died.
"A hunt would be ideal, but I want to be here if Duskleap or Fernpool return with news," he eventually admitted, tossing Leopardshine a thoughtful look. He'd sent Duskleap earlier this morning to scout out where the twolegs were tearing apart the forest and then sent his sister a few moments ago to seek out the twoleg camp. Hopefully between the two of them, some useful information could be found. Then again, the black furred warrior had been gone for a long while now... Strength. Juniper berries could also provide some energy, that's right. Orchidpaw made a mental note in her head though she simultaneously felt if she stuffed anymore information in her brain, it would explode. She had been quizzing herself non-stop and the stress she felt to be better was overwhelming. Her mentor's comment on Piranhaface was tinged with sadness and the ruddy molly resisted the urge to comfort Snakestrike. He wasn't likely to accept her soothing, she knew that.
"Oh, okay. I'll see if I can find someone," she agreed, doubtful as she glanced around at the near-empty camp. The honey wouldn't serve any other purpose to make the elder more comfortable, but he deserved that much. Which meant Orchidpaw would be going to get that honey - warrior or not. She didn't doubt the danger those twolegs and their monsters presented but she couldn't stand to watch Piranhaface wince over every cough.
"That sounds like a plan. Stormpaw keeps trying to teach me a few moves but he's not great with directions," Orchidpaw enthused with a laugh, peering up at her black and white furred mentor. Her brother followed instincts rather than methods. Frogpaw could maybe help - he was the most senior apprentice after all. If anyone had a plethora of battle knowledge, it would be him.
Scorchheart with Dawnripple
Banana Grove
@ ~Skyblaze~ A rare laugh rumbled in Scorchheart's throat. "He would jump all over the camp as though he had ants in his fur, crowing about his future name," the tom's amber eyes softened as those memories swirled to the front of his mind. He let out his own snort at the mention of his brother. Dawnripple definitely had a point. "I'm just glad she can stand his surliness," Scorchheart admitted. Sandypaw was full of life and determination, always had been. Even her uncle's disposition wouldn't stop her from becoming the best warrior she could.
The black and gray tomcat was lost in his thoughts, content just to pad at his mate's side. So much so that her announcement flew right over his head. Silence fell between the two before Scorchheart realized that his mate was waiting for some sort of reaction. What... something about... kits? He nearly tripped over his paws as the reality set in. "The nursery? You mean...?" his voice wavered and those amber eyes of his were wide. Dawnripple was expecting. Delight warred with terror - especially when he remembered that Piranhaface was still sick. Would his father even get to meet his new grandchildren?
"That's amazing, Dawn," Scorchheart finally mewed, earnest. Even though he was feeling a whole range of emotions, he couldn't not be excited. Gently he nuzzled her warm cheek, a rusty purr rattling his chest.
Archfeather with Fernpool
in the jungle
@ ~Skyblaze~ Archfeather's laugh was lighthearted as he turned and padded back to Fernpool's side. He stood close enough for their fur to brush, especially when the acrid scent of smoke began to fill the air. He ducked his head and tried to take shallow breaths, hoping not to inhale too much of the fumes. His green eyes flared with disgust at the dried earth and browning ferns that surrounded them. Those furless monsters were destroying their home! "Snake-hearts," he hissed, lashing his tail.
The tabby tom followed his friend's lead and peered through the undergrowth. He instantly wished he hadn't. Fernpool wasn't exaggerating. Those monsters were mere mouse-lengths from RainClan's main border. "You're right, Ebonystar needs to know about this," he replied, shaking his head. Surly their leader would know what to do? At the very least they needed to let their clan-mates know not to travel alone anymore - and to steer clear of the border. Archfeather had just turned to head back to camp when an odd scent caught his attention.
"That's definitely a feline... or two?" he whispered to Fernpool, his shoulder fur bristling. Just what the clan needed - intruders on top of everything else!  "I'm so excited to have space to stretch out!" Sandypaw exclaimed with a bright laugh, shaking her head. She had never minded sharing a nest with her brother - still didn't to this day, but as much as she enjoyed her den-mates, it was all a bit overwhelming. Not to mention she missed getting to spend her evenings with Batflight. He'd always been so easy to talk to and had never laughed at her mistakes or mouse-brained questions. Even though he was older, she'd never felt like anything but his equal.
Blue eyes widened, peering at the mottled tom with surprise. Jitters stirred in her stomach and her ears burst into flames. "Really?" the sand-colored molly murmured, disbelieving. A warm smile spread across her muzzle, delight shining in her gaze. "Me too. I've been working really hard," Sandypaw shared. Duskleap is a difficult mentor to please, but she really thought she'd been doing well these past moons. Her determination helped, especially since praise wasn't exactly forthcoming.
The she-cat lifted her head suddenly, the scent of vole carried to her on the breeze. With a shrug, she turned in the direction of the prey, creeping forward on silent paws. The small grayish brown critter was settled on a small rock, bathing itself. Sandypaw dropped herself into an effortless hunter's crouch. Slipping through the grass, she made sure to keep her tail level and her muscles loose. In a split second, she was on top of the rock and the vole hung from her jaws. Stormpaw ducked his head in a flash of embarrassment. He could clearly hear the exasperation in his friend's tone and since he looked up to Frogpaw, it made him feel a bit silly. "I mean... yeah, the boar was kinda scary at the time," he admitted, his eyes clouding at the memory of hot, stinking breath and brutally sharp tusks. If he ever ran into one of those evil creatures again, it would be too soon. But Stormpaw wasn't going to let fear rule his life either. His need for adventure was too great.
"I'll just have to train extra hard until I can take one on," the apprentice mewed, nodding his head. Leopardshine had already taught him so many awesome battle moves. He couldn't wait for an opportunity to prove himself.
The gray tabby froze at his friend's wishy-washy answer. "Maybe?" he grumbled, glaring at the older tom without any real heat. Stormpaw knew that Frogpaw was teasing him, using his crush on Pantherpaw to do so. "Eh? No way! I can't-" nerves caused his words to end on a humiliating squeak. Giving himself a firm shake, the tom tried to brush off his sudden anxiety. He shoved a playful paw at the cream and brown tom. "I hope you get a crush soon so I can rub it in your face," he mumbled.
The golden bengal tom widened his eyes the slightest bit, whether impressed or alarmed by the story - it was unclear. "Jeez." A boar was a large creature and for the piranhas to reduce it to bones so quickly... Jaguarpaw was sure he never wanted to run into them. He loved to swim though, so he wasn't exactly sure how well that was going to work out for him.
His attention returned to his sister as she joked about catching monkeys. "I'm not too sure that monkeys are the safer option, I've heard plenty of stories of apprentices gettin' snatched up by them," Jaguarpaw mumbled, peering at Pantherpaw with his usual blank expression. He had been stoic since he was a kit, not showing much of his outward emotions. Though there was a faint glimmer of concern in his hazel-green eyes.
A soft huff of laughter escaped the tom at his sister's mention of Quietbreeze. The cream warrior was a kind soul, with an almost gentleness about her. "Yeah, right! Your mentor wouldn't let the monkeys have ya, she'd more likely give you more chores around camp," he mewed, standing up as his sister did. He cast a long, curious glance around the camp. "I think I saw Quietbreeze enter camp a few moments ago," he informed his sister. His own mentor still had yet to return though, so he might take a nap instead. 
Mossbelly with Boaspring & Prianhaface
medicine den
~Skyblaze~ Mossbelly sought her mate's gaze, peering into those pale amber eyes, seeing her grief-ridden face staring reflected in those warm orbs. Staring into the familiar face, she heard his words through her racing heart and the tears that pooled in her eyes. All at once the elderly molly saw their lives together.
Piranhaface had been 8 moons old when she first met him - she had finally reached her first moon and Clearsong had finally let them out of the nursery. She'd been so excited to explore camp, even though Seedkit and Opalkit were more interested in playing games. Without knowing any better, Mossbelly - then Mosskit - had wandered into the apprentices' den and found Piranhapaw and Boapaw wrestling in the shade. The big blue-gray tom had nearly bowled her over. She could remember thinking that he was so... full of life.
When she'd been made an apprentice, the tom had already changed his path to that of medicine. Mossbelly had always pushed herself to impress him, without knowing the reason. She would follow him around camp, bragging about her achievements. She must have seemed so silly to him. Boaspring had certainly teased her for it. They hadn't got along too well in their youth. Funny, now she couldn't imagine facing life without the boisterous calico at her side.
Becoming a warrior was... one of her proudest moments. And yet, it wasn't her mentor or even her parents she'd looked to during her ceremony - but Piranhaface. Those pale eyes had shimmered with warmth and dare she say pride? Mossbelly had realized pretty quickly in the following moons why the tom had always set her heart to racing. The two spent moons, dancing around the subject. The tears finally spilled when she remembered the evening that it had all changed.
Piranhaface had asked her to take a walk with him, something that wasn't unusual. They often raced each other through the forest - sometimes they'd pick herbs, other times the young cats would just enjoy one another's company. They'd padded side by side to the river, settling on the bank to watch as the sun began to dip below the horizon. "I'm going to be a warrior, Mossbelly. I'm giving up my position as medicine cat." The words had taken long minutes to sink in. Her heart had nearly exploded in her chest as she understood his unspoken words. That was the first night she told him she loved him.
A few moons later, Mossbelly had grown round with kits. Their first litter - where all four kittens were stillborn. It had taken seasons before the pair had recovered enough to try again. And try they did, for moons and moons. Their love for one another had never wavered, not for a second, even as they faced disappointment after disappointment. "Maybe we weren't meant to be parents." She'd been the one to say it, after her 50th moon had passed. The couple had accepted this and had quit trying. Two moons later, Mothshadow - Piranhaface's replacement - had told her that she was expecting kits. Their miracle kittens.
Three healthy boys were delivered that new-leaf. Mossbelly had been so happy that she practically floated around camp for the next six moons. Her family had all passed by this point and she'd longed for a family something fierce. Duskleap, the oldest, had always been intelligent and fierce. Piranhaface used to joke that the black tom had been born 45 moons old. Their little warrior. Fallensun, their middle child, had been so level-headed and kind. The true foil to his brothers, always the voice of reason. He'd been the glue that held the trio together. And then there was the youngest, Scorchheart. That tom had been born with fire in his soul and protective instincts so volatile he'd tried to take on an older apprentice - who had been picking on Fallenkit - at 3 moons old.
The two had done their best to raise their children, as tough as Dusk and Scorch could be at times. They had all become wonderful warriors, finding mates and settling down... then Fallensun had a run in with a viper. As suddenly as his light had been brought into this world, it had been snuffed out. Mossbelly did not move from her nest for almost a full moon afterwards, but Piranhaface had seen her through it. They'd grieved the loss of their son and got through it together. The two would support one another through the bad times, laugh when they remembered the good moments, and cried together when the heaviness became to much to bear.
Piranhaface had burst into the warrior's den like a hurricane the night Dawnripple had given birth to their grandkits. Mossbelly hadn't seen him that excited in so long. She remembered teasing him about it, but she'd been just as overjoyed. Sandypaw and Frogpaw were so precious to them. A few moons later, they'd welcomed their next round of kin into the clan. The enthusiastic Pantherpaw and the laidback Jaguarpaw. The two had watched in delight as their family grew. Then the sickness had come. The time was marred by sorrow and fear. And when Piranhaface had gotten sick... Mossbelly had nearly lost it.
Now, on this day, peering deep into her mate's soul... she just knew.
The black and white molly understood on a profound level that her mate was saying goodbye. Her tears made silent tracks down her furry cheeks, landing quietly on the dirt at her paws. Mossbelly wasn't ready for this... but she never would. Piranhaface, her best friend, her rock, her love, her everything. "Yes, love, we d-did it," she whispered, her voice breaking. On trembling paws she padded to her blue furred mate and pressed her cheek against his. Her whole body shook, as though her legs were about to give out. She drew in his familiar scent and touched her nose to his ear. "I love you," her words were only for him.
Unable to bear it, the black molly turned and fled the den. Boaspring watched as her friend dashed past, floundering for words. The calico molly gave her brother a look so fierce, one that all but ordered him not to die - not yet. And then she went chasing after Mossbelly, unwilling to leave her friend alone at a time such as this. |
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Post by ~Skyblaze~ on Apr 7, 2022 20:35:28 GMT -5
Leopardshine & Duskleap | Camp | Ebonystar
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"Why don't we head in their direction then?" Leopardshine suggested. It was an astute idea. If they made their way towards where Duskleap would be coming from, there was a pretty good chance of running into him. He wasn't the type of cat to wander off when he had a report to make. It would be a good way to find some prey while also allaying the leader's fears on exactly what the twolegs were up to - a fear that Leopardshine had come to share in recent moons. Twolegs would always be twolegs, that much was clear. Yet with all the activity at their borders, it seemed like something far beyond regular twoleg insanity. Whatever mousebrained scheme they'd come up with this time, Leopardshine wanted to be on top of it just as much as Ebonystar.
Thankfully, they were saved the trouble of making a decision as Duskleap padded back into the camp, blue gaze solemn as it searched for his leader. Once he spotted Ebonystar, he immediately padded over. "Ebonystar. Leopardshine." He meowed by way of greeting, dipping his head respectfully to each cat in turn. "The twolegs are even closer than they were last sunrise." He reported gravely. "Soon, I think they'll be in the heartland of our territory. Twolegs." He snorted in derision, spitting contemptuously. "The jungle would be far better without them!" Leopardshine exchanged a worried glance with Ebonystar. "Maybe we should start pulling patrols closer to camp?" She mused. "The less the twolegs know about us, the better."
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Snakestrike | Camp | Orchidpaw
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Snakestrike let out a rare rumble of amusement at Orchidpaw's comment on her brother. "If Stormpaw doesn't work on his own Snake Roll Dodge, he's not going to become a warrior until Willowcloud's kits become apprentices." He replied dryly. Like all RainClan medicine cats, Snakestrike had basic battle training. It was a practical necessity in their environment, where simply rudimentary battle moves did not suffice with the kinds of predators they faced. In fact, it was normal for medicine cat apprentices and their apprentices to regularly participate in battle training with the warrior apprentices for their first moon of training, in addition to their healing training. Once the apprentices moved on to more advanced training, the medicine cat apprentices would also focus mainly on healing, and battle training became a more occasional topic.
"Well, if you have your heart set on going out, take an apprentice with you at least, and be careful." Snakestrike mewed with a small yawn, getting to his paws. "And while you're out there, try to find some feverfew." He added. "Our stocks were already low, and now I've been using the last of it for Antpaw." He shook his head slightly. "Juniper berries, too. StarClan knows, it seems like we've been running low on everyhing." He muttered with a grumble and twitch of his tail.
~
Dawnripple | Banana Grove | Scorchheart
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Dawnripple had to suppress a mrrow of amusement at how dumbfounded Scorchheart looked at the news. It was touching that even the second time around, he still reacted with such wonder and amazement that their family was about to get a little bit bigger. "Yes, Scorchheart, I'm expecting." She finished the sentence for him, unable to contain her own excitement. She pressed close to his side, purring loudly.
"I can't say I'm looking forward to going back to the nursery, mind you." She added with a wry purr. "It felt cramped enough last time, and now Shadekit and Marblekit are running around too! It feels like just a moon ago Frogpaw and Sandypaw were scampering around the nursery. Now they're hunting for the Elders and patrolling our territory. And they're so close to their warrior names too!" That familiar sense of pride filled her chest, mingling with her excitement and resulting in a pleasant glow of contentment.
~
Batflight | Hills | Sandypaw
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"I can imagine you'd have to work twice as hard as any other cat when Duskleap's your mentor." Batflight commented with a rather pained expression as they continued to climb. "Scorchheart was my mentor, and he wasn't too far off. Sometimes I felt like Willowcloud and Archfeather got away with everything!" Scorchheart's disposition wasn't exactly a secret, so there was no reason for him to not discuss it with his daughter. "Of course, no one in our group could compare to Leopardshine when it came to work ethic." He added. "She had Duskleap as a mentor too, by the way. It was always the most incredible thing when he tried to find something to criticize and she didn't give him any reason to. I suppose that's why she became deputy." He mused.
He scented the vole around the same time as Sandypaw, but before he could say anything, the tan apprentice had already hared into the undergrowth, emerging soon after with the vole in her jaws. "Great catch!" Batflight exclaimed as he raced over to join her. "There's no way Duskleap doesn't make you a warrior soon." He praised, shaking his head. "Your assessment has to be coming up." Of course, he was almost as excited for the prospect of that day, whenever it did arrive. They were in the hills proper now, and the trees had broken away, allowing light to shine down in one of the few exposed patches in the jungle. The ferns had grown long and lush, no doubt hiding abundant prey. It was a good time to be hunting.
~
Fernpool, Bolt, & Luna | Twoleg Camp | Archfeather
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The thought of other cats being involved in this bedlam was a strange one, but when Fernpool scented the air, she realized that Archfeather was correct. "You're right!" She mewed, surprised. What could cats be doing here? This was no place for kittypets. Yet sure enough, out from behind one of the twoleg dens emerged two cats. While the twolegs hadn't spotted the two Clan cats, the kittypets certainly did, with surprising speed, and immediately began to make a beeline towards them. "They're coming this way!" Fernpool hissed.
As the cats drew closer, they became more clear through the smoke. One was young, apprentice-aged, and looked very much like a kittypet, with soft fur and wide innocent eyes. She had speckled gray and white fur and an enthusiastic blue gaze. The other cat, a tabby tom, was older and looked much less so like a kittypet. His expression was measured and neutral, and he was clearly strong and more experienced. Muscles rippled under his golden-brown pelt, and he walked slowly and cautiously compared to his companion.
The she-cat was the first to reach them, and immediately unleashed a flurry of questions. "Hi! Did the treefolk bring you here too? We haven't seen any other cats here before! Did you come with a different group? Have you caught anything yet?" Ignoring the excitable cat's rambling, the tom came to a stop beside his companion, shaking his head slightly. "Sorry about her." He meowed. "My name is Bolt, and this is Luna. What are your names?" He asked by way of greeting.
~
Frogpaw | Camp | Stormpaw
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Frogpaw was unable to contain a loud mrrow at how disconcerted Stormpaw looked. Somehow, this topic always seemed to throw Stormpaw out of his element, and Frogpaw had the subtle feeling that this was just the beginning. "Well if I ever do, you'll be the first to know, no doubt." He meowed easily, flicking his tail across Stormpaw's shoulders. "Come on, you crazy furball, let's get something to eat." He meowed, padding leisurely towards the fresh-kill pile. Of course, Frogpaw did already have a crush, but no cat knew. And no cat could know, for the implications of it were too great. No, this was something he would have to carry on his own.
Thankfully, the scent of freshly-killed mouse brought an end to his somber mood. "Are you going to take something back for Antpaw?" He asked as he picked up the mouse carefully, mew muffled by the fur. The black and white tom had been too weak to walk to the fresh-kill pile ever since he'd left the medicine den, and the apprentices took turns bringing him fresh-kill and water-soaked moss whenever Snakestrike or Orchidpaw were occupied.
~
Pantherpaw | Camp | Jaguarpaw
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Pantherpaw cringed at the thought of more chores. The thought of spending all day in camp cleaning out moss or removing ticks sounded horrendous to the spirited young apprentice. "I think I'd rather take the monkeys at that point." She commented with a purr. She glanced where Jaguarpaw had pointed out, and surely enough, Quietbreeze was back in camp. "Thanks, Jaguarpaw, I'll see you later!" She meowed. Bidding farewell to her brother, she quickly made her way over to her mentor.
"Quietbreeze!" She meowed as she skidded to a stop in front of the cream she-cat, fur bristling in excitement. "What did you have planned for today?" She asked, then without waiting for an answer, immediately added, "Monkeys, right? Ican't wait to track down monkeys!" She enthused as she practically pranced around her mentor.
~
Piranhaface | Medicine Den | Mossbelly & Boaspring
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It had been a long 94 moons for Piranhaface, and he'd only spent 7 of them without Mossbelly by his side. He'd been just a mere apprentice when she'd come into his life, and since then, she'd never left. He'd chosen he path of a medicine cat before she'd been born, and he was already well on tha path when he realized that he loved her. He served his Clan nobly for many moons, keeping her close to her heart the best he could. And when he could finally step down...finally tell her how he had felt...it had been one of the happiest day of his life, second only to the birth of their first successful litter. Through it all, she was there. And now, as things seemed their bleakest, it broke Piranhaface's heart to see her like this. Before he could respond, and tell her everything he wanted to say to her, she was gone. He tried calling out to her, but his words broke into a wracking cough, he rasp of frustration clear.
As Boaspring raced after Mossbelly, Piranhaface looked at his sister's retreating form, a faraway look on his face. These two cats had been with him since he beginning, and though only a few memories of that long gone time remained, he still remembered his mate and sister's faces clearly in every blurry image. As his den descended into silence once more, he sat back on his haunches with a long, contemplative sigh. The overwhelming urge to let go conflicted with the culmination of his life before him. He was tired, very tired, but something told him his business in the jungle was yet unfinished. Maybe it was delusion. Even if it was, for Mossbelly, he would find some way to live yet. Even if his moons were just numbered, he would live each one as strongly as he could, for however long he could. Perhaps that tug he felt was not StarClan at his paws, but StarClan telling him that they were ready for him, whenever he was ready for them. And that was good enough for him.
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Post by little blu ♥ on Apr 18, 2022 15:48:57 GMT -5
[ bump
and save for my replies. c: ]
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