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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 9, 2023 13:42:02 GMT -5
Berryfrost waited for a few more moments before she stood up after saying a final farewell to Yarrowcloud and made her way to the camp entrance. She didn’t like the idea of her mate being alone outside of the camp, especially now. Pushing her way out of the gorse tunnel, Berryfrost spotted Silentflare sitting by himself and padded towards him, “There you are. You should get out of the rain, you’ll catch a cold like this.” She mewed gently to him, brushing her pelt against his.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 9, 2023 13:52:25 GMT -5
Lightningstar listened to Peachdapple’s story, eyes clouded in thought. “Yes I suppose that would make sense then.” He let out a short sigh. “I just hope I have the strength to lead us through these dark times.” He knew he was nearing the end of his leadership. He watched Yarrowcloud’s unmoving body, wishing it was all a cruel joke. Silentflare sat just outside of camp, head bowed as he let the rain soak him. He was trying to sort through his feelings and thoughts but everything was a jumbled mess. Guilt ate at him, making it almost hard to breathe. Stormeye nodded slightly. “I’m sorry about your siblings..” he trailed off. “I know it must be hard.” He pressed his shoulder to hers slightly, wanting to give her some comfort. Peachdapple moved to rest her paw over Lightningstar’s, assurance in her voice as she nodded firmly. “You do. You will, because you have before. We’ve fought this battle before. We can do it again. I’ve been your medicine cat for as long as you’ve been leader, and I certainly will be until my final breath.” She promised, before she looked at Yarrowcloud and nodded softly. “I’m going to help bury him. With the rain, we’ll need to do it now… may I carry him to the Peach Hollow? I want him next to our mother.” She asked, looking at the other elders, knowing that they usually managed this part. “I still have the good memories I had with them. That will be enough for my heart.” Snowdrop promised, only to feel her fur warm as Stormeye pressed to her to show her comfort. She was touched by his kindness, her mew coming out softly. “Thank you, Stormeye. Just talking to you has already made me feel better.”
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 9, 2023 17:27:49 GMT -5
Ghostscreech shifted as Hornetstrike spoke, looking to the sky as it darkened with rain clouds. “I know she feels the same for me, she admitted that much to me… well, kind of. The conversation pretty much went downhill after I told her how I felt about her.” He said, flicking his ear as he felt a couple of raindrops hit him. Ghostscreech hesitated for a moment before he continued, looking back at Hornetstrike, “She, uh… she asked me how she doesn’t know that I only want her as my mate so I can have someone to just smile and nod at the decisions I make. I know she didn’t truly mean the things she said… but it still hurt to hear it. I told her that I didn’t want that, but… I don’t know. I don’t want to upset her anymore than I already have. I hated seeing her so distressed and panicked. And… and if being a leader’s mate is what causes her stress and heartache, then I don’t want put her through that. I’d rather see her happy and carefree over being burdened with that responsibility.” Ghostscreech said with a shake of his head, looking at the sky again as the rain started to get heavier and stood back up, “We should head back to camp before this rain gets any worse. Um.. thank you, Hornetstrike. It helped talking to you about this.” He added, looking at the older warrior gratefully. Hornetstrike's ear flicked as he bit his tongue. He wanted to scold Frostmoon for saying such a tactless thing, but he had promised Ghostscreech that he would not interfere with their business. Instead, he assured. "At this point, she would turn anything into a slight against herself. She probably thinks that if she can push you away, you'll find a partner with less flaws than she believes she has. Ah, the mousebrain. One day, if you have kits, be prepared for these kinds of complexities. She's going to be far more unhappy watching you be happy and acting like she's done you a service, than she will be if you swat it right into her muzzle that nothing she says can change what you feel." He heard Ghostscreech's thanks at the end, before he glanced up at the sky, and then looked back at him again. "You're welcome. I really am rooting for you, for the both of you... Frostmoon is my entire world. I couldn't think of a better cat to cherish her as deeply as I have."
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Post by Willow on Sept 9, 2023 17:28:28 GMT -5
Seafoam moved forward to help Peachdapple silently.
Shadowblossom got to her paws, dipping her head to Peachdapple, "He would love to be buried in the peach hollow." she murmured quietly, "I would like to help with the burial as well."
Darktail got to his paws, sneezing as the rain dripped onto his nose. He pressed his nose to his father's fur one last time before stepping away and trudging toward the warrior's den to join Midnightstream.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 9, 2023 17:31:44 GMT -5
Hollowpaw flicked her ear as the rain started falling but still didn’t move from her spot next to Yarrowcloud, not even caring as her fur got soaked once again. Viperfang stood up as the rain started to get heavier and moved over to Hollowpaw, nudging her gently with his nose. “Come on, little one. This rain won’t be good for you.” He murmured to her quietly. Hollowpaw gave a sharp shake of her head and curled up into a tighter ball, pressing firmly against Yarrowcloud. She didn’t want to leave and go somewhere dry, she didn’t deserve it. Viperfang flicked his ear in worry for his daughter, having never seen her react in this way. She had always been rather close to the elder, so it would make sense that she would take his passing rather hard. He nudged her again, trying to get her onto her paws. Orangebreeze pressed her side against Featherfoot, looking at her mate sadly, “I’m so sorry, Featherfoot. Yarrowcloud didn’t deserve this.” She mewed quietly to him. She ignored the rain, not wanting to leave him or the vigil. Scarletpaw watched Hollowpaw for a long moment, not caring if the rain began to soak her pelt. She approached her friend, and rather than trying to move her, she flopped herself down right at her side and looked at her, before touching her nose to Yarrowcloud's shoulder, before he would be buried. She looked up at Viperfang with a fierce yet understanding look. "She's not gonna move... I can stay here with her, or try and get her up in a little bit. I'm told I can be really pushy." Featherfoot turned to press his muzzle gently to Orangebreeze's ear, shaking his head softly. "He didn't deserve it... but I know that his mind would have been set. Getting to make up for the moons of lost time I had with him and my mother, that was the best thing I could have asked for. Thank you for being here. I hope I have loved you as deeply as my father loved my mother. Because I do, I really do."
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 9, 2023 17:33:26 GMT -5
Seafoam moved forward to help Peachdapple silently. Shadowblossom got to her paws, dipping her head to Peachdapple, "He would love to be buried in the peach hollow." she murmured quietly, "I would like to help with the burial as well." Darktail got to his paws, sneezing as the rain dripped onto his nose. He pressed his nose to his father's fur one last time before stepping away and trudging toward the warrior's den to join Midnightstream. "Of course." Peachdapple mewed gently to Shadowblossom, wishing she could ease the pain in her heart, but knowing there would be nothing that could console this loss for her. She did what she could, by padding towards her and turning to face her brother's front. She leaned down to take hold of one side of his scruff, nodding to Shadowblossom and the elders that it was time to move him out.
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Post by thistle on Sept 9, 2023 20:46:02 GMT -5
Bluewhisker paused where she was just outside of the warriors' den, bowing her head deeply with respect as Yarrowcloud's body was prepared to be taken from the camp and buried. StarClan, she prayed silently. Bring Yarrowcloud home to your ranks. She blinked once sadly at the procession before slipping beneath the bush and curling neatly into her nest.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 9, 2023 22:16:46 GMT -5
Ghostscreech nodded his head to Hornetstrike as he made his way back into camp. He paused in his trek and stepped aside to let Peachdapple, Shadowblossom and the elder’s through as they carried Yarrowcloud’s body out of camp, dipping his head to them respectively as they passed.
Viperfang hesitated for a moment before giving the apprentice a nod, “Alright. But please make sure she gets somewhere dry soon, I don’t want her to get sick from this weather.” He said, taking a few steps back to let the elders take Yarrowcloud for burial.
Hollowpaw lifted her head when they started to move Yarrowcloud, turning her face and burying it into Scarletpaw’s fur, glad to have her friend’s comforting presence with her her. She wished that she could go with Peachdapple and the elder’s for the burial, but Hollowpaw knew that it wasn’t her place to be there with him.
Orangebreeze nuzzled Featherfoot gently, watching as they took Yarrowcloud away, “I know you do. And I love you just as much, if not more.” She mewed, licking his cheek. “Let’s get out of the rain and get dry. It’s been a long night.”
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 10, 2023 14:19:44 GMT -5
Lightningstar nodded his approval to Peachdapple. He stepped back to let her and the elders carry Yarrowcloud’s body. He watched until they disappeared out of camp before sighing and turning to motion to Ghostscreech, seeing him come into camp.
Silentflare looked at his mate as she appeared next to him. “I just want to think.” He spoke. “And camp feels too suffocating right now.” He murmured softly.
Badgernight moved to help carry Yarrowcloud from camp.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 10, 2023 14:50:35 GMT -5
Ghostscreech started towards Lightningstar when he saw the leader summon him. “Lightningstar… I’m sorry about Yarrowcloud.” He murmured quietly, giving a small flick of his ear.
Berryfrost looked at him sadly, pressing her muzzle against his cheek briefly, “I know,” she murmured softly, “how about we find some cover from the rain? We don’t have to go back to camp just yet if you don’t want to.”
Emberfluff helped carry Yarrowcloud as well, her eyes sad for her lost denmate.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 10, 2023 15:00:06 GMT -5
"It's not your fault." Scarletpaw murmured, looking down at her friend as she nodded once to Viperfang. She gave a firm yet surprisingly gentle tone. "Whatever happened tonight, I can tell you blame yourself, but I have no idea why you would. You cared an awful too much for it to be anything you could have done." She tried to assure her as best as she could.
"Alright..." Featherfoot murmured, giving his mate an appreciative and tired look. He slowly stood to his paws, wishing that everything would just be a bad dream. He was grateful for Orangebreeze's presence, but his heart ached painfully for his mother's sake.
Peachdapple helped to carry her brother, her eyes trained forwards as rain soaked her pelt to her body. She didn't care though. All that mattered to her, was getting Yarrowcloud to the Peach Grove. It was there that everything had started, after all, where their mother had decided their names, where Peachdapple and Yarrowcloud would race eachother around the clearing. Her eyes burned through her stoic mask, the only evidence she could show of how much this hurt.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 10, 2023 15:28:07 GMT -5
“Thank you.” Lightningstar nodded to Ghostscreech. He moved to make his way towards his den. He was stiff from the rain and the trek to the fourtrees. “I’d like to talk with you about the dark forest.”
Silentflare nodded and moved to obey her. He stood and headed for a nearby tree, hoping there was a small dry hollow in the roots.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 10, 2023 16:01:02 GMT -5
Ghostscreech nodded and followed Lightningstar to his den, “The Dark Forest… I’ve only heard stories about it. Do you really think they could be making a grab for power again?” He mewed in concern, his ear flicking as he thought back to the stories the elders had told him and his sisters when they were kits.
Berryfrost followed after Silentflare and nosed around the roots of the tree, searching for a place for them to get out of the rain, “Here.” She mewed, seeing a hollow just big enough for the two of them. She slipped inside and beckoned for her mate to join her.
Hollowpaw shook her head again, not wanting to believe Scarletpaw’s comforting words. She was wrong. It was Hollowpaw’s fault, she had let the Dark Forest influence her and draw her in. She had opened the pathway that had led to Yarrowcloud’s death. Hollowpaw felt guilt surge through her again, she didn’t deserve sympathy. Peachdapple should have told Lightningstar about her involvement, she deserved whatever punishment the leader had in mind.
Orangebreeze led the way into the warriors’ den and towards their nest. She curled up inside it and gave her wet fur a couple of licks before motioning for Featherfoot to join her.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 10, 2023 16:09:55 GMT -5
"Alright. You don't have to believe my sappy words. But, I won't let you be here alone, got it? Your father's right, you'll get sick if you stay out in the rain too long, and I plan to stay with you as long as you need, so I'll get sick too, and I'd rather not." Scarletpaw tried to urge her friend, flicking rain from her ears as she fretted for Hollowpaw's seemingly silent and catatonic state.
Featherfoot slowly joined Orangebreeze's side, settling down as he stared at the rain coming down from the den entrance. "I remember how much it hurt when Petalsky died, in the fire. Now... now, it's that feeling all over again. I don't want to lose anymore of my family. Starclan knows if Bloompelt or Hopkit and Blossomkit are even still alive, wherever they went..." He closed his eyes.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 10, 2023 16:30:54 GMT -5
Hollowpaw flicked her ear, staying still for a moment before giving a hesitant nod. She didn’t want Scarletpaw to get sick because of her, her friend didn’t deserve that. Hollowpaw got to her paws slowly and stiffly, starting to move in the direction of the medicine den.
Orangebreeze started grooming Featherfoot’s fur as he spoke, flicking her ear sadly. “We’ll see them again one day. I know we will.” She murmured comfortingly to her mate, “And I’m sure Bloompelt and her kits are alright. She’s was always a strong warrior, and her kits will be just as strong as her.”
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 10, 2023 17:11:40 GMT -5
"I'll even stay in the medicine den with you, if you like. I don't care what any stuffy, stupid Warrior has to say about it either." Scarletpaw decided, relieved to see that Hollowpaw was finally seeming to register her words. She felt another wave of anger towards the Dark Forest. The ferocity in which Hollowpaw seemed to shut down made her want to claw the entire Dark Forest apart. She vowed then, that she would do all it took to tear them down.
"I miss her. She was so much like our father. Always so bright and loving. I guess... Shadeclaw's leadership was too much for her, and Cricketsun was what she wanted most. I can't blame her, I just... know how hard it can be to live in Twolegplace, even if you were protected like I was all those moons." Featherfoot sighed softly, resting his head on his paws before he glanced at his mate. "I feel like I could have done more, somehow..."
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 10, 2023 17:55:23 GMT -5
Hollowpaw gave another small nod of her head as they made their way into the medicine den, “…okay.” She whispered quietly, voice breaking as she made her way to the nest she had been sleeping in earlier. Hollowpaw curled up inside it, not bothering to try and dry her fur as she rested her head on her paws.
Orangebreeze touched her nose to Featherfoot’s ear gently, looking at him sadly, “Wherever they are, they have each other. And they’re looking after one another as well. Maybe we can try and see them the next time we’re in the Twolegplace on one of the patrols.” She suggested.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 10, 2023 18:12:45 GMT -5
Scarletpaw let Hollowpaw lie down in the nest, deciding to do the task of drying her fur for her by grooming her pelt as thoroughly as she could. As tired as Scarletpaw was, she didn’t care. It felt like it was her mission, to make sure her only friend was taken care of.
“…I think I’d like that.” Featherfoot nodded, wanting to see if he could get any trace of his sister the next time he was on patrol for Twolegplace.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 10, 2023 23:24:13 GMT -5
“I fear they are.” Lightningstar sighed, sitting in his den. How he wished he could go to sleep. “We must be prepared.” He spoke. “And we must figure out if any of our clan mates are working with them.”
Silentflare squeezed in next to his mate. There was just enough room for the both of them. He sighed and rested his head on her back. “I feel so guilty..”
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 10, 2023 23:32:19 GMT -5
Ghostscreech shifted his paws, his ear flicking worriedly, “And how can we tell if they are working with the Dark Forest? And how will we handle them?” He asked, sitting down as well. Ghostscreech looked at Lightningstar, noticing how tired his former mentor looked.
“Tell me what’s on your mind, love. I know you and Yarrowcloud had a complicated relationship, but he loved you all the same.” Berryfrost mewed, twisting her head to start grooming her mate’s fur dry. She sighed sadly, wishing she could take Silentflare’s pain away.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 11, 2023 12:55:43 GMT -5
As the elders, Peachdapple, and Shadowblossom approached the Peach Grove, Peachdapple slowly released her hold on her brother's scruff, approaching the base of the large peach tree in the center of the grove. She looked around slowly, as though envisioning this place at a different time. She looked up at the ripened peaches in the tree, the pink fruits weighing down the rain-drenched branches of the tree. She usually liked to come out and remove as many peaches and pits as she could to avoid any toxic ingestion, but now, all she could think about was her first time out here, her and Yarrowcloud's first time out as apprentices.
She closed her eyes, ignoring the weight of her wet pelt as she manually began the process of digging at the dirt. To her left was the place where they had buried Morningbloom, all those moons ago. Her white paws turned black with mud and soil, but she dug with a sense of determination. She could smell the scent of yarrow all around them, and she tried not to let it break her heart even further.
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Post by Willow on Sept 11, 2023 20:32:21 GMT -5
Shadowblossom moved to stand beside Peachdapple, nodding to the medicine cat before she began digging beside her. "He will be happy to be beside his mother again."
Seafoam gently lowered Yarrowcloud's body to the ground. She stood back, pressed against Badgernight as she watched Peachdapple and Shadowblossom work. The older she-cat was still shivering, pelt hanging loosely on her frail frame. Quietly, she stifled a cough, ears flat against her head.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 11, 2023 21:07:42 GMT -5
"This was her favorite place." Peachdapple chuckled lightly as she lifted her head up to look at the tree again, before focusing back on the digging. She paused though, as she heard Seafoam's cough behind her. Her training kicked in on instinct, and she paused to address the elder with a gentle voice. "You've done more than enough, Seafoam, and all of you. Shadowblossom and I can take it from here, I do not want you falling ill in wait for this part." She offered, firm yet understanding.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 12, 2023 17:44:54 GMT -5
Emberfluff stepped back after helping dig and looked over at Peachdapple and Shadowblossom, giving her a small nod. “We’ll leave you to it then. I’m sorry for your loss, both of you.” She murmured softly to them. Emberfluff turned to the other elders, shaking dirt free from her paws, “Let’s head back and get ourselves dry.”
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Post by Willow on Sept 12, 2023 19:09:03 GMT -5
Seafoam touched her nose to Yarrowcloud's fur one more time before dipping her head to Shadowblossom and Peachdapple. "He was a good tom. He'll make his way to Starclan one way or another." she mewed, her voice strong. A large comparison to the weak coughs that were wracking her body a minute ago. She turned then, following Emberfluff back to camp.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 12, 2023 19:22:15 GMT -5
Peachdapple watched the elders leave with a heavy weight in her heart, before she turned to nod to Shadowblossom. “Now’s the final part…” She admitted, moving to gently pull Yarrowcloud’s body down into the hole they dug. She finally allowed herself to well up with tears, of sadness, frustration, love. Everything she never got to show to the Clan, now that it was just her and Shadowblossom. The rain made it seem like raindrops, but the tears streamed down her muzzle with each gentle pull.
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Post by Willow on Sept 12, 2023 19:27:41 GMT -5
Shadowblossom moved to help Peachdapple gently pull her mate into the hole they had dug. She remained silent as tears, mirroring Peachdapple's rolled down her already damp fur. Once his body was positioned within the grave, she carefully began packing the soil around him until he was completely buried. She stepped back, making sure their work was thorough before she spotted a flowering yarrow plant several fox-lengths away. Carefully, she bit through the stem and returned to his grave, placing the small white blossoms on top. She turned to look at Peachdapple again, "We should head back." she mewed, her voice wobbly with emotion. "We can't afford to get sick either if we're going to save him."
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 12, 2023 19:35:06 GMT -5
Peachdapple watched Shadowblossom place the blooms down, her breath hitching at the meaningful gesture, before she fought back a small sob. She steeled herself, taking a few shaky breaths before her medicine cat mask won over. She nodded gently. “I’d be a lousy medicine cat to allow myself to get sick… you’re right. We can always come back when it’s sunnier… when he would have loved it here best.” She brushed against Shadowblossom gently, before slowly turning away from the last instance of seeing her brother again.
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Post by Willow on Sept 12, 2023 19:40:38 GMT -5
Shadowblossom began walking out of the hollow beside Peachdapple, only sparing one last look over her shoulder and the freshly dug dirt and the yarrow blossoms. She turned, whispering a soft "Goodbye my love," as they continued their walk to camp.
As they got closer to camp, Shadowblossom felt like her paws were getting heavier and heavier as fatigue finally weighed down on her already heavy sodden pelt. She sighed as she ducked into camp, dipping her head one last time to Peachdapple. "I am going to go rest. Please, let me know what I can do to help."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 12, 2023 22:06:23 GMT -5
Badgernight paid his respects to Yarrowcloud, saying a quiet goodbye to his old friend. His thoughts interupted by his mates cough. “That isn’t good.” He murmured. “We need to get you back and warmed.”
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