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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2021 15:43:29 GMT -5
|| Monarchpaw || @goldenstar Monarchpaw was definitely a curious creature. Despite her relatively short lifespan, she had ventured quite a ways on her own, yet somehow she found herself here, paws placed surefootedly on the ground as she crouched in the bushes. Lurking. That long, silky tail of hers curled and waved continuously with the entertainment and glee that bubbled deep within her chest. Cherry red hues locked upon the apprentice looming over her hoard of catches, noting the soft tilt of her head.
Of course she recognized the cat in front of her; who wouldn't recognize the one that set her path on a course so drastically different than that of a loner?
Quietly, she shifted in her step, wondering if the other was even aware of her presence.
"I'll come back for the squirrel,"
The grey apprentice stifled a soft purr, realizing she had yet to be noticed. Either that, or Tulippaw was simply choosing not to acknowledge her. It wasn't exactly like the apprentice was known for her quietness, after all. Instead, as the she-cat padded off in the direction of camp, Monarchpaw bunched her muscles underneath her. That warm gaze locked back upon the discarded squirrel. With a wiggle of her haunches, she finally pounced from her hiding spot, bursting from the bush and landing squarely upon the already dead creature. Snagging it in her mouth, she turned sharply and bounded after Tulippaw.
"Need'elp?" Monarchpaw chirped, voice muffled, as she came up from behind her, falling into step and beaming kindly in her direction.
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 1, 2021 21:40:32 GMT -5
(I'm here and Queer and ready to RP. <333)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 2, 2021 1:41:23 GMT -5
Abe<3
"He may," Ferretfur replied as she twirled around on her paws. She, as usual, darted around her apprentice with almost more energy in her veins than she could contain. "You're more than ready by now, I'd say. Oh, Ravenpaw, I just know you're going to be such a terrific Warrior and I couldn't possibly be more proud of you!" "So if he's so ready, is more battle training just a waste of our time?" Foxslayer asked, scanning his one good eye over the apprentice. "Maybe we should do something else instead then." "But..." Ferretfur looked entirely crestfallen. "But I really want you to see how good he is!" "Then he can show me," Foxslayer agreed, pushing to his paws. "Ferretfur, you watch and you can assess how well Ravenpaw fights. Ravenpaw- you and I can spar off and I want you to use your claws. We need to get a real sense for what kind of damage you can do. And with the Brotherhood lurking about, we can never be too careful these days. How does that sound, Fera?" "Perfect!" The cream and brown she-cat bounced over to a log and sat atop it, curling her fluffy tail around her paws. "Whenever you're ready to begin- you have my full attention." ~ "All of the new blood in the clan has been a blessing," Leafwatcher flicked an ear, the one that her a gold hoop in it, but her eyes betrayed her worry. "But so many of our 'paws are orphans... so many bloodlines were destroyed by the Fever. It's going to take more than just a pawful of apprentices and one good year to pull us back. Why, this clan was founded on Goldenstar's blood and now there's hardly any of it in the clan at all..." she shook her head a bit, glancing up at Moosepelt with her soft, green eyes. "But we'll make it- won't we? Especially when we have fine Warriors like you and Cinderfrost... We'll make it. Cloudstar's legacy won't be lost on us yet." --- Stormlegend flicked one of her rounded ears and looked up at Cinderfrost with those stormy hues. "We're doing all we can... we're pushing back our territory, marking our boarders... which we never needed to do before. We had no challengers- the kitty-pets are all friends and the rogues and loners were too few to matter." The Deputy sucked in a hard breath and shook her head as she hung a left to head alongside the railroad tracks and toward a collection of houses. "Fleo told me last visit that she saw a group of them by her house and that there was a new cat she didn't recognize- a thin, ugly tom." The fur along Stormlegend's spine began to rise and she let out a soft growl. "I'd give anything to have minutes alone with Oriole! To betray the clan you were born in to... to disrespect your leaders and abandon everything you've ever known?... He's a stain to Goldenclan and even more a wretch to Goldenstar. If she knew her kin had done such a thing..." Stormlegend shook her head and spat in the gravel as they headed into a thin, grassy alley that cut between some of the houses. "Only time will tell, Cinderfrost. We must stay strong and united and vigilant. The worst part about the Brotherhood as that they are lead by a former Goldenclan cat. Oriole knows all our weak spots, all the ways into camp, how to sneak around patrols and how to hide..." her eyes darkened, turning into that famous gray color that had partially earned her, her name. "If I ever have time alone with that traitor, I'll cut him dead where he stands. That's a promise." ~ "I think it would be good for us!" Mothfur countered, reaching over to lick Snowstorm behind the ear. Her eyes softened as she looked over to where Deerspirit lay sleeping, the thin, old molly's chest rising and falling in uneven patterns. There was a soft rattle in her throat that echoed every time she exhaled and Mothfur let out a soft sigh and curled her tail around her paws. "Deerspirit doesn't have many moons left with us, Snowstorm... I doubt that she'll make it through this leafbare. I know you two don't see eye to eye but she's the oldest cat in the clan... and I, for one, will walk those mountains until my paw-pads bleed if it means that I can see her eyes light up one more time... to help her achieve her dream and see the land that belonged to her ancestors. And I think it would be good for you and I too, Snowstorm. One last grand adventure before our bones turn to dust and we are confined to the camp forever," she said with a light note of amusement in her voice toward the ending statement. "Just think about it, hm?" ~ Something flashed in Tulippaw's soft, green eyes and she flicked her tail gently against Coolpaw's shoulder. "I think you don't know my brother as well as you think you do," she told him in that soft, tender voice. "Hey, why don't we go over together and talk to him? I think he and my other brother- Nightpaw- were talking about going hunting. We could all go out together. Tundrastar is supposed to be assessing some of us today so it might be good for us to go out in a group and try to show off a little bit. And if we're all together, you won't feel so much pressure like you're all alone with him- y'know? Does that sound like an idea you may want to try? If not, it's okay. It was only a suggestion."
Cass<3
Before Sablepaw had time to react, Sandstrike had slammed the entire force of his body against the apprentice's side, turning to take his scruff between his teeth. Sandstrike twisted, something that should have taken Sablepaw off his feet or at least unbalance him. He fastened his teeth hard into the apprentice's scruff- nearly applying enough pressure to draw blood. He wasn't going to go easy on him- no matter what Avenbraid said. If she trained her apprentice with gentle compliment and cotton fluff- he'd never make a good Warrior! And a cat who had as much potential and intellect as Sablepaw didn't need to be wasted with someone as soft as a former kittypet. --- 'Living around so many others--that's natural for you, isn't it?'
"Well of course," Starlingpaw replied as she guided Bell over to a small stream just outside of the camp. She bent down and lapped at the water for a moment before lifting her head, a few droplets still existing on her mouth. "When are born in the nursery, we of course have out litter-mates but also our nursery-mates... so the kits of other Queens. And the Queens themselves- besides the ones who aren't our mothers. And then when you become an apprentice, you have all of the other 'paws. Then Warriors and so on and so on..." Starlingpaw looked off into the distance and opened her mouth to say more when she looked up, her eyes brightening. Padding up to them through the grass was a handsome cat, his striking, dark green eyes warm with greeting. He was an odd looking creature, as he nearly appeared to be a cat who was just thrown together with colors and patterns. His pelt was a base of ashy gray with brown spots on his right hind paw (and one white spot- literally one), white spots on his left front paw, and oddly placed black tabby-like lashes on his left hind leg. Also for whatever reason that leg- and only that leg in particular- was a shade paler gray than the rest of him. He also had a brown patch over his hind haunches and lower-half of his tail, a brown tail-tip, and three placed spots on his left shoulder, under his tail-tip, and on the left side of his face under his eye. He also had black ears and long, black whiskers. Starlingpaw let out a soft mrr of affection and bumped her head against his chin. "Oh! You're out of the nursery," he greeted warmly, raking his eyes over Bell. "I see Starlingpaw has dragged you out. You're in good paws then." "Bell, this is Feralcreed- he's my uncle. My mom's brother... he's the only kin I have. Creed, this is Bell. I'm just showing her around a bit and giving her some Goldenclan history." "A beautiful day for a history lesson," Feralcreed remarked with a flick of his tail. "It's a pleasure to meet you then, Bell. Welcome to Golden Park!" ~ (God I love her so much already. ;x;...) Tulippaw, so incredibly focused on her task, nearly tumbled over her own paws and spilled across the forest floor. The three mice fell from her clenched teeth and bounced in all directions around her feet. She whipped around, pupils stretching wide until they nearly swallowed the green rings of her irises. Her ears flicked back and she let out a soft mew and she cuffed Monarchpaw gently over the ear. "Great Stars in Silverpelt- you nearly frightened me to death, Archy!" she cried, shaking down the fluff of her fur from being startled. But her gaze was soft when she realized the beautiful, butterfly-patterned she-cat was holding the squirrel she'd left behind in her teeth. "Oh, yes! Thank you so much- at least I won't have to come back out now. I'm been hunting up a storm- this is my most successful day so far!" with a beaming smile, Tulippaw gathered her composure (and her mice) back up and headed off toward camp, paw-step for paw-step with her companion. "Sho," she said around the mice tails. "What hav'ya been up to taday?"
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 2, 2021 1:49:04 GMT -5
(Abe, does Moosepelt have a girlfriend? xD)
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Post by cowbird on Jul 2, 2021 12:21:48 GMT -5
(Abe, does Moosepelt have a girlfriend? xD) (Moosey does not! )
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 2, 2021 17:49:51 GMT -5
(Abe, does Moosepelt have a girlfriend? xD) (Moosey does not!Β ) (Well he does now. π€£)
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Post by cowbird on Jul 3, 2021 15:48:52 GMT -5
(Moosey does not! ) (Well he does now. π€£) (Itβs settled π€£)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 3, 2021 22:25:13 GMT -5
(*poofs in*)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 8, 2021 11:48:46 GMT -5
(Be on in a bit!)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 8, 2021 15:15:37 GMT -5
(I'm so excited.)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2021 17:19:21 GMT -5
|| Bell || @chris "Well of course, When are born in the nursery, we of course have out litter-mates but also our nursery-mates... so the kits of other Queens. And the Queens themselves- besides the ones who aren't our mothers. And then when you become an apprentice, you have all of the other 'paws. Then Warriors and so on and so on..."
Once again, Bell found herself falling silent as she followed the younger cat, listening to her talk about what it was like to live in the clan. It was almost comforting, hearing how warmly she spoke of it; She couldn't help but wonder what that felt like. She hadn't even seen her littermates since she had been rehomed and they had been the only true relationships she had formed with other felines. Nonetheless, hearing her talk brought a spark of warmth igniting deep within, a soft smile gracing her maw. Crouching down by the stream, she lapped at the cool water, enjoying how it bathed her parched throat. It was only when a soft 'mrr' escaped Starlingpaw that her attention snapped upwards. Instinctively, one paw raised to rub off droplets clinging to her curled whiskers as blue bell hues took in the sight of a tom standing before them.
"Oh! You're out of the nursery, I see Starlingpaw has dragged you out. You're in good paws then."
Instinctively, the she-cat's form stiffened, but she forced herself not to back further away from the clan cats, especially as he spoke, the tone to his voice nothing but warm and friendly. 'Stop acting like a scaredy-cat, if they were going to do something to you, they'd have done it already!' She inwardly chided herself, indignant at how much she was acting like a scared kit. Instead of succumbing to her instant reactions, she forced her fur to lie flat, managing a steady gaze in his direction, only ever broken as she glanced towards Starlingpaw upon her mention, yet her nervous hues were quick to seek out strikingly handsome green once more. It took everything in her to remain where she was and not creeping closer to Starlingpaw. Of course, the fact that she was closer towards the stranger was definitely part of the reason.
"Dragged wouldn't be an understatement," she commented with a falter to her tone. The joke sounded forced, much to her disapproval, but it was a start to getting out of her comfort zone. "You have a very persistent niece." A warmth took to her words near the end.
"Bell, this is Feralcreed- he's my uncle. My mom's brother... he's the only kin I have. Creed, this is Bell. I'm just showing her around a bit and giving her some Goldenclan history."
"A beautiful day for a history lesson, It's a pleasure to meet you then, Bell. Welcome to Golden Park!"
Bell glanced towards Starlingpaw as she introduced him before scanning him once more. So this was the last kin she had left?...Well, if he was Starlingpaw's kin, he couldn't be a threat. That was one thing she knew for certain. The grey she-cat blinked kindly in his direction, though the thought couldn't chase away her nervousness entirely. "It's... nice to meet you, Feralcreed," she mewed, allowing the foreign name to roll off her tongue. Stars, clan cats sure had long names. "I wouldn't have thought there'd be so much history; then again, I wouldn't have thought I'd see so many cats living together in one place," she mused. "Your home...is captivating, to say the least."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2021 20:16:36 GMT -5
|| Sablepaw || @ Chris <3 It was everything Sablepaw could do to keep a shriek from erupting as he felt Sandstrike's entire weight slamming into him. Even as he felt his form thrown off balance, teeth piercing his scruff, he refused to make a noise. No. His teeth, instead, clamped down as tightly as they could upon each other, grinding rigidly as he bit back noise; jaw aching from the force behind it.
The last thing he was going to do was cry to Avenbraid for help, even as her words blazed through his mind.
No, caramel hues blazed at the challenge. If there was one thing he was going to do in this training session, it would be making his mentor proud -- and getting revenge for the apprentice so unfortunate enough to get paired with this cat as a mentor. Sucking in a sharp breath, the apprentice writhed in his grasp, lashing out with unsheathed claws as he wrenched his scruff free. As he broke away, the tom quickly regained his balance. Rearing back upon his hindlegs, he twisted, lunging to pounce upon the haughty warrior's back.
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Post by Goldenstar on Jul 20, 2021 22:23:27 GMT -5
CassCassCass "You've hardly just begun to see it as well! Down by the river- there's the abandoned ferris wheel. It's a little spooky in the mornings but when the sunset catches it just right..." He gave a small nod. "Gorgeous." Emerald irises raked across her form curiously- noticing for the first time that Bell was pregnant. He flicked an ear, a fire of pity settling uncomfortably in his belly. Her two-legs had abandoned her with kits inside her womb? How could those hairless creatures be so cruel... He shook away his thoughts and cleared his throat. "Do you have any questions, Bell? Starlingpaw is still young and there are some things she may not be able to answer for you. I know quite a bit about the clan and its history and all about the territory... Have you warned her about the Brotherhood yet?" "Oh- well, no. I wanted her to feel welcome and safe." "The Park is safe," Feralcreed said without hesitation. "And so is she with the clan behind her. But there are things that one needs to know, Starlingpaw." The gray she-cat downcast her eyes and nodded. Feralcreed cleared his throat and sat down, curling his tail around those oddly speckled paws. "A few seasons ago, when the clan was still recovering from the Fever, we were sent a blessing from Starclan- I'll explain about Starclan later. Our leader, Wrenstar was one of the first to become pregnant after the illness struck and it was to be her her first litter. During this time, we had a tom gunning for Deputyship as our previous Deputy was quite old at the time- he died from the fever ultimately. The fiery tom was named Oriolestripe..." Feralcreed's eyes clouded. "He was... a friend of mine. I told him his ambition was consuming him but he didn't listen to my warning. He fell in love with a kitty-pet- not something that is unusual for us Park-dwellers. It isn't... something that's punishable by treason or anything like that but it definitely is frowned upon. But, anyway, he brought this she-cat to the clan with her pregnant with his kits. We could have used the new blood- our clan was recovering from extinction. But Wrenstar was nearly about to burst with her litter and when she met Tigress- Oriole's lover- something about her rubbed our leader the wrong way and she denied her sanctuary. Oriolestripe flew off the handle and attacked Wrenstar. Tundrastar- our other leader and Wrenstar's mate- broke him off of Wren but he did hurt her pretty bad. Tundrastar nearly killed Oriole protecting Wren- he even clawed out one of his eyes. He banished Oriole and his mate from the Park and declared them enemies to the clan with a kill-on-sight claim on them. But..." "But then Oriole started collecting rogues and loners into a gang of clan-less, code-less cats... and his numbers reached well over twenty very quickly. Too many for our weakened clan to defend against with sparse patrols and hungry, over-worked Warriors," Starlingpaw interjected and Feralcreed nodded grimly. "We've seen Oriole and his gang on the outskirts of our territory but they've never crossed our boarders. They aren't... an immediate threat." "But Oriole knows everything about the park since he was raised here," Feralcreed sighed, something akin to sadness and longing in his voice as he searched the sky- as if looking to the clouds for some type of answer. "It is... something to consider. But the clan is strong now- more so than it has been for seasons. We are more than capable of defending and protecting the Park. I don't think Oriole would be stupid enough to launch an attack here but if he ever tried it... we'd be ready." Feralcreed rolled his shoulders and shook away the thought. "But, that's all grim possibilities of what-ifs and maybes. Let's not ruin the beautiful day with such gloom, hm? Apart from what you've learned so far... what else would you like to know?" --- When Sablepaw lashed out the first time, his thorn-sharp claws caught Sandstrike across the nose. Blood welled instantly and a ring of annoyance tickled the back of the Warrior's throat and came out of his lips as a growl. When the apprentice leaped on his back and claws met flesh, Sandstrike dropped down, rolled over, and kicked Sablepaw away from him- powerful hind paws meeting tender, soft underbelly. When he rolled out of the way of the tan and brown tom's weight, Sablepaw's claws tore at his sides and Sandstrike's flanks burned with discomfort of thin, piercing scratches. Sandstrike leaped to his paws, ears laid flat and lips drawn back in a snarl. His ringed tail lashed and he unsheathed his claws, seemingly ready to pounce into a heated tumble with the younger tom, and then... " Owe! Oh, owe, owe owe!" The shrill cry shattered the building tension between the two toms before it had time to climax. Sandstrike snapped his head over, his dark green eyes smoldering. Rosepaw was being nudged up from her side by Avenbraid, the Warrior's honey colored eyes dark with worry. The apprentice was holding up her left paw, which was resting at a slightly awkward angle. "Oh, stars, it really hurts..." "Here, I helped Stormlegend when I first came to the clan... I have Medicine Cat training... let me look at it..." Avenbraid had only just taken Rosepaw's injured foot in between her delicate palms when Sandstrike came storming over, a dark crimson bead of blood rolling down his muzzle from Sablepaw's claws. "What happened?" he demanded and Avenbraid flicked an ear to let him know she heard him but she didn't even look his way as she raked her eyes observantly over the maroon and dark red she-cat's paw. "We were practicing defense moves. When I threw her from my back, I tossed her too hard and she landed on her feet funny. I think this paw is sprained. She'll need rest to..." Sandstrike lashed his tail and cursed, slamming his front paw into the warm sand- sending coarse crystal grains in all directions. Rosepaw flinched and looked away from him, her body beginning to softly tremble as anger and annoyance radiated off of her mentor in crashing, suffocating waves that felt hotter and stickier than the day itself. "Oh- of course you've hurt yourself! I should have known better than to think that you could actually go more than a few minutes without having some type of crisis---!" Hot tears began rolling down Rosepaw's face and she refused to look at anyone, trying to burn holes in the shore with her bleary gaze. "I... I'm sorry, Sandstrike, I just..." "It was my fault. I shouldn't have thrown her so hard!" Avenbraid snapped, twisting around her head with Rosepaw's foot still locked in her grasp. Her hot amber eyes met Sandstrike's fierce gaze. She slid her honey hues across his aggressive form and noticed his claws unsheathed. She looked back up at the Warrior with a cold fury building in her face. "Were you planning to use those claws on my apprentice? You're sitting here yelling at Rosepaw because she got hurt but it looks to me like you were doing far more than casual observatory training with Sablepaw." Sandstrike slid his claws back into their sheathes and drew in a deep, calculative breath. "Rosepaw doesn't need to miss out on any training," he said shortly, deliberately ignoring Avenbraid's other comments and concerns. "She can walk it off." "She'll do more damage to it if she doesn't rest!" "When did Ace die and make you Medicine Cat?" Avenbraid snarled, gently releasing Rosepaw's foot so that she could stand and face Sandstrike, whisker to whisker, nearly nose to nose. The two Warriors locked gazes, unmoving, unflinching, unwavering. Sunlight against grass green hues. "I'll be telling Tundrastar about your performance today and also about how you treat your apprentice. Rosepaw has been through enough in her life without you tearing her down." "Tell him then- I'm teaching the future of this clan, Avenbraid." He wiped the blood off his nose with the back of his paw and shot Sablepaw an icy glare. "And you're coddling it. I'll tell Tundrastar myself if you wish." "Tell me what?" Avenbraid whipped around, dipping her head slightly as the colossal white tom padded up to them across the sand. Tundrastar's creamy fur had been cleaned to an almost snowy like shine and his tail swept the beach in patient, slow strokes. His miscolored eyes- one amber and one blue- searched the faces present and his expression softened when he saw Rosepaw looking down at the space between her feet, both of her forepaws back on the ground- no matter how much pain it caused her to put weight on her injured ankle. The massive tom-cat weaved between the other cats and reached out, his paw under her chin. He lifted the apprentice's head and she sniffled, unable to mask the fact that she was crying. He tilted his head then looked to Avenbraid. "I'm sorry I was late... what did I miss?" "Some light training. Sablepaw fought well- you can tell by looking at Sandstrike's nose and flanks. And Rosepaw did wonderful as well- she's incredibly quick and I've never seen someone dodge blows like she does. She makes it look so easy. But we were practicing defense and I threw her from my back too hard. She landed on her paws wrong when she tried to correct the fall and she hurt her foot. I believe it's sprained." "She'll need rest then. Good job, Rosepaw. Great Warriors often hurt themselves when they try to be the best version of themselves for their clan." He nodded with a soft smile then looked over at Sandstrike. "What was it you were going to tell me?" "Oh... Uhm," Sandstrike's ears flicked back, his face flushing hot. "Sablepaw... he's a good fighter. He'll make an excellent Warrior some day." Avenbraid curled her tail in pride but her face still held a trace of cold fury from the argument she and Sandstrike had, had moments before the Warrior showed up. Of course once confronted with the leader- Sandstrike wasn't so bold. Coward. (I hope this reply is worth the wait. <3)
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Post by cowbird on Aug 1, 2021 20:12:17 GMT -5
Chris Dear
With claws? Anxiety flitted in Ravenpawβs belly and he tried to mask his apprehension as shot a questioning glance to Ferretfur. Was she allowing this? He had never been told of this part in his assessmentsβ¦ but then again it wasnt like this was really one now was it? Ferretfur had seem oblivious to his hesitation and slight fear and trotted over to find a comfortable perch and look over at them expectantly. Seeing as he wouldnt be saved, Ravenpaw turned his gaze back to Foxslayer.
The scarred warrior was frowning as usual and while there was nothing but the same strict formality to his stance, Ravenpaw felt fear build up in him even more, suffocating him almost as he stood there. He wasnt sure he could fully injure a clanmate in his right mind. What scared him, no terrified him even more was the chance of his inner anger, his wild, pent up, unrooted rage, coming out and taking him too far. He felt glimpses of that rage before and while it felt guilty sometimes how good he felt while he indulged in it, there was always a sense of control he had over it and who said that would still apply in this setting. Well, snarky tail. There is no back down here. Get them claws out. This what youve been trained for.
Mirroring the stoic look of his opponent, Ravenpaw dipped his head low and met the one good eye of the senior warrior. Let them begin. β¦
For a moment, Moosepelt just kept on walking in silence, not knowing anything insightful to say back. Embarrassment flooded in him. How was he so incapable of taking part in a intelligence conversation? It was as if everyone knew how to be articulate and he⦠all he was was a big brute. And Moosepelt hated it.
Clearing his throat, the giant of a cat replied slowly, βYeahβ¦ StarClan will help us. Maybeβ¦ maybe the Fever made us stronger. We know so much more now- you medicine cats especially!β He added, sending a shy smile to Leafwatcher.
β¦
Cinderfrost flicked his tail, pride rushing in him briefly as he took confidence in his deputyβs conviction. But, as always, he saw the other side of things. After stalling for a moment, the great warrior took a deep breath and ventured forward. βWhat if it comes to battle?β His voice was low, almost a whisper to himself as he thought the ragged, stinky, honorless cats ravaging their way in camp, sinking their claws in a shocked clan. He shuddered slightly as he thought of his mate and their own little ones facing such an offense. βWe are in no place to defend our home the way we shouldβ¦ not anymore. And Oriole knows that better than anyone.β β¦
(I dont know if the prophecy or vision that Tiny and Eagle had will include any drama with GoldenClan but I hope that its ok to reference here!)
Snowstorm snorted but laid his head down on his paws. He knew his denmate had a point. Deerspirit was older than them all but she wasnt the only one ailing. He was having dreams⦠dreams of needless battle, unjustified bloodshed and cold⦠dark, bitter cold. This will be my last greenleaf, the elder thought and despite his deep wish to see the great fabled Valley, the thought wasnt as sad as he thought. He had lived a long, successful life and served his clan well. It was time to walk among the stars soon and he never felt more ready than now as Mothfur proposed the journey.
βYou know what Mothfur? I think i just might go on this journey as well. One more adventure indeedβ¦ I think we owe that to our old friends who watch over us,β he meowed his voice crackling with the gust of age and memories. ...
Coolpaw shifted from paw to paw, nervous and weighing Tulippawβs proposal. She was so sweet and understanding- why couldnt he be into her instead? Life would be easier that wayβ¦ even if he didnt stand a chance. His mind was telling him to turn down the offer, willing to wallow alone in camp and sigh dramatically (inwardly of course) while goggling the sturdy tom from afar. Yet the excitement that ballooned in his chest at the prospect of being flank to flank with the tomβ¦ having him look at him instead of merely glance at him. Maybe it was worth a try. Just maybe.
βOk I guess,β he muttered, jerking over awkwardly to the two brothers. βIt cant hurt to try.β
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2021 14:31:47 GMT -5
|| Sablepaw || @ Goldenstar Satisfaction lit caramel hues as he felt his claws meet flesh. Confidence overrode his senses, clinging on despite Sandstrike's attempts to shake him off. The growl rumbling within the tom's throat only urged him on more. Everything around them felt like a blur. His only focus was on him and the overwhelming desire to prove himself to the warrior. Not for his own sake, but for Rosepaw and how harsh he was to her. For Avenbraid to prove how great of a mentor she truly was--especially compared to him. However, that fiery sensation was short lived. A loud 'oof' escaped the apprentice as the older warrior rolled, knocking his body into the ground. His breath was shoved from his lungs under the older cat's weight. Winded, he tried to regain his footing only to find a powerful kick shoving him away. Dust clung to his marbled brown fur as the apprentice rolled once- twice, before he was able to stumble to his paws. Despite his pants of his exertion, Sablepaw was already spinning around to face Sandstrike once more.
So, so close to jumping back into the thick of the skirmish--though whether or not it was a 'mock' skirmish was debatable, especially as he saw the tom's claws unsheath. His eyes narrowed with a fiery, haughty air igniting within their swirling depths.
Until-
"Owe! Oh, owe, owe owe! Oh, stars, it really hurts..."
He heard that.
Instantly, Sablepaw shot up straight, eyes training in the direction of Rosepaw and his mentor. Any fury evaporated from his features like dew under a summer sun. The sight of her paw left his stomach flipping with worry.
"Here, I helped Stormlegend when I first came to the clan... I have Medicine Cat training... let me look at it..."
Then he saw the smoldering look in Sandstrike's eyes. Defensiveness hardened his gaze, claws sheathing and pointedly breaking into a stride to cross the clearing alongside Sandstrike as he stormed over, though his caramel hues were locked upon the irritable tom.
"What happened?"
Sablepaw's gaze darted between the two mentors. Inwardly, he once again found himself admiring the way Avenbraid kept her calm as she evenly responded. It wasn't until Sandstrike slammed his paw into the sand and he saw the tremors taking hold of Rosepaw's petite form that the apprentice found his lips peeling back over his teeth in a snarl.
"Oh- of course you've hurt yourself! I should have known better than to think that you could actually go more than a few minutes without having some type of crisis---!"
A low growl rumbled deep within the tom's throat as he moved to stand pointedly at the young molly's side. Pointedly, he brushed his flank comfortingly against his denmates, glaring with a challenge in his eye at the hateful tom.
"Were you planning to use those claws on my apprentice? You're sitting here yelling at Rosepaw because she got hurt but it looks to me like you were doing far more than casual observatory training with Sablepaw."
Sablepaw stiffened at the she-cat's sudden accusation. He could feel the skin under his fur grow warm with sheepishness and, for once, he diverted his gaze. He could handle a few scratches, he wasn't a defenseless kit!
"Tell him then- I'm teaching the future of this clan, Avenbraid. And you're coddling it."
Fury swelled within his chest at the glare, feeling the fur along his spine bristle. How dare he-! A sharp, cold scoff of a laugh escaped him. "Please, you're a pitiful excuse for a mentor! You're nothing compared to her." Sablepaw spat, glowering in the tom's direction. His claws slid from their sheaths, digging into the soft sand underneath.
"Tell me what?"
Sablepaw forced his fur to lie flat, gazing in the leader's direction as he drew nearer.
"I'm sorry I was late... what did I miss?"
Calculating caramel hues glared daggers at Sandstrike, not once breaking focus as Avenbraid reported to Tundrastar. Though, he couldn't deny the smirk of satisfaction that tugged briefly at his maw when she mentioned his scratches. How would the tom handle this? Would he actually have the nerve?
"Oh... Uhm, Sablepaw... he's a good fighter. He'll make an excellent Warrior some day."
The young tom had to hold back the snort that wanted to escape him. Figures he'd back down then. Caramel hues shifted back towards Rosepaw, worry beginning to darken his eyes. Half of him wanted to offer to help her back to camp; but the other half kept him silent, not necessarily wanting to speak out of turn with Tundrastar present.
|| Bell || @ Goldenstar "You've hardly just begun to see it as well! Down by the river- there's the abandoned ferris wheel. It's a little spooky in the mornings but when the sunset catches it just right...Gorgeous."
"Do you have any questions, Bell? Starlingpaw is still young and there are some things she may not be able to answer for you. I know quite a bit about the clan and its history and all about the territory... Have you warned her about the Brotherhood yet?"
"The brotherhood?" Bell found herself echoing the tom's words. Why did the word send a prickle of discomfort through her? It sounded...ominous. Foreboding. Her tail tucked closer towards her stomach with obvious nerves. Dangerous, even.
"Oh- well, no. I wanted her to feel welcome and safe."
It felt like her entire stomach had plummeted at those words. Her suspicions were correct.
"The Park is safe,"
Her chest grew tight with anxiousness. How was he so certain?
"And so is she with the clan behind her. But there are things that one needs to know, Starlingpaw."
Confusion swamped the molly, shifting from paw to paw. Though, the anticipation was about to drive her nuts. What were they withholding?
"A few seasons ago, when the clan was still recovering from the Fever, we were sent a blessing from Starclan- I'll explain about Starclan later. Our leader, Wrenstar was one of the first to become pregnant after the illness struck and it was to be her her first litter. During this time, we had a tom gunning for Deputyship as our previous Deputy was quite old at the time- he died from the fever ultimately. The fiery tom was named Oriolestripe... He was... a friend of mine. I told him his ambition was consuming him but he didn't listen to my warning. He fell in love with a kitty-pet- not something that is unusual for us Park-dwellers. It isn't... something that's punishable by treason or anything like that but it definitely is frowned upon. But, anyway, he brought this she-cat to the clan with her pregnant with his kits. We could have used the new blood- our clan was recovering from extinction. But Wrenstar was nearly about to burst with her litter and when she met Tigress- Oriole's lover- something about her rubbed our leader the wrong way and she denied her sanctuary. Oriolestripe flew off the handle and attacked Wrenstar. Tundrastar- our other leader and Wrenstar's mate- broke him off of Wren but he did hurt her pretty bad. Tundrastar nearly killed Oriole protecting Wren- he even clawed out one of his eyes. He banished Oriole and his mate from the Park and declared them enemies to the clan with a kill-on-sight claim on them. But..."
Horror played clear as day upon the ex-kittypet's features. Though, she couldn't help but find herself caught on the kittypet outlook. Frowned upon? Was her presence, then, frowned upon as well? A soft tremble begun to take to her paws as she kept listening. She was a kittypet, too, why were they accepting her? The blood shed that donned her ears left a deep frown taking to her maw. Quietly, the she-cat settled into a crouch, listening with wide eyes. Perhaps it was just to settle in to the story--or perhaps, it was to feel her kits were shielded from the harsh reality being brought to light.
"But then Oriole started collecting rogues and loners into a gang of clan-less, code-less cats... and his numbers reached well over twenty very quickly. Too many for our weakened clan to defend against with sparse patrols and hungry, over-worked Warriors, We've seen Oriole and his gang on the outskirts of our territory but they've never crossed our boarders. They aren't... an immediate threat."
Worry shadowed the queen's furry features. Why couldn't she accept that that was certainty in his voice?
"But Oriole knows everything about the park since he was raised here. It is... something to consider. But the clan is strong now- more so than it has been for seasons. We are more than capable of defending and protecting the Park. I don't think Oriole would be stupid enough to launch an attack here but if he ever tried it... we'd be ready. But, that's all grim possibilities of what-ifs and maybes. Let's not ruin the beautiful day with such gloom, hm? Apart from what you've learned so far... what else would you like to know?"
Bell's features dead-panned at how quick he tried to brush the conversation aside. Her tail begin to twitch with uncertainty as she shook her head pointedly. If it was even possibly, she tried to push herself further against the ground. "I- I'm not prepared for any of that, I-I can't fight! I can't even hunt!" Her folded ears flattened against her skull as much as they could. "If they exist; how will my kits be safe?" Dismay practically seeped from her tone, thick and heavy like freshly harvested honey. Fear seemed to spike from her soft, thick pelt.
( I am SO sorry this took so long !! )
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2021 15:06:27 GMT -5
A loud purr of amusement rumbled from the she-cat, not even trying to avoid the gentle cuff thrown her way, her vivid cherry red hues beaming with glee.
"Great Stars in Silverpelt- you nearly frightened me to death, Archy!"
"Well, that just means I must be getting better at the hunter's crouch!" She chirped happily around the squirrel. That long feathered tail of hers curled over her back before she paused, head tilting suddenly. ".......that, or your hearing's getting worse. That's probably more likely. Sablepaw says I sound like a badger stomping around when I walk." She mused, promptly shrugging. Obviously his comment didn't seem to bother her. Hey, she had survived this longon her own, she was sure she could handle anything the clan threw her way. In fact, it was exciting! New challenges to face every day--and she got to see her friend every morning and every evening. Her first real friend. For a former loner such as herself, that meant a lot to her. You never knew how lonely it could get until every cat you met wanted to shred your ears to keep you away from their prey or pitiful patch of claimed territory. Cats outside of Goldenclan just...weren't very friendly. At least, that was her experience.
"Oh, yes! Thank you so much- at least I won't have to come back out now. I'm been hunting up a storm- this is my most successful day so far!"
Monarchpaw fell into step with Tulippaw, a wave of content washing over her as she listened to her friend chatter on. A 'mrr' of amusement escaped her. "You've done good. I'm sure the queens will appreciate it!" She chirped, bumping her shoulder against the other molly's affectionately.
"Sho, what hav'ya been up to taday?"
The molly paused in her step as it suddenly dawned on her. "........Oh, Mousedung," she deadpanned with a sharp shake of her head. "I can't get used to this schedule thing; it's so weird! I completely forgot to check with Moosepelt this morning!"
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Post by Goldenstar on Aug 24, 2021 23:50:38 GMT -5
Abe With Ferretfur watching with predator-like eyes, Foxslayer bounded over to Ravenpaw in a few incredible leaps and slammed into his side. He grabbed the younger tom's scruff in his mouth and pulled him down, anchoring his stout limbs on either side of Ravenpaw, locking the apprentice under his weight. "Figure it out!" Ferretfur called to him. "He's bigger and heavier and stronger but you have stealth and your smaller size to your advantage. How do you get out of it, Ravenpaw? Use your head!" ~ Leafwatcher purred a bit when Moosepelt complimented her. "Not bad for a kitty-pet, huh?" she chuckled, tilting her head. She sniffed a couple of times and then she perked up in excitement and headed eagerly over to a clump of fuzzy green leaves. "Tansy!" she exclaimed, leaning under the yellow flowers atop to snip the leaves from underneath. "I've been looking for good, young tansy forever. Come, come, Moosepelt. Help me with this crop." ~ "Fleo said the kitty-pets around the park will help if we ever need it. I know it seems silly but they have hearts of Warriors, almost all of them. Fleo's saved us more than once and I'd be honored to have her fight beside me in a battle," Stormlegend said after a while. She came to a halt then headed over to a moss-covered tree and began to pluck healthy, vibrant mouthfuls of the green vegetation from the bark. "We'll need lots of moss for our new queens... It's such a blessing to see our clan so rich with young blood again. I never thought I'd be so happy to see so many kits! Congratulations on your own litter, by the way. They'll be strong Warriors some day." ~ (I lowkey like the idea of this prophecy being linked to all the clans/cat-groups in the CCU. I'll definitely allow it.) Mothfur leaned over and began to groom Snowstorm's ears. "That's the spirit, old-timer! Now, let's get cleaned up and get some fresh kill. We need to stay rested and well fed if we are to make the journey to the Valley. What are you feeling today, my old friend? Mouse? Perhaps squirrel?" ~ "Let's go!" Tulippaw purred, leaning lovingly against her companion as she and him, side by side, headed over to where her brothers were. Nightpaw lifted his head and offered a small smile. Lightpaw was gnawing at a bit of moss between his paws but quickly abandoned his venture when his sister came over with sweet Coolpaw. Lightpaw's eyes softened ever so lightly and he felt his breath catch. Stars... Those eyes were incredible. He immediately shook the thought away with a flick of his tail and the strong conviction he carried himself with bled back through instantly. "Good morning Tulippaw- Coolpaw! How are you today?" "I slept off- I had Ravenpaw's elbow in my back all night," Tulippaw grumbled but she clearly didn't seem too terribly mad about it. "But good otherwise. Coolpaw and I were chatting it up like old Queens and I invited him on our outing. I hope that was okay?" "Well of course it was!" Nightpaw chimed in instantly, the soft, tender tom sitting up instantly. "The more the merrier- it just means we'll accomplish more." --- Cass(:
Rosepaw leaned against Sablepaw, relishing in the comfort of the tom who was becoming one of her closest friends. The stinging shame and frustration boiled over, welled in her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks. She longed to shrink- to become smaller and smaller until the sand swallowed her whole and there was nothing else for Sandstrike to torment or berate. The yellow tom glared at Sablepaw when he snapped at him and he bared his teeth. "How dare you speak to a Warrior like that you disrespectful little..." "Tell me what?"When Sandstrike and Avenbraid gave their pieces, Tundrastar nodded knowingly. "I've watched Rosepaw hunt many times... she has impressive form. One of the sharpest hunter crouches I've ever seen. You get that from your mother, you know." "I... Really?" Rosepaw looked up for the first time in what felt like ages, her eyes wide. "My mother?" "Finchflower was one of the clan's best hunters. She never came back empty-pawed and her form was flawless. She'd be so proud of you, Rosepaw." The she-cat looked down again, focusing on her paws, gritting her teeth as she made her injured foot rest flat on the sand. She refused to look weak in front of Tundrastar... less Sandstrike tear her to pieces once they were alone. "Sablepaw, you have the potential to be one of the finest Warriors this clan has ever seen. I wouldn't be surprised if you lead the park one day." When Avenbraid puffed her chest out in pride, Tundrastar let out an amused purr. "That is, if we can get that tongue under control, hm? You get that from your mother as well..." he affectionately flicked Sablepaw's shoulder then turned on his paws. "Come. Avenbraid, Sandstrike, walk on either side of me and tell me more about the day. Rosepaw can manage with Sablepaw's support." Tundrastar gave Rosepaw a slightly knowing nod then pulled away, beginning to walk ahead a few paces with the older Warriors on his either side. Once they were out of ear shot, Rosepaw deflated, melting into Sablepaw's side. She lifted her bad paw and buried her face into his shoulder, sobbing into the marbled fur. " He's going to kill me later!" she cried, her voice muffled by his coat. "Oh, this is it, Sable... I've really messed up now. He'll never let me be a Warrior now... never..." ~ Seeing the hollow on her face, Feralcreed realized he needed to go back before going forward. He settled down too, on the opposite side of Bell with dear Starlingpaw between them- the apprentice suddenly quite interested in the ground beneath her paws. "Shhh, easy now. First off- you won't need to fight. And touching on that- we'll teach you how- it's good to know just a little self defense. Even as a Queen." When the fear for her kits slipped off her tongue and sunk into Feralcreed's ears, something fierce entered his emerald gaze. He stood up tall and strong, his head high and chest pushed out. "Dear Bell, I swear to you myself... on the honor and grave of my mother herself, as long as there is breath in my lungs, I'll protect you. And your kits. And no harm shall come to you while my heart still beats." "Same goes for me!" Starlingpaw chimed in, leaping to her paws. "I'll start sleeping with you in the nursery so you'll always be safe! I won't let anything hurt you, Bell, or the kittens! And once they're born, we can start teaching you basic battle moves so that you can learn. And when they're old enough- we can teach them too! You're safe and sound in the park, I promise. Feralblade and I swear to take care of you but I promise the whole clan will keep you safe as well. We take care of our own. Always have. Always will." Feralblade dipped his head, lowering down so he was eye-level with Bell and so she could look into his face and see how serious he was about his vows. "Trust in me, if even just a little... and know I am sincere. You have my word. And it's as good as a blood promise. Alright? Does this put you at least a small bit at ease?" ~ "I shaw him gho off with Sthormlegend this morning. Do't think he'll miss ya for now," Tulippaw replied around her mouthful of prey as she and Monarchpaw neared camp. Once inside, she deposited the creature she had been carrying on the pile of others and spat out a mouthful of fur and feathers. "And I don't think he'll be mad with you once he sees that you've helped me carry back all this prey! Let's pick out something easy and take it to the Elders. Deerspirit really likes vole... I need to find a soft one for her. Mothfur's been chewing up her food for moons now..." something sad crossed Tulippaw's face when she thought of how quickly Deerspirit was starting to lose her fight for life. The old molly had always been a Goldenclan staple and her heart ached to think of a park without her.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2021 2:09:46 GMT -5
Eagleswipe- a dark brown tom with yellow eyes who is very strict to the warrior code. He will also protect his clanmates to sacrifice himself. || Mate of Mosstail. Father of two - Sweetsong and Antclaw. Father of Mosstail's unborn kits. || No relation to Cloudstar or Cloudclan. || coffegirl. ||
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Post by Goldenstar on Aug 25, 2021 2:28:25 GMT -5
Name:Eagleswipe a dark brown tom with yellow eyes who is very strict to the warrior code,he will also protect his clanmates to sacrifice himself,Mate of mosstail(I'll add Mosstail later),Father of two(Sweetsong and Antclaw,also expecting father of 3) Warrior,not related,CAG (Hi!!! Welcome!)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2021 3:51:15 GMT -5
Eagleswipe walked out from his den into the clearing
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2021 4:01:22 GMT -5
"Better" the Tom sighed since it was very warm
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Post by Goldenstar on Sept 3, 2021 0:10:34 GMT -5
"Better" the Tom sighed since it was very warm "Good morning!" the warm, friendly purr came from the gray and white Medicine Cat- Leafwatcher. "How are you this morning?"
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Post by cowbird on Sept 3, 2021 12:03:51 GMT -5
Chris Dear
Shut up! Shut up! Iβll figure it out- I think. For several heartbeats, the apprentice lay disoriented under the massive bulk of his attacker, unable to process anything besides the fact that his back was on fire. How dare he? Ravenpaw stopped his squirming which he was subconsciously doing, to glare at the underbelly of the senior warrior. With a swift, slick movement, the black tom hooked his hind paw around Foxslayerβs, ultimately destabilizing the bigger warrior just enough to tear free from his grip and pop up on all fours.
Ears roaring as they pressed flat on the sides of his head, Ravenpaw arched to attack the warrior on his blind side but just as he was about to strike, he dug his hind claws deeper in the grass and swung the other way- feeling a slightly sick sense of triumph as he scored his paws on the otherβs cheek and, keeping up the rest of the momentum, lash his shoulder before landing behind, his limbs trembling with effort, his breath heavy but eyes narrow and alight with energy. β¦ Moosepelt sent a nervous look up ahead as Cinderfrost and the clan deputy, Stormlegend rose over the crest, their heads low as they spoke in hushed tones. He had technically come out here to impress the fierce second in command, hoping to prove that he deserved the honor of being a non Clan-born warriorβ¦ but Leafwatcher seemed a lot more fun. And was prettier. And smelled gre-
βSure!β He replied a little too loud and flicked his ears in embarrassment as he avoided her gaze and looked at the so-called tansy plant. βThey wont miss us too much, right? How do you collect it?β β¦ Cinderfrost hardly felt the elevation change under his paws as he fumbled the situation in his mind. He desperately wished he had the confidence of his leaders in the future of their clan butβ¦ there was always going to be a part of him that would never be at peace until the threat passed. He came back to present time as Stormlegend changed course, swiping pawfuls of moss at a nearby tree.
βAh yes- thank you!β A smile erupted on the great tomβs face at the mention of his mateβs new litter. His devotion to his clan was never wavering, but when he met Marigoldsky and fell in love with the honesty and caring soul that she was, his devotion grew to a fierce protection. To keep his family safe and provide a safe haven- one that he was never offered as a kit.
βThey are growing to be fine ones indeed- Brightkit takes much from her motherβs benevolence. Frostdaisyβs kits are going great too- it wont be long till we have new apprentices for the upcoming leaf-fall.β β¦
At the mention of prey, all the weariness evaporated from the old tom and with a huff, he got to his paws, casting a sly look at Mothfur. βNow, you know a good meal βbout does the trick here! I'm not sure how much we can get before we head off but a nice, warm rabbit would do if you dont mind? Ravenpaw and Rosepaw are some of the fastest youngβuns we got here so maybe my cravings will be satisfied.β β¦ Inwardly screaming and his paws itching to peel away from his friend and dash back to the safety of the grove, Coolpaw plastered a nervous grin on as the brothers both looked over with startling similarity even if they were rather the opposite in almost everything.
βHiii,β he replied, his voice low. βI really hope i'm not intruding- I know how close you guys are,β he added, his gaze inadvertently trailing to the muscular build of Lightpaw. StarClan help, heβs gorgeous.
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Post by Goldenstar on Sept 6, 2021 5:38:45 GMT -5
Abe Foxslayer didn't expect the rebuttal to come so quickly. He hit the ground with an 'oof' as the air was driven from his lungs. The scores came hard across Foxslayer's flanks and he whipped around, cursing the blind side of his face. When Ravenpaw twisted and clawed his face, Foxslayer hissed and hunkered low to the ground. In the next second, he pounced, but instead of leaping in front of Ravenpaw or onto him, he landed over the apprentice. Foxslayer reared on his front legs and kicked thrusting both of his powerful hind paws into Ravenpaw's flank. Ferretfur flinched, knowing firsthand how very bad it felt to be kicked in that manner. She began to pace, her eyes watching carefully to see what would happen next. ~ "If you're worried about it, you can go on back up with the patrol," Leafwatcher said simply. There was no coldness or malice in her voice- just a simple statement as she leaned down and plucked whole stalks of tansy out of the ground- stem, leaf, and flower. "I'm perfectly capable of collecting my own herbs. It's just nice to have company sometimes." She looked up at Moosepelt with her kind, thoughtful eyes and then focused again on her work. She flicked an ear. "You're nervous about something- I can tell. Is it Stormlegend? She's really not that scary, I promise. Or are you trying to impress her? I can't tell..." she was quiet for a moment. "I can sense things sometimes- just tiny, small, snow-like fragments of the emotions of others. But I can't control it and it comes in waves and is very faint... like a whisper or a dream or a dream of a dream, perhaps..." ~ All at once, Stormlegend froze. She flicked back an ear and her bobbed tail wiggled nervously. She looked around, her gray eyes scanning for something in the ferns or the bracken or the thicket. "Shhh," she said to Cinderfrost, peering back over her shoulder. She could see Leafwatcher and Moosepelt collecting tansy a few fox-lengths back. She'd thought they were closer- she knew she heard... "Well, well, well. If it isn't Goldenclan's loyal Deputy..." the sneering voice made the fur along Stormlegend's shoulders rise. She drew her lips back in a snarl and peered up the tree they were under. One blazing, angry amber eye bared down at her. Thick, orange and black fur was lit like fire in the sunlight and around his neck was a bandana that was black- faded from time and sun and rot. "Oriole!" she hissed, fighting every urge in her body not to bound up the tree to slash him. "How dare you trespass in Golden Park!" "Trespassing? I live here!" the tom sounded offended, rolling over on his back so that his tail hung down casually. "Good to see you again, Cinderfrost. Congratulations on the kits." Stormlegend's blood ran cold in her veins. How did that rogue know about the kits in Goldenclan?! ~ (I'm gonna fade the elders out for now but we'll bring them back in soon. <3) ~ "Not at all! Ready to go?" Lightpaw purred, flicking first his sister and this his friend with his tail. "I am!" Tulippaw chirped, racing off into the high grass. Nightpaw laughed and hauled himself to his lanky, awkward feet and began to trek after her- leaving Lightpaw and Coolpaw to walk side by side. Lightpaw kept a safe distance from the other tom, despite the burning in his paws to pad nearer. "Thanks for coming along," he said a little too eagerly. Mouse-brain! "I mean... Uhm, we're kind of having a competition... it'll be funner now because... two teams..." he cleared his throat nervously, cursing himself for sounding so foolish.
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Post by cowbird on Sept 12, 2021 11:50:09 GMT -5
Abe Foxslayer didn't expect the rebuttal to come so quickly. He hit the ground with an 'oof' as the air was driven from his lungs. The scores came hard across Foxslayer's flanks and he whipped around, cursing the blind side of his face. When Ravenpaw twisted and clawed his face, Foxslayer hissed and hunkered low to the ground. In the next second, he pounced, but instead of leaping in front of Ravenpaw or onto him, he landed over the apprentice. Foxslayer reared on his front legs and kicked thrusting both of his powerful hind paws into Ravenpaw's flank. Ferretfur flinched, knowing firsthand how very bad it felt to be kicked in that manner. She began to pace, her eyes watching carefully to see what would happen next. ~ "If you're worried about it, you can go on back up with the patrol," Leafwatcher said simply. There was no coldness or malice in her voice- just a simple statement as she leaned down and plucked whole stalks of tansy out of the ground- stem, leaf, and flower. "I'm perfectly capable of collecting my own herbs. It's just nice to have company sometimes." She looked up at Moosepelt with her kind, thoughtful eyes and then focused again on her work. She flicked an ear. "You're nervous about something- I can tell. Is it Stormlegend? She's really not that scary, I promise. Or are you trying to impress her? I can't tell..." she was quiet for a moment. "I can sense things sometimes- just tiny, small, snow-like fragments of the emotions of others. But I can't control it and it comes in waves and is very faint... like a whisper or a dream or a dream of a dream, perhaps..." ~ All at once, Stormlegend froze. She flicked back an ear and her bobbed tail wiggled nervously. She looked around, her gray eyes scanning for something in the ferns or the bracken or the thicket. "Shhh," she said to Cinderfrost, peering back over her shoulder. She could see Leafwatcher and Moosepelt collecting tansy a few fox-lengths back. She'd thought they were closer- she knew she heard... "Well, well, well. If it isn't Goldenclan's loyal Deputy..." the sneering voice made the fur along Stormlegend's shoulders rise. She drew her lips back in a snarl and peered up the tree they were under. One blazing, angry amber eye bared down at her. Thick, orange and black fur was lit like fire in the sunlight and around his neck was a bandana that was black- faded from time and sun and rot. "Oriole!" she hissed, fighting every urge in her body not to bound up the tree to slash him. "How dare you trespass in Golden Park!" "Trespassing? I live here!" the tom sounded offended, rolling over on his back so that his tail hung down casually. "Good to see you again, Cinderfrost. Congratulations on the kits." Stormlegend's blood ran cold in her veins. How did that rogue know about the kits in Goldenclan?! ~ (I'm gonna fade the elders out for now but we'll bring them back in soon. <3) ~ "Not at all! Ready to go?" Lightpaw purred, flicking first his sister and this his friend with his tail. "I am!" Tulippaw chirped, racing off into the high grass. Nightpaw laughed and hauled himself to his lanky, awkward feet and began to trek after her- leaving Lightpaw and Coolpaw to walk side by side. Lightpaw kept a safe distance from the other tom, despite the burning in his paws to pad nearer. "Thanks for coming along," he said a little too eagerly. Mouse-brain! "I mean... Uhm, we're kind of having a competition... it'll be funner now because... two teams..." he cleared his throat nervously, cursing himself for sounding so foolish. Ravenpaw winched, but didn't dare let the pain slow him down- he was suddenly now grateful for his mentor honing in on his speed and agility as he rolled over sharp stones and twigs and bounced effortlessly to his paws. Barely taking a breath to balance himself, the dark gray and black tom shot to Foxslayer's flank and swiped viciously, before lunging in his back, claws deep in his shoulders. He clung for a bit too long because before he knew it he was tumbling to the ground. Panic flared in him as he scrambled back up right- staying on the ground was no choice now. With a soft growl, Ravenpaw hunkered low and leaped forward, twisting mid-air and raking his belly under the senior warrior and then fumbling to his paws behind him, back arched and his muscles tight with effort. ... Moosepelt felt shame flood his pelt. He wasnt exactly a fan of this ability the medicine cat had- it had to suddenly activate when he was feeling apprehension! "I- Uh, I meant no offense, Leafwatcher. I'd l-" a unfamiliar scent suddenly wafted towards the huge brown tom an he stopped mid sentence, his ears perked and claws unsheathed immediately as he scanned the thick undergrowth. What was it? Who was it? Cautiously, the warrior slowly stalked towards the hill ahead, his massive head swinging slowly side to side as he tried to spot- "Oriole!" Moosepelt nearly jumped out of his fur as he heard the hateful hiss of Stormlegend up ahead and without even looking back, the young tom galloped forward, confusion and alarm stinging him as he charged towards where he heard his deputy. At the crescent of the hill, hidden by the still greenleaf-full trees, Cinderfrost and Stormlegend were crouched in attack mode, both with identical twisted faces of hate as they glared at something in the trees. "What the h..." High in the branches, a long, wiry body lay strewn on a branch leisurely. The face of a sneering, malicious cat gazed back at them. His black and orange fur stood out in the green and brown of the forest and Moosepelt was slowly beginning to feel more uneasy on how precariously he was balancing on a branch then any threat he could pose. Cinderfrost felt a pang of fear slam into him the moment his former clanmate turned loner rebel mentioned his kits. This was exactly what he feared- and he didnt even get to rest on it before it came true. "Dont talk about my children," rumbled the muscular warrior, his voice oddly calm despite the burning tension between the three cats. ... Coolpaw felt as if his head was going to explode as the bigger gray tom walked beside him. He need self-control- but where was it? "Uhhh yea. What ki- what competition is it?" He lashed his tail, silently cursing the skies at his weak response.
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Post by Goldenstar on Sept 14, 2021 13:58:22 GMT -5
(Gotta drop this here too...) Blood Painted CloudsAs the moon climbed high in the sky, a single Warrior sat with his back to the railroad tracks that lead to Golden Park. He scanned the shadows, venom green eyes trying to find... something. The wind behind him shifted and a scent, sweet but not entirely familiar encased his senses. He whopped around, coming face to face with tattered ears and acidic yellow eyes. Something cold and calculative swirled in those mustard hues and a sickly purr rumbled in her throat. She stepped forward, lifted a paw to his cheek, cupped it- the tip of her claws pricking his skin- and she gripped his chin. She kissed his mouth and the Warrior closed his eyes, letting her drown his senses. The next instant, he was on his back and her sharp fangs were around his throat.
"Don't let your guard down all because I'm pretty. I'll still kill you, Sandstrike."
"You wouldn't," the Goldenclan Warrior snarled, leaping up. He pinned the she-cat to the asphalt by her shoulders, his jaws clamped around her neck now. He heard her gasp from surprise and force and he retracted his bite, lifting his head. His green eyes flashed with danger. "Remember I can kill you too, Yellowwasp."
"You wouldn't," she purred in a velvet voice, blood pricked on her throat from where his fangs had met the tender flesh. She leaned up and licked his cheek and Sandstrike chuckled. He stepped to the side and helped her up. The pretty, yellow-and-black Inked she-cat shook her pelt and began to circle him, her tail stroking his flanks. "You look well... leaf-fall hasn't bothered the Park much."
"Nor the Manor." He had noticed that Yellowwasp's form was silky, smooth, with lean cut muscle. She wasn't going hungry.
"Islandfawn insists that I eat well." She paused, holding his gaze. "I must... for the kits."
Sandstrike's jaw dropped and he stepped closer to her. The yellow and gray-marked tom pressed his nose into her flank and inhaled, the soft scent of milk swirling in his lungs. "Mine?"
"Of course they are. Do you think me unfaithful?"
"Of course not. You'd never betray me." He rasped his tongue over her ear. "This was unplanned... we must move quickly now. I want it to happen before the kits are born. You shouldn't battle as a Queen."
"Nobody knows I'm a Queen except for Islandfawn... and she's soon to take it to her grave. We've come too far to be interrupted now." She looked away, flicking her tail thoughtfully. "If the Manor sees me pregnant, they'll soon start whispering of who the sire is. They know I'd never breed with a rogue, loner, or kitty-pet. So the father would need to be clan born. There aren't many toms in Inkclan... they'll figure it out on their own and I don't need anything to break fealty. Especially so close to success." Her sharp yellow gaze suddenly switched back to him. "Did you talk to the usurper?"
"Yes," Sandstrike replied, his heart racing. "The Broken Brotherhood has agreed to our alliance."
"Good." She licked his ear. "We can trust him?"
"Oriole may be mad but he's no fool," the Goldenclan tom replied. "He wants safety and for his children. This leafbare will be cold and he wants to keep his family safe. He'll do anything to protect his children." Sandstrike's pupils narrowed into something damn near deadly. "As will I."
"I know. I was wise to choose you..." Yellowwasp gave him an aggressive nuzzle then turned on her paws, beginning to head back through the shadows toward the town... and toward Ink Manor which lay outside. "Begin the infiltration. The meeting is in a few days... by then everything should be in motion. Be sure you're ready for the takeover." She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "I don't know what Inkclan blood runs through your veins, Sandstrike... but it shows. Paint runs thick... we'll have answers for you one day. You'll see."
He nodded, watching his beloved go with thoughtful eyes. It had been many moons ago now when Yellowwasp sought him out after a meeting- fascinated by his unusual markings. She told him they looked almost Ink-like. At the time, Sandstrike hadn't believed it. But the more time had gone on, the more he had pieced together parts of his past. His mother, Yellowpetal, who had been an adoring and gentle creature, had never spoken of their father and she always seemed uncomfortable at the thought. Yellowpetal had died mysteriously when they had just been made Warriors- found asleep outside of camp. Yellowwasp had told him that she believed their father was a Inkclan cat. Sandstrike had always found it silly... but now...
Sandstrike watched Yellowwasp until she disappeared over the hillside. He flicked an ear and turned on his paws, heading back across the railroad tracks toward the sleeping Golden Park. Unaware to the young Warrior, something stirred in the bushes. Outstepped a precious creature, a silky-furred lilac-and-silver molly with violet patches. Her blue eyes were hazy as she looked over the hill to where Yellowwasp disappeared. Then she took off after the Goldenclan Warrior, stumbling sideways on uneasy paws.
"Sandy!" the call froze Sandstrike in his tracks. He looked over his shoulder to see his sister, Sweetfern, struggling to keep up with him. "Sandy, Sandy wait fo' me!"
"Sweetie!" Sandstrike's voice took on a gentle tone as he doubled back and raced to his litter-mate's side. He caught her as she nearly fell and he rasped his tongue over her ear. "Sweetfern, what are you doing out of the Elder's Den so late?! Does Mothfur know you're here? Did she go walking with you?" Genuine concern laced his tone as he feverishly examined his sister.
"I saw you leave camp. I wanted to follow!" the she-cat puffed out her chest proudly and lifted her head, laughing like an apprentice. "You didn't have any clue I was there, huh?! I stalked ya so good! I even didn't stumble!"
A pang of pride and adoration entered Sandstrike's eyes for his soft, detached sister and he nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you did really good Sweets. I had no clue you were there..." he flicked back an ear. "How far did you follow me?"
"To the tracks," she looked over her shoulder, back the way they'd came. "Who was that molly?"
He froze. "Who?"
"The yellow she-cat! The one you were fighting."
"Oh her? Just a kitty-pet. I chased her off though."
"Wow! You're so brave." Love and admiration entered Sweetfern's unfocused eyes and she pressed her face lovingly against her brother's cheek. "I know you'll keep us safe, Sandy."
"I'll always keep you safe. It's my job. I'm your brother." He told her, twining their tails. Sandstrike let Sweetfern lean on him as they headed back toward camp. "But just between you and me- let's keep the kitty-pet a secret, okay? I don't want to upset the clan when they're so worried about the Brotherhood. It was nothing to worry about. Okay?"
"A secret? I can keep a secret!"
"Okay!" Sandstrike lowered his voice into a whisper and hunkered down low to the ground. He looked around, as if making sure nobody else could hear them, and he looked back at his sister, wonder in his eyes. "Sweetfern, you must not tell anyone about the yellow kitty-pet okay? We don't want to upset the clan. It's a Sandy and Sweetie secret. Okay?" he offered her his pinky claw and Sweetfern met his eyes, her gaze serious as if this was a vow of life and death. She nodded and hooked her claw with his.
"Sweetie and Sandy secret! No telling. Nope!"
"No telling," Sandstrike repeated, kissing his sister's forehead. "Come on now, let's get you back to the Elder's Den. I'm sure Mothfur will be missing you."
"Okay." As they walked, Sweetfern leaned her head on her brother's shoulder. "I love you, Sandy. You're the best brother in the whole world."
"I love you too, Sweets." As they re-entered camp, Sandstrike stole a glance up at the sky. He did a double take, his heart dropping into his paws. As the moon glittered silver and white against the stars, he saw a single crimson-red cloud drift across its cratered surface. He looked away, watching as Sweetfern began to pad up the iron stairs that lead to camp. He glanced up at the sky again but the cloud was gone. His heart racing in his chest and an odd feeling creeping up his spine, Sandstrike headed up after his sister. Yellowwasp's words echoed in his head.
Paint runs thick...
But blood runs thicker.
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Post by cowbird on Sept 17, 2021 12:41:28 GMT -5
(Gotta drop this here too...) Blood Painted CloudsAs the moon climbed high in the sky, a single Warrior sat with his back to the railroad tracks that lead to Golden Park. He scanned the shadows, venom green eyes trying to find... something. The wind behind him shifted and a scent, sweet but not entirely familiar encased his senses. He whopped around, coming face to face with tattered ears and acidic yellow eyes. Something cold and calculative swirled in those mustard hues and a sickly purr rumbled in her throat. She stepped forward, lifted a paw to his cheek, cupped it- the tip of her claws pricking his skin- and she gripped his chin. She kissed his mouth and the Warrior closed his eyes, letting her drown his senses. The next instant, he was on his back and her sharp fangs were around his throat.
"Don't let your guard down all because I'm pretty. I'll still kill you, Sandstrike."
"You wouldn't," the Goldenclan Warrior snarled, leaping up. He pinned the she-cat to the asphalt by her shoulders, his jaws clamped around her neck now. He heard her gasp from surprise and force and he retracted his bite, lifting his head. His green eyes flashed with danger. "Remember I can kill you too, Yellowwasp."
"You wouldn't," she purred in a velvet voice, blood pricked on her throat from where his fangs had met the tender flesh. She leaned up and licked his cheek and Sandstrike chuckled. He stepped to the side and helped her up. The pretty, yellow-and-black Inked she-cat shook her pelt and began to circle him, her tail stroking his flanks. "You look well... leaf-fall hasn't bothered the Park much."
"Nor the Manor." He had noticed that Yellowwasp's form was silky, smooth, with lean cut muscle. She wasn't going hungry.
"Islandfawn insists that I eat well." She paused, holding his gaze. "I must... for the kits."
Sandstrike's jaw dropped and he stepped closer to her. The yellow and gray-marked tom pressed his nose into her flank and inhaled, the soft scent of milk swirling in his lungs. "Mine?"
"Of course they are. Do you think me unfaithful?"
"Of course not. You'd never betray me." He rasped his tongue over her ear. "This was unplanned... we must move quickly now. I want it to happen before the kits are born. You shouldn't battle as a Queen."
"Nobody knows I'm a Queen except for Islandfawn... and she's soon to take it to her grave. We've come too far to be interrupted now." She looked away, flicking her tail thoughtfully. "If the Manor sees me pregnant, they'll soon start whispering of who the sire is. They know I'd never breed with a rogue, loner, or kitty-pet. So the father would need to be clan born. There aren't many toms in Inkclan... they'll figure it out on their own and I don't need anything to break fealty. Especially so close to success." Her sharp yellow gaze suddenly switched back to him. "Did you talk to the usurper?"
"Yes," Sandstrike replied, his heart racing. "The Broken Brotherhood has agreed to our alliance."
"Good." She licked his ear. "We can trust him?"
"Oriole may be mad but he's no fool," the Goldenclan tom replied. "He wants safety and for his children. This leafbare will be cold and he wants to keep his family safe. He'll do anything to protect his children." Sandstrike's pupils narrowed into something damn near deadly. "As will I."
"I know. I was wise to choose you..." Yellowwasp gave him an aggressive nuzzle then turned on her paws, beginning to head back through the shadows toward the town... and toward Ink Manor which lay outside. "Begin the infiltration. The meeting is in a few days... by then everything should be in motion. Be sure you're ready for the takeover." She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "I don't know what Inkclan blood runs through your veins, Sandstrike... but it shows. Paint runs thick... we'll have answers for you one day. You'll see."
He nodded, watching his beloved go with thoughtful eyes. It had been many moons ago now when Yellowwasp sought him out after a meeting- fascinated by his unusual markings. She told him they looked almost Ink-like. At the time, Sandstrike hadn't believed it. But the more time had gone on, the more he had pieced together parts of his past. His mother, Yellowpetal, who had been an adoring and gentle creature, had never spoken of their father and she always seemed uncomfortable at the thought. Yellowpetal had died mysteriously when they had just been made Warriors- found asleep outside of camp. Yellowwasp had told him that she believed their father was a Inkclan cat. Sandstrike had always found it silly... but now...
Sandstrike watched Yellowwasp until she disappeared over the hillside. He flicked an ear and turned on his paws, heading back across the railroad tracks toward the sleeping Golden Park. Unaware to the young Warrior, something stirred in the bushes. Outstepped a precious creature, a silky-furred lilac-and-silver molly with violet patches. Her blue eyes were hazy as she looked over the hill to where Yellowwasp disappeared. Then she took off after the Goldenclan Warrior, stumbling sideways on uneasy paws.
"Sandy!" the call froze Sandstrike in his tracks. He looked over his shoulder to see his sister, Sweetfern, struggling to keep up with him. "Sandy, Sandy wait fo' me!"
"Sweetie!" Sandstrike's voice took on a gentle tone as he doubled back and raced to his litter-mate's side. He caught her as she nearly fell and he rasped his tongue over her ear. "Sweetfern, what are you doing out of the Elder's Den so late?! Does Mothfur know you're here? Did she go walking with you?" Genuine concern laced his tone as he feverishly examined his sister.
"I saw you leave camp. I wanted to follow!" the she-cat puffed out her chest proudly and lifted her head, laughing like an apprentice. "You didn't have any clue I was there, huh?! I stalked ya so good! I even didn't stumble!"
A pang of pride and adoration entered Sandstrike's eyes for his soft, detached sister and he nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you did really good Sweets. I had no clue you were there..." he flicked back an ear. "How far did you follow me?"
"To the tracks," she looked over her shoulder, back the way they'd came. "Who was that molly?"
He froze. "Who?"
"The yellow she-cat! The one you were fighting."
"Oh her? Just a kitty-pet. I chased her off though."
"Wow! You're so brave." Love and admiration entered Sweetfern's unfocused eyes and she pressed her face lovingly against her brother's cheek. "I know you'll keep us safe, Sandy."
"I'll always keep you safe. It's my job. I'm your brother." He told her, twining their tails. Sandstrike let Sweetfern lean on him as they headed back toward camp. "But just between you and me- let's keep the kitty-pet a secret, okay? I don't want to upset the clan when they're so worried about the Brotherhood. It was nothing to worry about. Okay?"
"A secret? I can keep a secret!"
"Okay!" Sandstrike lowered his voice into a whisper and hunkered down low to the ground. He looked around, as if making sure nobody else could hear them, and he looked back at his sister, wonder in his eyes. "Sweetfern, you must not tell anyone about the yellow kitty-pet okay? We don't want to upset the clan. It's a Sandy and Sweetie secret. Okay?" he offered her his pinky claw and Sweetfern met his eyes, her gaze serious as if this was a vow of life and death. She nodded and hooked her claw with his.
"Sweetie and Sandy secret! No telling. Nope!"
"No telling," Sandstrike repeated, kissing his sister's forehead. "Come on now, let's get you back to the Elder's Den. I'm sure Mothfur will be missing you."
"Okay." As they walked, Sweetfern leaned his head on her brother's shoulder. "I love you, Sandy. You're the best brother in the whole world."
"I love you too, Sweets." As they re-entered camp, Sandstrike stole a glance up at the sky. He did a double take, his heart dropping into his paws. As the moon glittered silver and white against the stars, he saw a single crimson-red cloud drift across its cratered surface. He looked away, watching as Sweetfern began to pad up the iron stairs that lead to camp. He glanced up at the sky again but the cloud was gone. His heart racing in his chest and an odd feeling creeping up his spine, Sandstrike headed up after his sister. Yellowwasp's words echoed in his head.
Paint runs thick...
But blood runs thicker. (I AM SO EXCITED OMG BKEKLDEIDWMEDWG)
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Post by Goldenstar on Sept 18, 2021 4:11:45 GMT -5
Abe "Break!" Ferretfur called and Foxslayer twisted on his paws. Blood dripped from one of his ears and across his flank and he stormed right up to Ravenpaw. The small, vicious Warrior but his face right in Ravenpaw's own, his single amber eye blazing. "Ferretfur," the tom growled in his usual gravel-like tone. "I agree with you. He's ready." "See! I told you." The chipper she-cat puffed out her chest. "Congratulations, Ravenpaw! You passed your Warrior assessment." "The rest is up to Tundrastar now," Foxslayer said evenly, his face revealing nothing. "But you have my good grace. Good job, kid... you did well." ~ "Hmm?... Or what?..." the next instant, a wall of bandana-clad cats began to descend from the tree-tops. There were six, seven, ten, thirteen... Stormlegend took a step back, her pupils stretching until they nearly swallowed her irises. How had this many cats gotten by the Goldenclan patrols?! There was no way! "What's going?..." Leafwatcher didn't even get to finish her statement before a white she-cat with unusual pink and purple tabby markings went bowling into her. Leafwatcher let out a cry of pain as she began to fight back and Stormlegend leaped up the tree, teeth bared and eyes blazing. "How dare you attack a Medicine Cat?!" she snarled, leaping for Oriole. But the next second there was a flash of black and gray and a powerful paw from a cat on a higher branch smacked the Deputy out of the air. Stormlegend hit the ground with a disturbing thud, landing squarely on her shoulder. She let out a screech of pain and writhed on the forest floor while Oriole's amber eye glowed with amusement, the circle of Brotherhood members encroaching so that Moosepelt, Stormlegend, and Cinderfrost were pressed closer and closer together. "Listen to me very carefully, all of you... your era in the park is coming to a close. Before leaf-bare ends, you'll see. The Brotherhood will reign supreme. Take that message to your leader. Tell Tundrastar he'd better be ready." Oriole got to his paws and stretched, scoring his claws through the tree bark. "Come Brothers, away!" and with his command, the cats began to race off into the shadows. ~ "We..." "Shhh!" Nightpaw and Tulippaw had come racing back and Nightpaw had slapped his tail over his brother's mouth and Tulippaw had done the same for Coolpaw. "I heard something..." Tulippaw whispered, the fur along her spine rising. "I smell Brotherhood Bandits... stay low, follow me..." she crept into the ferns, grass against her belly as she lead the toms away from open ground and into hiding.
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Post by cowbird on Sept 18, 2021 8:39:28 GMT -5
Abe "Break!" Ferretfur called and Foxslayer twisted on his paws. Blood dripped from one of his ears and across his flank and he stormed right up to Ravenpaw. The small, vicious Warrior but his face right in Ravenpaw's own, his single amber eye blazing. "Ferretfur," the tom growled in his usual gravel-like tone. "I agree with you. He's ready." "See! I told you." The chipper she-cat puffed out her chest. "Congratulations, Ravenpaw! You passed your Warrior assessment." "The rest is up to Tundrastar now," Foxslayer said evenly, his face revealing nothing. "But you have my good grace. Good job, kid... you did well." ~ "Hmm?... Or what?..." the next instant, a wall of bandana-clad cats began to descend from the tree-tops. There were six, seven, ten, thirteen... Stormlegend took a step back, her pupils stretching until they nearly swallowed her irises. How had this many cats gotten by the Goldenclan patrols?! There was no way! "What's going?..." Leafwatcher didn't even get to finish her statement before a white she-cat with unusual pink and purple tabby markings went bowling into her. Leafwatcher let out a cry of pain as she began to fight back and Stormlegend leaped up the tree, teeth bared and eyes blazing. "How dare you attack a Medicine Cat?!" she snarled, leaping for Oriole. But the next second there was a flash of black and gray and a powerful paw from a cat on a higher branch smacked the Deputy out of the air. Stormlegend hit the ground with a disturbing thud, landing squarely on her shoulder. She let out a screech of pain and writhed on the forest floor while Oriole's amber eye glowed with amusement, the circle of Brotherhood members encroaching so that Moosepelt, Stormlegend, and Cinderfrost were pressed closer and closer together. "Listen to me very carefully, all of you... your era in the park is coming to a close. Before leaf-bare ends, you'll see. The Brotherhood will reign supreme. Take that message to your leader. Tell Tundrastar he'd better be ready." Oriole got to his paws and stretched, scoring his claws through the tree bark. "Come Brothers, away!" and with his command, the cats began to race off into the shadows. ~ "We..." "Shhh!" Nightpaw and Tulippaw had come racing back and Nightpaw had slapped his tail over his brother's mouth and Tulippaw had done the same for Coolpaw. "I heard something..." Tulippaw whispered, the fur along her spine rising. "I smell Brotherhood Bandits... stay low, follow me..." she crept into the ferns, grass against her belly as she lead the toms away from open ground and into hiding. Ravenpaw stared right in the senior warrior's eye, his panting and fierce adrenaline distracting his momentarily to what they were saying, or even from thought. Its done? Have I...He blinked as Ferretfur's proud mew blossomed in his ears and Ravenpaw's chest swelled- even he couldnt hide how proud he was to gain this approval. "Thank you, Ferretfur. You too Foxslayer," the young tom mewed with a dip of his head. ... "Leafwatcher!" Immediately Moosepelt turned tail and in two short bounds landed by the shaken medicine cat. "Are you ok? Are you hurt? Is that a scratch right there?" He fretted, nosing her cheek anxiously. Cinderfrost was descending the hill, Stormlegend leaning on his shoulder with her uninjured one. The normally level-headed tom was a silent ball of fury, his anger-influenced adrenaline blazing as he heard the rogue cats fade away from the forest. "We definitely will be telling Tundrastar and Wrenstar," he growled lowly as he led the limping deputy down to more stable ground. "The Brotherhood has penetrated our borders far deeper than we even thought they'd dare." He looked over at the wounded she-cat and softened, leaning her against a tree stump. "How bad is your shoulder?" ... Not too far ahead, the group of apprentices were hunkered low, their eyes wide and searching, ears perked up to catch even the slightest rustle of the smallest mouse. They had been trained well of course and this was the exact time all those tedious "stop, watch and listen" drills was proving useful. Towards the back of the group, very conscious of his close proximity to the dangerous handsome tom beside him, Coolpaw mewed in hushed tones, "There's an injured cat ahead. I smell blood."
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Post by Goldenstar on Oct 1, 2021 13:38:04 GMT -5
Abe (I'm gonna skip through here to the next day.)
"Alright, so you go ahead and try to hunt. Carry on as you usually would. Don't let your nerves get to you too much. I'm so proud of you already," Ferretfur told her apprentice with gentle nudge to his cheek. "You can do it, Ravenpaw. I believe in you. Keep in mind that there are some other apprentices partaking in their assessments as well. I'll see you soon." She flicked him on the shoulder with her tail then disappeared into the bushes. ~
"I'm f-fine!" Leafwatcher gasped as she hauled herself to her paws. She had a steady trickle of blood running down her shoulder that was pooling on her paw. She took a step forward and lurched back in discomfort. "I think my leg is wrenched... she hit me pretty hard... Stormlegend, how did they get that deep into the Park? We have so many patrols... someone would have seen them..."
"I don't know! It shouldn't be possible," Stormlegend hissed through gritted teeth as she pushed to her paws. "We're missing s-something..." she at first didn't want to lean on Cinderfrost but realized she'd have to and grudgingly let her weight fall against him. "It's hurt for sure..."
"I'll look at it once we're back in camp... C-come on. We need to talk to Wrenstar and Tundrastar..." lifting her injured front leg off the ground, Leafwatcher stayed close to Moosepelt and lead the shaken patrol back toward camp." ~
"I smell it too..."
There was an eruption of noise in the bushes and a stream of Brotherhood cats went storming by. One of them, a white she-cat with pink and lilac colored tabby markings, was arguing with Oriole- the snake himself.
"You didn't tell me she was a Medicine Cat! I would never have hurt her so badly if I had known!"
"Does it matter what she is? She's an enemy."
"Medicine Cats aren't trained to fight like Warriors!"
"Makes them easy targets. A cat without fighting skills is simple prey. A clan without Medicine Cats is as good as dead."
The she-cat shook her head, her green bandana shifting around her neck. "I just..."
"Don't question me, Lolly. I know what's best for the Brotherhood. We don't run on Code or morals like the clans do and that's what makes us stronger and better than clans are. Do you doubt me? After all I've done for you? After I saved you?"
Lolly looked away, her miscolored eyes flashing with discomfort. "No, Oriole."
"Good. Come on. We have to regroup back at camp..." As the leader took off with the rest of the patrol, Nightpaw settled into the bush further but as he did he stepped on a twig. It snapped and for a moment, all of the apprentices held their breath. Lolly, one eye violet and one eye pink, glanced over to where they were hiding and she met Nightpaw's gaze head on. Tulippaw sucked in a hard breath and Lightpaw flexed his claws, prepared to defend his family and his territory- to the death of necessary. But Lolly just shook her head and turned on her paws. She glanced over her shoulder once more and gave Nightpaw a nod and then she bounded off after the rest of the group, leaving the apprentices breathless and shaken in their pelts.
"Are they all gone?" Tulippaw asked after a moment. "We should go see where the scent of blood came from. Lolly said there was a Medicine Cat she attacked! Someone might be hurt."
"I'll scout first..." Lightpaw crept out of the bush and looked around, signaling with a flick of his tail that they were good to keep going. "Come on! The scent is up by the hill!"
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