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Post by cowbird on Apr 29, 2024 22:57:18 GMT -5
Chris
(first full reply in ages. I am SPENT and this isnt even as good as I want it to be. Edits tmr hopefully)
Quietwaters froze, his very limbs feeling numb as his mother dove into her tale. Oakspear. She was right- of course she knew it was him. Forestcreek had been in disarray that day- unwilling to banter, yet rather snappy. He talked to know one but had been so unfocused. Quietwaters decided to step in and see what was causing his much larger littermate to be so off from his usual self, but had he knew what was going to hear would change his life forever, he had a small feeling he wouldnt have been so keen on keeping tabs with his brother.
The dark blue-gray tom didnt exactly know how he felt about Oakspear. Even as his mother spoke, detailing the deep love his father had for them and the lengths he made to keep them safe from the secret he and Ambercreek had conjured, he was not sure he was so ready to welcome his father into his life. After so long of wanting his approval, wanting him to look at him, wanting to hear from his mother’s lips that yes, he was their father… Quietwaters suddenly didnt want to know if he cared, or if he risked so much to come see him. A flash of resentment flared in him, but it was countered immediately by a sprinkle of guilt. It wasnt Oakspear’s fault that he couldnt be around… sure he and Ambercreek broke the code when they had him and his littermates, but Quietwaters couldnt say he regretted his life. Even with the last moons being some of the hardest and most life altering. The dark tom squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, dislodged the thoughts of his father away. While his mother was already making his mind run a million heartbeats with thoughts of Oakspear, he still had another issue at play.
Quietwaters opened his eyes slowly and glanced at his paws briefly, struggling to find the words. “I…I dont know what to say. To him. Acorntrail- not my father.” He paused, feeling embarrassment prickle at his paws. “Could… would you mind helping me? To talk to him. I dont know what to say and I’m scared I might be too late and if he has let me go I dont think…” The warrior swallowed, fighting back fear- and failing miserably. “I dont think I could handle that outcome alone.”
…
Dewkit giggled as he watched the interaction between the three cats as they lounged not too far from the Training Hollow. Even though he was almost positive Sunnyarch was a bit older than his sisters, their seemed to be no sense of age between them and the banter flowed as freely as he heard with Whitekit and Rootkit at night when Galecry came to sleep with them. He blinked curiously at Sunnyarch. He was a very handsome tom with graceful movements and eyes that seemed to sparkle each time they landed on you. I think im gonna like this cat, he thought. He spared a glance at Meadowkit and suppressed a purr. She looked as moonstruck as a rabbit! “Stare any longer and he’ll lose his pelt,” he whispered mischievously over his shoulder at her before peering back up at Sunnyarch.
“No, we werent hunting anything. My sister, Whitekit, Rootkit and I were just doing some exploring and then we came across Harbinger. We thought his paw coverings were cool and he told us you made them and so much more stuff like that, so we wanted to meet you!” he ended with a little jump of excitement.
At the suggestion of snail hunting Whitekit gagged but stopped herself short, glancing self-consciously at Pearlshell, forgetting the furless cat’s affinity for the slow moving creatures. Her brother Rootkit however, was far from disgusted. He crept forward before he could even realize what he was doing, absolutely fascinated at the slimy invertebrate nestled behind Pearlshell’s ear. Its antennas moved slowly as Rootkit approached as if greeting the kit. “Wow…” he breathed, peeking at its shell which seemed to rise up and down ever so slightly as the snail moved. He had no ideas cats and… well non-cats could be so close and he had never seen a snail up close (Doveheart ruled the nursery cleaning with a fierce paw and never let anything that crawled anywhere near the nests)- let alone on a cat so comfortable before.
…
Palesmoke winced as Fogspell let out a yelp of pain. He knew Venomcinder would be as gentle as he could but it didnt make seeing his mate so afflicted any better. He was just as surprised when Fogspell took off after the squirrel- after all Palesmoke and Fawnstripe had been doing alot more chatting than hunting and he hadnt caught a whiff of prey that whole morning. Which was to be expected- prey knew better than to wander across the path of meowing cats. So when Fogspell began to tear after a squirrel just a few tree-lengths away, Palesmoke gave him plenty of space to make an easy catch since he was the only one actually paying attention.
Yet the squirrel proved fairly agile and twisted mid leap up a tree- while poor Fogspell dived right into the yawning hollow at the base of the tree and met the rather unfortunate fury of a certain sharp rodent. Palesmoke and Fawnstripe managed to haul him out, steering clear of the angrily chittering porcupine, but Fawnstripe had to run back (uncharastically heavy-footed for a cat her size) and fetch some help in the form of Elknose and Mahoganyfur to get him back to camp without anyone getting caught on the quills still embedded in the poor tom’s fur.
Palesmoke squeezed past Venomcinder now, his heart twisting as he watch Fogspell squirm in pain as another quill was plucked. He cast a swift glance over the plucked wounds. He might need more poultice than what Vinnie has. But he’s the medicine cat not me. Im sure he’ll figure that out. He crouched loyally by his mate’s head, licking away a salty tear that escaped the proud warrior’s eye. “Oh dont apologize Foggy! Its not like you did this on purpose. Any warrior could have been hurt like this- remember Icemoon the day after he came back from the battle for Ink Manor? He ran into one just like you.” When he saw his mate’s frown of disappointment, he sighed and licked his ear, which was free of the dangerous quills. “Really my love, dont fret. Just rest and get better and before you know it we can have a redo! It’ll be a few before the leaders appoint the new apprentices so we’ll have plenty time- right Fawnstripe?”
The couple’s daughter had been fairly quiet since the whole incident happened, only offering the most basic hums and coos of sympathy and comfort as Venomcinder did his best to help her father. She had been spacing out for a little; her mind was somewhere else. She had been doing her best to keep her parents happy and actively show her ability to both be with the tom she loved, but also maintain her relationship with her family. Yet that was only part of her reasoning. As the sun stayed out longer and the trees rapidly exploded with life day by day, the life within her was doing the same. She had managed to ask Hyenaspots and Riversand to be relieved from her warrior duties but had gone to great lengths to hide it from her parents. Yet her belly was growing larger daily and while she could hide behind the more bountiful prey, it was only a matter of time before other cats would start pointing out that she was bigger than a normal well fed cat. She had even caught Mouseear looking at her strangely as she basked one evening with Topazloch and Bluemoon. Mouseear had seen and assisted more queens than any cat living in the clan today. She was bound to put the pieces together- and if she already had Fawnstripe nervously knew it was only a matter of time before her parents would find out too. The only question was- how do you break it to your parents, one who was vehemently already against her choice of mate, that at such a young age she was already to be off into the nursery with a litter of her own?
“Erm- yes. O-of course Dad. Nothing to do over here, hehe,” she replied, fighting to keep her face smiley and bright. She wasnt sure how good she was pulling it off. But she would do her darn hardest and try.
…
Being invited to talk to a cat who once was the most powerful cat in the clan was not something Ashfox ever anticipated happening in his life. It was so weird to be in such close contact with the old warrior- but then again his life was nothing close to being the normal he once knew the moment Rosepetal deemed him worthy enough to be in her company.
The skinny tom shuffled his limbs awkwardly, keeping his paws close to himself and avoiding the mismatched gaze of the elder- even though he was positive she was watching his every shuffle, every twitch with sharp interest. He didn't know how to feel about it and he had a sickening feeling in his belly that the interest would turn into something else when what he did came out.
He licked a paw and ran it nervously over the back of his fluffed up ear fur. “It's… it's nothing. Nothing too crazy… not that I didn't do anything bad! No, I'm not trying to excuse myself. Its just… well basically she wanted me to come meet you. I didn't think she was serious at first but she was and made it clear that she wanted us to meet now. I… guess I panicked? Its not that i didn't want to meet you as her mother… Its just… well I didn't think I was ready? I knew- no, I know I loved her and I know now more than ever. But for a few moments I was rethinking my choice. I knew that meeting you would be the final step and then we’d be official.” He swallowed, feeling shame wash over his pelt as his feelings, true to the core, spilled out. “I’ve always been wary of commitment. I have no lasting friends before Rosepetal showed interest in me besides my sister because I was scared of having to keep the friendships alive and I always felt that that sort of attachment burdened me. I like being free. I thought I liked it more than Rosepetal… but here I am, yowling for her like i’ve been stung by a bee. For that time after she asked me to come meet you, I felt my old life slipping away. My old freedom. And I thought I’d miss it- and maybe I do. Maybe I always will. But I love Rosepetal more… a lot more than I want that old life back.” He stopped. A sense of ease began to settle into him and he gave a bitter chuckle, almost forgetting who he was talking to. “And look at me now? Doing the exact thing I was running away from. Talking to her mother.”
…
(Lemme add this one rq before I forget this character arc)
“Hey Squirrelwind? You got a moment?”
The rather timid call barely registered as the cats, some in groups as large as seven, made their way out of camp to begin their assigned tasks for the day. One cat had gone the opposite way, awkwardly pushing past streams of pelts, shoulders and tails as she tried to reach the deputy before she herself walked away.
Squirrelwind spun around, her whiskers twitching crossly as she blinked unimpressed at the cat who called her name. She had specifically asked before she dismissed everyone if there were any questions or concerns. A chorus of nays replied. She had assumed everyone was satisfied but even then, she waited until the tails were turned before making her way to her own affairs. Yet here was someone who clearly hadnt gotten the memo- and talking unnecessarily was one of the many things that would irritate the deputy these days. “Primrosedapple. I thought I asked if anyone had any questions to voice them during the meeting. What is the meaning of this?”
Primrosedapple winced; not only at the deputy’s sharpness, which was a given most times, but just how tired and haggard she was looking. Even as newleaf had taken its hold on the Valley, the dark brown she-cat seemed to be looking the opposite of rejuvenated. Her temper seemed to flow more freely, her moments of unparalleled energy rarer and rarer and her pelt getting thinner. Many knew Squirrelwind was old, but she had been a fierce warrior for longer than most warriors had even been alive and for several seasons now had been a good, stable deputy. Yet as Primrosedapple’s eyes met hers, she could see that there was more tiredness than alertness in her gaze. The clan’s gonna need a new deputy soon, she thought. Once upon a time she, like almost every kit, had wanted to be deputy, maybe even leader one day. Yet Prim had learned early on that not every cat was cut out to be as versatile and expanding as a leader should- especially of CloudClan. Primrosedapple knew that wasnt a life for her and she gladly accepted that limitation. She firmly believed her future had something else in store and she was determined to get it.
“Im sorry Squirrelwind- I never meant to disregard your order,” she meowed respectfully, dipping her head to the elderly she-cat. As crabby as she was, even Squirrelwind would soften with a show of respect. At least Prim was hoping she would. “I only knew that what I had to ask would be distracting to the clan and so I wanted to ask you in private. Only if I could be excused from he duties today, or at least until sunhigh. I want to speak to Shadowstar about being a warrior.” The deputy blinked. A warrior? Has she got bees in her brain? She’s been a warrior for her fair share of seasons now what could she-
“Ok.” was all the deputy said, regaining her composure. She began to slowly pad away, her paws veering to the apprentices den. “He’s in his den with Alderstar. Be careful not to wake them if they are still asleep- they and Morningstar were up late last night discussing mentors and apprentices.” With a flick of her thick tail, the old deputy trotted away, leaving the gray and white warrior to head off on her own to find the clan leaders den. Oh StarClan if you ever heard my prayer now… please let this go well.
…
(We only have four more left in between us: Crowshade, Cloudstar, Featherpelt and Blase)
The starry queen was gone before Morningheart could even utter a word. He knew he couldnt tell any cat what this ceremony was like when he came back to the clan, but if only he could tell Witheredleaf’s family how happy and healthy she looked again. It would have been the least anyone could do to console a family who had lost its matriarch.
He had four more lives to receive. He had no idea who would give him them all, but there was a name that had been flashing in the back of his mind the moment Goldenstar granted him his first life. He was both looking forward and dreading the name and even more the face that came with it. Yet there was no avoiding the inevitable and sure enough, from the corner of his eye, another long-legged starry shape drew from the rows of ancestors and marched towards Morningheart, each stride strong and purposeful. A pale, gray tabby pelt flashed before his muzzle and the tom’s distinct scent hit Morningheart like a branch.
Water blue eyes that during his life were both beacons of strength and inspiration and pools of anger and displeasure met Morningheart with a strange intensity. For a short while, the two toms stared at each other, both roughly nose to nose, their shoulders curved the same way, the way they held their tails almost identical.
“Father,” Morningheart choked out, his voice somehow lost in the whole dramatic pause. He swallowed painfully. “I wondered when… or even if… I’d see you.” The blue eyed ancestor eyes flashed and he purred, one so deep it nearly rivaled Morningheart’s mothers. “Oh come on now- you think i’d miss the leadership ceremony of my son. Nothing in the skies above would have stopped me.” His father leaned closer, his breath fanning over Morningheart’s face. “I know we had our differences when you were young but I did the best I could to make sure you and Redmouse came out the very best warriors your clan had. You’ve made me proud; both by being a great warrior and a survivor… but by being a good father. Your kin will multiply and spread your kindness and genuinity for generations and that is a legacy much greater than I expected of you.” Was that a hint of guilt Morningheart saw in his father’s eyes. He couldnt dwell on that- no son of Featherpelt was a dweller- because the prideful glint resumed its normal position.
“With this life I give you confidence. You will be called to make choices for yourself and the cats in your care. A good leader always makes his final decision with the confidence needed to execute his order and make sure it goes as well as it can. I would tell you to use this wisely but… well, you already have been wise and tempered enough to use this gift in fair measure.” When Featherpelt’s muzzle touched his forehead, a course of unflinching strength filled his body; starting from his paws and pumping to his legs and abdomen and deep in his chest. He felt nearly invincible, as if he could take on an army of foxes and win. As quick as it came, the feeling ebbed away and when Morningheart opened his eyes, his father had gone.
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Post by Goldenstar on Apr 30, 2024 0:16:18 GMT -5
I'M SO EXCITED I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT
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Post by Goldenstar on Apr 30, 2024 2:49:57 GMT -5
(Replies coming tomorrow 🩵)
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Post by Treeheart on Apr 30, 2024 10:27:35 GMT -5
I see sheets to update and come bearing sheets I have updated!
Lyrickit(faith) - Trusting and trustworthy in return, Lyricfaith loves loving others and being loved. She's the joyful, giggly sister of her litter, a heavy contrast to her firey sister, despite being very close with Chimes. Though her sight was never truly perfect, she never let that bother her. If her father was able to live a full life with his disadvantages, than she should be just fine. While her only brother Briar caused her family to laugh when he was born, Lyric's birth caused a few tears to be shed. She's a pretty thing, the reason for her name being quite clear. Her fur is medium-lengthed yet thick, a creamy white with dark brown marbled patterns. She has a baby pink nose and ears along with big hazel eyes. One thing she does quite obviously get from her dear dad Umberpatch is that one of her eyes is partially blind, the same one as him. || Litter-mate to Dovechime and Sunwater. Half-sibling of: Dandelionroot, Briartalon, Alderfall, Rosequill, Sageleaf, Smokefern, and Honeypatch. Daughter of Umberpatch and Milkflower for Sparrowtalon and Eagleoak. || Spirit Stone: Fire Opal || Treeheart. ||
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Rookkit(sayer) - Rook likes to think that one never truly stops learning. Even well out of his kit and apprentice moons, which were filled with questioning and analyzing the world around him, he still doesn't quite feel like he's learned everything there is of their home and history. And that certainly won't do for him. Rooksayer - proud to be named partially for his father - likes to learn, and likes to learn on the move. He's not stuck in any ways, making it easy for him to flow and change passed off what he knows and what he doesn't. He's active, coordinated, and can't turn down a chance for excitement. With a big family like he has - especially including his extended kin - Rook is rarely seen outside of a group of his loved ones, even if he isn't a loud part of said group. Though if it's necessary for a job to get done, he'll work towards with whatever is needed, and isn't afraid to press against the rules a little if they get in the way of that. Rook has thick, wild dark gray fur with faded tabby markings and dark liner around his eyes. His ears, paws, and the tip of his tail are a dark brown. His legs are a more smokey brown all the way up to his shoulders and hips and the pale coloration ends in fading dapples along his shoulder-bones and hind-haunches. He has pink pawpads, a pink nose, and sky blue eyes. He's tall, though his build is slightly on the dainty side. || Child of SnowyOwl and Wolfsayer. Littermate to Wrenwhisper. Younger sibling of Jay, June, and Jade || Treeheart. ||
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Duskkit(frost) - Despite his excitable and eager nature, Duskfrost isn't one to act impulsively. He was never one to really believe many of the Elders stories as a kit, at least not the more out there ones that leave most kits starry-eyed. Although he likes to think things through, and does tends to stumble upon a few good ideas, he's a bit bad when it comes to committing to said ideas. He'll start something and then rarely finish it. He's energetic and social, flourishing the most when he's around others, and very much enjoys outdoing his friends and siblings in "not competitive at all" competitions. Duskfrost is a tom with medium-lengthed fur, black with white paws and white on the tip of his feathered tail. Though, on top of that, he has the same Inking of his mother, pale yellow, orange, and peach colors blend and marble over the dark base. He has big, pointed ears, slender build, wedged face, giving him more and more of an Inkclan appearance. He has odd eyes like both of his parents, one a warm amber and the other a pale orange. His nose and pawpads are a soft pink. || Child of Pastellight and Brightwish. Littermate to Desertgust. Older sibling of Cinderblitz, Emberkiss, Morningrise, Peachfeather, Mottledmoon, Honeyfleck, Tornpetal and Splitcherry. || Treeheart. ||
Emberkit(kiss) - Emberkiss's name was mainly a poke on his sass. Ever since he was small, Ember was an alert and intense individual. He was always noticing what was going on with his siblings, with his parents, even with his denmates. When he isn't cat-watching and learning all the deets about the clan, he may come off as a bit intimidating with his bright personality and poorly controlled tongue. He's extroverted and intuitive, always preferring to go based on what he gut tells him than what he's told. Sometimes this leads to serious errors in his judgment, but he hardly ever lets that slow him. The amber and black tortoiseshell pattern of his pelt is taken directly from his dad's split DNA, only it made up most, if not all of his fur like a "normal" pelt pattern would. His tail, chest, and underbelly are slightly plumed. His fur is mainly tortoiseshelled, though his face is mainly white with a shock of his mother's Inking that runs from his nose, between his eyes, swirling underneath them, like flame, and then fading into the rest of the amber shades. His nose and pawpads are dark, and both of his eyes are light yellow. || Child of Pastellight and Brightwish. Littermate to Morningrise and Cinderblitz. Younger sibling of Desertgust and Duskfrost. Older sibling of Peachfeather, Mottledmoon, Honeyfleck, Tornpetal and Splitcherry. || Treeheart. ||
Morningkit(rise) - Morningrise is nothing if not determined. If he has a goal in mind, there is very little that can sway him off of it. If he's given a task, there is little else that will get done until that task is complete. He is hard working and thorough in his work, even at the cost of himself at times. A bit of a perfectionist, some would say. If it's not done right, he needs to fix it. That sort of mindset does often lead him to being on his own, fiddling or completely something, though he isn't much of a fan of such isolation. If he can, he'd likely stick to at least one other cat he can find. His pelt is a cool, curly, medium-length cream with white paws and a feathered tail with white at the tip. He gained his mother's gorgerous Inking of orange and peach colors, though the yellow hue of hers is instead replaced with black. His chest and underbelly are slightly plumed, his build is slim, and his ears are pointed. His eyes are odd, one being a shining sky blue and the other being a pale yellow. || Child of Pastellight and Brightwish. Littermate to Emberkiss and Cinderblitz. Younger sibling of Desertgust and Duskfrost. Older sibling of Peachfeather, Mottledmoon, Honeyfleck, Tornpetal and Splitcherry. || Treeheart. ||
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Opalsmoke - Soft and cheerful, Opalsmoke seems like the most dainty and sweet molly. She smiles warmly, purrs with her whole spirit, and giggles like a chirping bird. Though, as most will see within their time knowing her, is that Opal has a mean chaotic streak. A kind of chaos that only her twin sister seems to be able to draw out of her. Having gotten into much mischief in their youth, it seems that Opal still hasn't managed to part herself from that silly nature. However, her maturity has made it so her tricks and pranks aren't so reckless, and more simply silly and fun. Or, at least, she certainly thinks so! Dear Opalsmoke is a gray-and-whitish-pink patched hairless she-cat with beautiful, basil-green eyes. || Harbingerstrike and Witheredleaf's daughter. Sister to Pearlshell. Half-sister to Sunnyarch and the late Daffodilfur. Adopted sister of Coltspirit, Cicadascreech, and Lionstreak. || Treeheart. ||
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Post by cowbird on Apr 30, 2024 22:03:58 GMT -5
Thrushkit (Thrushflight)- stormy gray tom with sandy coloring under his chin, belly, half his chest and the inside of his legs. Being fairly inconspicuous both when it came to looks and personality, Thrushflight has spent the majority of his life in the shadows of his varied littermates. He was there to keep his wilder siblings Brindleheart and Canarydusk in check, around to comfort and being a companion to his ill little sister Cloverdream after her eye operation and even gladly gave an ear to listen to Pollenshade recite her herbs and remedies when she needed someone to help her know all the herbs by description only. And for all his life, he didnt mind that. That is, until he met Flowerfrost that is. She was the most beautiful cat he had ever laid his eyes on and despite the vague warnings from his father, the gentle discouragement from his mother and the sharp tongued reprimanding from Nectarsong, the tom made it his goal to step out from the shadow of his littlemates and become someone known for what he did and who he was. And one day, when he was sure he was just as popular as his littermates, that Flowerfrost would love him back one day. Besides being lovesick half the time, Thrushflight is a caring, selfless cat who gladly takes on the burdens of others if it means that they can live life the way they want to. He extends this side of him to his family, but he isnt afraid to set boundaries- especially if you said anything at all about his parents. A generation later but Doveheart and Almondthicket’s still face the displeasure somewhere among he clan. || Kit/Warrior. || Son of Almondthicket and Doveheart’s 3rd litter. Littermate to Brindleheart, Canarydusk, Cloverdream and Pollenshade. Younger brother to Nectarsong, Tinderspark, Onesight (1), Badgerstreak, Beebounce, Hawkswoop and Doestep (2). Half brother to Elknose, Icemoon, Riverflower, Eagleoak and Lichenfur. || Straight- ends deeply in love with Flowerfrost but has an inkling she wont feel the same way.
Brindlekit (Brindleheart)- cream, golden-brown and white brindled she-cat with amber eyes. Canarydusk’s partner in crime, Brindle grew up and largely is rather vain. Its not hard to see why considering her tall, slim figure, neat soft fur with her various colors rippling across her pelt almost like a heartbeat. She was always very confident and outgoing, often to the detriment of others but she never truly means harm. She’s most definitely a daddy’s girl too- she idolizes her father and since she never had the baggage her older siblings did finding out their parents' secrecy, her relationship with the gentle former Watcher was pure since day one. She also is very close to Valorpledge and sees him as a lifelong mentor and a third parent even as he was less present in her life than her older siblings. || Kit/Warrior. || Daughter of Doveheart and Almondthicket’s 3rd litter. Littermate to Canarydusk, Cloverdream, Pollenshade, and Thrushflight. Younger sister to Nectarsong, Tinderspark, Onesight (1), Badgerstreak, Beebounce, Doestep and Hawkswoop (2). Half-sister to Elknose, Icemoon, Riverflower, Eagleoak and Lichenfur. || Bisexual and poly. ||
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 13:53:59 GMT -5
(Be here shortly with those replies)
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 13:55:56 GMT -5
STOP THRUSH BEING IN LOVE WITH FLOWERFROST IS GIVING ME LIFE
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 19:29:09 GMT -5
(*pops knuckles* I gotta start somewhere... y'all gonna hate me for this and it's okay.)
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 19:58:24 GMT -5
***In the updated timeline***It's just one of those things. Something that happens that you know is coming but you try to block it out in your mind.
Three days prior to today- which was a very foggy, misty morning in the Valley- a wail had risen from the back of camp that woke the clan before its time.
Shadowstar, Alderstar, and Morningstar raced from the leader's den before the apprentice's had sleepily emerged from their slumber to investigate the sound. The cry came again, this time louder than the first and with more than one voice.
Alderstar's heart filled with dread and even Morningstar stopped in his tracks on the way to the Elder's Den. Shadowstar entered first with a cold look in his ember eyes.
"Rowanoak?" he whispered as the other leaders came up beside him and a crowd of cats started to form around the den of the clan's eldest members. Shadowstar paused the instant he entered the den and lowered his head in instant grief.
Rowanoak, the dusty red tom, was sprawled in Falconheart's arms, screaming with tears rolling down his face as his mate gripped him desperately and pushed his graying muzzle into the tom's fur.
Laying a few paces away from them, two of the valley's most beloved mollies were lying together perfectly still. Hazemist and Deerspirit had curled up in a perfect heart shape with one another- their tails crossing and noses touching. Their front paws grasped one another and there were rose petals decorating both their pelts. They seemed to be sleeping- both angelically placed with smiles on their graying faces. But there was no breath. No movement. No life. In all her years of existence- Deerspirit had longed for family. For kin. For more than just a distant cousin of someone who shared Goldenstar's blood. Finding Hazemist in the Valley- her most direct kin as her niece- had been the end of a life's pursuit. The two spent their days in near silence just enjoying the comfort of one another, occasionally reminiscencing of time's long past or warriors they remembered that half the clan had never heard of or didn't remember.
Toward the end of winter, Deerspirit had gotten sicker. She barely ate unless Hazemist forced her and she had to chew it first. Shortly after her aunt's last bad spell, Hazemist fell on her way to the dirt place and had injured her hip badly enough that she was den-bound. Rowanoak and Falconheart had been taking care of her night and day. And then... Hazemist woke up and realized she was out of time. And Deerspirit wanted to go too. The ancient Goldenclan molly had half-limped, half-crawled to the medicine cat den and sought out Cypressprayer. She asked the she-cat for something to help them both go quickly and without pain. In the dead of night, the clan's most senior healer had travelled to the Elder's Den and woken the old mollies from their sleep. She decorated their pelts in rose petals and thanked them for their long and treasured service to the clan. Then she fed them jam so sweet with honey they'd never taste what she hid inside of it. And the two curled up together and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Now as the clan gathered and mourned for two of their most beloved members, Cypressprayer sat at the back of the crowd with tears in her eyes. Wildbriar sat next to her and lifted her head.
"You did what you needed to do," she whispered to her and the molly turned her mis-matched eyes to the young, Starkissed warrior. She watched Wildbriar flick her ear and her eyes softened. "They said thank you."
Cypressprayer closed her eyes when she remembered that the she-cat's gift was Spirit Channeling. She nodded slowly and then turned her head away. She could still hear Rowanoak and Falconheart sobbing inside the den. The old ruddy red tom croaked as he touched Hazemist's soft fur. "Rest well... my love." |
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Post by Treeheart on May 1, 2024 20:21:21 GMT -5
(AHHHHHHHH 😭 HOW DID I KNOW IT WAS COMING AND YET I WAS STILL COMPLETELY BLINDSIDED-)
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 21:11:07 GMT -5
(AHHHHHHHH 😭 HOW DID I KNOW IT WAS COMING AND YET I WAS STILL COMPLETELY BLINDSIDED-) (Coffeesprout? o.o) |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 1, 2024 21:26:18 GMT -5
***Timeline Update*** {Abe}
"You have to tell them!" Cloverblade paced back and forth in front of the bush that was shaped like a baby deer. It had become somewhat of a meeting place for he and his mate and at the moment, Fawnstripe was sitting in front of it while he wore a path in the ground at its side. "You can't keep pretending to go on patrols much longer. You can't keep avoiding them. We lucked out at first with your father's unfortunate event with the porcupine but honestly, it can't go on much longer. Maybe he'll be calmer now? The clan is sensitive right now, Stripes. They're still reeling from losing Deerspirit and Hazemist. Most cat's hearts are softened. I think if there was a time for Fogspell to absorb this information with perhaps a bit of warmth, it might be now. But all I know my love is the amount of stress you're putting yourself through to try and keep this secret really worries me. You should be relaxing! Not tearing yourself up in worry. I can go with you if you wish? Or would that make it worse?-- I don't have to. I just... I just..." Cloverblade paused his pacing and looked at her with loving, worried eyes. "I want us to be excited about starting a family. I want for your kin to know- and my kin to know. I don't want it to be a secret anymore. I really do think it's time, my love."
~
(Is it bad to say I've been excited for this part?...) " Too slow!" came the growly voice of Obsidianspire as he knocked his apprentice off her paws again. Vinepaw hit the ground with a thump and gasped. The cream colored she-cat rolled over on her back and batted at the air. She missed Sid's face by more than a tail-length and then jumped to her paws and whirled around to face him, her tail fluffed out to twice its normal size. Crookedrippled and Leopardtempt's daughter stared at him with tears in her eyes and spots in her vision. "Again!" he demanded and the she-cat charged at him. She leaped but her execution was all wrong and she was never going to make it to her mentor. Obsidianspire narrowed his pupils, reached out a paw, and struck Vinepaw from the air with way too much force. The timid molly hit the ground with another thud and she gasped for air once more when she landed on her chest. She groaned and dragged herself back to her feet. "P-Please, Obsidianspire... can w-we stop for just a few minutes? I need a break." "A break? A break! From what?! You've spent more time picking yourself back up from the ground than you've spent learning anything or actually trying!" New tears formed in Vinepaw's eyes and she couldn't hide her trembling legs. "I... I just need a minute. Please. I need to eat something and then-then I'll be better!" "You can't grow strong on berries and pine nuts, Vinepaw." Obsidianspire rolled his eyes over to where the she-cat had made a pile of foraged blueberries. She gathered them every day before training and would smash them with her paws and eat them until her tongue and fur were both dyed blue. Even now, as her feet trembled- her forepaws were stained with the berry's dark juice. "And you haven't earned a break yet. You have to try harder." "You keep hurting me!" she cried as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "I-I can't catch up!" "Do you think that in battle, the enemy is going to step back and let you munch on some blackberries mid-fight? Do you think a badger is going to show you mercy when you've stumbled upon its nest and its hungry? Do you think I'm teaching you to fight as an idle passing of time?! You are training to be a Warrior, Vinepaw. There is great pride and pain and sacrifice in that! Don't you remember your apprentice's vows?" "I do!" Vinepaw replied as she wiped some of her tears away. "But I can't learn like this!" "Are you saying I'm a bad mentor?" Sid felt his heart starting to hammer in his chest and he clenched his teeth. "Do you know how many apprentices I've had that have become incredible warriors?" Vinepaw didn't answer him. Instead she walked slowly over to her pile of berries and began shoveling them in her mouth. Tears rolled down her face as she chewed them and swallowed them and smashed more with her paws before scooping them into her mouth again. Obsidianspire growled and marched over to her. He gave the apprentice a hard shove and grabbed up the remainders of her lunch. "No, please! I spent all morning collecting them- please don't waste them!" Vinepaw's panicked voice only made the tom more angry. Sid brought his paw down onto the earth and smashed the berries into the dirt. He mashed them with his paw until there was nothing more than juice and stems among the grass and soil. Vinepaw wailed and covered her eyes with her sticky, berry-crusted paws. " No! Not my berries!" "They're just berries, Vinepaw!" Obsidianspire snapped. "Don't you realize we are in a forest full of them and there are hundreds more?! You stupid girl, why don't you listen?!" "I hate you!" Vinepaw snapped back. She moved her paws from her face and flung herself at her mentor. She dug her claws into the sides of his face and kicked rapidly at his chest until the breath drove from his lungs. Obsidianspire recoiled from the attack and reeled back on his hind paws. He wrapped his arms around her and twisted sideways with a jerk. He pried Vinepaw off of him and launched her across the clearing. She rolled into the fall and raced back to him, slamming her body against his side. Obsidianspire was taken off his feet as she tumbled with him- over and over and over again until finally he ended up on top. Blood ran down from a cut under his ear and his throat stung from her claws. He held his face an inch from her own as the messy she-cat panted underneath him. "Good. Hate me if that's what it takes," he snarled to her. "But one way or another- I will teach you to be a warrior. No matter what it takes." --- "Honestly she's the most ignorant little thing I've ever had to deal with in all my time as a warrior!" Obsidianspire was going on about his training session with his mate, pacing back and forth as Riverflower listened. He had spent nearly half an hour in the medicine cat's den being patched back up. Tinyleaves had told him he needed to be more careful- the cut under his ear had gone straight through and if the wound didn't heal properly- he'd have a gash where his ear was supposed to connect to his face for the rest of his life. He wasn't worried about it. "Cries every thirteen seconds, is unmotivated, clumsy, uncoordinated, can't take instruction, can't take criticism, and all she cares about are those star-damned berries!" he groaned and hung his head. "If she didn't piss me off so bad, I'd ask the leaders to assign me a different apprentice. But she makes me so mad, I just want to whip her into shape and prove that I'm right. I'm a good mentor, damn it. I'm not going to let some berry-eating, butterfly-chasing, dreamy-eyed little pureblood heiress ruin my reputation. I have had to fight and work myself to the bone for every single bit of grace and comfort that I have in this clan. I wasn't born here. My mother was a rogue and me and my siblings were abandoned to die in a pumpkin patch. I wasn't born knowing the Code or Starclan or have heritage or family or any kind of support whatsoever. I had to learn everything from scratch. Everything that I have and that I am, I have had to work for. It is a privilege to be a Cloudclan warrior- to be a part of this incredible network of cats. And she's just so... so..." Sid pinched the bridge of his nose with his paw and exhaled all the air in his lungs. "I'm going to teach her and she *is* going to learn. One way or another." ~ (Just gonna patch this piece back into the current timeline.) "Well, if I may say so... it is very nice to talk to you, Ashfox. Thank you," Cinnamonsky began with a small smile. Her eyes held a certain kind of sadness as she clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth in thought. "You know... three days ago, we lost two of the most important links of our history. Hazemist and Deerspirit were living, breathing pieces of a lineage and time that won't be seen again. Glorysky's direct kin are all in Starclan now. It's very odd to me... to be a part of it without the webs." She looked away from him. "You see, my mother was Gorsewing. And she was a much more mature she-cat when she got with my father- Lionroar. Of course, Lionroar was Goldenstar's son. He was a young warrior when he took my mother to be his mate. And it was uncanny, Ashfox... how much he looked like her- er, Goldenstar, that is. Just like her made over. But a tom. It was most peculiar." She flicked an ear. "They had fourteen kits together, my mother and father- across four litters. Me and my sisters were the last... I was the first born. But times were different then. Harder. There was so much... anger. All the time. And fear. War. So many wars. I've been in so many battles- in my old age I can't remember them all. The Frostbitten War- of course- which was Lilyfrost's gang against the entire Valley. That's the most recent. The Battle of the Forest before that... which was..." Cinnamonsky shuttered. "I was in my prime then. I remember it so clearly. The rats. The violence. The loss of life..." she turned her gaze toward him again. "The first major battle I was ever in was the Great Blood War- which was fought between Berylclan and Cloudclan. It was just days before the Battle of the Forest. It... was a brutal affair. So much death..." she shook her head. "Sure, we'd seen a few smaller battles in our time. But nothing like the Big Three. I want to say the wars are done, but Cloudclan... as ancient a thing as it is, violence always has a way of finding us again." She blinked slowly as her eyes came back into focus and she seemed to remember who she was talking to and what it was about. "Ah. My apologies. My daughter..." Cinna flicked an ear and smiled warmly. "I'm not long for this world, Ashfox. I walk daily with more and more of my pawsteps in Silverpelt than the Valley. I won't be too far after our dearest Deerspirit and Hazemist, I'm sure. I'm not sad, really. I'm ready to go. To see my mother and father and siblings again. All my kin. Crowshade. Aldershade. Goldenstar... Fawnheart." A small purr started to form in her chest. "But I think I have been holding on. Waiting. To make sure my sweetlings are taken care of. Rowanberry will watch over the girls when I'm gone. And Sunnyarch will look after him. My darlings, they have always forged their own way. I've adored them for their independence from the moment they've opened their eyes. But to know that... My Rosy has found someone. And that he loves her..." Cinnamonsky shook her head. She leaned forward and pressed her nose against Ashfox's own. "Go talk to her. Go and know my blessing goes with you. You're a good tom. And you'll take care of her when I'm gone. And there's nothing more a mother could want for her children than that." ~ (I'm a little lost here but I'mma keep the flow. <3) "We'll need to keep our eyes on the Elders now. Hazemist was a mother hen to all of them, and I fear with her passing that our retired warriors and healers will begin to dilapidate. We mustn't let them," Shadowstar was speaking to a small audience inside the leader's den: Alderstar, Morningstar, Hyenaspots, and Rowanberry included. "Rowanberry, I expect you to check in on them or send another medicine cat to do so twice a day. Make sure they are eating, drinking, and taking their herbs. Our Elders are some of our most treasured occupants. We must not neglect them." "Absolutely. I agree," the red tom replied with a dip of his head. "We'll be opening up positions for more medicine cat apprentices soon as well. Cypressprayer is getting older and will need to retire soon. I'd like to praise both Coltspirit and Stormleaf, if I may. Even with the becoming of parents- it hasn't stunted their duties as healers and..." "Well hello Primrosedapple!" greeted Hyenaspots as she gently lifted a paw to apologize to Rowanberry for interrupting him but also telling the others to cease their conversations. She caught the warrior's scent on the breeze. "Come on in." ~ "Come along, Dewpaw!" Sunnyarch poked his head into the apprentice's den and sought out his apprentice. He had been more than thrilled when he'd been assigned the plucky young tom who happened to be sired by his second favorite gay couple in the clan. ( The first being him and Rowanberry, of course.) "Harbinger and the crew are going to meet us out by the Hot Springs for some training and bonding today and I want to try to beat him there!" --- But sure enough... Sunny had not. Harbingerstrike had a saying that was to try to be up before the sun was. (Something Witheredleaf had absolutely loathed as she was a big Sleepy Gal.) He and his daughter had corralled Whitepaw and Rootpaw before the first rays of dawn had brightened up the sky. Now, as the birds chirped and squirrels chittered along the trees- the party of five had already arrived at the Hot Springs and Harbinger had simply insisted on enjoying himself before the training began. He was in absolute heaven, his head laying on the mossy sides of the springs as he was submerged up to his chin in the warm, bubbling water. "Ahhh... oooooh... hnnnnn..." "Can you shut up? You're going to scare everything away if you keep groaning like a molly in her first heat." "Raven!" Crowcharm fussed at her twin sister but Ravenhex just rolled her eyes. "Would you let him enjoy himself? You're always so mean to him." "Do you hear how tormented I am, kits?" Harbinger spoke to his apprentices lightly. "My own daughter just jesting with me day and night. I really do think you all should hop in- the warm water limbers the body. It makes training so much easier." "Listen, cats with fur generally don't like to be wet, old man," Ravenhex continued as she tapped the hairless tom's head. "And seeing as Rootpaw, Whitepaw, Crowcharm, and I all have actual pelts... I think we'll sit the warm bubbles out. Especially with you groaning like that. You're creepy enough as it is." ~ (Ah, bet bet bet. I'll bring in Crowshade next. {Blase then Cloudstar.}) The next cat came quickly. With purpose and warmth and confidence. Something that hadn't been seen for him for many years before he took his last breath in the Valley. Strong, shaded gray paws drew nearer and dark, midnight blue eyes brightened with both adoration and excitement. Crowshade stopped short of Morningheart and offered him that familiar wise, warm, fatherly smile. Without a moment of hesitation, Crowshade brought the tom in for a hug and nuzzled him just under his ear. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered as he pulled back and gave his starry pelt a shake. "I'm glad you're taking this step, Morningstar... it will be needed for what is to come." A flash of darkness crossed Crowshade's face but it was gone in an instant. "With this life..." the tom caught his breath. "I give you... vigilance. As a leader of a clan like ours, you will need to keep your eyes open. Have the sight to notice changes in temperament, in the mood of the clan, of those you keep close to you. A clan is only as strong as its leadership... and those who depend on it to survive. Proceed with caution. And keep your eyes open..." Crowshade pressed his nose against the tom's own and held his gaze.
{Mikah}
In the days and weeks following Citrineshard's confession in the forest- a lot had changed for the family of Shadowstar and Alderstar. Treeheart had gone back to the nursery and Antlershard was working with all his might to provide for his clan- motivated by the promise of new life from his unborn kits. Citrineshard had also been spending a lot more time with her brother and his mates- a.) because she found the notion of their Recycled Souls beyond fascinating and b.) because there were new kits to dote over! Now, the usually prickly she-cat sat outside the nursery with her other brother- Tigershale. The tom had come around immediately after his nieces were born and he had been rather smitten by them from the moment they opened their eyes. The litter-mates watched with the parents of the happy brood as the fluffy little she-kits tumbled around with each other in the bright, misty morning of a new day. Cinnamonkit laughed as she tackled her sister- Kestrelkit- and the two gently pummeled each other with their paws. Meanwhile, Marblekit was chasing her own tail- ever fascinated by the way it was twice the size of her body and three times as long. Fallenfire had sweet Flurrykit between his paws, cleaning the babe from tail to ear-tips. When the she-cat wriggled against him, Fallenfire lifted his chin and gave her a gentle bonk between the ears. "Would you stop moving so much! I can't get you clean when you're wiggling like a worm after fresh rain!" "Uncle Tiger! Are you watching?!" Marblekit called and Tigershale smiled at his niece. He nodded at her as she finally chomped down on her own tail and stood up proud and tall. "See! I can do it! I can catch anything! I can catch a fox!" "A fox?" Tigershale murmured as he took a small, slinking step forward. He lowered himself to the ground and lashed his tail. "You think you can catch a fox do you?" Marblekit instantly walled up the challenge and released her tail. She puffed herself up to twice her size- which made Shadowpixie chuckle and she had to cover her mouth with her paw to hide her amusement- as she took a step forward. "I ain't scared of no fox! I'm Marbleshine- a Warrior of Cloudclan! I won't let the fox hurt anyone!" Then, barking like a fox, Tigershale leaped over Marblekit then half-crawled, half-rambled his way over to Citrineshard and prepared to pounce. The halfclan molly covered her mouth with her paw in mock fear. "Oh, help! Someone save me- a fox has come to chew on my bones!" "I'll protect you!" Marblekit cried as she went racing over to her aunt. "I need backup! Kestrelspots and Cinnamonleaf- come with me! We must protect the nursery from the great big ugly fox!" "Great big ugly?" Tigershale whispered under his breath to his sister. "Remind me to lay off the squirrel." "And do something with that tail fur. Honestly, man," Citrineshard teased back which earned her a nasty glare from her brother. "Well, I suppose your sister needs reinforcements," Fallenfire said to Flurrykit as he gave up the pursuit of the bath. "Go on, Flurrylight. Go get the fox!" --- Across the way from where the happy family was enjoying their afternoon, Crookedripple sat scowling with his son, Alderpaw, at his side. Crookedripple spat in the dirt and shook his head. "Abominations the lot of them. How many different blends of clan blood do you think is existing in just that one circle?" "Hmmm... three?" "Cloudclan, Berylclan, Fallenclan, rogue." Crookedripple narrowed his pupils. "Making a loner from a different clan leader. Insanity. And now Alderthorn's blood is contaminating every corner of this camp." "Don't you mean Alderstar, father?" "No," Crookedripple replied simply enough. "The best choice in leadership our clan has made in decades was when Morningstar took over. Now he has real Cloudclan blood in his veins. Not a drop of it outside." The tom glanced down at his son who was sitting in near stony silence. "You do understand why you and your siblings are so important to this clan?" "We are of pure Cloudclan lineage," Alderpaw replied softly but immediately. "To bring proper blood and honor back to the Valley." "Very good," the tom replied as he pushed to his paws. "Come, son. It's time for a family meeting." Alderpaw lingered a heartbeat longer. He watched the interaction between the family and his heart ached. Aunt, uncle, mother, fathers. There was so much love webbed between them that it nearly made him ill. He saw how Fallenfire looked at these kits- these kits that were sired by his partner, Risingsun... and yet, there was nothing but adoration. Familiar parental fire. Those were his children. And he loved them. I don't think father ever looked at me like that... Alderpaw was aware suddenly of Crookedripple's eyes on him. The young tom shook his pelt to rid himself of the fuzzy tendrils of jealousy. He spat in disgust into the dirt and turned to catch up with the warrior who sired him without so much as a glance back over his shoulder at the family he wished he had. ~ "Lionstreak!" the familiar cry was one that the camp had come to recognize. Some loved it. Others... not so much. A few heads turned and eyes rolled as Cricketpaw went racing across the clearing when she spotted her mentor in a large group of others. She put on the brakes a few moments too late and went skidding into the large tom with enough force to knock the wind out of them both. She recoiled quickly and sat down with a thump. Her fluffy bob wiggled in excitement as she stared up at her uncle with wide, energetic blue eyes. "Sorry," she said immediately- about the collision. "Uhm! I'm ready to go train!!! I heard Currantpaw say she was going to Golden Falls and Blackpaw is doing endurance training, but Snowpaw and Briartalon are going to Everlove Lake and I love Everlove Lake so I was wondering if maybe we could go there today and train in the sand and the water and I could..." Cricketpaw stopped for a moment. She realized she was both talking so fast that she didn't know if Lionstreak could understand her (he usually could) and that she had almost borderline-screamed the next part. She looked both ways to make sure nobody of interest was around and then she leaned in close to her uncle and lowered her voice (which was still definitely above a whisper but not her usual level of screaming) and said: "I was hoping to show off to Snowpaw a bit. Uhm... I kind of have a crush on him, so... can we go there?" then, it dawned on her that her mentor was in a large group of warriors and her nose, ears, and lips filled with color. "Oh... were you busy? Did I interrupt?" "Not to be so rude, Cricketpaw, but you always interrupt," Garlicclove grumbled and a few warriors murmured their agreements. Some of the spark in Cricketpaw's eyes flickered and she took a step back and pinned down her ears. "Sorry..." ~ "Alderstar?" Lilacdew padded into the leader's den and gently bumped her head against her best friend's own. "Hello, my dearest love. I know you're busy. But I had something I wanted to talk about with you- something urgent." Lilacdew wasted no time in getting to the point of her conversation. "Winter is over. There are green shoots and stems all through the Valley... the medicine cats have received no further warning about whatever the danger is that we need the Starkissed for. I have a request..." she took a deep breath. "When this last batch of apprentices became 'paws, many of them with Berylclan blood travelled down into the Mooncave to select their Spirit Stones. Meadowpaw looked for nearly half an hour before she found the gem that was right for her. And she said that she had to scrape around through the soil to find any more of them. We are nearly out of jewels for the Gem Warriors to select from, and this is a sacred part of their ancestry. Without the Spirit Stones- their souls cannot enter Starclan." Lilacdew held her best friend's gaze. "I ask permission to take a patrol of warriors- and perhaps some apprentices- to Berylclan's old territory to fetch stones and see if the land is viable. I would like to do this immediately- effective tomorrow morning, if possible. I have a list of some cats I think would do well on the journey. I would like to go, and I'm assuming I'd be back in time before Treeheart's kits are born. Diamondfaith has requested Bronzeeagle, Copperhawk, Whitefalcon..." she paused. "Dandelionbriar, Tinyleaves as the medicine cat, Topazloch, Icemoon, Morningpaw, Sparrowpaw, Songpaw, Antmarch, Mercuryhollow, and Sorrelwhisker." Lilacdew tried to read her best friend's face but also couldn't stop the words from bubbling out of her mouth. "This is a strong group. We need to do this and do it quickly. We cannot wait anymore, dear sister. Tomorrow must be the day." ~ "I can't believe she's pregnant again. Her first litter just became apprentices!" Cottonfeather muttered to Leopardtempt as Jewelsprite padded back into the camp with one of her kits- Daypaw- at her side. The she-cat's belly was round with the lives growing inside of her and she eagerly padded up to her mate when she saw him across the way. "Halfblood trash the lot of them..." --- "Daddy!" Daypaw greeted warmly as she shoved her face into Tumblemoss's fur. "I'm going out with Opalsmoke this afternoon to do some battle training! I'm so excited. I've been practicing. Watch this!" She took a step back, hunkered down, and leaped. She cleared over her mother and landed in front of Tumblemoss with her teeth bared. "Ha! See?!" she lifted her dainty head high and smiled. "I think I'm going to do well- if I do say so myself..." her focus skewed when a collection of warriors and apprentices entered the camp. Her lilac-colored nose filled with color when she saw some of her favorite heartthrobs among them: Lindenshade with his brooding expression, Lakecloud with those stormy blue eyes, -her breath caught in her throat- Mackarelsplash, oooh Alderfall, Deercreed with those broad shoulders, oh oh! and Houdstride... "Honey? Girl, I just know you're not making mooneyes at all those toms. Some of those warriors are twice your age!" "Does it matter?" she asked gently. "Cloverblade and Fawnstripe are a couple and they're absolutely darling! And Canarytrill and Dandelionbriar. Oh! And Rowanberry and Sunnyarch..." "I think I lost this battle," Jewelsprint chuckled as she laid down outside the nursery and stretched in the warming rays of sun. "But you need to focus on your training with Opalsmoke later! There will be plenty of time for mooneyes some other time." "But Anlach is starting!" Daypaw chimed excitedly. "I want someone to notice me so I can get a token." "Honey, tokens aren't even..." "Daddy gets you tokens." "I..." Jewelsprite shut her mouth. "Oh stars help me with this one..." ~ "Hey Rosecrown!" Tinderspark trotted up to the she-cat where she was basking with her best friend, Poinsettiasilk. The quarter-lynx she-cat lifted her head and greeted the handsome, cream colored tom with a smile. "Hi, Setta! Your fur looks really silky today. Have you done something different to it?" he asked her and Setta couldn't hide her surprise. "Yes, I have! I've been rubbing aloe into it every few days and washing it out in the springs. It's so soft. Feel!" she extended her arm and Tinderspark ran a paw over her pelt. He twitched his whiskers in amusement. "It really is! I'll have to tell my mother about it. She's always complaining about her fur being too dry. Says the litters suck all the luster out of her pelt." "I've heard that can happen," Poinsettiasilk replied smoothly. She batted her eyes at Tinderspark to see if he'd throw her a bone. He just held his usual smile. "But anyway, I'm off to go flirt and cause chaos. You'll watch out for my dearest Rosy while I'm away won't you?" "If she'll have me," Tinderspark replied softly as Setta took off to go find the conquest of her heart's desire. Meanwhile, Tinderspark settled down a respectable distance from Rosecrown and offered her his genuine, soft smile. "You look lovely today," he told her. "Would you want to go on a walk with me? I know it's kind of foggy out- but it won't make the land any less beautiful." --- "Hiya boys!" Poinsettiasilk purred warmly as she interjected herself in the brother group of Elderwish, Clementinecoat, Limewood, Lemonrush, and the seed of her heart's desire- Boysenberrybranch. She smiled at him and took a seat a few paces away from the siblings- but kept close to the latter. "What are we up to today? Did Riversand place any of you on patrols for the evening?" |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 2, 2024 18:37:03 GMT -5
(Bro I swear I've been sick more in the last six months than I have been in my entire life.)
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Post by cowbird on May 3, 2024 13:51:57 GMT -5
(Bro I swear I've been sick more in the last six months than I have been in my entire life.) (no cause same??? like i had a cold in december, it came back in january and didnt full leave until march and then i got ill againnn- then was fine and just this week i came down with another cold. im so confused) |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 3, 2024 14:49:07 GMT -5
(Bro I swear I've been sick more in the last six months than I have been in my entire life.) (no cause same??? like i had a cold in december, it came back in january and didnt full leave until march and then i got ill againnn- then was fine and just this week i came down with another cold. im so confused) (BRO WHAT LITERALLY SAME?! I've had this cough for days and it's absolutely WRECKING me.) |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 3, 2024 16:50:03 GMT -5
(Also, Abe, do you think you can clone Morningstar for me in your next reply ? I need Cypressprayer to speak to him.)
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Post by cowbird on May 4, 2024 9:21:18 GMT -5
(Also, Abe, do you think you can clone Morningstar for me in your next reply ? I need Cypressprayer to speak to him.) (sure can!) |
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Post by cowbird on May 4, 2024 9:22:18 GMT -5
(replies coming later today for sure im working on them rn before i gotta leave for the day)
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Post by cowbird on May 4, 2024 21:16:17 GMT -5
Chris
(this is so long. edits coming tmr or Monday- whenever I can get these finals done)
Fawnstripe sighed, her head angled towards her belly. The soft, round shape spilled over comfortably now that she wasn't in sight of her family, and it shifted slightly as the kits moved around. For a moment, her worry subsided as she felt the tumble and push of her unborn litter. It had been just over a moon since she found out and while most queens would have shown by now, Fawnstripe had a feeling most wouldn't look as big as she did. Just how many of you are in there? She often wondered idly. Thinking about the actual secret was far more peaceful for her than thinking of doing the inevitable- telling it.
She knew all too well Cloverblade was right. It was becoming even harder to appear to be normal and just a warrior more and more these days, but with the clan in such a somber state, Fawnstripe felt wrong to take advantage of it and drop such a bombshell on her family. It was the easy way out but Fawnstripe couldnt felt that it would make Fogspell disappointed in her that she didnt have the guts to tell him when there wasn't a death in the clan.
The brown-furred queen paused mid thought. Why was she labeling her father so harshly? Sure Fogspell wouldnt have approved of it much and she was sure he would have reservations, but what was done was done and Fawnstripe knew her father would love these kits as if they were as precious as Dewpaw and Meadowpaw. Even if it took him all the way until they were born to get there.
So what was the real issue? Was Fawnstripe disappointed in herself? Maybe she should have been more careful, should have been less attached. Most she-cats didnt have kits this young after all and what if she regretted becoming a mother so early? She looked up at Cloverblade who had stopped in front of her, his ever caring gaze darkened with worry as he peered into what felt like her very soul. The flash of heightened emotion faded a bit. “I… Im gonna be honest. I think part of me is- was? Im not sure, but I felt like I let myself down a little. Not that I dont want this!” She rushed the last part, whipping her head up to look at Cloverblade who had deflated a little. “No, no I dont regret our love. I wanted us. I guess… now that i'm expecting it all seems so fast. I can see why Fogspell would be upset with me…” She heaved herself onto all four paws and sighed. What’s done is done. If my parents wont except me then i’ll have to deal with it. These are my kits and I’ll teach them to come to me with anything even if my own parents cant do the same to me. She reached her tail out to Cloverblade, desperate to pull him closer. She needed his physical strength to get through this. “C’mon; you’re right. If anything I need to put the well being of our kits above any feelings I might have. They deserve that.”
…
(I really didnt know how to reply to this tbh- Sid is being so cruel!!!)
Riverflower crouched calmly by her mate’s nest, patiently listening to him rant and rave about his unruly apprentice Vinepaw. The two seemed to always be at odds whether it be about training, hunting, even patrolling. Vinepaw often wasnt even around for training when her mentor went looking for her and while Riverflower didnt say this out loud as not to bruise her husband’s already fragile ego, she lowkey suspected that Crookedripple’s daughter was purposely avoiding her mentor. She didnt necessarily blame her- even if she did slice up said mentor pretty bad.
He was muttering and shifting uncomfortably in his nest now and for a moment, Riverflower tuned him out, not too interested in another rant on how Vinepaw was irresponsible and lazy and-
The silver and white she-cat whipped her head around as Obsidianspire began to growl about his tough upbringing. Why bring up her blood? I highly doubt that makes her act that way… She flicked her ear passively but fixed her intense blue gaze on him. “You have worked hard, yes my love. But I dont think her being a pureblood has anything to do with her attitude. I mean as much as he annoys me and frankly is a grumpy ball of fur much like yourself, Morningstar’s son Gorsepaw doesnt seem to be having any of those issues and he is just as pureblood as Vinepaw.” This only seemed to incense the black tom more though and Riverflower quickly followed her statement with “Well why dont you talk to her father then? Everyone and their kit knows that Crookedripple doesnt take anything involving all them kits of his lightly. He’s a lot of things but you cant say he isnt a… paws on father.”
…
The elderly she-cat touched her muzzle to Ashfox’s head and for a split moment, the thin gray warrior could only think of how much she smelled she much like Rose. He felt like a much younger cat again, being given his warrior name by her, his pelt buzzing with excitement for the future. Yet this excitement was not the same- if anything, it was a lot more.
She said yes! She approved! Ashfox felt as if StarClan themselves had came down from the sky and granted him a wish. He was afraid, so afraid, that Cinnamonsky would agree with his own assessment of himself and that he wasnt worthy of her daughter’s love and companionship. He thought about Rowanberry and Sunnyarch as the elder mentioned them. He was no Sunnyarch at all. He wasnt funny and creative and full of charisma from ear to toe. If anything Rose was the one with the spice to make their interactions not be full of silent, awkward glances and small, hesitant smiles. Yet here her mother seemed to completely trust him. Even with her mind and body fading, there was a certainty as she gave her approval and when she pulled away and looked into Ashfox’s nervously excited eyes, honesty and confidence shone brightly back at him. His belly flipped. I cant mess it up again- not with her on my side…
He dipped his head low to the former leader. “Th-thank y-you. I wont…” his throat grew dry. “I wont let you down. I promise.” With a final bow and a glance at the elder’s kind gaze, Ashfox nearly scrambled away, spinning around to sniff out the love of his life. She was still nearby- if anything she smelled closer now. I’m just imagining her being this close to me im sure… she didnt come out when Cinnamonsky was speaking so I guess she’s still in the elder’s den…
“R-Rose? Rosepetal? Rosie? Please… can we talk? I have so much to say to you and… and… and your mother approved! She wants us to be together. I know you’re there just please… come out. Im sorry for hurting you and I’ll never do it again and I just… I just want you. Dont let this be the end for us.”
…
(oh welp im sorry! I just wanted her to announce that she wants to join The Watch nnn)
The voices in the den were low, muffled even though there were no cats who generally stood around the den where the leaders slept. The path leading to the entrance was firm and dipped with the many pawsteps of countless leaders and Primerosedapple could smell scents of cats she didnt exactly recognize mixed with that of the current leaders and deputies. She was about to lean closer, trying to identify who these strangers were when the cheerful voice of Hyenaspots echoed from the darkness ahead.
Primerosedapple froze. She could just barely make the large form of the clan deputy beckoning her from the shadows, as she could smell it was more than just Shadowstar in the depths of the den. Now that she thought about this morning, she didnt see Alderstar leave the camp either and even Morningstar wasnt among the cats weaving about in the pale lights of dawn- and everyone knew he usually loved to take walks when the first light of day appeared over the mountains. The young warrior felt suddenly squeamish, like she was going to be sick right there and then. She had taken what was like a moon to muster up the courage to even have this conversation with just Shadowstar. He was by far the most intimidating of the leaders and she knew if she could handle him, she would do just fine.
But the eyes and expectancy of all three leaders? Primerosedapple didnt know if she could do that. She suddenly didnt even know if she wanted to have this conversation anymore. Sure Alderstar was kind and reasonable and Morningstar was as soft spoken and understanding as he always was, but that didnt make it still a very rare audience for a cat her age. Hyenaspots was still at the entrance of the den, waiting for Primerosedapple to come in. She didnt want to. But there wasnt no backing out now- this was something she wanted and she didnt want to have to try this again. Who knows? The gray and white she-cat mused silently as she moved her paws, now heavy with nerves. Maybe this is a sort of test from the ancestors to see if I'm worthy.
The young warrior followed the deputy into the den which was both remarkably cool and light despite no clear gaps in the ceiling. In a semi circle some way from a cluster of nests at the back of the den were all three clan leaders. Rowanberry was there too, his handsome features dampened in sadness. He must still be mourning Deerspirt and Hazemist. A familiar sharp pang echoed in her belly. Primerosedapple hadnt been too familiar with Deerspirit, but Hazemist she’d known her whole life. It didnt feel right to lose her- it was as if the Watch itself had disbanded. Just too surreal. A small cough broke through her thoughts.
Realizing that the five cats stood in silence as they waited for her to speak, Primerosedapple startled and immediately looked down at her paws. They seemed far more easy a sight than the three cats before her. “I had initially wanted to talk to Shadowstar… but all of you should also hear this I guess since you’re all leaders.” She swallowed. This was it. She was gonna take a step towards her new life. One she knew was best for her.
“I want to leave the Clan and join the Watchers.”
…
Rootpaw giggled as Harbinger oohed and ahhed as her stretched his hairless body in the steaming water. For the last few days, he and his sister and Dewpaw had all been stuck to the old warrior’s side. It was almost hard to believe that they had never talked to him before- he was possibly the most fun warrior in the Clan! They had climbed the camp walls, been acorn hunting (and to Whitekit’s displeasure, snail hunting), and met more very interesting cats that never seemed to visit the nursery. So he was more than happy when the leaders assigned him Crowcharm as his mentor and that Harbinger, as he always did, would tag along and help teach them valuable skills only a cat like he could teach.
The other newbies better watch out! We are gonna learn tricks they’ll never know, he thought with a satisfied flick of his tail as he followed the group into the forest that morning. It had been a fairly long trip- well at least longer than any he’d done. By the time they reached the Hot Springs, his belly was beginning to twinge with hunger, but he didnt pay it no mind. Not when there was so much to explore! The Hot Springs were especially something to look at. Rootkit had never seen such a large body of water confined anywhere and to see it steaming and bubbly? He didnt even know water could do that naturally. As he circled the spring where Harbinger had delightfully sunk into (another chorus of oohs and hmmms reverberated Rootpaw’s paws), his sister Whitekit tipped her head to the side as she eyeballed the old cat. “How does his skin not feel weird with all this water? I mean, wouldnt the fur protect him?” She stretched a tentative nose to sniff the edge but jumped back with a squeak as a bit of the steam went right up her nostrils. “Ugh! And it's hot!”
Back in camp, Dewpaw blinked rapidly and wriggled to his paws, a yawn already caught in his throat. He beamed over to where Sunnyarch’s face peered through the den entrance. He had been beyond pleased when Alderstar announced that he’d be training under the yellow tom and had been telling his parents all day just how excited he was for it. Fogspell had seemed slight worried but Palesmoke was all for it. “I’m glad the leaders gave him a gay mentor,” he quipped after the ceremony. “He’ll teach you more than just fighting and hunting if you listen to him closely.”
“What are we doing today? Are we checking the borders? Do we even have those? Will we see the Wall?” He had materialized beside his mentor by the time he had uttered out all those questions but then paused, forgetting something. He looked back. “Where did Meadowpaw go?”
…
Crowshade! So much emotion and memories flooded Morningheart’s mind as he saw the tall and graceful movements of the legendary warrior as he crossed the starry field and gathered Morningheart in a deep, familiar embrace. The clan hadnt been the same since the tom’s body had been hauled back into camp wet and broken. Morningheart had spent moons grieving the loss of such a noteworthy leader, wishing so bad he could have spoken to him before he died. Yet seeing him now, so full of life, energy and the confident and unbridled love in his eyes once again, Morningheart seemed lost for words. All he could do was bow his head in unspeakable happiness as the former leader gave him a life.
Immediately, Morningheart was seized, his body tight with concentration and vivid attentiveness. He could seem himself as if on a branch high above the camp, keeping watch of every move, every blink, every tree branch rustling. In his chest, a strange sort of burning emotion sizzled in him, as if he was ready to rip apart any danger- any at all- that dared to step up against him and harm the cats down below. The feeling grew stronger and stronger until in a flash of light blazed across Morningheart’s eyes- and the vision was over. He stumbled backwards, the remnants of the burning sensation still lingering in his chest as he met Crowshade’s retreating gaze. “This is what vigilance is? I…I never knew this was how strongly you felt about us.”
The former CloudClan leader didnt seem to hear him as in a flash of dark fur her was gone and almost instantly, a far different cat stood before him. With fur the color of a dying flame, a short legged she-cat paced towards him. He couldnt recognize her- she smelled foreign and there were no cats in the Valley that shared any obvious resemblance to her. Her eyes met Morningheart’s teasingly, as if she knew what the warrior was thinking. Then the she-cat spoke.
“I didnt expect a family reunion, but I’d hoped that Waterpetal’s kit would have more decency than to simply stare at his elders!” Her voice was achingly familiar- slightly high pitched and with a slight dash of a permanent sarcastic edge. Morningheart looked away guilty, realizing he was staring again. “Im sorry but no, I dont recognize you. Are you an ancestor of mine?” The stranger laughed, whisking her bright, thick tail as she did.
That reminds me of someone I know…
“What, you think I’m some long-forgotten grandmother? Are you saying I look old? Insulting a cat who’s about to give you a life isnt the smartest move, Morningheart.”
The warrior paled. “No! I didnt mean it like that! I only meant-” The gray tom stopped mid sentence. The stranger had lowered her muzzle, a paw up to her lips as she shook in a rapid call of laughter. Bewildered, the warrior stepped back. What kind of ancestor was she? He had just been lectured about being serious during this ceremony but here was this cat who he had never met, laughing at him? The stranger sighed, shaking her head as she regained her composure. “N-nooo, little leader. I know what you meant. I just had to tease you- after all that’s what family’s for am I right?” A knowing, teasing glimmer flashed in her eyes as she said that. Morningheart was even more confused- so she was a relative?
“I can see your mother had caved in and didnt tell you and your brother about me did she? She always was a bit weak-willed when it came to your father’s demands.” Was that a glare back at the crowd of starry cats? The strange cat stretched up, meeting Morningheart’s gaze directly. “My name is Blase. I am your mother’s sister- her only littermate as a matter of fact. I left the clan before you were born.”
Morningheart gaped. This was not the sort of thing he expected to find out during the most important ceremony of his life. He opened his mouth to object, finding this all too much and too sudden of a reveal but suddenly Blase looked up at the sky. “There isnt much time. The sun will make its return soon,” she pushed ahead briskly. “All you must know now is that many, many seasons ago I grew disillusioned with clan life. I wanted to be free, to live life by my own code and see what life was like without a clan. I had no intentions of returning- and I never did. Your mother begged me to stay of course. I almost wish I did- missing out on you and Redmouse become formidable warriors is something I often wish I could take back. But at the same time, I lived a long, happy life out there in the lands unclaimed by clans and marked by borders. So with this life I wanted to bestow upon you the life of accepting all the possibilities. There will be a time when you will be needed to guide your clan on a path of a hard earned salvation. Never forget there is more than one place a clan can thrive and regain its glory.” Without a break, Blase rose to her hind paws and pressed her muzzle to the top of Morningheart’s head. A rush of energy, not too dissimilar to the one from Crowshade’s life, surged in his paws. He was running, flying past undergrowth and clumps of trees until he reached a clearing. At first there was one space in the bushes ahead for him to leave. Then another appeared. Then another. Soon, there was a gap in every part of the bush, all around Morningheart. All he had to do was to choose but there was just so many and he started to feel nervous and the clearing began to grow dark the longer he looked around. Then, the energy from his paws crept up slowly and gently to his chest. He was no longer alarmed. It all made sense to him now.
The sensation was over before he could take his first step to the choice he made, but when he opened his eyes, Blase was still looking at him, pride beaming from her gaze. “Im very, very proud of you. The first of our line to become a leader. I may not have chosen to live among the clan but I will always be proud of my kin. Lead well young tom.” With another familiar flick of her tail, Blase turned around and faded into the crowd of onlookers.
It wasnt until the last sparkles of her pawsteps twinkled away did he realize who she reminded him of so much. Redmouse.
…
(I didnt know where to put this sooo)
“Aww Daddy- do you really have to go?” Speckledfrost pleaded, tugging on her father’s long tail. Beside her, her brother Gorseclaw rolled his eyes and nudged her shoulder with far more gentleness than one would expect from a ferocious looking tom like him. “Of course he has to go- are you forgetting he’s a clan leader now? He probably has a meeting to go to.”
Morningstar sighed, flicking his ear in agreement with his snappy son. He often did his best to spend time with his youngest kits, doing his best to present in their lives even when half time they didnt want him there. Gorseclaw was snappy with everyone and Blackmist seemed to always know when her father would appear and began to avoid the area completely until he left- Morningstar had caught her doing exactly that not too long ago which was how he knew. Yet he didnt let up. He would be a better father to them than he was to Appledusk, Mapleberry and Chrysanthemum and while most of them beside Speckledfrost didnt care, he knew one day they would appreciate it.
Yet it was hard to be a active parent when you were also responsible for the well-beings of hundreds of other cats. It was far more work than any cat could tell you, running a clan. Even with all the paw-holding Shadowstar gave him in his first few moons, most of the job was learning on your own and figuring out what kind of leader you wanted to be, what kind of leader you needed to be, and what kind of leader your cats needed at any given time. Plus, there were meetings. Always a meeting.
“Unfortunately your brother is right, my little snowdrop,” Morningstar replied, sighing inwardly as the slightly crestfallen expression on his daughter’s face. She was a full warrior for less than half a moon but she still acted with the same kitten-like innocence and openness sometimes. He tugged his tail away gently and gave her a loving lick around her ears. “I’ve got to go and talk to Cypressprayer about something. I’ll see you tomorrow evening. Or maybe if either one of you would like to take a walk with me at dawn?” Speckledfrost shook her head. “Its still too cold at dawn for walks!” Gorseclaw just snorted and rose to his paws, ready to head to his nest. “I’ll think about it. See you later Dad.” With that he plunged into the warrior’s den. Morningstar sighed and resisted to call him back. There was no getting through to his son when he was in his grumpier than usual moments. Speckledfrost bumped her head against his shoulder as she rose to her paws as well, stretching while doing so. “You had better get going then,” she meowed with a yawn escaping her open jaws. “Cypressprayer isnt going to wait forever.”
Father and daughter said their goodnights and well wishes and Morningstar strode across the darkening camp towards the lightning struck tree where the medicine dens were located. “Cypressprayer? Are you hear? Sorry I came so late- I was trying to catch up with my kits before they went off to rest. Gorseclaw is as grumpy as ever, but he is already showing signs of a great warrior.”
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Post by Goldenstar on May 7, 2024 19:12:15 GMT -5
(I really didnt know how to reply to this tbh- Sid is being so cruel!!!) --- (oh welp im sorry! I just wanted her to announce that she wants to join The Watch nnn) (A.) You knew what you signed up for with Riverflower with Sid. LOL xD Sid is cruel. Toward everyone except his wife and kids. He just has zero tolerance for weakness and poor Stevie is just not his vibe. Poor thing. And B.) You're fine!!! I figured that's what was gonna go down. I was a little lost but I'm caught up now. <3 I'll get a response out in a few hours.) |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 15, 2024 0:21:01 GMT -5
(I'll reply tomorrow, Abe. I promise. I just got settled into my hotel room out of town.)
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Post by Treeheart on May 15, 2024 1:04:39 GMT -5
(I'm. So silly. I wrote out the whole reply and- didn't post it? Hello?? Brain???)
Chris
Risingsun sat beside Shadowpixie, grooming her pelt as they watched their children play. He'd been especially doting over Pixie since her pregnancy, and even more so since the labor, even now while their kits were up and about.
It was always such a surreal experience becoming a parent, no matter how many times he'd done it. The part of his soul that was mostly Risingsun, new to all of this, was still reeling from the joy he was feeling. It was an all-consuming love, his heart nearly beating out of his chest as he gazed upon the beautiful faces of his daughters. He loved them. He loved them so, so much.
Kestrelkit rolled across the ground as her sister tackled her, squealing and giggling all the way. She batted at Nami with her little paws, feet kicking, wriggling and scrambling not to get pinned. Flurrykit was watching her sisters intently, pupils blown as she itched to join them in their fun, but she craned her head up to look at her father when he bonked her, smiling sheepishly with a wiggle of her little bob tail.
"Sorry, Papa," she mewed, still a bit energetic as she rolled onto her back to tap at Fallenfire's nose, blue eyes glittering.
Risingsun snickered watching Marblekit face off with Tigershale, tucking his face into Pixie's fur to hide his giggles. Their meek little girl blossomed under the eye of her family, and it was such a blessing to see. Though, classic kit-play as a steady form of entertainment was a blessing in of itself.
"Kestrelspots is gonna help!" Said she-kit squealed, bouncing on her paws before galloping over to her uncle, trying to leap upon his shoulder with scrambling little paws. "Get down, great big ugly fox!"
Flurrylight hesitated for a moment when Fallen released her, tilting her head at an awkward angle to gaze at where her sisters were converging upon Tigershale.
"Oh," she chirped, little bob wiggling again. "... okay!"
Rolling back onto her paws, she padded over, giggling as Kestrel snapped at Tiger's ear with her little milk-teeth.
•
Lionstreak's ears shot up the moment he heard that familiar cry. So used to hearing a voice caterwauling for him, at the same pitch as that young tom that had padded at his heels across lands, that he instinctively smiled at the sound of it despite the grumbles.
A grunt escaped him as Cricketpaw rammed into him, paw shooting out to steady her so neither ended up toppling over. With a look that was a cross between a smile and a pained wince, Lion tilted his head to listen as his dearest apprentice and niece began to ramble at him. He did catch the quick paced words, having grown up alongside her father after all, though there was a bit of a wince as her volume seemed to grow with each word. Nevertheless, he leaned in dutifully to listen to her little confession before he chuffed in amusement.
"A crush on Snowpaw?" Lion gave a soft gasp, pretending to be more shocked than he was. Cricket wasn't exactly- subtle. "Your Daddy will have a heartattack if he hears that."
Her realization had him stifling laughter, though Garlicclove's words immediately caught his attention. He straightened a bit, rising to his full height, shaking himself off before regarding Cricket again warmly.
"You weren't interrupting a thing," he purred gently, glancing towards the group with a far sterner look. "You're my apprentice, Ki, and my niece. You're always my priority."
Focusing back on Cricketpaw, he smiled again. "Let's head to the lake, then."
•
Alderstar lifted her head at her best friend's voice, giving a warm chirp of greeting. Her mind was still a bit... distracted, taken by the many occurrences that had happened since the flood, head spinning with ways of tending to her clan and ever-worrying about her mate. Lilacdew's presence was a well welcomed relief.
The serious tone to Lila's immediate conversation caught her attention sharply.
Her words were very true. The cats with Berylclan blood within their veins were growing, as every bloodline within Cloudclan did, but their necessary resource was running thin. The Valley didn't produce gems the way it produced prey, there was no reliable abundance.
Berylclan's territory had mines full of the gems needed to connect with the souls of their future generations. Those who transferred into Cloudclan after the war could only carry so much. It had lasted them quite some time, but it was still a finite source that had needed to be tended to for a while.
Still, there was a tension in her chest. She had no idea what the territory of Berylclan held, and with the amount of cats on that list - including several of Alderstar's dearests - there was the inherent worry of what may face them there. Especially with the trials they've faced already.
But... Lilacdew was correct. And with her knowledge of the dreams Lilacdew had been having...
"... tomorrow," Alderstar confirmed, sealing her worry away as she'd learned to do many times during her period in power. "We shall inform of the group of their positions and the goal they'll be working towards. You all will be supplied with whatever it is you all need to get there and back safely. And..."
Her eyes softened as she gazed upon Lilac with a look of... almost fear. "And... whatever choice you make once you've gotten there... I support. Wholeheartedly."
•
Tumblemoss lit up upon seeing his mate and daughter, scooping Daypaw into his arms the moment she came within reach. He was truly a joyous girl-dad, doting over his litter of beautiful daughters from the moment they drew their first breaths.
He gave her a kiss before setting her back down, proceeding to listen to and watch her show off her little battle training stunt.
"Well done!" He beamed, gently butting his large head against Daypaw, eyes shining with pride. "You're such a quick learner, sunshine. You'll be showing up all the apprentices in no time!"
He only really noticed Daypaw's distracted state when Jewels pointed it out. He frowned and turned towards the figures his daughter had fixated on, head tilting before he turned back to Daypaw.
"Well, yeah, sure-" the tom floundered a bit, feeling a strange confliction between wanting to guard his young girl against the pull of young romance, and acknowledging the point Daypaw made. "B- But you've only just started your apprenticeship, sunshine. Surely you can wait a couple moons before drifting towards something like- like love, like a relationship."
The mention of Anlach caused Tumblemoss to groan a bit, and he butted Daypaw a little again. "Yeah, I give your Mom tokens, but I give my mother tokens too! My parents, my siblings, my extended family, my friends. Anlach is a celebration of love in its entirety, not just romance. You'll get plenty of tokens, because you, my dear, are very loved."
•
Rosecrown perked up at Tinderspark's voice, averting her eyes before her reaction could be noticed.
Listening absently to Setta and Tinder's shared words, she busied herself with grooming over her good friend's tail for the fifth time in this sitting. It wasn't until Setta claimed to set off that her shoulders tensed and her eyes widened. She gave a low hiss of "Hey!" as the older she-cat stood and padded off.
Though she very well could have protested aloud and followed, she wasn't a coward. Being left alone with a- a tom was nothing at all! And that's all Tinder was, just a tom, like all the other toms in this clan!
Rosy shifted how she sat, busying herself once again by licking her paw and drawing it over her ear, keeping her eyes averted. Tinderspark's question went unanswered for a short moment, an air of aloofness seeping from Rosecrown's form, a shield against the odd flutters of panic in her chest.
What was going on with her?!
"... sure," Rosecrown sighed heavily as she abruptly rose to her paws. "I don't exactly have much else to do."
And with that, she began padding in a random direction, licking down the tufts of her fur that began to rise about her shoulders.
-
Boysenberrybranch and his brothers were chattering amongst themselves, Berry clearly on the verge of pouncing on his twin Elderwish, batting at his shoulder and bouncing in place. Elder playfully bared his teeth at him, tail flicking, ears perked as he too seemed to be preparing for a wrestling match.
Amongst the group of brothers, neither twins seemed to realize Poinsettiasilk's presence until she outright spoke. And that didn't even happen until Berry had finally launched into Elderwish, the two toms barreling over each other. It became more clumsy once Setta addressed them, Berry yelping in surprise as he rolled over his brother and leapt back to his paws.
His fur was puffed up, pupils blown from excitement, body rigid as he tried to process the she-cat standing before him.
"U-Uhhh--" he shook himself out, sitting and trying to collect his appearance. "Y-Yeah, evening patrol! I- Yes, I- yes! Definitely. I mean, uh- yes. I'm going on evening patrol tonight, yeah!"
Elderwish, still sprawled out in the grass, rolled back to his paws as well, looking fondly exasperated at his brother's sputtering before turning back to Setta. "Berry and Clem are going on patrol, along with a couple others. Are you, Setta?"
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Post by goldylocks on May 17, 2024 18:45:51 GMT -5
(Okay I finally got off at a good enough time tonight that I'm in a good spot to work on replies! This opening has been HARD.
How are y'all doing?)
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Post by Treeheart on May 17, 2024 21:22:28 GMT -5
(I've been doing alright! Got work tomorrow, so if I don't give many replies tonight, that's why ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
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Post by cowbird on May 18, 2024 6:29:09 GMT -5
(hey friends i been ok tho i could def use more sleep...)
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Post by Goldenstar on May 24, 2024 1:45:31 GMT -5
Abe the Babe
(This is SO unrelated, but my roommate went on a twenty-minute tangent yesterday about why she hates cowbirds. And I was just wondering why you like them enough to have it be your screen name? xD OR... Do you just like pushing babies out of their cribs? I'm curious. xD I want the backstory. Give me Abe lore. I want more Abe lore.) --- Cloverblade listened to his mate talk and his ears swiveled backward a bit when she mentioned her own resistance. And then they pricked back up again as she continued. He soaked in everything she said and then gave a small nod. "A father only wants what is best for his children. You're his first born... and considering the not-so-kind start that you had to life, my love... I know he coddles you. But again, he does so because he loves you. I think he'll be upset at first because he just wanted you to enjoy your youth. But... Fogspell has a soft spot for his kin. He may be worthy of more grace here than we're giving him." He ran his tongue between his beloved's ears and then gave her a nod. "Alright then. Let's go find your fathers." --- "Another week! I can't believe it," Fogspell ranted to his sister- Mouseear- and Palesmoke as he paced uncomfortably back and forth in front of the warrior's den. It had been a little over a moon since he'd had his run in with the porcupine and he was still favoring his left paw a bit. But that hadn't been the reason he'd been shelved from work duties for another seven days at least. It was the infection that had settled in his mouth that had the medicine cats uneasy. Rowanberry had managed to flush the puss out from behind his right row of back teeth, but it was still hard for him to chew and even talking brought him a reasonable amount of discomfort. "I'm just supposed to lounge around here for the next week! Doing what, may I ask of you?" "Healing," Mouseear replied sharply. "And you won't heal any faster if you keep using your mouth so much. Rowanberry told you to rest your jaw as much as possible." "If I don't talk a little, I'll go mad. It doesn't even hurt that bad right now," Fogspell replied as he lifted his head. He noticed his daughter and his eyes softened... and then he walled up a bit when he saw his distant-unrelated-by-blood cousin at her heels. He gave his tail a flick. "Oh, for Starclan's sake- now what." ~ "I would rather feed Lakecloud to a badger than talk to Crookedripple about why his precious baby girl is a disappointment. And give him a chance to rub in my face that I'm not clan born so it's my fault she isn't learning anything?" Obsidianspire snorted. "Do you see how he looks at me when I return to camp with her? Like I'm the failure of the two of us." His eyes softened a bit as he looked at his beautiful mate and he sighed. Some of the anger surging up inside of him started to recede and he leaned over and gently licked her cheek. "I've seen how he looks at me... how he looks at us. That entire harem of his are as judgmental as the stars themselves and I would rather not bend the knee to them in hope of understanding..." but then, he flicked an ear- the one that Vinepaw hadn't torn to shreds. "Do... do you really think asking for his advice would help?" ~ "Well isn't that nice," Rosepetal pushed out of the elder's den and shouldered past Ashfox. The she-cat gave her mother a kiss between the ears and then turned and glared at him with Fawnheart's acidic eyes. "I'm so glad it took Cinnamonsky's approval for you to decide that you wanted to be with me. Who says I even want to be with you anyway?" "Oh, Rosie!" Cinna hissed to her kit as she flicked an ear. "Stop with the sharp tongue and just listen to him! Let the boy talk." Rosepetal rolled her eyes and then abruptly sat down next to the former leader. She curled her tail around her paws and tapped the tip of it in annoyance. "Alright, Ashfox. Talk." ~ "A noble request!" Rowanberry praised with a smile. "And one the clan is grateful for." "Spoken wisely," Shadowstar agreed as he turned those green-flecked eyes over to her. "We honor and appreciate any cat's request to join the Clan's Watch. Of course, you must understand what a sacrifice it is. The Wall is not a tame environment for anyone. The days are hard and the nights cold. The patrol shifts are long and they say the wind can cut a cat in two." "You will only see your kin once a moon," Hyenaspots added in. "You will take no mate and mother no kits. Any belief in doing so will land you in Dishonor and will strip you of your Watcher title. Once returned to the Valley, you live a softer life and can never hold a position of power or be assigned as a mentor. Do you understand the price you must pay for your brave desire to protect this clan?" ~ "Easy, sport! One question at a time," Sunnyarch purred as they headed quickly into the forest. "No- we don't have borders. Haven't since the Wall was formed and the Watcher took post. They mark our borders for us at the top of the mountains. I don't think we'll make it to the Wall today. Maybe tomorrow! I'm not sure where Meadowpaw went. She's not my apprentice." He flicked Dewpaw with his tail. "Now come on! I want to beat my old man to the Hot Springs." --- "Just kidding. We didn't beat shit," Sunnyarch grumbled as he and Dewpaw came padding up to the springs- which Harbinger was still very much enjoying. "How do you always do that?!" "Internal timing," the hairless tom replied as he offered his stepson a fang-toothed smile. "Good morning my boy! And Dewpaw- good morning to you. Rootpaw and Whitepaw were just getting a history lesson from the girls. They were wondering about a few things." "Did you tell the ghost story about the Springs?" Sunnyarch asked as he dipped his tail into the warm water. "About the warrior who comes here waiting for his long lost love?" "Oh not the ghost stories again," Ravenhex groaned. "We all know the Valley's haunted. But do we need to talk about it every time we visit any hotspot?" "Well that's half the fun of living in a haunted territory," Sunnyarch teased. "The only reason there's so many ghosts is because there's been so much misfortune here," Crowcharm said with a said tone to her voice. "It's too much loss for Silverpelt to hold." "Well, the ghosts can't help us train these apprentices!" Harbinger chimed in. "They are dead, after all. So I say we either continue with our history lesson or get into training. What do you think, younglings?" ~ (Did we ever discuss Morningstar having an affair with one of my girls? I feel like we did but never settled on a gal. I would LOVE to get rolling on that and have him be a daddy to those babes.) "I am here, Morningstar. I'll always give a bit of grace for parents spending time with their kits," the odd she-cat replied as she moved slowly from the back of the den. She offered the newest leader a small smile. "I'd rather talk elsewhere. The camp is too crowded and offers too many distractions. May we take to the forest?" Once Morningstar agreed, Cypressprayer walked beside him in silence until they'd gotten several wolf-lengths from camp. Finally, once they'd passed the Star Grotto, she exhaled all of the air in her lungs. "A few moons ago, Rowanberry stopped me from mixing the wrong leaves into a specific bundle of calming herbs for Antlershard. He has anxiety sometimes now after the fox attack," she didn't have any odd tone to her voice- just her usual steadiness. She flicked an ear. "He told me then- Rowanberry did- that he'd noticed I seemed a bit... aloof... in my work. I didn't quite see it at first, but over the next few weeks... I came to realize he was correct. I was forgetting things more and more and eventually he and Tinyleaves made me my own personal bundle which helps a lot with my memory and the fog in my mind. And then... last week, Cinnamonsky noticed something while I shared tongued with her." The old molly stopped and leaned her head down. She took Morningstar's paw and guided it to the back of her head. Under her left ear, knotted against her skull, was a hard mass the size of an acorn. It was harder to see because of her fur but it was quiet easily felt. She waited for Morningstar to pull his paw back before she met his gaze and offered him a simple smile. "I'm sick, Morningstar. Not even in a way that I think I noticed until Cinna found the mass. It doesn't hurt really... but I know it's getting worse. I... don't want to waste the time I have left. The herbs Rowanberry and Tinyleaves make for me help and I know they'll keep my mind sharp as long as I stay on them... until it gets really bad. But I'll take care of myself when the time comes then." She held his gaze. "My request is to continue doing what I love... but not in the Valley. Cloudclan doesn't need me anymore. Umberpatch and Stormleaf are the lead medicine cats now and Rowanberry will be a fine replacement as the go-to healer. He has been for months, as you well know- he is a favorite of our queens. I... request to join the Clan's Watch to live out the rest of my days as their healer. I would also like to ask for the medicine cats in the active clan to keep an eye out for any apprentices that would be willing to take their vows and join the Watch. In doing this, I would like to take them under my wing and train them in ways that will help them be a medicine cat specific for the Watchers. I do not wish to simply lay down and die in the Elder's Den... of old age or sickness or rot. For some- as my noble sister- the rest is warranted. I still have much work to do. The Watch needs a medicine cat now that it seems our beloved Twilightmoon will not be returning." She held the leader's gaze steadily with her own. "Do you accept my request?" ~ Finally, the rows and rows of starry warriors started to part. Eventually they had divided until there was a clearing through the middle and they were gathered patiently on either side. And then, from the back of the crowd, came a warrior that Morningheart had never seen before. He wasn't overly big- no. He wasn't extraordinarily tall or muscular or broad. He had a bit of height to him and a sturdy frame- but was in no way... extraordinary. He was just... a normal cat. He was a very pale gray color and his pelt was long and silky smooth. He had a white blaze on his chest in the shape of a cloud as well as white toes on all of his feet and a white blaze between his eyes- of which, the irises were a brilliant sky-blue. He stopped in front of Morningheart and smiled softly. Then he dipped his head. "What a delight it is to finally meet you, my friend," he purred warmly. "I am Cloudstar- first leader of Cloudclan. And I have a final life to give you." Then, he lowered his voice a bit and held Morningheart's gaze. "How are you feeling? Not too tired, I hope."
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike
"Big? Fat? Ugly?!" Tigershale seemed appalled at the jousting from his nieces. Nevertheless, he took their jabs with a grain of salt as the collection of kits attacked him. He let out a faux screech and collapsed to one side, his tongue lolled out of his mouth and panting heavily. "Oh! I think you killed him," Fallenfire chuckled as he covered his mouth with his paw. "Quick, if we skin him while he's still warm- we can feed him to the elders! I bet it's been years since they had filleted badger." "Oh, Allen!" Shadowpixie stifled a laugh as she gasped at her mate. "How could you even tease?!" "Is he really dead?" Marblekit asked as she slowly creeped up on her uncle and prodded his side. She watched his tail twitch and sharpened her pupils. She gave her butt a little wiggle then leaped and pounced with deadly accuracy upon Tigershale's tail. Tears welled in his closed eyes from the piercing sting of her tiny kitten claws. He held his breath, waiting for the perfect moment to leap up and scare them. ~ " Yes! Alright!" Cricket cried as they headed off toward the lake- her insecurities and Garlicclove forgotten. --- " Awww nuts..." Cricketpaw visibly deflated whenever she and her uncle arrived at Everlove Lake to find the shores vacant and definitely without Snowpaw and his mentor. She sighed dramatically and flung herself into the sand- sending granules of warm dust everywhere. "Now my whole day is ruined! I wanted to see him and show off ! Now he'll never get me a token for Anlach..." but then, her keen (and very oversized ears) heard something in the distance and the she-cat bounced to her paws. Cricketpaw wiggled her tail and took a slow step forward. "Li, there's something near those bushes off the shore. I smell..." The next instant, a flash of fur and claws went tumbling from the thicket and into the sand. Two bodies crashed into the shallow water and then pulled apart. One was a warrior- Jayrush- and the other his apprentice- Walnutpaw. The thicker, younger tom spat out sand and then perked up his ears as the thinner, long-legged tom shook some briars from his pelt. "How did I do?! Did you even hear me sneaking up on you?" "I did!" Cricket interrupted with a beaming smile. "I heard you a fox-length away! You put too much weight on your front feet. It makes the ground shift under your paws." "How do I make less sound?" Walnutpaw asked as he came padding over with his mentor behind him. He watched, intrigued, as Cricketpaw dropped into a crouch and pulled her weight into her shoulders. Walnutpuw copied her and took a step forward. His paws were deadly silent. "Killer!" he laughed as he turned back to Jayrush with wide eyes. "Jay, can we please practice with Cricketpaw and Lionstreak?" "I'm okay with it if Lion is!" Jayrush replied with a smile. He tilted his head at the tall, strong warrior and clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. He'd never talked to the most introverted of the three brothers. But, my, my, my, my, my... certainly is a tasty drink of water, isn't he? "Whatcha say? Wanna let the 'paws do some double training?" "Oh please!" Cricketpaw begged. "I wanna double train. Can we, can we, can we? Please!" ~ "No matter what happens," Lilacdew told the she-cat as she leaned her head against her own. "I promise, it won't be goodbye for us. I will see you again. I swear it. And you have my word... I'll keep your kin safe. No matter what it costs me." ~ The two padded along the forest for a few heartbeats in silence until Tinderspark figured out what he wanted to say. He was going to play it cool and just talk to her and see where things went! "You and Setta have been friends a long time, huh?" he mused with a purr. "I think that's wonderful. I only really have one super close friend that isn't my family. Tigershale! Y'know, we buddied up going hunting one day and he's kind of quiet and I'm kind of shy and we're both awkward and that was that," he laughed, albeit a bit nervously. "My dad says the Crystalclan in me makes me timid. He says most Crystalclan cats are pacifistic and gentle. I think that's kind of nice... cats that know how to fight but won't bloody their claws if they don't have to. I've heard much the same thing about Berylclan. Has your dad ever talked to you about them? I think the Gem Warriors are just too cool." ~ Poinsettiasilk couldn't help it- she burst out in a fit of giggles at Boysenberrybranch's apparent nervousness. She shook her head and laughed again. "Yeah, I'm in a hunting patrol later on. We're going to try to catch some fish for the elders..." her eyes softened a bit. "Fish is about the only thing Rowanoak will eat anymore. We have to keep his spirit up. I don't think that Falconheart could take another loss right now." She gave her ear a flick and looked away. She changed the subject. "Have you heard about the expedition to find Berylclan to collect more gemstones?! Isn't it so exciting! I wish I'd been chosen to go. I think an adventure like that sounds absolutely marvelous. Who knows what they're going to see out there!"
Both Of Y'all!Dawn came up with a slow and steady spill of orange across the Valley. Before its full waves had even reached the camp, Diamondfaith and Lilacdew had woken to make sure everything was put together for the journey. Sunnyarch, Pearlshell, and Quillkeeper had spent the last week preparing leaf-woven backpacks for the traveling cats to wear and they'd been fitted to their individual sizes. Bronzeeage and Copperhawk were chatting eagerly by the entrance to camp while Whitefalcon paced in nervousness. They'd said bye to their sisters the night before and both Gemkeeper and Jewelsprite had opted not to say a farewell in the morning. They didn't think they could bear it a second time.
Canarytrill and her kits had come to say bye to Dandelionbriar. The older molly pushed her nose into the she-cat's fur and drew in a long breath of her scent. "Please be careful," she whispered. "Your family needs you here. So go, find this territory, collect the rocks... come back in one peace. Okay?"
"We'll be back before you know it," Topazloch- who was standing next to her mate- Icemoon- said to Snowpaw with a small, painful smile on her face. "You just train hard and focus on your apprenticeship and you won't even notice that we're gone. Try to make some friends! This is a good apprentice group right now. I know you'll find your pals. Okay, sweetie?"
"Morningpaw, Sparrowpaw, and Songpaw look nervous as all get out," Mercuryhollow said to his cousin- Antmarch as he motioned to where the three apprentices were curled up closely to Sorrelwhisker- chattering nervously amongst themselves and the single warrior. "I can't believe they opted to take apprentices... this is gonna be a long journey... I wonder why Diamondfaith wanted some cats who aren't warriors."
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Post by cowbird on May 26, 2024 5:24:44 GMT -5
(Oh Chris im so sorry! I wish i had been on yesterday as i was so booored but now I gotta go to work nnnn. This is truly a great update tbh Im so excited- imm be thinking about this all dayyyy Also about my username, I love cows and how they represent motherhood and are gentle animals despite their size. And one of my favorite warrior suffixes is bird so i decided to just name myself that. I did consider making and black and white queen named that but cows arent native to the Valley so I kept that out of the cards lmaooo. And omg your friend is so right- real life cowbirds are disgusting and I HATE parasitic birds with a passion which is why i only think of my OC instead of them when I see my name  ) |
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Post by Goldenstar on May 26, 2024 10:52:41 GMT -5
(The Valley has enough outsider and non-native cats that I TRULY believe they'd know what cows are. Since they know horses and other non-warrior-like things for the same reason... makes sense to me. 👀 we can have cows!)
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Post by Goldenstar on May 26, 2024 12:39:14 GMT -5
(Like I get SO happy and defensive over some of the CloudClan Universe's more "unique" suffixes and prefixes. The CCU has animals from ALL OVER with countless experiences and endless new vocabulary words. It's one of the reasons I think that it's MORE THAN FAIR that our characters use human cuss words. Because I'm sure a lot of our warriors *heard* them and learned them. Especially Goldenclan. I bet they're almost akin to Skyclan with how they name each other and the vocabulary they use considering that they're tucked away in a forgotten playground surrounded by houses.)
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Post by Goldenstar on Jun 1, 2024 18:46:12 GMT -5
(I'm back from vacation!)
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