SkyClan Clearing

[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by .:Moonfang:.

{ unstable? how dare he! try bipolar xD }
Moonfang noticed how he only glance at her and she chuckled. "Bird kitty, hm? Understandable." she meowed. "We are SkyClan after all." she chuckled, trying to add some more humour to his statement. She was known to really scare people with her sudden personality flip. She was one of the most unpredictable cats. Sweet? Me? she thought with a bit of crude humour towards herself. ”Well, isn’t that just a nice thing for you to say?” she chuckled slightly. This was going well so far. How long would it last? Stay positive. She thought.

Positive? She wasn’t positive, nor negative. She wasn’t something that small. She was a raging fire and a freezing blizzard. But sometimes she was a cool breeze and a warm sun. She could be your worse enemy or your best friend. She was that kind of cat. The upside, in the end, even after she burned you, she’d come back and put ice on the wounds.

That was the odd thing about her. She always came back. She wasn’t anti-social, hateful, nothing. She was just- misunderstood. She never wants to be enemies, she wants friends, but sometimes her switch flips and she’s burning down camp. Or bringing a blizzard to freeze it till no life remained. She was that bad.

Still, she couldn’t help it. ”Look, I know you probably have your own issues. And I know what I said hurt, but I, uh, I don’t bite my tongue often. It hurts.” she said, chuckling sort of nervously, trying to lighten the mood, trying to indirectly hint she doesn’t know how to hold her anger. Her parents died before they could teach her. She was wrong, she knew it, but she needed help. Granted no one would help her, because when they try she snaps on them, but she needed someone who would be as bull-headed as her.

That was hard to find.

All well, might as well warn people, right? ”And… sorry if I snap again in the future, I, uh.. Can’t really control the mood switch.” she said, mumbling softly with a cough, trying to cover up her words. She hated confessing she was out of control of her anger. Or sweetness. One of the two. She switches so often she doesn’t know which side is really her. Oh nevermind that, trying to make friends here, focus. She scolded herself. She was also easily distracted, but that was common in her family. Might have been how Zephyrleap died… Again! Focus!

{ inner turmoil is always fun }

{That was simply a nice way of putting it xDD }

Now, this was something Crowswipe loved talking about. Birds. Birds. And, more birds. He adored birds. Swiping them easily out the sky, and feeding on their flesh. Though the feathers were annoyed, they were his favorite meal, and could leave him full for days. His favorite bird was the eagle. They were the tricky ones to get because they were large, and could easily take up a cat such as Crowswipe, but he manages every time because he was witty that way. When hunting, he becomes one with the prey, that he could not explain to others of his excellent hunting and jumping skills. Perhaps, they would never know this because it was a secret that Crowswipe kept to himself.

Upon her words, the tom cat simply rolled his eyes. They were Skyclan after all. Which sucked to him. At this point he rather be somewhere useful. Somewhere dark. Not the Syndicate. Crowswipe felt that he wouldn't be able to cooperate with their...living conditions. Their rules. ''Oh, yeah?'' He glanced at her once again through the corner of his large yellow orbs. She amused him. Really. Especially when she wasn't clawing his eyes out or some sort. As his ears flicked, he wondered why she was even still trying to talk to him. No one talked to Crowswipe. Everyone saw him as the weird, grumpy cat with no fur. Crowswipe figured she must had wanted something, but what would that be? He had nothing to offer her. He couldn't give her comfort. Or, bring her back her family. ''Expect that to be the last nice thing that I say.'' Not out of aggression, but the deep loud voice he was known for. And, that was why it was hard for him to make friends. It was an endless cycle of being guarded, and therefore very hard for him to land a decent relationship.

The tom had a feeling she was not one to mess with. Her bi-colored orbs could give away her expression, but he remained unafraid of her. Not really absorbing the fact that he somewhat offended others. The tom shifted uncomfortably on his paws. He didn't know why he was uncomfortable, but he felt that way. Perhaps it was the fact that she was talking to him. Or, her gaze was upon him. It had to be something about her, thus making the tom keep his glances ahead, and his breathing smooth.

''Would you rather bite your tongue, or have it clawed out by another? Your choice.'' Crowswipe responded. Oh, definitely he had pet peeves of his own! Anger issues of his own. And, he could relate. The tom had a hard time biting back his tongue, and it would get him in trouble. If he were lucky, it would be a much weaker cat that could do no harm. If he weren't?...he'd probably be running until his paws tire out. The problems of much denser cats. Then, he let out a huff. ''Let it out, why dontcha, then? Just don't let the wrong cat see it.'' There were always going to be a much better, much more powerful cat.

The future? What was she talking about? According to Crowswipe, he felt that this was a one time thing. After this, they would be neutral with each other. He hadn't planned on running into her again. Oh no. He didn't want to be the object of her issues. ''The future--as in us seeing each other again?'' He raised an eyebrow, now completely turning to look at her. She must be confused. I must be confused. I mean...she's not that bad. Just really...really...really...bi-polar? Maybe, that's the word I'm looking for.

[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by Duskflight

@AbsurdJinx

With a quiet, short yawn, a particular brown tabby tom padded into the camp from the territory, the tip of his tail flicking slowly back and forth and his emerald eyes distant as he found himself in thought again. That seemed to be Grousestar a lot lately, lost in thought. Sure he still maintained his happy, cheerful demeanor, but he seemed to have lost some of the energy he had when he was deputy. What was weighing on his mind? Did it have to deal with the Syndicate? Or was he pondering on whether an alliance should be formed with another of the clans? Or perhaps it was even something other than that?
No one really knew, the leader kept his thoughts to himself and whenever someone questioned, he simply brushed them off and instead inquired about what was bothering them. That was something that Grousestar had always done, even when he was young he put other cat's well-beings before his own and whether it was for better or for worse, it didn't matter to him. His own thoughts and feelings would come second to the worries and problems of his clan. He believed that was the duty of a true leader and he was trying his hardest to be the best leader he could for Skyclan.

Settling down into a sunny spot, the tom would tuck his tail close to his side and allow his thoughts to drift away, his eyes becoming clearer as he glanced around the clearing with a smile, crossing his paws. It was busy as usual and he found comfort in that, it meant Skyclan was doing well and if Skyclan was doing well, he was doing well. Skyclan was his life and if he had to, he would give his remaining 8 lives for it, no hesitation at all.
Another yawn escaped his mouth as he settled his chin into his paws, allowing his eyes to drift close for a moment, certain that he would likely be needed, or rather, someone would want to speak to him, any moment now.
That's usually how it seemed when he wanted to take a nap in the clearing, the thought causing him to chuckle quietly to himself. He didn't mind it at all, he loved being able to talk to his clanmates.
Regardless, he would rest his eyes until a clanmate beckoned for his attention.

It wasn't long before a clanmate beckoned for his attention. Aspenflash had been pacing just outside the leaders' den, awaiting his leaders' arrival. His gaze, distant, had been locked on the ground, and his bushy tail had swept at the ground behind him. Every step was heavy, and a frantic air radiated around him. His ears had swiveled at every sound - even a squirrel's hollow acorn falling to the ground had caught his attention. He heard pawsteps in the form of a mediate walk, causing his head to sharply raise upward. Aspenflash watched as Grousestar settled in a sunny spot, curling his tail at his side. Now, Aspenflash had paused his pacing. He stood completely still, almost as if he didn't know what to do next. His tail hadn't moved, his right forepaw was dangling midair in the middle of his following step, and his wide eyes were simple stuck on the other tomcat.

Grousestar looked so calm, so comfortable, and Aspenflash didn't want to disturb him with such... news. But then he did want to, just to disrupt the friendly tom. He wasn't the biggest fan of the SkyClan leader, but Grousestar was his leader - he had no option but to follow him. Aspenflash finally decided to disturb the brown tom. Mapleleaf meant more to him than Grousestar ever would - he'd do anything for his missing mate. So he marched over to the resting tomcat, his expression hard, nearly emotionless. He towered over the younger feline, blocking the sun.

``Grousestar,`` Aspenflash practically growled. His dislike for the brown tomcat was displayed in his voice, though he didn't want for it to appear that way. He was more concerned than anything, but seeing that Grousestar didn't understand his worry yet, his tone didn't seem all that concerned. His fear that Grousestar would turn his request down also fueled his gruff tone. Aspenflash wasted no time at all in getting to the point. ``Rowanflower came to me in a dream. He told me - My mate is alive, Mapleleaf is alive. She's lost in the old territory, she doesn't know where we are, Grousestar, she doesn't know we've left for new territory. I have to go find her, you've got to let me search for her.`` Now that the cause of his concern was out, and he was actually speaking it, Aspenflash adopted a tone of worry and determination. He begged his leader to let him leave, but even if Grousestar denied him, he knew he'd find Mapleleaf somehow. Rowanflower had told him, and Rowanflower was in StarClan - surely he'd discovered his mother wasn't in StarClan! And that's when Rowanflower came to Aspenflash, telling his father the facts - Mapleleaf was alive and well, waiting for him to retrieve her and bring her home! His desperate expression could haunt even the most stoic of cats.

@Lawlipop [ in case you wanna stalk (; ]

[Empress Of Evil]

Originally Posted by Duskflight

Nightmare. Now that's something that Grousestar hasn't had in a very long time, he only ever had them when he was a kit and no one ever really knew why he had them. It wasn't like he ever had any traumatic experience right? He was never nearly killed, he never witnessed any violent deaths, he had a pretty calm, normal kithood and apprenticeship. Even as a warrior he never had them. Perhaps the nightmares were simply random, they had no meaning behind them and were to be soon forgotten just like most of his childhood. No one really asked and it was unsure if the leader himself remembered if there was a reason behind his night terrors. Or if he could even remember them at all.
Any sort of thought about a nightmare was far from his mind at the moment though, all he allowed in now was calming, optimistic thoughts. He could think about more stressful scenarios later, when he retired to his den, away from the prying eyes of his clan. Grousestar didn't want them seeing him stressed, unsure, not so cheery and optimistic. Then they might doubt his leadership just like they did when he was forced to take the spot of the missing Lemonstar. He was doing good now, at least he thought he was, and to make a happy clan, he needed to seem just that. Happy. Bright. Cheery. And essentially? He was.

The drone of the clan morning activities seemed to grow louder for a moment or perhaps he was losing concentration on the bird song. Swiveling his ears slowly, he would open his eyes to look up at the canopy to find that the bird was gone. What he was hearing was simply his own memory of birdsong. Blinking a bit in surprise, he would sit his upper half up slightly, allowing his jaws to gape wide in a yawn before clicking shut and his tongue absentmindedly swiping over his lips. He needed to go out for a walk in the territory soon, his paws were aching for a nice bout of running. That was always nice, calmed the nerves, cleared the mind. He still hadn't lost the energy he had when he was deputy, or really when he was younger in general, he could still very much run laps around any warrior here and not tire out. The thought of doing such a silly thing caused the leader to snort and smile a bit, his head shaking. And I would do it too!

Attention perking as he heard a familiar greeting, his emerald eyes searched for a moment before landing on the approaching deputy, a bright, cheery smile soon ensuing upon his lips. "Oh good morning Auroraflame! Nice seeing you here!"
The tom sat up a bit more, as if creating space for her beside him even though there was plenty of vacant space anyways, his tail tucking carefully against his side and his hind paws nicely tucked beneath him, front paws jutting out a bit.
"I'm doing quite great I'd say, perfect weather really for a nice day out on the territory. I hope you're doing the same?" Grousestar inquired with the same smile, gaze focused on her for a moment before he took her lead and laid his chin in his paws as well, a quiet purring sigh escaping him, another small breeze ruffling the fur along his spine. He loved being able to speak to his deputy when both of their schedules were free, it helped to get a bit of stress off of his chest.

Never before had she had a proper reason to experience a nightmare. Her childhood, apprenticeship and warrior-hood had been perfectly fine. It was only when she grew up a bit more that things became more serious for her. As a young warrior, she could jump into battle beside her siblings and then she would laugh about it afterwards. Now that she was different, she had to have a different mindset and consider the dangers of a battle. Leading the clan into battle alongside Grousestar meant that sometimes, the fate of the lives in SkyClan in their paws. If was her job to support the leader and stay by his side, no matter what happened. Every clan needed two leaders that were capable of working well together. But not every cat was that easy to get along with. Auroraflame was just glad that Grousestar made it very easy to get along with. When it came to socialising, do one wrong move to get on her bad side and the ebony she-cat wouldn’t be as friendly as she could be. The deputy was very easy to get along with, however her mind could be changed easily if you did one thing that she didn’t like. She was just very careful when she was choosing her friends and allies. But sometimes, you just had to do it. You had to forget about your suspicions and just put in a bit of trust, although that was much harder then it sounded.

As she was settling herself in, a soft breeze whipped past, batting coldly at her cheeks. She lifted her head slowly and gazed up at the sky. Her icy blue hues scanned the sky curiously. Although the canopy cover up most of the sky, she was still able to peek though the gaps that were scattered about. A small frown formed on her maw as she spotted a few dark clouds in the distance. Rain? How strange. I guess the forest could do with a bit of water, Auroraflame thought, although she couldn’t make the frown disappear at the thought. Although it would be refreshing for the forest and the streams could fill up a bit more, she hadn’t ever been a big fan of ran. She didn’t mind if it was just spitting, but she didn’t like it when rain poured down endlessly. The deputy had short fur, which meant that even though she would dry up quicker, she was more prone to catching a cold. But maybe she was wrong. Maybe it wouldn’t pour and hopefully, it was just sprinkle lightly. The clouds looked far away anyway, so she swished her tail in the air as if getting rid of the negative thoughts and she placed a small smile on her face in place of the frown.

When Grousestar spoke, the inky deputy felt her small growing wider. It was hard to not be happy around the leader. He just made it so hard to not be positive. Although Auroraflame normally liked to cover her emotions with a blank expression, she was happy to smile around the tabby tom. Happiness and laughter was contagious and it was very easy for the she-cat to catch on. The Bombay loved nothing more than to laugh and to make her clan mates laugh. Even if the laugh of someone was extremely weird, she loved hearing it none the less.
Auroraflame nodded in response. “I’m feeling wonderful!” She responded cheerfully. “The weather is quite nice, especially since Green-Leaf has finally settled in,” She continued, happiness flashing in her icy blue hues. Although New-Leaf was no doubt her favourite season, she still liked Green-Leaf quite a lot. “We might be expecting a bit of rain later,” She suddenly remarked, waving her tail in the direction of the gloomy clouds that were slowly edging closer.

[meraki]

@woly
Birds singing, leaves fluttering, branches dancing, grass swaying, and not a cloud in the large, blue sky. This weather was the most loved by Finchpaw, the young brown tabby cat who was not popular amongst the clan, though did have several friends who loved them dearly, and that was all they needed to be happy. While Finchpaw was hardly the most outgoing, they did care deeply for their friends, though loved to push on the barrier of fun and trouble. They were a rather hypocritical cat, to say the least, and would warn their friends not to do something, but then would go on ahead and do it themself. But Finchpaw hardly thought of it as hypocritical, as they only did it so their friends wouldn't be put into a situation in which they felt uncomfortable. But the fact that Finchpaw had issues with anxiety might also have factored in, and couldn't bear to watch their friends do something that could get them potentially into trouble, or worse.

The tabby lay sprawled out in a sunny part of the clearing, bathing in the comforting sunlight. Finchpaw groomed their brown tabby fur-their namesake, really. It was a entirely perfect day, but a thought struck their mind as they thought, You know what would make this day even better? If either Ploverpaw, Arrowpaw, or Briarpaw were here. They excluded Ivypaw's name not trying to be rude, but the two of them didn't get along as well as Finchpaw did with the others. They sighed and stretched their legs, before getting to their paws and circling around, and laying back down with their tail wrapped around them, and paws folded under themself.
(catloaf)

[Gusty]

Acornhaze stepped into the clearing. It was a rather bright and sunny morning, with the rays of sunlight immediately hitting on her long-haired pelt. It was comfortably warm, but not overwhelmingly blazing. "Ahh." The she-cat grinned, settling herself down into the clearing into a sitting position.

Out of the corner of her green eyes, the SkyClan warrior noticed the groups of cats standing around her, deep in conversation or whatnot. Although she has the slight urge to join them, she decided not to, and instead sat by the clearing alone.

@Lonestar23

[lone]

Originally Posted by Gusty

Acornhaze stepped into the clearing. It was a rather bright and sunny morning, with the rays of sunlight immediately hitting on her long-haired pelt. It was comfortably warm, but not overwhelmingly blazing. "Ahh." The she-cat grinned, settling herself down into the clearing into a sitting position.

Originally Posted by Gusty

Out of the corner of her green eyes, the SkyClan warrior noticed the groups of cats standing around her, deep in conversation or whatnot. Although she has the slight urge to join them, she decided not to, and instead sat by the clearing alone.

@Lonestar23

Blazingcomet padded into the clearing, the magnificent ginger tom's pelt gleaming in the sun. Spotting a pretty feline in the corner of the clearing, the tom padded over to her, his hues gleaming eagerly with the proposition of winning her over by flirting. He had always won she cats over before, anyways! Unless they were oblivious to his genius flirting skills. "What's a she cat like you doing over here all alone? Your mate not spending enough time with you these days, hm?" The feline purred in his most winning, I'll-keep-you-company voice. It was something that he was constantly using with she cats, making sure that he kept their attention while he curled his tail around them, used a smooth as silk voice, and in general made them feel as though they were the most special cats in the world to him. But hey, that was what flirting was all about, wasn't it? Singling a cat - or two or three - out for a bit and making them feel special.

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Raywood

With a shaky inhale, Rabbitfluff tried to stand a little straighter but ended up releasing the breath of air into a shuddering exhale, his frame seemingly crumbling around him along with his composure. This was going to take a while to recover from, and he realized he shouldn't expect Grousestar to hold his paw through the healing period - would he want that to begin with? Rabbitfluff dropped the thoughts, in no mood for introspection when he could hardly sort himself out in front of said friend. There were more pressing matters, the most important being getting back to SkyClan camp without being stopped, whether they were outsiders or Clan cats. He didn't want to see anyone. Rabbitfluff gave a simple nod in reply to Grousestar's murmur, still feeling out of his element here. It was so vulnerable, and he hated it with every inch of his being because he'd been raised to mask that emotion.

As Grousestar offered to slow down the pace for him if he couldn't keep up--a rather thoughtful gesture in his opinion, he was reminded of the tom's abundance of energy and a reminiscence flashed in the depths of his eyes. "You? Fast?" Rabbitfluff scoffed, voice cracking pathetically. An attempt to reconnect with himself, his usual demeanor, however it did nothing but make him more miserable. Luckily, Grousestar's presence continued to provide the comfort he needed right now, the reassurance they would be fine and reach the camp without issues. He didn't know what he would do from there but returning was half the battle; if he had to guess, there would be many moons of mental turmoil awaiting.

Grousestar's other reassurances had been lost on a panicked mind but he was certain he'd appreciate them later when left alone with his conflicting, intrusive thoughts. His points were valid, but Rabbitfluff couldn't think with reason when he was in a state of distress. "Perhaps you're unaware," impossible, "however I don't have a lot of friends in SkyClan," Rabbitfluff reminded Grousestar, trembling tone dropping to a hushed one, "and we do share a border with them." The paranoia-fueled implication of a SkyClan member, or even former clanmate, giving information to the Dusk Syndicate wasn't quite logical, but it was painfully reflective of how much Rabbitfluff trusted the cats he shared a den with every night.

It occurred to him that what he'd said had been a touch too forward considering who he was speaking to, and with all Grousestar had done for him… "I'm sorry," the words were foreign even to him, causing Rabbitfluff to pause in astonishment and wonder if he'd ever spoken them before. He murmured while trying to maintain an air of formality, "I.. I do believe I was out of line in ..suggesting that." He swallowed down the lump in his throat and raised his troubled eyes to meet Grousestar's for a mere moment, expecting anger or disappointment, but averted them quickly, relieved to see they were approaching the camp.

Grousestar finding himself picking up on these little nuances that Rabbitfluff exhibited, he couldn't help it, especially now that he knew that something had happened with him in the Syndicate territory. Something involving the eerie cat he had met once before, when he confronted him and another about massacring cats of his clan. Oh Starclan please help him heal, please don't tell me he's permanently damaged or scarred, he doesn't deserve this. No cat deserves this. His emerald eyes watched the crumbling demeanor of his friend and he could feel his stomach twisting in knots. It pained the tom to see Rabbitfluff like this, it really did, all he wanted to do was to make sure this tom was as safe and secure as possible. While he was sure Rabbitfluff didn't need it, or rather wouldn't accept it, he would happily take care of himself for a moon, or longer, if that's what it took to help him recuperate; he would hunt for him, get whatever he needed, no questions asked. Anything to make sure that he would be okay, anything to help Rabbitfluff feel safer, feel more like himself. Because this? This wasn't the Rabbitfluff he knew.

At the scoff, the leader smiled brightly, but hearing the crack in his friends voice quickly diminished the cheery look, bringing him right back to the reality that his friend wasn't okay right now. He had only imagined, for a moment, that he was okay, that suddenly he snapped right out of it and things would be okay again. Maybe it was his heart yearning for it, for Rabbit to be back in his old self, so that he could hear those scoffs, to hear his realistic take on things rather than his own personal naive and optimistic thoughts. But no, that crack in his voice showed perfectly well how miserable, how damaged Rabbitfluff was, causing his stomach to go back into twisting knots.

Regardless, seeing that Rabbitfluff didn't have too much trouble keeping up with him, he kept his pace and they would be reaching the clearing shortly. The dark border grew further and further behind them and soon enough the smell of the Syndicate was completely gone, unless you had an extremely sharp nose.
"Wha-." A look of distress filled the leaders face as he turned his head to look over at the other tom, catching exactly what he was implying. Why would a Skyclan cat do that? No.. I won't accept it, surely there's some other reasoning. Pursing his lips, Grousestar looked back ahead, doubt beginning to litter his thoughts. There's.. No.. A Skyclan cat wouldn't do that. I trust every cat in Skyclan, even if a cat held dislike for Rabbitfluff, they wouldn't go so far as to spread information as sensitive to that to an..
an enemy! The leader didn't respond to his friends accusation, his eyes fixated forward, slightly distant as he focused on his swirling thoughts.

Then Rabbitfluff brought him out of those thoughts, with two simple words. I'm sorry. In all the time he's known the tom, Grousestar couldn't remember a single time that he had heard those words come from his lips. Turning his head slightly, he'd look over at the smaller tom with worry.
"No, no you are.. Inclined to believe what you'd like but.. But Rabbitfluff,
I believe there's another answer. I don't believe there is an untrustworthy cat in Skyclan, even.. Even if some cat didn't like you, I don't think they'd go that far. No, surely he..." The leader puffed out a breath in frustration, looking back ahead as the camp entrance came into view. "Maybe you accidentally told him, when he was talking with you and he.. He used it against you. I'm not sure, but it couldn't have been a Skyclan cat. It just..
It couldn't have been."
Moments later, his paws carried him through the camp entrance and spilled them out into the camp clearing. Flicking his tail, the leader would frown slightly and glance around before looking to his friend. "Where would you like to go to rest? My den, the warriors den? Would you like to visit Ebonyfrost? Where would you like to go? Or is here fine?"

[graves]

Originally Posted by meraki

@woly
Birds singing, leaves fluttering, branches dancing, grass swaying, and not a cloud in the large, blue sky. This weather was the most loved by Finchpaw, the young brown tabby cat who was not popular amongst the clan, though did have several friends who loved them dearly, and that was all they needed to be happy. While Finchpaw was hardly the most outgoing, they did care deeply for their friends, though loved to push on the barrier of fun and trouble. They were a rather hypocritical cat, to say the least, and would warn their friends not to do something, but then would go on ahead and do it themself. But Finchpaw hardly thought of it as hypocritical, as they only did it so their friends wouldn't be put into a situation in which they felt uncomfortable. But the fact that Finchpaw had issues with anxiety might also have factored in, and couldn't bear to watch their friends do something that could get them potentially into trouble, or worse.

The tabby lay sprawled out in a sunny part of the clearing, bathing in the comforting sunlight. Finchpaw groomed their brown tabby fur-their namesake, really. It was a entirely perfect day, but a thought struck their mind as they thought, You know what would make this day even better? If either Ploverpaw, Arrowpaw, or Briarpaw were here. They excluded Ivypaw's name not trying to be rude, but the two of them didn't get along as well as Finchpaw did with the others. They sighed and stretched their legs, before getting to their paws and circling around, and laying back down with their tail wrapped around them, and paws folded under themself.
(catloaf)

Arrowpaw had been tending to himself lately. It seemed his anxiety was only growing the more he trained. Of the group he could be seen as the worrier, the mother hen, whatever youd like to call it. he had the habit of thinking of the most terrible result of any situation, his nerves riling him up easily. But recently, thats not the only thing that was bothering the small tabby. When training he had come across Airpaw and Hummingpaw. The two seemed to be out to get them, with their bullying comments that only made him feel worse about himself. The tom had low self esteem as it was, and the two bullies simply didnt help. Which left him a nervous wreck at the moment, looking over his shoulders in the clearing to make sure they were out of their site, often shaking when another cat would walk past him. But his green eyes caught sight of Finchpaw. Arrowpaw would admit he would always have a special bond with Ploverpaw. They two were joined at the hip. But Arrowpaw did love his friends dearly, and perhaps they needed to be reminded that its not always about him and Plover. When walking, Arrow had a habit of sticking close to the ground. The tom was actually the tallest of the whole group, not that anyone knew that of course. He often stuck low to the ground, belly fur dragging across the ground when walking. It was normal for him though, it was just his anxiety cats would label it. Though Arrow felt a rush of security at seeing Finchpaw, walking up to them slowly and giving a small smile,"H-hey Finchpaw!"

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by AbsurdJinx

It wasn't long before a clanmate beckoned for his attention. Aspenflash had been pacing just outside the leaders' den, awaiting his leaders' arrival. His gaze, distant, had been locked on the ground, and his bushy tail had swept at the ground behind him. Every step was heavy, and a frantic air radiated around him. His ears had swiveled at every sound - even a squirrel's hollow acorn falling to the ground had caught his attention. He heard pawsteps in the form of a mediate walk, causing his head to sharply raise upward. Aspenflash watched as Grousestar settled in a sunny spot, curling his tail at his side. Now, Aspenflash had paused his pacing. He stood completely still, almost as if he didn't know what to do next. His tail hadn't moved, his right forepaw was dangling midair in the middle of his following step, and his wide eyes were simple stuck on the other tomcat.

Grousestar looked so calm, so comfortable, and Aspenflash didn't want to disturb him with such... news. But then he did want to, just to disrupt the friendly tom. He wasn't the biggest fan of the SkyClan leader, but Grousestar was his leader - he had no option but to follow him. Aspenflash finally decided to disturb the brown tom. Mapleleaf meant more to him than Grousestar ever would - he'd do anything for his missing mate. So he marched over to the resting tomcat, his expression hard, nearly emotionless. He towered over the younger feline, blocking the sun.

``Grousestar,`` Aspenflash practically growled. His dislike for the brown tomcat was displayed in his voice, though he didn't want for it to appear that way. He was more concerned than anything, but seeing that Grousestar didn't understand his worry yet, his tone didn't seem all that concerned. His fear that Grousestar would turn his request down also fueled his gruff tone. Aspenflash wasted no time at all in getting to the point. ``Rowanflower came to me in a dream. He told me - My mate is alive, Mapleleaf is alive. She's lost in the old territory, she doesn't know where we are, Grousestar, she doesn't know we've left for new territory. I have to go find her, you've got to let me search for her.`` Now that the cause of his concern was out, and he was actually speaking it, Aspenflash adopted a tone of worry and determination. He begged his leader to let him leave, but even if Grousestar denied him, he knew he'd find Mapleleaf somehow. Rowanflower had told him, and Rowanflower was in StarClan - surely he'd discovered his mother wasn't in StarClan! And that's when Rowanflower came to Aspenflash, telling his father the facts - Mapleleaf was alive and well, waiting for him to retrieve her and bring her home! His desperate expression could haunt even the most stoic of cats.

@Lawlipop [ in case you wanna stalk (; ]

As much as Grousestar tried to keep his eye on every cat in the clan, not because he didn't trust them, but to make sure they were doing okay, he just couldn't do it and so unfortunately missed Aspenflash pacing in front of his den. Thus why he had settled down in the spot he did and prepared to take a short nap so that he could regain some of the energy lost from his time in the territory; had he noticed the tom, he would have approached him and asked what was needed. He had a notion that the warrior didn't like him, he had gotten that feeling ever since he started his leadership, but never had he let that idea, or rather fact, change his view on Aspenflash. He would be willing to help him just like he was willing to help any other cat of Skyclan. He held no ill-will towards anyone in Skyclan and to be truthful, cared about every single cat as if they were his family because in his mind, they were. All Grousestar cared about was the well-being and success of Skyclan, that's all he wanted was for Skyclan to be a thriving, successful clan. He didn't seek power, or more territory, he just wanted what would allow Skyclan to leave peacefully and continue to live their lives without hindrance. Of course, though, sometimes it came at a price. His decision to move to this new territory, to move closer to the other clans and to help save them, it wasn't necessarily to help Skyclan become successful {though he liked to think it would help Skyclan be in their favor}, but to help cats in need. As most cats knew, the brown tabby held a big heart and to think that cats were being forced into a way of thinking and believing.. He just couldn't stand for it. It was a dicey move for him to bring his clan into battle, but he believed in the end it had been worth it. They now had four possible allies, Grousestar could decide which ones he wished to have because, after all, you couldn't expect to be allies with all four at the same time, there would be contempt arisen if he had decided to ally with a particular one, thus causing an enemy. And with the Dusk Syndicate, though they did defeat them, he simply didn't wish to create another enemy for Skyclan at the moment. So he would refrain from trying to be more friendly to any particular clan, but rather to all of them. Until he decided whom he would befriend.

Swiveling his ear slightly, the leader heard the familiar approach of pawsteps, a quiet sigh escaping him, but a smile resting on his lips as he waited for them to stop before him. He could feel the warmth of the sun being blocked out from his face as the approaching cat stood there, Grousestar peeking his eyes open cautiously, blinking, then fully opening them and lifting his head to get a good look who was towering over him. Aspenflash.
Sadness welled in his chest. He had not forgotten about his former apprentice, and he had not forgotten why Aspenflash hated him. He was the cause of Rowanflower's death, he had brought Skyclan to battle and in return, Rowanflower had been killed. There wasn't a day that Grousestar had stopped thinking about it; he did his best not to show it, not because he didn't want cats to think he didn't care, but because he didn't want cats to be reminded of the battle and the horrors that went with it. Because he knew that battle would be inevitable now that they were in this new territory. Sooner or later, it would happen again. But the leader still held the heartwrenching sadness that went with the knowledge of his former apprentice being slain in battle. If he could apologize every day for the rest of his eight lives to Aspenflash about Rowanflower's death, he would but for some reason, even the optimistic tom didn't think that would work. Aspenflash would always hold the anger towards him for causing his sons death. There was nothing he could do to sooth it.
Regardless, he put on his cheery smile as he looked up at the older warrior.

"Greetings Aspenflash." His voice was just as cheery and polite as his smile, but inside Grousestar could only sigh, his heart aching for the father in front of him. Aching to apologize, aching to comfort the older tom even if he didn't need it. Just.. Just something to make Aspenflash feel even just slightly better. But it wasn't the time for it, and he felt that there would never be a time that it would be accepted anyways. It stung, but it was the truth.
The news that the tom shared, caused Grousestar's smile to falter a bit, his emerald gaze falling to the ground in thought. It wasn't the fact that he had trouble believing in Aspenflash, not at all, but rather the danger that might come to the older warrior if he had to travel all the way back to the old territory in order to retrieve her.
But this is his mate.. I.. I can't imagine.. The hope that is in him right now, the thought of being able to see her again after so long of being lost.
I can't take that away from him. It's clear he doesn't care of the danger that he would be facing, but I do.. I don't wish to lose anymore warriors.. The leaders eyes were cloudy and he remained silent for a good long while.
Perhaps if I sent him out with another warrior that would be safer.. Yes.
Clearing his gaze, he'd look back up at Aspenflash with a trained, gentle smile.
"It is good news to hear that Mapleleaf lives. Of course you may travel back to the old territory to get her and bring her back home safely, but I worry for your own safety on this long journey. The only thing that I ask, is that you bring one other warrior with you on your way. You may have any cat of your choosing, or I may chose for you, whichever you're comfortable with."
There was a small pause, the smile faltering now.
"Also I.. On another note.. Aspenflash, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that you've gone through. I'm sorry for being.. Being the cause of Rowanflower's death and I hope that some day you will find peace. I sincerely apologize for all of the pain and grief that I have caused and pray to Starclan that maybe one day you will forgive me."
The cheerfulness that had faltered was now gone all together, his head dipping lowly as he apologized to the warrior in front of him. His eyes didn't look at Aspenflash, but instead were trained on the ground, his shoulders sagging.

{If you don't already have a cat you'd like with him, I have Yarrowpounce ;0}

[meraki]

Originally Posted by woly

Arrowpaw had been tending to himself lately. It seemed his anxiety was only growing the more he trained. Of the group he could be seen as the worrier, the mother hen, whatever youd like to call it. he had the habit of thinking of the most terrible result of any situation, his nerves riling him up easily. But recently, thats not the only thing that was bothering the small tabby. When training he had come across Airpaw and Hummingpaw. The two seemed to be out to get them, with their bullying comments that only made him feel worse about himself. The tom had low self esteem as it was, and the two bullies simply didnt help. Which left him a nervous wreck at the moment, looking over his shoulders in the clearing to make sure they were out of their site, often shaking when another cat would walk past him. But his green eyes caught sight of Finchpaw. Arrowpaw would admit he would always have a special bond with Ploverpaw. They two were joined at the hip. But Arrowpaw did love his friends dearly, and perhaps they needed to be reminded that its not always about him and Plover. When walking, Arrow had a habit of sticking close to the ground. The tom was actually the tallest of the whole group, not that anyone knew that of course. He often stuck low to the ground, belly fur dragging across the ground when walking. It was normal for him though, it was just his anxiety cats would label it. Though Arrow felt a rush of security at seeing Finchpaw, walking up to them slowly and giving a small smile,"H-hey Finchpaw!"

A voice pulled Finchpaw from their thoughts, and they looked over to see Arrowpaw, their ears peeking up at the sight of their friend. "Hello!" They meowed with a grin. They'd grown used to their friends stuttering, and the way they walked without much pride. While Finchpaw wasn't much of a prideful cat themself, they wouldn't let others bring them down if it came down to it. Their eyes brightened at the sight of Arrowpaw. The two hadn't been the closest, but Finchpaw had always been the drifter. They didn't have one friend they particularly liked more than the other-except for Ivypaw. The two weren't very close, mainly because they were just so different. Arrowpaw and Ploverpaw had always had a special bond that Finchpaw hadn't ever experienced, but couldn't tell if whether they were jealous of it or resentful of it. Either way, they were a typically chill cat who didn't exactly hate or resent anyone for any reason. Though Finchpaw was an emotional cat, they didn't let it get in the way of their day to day life. Arrowpaw had always been the shy, worrysome one, but today in particular he seemed rather down than usual, and something was clearly bothering him besides his usual anxiety. Finchpaw's delighted face turned into one of neither anger nor rage, but something similar. "It isn't Airpaw and Hummingpaw, is it?" They asked, already knowing the answer. Of course Finchpaw wasn't angry at Arrowpaw, they were angry at the two apprentices that always seemed to hunt for trouble.