ThunderClan Territory

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Bloody Bandit

"No." He simply responded, not wasting his time having an argument with her. "If you train hard enough and stop complaining, maybe; just maybe I'll make time to teach you the basics of fighting." Thrushwing meowed, then starting to think of what he should start with. He didn't want to wait for her response, honestly he wanted the same thing she did. He wished he could just skip the whole hunting process completely and go straight to the 'action' as he used to call it when he was an apprentice. But, that's not how it works. Actually, he wasn't sure why was that a thing, but he could understand in a way. "Since You've attempted to catch a squirrel and failed, we need to improve that so you don't lose it again." He said. "Now, the dangers in the forest..." He said, then paused himself. Maybe he did have a way to train her to both hunt and fight at the same time. Brilliant. "While chasing a rabbit, you may come across a fox. Now foxes are quick and strong and sometimes come in groups, this is why there are hunting parties of at least three to take them on."

His plan wasn't to have her fight a fox, but to just have her know whenever it does happen on what to do.

{Apologies for the short responses, my imagination has been short.}

{It's fine! At the same time, I apologize for not being very punctual in responding x.x"}

"Wh-Huh-Wha?!" To say in the least the young she-cat was absolutely flabbergasted by the straight up rejection by her mentor, for a moment her eyes just staring in utter disbelief at the tom before anger flourished in them and she promptly began to bristle in agitation. "That's ridiculous, that's not the job of a mentor! You need to teach me how to fight! You know we're going to have a battle soon, you can feel it in the air! I'm not going out there unprepared!" She hissed at him, her already bushy tail seeming to fluff up more.
And just like that Thrushwing was moving on as if he didn't even care, just sprinkling salt into the wound so to speak, for Raccoonpaw, who was most certainly not happy with that. "No no no, stop!" She interrupted with a yowl, lashing her tail back and forth, shaking her head and blowing a sharp gust of air through her nose. "I don't care about that right now!
Foxes are probably going to hibernate or whatever, the real danger is the Windclan cats! I need to know what to do if they attack first!"
There was a fire in her eyes burning, but then again, when wasn't there? Raccoonpaw has always been a very stubborn young cat and would fight to get her way, or just straight up try to do it herself if it came down to it. Hopefully Thrushwing had the patience to deal with her.

[RedHead]

Originally Posted by Celestial

@RedHead

Bumbling through the bushes and thicket like a badger alabasterpaw trotted towards the training cave. Her eyes where alight with wild excitement. It was her first time out of the clearing as an apprenitce of course, she had been here before the one time whilst sneaking out with stonekit on a wild journey to escape their mother. It had ended with a brisk talking to from a fellow warrior during their interrupted training session. She turned to look over her shoulder as she broke through the brambles that lead to a winding path and finally ended with the training cave. She could see the rock formation boldly contrasting to the frosty brown and dull greens of the oncoming u l Uh U . eafbare. As she looked back through the brambles she called out to cherrybubble. She was her mentor.she had honestly never seen her before but was excited to get this training done.

When's he couldn't quite see or scent her mentor she invited herslef into the den taking a quick tour with her eyes. She than snorted disapproving of the small area. "It seemed much bigger before..." she mumbled as she padded around the perimeter dragging her tail along its edges and sighing softly. The small feline took a seat with an aggravated huff, as she took a. Seat a sharp pain shot yo throguh her forearm. She suddnely lifted her law and examined it with a frantic expression. She quickly tucked it away lifting it off the ground and keeping pressure off it. That stupid windclanner! she cursed under her breath as she looked down again at it. She had remembered the exact time of day and where and who had given her the cut too. She swallowed very hard and licked her chest furs to flatten them down.

Soon after her apprentice had bounded into the training cave, Cherrybubble made her appearance. Her black and white pelt was highlighted by the small amounts of sunlight that shone through the cracks in the cave roof. Her green eyes scanned the area for a moment before she focused them on her new apprentice, Alabasterpaw. "Yeah, I'd have to agree with you." The molly meowed after hearing the white-furred molly's words. Flicking her tail to get her apprentice's attention, Cherrybubble walked over to the edge of the cave, her paws gliding across the smooth, but dusty, cave floor.
"Alright. You're still young, so right now we are going to take it a little slow." The feline smirked, cocking her head a little. "Slow, but don't worry, not too easy." Cherrybubble then walked towards Alabasterpaw, studying her as she paced in a slow circle around the white-furred molly. "First things first. What's the best way to start attacking another cat?"

[wickedvirtues]

Originally Posted by Ryder

@Crybaby (At the Disco)

With Ebonystrike becoming a warrior several days previously, the older tomcat found himself at a certain loss and slump for purpose once more within his own clan, but Flintheart refused to sink into that deepened pit of depression and emotion that captivated him so long ago, before he had even gotten the chance to have an apprentice. He decided that it would be best to go back to what he usually did each day instead of laying around and just bickering at the youth - which was going on border patrols and hunting parties every single day. The Burmilla knew that it was never a healthy thing for anyone, even him, to work so hard without any break or relaxation even, but any cat that knew Flintheart personally knew he was not one to become lazy with old age. What was the word that Ebonypaw used to call them? Kit-warriors? He shook his head, knowing that the true name that his student had told him moons prior had slipped his mind, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. He needed to stop obsessing over the little things and do the warrior duty that he had swore to do when he got his name long ago. Besides, the bitter cold season was nearing closer and closer, with the chilly mornings bringing frosted grasses and frigid winds that would make even the toughest warrior shiver with disgust. Flintheart gave a sight at this, knowing that there would certainly be trouble in store for Thunderclan in the future moons - with more than just the war against Windclan creeping up on them at any time without even a moment’s notice. The grey-furred tomcat padded out of the camp’s entrance, exiting into the hunting grounds to go on a solo hunt where he could just be alone and think. He usually was left alone to do this anyways, so it wasn’t like he was missing out on anything in particular. The male muttered several things under his breath as he headed through the forest, greeted by the familiar sounds of nature that he had grown up with - the gentle breeze, the softened rustle of leaves, the occasional call of a bird and various other small things. Flintheart did not remember the last time he had gone out to just simply relax and enjoy the season’s colors, but of course, he went back to focusing on the hunt that he was now starting. He lifted his head and parted his jaws, breathing in the numerous scents around him. There were traces of other clan members, but none that he could specifically name. Soon enough though, the feline caught whiff of the trail that belonged to a common shrew. Immediately, the tall warrior set a pace along this path, knowing that any catch was a good one since things were becoming more scarce these days. Flintheart was light on his paws, keeping his tail up, but his head low as he weaved through the dense undergrowth, eventually laying eyes upon the brown-furred rodent that was gnawing on what seemed to be a berry of some kind. He licked his muzzle and shut out all sound around him as he stared directly at his prey with his greenish blue-hued eyes. And then, just like a strike of lightning, the Burmilla leapt from his hiding place and dashed through the fallen leaves to the thrush, who uttered a squeak of surprise as he pounced on it, sinking his claws into the small body until it went completely limp in his grasp. He gave a purr of satisfaction at another successful hunt as he leaned down and picked up the warm carcass in his jaws.

Firefall was sitting in the territory, trying to hunt as much as he could. With his advanced skills, their were several tiny mounds indicating his buried prey. Unfortunately, he didn't catch as much due to the growing coldness, but it was still rather impressive. He wanted to at least be useful in some way after being so easily defeated in the Gathering battle. He shivered at the thought of claws raking through his pelt, and blood welling on his chest and maw. The small scratches and slight limp were his only physical battle scars, but the tom went out hunting almost every day. Trying to "prove his worth", despite it only being a huge deal he was saved in his own mind. His "debt" to Flintheart was in his own mind as well. Firefall felt he owed the tom for saving his life, even though he was just helping a Clanmate. Firefall wasn't completely irrational, of course. He got hours of sleep, deep sleep at that, but when he was up, he was hunting, or sort of training himself, or patrolling. It probably wasn't that healthy, but the nimble tom didn't feel very bad effects, so he continued. Opening his jaws, expecting faint prey scent, he was surprised to note fresh cat scent among the trees. He tensed, not one to really "socialize", and he certainly didn't want a random cat to frighten away the scarce prey, or even offer to help him hunt. He could make up an excuse, but his stuttering would give him away. Better to just..face them. He supposed. Swallowing, Firefall noted where his prey was buried and trekked through the forest until the scent grew stronger on his tongue. It wasn't a distinct scent, but he knew it from somewhere. The fluffy tom was glad it wasn't a complete stranger, or his scent was failing him and replacing scents with familiar ones. Though he wasn't loosing any senses yet, so he doubted it was that. Perhaps the name of the cat slipped his mind, and perhaps he knew them well. He continued to walk, the thought of his prey at the back of his mind. He'd retrieve it in just a moment, he swore to himself, but this interested him and he was just..leaving it for a minute or two. It took much more time for it to turn bad. Firefall was beginning to give up his search. He couldn't see any pelt, but the scent was strong. He wanted to return to his prey, let his Clan eat well. The three mounds were a measly amount, but a good thing to have in this season. He continued walking, however, just trying to see any type of fur or whisker or tail. Not that those were automatically able to tell him the cat, but it'd satisfy the curiosity he had. He knew the scent. He just didn't remember who it belonged to! He parted his jaws. Faint prey scent, cat scent, and the usual smells of ThunderClan were prominent, and he continued on, following mostly the cat scent. Was he a stalker? No. He wouldn't watch them in other situations, but the curiosity grew and he wanted to know who else was out and about in the forest at this time. Perhaps it was one of the new warriors. Ivoryfluff or Ebonystrike? They'd probably be lavishing going out without their mentors permission, being free to hunt by themselves. He heard a faint squeak of surprise from, most likely, prey, and followed the sound, his ears pricked. He glanced around and spotted a familiar pelt. "Oh." He mumbled, the small pang of nervous gratitude-and-guilt flashing in his chest. When he realized he'd spoken, somewhat loudly for a change, he froze. He swallowed his nerves, trying to form a coherent sentence to explain himself.

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Crybaby (At the Disco)

Firefall was sitting in the territory, trying to hunt as much as he could. With his advanced skills, their were several tiny mounds indicating his buried prey. Unfortunately, he didn't catch as much due to the growing coldness, but it was still rather impressive. He wanted to at least be useful in some way after being so easily defeated in the Gathering battle. He shivered at the thought of claws raking through his pelt, and blood welling on his chest and maw. The small scratches and slight limp were his only physical battle scars, but the tom went out hunting almost every day. Trying to "prove his worth", despite it only being a huge deal he was saved in his own mind. His "debt" to Flintheart was in his own mind as well. Firefall felt he owed the tom for saving his life, even though he was just helping a Clanmate. Firefall wasn't completely irrational, of course. He got hours of sleep, deep sleep at that, but when he was up, he was hunting, or sort of training himself, or patrolling. It probably wasn't that healthy, but the nimble tom didn't feel very bad effects, so he continued. Opening his jaws, expecting faint prey scent, he was surprised to note fresh cat scent among the trees. He tensed, not one to really "socialize", and he certainly didn't want a random cat to frighten away the scarce prey, or even offer to help him hunt. He could make up an excuse, but his stuttering would give him away. Better to just..face them. He supposed. Swallowing, Firefall noted where his prey was buried and trekked through the forest until the scent grew stronger on his tongue. It wasn't a distinct scent, but he knew it from somewhere. The fluffy tom was glad it wasn't a complete stranger, or his scent was failing him and replacing scents with familiar ones. Though he wasn't loosing any senses yet, so he doubted it was that. Perhaps the name of the cat slipped his mind, and perhaps he knew them well. He continued to walk, the thought of his prey at the back of his mind. He'd retrieve it in just a moment, he swore to himself, but this interested him and he was just..leaving it for a minute or two. It took much more time for it to turn bad. Firefall was beginning to give up his search. He couldn't see any pelt, but the scent was strong. He wanted to return to his prey, let his Clan eat well. The three mounds were a measly amount, but a good thing to have in this season. He continued walking, however, just trying to see any type of fur or whisker or tail. Not that those were automatically able to tell him the cat, but it'd satisfy the curiosity he had. He knew the scent. He just didn't remember who it belonged to! He parted his jaws. Faint prey scent, cat scent, and the usual smells of ThunderClan were prominent, and he continued on, following mostly the cat scent. Was he a stalker? No. He wouldn't watch them in other situations, but the curiosity grew and he wanted to know who else was out and about in the forest at this time. Perhaps it was one of the new warriors. Ivoryfluff or Ebonystrike? They'd probably be lavishing going out without their mentors permission, being free to hunt by themselves. He heard a faint squeak of surprise from, most likely, prey, and followed the sound, his ears pricked. He glanced around and spotted a familiar pelt. "Oh." He mumbled, the small pang of nervous gratitude-and-guilt flashing in his chest. When he realized he'd spoken, somewhat loudly for a change, he froze. He swallowed his nerves, trying to form a coherent sentence to explain himself.

A gentle hum came from the tall warrior as he lifted his head to look up at the sky that poked through the trees above him, the warm carcass of the shrew still hanging in his jaws while he did this. However, the nearby sound of a sudden voice made his ears perk up with alert and surprise as he swung his head around to lock eyes onto an orange-and-white pelt of another cat, which made him turn swiftly on his paws to face the unknown feline. His assumptions were proved wrong though when he recognized this cat, who was Firefall, the Thunderclan tom that been the one he saved from the clutches of that nasty Windclan warrior whose name had slipped his mind. Flintheart’s fur settled as he relaxed his form and rested the small body of prey between his paws as he looked upon the other warrior now with his tail swishing behind him contently. “Hello there, Firefall. It’s certainly been awhile since I’ve seen you.” He spoke with a deepened, mature tone and even though it had only been a moon since that Gathering battle, it had felt like ages since the event had actually happened, “I do hope those wounds of yours have healed up nicely, I’ve achieved my own set of scars.” The Burmilla said, mentioning the scar along the right side of his face that was as clear as day to anyone who looked his way. It seemed like the male was rambling on, so he dipped his head in apologies. “Ah, it seems I’ve grown used to talking on for so long after being with my apprentice with so many moons. He’s a warrior now, you know, and I couldn’t be more proud of Ebonystrike.” Flintheart remarked and then realized that he was beginning to talk too much again, “So, what brings you to this neck of the hunting grounds? I do hope that I did not interrupt your hunting, if that is the case,” He nudged the limp shrew with one paw to emphasize what he meant. After training his student for so long, he was so used to being more social, but it also felt somewhat weird in a sense of speaking to another Thunderclan warrior after being on his own with his thoughts for as long as he could remember. Nonetheless, perhaps a conversation with a clanmate now and then would do him good, keeping him from losing himself into depression or something along those lines.

[Liekki]

Originally Posted by Role

(Yep!)

Rosebelly returned the smile and bounded after her. As the chatter of felines faded away, she focused her attention on the singing birds instead. She had always liked the birds. It was a shame they were so tasty too! The soft pawsteps on grass changed to the lovely crunch of leaf-fall leaves. This was the best time of year for hunting. Well, at least for her. Her ginger pelt blended perfectly with the changing leaves. The only downside was the dodging of the leaves. Too crunchy. Rosebelly was so distracted that she felt her hurt leg get caught on a root. A sharp wave of pain made its way up her leg. "Fox dung!" In that moment she saw Darkrose speed past her, smiling. Rosebelly chuckled. That was just like Darkrose. It was something they had in common, the love of running through the woods. Rosebelly pulled her leg free, despite the protesting shoulder. When Darkrose called for her, Rosebelly looked up. "I'm perfectly fine! I was a bit distracted," she called back. The molly crouched low and began to run as fast as she could to her sister.

Darkrose crouched, ready to jump over her sister when she had reached her. She paused, the scent of a fox drifted towards her nose. She dismissed it when realizing it was a few hours old. She smiled and turned again towards Rosebelly. She shifted her paws on the rough ground and felt the leaves tear underneath her paws. She saw her sister was much closer than she was a few seconds ago. "You're fast," She laughed but quickly looked turned her head in both directions to make sure no fox was there to harm them. When she was sure there were no predators, she leaped up and twisted around to see her sister's face. She quickly shifted her body so that she would land on her feet. She giggled happily and she felt her body cut through the cool air.

[Role]

Originally Posted by Mad-Hatter

Darkrose crouched, ready to jump over her sister when she had reached her. She paused, the scent of a fox drifted towards her nose. She dismissed it when realizing it was a few hours old. She smiled and turned again towards Rosebelly. She shifted her paws on the rough ground and felt the leaves tear underneath her paws. She saw her sister was much closer than she was a few seconds ago. "You're fast," She laughed but quickly looked turned her head in both directions to make sure no fox was there to harm them. When she was sure there were no predators, she leaped up and twisted around to see her sister's face. She quickly shifted her body so that she would land on her feet. She giggled happily and she felt her body cut through the cool air.

Rosebelly trotted over to Darkrose as she stopped. It had done her leg good to be used, but it began to ache after that momentary setback. She began to smile at her sister, but as the sour scent blew towards her nose, she felt her breath catch. Rosebelly took a step back, hackles rising. Her amber eyes were wide with horror. As Darkrose playfully leaped into the air, Rosebelly pressed herself to the ground. Not again, she screeched in her mind. Rosebelly began to back up further and further until she hit a solid surface. "No!" But as she turned around, it was just a tree. Rosebelly began to take shallow breaths. "We have to leave, Darkrose. I can't- you can't-! Please come back to camp with me," she pleaded. Rosebelly couldn't place why, but that scent of fox had brought back a face to her mind. It was gray on top and white on the bottom. Its eyes were amber and warm, while its smile was kind and trusting. Rosebelly felt a wave of sadness pierce her heart, but she shook it off. Why should she be sad? She doesn't even know that cat! Swallowing as she focused back into reality, Rosebelly watched Darkrose and listened for foxes.

(Bump @Mad-Hatter )

[Twilight]

@Okapi

Silverpaw exited the crowed camp and went to the peaceful forest it looked stunning with the beautiful autumn leaves everywhere. As she stepped out of the camp the leaves crunched under her paw steps it felt so nice and calming but sadly she couldn't enjoy it for to long. She took in all that she could the morning chirps of the birds the soft crunch of the leaf-fall leaves it was a gorgeous sight. She was always wondering how warriors never gotten so star struck about the forest maybe they just gotten used to but for her she would probably never get used to the changing seasons. She turned her attention back to her mentor she was ready to learn how to hunt and catch her own prey "So Cuckootree" she mewed " can we start hunting now".

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Constellation

Every life that is lived held a goal. Personally to Stonestream, he felt that if a cat completed their goal, then they were gone. They were ready to die. But, if they didn't, then they were scared to join their ancestors. Death wasn't something to be afraid of. It was the thought where you would.go afterward. The afterlife...if there was one. Or, was there complete darkness, or constant dreams and nightmares? Stonestream knew that he would be welcomed to Starclan with opened paws, but what if there were other steps that needed to be taken? What if it wasn't that easy going to Starclan? All of a sudden, Stonestream wondered how the petrified thoughts ended in his mind. So, he blinked them away, and nodded vigorously upon her words. “Oh. Yes, definitely. No goal, what's the point of life? To me, it would be very boring.” Stonestream knew for certain that life was not guaranteed. It was a privilege. One that would be taken away easily. Because everyone dies, but not everyone live. The misery train of thought, hit him like a ton of bricks because he knew it was true. The kits that were unborn, the kits that were stillborn were his. Didn't even live when they came from their mother’s womb. Again, he was losing it. His mind was whirling. Sometimes the weather done that to him. Either a sign he was getting old, or depressed. Which was definitely not a road he would go down any longer. “But, you know, maybe some goals are to be lazy. Live carefree and make some memories. Bad or good. They both certainly shape you into a stronger cat.” He commented, softly. Staring down at his paws, and flexing his claws for a moment. He dug them lightly into the stump, but scolded himself for getting sidetracked. Stonestream had been interested in this scar she received. He wanted to lean in closer to take a good look at it, but knew it was inappropriate for such a act. If he hadn't reminded himself of personal space, he would had used his own paw to find her scar and get a hint of it. It was a rather weird thought, but he was curious. As she had stated, but Stonestream felt himself grow embarrassed so he pulled away, and simply smile and awaited for her to continue her story. “I mean no harm,” he dipped his head out of respect. “Though I have the fascination of a kit’s point of view.” He chuckled. He hoped that was a smooth move to cover the awkward move he made when he tried to analyze her neck. As she went on telling her tale, Stonestream gave an occasional nod of his head. Sometimes even tilting it to one side to the other. The broad tom gave a small smile upon her words: I was in love. Again, it was odd to think that two felines who grew up as siblings fell in love with each other, but at this inclining age of life, Stonestream thought he heard all sorts of taboo love stories. “I understand the feeling.” He spoke, deeply. For he had been in love onc- twice. He had experienced the power it gave him, and even the pain that followed. Love definitely had a way of making many strong, act without a care in the world. Love was incredibly sensitive...and sweet. And, cunning, yet coy. Love was truly...indescribable. Something he could never explain. “Everyone wants to take a dare on love. It's our biggest fear, yet our greatest desire. It makes us afraid, and make us brave. I don't know why love likes to toy with us.” He snorted, huffing and shaking his head. Stonestream held no negative motives as Autumnleaf discussed her story and emotions. And, he continued to listen to her, understanding parts of where she was coming from.

The tips of his ears lightly heated up, and he perked them from their folded state. Stonestream felt that he had somewhat insulted her when he meant no harm by it. “Did I offend you?” He asked, alarmed, his eyes widening for a moment as he took a moment to gaze at her. “Because I didn't mean to. It...was a joke. Sometimes, I joke too much. And, at the wrong time. At the...wrong moment.” Maybe this Lightningclaw had been a hero. Maybe he was still a.good Tom. Perhaps, Autumnleaf still loved him. Which was silly to think that she wouldn't love him. After all, they were adoptive siblings, they were mates, they have loved each other. According to Stonestream, it was not that simple to stop loving someone who once had been yours. However, he didn't want his new friend to think he was taking a jab at her past relationship, which he knew was important to her, but Stonestream didn't like to hear depressing stories without a little joke. Clearing his throat, Stonestream inwardly kept to himself that he would control his filter. Instead of talking, he would listen with opened ears. Her next words, made him shift his position. It was like a secret she was telling him. Something she had been hiding and ready to spill. One thing Stonestream loved, it was secrets. The fact that others trusted him with such delicates, made him feel fuzzy inside. The tom gave a bow of his head out of respect to the mentioned past medicine cat apprentice. Stonestream remembered Northpaw. He didn't know him personally, but he knew who he was at the time. It was sad to know that he joined the stars without a chance of proving his worth to the clan. Though he didn't comment on this, he continued to listen. As she continued on, she did answer one of his questions. Lightningclaw wasn't with them any longer. So...what did that actually mean? Was he dead? Had he fled? Got exiled? Anything could had happened, really. Again, Stonestream’s curiosity was hanging on the tip of a thread, and he knew if he waited long enough, his questions would be quenched. She trailed on with her tale, Stonestream blinked his eyes, kept quiet to listen on. It was absurd to think a cat rising from the dead. Insane, surely! Especially since Stonestream didn't believe in supernatural-types. But, he had refused to speak when a story was being told. So, instead, he outstretched his hindpaws as far back in a tight spot that he could, and crossed his front paws to lay his head down on them. Though the end of her continued tale, Stonestream had lifted his head for a moment. “Why wouldn't I remember them? I'm not that old, yknow. And, I'm definitely not senile.” Stonestream would had been lying if he didn't admit it somewhat offended him, but since his voice was heavily laced with a joking manner, it was hard to tell that he found the comment offensive in any way. Stonestream definitely remembered Northpaw and Zerosight. He remembered all the sea of positions that Thunderclan went through. Maybe...that made him sound old. Stonestream had no problem acting his age, but that didn't mean he liked to be reminded how old he was. So, he laid his head down back on his paws. “Not yet, anyway.” He murmured, truly hoping he never had to worry about forgetting much of anything.

As the Tom settled into a quiet state once again, he kept a sullen gaze on the she cat next to him. With his head lolled to the side, he flicked his ears at her every word. He took notice of her heavy eyelids, and the occasional nod of her head. Nap time already? Perhaps, she talked herself to sleep. The thought made Stonestream laugh internally. The loss of a close friend...must had been tough. It was still hard to convince Stonestream that this other tom had powers. It was very...exaggerated. It couldn't be true, but stranger things have been heard of. Autumnleaf’s motives wasn't any different from any other young apprentice. Stonestream knew he was the same way; hoping to be a grand warrior. A name remembered within Thunderclan. A recognized face. So, he understood that, and he understood the rest. Lightningclaw promised she would be his mate, and later she was heavy with kits. That brought a smile on Stonestream’s face as he truly adored little ones. “It must had been a very joyous occasion for you.” He said, softly which caused his voice to be deeper than intended. “...I never got to meet my first litter. We, uh, we had a miscarriage.” And, many more after that. Autumnleaf and Lightningclaw had the stars on their side when they welcomed in their sweet babies on their first try. Stonestream wasn't bitter about any of this because he did have wonderful daughters who loved the world, albeit lived a short, short life. They would had made wondrous warriors, but as far as Stonestream knew, he was the only sole survivor of his family. He held.no legacy, which wasn't something he moaned about often. What mattered most was that a happy life was lived. As long as he was still around, love was going to be thrown. Stonestream couldn't help but wiggle his nose upon the Molly's earlier comments. So, it seemed as if Lightningclaw grew a bigger head? Stonestream would had laughed, if he figured it was appropriate, but it wasn't so he kept it to himself. A cat obtain powers, and they feel like they are on the top of the world. Though Stonestream gave this unknown Tom credit for wanting to protect the ones he loved since he apparently thought of himself as a monster, or equivalent to the mentioned. “Those are some gorgeous names for your little ones.” Questions stirred on his mind, wondering where they were now. Perhaps they were proud warriors of Thunderclan. Though based on Autumnleaf’s deserted gaze, Stonestream figured not so much. It made him sit up, and look down at his friend. The next part was dreadful. It was like he could feed onto her sadness because the next part of the story was something he definitely wouldn't like. He has experienced many, many losses. Oddly, the loss of kits made him traumatized, and helpless. Either because he lost potential kittens, and that he lost his own daughters when they were young warriors. He just hoped...he pleaded that he wouldn't have to hear such hurt in a story. That's not something his heart learned to shield just yet. “Take your time, Autumnleaf...take your time.” He soothed. Remembering was painful. For some odd reason, Stonestream knew the climax was happening. He just didn't think he was prepared for it. Funny to think, this wasn't his story to tell. Yet, it held a suspenseful edge to it that made it appear as a thriller. One that he was not ready to hear the outcome because whether he knew it or not, his heart was going to be torn for a molly that he didn't even know that well. “You don't have to continue if you don't want to recall it. Don't stress yourself out.” He whispered, hesitating at first, but ended up lifting a thick paw to gently set it on her own, then removing it, as quick as he done the action. The reason why he was acting utmost gentle was basically because she probably knew. She probably knew that feeling of loss that he felt when he lost his own kits. Just maybe...but he didn't want to jump to conclusions without knowing the next part of the story.

“I have to admit that goals sometimes can be hassle to some, but that’s just from personal experience.” The brown-furred shecat murmured with a gentle smile as she looked at Stonestream with her ears twitching ever so softly, “I do agree with you that it makes life all the more interesting - perhaps someday, things will become less morbid for me.” Autumnleaf took a moment to look out at the trees that loomed over them from outside, a somewhat small sign of hope seeming to flicker within her emerald-hued gaze before she shook her head. “Heh, I’m sorry, I tend to act so foolish and forget the reality of it all - I was like that when I still had my youth.” The small shecat grew silent for a moment as she listened to the gentle breeze go through the woodland area outside and it made her wonder for a moment, however, before she could elaborate on these thoughts - the tomcat began to speak once again, which caught her attention as she listened to his words about goals being lazy and seen as becoming more carefree. That was something she had never thought of before, so that intrigued Autumnleaf for a long couple of seconds as she pondered over that, finishing this with a gentle smile coming to her maw now. “Perhaps you are right, Stonestream.” The long-furred female remarked, “For such an extensive amount of time, I’ve just stressed about my goals and hoping to accomplish them before my time is up - but maybe one of my new goals should be to worry about making myself happy and just enjoy life.” It was rather strange thinking about life like this, considering how earlier that she was just feeling broken and dismal inside. She uttered a quiet sigh, seeming to almost come content with her actions and where she was now. Looking at the male who accompanied her out of the corner of the shecat’s gaze, Autumn couldn’t help but silently thank him for this. Just the simple act of listening and comforting her while she was in her state of raw emotion - it had nearly brought her back to reality and out of the dark abyss that she was lost in when the storm had started not too long ago in this land. She gave a chuckle at his reaction of embarrassment towards her whole scar situation. “It’s alright.” The bobtail reassured him, “There has always been something interesting about one’s scars. An elder once told me that scars are stories, history written on the body.” All his little awkward and shyness at times was rather adorable to her when they showed themselves and Autumn honestly had no problem with it. She couldn’t remember the last time that someone had been so engrossed in her life. As she told more of the ill-fated tale of her and Lightningclaw’s background, she couldn’t help but look at him with this gaze that was filled with several emotions as he said that he understood what it was like to be in love. The bobtailed feline did not doubt this - he didn’t look like the type to lie about this. As she listened more to what he had to say, Autumn couldn’t help but feel like he understood more about her than she originally had assumed. There was a strange, yet calming comfort about it that the brown-furred warrior couldn’t put her paw on. “Love is not just a feeling. It’s all about commitment and true sacrifice.” The small female mentioned with a morbid chuckle, “The pure experience of being in love or just being loved by someone, it is something that most are willing to chase after and risk everything they have ever known for. It’s a beautiful, yet sick addiction that all creatures go through - but that’s just my opinion on it.”

Autumnleaf noticed almost immediately how alarmed and embarrassed Stonestream became once she had mentioned the things regarding Lightningclaw being a hero to some. “No, no! It’s completely fine, Stonestream. There’s no need to be sorry, you silly mousebrain.” She murmured, resting a paw on his shoulder for a moment, “You didn’t offend me. Back then, there were a lot of cats within Thunderclan that admired Lightningclaw and everything that he had become. He was the talk of the clan and there were many, well, flirtatious shecats that tried to make advances on him. There are times when I wonder if he ever had cheated me with another female, but I never had the evidence or anything to prove my suspicions.” The bobtail explained, not wanting her new-found friend to become distraught and anxious when it came to talking to her about this kind of stuff that involved her past. “There’s no harm done in your words, my friend, just some revisited memories that I had not touched in many, many moons. Trust me on that.” Autumnleaf wasn’t very good at comforting others or even reassuring them, for that matter in particular, but she hoped that Stonestream would not fret about this because she took no offence from it and that was true honesty. She did. However, notice how he became more interested than before when she mentioned telling him an important secret of the past - not just hers, but the clans. It was probably frowned upon by how quickly she trusted others when it came to telling things such as this, but something about this tomcat made her feel safe and sound, like she could confide in him when it was time to spill out all the words of her story. He seemed to become lost with thought and rather content as she told him of that day. Autumnleaf remembered how kind Northpaw was to her and Lightningpaw when they were young. Even though he was still an apprentice like them when she knew him, the bobtail still had great respect for them and silently hoped that he was doing well in Starclan, or wherever he was now. It was rather embarrassing, but Autumnleaf never really found out what happened to Northpaw, being too lost in her own life at the time. She choose not to mention this to Stonestream for obvious reasons. It took her by surprise when he spoke, almost being completely lost in her own storytelling to realize that she had perhaps offended him slightly with her words. Now it was her turn to become embarrassed and even though there was hints of a joking tone to his voice, Autumn was still very much ashamed for being so foolish. “I-I’m sorry.” She mewed to him, turning to the tomcat beside her with a certain sad shame in her green-hued gaze, “Sometimes, I get so into my stories that I don’t really think about what I say at certain points. It all just flows naturally from my mouth and it just..happens, I guess.” She knew, deep down, that this was probably putting too much forward and making this a big deal when it didn’t have to be that way, but the bobtailed shecat hated to offend others - no matter the context around it. Whether it was age or sexuality or relations or anything, she did not desire to be that type to harm others with words in a disrespectful, rude fashion. Autumn saw him lay his head on his paws and murmur something, which made her ears twitch. Perhaps she would lose this new friend before she even got to truly know him in a way and that thought just brought her down again. Silently scolding herself because of this, she decided it would be best to just move onward now.

The bobtailed shecat wished that she wasn’t so tired like this, especially now, when she was telling an important story to Stonestream. It usually didn’t occur to her how much sleep that she had missed out on in these past moons while she grew cold and emotionless over all the pain that her life had given her. She knew that her story, especially the part where Lightningclaw was given powers by Starclan, seemed unbelievable and weird, but Autumn knew that it actually happened - she wasn’t crazy or anything like that. She was depressed, anxious, emotional and many other things, but she wasn’t insane and the bobtail was certain about that. Moving on from that part of the conversation, the warrior looked at Stonestream with a softened smile when he mentioned that her first litter was most likely a joyous occasion for her and it was, without a doubt. Her smile fell when the tomcat told her of his first litter of kittens, where a miscarriage occurred. It was a heartbreaking thought and the shecat could only image how difficult that was for him back then. She took a moment to rest her head against his shoulder for a silent couple of seconds before she spoke. “I am sorry for your loss. I truly am.” The brown-furred feline murmured, her tone soft and comforting, “I know how it is to lose a kitten before they even truly got a chance to live.” She trailed off in her words and grew silent before softly shaking her head, “My poor little Stormkit..” Autumn whispered this and then flicked her ears to her friend’s words now, letting another smile come to the maw of this shecat. “I’m glad you think so. I always saw them as unique and I wanted them to have names to express this.” The forced happiness in her expression would falter now and then as she continued to tell him more. Out of the corner of her vision as she looked out into the hunting grounds with this lost and hurt look, she saw him sit up and look at her - he seemed to already know that her story was about to turn dreadful. His soothing words made her feel better though, she’d admit, peering up at the tomcat with a small, understanding nod. He surprised her by resting his paw gently on hers for a small moment. It was a sweet and heartfelt gesture that made her feel warm inside. “I appreciate your support, Stonestream, I want you to know that.” She mentioned, “You deserve to hear everything however, so I will go on and tell you the next part of my life.” Autumnleaf took a few seconds to stretch out her paws once more as she sat up like he had done. This would help her keep awake and not doze off on him. “In the same moon that my kittens were born, there was a large forest fire that broke out in our territory. Without a doubt, cats in our clan that are around our age remember that. It was such a terrifying experience.” The shecat expressed, giving a quiet sigh before going on, “Lightningclaw, of course, decided to put the clan first before his family - which I suppose is understandable, but I will move on so I don’t get too ornery about all of that.” There was a slight pause for effect. “I was left to evacuate with the rest of Thunderclan while my mate was going through our territory and camp, looking for cats to save and rescue anyone that he could find. It was dangerous to do, but he was willing to use his powers for the good of the clan.” She said, “I managed to carry our five kittens, some on my back and a few of them by the scruff. I don’t recall whether or not someone helped me carry them that day later on, but I cannot recall that much detail about it.” The shecat heaved herself onto her back legs as she turned over her front paws and showed Stonestream that burn scars on her bare pawpads from walking through the burning forest. “I was lucky to get out of there with just these injuries - I remember so many cats suffered worst than me.” Autumn shook her head, silently taking a moment to honor the ones that were lost in the fire. “All of my kittens were strong and fought through it, even though they were so terrified about it. The youngest of the litter, Stormkit, was taking the worst of it. She kept coughing and whimpering as we fled through the thick smoke to safety. She was the runt of the litter and much weaker than the other four. I had always tried to be careful with her, but..” There was a moment of silence as she bowed her head before she peered at her friend with a sadness in her eyes. “My youngest daughter was taken by the thick smoke of the fire. It was too much for her tiny, weak lungs.”

[lone]

Originally Posted by Rubinaito

Starpaw breathed in the sharp scent of the pine trees and the softer, flowery scent of the willows as she stepped out into the territory. While there still was a cloud of cat-scent blocking out most of the various smells that Starpaw loved, it was easier to pick out the scent of wild roses growing on the edge of the twolegplace that was far away, carried over by the wind. "Mmm..." She sighed, parting open her jaws just slightly. She flicked up her ears and glanced over to Caliapaw with a concerned look in her eyes. She studied the other apprentice briefly before sighing and lifting up her head to search the brush in front of her, a habit coming from hunting. "Feathery leaves in a spiral. Got it." She confirmed, nodding. The young apprentice stepped onto the hard-beaten path created by many cats using the same trails, the smooth surface beneath her paws cold and comforting. "And Chamomile looks like a daisy." She repeated, shuffling the information to the back of her mind while she looked around for the first plant that Caliapaw was looking for. She crouched down, considering something briefly as she slipped under a bush, weaving under the bushes. If the leaves were spiraling, then it was possible it grew in areas with less sunlight in order to catch as much light on its leaves. She smirked wryly to herself, slightly amused that she paid that much attention to plants rather than cats. She spotted the plant Caliapaw had wanted, creeping forward slowly under the branches of the bush. It was in a clump, with several different branches growing from the ground; she didn't need to take all of it, but she could get enough from the plant that hopefully Caliapaw would be happy. Starpaw bit down on the plant in certain areas, nipping at the base to get as much as she could. As she was biting down on the plant, her eyes caught a flash of red. Curious, she raised her head, her jaws clamped around the plants she had collected. Before her was a bush filled with brilliant red berries that sent a shiver down her spine. Deathberries. She crept out as quickly, not wanting to be near such a poisonous and deadly plant. "Her ya ar, Caliaaw." She spoke around the plant, her voice muffled.

Caliapaw was not in the best mood at the moment. Stress and worry mixed together had her emotions flashing back and forth between unstable to stable, and the worst part about it was that there was logic in her unstability. If it was just emotional drama, Caliapaw would push it aside without a second thought. She was good at doing that. But she had a reason to be stressed and worried, more then one in fact, and those reasons were Wheatfur and being the medicine cat. It was only a matter of time before the Clan decided to replace her, she was inexperienced - young - who wanted that? No, no. It's okay. I can do this. She was relieved when Starpaw returned... the black and white feline was keeping her mind off of her current situation. She desperately needed that, and gave the she cat a strained smile.

"Thanks, Starpaw. I appreciate it." Looking around at her surroundings, her eyes flashed a little with frustration. Now that it was later in the season, it would be harder to find new herbs. It was barely into the season, and already Caliapaw was longing for newleaf. A time when everything would be much easier... she would have more experience, and she might actually be able to save the lives of patients who needed her. "I don't think there's going to be anything else out here." She spoke her thoughts aloud, glancing at the area. While she knew she shouldn't neglect her duties, Caliapaw was pretty sure she could go ahead and forget them just for a little bit. Just be a regular cat again.

Wheatfur had seen something in her, and whatever that was, she wished she could see it too. Maybe then she would know what to do now. Because at the moment, the medicine cat honestly didn't know where she should go from here. It was one of the scariest things for her. She wished she could tell Starpaw everything, but her problems were her own. She should be the one to deal with them - not Starpaw. Not Doepaw. Not anyone else. And if only she knew how to fix this, she would.

[Random Melody]

@Lonestar23

Mintkit's ears were pricked, ice blue eyes wide as she took in the territory. She stayed at Marshjump's side, keeping a good pace with the newly made warrior. She didn't want to run off and leave him behind like most kits probably would have. He'd show her everything - She knew he would. In fact, the territory wasn't even interesting to her without Marshjump. Weird, huh? Mintkit was definitely no normal kit. "It's big." The blue-point Siamese finally mewed, looking up at the Tom beside her and offering a small grin. She knew she shouldn't be out here, and she was already rehearsing her lines in case they got caught. She'd make sure most of the blame fell onto her - She didn't want her best friend to get into any trouble. Definitely not. "So many trees," She added musingly, brushing her tail lightly against one of the trees as she walked, and stopping in front of one for a second. StarClan, it was huge! Mintkit tilted her head before quickly falling into step with Marshjump again. "I'm so tiny." Such random thoughts to share. The she-cat's ears pricked with interest as she looked around, padding beside her best friend with a smile. It just couldn't get any better than this.