[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

"Angel is a beautiful name! And, certainly, ma'am... you are a beautiful angel. The name suits you as well as anyone else."

Cardinalflash always spoke with a purr, with a sweet tone in his voice like music - he had found that it entranced the she cats to him more. Because after all, who wouldn't want a tom like Cardinalflash around to make them feel better about themselves? She was a pretty she cat, after all - the one who would constantly be catching his eye first. Angelcloud... that was a unique, exotic name. One that he had never heard of a RiverClan cat having. Surely Cardinalflash was a name that had at some point belonged to another cat, wasn't it? Yes, surely it must have. The tom thought for a moment as he stared at the pretty feline. Caught staring off into space had never ended well for Cardinalflash... like, at all.
　
He'd been yelled at for it. He had been clawed for it. No one liked to be stared at and least of all the she cats who were the object of his attention. They found him creepy or something of the sort, Cardinalflash wasn't sure. "Pfft, me? Not know how to swim? Now why..." With a sly glance, his voice trailed off and he leapt into the water, a graceful shape arcing through the air before he landed, head going under momentarily and slight panic filling his mind and eyes before his head once again surfaced and the panic disappeared. "Would you think that?" The tom mewed, completing his sentence. It was an old trick. One that he was certain she had seen before. Not finishing a sentence, doing something, then proceeding to complete the sentence. "I'm truly surprised you haven't been taken by another tom already, m'lady." Cardinalflash mewed with a friendly smile on his features.
　
Not too big so that she would think he was up to something, but not so small that it was considered strange. Cardinalflash often found himself in awkward positions and right now, the only thing he wanted to do was get Angelcloud's attention. She had agreed to come swim with him - that was a start! And she liked his name. That was even better. So far, so good for the tom. He was doing great. Better then great. He was doing amazing. That was what Cardinalflash often told himself, that he was doing better then he actually was... perhaps it made the tom feel better about himself, and perhaps it was just one of the little games that he so often liked to play. Out of subject material and trying to come up with another clever remark so that she would be entranced by him, Cardinalflash swam around. The water was a pleasant temperature at this time.
　
Just cool enough so that you could get a break from the scorching heat, but not so cold that it was frigid to the touch. Yes, this was what Cardinalflash liked best about RiverClan - being able to swim. Some cats were scared of the water, which he found funny. Why would they be? It was powerful, beautiful, and comfortable liquid. He loved swimming... and just water in general. Cardinalflash's hues narrowed playfully and he aimed to splash some water at the other feline. If he aimed just right, it would splash her... providing Cardinalflash with something to laugh at and perhaps, if he were lucky, a water fight that would give him endless entertainment. The tom always looked fowards to being entertained. He knew that Jaywhisper had probably brought him here just so that he would have something to do and the steely feline wouldn't have to entertain him himself.
　
For a moment, the tom debated a line that was something like 'the sun lights up the water on your pelt in just the right way. You look so beautiful,' but then he stopped. That would sound too sincere. Too friendly. And, if there was one thing that Cardinalflash didn't want to do, it was scare her off. So he kept his maw shut, watched the attractive feline swim, and thought about what his next move would be.
　
A sudden voice made Jaywhisper pick his head up and whip it around so suddenly that it was surprising his neck didn't crack in the process. For a moment he stared at the feline before he stopped, shrugged, and turned back around. Who cared about her? Right now, Cardinalflash was in the water with some cat that Jaywhisper wasn't sure whether he could trust or not. And the two appeared to be together. Was it like a heartbreak-type team? Jaywhisper had seen Cardinalflash's awful fails before, and was constantly wincing for his brother... it was pretty cringy, to be honest. He didn't like it when Cardinalflash failed at his flirting attempts. And then there was the always-annoying, constantly plaguing him thought that he should be trying that as well. Should he try it with this feline over here? Nah. He was liable to get his heart broken like his brother's.
　
Although, considering the fact that the steely feline relied on facts and truth instead of feelings would certainly help him. Who cared about feelings when they couldn't be proven? It was as though Jaywhisper's feelings didn't even exist. Though that was far from the truth. Beneath his sometimes annoying, really logical thoughts was a cat who wanted the truth to be that he could believe in others. That he wasn't going to get hurt. Although that was far from the truth at the moment. Wincing as he watched Cardinalflash dive off of the rocks, Jaywhisper stopped as his brother momentarily went under. Everything stopped. Time itself stopped, and he couldn't think about anything else. His breathing seemed to slow down, then eventually stop... his eyes were getting heavy... his limbs felt as though they were created from concrete instead of flesh and bone.
　
And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the tom come back up. Just like that he felt much better. Just like that, he was fine. But it had frightened him and the feline was quite sure that he didn't like it at all. As in, whatsoever. He glanced over at the other cat. "Did you... did you see that?" Jaywhisper's voice was, as his name suggested, quiet. It was barely above a whisper. He was wondering if the she cat had felt the same panic... nah, not for a stranger. She wouldn't. No one did. Strangers were dangerous, and you needed to stay away, and Jaywhisper was quite sure he should stop talking now. His voice still quiet, he turned away and mumbled something like 'stupid thoughts, stupid head, why am I still talking' under his breath before he curled up in a ball. The tom's nose was tucked under his tail and he breathed a sigh of relief at knowing that Cardinalflash hadn't drowned.
　
Now was a good time for a nap - if only sleep would come to the steely cat. He tried changing positions, thinking about things that he really shouldn't have been, wondering what was going on with the she cat before him... watching Cardinalflash's hopeful flirtatious endeavours... thought about talking to the she cat... stopped thinking about that when he realized that he was still tired and that he would make a fool of himself... until eventually his eyes closed. But still he was unable to sleep. And so, the tom sat up and watched the two cats playing in the water. Perhaps he would join them in a bit, it honestly looked like fun. He wasn't sure whether he was supposed to or not, though. Sometimes Cardinalflash had him nearby when he attempted flirting and sometimes he was pushed away. What kind of a time was this? The first or the second? Good or bad?
　
And, how was Jaywhisper supposed to know which was which? It could be suggested that he might just base it off of what he knew about the flashy feline, but that wasn't always accurate. See, the brothers were always changing. Some days Jaywhisper liked certain things, other days he despised them and Cardinalflash loved them. It was a never-ending circle, one that confused the tom to no end.

Oh, he's one of those cats... Angelcloud swam around in the water for a bit, and turned her head to roll her eyes, slightly amused by the reddish orange tom. It wasn't that she enjoyed compliments. Sometimes they were pleasant to have, and other times? They were downright annoying. She never turned them down though...what was the point? All she had to do was put on a bright smile and say Thanks! make sure her smile is genuine, her teal orbs her shining, and her ears flick in a cute manner. As she had done now, as she took one good look at Cardinalflash. ''You're so sweet!'' She turned her body around, using her front two paws to waddle around. ''I didn't think you were a charmer.'' Her voice stayed upbeat. Because she was that type of cat. She meant every word she said, but Angelcloud was certainly not impressed. Though, she wasn't annoyed either. He wasn't the first cat that she met who had such intentions. She certainly figured he wouldn't be the last cat either. It was amusing to her, when toms would have the courage to flirt with another pretty face. Although, only for a while. A moon, perhaps? Until they were tailing behind the cat with the prettier features. The prettier eyes. The prettier color of pelts. Everything was the same old! You had an interest--you lose an interest. Right at the moment, the golden stripped feline simply continued to pad into the water. The gentleness the waves had created, the pretty still blueness it held. Her eyes looked down for a moment, completely unaware of the look Cardinalflash was giving her. With a slight droop of her ears, the she cat brought a paw up, splashing water near her face. Her nose twitched, and a brilliant smile appeared on her maw, causing her to look up at her company. Suddenly, she frowned. ''Is there something on me?'' She asked. Why was he staring at her in such a way? Did she have something on her fur?

Her ears flicked uncomfortably. Angelcloud never liked to be stared at. Who would? And, if she were to be stared at, she wanted them to be watching her for a show. She wanted to give them something to stare at. Whether it was doing tricks in the water, or flipping from the highest tree branches. Something reckless for them to stare at; talenting. Heavencloud would surely scold her for living so dangerously, and all Angelcloud could do was laugh. She turned her head to stare at the tom, smiling at him. She squinted her eyes, and when he suddenly leaped into the water, Angelcloud perked her ears back up in alert. ''Encore! Encore!'' She meowed. Ah, he did the move that they were all known for. Not many cats could perfect that, and it was quite dangerous to leave your head under water for so long. Angelcloud carefully paddled her way towards him, beaming.

''Great jump!'' She laughed. ''I bet you put on that show for all the ladies, though.'' She swatted a paw at him from under the water. She didn't know whether she was suppose to be impressed or insulted by his actions. It was seldom that Angelcloud would be conversing with another tom. Unless they were her good friends. And, her best friend Tawnyshade--she haven't seen him for a while. For moons, it had only been Heavencloud and her, making their way to the river for a swim, hunting to provide for the clan, or even kitsitting for a dear friend of theirs. More so, Heavencloud than she. Upon, hearing the tom's next words, Angelcloud rolled her eyes once more, then she flicked her ears, and splashed water at him again. ''I'm already taken!'' She swam around for a moment, her eyes closed. ''Nature claimed me. And, I think we're in a marvelous relationship together.'' Her voice sounded sweet; innocent type of purr. Angelcloud didn't think it was wrong for him to say something like that, but deep down it had annoyed her.

Flirts were alright...they really didn't phase Angelcloud much. At times she didn't even notice it was a pick up line, or a whistle. Heavencloud considered her to be a bit...well, what's the nice word for daft?...clueless, perhaps. Angelcloud was more into fun-loving toms. And, that's what he picked up from the tom in the water. His capabilities to have a good time. And, so far she was having a good time. Other things that caught her attention was the tall trees with plenty greenery leaves dazzling it all around. When the sun hits the water, bringing it to a pretty hue that was hard for Angelcloud to explain. When the sky hits that perfect coloring of orange, pink, and yellow. Her favorite time of day. When the sunsets, and the cool breeze tingling her fur--at times makes her cold, but other than that would be a wonder to have around. Nature was the only thing that really caught Angelcloud's attention.

Angelcloud swiftly tried to duck her head underwater as she saw the oncoming splash going towards her, though it hit her before she could even make her move. Her eyes had narrowed playfully, and she felt an oncoming water battle making its way known between them. Angelcloud was quite the competitive feline when it came to games. She would laugh, she would play around to the point she wanted to become the dominate one. ''Are you asking for war, C-flash?'' She tilted her head slightly, her teal gaze settled on him, and her paws kept her afloat in the water. Of course, she was talking about water war. Why would she ask for an actual battle? Those scared her. She was brave. She considered herself to be fearless, but every cat had their own runaways. And, violent wars was the thing Angelcloud avoided when she got the chance. ''Because I can give you war.'' She paddled her way towards him, narrowing her eyes before she went past him, and flicked water to aim at just the right spot. Everything was all fun and games with her. Why take the world so seriously? It was just a large play arena to her, and the world was her oyster. She was ready to open it, steal that pearl, and watch it in her care.

The golden spotted cat was ready to leave the river. She wanted to do something useful with her time instead of being by the water, watching as it rippled. Seeing her sister a few ways from her, talking to a tom. No doubt, who is a stranger. Angelcloud was actually making conversation. She seemed to be having a much better time than she was. Heavencloud debated whether she would leave her sister and go hunting. That was the only thing that kept her happy. Hunting. Well, that, or being with friends she had no problem showing her true colors. She rather be stuck in the nursery, chasing after scrambling kits, or even on patrol, aimlessly making sure no intruders made their way into Riverclan. Anything that kept Heavencloud away from the clear blue water.

The small she-cat sat on her haunches, in a delicate pose as her tail wrapped around her in a comfortable manner. Her paws were kept hidden, and her eyes stared distantly ahead as she watched the reddish orange tom jumped into the water. For a few moments, he didn't appear back up. This made Heavencloud's ears perked, but she didn't dare move a muscle. There was no way she would step in that water. Even for a possibly drowning cat. Wasn't Heavencloud close enough to say the cat if he were drowning?

Heavencloud could only watch with suspense upon the tom's reckless acts. He's acting like my sister. They're going to get themselves one day killed for stupidity. Upon, seeing that the tom was alright. Bringing his head back up, acting as if he completed the most dangerous task yet, Heavencloud looked away. The show was over, and she definitely did not enjoy it. Though, she heard another voice. More like a whisper really, and her head slightly titled and turned to look at the slate pelted tom. Was he talking to me? Did he say something to me? Heavencloud didn't know how to respond, or if he were talking to her. So, she looked away, losing her opportunity for small talk. She felt that it wasn't fair that Angelcloud got all the attention--all the fun, really. Maybe, it's because she puts herself out there.

Heavencloud gave frequent glances at the other tom beside her, but when he curled himself up, she figured he was preparing for a nap. So, she awkwardly shifted herself, trying to make little to no noise. She didn't want to disturb him, and she didn't want to continue watching the freaky water lovers play in that spiteful drowning hole. Her eyes watched the movements of the liquid, she heard the sounds of the ocean, which brought her into a soothing manner. It was weird that she hated the water, yet she loved the sound of it. In fact, the water put her to sleep faster than other techniques.

She let out an inaudible sigh, giving in to watching the two frolic in the water. It did look fun. It looked very fun, but Angelcloud considered her sister to be...well, what's the word?...not boring, but more so missed opportunist. Always living on the safe side, when fun was meant to be dangerous. Instead of getting a rile, she kept the lava flowing calmly. With Angelcloud, the lava would always be in twisted directions, hard to maintain, and get away.

Her ears turned to sudden noise, and she glanced once more back at the tom. So, he wasn't asleep? What was up with him? Was he bored as much as she was? Heavencloud had a hard time starting conversations. Especially if Angelcloud wasn't near her to help her out. Angelcloud was always the first to start the conversation...maybe things needed to change. Whenever she did try talking to another cat--initiating the conversation, she spoke in jumbled words, sometimes speaking more than she should be speaking. And, most times it didn't make sense! Giving her jaws a lick, the she cat gave one more glance at the slate colored tom before she turned her eyes back on the water. ''Couldn't sleep, huh?'' Was her first words. It wasn't so bad, but then she began to feel a knot in her stomach. Maybe, they weren't enough words. Maybe he needed more. What if he didn't hear her? So, she continued on, her words naturally hasty, and her voice shaky. Which only happened whenever she did talk to someone for the first time. ''I couldn't sleep either. I don't even want to be here. My sister brought me here, and I told her no, but she begged me to come, and now I'm here. I did take a nap though. It wasn't that long. I didn't think we would be here for that long, but we are, because my sister doesn't really care how I feel at the moment. Haha, siblings, am I right?'' Then, she closed her maw. Too much words. Didn't make sense. So, she curled her tail around her even tighter, and breathed in deep breaths.

If awkwardness had a definition. She would be the perfect specimen for that.

Originally Posted by Robin-chan

@Constellation

Sproutwhisker couldn’t help but utter a lightened chuckle at his apprentices reaction. “I’m glad that you never had to eat those dry pellets they gave us, to be honest.” He remarked and nodded, “I do agree with you about that, most of the kittypets back where I came from don’t know the freedom and delicious taste of a freshly-caught fish or vole. If I had come out here at an older age, I probably would've tried to convince some of them to join me out here.” The mentor smiled as he listened to Noirepaw, his ear twitching to the sounds around them. “Also correct. I believe our kind does not belong kept up in cages and twoleg dens their whole lives - but alas, some cats choose that path.” It was certainly a joy to talk about such things with her, finding this young she-cat to be quite the conversation starter. Unlike the few that he talks with now, she doesn’t mind asking him about his past life and how it was. “Ah, I’ve been in a few tussles with patrols and such, but nothing major like a clan against clan battle. However, I am grateful for that - you should never ask for war nor be excited for such things. It will only bring death and pain to those around you.” He shook his head, thinking back to Ripplewhisker’s tales and stories that he would tell him before sleeping each night. As he was lost in thought for a moment, thinking back to the days when his adopted father still lived among Riverclan and not Starclan, he could hear his apprentice exclaim how hungry she was and how she would maintain herself, which made the mentor grow proud of her and how mature she acted. He padded up beside her, his paws brushing across the soft green grass as the tom-cat watched her close her eyes and scent the air. He then saw her blink up at him in confusion, remarking how she could not smell anything. “That’s quite odd..” Sproutwhisker murmured, his light blue-hued eyes drifting around before the male padded forward a few steps before halting and scenting the air for himself. There was practically nothing that he could smell - just dirt, moss and perhaps the water in the river not too far away. “Don’t worry, Noirepaw, this isn’t your fault - I think we’re just in a bad spot.” He reassured the she-cat with a gentle smile before the mentor went forward, signaling the younger cat to follow with a flick of his tail. Scenting the air as he walked, it took him a moment before he picked up a slight trail of a shrew, but it wasn’t anywhere near this exact location. “Over here, Noirepaw!” He called his apprentice over to where he stood, “It isn’t very strong, but there should be a faint scent of a shrew here.” Sproutwhisker instructed the younger cat, “Can you smell it? Do you think you can track the trail to it’s location?” The tom-cat looked down at her with a slight tilt of his head, awaiting her response.

Noirepaw gingerly made her way towards her mentor, feeling a slight sadness well up in her at the fact that her scent may not be working. What if there were something wrong with her scenting? She didn't want to appear useless to the clan. And, she took in the words of her mentor. War was definitely scary, but what more could she had lived for? Personally, she felt that wars were inevitable. She had to fight to protect what was hers. If she had the power, the world would be in a balance of peacefulness and wars would never be in existence. But, since she was only an apprentice--a small one at that. Who would take her seriously? Perhaps, no one. Noirepaw lifted her head, putting her snout into the air. ''A shrew?'' She twitched her nose. Glancing quickly towards Sproutwhisker before she looked ahead of her. She could smell something faint. Probably was a shrew. Bending her head down to get a good angle, she stopped for a moment, her tail stood erect behind her, before she continued on. ''I'm getting something...'' her voice was soft, and she began to move in the direction of the shrew. She hoped she was going the right way. She didn't want to disappoint her mentor. That would only make her even more sad than she currently was at the moment. What apprentice or warrior wanted to be useless to their clan? She didn't want Russetstar to throw her into the outskirts. Though she highly doubted he would do such a thing. She continued to follow the path, the scent becoming a lot stronger. Her paws moved clumsily on the forest floor. All she wanted to do was impress her mentor. And, showing that she knew how to scent? That was definitely one of them. When she suddenly stopped at in the depth of the forest, she lifted her head, and closed her eyes. ''It was definitely here...one one point.'' She twitched her nose, and turned to her mentor. ''Do we catch it?'' She asked, her voice lowering, in case she did have to give chase.