WindClan: Life Before 2023's Fire

[doghouse]

Originally Posted by NightWarrior4Life

"Imagine if there was a massive battle or fire and there are dead bodies and everything then you can just see our shadows emerging from the drama...that would be well cool! Seein as we are evil now..." She purred softly then said "You know why keeping water out is useful? Because dry wood sets on fire easily...it would be a shame if the camp burnt down..." There was a shimmer of excitement in Shinepaw's eyes as she proposed this extremely cunning plan As if she could read Phantompaw's mind.

Phantompaw snorted, her blue eyes glimmering. “That already happened, just not with the our shadows part.” she replied, flicking her tail dismally. She remembered how ignorant she'd been, mistaking the dead cats for sleeping cats and prodding at them until a warrior had dragged her away, back into the nursery. Faintly she remembered her mother quarrelling with some tom, but she couldn't remember much of it. “It burned down just before I was born.” she replied, looking around. “And it's possible that it will again. Of course, the first time, it gave our Clan a new meaning, though that's gone now.”

[monfang]

Originally Posted by InfernoFlicker

{So technically Infernosky is still in the leaders den but let's just assume that she left already, because technically she's just about ready to leave so.}

Infernosky's firey red form could be seen emerging into the sun-high light beams from the shadows of Blazingstar's den. She took a deep breath into her stomach and blew out through her maw. Okay. That was done. She couldn't believe it. Rather, she couldn't decide which was harder to believe; that Dapplestar was gone, or that she is practically forgotten by Windclan. She had been gone for such a long time that the new generation of cats had not been told her story. It made her a little solemn, but of course, no evidence of sorrow could be seen on her emotionless statue of a face. She looked around at the camp now, hazel optics honing in on a group of three cats; a tortie a chartreaux, and another grey tom. The first step, being re-accepted into the clan, had been completed. The second step now was to readjust herself and teach her two city-cat friends the ways of clan living. It seemed like they were learning much from Obsidiansky; she was grateful to him for keeping them company so willingly.

Her thought process was interrupted by the sound of her name. Surprised, she turned her leafy green optics toward a tom. He seemed to know her. Could he have remembered her from her time as Windclan's deputy? Or perhaps Shrikecall had spread the information around already? Word travels fast in a clan, she always knew. Perplexed, she walked slowly and delicately over to where he sat, complimenting her fur. It always tended to glow like deep red fire on sunny days like this.
"Yes, it is Infernosky," She acknowledged the brute with a formal greeting through a dip of the cranium, "...How did you know that?" The former deputy was so perplexed by the tom speaking her name that she didn't even pick up the flirting signals--yet. She was never good at mingling. In fact, despite Dapplestar, Twilightsky and Swallowsong's efforts to convince her to search for a mate, she had never allowed herself enough free time to do so.

Larkmark smiled as she gave a reply, taking no note to her coldness. "I remember Dapplestar's loyal deputy." he said with a sly smile. "So, Infernosky, I see you have returned. Such a shame for the death of Dapplestar, but Blazingstar has been a very loyal and wonderful leader in her place." he said, and looked at her. "Why so surprised? Because I am young? No much older than you, in fact. Though many would think in other ways." he said, giving a chuckle. His voice was a deepish, smooth sound, and his blue orbs had a content, kind look. Sure, she seemed closed, cut-off sort of. Nothing he couldn't handle of course. He liked her already.

He moved to sit next to her, smiling kindly. "So, is it like you remember? Except our relocation..." he said, his voice going slightly away from his happy tone into a slightly saddened one. The fires destroyed the clan. And even destroyed the warriors. Putting a smile back on his face he layed down. "Also, I know it isn't any of my business, but I'm curious..." he started, and rolled until he was on his back looking up at her. "Why leave in the first place?"

[lone]

Originally Posted by InfernoFlicker

@Lonestar23

Originally Posted by InfernoFlicker

Russel and Jitter listened and followed the rest of the tour cooperatively. When they had been introduced to the nursery, Jitter had responded with cooing noises and several 'aawww's as she pattered over to briefly greet the cute little kits.

When they were pointed toward the leader's den, Russel peered his clear blue gaze into the shadowy depths of it. Infernosky must still be in there. He wondered how it was going. Was everything going well? Despite this tour, there was still a 50/50 chance of them actually being able to stay here, and the answers were still being debated inside that den. He hoped they would be finished soon; he felt his fur getting a little antsy just thinking about it.

Lastly, touring the outside of the medicine cat's den was particularly interesting to Jitterbug. She took in a deep inhale of the scents that were hovering around the outside of it; so many different smells she had never even imagined could have existed here. Some smelled delicious, others smelled odd, and others smelled awful. As a wave of these scents drifted into her nostrils, her muzzle twitched in response. "Wow," She said outright, "I wanna go in there."

At this point, Russel cleared his throat and discouraged the notion, "I think we've bothered enough cats today; perhaps another time." He ignored the tortie's grumbling noises as he turned to answer Obsidiansky's final, concluding question, "So far, everything makes sense to me. I'm sure we'll come up with questions as we come to them---that is, if we stay long enough for more questions to arise."

He looked up at the sky now. It was so blue...clear, except for several fluffy white clouds. Nothing at all like the city sky, which was always a blanket of smog hovering over the city. He had only been able to view one or two stars in the sky there, always drowned out by the city lights. One of the most thrilling parts of their journey here, for him, was to experience the full host of a starry sky above the forest trees. He looked forward to that tonight, regardless of the outcomes of todays shenanigans. It was sun-high, however, and a nap was certainly in order for these three cats.

"Are you required to keep an eye on us if we take a few hours to rest? I don't want to leave you sleep-deprived..." Russel inquired to their kind tour guide in his gentle, polite tone.




{So technically Infernosky is still in the leaders den but let's just assume that she left already, because technically she's just about ready to leave so.}

Infernosky's firey red form could be seen emerging into the sun-high light beams from the shadows of Blazingstar's den. She took a deep breath into her stomach and blew out through her maw. Okay. That was done. She couldn't believe it. Rather, she couldn't decide which was harder to believe; that Dapplestar was gone, or that she is practically forgotten by Windclan. She had been gone for such a long time that the new generation of cats had not been told her story. It made her a little solemn, but of course, no evidence of sorrow could be seen on her emotionless statue of a face. She looked around at the camp now, hazel optics honing in on a group of three cats; a tortie a chartreaux, and another grey tom. The first step, being re-accepted into the clan, had been completed. The second step now was to readjust herself and teach her two city-cat friends the ways of clan living. It seemed like they were learning much from Obsidiansky; she was grateful to him for keeping them company so willingly.

Her thought process was interrupted by the sound of her name. Surprised, she turned her leafy green optics toward a tom. He seemed to know her. Could he have remembered her from her time as Windclan's deputy? Or perhaps Shrikecall had spread the information around already? Word travels fast in a clan, she always knew. Perplexed, she walked slowly and delicately over to where he sat, complimenting her fur. It always tended to glow like deep red fire on sunny days like this.
"Yes, it is Infernosky," She acknowledged the brute with a formal greeting through a dip of the cranium, "...How did you know that?" The former deputy was so perplexed by the tom speaking her name that she didn't even pick up the flirting signals--yet. She was never good at mingling. In fact, despite Dapplestar, Twilightsky and Swallowsong's efforts to convince her to search for a mate, she had never allowed herself enough free time to do so.

Obsidiansky shot a grateful look towards the Charteux as he quickly responded to Jitter's comment. A smile spread across his maw at her grumbling; the two of them seemed like they would fit in fine. Perhaps just a little out of place, but they seemed mainly fine! Why had Shrikecall been so angry at him for offering to help? Why didn't the deputy want new members in the Clan, didn't he think it was up to Blazingstar? Didn't he believe that the leader should be the one to say who was and who was not to join? From his reaction, apparently not.The smile faltered at this knowledge.
　
He didn't know why Shrikecall had to take control but, from the looks of things, it was going to end just fine. Obsidiansky did feel a little bad for the deputy, though... after all, he was probably not too happy if the cats were getting to stay in WindClan. And even if they weren't, he still wouldn't be happy. Was there anything at all that satisfied the seemingly grumpy older tom?
　
As far as he knew, probably not. But he knew nothing about the senior cat anyways, so he didn't really have too much against him. Other then the fact that he was rude, and irritating and-- Obsidiansky quickly cut his thoughts off before any of them left his maw. "I'm sure you'll be allowed to stay. Blazingstar's a fair leader; he trusts Shrikecall, but I'm pretty sure he'll hear what Infernosky has to say first before making a decision."
　
And, if your story is true-- which it sounded pretty true-- then it'll be a definite thing. He hoped that Blazingstar wouldn't just go off of Shrikecall's obviously bias opinion. The deputy had lived much longer, but that didn't mean he knew everything. Why was he like that, anyways? Perhaps someday the ebony tom would ask... on a day when he felt like getting clawed. Or a day when he felt like getting snapped at, either one would do; he was positive that one or the other would happen. Then again, the older deputy was pretty unpredictable.
　
At Russel's question, Obsidiansky cocked his head to one side. He was pretty tired... but he didn't want to take the risk that Shrikecall would yell at him. He certainly didn't feel like getting in more trouble then he was probably already in. At least the deputy had allowed him to keep an eye on these cats instead of just yelling at him right then and there, but then again, the younger tom supposed he had to.
　
"I don't know... I mean, I know you're not going to run off, but Shrikecall might not know that. He'd probably get mad. You guys can go ahead, I'll wait until I'm sure that things are cleared up and then I can get some rest. It probably won't be..." He stopped, yawning as he did so, and shook his head a little like he was coming out of water. "...too much longer." He finished, blinking sleepily. His instincts were telling him that sleep was very much needed here, but his fear that something might happen was keeping him from listening.

[Brooklyn Trees]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

@Brooklyn Trees

More then anything else, the tom wanted his friend to believe him. He wanted her to understand how much he cared. But, it seemed that every time he did... she just blocked his words. Was she afraid of him? Of getting hurt, or hurt by him? If that was the case, then he would do everything in his power to keep Moonpaw from getting hurt. Well... he would never hurt her, and he knew that. But did she? After what had happened with Bronzepaw, even he was unsure if he had the power to keep her from getting hurt. If he had the power to keep her from getting hurt he would use it, but he didn't have that.
　
If only he could go back in time.
　
Back in time to that day on the hill, the day when everything had felt just right. That day when everything had felt like the world would go on forever, and the sun would never go down... Silverpelt would forever be shining, and the moon would be glimmering even in the daytime. That day when he had thought all the colors of the world couldn't be brighter then his smile around her. Though there had been confusion and darkness too, not to mention directly following that. Why had he opened his big mouth? Why hadn't he just kept quiet, stayed with Bronzepaw maybe, that might have worked! He liked her. She was friendly, and funny, and a great cat. But she wasn't Moonpaw, and perhaps that was what was keeping him from walking away to find her.
　
She was sweet, but Moonpaw could light up the darkest of nights with just a soft word. Her fur didn't fluff out in that dandelion-like way that Moonpaw's did. She didn't have the ability to set him on fire and douse it at the same time. She hadn't been there when he was a kit, when he had been alone and she had rescued him. She hadn't been there when he'd felt awful in the past. It was Moonpaw. It had always been Moonpaw, and he knew it. The question was... did she? Did she understand that this wasn't just a sweet little crush he would be over, he wasn't just a starry eyed apprentice chasing a daydream, and she wasn't some forbidden object that would never be his?

　

Though, it appeared that last part might be true. She might never be his. No amount of pleading or trying to convince her would allow her to be his. "I... please, Moonpaw, you have to believe me. You mean everything to me." The sun, the moon, the sky... he would give everything to her if it meant she would be happy. If he could. If he had the power. But, the tom didn't have the power, and he knew it all too well. It was something that seemed to constantly plague him, the knowledge that he didn't have the power to do what he wanted to. "I don't know what I did to make you so confused, or... if I did anything, but I'm not lying to you." And he wasn't. He wasn't lying to her, and he didn't know why she was so worried about this.
　
It was just as new to him as it was to her!
　
Only, he was choosing to embrace it instead of running away. Only he was going to make the best of this, make this as good as it could be. Only he was going to try and convince her that he was telling the truth, try and convince her that there was no way he could lie to her about this. Why would he? Didn't she know him well enough to understand that he was trying to be honest with her, trying to show her what he was thinking and feeling? But, she couldn't accept it. Either she couldn't or she wouldn't and either way, she was breaking Couragepaw's heart.
　
Why had he gotten this name, anyways? It sounded as though he were not afraid of anything. But that wasn't true... right now he was very afraid. Of rejection, of his best friend... but he could do this. He knew it, and he hoped she would believe him. "I... understand if you don't feel the same way, and I can accept that." Now that was a lie. He might be able to understand, but... he would never be able to accept it. He would never be able to go through life knowing that he had done something wrong, or at least must have, due to her rejection. "But please listen to what I'm about to say." Even if she hadn't been listening through everything else, she could listen to this much. He was afraid to touch her. Afraid that if he did she might melt into thin air, there one second and gone the next.
　
He could do this. He had to do this. Though he wasn't sure why he needed to do it so badly, it was as though there was some unseen instinct pushing him to speak to her. Pushing him to tell her what was going on, what he could feel... what he was now confident that he was feeling. He was sure she would be able to understand. Hadn't he told her this before? Perhaps. Perhaps not, he felt like he was in a dream right now and this was all he could think. All he could say.
　
"I love you."

Everything was so perfect in this day, the cold earth beneath her paws and the cool air blowing against her fur.
On any other day in any other situation she would have enjoyed this day — let it sink into her very essence and let it drown away her problems on a hill... But even in this thought — in this wild, crazy fantasy of her imagination — Couragepaw was there with her, sharing the wind and the view with her, making her pelt hot with the simplicity of him being there beside her.
But this wasn't one of those times. The weather mocked her and — as much as she wished it could — the wind did not carry with it this time the pain which she experienced.

She wished that everything was fixed and they could move on, her too afraid to confess her feelings, and he too pure and friendly in her eyes to ever mock her love.
And yet, if she thought about it, she would never have made a single decision differently.

She depended on him now as though he were the air that filled her lungs each time she breathed it, without whom — even for a heartbeat — she felt starved and longed for. She needed him, and it hurt to be away from him, but now that things had changed — now that everything was different and dead — being around him hurt as well.
She hadn't cared that he made her feel so terrified as though she could slip up somehow on the simplest thing and lose him in the blink of an eye, and she hadn't cared that he made her pelt burn warm each time he drew nearer or that her heart beat so fast that it echoed endlessly in her ears, drowning out all sound, or that the thought of him could make her stammer. His simplest words, a thing which she had no proof to be a lie, could make her break like glass.
She was weak around him, and she didn't care. None of that had ever hurt as much as being away from him — as not having him near her to simply be beside her — as having to leave him for whatever reason.

He was everything to her — her more than brother — and she had no reason to believe he had lied to her.
She had seen it and instead of taking the chance of being his fool she had chosen to see a lie in nothing.
She had — in some twisted way — wanted to believe he was lying to her when he was not.
And this scared her.

His words felt so real. They didn't sound false or forced. He wanted her to believe him and she wanted to so badly but she didn't want to if there was even a chance for it not to be true.

I... understand if you don't feel the same way, and I can accept that.
No. No she did feel the same way. She loved him more than life itself and she was terrified.
Terrified of letting go of the possibility that he was lying, but even now it was becoming more and more like a dream that he could ever be so cruel.
She didn't want him to accept that she could ever not feel the same.

And so she listened. She heals her tongue, terrified of what he would say. If he would suddenly laugh out loud at the stupid little kit who ever believed that someone like him could love her.
But that didn't happen. Those weren't the words to come from his lips — and even worse — these she didn't know how to respond to.

I love you.
Three tiny words. How could they mean so much?
And yet they didn't really get through. They left her numb, cold, absolutely terrified.
She stiffened and despite her own accord she felt her fur fluff itself outwards in a way that had not happened in quite a while.

She stood — in this way — stiff and ridiculously fluffy — for a few moments longer before the syllables that passed through his lips truly began to form and give meanings to their sounds.

So quickly did these words create meaning and crash in upon her than she felt her terror grow, felt hot and confused and so, so terrified.
She loved him, she felt that too, she knew she loved him more than the air that she breathed and hated the moments they were not side by side, and slowly, as she began to realize these things, she let everything she had been thinking — carefully, gently — form into words and leave her lips.

"I... I want to believe you. I want to trust that you are saying the truth more than anything that I have ever wanted.
"But... I-I'm scared." Moonpaw looked down at her pale paws, ashamed of the terror running along her spine as she admitted this.
"I'm so scared, and I don't know why or of what.
I'm not afraid of... of you. I could never... I... I-I don't want to be afraid of you.
"But... But.... But whenever I get close to you I feel like I'm going to melt or burst into flames and I don't know what to do and... When you... When you told me — when we fought — that you... L-liked me... I didn't believe it.
"I still don't know if I do.
"But... But I want to. I don't know what I feel... Not exactly... and I don't know if I will ever fully trust you again like I used to — I still don't know if I should even tell you this b-but..." The cream colored feline swallowed, looking back up at the tom.

"I-think..."

Nothing could ever take this back after she said it. No joking or pretending could undo this and yet it felt right. Like she was finally sharing a secret with her best friend, one that she had guarded so carefully within her heart.
Her pale eyes fell back down to her paws, still too scared to watch his reaction. Too afraid to be rejected by him after she finally trusted him enough to just talk and let the words find themselves.

"Every time I get near you I stop being able to breathe. You can somehow take away the air that I breathe and I don't care. You make it difficult to talk but the times that I talk to you feel the best moments in the world. Your power over me scares me but somehow I don't care. I love you enough to not care that you make me so terrified to be around, like the simplest wrongdoing on my behalf could break you, or me.
"I... I-I don't want to loose you..."
She felt like she was going to cry, head kept down in case tears did come.
She was an idiot, a fool, to talk to much. To let so many secrets go.
But nobody else was like him and she could bear the thought of going a day without him.

Since the day they had met, he had been more important than face-planting into a tree.
She had ignored the pain because, for some reason, she just didn't care.

[lone]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Trees

Everything was so perfect in this day, the cold earth beneath her paws and the cool air blowing against her fur.

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Trees

On any other day in any other situation she would have enjoyed this day — let it sink into her very essence and let it drown away her problems on a hill... But even in this thought — in this wild, crazy fantasy of her imagination — Couragepaw was there with her, sharing the wind and the view with her, making her pelt hot with the simplicity of him being there beside her.
But this wasn't one of those times. The weather mocked her and — as much as she wished it could — the wind did not carry with it this time the pain which she experienced.

She wished that everything was fixed and they could move on, her too afraid to confess her feelings, and he too pure and friendly in her eyes to ever mock her love.
And yet, if she thought about it, she would never have made a single decision differently.

She depended on him now as though he were the air that filled her lungs each time she breathed it, without whom — even for a heartbeat — she felt starved and longed for. She needed him, and it hurt to be away from him, but now that things had changed — now that everything was different and dead — being around him hurt as well.
She hadn't cared that he made her feel so terrified as though she could slip up somehow on the simplest thing and lose him in the blink of an eye, and she hadn't cared that he made her pelt burn warm each time he drew nearer or that her heart beat so fast that it echoed endlessly in her ears, drowning out all sound, or that the thought of him could make her stammer. His simplest words, a thing which she had no proof to be a lie, could make her break like glass.
She was weak around him, and she didn't care. None of that had ever hurt as much as being away from him — as not having him near her to simply be beside her — as having to leave him for whatever reason.

He was everything to her — her more than brother — and she had no reason to believe he had lied to her.
She had seen it and instead of taking the chance of being his fool she had chosen to see a lie in nothing.
She had — in some twisted way — wanted to believe he was lying to her when he was not.
And this scared her.

His words felt so real. They didn't sound false or forced. He wanted her to believe him and she wanted to so badly but she didn't want to if there was even a chance for it not to be true.

I... understand if you don't feel the same way, and I can accept that.
No. No she did feel the same way. She loved him more than life itself and she was terrified.
Terrified of letting go of the possibility that he was lying, but even now it was becoming more and more like a dream that he could ever be so cruel.
She didn't want him to accept that she could ever not feel the same.

And so she listened. She heals her tongue, terrified of what he would say. If he would suddenly laugh out loud at the stupid little kit who ever believed that someone like him could love her.
But that didn't happen. Those weren't the words to come from his lips — and even worse — these she didn't know how to respond to.

I love you.
Three tiny words. How could they mean so much?
And yet they didn't really get through. They left her numb, cold, absolutely terrified.
She stiffened and despite her own accord she felt her fur fluff itself outwards in a way that had not happened in quite a while.

She stood — in this way — stiff and ridiculously fluffy — for a few moments longer before the syllables that passed through his lips truly began to form and give meanings to their sounds.

So quickly did these words create meaning and crash in upon her than she felt her terror grow, felt hot and confused and so, so terrified.
She loved him, she felt that too, she knew she loved him more than the air that she breathed and hated the moments they were not side by side, and slowly, as she began to realize these things, she let everything she had been thinking — carefully, gently — form into words and leave her lips.

"I... I want to believe you. I want to trust that you are saying the truth more than anything that I have ever wanted.
"But... I-I'm scared." Moonpaw looked down at her pale paws, ashamed of the terror running along her spine as she admitted this.
"I'm so scared, and I don't know why or of what.
I'm not afraid of... of you. I could never... I... I-I don't want to be afraid of you.
"But... But.... But whenever I get close to you I feel like I'm going to melt or burst into flames and I don't know what to do and... When you... When you told me — when we fought — that you... L-liked me... I didn't believe it.
"I still don't know if I do.
"But... But I want to. I don't know what I feel... Not exactly... and I don't know if I will ever fully trust you again like I used to — I still don't know if I should even tell you this b-but..." The cream colored feline swallowed, looking back up at the tom.

"I-think..."

Nothing could ever take this back after she said it. No joking or pretending could undo this and yet it felt right. Like she was finally sharing a secret with her best friend, one that she had guarded so carefully within her heart.
Her pale eyes fell back down to her paws, still too scared to watch his reaction. Too afraid to be rejected by him after she finally trusted him enough to just talk and let the words find themselves.

"Every time I get near you I stop being able to breathe. You can somehow take away the air that I breathe and I don't care. You make it difficult to talk but the times that I talk to you feel the best moments in the world. Your power over me scares me but somehow I don't care. I love you enough to not care that you make me so terrified to be around, like the simplest wrongdoing on my behalf could break you, or me.
"I... I-I don't want to loose you..."
She felt like she was going to cry, head kept down in case tears did come.
She was an idiot, a fool, to talk to much. To let so many secrets go.
But nobody else was like him and she could bear the thought of going a day without him.

Since the day they had met, he had been more important than face-planting into a tree.
She had ignored the pain because, for some reason, she just didn't care.

For a moment, there was nothing Couragepaw could say. His mind felt like it had just fizzled out. Literally. It was gone, it had disappeared, and now he was left with pieces. Her words stung him.
　
But I'm scared.

　

What was she scared of? Her fluffed up fur made him want to smooth it down... tell her it was okay... but even he didn't know if it was okay. Even he didn't know if things were going to be alright. Even he wasn't sure that she was going to get to see the next morning, or him... through no fault of their own though, that was certain. But I'm scared. Those three words hurt more then anything else she could have done to him. She wanted to believe? Then... why was she scared? Her next words answered his question, and threw more confusion into the air.
　
Okay. So she wasn't scared of him. That much gave him relief, and comfort. He found a smile coming onto his maw at those words that faded as he realized she didn't know either. "I'm s-sorry..." His voice trailed off. I'm sorry. Sorry couldn't help this. Sorry couldn't fix this. He couldn't just tell her he was sorry and then walk away, expecting that she would be alright. Sorry was not going to heal a broken heart. A broken heart would think everything was fine. It would lie like that. Couragepaw's heart... was not broken. It was just fractured, just hanging on, but it wasn't broken or he would start to lie to himself about anything and everything.
　
He knew she didn't love him. He was stupid.
　
Stupid for thinking that.
　
Stupid for believing.
　
Stupid for not realizing what he should have known all along.
　
That she never had, and never would think of him as anything more then a brother. A friend. A best friend. While that realization stung so much he wanted to break, he knew that he wouldn't be able to. He was stuck in time. A time of his own, where nothing existed but him and the silence and his friend. His best friend. Everyone else was moving in slow motion, moving fowards in time, but he was trapped in a limbo state. He couldn't move. Was he alive? Was she looking at him? Oh, StarClan... he felt sick. Like he wanted to throw up. And yet, he still loved Moonpaw. She was pulling him in like the tide.
　
She was throwing him out like he was crowfood.
　
She was staying with him, reassuring him... but she was the nightmare that he needed saving from.
　
Which one was it? Was she pulling him in, throwing him out, reassuring him or a nightmare? All four. She was all four. And that was what he couldn't let go of, the she cat that he loved, the she cat that he would constantly love, the one who would always be there. Never his. Just there. Melt or burst into flames? Was she unlocking his mind, reading his thoughts? Anytime he was beside her. But she made him stronger, too... she made him weaker and stronger. Which one was it? Either one. Any one. Both of them, and neither. He was on his own drowning. She was drowning beside him, and he couldn't save either one of them. Though he would choose her.
　
It would always be her.
　
Because no matter what he said, did, or thought... Moonpaw would forever be the cat that he would come back to. Moonpaw would forever be the one that he cared so much about he would do anything for. It would always be her, it had always been her, and he would forever be thinking about her. Annoying-- but it was the truth. The whole truth. The greatest truth he knew, and there was nothing he could do about it but accept it.
　
Would she?
　
No. Probably not. She didn't seem to want anything to do with this madness, not by the way she was describing it. I still don't know if I do. No, he didn't like her. He loved her. So, she shouldn't believe that, because-- unknowingly-- that had been a lie. This wasn't a crush. This wasn't anything but him and Moonpaw, and their life. This had become a nightmare that repeated over and over. He felt like he had been here before. Oh yes-- the day of their fight. Why hadn't she just been able to believe him? Why had she had to be in denial about that... was it the always-present, 'I'm not good enough for him?' But... maybe he wasn't the one good enough for her.
　
Was she snubbing him? No. Of course not! This was Moonpaw, she wasn't going to do that.... she would never do that... and he knew it. Her words continued to sting him. "I--" But there was nothing to say. Nothing he could do. Gently, slowly, he moved over towards her until he was touching her ever so lightly. Ever so softly, he pressed himself up against her. The contact was halting. Worried. It felt like he was afraid he might break her at the slightest touch, and yet he continued it. Why? Why was he doing it? Because he was afraid. Fear drove him to do the craziest of things, even contact the very thing he was afraid of.
　
But it wasn't her.
　
It was the words she was saying, the fear that she was going to end up rejecting him that was driving him to do this. That was driving him to do crazy things. I guess cats do crazy things when they're in love. He thought with a smile. In love? Yes. He was in love. He knew that now, but it still felt odd for him to think. To say. He had told her he loved her, and now she knew. Now she would understand. Her words gave him the power that he needed. And then took it away. Playing a game of catch, always giving it to him then snatching it away, the hope that he needed... wanted... begged for so desperately. He could do this. He could do this. And he knew he could, he just... needed the slightest bit of time to figure it out.
　
"Moonpaw. Listen to me. There is nothing-- nothing you could do that would keep me from coming back to you. Do you understand? There's nothing anyone could do that would keep me from protecting you if you were in danger. From keeping you safe. Even from me; StarClan forbid that should ever happen." He paused for a moment, thinking. He needed to let her understand he would never joke about this. She had to trust him. She had to.
　
"I know it's hard for you to believe, and... I don't know why, but... I do love you. You're my best friend. You're the one cat I can trust with anything, you're--" He stopped. If he went much further, he might scare her. Best to wait on this. Best to wait until she was able to gather her own thoughts together. But her words had warmed him as much as he was hoping these would do to her. They had scared him at the same time, though... a hidden power was within them that he hadn't sensed beneath the surface of the pretty feline before. But she was more then a pretty face, a fleeting kitty crush that he felt like he would get caught and punished for.
　
"You mean the world to me."
　
That was all he needed to say. And she would understand-- it was simple enough, right? And it was true. She did mean the world to him. He had no reason to lie to her... she had no reason to be scared... realizing he was still pressed up against her he pulled away, an uncomfortable expression on his features. If she was still scared, he didn't want to frighten her more as he was all too sure he had just done. But, there was still hope. Maybe... maybe this would have changed her mind. There was always that one spark of hope in the darkness, lighting up the night like Silverpelt and the moon did.

[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by woly

"I'll be a better mate to you,I promise." her tone was serious, amber hues gazing into his golden ones. She felt guilty for shutting herself off during the Era, cutting herself off from everybody because of her own guilty and fear. She wanted to be better, to be able to accept herself and love herself just as much as Smokethorn did, to improve her self esteem. She smiled at the affection she was getting,both verbal and physical,giving a soft purr in response. She was heavy with kits and had her eye on some in the nursery,some more kits that were found during the Era and had been motherless. She figured she could take them as her own,and love them just the same. She gave a small smile, speechless for a moment. Her mate could always make her speechless at times, her heart swelling at how much he cared for her, how he was going to be there and making her feel loved. It was certainly working. She felt revealed that the tom was taking care of himself. Her smile only grew as she nodded,"I'm glad you are taking care of yourself, I would've given you an earful if not," she chuckled,"I ate this morning,which was awhile ago. I ate a whole blackbird!" her tone was full of excitement over a small simple thing, but it was a big step,seeing as last time he asked at question she could barley eat one bite of a small mouse that was shared. It was a step to improvement.

Smokethorn grinned when Sunsong reported her meal of an entire blackbird, a.k.a. the average-sized meal for a cat. Last time he saw her, before the Evil Era, she could barely ingest a morsel of a mouse. Besides his pride for her improvement on eating, he couldn't help but feel exceedingly happy about her own excitement for her success. Last time they met, she had been sad and guilty, but now, she was non-stop smiling.

``Stay here! I'll get you something to eat.`` No doubt Smokethorn trusted his mate greatly, but she'd do anything to make sure he was happy. No way she'd lie to him, especially with kits on the way. Plus, he'd like to see Sunsong eating for himself. It'd bring him much joy and pride. ``I'll eat with you, if it makes you feel better,`` he added before spinning on his heel and sprinting off to the fresh-kill pile. With a racing heart that always came simply at the thought of his mate, he searched the pile for an acceptable meal. He settled for two young rabbits, and he was quick to carry them back to his significant other.

Carefully, Smokethorn set a rabbit at Sunsong's paws, briefly glancing upward at her belly, at their unborn kits. The thought brought a large smile to his face, and then he pulled away. He settled down in front of Sunsong, his forepaws resting before him, and his haunches tucked tightly against his flanks. The young rabbit was sprawled across his front paws. ``Have you seen Adderpaw or Leopardpaw recently?``

[~Aesthetic~]

As Almondpaw's white paw tips touched the ground lightly, he paused for a moment to let the breeze rustle his fur. He looked clear out over the horizon, the other Clans in the distance, the smell of earth and grass overwhelming his senses. The hills bounced up and down like waves across the territory. Stars glimmered overhead like small suns, the light of his ancestors beating down on him. He perked his ears and gazed around with his dark blue eyes, scanning his surroundings for any predators or other cats. He drew back his paw and sat where he stood, and for a moment, enjoyed the absence of the crowds of cats constantly looming over him. Preparing himself for another moon of checking the elders for ticks, he swiped his tongue against his sharp teeth as he prepared to eat his prey stolen from the fresh-kill pile.

@Liquoris

[InfernoFlicker]

Originally Posted by bad company

Larkmark smiled as she gave a reply, taking no note to her coldness. "I remember Dapplestar's loyal deputy." he said with a sly smile. "So, Infernosky, I see you have returned. Such a shame for the death of Dapplestar, but Blazingstar has been a very loyal and wonderful leader in her place." he said, and looked at her. "Why so surprised? Because I am young? No much older than you, in fact. Though many would think in other ways." he said, giving a chuckle. His voice was a deepish, smooth sound, and his blue orbs had a content, kind look. Sure, she seemed closed, cut-off sort of. Nothing he couldn't handle of course. He liked her already.

He moved to sit next to her, smiling kindly. "So, is it like you remember? Except our relocation..." he said, his voice going slightly away from his happy tone into a slightly saddened one. The fires destroyed the clan. And even destroyed the warriors. Putting a smile back on his face he layed down. "Also, I know it isn't any of my business, but I'm curious..." he started, and rolled until he was on his back looking up at her. "Why leave in the first place?"

A wave of relief washed over the red tabby's shank when the tom spoke. So someone did remember her! That was relief, and she could use this tom as proof for Shrikecall or Blazingstar if ever something were to become, well, uncertain. "Well, I just," She didn't want to say that she didn't remember him when she had been deputy, "I just assumed everyone had forgotten about me." Perhaps he was one of the many apprentices during that time? He said he wasn't much older--so he had to have been a warrior. Odd. Though she found it hard to admit, she never really spent time getting to know the warriors that she had bossed around all day. She probably never gave this cat a second look. Part of her felt bad for that.

The tom's effortless progression into a small and casual conversation somewhat comforted her; it made her feel normal, like she really belonged here again. She noticed her friends across the way sitting down, perhaps for a nap. They seemed they would be alright in Obsidiansky's care for just a few more minutes, so she took the opportunity to talk to this cat, "It's very different, I will admit...I don't recognize any of these new and young warriors. It's not the same having Dapplestar and my old friends around. However, the busy clan atmosphere is still the same, and as wonderful as ever." Yes, despite the difference in company the clan consisted of, the social atmosphere was still thriving. The former deputy took this moment to ask the warrior a significant question, "Oh, I never asked your name?"

The brutes last question somewhat made Infernosky feel a little exasperated--this would be the third time today that she told her tale--but she expected it was an obligation, as she would expect that the clan members would want an explanation. So she conformed, and once again launched into a brief overview of her predicament. She began with the tunnel rouge attack and the tunnel collapse, to being captured by the rouges, to being trapped by twolegs, being taken to a strange place called New York City, as her friends called it, to escaping the 'pound', meeting Russel and Jitter, and traveling all the way back home.

As she spoke, she took note of the fellow warrior's attributes; his features, his voice, his eyes, his fur. A lot of his mannerisms reminded Infernosky of the raggedy tom that had originally captured her; Hickory. Much like him, this tom had that same type of coolness about him, a type of swagger, and a bit of...flirt? That notion both agitated and amused Inferno.

[InfernoFlicker]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

Obsidiansky shot a grateful look towards the Charteux as he quickly responded to Jitter's comment. A smile spread across his maw at her grumbling; the two of them seemed like they would fit in fine. Perhaps just a little out of place, but they seemed mainly fine! Why had Shrikecall been so angry at him for offering to help? Why didn't the deputy want new members in the Clan, didn't he think it was up to Blazingstar? Didn't he believe that the leader should be the one to say who was and who was not to join? From his reaction, apparently not.The smile faltered at this knowledge.
　
He didn't know why Shrikecall had to take control but, from the looks of things, it was going to end just fine. Obsidiansky did feel a little bad for the deputy, though... after all, he was probably not too happy if the cats were getting to stay in WindClan. And even if they weren't, he still wouldn't be happy. Was there anything at all that satisfied the seemingly grumpy older tom?
　
As far as he knew, probably not. But he knew nothing about the senior cat anyways, so he didn't really have too much against him. Other then the fact that he was rude, and irritating and-- Obsidiansky quickly cut his thoughts off before any of them left his maw. "I'm sure you'll be allowed to stay. Blazingstar's a fair leader; he trusts Shrikecall, but I'm pretty sure he'll hear what Infernosky has to say first before making a decision."
　
And, if your story is true-- which it sounded pretty true-- then it'll be a definite thing. He hoped that Blazingstar wouldn't just go off of Shrikecall's obviously bias opinion. The deputy had lived much longer, but that didn't mean he knew everything. Why was he like that, anyways? Perhaps someday the ebony tom would ask... on a day when he felt like getting clawed. Or a day when he felt like getting snapped at, either one would do; he was positive that one or the other would happen. Then again, the older deputy was pretty unpredictable.
　
At Russel's question, Obsidiansky cocked his head to one side. He was pretty tired... but he didn't want to take the risk that Shrikecall would yell at him. He certainly didn't feel like getting in more trouble then he was probably already in. At least the deputy had allowed him to keep an eye on these cats instead of just yelling at him right then and there, but then again, the younger tom supposed he had to.
　
"I don't know... I mean, I know you're not going to run off, but Shrikecall might not know that. He'd probably get mad. You guys can go ahead, I'll wait until I'm sure that things are cleared up and then I can get some rest. It probably won't be..." He stopped, yawning as he did so, and shook his head a little like he was coming out of water. "...too much longer." He finished, blinking sleepily. His instincts were telling him that sleep was very much needed here, but his fear that something might happen was keeping him from listening.

Russel nodded appreciatively to Obsidiansky's reassuring words. He sure hoped he was right. He also hoped that Infernosky didn't say anything that would make the leader angry and totally destroy their chances. But, Russel knew Infernosky was very clever; she knows when to hold her tongue.

However, the sleep suggestion, as expected, was met with uncertainty. The large grey chartreux sat down, curled his banner around his platforms and stifled a yawn. "Hm. Understandably so. In that case, I'll sit here and let Jitter sleep for a while..." As he said this, Jitterbug was already curling up at the base of his paws, tucking her little muzzle behind her tail tip.
"I'll stay up and wait with you, and then we'll be out of your hair soon." The somewhat shy tom was beginning to feel like they were intruding a little too much on their tour-guides time. He wished Infernosky would just come to them with news already.

(sorry it's a little short!)

[monfang]

Originally Posted by InfernoFlicker

A wave of relief washed over the red tabby's shank when the tom spoke. So someone did remember her! That was relief, and she could use this tom as proof for Shrikecall or Blazingstar if ever something were to become, well, uncertain. "Well, I just," She didn't want to say that she didn't remember him when she had been deputy, "I just assumed everyone had forgotten about me." Perhaps he was one of the many apprentices during that time? He said he wasn't much older--so he had to have been a warrior. Odd. Though she found it hard to admit, she never really spent time getting to know the warriors that she had bossed around all day. She probably never gave this cat a second look. Part of her felt bad for that.

The tom's effortless progression into a small and casual conversation somewhat comforted her; it made her feel normal, like she really belonged here again. She noticed her friends across the way sitting down, perhaps for a nap. They seemed they would be alright in Obsidiansky's care for just a few more minutes, so she took the opportunity to talk to this cat, "It's very different, I will admit...I don't recognize any of these new and young warriors. It's not the same having Dapplestar and my old friends around. However, the busy clan atmosphere is still the same, and as wonderful as ever." Yes, despite the difference in company the clan consisted of, the social atmosphere was still thriving. The former deputy took this moment to ask the warrior a significant question, "Oh, I never asked your name?"

The brutes last question somewhat made Infernosky feel a little exasperated--this would be the third time today that she told her tale--but she expected it was an obligation, as she would expect that the clan members would want an explanation. So she conformed, and once again launched into a brief overview of her predicament. She began with the tunnel rouge attack and the tunnel collapse, to being captured by the rouges, to being trapped by twolegs, being taken to a strange place called New York City, as her friends called it, to escaping the 'pound', meeting Russel and Jitter, and traveling all the way back home.

As she spoke, she took note of the fellow warrior's attributes; his features, his voice, his eyes, his fur. A lot of his mannerisms reminded Infernosky of the raggedy tom that had originally captured her; Hickory. Much like him, this tom had that same type of coolness about him, a type of swagger, and a bit of...flirt? That notion both agitated and amused Inferno.

He chuckled as she said she thought she was forgotten. "Not at all." he said, his voice still cool and smooth. He understood where she was getting at. Many have been killed or hurt in those tunnel collapses. Even his own brother was killed. And then his mother drowned. Shame, but he didn't faulter, and kept himself together and has become loved for his attitide.

He listened to her tell her tale and nodded, still laying on his back. "Makes sense. Rogues and Twolegs aren't really the greatest reasons, but then again you had no choice really." he said, shrugging.

"Oh, my name, dear StarClan." he chuckled and rolled back onto his stomach. "The name's Larkmark." he said with a friendly smile. He dipped his head as he spoke his name and kept his smile and gaze. His dark pastel blue eyes shone in the light that entered the clan. "Pleased to finally have a talk with the former deputy." he said, his smile showing his flirting attitude. "And may I say, you're even more pretty than described." he purred.

Whether or not she would get angry at his flirting, he always had done it. He didn't do it to annoy, more so to make someone feel good about themselves. He was known for that. He was known for his smile, gaze, and pick-up lines that made everyone feel warm and sweet inside. His compliments and choice of words worked the same, and so when someone was down they would come to him for a piker-uper. Sure many thought him to be childish but in all reality he was just doing what he does best.