ShadowClan Life Before Destruction

[seasalt]

Originally Posted by NightWarrior4Life

The tabby apprentice just nodded with no reply then he turned away only to charge back at Winterdream and leap into the air, claws unsheathed.

Surprised lit the warriors gaze instantly. So soon eh? She thought, eyes narrowed, tail lashing as she stood their, and using reflexes, she moved to side as the tabby tom leaped into the air. His claws are unsheathed... A tickle of resentment went through her. Cats in the Dark Forest trained with claws unsheathed usually. This wasn't much of a good thing. An uneasy look gleamed in her eyes, very uneasy, ears twitching. A sweep of nervousness swept through her. "I-...I think we are done for today." Winterdream murmured, but loud enough for Sparrowpaw to hear, her uneasy feeling creeping deeper, and deeper, and she couldn't take it any more. That must be why his mentor wouldn't teach him the move. With a flick of a tail, she slid into the forest, but not before turning to look at Sparrowpaw, "You have done greatly today, and this has been fun." She praised, before slinking into the undergrowth, gone. He reminded her of some cat she once knew, but him unsheathing his claws... it reminded her of something she'd never wanted to deal with again ever since she was done with them, the Dark Forest. She shuddered at the thought as she walked, looking at the pines, the smell comforted her, and she gave a sigh, a sigh of calm. ShadowClan would always be her home and the pines were one of the things she loved about her clan. The smell was comforting, and quite nice to scent, to her really. And the smell of the marsh was comforting too. Very comforting indeed.

[SuspiciousMindz]

Originally Posted by Ever

At first she was a little surprised by his sudden movement. Though as he gently began grooming her shoulder she felt relief spread through her. She hadn't shared tongues with a clanmate in awhile and she'd rather forgotten what a nice surprise it was. Especially where with her mobility issues it could be rather strenuous to reach some of those spots on her shoulder blades and along her spine. Her skin twitched at the unfamiliar feeling of someone else helping her groom, but by the third or fourth lick she was relaxed into the touch. Marbledface felt head flooding her own ears, as she felt some what like a kit again; needing aid in grooming. After quickly glancing to see Jaguarclaw's relaxed expression though she felt relaxed herself. Without wanting to, a soft purr rumbled deep in her chest and her ears momentarily flushed with embarrassment again, a sort of shy and unfamiliar feeling creeping deep in her chest and making her feel light and giddy. Her emerald hues looked at the tom's mussed fur and shifted her weight so that she was a little better propped up. That way she was able to lean forward and return the favor, smoothing his spotted fur down. The mottled molly continued her low grumbling purr as she groomed him, she was upset by the feeling of his bones beneath the fur, strong green leaf muscles deteriorated. She hoped that they would soon return and that his green leaf best would be back. Like when they had first met almost twelve moons ago now. Back when the weather was just beginning to turn sour for leaf fall. The thought made her smile, it always did. He was the first cat to experience all of her on the first day. Not just her strong and independent side, but also her hidden compassionate side and the truth about her health. He'd still stuck by her, despite her multiple flaws and imperfections which constantly made her lose her confidence, made her want to abandon her dreams. Though with Jaguarclaw at her side she felt better. Her fears and discomforts washed away when she was at his side, his support was something she rather depended on now. Her purr strengthened as she thought about how thankful she was for his friendship. Her mind didn't want to explore what more it could mean yet, love was still a very frightening thing for her. Though she couldn't ever see the bengal tom cat abandoning her like her father had done with their family; but it was the fact that Eversong hadn't expected Iceclaw to abandon her that left Marbledface perpetually fearful of loving and being loved. "Thanks for being there for me..." She whispered to him, pausing to push her cheek against his shoulder and hold it there for a moment's rest before resuming grooming. As much as she denied the thoughts, she knew underneath it all that she was falling hard for him. Harder than she'd ever imagined herself falling for another. She'd always imagined that her love life would be constantly questioning her partner, never fully trusting them, but here she was letting all of her secrets be revealed to this tom. Even thought their status laid at friendship still she'd confided in him things that no other cat knew about her, and the fact that he knew her secrets didn't scare her. It left a weight off her shoulders. That trust, it wasn't something she had pictured herself finding nor did she expect to find that ever again. So rather than confessing any deeper emotions, she rather settled for just thanking him for his support and friendship. it was easier that way, though beneath her fur she could feel an anxiety developing, one that wanted her to say everything she was feeling. Though she knew it was only her second day back, she couldn't just jump to conclusions. He might have made knew friends, developed connections with others. As much as that pained Marbledface to think, she didn't want to selfishly confess anything that would harm their friendship. Even if his heart laid with another cat, the mottled molly would be able to accept that if she could at least keep his friendship; or so she wanted to think. The thought made her chest ache as she continued grooming his fur, smoothing the soft spotted pattern into smooth submission.

Jaguarclaw was happy to hear a purr rumble from deep inside her throat. It was a rare thing for him to hear. He couldn't remember the last time he had heard it expect when he was stuck in the mud. Oh how their first day meeting went. That day seemed to have drifted away in the back of his mind, however he knew how precious it was. There was nothing better than keeping a friend that had seen you in your lowest. That brought back the apprentice he killed. He still felt awful about that, but he had learned how to cope. There was nothing Jaguarclaw could do to change that, he could only learn to continue living knowing that he had ended another cats life -- a younger cat at that. It may have been by accident, but he could still picture the surprise and angry that raced across the apprentice's eyes before he died. A shutter was sent down his spine, but he focused his attention elsewhere as if it didn't happen. He wanted Marbledface to assume it was just a chill he got and not a deep dark thought coming back to haunt him. His tongue continued to rasp over her shoulder before he shifted towards the back of her neck. He was enjoying himself too. Her soft licks were comforting in a way he only understood. Just the thought of having a well-managed pelt again sounded amazing. He couldn't wait. Shadowclan needed a decent looking gentleman around and he had always vowed to be that gentleman no matter who stood in the way. He'd never raise a paw against a clan-mate and he hoped the clan knew that well. Jaguarclaw let his olive hues shut a bit. He too allowed a soft purr to leave his body. It wasn't uncommon for him however, though this purr was purely out of his happiness.

[MysticIceRaven]

Ravenwing stalked around the clearing, her black fur blending in with the shadows. Only her sharp blue eyes and the blue swirls on her pelt betrayed her presence.

[RedHead]

Originally Posted by woly

Daypaw couldnt help be snort at the mention of a cure for elders. As much as they wish it was possible, it wasnt. They couldnt cure old age. They nodded along with the mention of their brothers training, ears perked and listening well. Even if it was only a few days ago they missed being able to go out into the territory daily, patrolling and listening for prey. Their mouth watered at the thought of hunting. They didnt chose this life. Starclan did. The thought of the ancestors with starry pelts. They lashed their tail a few times, but held their mouth shut. Their brother had always been patient with them, they had always known when to change and subject and it was greatly appreciated even if Daypaw didnt voice their appreciation all of the time, they were still warmed. "I wish I could cure old age, but alas I can not." The cat gave out a snort of amusement. They wuld do as much as they could though. Theyd prove that they could work and heal without Starclans help. And if sucking up to the elders meant that, that would be it. "Im glad your training is going well, sounds more interesting then mine even if their are apprentices injuring themselves constantly." for once they actually smiled.

Canarypaw snorted, flicking his golden tail. "Just because they are old doesn't mean they need to go snapping at younger cats." His face then flickered with a little bit of panic. He hated being rude and talking about others behind their backs, even if it were the elders. "I mean, I could understand why they are grouchy, they've done so much for thier clan already." There, that was a better way to word it. His next thought was why apprentices would hurt themselves constantly. Sure, they were young and inexperienced, but Canarypaw himself was very careful. Maybe the other apprentices should be more like him. That might make things boring... Plus I'm not the greatest or most perfect cat. "I wonder what it will be like when I become a warrior, but you still have your apprentice name. Or since you are the full-on medicine cat right now, do you get that early?" Canarypaw didn't really know the dynamics of medicine cat ranks and names. He himself had ALWAYS wanted to be a warrior. He knew that Daypaw may mot have wanted the job they got either, but at least they might be able to handle it. Canarypaw on the other hand... He would not be able to stand being cooped up in the medicine den all day long, surrounded by the scent of herbs and sick cats. Sure, he would probably excel with the social part of it, keeping others calm and happy, but he would never be able to handle the inability to just be free and hunt whenever you want. Plus, Canarypsw wouldn't know how to fight. And battle training was the golden cat's favorite type of training. "You know Daypaw, you are very brave to accept this job. I know I would never be able to handle it, much less do it well."

[RedHead]

Originally Posted by Noire

{it's certainly alright!! Just take your time }

The she cat gave him a sly look, a sort of lopsided grin placed on her muzzle, and she curled her tail around herself. It was a shame that she didn't know or remembered his name. Did it actually matter? Not really. At least in her opinion, no name really mattered. Though they were clan mates. And maybe would have to work together if Starclan called to it. Did he believe in Starclan? Chrysanthemumshade wondered this, but did not dare to ask the question. She could already tell that he would retort with something aggressive or sarcastic. Chrysanthemumshade wouldn't exactly dub the tom as the sarcastic type. More like he would remark with something mean. Something sinister, but not evil. Even if he gave her a shiver, she couldn't possibly assume that he was such a cat.

Chrysanthemumshade felt her tail thump out of anticipation. Where exactly did he think he was going? Without so much as a goodbye? The grey she cat felt herself fuming at the disrespect that he was displaying. She was ready to turn away herself. He was not her ideal of company. And, frankly, he gave her somewhat of a chill. "You're logic sounds stupid." Well, there she goes. Her big mouth spilling unnecessary remarks that should had stayed within her mind. She let out a small gasp. One for her sudden outburst. And the other that she was not ready for whatever comment he would make. Maybe he would attack her for offending him. If she had offended him. He was such a peculiar tom. Insulting her, insulting her sister, always seemingly...gloomy. Or, was that the right word? Most likely not. She preferred something along the lines of stoic, emotionless, indifferent. Those would work perfectly.

"I meant that...you can't just assume a cat would be the same. Cats change as time changes." She rephrased herself. Again, this cat gave her a weird chill. She felt like she was in one sided argument. He looked like he would have accounted argument for everything she believed in. "It's called development." She rolled her eyes, and picked up one paw to give it a lick before bringing it over her head. But her words didn't stop him from leaving. And, she let out a huff of her own.

Her ears had perked at hearing his voice once more. The she cat turned towards him, blinking. What a response he had given her! One that surprised her much as well. The fact that he could be considered humble with such a rude attitude. At least he had the guts to admit such a thing. Chrysanthemumshade knew most cats carried a swollen pride, and believed that they could do better than most cats at leading a clan. Chrysanthemumshade would cringe at the hard work, and preferred to stay a warrior at best. And, she would had laugh if it weren't for his next remark. Perhaps a gander at insulting her sister once more? However, she suppressed a growl, and calmly breathed on. She got to her paws, swishing her tail to the side for a moment. Chrysanthemumshade tried to be a friendly cat towards everyone she passes, but some cats just loved to be on her mean side. The tom--she couldn't put him in any place at the moment. Quite frankly, she was intrigued, yet afraid of him. Then, she was annoyed with him. His attitude mainly.

"If given the chance, don't you think those cats could had made great deputies?" With the many cats that Halestar appointed as deputy, the grey she cat felt that none were given s chance to prove themselves. And, she agreed that Shadowclan needed a strong deputy that would eventually take the place of Halestar, but she also felt that this tom was being quite biased when it came to her sister. Why wouldn't Cloverwhisker make an excellent deputy? Or the deputy before her? What was her name again? Moondancer...?

Chrysanthemumshade padded forward, tilting her head to the side. "It seems like nothing can ever satisfy you," she teased, though her voice sounded rough. "I suppose you know what traits makes for an excellent deputy?"

{"Your logic sounds stupid." Oh wow. Harsh XD}

Wolfglare immediately focused his ice cold stare on the she-cat in front of him. Okay, it was one thing to be annoying, but another thing to outright insult his logic. "Excuse me?" He growled, danger sparking in his eyes. Wolfglare couldn't believe she just said that. Why would she think that she could insult him like that? He could honestly seriously injure her with a few swipes of his paw. But no, Wolfglare was not a murder. His parents may have been, and hey we're EE supporters, but he was not. He was just rough and emotionless on the outside. The thing that no other cat knew though, was that Wolfglare was a big fluffy teddy bear on the inside. Why would he let anyone in though?

At her next statement, Wolfglare calmed down a little. At least she had the decency to apologize, in a way, for her insults. And he didn't let it show, but Wolfglare greatly appreciated that quality. "Yes, I know what development is. And I understand it can happen. And if a cat shows development, my opinions of them can change. That's all it is though. Meaningless opinions. If there were no opinions, there would be NO cats that would make a great anything. Everyone would just be the same." Wolfglare sat down and surged his tail around his paws, facing the she-cat. This showed he had no intention of leaving anymore, anytime soon. And he was pretty much blocking the exit, so there was that. "Every cat is entitled to their own opinion of things. So, while in some other cats eyes, Cloverwhisker and Halestar are a great deputy and leader, in my eyes, they are weak." Wolfglare cocked his head a little, thinking. "Sure, they might be good cats all in all, but I just don't think they are suited for the role of leading the clan."

Wolfglare then smiled a little, the first sign of emotion from him in a while. "Oh, there are plenty of things that satisfy me, cats just don't know them. Because I would prefer to not have others know me." Wolfglare then simply huffed at her last question. "Remember, it's just all opinion."

[graves]

Originally Posted by Duststorm

@woly


Yellow eyes scanned the clearing, half-closed against the bright sunlight that flooded the area around camp. Badgerbite, who had settled herself just outside the nursery (although the smell of the nursery made her quite sick), slowly extended and retracted her claws into the soft ground as she soaked in the sunlight. Extending her front paws out, the tuxedo cat stretched her muscles, slowly sliding down until her body was fully stretched on the ground directly next to the entrance. She truly had no clue what personal space was, unless it was her own to be honest. The senior warrior was extremely aggressive when her personal space was violated. Lulled by a gentle purr rising in her chest, Badger's eyes slowly drifted shut, her tail whipping back and forth. Nothing was wrong right now with such a perfect moment.

Although, the tuxedo had been quite on edge. She was supposed to meet her friend, Bearsnarl, by the entrance but the senior warrior would be damned if she would go inside such an awful place. Her time in the nursery hadn't been a good, thus Badgerbite avoided queens and kits altogether; however, she couldn't pass up her friend for being a queen. The old cat was sure her kits weren't as important than her, but things change right? Maybe Bearsnarl had fallen in love with her kits and wanted to spend as much time around them as possible? The thought maybe Badgerbite scoff in half-amusement, half-disappointment. Rolling onto her left side, so she was facing the nursery entrance, Badgerbite intently scanned the entryway, giving a huff of annoyance.

@winter @Chameleon

Bearnsnarl made her way out of the nursery with an annoyed hiss at her kits. "Get out, cant you put a pep in your step?" her tone had an edge to it, pawing at her kits to move out of the nursery with clawed paws. The nursery was beginning to grow hot at this time of year, hence why they were now in the clearing. She was to busy ushering her kits outside that she bumped into the warrior, Badgerbite, whipping her head around immediately with a curled lip,"Some cats have to walk in and out of these dens, we dont need cats like you laying infront of the exits." she was in no mood today. If she had a tail, shed probably be lashing it. Though instead there was only a tiny nub stump of what was her tail.

[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by RedHead

{"Your logic sounds stupid." Oh wow. Harsh XD}

Wolfglare immediately focused his ice cold stare on the she-cat in front of him. Okay, it was one thing to be annoying, but another thing to outright insult his logic. "Excuse me?" He growled, danger sparking in his eyes. Wolfglare couldn't believe she just said that. Why would she think that she could insult him like that? He could honestly seriously injure her with a few swipes of his paw. But no, Wolfglare was not a murder. His parents may have been, and hey we're EE supporters, but he was not. He was just rough and emotionless on the outside. The thing that no other cat knew though, was that Wolfglare was a big fluffy teddy bear on the inside. Why would he let anyone in though?

At her next statement, Wolfglare calmed down a little. At least she had the decency to apologize, in a way, for her insults. And he didn't let it show, but Wolfglare greatly appreciated that quality. "Yes, I know what development is. And I understand it can happen. And if a cat shows development, my opinions of them can change. That's all it is though. Meaningless opinions. If there were no opinions, there would be NO cats that would make a great anything. Everyone would just be the same." Wolfglare sat down and surged his tail around his paws, facing the she-cat. This showed he had no intention of leaving anymore, anytime soon. And he was pretty much blocking the exit, so there was that. "Every cat is entitled to their own opinion of things. So, while in some other cats eyes, Cloverwhisker and Halestar are a great deputy and leader, in my eyes, they are weak." Wolfglare cocked his head a little, thinking. "Sure, they might be good cats all in all, but I just don't think they are suited for the role of leading the clan."

Wolfglare then smiled a little, the first sign of emotion from him in a while. "Oh, there are plenty of things that satisfy me, cats just don't know them. Because I would prefer to not have others know me." Wolfglare then simply huffed at her last question. "Remember, it's just all opinion."

{She wasn't thinking straight xD }

Chrysanthemumshade let out a sigh of relief. When he first growled at her, she felt herself sinking back as if she were some small kit being scolded by her parents. At first her body shivered from the roughness in his voice, but he seemed to have calmed down from her insult. Not that she meant to insult him at all. It was simply a stupid phrase that left her maw before she could think anything through. She allowed herself to slowly go back to a normal state. She sat up, her tail covered her paws as she looked on at the great cat. Great in size that was. Though she didn't normally agree with him as to what he thought. Which, of course, the tom was right. Everything was opinionated. What was the use of a fact being born? Such as the morning time was every cat's favorite time. Even if it weren't. Or the fact that the sun goes down every night. Wouldn't that be true?

Chrysanthemumshade mellowed down. Her breathing became soft and she found herself somewhat enjoying the larger tom's presence. At least his view on things. She could already tell that he would be a great arguer. Someone she could find herself debating with when it comes to this or that. And though she was strong minded, Chysanthemumshade tried her best to accep other cats' opinions on the world.

After all, everything was an opinion. Such as Halestar is a great leader or Cloverwhisker would make a great deputy. Or that fish taste better than land prey. "I suppose you're right." She dipped her head to him for a moment. "But opinions matter more than facts, don't they? I mean, with every cat caring about what others see them as." She twitched her nose. It had to be true at some level. Chrysanthemumshade herself found when she was an apprentice, all that mattered was how the other cats saw her as. Even if her sister and brother loved her for who she was. Cloverwhisker didn't seem to care, she would always be that naively sweet kitty while Pufftuft was a good cat all around.

Chrysanthemumshade brought her head up, and for a moment she caught a ghost of a smile upon the tom's face. So, you do have expressions? She would had commented, but still felt a bit intimidated if she had done so. But it was nice to know that he had something quick to smile about even if she didn't know what it was.

At his words, the she cat gave him a sideways glance. What was so important that he had to keep it hidden from the other cats? He wasn't a significant leader or important factor in any of their lives. He was simply a...normal tom. As she was a simple she cat. "I'm pretty sure there are many things that satisfy you. Especially behind all that...bulkiness." She squinted her eyes as if am trying to convince herself that's what she wanted to say. It was a two way street and a two way response. He'll either retort something mean or...mean. That's all she had been receiving from him. Though that small smile was quite a surprise, and she felt her ears perk for even doing such a thing. Being liked by her clan mates was what Chysanthemumshade took serious. Even if what the larger tom said was true, Chysanthemumshade couldn't help but care about opinions. Opinions of her mainly. Many might call her vain, but she never had that many friends to began with.

"Opinions...yeah," she let out an awkward giggle before hiding her head towards her paw as if she needed to scratch her nose. At his earlier statement, she found herself thinking hard. Every cat would be the same, wouldn't they? No diversity to go around. Difference made cats unique. Even if the opinion had been one of negativity. She preferred to keep her thoughts to herself. Insecurity never looked good on a she cat. Especially to her. Though something did dawn on her as to what he said, and she found herself slinking back into that topic. "Do you always judge the future of Shadowclan? What makes you think Halestar is a weak leader? What type of expectations do you want them to meet?" Her voice was laced with sarcasm, but she was serious when it came to him. He was the first cat that she met who carried such a...intended thought chain, if that would be the way to describe it. He knew how to keep her interested in a conversation just because of his simple opinions. What a fascination.

"And, don't tell me it's just because of opinions," she huffs at him. "It seems to me you have too many opinions to just think of them as such."

[appariitiion]

@Flameleaf

Cypressclaw stormed in the clearing, carrying a messily-caught rabbit. He tossed the prey in the pile and sat down at the edge of the clearing, taking a shaded spot. His unsheathed claws dug into the grass and dirt, an angered expression on his face. I can't believe Chestnutfeather would ditch me to talk to some filthy RiverClan mousedung over the border! Words buzzed through his head. Just go catch some prey, he said. Prove you're the best hunter again, he said. I don't need proof! He better get back soon before I come out there and claw off his sorry tail.. Some brother he is..

[Tundra]

Featherpaw noticed a cat at the edge of the clearing and padded over. "Hi there!" She mewed. "Its Cypressclaw, right?" Featherpaw smiled, trying to be polite. "You seen angry, is everything alright?" She asked, "Isn't your brother Chestnutfeather, where is he?" She looked around the clearing, looking for Cypressclaw's brother. "Is he still hunting? Did you split up?" Featherpaw flicked her tail and tilted her head. "You went hunting together, right? So shouldn't he be here?"

[SacredMadness]

(Ummm I'm a newbie.....ugh!......is there a chance that I could join this rp?)