RiverClan Clearing

[217]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

A nervous laugh escaped the tom's maw at her words. He felt flattered, really. But... what was he supposed to say? What was he supposed to do? See, Thunderstorm was suddenly realizing that he was running out of things to say to his best friend. Normally this would be the time when he suggested hunting or taking a walk, which would open up new subject matter, but this time he just stood still. Frozen. His hues still sparkling, but they seemed duller in color for a moment. His normally bright and happy features were serious just for a second before he sighed and shifted his weight. He needed to tell her. Just to get it off his chest, and rejection... maybe it wouldn't hurt as bad this time.
　
Maybe this time he would be safe. The other three times hadn't been as bad - well, the first hadn't. The others? Each was a little more harrowing then the last, and this very last confession was going to be rough. If Tawnyflight rejected him? Thunderstorm wasn't going to have anything else to do with love. This was his very last love... his last confession... his last chance. He was still a young warrior, yet Thunderstorm felt like this was the last chance he would ever get. "Tawnyflight, I... there's... I n-need to..." He stammered, his words jumbled and confusing as he tried to sort them out. This had to work. It just had to.
　

"I... I love you."

He said it.

He said the the three words Tawnyflight had been longing to say for nearly their whole conversation. She was stunned into silence, staring at him with wide, green eyes, thought after thought flooding into her mind. He loved her. And not platonically. She loved him. Not platonically either. She couldn't believe this was happening. She couldn't be happier, either, though at the moment shock had taken over hee features. She quickly shook that look away, and when his words completely caught up with her, there was no way she could keep the small smile from making its way onto her face.

"I...." Her words caught in her throat, and she took a deep breath. He'd already said it. He'd done the hard part. He'd already told her how he felt first. Returning the words, letting him know she felt the same, that was the easy part. She took a deep breath. "Thunderstorm... I love you too." She did just what she'd done earlier. She took a step closer to the tom, her pelt once again pressing against his, and nestled her head under his chin. "I love you too, Thunderstorm," she repeated, feeling as if saying it one thousand times wouldn't be enough. Her voice lowered to a whisper as she repeated it once more. She felt so lucky. "I love you."

[lone]

Originally Posted by Fawn

He said it.

Originally Posted by Fawn

He said the the three words Tawnyflight had been longing to say for nearly their whole conversation. She was stunned into silence, staring at him with wide, green eyes, thought after thought flooding into her mind. He loved her. And not platonically. She loved him. Not platonically either. She couldn't believe this was happening. She couldn't be happier, either, though at the moment shock had taken over hee features. She quickly shook that look away, and when his words completely caught up with her, there was no way she could keep the small smile from making its way onto her face.

"I...." Her words caught in her throat, and she took a deep breath. He'd already said it. He'd done the hard part. He'd already told her how he felt first. Returning the words, letting him know she felt the same, that was the easy part. She took a deep breath. "Thunderstorm... I love you too." She did just what she'd done earlier. She took a step closer to the tom, her pelt once again pressing against his, and nestled her head under his chin. "I love you too, Thunderstorm," she repeated, feeling as if saying it one thousand times wouldn't be enough. Her voice lowered to a whisper as she repeated it once more. She felt so lucky. "I love you."

She loved him.
　
She loved him.
　

She loved him.
　

Of all the cats in the Clan, Tawnyflight... his best friend... a cat that Thunderstorm cared about more then his own life, loved him. For a moment everything was silent. He couldn't think of words to say. Nothing came to his mind, everything was... fuzzy. Blurry. Uncomfortable for a few seconds before a pleasant, soft, warmth pressed against him. Tawny. She had always been there. And Thunderstorm loved it. Now that he was able to get that off his mind, and realize that everything was going to be fine, there was no reason to act weird. Part of him knew what the next step would be. Was he ready to take it? Not... not quite. For a moment, they should just be young. Stay like this.
　
"Want to go for a walk?" Maybe they could talk. About anything... everything... just like they used to in the old days. Things were never going to be the same, Thunderstorm realized that and he could respect that, but he knew that they were going to be better then before. They would be different, but they would be closer. This was a type of love that could not be broken. A bond that they had held for a while now, he was certain... and a bond that Thunderstorm hoped was going to stay forever. As far as he knew? It really couldn't be broken. They were friends for life now, jumping into this madness... and holding on, praying that they could get through it together.

[wren]

Originally Posted by AbsurdJinx

Tumblestep didn't understand her laugh-crying. Was she sad? But her laughter convinced him otherwise. Then she was happy? Or amused? Confusion engulfed his features, his green eyes searching her face for concrete signs of a single emotion that he would be capable of understanding. And then he felt the warmth of her gaze, and he immediately knew Daisyshade was happy. He smiled softly, glad that she was not upset, but concern still littered his eyes.

Daisyshade loved him. She loved him! Tumblestep stood frozen in shock. Yes, he knew she had feelings for him, but he had never accepted it due to the fact that he had not loved her. But now that the feeling was mutual, it felt so different to be hearing her say it. He liked it. He swiftly recovered from his episode of shock, heat warming his pelt and a shy smile growing across his face. Tumblestep laughed a shy laugh, glancing down at his paws nervously before looking back at Daisyshade. Anxiety was clear in his eyes, but otherwise, he may as well be the most confident cat in all the clans. Yes, he was incredibly nervous, but he wanted this, and it came naturally. ``Cats who love one another... They... They commit to one another for the rest of their lives by... By becoming mates.`` He inched closer to Daisyshade until he could feel her warm breath on his muzzle. ``So... Daisyshade, will you be my mate?``

Daisyshades heart dropped and suddenly her head snapped up at him. She opened her mouth for a moment but shut it quickly. Moments ago he didn't know what love was... He didn't feel love... He didn't understand but now all of a sudden he's... What? Beats of adrenaline surged through her veins and than she just couldn't feel anything. She was caught for words for the first time in a long time. She opened her mouth again and let it hang agap for a moment or two "Tumblestep... Do you know what your doing?" she asked. She was almost sure he could hear her beating heart right through her chest. It almost seemed to blot out everything else she could hear. She looked away from him for a long moment. A blush appearing on her cheeks and she bit her tongue. What else can I say? What on earth could I possibly say? I love him and this is what I've always wanted but I'm not so sure he knows what he's doing... Daisyshade sighed and pressed her nose onto his for a split second and she opened her eyes back at him.

"Tumblestep... It's a thousand times yes.. But are you sure you know what your doing?" she asked. Examining his face closely. She was touched, she loved him so dearly she would sacrifice her life for him any day. Yet. Her hesitance was only for the fear they break down their relationship rushing into it like this. "Oh dear starclan..." she whispers. She rested herself down on her paws in a crouched position. Than shut her eyes for a long moment. She raised herself back up after a moment. She examined his face again and said nothing. Only held the silence in her bright eyes.

[217]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

She loved him.
　
She loved him.
　

She loved him.
　

Of all the cats in the Clan, Tawnyflight... his best friend... a cat that Thunderstorm cared about more then his own life, loved him. For a moment everything was silent. He couldn't think of words to say. Nothing came to his mind, everything was... fuzzy. Blurry. Uncomfortable for a few seconds before a pleasant, soft, warmth pressed against him. Tawny. She had always been there. And Thunderstorm loved it. Now that he was able to get that off his mind, and realize that everything was going to be fine, there was no reason to act weird. Part of him knew what the next step would be. Was he ready to take it? Not... not quite. For a moment, they should just be young. Stay like this.
　
"Want to go for a walk?" Maybe they could talk. About anything... everything... just like they used to in the old days. Things were never going to be the same, Thunderstorm realized that and he could respect that, but he knew that they were going to be better then before. They would be different, but they would be closer. This was a type of love that could not be broken. A bond that they had held for a while now, he was certain... and a bond that Thunderstorm hoped was going to stay forever. As far as he knew? It really couldn't be broken. They were friends for life now, jumping into this madness... and holding on, praying that they could get through it together.

A brief silence unfolded as Tawnyflight stood silent, still pressed agaisnt the tom comfortably. She felt dizzy. She felt as if she could be floating. Finally, she drew away, though still stood a little closer than before. She couldn't be more happy, more relieved that he felt the same way. It all seemed so surreal, and it felt like a dream come true to her. She never thought he'd fall for her, out of all of the other pretty she-cat's she'd seen in the Clan. But then she remembered; this was her best friend. The one who always seemed to be there for her when she needed someone. The one who taught her to be a better cat. The one she'd worked so hard to be there for as well. Then again, when she was younger and first met him, she never expected to grow so close to him, and to end up loving him. Nevertheless, she wouldn't have it any other way.

"Yeah," she replied after what felt to her to be an eternity in her own thoughts, "A walk sounds nice." It'd be nice to go and get some exercise on a relaxing stroll, and talk about whatever they wanted. Now that the tension was gone and they both knew how the other felt, Tawnyflight felt like she could bring up nearly anything to talk to him about. Her mind felt more open, more able to grasp conversational ideas. She was glad to be able to talk to the gray tom without her feelings for him threatening to break loose and make themselves known. It felt nice, relaxing, and perfect. In this moment, Tawnyflight couldn't be happier. She felt like the happiest she-cat in the Clan - no, in all of the Clans. She felt as if she had floated up into the clouds, and nothing in this moment could bring her back down.

[Starfall]

Originally Posted by woly

@starfall

Wolfdancer padded through the clearing slowly. She had been losing sleep more and more lately, training had been hard. But, she was a mother of what, 13 now? and she needed to start acting more like one. Golden eyes searched for one of her daughters; Foamflower. It was weird, even if all of her kits were adopted it seemed like some of her kits almost resembled her at times, Foam having some white and grey markings as Wolf had. She liked that. And with the recent news of her taking a mate and now having kits, Wolfdancer thought id be a good idea for her to check in on her daughter. She finally spotted her, padding up to her with a smile. "Foamflower!," the large molly mewed as she made her way over, grabbing her daughters attention. Once closer, she leaned a pressed a few licks to her kits forehead with soft purring coming from her. "Oh look how you have grown."

The molly was deep in thought, recent events ran rampant through her mind, Standingsea, kits, oh great Starclan kits. She didnt know how she was supposed to react to that, she wasnt sure how to raise them, she had only just become a warrior and yet she was going to be shut in the nursery. She let out a sigh then a chuckle, although she wasnt too happy about being cooped up in the nursery she was elated that she was going to have kits, she had always wanted her own family, cats to look after, cats to take care of. The warrior was pulled out of her thoughts by her mother, the older molly padding towords her, golden eyes seeming to glow brighter than before. She returned her mothers smile with a bright smile of her own, she loved interacting with her siblings, it always made her day brighter, but talking and walking with the warriors who took her in and gave her a place to sleep always painted a big smile on the warriors maw. Her ocean blue optics danced with joy and love, although she could never express how grateful she was towords Wolfdancer and Honeycomb she had a feeling that they knew, they always seemed to understand what she was thinking, then again so did the rest of her siblings. Foamflower dipped her head and neatly wrapped her tail around her paws, a sheepish grin formed on her maw "Hello mother, and really? I keep comparing myself to Whimbrelpath and I havent grown an inch." she laughed. She knew what her mother was implying, but it didnt hurt to throw in a little good humor did it? The white molly flicked her ear and locked eyes with her adoptive mother, blue met gold, and after a few seconds of holding the gaze the younger molly dropped it and shot her a warm look before looking at her paws "Judging by your smile I take it you know?" she asked, although she did plan on suprising her mothers she wasnt the best at hiding stuff from them, they always seemed to look right through her .

[seasalt]

Originally Posted by tawny~

(She's gonna tell him anyways...) @starfall
Runningkit was always excited about her family, she tried to be close to all of them, every single one, and make some friends, but... after her mother and one of her siblings disappeared, she just... it was hard to, after her mother and one of her siblings.. was just gone. And it was being rather hard to understand, why.. why her mother was gone, and her sibling. Well, no use try to not show how upset she was at the moment. Her black fur fluffed up, the rather tired line under her eyes were at least, mostly invisible due to her raven black pelt. That was all said and well. The she kit blinked at the tom cat, confusion in her optics, "My dad's not obnoxious..." Runningkit breathed out, her optics narrowed, it kinda hurt. Like really hurt. She drew out of focus for a moment, but then turned back to Fallenstream, "I guess so..." Runningkit breathed in and out, it was almost like a sad, or annoyed sighed. "My mom, Minnowstream-- she disappeared, and no one knows where she went, and my brother--- he disappeared too..." Tears began to fall again, "And-And... Everyone thinks they're dead! Would-- would StarClan--r-really... do this??" Runningkit cried out, her tears spilling down her face, dripping down onto the grassy clearing. Would StarClan really do this to her? Only the stars knew... What did I do wrong... All sorts of emotions were spilling out at all at once.

bump for @starfall

[graves]

Originally Posted by starfall

The molly was deep in thought, recent events ran rampant through her mind, Standingsea, kits, oh great Starclan kits. She didnt know how she was supposed to react to that, she wasnt sure how to raise them, she had only just become a warrior and yet she was going to be shut in the nursery. She let out a sigh then a chuckle, although she wasnt too happy about being cooped up in the nursery she was elated that she was going to have kits, she had always wanted her own family, cats to look after, cats to take care of. The warrior was pulled out of her thoughts by her mother, the older molly padding towords her, golden eyes seeming to glow brighter than before. She returned her mothers smile with a bright smile of her own, she loved interacting with her siblings, it always made her day brighter, but talking and walking with the warriors who took her in and gave her a place to sleep always painted a big smile on the warriors maw. Her ocean blue optics danced with joy and love, although she could never express how grateful she was towords Wolfdancer and Honeycomb she had a feeling that they knew, they always seemed to understand what she was thinking, then again so did the rest of her siblings. Foamflower dipped her head and neatly wrapped her tail around her paws, a sheepish grin formed on her maw "Hello mother, and really? I keep comparing myself to Whimbrelpath and I havent grown an inch." she laughed. She knew what her mother was implying, but it didnt hurt to throw in a little good humor did it? The white molly flicked her ear and locked eyes with her adoptive mother, blue met gold, and after a few seconds of holding the gaze the younger molly dropped it and shot her a warm look before looking at her paws "Judging by your smile I take it you know?" she asked, although she did plan on suprising her mothers she wasnt the best at hiding stuff from them, they always seemed to look right through her .

Her ears twitched as she gave her a eagar nod,"Of course I know! I know everything in Riverclan sweetheart, and seeing you prepare your nest for the nursery isnt very secretive either." she gave a small chuckle. A lot was happening in Wolfdancers life honestly. With the recent rejection of Honeycombs affections had done a grave on her self esteem. Honeycomb couldnt love her because she was a shecat, was what she was implying. That she wasnt good enough, was what it felt like. The large maine coon looked a bit different, she was skinner, losing weight fast but her long fur covered it. Scars lingered on her body that she claimed were from warrior duties(of course they werent) things have just been. rough. and to remind herself of what was infront of her was her family. Even if she didnt have Honeycomb at the moment she had her loving kits who she adored, and she would be a grandmother! How exciting is that? She sat down next to Foamflower, wrapping her tail protectivly around her. "Now whos this mate of yours again? I forget his name, being forgetful as I am. But Im sure hes doing good, right? No reason for me to tear him to shreds?"

[Brilliance]

Originally Posted by Robin-chan

Sproutwhisker looked down at his apprentice with a softened, loving gaze and a certain understanding with his icy blue-hued eyes as she told him about swimming. A gentle smile crept onto his muzzle and the warrior rested his tail on her shoulder. “Another day, Noirepaw.” The tom-cat simple said to her with a quiet, sympathetic tone, “I will teach you to swim, because I have to, as your teacher and because you are Riverclan, but that does not mean that I force it upon you. I will teach you when I feel that you are ready for such a lesson. Understand?” Sproutwhisker knew from personal experience and the stories he had heard of cats drowning or getting horrible injuries by being swept away. He understood her fear of the water and they would face it someday, but not today. “Besides, there are many more things for you to be taught besides such.” He mentioned, a calming sigh escaping his parted jaws.

There was a few moments of silence between them and the mentor could tell that Noirepaw was lost in thought, she often was, from his perspective. There was nothing wrong with that and he was like that sometimes, lost in the memories of his past or just thinking about something like the questions that were never answered throughout life. The tom-cat could only hope that she wouldn’t get this way when she needed to focus, like her final assessment or even a battle against a rival clan. It was bound to happen someday and he would be there to guide her through it, like Ripplewhisker was for him until he passed on to the stars above. Noirepaw’s question stirred him from his thoughts and he looked to the small cat, another loving smile on his maw. “Of course, young one.” Sproutwhisker purred, a gentle breeze ruffling his fur as the day was slowly drawing to an end, “I know a perfect place to sit down and teach you about history.” The place was burned in the young warrior's mind and he made a mental note to take her there tomorrow morning at dawn - if she was willing. “I’ll teach you all that you wish to know tomorrow, after you’ve gotten a full night’s rest and a proper meal to fill your belly.” Sproutwhisker said, nodding, “That is all I ask from you and in return, I will tell you all that I know and have heard.” Her health and wellbeing came first in his mind and the tom-cat knew that it would be wrong to get too attached to this apprentice. For all he knew, she could have a family - ones that loved her so he wouldn’t have to. Sproutwhisker peered down at his paws and then at Noirepaw. Was he being too friendly and open around her for a mentor and apprentice bond?

A lighthearted chuckle came from him though as he pushed his worries away and went back to conversing with her. “Perhaps you should eat before you head off to the den for the night.” He suggested, smiling at the she-cat with a certain warmth and concern for her. Sproutwhisker needed to remind himself to stay professional and not get too soft with her, but he couldn’t help such things - he wasn’t a bad cat at heart. He loved to be friendly and open with others who accepted him. That was why he fell in love with Talonfang all those moons ago, she saw past his origins and loved his personality. The tom-cat smiled at the thought of sharing a nest with her tonight before going back out training again in the morning. Sproutwhisker glanced at Noirepaw with a smirk and a raise of an eyebrow as she confidently stated that she guessed his first prey. “It seems you have.” He said with a chuckle rumbling in his throat at her puffing out her chest like she had accomplished something great. He nodded to her next question, looking up at the setting sun with a warm smile, “Indeed, I have.” The male remarked, “I fell in love with my mate while catching fish by the riverside - maybe I’ll tell you the story someday if you’d like.” The tom-cat yawned and stretched out his front paws.

“I’m afraid that we’ll have to cut this conversation to a close for now.” He said, another quiet yawn escaping him, “It’s about time young cats like you should be nestled up in a warm moss nest, dreaming of becoming great warriors.” Sproutwhisker heaved himself to his paws and smiled at Noirepaw, “It’s time I turned into my nest too - I have a lovely lady waiting for her strong warrior.” He chuckled, looking to the Warrior’s Den and then back at his apprentice, “I’ll be up at dawn tomorrow, so whenever you are ready to head out, I’ll be waiting in the clearing, okay?” The tom-cat went forward and gave the apprentice a touch of his nose on her forehead, “Good night, Noirepaw. Sweet dreams to you.” Sproutwhisker murmured before dipping his head and heading off to the den to sleep for the night and be ready for more in the morning.

[ After your post, we can do a time-skip if you'd like. ^^ ]

The black young molly let out a sigh of relief. Though she felt quite silly that she wanted to make herself believe that she was ready. Her mentor had seen beyond her walls, and saved her life. In all honesty, Noirepaw wasn't ready for a swimming lesson. However, the she cat felt that she could go for something to eat, and to sleep in a comfy nest next to the other apprentices. It had been a full day, and she made a new friend. Most mentors only held professional, business-like relationships with their apprentices. For Noirepaw, she was happy to share a normal relationship with her mentor. Of course, she would always remain respectful to him because, after all, she was his disciple. He was her teacher. But, she also wanted to make sure she could talk to him in her time of need. That he was a friend when she felt left in the dark. The black sheep in her family.

The only question was; When would she be ready to swim? That lesson seemed far in the future, and more or so she felt ready, yet still afraid to make a move. Aside from that, she trusted that Sproutwhisker wouldn't let her down. Perhaps, their training sessions will be somewhat fun--like games, where they both could feel comfortable. Noirepaw enjoyed a learning game. Maybe, they would continue land hunting tomorrow--or, would he teach her something new? As the sun was setting, Noirepaw knew she would have to wait, despite her mind plaguing with questions that she wanted to ask rightaway. So, she clamped her muzzle shut, and best thought to wait before she asked him anything else. There was always a next day...it wasn't like the tom would be forcefully ripped from her.

''I can do that!'' Noirepaw purred, nodding. She turned her head back to look at the fresh kill pile. Perhaps, she would had liked to eat the shrew she caught. That sounded like a taste of victory because she felt that she did the work herself. It would always remind her that she didn't give up like she wanted to. She had hoped the shrew was still up there, so that she could eat it. Food sounded wonderful at the moment, as she licked her jaws. She was starving without even noticing it. She was caught up in the moment, a burst of energy pulsating through her as she felt she...done something right.

At the mention of his mate, Noirepaw tilted her head. One thing about this she cat was that she adored anything that had to do with romance. It was such an exotic feeling to her that she couldn't wait to feel herself. What was it like to be in love? How do you know you were in love? What are the symptoms? Are they contagious? Can you fall out of love just so easily? How do you know if it is love? Oh, please tell me the story! She wanted him to stay, so she could listen to the romantic story. Oh, how it made her heart fluttered and she wasn't even the main character in it! But, she had heard her mentor yawn. Tired, certainly, and being pumped up after hearing what he said? Was never a good thing. However, Noirepaw kept her maw shut, and awaited until the next day where she would be able to bug Sproutwhisker about his relationship with this ''lovely lady'' he was waiting for. Noirepaw couldn't wait to feel that way. To be treated in such a way by a loving mate. It was so far from where she was now. She wished she could take a paw and push into the future.

Alas, she took a deep breath, watching as her mentor walked away. She sat there for while, going over her day, and a large smile appeared over her maw. Tomorrow would be a grand day for sure. She was quite lucky to call Sproutwhisker her mentor, and she silently hoped he didn't regret taking her on as his apprentice. The she cat fluffed out her fur, getting back to her senses as she done what her mentor told her to do. It was...nice, relaxing that he cared about her in such a way. Like a daughter. Noirepaw never had a father figure in her life, so it was nice that Sproutwhisker was playing into both of the parts.

{ We can definitely do that!! I love these two <3 }

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Constellation

The black young molly let out a sigh of relief. Though she felt quite silly that she wanted to make herself believe that she was ready. Her mentor had seen beyond her walls, and saved her life. In all honesty, Noirepaw wasn't ready for a swimming lesson. However, the she cat felt that she could go for something to eat, and to sleep in a comfy nest next to the other apprentices. It had been a full day, and she made a new friend. Most mentors only held professional, business-like relationships with their apprentices. For Noirepaw, she was happy to share a normal relationship with her mentor. Of course, she would always remain respectful to him because, after all, she was his disciple. He was her teacher. But, she also wanted to make sure she could talk to him in her time of need. That he was a friend when she felt left in the dark. The black sheep in her family.

The only question was; When would she be ready to swim? That lesson seemed far in the future, and more or so she felt ready, yet still afraid to make a move. Aside from that, she trusted that Sproutwhisker wouldn't let her down. Perhaps, their training sessions will be somewhat fun--like games, where they both could feel comfortable. Noirepaw enjoyed a learning game. Maybe, they would continue land hunting tomorrow--or, would he teach her something new? As the sun was setting, Noirepaw knew she would have to wait, despite her mind plaguing with questions that she wanted to ask rightaway. So, she clamped her muzzle shut, and best thought to wait before she asked him anything else. There was always a next day...it wasn't like the tom would be forcefully ripped from her.

''I can do that!'' Noirepaw purred, nodding. She turned her head back to look at the fresh kill pile. Perhaps, she would had liked to eat the shrew she caught. That sounded like a taste of victory because she felt that she did the work herself. It would always remind her that she didn't give up like she wanted to. She had hoped the shrew was still up there, so that she could eat it. Food sounded wonderful at the moment, as she licked her jaws. She was starving without even noticing it. She was caught up in the moment, a burst of energy pulsating through her as she felt she...done something right.

At the mention of his mate, Noirepaw tilted her head. One thing about this she cat was that she adored anything that had to do with romance. It was such an exotic feeling to her that she couldn't wait to feel herself. What was it like to be in love? How do you know you were in love? What are the symptoms? Are they contagious? Can you fall out of love just so easily? How do you know if it is love? Oh, please tell me the story! She wanted him to stay, so she could listen to the romantic story. Oh, how it made her heart fluttered and she wasn't even the main character in it! But, she had heard her mentor yawn. Tired, certainly, and being pumped up after hearing what he said? Was never a good thing. However, Noirepaw kept her maw shut, and awaited until the next day where she would be able to bug Sproutwhisker about his relationship with this ''lovely lady'' he was waiting for. Noirepaw couldn't wait to feel that way. To be treated in such a way by a loving mate. It was so far from where she was now. She wished she could take a paw and push into the future.

Alas, she took a deep breath, watching as her mentor walked away. She sat there for while, going over her day, and a large smile appeared over her maw. Tomorrow would be a grand day for sure. She was quite lucky to call Sproutwhisker her mentor, and she silently hoped he didn't regret taking her on as his apprentice. The she cat fluffed out her fur, getting back to her senses as she done what her mentor told her to do. It was...nice, relaxing that he cared about her in such a way. Like a daughter. Noirepaw never had a father figure in her life, so it was nice that Sproutwhisker was playing into both of the parts.

{ We can definitely do that!! I love these two <3 }

[ Timeskip To Next Morning ]

Sproutwhisker’s head poked out through the entrance of the den, looking out into the spacious clearing that was bathed in a warm blanket of sunlight from the relaxing orange glow of the rising sun that now was beginning to show over the lush treeline that surrounded camp. The dark-furred male breathed in the calming scents of the morning, which included the fresh dew that misted the grass and the softened smell of pine that drifted through the forest from their neighboring clan, Shadowclan. A small smile crept onto his maw as he stepped out of the comforts of the den, making sure not to wake anyone, especially his beloved. Sproutwhisker glanced around at the other dens and little to no noise came from them, which was understandable, since it was only the crack of dawn. The only clan member that could be seen was the cat at watch for the previous night at the camp’s entrance. He decided not to disturb them and continue with his day.

The tom-cat gave a small sigh and looked up at the sky for a moment, thinking to himself for a silent moment and his tail gently swished back and forth behind him. He shook his head in a solemn, slow tone and continued on his way across the clearing, over to the freshkill pile. Sproutwhisker wondered what would be a good piece of prey to start off this peaceful day, his icy blue-hued gaze caught sight of several choices - from a few fish, to a squirrel and even a thrush within the pile. He decided to just take one of the smaller fish of the pile, wanting to leave the bigger pieces of prey to the ones who needed it, such as elders or queens heavy with kittens or even older warriors that worked even harder than he did. At times like these, the quiet warrior thought of Ripplewhisker, knowing how much of a father-figure he was to him. Sproutwhisker could’ve never made a home here if it wasn’t for him and he thanked him for that. Someday, he would grow old with his mate and then go up to Starclan, perhaps see his father once again. He could only hope that he was proud of him now. Noirepaw was very dear to him and he wondered if he was like Ripplewhisker to her like Ripplewhisker was to him - a fatherly figure that guided them through the toughest of times. He shook his head, knowing that it was foolish thinking.

He picked up the small silvery fish in his jaws and looked back over to the den where Noirepaw now rested, expecting to see her smiling, curious face, but no, she must’ve still been asleep. It was quite early and Sproutwhisker knew that, all those young apprentices needed their rest and he wasn’t one to snap at her to get up and train until her paws ached. He never saw the goodness in all of that harshness towards the youth and the tom-cat would never be that way towards anyone. The dark-furred warrior settled down in a warm patch of sunlight beside a tree, resting the limp piece of meat between his paws. Sproutwhisker’s ears twitched every now and then, listening to each sound that he could detect from within the forest behind him and even the camp before him. It was quiet for the most part, except for the occasional sound of a bird or yawn from the watch cat at the entrance. It was all so peaceful, but he also felt lonely. The tom-cat looked to the spot beside him that was currently bare.

“Don’t let those fish-brains get to you, Sprout.” Ripplewhisker purred, giving the small tom-cat a lick over the ears, “You’re doing a fine job getting used to clan life - I know you will.” The large, long-haired male looked down at him with gentle green-hued eyes and a loving smile on his maw. “You’ll be the best darned warrior they’ve ever seen!” The tom-cat exclaimed, “That’ll show them you aren’t just a kittypet, I certainly think you are so much more.” Sproutkit shifted his paws and looked down at the ground with a shy smile, “You really think so? I don’t know, they all look at me funny and say that I should go back where I came from..” His smile disappeared and Ripplewhisker gave a huff. “Nonsense, the lot of them! They should be happy, getting another cat to become a loyal warrior to fight and protect them. All these cats and their rudeness.. I’ll never understand them.” The larger tom-cat picked up the small kitten and placed him on his back. “Come on, you little mouse-brain. Let’s go to the one spot by the river and have some quality bonding time - that’ll make you forget about all their rubbish.” Sproutkit giggled and nodded, rubbing his face into Ripplewhisker’s thick head of fur, “You’re the mouse-brain, not me!” He exclaimed with a squeaking mew in his tone, which made the warrior chuckle as they walked off.

The young warrior’s ears dropped and a smile returned to his muzzle, but it showed the evidence of pain and loss in his expression. He missed him so much these days and it hurt him at times like these, but he shook his head. Sproutwhisker refused to look like a big softie like this clan saw him as once. Ripplewhisker believed in him and he knew the big tom-cat would be proud of where he was today, seeing him train Noirepaw. The tom-cat knew that he’d make some remark about her being like him at such a young age and such, like he always did. He let out a breath of air and laid there for a moment with his eyes closed before opening them, leaning down and taking a small bite of the fish between his paws. The taste was fresh and good, like always and it comforted him for a second or two, reminding him of fonder memories as he awaited the return of his curious, loving apprentice that he had. He had something special planned for today.

[Frosty]

@SpringtrapFNAF


"Morningkit!wait up " came an almost inaudible giggle following a small cream tabby kit as she raced to the center of the camp . The kit looked up at her previously mute adoptive mother , eyes sparkling with excitement . " but Echostorm" she falsely whined, knowing better than actually complain.

The truth was, she was going to be an apprentice soon and was a little too excited. And a little restless . Morningkit looked up at her caretaker and smiled a bright, yet and innocent smile . But anyone that knew the small kit also knew she was anything but innocent . the two she cats sat down together before Echostorm spoke . " I need to go grab some prey. Please be good and don't get in trouble while I'm gone for a few moments " she whispered before licking "her " kits head and padding off, leaving a beaming Morningkit behind