WindClan: Life Before 2023's Fire

[Doodle]

Originally Posted by Robin-chan

The tan-furred male nodded to his friend’s words, a comforted smile spreading onto his maw. Owlspark had faith in him and his abilities, much more than anyone before him did and it gave him confidence to continue and perhaps even put to rest some of the worries in his head. “Thank you, my dear friend.” Hawkfeather remarked, “I don’t know what I’d do without your support.” And this was true as it could get, the root of his confidence came from Owlspark’s close support and protection. It made him the cat who he was today and he’d never know how to repay him for it except for his own friendship and loyalty. A cooling breeze seemed to brush through the camp, making the tom-cat smile and close his eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation ruffle his short fur. It gave the warrior a sense of calm and relaxing notion that he could never know. He looked over at Owlspark, wishing they were brothers sometimes, because they were so close, it almost seemed like they could be family. He wondered where the future would take them, he imagined watching as his friend gained a mate and had little ones of his own.

A rumbling chuckle came from the younger warrior as he smiled at Owlspark. “I can always count on you to make sure that nobody would hurt me.” He mentioned, “I remember a few times when you stood up to me and they all would back down because you were the eldest apprentice.” Hawkfeather thought back to that, a gentle smile on his maw as the image of them, much smaller than they were now. He would always respect Owlspark for being there for him in his darkest times of his life. The male couldn’t help but utter a small laugh at his friend wiggling his rump in the air. “Ah, I suppose you are right about that.” The Chausie murmured, lazily drawing in the dirt with one claw, “I am quite fast out there in the hunting grounds, but you have your own skills to help the clan - I’m positive about that.” He said, poking the older tom-cat in the side with one paw. He watched with an amused smirk on his muzzle and a raise of one eyebrow as Owlspark turned onto his back and put his paws straight into the air. Out of the corner of his eye, Hawkfeather could see a few Windclan cats giving them looks, but paid no attention to it. When he was with Owlspark, Hawkfeather didn’t give a rat’s tail what others thought about them. “You are truly irresistible.” He assured him with a low chuckle and twitch of his whiskers. The young warrior looked up to the sky, which was still covered with darkened clouds. Several birds flew overhead as he looked on, which made his heart pound with energy for hunting and his paws twitched with the need to run and chase something down.

Hawkfeather looked over at his best friend once more and dipped his head. “It’s no problem, Owlspark.” He said, his tail swishing back and forth behind him, “We’ll always have each other’s backs, even in Starclan.” The tom-cat joined his friend with an affectionate purr shared between them and any cat that saw them could see their bond and how close the two males were. Hawkfeather was watching a few cats as they padded through the clearing to drop the prey they had caught into the freshkill pile as the other male rolled back onto his stomach, shaking some dirt from his head. Hawkfeather’s amber-hued eyes flickered over to his best friend when he agreed to going hunting with him, which made the tom-cat smile, knowing now that he would have company today while he worked. He nodded to Owlspark’s words and heaved himself up from his sitting position and stretching out his front paws, twisting his neck slightly and making sure he was ready to head out.

The younger male listened to his friend’s suggestion about practicing on being a mentor, which made him quite curious to try it. “Sure!” Hawkfeather exclaimed, “I’d love to practice a bit with hunting and such. This will certainly help me with mentoring Nightkit when the time comes!” He said and rolled his eyes at Owlspark, a big smile still evident on the tom-cat’s face. “Alright, alright.” He promised, “I’ll get more rest and take it easier, Owlpaw.” Hawkfeather smirked a little at calling his friend his apprentice name since he was somewhat training him now and observing his mistakes.

Owlspark's eyes glowed with affection as he watched his friend. "Of course, what are best friends for?" He paused from his spot, whiskers twitching- a surefire sign he was about to do something incredibly goofy. "Without me, you'd still be- gasp- alone," he declared dramatically. "Oh, the pity." The grin that had been threatening to spread across his features broke out before the tom turned serious. "But really, without you I'd be alone too. I'm so grateful to have you as my best friend, Hawkfeather. I'm not nearly as close with any cat as I am with you, and nothing could change how close we are." He allowed himself to be a tad bit less serious as faint amusement swirled in his eyes. "Even if all the she-cats suddenly realize just how fabulous I am."

The large cat chuckled after Hawkfeather as he recalled telling the other apprentices off. "I think I may have scared them. I'll always remember their wide-eyed look they got each time I snapped at them. I don't think they were used to seeing me so angry- I am the happy cat, after all." Owlspark found himself fighting to keep his eyes appearing happy. He wouldn't tell anyone, but keeping up this facade really did become tiring after some time. But every cat just went on about how he was so cheerful, how he made everyone else happy as well, so he kept acting happy even if something did worry him. He would have a rare moment to himself later, to contemplate what was bothering him, if this was the case. Or, he would go to the very cat he was talking to for advice. Now, the tabby found the smile on his face was true rather than forced. Hawkfeather went on and on about how Owlspark helped him, but he didn't think his best friend truly realized just how much he had helped the tabby as well. He didn't voice this though; it would be nearly impossible to put into words, and even then he didn't think Hawkfeather would really believe him. So instead he just continued with their conversation. "Oh yes," he agreed with the tom. "I'm sure I'm helpful somehow." Or at least, I try to be.

Owlspark's paws began to tingle with anticipation as his friend stood, getting himself ready for their hunt ahead. He smiled when Hawkfeather agreed to his idea of practice mentoring, his grin spreading when the other tom started to agree to more rest. However, as soon as he heard himself referred to as 'Owlpaw', his eyes narrowed teasingly. "You better not be planning some battle training later, mentor, or else I'll be the one teaching you!" While his words themselves could be threatening if said to another cat, the soft bat of his paw on Hawkfeather's shoulder showed that he was just joking around. He wouldn't ever hurt someone so dear to him- in fact, he didn't really want to hurt any cat he knew, even in other clans. Owlspark was right when he had said he wasn't an aggressive cat- he only fought if it was unavoidable, such as if he had to fight to defend his clan.

With nothing left for them to do in the clearing, the cheery tom set off at a trot towards the camp entrance. He turned his head to call back over his shoulder at his dear friend, still goofing around as he said uncannily like any new apprentice, "I didn't realize that training meant I had to get up so early!"

[wickedvirtues]

Originally Posted by Hollydawn235

"Ummm... Sure? What game?", Beekit answered the brown tabby tom.
@Hopekit @CandyFlossCat

"I can't think of anything, it's up to you Falconpaw!" Finchkit chirped eagerly, tail waving behind her.

[Zero]

Originally Posted by meraki

With her sky blue gaze searching the area surrounding them, Featherpaw smiled at Surgestorm, flicking her gaze to him, chuckling a bit when he commented on her growing up so quickly. "You're probably right," she agreed with a light laugh. "I wonder if StarClan has anything to do with fate," Featherpaw considered aloud, padding nearer to the glass house with him. "When I'm older, I hope I can help little kits that eat poisonous berries like me, then maybe they can lead a life as amazing as mine has been." She said with a smile. Featherpaw stood at the door, holding it open so it wouldn't shut behind her. "I think I recall that you were a little bit low on Marigold," she reminded him, thinking back to Moonpaw's incident. "Cobweb as well, but we can get that back at camp. Yarrow was a little low too." Featherpaw meowed. She noticed a stone nearby, and thought that perhaps she could prop the door open with that. Featherpaw carefully reached over, trying to roll it, keeping the door open with one hind leg stuck out behind her. Just as her paw reached the stone, her hind leg slipped and the door quickly swung shut, automatically locking. Featherpaw's ears went back and her eyes widened.

Surgestorm tilted his head up, marveling for a moment that he could still see the sky while inside this tiny building. I almost wish our camp was made of this... but then again everyone else would be able to see inside. "Well, of course you'll be able to help them. All you gotta do in remember yarrow. Yucky yarrow makes ya yak," He laughed at himself as his recited his tool for remembering the herb. In all honesty, he had no idea why the saying helped him remember it. He turned his attention to the herbs as a small silence ensued while Featherpaw worked to prop the door open. The medicine cat was carefully picking a bit of marigold and laying the stalks down into a neat pile to bundle later, when the door behind him snapped shut with a thud. His whole body lept into the air a few inches as he was spooked by the sound, but he didn't look entirely scared as he turned around. "Oh, it's alright. I'll just open it like last time," He meowed, strolling over and leaping upward at the door handle. However, it didn't budge an inch as he pressed down on it; in fact he was actually able to hang from the metal handle for a few moments before falling back down. The door was locked. "Oh no..."

[fresh]

Originally Posted by Hollydawn235

"Ummm... Sure? What game?", Beekit answered the brown tabby tom.
@Hopekit @CandyFlossCat @Stormfeather {Foxxi}

"Maybe moss ball?" It was fun to play it as a kit.. Why not now?

[Seraphon]

Originally Posted by Stormfeather {Foxxi}

"Maybe moss ball?" It was fun to play it as a kit.. Why not now?

"O-ok, but you'd have to t-teach me how t-to play. Im n-not really used to p-playing games. Especially not s-someone a-asking me to play g-games," she stumbled to try to find the right words to say to this tom.
@CandyFlossCat @Stormfeather {Foxxi}

[wickedvirtues]

Originally Posted by Hollydawn235

"O-ok, but you'd have to t-teach me how t-to play. Im n-not really used to p-playing games. Especially not s-someone a-asking me to play g-games," she stumbled to try to find the right words to say to this tom.
@CandyFlossCat @Stormfeather {Foxxi}

"Don't be nervous, Beekit!" Finchkit trilled. "It's fun!" She herself enjoyed the game greatly, and was relieved that he recommended it. Her tail flicked excitedly, her paws antsy to move and chase a ball of moss. "And simple, you'll like it!" At least, she hoped her sibling would like the game. She wasn't very interested in most games.

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Doodle

Owlspark's eyes glowed with affection as he watched his friend. "Of course, what are best friends for?" He paused from his spot, whiskers twitching- a surefire sign he was about to do something incredibly goofy. "Without me, you'd still be- gasp- alone," he declared dramatically. "Oh, the pity." The grin that had been threatening to spread across his features broke out before the tom turned serious. "But really, without you I'd be alone too. I'm so grateful to have you as my best friend, Hawkfeather. I'm not nearly as close with any cat as I am with you, and nothing could change how close we are." He allowed himself to be a tad bit less serious as faint amusement swirled in his eyes. "Even if all the she-cats suddenly realize just how fabulous I am."

The large cat chuckled after Hawkfeather as he recalled telling the other apprentices off. "I think I may have scared them. I'll always remember their wide-eyed look they got each time I snapped at them. I don't think they were used to seeing me so angry- I am the happy cat, after all." Owlspark found himself fighting to keep his eyes appearing happy. He wouldn't tell anyone, but keeping up this facade really did become tiring after some time. But every cat just went on about how he was so cheerful, how he made everyone else happy as well, so he kept acting happy even if something did worry him. He would have a rare moment to himself later, to contemplate what was bothering him, if this was the case. Or, he would go to the very cat he was talking to for advice. Now, the tabby found the smile on his face was true rather than forced. Hawkfeather went on and on about how Owlspark helped him, but he didn't think his best friend truly realized just how much he had helped the tabby as well. He didn't voice this though; it would be nearly impossible to put into words, and even then he didn't think Hawkfeather would really believe him. So instead he just continued with their conversation. "Oh yes," he agreed with the tom. "I'm sure I'm helpful somehow." Or at least, I try to be.

Owlspark's paws began to tingle with anticipation as his friend stood, getting himself ready for their hunt ahead. He smiled when Hawkfeather agreed to his idea of practice mentoring, his grin spreading when the other tom started to agree to more rest. However, as soon as he heard himself referred to as 'Owlpaw', his eyes narrowed teasingly. "You better not be planning some battle training later, mentor, or else I'll be the one teaching you!" While his words themselves could be threatening if said to another cat, the soft bat of his paw on Hawkfeather's shoulder showed that he was just joking around. He wouldn't ever hurt someone so dear to him- in fact, he didn't really want to hurt any cat he knew, even in other clans. Owlspark was right when he had said he wasn't an aggressive cat- he only fought if it was unavoidable, such as if he had to fight to defend his clan.

With nothing left for them to do in the clearing, the cheery tom set off at a trot towards the camp entrance. He turned his head to call back over his shoulder at his dear friend, still goofing around as he said uncannily like any new apprentice, "I didn't realize that training meant I had to get up so early!"

Hawkfeather snickered at his friend’s goofy behavior and mocked his dramatic expression, putting one paw over his face. “Such a pity indeed.” He said, faking a dramatic, expressful tone before laughing and smiling at Owlspark with a twitch of his whiskers, “I’m grateful too, buddy. No doubt about it. We are in it until the end, heck, maybe even after the end - up in the stars.” The tom-cat remarked and held back another laugh at his friend’s words, “I’ll be there to bat them away with a stick. Save some she-cats for the rest of us lonely toms, Owlspark.” He joked, poking his companion with one paw in a playful manner.

“Of course, you terrified them.” He agreed, nodding as he thought back to it, “Maybe you didn’t physically claw their faces off, but you sure sounded like you would.” True as it may be, he wondered if Owlspark once saw him as a coward at any point when he’d never stand up for himself back then. He probably didn’t and the tan-furred male was just putting too much thought into it at the time, but it still lingered in the back of his head as they continued their conversation. Hawkfeather rested a paw gently on his best friend’s shoulder, smiling at him. “I think you’re plenty helpful.” He assured him, “You helped a mouse-brain like me get where I am today and you’ve certainly come far from your own differences. I believe that is the important thing, after all.” The Windclan tom-cat was no expert at anything, but he knew that Owlspark had potential, he was special to him and Hawkfeather would make sure that the older male knew that.

A mischievous smirk spread across the tan-furred male’s maw when he narrowed his eyes at him when Hawkfeather called him ‘Owlpaw’ and immediately, he knew that this would be quite the fun adventure between them. “Oh, I’m so scared.” Hawkfeather teased Owlspark, batting at him with one paw as he batted his shoulder with his own paw. They were basically acting like playful kittens at this point, but there was nothing wrong with that in his eyes. “I bet you couldn’t harm a mouse.” The warrior teased him again, but meant nothing harmful by it. He would bet that Owlspark was great in battle, due to his size and strength. Although, the male had never been in a battle yet himself and never knew how either of them would do against other cats in a fight.

Hawkfeather watched in amusement as the older tom-cat trotted off across the clearing, quickly catching up with his friend with a few strides. He saw Owlspark turn his head to look at him and right away, the younger warrior knew that he was in for some mockingly apprentice-like behavior. “Well, Owlpaw, maybe you’d rather be picking ticks off the elders, hmm?” He said, playing along and flicked the other tom-cat on the nose with his tail, “Nobody likes a cat who complains. Now, come along. We have hunting to do, young one.” This kind of talk made him almost laugh, mostly because Hawkfeather was the youngest between the two of them. He hurried ahead of his friend and into the hunting grounds, "Come on now, don't keep me waiting!"


[ Continued in Windclan Territory ]

[Hopekit]

Whitepaw felt a small pang of jealousy. She shot a final glance at Beekit before turning her back and heading towards the camp entrance. She pretended not to notice Falconpaw as she angrily brushed passed him.

@CandyFlossCat@Hollydawn235@Stormfeather {Foxxi}

[wickedvirtues]

Originally Posted by Hopekit

Whitepaw felt a small pang of jealousy. She shot a final glance at Beekit before turning her back and heading towards the camp entrance. She pretended not to notice Falconpaw as she angrily brushed passed him.

@CandyFlossCat@Hollydawn235@Stormfeather {Foxxi}

Finchkit walked after her, but stopped as she wasn't aloud to leave camp. "Where are you going? We haven't even started our game!" She asked, tilting her head as she sat and curled her tail over her paws neatly.

[Hopekit]

Whitepaw stopped, her right paw in mid-air. "I'm going outside for a small run. You can play with Falconpaw." Whitepaw tried to make her voice sound cold, but if you looked at her eyes you could see she was actually a bit hurt.

@CandyFlossCat@Hollydawn235@Stormfeather {Foxxi}