ThunderClan Territory

[Madelaine]

Originally Posted by Deranged Llama

As the Orange feline peered down the hole, another sound caught her ears. The rush of pawsteps sent heron high alert. The she-cat spun around, coming face to face with a tom who looked to her like he was ready to attack her at a moments notice. Fur on end, she tried to scramble as far away from this scary tom as possible when her paw caught in the mouse hole. She let out a squeak as her paw was wrenched by her resistance. Tugging it close, the female cowered against the trunk of the tree. What are you doing on Thunderclan territory? The she-cat bristled. ThunderClan territory?! What was this crazy mad cat meowing about? She'd never heard of a Clan of Thunder; he didn't thunder, or, well, sound like it. She was about to say so when he interrupted with another sentence. I see. You're trying to hunt on my clans territory, are you? Eyes wide, she couldn't help but tell the truth. "Y-yes," she stammered, her voice but a whisper due to fright and pain. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you lived here. Please don't hurt me." She ended in a shrill wail, terrified of what he would do next.

@Miss Bliss

Shadowblaze calmed himself down when the young cat ran from him. He looked at her with sympathetic eyes. He wasn’t trying to scare the kitten. The tom made his fur lie flat when she mentioned him not to hurt her. “Um...I’m sorry, but you have trespassed on a clans territory and I have a feeling that you shouldn’t be here.” meowed Shadowblaze, causing his voice to grow soft as he spoke. He moved a little closer to her.

[Jynx]

Originally Posted by Miss Bliss

Shadowblaze calmed himself down when the young cat ran from him. He looked at her with sympathetic eyes. He wasn’t trying to scare the kitten. The tom made his fur lie flat when she mentioned him not to hurt her. “Um...I’m sorry, but you have trespassed on a clans territory and I have a feeling that you shouldn’t be here.” meowed Shadowblaze, causing his voice to grow soft as he spoke. He moved a little closer to her.

“Um...I’m sorry, but you have trespassed on a clans territory and I have a feeling that you shouldn’t be here.” As she listened to him speak, October couldn't help recognizing a soft tone warming his voice. She swallowed and forced her fur to lie flat; if he was making an effort to seem less threatening, she would in response relax slightly and look at the situation with a bit more sense. "Ohh," She stalled, wondering just how many of these 'clans' there were around here. "I'm sorry; i didn't know you lived here already." As he moved closer towards her, October scooted back, uncomfortable with the invasion into her personal space by somecat she didn't know. "Err, what's a clan?" Now that she was in this situation, she might as well gather any helpful info she may be able to gain.

[lio]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

A sort of warmth clashed with a dull ache as Powdernose leaned against the tom’s body. Whatever had happened, the younger tom was much weaker than he had been. It felt like he was about to break at any moment. Stonegazer knew that Powdernose needed care, and if they could just get back to camp, Tallmarsh could take care of him… but all thoughts of moving flew out of his head as the former deputy began his story. ”No one blames you. You are not a failure, Powdernose.” Stonegazer interjected when the other tom paused, his eyes growing hard with frustration. Feeling like you had failed was not something even the older tom was immune to. But at this level… he couldn’t imagine. He knew there were cats in camp who would blame Powdernose, but that wasn’t what the tom needed to hear right now. Stonegazer wasn’t good at comforting others most of the time. His words came out uncomfortably, less robotically than usual, and he always felt awkward while he was doing it. But something was different this time. Powdernose needed a friend right then… and Stonegazer wanted to be there for him. His ears went back as the younger tom continued, but his anger at how much self-loathing Powdernose seemed to be carrying was replaced by a cold wave of fear as the tom collapsed.

”No...” He whispered, his voice oddly vulnerable in the moment. Warriors died all the time. In battle, or of sickness, or being attacked by dogs, foxes, badgers… even large birds. But this was something different. Stonegazer had mourned for all warriors who had died, but he had never felt quite so helpless before. He hadn’t been there. He should have, and he hadn’t. Maybe there would have been something he could do. He could feel Powdernose breathing, he didn’t… feel dead, but Stonegazer wondered if it was just his imagination. The younger tom’s breathing was so light, shallow, that it seemed almost fake. His eyes never played tricks on him. Stonegazer’s senses were something that he prided himself on… they had always been sharp before.

Gently, he took ahold of Powdernose’s scruff and lay the younger tom down. It wasn’t because he was heavy - as a matter of fact, he was unhealthily light - but Stonegazer couldn’t stand the feeling of the no-longer conscious warrior against him. ”Wake up. You need to wake up now. This is not the time to sleep. You need help… get up!” The last word was stressed, although he didn’t mean for it to be. Such a show of emotion would have been frowned upon by Stonegazer’s friends. But since they weren’t here now, and this was such a tough situation… honestly, he didn’t care. He needed Powdernose to wake up. Logically, he knew that the tom was dying, if not already dead. That his mind or his eyes were playing some trick on him, and he wasn’t actually breathing. But… in his heart… Stonegazer wanted Powdernose to be alive. He wanted there to be something he could do to bring the tom back - anything he could do.

powdernose watched from the side, his transparent spirit examining every action that was taken. he sat, confused, seeing the changes of expression upon stonegazer's face as the grey tabby worriedly spoke to his unconscious form. his claws dug into the ground, going through but not making a mark. powdernose was invisible now, he understood that. but why was it happening? why could he see himself and stonegazer, but not in his own body?
his lips pulled into a felineish frown before he stood and circled the two forms. as stonegazer fretted over his body, powdernose allowed his thoughts to run wild. a flicker of hope sparkled within him before he forced it to simmer down, fearful of it boiling too far and ruining what he had tried so hard to build. that is, if he made it out of this alive. his body was frail, as though it could be blown away by the gentlest of breezes. he saw his chest rise and fall quicmly, breaths shallow and weakened.
did i really do this to myself? powdernose flattened his ears, then walked to his body and laid down in the position he had been put into. wake up. wake up!


his eyes flew open, a loud gasp coming from him. the siamese coughed, laying his head down and staring up at stonegazer.
"i- i'm awake," he rasped, trembling as he tried to get to his paws. "just- just need some food, a- and water," mumbled powdernose, giving up and simply lying on his side. "i- it's c- cold..." the final sentence was half to himself, though he hoped the other tom had heard and would share his warmth. he loved whenever stonegazer allowed him to get closer.
thinking back to the night they had stargazed together, powdernose let out a soft, quivering sigh. he was surprised stonegazer was so caring towards him. much unlike all the felines stonegazer surrounded himself with, powdernose was quieter. he held anxiety within him, a childish light in his eyes. but now that had faded away as he slowly withered to nothingness.
he had to fight.
he had to stay alive.
as though disagreeing with him, a heavy cough racked his body, bringing a wheeze to his breath.
stop it.
a deep chortle sounded deep in his mind. stop what?
stop torturing me like this. stop messing with me. stop messing with him.
the voice went silent for many heartbeats, then grumbled, you're no fun. it then retreated back into the darkest depths of his brain, awaiting the next chance to meddle with his emotions. powdernose sniffled, curling his tail over himself as he looked up to stonegazer, scanning his face for any hidden details he could use to decipher what the tom was thinking. finding none, he allowed his breathing to calm and laid his head on his paws.

[lone]

Originally Posted by lacunaxx

powdernose watched from the side, his transparent spirit examining every action that was taken. he sat, confused, seeing the changes of expression upon stonegazer's face as the grey tabby worriedly spoke to his unconscious form. his claws dug into the ground, going through but not making a mark. powdernose was invisible now, he understood that. but why was it happening? why could he see himself and stonegazer, but not in his own body?
his lips pulled into a felineish frown before he stood and circled the two forms. as stonegazer fretted over his body, powdernose allowed his thoughts to run wild. a flicker of hope sparkled within him before he forced it to simmer down, fearful of it boiling too far and ruining what he had tried so hard to build. that is, if he made it out of this alive. his body was frail, as though it could be blown away by the gentlest of breezes. he saw his chest rise and fall quicmly, breaths shallow and weakened.
did i really do this to myself? powdernose flattened his ears, then walked to his body and laid down in the position he had been put into. wake up. wake up!


his eyes flew open, a loud gasp coming from him. the siamese coughed, laying his head down and staring up at stonegazer.
"i- i'm awake," he rasped, trembling as he tried to get to his paws. "just- just need some food, a- and water," mumbled powdernose, giving up and simply lying on his side. "i- it's c- cold..." the final sentence was half to himself, though he hoped the other tom had heard and would share his warmth. he loved whenever stonegazer allowed him to get closer.
thinking back to the night they had stargazed together, powdernose let out a soft, quivering sigh. he was surprised stonegazer was so caring towards him. much unlike all the felines stonegazer surrounded himself with, powdernose was quieter. he held anxiety within him, a childish light in his eyes. but now that had faded away as he slowly withered to nothingness.
he had to fight.
he had to stay alive.
as though disagreeing with him, a heavy cough racked his body, bringing a wheeze to his breath.
stop it.
a deep chortle sounded deep in his mind. stop what?
stop torturing me like this. stop messing with me. stop messing with him.
the voice went silent for many heartbeats, then grumbled, you're no fun. it then retreated back into the darkest depths of his brain, awaiting the next chance to meddle with his emotions. powdernose sniffled, curling his tail over himself as he looked up to stonegazer, scanning his face for any hidden details he could use to decipher what the tom was thinking. finding none, he allowed his breathing to calm and laid his head on his paws.

A breath of relief - one Stonegazer hadn’t even realized he was holding - released as soon as Powdernose’s eyes opened. It wasn’t just some sort of illusion… the tom was really going to be okay. Or at least, he was for the moment. ”You should never have let yourself get in this condition.” I shouldn’t have let you get in this condition. Stonegazer wanted to take care of his clanmates. All of them. Even the weaker ones, because they needed protection the most, and they still contributed to the Clan. Powdernose shouldn’t have been on his own, maybe if Stonegazer had paid more attention… but it didn’t matter now. What had been done was done, and the only thing that mattered now was taking care of the younger tom’s immediate needs.

”Right. I’ll get it.” He stiffened once more, his momentary softness gone - replaced by the urge to hunt, find water, and hope that Powdernose wouldn’t be attacked while he was gone. The younger tom was in no condition to defend himself, and so Stonegazer would need to make sure that the area was safe first. Part of him had wanted to curl up beside Powdernose, offering warmth and shelter, but he knew that now was not the time. Maybe later, when the other needs had been taken care of, maybe when they got back to camp… if he could move. Stonegazer wasn’t completely convinced that Powdernose was going to be able to walk tonight, and he hoped that this wasn’t going to cause permanent damage. No. He’s going to be fine. Relax. Stonegazer didn’t want to see anything happen to the little tom - he wasn’t quite sure why he didn’t just go get someone else to help, like the medicine cat, or a couple of other warriors who could help bring Powdernose back to camp, but it didn’t seem like now was the best time.

He didn’t have time to get back to camp, get Tallmarsh, let her get her herbs, and bring her back out here. It was too long - something could have happened by then, especially under the cover of nightfall. A rustle in the bushes caught Stonegazer’s attention, and he crouched low to the ground, every inch the perfect hunter as he crept forward. A mouse, not as plump as he would’ve liked, but enough to sustain Powdernose, was nibbling on a seed, unaware that it was being hunted. Stonegazer trapped the mouse’s tail under one paw and, with a powerful blow, broke its neck with the other. He hadn’t gone too far from where he’d left the younger tom, and it wasn’t long before he returned with the mouse in his mouth. ”Eat.” He demanded, dropping it within Powdernose’s reach, sitting and watching the tom with a sterner gaze. But there wasn’t time for him to wait there. He needed to find water. And so, Stonegazer only sat for a few moments before he got up again, preparing to leave, when a sudden thought struck him.

”If you hear anyone coming, try to hide.” He knew there were warriors who wouldn’t be as willing to help. He knew there were loners who occasionally dared to come this far into ThunderClan territory. And he knew that if that happened, Powdernose wouldn’t stand a chance. So Stonegazer was going to have to hurry - and hope that nothing happened while he was gone.

[lio]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

A breath of relief - one Stonegazer hadn’t even realized he was holding - released as soon as Powdernose’s eyes opened. It wasn’t just some sort of illusion… the tom was really going to be okay. Or at least, he was for the moment. ”You should never have let yourself get in this condition.” I shouldn’t have let you get in this condition. Stonegazer wanted to take care of his clanmates. All of them. Even the weaker ones, because they needed protection the most, and they still contributed to the Clan. Powdernose shouldn’t have been on his own, maybe if Stonegazer had paid more attention… but it didn’t matter now. What had been done was done, and the only thing that mattered now was taking care of the younger tom’s immediate needs.

”Right. I’ll get it.” He stiffened once more, his momentary softness gone - replaced by the urge to hunt, find water, and hope that Powdernose wouldn’t be attacked while he was gone. The younger tom was in no condition to defend himself, and so Stonegazer would need to make sure that the area was safe first. Part of him had wanted to curl up beside Powdernose, offering warmth and shelter, but he knew that now was not the time. Maybe later, when the other needs had been taken care of, maybe when they got back to camp… if he could move. Stonegazer wasn’t completely convinced that Powdernose was going to be able to walk tonight, and he hoped that this wasn’t going to cause permanent damage. No. He’s going to be fine. Relax. Stonegazer didn’t want to see anything happen to the little tom - he wasn’t quite sure why he didn’t just go get someone else to help, like the medicine cat, or a couple of other warriors who could help bring Powdernose back to camp, but it didn’t seem like now was the best time.

He didn’t have time to get back to camp, get Tallmarsh, let her get her herbs, and bring her back out here. It was too long - something could have happened by then, especially under the cover of nightfall. A rustle in the bushes caught Stonegazer’s attention, and he crouched low to the ground, every inch the perfect hunter as he crept forward. A mouse, not as plump as he would’ve liked, but enough to sustain Powdernose, was nibbling on a seed, unaware that it was being hunted. Stonegazer trapped the mouse’s tail under one paw and, with a powerful blow, broke its neck with the other. He hadn’t gone too far from where he’d left the younger tom, and it wasn’t long before he returned with the mouse in his mouth. ”Eat.” He demanded, dropping it within Powdernose’s reach, sitting and watching the tom with a sterner gaze. But there wasn’t time for him to wait there. He needed to find water. And so, Stonegazer only sat for a few moments before he got up again, preparing to leave, when a sudden thought struck him.

”If you hear anyone coming, try to hide.” He knew there were warriors who wouldn’t be as willing to help. He knew there were loners who occasionally dared to come this far into ThunderClan territory. And he knew that if that happened, Powdernose wouldn’t stand a chance. So Stonegazer was going to have to hurry - and hope that nothing happened while he was gone.

powdernose stared at the other as he went away, a blank expression left on his face. he knew that he deserved the stern aura that stonegazer held. nobody should ever let themselves get like this, even if they aren't in the best of mental shapes. his nose twitched and he leaned closer to the prey, pulling it towards himself and taking a small bite. it was thick in his throat as he swallowed, sliding down with a bit of difficulty, but he managed to do so. the siamese quickly devoured the rest of the mouse, his mouth tingling as the taste washed over it. after all, he hadn't eaten well in quite a long time, and it was delicious.
his paws kneaded the ground, a soft, ragged purr starting deep in his throat. powdernose nodded, albeit knowing that if someone that would hurt him came, he would be too weak to drag himself to a hiding place, much less defend himself. exhaling quietly, he waited for stonegazer to return, mind wandering to the experience he had had before waking up. what had even happened? he was sure that it was not something that happened to anybody, let alone be a natural occurrence. confusion laced his mind, but he tossed the thoughts aside in order to not become too worriful about it. he could ask tallmarsh later, if he even made it back to camp.
powdernose's ears swiveled, listening to the music of the territory. it was quite beautiful, how every tiny noise molded together into a perfect melody. it brought a smile to his lips, one that had not been there for who knows how long. he closed his eyes and laid his head down, simply focusing on the song dancing through his ears. subconsciously, an image of stonegazer materialized in his mind, but he felt no need to think of something else.
stonegazer.
the grey tom was caring for him, something he never thought would happen. ever since he was an apprentice, stonegazer was of interest to him. powdernose had always wanted to gain the stoic tom's attention, failing every time due to his anxiousness.
but only three moons ago, that had changed. powdernose spoke to stonegazer for the very first time in the then twenty-eight moons of his life. even after finally achieving his wish, the terror within him increased over the moon he had been deputy, as well as afterwards. he had only gotten worse and worse, and he couldn't help but wish to whoever could help him that he could feel happiness once more. that the voices in his head would leave him alone for good.
powdernose thought of stonegazer, picturing the memory of them laying under the stars. he remembered how the moonlight shone on the tom's pelt, how the stars reflected in his eyes. the calming sound of his voice masked the awkwardness of the situation, and even had the same effect on him now. he loved stonegazer's voice. it was lovely, to say the least. bringing a skip to his heartbeat and filling him with nervousness. of course, it wasn't like that now, but he remembered being so shy around the other tom. being childish and jumpy.
powdernose's smile grew as he thought more of stonegazer. the tom was handsome, with a strong build and beautiful eyes. his fur was well groomed and his expression forever showing that of a hardworking feline. despite the awkwardness between them at first, he felt close to the other, and it was a miracle to realize that.
the two toms were almsot complete opposites. powdernose was lazy, skittish, and timid, as stonegazer was diligent, apathetic, and able to fight back for what he believed in. it was amazing that stonegazer had even allowed powdernose into his life. now the small tom never wanted to leave, but he didn't deserve stonegazer. the older tom deserved someone much more stable and strong. someone who didn't sleep for more than half of the day, never wanting to hunt or fight. he deserved someone who wasn't a coward.
in the beginning, he had tried breaking stonegazer out of his stoic, hardworking shell and allow him to have fun, but now powdernose needed help.
he was drowning, and he needed someone to pull him back to the surface. the monsters of anxiety and sadness were clinging to him, wrapping around his frail form and pulling him towards the darkness. he could only hope that somebody, anybody, would fight them back to where they belonged.
and, deep down, he hoped that somebody was stonegazer. because through all of the anxiety, through all of the negativity and denial he felt, powdernose knew one thing.
he had fallen in love with him.
and he only hoped that stonegazer felt the same.

[lone]

Originally Posted by lacunaxx

powdernose stared at the other as he went away, a blank expression left on his face. he knew that he deserved the stern aura that stonegazer held. nobody should ever let themselves get like this, even if they aren't in the best of mental shapes. his nose twitched and he leaned closer to the prey, pulling it towards himself and taking a small bite. it was thick in his throat as he swallowed, sliding down with a bit of difficulty, but he managed to do so. the siamese quickly devoured the rest of the mouse, his mouth tingling as the taste washed over it. after all, he hadn't eaten well in quite a long time, and it was delicious.
his paws kneaded the ground, a soft, ragged purr starting deep in his throat. powdernose nodded, albeit knowing that if someone that would hurt him came, he would be too weak to drag himself to a hiding place, much less defend himself. exhaling quietly, he waited for stonegazer to return, mind wandering to the experience he had had before waking up. what had even happened? he was sure that it was not something that happened to anybody, let alone be a natural occurrence. confusion laced his mind, but he tossed the thoughts aside in order to not become too worriful about it. he could ask tallmarsh later, if he even made it back to camp.
powdernose's ears swiveled, listening to the music of the territory. it was quite beautiful, how every tiny noise molded together into a perfect melody. it brought a smile to his lips, one that had not been there for who knows how long. he closed his eyes and laid his head down, simply focusing on the song dancing through his ears. subconsciously, an image of stonegazer materialized in his mind, but he felt no need to think of something else.
stonegazer.
the grey tom was caring for him, something he never thought would happen. ever since he was an apprentice, stonegazer was of interest to him. powdernose had always wanted to gain the stoic tom's attention, failing every time due to his anxiousness.
but only three moons ago, that had changed. powdernose spoke to stonegazer for the very first time in the then twenty-eight moons of his life. even after finally achieving his wish, the terror within him increased over the moon he had been deputy, as well as afterwards. he had only gotten worse and worse, and he couldn't help but wish to whoever could help him that he could feel happiness once more. that the voices in his head would leave him alone for good.
powdernose thought of stonegazer, picturing the memory of them laying under the stars. he remembered how the moonlight shone on the tom's pelt, how the stars reflected in his eyes. the calming sound of his voice masked the awkwardness of the situation, and even had the same effect on him now. he loved stonegazer's voice. it was lovely, to say the least. bringing a skip to his heartbeat and filling him with nervousness. of course, it wasn't like that now, but he remembered being so shy around the other tom. being childish and jumpy.
powdernose's smile grew as he thought more of stonegazer. the tom was handsome, with a strong build and beautiful eyes. his fur was well groomed and his expression forever showing that of a hardworking feline. despite the awkwardness between them at first, he felt close to the other, and it was a miracle to realize that.
the two toms were almsot complete opposites. powdernose was lazy, skittish, and timid, as stonegazer was diligent, apathetic, and able to fight back for what he believed in. it was amazing that stonegazer had even allowed powdernose into his life. now the small tom never wanted to leave, but he didn't deserve stonegazer. the older tom deserved someone much more stable and strong. someone who didn't sleep for more than half of the day, never wanting to hunt or fight. he deserved someone who wasn't a coward.
in the beginning, he had tried breaking stonegazer out of his stoic, hardworking shell and allow him to have fun, but now powdernose needed help.
he was drowning, and he needed someone to pull him back to the surface. the monsters of anxiety and sadness were clinging to him, wrapping around his frail form and pulling him towards the darkness. he could only hope that somebody, anybody, would fight them back to where they belonged.
and, deep down, he hoped that somebody was stonegazer. because through all of the anxiety, through all of the negativity and denial he felt, powdernose knew one thing.
he had fallen in love with him.
and he only hoped that stonegazer felt the same.

Padding through the territory, in search of water to help the sickly younger warrior, Stonegazer was left alone with his thoughts. They rarely strayed from the task at hand when he was hunting or patrolling, or even sparring on occasion, but he couldn’t seem to keep them focused now. Stonegazer had spent a lifetime training himself to focus. How to always think about the task at hand, and how that would help him later. But he couldn’t stop thinking about Powdernose. How he was going much too far, how there were too many cats around here who wouldn’t care, and ultimately, how the younger feline was unable to defend himself. It’ll be fine. But would it? He’s going to live. But would he? Focus on getting the water. Stonegazer continued onwards, holding a moss-ball in his mouth as though it were the most precious thing in the world, until he heard the faintest sound of water running. Stonegazer sped up a little, walking faster, until he reached a small creek. The water was freezing, although only a small bit splashed onto his muzzle when he dipped the moss-ball into it. Heading back to where he’d left Powdernose felt like a much longer journey, and when he could finally see the younger tom, Stonegazer breathed a sigh of relief. He set the moss-ball down for a brief second, so he could tell Powdernose - ”It’s just me.”

Setting the water-soaked object down where the tom could reach it, Stonegazer sat nearby and curled his tail around his paws, taking note of the little bits of fur and bones that told him Powdernose had eaten at last. ”Are you still hungry?” Stonegazer was not a natural caretaker. This went against his normal routine, usually he would have left this to a queen, perhaps, or a younger warrior who had more sympathy. Tomorrow would be different, Stonegazer was sure - he had warrior duties. He needed to hunt for the Clan, and patrol, and make sure that everything was in order… but he wanted to take care of Powdernose. If he hadn’t been quite so worried about the former deputy, he might’ve gone ahead and left. The tom had food and water, after all, and Stonegazer could get him situated somewhere where he wouldn’t be found… but he didn’t want to leave. He couldn’t leave, not right now. After a few moments of standing there awkwardly, shifting his weight and feeling surprisingly vulnerable, the tom sighed and came to lay beside Powdernose, offering his warmth. It felt awkward to be in such close contact with another cat, since Stonegazer generally preferred not to be so close to another cat, but it was kind of cold outside… and not only would this help Powdernose to stay warm, but the other tom’s fluffy pelt felt kind of nice.

It was a thought Stonegazer kept very quiet, refusing to let any feelings get in the way of what was his current job, but one that was there nonetheless. ”Tallmarsh will have to look at you tomorrow. Do you think you’ll be able to walk back to camp then?” He might be able to support Powdernose on the way back - it was a pretty good walk, but it wasn’t too far - but it would be best if the tom could walk on his own. Stonegazer doubted that would happen, though. Powdernose was in surprisingly bad shape. It was hard to connect this pitifully thin, weak feline in front of him to the fluffy, sweet deputy he had met before. It wouldn’t be long before Powdernose was well again, Stonegazer was sure, but it already felt like too long. Tallmarsh would help. Things would go back to normal, and then he would lecture the tom on taking care of himself, and how stupid it was to feel like he was worthless when every warrior was important to the Clan, and how he should have never gone off on his own. It was Stonegazer showing he cared, in a way, even though most cats probably would have preferred to go without that much care from the tom. He sighed, and with the slightest movement, curled his tail partly around Powdernose. It wouldn’t offer much warmth, thin as it was, but it was a protective gesture on his part. For just this one night, Stonegazer was choosing to stay with a tom he was… conflicted about.

Love was a confusing emotion, and one that he sort of understood the ins and outs of, but from what he knew… he could be falling in love with Powdernose. That was not something Stonegazer wanted to think about the repercussions of right now, because right now, he was… happy. Not because Powdernose was so weak, but because taking care of the younger tom had given him a surprisingly warm feeling. And for one reason or another, laying there, Stonegazer began to purr.

[lio]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

Padding through the territory, in search of water to help the sickly younger warrior, Stonegazer was left alone with his thoughts. They rarely strayed from the task at hand when he was hunting or patrolling, or even sparring on occasion, but he couldn’t seem to keep them focused now. Stonegazer had spent a lifetime training himself to focus. How to always think about the task at hand, and how that would help him later. But he couldn’t stop thinking about Powdernose. How he was going much too far, how there were too many cats around here who wouldn’t care, and ultimately, how the younger feline was unable to defend himself. It’ll be fine. But would it? He’s going to live. But would he? Focus on getting the water. Stonegazer continued onwards, holding a moss-ball in his mouth as though it were the most precious thing in the world, until he heard the faintest sound of water running. Stonegazer sped up a little, walking faster, until he reached a small creek. The water was freezing, although only a small bit splashed onto his muzzle when he dipped the moss-ball into it. Heading back to where he’d left Powdernose felt like a much longer journey, and when he could finally see the younger tom, Stonegazer breathed a sigh of relief. He set the moss-ball down for a brief second, so he could tell Powdernose - ”It’s just me.”

Setting the water-soaked object down where the tom could reach it, Stonegazer sat nearby and curled his tail around his paws, taking note of the little bits of fur and bones that told him Powdernose had eaten at last. ”Are you still hungry?” Stonegazer was not a natural caretaker. This went against his normal routine, usually he would have left this to a queen, perhaps, or a younger warrior who had more sympathy. Tomorrow would be different, Stonegazer was sure - he had warrior duties. He needed to hunt for the Clan, and patrol, and make sure that everything was in order… but he wanted to take care of Powdernose. If he hadn’t been quite so worried about the former deputy, he might’ve gone ahead and left. The tom had food and water, after all, and Stonegazer could get him situated somewhere where he wouldn’t be found… but he didn’t want to leave. He couldn’t leave, not right now. After a few moments of standing there awkwardly, shifting his weight and feeling surprisingly vulnerable, the tom sighed and came to lay beside Powdernose, offering his warmth. It felt awkward to be in such close contact with another cat, since Stonegazer generally preferred not to be so close to another cat, but it was kind of cold outside… and not only would this help Powdernose to stay warm, but the other tom’s fluffy pelt felt kind of nice.

It was a thought Stonegazer kept very quiet, refusing to let any feelings get in the way of what was his current job, but one that was there nonetheless. ”Tallmarsh will have to look at you tomorrow. Do you think you’ll be able to walk back to camp then?” He might be able to support Powdernose on the way back - it was a pretty good walk, but it wasn’t too far - but it would be best if the tom could walk on his own. Stonegazer doubted that would happen, though. Powdernose was in surprisingly bad shape. It was hard to connect this pitifully thin, weak feline in front of him to the fluffy, sweet deputy he had met before. It wouldn’t be long before Powdernose was well again, Stonegazer was sure, but it already felt like too long. Tallmarsh would help. Things would go back to normal, and then he would lecture the tom on taking care of himself, and how stupid it was to feel like he was worthless when every warrior was important to the Clan, and how he should have never gone off on his own. It was Stonegazer showing he cared, in a way, even though most cats probably would have preferred to go without that much care from the tom. He sighed, and with the slightest movement, curled his tail partly around Powdernose. It wouldn’t offer much warmth, thin as it was, but it was a protective gesture on his part. For just this one night, Stonegazer was choosing to stay with a tom he was… conflicted about.

Love was a confusing emotion, and one that he sort of understood the ins and outs of, but from what he knew… he could be falling in love with Powdernose. That was not something Stonegazer wanted to think about the repercussions of right now, because right now, he was… happy. Not because Powdernose was so weak, but because taking care of the younger tom had given him a surprisingly warm feeling. And for one reason or another, laying there, Stonegazer began to purr.

his eyes blinked open as stonegazer came into view. jaw stretching in a large yawn, powdernose pulled himself into a better position to drink the water, not wanting to accidentally swallow it wrong. he shivered slightly as the cool water slid down his throat, holding a smoother motion than the food had. once he was finished, powdernose let out a quiet burp, and looked to the other tom.
"n- no, that was enough," he assured, lending a gentle smile to the caring feline. "i'm just sleepy."
as stonegazer wrapped around him, powdernose allowed himself to lean into the larger tom, soaking in the warmth that his larger body provided. a quiet purr rumbled in his throat as the hheat spread through him, chasing away all the cold that he had felt before. the voices in his head were nowhere to be seen, only the thoughts of stonegazer as they laid side-by-side, pelts pressed closer than he would have ever imagined.
"p- possibly," powdernose answered, "i may be s- stronger in the morning now that i have something in my s- stomach." he gave a slight shrug and flicked his tail, ears perking.
hesitantly, the siamiese rested his head on stonegazer's shoulder, the difference in their sizes making him feel like a kit curled against their mother's belly. he subconsciously kneaded at the ground, his purr rising in volume and smile growing. he wished they never had to move from this, that morning would never come and he could simply lay with stonegazer forever. but everything had to come to an end at some point; forever was never going to last.
with one more yawn, powdernose gradually began to slip into sleep, snuggling into stonegazer's warmth and purring loudly. his tail subconsciously curled up and around the other's, but he didn't notice as his breathing evened out and he fell asleep, listening to the sounds of stonegazer's purring. the siamese's expression drifted into that of content, and he, for the first time in a long while, felt happy.

[RedHead]

Originally Posted by Gemini

She chuckled and moved over a tad her brown fur now covered in dust. She grunted, annoyed that her beautiful coat was now laden with dust. She patted her tail in the patch of sunlight she had left open. She looked back up as the dappled sunlight hit her muzzle. She squinted her amber eyes, as she looked down at her fur that had been covered with dust, “It takes moons to get it like this!” she huffed before looking back at the black furred Tom. “hm I suppose I could make some room for the deputy, second best looking at most.” she added with a chuckle. She looked at the empty patch of light with a smile.

Flintspirit willingly let his smirk overtake his face again, eyes shining with mock sympathy, though he still held a kind note in his voice. “Aww, is the lady upset about a little dirt?” He flicked his tail as he took the spot beside her, smiling down at her with a lopsided grin. “Your ‘second-best’ will remind you that outer-looks is not all that comes to beauty.” He made a “majestic” sweeping gesture to himself with his tail, his smile never fading. “Plus, in my opinion, a little dust makes you look even better. Playful and enticing.” His green eyes sparkled as he winked down at her, his heart thrumming in his chest. He hadn’t tested out his flirting abilities in a while. He was glad they were still on point. And while he knew how dorky he could be, he enjoyed it. The deputy found himself enticing. He knew if he met “himself” he’d probably be mooning over him in a heartbeat. Probably just another thought to inflate my ego. At least he was honest with himself.

[Madelaine]

Originally Posted by Deranged Llama

“Um...I’m sorry, but you have trespassed on a clans territory and I have a feeling that you shouldn’t be here.” As she listened to him speak, October couldn't help recognizing a soft tone warming his voice. She swallowed and forced her fur to lie flat; if he was making an effort to seem less threatening, she would in response relax slightly and look at the situation with a bit more sense. "Ohh," She stalled, wondering just how many of these 'clans' there were around here. "I'm sorry; i didn't know you lived here already." As he moved closer towards her, October scooted back, uncomfortable with the invasion into her personal space by somecat she didn't know. "Err, what's a clan?" Now that she was in this situation, she might as well gather any helpful info she may be able to gain.

Shadowblaze looked at October and felt his heart sink when she asked him what a clan was. He had never had a cat outside the clans ask him what a clan was, since they've always knew about the five clans. "A clan is a group of wild cats and I myself am one of those cats. Some cats tell bad stories about us, but their not true." he replied. Shadowblaze's paws shuffled on the ground, feeling a little awkward. " Wait. Where are your parents? Are they nearby? " asked Shadowblaze with a slight tilt of his tail to show that he didn't understand why a lot was by themselves.

[gemini]

Originally Posted by RedHead

Flintspirit willingly let his smirk overtake his face again, eyes shining with mock sympathy, though he still held a kind note in his voice. “Aww, is the lady upset about a little dirt?” He flicked his tail as he took the spot beside her, smiling down at her with a lopsided grin. “Your ‘second-best’ will remind you that outer-looks is not all that comes to beauty.” He made a “majestic” sweeping gesture to himself with his tail, his smile never fading. “Plus, in my opinion, a little dust makes you look even better. Playful and enticing.” His green eyes sparkled as he winked down at her, his heart thrumming in his chest. He hadn’t tested out his flirting abilities in a while. He was glad they were still on point. And while he knew how dorky he could be, he enjoyed it. The deputy found himself enticing. He knew if he met “himself” he’d probably be mooning over him in a heartbeat. Probably just another thought to inflate my ego. At least he was honest with himself.

The molly smirked at his remark, "Oh so very enticing my dear." she mewed, a playful glint in her eyes. She smiled Oh yes, more ego for me! she thought to herself at being called enticing she swept her tail up and dust along with it mimicking the tom's motion from earlier she smiled at the compliment, it was just what she needed. "Well sit sit." she said jokingly exasperated the deputy had asked for a place to sit! So why wasn't he sitting already! She smirked happily and patted the ground next to her with her fluffy tail. Her amber eyes locked onto him, shining she really was pretty. But now wasn't the time to think about her ego, but in Fuzzrush's mind theres always time to think about ego!