ℓαи∂мαяк || ℓιтєяαтє/ιиνιтє σиℓу

[indefinite.]

{{@Finn; No worries

@Map; Just start anywhere :3 My character Owlflight is out in the forest and hunting, so he's open. Though its raining pretty hard in the rp.}}

[moon.]

|| @Map - I have Shockpaw open, as well :3 I'm working on his post. ||

[saige.]

{{Mɪɴᴛғʟᴜʀʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ Bᴇᴇᴋɪᴛ}}

Mintflurry watched Cricketsong and Beekit play, but she was a bit concerned as the Warrior easily knocked her daughter back and pinned her. She started to leap up to help, but she held herself back and waited to see what Beekit would do. But..what could she do? She had no training whatsoever, and wasn't even an Apprentice yet. The Queen gulped quietly and kept her eyes fixed on the situation.

Beekit struggled underneath Cricketsong, flailing her paws about as she tried to break herself free. When she realized that she wasn't put under much pressure, the golden tabby stopped, staring at the tabby who held her down. Smiling, Beekit brought up her legs, pressing against the legs of the Warrior and pushing herself off of them to roll out from under the she-cat. It was much more work than she had thought, but it was worth it to get out. Still laying on her side, Beekit looked up at Cricketsong and smiled, chest still heaving, "You..you mean like that?"



---

<<Sᴍᴏᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ>>

Looking outside, Smokepaw watched the rain rapidly fall down and beat against the ground. But, despite the drenched area, dead bramble was still needed to keep the herbs well and alive for when they're needed. With this chilly morning, sickness is always a possibility. "Right away, Gingerstripe." The ashy Tom moved around his mentor, glancing over his shoulder back at the blind Tom, "I'll gather the bramble, just tell me which herbs need the most protection when I get back," he meowed, turning and dashing out into the rain.

It was cold when he stepped out, and with the lack of body size, Smokepaw was instantly frozen. He shook his body fiercely, attempting to warm himself as he hurried to the entrance of camp. Noting, as he moved through the slowly flooding camp, that most cats were still inside their dens, taking shelter from this storm. Lucky them. But Smokepaw bit his tongue and held back any complaints for if he said them aloud, he'd be considered rude. Falling to a stop, he sniffed the dead bramble bushes. Even if they were damp, they were still useable. Carefully pawing them out and grasping bits of it in his jaw, though it stabbed him slightly, Smokepaw ignored it and pulled back. Using all his weak strength, the Medicine Cat Apprentice began to bring the dead bramble back to the den.

Tossing it inside, Smokepaw sighed and looked to his mentor. "I've brought you the bramble, Sir. Which herbs do you think need the most protection?"



---

[[Sɴᴀᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ]]

Though she seemed excited about it at first, Snakepaw saw that Applepaw's story soon grew grim, matching her solemn expression. It was true, he couldn't recall Redki- er Redpaw much at all, even if he was an Apprentice during the time that the event had occurred. Snakepaw's once arrogant and gleeful smile dropped down to a frown, body still and tail motionless. He didn't know that's what happened to the she-cat, he just thought she had run away on her own. He felt bad for Applepaw, though. What kind of trauma did it leave upon her mentally? Snakepaw didn't have any siblings, so he couldn't imagine the pain of losing a brother or sister.

My turn to tell the story, huh? Well..uhhh what can I say that won't make her even more depressed than she is now? Maybe..an old kit's tale? Nah, she's probably already heard all of those. Maybe..I can make up one on the spot. Snakepaw pondered on it for a while, but finally decided that if he could make up a story on the spot, then that'd make him a bit better, so why not? It's a win-win situation; he'd get better at storytelling, and could boost his points with the she-cats, and he could make one of the few cats he could talk to easily feel better about the loss of her sister, even if it happened moons ago.

"Applepaw, have you ever heard about the Night Lark?"

[moon.]

|| Awe, bye! Have a lot of fun on your vacation and make sure to tell us all about it! (; ||

➔ ➔ ａｐｐｌｅｐａｗ

Mixed emotions swirling thorough her overworked mind, Applepaw's stomach drops a little as the air grows silent. Her story had not been as fun and grand as indented - hopefully Snakepaw will make it better. Why had she trusted him enough to speak of that night? She barely even trusts herself, let alone a tom she barely knows. Though she may not know him very well, she silently hopes that he won't tell any other, and that these stories - if he is to tell one as hers - will not leave the den in which they were spoken of in. If they are to, Applepaw can deal with that then, but for now, they have to trust each other enough to be stuck in the same place for as long as it may take. Eventually they are going to have to leave. If one of them needs to eat, then it will have to happen, but they will have to hunt, first. Hopefully the storm will not progress further...

Applepaw lifts her head to look into the eyes of Snakepaw. The Night Lark? Her head turns to the side and she shakes it in response. When younger, her foster mother had told her most of the stories that kits ever heard, including tales that the elders threw in. She would've thought that this story would ring a bell, but the name is very unfamiliar. He isn't just making it up... Is he? Unless, all of the other tales that she has ever heard were just random stories that had been pulled from thin air, passed down as things to amuse the kits for the time being. Something is off, but Applepaw doesn't mind. She just gazes at him curiously, wondering what this story could hold. It is an interesting title, indeed. The Night Lark. So many things could be inside of simple words - is it depressing, or brilliantly happy? Is it scary, or pure joy and kindness? Applepaw has no idea, yet something inside of her wants to know. Curiosity killed the cat - yeah, right.

➔ ➔ ｓｈｏｃｋｐａｗ

Shockpaw - ah, Shockpaw - arises from his dream, blinking his eyes several times as to remove the sleep that cakes the corner of his eyes. He had dreamt of nothing, really, just images from the days he has been living, of all of the moons he has spent training and pushing himself further on. He had awaken to the sound of laughter from a fellow denmate, Snakepaw, whom was speaking with a giggling Applepaw. The tabby tom yawns, casting them an annoyed glance before pushing to his paws. In the morning, Shockpaw is not the most pleasant of cats, though as he wakes, he becomes a bright and bubbly young tom, as any would be if they didn't think past the moment that they are living in. The past is the past, the future is the future - he just has to live in the moment. What else could go wrong? Shaking his head once more, Shockpaw draws a paw over his ear. The sound of rain pounds on the roof of the den, and by the sound of it, it isn't light. He grumbles lowly, pushing to his paws as he tries to block out the sound of his chattering Clanmates. He stretches one leg at a time, back arched in an extended yawn. His stomach growls, though his bones already chatter with the thought of going outside. Oh so desperately, he wants to hunt, but going out in the freezing rain? How bad can it be? He asks himself, still gazing into the grey light of the morning.

Flexing his claws, Shockpaw makes his way to the edge of the den, sticking his muzzle outward. A drop of rain plops onto his nose and shatters, spraying onto his eyes and ears. Stifling a sneeze, the tabby tom shakes out his pelt and pulls himself inward, trying to decide whether he is to risk a hunt or stay inside until the rain passes. It seems so cold outside, though... Even though it should be warm. The rain, if it gets him wet enough, can easily make him sick. He should feed the clan, first... The warriors, kit, and queen needs to eat much before him. The apprentices are always ones to eat last, unless they get their own meal. He can't take from the fresh kill pile - that would be stealing. So, his only options are to wait out the storm in hunger, or to run out on his own. Maybe he will wait for the others to wake, and then invite them for a small hunt. He must eat - growing toms need their food.

|| Writers block, sorry 3: ||

[katniss,]

reserved for charries

[.without a doubt]

ashflight ;;

Smiling, the she-cat's eyes glistened at Aspenfrost's offer. "That would be fabulous, thank you." Laughing a bit at the tom's clever joke, she settled herself in an upright position on the cave's floor, letting her long tail settle beautifully behind her. Small wisps of hair fluttered beneath the bone, giving it a 'feathery' look; silky, and elegant. Letting the slight breeze catch it, Ashflight let out a small sigh of relief as a slight coolness spread out in her fairly warm body. Looking towards her fellow clanmate, she nodded silently, thanking Starclan for the prey. Sadly, it wasn't as large or a juicy as the mouse that she had caught in her fantasy, but it was wonderful considering the heavy rain that raged outside of the warm enterance of the den.

Taking a small bite of the squirrel, Ashflight let it settle in her mouth, and then swallowed it as soon as it became tender enough. It was as if the kill was fragile, and she had to eat it with care or it would shatter into a million pieces. She repeated this process, and then opened her mouth to speak just as a large lightning bolt tumbled out of the sky. Hissing silently, hair raising on her stiff back, she waited for the shock to die down, and then made her sentences. "I believe that Sparkstar should decide to make our existence known before we all die in this rain that Starclan has sent. It has to be a sign; two others have already died in one similar."

See, Ashflight wasn't sensitive to other's feelings like her brother was. She wasn't afraid to let herself stand out, or mention something that might pain another. It was a good thing, but also something horrible. It had turned other cats against herself, but truthfully, the she-cat didn't mind. It was all part of life, enemies and alliances. Sigh softly, Ashflight looked back towards Aspenfrost, smiling silently as she chewed his prey thoughtfully.

It would be nice to have another alliance, though.

|| indefinite; I am going to not reply to Sparkstar, since I really have nothing to say to him. All I am going to have Rapidstrike say is "Sorry" and pretty much walk off. Sorry! c:

[moon.]

➔ ➔ ａｓｐｅｎｆｒｏｓｔ

Aspenfrost flinches as the lightning rages about them. His ears pin to the back of his head, tail twitching irritably. Sure, he likes the dancing of liquid static through the air, the slam of a bolt to the ground, but only on occasion. Now, the air is dark and ominous, even though it is morning. It makes him feel as though StarClan is angry, even though it isn't the warriors fault that they are being kept up inside of camp all day, rather the leader that they have been trying to convince. He dips his head and takes a ginger bite, thoughts still whirling as he glances out and into the rain. The skies are definitely portraying the fact that StarClan is very angry - this time of the season rarely brings rain, let alone storms as such. When Ashflight speaks, he knows that she is entirely correct - deaths may even be brought upon them, as a grand reminder of what will happen if they are to delay any further.

Exactly! One glance outside and any with common sense would know that it is time to come out of hiding. We are all healthy, aren't we? StarClan knows it to be true. We even have a strong kit and plenty of apprentices. He comments, watching as another flare of lightning streaks through the sky at his words. Is StarClan listening to them now? It sure seems like it. Besides, NightClan won't be expecting us. They think of us as cowards for 'leaving'. I wonder what Sparkstar is thinking, keeping us all in vain like this... He adds, eyes trailing from the rain and soon-to-be mud to glance back at Ashflight. They have the exact same view point on this situation, but if only they are supporting the coming out of their Clan, how will they every bring it to others attention? It will surely bring danger to MorningClan, maybe even war, but isn't it worth it?

A low grumble of thunder disturbs the air, and Aspenfrost takes another bite from the prey. It will be a while before any can hunt, unless a mouse brained cat wants to risk having their fur blasted off by the storm. It could grow worse within a matter of moments - besides, NightClan is growing more comfortable near MorningClan. Why wouldn't they? They think that MorningClan is obliterated, never to return. Boy, are they wrong, for this Clan is just as strong as ever - maybe even more. Yet, if they keep themselves cooped up for the rest of eternity, will they ever get the chance to thrive?

[indefinite.]

"Wʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴏsᴇ sɪɢʜᴛ ᴏғ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ
ɪᴍᴘᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴛ, ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇɴs."

Gɪɴɢᴇʀsᴛʀɪᴘᴇ

Tᴏᴍ | 18 ᴍᴏᴏɴs | Mᴇᴅɪᴄɪɴᴇ Cᴀᴛ | Cʀᴜsʜʟᴇss | Sᴍᴏᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ

"Bᴇғᴏʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄʀɪᴛɪsɪᴢᴇ,
ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴏғ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴠᴇ ᴅᴏɴᴇ,
ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ."

Gingerstripe nodded his head, and it wasnt until after Smokepaw had left, that he realized he shouldnt be following Smokepaw's orders, but Smokepaw follow his. "Mousebrain!" He hissed at himself, tail thrashing. His sightless eyes glanced back towards where Smokepaw had slipped from the medicine den. I say the orders around here. That apprentice has no right, the ginger tabby tom told himself, hatred surculating off his pelt.
This was natural for Gingerstripe, to be mad at the world it seems. He didnt ever mean it personally, he was just stressed. Who wouldnt be here in Morningclan? With hiding about and the shortage of prey, even Starclan it seems wasnt on their side. They never talked to him unless it was ordering him to have Sparkstar reveal Morningclan's presence in the forest, but Sparkstar always refused. The tom didnt blame him. Whether keep your clanmates alive, or have them fight to the eaths for something they dearly wished for. Personally, Gingerstripe liked Sparkstar for just that, and nothing else. He would give anything for Lightstar, his father, to return to Morningclan and abandone Starclan. Imagine all the trouble they must be giving im up there in Starclan for his choice. A definite shortage of food, no doubt.
When Smokepaw returned, his anger had ceased, and he was in a relativly clm mood, not natural for the blind cat, really. The apprentice was just taking charge and had, truthfully, woken Gingerstrip from his lazy mood. He respected his apprentice for that, even tough he had taught him that, so Gingerstripe thought. "Coltsfoot and Echindia most definitly. I sense greencough sneaking up like a fox. Though, I've already stashed those back behind everything, so that will keep them fine for now." The tom padded over, now finding his way through his den was no trouble. He had grown used to his surroundings, evenout in the forest, but that didnt mean he didnt need help every once in a good while; it wasnt likely he would admit that though. His scent and ears and the touch in his paws played a major feature in finding his way.
GIngerstripe padded over, gently taking the bramble in his teeth as to not poke himself. He dragged it over towards the herbs in the far back of the medicine den. He placed each bush carefully, weaving the branches together to protect the herbs. "Are you gonna just stand there like a lost kit or are you gonna help me?"

"Cᴜʀɪᴏsɪᴛʏ ᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀᴛ ʜᴜʜ?
Tʜᴇɴ I'ʟʟ ᴊᴜsᴛ ʙᴇ sᴍᴀʀᴛᴇʀ."

Oᴡʟғʟɪɢʜᴛ

Tᴏᴍ | 18 ᴍᴏᴏɴs | Wᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ | Cʀᴜsʜʟᴇss | Bʟᴜᴇᴘᴀᴡ

"I'ᴍ ǫᴜɪᴄᴋᴇʀ, sᴍᴀʀᴛᴇʀ, ғᴀsᴛᴇʀ,
ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ. Wᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ
ᴡʜʏ? I ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ sᴜᴄᴄᴇᴇᴅ."

Owlflight stepped back from where the dead mouse lay, the corners of his mouth slid into a small grin. "An excellent meal for the elders, if I do say so myself." The black and white tabby sat down beside the uprooted tree root, panting heavily to retreave his breath. He hadnt run in such a long distance for prey in quite a while. That mouse had given him a run for his pelt, and itgave him this rush, this feeling of accomplishment. A feeling he hadnt felt since apprenticehood.
The rain splattering on his pelt helped to cool him down, for he was sweating like a badger. His breaths came quick, heavy, and now he lay sprawled out on the mossy, damp ground. The soil and pebbles began to find their way into his pelt, making it itch continuously. However, Owlflight had no energy right now to scratch at it. It felt as if ants were crawling through his pelt, searching for food to bring back to their own clan. Ants were much like warrior cats, in their own strange ways. How they were different? Warrior cats were better looking.
Owlflight finally had had enough. He leapt to his paws, peering at his pelt. Ants, of course. Owlflight hissed, biting at his pelt. No, not ants. Ticks! "Great. Gingerstripe will surely get a good laugh out of this..." He bit at them furiously, then something caught his attention in the corner of his eye. Lifting his amber gaze, his eyes set sight on a kit peering over the tree root at him. The warrior blinked, rising to his paws. "May I ask your name?" Ahh, Owlflight. Never one to greet then ask questions. He was always quick to the point with cats, even with this poor kit here.
The kit seemed mesmerized by Owlflight. A big tom, muscular at that, biting furiously at his rump for ticks. A hilarious sight, if one's life wasn on the line. The kit's bright eyes were a light blue and immediatly, they reminded Owlflight of his sister Cricketsong, and his mother Brighteyes. Owflight frowned, then repeated his question. It took a little while, but soon the kit responded with, "Scout." Her whiskers twitched, climbing up so her body sat perched atop the tree root. She was fairly, fairly tiny. No larger than Beekit was. She must have only been four moons, but she seemed not the slightest bit afraid, for then she asked, "Yours?" It was clear she had been around many many other cats.
"Owlflight." He replied, narrowing his eyes at the kiten. Instead of growing frightened, she just smiled larger, her blue moons for eyes wide with curiosity and knowledge beyong the tom's knowing.

"Bᴇғᴏʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ғᴇɴᴅ ғᴏʀ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ, ᴛʜɪɴᴋ
ᴏғ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ɪᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙʀɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ sᴛᴀʏ."

Cʀɪᴄᴋᴇᴛsᴏɴɢ

Sʜᴇ ᴄᴀᴛ | 18 ᴍᴏᴏɴs | Wᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ | Cʀᴜsʜʟᴇss | Sɴᴀᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ

"Tᴏ ʙᴇ, ᴏʀ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ
ʙᴇ. I ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴀᴛʜᴇʀ
ᴘʀᴇғᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ."

Cricketsong smiled, tail perched high in the air as she stood over the petite she cat. Her whiskers twitched in amusement, those bright blue moons for eyes flickering down at Beekit's deep ivory green ones. Her sleek, silvery pelt rested almost perfectly across her rippling, lightly toned muscles and her actually, small for her sized, body. Cricketsong was always the smallest of the group, though it never ceased to annoy her that she always had the largest ears. Bat like, as they have been described, but she soon grew over that and moved onto how small she was. Just because she was more petite compared to theother warrios, it didnt mean was was just the les illcapable of performing the same tasks that the others did. It made it more difficult, ye, but nothing was too difficult for this determined soul. Even her brothers, who constantly teased her about it, eventually gave up for she never let them see how it affected her.
It was am amusing sight, seeing a small cat standing over, in a goofish way, over an even smaller cat as if she cold over take her with a single swipe of her paw, which Cricketsong would never in a million moons think of doing. Beekit's squirming underneath her, her wide eyes staring up at her as if she were truly scared. Surely she should know Cricketsong would never harm her.
It was only when Beekit had, to Cricketsong's surprise, escaped her trap. She had used Cricketsong's chest and her strong legs, as Cricketsong had always noticed how powerful they were, to roll out from under her. A move Cricketsong would never even thought of if she were in her position.
Instead of congradulating her right away, the silver tabby jus fell back onto her rump, bright eyes watching the young kit's smile widen. It was amusing, how much she was prou of herself for her accomplishment, and she should be. "Exactly like that. Young Beekit, I wouldnt have even thought of that move before you just accmplished it." Pride filled her blue moons for eyes as she glanced at Mintflurry, wondering how she must feel. Surely more prideful that I.

"Iғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴀ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ
ᴍᴇ, sʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀᴄᴛs. Mᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ."

Sᴘᴀʀᴋsᴛᴀʀ

Tᴏᴍ | 30 ᴍᴏᴏɴs | Lᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | Cʀᴜsʜʟᴇss | Aᴘᴘʀᴇɴᴛɪᴄᴇʟᴇss

"Tᴏ ʙᴇ ʙʀᴀᴠᴇ ɪs
ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ. Tᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʀᴀɢᴇᴏᴜs
ɪs ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ."

Sparkstar shook his head as Rapidstrike apologized and slipped away. He didnt blame the tom; he cared just as much for the clan as he did. Durting this harsh time Morningclan was in, every cat from the smallest kit to the fittest leader was hurting. Perhaps maybe Rapidstrike was right? The clan couldnt goon like this forever and sure enough, one of these days Nightclan would come over here and take possession of our territory and find us here going about our normal lives. Surey they woulnt take that lightly. If they were to find out we were still in exhistance, it would have to be us who made the first move. I'd rather we surprise them than then surprise us.
The strong hearted leader let out a long sigh, glancing at the arising clanmates of his. He hadnt even chosen a deputy yet after he was made leader. Beekit was needed as an apprentice now more than ever... He pushed those thoughts aside. He needed o concentrate on what he had pushing off for many many moons: Morningclan's hiding. True, Morningclan needed to be recognized as their exhistance, but what about their safety? Battle would definitly be a result, and we shouldnt dare risk the lives of cats just so we can be recognized. Cats will die... But we will be discovered soon! Might as well now.
With that, Sparkstar shook his pelt dry, though rain quickly gathered up in his pelt gain, and leapt atop the high rock. In his loudest voice he could muster above the rain, he said, "Let all cats of Morningclan gather beneath the High rock!"

{{A meeting has been called everyone!}}

[saige.]

{{Mɪɴᴛғʟᴜʀʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ Bᴇᴇᴋɪᴛ}}

For a while, Mintflurry held her breath and stood worried that Beekit wouldn't figure out a way around Cricketsong, not that she assumed the Warrior would hurt her daughter, but it's natural instinct to care about the well-being of your kit. But as the golden tabby miraculously pushed off and rolled out from under her, the Queen smiled broadly and let out a small 'woop' of praise to Beekit. Beekit turned to her mother, smiling sheepishly before pushing herself up. She had no idea where the idea had come from, nor did she even know she was capable of doing it, but she did and it seemed to surprise everyone; even Cricketsong.
Looking over at the tabby Warrior, Beekit saw that she had fallen to her haunches in shock. The kit didn't really know what to say, but she again returned the look with a sheepish grin. "Did I really surprise everyone more than I surprised myself? I don't even know where I picked that up at." Beekit was being truthful. Despite watching Warriors and Apprentices both train and demonstrate their moves, she couldn't recall where she had been taught the technique. Although, she shrugged it off soon after, especially once her attention was grabbed by Sparkstar's voice in the distance. "A meeting! Mintflurry, can I go outside and watch with the others? Please?! I'll stay close to Cricketsong! I promise!" The she-cat continued to beg and squeal until her mother sighed. Mintflurry turned to Cricketsong and smiled apologetically, "Can you please take her? I'll be sitting at the mouth of the den not too far off."



---

[[Sᴍᴏᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ]]

Nodding to Gingerstripe, Smokepaw backed up a step to allow the blind to some room. Watching as he effortlessly moved through the den, the Apprentice wondered how long it took the Medicine Cat to actually memorize the layout of the den, and the entire forest in general. Didn't he ever worry about accidentally straying into NightClan territory and risk being killed? Then again, Smokepaw would usually go with him when he was out in the woods, usually in order to collect the needed herbs. But with the storm, going out today wasn't a main priority; saving what herbs they still had was.
When the ginger Tom snapped at Smokepaw for blankly staring off into his own thoughts, not even lifting a wet paw to help, he snapped back into reality and scrambled forward, picking up bramble as he did so. "Shorshy, Shingerstripe," he muffled through the prickly plant, dragging it to the back of the den and setting it down. Using his paws to have it fall into a cover over the herbs that Gingerstripe had said needed the most protection, Smokepaw carefully made sure not to damage any herb with the bramble, but close enough to provide the upmost protection.
Ears perking to the sound of Sparkstar's loud call before it succumbed to the sound of the rain, Smokepaw turned to Gingerstripe, "Shall we sit at the mouth of the den and listen, Sir?"



---

[[Sɴᴀᴋᴇᴘᴀᴡ]]

Though Applepaw was silent in reply, her expression told Snakepaw that she seemed to think that his tale was a real one that he wasn't just making up. "Alright, I'll tell you." The marble tabby Tom cleared his throat twice before starting his story, using that time to try and piece together what he could of what "The Night Lark" could actually be. "Long before you and I were born, around twilight each day, as the sun began to crawl back into it's den and the moon began to rise, there was a bird that would fly around the forest. Everyday without fail, it would be there, singing it's heart out to all who bothered to listen until dawn broke. Many rumors went around about the lark, such as it couldn't be caught, it was a gift from StarClan, and some even said that it wasn't real, but instead it was the sound of the wind singing to us every night. Another cat had claimed one that it was an omen of death and that if you heard the song, you would perish the next day. But one of the most famous rumors that went around was that if two cats were to hear the song while together, they would fall in love,"

"A silly thing to say, I know, but hey, anything could happen. I guess this isn't really a story as it is an old folktale, but it's an interesting tale, no? My mother told me, when I was a kit, she and my father fell in love after hearing the song of a bird at night" Now that part of the story was actually true. Snakepaw's parents did fall in love after hearing the song of a bird, but he doubted that the Night Lark's existence was true. "Interesting story, huh?" Snakepaw asked after he was finished, his deep amber eyes meeting the dulled down ones of Applepaw. The gray and black Tom listened for her answer, but instead caught Sparkstar's call for a meeting instead. Standing up and flicking his tail to her, he nodded his head as he started out of the den, "Come on, we should get going."

[moon.]

➔ ➔ ａｐｐｌｅｐａｗ

I love that story. Applepaw instantly murmurs, eyes alight in wonder. She had never heard of this Night Lark, and it seemed rather unrealistic, though she does seem to believe the part about falling in love at the sound of the mysterious bird. The way that Snakepaw had told it with so much emotion as it neared the end, it's almost as if he had lived it himself. Applepaw hasn't ever heard a lark around here - she has, though, heard one in her dreams. One of her many, strange, horrific nightmares, she had heard a lone call of a bird, far in the distance. It easily could have been a Mourning Dove, of even the call of a mimicking Jay. But hearing this story, it's hard to tell.. as if it had come to life. But, what if it isn't true? Could all of her fantasies of figuring out her dreams just have vanished by her losing that one piece of information? No. She shakes the though from her head, focusing her gaze upon Snakepaw. It could be real. A bit preposterous when it comes to death at it's song, but the love, and the gift from StarClan... She begins, but her words are cut off by the call of her leader. Applepaw looks to Snakepaw, the beginning of a complaint forming on her lips, but quickly shuts her jaw and follows him out into the rain.

Instantly, Applepaw pins her ears against the back of her head to keep the rain water from spilling into her head - literally. Her tail lashes several times, though she doesn't hesitate to sit down next to Snakepaw in the buckets of rain. She looks up, squinting against the droplets, eyes trailed on Shockstar as he rises above them all. What is he going to announce? Something important, she hopes, for he has forced his warriors to draw out into the rain. Her pelt is already plastered to her skin, and she shoots Snakepaw an apologetic glance. We can finish the stories after the meeting. She whispers, amber eyes sparkling as a stray stream of sunlight breaks through the clouds. The sunlight soon fades, though her gleaming eyes still faintly glow, golden flecks etched into her eyes alight with their absorbed power. She flicks her tail once more and looks up, pelt warming with a newfound feeling as she awaits in the rain, a shiver beginning, for the Clan leader to announce the news. As she sits, she knows one thing is for sure - she feels less lonely, and maybe tonight, she won't have to deal with the nightmares, knowing that a friend is near.