Weather:
Greenleaf- A few dawns had passed ever since Greenleaf had arrived and snow has been melting at a steady rate without any threat of potential flooding. On a pleasant day such as this, your cats have a chance of catching a larger piece of prey.
Greenleaf- A few dawns had passed ever since Greenleaf had arrived and snow has been melting at a steady rate without any threat of potential flooding. On a pleasant day such as this, your cats have a chance of catching a larger piece of prey.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
[ Mapleclan ] | [ Soulclan ] | [ Yewclan ] | [ Leafclan ] | [ Cragclan ] | [ Forestclan ] | [ Gustclan ] | [ Sageclan ] |
[ Honestclan ] | [ Briarclan ] | [ Jinxclan ] | [ Sycamoreclan ] | [ Dappleclan ] | [ OakTreeclan ] | [ Autumnclan ] | [ Sparrowclan ] |
[ Cascadeclan ] | [ Trikruclan ] | [ Waveclan ] | [ Slateclan ] | [ Horizonclan ] | [ Mintclan ] | [ Swiftclan ]
[ Honestclan ] | [ Briarclan ] | [ Jinxclan ] | [ Sycamoreclan ] | [ Dappleclan ] | [ OakTreeclan ] | [ Autumnclan ] | [ Sparrowclan ] |
[ Cascadeclan ] | [ Trikruclan ] | [ Waveclan ] | [ Slateclan ] | [ Horizonclan ] | [ Mintclan ] | [ Swiftclan ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
aura. wrote:wanheda's pelt rippled in anticipation as onya, now more muscled and grave than she had been a few moons before, observed the entirety of the commander's form. "you have grown much, natblida. i am proud to call you my second." onya dipped her head in recognition before bunching her hind legs and leaping on top of wanheda. out of range of the heda's claws or teeth, she unsheathed her claws and dug into her shoulder before viciously ripping at the fur. the commander swiftly dropped to the ground and rolled, her weight suffocating onya underneath her. the spotted feline leapt to her paws and slashed at onya's ears, blood to splattering across the clearing. the momentary victory by wanheda enabled onya to dart underneath her mentor's belly and slash at her hindlegs. she twisted to her side, but onya slipped out the way she darted in and used her paws to drag wanheda to the ground. the smaller feline pressed her paws against the heda's shoulders and dipped her to teeth to take the killing bite. wanheda went limp and onya stopped short, only to be greeted by explosive energy from her mentor. wanheda, using her tall legs to her advantage, leapt onto onya and pressed her head down, kicking out her second's hindlegs with her hindpaws. the seal point tortoiseshell dropped to the ground, and wanheda nipped at the back of her neck; only enough to barely break the skin.
"you let your guard down when you thought you had won. never underestimate an enemy who would do anything to live." she meowed, allowing the nightblood to rise again.
niylah speculated close by and sighed softly, sheathing and unsheathing her claws. "as entertaining as watching you two fight was, i now have to clean your wounds. heda, you first." the commander limped over to her allowing her to clean her shoulder blades. "i think you need to be careful. your second isn't the enemy, and imagined if a real enemy attacked us, and our commander was... not as fit as she normally is."
"if onya was my enemy, she'd be dead." then, she added, "i think you're out of line, niylah." wanheda said stiffly, rolling her shoulders as the fisa licked her bones. she felt hesitation ripple through niylah when she came across her scars- marking each life she had taken.
"there's so many of them." she whispered, chewing a poultice in her mouth.
"i stopped marking my skin when i realized i didn't have enough space. how did you think i got my name, niylah?" the commander commented, then shrugged away from niylah's paws. "i don't think lexa would appreciate how close you are to me."
"if you would think nothing of the time we spent together, my healing you could remain just that." niylah meowed, gently placing cobweb over the poultice. she gave one final glance at wanheda before turning away and disappearing into the bushes.
the commander looked up at the sky, reclining back on her haunches and breathing steadily. the sun had almost set when lexa silently joined her side, their shoulders brushing gently. "i believed you were dead." wanheda murmured softly, entwining their tails together.
"i'm here now." she responded, leaning her head against the spotted commander's shoulder. "and here i'll stay."
"i wouldn't want anything different." wanheda paused, her head angling toward the left. "come out of the shadows, onya." she ordered briskly, drawing away from lexa.
the smaller, younger feline approached hesitantly. "i've seen naikou. with another she-cat from another clan- i recognized the scent from the gathering. they seemed... friendly." onya said awkwardly, shuffling her paws.
"wait for him to return to camp. i will show the clan what it means to be disloyal." wanheda ordered, glancing at her mate. "hodnes laik kwelnes¹. naikou will understand that today."
-
clarke watched as the traitor emerged through the thickets, the aroma of a strange feline wafting in with him. "naikou, you have been accused of breaking the law of the clan." wanheda beckoned for wintam and gonplei to pin him to the ground. naikou went to the ground without a fight, acknowledging his fate with the bravery of a warrior. "i can smell the disloyalty on you, and my second has seen you cavorting with an enemy. in return, you will suffer a wound from every member of trikruclan. then, after you have suffered, you will die." she meowed. "starting with young skai, who even as a frikdriena, has had more honor than you today." the tiny kit approached naikou obediently, although her tail trembled.
onya approached her, nudging her forward comfortingly. from here, wanheda could not hear what she whispered into the wastelander's ear, but skai was suddenly steadfast and more confident.
"yu gonplei ste odon.²" the wastelander meowed, loudly for the entire clan to hear. then in one swift movement of her paw, she slit naikou's throat, and ended his life.
[center]translations.
¹: love is weakness. | ²: your fight is over.
(∞ dawn patrol: wanheda, naikou)*
(∞ sunhigh patrol: gonplei, reivon, onya )*
(∞ dusk patrol: wintam, fleim, niylah, trikova )*
(∞ hunting patrol: diamond, fotam, gona )*
(∞ labor: soncha goes into labor / father
diamond goes into labor / father)
(∞ training: reivon and gona )
*patrols are looking for soncha's mate.
[ Wanheda and Naikou found nothing of note on their patrol ]
[ Gonplei, Reivon and Onya sent a young kit at their southern border. By the smell of it, the kit has an infection. Maybe if the patrol returns with x1 horsetail, they could bring the kit back to camp with them ]
[ Wintam, Fleim, Niylah and Trikova found Soncha's mate while on patrol ]
[ Diamond, Fotam and Gona managed to only catch a trout before having to return to camp because of Diamond going into labor ]
[ Soncha gave birth to three kits ]
[ Diamondgave birth to six kits ]
[ Gona learned the Hunting skill while training ]
[ Gonplei, Reivon and Onya sent a young kit at their southern border. By the smell of it, the kit has an infection. Maybe if the patrol returns with x1 horsetail, they could bring the kit back to camp with them ]
[ Wintam, Fleim, Niylah and Trikova found Soncha's mate while on patrol ]
[ Diamond, Fotam and Gona managed to only catch a trout before having to return to camp because of Diamond going into labor ]
[ Soncha gave birth to three kits ]
[ Diamondgave birth to six kits ]
[ Gona learned the Hunting skill while training ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Seelie wrote:[1 Big Fish has been consumed.]
[2 Voles & 3 Shrews has been added to the fresh-kill pile.]
[Ormani requests the ancestors for a Hunter.]
[ Starclan has sent Oaktreeclan a hunter ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
lame loser lexi. wrote:Blazestar looked at the many queens. 'This is a beautiful time for kits!' He thought, smiling. However, he was slightly worried when all the kits grew into apprentice, would they even have enough warriors to train them? 'Wait and see...' With all these cats, he would have to get another deputy and another medicine cat to handle all of them- He could tell the stress was getting to Flameskip. 'Just keep a cool head.' That was all he could think.
As usual, the tom visited the nursery corner right when all the queens and kits were awake. "Good morning, darling!" He whispered to Panthersnap, giving a lick on her large belly. "Has Coralpaw or Blackspot checked up on you yet?" Blazestar questioned, worried as usual.
"No, but I feel perfectly fine!" She said, rolling her eyes at him. "He might want to check in on Maplelily tho, she's been moody and snapping at everyone more than usual." She commented, keeping her voice low as to not offend the other queen.
With a nod, he moved his eyes across the gathered mothers. "Hurricanecry, you want to join the patrols today? It would give everyone some more room around camp and give you some time away from the kits." Blazestar offered with a smile.
The queen, obviously exaushed with having to deal with everyone, got up quickly. "I'm not taking up this offer!" She yelped. "Is everyone fine with looking after Cypress and Pepper?" She questioned warily, hoping there were no objections.
Maplelily, even though she appeared asleep, piped up. "Oh, no issue. We'll watch your kits while you go and have some fine, dear." The crappy she-cat said sarcastically. However, Hurricanecry seemed unfazed and simply joined the hunting patrols.
'Yup. Blackspot needs to watch out for her, she'll be difficult birthing.' Blazestar thought, hiding his amusement.
[ Blazestar, Otterheart, Ripplewish, Deerfeather, Vanillastreak, and Patchfur go on a border patrol ]
[ Flameskip, Hurricanecry, Flintfang, Silverpaw, Tulippaw, and Tigerpaw go hunting ]
[ Blackspot and Coralpaw go herb hunting ]
[ Tigerpaw, Silverpaw, and Tulippaw have a training session: Advanced Swimming ]
[ Ghostcloud is taken from Shellclan, Deerfeather and Reedleap are taken from Lilyclan ]
(I forgot to take Palestar from Shellclan a long time ago, so here she is now!)
[ Maplelily goes into labor ]
[ Blazestar, Otterheart, Ripplewish, Deerfeather, Vanillastreak and Patchfur found an apprentice while on patrol ]
[ Flameskip, Hurricanecry, Flintfang, Silverpaw, Tulippaw and Tigerpaw caught two mice while hunting ]
[ Blackspot and Coralpaw gathered horsetail, tansy and comfrey while herb hunting ]
[ Tigerpaw, Silverpaw and Tulippaw learned the Advanced Swimming skill while training ]
[ Maplelily gave birth to two kits ]
[ Please start to feed your cats otherwise they will start to starve ]
[ Flameskip, Hurricanecry, Flintfang, Silverpaw, Tulippaw and Tigerpaw caught two mice while hunting ]
[ Blackspot and Coralpaw gathered horsetail, tansy and comfrey while herb hunting ]
[ Tigerpaw, Silverpaw and Tulippaw learned the Advanced Swimming skill while training ]
[ Maplelily gave birth to two kits ]
[ Please start to feed your cats otherwise they will start to starve ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Phina D Wolf wrote:Fluffytuft walked purposefully towards and across the Drizzleclan border, smiling as the now familiar scent of salt and sand reached her nose. As she sniffed, she caught a whiff of an even more familiar scent, and a grin broke across her face. Gathering herself, she bounded forward, her paw steps sure as she navigated Drizzleclan terrain. Had she been able, she would have called out, but instead she quickened her pace even more as she heard him, conversing with some other Drizzleclan cats. Slipping a little as she jumped off a small ledge, she beamed as she caught sight of him. His back was to her as he chatted with Teresa, but when the other molly spotted her, she smiled and waved her tail in greeting. Dragon turned around and a smile lit up his face as he recognized her.
“Fluffy.” he purred, padding to meet her, and licking her cheek affectionately, “You’re just the cat I was hoping to see, as always.” But his voice was…strange. And a little distant.
Fluffytuft felt her heart fall in her chest, “Something’s wrong.” she signed, the words torn from her. “What is it? What has happened?”
“I…” Dragon paused, searching for the words, “Diamond’s star has called a few members of Drizzleclan to leave. With Frecklestar so distracted, no one is quite sure what to do, but the handful of us that the star named must go with her.”
“And you were named.” Fluffytuft signed, her motions slow, as if she was in shock, “You’re leaving me? Our kits?”
“I’m so, so sorry Fluffy.” Dragon said, his voice breaking, “But Starclan has spoken. I swear I’ll do my best to visit you, but I don’t know what the rules of this new clan will be, or how far away they are. But I swear, as best I can, I’ll still come back.” Tears welled up in the molly’s eyes and she buried her head in Dragon’s shoulder weeping softly. “Hey, hey.” Dragon murmured, It’ll be okay. We’ll make it work. I promise.”
~~~
“She should be back by now.” Pebblenose insisted, her knees trembling as she faced the deputy. Her entire life in the clan so far had been confined to the nursery, and while the other queens assured her that Falconwatcher was no one to be afraid of, she still shook whenever she had to talk to him, which she avoided at all costs. But this was important.
“I’m sure she’s just visiting Dragon.” Falconwatcher soothed the young queen, smiling gently, “She does that often.”
“But she’s always back by sunset.” Pebblenose insisted, her voice shaking, “She promised she would be back by sunset, Velvetflicker and I made her promise, for the safety of her kits. Please, could someone look for her?”
Falconwatcher frowned slightly, “No one goes against a promise to Velvetflicker lightly.” He mused, “Something must really be wrong. Thank you for telling me Pebblenose, I’ll gather a party and we’ll find her.”
“Thank you.” Pebblenose said, breathing a sigh of relief, “I have to get back to my kits, but I couldn’t just not tell someone.”
“You were right about that.” Falcon watcher murmured, smiling briefly before leaping up onto the Shining Stone and barking, “Flarestrike! Maplestrike! Rivergaze! Wispwing! Lillystep! Luxx! With me, we need to go to Drizzleclan.”
The selected cats assembled, slightly confused, “Falconwatcher, what’s happened?” Maplestrike asked urgently, falling into step with the other deputy as they left the camp, the others jogging after them.
“Pebblenose stoped me just now and said that Fluffytuft still isn’t back.” Falconwatcher said grimly, “Normally I would just wait her out, but she promised Velvetflicker…”
“She promised me she would be home by dusk.” Velvetflicker broke in, appearing on Maplestrike’s other side, “And I know Fluffytuft. She isn’t one to break a promise if she can help it.”
“Especially not one made to you. No one is that stupid.” Maplestrike said, grinning.
Velvetflicker smiled briefly, then continued, “Dragon would have sent word if he was with her, so whatever happened must have happened after she left Drizzleclan. Spread out, and keep your eyes peeled.”
“I thought I was the tactical commander?” Falconwatched chuckled as the warriors immediately obeyed the older molly’s commands.
Velvetflicker grinned, “As long as none of my patients are involved, I’ll let you be commander.” she teased.
~~~
After thoroughly combing the area between the Drizzleclan camp and the Swiftclan camp, Luxx led the way to the Drizzleclan camp, where they were met with a strange and confusing sight. Fluffytuft was curled up, weeping, another molly curled around her, speaking to her softly, and several other cats in a group talking. A lanky chocolate and white tom spotted Rivergaze in the group and a flash of disgust crossed his face before he composed himself.
Electing himself the spokescat for the group, Cypressfall padded forward, “Hey guys.” He paused unsure how to continue, “We um…we seem to have a bit if a dilemma. You see, our founder, heir and warlock just ran off to join another clan. And Diamond’s star called several of our key members away to join yet another clan.” He saw Luxx’s face fall and winced, but forced himself to continue. “None of us really want to be founder, or really know how. So uh, we were wondering.” He glanced back at the other cats, who nodded encouragement, “We were wondering if we could join Swiftclan, sine our clans know each other so well?”
Maplestrike and Falconwatcher glanced at each other, then spoke at the same time, “Of course.” They agreed.
Cypressfall breathed a huge sigh of relief, “Thank Starclan.” he said, smiling as Arachnidkit appeared next to him, smiling at the other cats. “We were afraid you wouldn’t want a whole clan merging with you.”
Maplestrike laughed, “Trust me, it’s not an issue. We have plenty of territory to share. Come on, let’s get everyone moved in.”
~~~
Sweetstar yawned as the sun demanded that he rise, it’s warm, bright rays both easing the pain in his joints and urging him to stand, to get on with the day. Today was a day that he both rejoiced in and dreaded, both longed for and despised, but it must be done. He had spoken with Velvetflicker upon her return with the new clan members, and she agreed. It was time. And he knew the longer he put it off, the harder it would be.
As the clan began to slowly come to life, Sweetstar made his way up the Shining Stone to wait for everyone to gather, as they always did when they awoke and he was sitting on the stone.
His heart ached as he watch everyone trickle in, some in pairs, some in families, or friend groups, no one alone, not even to new comers. Kits played around their parents, biological or otherwise, paws, laughing and playing carelessly.
The handful of apprentices came in together, all very close to each other, despite the huge age range. Even the newest, Arachnidpaw, was already grinning and laughing along as if he had known these cats his entire life.
Maplestrike sat to one side, near the both the Shining Stone and the nursery, Magnoliarose sitting next to him, het tail twined around his, their daughter between her paws. Sloefur and Sloeface sat on the far side of the nursery, their kits playing around them as they chatted easily.
Finally, everyone was gathered, listening, ready. It was now or never. Sweetstar took a deep breath and began, “Swiftclan.” He said, his gently, slightly raspy voice carrying easily over the quiet chatter of the older kits, “For many moons I have led you, and have had the privilege to watch you blossom.” Hearing the tone, and the murmur of disbelief from their elders, the kits fell quiet. “But now it is time for my time as your leader to end.” Sweetstar said, his voice quiet, but heard by every cat present.
Maplestrike stared at Sweetstar, seeing him with new eyes. The leader may not be old in moons, but now he saw that he was old in body. The way he stood, the way he spoke, the scars that covered him. Until that moment, Maplestrike had seen his leader as if through the lens of the past, memories of how he used to be clouding out reality, but now? Now he was shocked Velvetflicker hadn’t forced him to retire sooner.
“But i shall not leave you without a leader.” Sweetstar assured the clan, smiling gently before turning to where the two deputies sat, “Though the moons, both you have been by my side faithfully, using your varied expertise to lead my clan, and I thank you both for it. However, Falconwatcher, you have expressed a specific disinterest in being a leader, and I shall honor your request.”
Maplestrike could feel every eye in the clearing turn to him, each gaze felt like a pinpoint of heat, burning through his fur.
“Maplestrike.” Sweetstar said gently, “Please join me on the Shining Stone.”
Standing slowly, as if in a daze, Maplestrike obeyed, passing through the crowd as if in a trance. Finally, he stood next to his leader of innumerable moons, beginning to realize that he would be asked to take his place, to follow in his pawsteps.
“Maplestrike.” Sweetstar repeated gently, smiling up at the tall deputy, “Will you take the responsibility of this clan upon yourself and lead them as best you are able?”
“I…I will.” Maplestrike said, his voice breaking as he saw Sweetstar breath a relived sigh, “I will lead Swiftclan as best I can, in your honor.”
Sweetstar smiled at the new leader, and said, “Having taken this upon yourself, I no longer bear the connection to Starclan, and I take the name Sweetsun. Upon you I bestow the name Maplestar, leader of Swiftclan. Guide them well.”
There was a slight pause, as all the cats were still in shock, before two brothers began the cry, one black, one tabby, both patched with white, neither looking anything like their father in appearance, but identical in spirit. “Maplestar, Maplsestar, Maplestar, Maplestar, Maplestar!” Brambleleaf and Tumblepounce called, the clan joining in swiftly, their voices rising and ringing across the plain, proclaiming the beginning of a new era, and the second leader of Swiftclan.
~~~
It had been a long day. Even though Maplestar’s duties did not change much, the responsibility was heavy. There was no higher power to check him if he made a mistake, no one to correct him. And that scared him. But, it also made him see things in a new light, and he decided to try to mend an old rift.
He took a deep breath as he approached the nursery, before quietly calling out, “Sloefur? Can we talk?”
The molly glanced up, sighed, then padded out of the nursery, her whole attitude already annoyed. “What.” Her voice was flat and disinterested.
“Sloe, I…we need to talk about something.” he said softly. “I have not bothered you since you came here five moons ago, but this needs to be addressed.”
“Oh, you think that just because your the leader you get to decide what’s addressed now?” Sloefur snapped at him, causing the newly appointed tom to take a step back.
“No, Sloefur, I, I’ve been meaning to address it for a long time.” He said, shift uncomfortably, “It’s about Bramblingkit and Bloomkit.”
“What about them.” Sloefur demanded, her tone hers and aggressive, “It’s not like you should have any say in how I raise them. You haven’t done anything to help them.”
“No, I’m not going to try and tell you how to raise your kits.” Maplestrike said, his voice on edge, “But you can’t hide their father from them forever. For crying out loud, they both look almost exactly like me. Isn’t this exactly what you were afraid of? Them never knowing their father?”
“That’s back when I thought their father was a person worth knowing.” Sloefur hissed, “Not some cheating dirtbag. I thought I made my intentions clear when I came here, unless they go and ask you for some reason, they won’t know, because there is no one to tell them. Skysun won’t. Aloestem won’t. Tangerinegaze won’t. So stay out of our life.” Spitting out the final words, she whirled, stalking back into the spacious den.
“That went well.” Maplestrike sighed, his tail drooping as he turned and padded slowly away.
~~~
Maplestar sat pensively on a rocky outcrop, well away from camp. He knew that at this time, the camp did not need minding, and he needed a few minutes to himself.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”a quiet voice next to him murmured, causing him to jump slightly.
“Oh, hello Swanflight. Yes, I suppose the sunset is quite beautiful tonight.” the new leader responded, shifting as the molly sat down next to him. “You look like you have something on your mind.”
“I do.” Swanflight admitted, her pale fur turned rosy by the setting sun, “It’s about you, actually. Do you have a moment?”
“Always.” Maplestar assured her, smiling cordially, “What is it?”
“Well, it’s just…this is a big transition time. For everyone.” Swanflight began, “And the impression you make now will stay with people. They’ll remember how you act right now. And after your fight with Sloefur, I was thinking that maybe you should do something to help people trust you.”
“Like what?” Maplestar inquired, tilting his head, “You seem like you have an idea.”
Nodding, she continued, “I was thinking that maybe you should take another mate, one who has been in the clan a while. Magnoliarose if an absolute dear, and everyone is beginning to love her, but I think it would help if you had another, more well known mate, even if just in name.”
“You want me to just go up to some molly and go ‘Hey, people know and like you. Mine pretending to be my mate’?"
Swanflight shrugged, “I mean, it’s up to you. But I think if you had a better know mate, it would help you a lot. And I’m sure it won’t be that awkward, just pick someone you know won’t freak out over it. Someone who would just be able to roll with it.”
Maplestar thought for a bit, then his face lit up, “What about you? You wouldn’t freak out, right? And people like you, especially the younger warriors.”
Swanflight’s eyes widened, “I mean…are you sure? I’m sure that there is a better known molly you could ask.”
“No, no you’re perfect.” Maplestar said, grinning, “If you don’t mind, of course?”
“Not at all!” Swanflight said, smiling back at him, “Do you want to tell the clan, or shall I?”
~~~
Maplestar slept poorly in the leader’s den, having forgotten to expand Sweetsun’s nest, which was much too small. He awoke the next morning, a little groggy, but his head buzzing with the plans he and Swanflight had discussed the night before. Starclan, that molly was brilliant. He was glad she was working for him, not against him. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Stretching, he made his was out of the leader’s den to stand on the Shining Stone, waiting for everyone to assemble, which they thankfully did. “So um.” He started, “Since I was made leader, we need one more deputy at least, if not two, given the size of our clan now. After much thought, I have decided upon our next deputies. Loonfrost, Stormrise, please join me on the Shining Stone.” some surprised murmurs could be heard, and he continued as the younger cats made their way up to stand with him, “I know that they’re rather young for such a position of responsibility, but I have worked with both of these cats extensively. Both are clever, capable, and responsible. They may not be perfect for the job now, but give them a few moons, and you’ll see them blossom.”
He turned to face the two, one molly, one tom, who he had known since they were kits, “Loonfrost, Stormrise, will you accept the position as deputies of Swiftclan?” He asked, hoping fervently to hear the answer he wanted.
Both hesitated, and glanced at each other, seeming to have a silent conversation before turning to face him, both nodding firmly. “We do.” They said, faces determined.
“Fantastic.” Maplestar breathed, smiling as the clan began to chant their names. “You two will do great.”
Falconwatcher smiled as the two new deputies clambered down the Shining Stone and disappeared into the crowd. Turning, he almost ran into the cat he was looking for, “Oh! Mintynose, hey.” He said, blushing a little, “I was about to go look for you. Do you want to…like, go for a walk or something?”
The molly smiled, shrugging, “Why not?” she agreed, “To the old place?”
“To the old place.” he agreed, smiling.
~~~
As the pair walked along the beach, the surf washing over their paws, Falconwatcher was gathering his courage. Finally, he knew if he waited a moment longer he wouldn’t be able to ask. “Mintynose.” he burst out, “I…I’ve never been really good at saying things like this, but….I love you. I think I’ve loved you for a long time, but it’s all confused in my head when I think about it. And I guess what I really want to say is…would you be my mate?”
Mintynose laughed, leaning against him happily, “I thought you’d never ask.” she purred, licking his cheek affectionately.
Falconwatcher beamed, purring in delight, but no words came. He just stood, relishing in the feeling of him and Mintynose, together, forever. Mates. At last.
~~~
“He’ll be in the way.” The dark tom insisted, “We can’t keep him around for long. You know that they trust him too much.”
“I know, I know.” a smooth voice assured him, “And we shall deal with that, but not yet. Not so soon after he’s stepped down. Give it a few moons, then dispose of him as you will, but the other is mine. Do not touch him.”
“Fine.” the tom spat, pacing up and down, “But you know that the longer you leave him, the stronger he’ll grow.”
“Not with me whispering in his ear he won’t.” The voice rang like steel, sharp in the night, “I know what to do with mine. You handle yours.”
“And the new ones? What of them?”
A slow smile crept across the molly’s face, “Oh, no need to worry about them. I chose them. They are of no concern to us, let them play around for a while. Enjoy their imagined power.”
~~~
It had been two days, and things were finally settling down in the nursery, now that the kits were becoming accustomed to the newcomers, the mothers began to chat more freely, except for Sloefur and Sloeface, who kept to themselves as usual. Even Pebblenose was starting to open up.
“Magnolia, love, it seems that you have a new suitor.” Breezeface chirped, smirking as the den entrance was momentarily darkened as a pale tom strode by.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean?” Magnoliarose said, glancing at the other queens in confusion as they chuckled. Velvetflicker had moved out, entrusting her kits to Pebblenose.
“Oh, please. You haven’t noticed Verglascry hovering around the den? He always pops in at least once a day and asks if we need anything to eat, but he’s always looking at you when he asked.” Breezeface purred, snagging her son as he darted past and beginning to groom him, ignoring his furious protests.
“And whenever you go out to talk to Maplestri-, Maplestar, he’s always nearby.” Flickershine agreed, purring an amusement and the kits carried on a rowdy game of clan wars, using their mothers as barriers more often than not.
Magnoliarose shook her head, “He’s just being nice.” she insisted, “And anyway, I already have a mate.”
“Maplestar is poly, so I guess he hopes there’s a chance you are too.” Tangerinegaze suggested, corralling her adopted kits as they began to yawn, unable to keep up with their older playmates.
“But…I’m not.” Magnoliarose said, frowning worriedly, “Should I tell him?”
“That’s up to you love.” Poppysong purred, her tail flicking gently as her son sparred with his adopted brother, hissing fiercely, “Tinykit, Honeykit, mind the little ones.” She purred reprimandingly. “Anyway, you can either confront him about it or continue to ignore him. Either should get it through his head eventually that you aren’t interested.”
“Never worked for Maplestrike.” A bitter voice from the corner snapped, and the little group winced.
“Oh, Sloefur, there’s no need to be angry at Magnolia just because she’s mates with your ex.” Mothwhisker sighed impatiently.
“Oh, right.” The molly drawled, “No reason to be frustrated that the father of my kits has moved on and is with a different molly. No reason to be angry he never once came to play with his children.”
“That’s a lie!” The cry rang out from an unexpected corner as Pebblenose stood quickly, her tail lashing, “That’s a lie and you know it. For two weeks after you came here he came every day, and you chased him off. And just yesterday he came by and tried to talk to them and you chased him off again. So you have no right to say he never dropped by. You wouldn’t let him.”
“I don’t need to take this from someone who got pregnant as an apprentice.” Sloefur snarled, standing angrily.
“You know it wasn’t intentional Sloefur.” Tangerinegaze said, her voice soft but angry.
“You too Tangy?” Sloefur hissed, “I thought you were my friend. You came with me from Skyclan, I saved your life!”
“And you left my kit.” Tangerinegaze said coldly, “I owe you nothing.”
“Fine!” Sloefur snapped, “Be that way.” She turned, storming out of the ten, causing the mock war to come to an abrupt stop as Bramblingkit and Bloomkit scrambled away from the fray, looking after their mother in confusion.
“Why did she leave?” Bramblingkit asked, his voice hesitant.
“She’s just angry about your father.” Poppysong soothed, “She’ll be fine, go back to your game.”
“Oh, it’s just that.” Bloomkit said, relaxing visibly. “Yea, talking about dad makes her angry.” With that, the pair turned, barreling back into the battle.
~~~
Loonfrost padded to the edge of camp, taking a deep breath, trying to relax. Being deputy was harder than she had imagined, with over a hundred cats, all with their own issues and problems and squabbles. “I feel like a kitsitter.” She grumbled to no one in particular.
“You’re a good one though.” A familiar voice commented, tinged with amusement.
Whirling, Loonfrost beamed, “Luxx!” She purred happily, “I wondered where you had gotten to.”
“Luxxstrike now.” He reminded her gently, “And come on, I found the coolest place while I was exploring. It’s on the border between the old Drizzleclan territory and the old Swiftclan territory, so I can’t believe no one’s found it before.”
“What is it?” Loonfrost asked, cocking her head slightly, “And that’s a bit of a walk…I’m not sure if I should leave for that long.”
“I’m not telling, it’s a surprise!” Luxxstrike insisted, grinning, “And don’t worry about that, I already talked to Maplestar and he gave you and Stormrise the rest of the day off. Said you needed a break from the responsibility for a bit.”
“Really? The whole rest of the day?” Loonfrost asked, beaming. “Luxxstrike, you’re amazing. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Then shush and come on.” Luxxstrike purred proudly, darting off through the tall grass in the direction of the old Drizzleclan camp.
~~~
“How..how did you find this?” Loonfrost murmured, her eyes wide in disbelief.
“I was bored.” Luxxstrike admitted, “And honestly kind of frustrated. I needed to get away, so I decided to go exploring.”
“How….how for down does it go? What’s at the bottom?” Loonfrost asked, peering down to where the waterfall crashed into the abyss of darkness.
“A pool.” Luxxstrike answered, “And about a million glow worms. It’s beautiful down there.”
“How do you get out?” Loonfrost asked, glancing up at him in wonder, “There’s no way you can climb up these walls.”
“There’s a stream that lets out of the pool, and if you follow it it leads to the ocean, right near my old camp.” Luxxstrike purred, smirking.
“No way.” Loonfrost said, incredulous.
“Yes way.” Luxxstrike smirked. “But the only way to know is to jump.”
“On the count of three?” Loonfrost offered, crouching with a grin, her tail flicking in excitement.
“Sure!” Luxxstrike agreed, smirking devilishly, “Ready?” at her nod, he said, “Okay, one….THREE!” And sprang forward, his cry of excitement echoing back up to her as he disappeared into the darkness.
“HEY!” Loonfrost shouted after him, leaping into the darkness after him, shrieking with excitement as she plummeted downwards, the darkness engulfing her.
[swiftclan consumes x5 trout and x1 mice]
[arumwillow, rainfall, swanflight, indigosky, hailclaw, and verglascry go hunting]
[luxx, lemondrop, snowsun, cloudgaze, dipperwing, and barknose go hunting]
[impclaw, shadowflight, smokefrost, bounceheart, reedwhisker, and lightningstrike go hunting]
[stormrise, swiftstep, sushicry, bearmask, teresa, and argusfang go on patrol]
(arumwillow, luxx and stormrise have applicable powers)
[rowanfern, brambleleaf, velvetflicker, strawberryfall and aloestem go hunting for herbs]
[all apprentices train]
[hemockbud is kitting! father]
[sweetbriar is kitting! father]
[Anellia attends both kitting so that they go more smoothly]
[sweetstar steps down and takes the name sweetsun]
[maplestrike is appointed the next leader and takes the name maplestar]
[maplestar appoints loonfrost as deputy alongside falconwatcher]
[maplestar and swanflight become mates, no kits]
[falconwatcher and mintynose become mates]
[lemondrop and raivon try for kits]
[maplestar requests a capable warrior to help train all the new kits]
[ Arumwillow, Rainfall, Swanflight, Indigosky, Hailclaw and Verglascry caught three rabbits and an anchovy while hunting ]
[ Luxx, Lemondrop, Snowsun, Cloudgaze, Dipperwing and Barknose caught three small fish and two ermine while hunting ]
[ Impclaw, Shadowflight, Smokefrost, Bounceheart, Reedwhisker and Lightningwhisker caught three oysters and a crab while hunting ]
[ Stormrise, Swiftstep, Sushicry, Bearmask, Teresa and Argusfang found an elder while on patrol ]
[ Rowanfern, Brambleleaf, Velvetflicker, Strawberryfall and Aloestem gathered horsetail, tansy, comfrey, catmint, dandelion and lamb's ear while herb hunting ]
[ Palepaw and Weaselpaw learned the Swimming skill while training ]
[ Robinpaw, Wobblepaw, Swiftpaw, Palepaw, Rainpaw, Stormpaw and Cottonpaw learned the Hunting skill while training ]
[ Hemlockbud gave birth to four kits ]
[ Sweetbriar gave birth to three kits ]
[ Maplestrike is blessed with nine lives and is now named Maplestar. May Starclan light his path ]
[ Loonfrost is welcomed as a new deputy of Swiftclan. May Starclan light her path ]
[ Mintynose is expecting kits! They are due in two moons ]
[ Lemondrop is expecting kits! They are due in two moons ]
[ Starclan has sent Swiftclan a warrior ]
[ Luxx, Lemondrop, Snowsun, Cloudgaze, Dipperwing and Barknose caught three small fish and two ermine while hunting ]
[ Impclaw, Shadowflight, Smokefrost, Bounceheart, Reedwhisker and Lightningwhisker caught three oysters and a crab while hunting ]
[ Stormrise, Swiftstep, Sushicry, Bearmask, Teresa and Argusfang found an elder while on patrol ]
[ Rowanfern, Brambleleaf, Velvetflicker, Strawberryfall and Aloestem gathered horsetail, tansy, comfrey, catmint, dandelion and lamb's ear while herb hunting ]
[ Palepaw and Weaselpaw learned the Swimming skill while training ]
[ Robinpaw, Wobblepaw, Swiftpaw, Palepaw, Rainpaw, Stormpaw and Cottonpaw learned the Hunting skill while training ]
[ Hemlockbud gave birth to four kits ]
[ Sweetbriar gave birth to three kits ]
[ Maplestrike is blessed with nine lives and is now named Maplestar. May Starclan light his path ]
[ Loonfrost is welcomed as a new deputy of Swiftclan. May Starclan light her path ]
[ Mintynose is expecting kits! They are due in two moons ]
[ Lemondrop is expecting kits! They are due in two moons ]
[ Starclan has sent Swiftclan a warrior ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
• noodle • wrote:[rhizome patrols the border & hunts for prey]
[rhizome travels to the great mountains to speak with the sky hunters, requesting an earth breather at their meeting]
[ Rhizome caught a hawk while hunting ]
[ The Sky Hunters have sent Lupineclan an earth breather ]
[ Your mod will be Amethyst14 ]
[ The Sky Hunters have sent Lupineclan an earth breather ]
[ Your mod will be Amethyst14 ]
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
lillygreeneyes wrote:Join my clan, page 314!!!
[ This is not how you play the game. Please read the front page again and look at everyone else's posts to see what you are supposed to do. If another post like this is made, I will be giving a warning ]