Firepaw
Tom|Apprentice|6 moons|Open for crush|Prophecy cat
Location: Ancestral Grounds
Tags: Moonpaw
”Useful.” Aha. So it’s practicality she wants, huh? I can do that. Moonpaw better get ready, because I’m about to go full logic mode on her. Firepaw elected to not be insulted or sad for the time being and instead squared up to the calculating molly. “If you want to know why having a friend is entirely beneficial, look around you. Dappleshade is the perfect example, as seen through three cats: my dad, Aloestorm, and our leader,” he said calmly and evenly. “First, what exactly defines a friend? Well, I would define a friend as a cat with which you share mutual trust, understanding, experiences, and personal characteristics.” The ginger Tom began to lightly pace as he continued. “So how does Dappleshade have friends, and how do they benefit her? My dad is the first example I can use. Mistfall and Dappleshade have a good bond, as both of them help each other. The deputy is able to vent to an understanding cat who has experience to guide and help her; the elder is able to catch up on clan happenings from a cat he trusts not to misrepresent anything and who is interesting to speak with. They are good friends, and both benefit heavily in the mental department. But I’m only getting started,” Firepaw mewed, a smile forming on his face.
“Next we look at Aloestorm. I mean, they’re talking right now, and you can hear them laughing from over here! The two she-cats are able to bring out the best qualities in each other by simply being open. Dappleshade would be a much more stressed, snappish cat if she didn’t have friends like Aloestorm there to jump in at the right moments to lighten the mood or the load. How does Aloestorm get the right timing? Because they know each other. They have shared stories and emotions and trust for long enough that it takes very little effort for one to help the other. They provide emotional support for each other.” The apprentice paused here for a breath, eyes shining.
“If all this mental and emotional help isn’t enough to convince you, then what about physical? Why would a leader even have a deputy in the first place? Simple; the leader needs someone who they trust to run the clan with them. Dappleshade does a lot of physical work around here, managing patrols, checking up on training, feeding the clan, helping the medicine cats; not only in duties, but also in battle. How much more valuable is it to fight alongside someone you know so well that you fight in sync, versus someone that you’re always still watching your back, even if they are your clanmate?”
Firepaw took a deep breath, finally ceasing his pacing and sitting down in front of Moonpaw once again. “And to answer your last question, it’s quite simple. It isn’t even body language. It’s simply what you say. You were very reluctant to admit your admiration for my dad; you swiftly tried to avoid talking about my mom; you have no real connection to your mentor; if you really weren’t embarrassed by emotion, you would have openly expressed what your body language conveys; that you hold at least some desire to know my dad better, you feel sad for my and Mistfall’s loss, you feel sorry that Frostpaw didn’t get to be a medicine cat, and you’re constantly worried about what everyone else thinks about you.” He paused here, and softened his tone. “You don’t need to be worried, by the way. No one is out to get you, and even if you did have a mortal enemy, I’m sure you could handle it and I’m sure that the clan would defend you. You are a very capable, reasonable cat, and I think you’re awesome. If I didn’t think you were worth it, why would I be here?” Firepaw sighed. “I can’t - and won’t - force you to be my friend. Or even care about me at all. But that won’t stop me from being your friend,” he finished with a gentle smile. “If you want, I’ll leave now.” I hope something got through to her. Starclan, please, she needs someone or she’s going to implode. Even if it isn’t me. Someone!
Elmpaw
She-cat|Medicine App.|10 moons|Not allowed|Not corrupt
Location: Ancestral Grounds
Tags: Cedarfox, Icegaze, Frostpaw
Elmpaw quietly followed her fellow apprentice as Frostpaw talked. “I have been busy,” she sighed. “It feels like there’s always something I’ve forgotten or done wrong, and I have to do battle training and hunting as well. It’s a lot at once, but it is rewarding, and I do love it,” she said, smiling. “What about you? Are you tired a lot? I know warrior training is pretty intense.”
Mistfall
Tom|Elder|70 moons|Fireflash (deceased)|Not corrupt
Location: Ancestral Grounds
Tags: Hawkpaw, Goldenmoon
Mistfall looked up as Goldenmoon approached, smiling at the kind she-cat. “Hello, Goldenmoon. I’d be happy to do either or both of those,” he purred, flicking his tail. “And how are you doing this morning? It’s going to be a breezy morning; you all make sure you don’t jump to any conclusions with all the scent blowing about,” Mistfall mewed with a good-natured wink. “Think you and the others can keep those apprentices of yours out of trouble?”