[SushiFoxx]

Username: SushiFoxx
Cat Name: Maxon
Gender: male
Rank: Elder
Clan: Fallen Rose Kingdom
Age: ??
Prompt: 299 words

Leave her, Johnny..

Maxon chuckled, an ancient sound. "You would do better asking Orev.. He appears to know me better than I know myself," he crooned softly before looking at the elder dragon rider. Orev couldn't help but shift his paws, gazing at the ground.

"Maxon was my instructor for dragon riding," Orev explained softly, bowing his head slightly, giving the words a moment to sink in before continuing. "He was the type of mentor every other dragon rider would strive for, yet he picked me. His students were always known for doing the best in their training, earning him a tall rank within the dragon riding community."

There's a smile from the ancient looking elder, a certain wiseness in his eyes that one could only reach for. "After the.. accident.. I accompanied Orev to becoming an elder, after all, I was much too old to learn a new skill, the Royals issued a formal send off, allowing me to be the only dragon rider to say a formal goodbye to their dragon.." He seemed to trail off, his voice becoming solemn. A memory seemed to flicker within his antique gaze, soon settling on Orev.

"Although I do wish the other dragon riders were granted the same mercy, I do know many of them still have not settled for a different Kingdom life.." Maxon trailed off once more. "You must promise to not tell the Royals, for I am too old to defend myself again."

"But I know many of them take learners under their wings outside the Kingdom to teach the skill once more. Had I been a few years younger, I would accompany them."

Orev nodded sadly, although he shifted his gaze away.

"I always wonder how my dragon is doing, a loyal beast, that one.." Maxon shook his head.

[Dewleaf]

Username: Dewleaf
Cat Name: Stone (Suffix unknown - doesn't want it to be revealed!)
Gender: amab (tom!)
Rank: retired
Clan: :3
Age: 5-8 years
Prompt:
Stone used to wish to live with non-furs. Why? Well, he believed that non-fur cats have a way easier life. Something way more interesting. At some point in his life, when he was still called StonePaw, he decided to run away from The Meadow and live with a non-fur. Non-fur dens were far away from the woods, it was quite a long run, but after a few hours he got there. At first it was only one den. Then two more. Then there were five. There became more and more, until everywhere Stone looked there was at least one non-fur den. But which one to choose? The cat was excited, there was no fear in his eyes. Should he choose the biggest den? Or maybe the smallest instead? The one with a big non-fur family? Maybe the one with trees and grass? Instead the young apprentice chose a den further away, one with what looked like small, flat trees all around it. He dug under the weird trees and finally found his way to the den. Only now he could see it! Though Stone could see something else as well. A dog.

After Stone grew up, he wanted to keep his past a secret. He made sure nobody knew his suffix, as well he declined many offers given to become the Storyteller of the clan.

[Archaeopteryx.]

Username: feverrr
Cat Name: cairn
Gender: ??? (she/it)
Rank: living statue / sentinel of the woods
Clan: the barrens
Age: older than you'd think
Prompt:

cairn had been nothing in life, if not a wanderer.

a creature of silvered fur and shadowed eyes; of footsteps that left no trace, except for the flowers that bowed solemnly in her wake. it carried with her tales of forgotten peaks, and the gentle ache of ancient valleys. it’s paws knew the touch of polished river stones, and of the snow-quilted winter ground. she was as much a part of the land as the dirt beneath her.

one night, under the watchful eye of the blood-orange moon, cairn found herself somewhere new; a grove, silent save for the murmured hymn of the breeze. lichen-pillowed stones softened it’s steps, and soft, curling ferns grasped at it’s ankles. there, a figure waited; a figure draped in night and nettles, their voice a tangle of low murmurs. they called to her in riddles, with a voice that seeped into her mind like water into her pelt. it was hypnotic.

as cairn paused to listen, she almost didn't notice the winding vines that began to climb her legs, weaving tightly around her limbs. with a final whisper, one she could neither understand nor answer, the figure’s murmuring voice faded, leaving her behind. her silver limbs grew cold, paws and eyelids growing heavy; soon, it's body was cemented to the mossy stone beneath.

now, she stands eternal; a statue, bound in stone, eyes forever shielded from the stars she once wandered beneath.

in the silence of the grove, the flowers still bow at cairn’s feet.

Congrats!

also awarding an RU to kyeza!