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Post by Shadow Da Smiffster on Apr 15, 2010 19:06:02 GMT -8
It was dawn.
Jadeclaw had been sitting vigil for the first time since he had become a warrior moons ago. No one had died, no, nothing of that horrible sort. Jadeclaw was just content to offer to guard the entrance to their camp that night. Strangely, the young cat was not too tired; the first time he'd sat vigil, he was exhausted the next day. Thankfully, the nest in the warriors den was much more comfortable then the one in the apprentices den.
Jadeclaw's mind wandered... would he ever be a mentor? He really hadn't been a warrior for very long. It was too soon, he supposed, but Jadeclaw was confident that he was one of the most skilled and loyal members of RiverClan. Perhaps he would chat with Eclipsestar about it later.... His mind continued to wander, this time, his mind focusing on his past. The days that he had been raised inside the human cages...
A shudder rippled down Jadeclaw's spine as a morning breeze picked up. It was cold, and felt sharp against his thin fur. Thankfully, it was not leaf-bare, but green-leaf, the hottest and most pleasant time of the year, or, at least that was how Jadeclaw felt. He supposed the summers were warmer, but with his black fur, the rays of the sun became almost unbearable.
Another breeze picked up, and Jadeclaw watched as leaves from other parts of the territory flew into the river, making small ripples in the water before floating away with the current. He stared, entranced for a while. Never before had he thought that he would be able to swim, or that he would enjoy it; in fact, Jadeclaw remembered that when he first came to RiverClan territory, the idea of crossing the lake, as he was still just a kit, was terrifying. Thankfully, one of the Clan cats, the one that acted as his foster mother, carried him across. A purr escaped Jadeclaw's maw as his adopted mom came to mind: Sableheart. Unfortunately, the thoughts turned grim as his actual mother came to mind....
"StarClan, what was her name? Can I not even remember her anymore?" Jadeclaw muttered to himself. He hung his head in shame. Everything that had preceded his life in the Clan was a blur to him now. Perhaps his mind had blocked it out, as it was quiet traumatizing, however, the young tom supposed it was better this way. All his loyalties lied in RiverClan now.
And Jadeclaw was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't even hear footsteps coming from behind him...
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Post by » zero on Apr 15, 2010 19:48:16 GMT -8
Where I've been, well it's all a blur. What I was looking for, I'm not sure. Too late and didn't see it coming.
The sky was streaked with colors that had no real classification; like a canvas of the StarClan. Rich crimsons, gentle pinks, fierce oranges, they all seemed to swirl together, creating something that not even words could express. It was a time when only a few cats were up, when the rustle of the camp had died down to the occasional shifting in a nest, a mewing of a kit. Not even a bird could be heard; as close to dead silence as the clan ever came. It was a time of peace. A time where one could clear their head, where they could remember who they really were, without the worry of acting how one thought they should in front of others; a time of reflection. And the smoky gray striped tom that was perched on the edge of the leader’s den, it was a time that could almost be considered sacred. He hadn’t been leader long; the scent of Amberstar before him still filled the den’s various nooks and crannies, making him feel more then a little out of place. Oh, he had known this day would come—they had all known it would someday, but did it have to be so soon? One moment, he was the Deputy, something that he could understand, something that he was comfortable with. The next morning, he simply turned around it seemed, and Amberstar was gone who knows where. After a moon of waiting for her to return, Eclipsemoon at that time had finally accepted what his mind had been telling him; that she was never coming back. Stepping up to be leader, it had seemed as though it was nothing more then a dream; visiting with StarClan, naming his deputy. Almost as though the next day he would wake up and find life as it had been, without the river’s poising, without his warriors growing sick and dying if they drank it. Oh, but StarClan had no answers about that, now did they? They couldn’t tell him, they wouldn’t tell him, why what had happened had happened; they didn’t even give him half an answer to work with. It infuriated him; where did their loyalties lie?! Claws unsheathing for a moment, gripping the solid wood beneath his claws for a moment, before he let out a soft sigh. No, StarClan didn’t have an answer this time, he had seen their confusion when he had gathered his nine lives. It wasn’t right to blame them for something that they couldn’t control—not that that meant he wouldn’t try to though. There had to be someone to blame after all! Ears pulling against his head for a moment, the smoke colored tom shook his head with a snort, tail lashing behind him. His time of reflection was over, dawn patrol had just left, taken care of by his deputy who had proven to be a good choice, a cat that Eclipsestar had always liked in a friendly manner—but then again, he did tend to be a bit of a flirt with everyone. Jumping down and landing with a quiet ‘thump’ sound on the soft ground, Eclipsestar’s gold-green eyes brightened with enthusiasm as he caught sight of who had been on vigil that night—Jadeclaw. Ears pricking forward, the tom padded over to the young warrior’s side, a slight grin on his maw. ”Are you tired of sitting vigil yet, Jadeclaw?” Eclipsestar asked, grinning to let the other tom know that he was joking. Sitting down next to the young warriors, Eclipsestar let the warmth of the early morning sunshine sink into his pelt for a moment or so, listening as the birds started to chirp, announcing the awakening of the day. Now I'm just tryin' to make some sense Out of how and why this happened. Where we're heading, there's just no knowing.
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Post by Shadow Da Smiffster on Apr 16, 2010 8:06:58 GMT -8
”Are you tired of sitting vigil yet, Jadeclaw?” Eclipsestar asked, taking the young tom by complete surprise. He turned his head and dipped it in respect towards his leader, his new leader. He had no doubts in Eclipsestar's skills, but it was still odd that things had changed in the clan so fast. Still, Jadeclaw was not above change. He accepted the fact of life, and usually appreciated the changes that happened to him. If it weren't for change, then he wouldn't even be here, in RiverClan. A purr escaped Jadeclaw's throat as Eclipsestar sat down next to him, closing his eyes as he turned his head towards the sun and let the rays warm his pelt.
"I'm not tired," Jadeclaw responded, even though he was well aware that Eclipsestar was joking. He appreciated his leader's sense of humor most of the time, or at least put up with it, but he himself was not so much of a joker. Most of the time he was very reserved, as he was now. "I find it soothing to sit out here during the night. The whole forest changes. The river sounds different too. More... tranquil in a sense. Though I know that it holds trouble for all of us right now...."
He trailed off, blinking his eyes as a ray of sunlight broke through the trees and hit his face head on. He didn't mind however, as the warmth was relaxing, and rarely did Jadeclaw allow himself to relax these days. He was always hard at work, never shirking his duties. He was absolutely set on serving his clan in the best way he possibly could, while still protecting the ones he cared about. After all, he owed RiverClan a lot; they took him in, a complete stranger at the time, from what was a complete hell for him. They raised him as one of their own. He had to repay the debt somehow.
"The one thing I remember," he muttered to himself. Is that my mother told me to repay all debts with twice the good intentions. At least I can still remember her voice.
And it was then that Jadeclaw realized he had spoke half a sentence out loud. How could he fix his mistake so he wouldn't sound stupid? He raked his mind for an idea, and then he remembered the question that he had asked himself earlier: "I remember, I wanted to ask you something," he repeated again. "I was wondering... when it would be time for me to train an apprentice. I know I'm still a young warrior, but I have the confidence that I can do it. I just thought I should talk to you about it first...."
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Post by » zero on Apr 19, 2010 14:58:09 GMT -8
I don't know what's wrong but I'm on fire, It seers through my hands, leaving skin on the wire Awake in this womb with a crown sting in my self When I listen, the same cry plays on.
”I’m not tired.” Jadeclaw, Eclipsestar knew, was a cat with an almost burning passion for his clan; one who was loyal almost to a fault, a warrior who would think before acting…most of the time. He remembered the past, taking in the other tom when he had been nothing more than a kit; Eclipsestar had been Eclipsemoon back then, and a warrior at that. It had been a very interesting night, but for the most part, he didn’t see any downfall in Autumnstar’s move—aside from the fact they had lost their deputy shortly after that. Of course, that had only put him where he was today, so while he did mourn the death of the other cat when he thought about it, Eclipsestar had never seen it as something Jadeclaw had done…unlike a few of the clan. They weren’t all too open when it came to outsiders—something that was useful, but at the same time, a little bit tedious. Good thing he loved his job, otherwise he might have just snapped when they complained to him for the few turned-clan cats that they had in the clans. Sometimes he just got so tempted to remind them that they had all come from either rogues or kitty-pets…but those were thoughts for a different day.
Eclipsestar had been clan born, but not exactly the model apprentice, something that even now he laughed about. He knew all about the rogues—on a very somber note, his best friend had been killed by one—and even now, he held a grudge against them all for that. Not that his manners would show that though! The master of a poker face was that nobody ever knew what you were actually thinking!
I find it soothing to sit out here during the night. The whole forest changes. The river sounds different too. More... tranquil in a sense. Though I know that it holds trouble for all of us right now...." Ears flicking slightly, Eclipsestar gave a tight-not-too-pleased smile. Golden-green gaze glowing for a moment, the smoky tabby brought his head down, looking into the depths of RiverClan territory, expression unreadable. Yes, had he not been just thinking about the river and all of its problems? About how they were in for a hard time if something didn’t happen? His clan couldn’t seem weak though; that would invite an attack…maybe if he spoke to ThunderClan leader Barkstar…ThunderClan had always been helpful in the past. But, he didn’t trust any clan, so the chances were that they’d deal with this alone. RiverClan was strong; nothing would hold them down, even if he had to give every one of his nine lives to make them safe again.
”Night makes the forest come alive, from the babbling of the river, even in its current…state; there is something more alluring about it.” Eclipsestar said quietly; thoughtfully. Shaking his head faintly, the tom gave a sigh. ”Things will only get worse before they get better. Time has taught me that, though I can only wonder what will happen next.” Eclipsestar shrugged slightly—he wasn’t going to elaborate on that, he didn’t need to be burdening his warriors with his worries, especially one of the newer ones. Jadeclaw had been one of Autumnstar’s last; the new apprentices would be his own. For half a second, a grin flickered over Eclipsestar’s maw; ah apprentices, he loved them, but they were such a pawful to deal with sometimes.
"The one thing I remember," Ears swiveling toward the other tom, though Eclipsestar kept his gaze on the forest, he waited; though it had almost sounded as though it had been a thought out loud. He had a lot of those, mutterings to himself occasionally, sometimes he could swear the other clan leaders thought he was crazy. That was fine though—he could exploit weaknesses easier when they thought he couldn’t comprehend what they were saying. Survival was of the fittest; it was a battle he didn’t plan on losing. Not that he planned on losing any battles…
"I remember, I wanted to ask you something," Attention snapping back into focus; he hadn’t lost the sharp attentive gleam in his gaze though his mind had been wandering; Eclipsestar looked over at the other cat, ears pricked.
I was wondering... when it would be time for me to train an apprentice. I know I'm still a young warrior, but I have the confidence that I can do it. I just thought I should talk to you about it first...." Ah, the apprentice thing. They were always so eager to train one of the young cats, so eager to prove themselves to someone else, as well as probably themselves. He knew what it was like, he remembered what it had been like; it hadn’t been all too long ago. ”Of course you can do it Jadeclaw.” Eclipsestar said with a shrug; as though it was something he had come to a long time ago.
”And if it was as simple as that, I’d let you train one of them. But, apprentices…I choose each mentor and apprentice pair based on how well I think they will work together—not personality wise, but skill wise. Each apprentice needs a certain, I suppose discipliner, someone that they may fight with, but someone that they will learn with as well. I’ve been watching them, evaluating who I think would work best with whom; I’ve not forgotten about you, I just am waiting for the right apprentice.” Pausing for a moment, Eclipsestar snorted slightly.
”Good StarClan, that sounds so corny.” He said, amusement flickering in his tone as he turned back out to watch the forest, listening as the camp slowly woke up, started to prepare for the next day. Corny or not, that was probably the longest speech he had ever made; another amusing thought to the tom.
We're slaves In this medicated cage make a decision to face this - change. The rules they don't explain So why do we obey?
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Post by Shadow Da Smiffster on Apr 19, 2010 19:02:48 GMT -8
”Of course you can do it Jadeclaw.” Eclipsestar, causing Jadeclaw to turn his head back to stare at his leader. The tom shrugged, and then looked thoughtful as he continued: ”And if it was as simple as that, I’d let you train one of them. But, apprentices…I choose each mentor and apprentice pair based on how well I think they will work together—not personality wise, but skill wise. Each apprentice needs a certain, I suppose discipliner, someone that they may fight with, but someone that they will learn with as well. I’ve been watching them, evaluating who I think would work best with whom; I’ve not forgotten about you, I just am waiting for the right apprentice.”
Pausing for a moment, Eclipsestar snorted slightly, and Jadeclaw took in his words. He did speak the truth. When it came to who would mentor himself, Autumnstar had to think carefully for a few nights, especially because Jadeclaw was an outsider; not Clan born. However, this place felt so natural to him... and Jadeclaw had often stayed awake, wondering who on earth his father was. Perhaps, long ago, he was a RiverClan warrior too, and Jadeclaw was following his pawprints. A sigh escaped the young warriors maw as he lifted his gaze back up towards the rising sun. He closed his eyes, trying to picture his mother once again, and then himself, and then his father, whom he'd never met before. Only when Jadeclaw realized that he was lingering on thoughts that were not related to his duty, did he shake his head clear; no, his family was Rippletail, Sableheart, and the rest of the clan that raised him. Yes, his mother had birthed him, but she was long gone before Jadeclaw, just Jade at the time, had gotten a chance to know her. All she had done for him was give him her supply of milk while they nearly starved in cages.
”Good StarClan, that sounds so corny," Eclipsestar said, snapping Jadeclaw out of his vision from the past. He muttered an apology for spacing out, mentally clawing at himself to pay more attention when his own leader was speaking to him.
"Just a little," Jadeclaw purred, his whiskers twitching in amusement. "But you are absolutely right. I believe in your judgment as the leader, and I suppose I'll just have to wait patiently like everyone else. I suppose I'm just... too used to this system we have. Even while everything is changing, the seasons, new threats, new kits... I am stuck with my head in the past. I'm restless here. I need a new way to distract myself and get back to my normal duties, because I owe you and the rest of the Clan my life...."
Jadeclaw trailed off, hanging his head with shame. What would Eclipsestar say now that he'd admitted that he was still stuck in his past? Eclipsestar surely knew of his days in the pound at his mother's side, barely clinging to his frail life. The trauma he'd suffered was great, but look at all he had to live for now! He had a whole Clan that accepted him for who he was, and people to protect. His dearest sister... his adopted sister Rippletail, for example. He'd gladly give his own life for hers any day.
"StarClan help me," he mewed to himself. "I don't know what to think anymore."
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Post by » zero on Apr 24, 2010 20:44:12 GMT -8
Was life always destined to be filled with trials and hardships? Lost in his own little bubble of thought as Jadeclaw fell into his own thoughts, Eclipsestar felt himself wondering what was next, what was going to happen to his clan? Was there a reason this was happening; was this a…punishment of some sorts? Over and over those questions bit around his mind, some yelling at him, others whispering their sweet rhythms to him, fouling his mind with their words, telling him things that couldn’t be true, but at the same time, things that were tempting him, making him wonder in the darkest part of nights, when the moon was hidden behind the clouds. He knew that there was such thing as StarClan—he had seen them, he had received his nine lives from them but…that didn’t help the dark thoughts at night, when he pondered what was going to happen next, and if things actually were going to get worse before they got better. He certainly hoped not—at least, not for RiverClan. He wouldn’t mind if something happened to the other clans, it wouldn’t make his clan seem as weak if something came up to distract the other clans from them. Thank StarClan none of the clans had really decided to pay any attention to RiverClan as of late.
His past wasn’t anything extravagant. In fact, it could almost be considered boring in some parts when compared to many of the other non-clan born cats. Not to say it didn’t have its dark spots though; what was a past without some fond memories to carry with you for the rest of your life? Certainty not a past of the world that Eclipsestar currently lived in—if there was someone with a perfect past, well, it wasn’t a cat he would ever want to meet. Ears pulling against his head ever so slightly, the smoky-purple colored tom turned his gaze toward the river, though the brush blocked it from actual sight, he could still hear the raspy-sounding gurgling from here, not the usual silent and swift flow he had grown up with, the sound he had come to love, even if he still wasn’t too comfortable in water for extended periods of swimming time. Having come close to drowning once, it had taught him a valuable lesson about limits…something that he really didn’t care to repeat now, or ever really, for that matter.
"Just a little," Grinning slightly, Eclipsestar shook his head faintly, looking amused once more. He didn’t know why he had gotten off into such a long corny explanation moments before, it had seemed to come out of thin air, but it was good to see Jadeclaw have a flash of amusement—they young warrior was always so serious all the time, it worried the tom. He had been thinking about assigning an apprentice to the other cat, but something had always held him back, though if that was simply his own wariness or not, but nothing had seemed to be quite right. He’d have to check back later sometime, the new batch of kits were getting ready to be apprenticed; something that caused another flicker of amusement to dance in his eyes. Kits, he loved them, and he was pretty sure he had already had that thought; maybe he really should be getting a bit more sleep at night, something that almost was enough to make him smile.
"But you are absolutely right. I believe in your judgment as the leader, and I suppose I'll just have to wait patiently like everyone else. I suppose I'm just... too used to this system we have. Even while everything is changing, the seasons, new threats, new kits... I am stuck with my head in the past. I'm restless here. I need a new way to distract myself and get back to my normal duties, because I owe you and the rest of the Clan my life...." Ears flicking in surprise, Eclipsestar looked over at the other tom beside him, curiosity burning slightly in his gaze. In all reality, the tom wasn’t too old, and maybe a different leader, one who would have been more wise, would have simply left the comment there. Yeah. Eclipsestar wasn’t that wise—though it was doubtful he’d even consider leaving a comment like that alone.
”Apprentices fill part of that.” Eclipsestar said with a nod, eyes glittering slightly. ”But have you considered trying to make friends with a she-cat, and tried to gain a mate? Apprentices can only go for so long, but family really fills that gap. You could have a family of your own, a real reason to want to give your life to the clan, aside from the thought of owing us for some past debt that has probably already been filled. You are stuck in the past Jadeclaw; you need a reason to move on, a reason to fight other than thinking it is your duty, your payback to us.” Speaking softly so nobody else would overhear him, Eclipsestar held the tom’s gaze for heartbeat longer, before returning it to the forest, thoughtful.
"StarClan help me, I don't know what to think anymore." Smiling slightly, a smile that wasn’t all to happy, Eclipsestar gave a faint shrug. ”As time goes by, motives of the past seem blurred, and you can only wonder about what may happen in the future. If you have a reason to fight, you can see that maybe it won’t be so bad, the future. If you don’t though, well, getting through each day can be a challenge. The key is not to let it beat you down; to be too stubborn to die. That is what has kept me going through the moons.” Eclipsestar said, laughing slightly, and for some reason, actually sounding amused. Well, the thought of being too stubborn to die did seem somewhat amusing…in a very odd way.
Oh well, laugh or cry, right?
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Post by Shadow Da Smiffster on Apr 24, 2010 23:26:34 GMT -8
”Apprentices fill part of that.” Eclipsestar said with a nod, eyes glittering slightly. ”But have you considered trying to make friends with a she-cat, and tried to gain a mate? Apprentices can only go for so long, but family really fills that gap. You could have a family of your own, a real reason to want to give your life to the clan, aside from the thought of owing us for some past debt that has probably already been filled. You are stuck in the past Jadeclaw; you need a reason to move on, a reason to fight other than thinking it is your duty, your payback to us.”
Jadeclaw remained silent, not even registering what Eclipsestar said next. A mate? Family? No, he'd never once given it thought. The only kind of family he thought about was his adopted one, and his long gone mother from when he was just a kit, and her one saying that made him adamant to repay RiverClan. Did he deserve to have a mate? Had he repaid the Clan for their kindness? Eclipsestar did say that he had done plenty, but Jadeclaw wasn't convinced it was enough to make up for his life....
But then again, his leader did have a point. The sudden thought of a mate and a family of his own suddenly seemed like a good thought to him, but he really had no idea how to go about finding a she-cat. The fact was, that most of the cats in RiverClan didn't know him well, only that he was not Clan born. This made it all the more difficult.
In fact the only female he was close to was his foster mother and sister, Sableheart and Rippletail, and Jadeclaw couldn't think of any way he could take them as mates. They'd raised him after all. It would just be too awkward.
"Eclipsestar," Jadeclaw started, the question in his mind not even fully formed. "I've never given a mate any real thought, it's true.... but... I've also got no idea how to win over a she-cat, let alone make friends very well. Do you think it's possible for a non-clan-born cat to find a mate around here? The she-cats that will talk to me are my foster family...." he trailed off, turning his head back towards his leader with a sorrowful, yet pleading look. "You're much more of a ladies man then I am Eclipsestar. If anything, you should be the one looking for a mate around here, right?"
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Post by » zero on Apr 30, 2010 15:42:02 GMT -8
As the young warrior fell silent beside him, Eclipsestar’s mind flickered toward the work he had to do today; early mornings were great for getting away with, but even now, he could hear the clan waking up, getting ready for the daily activities. He, thankfully, wasn’t leading the dawn patrol, but it would be good if the younger cats saw that even he was up at this bone-weary hour; no rest for the wicked after all. Ears pulling against his head, Eclipsestar listened to the bustle of camp behind him as it came alive, the muttering of the unhappy apprentice, the scolding of the mentors and the excited babble of kits. It was a sound he had grown up with, but he found as the days went by, he never could get used to it. Waking up and going to bed…those where the times when the tom was most content to just sit back and listen to what was going on, rather than charge about whipping out last moment orders for the next day, something he only did when he was in a really bad mood.
Had he considered a mate? Eclipsestar knew that he was somewhat popular among the she-cats, though if that was because he was leader or not he had yet to figure out, but if he was going to be honest with himself…the truth was that no, he hadn’t. Sure, it had been a fleeting idea here and there, when he enjoyed his light flirting manner with a few she-cats, but nothing had ever felt right to him, besides, he doubted that any she-cat would actually want to take him as a mate. They all seemed to have their eyes on some other tom, and quite frankly, the tom really didn’t want to have to deal with rejection at the moment, simply because he had more things that he wanted to focus on, not the pain of having his heart broken. So mates were the last thing on the tom’s mind…but he had to admit, he didn’t mind the casual flirting here and there, but that was pretty much harmless…right? He really hoped he hadn’t accidentally broken a few hearts with his harmless flirting—that would be very, very bad.
"Eclipsestar," Dragging himself from his own thoughts, Eclipsestar turned his attention back to the young warrior, expression unreadable for the most part, aside from the faint glint of steel in his gaze, he was nothing if not determined. At least, once he made of his mind that is, decisions tended to kill him. I've never given a mate any real thought, it's true.... but... I've also got no idea how to win over a she-cat, let alone make friends very well. Do you think it's possible for a non-clan-born cat to find a mate around here? The she-cats that will talk to me are my foster family....” Catching the pleading look the tom flashed him; Eclipsestar studied the young tom for a moment, gaze seeming to probe the other cat for a moment; though the great tom said nothing for a moment, though his expression seemed to be somewhat satisfied after he was done looking over the younger tom.
”Anything is possible if you put your mind too it; the reason they won’t really. The reason I’m betting they don’t talk to you too much is because you put so much of yourself into your duties, that you don’t really let anyone else see any other side of you. You are the cat who is always on the patrols, the cat who blends into the background, and in doing so you only make yourself a passing thought in their mind. Sure, non-clan born cats can get mates; most of them do. You just need to open up more, let them know how you are, not just what you are.” Eclipsestar said with a faint shrug; he had seen the glances the she-cats had passed among themselves, this wasn’t a rare occurrence. It was, however, a major down point for any cat who wanted a mate.
"You're much more of a ladies man then I am Eclipsestar. If anything, you should be the one looking for a mate around here, right?" ”As for myself…” Eclipsestar gave a brief chuckle. ”I haven’t really given much thought to the idea, right now I have too much going on anyway.” Giving another shrug, the smoky tom glanced back over to Jadeclaw, a grin flickering onto his maw as an idea sprang into his mind. ”However…if you wish, I could help you find a she-cat.” Eclipsestar said with a grin.
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Post by Shadow Da Smiffster on Apr 30, 2010 21:10:09 GMT -8
Jadeclaw remained silent as his leader spoke, casting his gaze out at the flowing river once again. It was hard to believe, from his viewpoint, that this body of water held so much danger to them. It was essential to not only RiverClan's survival, but all of the Clans. Hopefully, StarClan would guide them and help them fix the problem sooner then later.
”However…if you wish, I could help you find a she-cat.” Eclipsestar said, breaking Jadeclaw's train of thoughts completely. He literally shot to his paws, his fur fluffing out in surprise, making him appear almost twice his size.
"I - uh... what?" Jadeclaw exclaimed, completely flabbergasted by the offer. What would other clanmates think? Jadeclaw... a young warrior... being mentored in the ways of love by their leader. Great StarClan! What would Rippletail say? Or Sableheart? Or anyone else? Surely, they'd laugh or pity me! Still, Eclipsestar had made him think with his lecture. If anything, he needed to learn how to open up to others... get his head out of his duties. The mere thought of rest sounded like a far-off activity that had evaded him for moons. His fur finally lay flat as he sat down, and once again turned towards the river. Several moments of silence followed as he regained composure of his thoughts and feelings....
"I... suppose I could use your help," Jadeclaw finally replied. "The idea of a mate does sound... nice," he continued, choosing his words carefully. He let out a sigh he didn't know he was holding, as if he had just admitted to doing a huge mistake and the guilt had left him. Yes, the more he thought about it, the more a mate sounded appealing.
But don't let that make you think you can slack off, Jadeclaw! his mind rang. You still have to work as hard as you did before! No shirking your duties for a female. Clan first, you later. Always....
***
In the reeds, not too far from where Eclipsestar and Jadeclaw were sitting was another soul, watching and listening to them intently. Ashpelt honestly hadn't meant to be eavesdropping, but she couldn't help but peer curiously as she heard her leader say the words "I could help you find a she-cat,” to Jadeclaw. So, the young, overdetermined, ridiculously selfless to the point of stupidity cat, wanted a she-cat.
"I am not gonna pass up this chance," Ashpelt chuckled. Oh, she was happy to be the malicious matchmaker, as long as she watched Jadeclaw stutter and crumble a few times in the process. It wasn't that she didn't like the tom, no, on the contrary, she thought he was talented, even when he was an apprentice. No... Ashpelt just loved seeing others in emotional distress relating to their love lives. There was something hilarious about it, at least to her, who had never experienced a mate of her own. She stayed hidden in the reeds, content to listen to the conversation for a few more minutes, or at least until Jadeclaw went away before offering her assistance. Yes, perhaps she could work this out just with her leader... and never let the young tom know. Then it would be even more fun....
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