[Hellion]

Her short stubby tailed flicked back and forth as her brisk pace lead her border patrol. Behind her, a collection of warriors. It was under her strict instruction that any patrol heading toward StoneClan would have at minimum five warriors. Apprentices were not allowed to patrol the StoneClan border, it wa a tactic employed by Firestar, show StoneClan they had grown strong.

The past season had been spent recovering from such a wicked and long leafbare, cats fell ill and some died. Firestar's main goal was to rebuild what was lost in order to take what they deserved. Newleaf was their intended time for attack but as the fresh soft days gave way to drier days, it was clear Greenleaf had arrived.

Timing had to be changed but not her plans. Focusing on the tasks at hand, Firestar was always on patrol near the StoneClan border. She had made it clear to all her clanmates they would attack as soon as it was possible.

Cresting over a small hill, the sight of the sunstone had the calico leader squaring her shoulders and glancing toward her clanmates.

"We will mark the entire border carefully from one end to the other. This is our chance to push the border. Know where the original scent marker is and take two tail lengths from it into StoneClan territory and mark there. If we are careful there won't be unneeded bloodshed.

To the east she lead them, to the far most left corner of the border in order to work their way back to the other end. Her maw was kept open to scent anything resembling fresh StoneClan.

_Phoenix

[Phoenix]

HE'S RAISED ON THE EDGE OF THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE

Although he had never been one to spend time debating the merits of each season, Whiteshade found himself relieved when Greenleaf finally arrived in full force. He was loath to admit that tell-tale signs of age that had begun to creep up on him with the same stealth he had spent many long nights perfecting. Protesting the bone-chilling cold of Leaf-Bare and the near-constant rainfall of New-Leaf, his joints had started to - very occasionally creak - in a rather disconcerting way when he rose from his nest in the morning. One glance toward the elder's den reminded him just how far he would have to fall before he shard a shelter with those particular felines; after all, he could still fight, and he could still hunt.

It had been a while since he had hunted.

He could feel his claws starting to itch again as his monster grew impatient for bloodshed. Too long it had been since he last watched someone's life fade from their eyes, felt them release their final breath into empty air. The rise in prey that had come with the changing of the season had thus far managed to quell the worst of his urges, but in the end, rodents and other small mammals could never be permanent replacements for the most thrilling quarry. Had Firestar known of one of her senior warrior's particular predilection for prey of a more feline nature, she would have known that she ought not have invited him along for this patrol. Alas, as far as Whiteshade was aware, she saw no more of him than he wanted her to see, and he could not fault her for decisions made with incomplete data - nor would he complain about such an opportunity.

Undoubtedly, if StoneClan were to stumble upon LightningClan's little band of cats resolutely pushing the border two tail lengths inward, they would be rather displeased. Challenges would be issued. Perhaps insults would even be traded, and most importantly, if all went well, claws would be unsheathed. And then, well, one could hardly fault the senior warrior for defending himself against a hotheaded StoneClan cat...

It was a pleasant daydream, and one he idly toyed with as he followed Firestar's lead and began marking the new border. He decided that, in this particular instance, it was a pity that he could not simply summon a StoneClan patrol with his thoughts. A mere glance at the calico she-cat at the head of their patrol confirmed their relative solitude; if there was any enemy feline in the vicinity, LightningClan's leader would be the first to know. Though for different reasons, the appearance of such a cat would set both their hearts racing, and like so many others, Firestar would most likely try to defuse the situation before it truly became an issue, which would leave Whiteshade thoroughly unsatisfied. If a patrol came along, it would be best if it included an impulsive young tom, one who would rather fight first and talk later, for there would be no alleviating the tension once blood was shed. If such a StoneClan cat could get the first swipe in before the patrol leaders had time to fight with words instead of claws, then he might get his way. If only. Faintly amused at the slight note of desperation that had slipped into his thoughts, he glanced toward the sky. A hot-headed young cat with good reflexes - surely that wasn't too much to ask for.

Whiteshade | LightningClan | Senior Warrior | Devil's Backbone - The Civil Wars

DON'T CARE IF HE'S GUILTY DON'T CARE IF HE'S NOT

[Fawn]

[smear:dbb623]EAGLETALON![/smear:cc380a]

62 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

It should've been a normal, uneventful morning for the small StoneClan border patrol—two warriors and an apprentice—and at first, it was. Eagletalon had marked the border, and was ushering young Heronpaw away from the Sun Stones, as warmly tempting as the large, flat dark rocks were on a dewy summer morning. He could feel the heat travel through his pawpads as he crossed the flattened stone, keeping an eye out for snakes and other small lizards that had the same idea as Heronpaw.

It was all going smoothly until they reached the scrubland, and scents of LightningClan blew in on a greenleaf breeze behind them. Eagletalon, being the most senior of the patrol, frowned and called that they ought to double back; so they did.

Spotting the white and calico pelts of two of LightningClan's most distinctive members, Eagletalon hissed in surprise, his claws unsheathing out of instinct as he witnessed their trespassing. The numbers were uneven, but his temper had flared up like a forest fire on a dry, hot day.

"What do you think you're doing, Firestar?" He growled, taking several aggressive pawsteps forward, his tail lashing behind him. His nicked ears and various scars covering the muscles rippling under his pelt were telling of his past successes. He was getting older, but if any cat thought he was slowing down—they'd better prepare themselves to be disappointed. Five warriors? Are they looking for a fight? Eagletalon's eyes narrowed, and he held his ground, watching the group.

Second highest on his list of priorities was Heronpaw. She was a quick little she-cat, if things got ugly, he was sending her off to get Hawkstar—and it would keep her from facing odds more sensible cats would've retreated from. But Eagletalon hated retreating. And as for Whiteshade, Eagletalon had a glare reserved just for him. He remembered seeing that white specter all too frequently in the battle of StoneClan versus StormClan. Some transgressions were too heinous for Eagletalon to forgive, a rough lifestyle or not.

Word Count: 333 Words
Tags: BlooRey DVD , Hellion
Notes: Counts as Border/Territory Thread

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:87CEFF]Heronpaw[/smear:FAF0E6] ~~~~~~~~~ The young, white and cream she-cat's cheeks were puffed out playfully as she pouted at her uncle. Despite her apparently sour expression, she trotted alongside him easily, struggling to withhold the laugh that wanted to escape her jaws. Her mentor was responsible for pulling her off the comfortably warm surface of the Sun Stones, despite her attempted reasonings with him. Hey, it was always worth a try, was it not? Of course, Eagletalon had chuckled and told her that they had a patrol to finish. So, here they were, three StoneClan cats moving along the border with the youngest of the group pulling off a rather ridiculous face. It was here that the sand-brown head of the patrol stopped in his tracks. The goofy expression fell from her features, ears pricking curiously as she strained her senses, hoping to pinpoint just what it was that had attracted Eagletalon's attention. The scent of LightningClan soon greeted her tongue, leaving her to cough slightly with the presence of the intruding scent. Her mentor was already leading the patrol back in the direction the scent had come from. Heronpaw puffed out her chest, straightening her posture to look as impressive as she could manage, despite her bright blue eyes. Thankfully, her coat had lost most of its kit-ish softness. Had it not been for an incident earlier in her apprenticeship, in which she'd twisted one of her paws, she'd have been a warrior or very close to one. Her StoneClan heritage was apparent in her still-growing figure; although not of the scale as her father or mentor, she'd certainly grown since leaving the nursery. Heronpaw wasn't sure what she'd expected to see when they doubled back to the border. What she certainly had not expected was to see the LightningClan leader. Alarm flashed in her blue eyes but she kept quiet, standing behind her mentor as Eaglestalon confronted the LightningClan patrol. Firestar..? But she'd always seemed... Fair? She had always wondered what untold events had triggered the attack of StormClan. Surely StoneClan had done something to deserve such a horrible war... Now she was beginning to think she'd been naive. Swallowing the bitter taste on her tongue, the apprentice let her eyes scan the other members of the LightningClan patrol. Five to three. Surely it was normal she be feeling... Apprehensive, scared even. What was LightningClan here for?

Hellion Fawn Phoenix

[Hellion]

They were quick but deliberate and marked each border with careful dedication. Studied the expansive territory in front of her as Brightpool and Cricketnose took turns marking the border carefully, the others paying attention to the enemy lands.

As they continued along their path, the sound of cat she knew all too well caught her attention. Standing in front of her warriors her short tail flicked her them to stand at the ready.

Brightpool with her solid white pelt and amber eyes remained on her paws. Watching the StoneClan cats with a strange almost spiritual gaze. Beside the she-cat with his thick black coat creating an interesting contrast, was Cricketnose. His tail twitched as his claws itched. Sharpfang with his strong broad body and brown and black coat flanked Firestar, his eyes kneen on Eagletalon.

Firestar did not rush to answer to Eagletalon but instead made a quick glance over those in her party, knowing full well they would be capable of holding their own.

"I am on a patrol with my Clanmates," She replied her answer not a lie but also not he full truth.

From behind her Sharpfang maw fell into a smirk and Brightpool's attention turned from the StoneClan cats to him. Briefly Cricketnose's claws full extended scratch at the drying earth.

_{Phoenix | BlooRey DVD | Fawn}

[Phoenix]

HE'S RAISED ON THE EDGE OF THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE

Someone in StarClan - he couldn't imagine who, as he had put a fair number of them there himself - must have been smiling upon him, for practically moments after had he quietly wished for a StoneClan patrol to appear, one materialized from the rocky landscape. Crimson eyes surveyed the StoneClan cats as they drew closer, and when he saw that they numbered only two warriors and an apprentice, the senior warrior knew that should a fight break out, it might not prove to be as satisfying as he had hoped. Only the most skilled warriors could truly hold their own against odds such as these.

Alabaster paws carried him back toward the rest of his patrol as they gathered together to meet their neighbors head on, and he stood off to one side as their calico leader stepped forward. Members of both patrols were quick to unsheathe their claws, he noted idly, lip curling upward ever so slightly. Despite the tension that hung thick in the air, Whiteshade kept his muscles relaxed and ready to move as he listened to the large tom, a familiar cat whose name had something to do with birds, at the head of StoneClan's patrol. The general accusatory tone with which he addressed them was not unwarranted, the senior warrior decided, given that they were all but provoking a fight and trespassing, and Firestar handled it with a neat half-truth that effectively made the StoneClanner seem unreasonable.

His gaze traveled from the bird-named-cat to the apprentice by his side. She was a pale colored she-cat who had the air of one who had yet to realize the true nature of the world she lived in. Her blue eyes held the bright innocence of a kit, a startling contrast to his own cold crimson. If all the unsheathed claws began flying through the air, she would be the first to go, and all he would need to do was swipe his paw. It would be as unfulfilling as hunting a mouse. No, he mused as he raised his gaze to meet the StoneClan tom's undisguised glare. He wanted more challenging prey.

Whiteshade | LightningClan | Senior Warrior | Devil's Backbone - The Civil Wars

DON'T CARE IF HE'S GUILTY DON'T CARE IF HE'S NOT

[Insidious]

The red and black spotted warrior advanced quietly at Heronpaw’s unattended flank. He spent most of his time with Cloudfall now that he was no longer under Wolfclaw’s watch, but it wasn’t because he didn’t have a desire to get to know his new clan-mates. The more time he spent in StoneClan, the more assured he became of the fact that he had made the right decision. He had never been happier than he was now, in his current environment, with Cloudfall at his side. Sometimes, he thought about Sunstride, Lionstar, and even Gorsetail, but those thoughts were too often accompanied by memories of Grayowl, Mockingjay, and Sootmask. The life he had in TreeClan had been ruined, tarnished, mutiliated, and he couldn’t have it back even if he wanted to have it back. Of course, there was nothing in the world he wanted more than his mate. He was lucky that he earned her forgiveness. It had been what motivated him to migrate to StoneClan, but even if she had refused him, he would’ve done his best to stand by his choice to join them. Everything he did would’ve been in an effort to impress her, and to change her mind, but now that he didn’t have to, everything he did was in an effort to keep her.

The scent of LightningClan hit the roof of his mouth full-force. Eagetalon seemed to notice it, as well, and he acted upon it before Crimsonshadow could sound an alarm. As they approached the border, it became painfully clear to him, and to the two members of his patrol, that their neighbours wanted to push into StoneClan’s territory. He pulled his lips back in a snarl, but out of respect—and because he was still a little uncertain of his place—he let Eagletalon address the situation first. He asked the obvious question, and Firestar’s attempt around it only angered the red and black spotted warrior further.

The red-eyed warrior on LightningClan’s patrol, Whiteshade, was someone Crimsonshadow knew through rumour alone. There was a time when he would’ve been exactly what the reclusive, bloodthirsty albino wanted. However, he had changed a lot since he cut Grayowl’s strings, and he was far better off because of it. He was angry, but he knew how to control it. If he could handle this well in Eagletalon’s eyes, then he hoped it would be reported back to Hawkstar that he had been an admirable, trustworthy warrior of StoneClan. “A patrol that has taken you over the border,” he commented stiffly, stepping closer to Heronpaw when Whiteshade’s eyes found hers, “and with five of your warriors, no less.” He glanced at Eagletalon through the corner of his eye, not wanting to overstep. He was the head of their patrol, and Crimsonshadow would do as he was instructed.

Tag(s): Fawn , Phoenix , BlooRey DVD & Hellion
Words: 470

[Fawn]

[smear:dbb623]EAGLETALON![/smear:cc380a]

62 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

Claws had appeared on both sides, and a fight now seemed unavoidable. The patrol could easily attack (and potentially shred them); Eagletalon would have liked to hold Firestar to more noble standards than that, but she had already made a conquesting push into StoneClan's territory. He trusted her about as much as he trusted a snake in the nursery.
"Go get Wolfclaw or Hawkstar," Eagletalon whispered into Heronpaw's ear, trusting the she-cat to back away from the confrontation. Quickly, he silently urged, and with a steeling glance at Crimsonshadow, he made it clear that he was intending to hold the line.

If Firestar was going to act so brashly, then Eagletalon wanted to make sure Wolfclaw or Hawkstar arrived in time to catch LightningClan in the act. If he could delay them fighting, he would. They just needed to buy Heronpaw the seconds she'd need to race back to StoneClan, find the deputy, and bring a responding patrol.

Could they hold out that long?

This wasn't worth dying for, Eagletalon knew, and with only Crimsonshadow here beside him, the odds were absurd. Absurd... and yet...

It burned under his pelt, the idea that he and Crimsonshadow would be wise to retreat. Questions were always better-answered with fangs and claws, than retreating. Any other cat on patrol, and he might have considered the sensible option, but with Firestar present—and that red-eyed wretch—Eagletalon was loath to make StoneClan look weak.

Clearly Firestar thought they were easy targets, to push the border back this far. Eagletalon's claw tips scratched noisily against the stone.
"This looks like an attack party to me, Firestar. Take your warriors and leave, before you start something StoneClan will finish." Eagletalon growled, wearing a brash grin that stretched across his whole muzzle, fangs bared.

---
Word Count: 287 Words
Tags: BlooRey DVD , Hellion , Insidious , Amber , Phoenix

[Hellion]

The calico she-cat ignored the words of the red and black warrior. She didn't have much to say to him, the talking was meant to be between her and Eagletalon. She hadn't planned on finding the StoneClan patrol but it only a mere minor set back.

They had numbers and the fighting force to send the glorified rock hunters home to their mothers. But Firestar would not be starting a war today.

Flicking her tail to signal to Sharpfang and Cricketnose to relax, Firestar stepped back, away from the sensitive border. Her head dipped in a short bow of her head to show respect.

"We will be leaving with claws sheathed." She replied to him, continuing to step back until she felt it was safe to turn around and walk back. Warriors followed after her until they arrived at a small crest which gave a decent vantage point for the border and sunstones.

"We will need to be extra careful but no less still diligent in our push on the border," She told her warriors before again leading them off and toward camp. Eagletalon might have saved his clanmates from a fight, but he could not save them from the war.

_{Fawn BlooRey DVD Phoenix Insidious}