[Silver]

Heat, flame, the smell of burning flesh and the screams of those held most dear. Pain from her burning lungs and the clenching of her heart as she fought with all she had to reach her dear ones. She remembered the day clearly; the cries of her kits and the heartbreaking silence of her mate. She missed them all, so much, but she couldn't afford to mourn for them; not when she still had her little Sandkit to care for. She was carrying him again as he'd grown too tired to follow her any longer. Things were getting colder and her little star was growing quieter as the went by. She knew he was getting weaker, and it broke her heart that she couldn't do anything about it. Her entire body hurt, still holding some injuries from the fire and her desperate attempt to rescue her family. She hadn't been able to reach them, and even now she still heard their terrified cries in her ears. 

Her ears were perked up and all her senses were alert as she keep focused for any sign of danger to herself or her kit. She could scent other cats the further she traveled along the mountain and knew she was close to a clan territory, but she would not go there. She didn't know how long she'd been walking but from how much her body hurt and her lungs burned she could guess it had been a while. Already the sun was beginning to set and the sounds of night's approach were becoming more and more frequent. Finally she slowed her run to a walk and eventually she stopped before placing her tiny kit down in some tall grass and nuzzling him. "We'll rest here tonight, my little love." 

Sandkit merely mewled quietly and laid his head back down, which worried Silverglade. Then his head came back up and green eyes looked to his mother pleadingly as his tiny voice spoke out. "Mama, I'm hungry." She nuzzled him again, licking his head and ears before curled up next to him. She was hungry too, but these mountains had yielded little in the way of prey and her strength was almost completely spent. She had given Sandkit most of the food she had found; eating only enough to keep herself strong and able to continue moving. This was no life she led with Sandkit, and it was no way for him to have to grow up. Already she could see his fluffy form becoming thinner and malnourished and her heart clenched at the knowledge that she just might lose him too.

What could she do though? There was no food and she couldn't just leave him. It made her wish Dappleback was there with her, he always knew what to do. When Sandkit nuzzled against her and mewled again for food, Silverglade sighed and licked him again. "I know you're still hungry, little love, and when next the sun rises I'll look for food again. For now, be still and rest if you can. I'll be here to keep you warm and safe." He stared at her in his quiet, thoughtful way before laying his head down again and closing his eyes.

Her eyes burned as she realized she really might be losing him. She couldn't stand it if she lost Sandkit too. She would find food when the sun rose next, she decided, even if she had to take them into the heart of Clan territory to do it. Her kit would survive, no matter the cost. Dawn was slow in coming but as soon as the sun rose enough to bring warmth into the ground where she rested, Silverglade rose back onto her feet and stretched slowly. Her body protested the movement and pain clenched through her stomach from the lack of food. 

She winced before straightening, bending once only to give Sandkit a gentle lick before heading off to find food. He knew where she was going, and he would stay hidden when the danger was so great. She stalked silently through the long grass, eyes alert to every noise. She was very close to clan territory, but she figured hunting should be safe so long as she didn't cross into the territory itself.  She just needed something, anything, to give to Sandkit. Then she could get them moving again to find a new home. She just needed something to feed her kit. Just something...anything...

Then suddenly there was movement in the grass and she darted forward, pouncing on the sound and earning a terrified squeak of protest. A mouse! It was small but it would feed Sandkit. It was so hard not to bite into the thing herself though; her body clenched with hunger and she was just so weak. But Sandkit needed it more and stubbornly she turned around and headed back the way she had come. She had a kit to feed, and she would look for something for herself later.

[Deleted]

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl and I've come to know
that the world won't change just 'cause I complain.
Let the axis twirl, I'm a happy girl.

---

Duskflower quite enjoyed spending time with Eagletalon. They could joke and tease and laugh and have fun, and didn't have to take things too seriously. When they were together, it was simple and easy. She liked it that way. So when he had brought her a morning mouse to share, she had happily accepted, and somehow their breakfast together turned into a nice dawn stroll. Thinking back, she couldn't remember him ASKING her to go for a walk with him, nor had she asked him. It had sort of just happened. One of them had risen and started walking, and the other had just followed, continuing the conversation they had been having over their shared mouse.

“You know, I think you really scared Ashflame away. He won't even LOOK at me when I say hello the past couple days,” her tail flicked behind her dismissively at his childish behavior, but a slight frown made its way to her muzzle, “You don't think we hurt his feelings too badly, do you?” She was quite aware of Ashflame's vanity, and even though she thought it was ridiculous, she never WANTED to upset her Clanmates for any reason. Perhaps she should apologize.

Her ears twitched at the faint sound of a squeak and she paused as they came to the mountain border, peering beyond StoneClan territory curiously, “Did you hear that?” She strained her ears, but didn't hear anything else. Then there was rustling and a cat appeared from behind some brush, causing Duskflower to step closer to Eagletalon in case they posed a threat. The scent of blood and mouse was carried toward them, along with the cat's scent. Her nose wrinkled at the faint... burnt scent the cat carried with her. The smell of smoke clung to her, and as Duskflower looked closer she could see how thin the she-cat looked and....

Her ears angled forward in surprise and she took a few steps over the border as the other she-cat began to retreat, “Wait! Are you and your kits all right!?” The signs of the she-cat's pregnancy and nursing were nearly gone now, meaning her kits were likely in the process of being weaned if they weren't already, but Duskflower could still spot them. And with how skinny she looked coupled with the smell of smoke, she was very concerned for the loner and her family. She prayed to StarClan that they were all safe. What if her kits had been hurt? What if they were burned? Did this loner know how to treat burns? Did she know some cat that did?

---

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl, everybody knows
that the sweetest thing you'll ever see
in the whole wide world is a happy girl.

Fawn
Silver

[Fawn]

65 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

Eagletalon was a compassionate warrior. Everyone knew that; while he was fierce, he had a heart of gold, and when he spotted the burnt-smelling she-cat with a mouse in her jaws and the scent of poor health clinging to her, his heart squeezed painfully in sympathy. She looks as though she's been through the Dark Forest and back. Not quite so perceptive to signs of pregnancy or nursing, he flicked an ear at Duskflower in surprise as the tortoiseshell spoke of kits.
Oh?

A protective instinct rose up in Eagletalon like wildfire, but he was smart enough to let Duskflower do most of the talking. "We're StoneClan cats. If you've heard of us, then you'd know we would never harm a loner or her kits—especially if they needed a healer's help." Eagletalon kept his distance, having tossed in his two cents. Would she stop? Would she listen to them?

He knew it would break Duskflower's heart if they had to abandon this queen and her kittens out here where anything could happen to them. Warily, Eagletalon glanced to the sky, half-expecting to see his namesake swoop down and pluck a kit from the grasses without an ounce of mercy.

Thinking ahead, the scarred, sandy warrior kept an eye out for an approaching patrol or hunting party. While he didn't want to interrupt the Clan going about their duties, he would if it increased the chances of this loner running away; if they were going to convince her to trust them, a bunch of cats all showing up at once was not the way to go about it.

"Duskflower," he mewed softly, thinking aloud. "Maybe we can bring Dawnblossom to see her? The camp might be..." Eagletalon's tail swished back and forth as he sought a good word to describe it. "Overwhelming. Loners can be very jumpy, and unused to so many cats—they have to be. If you can convince her to stay, I'll get Dawnblossom."
---
Word Count: 325 Words
Tags: Silver , @zen
Notes:

[Silver]

The rustling of leaves and the sound of paws on the ground immediately caught Silverglade's attention even as the scent of foreign cats hit her nose and she heard their voices calling out to her. Immediately the young queen dropped the mouse she'd been holding and crouched low and she whirled around to face the pair. Her blue eyes glowed in the shifting light and she growled lowly at the strangers. They were Stone Clan, she wasn't in their territory, why were they here? She couldn't let them find Sandkit, he was still too weak and he'd never survive an attack from stranger cats. They would kill him and then she'd be alone. She could escape, true enough, but that would mean losing her remaining kit and thus was unacceptable. So she held her place and kept her defensive crouch, eyes focused and ears perked for any other strangers to appear. She might be what the clans called a Queen, but she was also a fighter and knew herself well. She wouldn't let them hurt she or her kit without a fight. If she died...well at least she died knowing she did everything in her power to prevent them from winning. 

Her long tail lashed about behind her; the only part of her body that was moving now as the rest of her was held in absolute stillness as she prepared to either attack or defend herself. Her ears flicked forwards and back again as she distantly heard her kit calling for her and she prayed silently that Star Clan would keep him safe for her. If they even listened to the pleas of a Loner, that is. She wasn't sure, buts she hoped they did. The words spoken to her eventually caught her attention and her eyes narrowed; clearly showing her distrust of the strangers. What game did these cats play? She understood they were Clan cats; they had named themselves Stone Clan, but she'd heard nothing else about the clans since her time as a kit in the barn. Eventually she spoke to them, being certain to keep herself firmly between the strangers and the path that led to her vulnerable kit. They wouldn't harm him, not while she lived. Her words were dark and filled with distrust when finally she did speak - because surely they didn't expect her to just fall over with gratitude for the first people to pretend to be kind to her - she wasn't stupid. "Clan cats, what do you want? I'm not in your territory, I meant no harm nor threat. I'm just hunting for myself and my kit. I've heard nothing of you or the other clans besides that you fight among yourselves; so why would you even bother with a loner like me?" 


Well actually...she had heard something about the Clans; enough to know the Warrior Code and the names they called things, but that was another matter altogether. Just now she was trying to listen for untruths in their words and thus she was watching the both of them with absolute focus and carefulness. That she hadn't outright attacked them was more due to her own weakness than anything else. They were a threat to her kit, but she didn't have the strength to outright attack them if she didn't have to. So while they didn't show her aggression she wouldn't offer it back. Though her ears did flick backwards again when the tiny mewling cry came again from the distant Sandkit. He was scared and in pain and hungry and he wanted her, but she couldn't go to him with danger so close. She prayed he'd stay put.

--

Words: 612
Tags: Fawn | @zen

[Deleted]

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl and I've come to know
that the world won't change just 'cause I complain.
Let the axis twirl, I'm a happy girl.

---

Duskflower's gaze only softened as the queen instantly became defensive, crouching and letting out a low warning growl. She stayed where she was, not wanting to frighten her further or provoke an attack by trying to get closer. Her ear twitched back as Eagletalon spoke softly, suggesting that he fetch Dawnblossom. She tore her gaze away from the she-cat after a moment to glance back at him quickly, her own mew soft as well, “I think that would be best, but not yet. She has to understand we're trying to help her first, otherwise she might just think you're going to fetch more cats to attack her and it will only frighten her off.”

She turned back to the she-cat, everything in her posture and body language showing that she meant no harm. She settled herself into a comfortable seated position, wrapping her tail around her paws to show her that she wasn't going to get any closer if she didn't want her to, “We know you mean us no harm, and we mean you none. We only wish to help.” She glanced back at Eagletalon briefly, “I am Duskflower, and this is Eagletalon. It's too bad you seem to have only heard bad things about us. We do not fight unless we have to, to protect ourselves and those we love, just as you would fight for your kit.”

She smiled softly, tilting her head slightly, “I have kits of my own. They're grown now, but I understand your fear for your own. We have a Code, you know. No warrior would ever harm a kit, no matter if that kit was from an enemy Clan, or if they were a loner. In fact, the Code says we must NEVER neglect a kit in need. If your kit is hurt, we only want to help. We have a medicine cat, she's my littermate actually, and she is wonderful at her job. She can help you.” Please, let us help you, she thought desperately, despite how calm she was managing to remain outwardly.

She suddenly remembered when Mistkit had managed to climb too high on the rock pile and gotten herself stuck in a precarious position, how afraid she had been that her kit was going to fall and hurt herself, how her heart had hammered against her chest. But Mistkit was already panicking, and she had found it within her to remain calm and to help direct her back down, even as she leaped up to meet her. She had never understood it, and she didn't now either. Everything in her wanted to run to the she-cat, to curl around her and lick her ears and comfort her, and to find her kit and help however she could. It was always Dawnblossom that was able to stay calm when other cats panicked, not HER. But she supposed, when the life of a kit was at stake, she was capable of a lot more than she gave herself credit for.

---

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl, everybody knows
that the sweetest thing you'll ever see
in the whole wide world is a happy girl.

Fawn
Silver

[Fawn]

65 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

To counter the hawkish stare the loner was giving the both of them--as if watching for even the slightest quiver of a whisker or twitch of an ear--Eagletalon kept his gaze and his posture relaxed, choosing to sit as well. He did not suspect this loner would attack Duskflower, but he still kept his guard up, kept a wariness over the interaction in case anything went sour.

The mewling cries of a kit sounded faraway, but pitiful. Eagletalon's ears flattened. Poor mite. His mother was probably doing the best she could, or what she thought was the best she could. For the kitten's sake, Eagletalon hoped she would realize there was more that could be done. Though his heart strings were tugged by the sound, Eagletalon also hadn't failed to notice Duskflower's calm, welcoming words, the way she tried to soothe the loner queen. That was something to marvel at, and the sandy warrior, who knew that if he had been out here by himself would have sent the loner running regardless of how kindly he spoke to her, appreciated Duskflower all the more.

"He sounds hungry," Eagletalon mewed softly. "Why don't you take the mouse to him? We'll stay right here. If you want to talk to us again, or your little one needs healing, you'll be able to find us." Eagletalon glanced at Duskflower, hoping he hadn't undone whatever progress she'd made with the thin, worn-looking queen.

She's suspicious, and the first and last thing on her mind would be her kit. If we can convince her we don't want to go after her or her kit, she might let us help. Though he knew Duskflower would want to do everything in her power to see that the kit was at least checked over for injury, Eagletalon knew they had to be careful not to overstep the boundaries--both Clan-marked and thrown up by the queen.

If she refused their help, then, sad as he thought it was, they couldn't follow her to wherever her kit was hiding. That would be wrong; and would probably chase her off for good. Eagletalon considered hunting for her, but he wanted to consult Hawkstar or Wolfclaw on the matter first; he was a compassionate tom, but he also respected the opinions of his superiors'. It was leaf-fall now; prey was still plentiful, but hunting for a loner, even in circumstances like this, might raise some eyebrows.

Hawkstar would likely understand, but Eagletalon respected his brother enough to not give in to the old saying; 'it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission'.
---
Word Count: 434 Words
Tags: @zen Silver
Notes:

[Silver]

Silverglade

I stand alone between my heart and the coming danger that lies ahead.

Loner || Queen || 22 Moons

The first words that reached her that got her attention were 'medicine cat'. Her ears perked forwards and her stance eased just slightly as she realized that a clan cat meant they did indeed have access to a medicine cat. They also spoke of their Code and that calmed her more than anything else they had to say. Yes, they did have the Code that said the didn't harm kits; so Sandkit would be safe. She might not be if they crossed into Clan territory, but her kit...He had to come first. "You...you know a Medicine Cat? I-I know the Code and what it says but...he's so tiny and..." She forced herself to calmness again, flicking her tail behind her and brushing it against her face in an effort to settle herself once more.

For a long moment the young queen stared at the two sitting before her, then finally she gave the first sign of trust and shut her blue eyes for a long moment. She took a deep breath, then another, before opening her eyes again and looking between the dead mouse and the cats before her. Then she stood up from her crouched pose slowly, ears flicking forward towards those before her and tail flicking behind her. She took another deep breath, ears flicking forwards and back as she picked up Sandkit's mewling cries becoming more insistent the longer she didn't answer him. She took a single step forward, eyes locked on the clan cats before her, before she bent to pick up the dead mouse she'd caught for her kit.

She took a single step back, then another, clearly testing them. If they remained...well she'd have to see. Though still, as she looked at them, she knew her eyes held a desperately pleading note to them that clearly said 'please stay here'. She needed them to be. Of course the choice was taken from her completely as the sound of rustling grass caught her attention and she dropped the mouse in alarm at the staggering steps and sharp mewling cries. Why hadn't he stayed?! She backed up, defensive once more, until her entire body was over her still mewling kit.

The smell of smoke was now stronger with both of them together, and it was apparent just looking at him that Sandkit had in the very least been singed and recently too. He looked just as careworn as his mother but unlike her his bones didn't show as she'd made sure he ate more often than she did. He didn't show fear to the strangers or distrust like his mother though; instead he gave them a wide-eyed gaze with dark green eyes. Then his stomach was roiling again and he started mewling once more. "Mama, I'm hungry and my ears hurt and my paws hurt. Why did the red stuff hurt? Can't we go home now, I'm cold?"

Silverglade's ears flattened to her head, her heart breaking all over again at her kit's words. That did it, her choice was made. Sandkit had to come first. They had been a part of a group before, and now she knew they couldn't survive without that same security. A clan worked differently than her group had; they had different rules and they lived by their code, but they also took care of each other just the same. Taking a deep breath, she bent over and licked Sandkit on the head, nudging the dead mouse underneath her body for him to eat before rising back to her full height; tail held high and proudly as any Warrior. She could do this; for Sandkit.

"My name is Silverglade, and this is Sandkit. We were once part of a group but...there was a fire and only we are left. Please...if you have a Medicine Cat he needs treatment for his burns. His little ears and paws were singed. It isn't too terrible, but it hurts him just the same. I...we...I have tried to follow the Code my entire life; since I heard about it in passing. I know it doesn't mean much to clan cats, but that's all I have to offer. If you can help Sandkit...I would be most grateful." She said nothing about herself or the clear cuts and bruises on her own lean body from time spent alone in such a state. So long as Sandkit was taken care of, her own health was a secondary concern. She was reaching out to these cats; trusting them, but if they lied to her she wasn't afraid to use her claws and would defend her kit to the death.

--

Words: 778
Tags: Fawn | @zen

My fate is unknown, but I will remain strong.

[Deleted]

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl and I've come to know
that the world won't change just 'cause I complain.
Let the axis twirl, I'm a happy girl.

---

Duskflower's ears angled forward with interest as the loner said she knew the Code. She didn't think she'd ever met a loner that knew about the Warrior Code before, other than Maverick, and his knowledge had been limited. The other she-cat seemed to be relaxing a bit, hopefully seeing that she and Eagletalon meant her no harm. After a moment, she picked up her mouse and started backing away, watching the carefully to see if they would follow her back to her kit's hiding place. Duskflower didn't move at all until the grass rustled and a kit's mewling reached her ears, far louder than before.

Her ears flicked back as he heart went out to the poor little thing, and she fought not to rush over to the two of them, to help however she could. She would help the most right now by being calm, and staying where she was. The loner stood over her kit protectively as he cried about being hungry and cold and hurt. Duskflower closed her eyes tightly, trembling slightly with the emotions such pitiful words from such a young kit had roiling inside her. She opened her eyes again slowly as the loner began to speak again, feeling hope flutter in her chest.

Silverglade and... Sandkit? She blinked in confusion and curiosity. Clearly this loner had heard a number of things about the Clans if she had named her kit in the Clan tradition. Perhaps she even had warrior blood. Despite how thin and worn she looked, she pulled herself up to her full height and stood proudly over her kit as she gave them a brief summary of their story. Fire? Duskflower's eyes widened. How horrible... her entire group.... She shook her head, taking a moment to collect herself, her voice quiet but firm, “You don't need to offer us anything. You have already lost too much.” Her voice nearly broke, and she stood slowly, so as not to alarm Silverglade, and turned to Eagletalon, giving him a nod that now would be a good time to fetch Dawnblossom before turning back to the loner.

“Eagletalon is going to fetch our medicine cat. Her name is Dawnblossom and like I said before, she's my sister,” she mewed, her voice steadier now that she knew they would be able to help, “She'll bring herbs with her to help Sandkit's burns.” She had thought about just outright asking Silverglade back to camp, but also wondered if Eagletalon was right and it might be a little overwhelming for her, taking her kit right into the midst of a group of unknown cats. She was nervous enough with just the two of them here. And besides, she didn't want to bring a loner into camp without letting Hawkstar know about it first. She trusted that Eagletalon would take care of everything, he was close with Hawkstar after all. She just hoped a big patrol wouldn't show up along with her sister; she was certain it would make Silverglade suspicious, perhaps even make her flee.

She took a step forward before stopping herself. "Would you mind if I came closer? I would love to meet Sandkit. He is so brave for one so young," she purred, her words nearly catching in her throat with emotion again as she thought of all the poor kit must have gone through already. "If you would rather only our medicine cat come close, that's all right, I can stay right here," she assured the queen after a moment, not wanting to pressure her and wanting her to know she would respect her wishes.

---

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl, everybody knows
that the sweetest thing you'll ever see
in the whole wide world is a happy girl.

Fawn
Silver

[Fawn]

65 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

Just as the queen had been about to bring the mouse to her kit, a tiny scrap of ginger fur came mewling out of the long grasses. Eagletalon watched with a mixture of keen interest and sadness as the loner--Silverglade--relayed what had happened to her. Were there more kits than this? Eagletalon glanced at the little ginger tom.

At Duskflower's prompting, Eagletalon dipped his head in brief farewell and went back to camp. Those two had waited long enough; first things first, he found Duskflower's sister.
"There are two loners--a mother and her kit--with burns on them at the border. Duskflower's talking to them now, but they could use your help." While Dawnblossom gathered the necessary herbs, he tapped his tail against the entrance to the medicine cat's den in a 'I'll be right back' gesture, before seeking out Hawkstar.

Wolfclaw seemed absent, leading a hunting party most likely.
"Hawkstar!" He mewed, calling into the Clan-leader's stone dwelling. When his sandy, bulky brother appeared, Eagletalon wasted no time explaining the situation. "I'm taking Dawnblossom to see them now, the kit's in bad shape and the mother looks half starved. Once she's patched them up, Duskflower and I would like to escort them back here."

They might not like it, but it was safer. That little scrap wasn't going to survive in this territory without a safe place to sleep; Eagletalon was willing to bet the only thing that had kept predators away (apart from his mother's vigilance) was the singed, acrid smell of burnt fur. No animal cared for that particular scent.

Gaining Hawkstar's permission, he rejoined with Dawnblossom at the exit to StoneClan's camp, her jaws clamped gently around a bundle of herbs she would need to treat Silverglade and Sandkit. "Ready?"

Dawnblossom nodded, unable to speak.

Without further word, Eagletalon led the way back to the border edge, able to hear Hawkstar's steady voice commanding others back in the center of camp. Silverglade and Sandkit would probably stay with their healer; next to Hawkstar's den, it was the quietest and the emptiest (provided it wasn't leafbare), he knew so many new faces might make them uncomfortable, but it was the best chance they had.

"This is Dawnblossom, she's going to fix you both up." He smiled encouragingly at Sandkit, in case the kitten was intimidated by their arrival. That Silverglade knew enough of the Clans to name her son in warrior fashion was interesting to him, but there was a time and a place to discuss that. Instead, he simply kept his distance, but not before briefly nudging Duskflower's shoulder gently. "You were great," he mewed, low enough so only she could hear. "Hawkstar's been told. These two are gonna be alright."
---
Word Count: 463 Words
Tags: @zen Silver BlooRey DVD
Notes: I hope the Hawkstar part was okay? I'll change anything you need me to, Bloo! He can probably come find them if you feel like hopping in. =)

[Silver]

Silverglade

I stand alone between my heart and the coming danger that lies ahead.

Loner || Queen || 22 Moons

As the larger tom left them, Silverglade seemed to relax a bit more with only another female present. It wasn't that she was frightened of Eagletalon, it was just that she sensed he was the bigger threat to her kit of the two present. When the tom returned it was with another she-cat and the scent of herbs helped Silverglade to relax even more. She still held her proud stance over her kit, but now it was easy to see her looking over at the Medicine Cat with clear interest and relief.

"You're the Medicine Cat? I can smell the herbs on you. Please, they said you could help my kit? He was burned and...just thank you." Again she spoke nothing of herself, her focus on getting Sandkit well. It was enough, it had to be enough. If she focused on herself for even a moment she felt she may fall apart from the intense feeling of grief she could feel lingering on the edges of her thoughts and heart. She couldn't afford to fall apart now, not when she was so close to help for her precious kit.

Sandkit, for his part, had quickly downed the mouse his mother had given him and now had some remaining blood and fur on his face which he was busy trying to lick off - and failing miserably - when the Medicine Cat appeared. Instead of being afraid, he showed her only his own curiousity and for the first time he spoke out directly to the surrounding cats instead of only his mother.

"You smell like the leaves and things back home, are you here to take us back there? I miss it. Or...are you a mean cat, are you going to hurt us? Don't those things in your mouth taste bad? Um...or did you maybe bring us some more food? Mama thinks I don't notice but she's hungry too and I can't always eat all the food because that's not nice and..."

He was abruptly cut off by his mother's fluffy tail in his mouth. He scowled at her, but stopped talking; mewling softly to his mother instead and rubbing up against her legs affectionately. He knew she enjoyed his chattering, normally, so she really must be worried to make him be silent.

Silverglade ducked her head slightly as she finally got her kit's insatiable curiousity under control again for the moment. Honestly she'd missed his chattering, but now was hardly the time for such. She looked at the gathered cats, then nudged Sandkit out where the Medicine Cat could properly see him. "You may come closer, but only you. If you prove friendly near my kit, then the others may join you." She felt that was more than fair and as a Queen it was her right to decide who was near her kit and who wasn't. At least, that was what she'd heard.

--

Words: 485
Tags: Fawn | @zen  

My fate is unknown, but I will remain strong.

[Deleted]

So let go, let go, jump in. Oh well, what you waiting for?

---

Dawnblossom was carefully storing her herbs away after taking her morning inventory when Eagletalon came whisking in with an urgency in his step. She stopped to listen to him, alert for information that would let her prepare quickly for whatever injury he had come to her to treat. Her ears twitched in surprise when he spoke of loners with burns. And Duskflower was still with them? She nodded as he turned to leave, “I'll gather what I can for them.”

She turned back to her stores, carefully but quickly putting the last couple piles away before pulling out a comfrey root, a few dandelion leaves, a couple stalks of lavender, and a few chickweed leaves. After a moment's hesitation, she added some thyme as well, and carefully wrapped the little bundle in a large leaf so she could carry it easily. She met Eagletalon by the camp entrance, waiting for him to lead the way, and followed him quickly once he started off.

Duskflower turned when the familiar scent of her sister reached her on the breeze and she saw Eagletalon leading her toward them. He introduced her as Dawnblossom paused beside her, their fur brushing, and Duskflower felt herself relaxing now that her sister was there, calm and in control of the situation, with the knowledge to help. Dawnblossom dipped her head to Silverglade as she was addressed, but she waited until she was invited to approach. One could not help a cat that did not WANT help, and while she had a certain amount of influence and authority over her own Clanmates, she had none over this loner.

Both sisters purred softly when the kit began to babble curiously, until his mother hushed him and at last invited Dawnblossom near. She dipped her head again, stepping away from her sister's side, and set her bundle down in front of the two loners. “Once I've seen to your kit, I would be happy to tend to your own wounds,” she mewed softly at Silverglade before settling into a crouch to get a better look at Sandkit, addressing him in the same soft tone, “I'm going to help make the pain go away, little one. It won't go away completely, not right away, but it will dull it and make it go away faster. It might smell a little funny, but you mustn't wash it off or it won't be able to help you, all right?”

She unfurled her bundle of herbs and pushed a dandelion leaf toward him and purred soothingly, “If you chew on this one, it will help take some of the pain away. It doesn't taste as good as a mouse, but it's not too bad.” She chewed the lavender, chickweed, and a bit of comfrey root into pulp and mixed them together on the leaf with a few quick dabs before looked up at Silverglade, “This needs to be licked into his wounds. I can certainly do it, but if you would prefer to do it yourself then you're just as capable as I am. You only need be careful not to swallow it so he gets as much of it on his wounds as possible.”

Duskflower stood beside Eagletalon, watching her sister work, distracted briefly by his nudging her shoulder. She purred softly, “I was afraid I was going to end up chasing her away by being too insistent. I just couldn't bare the thought of leaving her kit without help. I can't imagine how hard it must be to have lost so much and be raising a kit on your own without any help. How she manages to leave him in order to hunt, I don't know.” She stepped closer, pressing against Eagletalon as emotion threatened to overwhelm her again, taking comfort in his strength, thankful now more than ever for her Clanmates, “She has a strength I can't even imagine, Eagletalon.”

---

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl, everybody knows
that the sweetest thing you'll ever see
in the whole wide world is a happy girl.

Fawn
Silver

[Fawn]

65 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

Eagletalon licked her ear. "There is nothing she has done that you wouldn't do for Smokestorm or Mistcloud," he mewed, knowing in his heart that this was true. He could see it in the way the sisters reacted—Dawnblossom was the one expected to keep a level head, to be the rock in the stream that was the only safe place to stand. But Duskflower had her own strength too. It was easy to overlook it at first, her personality was sweet and playful and very nurturing, not traits you would associate with strength; but if his sister and his brother and his apprentices had taught him anything, it was that strength meant more than just muscle.

Watching Dawnblossom work, he laid his thin sandy tail over Duskflower's back, the gesture meant to be comforting as they observed the kit get treated. A chuckle bubbled up from Eagletalon's chest, and he mewed goodnaturedly at the kit's mother. "Is he always such a chatterbug? Smart little tom. He doesn't beat around the bush, does he?" It was a relief to see Sandkit so talkative; that meant he was feeling well enough to question a bunch of strangers, that he was conscious enough to process what was going on with the herbs. What about Silverglade? It was clear that all of her efforts had gone towards her kit; there was a thinness to her body and a fatigue mixed in with that protective motherly aura that suggested she was more worn out than she was letting them see.

Knowing Hawkstar, he knew the Clan would feed her, at least for a few days until she decided whether to stay or go. Curious, Eagletalon spoke up again. "Did you say you lived with others? The Oasis? Did these cats call themselves MountainClan?" That was the only collection of loners he knew of in the valley. If they had perished in a fire... Eagletalon's stomach tightened, hoping that wasn't the case. If she wasn't from the Oasis, then... just how far had she traveled?

With a surge of respect for the queen, Eagletalon awaited her answer, deciding to stay beside Duskflower until their healer was finished, and Silverglade deemed them safe enough to approach.
---
Word Count: 376 Words
Tags: Silver @zen
Notes:

[Silver]

Silverglade

I stand alone between my heart and the coming danger that lies ahead.

Loner || Queen || 22 Moons

Silverglade relaxed further when the Medicine Cat approached and the other two stayed behind like she'd asked them too. It made something in her chest unclench and made her offer a tentative sort of trust towards these clan cats. Blue eyes watched the Medicine Cat closely as she came forward and placed the herbs down. She sniffed at the offering then nuzzled Sandkit in encouragement over it; knowing he wouldn't touch it until she'd at least sniffed it first. Her kit may be curious and everything in the world around him, but he knew better than to eat anything that his mother hadn't first approved as safe for him. She recognized the scent of the herbs as ones she'd seen before even if she didn't know the name for it. The smell was at least familiar and thus she knew it was safe.

Sandkit looked at the offering, then at the Medicine Cat, before nibbling at the herbs obediently. His little face scrunched up comically at the horrible taste. He shook his head; tongue sticking out a few times at the taste and accidently knocking himself head over feet in his too-sharp movements before rising back to his feet with the gentle sound of his mother's laughter in his ears. By the way his little ears twitched forwards and backwards it was obvious to any that saw him that his antics were meant to amuse his mother. The herbs didn't actually taste that bad, after all.

He purred lowly at the Medicine Cat as he nibbled on the herbs. When his mother made the mistake of moving her tail from his mouth, the chattering started up again. "So how do these plants help make my ears not hurt? They don't taste too good, but it makes my Mama laugh when I make funny faces so that's okay. Um...Mama called you a Medicine Cat, what does that mean? Is that like a cat that makes other cats feel better? I'm Sandkit, by the way. They called you... Dawnblossom? Does that mean you like flowers? I like flowers, except for the puffy ones that go everywhere when you touch them; those make me sneeze. I...umph!"

Yet again Silverglade had to put her tail in her kit's mouth to make him stop talking. She shook her head good-naturedly and finally relaxed enough to allow the others near. "Yes, he's always like this. Always curious about everything and always asking questions. I'm not sure I wouldn't swallow the herbs if I put the medicine on him, so if you don't mind doing it I'd appreciate it. He certainly won't mind either, Sandkit likes the attention." She considered the other cats for a long moment before finally sighing and shaking her head. "You two make approach as well. You've kept your word so I'm going to trust you."

Please don't make me regret it. She considered the questions from the large tom before her and finally decided it was safe to tell them a bit about what had happened. "We didn't belong to a group large enough to call itself a clan. There were....maybe ten of us at most. Everyone took turns hunting and we took turns minding kits when there were any. We didn't call ourselves anything but a group. I was aware of the mountain group, but we weren't part of them. We've...traveled a long way."

The Queen swayed on her feet then, before planting all four paws squarely and straightening herself once more in a strong stance that held no waver to it. She was strong, yes, but she also had her limits and she was swiftly approaching them. Her kit would be well, maybe she could rest soon. They would take care of him, surely?

--

Words: 628
Tags: Fawn | @zen

My fate is unknown, but I will remain strong.

[Deleted]

So let go, let go, jump in. Oh well, what you waiting for?

---

Dawnblossom watched the kit eat the dandelion leaves, his face scrunching up, his antics seeming to lighten his mother's mood. She knew from experience that dandelion leaves were far from the worst tasting herbs in her stores, kits normally had little problem eating them, so it was heartwarming to see Sandkit trying to make his mother laugh, despite the pain he must be in himself. He made her think of Bramblepaw, of how he had always tried to make her laugh, right up to the end. He had hated seeing the worry and the sadness on her face so much. Nightpaw's end had come more quickly than his brother's, but Bramblepaw had done his best to stay strong for her.

She hadn't thought about her sons' ends in some moons, keeping those thoughts buried so they would not become a distraction. She swallowed the lump of emotion that had suddenly formed in her throat and carefully reburied those thoughts as Sandkit babbled questions too quickly for her to answer. Silverglade whisked her tail over his mouth once more and she purred, glancing back at Eagletalon as he made a comment on the young tom's curiosity. “It is good to ask questions, but you must have enough patience to hear the answer if you ever wish to learn,” she mewed with another purr of amusement.

She nodded as Silverglade gave her permission to apply the poultice to Sandkit herself and she licked up a little bit at a time, lapping the mixture first over his ears until she was satisfied with the amount she applied. She paused to answer one of his questions before moving on to his paws, “Medicine cats are indeed cats that make others feel better. We learn all about different plants and how we can use them to help cats heal after getting sick or hurt. But we have another job too. StarClan walks in our dreams and tells us of things to come, allowing us to better prepare our Clans when bad things are about to happen. Do you know what StarClan is?” She lapped up more of the poultice, starting on his paws to give him a chance to respond.

As Silverglade gave them permission to approach, Duskflower dipped her head, stepping closer at an easy pace, but keeping about a tail length away to give Dawnblossom space to work without crowding the three of them. Her eyes lit up as she finally got to see Sandkit up close. “Oh, Silverglade, he's beautiful,” she purred, looking back to the queen as she answered Eagletalon's question about her possibly being from MountainClan. Her eyes went wide with alarm as she swayed and she moved forward to support her on one side without even thinking about it, murmuring comfortingly, “It's all right now. We'll take care of both of you.”

---

Oh watch me go, I'm a happy girl, everybody knows
that the sweetest thing you'll ever see
in the whole wide world is a happy girl.

Fawn
Silver

[Fawn]

68 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

"You'll have to go a few pawsteps more," Eagletalon mewed, stepping forward to support Silverglade's other side. "Dawnblossom's den has two empty nests in it, if you and your little one would like to stay with our Clan for the night. No offense," the sandy scarred warrior's mew was edged with a bit of a tease (he meant no harm) "you look dead on your paws."

After they brought her back to camp (if she accepted), Hawkstar would likely put in his appearance once she got settled with Dawnblossom. Eagletalon's whiskers twitched at the barrage of questions Sandkit was likely to have for Hawkstar; for one thing, his brother was enormous, and for another, he was in charge of an entire Clan. He'll be too excited to sleep, I'll bet a whole rabbit. With luck, his mother would shush him and they could finally sleep peacefully for at least one night.

Though, a loner's suspicions were hard to shake off. Would Silverglade feel safe in their camp? We are bound by the Warrior Code, and she will be in the medicine cat's den. That is the safest place to be, short of the nursery. Besides, there was not a single warrior or apprentice or Clanmate in StoneClan that would turn away Silverglade and Sandkit. They were not NightClan. They were not LightningClan or RainClan. Aggression and xenophobia and cruelty were not in the character of their Clan. Eagletalon respected the Code, and knew it was in the rules that they reject kittypets, loners and rogues, but there were times when the Code must be bent a little; Eagletalon did not want to imagine how hard Silverglade's life would become if she had to endure a leafbare by herself, trying to fend for her kit. They'd both starve before the first day of spring.

That was a cruelty no cat deserved, least of all a mother and her son.

"There will be prey for you both at camp." Eagletalon mewed encouragingly. If any cat saw fit to deny them fresh kill, they would have him, Wolfclaw, Hawkstar and both the tortoiseshell sisters to deal with if they thought their stubbornness would win.
---
Word Count: 368 Words
Tags: Silver @zen
Notes: