Post by Fawn on Mar 26, 2018 3:09:23 GMT -5
Kestrelpaw
15 Moons - Tom - StoneClan
He was home. The journey had toughened Kestrelpaw's pads enough that when he sped across the open, airy terrain of StoneClan's scrublands, the tiny rocks and bits of grit dominating the landscape did not slow him down. With Silverglade's permission, Kestrelpaw flew over the scentline, feeling the cool winds welcome him home.
His footwork had improved drastically. The mountain trek had not allowed for clumsiness. He had suffered a few scrapes and bruises from his almost supernatural ability to trip over his own paws - until Kestrelpaw's body had finally evened itself out. The kitten that left StoneClan two seasons ago was gone; in his place was a young warrior, strong legs carrying him forward, the dark band of color stretching across his chest on display like a banner of courage.
He had ventured beyond the valley. He had come back unscathed. He had come back better for it.
"Dad! Mom! Meadowpaw! I'm home!" Kestrelpaw shouted to the approaching figures; it was a border patrol, and their fluffed tails and raised hackles quickly settled as recognition set in. He must have smelled like the mountains, right on the edge of 'unfamiliar', but Kestrelpaw hoped enough of his StoneClan scent remained that they could sense who he was. That he belonged here.
The homecoming became a blur. He spent the entire sunhigh talking to his parents and his sister, filling them in on the details of his journey - after reporting to Hawkstar, of course. Kestrelpaw's head had spun in astonishment when he saw Smokestorm organizing an evening patrol. Just how much had he missed? It was only two seasons! What happened?
Though there was much to be caught up on, Eagletalon and Duskflower had been content to let him say his piece. To talk as much as he wanted to, in between bites of falcon Eagletalon had caught earlier. They had missed the sound of his voice, and he had missed theirs. His family's scents mingled with his own, and Kestrelpaw's happiness hit its highest point. I can't wait to talk to Sootpaw. Kestrelpaw had seen glimpses of her throughout their return, but with so many cats asking him about the world beyond the valley, and his own family wanting his attention, Kestrelpaw hadn't been able to greet her properly.
When he returned to his nest in the apprentices' den (had this cave always been this small?), it was late, and everyone seemed to be asleep. It made him smile to see that his nest had been maintained, probably by Meadowpaw or maybe Sootpaw; he hoped they hadn't argued too much about that. Feeling as if he could sleep for a moon, Kestrelpaw curled up, tucked his long limbs under him for warmth, and dozed off.
Hawkstar gave him and Silverglade a full day to rest, to get reacquainted with Clan life. Kestrelpaw knew exactly how he wanted to spend it; while Meadowpaw left with Herondive for training, Kestrelpaw gently nudged Sootpaw awake. "Wake up!" He whispered, smiling in the dim cave. "Want to go to the sky springs with me?"
Surely they'd be allowed to get a drink of water by themselves. I guess I have to get used to all these rules again, Kestrelpaw realized, whiskers twitching. But rules were fine. He didn't mind obeying them, as long as they didn't stop him from being around the cats he cared about.
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.
@kahani (Meadow mention! Would love a sibling catch-up thread too!)
BlooRey DVD (Hawkstar mention, please let me know if anything is inaccurate, I'm happy to make edits)
Taxx (Smokestorm mention!)
Silver (Silverglade & Duskflower mention!)
