[Taxx]

Leaf-fall Day Two: The wind grows stronger, shaking leaves and bringing in a leaf-fall chill

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Her shoulder ached mercilessly, a nearly constant throbbing that was a bother at best and an an annoying distraction at worst. It tended to go blissfully numb after Sandblaze's treatments, but that often led to her stumbling and aggravating the injury all over again. After two days of that, and only minimal healing, he had ordered her into a nest in the medicine cats' den and told her not to move until he said so. She'd glared and growled, but he'd remained unmoved, and she had been the one to give in the end.

It was still far from healed, but it was closed by now, and she was quite ready to go out of her mind from being kept in camp. She wanted to be out, patrolling, hunting- not sitting here and watching her Clanmates walk about camp with lowered tails and flattened ears- not glancing toward the warriors' den every time some cat exited and having the thought that she'd never see Eagletalon again flicker in her mind over and over. Hard enough to deal with the fact that his scent was already beginning to fade.

Kestrelclaw and Meadowflight had taken over Eagletalon's nest, but Smokestorm had taken some of the feathers that lined it, adding them to her nest and to those of Mistcloud and Duskflower. And it had helped, somewhat- the pang of grief of remembering that he was gone sharp as ever, but his scent in her nose soothing her as she fell asleep each night.

The wind that found its way into the camp was cold; her fur had thickened for the coming leaf-fall chill but she still felt it on her nose, ears, and paws. A visit to Sandblaze and another change of the dressing before she padded back out into the main camp and sat, watching her Clanmates begin to stir.

Cicadapaw ventured from the apprentices' den; Smokestorm's gaze flashed away, remembering her snapped words during Eagletalon and Dawnblossom's vigil. Her apprentice had listened; they'd hardly spared more than a glance since then, and with her shoulder still healing she'd asked others to take the young she-cat out so she wouldn't get too soft. Her tail flicked, a touch unsure, before she took a breath. She couldn't avoid Cicadapaw forever.

Rising- and trying her best not to limp- Smokestorm padded toward the black-and-white she-cat, lifting her tail to catch her attention. "Good morning, Cicadapaw. Did you sleep well?"

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

It had been a rough several days for the Clan. Every cat was still mourning the losses of Eagletalon and Dawnblossom in their own ways, it seemed. After Smokestorm's... blunt refusal of her offer of whatever comfort she could offer, Cicadapaw had done as he mentor had asked and left her alone. Any time she saw the older she-cat she stamped down the initial reaction to trot over like everything was normal and fine and say hello and ask what they were going to be doing today and simply turned her paws in another direction. Various warriors had called her to train instead over the past couple days, giving Smokestorm more room to grieve, and rest to heal from the physical wound the foxes had left her with as well.

She didn't imagine today would be any different. She wasn't sure how long Smokestorm might need, but she was sure she would come back around eventually. It had stung, the way her mentor had snapped at her when she'd only been trying to help, but she knew Smokestorm was in a lot of pain at the time so she didn't hold it against her. Still, she had no desire to be snapped at again, so she could wait. Stepping out of the apprentices' den, she immediately fluffed out her long fur against the wind that managed to creep into camp between the cracks in the stone pile. It wouldn't be long until leaf-bare had arrived. She couldn't wait to play in the snow.

A glance around camp for some clue as to what she should be doing, wondering what warrior might come up to her for training today, had her surprised to see Smokestorm making her way over. She took a step back, ready to bolt, until she realized the deputy was clearly heading straight for her. Her plumed tail lifted in return greeting, a soft purr rumbling in her throat as Smokestorm asked if she slept well. She was just happy her mentor was talking to her again. “Good morning Smokestorm. I slept alright. How are you? Is your wound okay?”

Taxx

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

The typical reply from Cicadapaw resulted in another sting of guilt- it was like the past few days hadn't even happened. The apprentice was just as ready to be friendly as ever, which made it easy for Smokestorm to continue. Sitting at Cicadapaw's side, she replied, casting a look down at her still-sore leg. "It will heal. I'm..." She faltered just a second before straightening and pushing on. "I'm fine. I just wanted to talk. To apologize, really."

She shifted, curled her tail over her front paws, turned her head as Palepaw brushed past on her way to grab something from the fresh-kill pile to take to her mother in the nursery. The words came slowly- she wasn't all that great with this sort of thing, even if Cicadapaw deserved it. "I shouldn't have snapped at you, and I know you were trying to help. I am sorry, and I'll try to keep from doing so again. If you're still willing to put up with me, that is."

Probably a poor attempt at humor, at keeping the talk from getting too heavy and going places she didn't want it to go, and her next question was an added measure. "How's your training going, with other mentors?"

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

Cicadapaw watched Palepaw pass as well, her ears twitching in surprise as Smokestorm apologized, shifting her gaze back to her mentor. She leaned ever so slightly so her long fur brushed Smokestorm's, “It's okay.... You've lost a lot,” her voice softened and she glanced down at her paws, “You were upset and I didn't know what you needed, that's all.” Cats handled loss differently. She just remembered how alone her mentor had looked, sitting there, not joining her family in their shared mourning. She should have figured it out by that. If she didn't want to be with her family, why would she have wanted to be with her? Smokestorm had needed space and she hadn't given it to her.

But she was happy enough not to dwell on the subject, as her mentor asked about her training with others. What was done was done and Smokestorm didn't seem upset at her anymore. She purred softly, “It's going okay, but I'd rather train with you.” Cicadapaw's pale green gaze flicked over the deputy's injured leg, “Will we be able to train together again soon?” Her fur fluffed out a bit and she rushed on, “It's okay if you need more time. I don't really mind training with others while I wait.” Whether she needed more time for the physical or the emotional wounds to heal, it didn't matter. She could take all the time she needed.

Taxx

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

A light flick of her tail against Cicadapaw's flank was a silent gesture of appreciation for her attempt. She hadn't had to try- Smokestorm wished she'd reacted better, but it had all at once seemed... so overwhelming, and she'd lashed out at the cat who had been closest at the time. She said nothing more about that, though, and listened as Cicadapaw went on to talk about her training sessions with other cats.

Warmth swelled at the apprentice's admission and a brief purr rose. She missed their training too- Cicadapaw was bright and eager, a bit of a challenge in the hunting part of training but so determined to get it right. "I think... why not go out now? It's a bit chilly, but if we keep moving we'll stay warm enough. We'll do a border patrol; I don't think Sandblaze would be too happy if I tried anything more." And she didn't want to do anything that would lengthen her healing.

Turning her head to glance around the camp, her eyes landed on Brightmane; she called to him, rising to her paws with a careful stretch of her front and hind legs. "Brightmane! Care to patrol with me and Cicadapaw?"

"Can I come too?" Palepaw's voice cut in, her sudden presence making Smokestorm jump a bit in surprise, but she was quick to agree with a nod, and Palepaw wiggled in delight.

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

Brightening a bit as Smokestorm suggested they could go out right now, Cicadapaw hesitated, “If you're sure you're okay....” She supposed, as long as no one tried to fight them, it wouldn't really be more than a long walk. She glanced over as Smokestorm called Brightmane, the white and ginger tom pausing as he made his way toward the camp entrance to look back at the deputy. His tail flicked behind him once before he made his way over. Cicadapaw's ears twitched uncertainly. She was pretty sure Brightmane didn't like Smokestorm. He was always arguing with her for what seemed like no reason to Cicadapaw. She didn't want him upsetting her now of all times.

Brightmane's green gaze traveled over Smokestorm appraisingly as he approached, “I was just about to head back out to hunt, but if the borders need to be checked.... Are you sure you should be going out? I can find another warrior to take with me if you need more rest.” She'd been pushing herself initially, until Sandblaze had put an end to it. Was she really cleared to return to her duties or was she just taking liberties? It wasn't like he didn't understand. She'd lost two important cats in her life, he would want to channel that grief into something productive himself. But she was also deputy and she needed to get better for the Clan's sake and set a good example.

Cicadapaw shot a concerned look at Palepaw. Were they going to start arguing now when they weren't even out of camp yet? “Ah. Uh. It'll be fine, right? If we just go at an easy pace? There's no rush, is there?” Brightmane frowned at the black and white she-cat, but she only grinned back. He hmph'd quietly, but before he could say anything more she spoke again, “So, Smokestorm, what border are we gonna check?”

Brightmane's tail twitched back and forth in annoyance, but he clamped his jaws shut. He'd been mostly avoiding Smokestorm since the fox attack. She deserved time to mourn without his constant challenges. Loss was enough of a challenge. But now that she'd called him specifically, he was finding it more difficult to hold back. Well, maybe she was recovering better than he'd thought. It would be good if she was. The quicker she could bounce back from these things, the better for the Clan. That was probably why she was pushing herself today too. His green gaze narrowed at the deputy. He'd be watching her closely on this patrol.

Taxx

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

"I'm sure," Smokestorm replied to both Cicadapaw and Brightmane, her fur prickling slightly in irritation. She'd been hurt, but she wasn't crippled. She didn't need them trying to coddle her- and the tom, especially, made her feel more on guard. Whether or not he had meant it as such, it felt like a challenge. If you can't manage it, I'm sure there are others who can. Straightening, Smokestorm flicked her tail to gather the warrior and apprentices and padded past them toward the entrance.

"We'll patrol the border on the out-lying side." Better than risking running into a patrol from RainClan or LightningClan. "The dawn patrol will be glad for the help, I'm sure. Cicadapaw, Palepaw, why don't you lead? And maybe we can find prey, too. Keep your eyes open."

Her first steps out of the camp were a bit stiff, but not really painful, and it seemed to loosen up as she strode along. The air was cool but invigorating and Smokestorm breathed it in, eyes closed as she relaxed. Oh, yes, this was what she'd been missing. Sandblaze knew what he was talking about when he'd told her to rest, she was sure, but she hated being confined and after days of it, getting out felt all the sweeter. With a glance over her shoulder at Brightmane, her tail flicked at him. "Worried about me, are you? I'm touched."

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

Cicadapaw followed after Smokestorm, a bounce in her step at being able to start doing things with her mentor again. When the deputy suggested that she and Palepaw take the lead, her ears flicked forward with excitement at the prospect, “Really?” The black and white she-cat shot a grin at Palepaw and nudged the apprentice with her shoulder before bouncing ahead of the two warriors, casting another glance at Palepaw, “I hope we find some lizards on the way.”

Brightmane watched the two apprentices pull ahead for a moment and shook his head, “They aren’t going to catch much if they don’t stop talking.” His gruff tone held a hint of amusement. Apprentices were granted more leeway than warriors. They were still young, and Palepaw had suffered through the same losses as Smokestorm. If Cicadapaw could help distract her from that, then a couple pieces of prey might be worth the trade off. It wasn’t leaf-bare yet.

His green gaze shifted back to Smokestorm, watching her for any sign of a limp as they made their way toward the mountain border. She seemed to notice and his gaze narrowed slightly at her as she questioned whether he was worried about her. He snorted, ears flicking backward briefly, “The Clan just lost two important Clanmates, their losses were felt hard by everyone. They don’t need their deputy out of service due to recklessness.”

He might covet the position for himself, but the Clan needed to recover from the loss of Eagletalon and Dawnblossom right now. Another major loss so soon would be too much to bear for many, even if someone capable was waiting to step in. The wellbeing of the Clan meant more than his own desires. His tail lashed once, his gaze sharp and serious, “So if any foxes show up on this patrol, remember that your Clan needs you alive. If that healing wound of yours is going to get in the way of you surviving an encounter, then let me hold it off.”

Taxx

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Palepaw and Cicadapaw were quick to take advantage of her instruction, bouncing ahead of the warriors like… well, like apprentices, different really only in color. Palepaw gave a purr of laughter at her denmate’s excited statement, well aware of Cicadapaw’s love of the little creatures; hardly a mouthful, but she was crazy about them. “We’ll catch loads!” Pakepaw called back to Brightmane’s grumble, her enthusiasm undiminished. She fell silent then and padded on with Cicadapaw at her side, sniffing at a marker as they came to it and adding a fresh mark.

Smokestorm watched them for a moment, glad beyond measure to see Palepaw so much back to her old self; she’d been worried, for some time, that what she’d been through would be too much for her. Maybe she wasn’t over it, but she seemed to have recovered more than Smokestorm had dared hope.

She shot another look at Brightmane, a flush of irritation showing in the lash of her tail. “I know that!” she snapped. It wasn’t like she was challenging anyone to a race to the mountains; it was just a walk along their border. But the further instruction to not jump in if they were challenged- to stand back and let him fight while she just watched- was almost more than she could stand to think about. Was it concern that lay behind the statement, or bravado? She knew all too well that he had hoped to be chosen as deputy, he hadn’t made any secret of his desire, just as she hadn’t.

For a moment she just stared, fighting back the urge to refuse outright- she didn’t think she could just let someone else risk themselves to protect her, and he wouldn’t stand a chance fighting alone anyway. She might be hurt, but she was just as good a fighter as the next StoneClan warrior. “You won’t need to,” she managed, jerking her head away and starting to walk again, her steps stiffer now as she held herself tense. “There won’t be any foxes. We killed most of them, and the last won’t dare show its ugly face around here again.”

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

Brightmane’s ears twitched in irritation as Smokestorm snapped at him, his plumed tail flicking behind him, his jaw clenching on the retort he wanted to hiss back at her. Here he was trying to be nice and she was still making it so very difficult. He drew in a deep breath through his nose and let it out slowly. This was why he had been trying so hard to avoid her.

“Well it isn’t like I want a fox to show up,” he growled under his breath as she moved forward again, noticeably tense. “I just-” he snapped his jaws closed with another growl, “Fine, whatever.” He just wanted to be prepared. If she wanted to get herself killed by a fox because her wound slowed her down then it was her life. He would just have to help pick up the pieces left behind, and he was up to challenge. It wasn’t worth arguing with her over it.

The fur along his spine rippled in agitation as he padded after her, narrowed gaze staring at the back of her head. Such a frustrating cat. Tail flicking rhythmically, he followed after her in silence for a time, the chatter from Cicadapaw and Palepaw ahead of them a murmur on the wind. His ears twitched uncertainly as he decided to try a different line of conversation, “How is the rest of your family?” She wouldn't get mad at him for showing concern for them too, would she?

---

Taxx

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

Smokestorm ignored the tom until he stopped trying to explain himself; then they walked in silence. She watched Palepaw and Cicadapaw as they trotted on ahead, hardly looking like they were paying attention to anything but each other- they'd probably forgotten they were meant to be keeping an eye out for prey. She didn't bother calling to remind them to focus, though, just padded along; she paused to add a fresh mark to the border and tossed a glance over her shoulder as Brightmane spoke again.

The flash of irritation faded at the new topic, and she gazed at him a moment longer before answering, her tone softer, more relaxed. "As well as they can be." Her green eyes rested on Palepaw, who had looked back and halted as she noticed Smokestorm and Brightmane weren't keeping up. "Duskflower took it hard, but Mistcloud, Kestrelclaw and Meadowflight are helping her." For a moment her eyes closed, but she refused to give in to the grief this time. It'd been hard enough losing Silverstorm, but losing Eagletalon too? She'd come so far from resenting the tom, and his loss had affected her just as much as her first father's had. "Palepaw seems to be okay, at least. I... I don't really know about Kestrelclaw and Meadowflight."

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes

[Deleted]

Glancing ahead to the apprentices as Smokestorm paused to remark the border, he watched the two younger she-cats for a moment. Palepaw had paused as they had, and Cicadapaw followed suit, glancing back at the two warriors curiously. He waved his tail to show them everything was okay and Cicadapaw lifted her tail in recognition, turning to say something to Palepaw and giggling softly.

He turned his green gaze back to Smokestorm as she answered his question in a softer tone. It was clear her family meant a great deal to her, and yet….

“Mistcloud, Kestrelclaw and Meadowflight are helping her.”
“I don't really know about Kestrelclaw and Meadowflight.”

He frowned at that. She said nothing of helping her mother through this loss herself, and she had no idea how her younger siblings were even faring when it came to losing their father? He could remember when Smokestorm lost her own, because he remembered when she asked Hawkstar for her warrior name, to honor him. That wasn’t something cats normally did, and it wasn’t something any cat that witnessed it would ever forget.

“So why aren’t you helping them too?” His tone was not accusatory, it was an honest question, but he realized too late that, what with the relationship he and Smokestorm had, she would very likely take it the wrong way.

---

Taxx I figured maybe she would get mad and storm ahead and Bright just decides it’s better to stop talking altogether so your post could end it? xD

[Taxx]

Smokestorm

This gal right here's gonna rule the world
No, I won't sit still and look pretty

The relaxed posture didn't last long; at Brightmane's question, she stiffened and shot a hard glance back at him. Guilt, she didn't say, her ears pinning back for a moment. Because how could she say anything, dare to offer comfort to any of them, when she was to blame for her failure in protecting her Clan and kin? "Why do you care anyway?" she growled, her tail tip twitching. "I thought we were out here to patrol, not stand around and chat while our paws freeze?"

She strode off without giving him a chance to reply, padding toward where Palepaw and Cicadapaw were waiting. She caught the concern in both apprentices' eyes, but she speared them both with a glance as she took the lead again; she didn't want to talk any more, and she was glad when they got the hint- and the rest of the patrol passed in stony, heavy silence.

Deputy of StoneClan

@zen Notes