[Justice]

Leafbare 27, year 6
-----------------------
Change was on the wind. StoneClan remained strong, but it would soon start on a new journey under a new leader. He wasn't doubting the strength of Hawkstar, so much as he remained practical on the other tom's age. So long as Hawkstar remained able to lead he would stand by him and support him as any good clan member should do for their leader, but it remained that the cycle would eventually continue. Hawkstar would someday pass into StarClan and his well deserved rest, and a new leader would rise. He pushed the thought from his mind and concentrated on what his task was for today. He wanted to speak with Hawkstar, to mention his worries for Herondive as well as to potentially give the aged tom the chance to get out without the clan's attention weighing on him. Bearclaw respected and admired the other, and he felt it was well time he made that fact obvious.

He went to the entrance of the den and stood there, considering his words before calling in. "Hawkstar? Do you have some time today to perhaps go on a short walk or hunt with me?" He was aware that a leader's time was precious, so he wouldn't be angry if the other turned him down. He simply awaited the other tom's time.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

"Just a moment!" Came a rumbling voice from within the den. Rising stiffly to a sit in his nest, the StoneClan figurehead paused a moment to stretch. Broad shoulders tensed slightly and pushed upwards, while his head bowed closer to his chest. Feeling a gentle popping sensation ripple down the upper length of his spine, Hawkstar purred quietly in satisfaction as he stood to stretch his hind legs in turn. Frozenrain was no longer in their shared nest, having gone out earlier this morning, likely to train Minkpaw. Her absence certainly made leaving his den much easier; he was guilty of remaining in bed a little too long when her warmth was curled up at his side.

Large paws shifted toward the entrance, though the tom took some time in closing the distance, to stretch out more of his sleep-stiff joints. Soon, a graying muzzle pushed out from within the dimly-lit den, and pale amber eyes fell upon the big tom known as Bearclaw. With a kind smile, Hawkstar nodded a greeting to the warrior. "Good morning, Bearclaw. It is good to see you well, despite Leafbare's harshness." He rumbled, sand-colored tail waving comfortably behind him.

Pleasant curiosity glittered behind his wizened gaze, and the StoneClan leader glanced over the tom's shoulder briefly in search of Smokestorm. Locking eyes with his deputy, he waved her toward him. She obliged, making haste to close the distance between them. Deciding to meet her at the base of the Rock Pile lest she waste valuable energy climbing all the way up here for nothing, Hawkstar offered Bearclaw another grin. "Of course, I'd be more than happy to do either of those with you. Not often I'm able to go out and enjoy the Leafbare beauty of StoneClan." Motioning for the other tom to follow, the StoneClan figurehead led the way down the familiar stone pile.

"I must warn you, however." He called playfully over his shoulder. "My youth has long since left me; my available stamina for hunting is significantly less than what it once was. You may have to pull most of the weight in that endeavour, should we find the prey to hunt." Chuckling to himself as he turned to meet Smokestorm, he quickly let her know he was leaving for a small bit of time and that she was in charge. With a nod of affirmation serving as his signal, Hawkstar once more turned to Bearclaw.

"After you."

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

"You wear your moons well." He commented quietly, aware of the limitations of age but also seeing the strength and perseverance of the older tom. As they walked along Bearclaw admired the quiet beauty of the leafbare day, keeping an eye out for prey at the same time. He remained silent for some time before deciding to bring up one of the things that was on his mind.

"I've been keeping an eye on Herondive recently. I am uncertain that I'm suited to cheering her up but I do know how to listen and sometimes that's the best thing." He paused a moment, considering his words. "I hate to see your family unhappy, any of them. You've kept us all safe and together for so many moons, that it seems to me that your family deserves only the best for all your efforts for this clan." He flashed a very weak smile, bare on his muzzle. "And I base my ideal for what it should look like when true love happens off of you and your mate." He ducked his head at that, straight forward in his opinion but also very private.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

The pair walked in contented silence for a small time, the StoneClan figurehead's pale amber gaze drifting over snow covered territory of which, by now, he was quite familiar. His pawsteps were thoughtful, almost calculated in their somewhat slow speed, but the aging tom saw no reason to rush. He trusted Bearclaw would raise an opinion should he find the pace ill-suited, and Hawkstar would do his best to adapt. He was glad, at least, that the stiffness was slowly receding from his muscles. A routine morning walk may not be such a bad idea in the future as age continued to plague him.

One sand-colored ear flicked as an intake of breath from the other tom indicated the beginning of a short speech. Tilting his head slightly to look at Bearclaw, the broad-shouldered tom listened politely to what it was the younger tom had to share. A small, almost regretful smile pulled at Hawkstar's muzzle at the mention of his daughter. He appreciated Bearclaw keeping an eye on her, for she had been one of the Clan members hit hardest by Eagletalon's death, outside Eagletalon's children. And she had not been herself for moons even prior to her former mentor's death.

As Bearclaw finished, the old StoneClan leader briefly lay his tail over the other tom's flank. "In my eyes, your heart reflects all the best qualities of what it means to be StoneClan, Bearclaw." He began, his words sincere as the pair continued a slow pace through the territory. "It is with that same sentiment I try to lead every day. For many moons, StoneClan was my sole family. StoneClan, and Eagletalon. I am who I am today because of StoneClan, and I have the family I have because of StoneClan too." He rumbled thoughtfully, a pensive sound leaving his maw.

"Despite all that, I have never been a stranger to tragedy. But others of lesser moons... They have not been quite as unfortunate, I fear, and therefore are not as prepared. Herondive is among one of them. I have worried for her since Eagletalon's death, and I have seen her changed for many moons even before. I too, have been unable to reach her on a level that may help her overcome her dark times. I believe only Eagletalon succeeded in that." He admitted with another sad smile. "However, I am comforted to know she has friends and Clanmates concerned for her. If such is the case... I believe StoneClan can help her heal with time, as it once helped me."

With a curl of his tail, the StoneClan figurehead continued. "We are all family, in a sense. At least, such is the case in my eyes. Everything we have now, our friends, our mates, our kits, it is by StarClan's grace, and StoneClan's protection. And there is time yet. I'm certain you too will find your Frozenrain, Bearclaw. And may they bring you the same happiness and comfort I have been gifted for so many moons."

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

"As a clan is shaped by its leadership, so to is its leadership shaped by the clan that supports them." He continued forward, comfortable with the pace and the direction of their conversation. Though not typically a very chatty cat, having another tom to speak to, especially having the ear of their leader, was comforting.

"Sometimes I think your daughter needs a good bap to the head to knock some sense back into her." He said it dryly, looking straight ahead. "I understand she hurts, that the pain is allot for her. But Eagletalon wouldn't want the ones he left behind to fall so deeply into their sadness that they cease to function. Herondive seems almost at that point." The big tom paused a moment, ears shifting as he listened to the world around him as he searched for prey. Still silent. Not unusual.

The words of his leader gave him pause, and he tipped his head. "I am not so social, there may yet be a she-cat out there that can tolerate my temperament, but I have yet to meet her." Perhaps in time, that would change. He wasn't one to actively court a she-cat, he preferred quieter past times.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

He chuckled lowly, pale amber eyes flicking to Bearclaw at his side. “I think StoneClan had a bit more of a profound effect upon me than I have had on it. I am, after all, but one cat. Leader or no.” He rumbled, muted brown tail curling at its tip from where it swung slowly behind him with each step. Bearclaw was a pensive soul, this Hawkstar could tell by his mannerism alone. But he was coming to realize that, in his own way, the other large tom was also a caring tom. And he said this not only due to his concerns over Herondive’s wellbeing.

A sand-coloured ear flicked as Bearclaw continued, the StoneClan figurehead snorting softly at the thought. “You know, you would not be the first to have such thoughts. She has her head in another world at times, I swear. Few have been able to get through to her in the way Eagletalon succeeded. This, I believe, is the reason she has taken his passing with such difficulty. He may even have been as much a father to her as I am.” He paused a moment, considering the amount of time they would have spent together as mentor and apprentice.

“Perhaps even more so.” He admitted, his tail tip curling again. “Despite my best efforts, leadership does not always permit much time for just… Being a father. I will be the first to admit I am far from perfect. And I fear Herondive has inherited my tendency to bear the weight of the world upon my shoulders. I fear she tries to hold too much at once, not wishing to burden others with her struggles.” As Bearclaw fell silent, so too did the broad-shouldered StoneClan leader, amber eyes ghosting over their surroundings in search of prey that may be nearby.

Determining that they remained alone for the time being, his attention returned to the other tom. “I also fear you are right in your assessment of her. The weight she has imposed upon herself, it is pulling her into a dark place. One from which Frozenrain and myself are struggling to release her. For we can only do so much, if she refuses to open up to us. We will not give up, despite it all. She is our daughter, and we shall never stop doing everything we can to help. I just hope we aren’t too late. Or, at the very least, I pray she finds someone who can lift her from the darkness.”

With a warm smile, Hawkstar tipped his head just so. “If that is what you wish for your life, family, kits… Then I pray you find it in the moons to come. If it is not what you perceive for yourself, that is okay too. May you find happiness, no matter the path upon which StarClan has you tread. Through loss, uncertainty, and any trials to come, remember that there is a light. I would know such thing better than most.” He rumbled, his mind drifting back to the life he had managed to build for himself, despite the anguish and loss he’d been force to endure in his younger days.

Life unfurled as it wished. But it did so for a reason. That reason may not be clear every step of the way, but it was there nonetheless. At least, that is the lesson Hawkstar had come to learn throughout his many moons upon this earth. A lesson he would continue to believe until his time to join StarClan finally beckoned to him.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

"Hopefully she won't be too angry with me when I haul her rump over and toss her in a snow bank." He said it deadpan, as he was serious in his commentary. He was a big tom and if he had to throw his weight around to wake the she-cat from her melancholy then so be it. It was for her own good. "Sometimes I feel as though she can't bring herself out of it, that it'll take a substantial shock to her in order to make her realize that she's letting life slip her by while she dwells in her misery."

It did make him realize just how much he distanced himself from the clan by watching how Herondive had been treating the ones around her. Though he had been doing so unintentionally and still did his best to interact with his clanmates, he wasn't very social and it showed. "I am the least qualified to drag her from her misery, but drag her I shall." He gave a very weak smile, the tips of his ears shifting forward. "She might shred me, but it'll be worth it. Besides, I believe I have enough fur between the two of us to drown her with should she get too wily."

Bearclaw tended to go the most direct path, and in his mind when gentle methods didn't work then some more unconventional ones were the best way. Hopefully Hawkstar wouldn't be cross with him for willfully cathandling Herondive.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

The image of his daughter being tossed into a snowbank by the large warrior next to him was enough to set the StoneClan figurehead chuckling. His tail waved slowly behind him, amusement clear in pale amber eyes, though he continued to listen intently to Bearclaw's take on Herondive's state of mind. The other tom managed to touch on one of Hawkstar's biggest concerns for his daughter. Her life was passing her by, slipping through her claws while she drowned in her private misery. Her friends and family were aging, interacting, growing. But Herondive remained trapped in her quiet, mental prison.

With an almost sad smile, the big sand colored tom sighed. "I am glad to see she has friends like you, Bearclaw. You say you are not the most social, but not every cat in the Clan must be social. You are still a vital part of the lifeblood of StoneClan. And others know that. I can see your heart in your eyes. You are strong, not only physically. And your concern for Herondive and others makes you all the more formidable a warrior. She is in good paws with you on her side. Of that I am sure."

Briefly, he wondered whether Bearclaw had additional motives. Perhaps motives he wasn't even aware of. The heart could be fickle that way. He could only hope that his daughter did not end up hurting a tom that only wished to help. "Do ensure you care for yourself, too. It may seem counter intuitive, but you should always come first. For if you fail to look out for yourself, who then will look out for those you wish to aid and protect? And do not forget, yours are not the only shoulders in the Clan that may be used for support. Look for those around you who have your best interest at heart as well."

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

"You flatter me." He ducked his head slightly, making a soft humming sound. "I only wish for her to wake up and see that her happiness or lack their of matters to the cats around her. She matters." He was a very private cat, and it bothered him for others to be able to see that he cared when he was trying to keep it to himself. He understood that Hawkstar was meant to be able to read others well, he was their leader, so it was okay.

"Herondive seems like she could use someone to nest with her for awhile. Sleeping alone is painful when the heart is broken and mourning. The heart won't heal if left to its own devices, lost inside the mind and without a light to hold onto. Normally, I'd suggest she curl up with her parents until her world made a bit more sense, but that might embarrass her at this point." The offspring of leaders were often held to higher standards than others.

Bearclaw shifted on his paws, large frame settling as he got more comfortable with the conversation. "I take care of myself. And I remember that someone who doesn't care for themselves is of no use to the ones that need them most. My sister taught me to pay attention to myself even when someone needed me more. Even though I've lost my family I remember what they taught me. Be patient and kind, and protect those that can't or won't protect themselves. Be the example, not the exception."

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

A thoughtful hum escaped the broad-shouldered figurehead as he considered all that Bearclaw had just said. Sand-colored ears twitched atop his head, tail weaving calmly behind him. "Be the example, not the exception. Wise words indeed, and a true life lesson. Whomever it was to first speak those words to you... They were a special individual, of that there is no doubt." He rumbled, maw splitting in a kind smile. He was a fan of words, as anyone who knew him would be acutely aware. Hawkstar wished more conflict could be resolved with words, rather than actions.

It was a philosophy he'd done his best to bring with him into leadership. Some might say such a mentality had landed StoneClan in trouble in the past but... He bore no regrets, not in the long run. Peace would never be achieved at the end of blood soaked claws. Perhaps it was the coward's method in some eyes. But what had war truly granted them? He hoped he would prove to be an example to the generations to come, just as Bearclaw recounted.

Yet, he'd done quite enough musing regarding what had been and what may be. There was an issue living very much in the present that still required his attention.

Grunting softly, the tom with the lightening muzzle tilted his head. "Perhaps you are onto something in regards to Herondive as well." He mused, tail tip lifting briefly from where it had been laying on the ground. "What would you think, if I were to ask Honeynose to share her nest for the near future. Being best friends... It may bright Herondive some form of comfort when the night falls and the heart feels at its loneliest." He didn't think it would magically fix everything that had happened over the last few moons.

But if it might bring her even a fragment of comfort... It was forth a try in his eyes.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

He grunted but said nothing to the praise for his sister. He had always believed she was extraordinary, but things hadn't worked out for that light to shine bright for a long time. StarClan had called his family back to them far too soon, leaving him alone in the world. But, that was alright. He could find his place and the path that was meant for him.

Listening to Hawkstar he nodded slightly. "Honeynose would be a good choice. She's not obtrusive and seems to be calm most of the time. It'll do her well to sleep next to someone she can trust. And a she-cat is always better than a tom, at least when it is one unrelated." He tipped his head, tail fanning out behind him. "And if all else fails, I am of the firm belief that kits can cure all manner of emotional distress." In other words, bury Herondive in kittens if her best friend didn't do the trick for her distress.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

The big tom dipped his muzzle in thought, content with his suggestion now that Bearclaw seemed to agree with the pick he had made for a potential nest companion. Hawkstar was fairly attuned to others, having many moons of experience in dealing with a wide variety of individuals. He had sensed something about Bearclaw when he had mentioned the cat who'd shared such wise words with him. It still seemed a mildly sore spot for the other tom, which told Hawkstar that cat had likely moved on to walk with their ancestors. The StoneClan figurehead knew all too well what it felt to lose others.

Some wounds never fully healed, and there was little point in poking and prodding at something that still ached. Plus, it was hardly his business, not unless Bearclaw chose to discuss it with him. The warrior's next comment, however, had the broad-shouldered leader flicking an ear questioningly. He was fairly certain Bearclaw was not suggesting what it had sounded like he'd suggested, and for that reason he let himself chuckle slightly. "For a heartbeat, I thought you were suggesting my daughter should be prescribed her own litter of kits. Something tells me she isn't quite ready for kits of her own."

He joked lightly, a teasing glint to his pale amber eyes. "Of course, if that was what she wanted, I would be more than overjoyed at the honor of being a grandfather. But my children and their happiness are always most important. I do wonder just what Herondive would do if you were to just drop a bundle of kits on her, however. Would prove to be quite the surprise I'm sure." He rumbled a laugh, his ear twitching again as it picked up a somewhat distant scuttling. Wordlessly, the big tom flicked his tail toward where it had come from, and began to pad around it in a quiet circle.

If Bearclaw happened to miss the pounce, the creature would have no where to go but into Hawkstar's waiting paws. Of course, he had every bit of faith in Bearclaw's hunting capabilities. It was better safe than sorry.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

Bearclaw tipped his head, ears flicking as he tried to figure out how his words had brought that conclusion. Then he simply explained himself. "Not at all. I simply believe she may find comfort in going to the nursery and playing with the kits. It is something I myself do when I find myself at a loss on what to do in a situation or am simply overwhelmed. The queens don't really seem to mind it, and the kits enjoy having someone big they can climb on and pounce." It helped that he was very big and very fluffy.

His face remained impassive, though he was watching his leader intently for any signs of what to do next. There were times that the social graces of his clanmates were lost on him, especially when he was blunt on a subject.

When Hawkstar changed into a hunting stance Bearclaw did too, shifting his heavy frame so that he could be at the ready when whatever it was came out. With the tail flick to indicate his direction the big tom stalked over going in the opposite direction, listening carefully for the origin of the sound. What he found, unfortunately, was a skunk.

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Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

Despite an impressive size, the StoneClan figurehead remained light on his paws as his hunting companion circled in the opposite direction. A sand-brown tail stay immobile where it hovered just above the ground, ears tilted fowards to catch any further sounds from the potential prey. The wind wasn't quite right for Hawkstar to catch the scent, despite parted jaws. Pale amber eyes flicked toward Bearclaw momentarily, glancing to see whether the other tom had any inclination of what it was they might be hunting. With little information seemingly available, the big tom simply braced himself, weight shifting as he took a step closer.

Only to have the wind alternate directions suddenly.

And the scent it brought with it drove something cold through his chest. Although it was not the chilling claw of terror ripping through him, it still summoned a type of horror. Demon was not hiding in that bush, but the thing that was would be certain to bring upon both of them the general displeasure of their Clanmates. Pushing up on his hind legs to wheel himself about as quick as he could manage, the sandy tom half hissed, half bellowed to his hunting companion.

"Skunk!"

Rolling himself away from the 'threat' with the speed of a cat half his age, Hawkstar tumbled to a stop some distance away. His joints groaned in protest as he righted himself, eyes alert as he glanced to and fro. From what he could piece together, what with the disappearing black and white tail in the undergrowth somewhere, the skunk had fled. But he could not yet assess the damage, as the creature's alarm permeated the area. Coughing slightly under his breath, the big tom did a once over of himself. At the very least, he hadn't been directly sprayed.

Thank StarClan. He thought to himself, before looking up to take inventory of the other tom. "Bearclaw? Are you alright? Did you manage to make it out unscathed?" He called, rising from a sit to take a hesitant step toward where he'd last seen the other broad-shouldered tom.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Justice | table by phoenix

Note: 106 moons

[Justice]

Skunk. A terror worse than Demon to most cats, and a sight few ever saw. Only the foolish hunted skunks, but the creatures were nearly the size of an adult cat and skittish as a mouse. And unfortunately Bearclaw had come nose to nose with the creature. He ran when his leader did, belting it out of there just as the creature turned its rump towards him.

He yowled at the stench that permeated the area, coughing as his eyes burned and running full pelt in the same direction as Hawkstar. He slid, made clumsy in his effort to get away from the foul smelling creature, and collided with a large boulder.

Though embarrassing it was better than the...his nose burned and he covered it with his paws even though he was currently upside down with his back legs and tail against the stone and his upper body splayed against the ground. Why did it still smell like it was right on top of him?

"I'm alright, but my eyes are burning." He was sneezing, hiding his nose after each delicate sniff of the area. "That is foul." He hadn't yet figured out that he'd been sprayed.

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