| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Jun 30, 2019 22:48:49 GMT -5
Emberlight looked to the clouded sky, a sigh of relief escaping from his lips. The past few days had been so hot and dry that the Abyssinian warrior had struggled to find his usual motivation to go on a walk since he had come back from each one positively drained and overheated. Today was the perfect day for a stroll around Rainclan's territory, and the clouds promised a rain to nourish the valley.
Maybe some company... The ruddy warrior looked around him for Skychaser, a white-furred warrior whom Emberlight had recently befriended. His new friend was nowhere in sight, so Emberlight shrugged and picked himself up. He had no issue with going on a walk alone, it allowed him more time to reflect.
As he made his way to the exit of the camp, Emberlight came across a silver figure moving in the same direction as him. "Silverstar," he purred. He gestured towards the outside of the camp. "I was just preparing to go on a walk alone, but it seems that fate has brought us here," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "Mind if I join you on your walk?" [/b]
192 words Notes: sorry it's kind of trash Justice tagging Ghost the Undead Goddess for Skychaser mention |
|
|
|
Post by Justice on Jun 30, 2019 22:57:02 GMT -5
He was so far into his own head, thinking of what was to come and what he would have to do to keep his clan safe that he didn't hear the warrior until he spoke his name. He startled, fur standing out slightly before he settled. "Emberlight, hello. Sorry, my mind was far away." He flicked his tail and considered the offer. "That's fine, I always appreciate company." And it was better to walk with a tom, as the she-cats tended to gossip whenever he went somewhere with a she-cat, unless it was one of his daughters or Echoshade. They knew better then. As they left the camp behind the silver leader looked at the sky and basked in the quiet for the time being. He remembered that Emberlight had spoken up during the meeting he'd held, and he actually appreciated the others opinion and honesty. It was only the ones who spoke in shadows that got to him. He took a deep breath and settled down, letting the other set the pace since he was in no hurry and never walked with urgency when he had no reason to. He could hear the river close by, the sound soothing and familiar. This was home, and he'd protect it with his life. All nine of them. Ginger |
|
| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Jul 4, 2019 23:55:36 GMT -5
Emberlight warmly blinked his eyes at Silverstar as the silver tom accepted his company. It was always nice to walk along a familiar path with a less familiar soul; there would be plenty of opportunities to become more familiar.
As the two toms walked at a fairly slow pace, Emberlight could feel the gentle breeze rustle his fur, the warming rays of the sun caress him, the welcome smell of the river fill his nose. There was a comfortable silence between the two, amicable even. However, Emberlight soon found himself breaking it open in the hopes of sharing a moment with the silver leader as they came up to the riverfront.
"Water is an element of life," he started, looking slowly from the rushing water to Silverstar. "We are the only clan to openly accept our connection and need for water, yet without it, every clan would fall." Pondering eyes looked directly into Silverstar's. "Could you imagine a life without the river? Without our home? It would seem so dry, in more ways than one." Some of the most impactful moments of Emberlight's life had been on this river.
It was here he trained with his incredible mentor. It was here he laughed and learned how to swim, fish, and love. It was also here that he faced his mentor's gruesome death. And yet, afterwards, this river became the place where he took on another apprentice and taught her the same skills his own mentor had taught him. Looking at the flowing river and its ability to both change and remain constant, Emberlight could see his own life reflected in it. Things changed, for better or worse, but life would continue on its same path.
It was the same idea for all of Rainclan. Things were changing, and not every cat agreed with it. However, those minute changes would one day be swept away by the deafening wave of normalcy, and clan life would return to the way it once was. If only the other clans could put their silly quarrels behind them and somehow try to find some way to live without bothering one another.
"Treeclan, Nightclan, Lightningclan. Their namesakes represent something that is unique to each clan. Nightclan cats are nocturnal, Treeclan cats live and thrive off of the trees, and Lightningclan cats seem as fast as their name suggests. But every clan needs rain." Emberlight faltered, not really knowing where he was going with his words, speaking only as the words came to him. "It's almost reassuring to think about that. It's one big unifying factor, and it's in our very name." Looking back at the water, Emberlight elaborated. "Almost seems like it's our duty to set a positive example for how to live in peace." He nodded warmly at his leader. "You're doing a good job of that." Whether or not Silverstar needed the validation, Emberlight had no idea. However, that didn't change the fact that it always felt good to hear others approve of the work being done.
503 words Justice |
|
|
|
Post by Justice on Jul 22, 2019 12:36:21 GMT -5
"You haven't seen me in leafbare." He said it with a touch of humor to his voice. "Water means more to me than you could ever know, and leafbare's cold beauty the only true love I'll probably ever have. Nothing compares." He knew the frozen waters, how to traverse them and move easily across without falling. Ice-walking was a skill he found useful, and being something he did privately one of the few things that brought him joy. He could be himself, pretend that he was still just Silverfrost, while he glided across the ice. Not that he was saying all that to Emberlight. "RainClan may not always be in times of peace, I know that. But I won't have us pulled into affairs that aren't ours just because some hot headed warriors want to sharpen their claws. There is no glory in dying in war, in going to StarClan before your time and leaving behind a family to mourn your passing. I've already seen one war, I don't want to be part of another." he sighed. "However, I shouldn't have lost my temper with that apprentice. It just bothers me that cats think it prudent to speak of matters they know nothing of and don't have the courage to say it to the face of the one they are speaking about. I try very hard to stay calm, but some things just get to me." Ginger |
|
| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Jul 25, 2019 23:19:03 GMT -5
 Emberlight "In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself." A warm laugh escaped from Emberlight's lips at Silverstar's mention of leafbare. "You may just be the only cat in this valley that thinks that," he said with a light-hearted smile.
At the same time, the golden warrior did find it interesting that Silverstar was so in love with the cold. Many cats dreaded leafbare's arrival every year, Emberlight included. While Rainclan did not often suffer from famine like the other clans did, it hurt to think that there were so many other cats suffering from empty stomachs and freezing paws.
"On a more serious note, it is important to appreciate the beauty of every season, for even the ones that come with a great deal of suffering can bring joy. Maybe I need to learn a thing or two from you about learning to love the cold."
As Silverstar moved on to speak on Rainclan's neutrality and his outburst with Wasp-paw, Emberlight nodded slowly. "With the apprentice, you did what had to be done. He is not known for his listening abilities, but that lesson served to clean out his ears."
Blinking slowly, the warrior thought about the pain of having to say goodbye to his mentor. To his family. Those were some of the most painful moments of his life. "Staying neutral prevents unnecessary goodbyes. It may not be a good enough reason for Rainclan's younger warriors, but it is a good enough one for me." He sighed. "It is so strange to think that there are cats in this clan who have not seen war. Not known suffering." Looking off onto the flowing river, he added, "I wish they could stay that way forever."
50 Moons. Warrior. RainClan |
|
|
|
Post by Justice on Jul 27, 2019 14:51:22 GMT -5
"Too much war has already been wrought within this clan. There's no reason for us to butt into the wars of other clans. If TreeClan and NightClan want to fight then they can leave us out of it." He sighed, staring ahead for the longest time. "Its not about the cold, but I have no words to explain to you what it is about leafbare that has always enchanted me." "So much in my life has changed since I was chosen to be the Deputy of this clan, even more since I took my lives. Its been very strange, I'm the youngest of the leaders, though for how long that will be true I don't know. Lionstar and Hawkstar are old, the other clans have already changed paws, how long before a full change occurs in the valley? And will these changes be good or bad for those of us that call this valley home? Will RainClan be able to maintain neutrality when our neighbors seek to war against one another?" He also knew that denying herbs was a big deal, and one he hadn't spoken of lightly. But it was as he'd said. He wasn't responsible for the cats beyond his clan. His duties were to protect and provide for his own clan, which meant making sure their local herbs weren't picked clean by seeking medicine cats in desperate need of herbs to fuel the injuries incurred by war. Ginger |
|
| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Aug 4, 2019 10:37:54 GMT -5
Emberlight "In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself." As Silverstar spoke, Emberlight looked at the flowing water, comforted by its gentle current. The silver-furred leader was expressing his doubts about the uncertainty of change, which was reasonable. "When things are good, we seek stagnancy. Change from that good, especially as big as the changes coming in the future, can be scary." He offered a smile to Silverstar.
"When we look upon this river, we see a lot of things. A water source, a food source, a leisure source. But the water in this river is always flowing, the fish are always moving, and the areas for fun often change. Every single day, we are essentially looking at a new river. Every day, we adapt and make the best of that new river." Emberlight looked down at his paws, ever so lightly kneading the ground so he could feel the earth beneath him. Would he ever touch this same earth again? It was a marvel to think about, and it helped to keep Emberlight in every moment, appreciating everything around him.
"Just as we adapt to the change of the river every single day, we can adapt to the great change that this valley is soon to face. We will do more than survive in the coming conflicts; we will thrive as a neutral clan. Things may be different from usual, but that does not mean they will be bad." Emberlight, as a somewhat aged warrior, had seen a lot in his lifetime. He had grown accustomed to a lot of routines as well. Maybe it would be fun to experience a complete pendulum swing -- it would keep him on his toes.
50 Moons. Warrior. RainClan |
|
|
|
Post by Justice on Aug 5, 2019 16:57:13 GMT -5
"The river changes constantly, bringing with it fresh prey and changing currents from one part of the season to the next. It flows throughout the valley and keeps all the clans provided for with water most of the time. But realistically, a clan cannot change as quickly as the river does. There has to be a time of change, a time of adjustment. We can't just accept everything as it comes, it goes against our nature. RainClan is not like the river, though we maintain neutrality now, in the future it may not be possible. I just refuse to bring conflict of other clans to our clan before it is inevitable. I am not a coward, Emberlight. I am a warrior, a hunter, but I'm also a father. I have two grown beautiful daughters, and a pawful of others I probably sired in my more reckless days. But of all of them, Dewfrost and Ferngaze have been the ones that have drawn my focus. Its for their futures that I maintain this neutrality. They have suffered, the clan has suffered alongside them. Death has already come to this clan recently, and change is overtaking the valley. For now, all I want is to provide a stable place for our clanmates, for my family even as I'm not much of a father, and for myself." When had he become so wise, he wondered? When had his days become consumed by worry and duty and not by his constant need for change? He missed those days sometimes, the days spend flirting to his heart's content and making the she-cats around him feel like they were the most important she-cat in the valley. He didn't have a mate, and likely he never would. But the tom at his side had a point, change was inevitable, but it didn't have to be bad. "We will adapt, we can take our time for it. Personally, I wouldn't mind a good season where our nursery is full to bursting with kits." Though kits scared him badly for how small and fragile they were, he did love listening to their little mewls and voices to their mothers and the joy they brought to their families. Ginger |
|
| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Aug 9, 2019 9:20:49 GMT -5
Emberlight "In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself." The Abyssinian tom dipped his head in understanding at Silverstar's words. The leader wanted his clan to be safe, wanted his family to be safe. It was hard to watch them suffer. Emberlight had lost his entire family over the course of his life, and he could never wish that kind of pain onto any other cat.
"Protecting your family, I understand greatly. Mine was taken all too soon from me, and I wish I could have saved them." For a moment, his bright eyes faltered, and a deep sorrow took over. But only for a moment.
Quickly, the ruddy tom regained his warm composure. "I have learned from my mistakes, and I will do whatever I can to ensure that families all across the clan are kept safe." Yes, Emberlight had learned from his mistakes. But having truly healed from them? That was a whole different story. He longed for a family, but was held back by the fear of losing them again, of going through that pain. Emberlight found himself both envying and pitying Silverstar for his fatherhood.
At the thought of more kits (that weren't his), Emberlight exhaled wistfully. "We are going through a time of great transition. Having kits that grow up during that transition could be a good thing." He paused. "It could also be a bad thing. Only Starclan truly knows."
50 Moons. Warrior. RainClan |
|
|
|
Post by Justice on Aug 16, 2019 16:31:19 GMT -5
"Hm." The others words made sense and made him feel a little better for his own excessive worrying. Things would be better soon. And cats like Emberlight, who were willing to be frank to him instead of plotting and complaining from the shadows, were the way of making the future much brighter. He also knew he needed to manage his temper on those that tended to scheme and complain in darkness rather than facing him in the light of day. He didn't want to be known for his temper, after all, as he was generally very easy going and even tempered. "Perhaps someday you'll forgive yourself enough to try it again. You seem like the sort that would be happiest with a family to return to." He didn't mean anything malicious by that, in fact he honestly wished for the happiness of his clanmates. As for the tom at his side, anyone that was as sanguine as he was definitely deserved all the best in their lives. Ginger |
|
| I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open. |
| |
|
INVENTORY
|
Post by Ginger on Aug 25, 2019 10:04:52 GMT -5
Emberlight "In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself." Silverstar's words spoke directly to Emberlight's gently-hurting heart. It was true. Even when he had a rocky relationship with his father, Earthclaw, there was still an intrinsic value of his father just being alive. Now, he had none of that. Emberlight's heart longed for something permanent, for a she-cat to call his mate, and for kits to call his own. But there was too much fear, too many "what if" questions that kept him from truly opening his heart.
However, at the kind words of Silverstar, Emberlight felt his ideals shift ever so slightly. Forgive myself.
The idea seemed easy, seemed doable. But in this tom's case, it would take time. Emberlight had always just assumed he would never get a second chance at a family again and had even come to accept it. However, maybe he could take that chance, that beautiful risk, and come out on the other side a much more complete version of himself.
"I hope one day I can as well," he uttered, a soft vulnerability pervading throughout his entire body. "For now, I will do all I can to use my failures to help Rainclan. To help you."
50 Moons. Warrior. RainClan |
|
