[Deleted]

The newly-named grey warrior padded into camp, limping slightly. His solo hunt had been unsuccessful, but he didn't feel as horrible about it as he used to. He was better working with a partner or a team, but that didn't stop him from trying every now and then. Since his accident, he had spent quite some time in Smokefur and Featherpaw's deb, back when it was just Featherpaw's, until he had healed enough to plead with Ravenstar to continue his training. The NightClan leader had helped him immensely, and together they had walked the long and difficult path to finish his training as a warrior. He had only been given his warrior name, Palefire, mere days ago, and he had never been so proud of himself.

As he entered the camp, he cast his amber eyes around, looking for nothing in particular. Spying a familiar black pelt, he thought about how long it had been since he had actually had a chance to sit down and talk to his sister. He still felt the need to clear the air between them, since it seemed she had been avoiding him since his accident.

He padded across the camp toward Starlingcry, three good paws finally retaining some of his former grace as his fourth limped along begin him. As he drew nearer, he called out to her, hoping she wouldn't run away. "Starlingcry." He looked at her with gentle eyes, hoping she wouldn't flee from him. "Can we talk?"

---

P A L E F I R E

Hellion

[Hellion]

♛

A darkness clouded the thoughts of a certain young NightClan warrior. It was her brother's accident, her father's death and lastly her mother's illness that cook it's toll on her. She felt helpless, weak and defenseless to the outside world. Almost like all her hard work to become a warrior was for nothing. StarClan took what they wanted from the world without a care. This forced the ebony she-cat into a paranoia. She feared that StarClan could take away anyone she ever cared about. As a precaution Starlingcry began to distances herself from her family and Clanmates. She rarely went out on patrols until forced to, all her hunting adventures were on her own. She made little social interaction because she was terrified to lose them, but it only made things works.

Her mother took the behavior as a sign of guilt over Palefire's fall, which only made Starlingcry feel even more like an outcast. Her sister rarely gave her comfort or even offered, she normally was off doing what ever it was that Cederbranch did. Her best friend was gone too, Featherpaw was the only other cat she could talk to but not anymore. Starlingcry felt truly alone.

Gracklefire was partly right when it came to Starlingry's condition. She did feel guilty about Palefire. It should have been her, she shouldn't have been so mean to him, too much pride was often Starlingcry's problem. These thoughts and others distracted the she-cat. Having returned from a walk to try and clear her head Starlingcry flinched slightly at the sound of his voice. She had dreaded this moment since he became a warrior.

Slowly she turned her head and in the same motion rose to her paws. A sense of flight or fight overcame her but she forced down her instincts, there was no escape. He asked to talk, her ears went back, blue eyes looking away for a distraction. Starlingcry exhaled loudly and gave a single nod. "Sure we can talk." Her word were cold, not out of anger at her but at herself.

### | TAG | notes: .

ulla

[Deleted]

lost among the shattered dreams of princes

---

His shoulders tensed as he recognised the look in her eyes. He hoped she wouldn't run from him again. Then she sighed, agreeing to talk, and he let out a silent thanks to StarClan. He offered her a smile, then lowered his haunches to the stone floor of the camp. His injured leg still stuck out a little, but he managed to only wince internally. No need to make her feel more guilt unnecessarily.

Palefire took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He let it out quietly, then fixed his amber eyes onto his sister's blue ones. "I want--need to let you know. I've been wanting to bring it up ever since the accident, but I never seemed to get the chance. And then you started avoiding me, and..." He shook his head, noticing that he had started to ramble.

"I'm sorry. I just need you to know that I don't blame you. I never did. You were scared, and the accident was just that--an accident. It wasn't your fault." He kept his gaze fixed on hers, hoping that she understood that he meant every word, and truly didn't blame her.

Giving her a few minutes to let everything sink in, he spoke again. "I know we were never really close. But I would like, if you want, to fix that. I feel like we need each other. And if you don't feel the same, then that's fine. Just know that I will always be here for you. Always." His eyes never left hers. He was pouring his heart out to her, and it was now up to her whether to accept or refuse. He had said what he needed to say, and he meant every word. Whatever she decided, he would respect her decision. He could only hope that she would let him in.

---

P A L E F I R E