[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

StoneClan's leader emerged from his den, greeted by crisp morning air. Fluffing his short pelt against the sudden chill, he surveyed the waking Clan, dimly aware of the misting of his breath. Every cat in the Clan could feel that Leafbare was on its way; days were growing steadily shorter, and certainly much cooler. Yet on a day like today... Hawkstar's amber gaze drifted up to the cloudless sky, admiring the expanse of blue stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was difficult to imagine that soon, their world would be pitched into gray hues as Leafbare dug in its claws.

Flicking his tail, he descended to common ground, flagging down Rippedear as the senior warrior trod by. "Good morning, Rippedear." He greeted him pleasantly, the other tom returning the greeting. "Can I ask you to take Blacksmoke and Dawnchaser along the border closest to the Sun Stones? Treat it as though it were a hunting patrol; gathering prey for the Clan is the ultimate goal. But keep an eye out for LightningClan activity, and report back to me at sun high." He instructed the grey tom. "Yes, of course Hawkstar." Replied the senior warrior immediately.

"Thank you, Rippedear." Rumbled the sandy tom, dipping his head to acknowledge Rippedear's dismissal. As the other tom parted ways to collect the members of his patrol, Hawkstar continued padding through the camp, exchanging pleasantries with the members of his Clan. Although he seemed content simply mingling with the Clan, he was vigilant, his eyes scanning the surroundings for one cat in particular. It was just as he set course for the warrior's den that a familiar brown pelt snagged his attention, and the StoneClan leader found himself picking up speed. You're not escaping me this time, brother. He thought to himself, grinning.

Stifling the grin just as soon as it appeared, Hawkstar painted a neutral expression on his features, waving his tail to attract the other tom's attention. "Good morning, Eagletalon. Sleep well?" He meowed, slowing to a stop in front of a cat he considered to be family. Glancing toward the camp entrance, the large tom gestured with his muzzle. "The days and nights grow cooler; I was planning on heading to the Barren Scrublands, in hopes of catching some birds. Feathers will be a good replacement for moss in nests in coming days. Care to join me?" He offered, knowing the tom would accept without thought.

Except, of course, if he has any prior engagements with a certain she-cat. He thought to himself slyly.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Fawn | table by phoenix

[Fawn]

68 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

Eagletalon had been on the evening patrol. Given how long the nights were now, he had gotten more than enough sleep prior to slide, yawning, out of the warriors' den. Surprising as it was to Eagletalon, the first thing he wanted to do was go visit Duskflower--or even invite her to go hunting with him--not find a patrol to join or herd some of the young warriors into battle practice.

Just about to search for the familiar tortoiseshell she-cat, the exact opposite appeared in Eagletalon's field of sight in the form of Hawkstar, his enormous thin-furred brother waving him over. Eagletalon grinned and veered towards him despite the urge in his heart to go find Duskflower. "With any luck, we'll be able to line a few nests!" He knew Hawkstar was going to try his best to get a plethora of feathers for his mate, Frozenrain, as well as his son and daughter. Eagletalon realized with a small jolt of warmth through his body, that Duskflower would probably appreciate the same gesture.

Brushing past Hawkstar with an eager stride, the scarred warrior called over his shoulder. "Let's see how many we can catch by Sunhigh. I wanna get back in time to see Duskflower." Eagletalon slowed once they were outside StoneClan, letting an amicable silence fall between them as they traversed StoneClan's notoriously rocky terrain. His hardened paw-pads found little difficulty on the rough surface, and it was clear by the sunlight in his eyes and the purr in his throat that he was in better spirits than he had been in moons.

Even with the loss of the Sun Stones. There were other things, other happier things that deserved his attention besides battle training. Noticing Hawkstar's sly expression out of the corners of his eyes, Eagletalon stopped in his tracks, chuckling out of embarrassment and humor both. "I guess I haven't talked to you about Duskflower yet, eh?" Where do I even begin? Glad to have someone to talk to about matters of the heart (he didn't often get the chance to discuss a she-cat actually reciprocating his feelings), Eagletalon flexed his claws from their sheathes, feeling younger and more hopeful of the future than he had in seasons.

"She's great. Absolutely great. I must've been mousebrained not to notice her before. Though she had Silverstorm then." Eagletalon's eyes glimmered, and he stepped in closer to murmur with an almost frightened certainty. "I think she might be the one for me, Hawkstar. I... just feel it."
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Word Count: 417 Words
Tags: BlooRey DVD @zen (Duskflower mentions!)
Notes:

[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

When Eagletalon came to his realization, Hawkstar slowed to a stop beside his brother, a bright smile spreading over his features. With an answering chuckle, the large tom shook his head. "No, I can't say you've mentioned her to me before. It took me noticing you spending an increased amount of time with her to figure it out." He offered, feeling himself relax. Hawkstar often felt relief from stress in Eagletalon's presence. Although he held no doubts concerning Eagletalon's respect and loyalty towards Hawkstar's position as leader, the senior warrior was one of the few capable of making him feel almost normal.

It was a comforting thing when most others looked up to him with a mixture of wonder, fear and a sometimes even worry; when the Clan leader called your name, there was always a sense of dread written in your emotions. Things were different with Eagletalon. Falling silent and allowing his brother to collect his words, Hawkstar couldn't help but grin at the little signs. The other tom seemed incapable of sitting still, his claws flexing into the ground as his thoughts flitted around the she-cat in question. Ah, the magic and wonder of falling in love. He mused silently.

Sandy brown ears pricked forward as Eagletalon seemed to find his voice, the StoneClan leader's attention focusing in on what the other tom had to say. Pale amber eyes considered him briefly, noting the certainty with which he spoke. Hawkstar recalled sensing something similar when he'd begun spending more time with Frozenrain. It had felt as though he were flying, as though he could reach the same heights as his namesake. And now, they had two strong kits of whom he was immeasurably proud. Both had climbed to the title of warrior, and sought to serve their Clan. It was more than he could have ever dreamed.

Tapping his friend on the shoulder with his tail, Hawkstar used his muzzle to motion in the direction they'd initially been headed. He moved at a much slower pace, more of a stroll than any purposeful stride seeking to get anywhere. As Eagletalon fell into step with him, Hawkstar spared the other tom a sidelong glance. "I have seen the two of you together; it's difficult not to notice, what with you padding after her like a crushing apprentice." He teased Eagletalon, the cheeky grin on his features evidence enough of his playful nature.

"You both seem happy, Eagletalon. I know it is not my place, for I am no matchmaker and am certainly no StarClan cat either, but... I too think she might be the one for you." Veering slightly to butt the other tom with a broad shoulder, he continued. "I trust you will properly introduce me to her soon, brother?" He meowed. He knew Duskflower, just as he knew most of the Clan; he was, after all, Clan leader. But he did not have personable relationships with every member of the Clan. If, however, there was a she-cat with the power of bringing this much joy to his brother, then he wanted to truly know her.

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Fawn | table by phoenix

[Fawn]

68 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

"You both seem happy, Eagletalon. I know it is not my place, for I am no matchmaker and am certainly no StarClan cat either, but... I too think she might be the one for you."

Eagletalon blinked gratefully at Hawkstar, more pleased than he'd realized to have his brother's approval and support. "Of course. As soon as we've gotten enough feathers, I'll take you to meet her." Eagletalon purred, his heart lightening as he pictured the two of them meeting properly; "Bring Frozenrain, maybe we can all go for a walk together?"

That would be nice, he imagined. They could take a short stroll to the sky springs, and just talk amongst themselves. Wolfclaw could handle the camp while four senior warriors were out, Eagletalon had absolute faith in him. And then Duskflower can work her magic on everyone else, Eagletalon mused, grinning at the thought. It wouldn't be long at all before Hawkstar and Frozenrain saw what had attracted him to her in the first place.

She was excellent company.

Eagletalon cleared his throat, aware he was getting a bit carried away. "Enough of the sappy stuff, eh?" He mewed, nudging Hawkstar's shoulder right back, smirking. "We're as bad as a couple of queens. Let's just get enough feathers to make an eagle, and head home."

The scarred warrior's gaze was drawn skyward, and he considered their chances of catching a hawk or an eagle before sunhigh. Eagletalon chuckled again, speaking without even thinking about it. "That's really what got this whole thing started—Duskflower went for a walk with me, and then we were chased into a cave by an eagle." His tail flicked fondly at the memories, her words coming back to him, her giggle such a soft, melodic sound even dulled as it was by his recollection. "We had to speak quietly so we didn't disturb the bats." Eagletalon's eyes were full of wily mirth. "Not the most romantic situation I've ever been in, but one of my favorites."

Eagletalon scented the air, noticing a collection of grackles pecking at sodden, likely worm-filled ground nearby from a recent shower. The tom slid effortlessly into a crouch. "And before you say anything—I know, I know. I can't shut up about her. I'm as bad as you with Frozenrain!" The tom bounded forward, paws soundless on the stone as he lunged into the flock, sinking his claws into a starling and bringing it down in a flurry of dark feathers and sandy fur. He dispatched it quickly, energetic and the happiest he'd been in a very long time.

---
Word Count: 421 Words
Tags: BlooRey DVD
Notes:

[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

The big tom chuckled as his friend nudged his shoulder, sandy tail flicking behind him. "Before you know it, they'll be cornering us into the elders' den for fear we'll smother the whole Clan in babble about she-cats and our age." He joked back, pale amber eyes alight with mirth. He'd been about to set his paws in motion when Eagletalon spoke again. Hesitating with a curious blink, he listened to what the tom had to say, shaking his head with another deep chuckle. Of course it's about her, Hawkstar. Certainly you've not forgotten what it was like at first. He told himself firmly.

His amber gaze was also drawn to the flock of birds nearby, the StoneClan leader beginning to slide away from his brother even as the tom threw out one last comment about Duskflower. With a grin wider than the moon, he flicked Eagletalon with is tail. "No, you can't. And if you ask me, you're worse than me with Frozenrain!" He teased. Eagletalon dove directly into the patch of grackle. Hawkstar took a less brazen approach, loping in a wide arc so as not to alert the flock immediately. His paws carried him with ease over the terrain, slipping amongst a spattering of large stones.

The startled birds fluttered desperately away from Eagletalon's assault, wings beating furiously as they attempted to escape. A group of them passed over him, prompting the big tom to rear up suddenly on his hind legs. One well-aimed blow caught a grackle in the belly, pulling it to the ground with him rapidly. A quick bite to it's neck and the bird ceased it's frantic struggling. Pausing a moment to shake out his pelt, StoneClan's leader was just about to make his way back to his brother's side when a piercing call caught his attention.

A grin spread its way over his features, the broad-shouldered tom shouting to Eagletalon even as he lunged for his recently felled prey. "Eagletalon! Jump!" Teeth hooked into the grackle's wing before Hawkstar pushed up on his hind legs again, swinging his head in an arc to launch the prey as high as he could into the air toward the other StoneClan warrior. Hawkstar was too big a cat to leap high enough to catch a diving falcon. Eagletalon though? Well they were about to find out if he could make it. Bounding forward to help once the falcon was pulled out of the sky, he called out again.

"Losing the grackle is on you if you miss!"

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Fawn | table by phoenix

[Fawn]

68 Moons // Tom // Senior Warrior // StoneClan

"No, you can't. And if you ask me, you're worse than me with Frozenrain!"

Eagletalon was forced to stifle a loud ha! the grackle in his jaws not allowing for much sound to escape. He set the speckled bird onto the flat, wind-worn stones, turning to throw a cheeky retort at his brother when suddenly Hawkstar was tossing a grackle into the air. It was less of a toss. More of a hurl, as Hawkstar returned the grackle to the sky, right into the path of a swooping falcon. It took but a heartbeat to realize what the sandy tabby was trying to do. Eagletalon grinned and launched himself high into the air, ignoring the fresh kill and going straight for the killer. While the falcon caught the grackle in it's talons, he snared the raptor's wings with his own claws, and together they plummeted in an angry whirl of fur and feathers down to earth.

The falcon screeched in fury, and Eagletalon hissed a little as he felt the beak tear at one of his ears and pluck some fur out of his shoulders, but with it's claws tangled up in the grackle, Eagletalon was able to grab the bird by the neck and with a hard shake, dispatch it. The falcon fell still, and Eagletalon turned to find Hawkstar, smirking openly at the approaching warrior. "Not bad, Hawkstar. Not bad. Any more crazy tricks hiding in that head of yours?"

Eagletalon sat down, half chuckling, half purring, and began to wash his ear, rasping his tongue over his paw to wipe it around the stinging cut. It had broken through to the skin, but it would heal in time - his ears always did. There were a few more permanent nicks and cuts, but nothing to worry about. They were just more proof that he'd been the victor, the survivor in all that he'd faced. The cut didn't bother him. It would dry by the time they returned to camp, or even went to their next hunting location. Eying the feathery hide of the falcon, Eagletalon reached out and gave it a prod, feeling the softness of it's feathers against his paw pads. Not bad at all.
---
Word Count: 368 Words
Tags: BlooRey DVD
Notes:

[BlooRey DVD]

Hawkstar

may your dreams be larger than mountains

A loud mrrow of laughter left the big tom as he slowed, his sand-colored brother dispatching the falcon with relative ease. Hawkstar hadn't doubted Eagletalon could do it on his own; the StoneClan leader was simply always prepared to lend a paw if need be. He noted the other tom's ear with mild interest, wondering if Duskflower would have anything to say about that. He knew that, if roles had been reversed, Frozenrain would have had a word or two of displeasure to voice at Eagletalon for putting Hawkstar in danger, as small as it may have been.

Retrieving his grackle from the falcon's talons with a flick of his tail, Hawkstar grinned cheekily at his brother before wandering over to some smaller stones, setting his prey down in a dip in the ground. Figuring Eagletalon would be doing the same, the tom covered the bird and the hole with some flatter stones to conceal it from airborne predators. Once satisfied he glanced over to make sure Eagletalon was ready to move on. "Well, seeing as your falcon's screech probably sent all the prey scurrying to the very edges of the Barren Scrublands, I figured we could head off in that direction and try to chase them down."

As he spoke, he motioned with his tail off to their left. "And you'll just have to wait to see what else I have in this head of mine, Eagletalon." He grinned widely, feeling young again for the first time in moons. "If I shared all my secrets with you, I'd have nothing special left over! I have to impress my kits and my fans somehow." He said with a laugh, motioning for the other to follow. They'd done well already; Hawkstar figured it was worth it to see what else they could snag for the Clan. Even if they found nothing, returning with two grackle and a falcon was a satisfactory haul.

Pale brown ears twitched atop his head, listening in on the sounds of prey scrabbling in the distance. The air temperature was dropping steadily with the passing days, and prey animals seemed more attuned to the shift. They were preparing for hibernation, some daring to stay out longer than they might have otherwise. It was the perfect hunting opportunity for the Clan cats, before Leafbare took hold. With a glance toward the other tom, the StoneClan leader meowed tauntingly. "A trick for a trick, Eagletalon. Show me what you've got, and I'll return the favor."

leader of stoneclan

and may you have the courage
to scale their summits

background image | harley king | Fawn | table by phoenix