[Silver]

"There’s a lot of things you need
to get across this universe.
You know the thing
you need most of all?"

Once more Foxfern was out surveying and patrolling the area that made up her home. Leafbare was coming upon them quickly and she was doing everything she could to be certain the clan was well prepared for the leaner time soon to come. It was a lot to do, but she knew Pinestar had even more to do than she did so whatever extra she could do would be well worth it to give her leader less work of her own. 

A lot had been going on since the fire had raged through the clans; and especially since the last gathering of clans. Greencough, fire, and so many deaths; she had to wonder if it was some message from StarClan about things yet to come. The clan was changing day by day and it was all she could do to keep up and manage as well as she did in keeping them all happy and healthy and safe. It was a lot of work, but she found she really didn't mind.

Foxfern loved her clan, each and every one of them. Even those who doubted their own use to the clan, she found each of them could have a use if one knew where to look. There were none she didn't care for in some way; they were her brothers and sisters. They were her friends and companions. They were her important ones, and she cherished each of them dearly. It was why she'd stepped up into a position like Deputy when she'd been chosen by Pinestar so willingly. Normally she didn't like so much attention on herself, but if it meant she could protect those that were her's, she found she didn't mind. 

Still, the way the wind was blowing made Foxfern feel like there was yet more to that was going to change in the near future. Something big was coming; she just didn't know what it could possibly be.

"You need a hand to hold."

Tags | Fawn

[Fawn]

Hazeheart

45 Moons. Senior Warrior. NightClan.

A half-moon had passed since his strange encounter with Cry of Hunting Peregrine. That conversation had been enlightening, and heartbreaking. Heartbreaking, because he knew the choice he had to make; for the good of the Clan, and for the good of his own life. He couldn't stay here, and the sooner he found his courage, the better. Hazeheart had felt himself getting distant with his kin and Clanmates, participating less in conversations, allowing them all to... continue on without him.

Just to see.

Sunpulse, unfortunately, was still stuck in shadow, his rhythm gone and his heart barely beating. There was little he could do to cheer his best friend up, though it made Hazeheart wince knowing his... his departure wasn't going to help Sunpulse any.

Carrying a blackbird he had startled and caught a short while ago, the tortoiseshell tom was making his way through the pineneedle clearing. As if fate had acknowledged the decision he was prepared to make, Hazeheart found himself presented with the figure of Foxfern, NightClan's deputy for the past few seasons, having a peaceful moment to herself.

He felt sorry to interrupt her relaxation. But there really... was no good way to say goodbye. Setting down the blackbird, Hazeheart hailed her with a polite flick of his tail. "May I speak with you, Foxfern?" She gave him permission to, and with a cautious inhale that ended up being a bracing exhale, Hazeheart began.

"About a half moon ago, I spoke to a strange cat at the border. A Tribe cat from the Tribe of Forgotten Waters. She spoke to me about life as a Tribe cat. How their roles are decided from apprentice-aged whether to be hunters or fighters. She told me that you don't have to be Tribe-born to become a part of it." She could see where this conversation was going. Hazeheart's tail began to twitch with pent-up nerves.

"I am sorry, and I know you must think me a traitor for saying so, but I know I would be better off as a Tribe hunter. I can't fight for NightClan, not with my condition. I'm too young to retire, and too unfit to mentor." Saying that out loud made his chest ache, but this had been a long time coming. He had known for a while that his life wouldn't be typical. He just hadn't realized how lacking it would be. Hazeheart bowed his head, solemn. "NightClan deserves an ablebodied warrior, not a burden. I wish to part with NightClan on positive terms, but if that's not possible..."

Hazeheart met her gaze, expression sad. "Then I understand."

Don't Give Up. Great Things Take Time.

433 Words // Silver // Notes

[Silver]

Amber eyes went wide as she realized the exact nature of the topic this conversation was going to take. Her first reaction was to feel betrayed by what Hazeheart wanted but then she thought about it and felt only sad and sympathetic. He wanted so badly to be useful to the clan and he couldn't because of his condition. It caused a little jolt of sorrow to go through her that he'd been through so much. She also felt pride that he wanted to do right by his clan in the only way he could. A Warrior was a Warrior, regardless of who they were, and Hazeheart was proving just how loyal he really was rather he realized it or not. This in mind, Foxfern took a deep breath and let it out. She purred gently at the Warrior before her and gently brushed her tail over him in reassurance and comfort. 

Sighing, she moved back from him and fixed the tom with a firm stare as she rose to her full height before him. She doubted if he expected what she was about to say, and that was vaguely amusing for the she-cat. "Hazeheart...I can't say I accept that you want to leave us, but I understand and respect your reasons. You're a good Warrior to want to take care of this clan in any way you can; even if that means leaving it. I know it's been hard for you to feel really useful with your condition, and even if I don't agree with your choice I will say that if you feel you would be more useful elsewhere I'll accept you leaving without hostility. Others...may not be so kind, but I have no right to judge such a think considering." And really, she didn't; though most of the clan didn't realize the why of that comment.

She sighed, shaking her head and knowing Hazeheart was deeply troubled by this. Her voice was gentle and as understanding as she could make it as she spoke again. "Never doubt your own worth, Hazeheart, and if this is the path StarClan has laid out before you, then I won't stand in your way. NightClan will always be your home and there are those that will miss you. Though if you need to say goodbye to others, it would be best to do it soon. Don't linger too long, if your choice is true. And...good luck." That was the best she could do, really it was. Maybe it was an odd reaction to this situation, but she really couldn't care the least.

--

Tags | Fawn

[Fawn]

Hazeheart

45 Moons. Senior Warrior. NightClan.

Expecting his ears to be shredded and his pelt used to line Foxfern's nest, Hazeheart's eyes widened when neither of those things happened. If anything, Foxfern was purring. At first, with a sense of profound horror, he mistook her purring to mean she wanted him to leave. Before the hurt could fully settle in, however, Foxfern's approving tone fell over him like sunshine.

"Never doubt your own worth, Hazeheart, and if this is the path StarClan has laid out before you, then I won't stand in your way. NightClan will always be your home and there are those that will miss you. Though if you need to say goodbye to others, it would be best to do it soon. Don't linger too long, if your choice is true. And...good luck."

Powerful emotions flooded the tortoiseshell warrior, drowning him in relief and homesickness and profound respect. She understands. Thank StarClan. Foxfern knew why he wanted to leave. It wasn't that he felt nothing for his Clanmates; it was the opposite. He cared about them. And he knew he could never be the warrior NightClan deserved. This Clan that consistently produced the best fighters, the most skilled hunters, and cats with such profound loyalty... He did not fit into those first two categories...

But the third? He could make a sacrifice for NightClan, even if that sacrifice looked like betrayal or abandonment to the others.

Hazeheart's head was bowed, his gaze shining as he tried to get a paw-hold on his feelings. "Thank you, Foxfern." Speaking in a husky tone, Hazeheart found the strength to look up. He licked her shoulder respectfully, almost as though an apprentice experiencing his warrior ceremony. It felt as if a weight, thick as a log and twice as suffocating, was finally lifting. The tortoiseshell tom gave himself a shake, clearing his throat as he gathered himself up again.

"Thank you, Foxfern. I will never forget your compassion." For the first time in moons, he felt as if he were finally on the right path.

"May I hunt with you?" Hazeheart asked softly. It would be just one last time to feel like a proper Clanmate. Like a part of NightClan.

Don't Give Up. Great Things Take Time.

353 Words // Silver // Notes: Finished?