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Post by Taxx on Feb 8, 2019 0:05:08 GMT -5
You knocked me down, but I got up Snow padded carefully along, her paws crunching through the top layer of the coating of powder on the ground. She could scent the borders of StoneClan and LightningClan, fresh on both sides- they must have been marked not long before. But there were none in sight now- the heavy scent was a good point to tell them to stop- Osprey, especially, who was wrinkling his nose in distaste at the smell and the meaning behind it. Snow flicked the tom with her tail and continued on, parallel to the border.
She could understand how Osprey felt, being used to the Tribe's ways, but it made sense to the Clans, and it was how Snow, Dusk, and Dark had been raised. And it was probably why they were here- to keep the Tribe from ruffling fur, no matter how accidentally. But it was Snow who was most at home in the open moor, and she could almost hear her old mentor’s voice as she looked across the open stretch of territory.
She could smell rabbit. There must be holes about; stretching herself up on her toes, Snow carried on, trying to keep her steps as light as possible and then freezing as she spotted a rabbit cautiously emerge from a burrow ahead. Crouching low, she began a slow stalk, one paw after the other, hoping that her fur blended her into the snow despite her ginger markings. If she were quick, she could catch it before it made it back to its burrow… its back was to her as it began to rapidly nibble on dried grass
It was almost too easy. The rabbit heard her, but by the time it has turned to spot the danger, she was already on it, grabbing it with sharp claws and pinning it down for the kill. It was skinny, but it would certainly do. Lifting the rabbit, Snow began to drag it into a suitable area for an ambush on whatever bird spotted this rabbit and thought it had found an easy meal; her eyes locked on the forms of two cats at the LightningClan border- a moment later, she had recognized one of them, and her heart suddenly began to beat faster.
Oh, StarClan. “Mudpelt?” she called, tail flicking as she stared at the tom, the last cat she’d seen on the morning she’d left the Clan, and the one she had trusted to inform the rest about her choice. “Do- do you remember me?” Sunrise on Fallen Snow 63 Moons Prey Hunter Tribe of Forgotten Water Fawn @zen || Made by Fawn || Notes
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Post by Fawn on Feb 12, 2019 10:42:00 GMT -5
Mudpelt LightningClan || Senior Warrior || 52 Moons 'Cause they will run you down, down til the dark Next season would mark a full year since Gustclaw's death. Two years since he had lost Blazefang, only for his headstrong, fire-spirited sibling to make a limped return to LightningClan that following greenleaf. And then four seasons prior, they had lost so much... Dovesong, Windstrike, Galekit... Leafbare was a wretched time for the valley, and a season often marked with tragedy for Mudpelt and his kin.
Perhaps that was why he kept such a close eye on them this morning.
Thunderpaw and Windpaw were both caught up in training (hopefully), and that left the stocky brown tom in the company of his remaining two nieces, Lightningpaw and Sleetpaw. "I want you both to work together to catch something. It does not have to be impressive," intoned the somber warrior, "any fresh caught prey for the Clan will be well received."
Strange scents rode the icy leafbare wind, and Mudpelt stiffened, stepping protectively in front of his nieces as a living, breathing barrier between whatever fresh hell was about to descend. But Mudpelt's fatalistic suspicions were proven unfounded; a collection of figures stood nearest the border, but the sight of one in particular - paired with his name coming from her maw - put the LightningClan tom at ease.
His heart decompressed with relief, a sudden warmth in his voice and step as he approached the Tribe cats. Frostfire smelled so differently, but she looked... content. Her Clanma-- companions milled about uncertainly, but there was recognition in the eyes of a tortoiseshell tom that Mudpelt identified as former NightClan. Hazeheart, or something to that degree.
Mudpelt exchanged a quick nod to the others, then warmly ushered Lightningpaw and Sleetpaw closer.
"No amount of seasons changing could make me forget my sister, Frostfire," Mudpelt smiled, and the expression seemed to reach his eyes. "Are you well? It's been... a very long time. Much has happened since you left." Mudpelt laid his tail over the backs of Lightningpaw and Sleetpaw, aware that the latter would be incredibly uncomfortable in front of new cats, and the former would be incredibly curious. He kept them both in place this way, while shedding a little clarity.
"This is Frostfire, my older half sister. We shared the same mother. Frostfire and Icewhisker, her littermate, went to join the Tribe last leafbare, just before you were born." They will run you down, down til you fall
396 Words || @zen Taxx || Notes: hope it's okay that Lightning's there too!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2019 2:45:03 GMT -5
Wolf kept a vigilant eye on the sky as the prey-hunters focused on more on their direct surroundings, seeking prey to return to the Tribe with. Of course, as they were nearing the Clan territories, his gaze flicked warily around them more and more, his pelt prickling uneasily the closer they got one Clan’s border or another. He couldn’t begin to tell them apart. It hardly mattered which was which to the big gray tom. Snow made a decent catch of a rabbit and was just beginning to set up an ambush for more prospective prey when strangers appeared. Wolf fought to keep his claws sheathed, after all Skyteller wanted peace with the Clans and had so far been doing a decent job working toward it. He didn’t want to jeopardize that. And that was part of the reason Snow was here as well, she could relate to these Clan cats and hopefully explain any misunderstandings so there would be no need for bloodshed He stayed close to the white and ginger she-cat until it seemed as though she knew one of the cats personally, at which point he warily stepped back a bit, hearing the brown tom explain to the younger she-cats with him that Snow was his sister. He instead focused his attention back on the sky, giving them what privacy he could without straying away. Lightningpaw’s tail flicked back and forth excitedly as Mudpelt introduced them to Frostfire. The Tribe? She had heard of them only vaguely, and recalled some reference to them in stories of cats long ago, when the Clans all came to the valley, and before that. She couldn’t remember much about them from those stories and no cat seemed to know much about the current Tribe that apparently lived up in the mountains somewhere. “Why’d you leave?” Lightningpaw asked without ceremony, gazing up at Frostfire with wide, curious eyes. There was no judgment in the question, though she couldn’t personally ever imagine a reason for leaving all her family and friends behind. She leaned forward with a gasp as something did occur to her, her imagination running away with the idea and her voice dropping to just above a whisper, ”Did you kill someone?” Fawn Taxx #NoFilter x'D
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Post by Taxx on Apr 4, 2019 12:16:40 GMT -5
If you love me, don't let go Dragging her paws, Sleetpaw had followed Mudpelt and Lightningpaw. She didn't really care to find out where they were going, or why they were out in the first place- she just trailed after them, making sure to keep close to Mudpelt. She only glanced up when he spoke, her eyes widening at his instruction, her eyes flashing toward Lightningpaw, the all-too-familiar nervousness about actually hunting something pricking at her.
The arrival of the strangers, though, put that on hold, and Sleetpaw pressed herself tight to her uncle's side, ears pinned back as she peered over at the unknown cats. Mudpelt knew them? Or, one of them. Briefly, Sleetpaw met Frostfire's eyes before glancing away again and tucking her cheek against one of Mudpelt's legs, huddled at his side while she looked on.
She noticed relief and warmth settle over the face of the older she-cat, heard her purr before replying. "I am, thank you. And you? You look as well as the last time I saw you, too." Her ears flicked and she tossed a glance over her shoulder at her companions before continuing. "I go by a different name, now, though... I suppose if you want, you can still call me Frostfire, but I took a Tribe name not long after joining- Sunrise on Fallen Snow."
Blue eyes flicked over the apprentices, settling on Lightningpaw as she spoke up, only for a flash of shock to cross her face as Sleetpaw stiffened, a gasp at the thought and the brazen question catching in her throat. She knew cats were exiled for murder- was that why this cat was no longer part of the Clan? Why hadn't Mudpelt mentioned that... unless he hadn't known?
"I didn't kill anyone," the she-cat snapped, her gaze a touch more reserved- colder- as she stared at Lightningpaw before flashing away, her tail drooping as her eyes squeezed shut a moment. "I lost someone important; I couldn't... couldn't stay." It was all she could say on the subject, her voice catching at the memory of her mate and the kits she'd lost welling up again. "Your daughters?" she asked, meeting Mudpelt's eyes again, trying to bury that with a shift in topic. "This one must take after her mother. What is your name, young one?" Because I'm a little unsteady Sleetpaw LightningClan Apprentice
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Post by Fawn on Apr 11, 2019 21:39:14 GMT -5
Mudpelt LightningClan || Senior Warrior || 55 Moons 'Cause they will run you down, down til the dark The normally unflappable warrior felt his mouth go slack with horror at Lightningpaw's almost gleeful whisper at Frostfire. "Of course not," he spoke sternly, his words lost underneath Frostfire's as the she-cat in question defended herself. Gustclaw, she is indeed your daughter. "They are my nieces. Lightningpaw," he tapped the named kitten on the shoulder with his tail "and Sleetpaw. Two of Gustclaw's offspring. Thunderpaw, his son, and Windpaw, another daughter, are back at camp."
Mudpelt found the smile on his boxy brown muzzle to be genuine, but sadness touched it like an early frost. "Gustclaw's been survived by his mate, Cloudyfeather, and their four kits."
This meeting was a blessed one, but already it had an air of grief to it. He knew who Frostfire had lost, their deaths making life in LightningClan simply too painful to endure. Mudpelt wished another warrior was nearby, someone who could help Lightningpaw and Sleetpaw continue their hunting trip - while he had a chance to talk with his sister.
There were other cats present, and though Mudpelt had greeted them with a formal nod, he gave them his attention properly this time. "Why don't you introduce us to your Tribemates?" Mudpelt paused, falling silent as he got a mental grasp on her now lengthy name. "Sunrise on Fallen Snow. I can picture it well." Serious yellow eyes softened. "Dovesong would have liked it." It was the highest praise Mudpelt could give, invoking the fond memories and love they shared for their mother - and she for them. They will run you down, down til you fall
232 Words || Taxx @zen || Notes
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2019 15:34:47 GMT -5
Lightningpaw’s ears flicked back at the snapped reply and she realized how rude of a question it had been just a little too late. She dipped her head a bit in a silent apology, especially after the she-cat explained that loss had driven her to leave. “Oh… I’m sorry…,” she offered quietly, feeling even worse about her tactless question.
But then the subject changed and she was just opening her mouth to introduce herself when Mudpelt beat her to it. She shot a glance at him, her tail twitching once in mild irritation, but she supposed she deserved it. Maybe her uncle was hoping to keep her from say any other rude things. Mention of her father’s death had Lightningpaw’s ears flicking back again. For all that Blazefang talked about him, she wished she could remember him, but she had been just a tiny kit when he’d died. At least Blazefang liked to tell lots of stories about him. It was better than nothing.
As Mudpelt repeated the she-cat’s new Tribe name, Lightningpaw tilted her head curiously, “Sunrise on Fallen Snow? Why is it so long?” It didn’t sound like any sort of name to Lightningpaw, just… a description of a snowy morning. How weird. Her ears pricked toward the other Tribe cats, “Are all your names long and weird? Doesn’t it make calling to each other kinda awkward?” Her curiosity made her forget any sense of tact once more.
Fawn Taxx
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Post by Taxx on May 21, 2019 18:36:13 GMT -5
You knocked me down, but I got up The apology earned Lightningpaw a nod of acceptance, and Snow gazed fondly down at her, softening at the news that she and this impulsive youngster were related. Just for a moment, and then she bowed her head. "May StarClan light his path," she murmured. Another death, another loved one lost to her. And yet, his memory remained strong in the four kits he had left behind, and with Cloudyfeather. And in the pelt of the bold apprentice facing her, if not as dark. "You look like him," she told Lightningpaw; when she turned to blink at Sleetpaw, however, a flash of disappointment stung her as the pale she-cat ducked back, as if instead she'd leaped with claws unsheathed.
Snow turned her head to her Tribemates, blue eyes lingering on Dusk a bit longer as she beckoned him. She could see a bit of restlessness in the others, and she knew this visit wouldn't last much longer, but she couldn't face walking away just yet. "This is Dusk that Shrouds the Forest- if you knew him, it would have been as Hazeheart. He joined the Tribe before I did. His brother, Lights Blazing in the Dark, is new. The others are Osprey that Rides the Wind and Wolf that Howls at Moonhigh. Our names are long, young one, because of the Tribe's naming ways. A mother, or a father, spends time outside after a litter is born, and the things they see, or hear, are what they name their kits after. We have short names, to call each other by; it would be silly to call out a full name each time you wanted some cat's attention. Mine is simply Snow."
Her gaze to Mudpelt shone and she stepped forward to press her head to his with a purr. "I hope she still watches over me, even though I'm no longer part of LightningClan. Maybe one day, I'll see everyone again."
Sunrise on Fallen Snow 63 Moons Prey Hunter Tribe of Forgotten Water Fawn @zen || Made by Fawn || Notes
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Post by Fawn on Jun 6, 2019 21:38:47 GMT -5
Mudpelt LightningClan || Senior Warrior || 55 Moons 'Cause they will run you down, down til the dark Hazeheart became Dusk that Shrouds the Forest, and the tortoiseshell tom nodded when he was introduced, smiling politely but keeping his distance to give the family their privacy. Mudpelt extended a cordial nod of his own, but he couldn't keep his focus on Frostfire's tribemates - not when Lightningpaw and Sleetpaw, and Frostfire herself also demanded his attention.
His sister leaned in, purring brushing her head against his. Mudpelt returned the affection with a low raspy rumble, as if the purr wasn't a sound he made very often these days. "Dovesong watches over all of us, along with Windstrike, Snowheart, Gustclaw, Galekit and Pigeonpaw. We will greet them when our time comes." A dull ache, like an old wound being prodded, opened up in the middle of Mudpelt's chest. There was a pained, final flick of his tail and he regained himself. The purr in his throat that had softened at memory of their lost ones became louder, as if to make up for that brief period of somberness.
With an almost fatherly look in his eyes, Mudpelt touched his nose to Lightningpaw's and Sleetpaw's ears, as if to remind them that their kin - both deceased and still alive - loved them deeply.
"What brings you and your Tribemates this low into the valley?" The brown tom asked at last, letting the others join the conversation if they wished to. "Does the prey run well in the mountains?" They will run you down, down til you fall
235 Words || @zen Taxx || Notes
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