[Ginger]

Emberlight

"In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself."

A warm smile to the warriors who passed by him. Some words of encouragement to the young ones practicing battle skills in the camp. A boring conversation with other warriors about patrols for the day.

There were moments when it felt like Emberlight was doing nothing more than going through the motions. Ever since Sparrowfoot had died, more and more days began to feel that way. The ginger deputy was trying to put his heart in everything, but it was hard to put his heart into things when he was still struggling to pick up its broken pieces. 

He had lost his blood family a long time ago. He had stayed away from his apprentice after rumors of a relationship had spawned. And of course, the day that they reconciled and truly accepted one another as their chosen family, Sparrowfoot was taken from him. It almost seemed like a tragedy that StarClan had laid out for him. Every family he would try to start would eventually fall apart.

Emberlight always kept his eyes on Waspstrike, hopeful that his unofficial grandson would come speak with him, a sign of forgiveness and acceptance. But every time the two toms made eye contact, the young bengal would narrow his blue eyes and turn away. It really seemed futile. 

But Emberlight had to start somewhere to pick up the pieces. To get out of this routine feeling. Maybe it was time to try being spontaneous again, like he did on the days when he was not stricken by tragedy.

A familiar large form loomed in the distance. Gullswoop. The two toms had never really talked other than planning out patrols and occasionally patrolling together, but maybe it would be nice to talk outside of that context. It could be about anything. But Emberlight needed someone to help him, however directly or indirectly, pull himself back up.

Emberlight trotted over to Gullswoop. "Good morning, Gullswoop." A simple beginning. No need to scare Gullswoop off with anything too profound just yet. But there was just something missing in Emberlight's usual tone. It was very subtle, but it was getting harder and harder for the tom to keep pouring out positive energy to others while he felt so broken inside. "I trust that the sun has been bringing in good tidings for you?"

59 Moons. Warrior. RainClan

Notes.Hellion.386 words

[Hellion]

` Gullswoop:

words . tags

Gullswoop caught himself thinking of Hawkfall more in recent moons then ever before. His elder brother, long lost in the sandy territory of StoneClan, had been in his thoughts to the point of concern. He hadn't ever considered himself a spiritual cat. He believed in StarClan and their exisitance, but had no faith in their power of dreams or signs. The recent thoughts of his brother were mere conquencdence.

Perhaps it came from the knowledge that Hawkfall would be retiring soon. Their age difference hadn't been much but enough to put them in separate generations. The trials Gullswoop faced had not been the same as his elder brother. Nevermind the fact they carried different scents on their pelt.

As the large tom-cat groomed himself, he considered a venture to the border in an attempt to spot his brother. If he actually follows through would be a different matter entirely. Gullswoop cared for Hawkfall, but he would not risk starting a border scuffle for him. He decided to wait for the gathering.

Mulling over his decision, Gullswoop's sunlight was blocked by Emberlight's arrival. Quickly righting himself to sit upright, Gullswoop dipped his head in greeting. Replying with his own 'good morning,'

"The sun and I have a special relationship, she keeps me warm and helps my fur dry and I don't curse her name when I overheat in Greenleaf," He joked casually, his great plume tail flicking a few droplets of water from his earlier fishing patrol. "Do you favor the sun as well? I imagine you two have a certain kinship," He added, a remark on Emberlight's fur color.

`ooc notes; type notes here.

table (c)ulv of adoxography

[Ginger]

Emberlight

"In the darkest times, hope
is something you give yourself."

Emberlight slowly cocked his head to the side with a smile at Gullswoop's comment. That smile quickly morphed into a light and airy laugh. Gullswoop was an interesting character for sure. Emberlight was now fully invested in this conversation.

At Gullswoop's question, the golden tom couldn't help but lightly fluff his tail behind him, feigning arrogance that no longer resided in him. "The sun has marked me to be like her. Shining, radiant, warm, and-" he paused, catching himself before he could say the last word. 

Was it something he wanted to admit to a warrior he barely spoke to? Well, of course he would, he was Emberlight. Vulnerability with strangers was his jam.

"Alone," he finally added, taking a couple controlled breaths. 

"We all love the sun. It nourishes, provides, and keeps us warm and safe." He turned his head to the sun, momentarily looking into it before shutting his eyes in pain from all the light. "Yet look too close, or stay in its rays for too long, and it will hurt you."

That's what had happened with his family. With his mentor. With his Sparrowfoot. They had all gotten too close and paid the ultimate price for it. Emberlight had learned that it was more practical to protect his clanmates from a healthy distance. Yet, it was much more lonely as well.

59 Moons. Deputy. RainClan

Notes.Hellion.225 words

[Hellion]

` Gullswoop:

words . Ginger

Gullswoop made no comment at first, deciding to mull over his words first. Loneliness was something he feared. He had run from it in his kithood, seeking company and companionship in his mentor after his mother's death. Even his time before meeting and falling madly in love with Lotuswhisker was minuscule compared to some. It could be considered good luck or a blessing, Gullswoop would say it was being at the right place at the right time. Had Lotuswhisker found herself chased by a swan on any other day their fates would not have intertwined.

The poetic words about the sun, made Gullswoop mimick his deputy. Turning his head toward the sun until basking in her warmth became too much and he too had to look away. Dots danced in his vision, a few rapid blinks worsened them until they started to fade, thankful when they did, Gullswoop gestured with his tail for Emberlight to join him.

"Lucky for you I embrace the sun whenever I can. Join me Emberlight, and share tongues with me," He offered, friendly as ever to offer a paw when someone needed it.

`ooc notes; type notes here.

table (c)ulv of adoxography