[Abyss]

Nightpetal

Stoneclan Elder

Silhouettes went past the partially-sunlit entrance of the Stoneclan Elder den, shadows stretched and contorted across the dirt ground by the will of the rising sun. Though these silhouettes were familiar, they could not be identified merely by their outlines. The clan had changed so much in the past moons. There were so many faces, some new, some old, and some lost.

How many faces had he been so familiar with, so fond of, when he was younger? How many faces had he spent nearly his whole life memorizing and seeing on the daily? And how many of those faces could he now only see in his dreams?

The old tom tried not to reminisce on such things, but sometimes it couldn’t be helped. At times one could not control where their own minds wander. Especially when these thoughts caused one to see those lost faces in the eyes of those who remain. Children of old friends, grandchildren of old friends. He saw the faces of those he once hunted alongside in the faces of their descendants. He enjoyed speaking with the younger generation and getting to know them, but it couldn’t be denied that at times it was...painful, to say the least.

How he longed to see some of his old friends again…

Another shadow appeared in the entranceway of the den, though this shadow remained in place. This was not an Apprentice or a Warrior passing by. This was a visitor.

Once bright and vibrant yellow eyes, now dulled with age, lifted slightly to peer at the feline who stood before him. He could only really see a dark figure, their features masked by shadow. But this cat seemed familiar. That outline, it reminded him of someone, someone dear to his heart. Someone whose face he had seen only seasons ago, yet it still felt as though it had been eternity since he had seen this cat. A deep smile formed on his gray-accented muzzle, his dark black coat not as dark as it once was.

“Ah, Hawk my old friend. Come to see m-” The tom’s words came to a pause as the cat came closer, revealing that this was not who he had believed it to be. Rather than the sandy brown tabby pelt that he had expected to come walking through the entrance, he instead found a gray pelt making its way towards him. Realization dawned on the Elder as said feline’s features became more defined, and a slight ping of guilt welled up in his chest.

“Oh, I’m sorry Birdstar. These old eyes seem to get worse and worse by the day, ” he chuckled, lightly shaking his head at his own mistake. He lifted his gaze again, meeting the bright green that joined him in the den.

“I also must apologize for my lack of manners. My age seems to wear me down by the day. Even simple things like getting up to bow have become harder than they once were.”

With a large black paw, grayed similarly to his muzzle, the Elder patted the little bit of room that remained in his nest, inviting the clan’s newest Leader to join him. He waited to see what the gray tom would do before he spoke once more.

“So what do I owe the pleasure of getting a visit from my Leader?”

557 | KARAZHAL

[KARAZHAL]

His paws had traveled his path before, helping apprentices bring in prey and making sure there was ventilation without being drafty. As he escorted Valiantstride into his new abode with the other elders, Birdstar greeted them all, approaching them in turn to touch noses and chat. Finally, he came to Nightpetal, the most veteran of them all. His eyes, once bright, were now leumy, and they gazed upon him with such a loving look that Birdstar's eyes pricked with tears of emotion. This old man. Birdstar had always looked up to cats like him.

Birdstar's eyes widened as Nightpetal called him Hawk, and his features softened as he approached the elderly tom. Taking it all in stride, he replied, "I have come to see you. I want you to know that you have some new bedmates to talk to. Valiantstride, and Skunkspots." He spoke their names loud and clearly so that the old tom could navigate with them if need be. His faithful teacher of these moons earned his rest with cats like Nightpetal. With the announcement of a new deputy, things in StoneClan could move up.

He shook his head at Nightpetal's apologies. "No formalities, Nightpetal. In here, I am your guest," Birdstar smiled kindly. "I have named Sorrelclaw as my deputy. Do the elders wish to discuss my choice?" Out of respect for the great services they had put forth to the Clan, the humble tom wanted to hear their opinions or if they had reservations. As Leader, his word was everything, but Birdstar like to know where his clanmates stood on things. If they disliked his choice, he felt they had every right to speak up and tell him his decision was poor. He didn't want to foster any ideas of his person being completely unaccountable for anything.

He took up a section in a loafing position, tucking his legs in beside the black tom.

TAGGED FOR Abyss
OOC birdstar loves his grandpa

[Abyss]

Nightpetal

Stoneclan Elder

Large and tufted black ears perked at the gray tom’s update, only just then turning his gaze to find the mentioned cats beginning to settle in some recently-formed nests. Upon seeing both the black and white coat of the witty she-cat, as well as that golden tabby fur of the previous Deputy, a deeper smile formed on his face.

“Finally come to join the old folks, have you?” A deep chuckle broke through the inquiry as he flashed a toothy grin at Skunkspots, as well as offered a nod towards Valiant, a display of respect for both a great Deputy and a lifelong friend. “At least it won’t be quite as lonely in here. Young ones only come to listen to stories for so long before they grow tired of the same ones.”

With a slight sigh but no change in smile or expression, that dull yellow gaze returned back to the young Leader who approached, curling up into a loaf by his side. He couldn’t help but feel comforted by the tom’s attitude, his comment of being a guest within the Elder’s den sending a little flurry through the old tom’s chest. Such sentimental thoughts came to mind, though he would allow those to be spoken later on, should the time arise.

He instead focused on the next round of speech, an expression of piqued interest appearing on those grayed features. Although he had peered out of the den during the naming ceremony and had heard the announcement firsthand, he hadn’t really thought too much on the matter until now. He turned his eyes away for a moment, considering what he knew of Sorrelclaw.

Granted, there were quite a few cats in the clan that he had only really encountered during their Apprentice and new Warrior days. In fact, he was sure that nearly all the younger cats in the clan had, at one point in their life, came to him requesting a story. At times it was hard to remember each cat individually, but there were those whose personalities had been distinct enough to remember. He found that, after a minute or two of recalling, Sorrel had been one of those.

She was a passionate young thing, quick to throw herself into danger with a blink of an eye if it meant helping someone. Though her lack of situational judgement was not something to forget when asking her to do anything. She wasn’t one to hold back, after all.

“She is a good choice. Definitely a cat who won’t be afraid to show any cat who dares mess with the clan what she’s made of. You seem like a much more laid back youngster, so I say it’s a good combination.” His words were true, though his expression turned somewhat more serious for a moment. “I would just be wary of that side of her that shows no fear and jumps straight into the fray. We don’t need the Deputy making any brash actions by herself or putting herself in harm’s way without support.”

His eyes remained faced away for only a few moments before a smile returned to his face once more, gaze turning back to Birdstar.

“If you believe that she will be a good Deputy, then I am inclined to feel the same. I trust your judgment.” The large fluffy and black tail that rested behind the big tom lifted, lightly brushing the young Leader’s flank as a way of comfort.

576 | KARAZHAL

[KARAZHAL]

Birdstar smiled warmly at the elders all clustered together in their beds, grooming each other and sleeping in circular piles. A warmonger might have disparaged such a large amount of old cats like they were no better than freeloaders, but Birdstar did not mind that his Clan had to care for so many veterans. In his mind, it proved that StoneClan had been stable enough to allow these cats such long, healthy lives; Hawkstar had really created a rock-solid foundation for these cats to age through, so Birdstar felt it was only right that he continue the legacy and care for these elders as he always had. It was no burden on him, and he hoped to impress that upon the apprentices and warriors he led.

As he gathered his legs beneath himself, he was abruptly made aware of how bony Nightpetal was, how gaunt and ancient he was beside Birdstar. The gray tom's down-soft pelt was a faded version of Nightpetal's own, but he could see the places where Nightpetal could no longer groom and so while Nightpetal contemplated his answer, Birdstar leaned in and gently rasped his tongue like a mother cleaning her kits.

He didn't rush the old tom for his answer, but instead looked right at him as his creaky voice began to speak his opinion on Sorrelclaw. Birdstar's eyes glinted with the stars of his nine lives. "That's what I was hoping for, someone as strong as I am soft," he said, knowing his own flaws and shortcomings as a leader. He was glad Nightpetal thought it would be a good combination. "Mmm, you're right, but I trust Sorrelclaw will understand the severity of her new position... or she will soon enough." Birdstar returned the elder's smile.

"I am grateful for your trust in me, Nightpetal. You are the wisest of us. I feel more secure in my decision knowing I have your support." He looked to Valiantstride, where the two toms shared deep nods. "You too, Valiantstride. Thank you." Birdstar met the eyes of the other elders. "All of you are the bedrock of this Clan. Having your kits and grandkits as my warriors gives us a mountain's worth of stability. I know after the death of Hawkstar... and again so soon with Smokestar, it seemed things were shaky, but you have given me your trust and I give you my word. I will do everything in my power to keep this colony safe."

Birdstar turned to Nightpetal and gently licked behind his ear before pulling away. His eyes briefly glazed over, as if for a second, it seemed as if a life from StarClan was using his mouth. "Thank you, old friend," he purred to the elder affectionately.

He took up a section in a loafing position, tucking his legs in beside the black tom.

TAGGED FOR Abyss
OOC kinda gave Birdstar an Avatar Roku moment where it kinda sounds like Hawkstar saying thank you through him.

[Abyss]

Nightpetal

Stoneclan Elder

When the feeling of Birdstar beside him had become apparent, as well as the brief grooming that the young gray tom provided to him, a very deep rumble of a purr travelled down the old tom’s body. Sometimes he forgot the fact that he had more than just his chest and face to groom. Luckily, there were cats like Birdstar who offered their tongue so that he could still be groomed. Granted, he didn’t really need to look well-groomed, for it wasn’t as if he really left the Elder’s den anymore. But it was still something he appreciated. Having fur that wasn’t matted was always comforting.

As the young Leader spoke of wanting a Deputy who was strong to make up for himself, there was a smile full of pride that crossed his features. A tom that recognized what he needed in a Deputy was bound to make a great Leader. Any cat who could recognize that they were not perfect deserved respect in his eyes. Every cat had flaws.

Birdstar continued to speak, addressing all of the Elder’s as well. His words only brought more pride to swell within his chest. Knowing that Birdstar saw Elders who were unable to serve the clan to the best of their abilities anymore as a source of stability was something that he would forever be grateful for. To some, any cat who couldn’t hunt or fight for their clan was useless. As far as he knew, Stoneclan didn’t have many cats like that, but he was sure the other clans had a few. He was just thankful that Stoneclan had grown into the clan it was. Hawkstar had made this clan one of the best, keeping them standing even during the darkest of their days. And now it was Birdstar’s turn to make this clan prosper, to lead the clan in his own way. Even in the short amount of time that he had been Leader, Nightpetal knew that if any cat would live up to the sort of reputation Hawkstar had, it would be the gray tom who laid next to him.

As those green eyes met his own dull yellow, he saw something in the other tom’s gaze, something familiar. And the words he spoke...a deep smile crossed his jaws once more. He had a feeling that he knew at least one of the cats who had given Birdstar a life. He lightly dipped his large head to the young tom.

He then turned his gaze away, looking out towards the camp. He was silent for a moment before he spoke, his voice low and somewhat more serious than he was known for.

“Time. It changes things.” His first words were quiet but loud enough for Birdstar to hear. “It brings us together, it tears us apart. It brings us joy, it brings us pain. It is something that we can’t control. We just live as it goes on.” His gaze was brought back to meet his companion’s own green.

“Being a Leader will not be easy. You are the face of Stoneclan. You are the one who decides our path for the future. You will be faced with many challenges, as will the whole clan. No matter how much you or anyone else wishes for eternal peace, it will never come true. There will always be those who will try to push you down, to make this clan less than it is. They will do anything they can to try and knock you off your feet, both physically and mentally. Sometimes you might doubt yourself, or feel as if you aren’t doing the clan justice. Or that you aren’t living up to what Hawkstar and Smokestar would have expected of you.” He paused for a moment, catching his breath, but looking on with a genuine expression. “But never forget who you are. Never forget that you have a whole clan that will support you, will believe in you. Smokestar chose you for a reason.” A small smile pulled at the edges of his maw. “No matter how hard things get, or how small you may feel, never give up. When you are knocked down, stand back up. If not for you, then for the clan, for Smokestar, for Hawkstar. For us all.”

He paused only momentarily, when a sudden mischievous smirk pulled at his smile. “And for Ebonyheart.” Even though his words sounded like a genuine addition, that smirk and the wink that followed it suggested otherwise. He may be old, but he could never give up the side of him that teased the younger cats of the clan.

771 | KARAZHAL

[KARAZHAL]

The gravity of Nightpetal's wisdom was perhaps a tenth life bestowed upon the gray leader. Birdstar, like a kit captivated by tales, listened enraptured to everything the old tom had to say, his ears perked for every raspy croaky word. It was as if Nightpetal had opened him up and read him for what he truly was, how he felt about his position, his doubts, his reservations, his meagre ambitions, everything.

He struggled to swallow by the time he wanted to reply, and he could only manage "I will." He lowered his eyes and nodded, as if to convince himself first before he replied again, "I promise." Nightpetal spoke of the thick-furred she-cat who was to be at his right hand for the rest of her life. She was still young, moons younger than he, and if StarClan willed it, she would be by his side for the rest of her days. Their fates were irrevokably intertwined. Nightpetal spoke mischievously but Birdstar's eyes dimmed as he realized how many times she would have to see him die and come back with each live, how she alone would bear the burden of such grave knowledge.

"She is the strongest of our leadership, if you ask me," Birdstar remarked. "We could switch places for a moon and StarClan might just give her nine lives permanently." He smiled, sadly at first and then shoving past it, trying to push through the reality all leaders accepted when they received their lives. "Thank you, Nightpetal. Your wisdom is poignant as always." He gently butted his head against the elder. "You've given me much to think about. Now, is there anything I can do for you? Anything to make this den more comfortable maybe?"

TAGGED FOR Abyss
OOC sorry for the late reply.