[Aqua]

Cinderstream

Around the time when the sun's warm rays usually graced the horizon, a heavy cloud cover instead befell upon the land. The gray overcast caused everything to look so gloomy in the forests of Treeclan. Even the newly changed leaves seemed so dull and lifeless under this cloud cover. It was actually quite depressing leaving the confines of the camp. At least the varying coats of the clan kept things interesting to the eyes when inside the camp. But that was not the goal of the young she-cat today. She wanted away from the hustle of the camp and away from the prying eyes of the whole clan. Things had been so rough on her mentally and she just needed some time to herself today. While it probably wasn't the best day to choose to try and right her mind, she was desperate.

The gray tabby made her way across the familiar paths of the forest, bringing herself to the Great Maple tree. She had many memories here from her training and of happier days, so she hoped the tree might provide her with some solace. Cinderstream steps up to the large tree, eyeing the change of color it had gone through. While the clouds made it look very somber, she could still make out the varying shades of reds, yellows, and oranges in the leaves. It was usually a beautiful sight during leaf-fall so she was almost sad seeing it like this. But she didn't let that stop her from admiring the old tree. "Hello old friend." She mumbles stepping up onto one of the larger roots sticking out of the ground. She smiles and lays down, overlooking the clearing around the tree.

When she was an apprentice, Snowpelt would commonly bring her here for her training. This was the spot that many apprentices learned to climb and it just so happens that her mentor taught her how to use climbing to her advantage in a fight as well. So he would usually call upon Leopardheart to join their training sessions. Snowpelt would use one apprentice as a target while the other climbed and tried to get the upperhand leaping from the tree. The two would have so much fun trying to pull this off. She distinctly could remember a time her aim was so horrible that she landed on Snowpelt instead of Leopard. The reaction of her mentor was priceless and resulted in a laugh fest among the three. She smiled fondly at these memories. It was sessions like that that had brought her and Leopard closer. Even after the down hill spiral of his family, the two stayed so close. Her every day life revolved around training and being with Leopard back then.

A sudden frown formed on her face at this thought. Now that Leopardheart moved clans for another she-cat, Cinderstream had been so lost. The one cat she spent so much time with had more or less left her behind. And the fact he did not share her feelings was just another shot to her heart. So her mind had been less than ok in the many moons that had passed since this had all went down. While she was still able to push on and perform her clan duties, she spent most of her days alone hiding in the shadows of camp or staying in the warrior's den. She really didn't socialize unless necessary and ate very little each day. It was probably a bad habit to get into with Leaf-bare around the corner but the she-cat found it hard to motivate herself on the daily. In fact, other than necessary hunts and patrols, this was the first stroll she had taken in quite some time. So while the memories still haunted her thoughts, there might be some hope for her yet. Her mental healing would take some time but she hoped things would look up for her soon.

The she-cat lets out a soft sigh, closing her eyes and allowing the sounds of nature around her try to drown out her bad thoughts. If she was going to get better, she would need to find ways to cope with the thoughts running through her head. So perhaps just a peaceful stroll like this might result in something she could use.

^{Made by Aqua || Tagged: # || Words: #717}

[Fae Magic]

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." ~Smudgenose

The few leaves on the ground crunched delightfully beneath his small paws as the older warrior trotted at a brisk pace along the path. Bright green yellow eyes taking in the changes of the season. Smudgenose enjoyed such changes in the weather even if it was a bit too chilly for his taste. Humming under his breath the small black and white tom moved quickly towards the large tree up ahead. He loved coming here to climb the tree and stand at the highest branch he could to look out across the territory. It was a tradition that he'd inhabited since he was a young apprentice that stuck. He smiled at the memories that filtered through his head as he walked not realizing that he had already entered the Great Maple area until his nose smacked dead up against the rough bark of the tree in his mind. He blinked in surprise and rubbed the rough feeling against his nose and looked bemused up at the large tree. His butt wiggled excitedly as he unsheathed his claws and sank them into the tree and began to pull his small lanky body up the tall trunk of the Great Maple. 

First branch down and he couldn't help but look down at the ground. He didn't have a fear of heights anymore; he'd gotten rid of it a long time ago. But every once in awhile he'd find himself looking down and wondering what if he actually fell? Shaking that thought from his head he began climbing up higher and higher until he could make out some of the territory from that top branch and smiled sitting there staring at the view. It wasn't sunny or anything like that because of the season change making it more gloomy. But the view still couldn't be beat...well, unless you can see the sunset or sunrise from this point of view. He'd miss those days. 

A faint sound reached his ears and at first he thought it was just the creaking of the tree branches that had it's leaves falling crazy in the wind but when his eyes looked down through the filtering of brown branches he noticed a figure below moving around. Curious by nature the black and white tom began bouncing his way carefully down the branches towards the last branch where he stopped and noticed a younger warrior from camp. A curious sniff of the air and a closer look at the pale creature below made him realize it was one of the younger warriors Cinderstream. What was she doing out here he wondered? Probably the same thing he was doing maybe? As he crouched on the branch he couldn't help but notice that her posture seemed...off? Frowning the older warrior followed her around the tree by climbing the branches until he was right over her and close enough in range that he could hear her words. She sounded so sad.

"Well well what have I found here I wonder hmm?" he spoke up finally after taking a moment to watch the younger warrior. 

He smiled down at her hoping to ease her reaction in case he'd startled her. "Why the long face my dear? A young warrior like yourself should not have such a gloomy expression; leave that for the Leaf-Bare!" he teased before he was climbing down the tree. Making an 'oomph' sound as he landed more rough than he planned.

"Cinderstream isn't it? What brings you out here?" he asked peering closer at the young warrior. 

The older warrior was known well around camp that he was a joker and a kit at heart but it was a rare thing to see him serious. Now though, the smile fell from his face as he stared into the younger clan mate's eyes and a worried expression appeared on his face. 

"Oh dear, my oh my, who broke your sweet little heart dearie? You look heartbroken." Smudgenose exclaimed settling himself in front of her like a black and white cat loaf with his paws tucked under his chest and peered at her with large eyes.

Word Count: #684 || Tag: Aqua || Notes: #Not a young tom but Smudgenose can help this poor chickie out!

~☣~~☣~

[Aqua]

Cinderstream

The gray ticked female settled in, tucking her paws and tail beneath her. She took in a deep breath, letting it out nice and slow as she listened to the sounds of the forest. The noise of the leaves moving to and fro with the breeze was a pleasant enough noise to try and clear her mind. Cinderstream felt a sense of relaxation begin to wash over her as she huddled in against the root of the tree. Until a strange noise overhead made her freeze in place, however. It almost sounded as though something was climbing about the tree, like something might be watching her. She felt the fur on her neck suddenly rise as the feeling of being watched hit her harder than before.

"Well well what have I found here I wonder hmm?" Cinderstream nearly jumped out of her fur as she rushed to her feet to whip around and face the body that belonged to the voice. A black and white tom was looking down at her from overhead, a soft smile on his face. She let out a loud sigh of relief, seeing the older warrior Smudgenose there. She was almost afraid of an enemy coming down on her or a squirrel trying to aim acorns for her head. How did she not notice the tom up in the tree when she first approached? He didn't exactly blend in with the colorful leaves overhead.

The tom voiced a concern about her sad expression before he leapt down beside her. "Y-yes. And you are Smudgenose." She replied with a soft smile back at him. She didn't have many run ins with the tom before now but she knew of him. His goofy pranks and carefree nature was well-known to the cats around camp. She was sure she had been told about a prank or two the older tom had pulled. Maybe if she had felt more herself, she would find something as fun as a prank or two to try out with the tom. But not today.

Cinderstream sat down, wrapping her tail across her paws as she let out another sigh. "I'm sorry to worry you....I just haven't been myself. There have been so many thoughts running through my head that it's getting harder to push on. I guess." She fumbled around with her words a little, not sure how to explain without making her seem like some love-sick apprentice or something. She wondered some days if she was just being ridiculous with all this. Almost as though she was taking it a little too far.

"Oh dear, my oh my, who broke your sweet little heart dearie? You look heartbroken."

It was as though the older tom read her heart like an open book. She blinked at him in surprise at first before staring at the ground. He was right...she couldn't deny that. And she was sure he at least knew of Leopardheart's departure. The clan gossiping afterwards would have been hard for anyone to avoid. Since some of the cats around camp felt the need to loudly express their opinions on matters such as that.

"I would be lying if I told you I wasn't heartbroken." The she-cat meowed, looking up at the tom with a sadness washing over her features. "It was Leopardheart.....I cared for him so much. And he chose her. He chose her over Treeclan. He chose her over his family. He even chose her over the one cat who was always there for him..." Her voice trailed off as she referred to herself. She could feel a pain begin to surge in her chest at her own words. How could he just leave everything behind like he did?

^{Made by Aqua || Tagged: Fae Magic || Words: #619}

[Fae Magic]

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." ~Smudgenose

She looked so sad. From the downcast way her head on her shoulders slumped to the doey eyes that could not quiet hide what she was feeling. In any other matter Smudgenose would do his utmost to be such a fool that he'd help that particularly cat forget their sadness if only for that moment. But, somehow he guessed that tactic just wouldn't work on this feline. His pale eyes watched her carefully but with an openness that let her know he was listening and willing to lend a paw if he could. He did not say anything at all as she spoke her words filled with a heartache and confusion. He would be lying if he understood what she felt about her particular situation because frankly, he never had someone who he cared about like that or vice versa. In all honesty, he never had anyone who befriended him and stuck to his side as she indicated her role with Leopardheart. He'd always been the loner even when surrounded by others laughing at his expense and it was a saddening thought. He didn't know which one was worse though.

When she finally finished speaking and allowing a moment a silence to pass to allow his thoughts to form some words he finally spoke. "That is most troubling indeed." he said carefully and looked up at the sky in thought. "It was a scandel indeed when that young warrior left for a she-cat of another clan. Technically, he would be a traitor. But, others do not understand the way of another heart is the only way to follow. He felt more at home with another she-cat then he did in his own clan and with his best friend. Sometimes, although it does hurt. He was thinking of his happiness my dear." he gave her a look.

"As hard as it is to hear. Losing someone you care for can be rather hard whether it's distance or death that separates. But in the end, if you truly care for that tom. His happiness should be something that matters to you. He loves the she-cat he took as a mate and he loves the kits they bore together. Even if those kits or role in his life was not you, if you are truly his friend and truly care for the tom then that's all that should matter. Find strength in the fact that he is happy. His happiness shall be yours regardless of where you two are on the spectrum." he sighed making a face. "That might not be the most sensitive of advice dear coming from an old furball like me but there is no point in wasting your precious young life pining for something that cannot happen. Besidesl the more you yearn for another already taken the less you will see the possibilities right under your nose. Sometimes, you must think of your own happiness." he stood up and padded to the tree placing a paw on the rough bark and looked up at the barren tree.

"When I was young I was much alone. My insecurities made me act a fool just to be liked. I am the loniest bachelor within the clan that will most likely die alone, without a mate or kits of my own to allow my legacy to move on. But, I came to terms with it in my heart and chose to make others happy. Others happy make me happy because I know I'm contributing to my clan in my own special way without having to worry about someone blocking my view. I'm not saying push everyone away, but think of it this way. This tree has been here for many many moons; far too many to count or remember. No matter what gets thrown at it or who tries to claw it down it still stands because it's roots are deep and tangled with those others deep down that made their home among these lands." he motioned to the other trees.

"Do you understand?" he asked looking over at her. His metaphors couldn't always reach others and sometimes it didn't make sense but he hoped it helped her a little bit. He was a silly old man anyways; the worst was if she just thought he was talking gibberish. That was fine though. He was used to it.

Word Count: #732 || Tag: Aqua || Notes: #Gibberish!

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[Aqua]

Cinderstream

Cinderstream could feel herself begin to shake as the emotions she had bottled up for so long began to come forward. Guaranteed, she didn't know Smudgenose well enough to confide in him like this but she had reached the point she couldn't help it. Keeping all of these feelings to herself was beginning to take it's toll on her overall mental state. So this feeling of heartbreak began to reach through every inch of her, manifesting itself as shaking and tears building up in her eyes. She blinked, pushing back the tears as she felt her chest tighten.

"He was selfish." A coldness slithering into her words like a snake as her yellow-green eyes flashed at the tom. Her feelings of being broken were causing an unintentional anger to come forth. "He tossed me aside like an old piece of prey he no longer needed. Rather than confide in his best friend, I was left in the dirt. He didn't even take the time to acknowledge my feelings about him or anything. So while I want him to be happy, you don't break someone you care about like that." She turned her head to look out across the clearing at something invisible in the trees.

The sudden anger began to fade, a loud sigh escaping her maw as she lays down. She flops her head into her paws. "You are right...regardless of how mad or upset I might be." She meowed softly. "It's not that easy to move on from however..." She said in reply to him stating she shouldn't let this effect her from living her life. She was sure she could do it....eventually. But right now, she couldn't just push past it like it was nothing. It was going to take more time to heal whether she liked it or not.

The she-cat glances at the tom, her ears perking in his direction as he begins to describe his own story. He used to feel the same loneliness that she had at one time but he had recovered from this. He was now the jokester of the clan who was either welcome by other cats or brushed off like a bug. And he was ok with this. He even went on to say he accepted that he would never have a she-cat or kits in his future. While he stated he had coped with all of this, she could still sense the loneliness hiding behind his words. He could use his jokes and fun-loving nature to hide his feelings but that didn't mean they had gone away. "I know you say you've accepted this loneliness but have you really?" She asks earnestly. "Because someone as genuine as you are deserves some happiness." She was trying her best to be nice to the tom, hoping he wouldn't just laugh her off.

^{Made by Aqua || Tagged: # || Words: #472}

[Fae Magic]

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." ~Smudgenose

This young feline was very heartbroken. Something that Smudgenose did not fully understand when it came to the heartbreak of a heart. He knew loneliness and loss sure. But when it came to loving someone who didn't love you back was a different matter. He didn't say anything at all as she began speaking; pouring all her feelings into her words. She was angry; as she had a right to be. Anger was a good start at least. It was a stage of healing. He lay there curled up like a black and white loaf of cat bread on the forest floor beside her and watched her expression as she ranted out her heart. Leopardheart really did a number on her emotions it seemed. Tipping his head he wanted to speak on the matters that she herself addressed but clenched his jaw tighter so the words didn't spill out. He didn't want to disturb her and get her off track. Talking about it was a good sign though. 

A brief flash of surprise graced his amber eyes as her attention turned towards her and she dared question his merit on what he had said. Was he truly happy? Was he truly okay with the loneliness that ate at his heart every day? Was he okay with being overlooked by others; knowing that the younger generation found love every day but he himself refused to find it himself? Did he truly deserve happiness? He believed everyone did; but he was a hypocrite when it came to himself. He didn't want to think of himself because thinking of himself hurt. He forced a smile on his face even if his eyes said something different than the words that slipped through his lips like water; he didn't even believe his own words as he spoke them and wondered if she did.

"You can find friendship in the silence of lonliness you know. It's been my constant companion for so many moons; I don't think I'd be able to live without it. Being in a relationship and having a mate, kits, and a future to look forward to seems nothing more than a dream to me that the younger generation strive to create as their own." he replied carefully but with an ease that was of many moons of practice. 

"I do believe that everyone deserves happiness Cinderstream, but happiness comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes...I don't make a habit of trying to seek out that kind of happiness my dear. I'm an old fool that no one takes seriously." he chuckled and looked at the tree subconsciously hiding the way his face fell as he spoke his last words. 

"I have played the fool too long to stop now. There is nothing more for me; I do not have the chance for happiness in a mate or kits. It's just not the life that I allow to have for myself." he mumbled before turning to look at her a forced another smile.

"But that does not mean that you should do the same as me. Find yourself another one who feels the same as you and start a family together. Find happiness somewhere else; somewhere that is deserving of you. Leopardheart made his choice, I believe it's time for you to make yours to strive for happiness. Don't let this setback hold you back from being happy deary alright?" his tail came out to tap at her nose playfully hoping to lighten the mood and get her into better spirits; after all, that's what he was good at. His only purpose in life. 

Word Count: #624 || Tag: Aqua || Notes: #

~☣~~☣~

[Aqua]

Cinderstream

Cinderstream watched the tom as he seemed taken off guard by her questioning his happiness. They had been discussing her own feelings and issues all this time. She almost felt a little selfish dropping all of this on the tom. Especially when they were merely acquaintances before this meeting. So she hoped the sudden switch of gears in the conversation might help ease that concern in her gut. He was being so nice and understanding with her so she almost felt as though he deserved the same treatment.

The she-cat remained quiet as the tom began speaking about how he had essentially given up on having the normal life with a mate and kits. That he preferred the lonely life of a fool. But she couldn't help but feel like he wasn't truthful with his response. Like there was something more to this that he just didn't want to admit to. I mean surely the tom had considered that lifestyle like all cats did. So she didn't quite understand why he would deny himself that opportunity. Did he have a fear of losing himself if he tried to live that way?

"Just because you don't seek that sort of lifestyle out does not mean you do not deserve it. While I understand feeling like you're alone and learning to cope with it. I also believe that everyone deserves love in their life." Her yellow-green eyes glanced at the tom, a sincere look on her face before turning to look out across the clearing. The tom might not agree with her line of thinking but that was how she felt. Happiness came in many forms and so did love. From the love of a mate to the love of friends or your family. It all had a way of making ones life a little better. But with the way Smudgenose spoke, he lived a life without that emotion often. This made the she-cat a little upset with this.

"And who said no one takes you seriously?" The she-cat asked, her face turning to look at him. Truly look at him. "I take you seriously. You might joke around and play the fool but I don't think I've met someone as genuine as you Smudgenose. It's not often someone would show concern for me like you have during this meeting of ours. And I believe you are wiser than you give yourself credit for." She smiled gently at him, touching a tail tip to his side.

The she-cat continues to watch the tom, wondering if he'd laugh at what she had to say. Or if it would actually mean something. He had helped her all this time, it was about time someone helped him. "It might seem like just a dream to you but you shouldn't deny yourself the chance to have a future with someone.....before there isn't anymore time to make those beautiful memories."

The tabby cat turns to look towards the skies. "As for me...maybe I need to take a lesson from your book and take a step back. Not go looking for love and focus on other things for awhile."

^{Made by Aqua || Tagged: Fae Magic || Words: #521}

[Fae Magic]

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." ~Smudgenose

She was rather optimistic for his life it seemed. Cinderstream wanted to let Smudgenose that he didn't have to live a lonely life and play the part of a fool just to make others happy. A sentiment that he wished was as easy as she made it seem. He wanted to believe that he was allowed to have happiness; not allowed more like it a wish of his. The life he placed himself in was a life that he could play for as long as he needed. A sacrifice he was willing to make. He was getting older though and knew that if he didn't begin changing his life around and give himself a chance of happiness and maybe a family he would be nothing more than the last of his line with rattling bones and empty memories of those who he never dared get close to. The older warrior stared down at the ground and the pine needles at his paws as her words itched in his brain.

They lifted when he felt the touch of her tail on him and he met her gaze. "I am getting older; even if I wanted to change and find love to start a family with...I am too old for anyone around here. Your all wippersnappers forging ahead in your own world and we older folks have nothing better to do. I might as well laugh at myself along with everyone else. Who would even dare look at me in a different light to even consider changing the dynamic? Not a soul in this clan my age that would want to give the time." It was something he had thought of briefly few times before but it was solid sense in his mind.

"No one takes me serious because I don't allow many to see my serious side. It's better to laugh at yourself along with others than admit that I have a problem you know? Wisdom comes from error which that I have made plenty in my days. That's why I am so good at being me...because no one looks twice at a smiling face and thinks they have problems." he shrugged and looked away again with a small face made of thoughtfulness. 

"But, we are talking about you not me dear girl." he cleared his throat and looked back at her with a smile that you wouldn't be able to tell that seconds ago they were talking about some serious things.

"Giving yourself a fresh start and setting your mind to a new beginning is a good thing; reboot your system so to speak and find a new path to tread. Easier for you younger generation. Is there someone else that you fancy that you trust?" he peered curious at her with wide eyes that were almost comical and blinked at her owlishly.

Word Count: #496|| Tag: Aqua || Notes: Sorry it's a little out of whack!

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