|
Post by polarized on Sept 17, 2024 2:06:34 GMT -5
Wrenpaw Battle {--} with It was the night before the battle. Wrenpaw was in the apprentice den, but she was asleep. She was trembling, her tail swishing side to side nervously. In her head, she was facing a nightmare. “No! Wait!” She hissed, before waking herself up. It was just a dream. The battle would be fine. She looked to either of her sides, Icepaw and Lightpaw. Her two sisters. They would be fine. Together, nothing could pull them apart.
The patrol left the camp. Wrenpaw had orders to stick with Pondspeckle, Seedpaw and Puddlefog. She would do whatever she could in this battle. After all, she was great in battle training. Only then did the nerves start to set in when they reached the camp. All Wrenpaw could hear was a deafening yowl, to start the battle. She ran in after her patrol, following behind Pondspeckle. She could tell Pondspeckle was trying to keep low, which Wrenpaw found stupid. They were here to protect their clan. Then it happened. Wrenpaw felt herself shudder at the sight of two massive rogues running towards them. Pondspeckle, Seedpaw took the first one. Puddlefog had ran to help Hazelpelt. However the last one locked eyes with Wrenpaw.
She looked at him, fear coming off in waves off the tiny apprentices body. The big tom lunged at her, in which Wrenpaw only narrowly dodged. She started to flee, which she knew wasn’t a warrior’s move. She had only realised the rogue had stopped chasing her when she saw her sister. Seperated from the group, just like her. Wrenpaw ran to her sister, feeling her muzzle in her soft fur. Such a thing was all Wrenpaw had to comfort her right now. The feeling that her sister was safe. Wrenpaw nodded to Icepaw when she started to move, following her every step. Wrenpaw yowled in shock as Icepaw was knocked to the ground, Wrenpaw following her. The two apprentices found themselves trapped in the corner of camp, facing an orange tom. His bright green gaze burned on her fur. She stood in front of Icepaw, hissing. “Get away! I’ll tear you to shreds!” A part of her knew that wasn’t true. This tom looked big, and strong. Wrenpaw thought she was great at fighting, but this battle had only proved her wrong.
Hopper leaped, and Wrenpaw didn’t react fast enough. The tom swiped at Icepaw’s face, sending spirals of blood flying. She tried to swipe her claws at Hopper, but it seemed like it did nothing. She nipped his leg, which made him turn. She felt herself freeze, she couldn’t move her paws. It felt like she was stuck to the ground. Move! Move quickly! Wrenpaw closed her eyes in fear, until she heard her sister pounce onto the rogue. Wrenpaw opened her eyes to see Icepaw flailing on his back. “Icepaw!” Wrenpaw looked in fear. Why couldn’t she move?! She had to stare and watch as the rogue seemed to tear Icepaw to shreds. She finally found the courage to move, trying to swat at the tom. “Stay away from my sister you fox-heart!” She hissed, her tiny claws seemingly doing nothing. It was all a blur. A ginger and white she-cat had managed to push the rogue away. Heavy? As she felt the presence of a cat behind her, she didn’t look. One last blink to see better, a white furred limp body laid on Heavy.
Wrenpaw ran after Heavy. “Wait! Don’t take her away!” She hissed. “Give me back Icepaw! She’s fine!” She hissed and growled, not taking her eyes off Icepaw. It seemed like the apprentice couldn’t even see the state Icepaw was in. “Let my sister go!” Wrenpaw yowled at Heavy. It was only when Heavy dropped her sister at Shadepatch’s paws had Wrenpaw noticed. The bloodied state of what was once her sister. “Icepaw?” She stuttered, her gaze unwavering. The sounds of the battle faded away, the battle cry’s no longer reaching her ears. Wrenpaw just stared at Icepaw, it wasn’t real. It wasn’t real. It wasn’t real. But it was. “Icepaw! Please!” She cried, waves of fear and sadness coming off the apprentice. “It’s all my fault! I should have been the one to die!” Her voice cracked, and tears streamed from her eyes. “Please Starclan!” She begged. If she had fought the rogue, Icepaw would still be here. Wrenpaw was no warrior.
|
|
|
Post by chocolatemilk7 on Sept 17, 2024 13:49:28 GMT -5
Drizzlemimic- War with the rogues Drizzlemimic woke up with a headache. No rational cat is awake at this time unless they are on the dawn patrol. But he knew what today meant. It was time time for war. All that had happened the past few days has lead up to today. He would avenge Frozenlaurel. He would avenge Cinderdapple. It would all be over soon. I’ll make them proud today… or join StarClan trying. He was not entirely confident he would survive. He hadn’t been there for the war with FlowerClan, but he had heard stories about it. Now it was his turn. Dapplestar instructed Slatefoot and Amberrise to stay at camp with the elders while the rest of the clan ventured out. He stood side by side with Hayfeather. No one could muster up the courage to say a word, and the atmosphere around them was silent and tense. Hayfeather stood behind for reinforcements, while Drizzlemimic ran in to the fight. War cries erupted from both sides as YewClan’s warriors surprise attacked the rogues. Every cat tried to find an opponent to pounce on, as Drizzlemimic lost his clan mates in the chaos and deafening surrounding atmosphere. A brown tabby he didn’t recognize pounced on him from the bushes. He tried to bite Drizzlemimic shoulder, but the young warrior was quicker than him and clawed him face before he could sink his teeth. He tried to use his legs to claw his side while clinging on to him but he rolled out of the way and ran off. Drizzlemimic sighed and hoped he caused him enough damage to take him out of the fight. Eventually, in the madness, he caught sight off Mistleheart and Ravenpaw. He stuck by them, particularly close to the apprentice. Not only was he young and didn’t deserve to get hurt, but he was also Drizzlemimic’s kin, albeit distant. Suddenly, from an angle they didn’t cover, a she cat emerged and pounced on attacked Ravenpaw. Drizzlemimic tried to turn around and help him, but he hissed in pain as he felt a sharp pain in his leg. Turning around, he saw the same brown tabby from before, bloodied and bruised, but still with a fighting spirit, biting his leg. For a split second he thought he could see Mistleheart running up to Ravenpaw to help him, so he took this opportunity to maul his attacker. He parried his claw swipes and rapidly responded with some of his own. He tried to jump, but not realizing the pain in his leg until it was too late, all he could muster up was a pathetic hop. He squealed and his opponent jumped him. He tried to roll the rogue off of him, but all it did was get Drizzlemimic a better view of Ravenpaw in the corner of his eye. He turned around upon hearing his cry for help. He didn’t care that he took scratches from his opponent, he needed to use all his might to get him off him. Unfortunately, the brown tabby was much bigger and didn’t plan to budge. Drizzlemimic tried to rake his belly, but he was interrupted by Ravenpaw’s scream of terror, which was quickly stopped with a bite to the neck. A killing blow. Drizzlemimic’s heart sank as he yelled in desperation. Mistleheart couldn’t help him, she was pinned down too. “RAVENPAW!!!!!!” Even the rogue winced in pain a little as he heard him yell. Why did it have to be him? Why did it have to be someone so young?! “NO! NO, NO, NO!!!” The anger and pure rage gave him enough strength to flip his opponent off of him, getting a brief opportunity to rake his belly. Letting him run away, Drizzlemimic set his sights for the cat who ended his clan mate’s life. He snuck behind the the black tom and yanked his tail before fiercely biting his side. Despite catching him off guard, the rogue was still prepared and rolled Drizzlemimic off. Suddenly, from behind the battle, Hayfeather appeared to claw at the rogue’s back, freeing Drizzlemimic. “Hayfeather! Oh, thank StarClan you’re alright.. We… we lost Ravenpaw..” But there was no time to confide in his mate. Mistleheart managed to free herself, thankfully, and the three attack any remaining rogues in their vicinity. In his peripheral vision, Drizzlemimic saw a flash of ginger run by. He turned around to see the cat he completely forgot he wanted to hunt down this fight. Flax. The coward… couldn’t even face the consequences of his own actions! Couldn’t even fight alongside his brethren. He wanted to run after him, but the initial adrenaline rush had worn off. He looked back at his bloodied, limping leg. He couldn’t run after him if he tried. In a panic, Drizzlemimic tried to make Flax’s presence known to his clan mates. Hayfeather had strayed away a little, but Hazelpelt was close. “Hazelpelt! I see Flax! We need to chase after him! We- can you hear me?” There was so much noise he wasn’t sure she could could understand him. Unfortunately, by the time he could get Hazelpelt’s attention, Flax had already disappeared. Knowing his cunning, he would probably be far away by now. I’ll be ready when he comes back.It didn’t take long before most of the rogues retreated. Other than Ravenpaw, Whorldusk and Icepaw had also tragically lost their lives. Sadly, such is the way of war. Dawnshade had killed Saffron. Drizzlemimic couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Sure, Dawnshade broke the Warrior Code… but he saved everyone! Their leader was dead! They were finally free! He wanted to collapse on the ground from sheer exhaustion, but that would have made a bad impression on others. He found Hayfeather and they were both guided back to camp by Lightpaw. Tagging asrise Sapphirejas jaybun! whispering
|
|
|
Post by Sapphirejas on Sept 17, 2024 17:21:38 GMT -5
chocolatemilk7 (Drizzlemimic) asrise (Ravenwhistle) Feathertalon (Heavy) Mistleheart (Fights alongside Drizzlemimic and Ravenpaw in the raid of the rogue's camp, and helps bury the dead with Heavy.) (TW: blood, violence, death) Mistleheart's heart was pounding as she crept through the forest with her Clanmates. This was it! The raid on the treacherous rogues' camps was about to start! "Time to prove myself as a warrior of YewClan!"It was very early in the morning, and fog surrounded the Clans as they stalk through the forest territory. Mistleheart's heart was thumping so fast that she thought it would burst! The fluffy white-furred she-cat gazed at her daughters; Wrenpaw, Lightpaw, and Icepaw creeping alongside her, and then looked at her apprentice Ravenpaw, who seemed very excited to fight for real for the first time in his life! Through the fog, the sun was barely starting to rise above the horizon. Mistleheart thought back to the gray and white-furred she-cat, Cinderdapple. She died defending her daughter Lightpaw against rogues while on a border patrol! Even though her death was tragic, Mistleheart was forever grateful for the owl-faced warrior for saving her beloved daughter's life! It happened! Many rogues have appeared out of the fog, huge and muscular and looking very menacing. The leader of the group was a huge collared pale ginger tom with dark blue eyes. He glared at the Clan cats with menace in his eyes. Dapplestar gave her signal, and Mistleheart yowled out her war cries, along with her other Clanmates. She charged straight into the battle, claws unsheathed. She glanced at her apprentice, Ravenpaw, and her former apprentice, Drizzlemimic. She decided to tag alongside them to keep them safe from the bloodthirsty rogues. She would rather die than them than if they did - she was older than both of them. Ravenpaw faced a huge pale ginger tom with deep amber eyes. Mistleheart faced a black-furred she-cat with green eyes and white socks alongside Drizzlemimic, biting into her legs and trying to trip her up. But the rogue bit the gray-furred warrior's leg, causing him to yowl in pain. Dtrizzlemimic got up, with his injured hind leg lifted up. With a quick glance to check up on Ravenpaw, Mistleheart saw that her apprentice suddenly looked terrified, his black fur rising on end and his tail fluffed up like a bottlebrush as. Then the rogue attacked Ravenpaw from behind, causing the apprentice to scream in pain. "I need to defend my apprentice!!!" Mistleheart thought with fury as she darted to her apprentice's side to save his life. She threw herself onto the muscular pale ginger tom, knocking him down onto his back. Mistleheaart then leapt onto his belly, and slashed it with her claws. Though when the rogue movements slowed, Mistleheart let go. She knew despite how horrible the rogue was, she mustn't kill him, as it would break the Warrior Code that she sworn to follow ever since she was brought into YewClan as a kit. The rogue staggered to his paws, and looked at Mistleheart and Ravenpaw with fear in his eyes. With a hiss, the rogue fled the battlefield, looking terrified of the Clan cats. Mistleheart deemed her apprentice Ravenpaw safe, so she walked away from him to check up how Drizzlemimic was doing. Little did she know, Mistleheart made a huge mistake. Drizzlemimic was fighting a gray specked tom, his injured hind leg not bothering him as he fought. As Mistleheart threw herself at the rogue, she heard a cry of terror coming from her apprentice, Ravenpaw! After Mistleheart pinned the speckled gray tom down, Mistleheart let go, rushing to save his apprentice to whichever rogue that was attacking him. However Mistleheart froze at the scene with terror! A dark gray tabby tom had grabbed her apprentice by his throat! Horror has frozen the fluffy white she-cat in place as she watched in horror as the rogue killed Ravenpaw! As his lifeless body dropped to the ground, Mistleheart thought she was living through a nightmare! NO! NO! NO! RAVENPAW!!! She wailed in the inside, as fury against the rogues took over her body. Then... Mistleheart saw her daughter Icepaw's lifeless body being carried by the deputy, Heavy! Her heterochromia eyes were clouded! "NOOO!!!! NOOOO!!!! NOOO!!!! ICEPAAWWWWW!!!! MY BABY!!!!" Her horror turned into rage against the horrible horrible rogues! Mistleheart wasn't thinking as she spotted the dark gray tabby tom who killed Ravenpaw, and sunk her teeth into his neck, her yellow eyes' pupils slit like a snake. With fury, Mistleheart has broken the Warrior Code, killing the dark gray tabby tom. He stopped moving under her jaw and went limp! As Mistleheart dropped his body, she glared around her. Drizzlemimic was furiously fighting against a black tabby tom, slashing at his tail with fury! He clearly knew the two apprentices were dead! Mistleheart was outraged over her apprentice and daughter's deaths in the claws of the rogues, and went on a killing spree! She killed two more rogues, their lifeless bodies dropping below her white muzzle. Mistleheart could taste the blood in her mouth from killing the rogues. Looking towards her, Mistleheart spotted the former rogue, Hopbramble ordering her son, Dawnshade to kill the leader of the rogues, Saffron! The half-black and ginger tom reluctantly went for his throat, finally ending his threat once and for all! YewClan was saved! The Clan cats made through the war! But as Mistleheart finally let go of her fury, her stomach lurched with horror when she realized what she did, staring at the bodies of the rogues she has viscously killed... She has broken the Warrior Code! The code that she sworn to follow ever since she was a kit! As she stared into the dead rogues terrified expressions, she felt the horror of the supposed crimes she did that she tried SOO hard to avoid... Would StarClan be furious at her for ending their lives in a fit of rage?! She gulped. Mistleheart hoped none of her Clanmates saw her kill the rogues. Then the horror over her apprentice and her daughters' deaths came back to Mistleheart. The fluffy white warrior wailed to the sky. HER APPRENTICE AND DAUGHTER ARE DEAD!!! How could life EVER be the same again without them! The battle was over... but there was still a battle occurring in Mistleheart's head, the battle of fighting the horror that her apprentice and daughter was dead, and the fact the fact she broke the Warrior Code! There was a voice behind Mistlelheart. The white and gray-furred she-cat turned around and saw the deputy, Heavy pad up to her. Mistleheart's heart jolted... Did Heavy see her kill those three rogues?! No... Heavy clearly looked heartbroken, not furious at her! Mistleheart came up to her and nuzzle the deputy. She asked Mistleheart to carry the bodies of the dead back to camp. Her heart panged with grief as she stared at the bodies of the deceased Clan cats; her apprentice, Ravenpaw, her beloved daughter, Icepaw, and the body of Whorldusk... the last remaining kit of the former leader Bubblingheart was dead! "No!" Mistleheart thought with horror. Mistleheart decided that the burden of carrying her apprentice, Ravenpaw, and her daughter, Icepaw was too much for her, so instead she carried back the bloodied body of Whorldusk. The blood on his ginger pelt made him look red. Mistleheart and Heavy were both mothers who lost kin in the fight! Heavy lost her grandson Ravenpaw, while Mistleheart lost her beloved daughter Icepaw! Returning back to camp in the middle of the day, Mistleheart gently placed Whorldusk's body in the middle of the clearing, while Heavy placed Icepaw and Ravenpaws' bodies beside Whorldusk. Mistleheart felt as she was living through a nightmare, losing not only her son Gustkit to the terrible rogues, but also her daughter Icepaw in the raid! Two of four of Mistleheart's kits have been lost to StarClan! She cursed at her ancestors for taking their lives when they should've lived. No mother deserved to bury her own kits! That night, Mistleheart was crying very hard as her apprentice, Ravenpaw was named a warrior in death at his vigil. He was given the name Ravenwhistle, and honored for his brave spirit! She felt no joy when Ravenpaw's living brother, Seedpaw was named a warrior afterwards. He was given the name, Seedflower, and is honored for his bravery. But how could Mistleheart be happy that a new warrior was named, and the war was finally over when two of her four kits were dead from the terrible claws of the rogues?! OC: POOR POOR MISTLEHEART!!! She has lost two of her kits, and now only have two remaining! Also, she lost her apprentice, Ravenpaw!! 😭💔
|
|
|
Post by Sand on Sept 17, 2024 18:42:31 GMT -5
Monarchlightning : - the raid & all the pips from it Monarchlightning had been preparing constantly to be Heavy’s aide for the war. At dawn, she practiced running from tree to tree in the forest, pretending they were her clanmates. She could only hope the war would end in success, not peril.
When the time had finally come, she was assigned to be with the deputy as expected. Nerves originally filled her stomach but it was a fleeting feeling. She kept her bright blue gaze peeled for any signs of help from any of her clanmates.
Injured cats flowed her way, one by one. The dark grey tabby escorted them away from the battlefield and to Shadepatch. A good amount of time went by as Monarchlightning waited with the other reinforcements until she heard an ear shattering yowl— Was that… Wrenpaw or Icepaw? No. It was both apprentices, stuck with a massive rogue. One too big for them to take on together. They were doomed, there was no way both apprentices would survive without an intervention. She darted over to them, noticing the ginger rogue as he delivered the last blow to Icepaw. She was too late, by a mere second to save Icepaw. Her heart sank into her throat, too shocked to say anything. Monarchlightning’s gaze turned to the massive tom’s hissing at him with bared fangs and a deep, sharp glare. Heavy’s swat distracted the rogue and she swooped in to escort Wrenpaw away from the battlefield while Heavy pulled Icepaw by her scruff.
Inside, the dark grey tabby knew that the young apprentice was gone. Wrenpaw’s hisses, howls, and stutters filled the air as Monarchlightning tried to comfort the grey and white molly. “Wrenpaw… let’s get you cleaned up,” she told the young cat soothingly. Seeing the way Icepaw had died before her sister was infuriating, shocking. It was a lot of emotions at once, but she needed to keep going— they all needed to. “Look at me, Wrenpaw, you did everything you could to save Icepaw. It’s not your fault, I can tell you that. You fought bravely like a warrior.” Her throat grew dry with grief and agony as her blue eyes threatened to burst into tears. Monarchlightning swallowed her sorrow, looking Wrenpaw in the eyes. “She walks with StarClan, where she can’t be hurt by any despicable rogue.”
At least Wrenpaw is safe, but at what cost? the young warrior thought wistfully, not long after herding the apprentice back to safety. She kept her eyes peeled, hoping that no other cats would need her assistance in carrying another body. One was enough— no, one loss was too much. Even the sight of other lifeless bodies was becoming more and more disturbing. Ravenpaw, Whorldusk, Icepaw… they were all dead. But they fought bravely for their clan, giving every last bit of their loyalty to YewClan. While she watched Dawnshade, Hopbramble, and Dapplestar kill Saffron, she felt a small amount of relief leave her shoulders. Her mother was a strong, loyal molly and Monarchlightning couldn’t be any prouder.
As the battle came to a halt, she saw that Pondspeckle was injured. He had fought alongside Wrenpaw, Seedbark, Puddlefog and Hazelpelt, all who survived. The dark molly sprinted over to him before pointing at her shoulder with her thin tail. “Lean on me, Pondspeckle. It’s easier,” she instructed him. She then led them back to camp in silence.
[ tags : everyone basically ]
|
|
|
Post by Sand on Sept 17, 2024 18:46:33 GMT -5
Spottedfur : - in camp for the raid & all pips While the raid was raging on, Spottedfur paced back and forth in camp. Although they had the protection of Slatefoot, Petaltree and Amberrise, he couldn’t sit still. He was still grieving over Cinderdapple’s death, one that was unexpected yet dutiful to her apprentice and clan.
As the sunset dipped into the horizon, the fighting cats of YewClan returned. With them, they brought the lifeless bodies of Whorldusk, Ravenwhistle and Icepaw. His silver gaze lingered over each feline’s soul but particularly Icepaw’s. Thankfully each cat had been prepared for their burial, but he couldn’t help but think of their futures. They were gone within an instant though Icepaw’s future stuck out. He wished he could have seen the promising apprentice’s warrior ceremony. He was sure she would’ve made an excellent warrior and that made it even more tragic.
Spottedfur glanced at Whorldusk, who had fought alongside Dawnshade until Saffron killed him quickly. Though it sounded instantaneous, the grey elder shook his head in irritation. Why hadn’t Whorldusk fought back more? Did he give up so easily because Saffron was a stronger opponent? Whatever the reason was, he was annoyed— annoyed that his clanmate didn’t fight back more, and pained that so many young cats had died tragic deaths.
But that’s what being a warrior entailed, being as loyal as one could be to fight and die for their clan.
[ tags: ]
|
|
|
Post by jaybun! on Sept 17, 2024 19:31:25 GMT -5
MYRTLESPROUT The raid. - greatly respects Monarchlightning's competence - is injured Myrtlesprout watched as the rogue camp she'd been so kindly trapped in devolved into chaos. Satisfaction welled in her chest, a weight lifting from her shoulders as the fleapelts scrambled to make their counter-attack. It was over! Finally over, and she wouldn't see Saffron's ugly face again. The scruffy black and white tabby only wished she could be the one to send the foxheart off herself.
Reinforcement wasn't too bad either, she supposed. Batting off the occasional rogue who got too close to their back-line was fairly easy. Myrtlesprout doubted the idea of triage ever occurred to a cat as thick-headed as Saffron. Why waste time healing when you could just send battered up fighters to their deaths? The molly bit back a snort, turning to glance over Shadepatch and Heavy's work. It really was quite impressive, wasn't it? Especially that Monarchlightning. She'd never seen a cat that young work so hard!
A familiar yowl caught her attention. She wasn't familiar enough with the clan yet to pick out who exactly, but it seemed Heavy and Shadepatch could. Myrtlesprout nodded at a tail flick from the deputy, sparing a moment for a quick stretch before heading off toward the noise. She supposed she could help out a little more. It would only be fair for all of YewClan's efforts so far.
The black and white molly weaved between a scuffle, catching sight of a spotted gray pelt she recognized. Whisperingheart, if he recalled correctly. Myrtlesprout clicked her tongue when she caught a look at the warrior's opponent. She couldn't blame her for having trouble with that rogue in particular. The pale old tom was as experienced as he was under-handed. That Whisperingheart managed to make a dent through all that matted fur alone was impressive.
Tail waving, she crouched, waiting a moment for a break in the brawl. Opening spotted, Myrtlesprout leapt forward into the old rogue's side; hissing gleefully as he stumbled underneath her weight. Whisperingheart was quick to join her, and they got a few good hits in before he managed to recover. Maybe a little too recovered. Myrtlesprout spat a curse under her breath as the rogue feinted around her, aiming for Whisperingheart's vulnerable throat. A growl reverberating through her chest, the black and white tabby shot forward to intercept; screeching as the old tom's claws hooked into the skin of her flank and pulled.
She saw red, whipping around on the tom despite the pain. Together, Whisperingheart and Myrtlesprout tore into the rogue's hide just as, if not worse, than he gave. When he took off howling, she dipped her head to the young warrior; and began her hobble back to the reserve line. Skies, that hurt! This better be worth it!
|
|
|
Post by dewbranch on Sept 17, 2024 19:36:31 GMT -5
Lightpaw Rogue Battle (TW: Violence, Blood) || with Hazelpelt, Dizzlemimic, Hayfeather, Heavy, Wrenpaw Lightpaw wasn't afraid to fight. This was her chance to avenge the deaths of Gustkit, Frozenlaurel, and Cinderdapple. The rogues would pay for what they had done to Yewclan, for what they had done to her close ones. She had been training hard, and Lightpaw knew that she would be able to fight. She knew how the rogues fought, having watched them herself, and even though she hadn't wanted to, Lightpaw had replayed that patrol in her mind over and over again. It made her stronger and she got an idea of how the rogues slashed and killed.
Her job was to stay by her mentor in the battle, as were all the other apprentices. She was starting the fight. She was not a renforcement, no. She was a front-line battler. Lightpaw's claws curled forward.
"We'll get through this together, alright?" Lightpaw just nodded.
It seemed every cat in Yewclan exhaled, then ascended into the fight. The fog was thick, but that would be a disadvantage for all cats, not just for the rogues or for Yewclan. Her clan. Yewclan. We will win. I will avenge Cinderdapple's death.
Right on the outskirts of the battle they ran into a younger rogue, Hazelpelt quickly sending the tom away before Lightpaw could claw his side. Then they dived into the thick of the battle.
There were cats everywhere, some rogues, some Yewclan. The scent of blood was almost overwhelming, but Lightpaw shut down her senses, other than her sight. It seemed the rest of the battle faded away, leaving just Hazelpelt and the cats around them. Running into another rogues, Lightpaw made sure to pounce in the she-cats back, digging her claws in and closing her jaw around her ear. The cat yelped and almost rolled over before she spotted Hazelpelt, who with a few slashes to the face and next, sent them running, Lightpaw jumping off the brown molly's back.
They continued to fight, but a costly moment of hesitation had caused Hazelpelt to also receive a killing blow. Lightpaw slashed the rogue she was fighting one last time before she sent them running, turning to watch as Dapplestar leaped out of nowhere to send the rogue running. Lightpaw gaped in awe. Last moon she had been thinking Dapplestar was a coward, but here and now Lightpaw could see she had been wrong, in so many ways.
Blinking, Lightpaw scanned the crowd. Who to fight next? But it wasn't a direction that was next out of Hazelpelt's mouth, but an order to retreat. Just her, to leave the battle. Her mentor's tail was pointing to an area she couldn't see yet, but she just nodded. It was now she noticed that she was feeling tired, her bones aching for her to stop.
Quickly making her way through the battle and out, Lightpaw found the triage station in record time, making her way over to Heavy, Shadepatch, Monarchlightning, Hayfeather and a few more warriors who had been injured and had to get escorted off the battlegrounds. Then she saw them. Wrenpaw, who was sitting next to... Icepaw.
"Icepaw!" Lightpaw wailed, running over to where her sister was laying. She's dead. "But-but!" Lightpaw's walls came crashing down. Cinderdapple's death replayed, but more brutal. Lightpaw winced, watching her mentor's body fall to the ground before she was back in Yewclan's camp, this time a small kit, watching Gustkit eat the rabbit, then when he started to cough, complain, then his body in the clearing, alongside Frozenlaurel's. Icepaw is with them now. Of I wasn't there to save her. Of course.
Lightpaw turned back to the battle, where they had a clear vantage point. She stood beside Heavy and watched as Hayfeather was sent in to help Drizzlemimic and Mistleheart with the rogues that had just killed Ravenpaw. Another slash to the heart. She had shared a den with Ravenpaw, had patrolled with Ravenpaw. Lightpaw would never do that again.
Hayfeather was in trouble, as well as Drizzlemimic. Hayfeather had gotten a nasty bite, and they were at the mercy of the rogues around them. Heavy told her to head in and make sure they got to safety. Bracing herself, Lightpaw leaped into the battle, quickly making her way to where she had last spotted the pair of mates.
There! Leaping on one of the last rogues back, she bit into his neck, jumping off and clawing at his side, making the tom spin and run. "You two, let's go! I need to get you two to safety. Lean on me." Trying to support the two toms weight on her shoulders, it was a miricle that they weren't killed as she was trying to get them to Shadepatch, but Lightpaw made it, making it over to Wrenpaw, and the watched the battle end together. Yewclan had won, but it was bittersweet. Icepaw, Ravenpaw. Lightpaw choked out a sob.
Now they were leaving, Mistleheart helping Heavy carry the bodies of Whorldusk, Icepaw, and Ravenpaw back to camp. Lightpaw helped Drizzlemimic and Hayfeather again, mustering up the last of her strength to get them back to the medicine den. Hopefully they will survive these wounds, they aren't too major.
Then she sat down at Icepaw's corpse. She listened as Ravenpaw was named Ravenwhistle in death, and Seedpaw was named Seedflower, but he had not died. Staring down at Icepaw's corpse, Lightpaw sobbed again, and this time let the tears flow. She would keep going, but for tonight, one night, she would mourn the deaths off all the cats she had cared for. Gustkit, Frozenlaurel, Cinderdapple, Icepaw. I cry for you. [[ OOC here ]]
|
|
|
Post by dewbranch on Sept 17, 2024 20:44:52 GMT -5
Scarletdrift Helps Ravenpaw with a few moves before the battle & Gives Dawnshade a headbutt as congratulations || with Ravenwhistle, Dawnshade
Yewclan was finally going to battle the rogues. It was about time, the rogues had been going after Yewclan since Hopbramble had joined with her five kits, and they were full warriors now! If he was leader of Yewclan, the rogues would have been dealt with already, even if he had lost a few lives himself doing so.
Scanning the group of cats that were leaving, Scarletdrift locked eyes with one cat in particular, Ravenpaw. His brother had been killed by Flax when the foxheart had poisoned their prey, killing four of their cats, but Ravenpaw was almost a warrior, and was sure to earn his name after the battle. Beckoning the older apprentice toward him, Scarletdrift rose to his paws.
"Ready for the battle Ravenpaw?" Scarletdrift asked, wistfully glancing towards the camp entrance. He and Spottedfur hadn't left a lot since the accident, and they had always gone out together just in case of emergency (not that he was afraid he was going to get hurt, he was just looking out for Spottedfur is all!). Scarletdrift wished he could go out and fight for the clan, but Dapplestar wouldn't allow them, plaining stating that he was 'too old' and wouldn't be much use in a fight. At least I can respect the honesty.
Back to Ravenpaw, the tom shrugged. Scarletdrift nodded his head. "Well then, why don't we make sure your ready. It's been a while since I've been able to practice my battle moves anyways, need to keep them up just in case!"
Grinning, Scarletdrift and Ravenpaw went over the belly rake, forepaw slash, and teeth grip, ones that he had been taught in his apprenticeship and had mastered over his own moons as a warrior. "You'll do great Ravenpaw. Bring me back some rogue fur!" The white-and-ginger elder mewed as the apprentice made his way back to the battle party, joining Seedpaw right before they left camp.
The only warriors that stayed behind were Slatefoot and Amberrise, who had stayed to protect him and Spottedfur (they didn't need protecting, those two warriors should be with their clanmates!) and Petaltree, who was in the medicine den with Flashspeckle recovering from a broken bone. I won't forgot how she saved Puddlefog from that fate. Now he gets to fight for his clan to defeat those nasty rogues!
The battle was over. Scarletdrift could tell because he smelled them, the scent of blood and death almost overpowering, but Yewclan there still. The warriors came in first, Hopbramble, Seedpaw, Wrenpaw, Puddlefog (thank goodness, not that Scarletdrift was worried) Hazelpelt, then cats with injuries who needed to be helped back to camp. Lightpaw was helping both Hayfeather and Dizzlemimic to the medicine den, her eyes tired but determined. Then came the dead. Whorldusk was first, being carried by Mistleheart. Scarletdrift's heart almost broke. That was Bubblingheart's last kit.
Next came Heavy with two apprentices, Icepaw and Ravenpaw. Scarletdrift sighed. Young cats, both of them. They shouldn't have died. I bet they wouldn't have, if I was there.
Making his way to the large mass of cats, Scarletdrift couldn't help but smile. It was bittersweet, yes, but they had won! He heard from some cat that Dawnshade had been the one to kill the rogue leader, Saffron, and he made his way over to the tortie tom. "Great job Dawnshade, you saved the clan." The mostly white tom reared up and butt his head against the young warriors, swishing his tail and making his way back to Spottedfur and the elders den. That was where the two watched the warrior ceremonies of both Seedpaw and Ravenpaw, then where they sat for the vigil of their fallen. [[ OOC here ]]
|
|
|
Post by cometchaos on Sept 18, 2024 12:07:31 GMT -5
Shadepatch--Herb Gathering with Puddlelaurel and Monarchlightning-Shadepatch was getting ready to go gathering herbs. She had gathered Puddlelaurel and Monarchlightning to help gather tansy, a herb that would be needed to treat any battle wounds that happened in the attack against the rogues. As she and her two helpers began to leave camp, she was called back to camp. She would have to make do with what herbs she had at the moment.
[[ OOC: Will put up the Rogue Battle eventually, but wanted to at least put this up ]]
|
|
|
Post by chocolatemilk7 on Sept 18, 2024 13:45:35 GMT -5
Dawnshade- War with the rogues One foot in front of the other, Dawnshade thought while approaching the rogues’ camp. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. Ironically, it was right before dawn. A couple of days ago he would have been fine with fighting the rogues, but something about actually being there, marching towards battle… it was unnerving. Amberrise stayed behind, but Dawnshade still stayed close to his family. He wondered how his siblings were feeling in this moment. They never had as much interest in their father’s origin as he did, but Dawnshade knew the significance of this to him. He was going to avenge his father. I’m going to be alright… We’re.. going to be alright. Adrenaline rushed through his whole body as he went alert of his surroundings. Flurries of fur and claws erupted on either side, making it hard to tell apart friend from fow at a distance. In the madness, he found himself face to face with Whorldusk… a cat who previously was for kicking his mother from the clan. But at the end of the day, they were both YewClan, and they would fight together. "Dawnshade, let’s chase away these crowfood-eating mange-pelts!” Whorldusk said. “Let’s make sure they never dare to enter out territory again!” With a nod of agreement, the two charged towards a rogue. Dawnshade distracted him with a bite to the shoulder while Whorldusk flipped him over and got some good rakes on his belly, sending him packing. “Good teamwork!” Dawnshade exclaimed to the ginger warrior. Before he could respond, a huge cream warrior appeared from the bushes, a furious look on his face. No doubt, this was Saffron. "You two! How DARE you chase away Nyx!" growled the rogue leader. Dawnshade got into a fighting stance. He was ready for this! He was ready to take him on. But… no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t muster up the courage to attack. Saffron had an intimidating aura, complimented by his ice cold eyes. The cream tom eyed his targets before choosing Whorldusk. He chased after him as Whorldusk ran for his life. Dawnshade wanted to take the opportunity to pounce… but fear got the better of him. “Whorldusk!” The tom tortoiseshell ran to save his clan mate, but Saffron was too quick. The ginger tom screamed in terror as Saffron went for the killing blow. “WHORLDUSK!” He yelled once again. Dawnshade tried to jump on the rogue, but the larger fighter just threw him off, letting him roll on the floor. ”Pathetic. It’s like they don’t even teach you how to fight in that good for nothing ‘clan’ of yours.” Saffron monologued with blood soaked muzzle and paws, getting up to walk towards Dawnshade. The two toned warrior backed away, trembling in fear, but trying not to show it. “I don’t suppose you will be more of a challenge. You couldn’t even save your friend there.” He was right. Whorldusk died because Dawnshade couldn’t save him. It’s my fault… Saffron kept slowly walking towards him, toying with him no doubt. What kind of a sick, twisted monster relishes off of fear like this?! A wide smile appeared on Saffron’s face. “Now that I think about it, half of you looks like someone I'd love to rip apart...” Dawnshade stopped retreating. Hopbramble. No doubt she was the cat Saffron wanted to kill more than anyone. The same he shared half of his fur color with. The same cat who raised him and meant everything to him. He wouldn’t back down now. It’s what what Hopbramble would want him to do. And he promised he would be by her side. “What’s gotten into you now?” Saffron laughed. “A sudden surge of courage?” Dawnshade’s eyed narrowed in determination as he stared into Saffron’s eyes. “I’m not afraid of you!” Saffron just chuckled. “Then you will die braver than most.” Saffron pounced on Dawnshade and bit his shoulder while scratching up his face. Blood spewed out of him as he tried to attack the rogue leader back. But he was too large. Too strong. This is it. Dawnshade was about to die. He thought about StarClan and if we would even be joining them. “Don’t touch him!” A familiar voice yelling interrupted his train of thought. Hopbramble! She would save him! He’s not going to die today! His mother dogged her claws into the vile opponent, as she was joined by Dapplestar. Saffron turned his gaze to to the tortoiseshell and began to focus his attacks on her. Dawnshade immediately got back on his feat and together with Dapplestar started to claw at Saffron’s belly and pull him off. Dawnshade bit his tail, the pain distracting Saffron enough for Hopbramble to escape his grasp. Dappestar and Hopbramble rolled and managed to pin Saffron down to the ground. He was struggling, spitting and claw at them, but they weren’t responding to his attacks. “Dawnshade, now!” Hopbramble yowled. Dawnshade froze. He knew what she wanted from him. To kill Saffron. This was the cat that had caused so much suffering, not just to him, but to so many others as well. The cat that had orchestrated the murders of so many of his clan mates. But how could he muster up the courage to take a life? “I SAID NOW!” Dawnshade couldn’t hesitate any longer. Justice must be done. He remembered the killing blow Saffron took Whorldusk out with. A swift bite to the neck. That would do it. Mimicking his enemy’s own move, Dawnshade leapt forward and bit Saffron in his weak spot. Blood gushed out as his teeth sank in. The cream tom had one final scream of pain, one final twitch, and then died. Dawnshade looked down at his lifeless, bloodied body, and then looked at his own. So many thoughts swirled through his brain. I did it! I killed Saffron! I broke the Warrior Code… I ended the war! I took a life… I delivered justice. I killed a cat… I avenged my friends! I used the same move as Saffron, for the same purpose. Does that make me any better than him? He took another look at his left paw, realizing how shockingly similar it looked to Saffron while soaked in blood. He started to breathe rapidly as he backed away from the body. He sat down, trying his best not to faint. The shock… The anger… The panic… The regret… The.. pride? It was all rushing through him life a merciless river. He didn’t know how to feel in the moment. After a few seconds he leaned onto Hopbramble, and took in a deep breath. No, Saffron took the lives of so many others. If I didn’t kill him now, so many more would have died. I did what had to be done. Taking one final look around, he sees Flax running away. He’s not worth it. One life taken is enough for… a lifetime. With Saffron dead, most of the other rogues retreated. The battle was over. He turned around to his mother to give her one final look, then turned to walk back to camp with Whisperingheart. Tagging lemonshortbread Sapphirejas
|
|
|
Post by tigersdoroar on Sept 18, 2024 18:27:49 GMT -5
Amberrise ⋆˙⟡ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________* Spots Flowerclan queens in the Rushingcreek with their kits while on patrol with Dawnshade and Seedpaw * Argues with Seedpaw about something trivialWell into a particularly foggy and humid leaf-fall day, Amberrise began to tire as he trotted along with Dawnshade and Seedpaw, checking the borders that fell between Yewclan and Flowerclan. "We should stop for a quick rest and some water," he meowed, motioning to the Rushing Creek. Without waiting for a response, he stepped forward and lowered his head, lapping up all the water that he needed to quench his thirst. He finished with a loud sigh, and looked around when he noticed that his clanmates had not joined him. Rather, they were looking down the creek at a different group of cats.
"Flowerclan!" Amberrise hissed, hackles raised. He narrowed his eyes and made out two queens, playfully splashing in the water with their kits. "They don't seem like a threat, but wow. We certainly have enough problems already, but now we have to deal with Flowerclan abusing the scent line? I mean how many cats are there over spalshing in the fog?"
Amberrise huffed as Seedpaw suggested seven. "It's clearly 9! But either way, that's too many cats! We should remind them where they belong!"
It was Dawnshade who talked the dark tortoiseshell down. Attacking would be silly, and logically, every Yewclan warrior needed to save their energy for the upcoming raid on the rogues. The raid that made Amberrise feel, uncertain. He wanted to take part and avenge his fallen clanmates, but he still wasn't sure his living clanmates trusted him or his kin. Could he defend cats that had turned on his mother? He pondered as the group walked back two camp.
* Is chosen to stay back and defend camp and the elders * Is worried he's made the wrong choice
Two days later, Amberrise was chosen to stay back and defend the camp and elders as the rest of his clanmates took on the rogues. As Dapplestar made the announcement, Amberrise fought the urge to argue. He wanted to fight with his clan and alongside his kin. He wanted to defend his mother and help her defeat the rogues that had been troubling her and the clan for so long. He wanted to run with Monarchlightning, match blows with Dawnshade, and support Whisperingheart. He glanced at his sister with worried eyes as she brushed her gray pelt along his. Would she be okay without him? Would they be okay without him?
The young tom glanced around camp at the others who would be staying behind. First, his eyes found the elders Scarletdrift and Spottedfur, and he let his piercing amber gaze linger on the gray tom who had verbally attacked his mother last moon. I should be out helping my siblings, not defending that fox-heart! Amberrise thought, tense. However, his gaze soon settled on Petaltree and softened. Petaltree was likely the one of his siblings he interacted with the least, and with a broken leg, she would need someone to protect her if the camp was thrown into battle. I can help my family from home. Petaltree needs me. I can be there for her. Hopbramble would want that, surely?
As the clan was called to leave, Amberrise returned Whisperingheart's tail squeeze with a quick lick to the forehead. "Good luck," he whispered. Jumping up, he kept pace with his siblings as they padded towards the camp entrance and called out quickly before they vanished, "Keep each other safe!" He avoided eye contact with Hopbramble, however. He knew she had wanted him to protect Petaltree in the past, but was conceding to guard duty the right choice in her eyes now? He hoped she wouldn't be to upset at him missing out in the fight.
Finally, he returned Hazelpelt's goodbye, and then padded over to Petaltree. They would wait the battle out together.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ooc: chocolatemilk7 (Dawnshade) dewbranch (Whisperingheart/Scarletdrift) Sand (Monarchlightning/Spottedfur) Feathertalon (Seedpaw) grimmreminder (Petaltree) lemonshortbread (Hopbramble) jaybun! (Hazelpelt)
|
|
|
Post by lemonshortbread on Sept 18, 2024 19:21:24 GMT -5
Hopbramble PlumClan Border | w/ Heavy, Whisperingheart Feathertalon dewbranch Lost apprentice on border patrol
An indescribable weight had been lifted from Hopbramble's shoulders since the death of Saffron. She was back to being probably the most dangerous thing in this forest besides a hungry badger maybe, and that's how she knew the world felt right. Being chased for moons, for seasons would take a toll on any cat. The fact that YewClan believed so highly in her and did not remove her from the clan but killed and sent her attackers far beyond the formerly treacherous northern border. She wanted to say it was business as usual, but this was her first time living in relative peace. The dark molly thanked whoever was looking out for her kits during the raid. Mistleheart and Shadepatch lost a kit each, and she couldn't imagine their grief for their babies. They were both very young cats; it shows what sort of cats made up Saffron's group, the kind that went for the weak and young, the easy prey.
The fact that she got to patrol with one of her kits now was a reminder of that luck, and she enjoyed Heavy's company more than most, so this would be a rather enjoyable border patrol. Were her kits getting to the age where they were considering a mate and having their own? What would a typical clan cat do? What a typical cat do? Her icy eyes glanced at the calico deputy who led the way before them, pushing the ferns and undergrowth aside in her wake. She seemed hardly phased by all of the foliage, "You know, you should consider clearing more routes like this, Heavy. Maybe Whisperingheart wouldn't get so lost." She let out a mischievous mrrow, flicking her tail on her daughter's nose.
As they neared the pond that separated YewClan and PlumClan, a foreign scent hit her pink nose. There a flash of fur between the reeds, a young cat padding along the water's edge. Their steps were hesitant, unsure - they were probably lost. Not a rogue, but an intruder nonetheless. Everyone else seemed to notice it too, but Hopbramble launched herself through the reeds toward the scent, hoping surprise would be on their side. She stood face to face with the culprit - a PlumClan apprentice. Her black tabby and cinnamon hackles rose, eyes narrowed accusingly, "I know your nose clearly doesn't work but I would have thought you could see the massive pond that divides our territories."
The apprentice's eyes grew wide, their legs starting to shake, "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to-
Hopbramble grew more furious, she growled, taking a step towards the intruder, "You're sorry? Tell that to your mother and your mentor when I shred you for your negligence. Were you hoping we'd take pity on you? If you don't even know your own territory you shouldn't be out here on your own!" Hopbramble could feel the way her patrol mates shifted that they might be uncomfortable with her language but she didn't care. She was saving this careless apprentice's life by teaching it a lesson it'd never forget. "I don't know what PlumClan teaches its apprentices, but YewClan doesn't tolerate stupid, bumbling apprentices."
Tears began to fill the apprentice's eyes with her scathing words, they opened their mouth as if to say something but words escaped them. They looked to Heavy and Whisperingheart, as if either of them would intervene.
Hopbramble hissed, growing impatient and looming over the new apprentice, "Look at you - crying already. Pathetic. Get out! Don't you get it? Leave! And if your mentor can't teach you where borders are I will."
That seemed to be enough for the PlumClan apprentice, tears spilled down their cheeks and with a wail, they ran off, around the other side of the pond and into their territory. Hopbramble's tail lashed in frustration - what were these mentors teaching these apprentices? That they could roam on their own and that they would be safe? They won't make that mistake again." Hopbramble muttered, her tail flicking as if in dismissal of the scene that just played out.
[OOC:]
|
|
|
Post by dewbranch on Sept 18, 2024 20:49:40 GMT -5
Whisperingheart Wants to get to know Hazelpelt better & Border Patrol || with Heavy, Hopbramble, Blazepaw (Plumclan) The battle was over. Yewclan had won. All of Whisperingheart's siblings were safe. She exhaled. No longer would Yewclan be plagued with the rogues coming in and killing her clanmates or forcing loners like Myrtlesprout to join them. That really backfired on them though, didn't it? Whisperingheart couldn't stop thinking about the battle and the cats that had saved her or the cats she had fought with, and that included Myrtlesprout and Hazelepelt.Myrthesprout had saved her from a rogue twice her size, a rogue she would not have been able to fight on her own, taking a bite to the side for her. The black and white she-cat was now confined to the medicine den, as well as a few other warriors who had gotten injuries from the battle. As for Hazelpelt, Whisperingheart had been with her toward the end of the battle, fighting off a large tom who Wrenpaw had later confirmed killed Icepaw. Now Whisperingheart was patrolling the border with Heavy and her mother, Hopbramble. Not the rogue border, the Plumclan border. Plumclan cats seemed loose, like they would totally be okay of one of their cats broke a minor rule of the warrior code. Whisperingheart wasn't sure what to think of their neighboring clan, she hadn't spent enough time with any one of their warriors to be sure. Laughing off Hopbramble's joke, Whisperingheart smiled. "It was only a few times, and it wasn't like I was gone for long!" It was nice they could joke now without looking over their shoulder, worried the rogues would be ready to kill them at any moment. That was the only scenario where Whisperingheart had lost some of her confidence, and she was not willing to do it again. Without believing in herself she became a mess of nerves, and that just wasn't Whisperingheart!Seeing a flash of yellow fur on their side of the border, Whisperingheart paused and glanced again, seeing the cat for sure this time. It was an apprentice, a Plumclan apprentice, on their side of the border. She vaguely remembered the apprentice from a few gatherings ago when Fawnstar had introduced eight new apprentices, mostly because he had tried to hide his big body behind one of his smaller littermates. "I know your nose clearly doesn't work but I would have thought you could see the massive pond that divides our territories." Hopbramble shot toward the apprentice, and the tom forze, fear shining in his eyes. "I'm s-s-sorry.. I-I didn't mean to cross the border..!" The Plumclan apprentice looked close to tears as Hopbramble absolutely destroyed him with her harsh words, and by the time she was done, he was crying.
The apprentice then turned and ran back across the border, tears streaming from his eyes. "Don't you think that was a little bit harsh?" Whisperingheart asked, turning towards Hopbramble. "We don't want to fight Plumclan, especially at a time like this." Whisperingheart mewed at Hopbramble, but she had a feeling that it would go right over her mothers head. Whatever. Hopbramble is Hopbramble, and maybe that's what I like about her. [[ Whisperingheart and Blazepaw are on opposite sides of the number line ]]
|
|
|
Post by jaybun! on Sept 18, 2024 22:58:06 GMT -5
HAZELPELT Processing with Lightpaw and Wrenpaw. - mourns Whorldusk - x
Hazelpelt took a breath, looking up at the canopy of leaves above. The sight of their yellowing edges was all the confirmation any cat needed to see leaf-fall proper was well under way. Crisp, cool air stung at her throat as she scented the area, feeling at ease within YewClan's territory in a way she hadn't felt in seasons. Peace, hard won at last.
The cinnamon tabby swallowed thickly, glancing over her shoulder to check on Lightpaw and Wrenpaw. The two apprentices had fought bravely, but she worried. If Hazelpelt was struggling to reconcile their losses, how could they? Whorldusk's ginger pelt flashed in her mind, her first apprentice, Bubblingheart's only remaining kin. Guilt clawed at her heart. If only I'd fought harder, if only I'd been closer. If, if, if.
She mentally batted away her thoughts, turning to properly face the two young mollies. Hazelpelt tucked her tail around her paws as she sat down, eyes trailing away to land on the Great Pond; only some tail-lengths away. She searched for the right words, a magic phrase to ease the apprentice's hearts. Who am I kidding? Hazelpelt thought bitterly, if only it were that easy.
"You both did so well," she began softly, her focus settling on Wrenpaw in particular, "but I know it'll never feel like it was enough." Hazelpelt thought of Brightleaf and the wolverine, of Coppersplash and the cold. Of how all these moons away, each fatal moment still felt fresh, raw. How it ate her up that she hadn't been able to anything then, too.
"No matter how we feel, those we lost wouldn't want us to suffer," Hazelpelt willed certainty into her voice, stamping down the taunting voice that festered at the back of her mind, "Whorldusk, Ravenwhistle... Icepaw. They would want us to honor their sacrifice by enjoying what they fought for. What we've earned." Her tail flicked out, motioning to the forest around them.
|
|