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Post by ρυяє on Sept 26, 2011 17:16:19 GMT -5
[Brackenstar]
A warm draft eased its way into his den through the opening on the rock. A few rays of sun were already beginning to caress the camp and reach the tips of his whiskers as he lied in his moss bed. Strands of brown and white fur surrounded him, adding to his nesting and looking quite out of place in contrast with the deep-green moss. He had finally begun shedding his fur. The heat had already been getting to him, specially since he already was a heavily-coated cat.
He got on his legs, yawned, and stretched, his frontal claws unsheathing as he did so and his back going a pleasurable pop! The leader sighed in relief as the small pain in his back eased, he had to remember not to sleep on his injured paw's side too much. It made his spine a bit stiff.
Blinking sleep out of deep amber eyes, Brackenstar padded out of his den, powerful white paws beating against the ground as he carried himself forward. His paw had been healing well, and only a small pink scar was visible were the fox had bitten him, but a small pain was still there. "It'll go away in a few more days.." He murmured to himself, disdainfully eying his own paw before moving his thoughts elsewhere.
His eyes immediately scanned the clan in front of him, looking for that particular she-cat's tell-tale impeccable white fur. Then he stopped himself. He was acting like a smitten young tom---not that he wasn't but, "I am a leader," He told himself, "and the clan comes first." Being with the cat he preferred above all else would have to wait, it was time to find his deputy and assign tasks. |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Sept 28, 2011 16:23:35 GMT -5
One moment, everything seemed to be gone. There was nothing but soothing darkness, with only a vague sense of self preserved somewhere in the back of the mind. Then a smell became apparent––the sweet scent of the reeds, the cool taste of the river. The she-cat sighed, and with that movement her senses came alive. Icepetal could feel the soft lines of her nest and the coarse fur of her brother rubbing against her spine as he rolled over in his sleep. She had often pointed out that their nests were too close, since he fidgeted so much, but Brambletail could be stubborn. Icepetal turned her head towards him as she opened her eyes, smiling as she took in the wisps of caramel coloring that were blended into his dark tabby fur. With an affectionate purr, the she-cat slipped out of her nest and made her way towards the entrance to the warrior's den. Upon emerging into the soft sunlight of the morning, the she-cat closed her eyes and took in the smells and sounds of her home. It was a habit that had been borne of paranoia. When she'd lived with her brother alone, fearing for her life most days, it had been a necessity. Here, in RiverClan's camp, it was more of a pleasure to her. Icepetal blinked open her eyes and scanned the clearing, her eyes resting on a certain tom as he stood outside his den. Brackenstar looked every inch a leader as he scanned the camp. There was something regal in his posture. Icepetal had once thought his confidence was intimidating, but now it made her admire him all the more. She was half tempted to approach him, but she knew that he had duties to perform. Maybe later, when the patrols have been organized. She promised herself, sighing a little forlornly. She would fall in love with the Clan leader. But at least he loved her back. Sneaking another glance at Brackenstar, Icepetal felt a happy smile steal over her lips against her will. She would have to get used to being in love, it seemed. But it was a nice sort of problem.
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Post by ρυяє on Oct 3, 2011 14:14:08 GMT -5
[Brackenstar]
He turned his back on Flutterlily, the deputy, and padded away, not before having given her his orders and wishing her a good morning. The day was coming to its feet rather quickly, the shadows receding a lot quicker than they did in winter. His morning task as a leader done, Brackenstar proceeded to make an arrangement with his apprentice to train later in the day, when the air was cooler and prey dared to venture out once more before returning to their dens for the night.
Flicking his tail over Sleetpaw's ear with the promise of having a good training session, the leader turned around to look for the white she-cat.
ooc: sorry for cheesy post, I'm lacking muse.
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Post by .:Lion:. on Oct 3, 2011 16:50:39 GMT -5
Icepetal wondered if Brackenstar would ever stop talking to Flutterlily. With a sigh, the white she-cat made her way towards the apprentice's den. She supposed it wasn't too early to wake Streampaw up and let her know that they would have battle training later. After she'd informed the sleepy-eyed apprentice of her plans, Icepetal made her way back into the clearing. There seemed to be lots of things to do, and yet not enough things. Perhaps Flutterlily would assign her to a patrol? I've never felt so uneasy having nothing to do before. Icepetal thought with a sigh. Noticing her brother emerging from the warrior's den, Icepetal padded towards him. He caught her eye and blinked at her with his dark amber eyes. She knew him well enough to see that he was curious.
"What's up, Icepetal?" He asked.
"I'm just feeling a bit restless today," she responded, casting a glance around camp to see where Brackenstar was, "Have you been assigned to any patrols yet?"
"I think I'm on sun-high patrol." Brambletail replied, "Why?"
"I'm trying to find something to do." Icepetal sighed.
"Well go talk to Flutterlily." Brambletail butted her shoulder with his head, and then gave her ear an affectionate lick before padding off to talk to one of his friends. Icepetal looked around for Brackenstar once more but was distracted when she caught sight of Flutterlily. Twitching her whiskers, the she-cat padded towards the deputy, hoping to find something to do.
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Post by ρυяє on Oct 3, 2011 21:00:12 GMT -5
[Brackenstar]
Where in StarClan's name was she? The camp wasn't even that big, and he still hadn't been able to spot her yet.
Brackenstar sighed, flexing his claws and creating small creases in the earth beneath his paws as he took another look around him. No, still no sign of his mate. He'd been wanting to see her since the moment he opened his eyes, but apparently something thought it funny to keep him on the edge. Sheathing his claws again, the leader turned to look at the sky. The sun was half-way to sun-high. He'd have to leave on the border patrol without seeing her then. Flicking his tail in something that seemed like annoyance, Brackenstar padded out of the camp behind some of his warriors.
He'd just have to see her later.
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Post by .:Lion:. on Oct 12, 2011 16:25:21 GMT -5
Flutterlily ended up assigning Icepetal to a hunting patrol. While the she-cat was glad of something to occupy her thoughts, she still found it difficult to concentrate on her duty. She wasn't used to thinking of one cat in particular all the time--except maybe her brother. Still, despite her distractions Icepetal managed to bring back a decent amount of prey. Padding into the camp just after sun-high, Icepetal made her way towards the fresh-kill pile. She enjoyed the sounds of the camp, with elders chatting as they bathed their fur in the sun and kits squealing as they play-fought outside the nursery. Icepetal enjoyed the comfortable, warm feeling of the Clan. It had always been lonely before. But she felt more empty than she had before she'd fallen in love with Brackenstar. She wanted to be with him. Icepetal sighed in frustration. Why was she sitting there mooning like a little apprentice? She had more important things to do. If she couldn't find Brackenstar she'd have to learn to occupy herself in other ways. Icepetal turned her head one last time towards her leader's den, wondering if they'd at least get to eat a meal together.
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Post by ρυяє on Nov 21, 2011 18:23:57 GMT -5
[Brackenstar]
A good time after sun-high, Brackenstar led his warriors back into RiverClan camp, the smell of WindClan sharp in his nose. They had found WindClan scent closer to his border than what he would have preferred, and he didn't even want to think about the tuft of WindClan-scented black hair caught in one of the stream's rocks. He'd have to have a talk with Northstar about this on the next gathering, meanwhile, he'd just have to keep an eye on those pesky WindClanners.
Letting bristled fur on his back smooth down, the leader went in search for a comfortable spot in which to lick off the vague odor the other clan's markings left on his coat as he renewed RiverClan's scent on the border. "Seriously.." He murmured, "What are they thinking? As if having our fish rot on the riverbanks wasn't enough.."
ooc: sorry for the delay, it's been hectic over here. |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Dec 14, 2011 20:05:49 GMT -5
Icepetal sighed, just about to resign herself to eating alone when she saw her mate return to camp. She felt as if her skin were on fire, and for a moment all she could do was sit and stare at him. Her stomach clenched nervously and she felt as if little needles were pricking at her paws. Will it always be like this when I see him? She wondered. But it wasn't really a bad thing. Icepetal moved towards him, her heart fluttering in her chest. As he settled down in a shaded spot she approached him nervously, looking for any signs that he would maybe want to share a meal with her. He could have already eaten... he'd been on border patrol, so that was fine as far as the code was concerned. Maybe she should just wait. He was probably tired, after all. Icepetal's paws felt heavy, as if they were trying to keep her back. But I've been waiting all day! She wailed inwardly. Why is this so hard? Frustrated, she finally worked up her courage and walked over to her mate, smiling so as to mask her nervousness.
"Hi, Brackenstar," she said, her voice a little too high-pitched.
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 7, 2012 16:20:07 GMT -5
The tom turned his head from his grooming as he heard the awkwardly high voice of Icepetal. His whiskers twitched in pleasure when he saw her as he stood up momentarily to give her a welcoming lick to her cheek. "Hello, Icepetal." He said softly, sitting back down. He had been feeling a bit on the edge since he hadn't seen her all day, but now that she was in front of him the ache in the pit of his stomach eased, opening way to a deep feeling of hunger. He hadn't eaten all morning, wanting to share his first meal of the day with her.
"Have you eaten yet?" He asked, his stomach curling upon itself in protest even as he mentioned it. |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 8, 2012 0:01:01 GMT -5
Icepetal felt a rush of warmth spread through her at her mate's touch. A tender smile stretched across her face. She felt all of her nervousness melt away, replaced by love and comfort. Hearing his voice made her feel even more secure beside him, more so than she could ever have thought possible.
"No, not yet." She mewed, glad that she had waited. She wanted nothing more than to spend time with her mate.
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 8, 2012 15:35:47 GMT -5
Moons ago he'd have kept this beautiful she-cat and her brother under the close scrutiny of his eye, always vigilant for some hint of threat toward his clan. Now, the mere thought that she could be capable of such things seemed absolutely ridiculous to him, warmth spreading through every inch of his body as he saw her smile.
He could feel an answering smile spread across his own maw. Standing up again, the leader purred, "Stay here, then. I'll bring us something to eat from the pile." Turning away from her, Brackenstar padded toward the fresh-kill pile near the center of the camp. He out a healthy-looking silvery trout, large enough to share with his mate and satisfy their hunger. At least new-leaf was being kind that day.
Picking up the fish by its tail, Brackenstar padded back to the quiet spot beneath the shade of a willow tree where he had left Icepetal. He deposited their meal in front of her, sitting down at her side, his brown tabby coat brushing against hers. "I thought we could share this." |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 13, 2012 11:50:50 GMT -5
Icepetal watched her mate cross the clearing to the fresh-kill pile, feeling anxious when he wasn't by her side. As soon as he returned Icepetal gave him a grateful smile as she looked at the plump fish.
"It looks delicious," she meowed with a loud purr. Icepetal felt warm from ear to tail tip, and she was almost surprised at how comfortable the feeling was. She would have thought these feelings would be new and strange at first, but even after such a short period of time being with her mate made her feel perfectly happy and... just right. Icepetal curled up beside the fish, almost feeling sheepish at being so happy over this small thing.
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 15, 2012 20:10:20 GMT -5
The leader nuzzled his mate's snow white neck, relishing in her scent that filled his senses. "I love you.." He murmured into her fur before lying down next to her and dipping his head to take the first bite out of the fish. After just a chew, Brackenstar spat it right out.
He stood up abruptly. It had a healthy look, it smelled fresh and clean, then why? He couldn't get rid of the strange taste in his mouth, his pink tongue lapping out at the air. It was worse then mouse-bile. His amber eyes grew dark as he looked down at the tainted fish, scanning it for signs of of anything that could have caused that awful taste. Taking a closer look, he could see ever so tiny black spots in the white meat that bordered the silver skin, some larger than others.
This was something that his medicine cat should see. "Don't touch this, Icepetal." He ordered, his voice void of its previous tenderness. |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 15, 2012 20:24:46 GMT -5
Icepetal purred happily when her mate said that he loved her. The words made her too happy to speak, so she just sat and watched him, feeling as though she were a silly kit seeing something outside the den for the first time. She could just stare at him for the rest of the day and feel totally contented. When he spat the fish out she started and glanced down at it, trying to figure out what the problem was. She didn't notice the black specks for quite some time and by the time she realized it Brackenstar had stood up and was telling her not to touch it.
"What's going on?" She asked, confused. "What's wrong with the fish?"
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 17, 2012 20:55:56 GMT -5
He couldn't get that awful taste out of his mouth, pawing at his muzzle in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. "It's tainted," he mewed under his broad white paw. "It smelled and looked fine when I picked it out. I don't know what's going on." His whiskers twitched and his nose itched, he'd have to ask Flameheart to take a closer look at the fish. His eyes scanned the clearing, it was sun-high therefore... "No one touch the fresh-kill pile!" Brackenstar announced, a tone of fright in his voice.
Images of what could happen if one of the cats from his clan actually consumed an infected prey raced through his mind. His clan could be wiped out if they weren't careful, they didn't know what this was, or where it came from. Was it even harmful? The taste was enough to make him want to spit it out, it couldn't be edible. Still, the clan couldn't go without eating forever. Measures would have to be taken, but, what?
ooc: I thought we might as well get the plot going and still build into the relationship. It was feeling a bit... repetitive? |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 17, 2012 23:48:08 GMT -5
OOC: Pfft yeah I feel ya. Good plan, good plan.
Icepetal jumped to her paws, her fur puffed up. Tainted fish? Is this why cats have been getting sick? She wondered. If their food was infected, what were they supposed to do? Panic was bubbling in Icepetal's stomach, and she looked around to see the worry in her Clanmates' expressions, too.
"What's going on?" A young apprentice asked.
"What's wrong with the fresh-kill pile?" Cats were gathering into small packs, murmuring and looking closely at Brackenstar. Icepetal looked around and then back at her mate, feeling helpless. She had no idea what was even happening anymore.
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Post by flameh on Feb 18, 2012 12:56:53 GMT -5
Flameheart heard the commotion from the clearing and decided to check it out. Placing the herbs she was sorting off to the side, the ginger she-cat slipped into the clearing. She made her way through the gathering crowd, to where her leader and Icepetal were.
"What's wrong Brackenstart?" she asked curiously.
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 18, 2012 13:04:16 GMT -5
Brackenstar saw the clan begin to gather around and Flameheart come out from her den. He felt uneasy, but he didn't let it show as he spoke. "No one is to touch the fresh-kill pile." He mewed, his voice carrying through the clearing. "The prey may look fresh, even healthy, but appearances aren't to be trusted. The prey may be infected, tainted under the skin, lined with blackened meat." Amber eyes looked over his clan, resting specially on the younger cats that could be affected the most. "Therefore, until we find out how to deal with this, no one is to eat. I'll make sure to come to a solution quickly." |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 18, 2012 13:33:36 GMT -5
Icepetal padded forward to join her mate. She felt nervous standing beside him, but she wanted to support Brackenstar in this crisis. She glanced at the fish and frowned.
"Is it just the fish, Brackenstar?" She asked quietly, "Or is all prey tainted?"
--
Ottertail padded into camp with a trout held tightly in his jaws. The first thing he noticed was the mass of cats chattering nervously. Then he saw Flameheart and gravitated towards her naturally. But when he heard Brackenstar call out something about the fresh kill the fish dropped from his jaws and he stared blankly, wondering what in the name of StarClan was happening.
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Post by flameh on Feb 18, 2012 13:55:07 GMT -5
"Is this what's making the cats sick?" She asked in a hushed tone after her leader was done speaking.
The she-cat caught sight of her mate as he entered the clearing and wanted desperately to go explain what was going on.
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 18, 2012 14:31:44 GMT -5
He saw the cats start murmuring nervously among themselves, feeling on the spot for the first time in many moons. He saw his mate approach him, and briefly relaxed a little. Her words however, had another effect on him. Was it only the fish? The river was their main source of food, but there were still a few other places where land prey could be found. Nevertheless, if they stuck to those areas exclusively, then they wouldn't be able to feed the whole clan.
"I don't know." He said, answering both she-cats, a knot clenching in his stomach as the words left his mouth. |
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 18, 2012 14:36:38 GMT -5
Icepetal frowned slightly, feeling her mate's distress. She noticed an apprentice nearby who was watching with narrowed eyes. The apprentice turned towards the pile and then back to Brackenstar.
"So the fish are bad. Should we check the forest prey, too?"
"How do you plan to do that?" The cat beside her asked. The ginger apprentice snorted.
"I'll eat a mouse or something."
"What if you get sick?" The other cat, her sister as Icepetal recalled, hissed.
"Then big deal," the other apprentice snapped, "We need to be able to eat something."
----
Ottertail dug his claws into the earth, his mind spinning. What were they going to do? If their food supply was poisoned... A shiver ran up his spine and he looked at Brackenstar and Flameheart to see what they were thinking.
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Post by flameh on Feb 19, 2012 12:31:04 GMT -5
Flameheart sighed. She had no idea how to handle the sickness that was spreading through the clan, no herbs seemed to be working. The young she-cat closed her eyes for a moment, trying to think.
She turned her gaze to Brackenstar. "We have to investigate all the prey before we eat it" she mewed quietly "And try and find the source of the problem."
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Post by ρυяє on Feb 19, 2012 13:26:50 GMT -5
Brackenstar nodded at his medicine cat's words. Prey could be inspected, for sure, but what if the majority of it was infected? The latter was bigger of a problem, though. They didn't know what they were up against, were it was coming from, or how to stop it. Something was gnawing at him from the inside, did StarClan know about this?
He sighed inwardly, trying to subdue the worry bubbling in his chest. He fought to keep a calm demeanor in front of his clan, he'd find a solution to this, one step at a time.
He turned to look at Flameheart, shoulders squared as they always were when he was giving out orders. "Flameheart, take your apprentice and a warrior and look for herbs that might help control the illness. List the illness' symptoms to them, bring as many as you can. If you need another warrior, tell me." He mewed in one breath, then turned to look over the cats gathered around. Amber eyes scanned the camp, where was Flutterlily? Probably still in one of the patrols; he'd just have to do without her for now.
Brackenstar turned to look at his mate, eyes completely serious and his visage set as stone. "Icepetal, you and two other warriors pick out the healthy prey from the tainted. Slash each open and check for the blackened meat. Make sure not to consume any of it, at most, sniff it if you absolutely have to."
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Post by .:Lion:. on Feb 19, 2012 13:53:49 GMT -5
Icepetal dipped her head to her mate. She was a little surprised to be designated as the leader of anything, even if she was just sniffing out prey. Wasting no time, she gestured to her brother and another warrior to come help her with the fresh-kill pile. The apprentice from before stood watching, her whiskers twitching slightly. Icepetal wondered why she seemed so interested in all of this. With a sigh, Icepetal began separating the prey into categories--fish, woodland prey, birds. Then she passed them to her brother and the other warrior. Her heart seemed to sink into her stomach. What will we do if it's all tainted?
----
Brambletail followed his sister to the fresh-kill pile. He began slitting the flesh of a trout just below its gills, and skillfully worked to remove the scales from its flesh. He was grieved to find that this fish's meat was tinted with black, too. Setting the rotten prey aside, he went on to the next one, not feeling much hope for there to be anything to eat in this pile of poisoned prey.
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