Calia's Garden [Private]

[AbsurdJinx]

http://www.downthemeadow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Wildlife-Trusts-Lush-Garden-530x351.jpgThe garden surrounding a twoleg cabin is where Calia makes her home.

Her nest lies beneath a small wooden bridge in the cabin's garden, beside a pool of water.

[lone]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Obsidian padded cautiously up tot he housethe house. No twolegs were there currently, and for the moment being, he couldn't spot any other cats. The nest didn't look deserted...it looked rather well kept, pretty, friendly. He couldn't understand why a pretty twoleg nest like this would appear to be so...deserted. Carefully he continued onwards towards the door, his ears pinned backwards against his skull as he did so. Caution was one thing that Obsidian practiced regularly- he was living in fear of getting caught by a twoleg. A life like that was only a half-life, in his opinion. Maybe not even a life at all.

Although he knew there were cats who would disagree with his views, at the moment, Obsidian couldn't have cared less. His tail twitched back and forth as his hues swept the area, thoughts going through his head quickly. No sign of twolegs- good. The house looks nice- not sure. Deserted- maybe. Comfortable- definitely. Wonder if I can get in...no, if there are twolegs here somewhere, they might trap me. And what if they've got a dog- not for me, no thanks. That sunny spot looks nice. No sign of anyone over there. He thought, glancing cautiously from side to side before settling down. He had been a kittypet before- although he had carefully slipped away, and his twolegs were never the wiser.

They'll probably just get another cat. Stupid twolegs- they never cared about me anyways. He thought with a furious lash of his tail. He wasn't quite sure where to go from here. He was worried that if he became a loner, he wouldn't quite know how to look after himself...the twolegs had 'rescued' him off the streets, in their words, and ever since then he had been spoiled rotten. What if he didn't know how to avoid twolegs? Or predators? The only practice hunting he had gotten had been fat mice in a tiny area, not out in the wilds where they were larger, not to mention smarter and meaner. How could a little critter like that have such a powerful bite?

Obsidian settled down a little more, relaxing. The peaceful birdsong in the garden seemed to calm him more, making him feel more at home and rested. His hues half closed lazily as he let down his guard. No one would hurt him here. No other 'more important, special' cat to take attention away from him. No twolegs telling him to get out because his 'adopted brother' needed to get ready for showtime. No cats rejecting him just because he wasn't purebred. No, all of that was in the past now. Now he was safe. He would never let anyone get close to him again. He would never let himself be broken as he had before again. Everything was going just fine...

[AbsurdJinx]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Obsidian padded cautiously up tot he housethe house. No twolegs were there currently, and for the moment being, he couldn't spot any other cats. The nest didn't look deserted...it looked rather well kept, pretty, friendly. He couldn't understand why a pretty twoleg nest like this would appear to be so...deserted. Carefully he continued onwards towards the door, his ears pinned backwards against his skull as he did so. Caution was one thing that Obsidian practiced regularly- he was living in fear of getting caught by a twoleg. A life like that was only a half-life, in his opinion. Maybe not even a life at all.

Although he knew there were cats who would disagree with his views, at the moment, Obsidian couldn't have cared less. His tail twitched back and forth as his hues swept the area, thoughts going through his head quickly. No sign of twolegs- good. The house looks nice- not sure. Deserted- maybe. Comfortable- definitely. Wonder if I can get in...no, if there are twolegs here somewhere, they might trap me. And what if they've got a dog- not for me, no thanks. That sunny spot looks nice. No sign of anyone over there. He thought, glancing cautiously from side to side before settling down. He had been a kittypet before- although he had carefully slipped away, and his twolegs were never the wiser.

They'll probably just get another cat. Stupid twolegs- they never cared about me anyways. He thought with a furious lash of his tail. He wasn't quite sure where to go from here. He was worried that if he became a loner, he wouldn't quite know how to look after himself...the twolegs had 'rescued' him off the streets, in their words, and ever since then he had been spoiled rotten. What if he didn't know how to avoid twolegs? Or predators? The only practice hunting he had gotten had been fat mice in a tiny area, not out in the wilds where they were larger, not to mention smarter and meaner. How could a little critter like that have such a powerful bite?

Obsidian settled down a little more, relaxing. The peaceful birdsong in the garden seemed to calm him more, making him feel more at home and rested. His hues half closed lazily as he let down his guard. No one would hurt him here. No other 'more important, special' cat to take attention away from him. No twolegs telling him to get out because his 'adopted brother' needed to get ready for showtime. No cats rejecting him just because he wasn't purebred. No, all of that was in the past now. Now he was safe. He would never let anyone get close to him again. He would never let himself be broken as he had before again. Everything was going just fine...

Calia's ears grew erect and her whiskers twitched with interest at the sight of a stranger. She was currently fixing up her bed, a nest created with the plants in the garden. It had been challenging to tear a few of the plants from the ground, and her teeth ached from tugging at the stalks. Calia stood tall, but was hidden by the thick undergrowth. She made her home beneath the small bridge by the twoleg den, her belongings hiding behind tall plants and beneath the wooden planks. She'd been living here since the ShadowClan patrol left her - a few moons, perhaps?

Deciding to investigate, she pawed a few of the messy grasses back into place before making herself known. She trotted out from beneath the bridge, squeezing through the stiff plants to freedom. Her curious gaze rested on that of a dark-pelted tomcat, his fur shining in the sunlight. He appeared to of been resting - was he a traveler? I can't handle another traveler - not another. Despite the agonizing thought, she trotted closer to him, making certain her paw steps were heavy as to alert him of her arrival. Her medium-length, thick, ginger tabby pelt slightly bounced up and down with every exaggerated step. Her tail swung behind her cheerfully, and her vibrant blue eyes held a spark of interest. She wore a large smile, clearly doing her best not to frighten him.

``Hey, stranger,`` Calia meowed softly, stopping a tail-length or so before the tomcat. ``I'm Calia. Are you lost?`` She tilted her head to the right a bit as she questioned him, offering an innocent, kit-like impression. She was your stereotypical mother - except, without the kittens. She would be friendly, soft-spoken, the most kind cat ever known. But when either she or her loved ones were messed with - oh boy, best not be 'round for that. At the moment, though, she had no reason to bring out `mama bear`.

In Calia' past, she resided in a garden - much thicker than the one she lived in currently, and not cared for as well. Traveling cats would stay with her for their chosen amount of time, and she didn't mind. She was known among travelers for homing them. They'd share stories of their travels with her as she tended to their wounds or shared a meal with them. They'd tell her of the four Clans by the ocean, and how they worked. Until, one day, she actually met clan cats. She had been hunting, and when she returned to the garden with a mouse clenched between her jaws she was faced with an entire patrol of them. Injured ShadowClan cats were cleaning their wounds and talking when Calia appeared. She told them she could tend to their injuries, and they let her. She learned they had been exiled by their evil clanmates, but they did plan to return and clean their home of such filth. Calia became friends with them, but moons after appearing, they left for their home. This truly destroyed her as she had grown close to them. She could no longer reside in the garden that haunted her with thoughts of the Clan cats. So, she left, and ended up here.

[lone]

Calia's ears grew erect and her whiskers twitched with interest at the sight of a stranger. She was currently fixing up her bed, a nest created with the plants in the garden. It had been challenging to tear a few of the plants from the ground, and her teeth ached from tugging at the stalks. Calia stood tall, but was hidden by the thick undergrowth. She made her home beneath the small bridge by the twoleg den, her belongings hiding behind tall plants and beneath the wooden planks. She'd been living here since the ShadowClan patrol left her - a few moons, perhaps?


Deciding to investigate, she pawed a few of the messy grasses back into place before making herself known. She trotted out from beneath the bridge, squeezing through the stiff plants to freedom. Her curious gaze rested on that of a dark-pelted tomcat, his fur shining in the sunlight. He appeared to of been resting - was he a traveler? I can't handle another traveler - not another. Despite the agonizing thought, she trotted closer to him, making certain her paw steps were heavy as to alert him of her arrival. Her medium-length, thick, ginger tabby pelt slightly bounced up and down with every exaggerated step. Her tail swung behind her cheerfully, and her vibrant blue eyes held a spark of interest. She wore a large smile, clearly doing her best not to frighten him.

``Hey, stranger,`` Calia meowed softly, stopping a tail-length or so before the tomcat. ``I'm Calia. Are you lost?`` She tilted her head to the right a bit as she questioned him, offering an innocent, kit-like impression. She was your stereotypical mother - except, without the kittens. She would be friendly, soft-spoken, the most kind cat ever known. But when either she or her loved ones were messed with - oh boy, best not be 'round for that. At the moment, though, she had no reason to bring out `mama bear`.

In Calia' past, she resided in a garden - much thicker than the one she lived in currently, and not cared for as well. Traveling cats would stay with her for their chosen amount of time, and she didn't mind. She was known among travelers for homing them. They'd share stories of their travels with her as she tended to their wounds or shared a meal with them. They'd tell her of the four Clans by the ocean, and how they worked. Until, one day, she actually met clan cats. She had been hunting, and when she returned to the garden with a mouse clenched between her jaws she was faced with an entire patrol of them. Injured ShadowClan cats were cleaning their wounds and talking when Calia appeared. She told them she could tend to their injuries, and they let her. She learned they had been exiled by their evil clanmates, but they did plan to return and clean their home of such filth. Calia became friends with them, but moons after appearing, they left for their home. This truly destroyed her as she had grown close to them. She could no longer reside in the garden that haunted her with thoughts of the Clan cats. So, she left, and ended up here.

Obsidian's ears tilted backwards and pinned themselves against his head. He leapt to his paws, hues now wide open, facing the she cat before him. She looked harmless enough. Hm. Small build, soft voice, definitely not a fighter...nicely groomed though, interesting. Doesn't have the scent of a kittypet. He thought, examining her for a moment with a nervous expression. "No, I'm not lost. What do you want?" He asked, his voice a dangerous growl. He backed away from her a little, careful not to break eye contact. He had learned not all cats could be trusted, and if he broke eye contact with this one...there was no telling what she might do. She could be a dangerous maniac. Or she could be a perfectly nice cat, he thought, though he tried to push the thought out of his head. Of course she wasn't a perfectly nice cat. She could be dangerous! What did she want from him? What was she looking for? Was she trying to distract him? He looked her over again, his hues wide with alarm as he did so.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not, and he never did...this she cat frightened him. She was too calm. Too quiet. Too...friendly. She must want something from him. Whatever it is, I won't give it to her! He thought with another snarl, his ivory fangs flashing in the sunlight. Slowly he unsheathed his claws, flexing them, allowing the sun to light them up, just silently trying to let her know that he had the power to hurt her if he wished to do so. The problem was, Obsidian wasn't a killer. He was a great fighter, but he was a defensive fighter. He hated attacking for no reason, and he hated cats who would do so. He was going to fight her verbally first, but not too much to allow his strength to give out.

Stupid, stupid cat. You let your guard down! How idiotic can you be! He thought, a snarl building up in his throat, although he swallowed it quickly. Not until he found out the intentions of this strange cat would he allow himself to be hostile towards her. The black furred tom could feel himself growing more and more frustrated with himself. Why was she standing so far away? Was she trying to freak him out? And why was she looking at him? What did she want? He couldn't figure out the answer to any of these questions by looking at her. She looked so innocent...and yet Obsidian had learned the hard way that the most innocent cats were the ones who seemed to be the most dangerous. That was just the way of the world, whether he understood it or not. At least, that was how it worked in his mind. Then again he had been through so much that it was only natural he would think that way. He glared at her, his hues narrowed as he tried to figure out what she was doing.

"Don't come any closer. I don't want to hurt you, but I will," He hissed. Although the she cat didn't look like she was going anywhere close to him, he definitely didn't want to take a chance. Better safe then sorry. Better cautious then not. In his opinion. He never, ever wanted to let his guard down again. Look what happened! I let my guard down, she could have hurt me, stupid, stupid Obsidian! He berated himself again, all the time keeping his hues fixed on the she cat with an almost defiant gleam in them. It was as though he were saying 'what are you going to do?' He didn't want to get into a fight. Especially not with a she cat. She didn't look defensive, or aggressive...but neither had the show cats. Those show cats had been vicious, unforgivable, cold cats. Cats that Obsidian wanted nothing to do with. Still, she didn't look much like a show cat. She didn't have the right coloring for a champion, nor the right stance, and she didn't have a snooty, stuck up voice...maybe she wasn't going to try and hurt him. Relaxing just the slightest bit, Obsidian resheathed his claws, his own words playing back in his head. I don't want to hurt you.

But if you hurt me, either physically or emotionally...you give me no choice. I 'm not going to be hurt again. He thought, keeping his hues fixed on her as though he was trying to convey his silent message through just staring.

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian's ears tilted backwards and pinned themselves against his head. He leapt to his paws, hues now wide open, facing the she cat before him. She looked harmless enough. Hm. Small build, soft voice, definitely not a fighter...nicely groomed though, interesting. Doesn't have the scent of a kittypet. He thought, examining her for a moment with a nervous expression. "No, I'm not lost. What do you want?" He asked, his voice a dangerous growl. He backed away from her a little, careful not to break eye contact. He had learned not all cats could be trusted, and if he broke eye contact with this one...there was no telling what she might do. She could be a dangerous maniac. Or she could be a perfectly nice cat, he thought, though he tried to push the thought out of his head. Of course she wasn't a perfectly nice cat. She could be dangerous! What did she want from him? What was she looking for? Was she trying to distract him? He looked her over again, his hues wide with alarm as he did so.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not, and he never did...this she cat frightened him. She was too calm. Too quiet. Too...friendly. She must want something from him. Whatever it is, I won't give it to her! He thought with another snarl, his ivory fangs flashing in the sunlight. Slowly he unsheathed his claws, flexing them, allowing the sun to light them up, just silently trying to let her know that he had the power to hurt her if he wished to do so. The problem was, Obsidian wasn't a killer. He was a great fighter, but he was a defensive fighter. He hated attacking for no reason, and he hated cats who would do so. He was going to fight her verbally first, but not too much to allow his strength to give out.

Stupid, stupid cat. You let your guard down! How idiotic can you be! He thought, a snarl building up in his throat, although he swallowed it quickly. Not until he found out the intentions of this strange cat would he allow himself to be hostile towards her. The black furred tom could feel himself growing more and more frustrated with himself. Why was she standing so far away? Was she trying to freak him out? And why was she looking at him? What did she want? He couldn't figure out the answer to any of these questions by looking at her. She looked so innocent...and yet Obsidian had learned the hard way that the most innocent cats were the ones who seemed to be the most dangerous. That was just the way of the world, whether he understood it or not. At least, that was how it worked in his mind. Then again he had been through so much that it was only natural he would think that way. He glared at her, his hues narrowed as he tried to figure out what she was doing.

"Don't come any closer. I don't want to hurt you, but I will," He hissed. Although the she cat didn't look like she was going anywhere close to him, he definitely didn't want to take a chance. Better safe then sorry. Better cautious then not. In his opinion. He never, ever wanted to let his guard down again. Look what happened! I let my guard down, she could have hurt me, stupid, stupid Obsidian! He berated himself again, all the time keeping his hues fixed on the she cat with an almost defiant gleam in them. It was as though he were saying 'what are you going to do?' He didn't want to get into a fight. Especially not with a she cat. She didn't look defensive, or aggressive...but neither had the show cats. Those show cats had been vicious, unforgivable, cold cats. Cats that Obsidian wanted nothing to do with. Still, she didn't look much like a show cat. She didn't have the right coloring for a champion, nor the right stance, and she didn't have a snooty, stuck up voice...maybe she wasn't going to try and hurt him. Relaxing just the slightest bit, Obsidian resheathed his claws, his own words playing back in his head. I don't want to hurt you.

But if you hurt me, either physically or emotionally...you give me no choice. I 'm not going to be hurt again. He thought, keeping his hues fixed on her as though he was trying to convey his silent message through just staring.

Calia was surprised with his harsh tone, and her eyes gleamed brightly in the sunlight with her current emotion. She knew the poor tomcat was frightened - he gave away his anxiety in both his expression and actions. She was aware that he had been through a lot, possible more than any cat is capable of. Although she didn't exactly know what brought him to act the way he was, she knew it must not of been pretty. At the moment, she was convinced he would not harm her. He seemed harmless - only scared he was. She has experience with scared cats, some so scared they resorted to uncoordinated fighting before running off.

With a yelp of fright, the ginger she-cat jumped backwards. Her fur rose, and her tail fluffed out. Her ears were folded back and her eyes widened, displayed fright. Calia stared at the defensive tom, taken aback. He'd unsheathed his claws on her! How rude! was what crossed her mind. It looked as if he were to talk again, and when he did, she was in shock of his words. Quickly, her gaze hardened and her fur flattened. She lashed her tail, and opened her mouth to speak. ``Hey, no! I will not allow you to be so disrespectful! This is my home you are in, okay? Hasn't your mother taught you manners?`` Her tone was stern, most definitely not anything threatening. Instead, it resembled that of a mother scolding her kit.

Softening, Calia stepped back and gathered herself. She shook out her pelt, and kindness once again flooded her blue eyes. ``Now, would you like something to eat? I managed to store a few scrawny mice by the hou- er, twoleg nest. The weather's going easy on us this leaf-bare. The snow isn't bad, and the prey isn't as scarce as I had feared.`` Calia used one of her many techniques on the tomcat - distraction. She had swiftly recovered from his powerful looks, and she learned to ignore his rude nature. She wasn't interested in hurting him whether it be physically or emotionally. However, getting hurt can happen on accident - something she learned at a young age. Her intentions were not to harm him, and if she did, it would be accidental.

She refrained from asking his name, knowledgeable that having a complete stranger knowing of your name can be stressful. She herself was completely comfortable with freely giving out her signature - she had nothing to hide, but it seemed as if the tom before her did. Calia flicked her tail to the left, hinting that she would now pass by him to reach the place beside the house where she could dig up the prey. With hesitant steps, the long-haired molly began her trail by him. She was in a submissive posture, her belly fur brushing against the ground and her tail motionless at her side. She avoided his gaze, knowing that eye-contact can be nerve-racking for most.

[lone]

Calia was surprised with his harsh tone, and her eyes gleamed brightly in the sunlight with her current emotion. She knew the poor tomcat was frightened - he gave away his anxiety in both his expression and actions. She was aware that he had been through a lot, possible more than any cat is capable of. Although she didn't exactly know what brought him to act the way he was, she knew it must not of been pretty. At the moment, she was convinced he would not harm her. He seemed harmless - only scared he was. She has experience with scared cats, some so scared they resorted to uncoordinated fighting before running off.

With a yelp of fright, the ginger she-cat jumped backwards. Her fur rose, and her tail fluffed out. Her ears were folded back and her eyes widened, displayed fright. Calia stared at the defensive tom, taken aback. He'd unsheathed his claws on her! How rude! was what crossed her mind. It looked as if he were to talk again, and when he did, she was in shock of his words. Quickly, her gaze hardened and her fur flattened. She lashed her tail, and opened her mouth to speak. ``Hey, no! I will not allow you to be so disrespectful! This is my home you are in, okay? Hasn't your mother taught you manners?`` Her tone was stern, most definitely not anything threatening. Instead, it resembled that of a mother scolding her kit.

Softening, Calia stepped back and gathered herself. She shook out her pelt, and kindness once again flooded her blue eyes. ``Now, would you like something to eat? I managed to store a few scrawny mice by the hou- er, twoleg nest. The weather's going easy on us this leaf-bare. The snow isn't bad, and the prey isn't as scarce as I had feared.`` Calia used one of her many techniques on the tomcat - distraction. She had swiftly recovered from his powerful looks, and she learned to ignore his rude nature. She wasn't interested in hurting him whether it be physically or emotionally. However, getting hurt can happen on accident - something she learned at a young age. Her intentions were not to harm him, and if she did, it would be accidental.

She refrained from asking his name, knowledgeable that having a complete stranger knowing of your name can be stressful. She herself was completely comfortable with freely giving out her signature - she had nothing to hide, but it seemed as if the tom before her did. Calia flicked her tail to the left, hinting that she would now pass by him to reach the place beside the house where she could dig up the prey. With hesitant steps, the long-haired molly began her trail by him. She was in a submissive posture, her belly fur brushing against the ground and her tail motionless at her side. She avoided his gaze, knowing that eye-contact can be nerve-racking for most.


Obsidian's hues showed pleasure and pride at her fright. Although there was the slightest bit of regret as though he were realizing she probably hadn't expected to be snarled at when she got up that morning, it was well hidden by his pleased expression. This faded to anger and then shock when she came back on the defense, and it was his turn to step backwards- at least, further then he already had. For a moment he looked unsure of his to respond to an attack...it was pretty obvious he hadn't actually fought with a she cat before. But from his stance, his ears pinned back against his head, and the overall stance showed that he had been verbally abused plenty. She wasn't really being hard on him... No, she sounded more like- a mother? Did she have kits somewhere? Was that why she was suddenly going on the defensive, so he wouldn't hurt her kits? Obsidian looked a little shamed for a moment before he took a few steps towards her. "Look. I've been attacked, both physically and verbally. I've been scolded. I've been pushed around. I've been scared, alone, and anxious. I've had to worry about whether or not I'm going to be kicked out the next morning because I messed up. Have you ever had any of those problems? From where I'm standing, it seems like you have it pretty good here." The tom answered.

His voice was calm...he knew it must be hard to take care of a family if she was on her own, but surely no one would just leave her out here. She seemed decent enough, but...there was no way Obsidian would let his guard down. He stayed tense, nervous, his ears flicking backwards and betraying his discomfort along with his rapidly twitching tail. At her next words, Obsidian cocked his head to the side. What was she trying to do? What had happened to the defense that he had seen a moment ago? He had no idea. He was a little scared now, realizing that she might be more dangerous then he had previously thought. The fact that she could just...change her approach like that made him more uncertain.

Pretty much everything made the tom uncertain. He was worried that if he were to allow her to get through to him, or to be friendly with him, things could go very wrong very quickly. Why couldn't she have approached him hostily? It would have been so much easier for him to ignore the fact that she was a she cat and just attack if she wasn't so...feminine. His ears flattened themselves against his head and he scowled a little before sighing. "Alright. I guess that would be fine." He mewed, glancing around as though he expected cats to jump out at him from all angles. He needed to calm down and yet, he had the uneasy feeling that he normally had.

He watched her go, his tail twitching back and forth for a moment. Go ahead and tell her who you are, his mind urged and he wished that it had a form so he could see it to snarl at it. I don't even know this cat, he argued back, his tail twitching more violently now. She's giving you food. She hasn't attacked you. She seems pretty nice. His mind told him, and he felt almost sick as he glanced after her. He knew he couldn't go and make a friend. He knew he couldn't get too attached to her. He was going to be a wanderer, he was going to explore the world, see things he had never seen before. He was going to explore. He was going to do things that most cats never did. And yet sitting there, in the sunny spot, was one of the nicest times he had had in a long time. He didn't want to hurt her. He never wanted to hurt anyone- he knew it would never lead to something good for them or him.

And yet- was he going to be able to help it?

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian's hues showed pleasure and pride at her fright. Although there was the slightest bit of regret as though he were realizing she probably hadn't expected to be snarled at when she got up that morning, it was well hidden by his pleased expression. This faded to anger and then shock when she came back on the defense, and it was his turn to step backwards- at least, further then he already had. For a moment he looked unsure of his to respond to an attack...it was pretty obvious he hadn't actually fought with a she cat before. But from his stance, his ears pinned back against his head, and the overall stance showed that he had been verbally abused plenty. She wasn't really being hard on him... No, she sounded more like- a mother? Did she have kits somewhere? Was that why she was suddenly going on the defensive, so he wouldn't hurt her kits? Obsidian looked a little shamed for a moment before he took a few steps towards her. "Look. I've been attacked, both physically and verbally. I've been scolded. I've been pushed around. I've been scared, alone, and anxious. I've had to worry about whether or not I'm going to be kicked out the next morning because I messed up. Have you ever had any of those problems? From where I'm standing, it seems like you have it pretty good here." The tom answered.

His voice was calm...he knew it must be hard to take care of a family if she was on her own, but surely no one would just leave her out here. She seemed decent enough, but...there was no way Obsidian would let his guard down. He stayed tense, nervous, his ears flicking backwards and betraying his discomfort along with his rapidly twitching tail. At her next words, Obsidian cocked his head to the side. What was she trying to do? What had happened to the defense that he had seen a moment ago? He had no idea. He was a little scared now, realizing that she might be more dangerous then he had previously thought. The fact that she could just...change her approach like that made him more uncertain.

Pretty much everything made the tom uncertain. He was worried that if he were to allow her to get through to him, or to be friendly with him, things could go very wrong very quickly. Why couldn't she have approached him hostily? It would have been so much easier for him to ignore the fact that she was a she cat and just attack if she wasn't so...feminine. His ears flattened themselves against his head and he scowled a little before sighing. "Alright. I guess that would be fine." He mewed, glancing around as though he expected cats to jump out at him from all angles. He needed to calm down and yet, he had the uneasy feeling that he normally had.

He watched her go, his tail twitching back and forth for a moment. Go ahead and tell her who you are, his mind urged and he wished that it had a form so he could see it to snarl at it. I don't even know this cat, he argued back, his tail twitching more violently now. She's giving you food. She hasn't attacked you. She seems pretty nice. His mind told him, and he felt almost sick as he glanced after her. He knew he couldn't go and make a friend. He knew he couldn't get too attached to her. He was going to be a wanderer, he was going to explore the world, see things he had never seen before. He was going to explore. He was going to do things that most cats never did. And yet sitting there, in the sunny spot, was one of the nicest times he had had in a long time. He didn't want to hurt her. He never wanted to hurt anyone- he knew it would never lead to something good for them or him.

And yet- was he going to be able to help it?

Calia thought of the words of his statement. Attacked. Scolded. Pushed. Physically. Verbally. What has the poor tomcat been through before meeting her? She imagined the jagged, pink scars that must paint his undercoat, as well as the mental scars that haunting his dreams. Perhaps his past experiences are why he acted the way he did? Scared. Alone. Anxious. Calia knew how these emotions felt just as much as she knew their definitions. However, judging by the way he acted, he most likely faced unimaginable things. Kicked out. Messed up. Has he had multiple homes before stumbling upon her? Has he been constantly worrying about being chased out? All because of a mistake?

Have you ever had any of those problems? Calia nearly bristled at this, and her vibrant blue eyes glistened with a furious rage. How dare he assume what I've been through? She succeeded in keeping her fur flat, and she was lucky that she was not facing the stranger. She halted before the place she buried scrawny mice, and she began to dig. Her paws scooped up pawfuls of earth, and firmly packed them in a pile beside the growing hole. As she dug, she figured she could respond to his former statement.

``Mm, I feel you should consider what others have been through before saying such things as `have you been through that`, don't you think?`` Calia's tone was light, hinting that she was a genuinely friendly cat despite the anger that drove her tail to lash. How kind and strong she must be to refrain from blowing up on the tom. The tomcat's words has clipped a string inside her and driven her to feel upset over her past. She had previously considered asking him if he's been through depression, but she decided she would not stoop down to his level.

When the tails of a few gaunt mice were clenched softly between her jaws, she began the short trot to the stranger where she dropped two of the three rodents a few tail-lengths before him. She figured he must be hungry - she didn't know the last time he had eaten. Taking her previous position from before she left to grab the prey, she sat down and set the mouse at her forepaws. Her thick tail was curled at her side, and she drew her tongue along her damp lips hungrily. Figuring she has said enough, and it was his turn to speak, Calia bent her head to bite into the flesh of the rodent.

[lone]

Calia thought of the words of his statement. Attacked. Scolded. Pushed. Physically. Verbally. What has the poor tomcat been through before meeting her? She imagined the jagged, pink scars that must paint his undercoat, as well as the mental scars that haunting his dreams. Perhaps his past experiences are why he acted the way he did? Scared. Alone. Anxious. Calia knew how these emotions felt just as much as she knew their definitions. However, judging by the way he acted, he most likely faced unimaginable things. Kicked out. Messed up. Has he had multiple homes before stumbling upon her? Has he been constantly worrying about being chased out? All because of a mistake?


Have you ever had any of those problems? Calia nearly bristled at this, and her vibrant blue eyes glistened with a furious rage. How dare he assume what I've been through? She succeeded in keeping her fur flat, and she was lucky that she was not facing the stranger. She halted before the place she buried scrawny mice, and she began to dig. Her paws scooped up pawfuls of earth, and firmly packed them in a pile beside the growing hole. As she dug, she figured she could respond to his former statement.

``Mm, I feel you should consider what others have been through before saying such things as `have you been through that`, don't you think?`` Calia's tone was light, hinting that she was a genuinely friendly cat despite the anger that drove her tail to lash. How kind and strong she must be to refrain from blowing up on the tom. The tomcat's words has clipped a string inside her and driven her to feel upset over her past. She had previously considered asking him if he's been through depression, but she decided she would not stoop down to his level.

When the tails of a few gaunt mice were clenched softly between her jaws, she began the short trot to the stranger where she dropped two of the three rodents a few tail-lengths before him. She figured he must be hungry - she didn't know the last time he had eaten. Taking her previous position from before she left to grab the prey, she sat down and set the mouse at her forepaws. Her thick tail was curled at her side, and she drew her tongue along her damp lips hungrily. Figuring she has said enough, and it was his turn to speak, Calia bent her head to bite into the flesh of the rodent.

Obsidian watched her, wondering how she would react to his earlier words. Nothing so far. He imagined that might have been insensitive of him, but at the moment- he really didn't care. Obsidian tried to relax a little more. She wasn't exactly in a position to hurt him, right? And besides, she had already made her intentions pretty clear. Besides that, she wouldn't stand a chance. If I have to, I will fight her. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as he listened to the she cat speak. "Maybe. Perhaps I was wrong to say that; but I've learned that I need to speak more forcefully if I don't want to be trampled beneath cats who are stronger then me. Since I don't know you, I don't know whether I can trust you not to hurt me the moment I let my guard down. Understood?" Obsidian asked, his words coming out in a low growl that seemed to say you better understand, I'm not going to say all of that again whether you got it or not.
What he had said had been true. He had learned over the moons of being shadowed out, fading into the background, that if he wanted authority and respect- not necessarily given so much as forced, he was going to have to toughen up and bluff until he could win over the other cats. He watched the she cat come back and stared at the rodents that had been dropped slightly before him. He shifted his weight, staring at them until slowly, he got up and picked them up, carrying them further away from the she cat. After saying all of that, he wasn't sure whether she was going to be as friendly as before. Still, her intentions were good- as far as Obsidian could tell, though he knew better then to let his guard down. It was wrong, plain and simple; at least, in his world it was.
He knew better then to get hurt again. He knew better then to allow her to slip through his guard, as others had done before her, and do all sorts of damage. Obsidian had adapted, in a way- adapted to learn things about cats by watching them. As he settled down again, he glanced up at her and sighed, shifting his weight again before fixing his hues on her. "Thank you." He mewed in a low voice, one that he wasn't quite sure whether she could hear or not, but it was the best he was going to do. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad. Maybe she didn't have an intention to hurt him. Maybe she wasn't going to end up being like so many others, wanting to get close to him to use him, to hurt him, to ditch him as soon as he had served a purpose.
There were so many cats like that. So many cats who had decided they wanted to use others for their own selfish purposes, without giving so much as a thought to how the other cat might feel. Obsidian was not one of these cats. He didn't play around with others' emotions, making them feel special and wanted one moment and then ditching them the next. Oh he had tried- he had figured it might help him fit in with the other cats, but he had learned that they had been using him in that as well. Obsidian lowered his head and took a bite of one of the rodents. It had been a while since he had last eaten, but he didn't want to show her how hungry he was by tearing into it: as much as he wanted to. He knew that would be something she could later use against him, and didn't want to give it to her.

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian watched her, wondering how she would react to his earlier words. Nothing so far. He imagined that might have been insensitive of him, but at the moment- he really didn't care. Obsidian tried to relax a little more. She wasn't exactly in a position to hurt him, right? And besides, she had already made her intentions pretty clear. Besides that, she wouldn't stand a chance. If I have to, I will fight her. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching as he listened to the she cat speak. "Maybe. Perhaps I was wrong to say that; but I've learned that I need to speak more forcefully if I don't want to be trampled beneath cats who are stronger then me. Since I don't know you, I don't know whether I can trust you not to hurt me the moment I let my guard down. Understood?" Obsidian asked, his words coming out in a low growl that seemed to say you better understand, I'm not going to say all of that again whether you got it or not.
What he had said had been true. He had learned over the moons of being shadowed out, fading into the background, that if he wanted authority and respect- not necessarily given so much as forced, he was going to have to toughen up and bluff until he could win over the other cats. He watched the she cat come back and stared at the rodents that had been dropped slightly before him. He shifted his weight, staring at them until slowly, he got up and picked them up, carrying them further away from the she cat. After saying all of that, he wasn't sure whether she was going to be as friendly as before. Still, her intentions were good- as far as Obsidian could tell, though he knew better then to let his guard down. It was wrong, plain and simple; at least, in his world it was.
He knew better then to get hurt again. He knew better then to allow her to slip through his guard, as others had done before her, and do all sorts of damage. Obsidian had adapted, in a way- adapted to learn things about cats by watching them. As he settled down again, he glanced up at her and sighed, shifting his weight again before fixing his hues on her. "Thank you." He mewed in a low voice, one that he wasn't quite sure whether she could hear or not, but it was the best he was going to do. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad. Maybe she didn't have an intention to hurt him. Maybe she wasn't going to end up being like so many others, wanting to get close to him to use him, to hurt him, to ditch him as soon as he had served a purpose.
There were so many cats like that. So many cats who had decided they wanted to use others for their own selfish purposes, without giving so much as a thought to how the other cat might feel. Obsidian was not one of these cats. He didn't play around with others' emotions, making them feel special and wanted one moment and then ditching them the next. Oh he had tried- he had figured it might help him fit in with the other cats, but he had learned that they had been using him in that as well. Obsidian lowered his head and took a bite of one of the rodents. It had been a while since he had last eaten, but he didn't want to show her how hungry he was by tearing into it: as much as he wanted to. He knew that would be something she could later use against him, and didn't want to give it to her.

Calia felt a stab of hurt pierce her heart when he moved away from her, but she didn't reveal the emotional pain in any way. When the mouse was only a pile of small bones, she then felt comfortable to relax and talk with the stranger. Briefly, she shoved the mouse remains slightly to the side, patting them down into the ground in the beginning of burying them. She'd completely bury the bones later - she wanted to wash right now.

She rolled onto her flank, her hind legs sprawled before her and her left forepaw supporting her weight. Her tail was rested beside her hind legs, and her tail-tip moved lazily. Her right forepaw was brought to her mouth where she drew her rough tongue over her bloody toes. Her eyes were closed tiredly, and low, soft rumbles erupted in her throat. Her whiskers twitched whenever they managed to poke her damp paw, and her ears swiveled in an attempt to pick up on the smallest of sounds.

With a small sigh, Calia let her forepaw fall to the ground where it pressed against her other paw. She gently settled her chin on her paws, her tongue slipping past her pink lips to lick at her jaws. In this position, she faced away from the stranger, her right flank facing him. Her thick tail curled at her right side, blanketing her hind paw. Finally, when she was satisfied with the results of her wash, she opened her mouth to speak. ``So, stranger,`` She drawled. ``Do you need a place to stay? I can provide you with a nest, food, and water? In my past, I would often home travelers passing through. I'd tend to their wounds, offer them food and water, listen to their stories of adventure...`` Her eyes were wide with a kit-like wonder as she thought back to her history. But they then adopted a sadness that stated she missed her former life.

``Now that my home is in such an isolated area, not many pass by. I haven't met anyone new until you came alone,`` Calia chuckled softly in an attempt to prove her friendliness. ``So many would stay with me. Did you know I once homed an entire Clan patrol for moons? They were the last cats I met. And before them, there was this one tomcat who would constantly stop at my garden. He was a good friend, but he just didn't visit so much anymore...`` In a sad, rasping tone, Calia continued to talk of her past. ``Oh! And once, a queen with three kits stayed with me for a few sunrises. Her kits were absolutely adorable! So cute. One of them asked me if I descended from the stars. Isn't that the cutest thing ever? I was even teaching one of them what I knew about herbs when they had to get moving. I didn't see them again, unfortunately. Another time, two elders were passing by. Oh, those two were the nicest cats ever! They give me an abundance of advice, and they both told me such interesting stories! They were so polite and friendly... You know, a few days later, one of the elders returned and told me his friend passed away... So the elder stayed with me for a little bit until his time came... All were such amazing cats... Though there were a few that were just awful! One wouldn't let me so much as look at him, and another attacked me! We didn't even talk, and she just lunged at me! But, honestly, if I could change anything, I wouldn't. My past made me who I am. Besides, I absolutely adore my history, and when I think back, I feel happy. Happy that I had those experiences, though I do get sad because I can no longer go back to those times.``

Calia, by telling honest stories of her past, was trying to show the stranger that experiences should not change you. She had always been a selfless she-cat, willing to help others even when they don't need her. She offered them a home in her garden, and she was prepared for them to stay until death. Even after her experience with the wild she-cat who attacked her, Calia still offered her a home. However, the wild she-cat had turned her down. Calia could only hope that the stranger could decipher her message.

[lone]

Calia felt a stab of hurt pierce her heart when he moved away from her, but she didn't reveal the emotional pain in any way. When the mouse was only a pile of small bones, she then felt comfortable to relax and talk with the stranger. Briefly, she shoved the mouse remains slightly to the side, patting them down into the ground in the beginning of burying them. She'd completely bury the bones later - she wanted to wash right now.


She rolled onto her flank, her hind legs sprawled before her and her left forepaw supporting her weight. Her tail was rested beside her hind legs, and her tail-tip moved lazily. Her right forepaw was brought to her mouth where she drew her rough tongue over her bloody toes. Her eyes were closed tiredly, and low, soft rumbles erupted in her throat. Her whiskers twitched whenever they managed to poke her damp paw, and her ears swiveled in an attempt to pick up on the smallest of sounds.

With a small sigh, Calia let her forepaw fall to the ground where it pressed against her other paw. She gently settled her chin on her paws, her tongue slipping past her pink lips to lick at her jaws. In this position, she faced away from the stranger, her right flank facing him. Her thick tail curled at her right side, blanketing her hind paw. Finally, when she was satisfied with the results of her wash, she opened her mouth to speak. ``So, stranger,`` She drawled. ``Do you need a place to stay? I can provide you with a nest, food, and water? In my past, I would often home travelers passing through. I'd tend to their wounds, offer them food and water, listen to their stories of adventure...`` Her eyes were wide with a kit-like wonder as she thought back to her history. But they then adopted a sadness that stated she missed her former life.

``Now that my home is in such an isolated area, not many pass by. I haven't met anyone new until you came alone,`` Calia chuckled softly in an attempt to prove her friendliness. ``So many would stay with me. Did you know I once homed an entire Clan patrol for moons? They were the last cats I met. And before them, there was this one tomcat who would constantly stop at my garden. He was a good friend, but he just didn't visit so much anymore...`` In a sad, rasping tone, Calia continued to talk of her past. ``Oh! And once, a queen with three kits stayed with me for a few sunrises. Her kits were absolutely adorable! So cute. One of them asked me if I descended from the stars. Isn't that the cutest thing ever? I was even teaching one of them what I knew about herbs when they had to get moving. I didn't see them again, unfortunately. Another time, two elders were passing by. Oh, those two were the nicest cats ever! They give me an abundance of advice, and they both told me such interesting stories! They were so polite and friendly... You know, a few days later, one of the elders returned and told me his friend passed away... So the elder stayed with me for a little bit until his time came... All were such amazing cats... Though there were a few that were just awful! One wouldn't let me so much as look at him, and another attacked me! We didn't even talk, and she just lunged at me! But, honestly, if I could change anything, I wouldn't. My past made me who I am. Besides, I absolutely adore my history, and when I think back, I feel happy. Happy that I had those experiences, though I do get sad because I can no longer go back to those times.``

Calia, by telling honest stories of her past, was trying to show the stranger that experiences should not change you. She had always been a selfless she-cat, willing to help others even when they don't need her. She offered them a home in her garden, and she was prepared for them to stay until death. Even after her experience with the wild she-cat who attacked her, Calia still offered her a home. However, the wild she-cat had turned her down. Calia could only hope that the stranger could decipher her message.

Obsidian finished the small rodents with a satisfied expression and curled his tail around himself as though it would serve as a barrier between him and the she cat. At times he could act like a grumpy older cat...though he was far from old. In fact, Obsidian was quite a young cat, though he tried to make himself look older sometimes in order to avoid conversation such as the one that was going on now. He watched the she cat, his hues always studying her, head cocked slightly to the side as he did so as though he were trying to figure her out. He wasn't quite sure what to think of her. At first she had been friendly, then she had scolded him, now she was offering him shelter and going back to the friendly cat that he had met? Who is she? Obsidian wondered, his hues narrowing slightly and he turned his head away. His curiosity was getting the better of him and, although he fully meant to tell her he didn't want her shelter, he could feel his mind already changing. "Yeah, I could use a place to stay. Just for the night. I'll be moving on soon- I'm a traveler, I don't stay in one place for long." Obsidian mewed, his voice still halting and cautious, although there were the hints of anxiety and worry in them as well. He wasn't sure whether he should be allowing himself to do this. She's just being polite. She doesn't actually want you here, Obsidian thought to himself, trying to convince himself that she wasn't the cat he thought she just might be. He didn't know whether she was just being polite towards him so that he wouldn't actually attack her, or if she truly did want him to be there. He had yet to meet a cat who wanted his company. He wasn't the special cat in his former family. He wasn't a unique cat under any circumstances...and certainly not these, having run away and all.

Why was she being so nice to him? What did she want from him? He couldn't give it to her, whatever it was...he had been told multiple times he couldn't do anything right, and to be honest, he believed those words. How could he do anything right? In his opinion, he should never have been born. His life didn't matter. He was just another stray, another cat that twolegs wanted to wipe out, another cat that people hated more then anything else...they thought he was scum. "Wow. Sounds like you've had quite the past, then." He mewed, his eyes growing wide with surprise as she spoke about her past. His hues narrowed as he scanned her expression and stance for any signs of what she might be thinking. She's trying to be friendly. And hide something...why, does she think I'm going to make fun of her? I know a thing or two about being alone. And made fun of. I wouldn't do that. But she's sad, too...talking about everyone who's passed through here. Sounds like she misses them quite a bit. And tense- looks like there was some tension between a few, oh yeah, like she said. He hadn't thought that anyone would have been around so many cats. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle it, seeing so many strangers and then having them just move on. And now he was going to be just 'another one of those cats,' coming and moving on. He felt a sting of guilt, realizing that that probably wasn't the nicest thing for him to be doing. He wondered if she ever wished those cats had stayed there for longer. If she missed them, and wished she had moved on with them, or if she was glad that she had stayed here and continued to be someone who provided shelter for other travelers. It was a little hard to tell by looking at her, which was surprising...Obsidian was normally better at figuring out other cats' emotions.

Did she like being alone? Had she chosen it? Or had she been left here purposely, left behind by someone? I wonder what she thinks of me...Obsidian thought. This was something that he generally thought when other cats were speaking to him or asking him questions. She knew nothing of where he had come from. What it had been like, constantly overshadowed and confused...constantly being told he wasn't good enough. Constantly wondering whether he would ever get out of that place one day. His hues fixed themselves on Calia and he sighed, shifting his weight a little uncomfortably. Even now, he still wasn't sure what to think of her. He knew better then anyone else what a pretender could do, but she sounded so honest and hopeful when she was talking to him...what else could he think but that she was telling the truth?

Maybe she did care. He didn't know. I should tell her who I am. Well, my name, at least. She deserves to know that at the least. Obsidian thought to himself, and he glanced up at her again, curling his tail tighter around himself until it looked almost as though it were a snake about to squeeze him to death. "There's something I think you should know...since I'm going to stay here the night, if that's still okay..." Obsidian mewed, his voice a little less rough and guarded now. It was calmer, even softer...but not by much. "Obsidian. My name, I mean, it's...Obsidian." He mewed, averting his hues from her now. He glanced down at his paws, unsheathing and sheathing his claws, digging them into the dirt and watching them slice through it easily. Memories came flooding back to the tom, although he tried to block them out the best he could.

He could only hope that he wasn't making a grave mistake by staying here.

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian finished the small rodents with a satisfied expression and curled his tail around himself as though it would serve as a barrier between him and the she cat. At times he could act like a grumpy older cat...though he was far from old. In fact, Obsidian was quite a young cat, though he tried to make himself look older sometimes in order to avoid conversation such as the one that was going on now. He watched the she cat, his hues always studying her, head cocked slightly to the side as he did so as though he were trying to figure her out. He wasn't quite sure what to think of her. At first she had been friendly, then she had scolded him, now she was offering him shelter and going back to the friendly cat that he had met? Who is she? Obsidian wondered, his hues narrowing slightly and he turned his head away. His curiosity was getting the better of him and, although he fully meant to tell her he didn't want her shelter, he could feel his mind already changing. "Yeah, I could use a place to stay. Just for the night. I'll be moving on soon- I'm a traveler, I don't stay in one place for long." Obsidian mewed, his voice still halting and cautious, although there were the hints of anxiety and worry in them as well. He wasn't sure whether he should be allowing himself to do this. She's just being polite. She doesn't actually want you here, Obsidian thought to himself, trying to convince himself that she wasn't the cat he thought she just might be. He didn't know whether she was just being polite towards him so that he wouldn't actually attack her, or if she truly did want him to be there. He had yet to meet a cat who wanted his company. He wasn't the special cat in his former family. He wasn't a unique cat under any circumstances...and certainly not these, having run away and all.

Why was she being so nice to him? What did she want from him? He couldn't give it to her, whatever it was...he had been told multiple times he couldn't do anything right, and to be honest, he believed those words. How could he do anything right? In his opinion, he should never have been born. His life didn't matter. He was just another stray, another cat that twolegs wanted to wipe out, another cat that people hated more then anything else...they thought he was scum. "Wow. Sounds like you've had quite the past, then." He mewed, his eyes growing wide with surprise as she spoke about her past. His hues narrowed as he scanned her expression and stance for any signs of what she might be thinking. She's trying to be friendly. And hide something...why, does she think I'm going to make fun of her? I know a thing or two about being alone. And made fun of. I wouldn't do that. But she's sad, too...talking about everyone who's passed through here. Sounds like she misses them quite a bit. And tense- looks like there was some tension between a few, oh yeah, like she said. He hadn't thought that anyone would have been around so many cats. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle it, seeing so many strangers and then having them just move on. And now he was going to be just 'another one of those cats,' coming and moving on. He felt a sting of guilt, realizing that that probably wasn't the nicest thing for him to be doing. He wondered if she ever wished those cats had stayed there for longer. If she missed them, and wished she had moved on with them, or if she was glad that she had stayed here and continued to be someone who provided shelter for other travelers. It was a little hard to tell by looking at her, which was surprising...Obsidian was normally better at figuring out other cats' emotions.

Did she like being alone? Had she chosen it? Or had she been left here purposely, left behind by someone? I wonder what she thinks of me...Obsidian thought. This was something that he generally thought when other cats were speaking to him or asking him questions. She knew nothing of where he had come from. What it had been like, constantly overshadowed and confused...constantly being told he wasn't good enough. Constantly wondering whether he would ever get out of that place one day. His hues fixed themselves on Calia and he sighed, shifting his weight a little uncomfortably. Even now, he still wasn't sure what to think of her. He knew better then anyone else what a pretender could do, but she sounded so honest and hopeful when she was talking to him...what else could he think but that she was telling the truth?

Maybe she did care. He didn't know. I should tell her who I am. Well, my name, at least. She deserves to know that at the least. Obsidian thought to himself, and he glanced up at her again, curling his tail tighter around himself until it looked almost as though it were a snake about to squeeze him to death. "There's something I think you should know...since I'm going to stay here the night, if that's still okay..." Obsidian mewed, his voice a little less rough and guarded now. It was calmer, even softer...but not by much. "Obsidian. My name, I mean, it's...Obsidian." He mewed, averting his hues from her now. He glanced down at his paws, unsheathing and sheathing his claws, digging them into the dirt and watching them slice through it easily. Memories came flooding back to the tom, although he tried to block them out the best he could.

He could only hope that he wasn't making a grave mistake by staying here.

[ im so sorry i feel so bad its been ages im so so sorry ]
[ this is so short and bad but i felt like i had to get something in here]
[ i should be back to normal rp by this weekend tho - heh, busy days ]

Calia offered the tomcat a warm smile as he shared his name, something she had been incredibly curious about beforehand. With a soft, gentle tone of voice, she responded, ``You have a beautiful name. My former housefolk gave me my name, but I don't know why,`` She shook her head at this, a kit-like wonder adopting the features of her face as she looked off into space. Why Calia? Why not.. Jenny or Apples? Why Calia? These were the thoughts that crossed her mind. Her name could've been anything but Calia, but her name was Calia, and she didn't know why. When her thoughts ended, when she remembered she had company, she returned to reality with a weak smile. ``Interesting stuff, y'know - names, I mean.``

``Listen, I know you must be highly uncomfortable... and you probably don't trust me, but I assure you I only want to help you. Even if you'll only be here for one night. My job as a cat is to shelter travelers like yourself, tend to their wounds and offer them food and water. I'm supposed to strengthen them before they continue with their journey, and honestly, it makes me feel good. So, please, let me help you,`` Calia's tone was soft like a mother talking to her kit. She was basically pleading with Obsidian, her vibrant blue eyes gleaming with persistence as she leaned forward slightly to place emphasis on her point.

She kept silent on the aftermath. When Obsidian left, Calia would be depressed. But she never let her company know of the following sadness, as their time with her should be cheerful and pleasant. So she would bottle up her emotions until she was alone, when she'd let them explode. She began to support her case, determined to persuade Obsidian into letting her help. ``I can make you a nest - in fact, there are some old ones by that old bridge over there, but I can freshen one of them up for you! There's plants everywhere, including moss. And as for prey, I store lots of fresh-kill for the cold seasons, and I'm willing to share. And I can even hunt for you while you rest - surely you're exhausted from your journeys? Oh, you're muscles must be aching! I can help you with that - I love herbs just as much as I know them and their functions. I can ease any aches, cure any injury, and kill any illness! Okay, not really, but I know the basic herbs. I plant them in this garden, though the frost is making it difficult to keep them alive. And water! There's that little pool there, by the bridge. It's slightly frozen over, but the ice breaks easily, and it keeps the water cold and fresh. I can take care of you here, until you leave.``

[lone]

[ im so sorry i feel so bad its been ages im so so sorry ]

[ this is so short and bad but i felt like i had to get something in here]
[ i should be back to normal rp by this weekend tho - heh, busy days ]

Calia offered the tomcat a warm smile as he shared his name, something she had been incredibly curious about beforehand. With a soft, gentle tone of voice, she responded, ``You have a beautiful name. My former housefolk gave me my name, but I don't know why,`` She shook her head at this, a kit-like wonder adopting the features of her face as she looked off into space. Why Calia? Why not.. Jenny or Apples? Why Calia? These were the thoughts that crossed her mind. Her name could've been anything but Calia, but her name was Calia, and she didn't know why. When her thoughts ended, when she remembered she had company, she returned to reality with a weak smile. ``Interesting stuff, y'know - names, I mean.``

``Listen, I know you must be highly uncomfortable... and you probably don't trust me, but I assure you I only want to help you. Even if you'll only be here for one night. My job as a cat is to shelter travelers like yourself, tend to their wounds and offer them food and water. I'm supposed to strengthen them before they continue with their journey, and honestly, it makes me feel good. So, please, let me help you,`` Calia's tone was soft like a mother talking to her kit. She was basically pleading with Obsidian, her vibrant blue eyes gleaming with persistence as she leaned forward slightly to place emphasis on her point.

She kept silent on the aftermath. When Obsidian left, Calia would be depressed. But she never let her company know of the following sadness, as their time with her should be cheerful and pleasant. So she would bottle up her emotions until she was alone, when she'd let them explode. She began to support her case, determined to persuade Obsidian into letting her help. ``I can make you a nest - in fact, there are some old ones by that old bridge over there, but I can freshen one of them up for you! There's plants everywhere, including moss. And as for prey, I store lots of fresh-kill for the cold seasons, and I'm willing to share. And I can even hunt for you while you rest - surely you're exhausted from your journeys? Oh, you're muscles must be aching! I can help you with that - I love herbs just as much as I know them and their functions. I can ease any aches, cure any injury, and kill any illness! Okay, not really, but I know the basic herbs. I plant them in this garden, though the frost is making it difficult to keep them alive. And water! There's that little pool there, by the bridge. It's slightly frozen over, but the ice breaks easily, and it keeps the water cold and fresh. I can take care of you here, until you leave.``

{No worries! It's great, I'm just happy to see you ^^
Plot for Calia- she goes to TC and becomes Med Cat xD
Btw Obsidian's going to be going to the DS at some point, for a little while...and start traveling back and forth between here and there. He's not really going to be a member, he's just going to literally 'show up...' and he's going to meet Jinx there at some point, so that's when he and Augustus could meet too}
Obsidian's ears perked up at the she cat's words and he cocked his head to the side. No one ever complimented him on his name. Weird, yes. Creepy, yes. Unusual...sometimes, but he wasn't quite sure whether it was a compliment or an insult. A beautiful name. Obsidian slowly relaxed more, allowing himself to let his guard down for a moment. Just a moment-- it wasn't a long time, but it was enough to show her that he wasn't always so disagreeable. He could be better. It would just take a lot of work and a long, long time. He thought for a moment, and then a rare smile crept up onto his features. "Have you ever seen a calia lily?" He asked suddenly, wondering where she had gotten her own name from and if she had given it to herself, remembering the different colored flowers that had sprinkled the flowerbed back at his own home.

They were very pretty. Perhaps her Mother-- or housefolk-- had named her after that particular flower. "Yeah, very interesting. My brother gets a normal, show cat name-- and I get Obsidian. Wonder why." He mewed bitterly, tensing up once more and his guard slipped back up as he went to hide behind it. His brother was a show cat-- and an annoying one at that. He couldn't stand the tom, and he wondered if things were ever going to be right between them. After all, it couldn't be easy for him, living on his own surrounded by those starlets in the cat world...toms who looked like they were worth a million dollars...and then there had been the clumsy, hopeful kitten who had been there all along.

Obsidian remembered that kitten. Mainly because it had been very close to him-- might have even been known as a part of him. That kitten was gone now. It had left along with Obsidian, but the tom hadn't seen it since. It must have left once his collar was taken off. He glanced at the she cat for a moment, watching her as she spoke earnestly, desperately...as though she wanted this more then anything else right now. "Okay, look-- Calia, wasn't it? I don't accept help from strangers." He growled low in his throat before stopping. She was only trying to help. There was no need to be so rude. He needed to calm down before she decided he was a nuisance and kicked him out.

Although he was sure he'd easily be able to beat her. "Then again...if it's not a bother to you, I may stay here for a little while. Once you are no longer a stranger...I will allow you to h- Oh forget it, just go ahead." He mewed. He didn't need to stay here longer then needed, and he was glad that she was willing to help so he could continue onwards. He didn't think about the fact his sudden change of mind might hurt the she cat's feelings. Nor did he think about the fact that she might need a second to process all that had just happened-- or something like that. He took a couple of pawsteps towards her, glancing at her anxiously before stopping. That was as close as he would get for the moment being.

He listened to everything she said, amusement showing in his hues before he chuckled slightly, and although his hues were lit up with laughter, there was no evidence of it in any of his other features. His muscles remained just as tense, and he didn't smile. "Alright. You can help, but I really need to get on my way in a couple days." He mewed, glancing around at the area. He knew it was easy to get attached in a couple of days-- it had happened to him more times then he could count-- but then again, it was hard at the same time. Only if you allowed yourself to grow attached would it actually work. Perhaps I'll come back here sometime, he thought as he glanced around the attractive little area.

[AbsurdJinx]

{No worries! It's great, I'm just happy to see you ^^
Plot for Calia- she goes to TC and becomes Med Cat xD
Btw Obsidian's going to be going to the DS at some point, for a little while...and start traveling back and forth between here and there. He's not really going to be a member, he's just going to literally 'show up...' and he's going to meet Jinx there at some point, so that's when he and Augustus could meet too}
Obsidian's ears perked up at the she cat's words and he cocked his head to the side. No one ever complimented him on his name. Weird, yes. Creepy, yes. Unusual...sometimes, but he wasn't quite sure whether it was a compliment or an insult. A beautiful name. Obsidian slowly relaxed more, allowing himself to let his guard down for a moment. Just a moment-- it wasn't a long time, but it was enough to show her that he wasn't always so disagreeable. He could be better. It would just take a lot of work and a long, long time. He thought for a moment, and then a rare smile crept up onto his features. "Have you ever seen a calia lily?" He asked suddenly, wondering where she had gotten her own name from and if she had given it to herself, remembering the different colored flowers that had sprinkled the flowerbed back at his own home.

They were very pretty. Perhaps her Mother-- or housefolk-- had named her after that particular flower. "Yeah, very interesting. My brother gets a normal, show cat name-- and I get Obsidian. Wonder why." He mewed bitterly, tensing up once more and his guard slipped back up as he went to hide behind it. His brother was a show cat-- and an annoying one at that. He couldn't stand the tom, and he wondered if things were ever going to be right between them. After all, it couldn't be easy for him, living on his own surrounded by those starlets in the cat world...toms who looked like they were worth a million dollars...and then there had been the clumsy, hopeful kitten who had been there all along.

Obsidian remembered that kitten. Mainly because it had been very close to him-- might have even been known as a part of him. That kitten was gone now. It had left along with Obsidian, but the tom hadn't seen it since. It must have left once his collar was taken off. He glanced at the she cat for a moment, watching her as she spoke earnestly, desperately...as though she wanted this more then anything else right now. "Okay, look-- Calia, wasn't it? I don't accept help from strangers." He growled low in his throat before stopping. She was only trying to help. There was no need to be so rude. He needed to calm down before she decided he was a nuisance and kicked him out.

Although he was sure he'd easily be able to beat her. "Then again...if it's not a bother to you, I may stay here for a little while. Once you are no longer a stranger...I will allow you to h- Oh forget it, just go ahead." He mewed. He didn't need to stay here longer then needed, and he was glad that she was willing to help so he could continue onwards. He didn't think about the fact his sudden change of mind might hurt the she cat's feelings. Nor did he think about the fact that she might need a second to process all that had just happened-- or something like that. He took a couple of pawsteps towards her, glancing at her anxiously before stopping. That was as close as he would get for the moment being.

He listened to everything she said, amusement showing in his hues before he chuckled slightly, and although his hues were lit up with laughter, there was no evidence of it in any of his other features. His muscles remained just as tense, and he didn't smile. "Alright. You can help, but I really need to get on my way in a couple days." He mewed, glancing around at the area. He knew it was easy to get attached in a couple of days-- it had happened to him more times then he could count-- but then again, it was hard at the same time. Only if you allowed yourself to grow attached would it actually work. Perhaps I'll come back here sometime, he thought as he glanced around the attractive little area.
[ ohmygosh i was actually considering doing that, but i didn't wanna destroy obsidianXcalia cx ]
[ Ooh gosh cant wait for that obsidian&augustus meeting ]

Whenever Obsidian spoke in between her, she would look at him with an ounce of hurt as he turned her away. And when he sent her a low growl, she flinched. She just hated violence such as physical and verbal attacks, as well as those aggressive sounds like a snarl. She wasn't a fighter, Calia was a lover. She could tend to your wounds, and murmur comforting words to you, but she could not, would not, resort to any kind of violence. I'm a lover, but Obsidian doesn't seem to understand that, she thought sadly, frustration causing a tingle to run along her forearm. She knew he was untrusting of her, and though she was completely used to aloof cats, they always brought irritation to her. She simply couldn't understand why they refused to trust her, but she adjusted to their ways after a few hours.

Calia frowned slightly when he mentioned his departure. They always left, resulting in her usual bout of depression until the next traveler found her. She discreetly shook her head, clearing her mind of the haunting thoughts. ``Of course,`` she agreed, respectfully dipping her head, ``completely understandable.`` Her vibrant blue eyes gleamed with the same emotion that was in her tone - respect. She stood tall, displaying her neck to everyone, and, for once, her collar was noticeable. Wrapped around her neck was a thin, clear, sparkly, dark blue ribbon. It was tied in a large bow, but it sorta flopped due to it's material. Normally, it didn't bother her, but there were times where she felt an itch in the neck area. Now was one of those times.

Casting a brief smile towards Obsidian, she rocked back on her haunches and brought her hind paw to her neck. Swiftly, she began to scratch at that itch, releasing low, quiet purrs at the pleasant feeling. She stretched her head further, allowing her foot a clear opening to her neck. Finally, when Calia was satisfied with her work, she pulled her foot away, returning to a sitting position. Her thick, long-haired ginger pelt sparkled golden in the sunlight, and her bright blue eyes seemed ten times as bright. Her bushy tail was curled at her side, lying over her forepaws which were tucked close to her torso. With a nervous giggle, Calia explained, ``I get an itch sometimes.``

``Anyway, regarding your stay...`` Calia's tone was light, and layered with kindness. She displayed a genuine smile on her muzzle, and her head was tilted slightly to the side in it's normal position. Her ears and whiskers would twitch every now and then due to the abundance of distracting scents and sounds. ``Your nest is by mine, if that's okay? Right beneath that bridge there, but we can move it if the arrangement makes you uncomfortable. Many travelers who pass through here prefer the nest to be moved. I just find that the bridge offers great protection from, say, the rain or snow. I'll also clean the nest up - I haven't had any companions in ages! Haha, for some reason, I built the nest, but nobody's stayed in it. I guess I built it automatically. I'm rambling; I'm sorry - I tend to do that. And there's a small stream over there, I believe I already mentioned it.`` Cue the anxious laugh. ``I've also got a clump of fresh-kill right next to my nest under the bridge, for whenever you're interested. I try to keep it stocked up, but because of the cold seasons... At the moment, I think I only have a scrawny water vole or two. And, as for the twoleg nest, don't worry about it. The twolegs who live there aren't here very often - I've only seen them once, and I've been here for a couple moons. However, there's a twoleg who does come here every now and then, but he's only here to tend to the garden. That twoleg isn't any harm, though. He brings food with him sometimes, for me. He hasn't been trouble at all, so if he happens to appear here, don't worry about him. He's completely harmless!``

Shifting slightly, Calia blinked against the sunlight and gathered her breath. She rolled her shoulders, and flexed her toes, internally moaning at the satisfaction that came with the movement. ``Do you have any questions, or concerns? I want to do whatever I can to make your stay here as comfortable as possible!`` Her blue eyes held a kit-like innocence, innocence she wasn't even aware she was showing. Calia was a genuinely innocent, friendly molly with a tendency to risk herself for others. She truly was a lover.

[lone]

[ ohmygosh i was actually considering doing that, but i didn't wanna destroy obsidianXcalia cx ]

[ Ooh gosh cant wait for that obsidian&augustus meeting ]

Whenever Obsidian spoke in between her, she would look at him with an ounce of hurt as he turned her away. And when he sent her a low growl, she flinched. She just hated violence such as physical and verbal attacks, as well as those aggressive sounds like a snarl. She wasn't a fighter, Calia was a lover. She could tend to your wounds, and murmur comforting words to you, but she could not, would not, resort to any kind of violence. I'm a lover, but Obsidian doesn't seem to understand that, she thought sadly, frustration causing a tingle to run along her forearm. She knew he was untrusting of her, and though she was completely used to aloof cats, they always brought irritation to her. She simply couldn't understand why they refused to trust her, but she adjusted to their ways after a few hours.

Calia frowned slightly when he mentioned his departure. They always left, resulting in her usual bout of depression until the next traveler found her. She discreetly shook her head, clearing her mind of the haunting thoughts. ``Of course,`` she agreed, respectfully dipping her head, ``completely understandable.`` Her vibrant blue eyes gleamed with the same emotion that was in her tone - respect. She stood tall, displaying her neck to everyone, and, for once, her collar was noticeable. Wrapped around her neck was a thin, clear, sparkly, dark blue ribbon. It was tied in a large bow, but it sorta flopped due to it's material. Normally, it didn't bother her, but there were times where she felt an itch in the neck area. Now was one of those times.

Casting a brief smile towards Obsidian, she rocked back on her haunches and brought her hind paw to her neck. Swiftly, she began to scratch at that itch, releasing low, quiet purrs at the pleasant feeling. She stretched her head further, allowing her foot a clear opening to her neck. Finally, when Calia was satisfied with her work, she pulled her foot away, returning to a sitting position. Her thick, long-haired ginger pelt sparkled golden in the sunlight, and her bright blue eyes seemed ten times as bright. Her bushy tail was curled at her side, lying over her forepaws which were tucked close to her torso. With a nervous giggle, Calia explained, ``I get an itch sometimes.``

``Anyway, regarding your stay...`` Calia's tone was light, and layered with kindness. She displayed a genuine smile on her muzzle, and her head was tilted slightly to the side in it's normal position. Her ears and whiskers would twitch every now and then due to the abundance of distracting scents and sounds. ``Your nest is by mine, if that's okay? Right beneath that bridge there, but we can move it if the arrangement makes you uncomfortable. Many travelers who pass through here prefer the nest to be moved. I just find that the bridge offers great protection from, say, the rain or snow. I'll also clean the nest up - I haven't had any companions in ages! Haha, for some reason, I built the nest, but nobody's stayed in it. I guess I built it automatically. I'm rambling; I'm sorry - I tend to do that. And there's a small stream over there, I believe I already mentioned it.`` Cue the anxious laugh. ``I've also got a clump of fresh-kill right next to my nest under the bridge, for whenever you're interested. I try to keep it stocked up, but because of the cold seasons... At the moment, I think I only have a scrawny water vole or two. And, as for the twoleg nest, don't worry about it. The twolegs who live there aren't here very often - I've only seen them once, and I've been here for a couple moons. However, there's a twoleg who does come here every now and then, but he's only here to tend to the garden. That twoleg isn't any harm, though. He brings food with him sometimes, for me. He hasn't been trouble at all, so if he happens to appear here, don't worry about him. He's completely harmless!``

Shifting slightly, Calia blinked against the sunlight and gathered her breath. She rolled her shoulders, and flexed her toes, internally moaning at the satisfaction that came with the movement. ``Do you have any questions, or concerns? I want to do whatever I can to make your stay here as comfortable as possible!`` Her blue eyes held a kit-like innocence, innocence she wasn't even aware she was showing. Calia was a genuinely innocent, friendly molly with a tendency to risk herself for others. She truly was a lover.

The black tom could see the pain that showed in her eyes-- though it was barely noticeable-- every time he spoke to her. What was he doing wrong? He was trying to do something right for once, trying to keep himself shut off like he was supposed to...but all he seemed to be doing was causing more and more pain for everyone else. It seemed as though the misfit really couldn't do anything right. He didn't understand why she thought he might want to be friends... friends only left you in the end, betrayed you...went on to become famous while you were reduced to this. He thought bitterly, feeling a sharp sting of anger pick at his chest-- or his heart.
Obsidian preferred to think of himself as being without a heart. Without love. Though he knew that simply wasn't true, and it wasn't going to end up that way, which bothered him. How come, in all the horrible moons that he had been alive-- though they weren't all bad, he thought with a short smile-- how come in all that time, he had never thought to just lock himself away from the world? Though he'd been pretty close to it in that place. Fame had really changed the cat he was thinking of. The cat he thought he knew. His refusal to trust centered around his desperation to keep himself from being betrayed again...to keep that kind of hurt out of his heart.
Out of his life. Out of anything and everything that might cross his path. But Calia was such a good natured cat...it was hard for him to keep himself blocked off from her. He was going to really have to watch it, or he would end up with a connection that he didn't want at all. Unwanted connections were the absolute worst, and the kind that seemed to have the worst attraction to Obsidian. So many unwanted connections in his life. So many heartaches...and heartbreaks. Too many, in his opinion. Far too many for him to continue on for very long, though he would try his best. And he was on his way to a place that he knew would work better for him. To a place where, though there were a lot of cats, he would be free-- free from heartbreak.

Because the cats there didn't seem to have hearts either, not as far as he knew. Oh he wouldn't tie himself down to a singular cat there, nor to the group as a whole. He would look around. Scope out the area. Make sure that it was a place that deserved loyalty before he made a true decision...that was the best thing to do, wasn't it? "Thank you for your understanding." He mewed, lowering his head in respect of the she cat's response. He was somewhat surprised at her indifference to his mention of leaving...though perhaps she had to be that way. Perhaps she wanted to. Maybe it was her way of keeping herself from getting hurt, just as staying away from other cats and keeping himself guarded was Obsidian's way of not getting hurt. And he appreciated it. She had the brightest eyes of any cat Obsidian had ever seen, and they made him slightly uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was the life that was held within them...how did she manage to look so sweet, innocent, kit like, and yet like a mother or a cat who would take on anything who threatened to hurt her loved ones at the same time? Though from what he had seen, he sincerely doubted it. The scolding tone of voice she had first used was still stuck in his head, and he would remember it for a good, long while. How had she done that? It had been so calm, and yet commanding at the same time...and had made him feel like a kitten being scolded for clawing the curtains or scratching up the furniture again. A shudder went down Obsidian's spine at the thought of those horror filled days that had been preparing him for the spotlight-- the spotlight he never got. And in a way, it was a blessing that he hadn't gotten the spotlight focused onto him.
He had seen what it could do to a cat, first hand. A horrifying experience, really. He noticed, for the first time, the bow that was tied around her neck, and how she was struggling to undo it, then explained about the itch. Oh, an itch. Not trying to get it off. He thought, re-evaluating his already calculating mind. "Well, if you would like, I've dealt with a couple of those-- I could help you get it off. Might make it easier to get to that itch." He offered, and then stopped. A bow. Just a bow. Getting a bow off. No problem, right? He'd done it before with dozens of cats, there was no way that it would let him make connections he didn't want. Not unless he let it get to his head, mess with his mind, make him believe an untruth...none of which he would let it do. He waited for her approval anyways, not wanting to make things awkward.

This cat was offering him shelter, food, water, and safety-- the least he could do was offer to take a measly bow off her neck. He listened carefully to all that she was saying, never taking his watching hues off of her, never once pretending that he wasn't listening. All the time paying attention. All the time careful not to allow himself to get sidetracked in her words, and her voice.
It was so soft. It reminded him of another cat-- betrayal. And hurt. When she mentioned a twoleg, Obsidian's whole body tensed and he looked as though he were going to leave right that second before she moved on, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Hm? Oh-- no! No questions. Just-- you're sure that twoleg doesn't mean any harm? Twolegs are peculiar creatures, and they change their minds so easily..." He mewed, his voice trailing off as he looked up at the sky.
Yes, twolegs certainly were strange creatures. How could they be so fickle? Once Obsidian made a decision, he stuck to it. And he had already decided he was moving on from here, already decided he wasn't going to allow himself to get attached to the she cat, already decided that he didn't want anything to do with that twoleg. Or whatever food he might bring. Not to mention he had already decided that, whatever it was, it was going to be poisoned. And he needed to avoid it. Calia should avoid it too, but he didn't control the ginger female-- just himself. He glanced at the she cat almost nervously, awkwardly, remembering his offer from earlier and wondering if she wanted to take him up on it. It had certainly been a strange one for him to make, considering his earlier attitude.

{I had an ideaaa...so what if Obsidian ends up staying longer then he meant to, not on purpose but he sort of loses track of time and then they start to have feelings for each other before he realizes he's getting attached and is like 'well I guess I'll be moving on now' and she's upset cause she thought he might stay, but he shrugs it off like it's no big deal and is like 'I told you I was leaving in the first place' and goes to the DS, but keeps feeling bad and eventually thinks she might be in trouble *up to you whether you want that to be true or not* and so goes back... and we can see what happens xD}

[AbsurdJinx]

The black tom could see the pain that showed in her eyes-- though it was barely noticeable-- every time he spoke to her. What was he doing wrong? He was trying to do something right for once, trying to keep himself shut off like he was supposed to...but all he seemed to be doing was causing more and more pain for everyone else. It seemed as though the misfit really couldn't do anything right. He didn't understand why she thought he might want to be friends... friends only left you in the end, betrayed you...went on to become famous while you were reduced to this. He thought bitterly, feeling a sharp sting of anger pick at his chest-- or his heart.
Obsidian preferred to think of himself as being without a heart. Without love. Though he knew that simply wasn't true, and it wasn't going to end up that way, which bothered him. How come, in all the horrible moons that he had been alive-- though they weren't all bad, he thought with a short smile-- how come in all that time, he had never thought to just lock himself away from the world? Though he'd been pretty close to it in that place. Fame had really changed the cat he was thinking of. The cat he thought he knew. His refusal to trust centered around his desperation to keep himself from being betrayed again...to keep that kind of hurt out of his heart.
Out of his life. Out of anything and everything that might cross his path. But Calia was such a good natured cat...it was hard for him to keep himself blocked off from her. He was going to really have to watch it, or he would end up with a connection that he didn't want at all. Unwanted connections were the absolute worst, and the kind that seemed to have the worst attraction to Obsidian. So many unwanted connections in his life. So many heartaches...and heartbreaks. Too many, in his opinion. Far too many for him to continue on for very long, though he would try his best. And he was on his way to a place that he knew would work better for him. To a place where, though there were a lot of cats, he would be free-- free from heartbreak.

Because the cats there didn't seem to have hearts either, not as far as he knew. Oh he wouldn't tie himself down to a singular cat there, nor to the group as a whole. He would look around. Scope out the area. Make sure that it was a place that deserved loyalty before he made a true decision...that was the best thing to do, wasn't it? "Thank you for your understanding." He mewed, lowering his head in respect of the she cat's response. He was somewhat surprised at her indifference to his mention of leaving...though perhaps she had to be that way. Perhaps she wanted to. Maybe it was her way of keeping herself from getting hurt, just as staying away from other cats and keeping himself guarded was Obsidian's way of not getting hurt. And he appreciated it. She had the brightest eyes of any cat Obsidian had ever seen, and they made him slightly uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was the life that was held within them...how did she manage to look so sweet, innocent, kit like, and yet like a mother or a cat who would take on anything who threatened to hurt her loved ones at the same time? Though from what he had seen, he sincerely doubted it. The scolding tone of voice she had first used was still stuck in his head, and he would remember it for a good, long while. How had she done that? It had been so calm, and yet commanding at the same time...and had made him feel like a kitten being scolded for clawing the curtains or scratching up the furniture again. A shudder went down Obsidian's spine at the thought of those horror filled days that had been preparing him for the spotlight-- the spotlight he never got. And in a way, it was a blessing that he hadn't gotten the spotlight focused onto him.
He had seen what it could do to a cat, first hand. A horrifying experience, really. He noticed, for the first time, the bow that was tied around her neck, and how she was struggling to undo it, then explained about the itch. Oh, an itch. Not trying to get it off. He thought, re-evaluating his already calculating mind. "Well, if you would like, I've dealt with a couple of those-- I could help you get it off. Might make it easier to get to that itch." He offered, and then stopped. A bow. Just a bow. Getting a bow off. No problem, right? He'd done it before with dozens of cats, there was no way that it would let him make connections he didn't want. Not unless he let it get to his head, mess with his mind, make him believe an untruth...none of which he would let it do. He waited for her approval anyways, not wanting to make things awkward.

This cat was offering him shelter, food, water, and safety-- the least he could do was offer to take a measly bow off her neck. He listened carefully to all that she was saying, never taking his watching hues off of her, never once pretending that he wasn't listening. All the time paying attention. All the time careful not to allow himself to get sidetracked in her words, and her voice.
It was so soft. It reminded him of another cat-- betrayal. And hurt. When she mentioned a twoleg, Obsidian's whole body tensed and he looked as though he were going to leave right that second before she moved on, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Hm? Oh-- no! No questions. Just-- you're sure that twoleg doesn't mean any harm? Twolegs are peculiar creatures, and they change their minds so easily..." He mewed, his voice trailing off as he looked up at the sky.
Yes, twolegs certainly were strange creatures. How could they be so fickle? Once Obsidian made a decision, he stuck to it. And he had already decided he was moving on from here, already decided he wasn't going to allow himself to get attached to the she cat, already decided that he didn't want anything to do with that twoleg. Or whatever food he might bring. Not to mention he had already decided that, whatever it was, it was going to be poisoned. And he needed to avoid it. Calia should avoid it too, but he didn't control the ginger female-- just himself. He glanced at the she cat almost nervously, awkwardly, remembering his offer from earlier and wondering if she wanted to take him up on it. It had certainly been a strange one for him to make, considering his earlier attitude.

{I had an ideaaa...so what if Obsidian ends up staying longer then he meant to, not on purpose but he sort of loses track of time and then they start to have feelings for each other before he realizes he's getting attached and is like 'well I guess I'll be moving on now' and she's upset cause she thought he might stay, but he shrugs it off like it's no big deal and is like 'I told you I was leaving in the first place' and goes to the DS, but keeps feeling bad and eventually thinks she might be in trouble *up to you whether you want that to be true or not* and so goes back... and we can see what happens xD}

[ yas! that's a great idea! maybe when Obsidian comes back, the twoleg could be trying to take her away? or she's fighting a badger or a fox or something ]

Calia found Obsidian's comment on twolegs to be biased. Clearly, both her and him had different experiences with twolegs, but she understood everybody had their own opinion. It simply happened that the two had completely separate opinions on twolegs. She kept her disagreement hidden, refusing to reveal any negativity she owned. Despite her mental negative reaction towards Obsidian's comment, she answered with a bright, ``Oh, don't you worry about the twoleg. I assure you he's no trouble.``

She was reminded of the blue ribbon that was wrapped around her throat, and she flashed Obsidian a kind smile and a soft shake of her head. ``No, no - there's no need. It just gets itchy sometimes,`` She meowed reassuringly. She wouldn't want to make him uneasy, taking her ribbon off. She knew closeness could result in an uncomfortable mood, and based off Obsidian's reserved nature, he would find the closeness uncomfortable ``Maybe I'll tell you the story behind it one day- er, later, I mean.`` Calia chuckled nervously, anxiously shuffling her paws at her obvious mistake. ``I'm sorry. No pressure.`` She didn't want to add weight to the tomcat's shoulders, pressuring him to stay by playing the guilt card. She was incredibly selfless, and even if she loved Obsidian like a brother, she would let him leave if that was what he wished. She would not hold him back.

She subconsciously shook out her pelt, her long fur stormily moving with the excessive shaking. The thick fur around her neck, like a lion's mane, barely moved it was so thick. She finally stopped, flicking her ears and twitching her whiskers. ``Do you have any wounds you need to be treated?`` Cautiously, she stepped closer to him, stretching out her muzzle, her nose twitching as she sniffed for any signs of injuries. As she did this, she kept her eye on him, looking out for a sign of uneasiness. She didn't want him to be uncomfortable, and if he disliked their closeness, she would willingly step back. Calia simply wanted to make sure Obsidian was okay.

[lone]

[ yas! that's a great idea! maybe when Obsidian comes back, the twoleg could be trying to take her away? or she's fighting a badger or a fox or something ]


Calia found Obsidian's comment on twolegs to be biased. Clearly, both her and him had different experiences with twolegs, but she understood everybody had their own opinion. It simply happened that the two had completely separate opinions on twolegs. She kept her disagreement hidden, refusing to reveal any negativity she owned. Despite her mental negative reaction towards Obsidian's comment, she answered with a bright, ``Oh, don't you worry about the twoleg. I assure you he's no trouble.``

She was reminded of the blue ribbon that was wrapped around her throat, and she flashed Obsidian a kind smile and a soft shake of her head. ``No, no - there's no need. It just gets itchy sometimes,`` She meowed reassuringly. She wouldn't want to make him uneasy, taking her ribbon off. She knew closeness could result in an uncomfortable mood, and based off Obsidian's reserved nature, he would find the closeness uncomfortable ``Maybe I'll tell you the story behind it one day- er, later, I mean.`` Calia chuckled nervously, anxiously shuffling her paws at her obvious mistake. ``I'm sorry. No pressure.`` She didn't want to add weight to the tomcat's shoulders, pressuring him to stay by playing the guilt card. She was incredibly selfless, and even if she loved Obsidian like a brother, she would let him leave if that was what he wished. She would not hold him back.

She subconsciously shook out her pelt, her long fur stormily moving with the excessive shaking. The thick fur around her neck, like a lion's mane, barely moved it was so thick. She finally stopped, flicking her ears and twitching her whiskers. ``Do you have any wounds you need to be treated?`` Cautiously, she stepped closer to him, stretching out her muzzle, her nose twitching as she sniffed for any signs of injuries. As she did this, she kept her eye on him, looking out for a sign of uneasiness. She didn't want him to be uncomfortable, and if he disliked their closeness, she would willingly step back. Calia simply wanted to make sure Obsidian was okay.

{We can message more about it and work out some details if you would like ^^}
The black furred tom looked a little skeptical at her remark on the twoleg, but shrugged it off after a moment. If this cat had been living there for that long without trouble, he figured he should go by her word. After all, her word should be good enough. At least, the word of a cat who had lived here for most of her life. That was the word he was going on, not necessarily Calia's alone. The tip of his tail flicked like a switch, but after a moment he sighed and gave her an almost angry look-- though not quite. He didn't want that cat who had acted-- strangely-- like a Mother to return. A shudder went down his spine for a moment before he finally was able to meet Calia's gaze. "If you say so. But twolegs have never been a fan of me-- black cats, bad luck. In their minds." He shrugged halfheartedly as though he'd heard the words a million times. Black cats, bad luck. Again and again those four words seemed to replay in his head.
　
And he hated them. It was all superstition, and yet he was the one suffering for people's ignorance. It was nothing but a myth, and yet his brother had lived in the very height of fashion while he was forced to become this. Fun, right? He glanced at the ribbon again, noting that it appeared that it was choking her. Nervous-- she doesn't want to take my time-- tight, too, and bright-- pretty color-- why's it look like that? He thought, cocking his head to one side. Obsidian's thoughts were arranging themselves into an orderly fashion, and he felt as though he owed her at least something.
　
"You sure? It's really no trouble-- it would be the least I can do." He mewed in the friendliest tone he had yet used. He understood that it might be unnecessary to do so, but even if it was... at least he would be helping. Obsidian hated the thought of being 'useless;' and he was determined to prove that he wasn't. To everyone. Even Calia, if he needed to...though he was hoping things wouldn't come to that, hoping that the she cat would be more of the understanding type...and from what he had seen, she was. It was one of the things that made him feel more comfortable. Her next words sent a chill down his spine. No pressure. Words he had heard, but that were very rarely meant.
　
If you don't want someone to feel pressured, why tell them there's no pressure? Just don't mention it. Obsidian thought, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth, back and forth until it looked as though the tip were going to fall off from how quickly he was switching it in that manner. Obsidian swallowed lightly, trying to act as though he were perfectly fine-- he really wasn't, however. It was a rare occasion when he was actually fine. "Not that I know of, no," He mewed, stepping away from her. There was no bodily sign that he was uncomfortable; just his eyes flitting back and forth showed that perhaps he would be more at ease with distance. He didn't say anything else. Obsidian was not a cat that, once a situation got awkward, he tried to salvage conversation-- just the opposite, as a matter of fact.

[AbsurdJinx]

{We can message more about it and work out some details if you would like ^^}
The black furred tom looked a little skeptical at her remark on the twoleg, but shrugged it off after a moment. If this cat had been living there for that long without trouble, he figured he should go by her word. After all, her word should be good enough. At least, the word of a cat who had lived here for most of her life. That was the word he was going on, not necessarily Calia's alone. The tip of his tail flicked like a switch, but after a moment he sighed and gave her an almost angry look-- though not quite. He didn't want that cat who had acted-- strangely-- like a Mother to return. A shudder went down his spine for a moment before he finally was able to meet Calia's gaze. "If you say so. But twolegs have never been a fan of me-- black cats, bad luck. In their minds." He shrugged halfheartedly as though he'd heard the words a million times. Black cats, bad luck. Again and again those four words seemed to replay in his head.
　
And he hated them. It was all superstition, and yet he was the one suffering for people's ignorance. It was nothing but a myth, and yet his brother had lived in the very height of fashion while he was forced to become this. Fun, right? He glanced at the ribbon again, noting that it appeared that it was choking her. Nervous-- she doesn't want to take my time-- tight, too, and bright-- pretty color-- why's it look like that? He thought, cocking his head to one side. Obsidian's thoughts were arranging themselves into an orderly fashion, and he felt as though he owed her at least something.
　
"You sure? It's really no trouble-- it would be the least I can do." He mewed in the friendliest tone he had yet used. He understood that it might be unnecessary to do so, but even if it was... at least he would be helping. Obsidian hated the thought of being 'useless;' and he was determined to prove that he wasn't. To everyone. Even Calia, if he needed to...though he was hoping things wouldn't come to that, hoping that the she cat would be more of the understanding type...and from what he had seen, she was. It was one of the things that made him feel more comfortable. Her next words sent a chill down his spine. No pressure. Words he had heard, but that were very rarely meant.
　
If you don't want someone to feel pressured, why tell them there's no pressure? Just don't mention it. Obsidian thought, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth, back and forth until it looked as though the tip were going to fall off from how quickly he was switching it in that manner. Obsidian swallowed lightly, trying to act as though he were perfectly fine-- he really wasn't, however. It was a rare occasion when he was actually fine. "Not that I know of, no," He mewed, stepping away from her. There was no bodily sign that he was uncomfortable; just his eyes flitting back and forth showed that perhaps he would be more at ease with distance. He didn't say anything else. Obsidian was not a cat that, once a situation got awkward, he tried to salvage conversation-- just the opposite, as a matter of fact.

[ sure! c=
all i can think about is, when Obsidian comes back, how Calia will feel ]

Calia felt hurt when Obsidian stepped away from her, though she didn't show it. Instead, she simply cast him a discreetly weak smile, nodded, and pulled away. Now, she could feel the awkward tension. Normally, awkward did not exist for her, but the dark-pelted tomcat before her brought it alive. ``Don't worry about the ribbon, I assure you. It's rather tight and itchy, but the history behind it is actually quite meaningful,`` She laughed nervously, avoiding eye contact with the tom. Only now did she seem to realize just how antisocial he was, how uneasy he was with her. It made her nervous, but her selflessness convinced her to make sure he was comfortable.

She shuffled her paws, watching them through anxious eyes. Calia's met all types of cats - every type of feline, and she was capable of treating them all with a bright, comfortable air. And then she met Obsidian. He was different compared to every other traveler that passed through her garden, and he was able to introduce her to emotions she rarely experienced. Lashing her tail briefly, she let her small frown lift into a small smile. Gathering the needed courage, she looked over at her guest. He clearly didn't want to deal with company at the moment, and she would gladly grant him his wishes. ``If you'd like, I could show you where you'll be staying? I'll build your nest, and if you prefer, you could join me in picking some resources? We don't have to go far - everything we need for a nest can be found in this garden. Otherwise, please feel free to relax.``

Calia, with her hardening paw pads pressed firmly against the ground, took a step back, motioning to the small bridge just a few yard next to them as she mentioned showing him his temporary bed. And when she offered him the chance to explore the garden, she waved her tail and looked around her, putting some visuals to her words. Calia avoided his gaze, knowledgeable that a majority of anxious cats prefer not to make eye contact as it fuels their anxiety. Instead, she looked at the earth, the light layer of snow, and her shuffling forepaws. She studied the pale markings of her sliding paws in the snow, and she was able to spot just a small amount of grass and dirt below. She smiled softly at this. She always found nature to be beautiful and calming, and she'd always had a strong interest in it. She did enjoy the snow, and found it's gorgeous white blankets to make her youthful and bright. However, her thoughts on rain were mixed. Rain fed her plants, but the sky often grew dark and gloomy on rainy days, causing her to become extremely depressed. Rainy day skies weren't similar to night skies at all - no, she loved night skies. Rainy days were cloudy, and dark, and just seemed to cause depression. Night skies were starry and handsome, and she enjoyed watching those skies.

Obsidian. The mysterious cat she yearned to know. She wanted to know if he enjoyed rainy days, if he often looked at the night skies. Perhaps he admired the beauty of leaf-bare? She didn't know, and she was sure she never would. He seemed to be more reserved than any cat she's ever known... But she was patient. She had as much patience as humanely possible, and was more than willing to wait for him to open up... But she'd never see him warm up, as he'd be long gone.

[lone]

[ sure! c=

all i can think about is, when Obsidian comes back, how Calia will feel ]

Calia felt hurt when Obsidian stepped away from her, though she didn't show it. Instead, she simply cast him a discreetly weak smile, nodded, and pulled away. Now, she could feel the awkward tension. Normally, awkward did not exist for her, but the dark-pelted tomcat before her brought it alive. ``Don't worry about the ribbon, I assure you. It's rather tight and itchy, but the history behind it is actually quite meaningful,`` She laughed nervously, avoiding eye contact with the tom. Only now did she seem to realize just how antisocial he was, how uneasy he was with her. It made her nervous, but her selflessness convinced her to make sure he was comfortable.

She shuffled her paws, watching them through anxious eyes. Calia's met all types of cats - every type of feline, and she was capable of treating them all with a bright, comfortable air. And then she met Obsidian. He was different compared to every other traveler that passed through her garden, and he was able to introduce her to emotions she rarely experienced. Lashing her tail briefly, she let her small frown lift into a small smile. Gathering the needed courage, she looked over at her guest. He clearly didn't want to deal with company at the moment, and she would gladly grant him his wishes. ``If you'd like, I could show you where you'll be staying? I'll build your nest, and if you prefer, you could join me in picking some resources? We don't have to go far - everything we need for a nest can be found in this garden. Otherwise, please feel free to relax.``

Calia, with her hardening paw pads pressed firmly against the ground, took a step back, motioning to the small bridge just a few yard next to them as she mentioned showing him his temporary bed. And when she offered him the chance to explore the garden, she waved her tail and looked around her, putting some visuals to her words. Calia avoided his gaze, knowledgeable that a majority of anxious cats prefer not to make eye contact as it fuels their anxiety. Instead, she looked at the earth, the light layer of snow, and her shuffling forepaws. She studied the pale markings of her sliding paws in the snow, and she was able to spot just a small amount of grass and dirt below. She smiled softly at this. She always found nature to be beautiful and calming, and she'd always had a strong interest in it. She did enjoy the snow, and found it's gorgeous white blankets to make her youthful and bright. However, her thoughts on rain were mixed. Rain fed her plants, but the sky often grew dark and gloomy on rainy days, causing her to become extremely depressed. Rainy day skies weren't similar to night skies at all - no, she loved night skies. Rainy days were cloudy, and dark, and just seemed to cause depression. Night skies were starry and handsome, and she enjoyed watching those skies.

Obsidian. The mysterious cat she yearned to know. She wanted to know if he enjoyed rainy days, if he often looked at the night skies. Perhaps he admired the beauty of leaf-bare? She didn't know, and she was sure she never would. He seemed to be more reserved than any cat she's ever known... But she was patient. She had as much patience as humanely possible, and was more than willing to wait for him to open up... But she'd never see him warm up, as he'd be long gone.

{O.O .... now I feel guilty xD}
　
"If you say so. Let me know if you change your mind-- I'd be happy to get rid of that for you as soon as you do." The tip of Obsidian's tail flicked, and he looked slightly worried-- almost as though Calia had offended him in some unknown way. But she hadn't, of course... the tom sometimes made odd expressions, just to see other cats' reactions, though it wasn't an often occurance. He must be already warming up to the female to be doing something like that. He was aware of her anxiety. Her nervousness. And it was feeding his own, making it grow until he was sure he wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer. Certainly Calia wasn't scared of him-- who would invite a cat they were scared of to stay with him?
　
And he would be moving on soon, anyways. To a place where he knew there were lots of cats, but they were all dedicated to their jobs; no feelings, no stupid drama like the place where he had come from. Everything was black and white there-- it either was or it wasn't, there was no in between. But they were much bloodthirstier then Obsidian would ever be, that much was also obvious to him. He wasn't a bloodthirsty cat at all-- he was more calm, and caring. And yet he wanted to go to this place, away from the charming smaller area where he was now with Calia. Why? If you had asked him, he probably wouldn't have been able to answer.
　
He would be the weak one there. The small one. Just like he always had been only this time, it would be much, much worse. So why would he put himself through that? Well perhaps he liked to be the small one. Maybe he didn't feel like keeping his guard up anymore-- maybe he felt more like letting it down and calming himself, although it was always very hard to do that for some reason. And again, the tom wasn't quite sure what that reason was. "Sure, that's fine by me." Obsidian half shrugged, padding after the ginger she cat. Her pelt was pretty-- and interesting, too, growing up in a family of shorter furred cats, longer pelts had been few and far between. Unless you counted those giggling, immature starlets of cats-- in which case they were all over the place, but much more well groomed and fake looking then Calia's own.
　
Obsidian was staring at it-- without realizing of course-- as he followed behind her, the tip of his tail twitching. He liked Calia, and was grateful to her for being so friendly towards him, of course... but until he was able to trust her completely, as he would have liked to say he did now, he wouldn't be too close to her... he knew better, it would only end in the same heartbreak and tears as those things always did.

[AbsurdJinx]

{O.O .... now I feel guilty xD}
　
"If you say so. Let me know if you change your mind-- I'd be happy to get rid of that for you as soon as you do." The tip of Obsidian's tail flicked, and he looked slightly worried-- almost as though Calia had offended him in some unknown way. But she hadn't, of course... the tom sometimes made odd expressions, just to see other cats' reactions, though it wasn't an often occurance. He must be already warming up to the female to be doing something like that. He was aware of her anxiety. Her nervousness. And it was feeding his own, making it grow until he was sure he wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer. Certainly Calia wasn't scared of him-- who would invite a cat they were scared of to stay with him?
　
And he would be moving on soon, anyways. To a place where he knew there were lots of cats, but they were all dedicated to their jobs; no feelings, no stupid drama like the place where he had come from. Everything was black and white there-- it either was or it wasn't, there was no in between. But they were much bloodthirstier then Obsidian would ever be, that much was also obvious to him. He wasn't a bloodthirsty cat at all-- he was more calm, and caring. And yet he wanted to go to this place, away from the charming smaller area where he was now with Calia. Why? If you had asked him, he probably wouldn't have been able to answer.
　
He would be the weak one there. The small one. Just like he always had been only this time, it would be much, much worse. So why would he put himself through that? Well perhaps he liked to be the small one. Maybe he didn't feel like keeping his guard up anymore-- maybe he felt more like letting it down and calming himself, although it was always very hard to do that for some reason. And again, the tom wasn't quite sure what that reason was. "Sure, that's fine by me." Obsidian half shrugged, padding after the ginger she cat. Her pelt was pretty-- and interesting, too, growing up in a family of shorter furred cats, longer pelts had been few and far between. Unless you counted those giggling, immature starlets of cats-- in which case they were all over the place, but much more well groomed and fake looking then Calia's own.
　
Obsidian was staring at it-- without realizing of course-- as he followed behind her, the tip of his tail twitching. He liked Calia, and was grateful to her for being so friendly towards him, of course... but until he was able to trust her completely, as he would have liked to say he did now, he wouldn't be too close to her... he knew better, it would only end in the same heartbreak and tears as those things always did.

[ noooooo no guilt!!!!! cx ]

Calia automatically smiled when he agreed to join her, completely oblivious to his staring. Progress, she told herself enthusiastically. His cooperation fueled her happiness, and she practically bounced - like an excited kit - to their destination. She now displayed a large grin, and cheer radiated off her in waves. It wasn't very difficult to satisfy her, and she was knowledgeable of this, but it didn't bother her. In fact, it made her even happier to know she was easy to satisfy - often, making others happy had the ability to cheer you. She figured that, if others made her happy - say, with a simple `sure` - then maybe they'd feel happy that they made someone else happy? Whatever the case, she saw it as a positive thing.

She didn't cross the bridge, no, she bounded two yards to the bottom of the small hill beside the bridge. Tall plants grew around them, and she had to push through them in order to reach the desired point. Casting Obsidian a quick glance to assure herself he followed, Calia then slipped beneath the bridge. There was barely any snow below the walkway, and it was cool due to the shadow cast by the twoleg-built item. On the side closest to the twoleg nest was Calia's nest. It was hidden behind thick grasses. And on the other side was yet another nest - except this one was ratty and obvious dying. It too was hidden by grass. ``That's mine, there. And that will be yours. I promise you it'll look prettier and be ten times as comfortable in just a few moments,`` Calia purred. ``I bury the fresh-kill closer to my side - just before that patch of grass that hides my nest. It's easier that way, for whenever nobody is staying with me. And you can see the pond from here. In fact, right behind this clump of ferns is part of it,`` To prove her point, Calia trotted towards the ferns opposite of the way they came. She pushed the ferns down with a single paw, revealing one end of the pond. ``This part here,`` she meowed, beckoning to the pool of water just beside her paw, ``The ice is thinner, and easier to break, so getting to the water won't be so difficult. At first, when leaf-bare started, the pond was frozen over. I worked at this part for ages until I finally got to the water. Now, whenever the ice grows back, I break it before it can thicken.`` She looked down proudly at the thin layer of ice blanketing refreshing water. She did that - she found a way to get to the water, and that was something to be proud of. She put effort into it, too, a lot of effort. ``I'll break it again when we get back - I'm sorta thirsty, and I'm sure you are too. But believe me, the water will feel so much more amazing after we finish fixing the nest.`` She brought her paw off the ferns which sprung right back up, caging the pond from sight.

Calia made her way back to the entrance to her under-the-bridge home where she looked over at Obsidian. ``We just have to push through - go straight, okay? It's only a few feet ahead. I hope your comfortable sleeping on leaves? I know some cats prefer moss and sticks or reeds, but the ice has claimed those items as their victims.`` She spoke as she walked. ``The snow and ice have frozen the moss to the ground. I can't find any sticks below the snow, and the reeds are also stuck in the ice. However, my plants are nice and tall - a little frozen, but they'll warm up before nighttime.``

She came to a halt, by a patch of tall plants surrounded by smaller ones. ``I get most of my nest supplies here. Just gnaw at the stalks of any of these until they fall off. Oh, and grab a mouthful, too!`` And then Calia got to work.

[lone]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Obsidian looked at her questioningly when she smiled; what was she so happy about? Almost instinctively, his mind turned to suspicions...what did she want? What was she thinking? Did she think he was weird, or different? And what about her seeming so cheerful all the time? No one was that cheerful all the time! Except for her, he thought, partly admiringly and partly scornfully. The truth was, although it seemed crazy, Obsidian was somewhat jealous of Calia. She seemed to be such a great cat. And she had the type of life that she had spent constantly helping others...one of those cats who did nothing but smile and help, and be someone who could light up all her territory with a single smile. Just because she was so bright spirited. And then part of them was angry with himself, because all she wanted to do was help and all Obsidian knew how to do was hurt her, even though he wasn't meaning to. But it was too late-- he was way, way too far gone.
　
He couldn't be the type of cat that he was quickly beginning to think of as a 'Calia cat.' The least he could do was show her some respect on her territory, with her offering to help him. Right? "She's like a little ray of sunshine," The tom muttered to himself. It was the truth...the ginger female reminded him of a ray of sunshine... warm, bright, and it helped everyone-- even when they didn't know it. That only made the tom feel worse. Not only was he being helped by a cat whom he would probably forget all about as soon as he made his way on, but she was doing more then she needed to. All he needed was her permission to stay here, but she was offering him food, shelter, and even to check him for wounds. And although Obsidian wasn't hurt, if he had been, he probably wouldn't have let her-- which again, didn't make him feel any better. The tom cast her a curious glance as she bounded down beside the bridge instead of over it, but he followed anyways.
　
Who was he to question...whatever she was doing? She certainly must know what she was doing. Right? There was no way that she didn't. A cat who had been around for as long as she had...well, in this territory, at least. Calia looked to be about Obsidian's age, and Obsidian wasn't too old...perhaps a little older or younger then her, he wasn't sure. He glanced with disgust at the ratty-looking nest...though he tried to hide it, not wanting the she cat to feel bad. Obviously she had done the best she could to make this place comfortable. But then as she began to speak, his ears pricked up and he looked at her. When we're done? He thought, although he hid his amazement. What did she mean 'done?' What was she going to do to it-- or they, rather, since she had used the plural inferring that both she and Obsidian would be working on this nest. Though he wasn't normally polite, and didn't usualy keep his maw shut, the black tom did both this time.
　
Perhaps he felt he owed her more respect. When she mentioned the part about the water, the tom's hues grew wide. "That's amazing, sunshine!" He mewed, and then quickly clamped his maw shut. He hadn't meant to say anything. But he had already begun thinking of her like a little ray of sunshine, and the word had just sort of...slipped out, so to speak. Why hadn't he kept his maw shut? Obsidian felt so embarrassed he wished the ice would break now so he could jump in and never be seen-- or heard from-- again. "Sorry. I didn't mean to...I mean, you aren't...I wasn't..." He mewed, unable to finish his sentences. He wondered how come he had all of a sudden called her that. Perhaps she just had looked like a little ray of sunshine... he wished there was some explanation for it that didn't involve his stupidity, but just his luck-- there wasn't one. "That's fine." He mewed in a low voice, lowering his head as he followed after her, his ears pinned backwards.
　
He gave a simple nod to her question about the leaves, and sullenly began to gnaw at the stalks of the plants she had aforementioned. It seemed as though Obsidian was going back into his glum, guarded state...something that he knew he would probably regret later, but it was a natural response to anything that might happen to hurt him emotionally. If he allowed himself to attach himself to her with anything-- even as simple as a nickname-- he might find himself growing to actually like her. And then she would be the one to leave. No one wanted to stay with a cat like him. Something that he had learned long, long ago and something that he would continuously remember throughout his life was that until a cat proved they could be trusted-- through actions, not words-- until he truly came to believe them, trust them...he wouldn't let them close to him. He gathered up a mouthful of the plants, carrying them back towards the nest and shooting a pained look at the ginger feline. Though why, she wouldn't get to know...unfortunately.

[AbsurdJinx]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Obsidian looked at her questioningly when she smiled; what was she so happy about? Almost instinctively, his mind turned to suspicions...what did she want? What was she thinking? Did she think he was weird, or different? And what about her seeming so cheerful all the time? No one was that cheerful all the time! Except for her, he thought, partly admiringly and partly scornfully. The truth was, although it seemed crazy, Obsidian was somewhat jealous of Calia. She seemed to be such a great cat. And she had the type of life that she had spent constantly helping others...one of those cats who did nothing but smile and help, and be someone who could light up all her territory with a single smile. Just because she was so bright spirited. And then part of them was angry with himself, because all she wanted to do was help and all Obsidian knew how to do was hurt her, even though he wasn't meaning to. But it was too late-- he was way, way too far gone.
　
He couldn't be the type of cat that he was quickly beginning to think of as a 'Calia cat.' The least he could do was show her some respect on her territory, with her offering to help him. Right? "She's like a little ray of sunshine," The tom muttered to himself. It was the truth...the ginger female reminded him of a ray of sunshine... warm, bright, and it helped everyone-- even when they didn't know it. That only made the tom feel worse. Not only was he being helped by a cat whom he would probably forget all about as soon as he made his way on, but she was doing more then she needed to. All he needed was her permission to stay here, but she was offering him food, shelter, and even to check him for wounds. And although Obsidian wasn't hurt, if he had been, he probably wouldn't have let her-- which again, didn't make him feel any better. The tom cast her a curious glance as she bounded down beside the bridge instead of over it, but he followed anyways.
　
Who was he to question...whatever she was doing? She certainly must know what she was doing. Right? There was no way that she didn't. A cat who had been around for as long as she had...well, in this territory, at least. Calia looked to be about Obsidian's age, and Obsidian wasn't too old...perhaps a little older or younger then her, he wasn't sure. He glanced with disgust at the ratty-looking nest...though he tried to hide it, not wanting the she cat to feel bad. Obviously she had done the best she could to make this place comfortable. But then as she began to speak, his ears pricked up and he looked at her. When we're done? He thought, although he hid his amazement. What did she mean 'done?' What was she going to do to it-- or they, rather, since she had used the plural inferring that both she and Obsidian would be working on this nest. Though he wasn't normally polite, and didn't usualy keep his maw shut, the black tom did both this time.
　
Perhaps he felt he owed her more respect. When she mentioned the part about the water, the tom's hues grew wide. "That's amazing, sunshine!" He mewed, and then quickly clamped his maw shut. He hadn't meant to say anything. But he had already begun thinking of her like a little ray of sunshine, and the word had just sort of...slipped out, so to speak. Why hadn't he kept his maw shut? Obsidian felt so embarrassed he wished the ice would break now so he could jump in and never be seen-- or heard from-- again. "Sorry. I didn't mean to...I mean, you aren't...I wasn't..." He mewed, unable to finish his sentences. He wondered how come he had all of a sudden called her that. Perhaps she just had looked like a little ray of sunshine... he wished there was some explanation for it that didn't involve his stupidity, but just his luck-- there wasn't one. "That's fine." He mewed in a low voice, lowering his head as he followed after her, his ears pinned backwards.
　
He gave a simple nod to her question about the leaves, and sullenly began to gnaw at the stalks of the plants she had aforementioned. It seemed as though Obsidian was going back into his glum, guarded state...something that he knew he would probably regret later, but it was a natural response to anything that might happen to hurt him emotionally. If he allowed himself to attach himself to her with anything-- even as simple as a nickname-- he might find himself growing to actually like her. And then she would be the one to leave. No one wanted to stay with a cat like him. Something that he had learned long, long ago and something that he would continuously remember throughout his life was that until a cat proved they could be trusted-- through actions, not words-- until he truly came to believe them, trust them...he wouldn't let them close to him. He gathered up a mouthful of the plants, carrying them back towards the nest and shooting a pained look at the ginger feline. Though why, she wouldn't get to know...unfortunately.

Calia hadn't reacted on Obsidian's slip of a nickname just moments before. He seemed embarrassed by it, though she honestly thought it was one of the most adorable things she'd ever experienced. She didn't want to further humiliate him by responding on it, so she let it slip, but sunshine repeatedly passed through her simple mind. She'd never had a nickname, and it brought curiosity to her as a stranger-as-of-an-hour-before would be the one to give it to her. Of course, she wasn't complaining, but Obsidian, reserved and cool? Don't put too much thought into it, it was a one-time thing.

With a mouthful of plant stalks, Calia guided the way back to the nests below the bridge. Carefully, she set the stalks down beside the nest that was in need of improvement. She figured Obsidian would set his own stalks down with hers. ``Thank you, for helping, I mean,`` Calia meowed, flashing him a grateful smile. And then she got to work, clearing the area of its sad excuse of a nest and replacing it with fresh plants. She wove the stalks around, her nose crinkled in deep concentration. And then she remembered - Obsidian, and she opened her mouth to speak. ``If you don't mind me asking... which way are you heading? A majority of those who stay with me head towards the Clans. Those Clan cats are rather famous, if you ask me,`` She laughed gently, her paws moving quickly as she continued to build the nest.

[lone]

Calia hadn't reacted on Obsidian's slip of a nickname just moments before. He seemed embarrassed by it, though she honestly thought it was one of the most adorable things she'd ever experienced. She didn't want to further humiliate him by responding on it, so she let it slip, but sunshine repeatedly passed through her simple mind. She'd never had a nickname, and it brought curiosity to her as a stranger-as-of-an-hour-before would be the one to give it to her. Of course, she wasn't complaining, but Obsidian, reserved and cool? Don't put too much thought into it, it was a one-time thing.


With a mouthful of plant stalks, Calia guided the way back to the nests below the bridge. Carefully, she set the stalks down beside the nest that was in need of improvement. She figured Obsidian would set his own stalks down with hers. ``Thank you, for helping, I mean,`` Calia meowed, flashing him a grateful smile. And then she got to work, clearing the area of its sad excuse of a nest and replacing it with fresh plants. She wove the stalks around, her nose crinkled in deep concentration. And then she remembered - Obsidian, and she opened her mouth to speak. ``If you don't mind me asking... which way are you heading? A majority of those who stay with me head towards the Clans. Those Clan cats are rather famous, if you ask me,`` She laughed gently, her paws moving quickly as she continued to build the nest.


The black tom was still embarassed about having given the ginger female a nickname. How had that even come into his head, anyways? Sunshine? He thought, looking as though he were about to scoff at the very fact that he had ever called the she cat 'sunshine.' And yet there was warmth, too...she hadn't really minded. Not as far as he could tell. Maybe Calia hadn't even heard, at least he hoped so-- if that were true, then there was nothing to worry about. Cautiously, as though he were walking on something delicate that he didn't want to break like eggshells or leaves. The tom unsheathed his claws and dug them into the ground, half-stretching them as he did so and enjoying the feel of the dirt under his claws. After all, this was something that he had rarely gotten to experience in what he called his 'house of horrors.' It really had been an awful place. And his brother? Such a stuck up jerk, and yet he acted as though he were a gift to every cat around him.
　
The thought was almost laughable, except it really wasn't. Since that same cat had made his life absolutely and positively miserable for moons. Slowly, Obsidian set his own stalks down beside hers, moving away as though she were a dangerous animal about to sting him and then settling down again. Her voice brought him out of his past and he lifted his head, looking at her and managing to smile a little. It didn't look very real, or as though he meant the words he was speaking, but at least it was there. "You're welcome. I mean...I thought I might as well." He shrugged a little like it was no big deal. And to him, it wasn't. There just wasn't a big deal when it came to helping. "Yeah, well, a Clan's not for me. Seems like they're pretty strict. I'm heading for a place called the Dusk Syndicate-- you might have heard of it but, then again, you might not have. Guess it depends." He half-shrugged, before turning his attention away from her. For whatever reason, he was scared that if he looked at her too long-- she might cast some sort of spell on him. It was an irrational fear, but it was there all the same.

[AbsurdJinx]

[/CENTER]
The black tom was still embarassed about having given the ginger female a nickname. How had that even come into his head, anyways? Sunshine? He thought, looking as though he were about to scoff at the very fact that he had ever called the she cat 'sunshine.' And yet there was warmth, too...she hadn't really minded. Not as far as he could tell. Maybe Calia hadn't even heard, at least he hoped so-- if that were true, then there was nothing to worry about. Cautiously, as though he were walking on something delicate that he didn't want to break like eggshells or leaves. The tom unsheathed his claws and dug them into the ground, half-stretching them as he did so and enjoying the feel of the dirt under his claws. After all, this was something that he had rarely gotten to experience in what he called his 'house of horrors.' It really had been an awful place. And his brother? Such a stuck up jerk, and yet he acted as though he were a gift to every cat around him.
　
The thought was almost laughable, except it really wasn't. Since that same cat had made his life absolutely and positively miserable for moons. Slowly, Obsidian set his own stalks down beside hers, moving away as though she were a dangerous animal about to sting him and then settling down again. Her voice brought him out of his past and he lifted his head, looking at her and managing to smile a little. It didn't look very real, or as though he meant the words he was speaking, but at least it was there. "You're welcome. I mean...I thought I might as well." He shrugged a little like it was no big deal. And to him, it wasn't. There just wasn't a big deal when it came to helping. "Yeah, well, a Clan's not for me. Seems like they're pretty strict. I'm heading for a place called the Dusk Syndicate-- you might have heard of it but, then again, you might not have. Guess it depends." He half-shrugged, before turning his attention away from her. For whatever reason, he was scared that if he looked at her too long-- she might cast some sort of spell on him. It was an irrational fear, but it was there all the same.

Calia's head shot up at the mention of the Dusk Syndicate, and the nest was quickly forgotten. When the ShadowClan patrol holed up with her in her previous home, a garden, they had told her all about the Syndicate. According to them, the Syndicate was a group of heartless felines that preferred fighting to peace. Though she hadn't met a Syndicate cat personally, she was afraid of them. They sounded so dangerous and cruel...

Dangerous and cruel. Oh, Obsidian cannot go there! Of course, her first instinct was to prevent her guest from heading for the Syndicate. After all, she was a caretaker. She wished harm upon nobody - not even the Dusk Syndicate members. She faced Obsidian with widened eyes, and her posture was rigid; in general, she indicated fear. ``Obsidian!`` She gasped, ``do not go there, please! When a Clan patrol stayed with me... they told me about the Dusk Syndicate! Oh, it's an awful place! Don't go!``

A Clan's not for me, Obsidian's words repeated within Calia's mind. The Clans would be better for him compared to the Syndicate. ``I know where you can go. The Clan patrol belonged to ShadowClan. In fact, their leader - er, Halestorm, was in that patrol. Why don't you see her? Tell her I sent you? She'll welcome you, I assure you! The Clans aren't as strict at the Syndicate - just please don't go to the Syndicate!`` She was begging at this point, the tensity of her muscles slacking as she spoke.

Figuring he would better speak to her when there was no eye-contact, Calia resorted to binding the plants together once more. She had about a quarter of the nest finished, and at her speed, it may as well be finished in the blink of an eye. The pile of plant stalks was falling in size as she scooped up a few plants at a time, wound them together within a few moments, and then bound them to the nest. Though she attempted to place a majority of her attention on binding the stalks, her mind was elsewhere. She just couldn't let Obsidian join the Dusk Syndicate!

[lone]

Calia's head shot up at the mention of the Dusk Syndicate, and the nest was quickly forgotten. When the ShadowClan patrol holed up with her in her previous home, a garden, they had told her all about the Syndicate. According to them, the Syndicate was a group of heartless felines that preferred fighting to peace. Though she hadn't met a Syndicate cat personally, she was afraid of them. They sounded so dangerous and cruel...


Dangerous and cruel. Oh, Obsidian cannot go there! Of course, her first instinct was to prevent her guest from heading for the Syndicate. After all, she was a caretaker. She wished harm upon nobody - not even the Dusk Syndicate members. She faced Obsidian with widened eyes, and her posture was rigid; in general, she indicated fear. ``Obsidian!`` She gasped, ``do not go there, please! When a Clan patrol stayed with me... they told me about the Dusk Syndicate! Oh, it's an awful place! Don't go!``

A Clan's not for me, Obsidian's words repeated within Calia's mind. The Clans would be better for him compared to the Syndicate. ``I know where you can go. The Clan patrol belonged to ShadowClan. In fact, their leader - er, Halestorm, was in that patrol. Why don't you see her? Tell her I sent you? She'll welcome you, I assure you! The Clans aren't as strict at the Syndicate - just please don't go to the Syndicate!`` She was begging at this point, the tensity of her muscles slacking as she spoke.

Figuring he would better speak to her when there was no eye-contact, Calia resorted to binding the plants together once more. She had about a quarter of the nest finished, and at her speed, it may as well be finished in the blink of an eye. The pile of plant stalks was falling in size as she scooped up a few plants at a time, wound them together within a few moments, and then bound them to the nest. Though she attempted to place a majority of her attention on binding the stalks, her mind was elsewhere. She just couldn't let Obsidian join the Dusk Syndicate!


For a moment, the black tom was stunned. She looked terrified at the mere mention of the Syndicate. They couldn't be that awful. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching. Apparently she had heard some pretty terrible things about them. His hues softened and he looked away from her-- anywhere but at her frantic expression. She seemed desperate to get him to stay away from the Syndicate. They aren't that bad. He told himself again, shaking his head slightly as he watched her. But Calia continued to speak about the Syndicate. She mentioned something about a 'Halestorm--' what kind of a name was that?-- and then appeared to be begging him not to go. There has to be some reason-- something personal, maybe? No one's this determined to keep a stranger away from a place unless they know by personal experience that it's really that bad. He thought.
　
This was really what the tom thought. Why would anyone, for any reason want to be stop a stranger unless they walked towards certain death? The Clans weren't for him. He knew they had strange names like Hale...storm? What-- it didn't matter. He wasn't going to the Clans, and that was perfectly final in his mind. "Look. You seem like a decent cat. I don't think you'd try and intentionally do me harm. But the Clans are not a place where I'm interested in going. They don't sound like they would be a place where a cat like me would fit in. As long as I can win their approval? The Syndicate'll take me. Trust isn't too important there, not from what I've heard. There's always fighting going on. Killing, sometimes." His expression darkened. It was obvious that this much, at least, was not too appealing to the dark furred tom.
　
"I appreciate your concern. But it's my decision to make." His voice once again became colder, and he looked away from her, back down at his paws. It was his decision! He didn't care whether she wanted him to stay, or leave, or go to the Clans or Syndicate or even to another twoleg nest-- it wasn't her decision. Well, technically the whole thing about leaving was. But she couldn't say whether he had to stay or go to a certain place. She could use force-- but he might be able to get away anyways.
　
She couldn't tell him what to do. And, while Obsidian found her concern interesting at least; a break from the cats he'd grown up around; he was more interested in keeping his options open. "I'm not even sure if I'll join yet. I'm just going there to check it out. To see if it's the type of place I want to live the rest of my life in." He told her, as though he thought by mentioning this he could make things better somehow. It was an awkward statement to make-- at least at the moment-- but he felt as though he should say something to lighten the situation a little more. Just the slightest bit. He wanted to assure her it was going to be fine-- but she was a stranger. And that was an unnecessary thing to do, therefore he would keep it out of their interactions until he was ready to go.

[AbsurdJinx]

For a moment, the black tom was stunned. She looked terrified at the mere mention of the Syndicate. They couldn't be that awful. He thought, the tip of his tail twitching. Apparently she had heard some pretty terrible things about them. His hues softened and he looked away from her-- anywhere but at her frantic expression. She seemed desperate to get him to stay away from the Syndicate. They aren't that bad. He told himself again, shaking his head slightly as he watched her. But Calia continued to speak about the Syndicate. She mentioned something about a 'Halestorm--' what kind of a name was that?-- and then appeared to be begging him not to go. There has to be some reason-- something personal, maybe? No one's this determined to keep a stranger away from a place unless they know by personal experience that it's really that bad. He thought.
　
This was really what the tom thought. Why would anyone, for any reason want to be stop a stranger unless they walked towards certain death? The Clans weren't for him. He knew they had strange names like Hale...storm? What-- it didn't matter. He wasn't going to the Clans, and that was perfectly final in his mind. "Look. You seem like a decent cat. I don't think you'd try and intentionally do me harm. But the Clans are not a place where I'm interested in going. They don't sound like they would be a place where a cat like me would fit in. As long as I can win their approval? The Syndicate'll take me. Trust isn't too important there, not from what I've heard. There's always fighting going on. Killing, sometimes." His expression darkened. It was obvious that this much, at least, was not too appealing to the dark furred tom.
　
"I appreciate your concern. But it's my decision to make."
His voice once again became colder, and he looked away from her, back down at his paws. It was his decision! He didn't care whether she wanted him to stay, or leave, or go to the Clans or Syndicate or even to another twoleg nest-- it wasn't her decision. Well, technically the whole thing about leaving was. But she couldn't say whether he had to stay or go to a certain place. She could use force-- but he might be able to get away anyways.
　
She couldn't tell him what to do. And, while Obsidian found her concern interesting at least; a break from the cats he'd grown up around; he was more interested in keeping his options open. "I'm not even sure if I'll join yet. I'm just going there to check it out. To see if it's the type of place I want to live the rest of my life in." He told her, as though he thought by mentioning this he could make things better somehow. It was an awkward statement to make-- at least at the moment-- but he felt as though he should say something to lighten the situation a little more. Just the slightest bit. He wanted to assure her it was going to be fine-- but she was a stranger. And that was an unnecessary thing to do, therefore he would keep it out of their interactions until he was ready to go.

Calia couldn't help but flinch at his cold tone. He had been so cheerful just a moment before... She had caused him negativity; his change of attitude was on her - what right did she have to warn him to `chill`? She could only nod in response. She didn't know what could make him blow, and she wasn't yet ready to experience the mysterious, dark-pelted tomcat's temper. From there on out, she came to the conclusion that she'd best step carefully around Obsidian. He was still a stranger to her however much she may not see him as one. She didn't know him, just as he didn't know her. Calia could learn a thing or two from him, starting with how to act around strangers.

See, at first sight Calia tends to see the good in others. For example, in Obsidian, she saw a young traveler just trying to live life. She didn't see a troubling past behind his eyes, or a caged heart in his chest. Now, though... she still didn't see anything bad in him. He was young and confused, and simply did not know what to do. So she helped him. After all... she was a caretaker.

She wound the final stalks into the nest, and she then stepped back to observe her work. A proud smile could be found on Calia's face as she looked at the fresh nest. ``There we go! All done! Feel free to try it out - there really isn't much to do anyway,`` She chirped cheerfully, happy she succeeded in finishing the nest. Calia then scooped up the remaining stalks and trotted over to her own nest with them. She dropped them by her bed, sat down, and began to freshen up her own nest. She hadn't changed her nest in quite some time; it was getting quite ratty.

Then her mind, after the brief distraction caused by the nest, drifted back to their previous topic. Obsidian was clearly determined to visit the Dusk Syndicate no matter what she said. She discovered he was a rather stubborn tomcat which she swiftly accepted. However, worry continued to nip at her paws, creating a nervous fidget. How would she live with herself, knowing she let an innocent tomcat join the Dusk Syndicate, possibly leading to his death? He himself claimed that killing took place in the Syndicate, and what if he were to become a victim to some murderers' evil scheme? She tensed at the thought, her claws that bound the stalks together getting tangled as she let herself lose focus. With a huff of annoyance, Calia narrowed her eyes and tore her unsheathed claws from the bundle. She got to work once more.

``Just be careful,`` Calia breathed softly, almost to herself. She didn't want Obsidian to die. She probably would never see him again, not if he died nor lived, and she most likely wouldn't even know if he died or not... but, still, it was in her nature to care and worry. Her tail-tip flicked anxiously for her guest. She still didn't look at him, acknowledging the fact that nervous cats became even much more anxious beneath watching eyes.

She cleared her throat, and picked up on a new topic. She didn't see their current conversation going anywhere good, actually. ``Do you have any family? I mean - don't feel like you need to answer that. Just, I guess... trying to start conversation... Hey, know what? Here's an easier question. What's your favorite prey?`` Calia's tone was brighter now as she rambled.

[lone]

Calia couldn't help but flinch at his cold tone. He had been so cheerful just a moment before... She had caused him negativity; his change of attitude was on her - what right did she have to warn him to `chill`? She could only nod in response. She didn't know what could make him blow, and she wasn't yet ready to experience the mysterious, dark-pelted tomcat's temper. From there on out, she came to the conclusion that she'd best step carefully around Obsidian. He was still a stranger to her however much she may not see him as one. She didn't know him, just as he didn't know her. Calia could learn a thing or two from him, starting with how to act around strangers.


See, at first sight Calia tends to see the good in others. For example, in Obsidian, she saw a young traveler just trying to live life. She didn't see a troubling past behind his eyes, or a caged heart in his chest. Now, though... she still didn't see anything bad in him. He was young and confused, and simply did not know what to do. So she helped him. After all... she was a caretaker.

She wound the final stalks into the nest, and she then stepped back to observe her work. A proud smile could be found on Calia's face as she looked at the fresh nest. ``There we go! All done! Feel free to try it out - there really isn't much to do anyway,`` She chirped cheerfully, happy she succeeded in finishing the nest. Calia then scooped up the remaining stalks and trotted over to her own nest with them. She dropped them by her bed, sat down, and began to freshen up her own nest. She hadn't changed her nest in quite some time; it was getting quite ratty.

Then her mind, after the brief distraction caused by the nest, drifted back to their previous topic. Obsidian was clearly determined to visit the Dusk Syndicate no matter what she said. She discovered he was a rather stubborn tomcat which she swiftly accepted. However, worry continued to nip at her paws, creating a nervous fidget. How would she live with herself, knowing she let an innocent tomcat join the Dusk Syndicate, possibly leading to his death? He himself claimed that killing took place in the Syndicate, and what if he were to become a victim to some murderers' evil scheme? She tensed at the thought, her claws that bound the stalks together getting tangled as she let herself lose focus. With a huff of annoyance, Calia narrowed her eyes and tore her unsheathed claws from the bundle. She got to work once more.

``Just be careful,`` Calia breathed softly, almost to herself. She didn't want Obsidian to die. She probably would never see him again, not if he died nor lived, and she most likely wouldn't even know if he died or not... but, still, it was in her nature to care and worry. Her tail-tip flicked anxiously for her guest. She still didn't look at him, acknowledging the fact that nervous cats became even much more anxious beneath watching eyes.

She cleared her throat, and picked up on a new topic. She didn't see their current conversation going anywhere good, actually. ``Do you have any family? I mean - don't feel like you need to answer that. Just, I guess... trying to start conversation... Hey, know what? Here's an easier question. What's your favorite prey?`` Calia's tone was brighter now as she rambled.


Obsidian wasn't used to cats really caring what happened to him. He'd always been a pawn; just standing by, not really doing much. He'd never had the chance to really do much. And unfortunately for him, because of that, his self-worth had gone down a lot in his mind. He wasn't really worth much more then the Dusk Syndicate. They might be a bloodthirsty band of outlaw-like cats, but he was ready to join them because he thought that was all he was good for. To go to someplace where a misfit would be able to belong. As long as he stayed out of the deadly ones' way? He would be fine. She didn't need to worry. The tom's yellow hues fixed themselves on Calia, for a moment he looked over her before turning his gaze back down to his own dark paws.
What did it matter whether he lived or died? Either way, nothing good was going to come of it. The tip of the ebony pelted feline's tail began to twitch-- in a way that was somewhat more violent then he would have preferred. Despite the feline being a little too worried and friendly for Obsidian's liking, he was still thankful that she had invited him to stay. Though if things continued along this path, he might just leave before he was prepared to. It was awfully nice here-- he could see why she stayed. But Obsidian was a wanderer, and he didn't stay in one place for long. Not over a week or so. The longest amount of time he had stayed in a place since leaving the 'softer life' behind was half a moon. Not too long, but he was happy to have done so.
It didn't matter that he had left staying in one place behind along with his previous life. He should have taken on a new name, too-- but he hadn't wanted to. Obsidian had found the thought of that...unpleasant. Who wanted a new name when their own was just fine? Hopefully no one, the tom thought with a snort. That was another thing about the Clans-- they changed their names! Who would want to do that? No, from what Obsidian had heard, the Dusk Syndicate was a much better place if he wanted to get away from something like that. They didn't change their names. And, while the tom wasn't a killer-- he was definitely a fighter.
At heart, anyways. He knew how to get things done, he knew how to fight, and he would certainly be able to defend himself. Against some ragtag outlaw, at least that was his hope. Ragtag outlaws. Was that who he was going to? A band of outlaws? Hopefully they were at least intelligent, if they were stupid Obsidian would most certainly not be going to them. But the Clans were worse. No, he would rather stay as a loner forever. Not here-- he could never stay here. At least in the Syndicate he wouldn't be getting attached. The cats there were the type he wouldn't want to associate himself with, and yet here he was-- about to go associate himself with these outlaws. Dangerous, dangerous cats. Was this just some sort of a stupid thing to do?
At Calia's half-chirping words, the tom looked up in something resembling surprise. Done? Now? A moment later he stepped into the nest himself, cautiously, testing it out. "Thank...you." The words felt odd, he hadn't really had to thank other cats before. And no one had thanked him for anything. So, naturally those words were foreign to him. But they felt good to say, like a sudden weight had been taken from his mind and body. He felt like he had done something that he'd been meaning to for a long time, but had never had the time before. Something special, unique...delicate, too. A mixture of things that made him feel at home.
Just moments after that, he heard the softest whisper of words as though they were just the sound of the wind blowing, or, if he was going to think like that; the sound of soft pawsteps entering his own territory, or the brush of fur against some object. The words were inaudible to him-- but from the way she was speaking, he had a pretty good guess. Not necessarily one that he liked very much, either. Careful? Of course I'll be careful! He wanted to scoff, but instead kept silent. He understood her worry. He was worried himself, but that didn't mean she needed to be. He'd just met the feline earlier that day, and now the sun was getting lower...
Soon it would be dark. And that would leave only a couple more days for Obsidian to stay with the ginger female. Not long enough to get attached at all. At her question about family, his eyes darkened and he was thankful she moved on. Because there had been no way he would answer that question. "Um-m... I'd say sparrow. Harder to catch for me, but it's worth it." He mewed with a definite nod. Obsidian could remember hunting sparrows, it had been fun...interesting...different, honestly. But it was the kind of different that made him feel wonderful. "What about you?" He found himself asking. No, no, no! Conversation leads to bonding. Bonding leads to friendship. And friendship leads to ties that you don't want to break. Don't ever let yourself do that again, Obsidian. He told himself sternly, his hues darkening slightly as he did so. It was true. All of it was true. And the one thing Obsidian didn't want were bonds that couldn't be broken. Or-- that wouldn't be broken.

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian wasn't used to cats really caring what happened to him. He'd always been a pawn; just standing by, not really doing much. He'd never had the chance to really do much. And unfortunately for him, because of that, his self-worth had gone down a lot in his mind. He wasn't really worth much more then the Dusk Syndicate. They might be a bloodthirsty band of outlaw-like cats, but he was ready to join them because he thought that was all he was good for. To go to someplace where a misfit would be able to belong. As long as he stayed out of the deadly ones' way? He would be fine. She didn't need to worry. The tom's yellow hues fixed themselves on Calia, for a moment he looked over her before turning his gaze back down to his own dark paws.
What did it matter whether he lived or died? Either way, nothing good was going to come of it. The tip of the ebony pelted feline's tail began to twitch-- in a way that was somewhat more violent then he would have preferred. Despite the feline being a little too worried and friendly for Obsidian's liking, he was still thankful that she had invited him to stay. Though if things continued along this path, he might just leave before he was prepared to. It was awfully nice here-- he could see why she stayed. But Obsidian was a wanderer, and he didn't stay in one place for long. Not over a week or so. The longest amount of time he had stayed in a place since leaving the 'softer life' behind was half a moon. Not too long, but he was happy to have done so.
It didn't matter that he had left staying in one place behind along with his previous life. He should have taken on a new name, too-- but he hadn't wanted to. Obsidian had found the thought of that...unpleasant. Who wanted a new name when their own was just fine? Hopefully no one, the tom thought with a snort. That was another thing about the Clans-- they changed their names! Who would want to do that? No, from what Obsidian had heard, the Dusk Syndicate was a much better place if he wanted to get away from something like that. They didn't change their names. And, while the tom wasn't a killer-- he was definitely a fighter.
At heart, anyways. He knew how to get things done, he knew how to fight, and he would certainly be able to defend himself. Against some ragtag outlaw, at least that was his hope. Ragtag outlaws. Was that who he was going to? A band of outlaws? Hopefully they were at least intelligent, if they were stupid Obsidian would most certainly not be going to them. But the Clans were worse. No, he would rather stay as a loner forever. Not here-- he could never stay here. At least in the Syndicate he wouldn't be getting attached. The cats there were the type he wouldn't want to associate himself with, and yet here he was-- about to go associate himself with these outlaws. Dangerous, dangerous cats. Was this just some sort of a stupid thing to do?
At Calia's half-chirping words, the tom looked up in something resembling surprise. Done? Now? A moment later he stepped into the nest himself, cautiously, testing it out. "Thank...you." The words felt odd, he hadn't really had to thank other cats before. And no one had thanked him for anything. So, naturally those words were foreign to him. But they felt good to say, like a sudden weight had been taken from his mind and body. He felt like he had done something that he'd been meaning to for a long time, but had never had the time before. Something special, unique...delicate, too. A mixture of things that made him feel at home.
Just moments after that, he heard the softest whisper of words as though they were just the sound of the wind blowing, or, if he was going to think like that; the sound of soft pawsteps entering his own territory, or the brush of fur against some object. The words were inaudible to him-- but from the way she was speaking, he had a pretty good guess. Not necessarily one that he liked very much, either. Careful? Of course I'll be careful! He wanted to scoff, but instead kept silent. He understood her worry. He was worried himself, but that didn't mean she needed to be. He'd just met the feline earlier that day, and now the sun was getting lower...
Soon it would be dark. And that would leave only a couple more days for Obsidian to stay with the ginger female. Not long enough to get attached at all. At her question about family, his eyes darkened and he was thankful she moved on. Because there had been no way he would answer that question. "Um-m... I'd say sparrow. Harder to catch for me, but it's worth it." He mewed with a definite nod. Obsidian could remember hunting sparrows, it had been fun...interesting...different, honestly. But it was the kind of different that made him feel wonderful. "What about you?" He found himself asking. No, no, no! Conversation leads to bonding. Bonding leads to friendship. And friendship leads to ties that you don't want to break. Don't ever let yourself do that again, Obsidian. He told himself sternly, his hues darkening slightly as he did so. It was true. All of it was true. And the one thing Obsidian didn't want were bonds that couldn't be broken. Or-- that wouldn't be broken.

Calia was truly surprised at hearing the words `thank you`. Though they appeared to come so painfully... but it was progress, and she would take it. She's nursed cats who looked and acted worse than Obsidian, cats with matted pelts and an abundance of scars, some of which were unbelievable; cats with lost eyes or limbs, cats who refused to talk to her, cats who stole all her items.. Cats who didn't thank her. She expected Obsidian to be one of those cats, she had not been looking for a `thank you`, yet she earned one. For once, Calia has wrongly judged a cat.

Often, she could figure out a cat within a heartbeat. For example, one of the cats who refused to speak to her - lets call him Tom. When Tom had first arrived at her home, he had a bushy, ragged pelt. He clearly hadn't washed in ages. He was missing patches of fur, and his tail had been simply a stub. He walked with a limp, and jagged, ugly scars painted his body. She greeted him, but he didn't respond. Calia, being one of the most sweetest, selfless characters on Earth, invited him to stay for as long as needed. He didn't respond. She didn't see him the rest of the day, so she figured he'd continued his journey. But at night, when she padded beneath the bridge to settle into her nest, she saw Tom curled in it. She was too kind to wake him and she was too selfless to make him move into the ratty nest. She spent the night in the uncomfortable nest, too tired to freshen it up. And when Calia woke up, Tom had been gone. Not a single word. However, unimaginably, Calia didn't mind, she did not regret Tom's presence. After all, she was one of the most sweetest, selfless souls the world would ever know.

She tied the last stalk into her nest, and sat back to proudly observe her work. She hadn't cast a single glance at Obsidian; instead, she listened. Her ears would spin and twitch at every sound, but she reached out for specifically Obsidian's voice. She wasn't one to be rude, she would listen to every syllable - even if she disagreed or felt the temptation to interrupt. Yeah, that's right, Calia has urges, urges to interrupt. Not an angel anymore, huh? Yeah... That's what I thought.

She, once more, felt surprise. Calia had seriously screwed up on figuring Obsidian out. She hadn't expected him to ask about her. She figured she would've asked him the question, he would've answered, and then she would've answered her own question. But, no, now she would answer Obsidian's question. She mentally squealed in delight at his slow progress.

Sparrow's were rather tasty, Calia had to admit, but she preferred the flesh of a water vole. Her first experience eating a bird wasn't too great. She had caught it, plucked it of its feathers, and then went to eat it. First of all, she struggled to pull the feathers off. She just couldn't get them all off, and most of them decided to get tangled in her long, ginger pelt. Anyway, she took a bite, but something tasted different. However, it was first bite of a bird, of course it would taste different compared to the many rodents she had eaten. Long story short, Calia ended up choking on a feather. Now, she sorta fears birds.

``I prefer a water vole, honestly. I think they're delicious!`` Calia made her way to the end of the pool of water, the frozen-over pond. She hadn't broke the ice yet, like she had planned to do when they returned from gathering plants. ``Plus, there's so many of them around here! We mainly have rodents - at least, I've never seen many birds. Of course, I don't really look for the birds... Hah, I'm rambling again, forgive me.`` As she spoke nonsense, she had crouched beside the pool and brought her paw upwards. With a quick flash of her ginger paw, she had broken the thin layer of ice blanketing their source of water. And then she figured she'd best go over the garden once again.

Calia lapped at the water a few times before returning to her fresh nest where she prepared to curl up. ``I figured I'd just go over this again - The pond there, the ice is thick and covers the entire pool, but I've broken that part. Sometimes, that part will freeze over, but when it does, the ice is rather thin and delicate. I tend to break it in the morning, but sometimes it freezes over during the day, and that's where I break it at night as well. If you're ever up before me, or it's frozen over and its, say, noon, feel free to break it. And right here -`` She stretches her tail out, letting her tail-tip rest on a certain patch of messy earth. The patch is just beyond the tall grass that surrounds her nest. ``I bury the prey here. Though, actually, I sorta bury prey everywhere, but this is my main pile. I dig the prey up often, so it doesn't attract maggots and to prevent the ground from freezing. I only have a scrawny shrew in here, though, but I'll go hunting tomorrow. And I know the twoleg concerns you. Don't worry, he isn't here too often, and he never stays too long. I highly doubt the twoleg will be here while your staying here. He was here just a few sunrises ago, and his visits are normally weeks apart.`` She paused, forcing her tired brain to work as she thought if there was anything else she should tell him, but her brain came up empty. ``I think that's it.``

[lone]

Calia was truly surprised at hearing the words `thank you`. Though they appeared to come so painfully... but it was progress, and she would take it. She's nursed cats who looked and acted worse than Obsidian, cats with matted pelts and an abundance of scars, some of which were unbelievable; cats with lost eyes or limbs, cats who refused to talk to her, cats who stole all her items.. Cats who didn't thank her. She expected Obsidian to be one of those cats, she had not been looking for a `thank you`, yet she earned one. For once, Calia has wrongly judged a cat.


Often, she could figure out a cat within a heartbeat. For example, one of the cats who refused to speak to her - lets call him Tom. When Tom had first arrived at her home, he had a bushy, ragged pelt. He clearly hadn't washed in ages. He was missing patches of fur, and his tail had been simply a stub. He walked with a limp, and jagged, ugly scars painted his body. She greeted him, but he didn't respond. Calia, being one of the most sweetest, selfless characters on Earth, invited him to stay for as long as needed. He didn't respond. She didn't see him the rest of the day, so she figured he'd continued his journey. But at night, when she padded beneath the bridge to settle into her nest, she saw Tom curled in it. She was too kind to wake him and she was too selfless to make him move into the ratty nest. She spent the night in the uncomfortable nest, too tired to freshen it up. And when Calia woke up, Tom had been gone. Not a single word. However, unimaginably, Calia didn't mind, she did not regret Tom's presence. After all, she was one of the most sweetest, selfless souls the world would ever know.

She tied the last stalk into her nest, and sat back to proudly observe her work. She hadn't cast a single glance at Obsidian; instead, she listened. Her ears would spin and twitch at every sound, but she reached out for specifically Obsidian's voice. She wasn't one to be rude, she would listen to every syllable - even if she disagreed or felt the temptation to interrupt. Yeah, that's right, Calia has urges, urges to interrupt. Not an angel anymore, huh? Yeah... That's what I thought.

She, once more, felt surprise. Calia had seriously screwed up on figuring Obsidian out. She hadn't expected him to ask about her. She figured she would've asked him the question, he would've answered, and then she would've answered her own question. But, no, now she would answer Obsidian's question. She mentally squealed in delight at his slow progress.

Sparrow's were rather tasty, Calia had to admit, but she preferred the flesh of a water vole. Her first experience eating a bird wasn't too great. She had caught it, plucked it of its feathers, and then went to eat it. First of all, she struggled to pull the feathers off. She just couldn't get them all off, and most of them decided to get tangled in her long, ginger pelt. Anyway, she took a bite, but something tasted different. However, it was first bite of a bird, of course it would taste different compared to the many rodents she had eaten. Long story short, Calia ended up choking on a feather. Now, she sorta fears birds.

``I prefer a water vole, honestly. I think they're delicious!`` Calia made her way to the end of the pool of water, the frozen-over pond. She hadn't broke the ice yet, like she had planned to do when they returned from gathering plants. ``Plus, there's so many of them around here! We mainly have rodents - at least, I've never seen many birds. Of course, I don't really look for the birds... Hah, I'm rambling again, forgive me.`` As she spoke nonsense, she had crouched beside the pool and brought her paw upwards. With a quick flash of her ginger paw, she had broken the thin layer of ice blanketing their source of water. And then she figured she'd best go over the garden once again.

Calia lapped at the water a few times before returning to her fresh nest where she prepared to curl up. ``I figured I'd just go over this again - The pond there, the ice is thick and covers the entire pool, but I've broken that part. Sometimes, that part will freeze over, but when it does, the ice is rather thin and delicate. I tend to break it in the morning, but sometimes it freezes over during the day, and that's where I break it at night as well. If you're ever up before me, or it's frozen over and its, say, noon, feel free to break it. And right here -`` She stretches her tail out, letting her tail-tip rest on a certain patch of messy earth. The patch is just beyond the tall grass that surrounds her nest. ``I bury the prey here. Though, actually, I sorta bury prey everywhere, but this is my main pile. I dig the prey up often, so it doesn't attract maggots and to prevent the ground from freezing. I only have a scrawny shrew in here, though, but I'll go hunting tomorrow. And I know the twoleg concerns you. Don't worry, he isn't here too often, and he never stays too long. I highly doubt the twoleg will be here while your staying here. He was here just a few sunrises ago, and his visits are normally weeks apart.`` She paused, forcing her tired brain to work as she thought if there was anything else she should tell him, but her brain came up empty. ``I think that's it.``


Water voles? Obsidian, normally being on the move and staying mainly in places where there wasn't much water-- before then having always had a dish to drink from-- wasn't quite sure what they tasted like. He'd seen a few... they were the rat-looking things that hung around ponds.
　
"Haven't ever tried one." To cats he had just met, Obsidian normally didn't talk much. But Calia was very easy to talk to-- she was so friendly and open, it made him feel as though he were... well, back at a home with humans. Which he didn't really miss. Those days had been probably some of the worst, and darkest, of his life. Besides, being on his own was better in so many ways.
　
There were too many ways to lose trust in cats when you were around them all the time. For example, being surrounded by starlet felines-- cats who were expert show cats, always stuck up and rude-- had not been Obsidian's favorite thing. He had hated it with a fierce, burning hatred and passion. After all, who wanted a bunch of stuck up, rude cats around you all the time?
　
Not this tom, that was for sure. Perhaps that was part of the reason he had left. Or maybe it had been the intense yearning to find a place of his own. To wander around until he found that one area that he could rightfully call home. And now? Obsidian was pretty sure he had found it. The Dusk Syndicate was the place that he would be calling home. The place that he would end up in, and he would be stuck there forever. Who cared about a cozy bed, a safe home, and all the food and water he wanted?
　
It was like a prison. He hadn't been allowed outside, and he'd been forced to be around his brother and the starlets. Annoying cats who mewed at the tiniest thing, fawning over humans like they were some sort of magic cat. It was truly sickening. And he hated it, almost more then anything else. He remembered living around those types of cats, and feeling as though he didn't belong because they would do things that he felt were quite disgusting.
　
It was weird, what some cats would do for attention and how others-- like himself-- refused to do those very things. But why? What made them that way? Obsidian figured it was something in his own genes, but he wouldn't ever point that out. He preferred to think of himself as unique.
　
He had cut himself off from his brother, after all. And for what? So that he could live the life of a more rugged loner, trying to survive-- struggling to survive, even? He wasn't sure what would make him do that. And sometimes, like now, he regretted it very much. After all, safety had always been important to Obsidian. Safety and comfort. And yet here he was, giving a couple of those very things away to the feline before him. By staying with her, he was risking allowing himself to let go of everything he had held onto for the past few moons. He was risking letting go of almost everything, at least. Perhaps there was a way to have company again. He would in the Syndicate, though the type of company he would have?
　
Not so much of the friendly kind. And definitely not the mewing, squirming, kitten-like cats that he had been around in the past. Then again, Calia didn't remind him of those cats either. True, she didn't think humans-- housefolk-- twolegs, or whatever they might be called, were so bad, which Obsidian didn't agree with at all, but maybe she'd had a better experience with them.
　
What's with the ribbon? He thought, glancing down at the bright blue ribbon that still looked to be too tight. The tom listened to her words, cocking his head to the side as he did so, and a look of amusement was obvious on his features. She seemed to have a lot to tell about this little area of land. It was a pretty spot-- he could certainly see why she stayed here, and he liked it a lot. It was nice. The one thing he didn't understand was how she put up with a twoleg coming around. That was the one thing that Obsidian would never be able to understand. He glanced over at her, before quickly averting his gaze.
　
That ribbon was bothering him-- he didn't like seeing any cat with a collar, ribbon, etc. that might show signs of them being a twoleg's pet. "You sure you don't want that ribbon off?" He asked, staring at it as though he thought he might be able to burn it off from a distance. While Obsidian wasn't that comfortable around the feline, if he was getting a twoleg object off, he was perfectly alright with it. Had the twoleg she mentioned coming around here put it on her in the first place?
　
And if so, then why was she defending him? Was there something wrong with him and she felt like she needed to? The tom waited for her response, tail twitching with a jerky eagerness that seemed to show his desire to rip the ribbon off and throw it away. She was a sweet cat, but sometimes-- the tom just went too far. If now was one of those times, she should let him know before he decided to do so anyways. He didn't so much as want to look at it anymore, and glanced up at the blue coloring of the sky.
　
It was a pretty color, one that Obsidian had always loved... one that almost matched the ribbon. Thinking of it again, his yellow hues narrowed and he looked down at his own paws. They looked dirty, messy... not at all what he would have liked. But he wasn't a housecat anymore. There was no worrying whether his humans were going to dump him in water to clean him up. Once more, he glanced up at Calia, awaiting her response.

[AbsurdJinx]

Water voles?
Obsidian, normally being on the move and staying mainly in places where there wasn't much water-- before then having always had a dish to drink from-- wasn't quite sure what they tasted like. He'd seen a few... they were the rat-looking things that hung around ponds.
　
"Haven't ever tried one."
To cats he had just met, Obsidian normally didn't talk much. But Calia was very easy to talk to-- she was so friendly and open, it made him feel as though he were... well, back at a home with humans. Which he didn't really miss. Those days had been probably some of the worst, and darkest, of his life. Besides, being on his own was better in so many ways.
　
There were too many ways to lose trust in cats when you were around them all the time. For example, being surrounded by starlet felines-- cats who were expert show cats, always stuck up and rude-- had not been Obsidian's favorite thing. He had hated it with a fierce, burning hatred and passion. After all, who wanted a bunch of stuck up, rude cats around you all the time?
　
Not this tom, that was for sure. Perhaps that was part of the reason he had left. Or maybe it had been the intense yearning to find a place of his own. To wander around until he found that one area that he could rightfully call home. And now? Obsidian was pretty sure he had found it. The Dusk Syndicate was the place that he would be calling home. The place that he would end up in, and he would be stuck there forever. Who cared about a cozy bed, a safe home, and all the food and water he wanted?
　
It was like a prison. He hadn't been allowed outside, and he'd been forced to be around his brother and the starlets. Annoying cats who mewed at the tiniest thing, fawning over humans like they were some sort of magic cat. It was truly sickening. And he hated it, almost more then anything else. He remembered living around those types of cats, and feeling as though he didn't belong because they would do things that he felt were quite disgusting.
　
It was weird, what some cats would do for attention and how others-- like himself-- refused to do those very things. But why? What made them that way? Obsidian figured it was something in his own genes, but he wouldn't ever point that out. He preferred to think of himself as unique.
　
He had cut himself off from his brother, after all. And for what? So that he could live the life of a more rugged loner, trying to survive-- struggling to survive, even? He wasn't sure what would make him do that. And sometimes, like now, he regretted it very much. After all, safety had always been important to Obsidian. Safety and comfort. And yet here he was, giving a couple of those very things away to the feline before him. By staying with her, he was risking allowing himself to let go of everything he had held onto for the past few moons. He was risking letting go of almost everything, at least. Perhaps there was a way to have company again. He would in the Syndicate, though the type of company he would have?
　
Not so much of the friendly kind. And definitely not the mewing, squirming, kitten-like cats that he had been around in the past. Then again, Calia didn't remind him of those cats either. True, she didn't think humans-- housefolk-- twolegs, or whatever they might be called, were so bad, which Obsidian didn't agree with at all, but maybe she'd had a better experience with them.
　
What's with the ribbon?
He thought, glancing down at the bright blue ribbon that still looked to be too tight. The tom listened to her words, cocking his head to the side as he did so, and a look of amusement was obvious on his features. She seemed to have a lot to tell about this little area of land. It was a pretty spot-- he could certainly see why she stayed here, and he liked it a lot. It was nice. The one thing he didn't understand was how she put up with a twoleg coming around. That was the one thing that Obsidian would never be able to understand. He glanced over at her, before quickly averting his gaze.
　
That ribbon was bothering him-- he didn't like seeing any cat with a collar, ribbon, etc. that might show signs of them being a twoleg's pet. "You sure you don't want that ribbon off?" He asked, staring at it as though he thought he might be able to burn it off from a distance. While Obsidian wasn't that comfortable around the feline, if he was getting a twoleg object off, he was perfectly alright with it. Had the twoleg she mentioned coming around here put it on her in the first place?
　
And if so, then why was she defending him? Was there something wrong with him and she felt like she needed to? The tom waited for her response, tail twitching with a jerky eagerness that seemed to show his desire to rip the ribbon off and throw it away. She was a sweet cat, but sometimes-- the tom just went too far. If now was one of those times, she should let him know before he decided to do so anyways. He didn't so much as want to look at it anymore, and glanced up at the blue coloring of the sky.
　
It was a pretty color, one that Obsidian had always loved... one that almost matched the ribbon. Thinking of it again, his yellow hues narrowed and he looked down at his own paws. They looked dirty, messy... not at all what he would have liked. But he wasn't a housecat anymore. There was no worrying whether his humans were going to dump him in water to clean him up. Once more, he glanced up at Calia, awaiting her response.

Calia appreciated Obsidian's concern when it came to her precious blue ribbon, but she didn't want the traveling tomcat to waste his time worrying about it. She figured she'd tell him the story - may as well, after all. Perhaps the story would play a role in getting him to open up? She purred loudly, amusement and assurance visible in her vibrant blue eyes. Shifting slightly in her nest, trying to find the most comfortable position, she removed her gaze from him and focused on her movement.

As she pawed and prodded at the fresh stalks of her nest, Calia began, ``Don't you worry your pretty little head, Obsidian,`` she mewled teasingly. She didn't know if he was comfortable with teasing yet, but she figured she'd never know unless she tried. Nervously, she immediately continued talking, ``I was once a kittypet, believe it or not.`` Her voice was joking, but she quickly cleared her throat and adopted a serious, longing tone. She finally settled in her nest, her head facing Obsidian, but she did not look at him. Sadness radiated off her, though she did her best to conceal it. ``I lived in a beautiful home, with a twoleg kit and her parents. The twoleg-kit and I were, well, best friends. We did everything together. A few moons after I first met her, she took off the blue collar I had been wearing, and replaced it with this ribbon.`` Talking about the ribbon caused her neck to itch, and speaking the story caused her throat to tighten. She suddenly forgot how to inhale, but she was quick to recover. Calia did not leave time for Obsidian to interrupt. ``My housefolk left somewhere, all three of them. They didn't come home for days, and I was taken care of by the neighbor. Finally, my housefolk returned, but without the twoleg-kit.`` She closed her eyes tightly in an attempt to rid herself of the internal pain. Her chest heaved with every shaky breath. She lived those rough days over and over, and they haunted her and haunted her. ``The two older twolegs began to neglect me, and the twoleg-kit never returned. I wasn't given as much attention as before, and when I tried to give my housefolk attention... they ignored me, or pushed me away. Obviously, I wasn't wanted, and I wasn't happy anymore. It was clear to me the twoleg-kit would never return, leaving me to wonder what happened to my best friend. I left, and took my chances in the wild. Y'know, I had never been outdoors until that moment. The day I slipped through the open window... I couldn't hunt then, so I scavenged instead. Eventually I found a garden which I made my home.`` She was unaware that she was spilling her life story to the unsuspecting tomcat across form her. Calia was lost in her past, away from reality. Her physical form was frozen, and her eyes only revealed sadness. ``Travelers would stay with me, and in return for shelter, they'd teach me survival techniques. And, uh-``

Reality caught up to her now, and her fur rose in shock as she realized what she was saying. ``Sorry.`` With a nervous chuckle, Calia let her chin rest on her paws, staring at the bridge wall away from Obsidian. She was embarrassed and shocked from her own words, and she believed she had done nothing but bother her guest. Oh, why do you have to be so mouse-brained, Calia? Unable to bear the emotions any further, but not wanting to be rude, she abruptly murmured, ``goodnight, Obsidian,``(adding his name in there for a softer touch) and closed her eyes, willing sleep to come.

[lone]

Calia appreciated Obsidian's concern when it came to her precious blue ribbon, but she didn't want the traveling tomcat to waste his time worrying about it. She figured she'd tell him the story - may as well, after all. Perhaps the story would play a role in getting him to open up? She purred loudly, amusement and assurance visible in her vibrant blue eyes. Shifting slightly in her nest, trying to find the most comfortable position, she removed her gaze from him and focused on her movement.


As she pawed and prodded at the fresh stalks of her nest, Calia began, ``Don't you worry your pretty little head, Obsidian,`` she mewled teasingly. She didn't know if he was comfortable with teasing yet, but she figured she'd never know unless she tried. Nervously, she immediately continued talking, ``I was once a kittypet, believe it or not.`` Her voice was joking, but she quickly cleared her throat and adopted a serious, longing tone. She finally settled in her nest, her head facing Obsidian, but she did not look at him. Sadness radiated off her, though she did her best to conceal it. ``I lived in a beautiful home, with a twoleg kit and her parents. The twoleg-kit and I were, well, best friends. We did everything together. A few moons after I first met her, she took off the blue collar I had been wearing, and replaced it with this ribbon.`` Talking about the ribbon caused her neck to itch, and speaking the story caused her throat to tighten. She suddenly forgot how to inhale, but she was quick to recover. Calia did not leave time for Obsidian to interrupt. ``My housefolk left somewhere, all three of them. They didn't come home for days, and I was taken care of by the neighbor. Finally, my housefolk returned, but without the twoleg-kit.`` She closed her eyes tightly in an attempt to rid herself of the internal pain. Her chest heaved with every shaky breath. She lived those rough days over and over, and they haunted her and haunted her. ``The two older twolegs began to neglect me, and the twoleg-kit never returned. I wasn't given as much attention as before, and when I tried to give my housefolk attention... they ignored me, or pushed me away. Obviously, I wasn't wanted, and I wasn't happy anymore. It was clear to me the twoleg-kit would never return, leaving me to wonder what happened to my best friend. I left, and took my chances in the wild. Y'know, I had never been outdoors until that moment. The day I slipped through the open window... I couldn't hunt then, so I scavenged instead. Eventually I found a garden which I made my home.`` She was unaware that she was spilling her life story to the unsuspecting tomcat across form her. Calia was lost in her past, away from reality. Her physical form was frozen, and her eyes only revealed sadness. ``Travelers would stay with me, and in return for shelter, they'd teach me survival techniques. And, uh-``

Reality caught up to her now, and her fur rose in shock as she realized what she was saying. ``Sorry.`` With a nervous chuckle, Calia let her chin rest on her paws, staring at the bridge wall away from Obsidian. She was embarrassed and shocked from her own words, and she believed she had done nothing but bother her guest. Oh, why do you have to be so mouse-brained, Calia? Unable to bear the emotions any further, but not wanting to be rude, she abruptly murmured, ``goodnight, Obsidian,``(adding his name in there for a softer touch) and closed her eyes, willing sleep to come.

The story Calia had told him seemed to be nagging at the tom's mind. So that was why she didn't want the ribbon off. It reminded her of her past. And no one, no one, wanted to let go of their past. It was an important part of life, pretty much like everything else was. He'd heard some sob stories, though with the glamorous surroundings he'd grown up in, it was mainly 'getting second place because of this' or 'becoming a show cat from off the streets.' Losing a twoleg kit might seem not serious at all, but Obsidian realized how much this cat must have meant to Calia. The poor feline seemed traumatized, speaking about it. Survival techniques. She had offered them all of this, and had they given her enough? Hopefully. She knew how to fight off foxes, and badgers, and things like that, didn't she? Oh granted-- it wasn't easy. Obsidian himself barely knew how, and he rarely sparred with anyone. He felt bad... very, very bad, worse then he had in a long time.
　
And it was rough. Guilt was not an often feeling with Obsidian, what did he have to be guilty about? He had done nothing to his family. Nothing. They never cared about him, they hardly fed him, and attention was always missed when he was around the selfish pigs. But, Calia sounded like she had loved her twolegs very much. She must miss them a lot. She was apologizing, now. Apologizing? What did she have to apologize for? She had done nothing to him... though that was a strange thought for the normally grumpy black tom to have. Licking his maw nervously, he shifted his weight-- staying carefully away from her, but when she wasn't looking at him, he moved just the slightest bit closer. This was comforting, right? Having someone around? Now, say something nice... he thought, swallowing hard. "N-not your fault. Th- you've been through a lot." His voice was still rough, but at least it was softer and gentler then it had been moments before.
　
A silence followed afterwards, the type of silence that he thought sounded like the kind to be heard after a rainstorm. Or a late night when everything was silent. Her next words were like that one last raindrop falling, or the crickets chirping in the bushes. The last blow after a fight. It seemed to end the night on a gentle touch, one that he would remember-- though he didn't know it-- for moons to come. That night would be etched into his memory forever, he was sure of it. A soft smile stretched over his features. Just a second later, he climbed into his own nest. Huh. This was an awful lot of trouble to go to for a stranger... why did she do it? What was the point of doing all this, only to have them leave someday? It was enough to make Obsidian feel guilty. But, he would be moving on within a day or two. Well... two days couldn't hurt. Tomorrow had been his original plan. But, she seemed like she might need some company for a day or two. Even if it was a grumpy tom like him.
　
"Goodnight, sunsh- Calia." Again, he'd nearly called her sunshine. He'd really have to watch that. Where had that nickname come from, anyways? And then, he remembered his soft moment, wanting to stay. Was he crazy? This wasn't where he was supposed to be! This wasn't the plan! He had to move on, and he knew it as well as she did. But-- two days. Two days isn't going to kill me. Swallowing, the tom curled up in the smallest of balls. He could feel himself drifting off to sleep, and yet he still felt just about as low as he could. Why? Why was he so concerned about a stranger? Maybe there was something about knowing her history, knowing what she'd had taken from her before, that gave him a sense of guilt. Or maybe it was just his new nickname for her. Sunshine. It fitted her, she was certainly as warm as a ray of sunshine... but Obsidian knew the nickname was going to have to go. No question about it. A yawn left his maw and he finally drifted off into sleep. Maybe tomorrow, they could spar some.
　
It wouldn't hurt to teach her some defense tactics.

{Do you want to timeskip to the next day? Or take a break from Obsidian x Calia? Up to you, either way's fine by me ^^}

[AbsurdJinx]

Lonestar23

Calia's eyes blinked open softly, resembling that of a newborn kit when they first open their own young eyes. She was greeted by the dark gray cement layering the ground, creating the wall that supported the bridge. She raised her head, stretching her jaws wide in a silent yawn. Furiously blinking fatigue from her vibrant blue eyes, Calia gathered her paws below her before pushing herself up. With her paws firmly pressed against the ground and her rump in the air, she stretched until her tail curled. Muscles now awake and ready, she trotted her way to the pond.

On her way, she was reminded of her guest, and all the events that took place yesterday. Her ears shrunk back slightly in embarrassment. She'd never shared the story she shared last night so freely. The only other cats she'd shared her story with was the Clan patrol she'd nursed moons ago.

She gaped at the improvement of the pond. Fresh water rippled before her, cool and refreshing when she lapped at it. However, she noted that it had risen overnight - most likely from the melt of the ice. Of course, not all of the blanketing ice had gone, but a majority of it had, and whatever was remaining was thin. Glancing up at the sky, she noted the usual blue was a stormy gray. And cold nipped at her paws and tail, and everywhere. Calia fluffed up her pelt, absorbing warmth.

She glanced over at the sleeping figure of Obsidian.

[lone]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Dreams of his past, and present awoke Obsidian-- well, they had been more like nightmares, but the important thing was the fact that they were over now. Thank goodness. Starlet cats surrounding him and his brother, and... ugh, it had been awful. Tomorrow morning he would be on his way. Tomorrow morning there would be no more confusion. No more worries. He would be on his way to the bloodthirsty-- yet strangely tempting-- Dusk Syndicate. No worries! Things were going to be just fine, he was absolutely sure of it. Yawning, the tom got to his paws. His yellow hues were dimly aware of his surroundings, and as they came into focus, so did Calia. Jumping backwards, the tom half-tripped before he remembered where he was and that she had invited him here. Remembering this, a sheepish and somewhat embarassed expression, followed by a muttered apology came from the tom as he lowered his head, turning his back on the ginger female.
　
Sparring. Now. His instincts were telling him that it was a bad idea to even ask, but his mind was pushing him to the breaking point until he was about to answer aloud. And... one of the universal signs of insanity was answering aloud, so Obsidian figured it would probably be a good idea to keep his maw shut. Instead he joined the female's side. Keeping his distance-- but still beside her, nonetheless. Some might consider this an effort to be friendly. For Obsidian? This was like a huge leap in that direction, from where he had been yesterday. And yet, since she was being so hospitable and had told him her past and everything... he figured the least he could do was show a little bit of respect for the female. At least try to get to know her. It might be nice. "Cold this morning." He had a shorter pelt; one that wasn't meant to keep out cold, and it kept biting at his pelt. Annoyingly enough. He dipped his head, examining the water... was it his imagination, or was the ice gone?

　
He quickly found it wasn't his imagination. Drinking eagerly, the tom lifted his head a moment later. "I was thinking. You said travelers used to give you something in return; I guess it's only fair I do the same." Besides, it'll give me a bit of practice as well. "Would you like to spar with me?" He asked, cocking his head to one side. It wasn't much of a gift. But it was the best that the tom had to offer, and he hoped she realized that.

[AbsurdJinx]

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

Dreams of his past, and present awoke Obsidian-- well, they had been more like nightmares, but the important thing was the fact that they were over now. Thank goodness. Starlet cats surrounding him and his brother, and... ugh, it had been awful. Tomorrow morning he would be on his way. Tomorrow morning there would be no more confusion. No more worries. He would be on his way to the bloodthirsty-- yet strangely tempting-- Dusk Syndicate. No worries! Things were going to be just fine, he was absolutely sure of it. Yawning, the tom got to his paws. His yellow hues were dimly aware of his surroundings, and as they came into focus, so did Calia. Jumping backwards, the tom half-tripped before he remembered where he was and that she had invited him here. Remembering this, a sheepish and somewhat embarrassed expression, followed by a muttered apology came from the tom as he lowered his head, turning his back on the ginger female.
　
Sparring. Now. His instincts were telling him that it was a bad idea to even ask, but his mind was pushing him to the breaking point until he was about to answer aloud. And... one of the universal signs of insanity was answering aloud, so Obsidian figured it would probably be a good idea to keep his maw shut. Instead he joined the female's side. Keeping his distance-- but still beside her, nonetheless. Some might consider this an effort to be friendly. For Obsidian? This was like a huge leap in that direction, from where he had been yesterday. And yet, since she was being so hospitable and had told him her past and everything... he figured the least he could do was show a little bit of respect for the female. At least try to get to know her. It might be nice. "Cold this morning." He had a shorter pelt; one that wasn't meant to keep out cold, and it kept biting at his pelt. Annoyingly enough. He dipped his head, examining the water... was it his imagination, or was the ice gone?

　
He quickly found it wasn't his imagination. Drinking eagerly, the tom lifted his head a moment later. "I was thinking. You said travelers used to give you something in return; I guess it's only fair I do the same." Besides, it'll give me a bit of practice as well. "Would you like to spar with me?" He asked, cocking his head to one side. It wasn't much of a gift. But it was the best that the tom had to offer, and he hoped she realized that.


Calia couldn't help but giggle at Obsidian's shock-caused trip. Quickly, though, she brought her paw to her mouth, attempting to muffle her laughter. She flicked her bushy tail at him, a silent response to his unnecessary apology, that meant no need to be sorry. After all, he caused her to laugh, which was an apology all in itself. She liked those who could make her laugh - which wasn't very difficult - and she liked everyone. She immediately silenced her giggles when he turned his back on her, figuring she had further embarrassed him by finding his mistake amusing. Bringing her paw back to the ground, she could only look at him and await his reaction.

She let her jaw drop in shock when Obsidian joined her by the pool of water. Normally, she'd have to make the advancements, but not now. Calia couldn't hide the small smile of pride at his improvement. And then he spoke. Well then; he spoke first and I'm a mouse. But he did speak first, and she let it surprise her. Again, she'd always had to take action first. Calia mumbled a soft `yeah`, still shocked at his improvement. She didn't even completely hear what he had said. The moment the first syllable escaped past his lips, she was kidnapped from reality.

Shaking her head discreetly, clearing herself of surprise, Calia listened intently. She had to make up for her rudeness, for not listening, and answering him in mumbled dishonesty. Her bright blue eyes focused on the softly moving water beside Obsidian. She still felt he would be uncomfortable when it came to eye contact.

She thought the dark-pelted tomcat looked adorable when he held his head to the side like that. She smiled at him, her clouded mind focused on his cuteness. And then she returned to reality, but not before reminding herself of his nickname for her. Sunshine. Calia shook her head gently, ``You don't have to... You don't owe me anything, okay?`` However, her paws tingled with excitement at the thought of a spar. When was the last time she fought? Even playfully, or in training? Moons ago, for sure. She mainly healed and hunted - there were rarely times where she had to fight. No doubt her fighting skills were rusty. ``But if you want to, we can. I'm up for that.``

Calia stepped back, flicking her tail to the exit as well as motioning to it with a gentle flick of her head. ``You're cold, aren't you? So am I. We could both warm up and wake up with am early spar!`` Without awaiting a response, fearful he would turn her down now that she assured him he owed her nothing, she bounded from the area below the bridge. Pushing through stiff plants, and keeping her pelt brushed against the wall of the bridge, Calia made her way out into the open. Like a kit learning something new, she plopped herself down, facing the pathway she had just used and where Obsidian would erupt from. Her blue eyes were wide and bright, eager to begin.

[lone]

Calia couldn't help but giggle at Obsidian's shock-caused trip. Quickly, though, she brought her paw to her mouth, attempting to muffle her laughter. She flicked her bushy tail at him, a silent response to his unnecessary apology, that meant no need to be sorry. After all, he caused her to laugh, which was an apology all in itself. She liked those who could make her laugh - which wasn't very difficult - and she liked everyone. She immediately silenced her giggles when he turned his back on her, figuring she had further embarrassed him by finding his mistake amusing. Bringing her paw back to the ground, she could only look at him and await his reaction.


She let her jaw drop in shock when Obsidian joined her by the pool of water. Normally, she'd have to make the advancements, but not now. Calia couldn't hide the small smile of pride at his improvement. And then he spoke. Well then; he spoke first and I'm a mouse. But he did speak first, and she let it surprise her. Again, she'd always had to take action first. Calia mumbled a soft `yeah`, still shocked at his improvement. She didn't even completely hear what he had said. The moment the first syllable escaped past his lips, she was kidnapped from reality.

Shaking her head discreetly, clearing herself of surprise, Calia listened intently. She had to make up for her rudeness, for not listening, and answering him in mumbled dishonesty. Her bright blue eyes focused on the softly moving water beside Obsidian. She still felt he would be uncomfortable when it came to eye contact.

She thought the dark-pelted tomcat looked adorable when he held his head to the side like that. She smiled at him, her clouded mind focused on his cuteness. And then she returned to reality, but not before reminding herself of his nickname for her. Sunshine. Calia shook her head gently, ``You don't have to... You don't owe me anything, okay?`` However, her paws tingled with excitement at the thought of a spar. When was the last time she fought? Even playfully, or in training? Moons ago, for sure. She mainly healed and hunted - there were rarely times where she had to fight. No doubt her fighting skills were rusty. ``But if you want to, we can. I'm up for that.``

Calia stepped back, flicking her tail to the exit as well as motioning to it with a gentle flick of her head. ``You're cold, aren't you? So am I. We could both warm up and wake up with am early spar!`` Without awaiting a response, fearful he would turn her down now that she assured him he owed her nothing, she bounded from the area below the bridge. Pushing through stiff plants, and keeping her pelt brushed against the wall of the bridge, Calia made her way out into the open. Like a kit learning something new, she plopped herself down, facing the pathway she had just used and where Obsidian would erupt from. Her blue eyes were wide and bright, eager to begin.

I don't owe her anything? The tom thought, tempted to put his head on the other side. But, remembering what the starlet cats had told him before, he kept it straight. It's not professional. Their chiming laughs still played in his mind. Ugh, how he had hated those cats. Thank goodness they were gone now. They were over with. They would never be coming back, and it gave Obsidian a sense of satisfaction to know this. Thank goodness they were going to be gone for good. Or, rather, he was gone for good.
　
He had been the one who had left. Not the starlets. And yet he still took their advice, still kept his mind on their chiming laughter moons ago. "I... don't?" The tom sounded confused. Puzzled. Like he didn't quite understand what she meant by that. Odd. What did he care what a bunch of players thought of him? Apparently... everything. Apparently he cared more then he wanted to admit. What a completely annoying thought. A thought that Obsidian was quite bothered by. But, her next words put a smile on his maw.
Well, if that's what she wants, he thought with a shrug. He'd take it easy on her. After all, while their claws would be sheathed, it was still all too easy to harm your companion. Especially with Obsidian's past; in defense, he was afraid he might end up unsheathing his claws on her. Which as it had already been assumed was the last thing he would want to do. The very last thing. Fear that he would do that made his ears go back, but by now he couldn't very well change his mind. It would look odd. Weird. It would look like he hadn't really meant what he had said.
　
And that was the last thing Obsidian wanted to be pinned as. A liar and indecisive, he'd always been able to make decisions before! So then... why did this one feel like he would either be losing a friend or hurting an angel? Angel not being too far fetched. Friend? Probably more so. They were definitely not friends. There was absolutely no way that they would be. The thought of him and the ginger feline becoming friends within a few short days surprised Obsidian-- and, it was laughable. After all, he didn't allow himself to get close to anyone, and certainly not within a measly amount of time like a few days. How strange that would be. Certainly a twist of events that would belong in the stories twolegs told their kits.
　
Obsidian remembered those stories. They were pretty good stories... though some hadn't made any sense. But if he and Calia were to become friends, it would be the most unlikely of pairings. After all... she was sweet, and friendly, and he was... neither of those things. He wasn't sweet. He wasn't friendly. He wasn't even that nice. And yet, through some odd turn of events, could it be that he and Calia would become friends? Not within the short amount of time that he was sure he would be staying. He made his way over to face the she cat, keeping his claws sheathed and his hues sparking with interest and determination. This was going to be a spar the feline would remember; that much he was sure of.
　
Now, Obsidian didn't like to be touched. But there was a difference between an affectionate or playful one, and a fighting one. The latter he was okay with. The former he was not. Without warning he crouched and sprang, making sure his claws were sheathed, keeping one thought and one thought only in his mind: Don't unsheathe your claws. Don't hurt her. That would be a fine way to show his appreciation for her hospitality. And now? He locked his gaze with hers, staring directly at her. This was also something the tom was normally uncomfortable with, but his expression showed only the fiery determination that he was feeling. Nothing else.

[AbsurdJinx]

I don't owe her anything? The tom thought, tempted to put his head on the other side. But, remembering what the starlet cats had told him before, he kept it straight. It's not professional. Their chiming laughs still played in his mind. Ugh, how he had hated those cats. Thank goodness they were gone now. They were over with. They would never be coming back, and it gave Obsidian a sense of satisfaction to know this. Thank goodness they were going to be gone for good. Or, rather, he was gone for good.
　
He had been the one who had left. Not the starlets. And yet he still took their advice, still kept his mind on their chiming laughter moons ago. "I... don't?" The tom sounded confused. Puzzled. Like he didn't quite understand what she meant by that. Odd. What did he care what a bunch of players thought of him? Apparently... everything. Apparently he cared more then he wanted to admit. What a completely annoying thought. A thought that Obsidian was quite bothered by. But, her next words put a smile on his maw.
Well, if that's what she wants, he thought with a shrug. He'd take it easy on her. After all, while their claws would be sheathed, it was still all too easy to harm your companion. Especially with Obsidian's past; in defense, he was afraid he might end up unsheathing his claws on her. Which as it had already been assumed was the last thing he would want to do. The very last thing. Fear that he would do that made his ears go back, but by now he couldn't very well change his mind. It would look odd. Weird. It would look like he hadn't really meant what he had said.
　
And that was the last thing Obsidian wanted to be pinned as. A liar and indecisive, he'd always been able to make decisions before! So then... why did this one feel like he would either be losing a friend or hurting an angel? Angel not being too far fetched. Friend? Probably more so. They were definitely not friends. There was absolutely no way that they would be. The thought of him and the ginger feline becoming friends within a few short days surprised Obsidian-- and, it was laughable. After all, he didn't allow himself to get close to anyone, and certainly not within a measly amount of time like a few days. How strange that would be. Certainly a twist of events that would belong in the stories twolegs told their kits.
　
Obsidian remembered those stories. They were pretty good stories... though some hadn't made any sense. But if he and Calia were to become friends, it would be the most unlikely of pairings. After all... she was sweet, and friendly, and he was... neither of those things. He wasn't sweet. He wasn't friendly. He wasn't even that nice. And yet, through some odd turn of events, could it be that he and Calia would become friends? Not within the short amount of time that he was sure he would be staying. He made his way over to face the she cat, keeping his claws sheathed and his hues sparking with interest and determination. This was going to be a spar the feline would remember; that much he was sure of.
　
Now, Obsidian didn't like to be touched. But there was a difference between an affectionate or playful one, and a fighting one. The latter he was okay with. The former he was not. Without warning he crouched and sprang, making sure his claws were sheathed, keeping one thought and one thought only in his mind: Don't unsheathe your claws. Don't hurt her. That would be a fine way to show his appreciation for her hospitality. And now? He locked his gaze with hers, staring directly at her. This was also something the tom was normally uncomfortable with, but his expression showed only the fiery determination that he was feeling. Nothing else.

Calia couldn't help but release a yelp of surprise the moment Obsidian launched himself at her. She hadn't expected such an abrupt beginning to an early morning spar, but she was quick to recover. Her eyes widened, and her vibrant blue eyes displayed both shock and excitement. He was staring right at her! She fought the urge to smile softly, finding the eye contact to be an improvement, even though the action could be an intimidation technique during battle. Calia wasn't oblivious to the flaring determination within the depths of his gorgeous eyes, and she felt somewhat joyous that she would experience the training spar with Obsidian.

Instinctively, Calia's weight flooded her right side and she rolled free of his attack, swiftly yet clumsily scrambling to her paws. Her long pelt had gotten tangled with any decaying leaves on the ground, and specks of dirt decorated her pelt. Her wild fur went this way and that, slightly blinding her as it blanketed her eyes. She attempted to shake the lock of fur from her line of vision.

[lone]

Calia couldn't help but release a yelp of surprise the moment Obsidian launched himself at her. She hadn't expected such an abrupt beginning to an early morning spar, but she was quick to recover. Her eyes widened, and her vibrant blue eyes displayed both shock and excitement. He was staring right at her! She fought the urge to smile softly, finding the eye contact to be an improvement, even though the action could be an intimidation technique during battle. Calia wasn't oblivious to the flaring determination within the depths of his gorgeous eyes, and she felt somewhat joyous that she would experience the training spar with Obsidian.


Instinctively, Calia's weight flooded her right side and she rolled free of his attack, swiftly yet clumsily scrambling to her paws. Her long pelt had gotten tangled with any decaying leaves on the ground, and specks of dirt decorated her pelt. Her wild fur went this way and that, slightly blinding her as it blanketed her eyes. She attempted to shake the lock of fur from her line of vision.

Well, one thing to say about her was that she certainly seemed a little out of practice. And yet, she had still avoided his attack. Obsidian stumbled to his paws, trying to regain his balance while, unknown to him, she was still trying to regain her vision. A grunt of frustration escaped the tom as he prepared to spring again before noticing her situation. It was only a spar. Nothing more. Nothing else. So then, why was he about to spring anyways when he could tell that she was obviously trying to relieve herself from the blinding lock of fur? The tom shifted his weight uneasily for a moment. While he was uneasy about hurting the ginger feline, he also didn't want to get hurt himself while he was worrying. So, pushing his softer thoughts aside, Obsidian sprung for her again. Sorry... was the thought that entered his mind, surprisingly enough. It seemed that Obsidian was having just the slightest bit of second thoughts over this situation, despite the fact that he hadn't before. But, she'd be fine. Sparring was just like fighting without claws, and an enemy wouldn't have stopped there. Truth be told, Obsidian wanted to make sure she was able to protect herself against hostile cats, or he would feel bad about leaving. That was something that distinguished him from his brother. He cared more about cats, while his brother only cared about keeping himself safe. And, while that was also important to Obsidian... he wasn't going to let someone else get hurt (also unlike his brother) in order to do it.

[AbsurdJinx]

Well, one thing to say about her was that she certainly seemed a little out of practice. And yet, she had still avoided his attack. Obsidian stumbled to his paws, trying to regain his balance while, unknown to him, she was still trying to regain her vision. A grunt of frustration escaped the tom as he prepared to spring again before noticing her situation. It was only a spar. Nothing more. Nothing else. So then, why was he about to spring anyways when he could tell that she was obviously trying to relieve herself from the blinding lock of fur? The tom shifted his weight uneasily for a moment. While he was uneasy about hurting the ginger feline, he also didn't want to get hurt himself while he was worrying. So, pushing his softer thoughts aside, Obsidian sprung for her again. Sorry... was the thought that entered his mind, surprisingly enough. It seemed that Obsidian was having just the slightest bit of second thoughts over this situation, despite the fact that he hadn't before. But, she'd be fine. Sparring was just like fighting without claws, and an enemy wouldn't have stopped there. Truth be told, Obsidian wanted to make sure she was able to protect herself against hostile cats, or he would feel bad about leaving. That was something that distinguished him from his brother. He cared more about cats, while his brother only cared about keeping himself safe. And, while that was also important to Obsidian... he wasn't going to let someone else get hurt (also unlike his brother) in order to do it.

Calia finally blew the fur from her eyes only to be greeted with Obsidian jumping at her. Why did she have to be so rusty in the area of fighting? However, she wasn't worried of receiving any injuries. Despite the fact that she only really just met the dark-pelted tomcat before her, she trusted him. She normally started off with strangers by trusting them and respecting them. After all, she believed a cat should automatically be respected, and that respect should be adjusted as time passes. With a soft grunt, Calia was brought to the ground by Obsidian's weight. She released a breathy laugh, partly to distract herself from the lack of air, as well as to reassure her opponent that she was okay. Not wanting the spar to end, she began a retaliation by gently kicking and pawing at him. She didn't want to hurt him. She laughed as she did this, almost like she was play-fighting with a littermate. But her laughter was meant for herself, she was laughing at her pathetic attempt. She continuously mewled through laughter, ``I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm so rusty!``

[lone]

Calia finally blew the fur from her eyes only to be greeted with Obsidian jumping at her. Why did she have to be so rusty in the area of fighting? However, she wasn't worried of receiving any injuries. Despite the fact that she only really just met the dark-pelted tomcat before her, she trusted him. She normally started off with strangers by trusting them and respecting them. After all, she believed a cat should automatically be respected, and that respect should be adjusted as time passes. With a soft grunt, Calia was brought to the ground by Obsidian's weight. She released a breathy laugh, partly to distract herself from the lack of air, as well as to reassure her opponent that she was okay. Not wanting the spar to end, she began a retaliation by gently kicking and pawing at him. She didn't want to hurt him. She laughed as she did this, almost like she was play-fighting with a littermate. But her laughter was meant for herself, she was laughing at her pathetic attempt. She continuously mewled through laughter, ``I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm so rusty!``



As soon as he landed on the she cat, his eyes grew wide and he scrambled quickly to get off of her. Finding himself partly trapped by his fear and partly by her soft, breathy laugh a moment later, the tom stopped and relaxed for a moment, his ears returning to their natural state. And he stayed there. For just a second, pinning her down, looking down at her with his hues twinkling playfully. "You're making me feel bad!" He laughed, giving her a playful soft pat before she began to paw at him. That was when the tom was able to scramble off of her, his ears going back once more and he looked away. Her laughter made him feel more comfortable, but his softer moment was gone-- and now he was back to being guarded. "Don't worry about it. Maybe we should take a break, huh?" He grunted, moving away, his ears still pinned back. He didn't so much as look at her. So close... his thoughts taunted him, and finally, he managed to look up and give her a sad smile. It wasn't his fault he needed to be this way. It was a survival technique. She had been really, really soft... reminding him of those starlet cats, but she wasn't like them. He'd been so close to actually believing it might be alright for him to loosen up a little. Too close. Tomorrow morning he would be on his way, he would be out of there, and he wouldn't be coming back to the place where he had almost lost himself. How stupid did she think he was? Maybe he was overreacting. So what. This was what had protected him before, and it was protecting him now. Assuming the worst of everyone... even if it was pretty hard to find in the gentle feline.

[AbsurdJinx]

As soon as he landed on the she cat, his eyes grew wide and he scrambled quickly to get off of her. Finding himself partly trapped by his fear and partly by her soft, breathy laugh a moment later, the tom stopped and relaxed for a moment, his ears returning to their natural state. And he stayed there. For just a second, pinning her down, looking down at her with his hues twinkling playfully. "You're making me feel bad!" He laughed, giving her a playful soft pat before she began to paw at him. That was when the tom was able to scramble off of her, his ears going back once more and he looked away. Her laughter made him feel more comfortable, but his softer moment was gone-- and now he was back to being guarded. "Don't worry about it. Maybe we should take a break, huh?" He grunted, moving away, his ears still pinned back. He didn't so much as look at her. So close... his thoughts taunted him, and finally, he managed to look up and give her a sad smile. It wasn't his fault he needed to be this way. It was a survival technique. She had been really, really soft... reminding him of those starlet cats, but she wasn't like them. He'd been so close to actually believing it might be alright for him to loosen up a little. Too close. Tomorrow morning he would be on his way, he would be out of there, and he wouldn't be coming back to the place where he had almost lost himself. How stupid did she think he was? Maybe he was overreacting. So what. This was what had protected him before, and it was protecting him now. Assuming the worst of everyone... even if it was pretty hard to find in the gentle feline.

Calia practically whined when Obsidian pulled away. She had been having fun! With a disappointed sigh, she rolled onto her flank and watched the tom adopt both a reserved expression and posture. He had even began to play with her, too, only to seem to realize that what he was doing was wrong - but was it? She wondered what went on in the dark-pelted tomcat's head. He was such a mystery, and she yearned to discover just what he thought. Did he follow a certain set of rules that she was unaware of? Did he dislike her? No, he couldn't, seeing that he even participated in their playing for a small while.

Her tail swept against the ground nonchalantly as she attempted to play off his rejection coolly. Calia couldn't help but brighten when he looked at her, though it was just to flash her a sad smile. She figured he wasn't interested in a spar anymore, triggering disappointment to flood her. She cast him a reassuring smile before rolling over and jumping to her paws. She had to act as if he hadn't hurt her - that would make Obsidian feel bad, she believed, and she didn't want that.

``Are you sure?`` She questioned softly. ``I promise I'll try harder! But if you really want a break, we could try hunting? I'm ready for my morning meal, and I'm not interested in some ratty mice! Though feel free to relax, and I'll hunt. After all, you have quite a journey ahead of you.``

[lone]

Calia practically whined when Obsidian pulled away. She had been having fun! With a disappointed sigh, she rolled onto her flank and watched the tom adopt both a reserved expression and posture. He had even began to play with her, too, only to seem to realize that what he was doing was wrong - but was it? She wondered what went on in the dark-pelted tomcat's head. He was such a mystery, and she yearned to discover just what he thought. Did he follow a certain set of rules that she was unaware of? Did he dislike her? No, he couldn't, seeing that he even participated in their playing for a small while.


Her tail swept against the ground nonchalantly as she attempted to play off his rejection coolly. Calia couldn't help but brighten when he looked at her, though it was just to flash her a sad smile. She figured he wasn't interested in a spar anymore, triggering disappointment to flood her. She cast him a reassuring smile before rolling over and jumping to her paws. She had to act as if he hadn't hurt her - that would make Obsidian feel bad, she believed, and she didn't want that.

``Are you sure?`` She questioned softly. ``I promise I'll try harder! But if you really want a break, we could try hunting? I'm ready for my morning meal, and I'm not interested in some ratty mice! Though feel free to relax, and I'll hunt. After all, you have quite a journey ahead of you.``

The tom shook his head, smiling a little at her friendly words but remaining firm in his decision all the same. "It's alright. I can hunt for myself, I don't want to bother you. I'm... used to being on my own." His voice had gone back to that state that showed he was not to be bothered. Oh Obsidian. Such a mysterious cat, yet he really wasn't that complicated. Anyone who would take the time or so much as bother to figure him out could see that. He would reveal his personality, emotions, and past in layers.
　
As soon as something uncomfortable happened? All the layers rewrapped themselves around, making an iron bond that was near-to impossible to see through. Annoying. Obnoxious. Something that Obsidian was most definitely bothered with, but what was he going to do about it? Keeping himself guarded was important. So was security. And he wouldn't give it all up for some she cat. Still, in an attempt to give her at least some form of conformation that he wasn't angry with her, he managed a smile. It looked weak, and... to be honest... fake, but it was still there. Barely. "So! Where's the best spot to hunt?" The tom asked, unsheathing and sheathing his claws.


A nervous habit. A silly one too, but what was he to do about it? There wasn't much that he could do. He was supposed to sit back and take everything life threw at him, like he always did. As he always had done. And always would do. Irritating, but that was the way of the world, wasn't it? The way of the world was to do things the way they had always been. The way they would always be. Obsidian glanced at Calia, feeling just the slightest bit bad for ending their spar so early. He wished he had told her it wasn't her fault earlier, but too late now. She'd made a fine partner. It was all his fault for being so guarded, and not wanting to open up and let her in, and all of that stuff. Stuff that Obsidian had been judged for all his life. Perhaps he just wanted it differently this time.

[AbsurdJinx]

The tom shook his head, smiling a little at her friendly words but remaining firm in his decision all the same. "It's alright. I can hunt for myself, I don't want to bother you. I'm... used to being on my own." His voice had gone back to that state that showed he was not to be bothered. Oh Obsidian. Such a mysterious cat, yet he really wasn't that complicated. Anyone who would take the time or so much as bother to figure him out could see that. He would reveal his personality, emotions, and past in layers.
　
As soon as something uncomfortable happened? All the layers rewrapped themselves around, making an iron bond that was near-to impossible to see through. Annoying. Obnoxious. Something that Obsidian was most definitely bothered with, but what was he going to do about it? Keeping himself guarded was important. So was security. And he wouldn't give it all up for some she cat. Still, in an attempt to give her at least some form of conformation that he wasn't angry with her, he managed a smile. It looked weak, and... to be honest... fake, but it was still there. Barely. "So! Where's the best spot to hunt?" The tom asked, unsheathing and sheathing his claws.

A nervous habit. A silly one too, but what was he to do about it? There wasn't much that he could do. He was supposed to sit back and take everything life threw at him, like he always did. As he always had done. And always would do. Irritating, but that was the way of the world, wasn't it? The way of the world was to do things the way they had always been. The way they would always be. Obsidian glanced at Calia, feeling just the slightest bit bad for ending their spar so early. He wished he had told her it wasn't her fault earlier, but too late now. She'd made a fine partner. It was all his fault for being so guarded, and not wanting to open up and let her in, and all of that stuff. Stuff that Obsidian had been judged for all his life. Perhaps he just wanted it differently this time.

Brightening at the sight of Obsidian's smile - weak or fake, it was still a smile, Calia bounced softly and, despite his previous statement of being able to hunt for himself and not bothering her, she began the short trek to the lush forest behind the cabin. She walked with a bounce in her step, moving carelessly yet confidently. As she guided the way, she hummed a random tune, giggling quietly at herself and her silliness. Finally, she responded to Obsidian, answering his former statement of not bothering her.

``Oh, believe me, you aren't bothering me.`` She glanced over her shoulder, a kit-like twinkle in her vibrant blue eyes. ``I have nothing better to do.`` When bushy treetops began to shelter them overhead, and melting drops of liquid fell upon them from curved leaves, Calia motioned ahead with a flick of her head. ``You can better find prey just by that tree - the big one, with the claw marks on it. Rodents like to feast on the nuts and such that fall around the trunk. Whenever I find a good hunting ground, I mark the area by either clawing up a tree, or leaving some unique building - like a twig sticking out of the ground, or a couple of sticks placed in a way where they form something bizarre.`` She twitched her whiskers and ears, as if proud of her work. ``They remind me to be quiet when I'm in the area, in case prey is around. They also make sure I know where I can go for good hunting!``

She chirped loudly, her ears pricked as she listened to the soothing sounds of nature. Bird call flooded her ears, musky scents interested her nose, and the growing forest caught the attention of her sight. ``I love the forest,`` Calia murmured softly, mainly to herself. After a few moments where she simply stood still, basking in her surroundings, she abruptly meowed, ``Whoever catches the the plumpest prey wins!``

And then she was out of sight.

[lone]

Well, Obsidian could play a game. Why not? It couldn't be that much different then the types of games that he used to play, after all... and it might even be fun. Who knew? Watching the ginger feline dart out of sight, the tom sighed and headed in the other direction. He'd be gone tomorrow. I do like it here, though... he thought, sighing. This was just great. Now he wasn't sure whether he should leave tomorrow or wait another day before going. Either way, it was going to take a while to get to the Syndicate. He hated the thought of traveling further, through more hostile cats' territories, and then getting to a killer's dream place. It sounded like the very center of hell. But then again, according to the starlets and his brother? He had been born in hell. So therefore, why not return to his birthplace? It was all he would ever be good for, all that he would ever be able to imagine.
　
What an absolutely horrible feeling. But it was the one he'd gotten before. A plump little rodent-- Obsidian wasn't sure which kind-- scurried across the ground before him. He pinned it by the tail, giving it one sharp bite to the neck and watched as it died almost instantly. That was a pretty plump little rodent... and while Obsidian wasn't naturally competitive, probably the reason he hadn't done so well in the 'world of show cats,' he did love to win.
　
When he could, that was. Obsidian hadn't won anything in a long time, and he carried his prey back to the tree. There were still some droplets of water sticking to him, and he shook them off with a disgusted expression. No cat liked getting wet. It was gross. It made him feel like he was drowning on land, which was a strange feeling... one that he didn't like in the slightest. He put the rodent down and watched it intently, as though he imagined it would just get up and scurry away within seconds. "Sun-- Calia?" What was it with him and calling her sunshine? It was a dumb nickname anyways, and he hated himself for coming up with it. At least he would be gone soon. He would be gone and he would leave the little sunshine behind. For some reason the thought of those tiny water droplets on Calia and how they had sparkled like diamonds entered his mind.
　
And, with them... how pretty she had looked right then.

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

[AbsurdJinx]

Well, Obsidian could play a game. Why not? It couldn't be that much different then the types of games that he used to play, after all... and it might even be fun. Who knew? Watching the ginger feline dart out of sight, the tom sighed and headed in the other direction. He'd be gone tomorrow. I do like it here, though... he thought, sighing. This was just great. Now he wasn't sure whether he should leave tomorrow or wait another day before going. Either way, it was going to take a while to get to the Syndicate. He hated the thought of traveling further, through more hostile cats' territories, and then getting to a killer's dream place. It sounded like the very center of hell. But then again, according to the starlets and his brother? He had been born in hell. So therefore, why not return to his birthplace? It was all he would ever be good for, all that he would ever be able to imagine.
　
What an absolutely horrible feeling. But it was the one he'd gotten before. A plump little rodent-- Obsidian wasn't sure which kind-- scurried across the ground before him. He pinned it by the tail, giving it one sharp bite to the neck and watched as it died almost instantly. That was a pretty plump little rodent... and while Obsidian wasn't naturally competitive, probably the reason he hadn't done so well in the 'world of show cats,' he did love to win.
　
When he could, that was. Obsidian hadn't won anything in a long time, and he carried his prey back to the tree. There were still some droplets of water sticking to him, and he shook them off with a disgusted expression. No cat liked getting wet. It was gross. It made him feel like he was drowning on land, which was a strange feeling... one that he didn't like in the slightest. He put the rodent down and watched it intently, as though he imagined it would just get up and scurry away within seconds. "Sun-- Calia?" What was it with him and calling her sunshine? It was a dumb nickname anyways, and he hated himself for coming up with it. At least he would be gone soon. He would be gone and he would leave the little sunshine behind. For some reason the thought of those tiny water droplets on Calia and how they had sparkled like diamonds entered his mind.
　
And, with them... how pretty she had looked right then.

@AbsurdJinx (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=192)

[ ahh, I'm so sorry for lateness. busy bee xx ]

Calia trotted towards Obsidian just a few heartbeats after he almost mistakenly called her Sunshine. She loved it when he used his nickname for her, actually. She hadn't ever had a nickname before, and it intrigued her as to why Obsidian - just about a complete stranger - decided to give her one. And it confused her as to why he didn't call her by it so freely. She wouldn't laugh, she wouldn't dare embarrass him in any way... So why did he avoid using it?

The thought of Obsidian leaving hadn't even crossed Calia's mind since he arrived. She's been so occupied by her most recent guest - him - that she didn't realize he'd eventually leave. No doubt it would leave her heartbroken when he leaves tomorrow, after she is unexpectedly faced with the obstacle of his leaving. She wouldn't ever recover, as she never does, but she'd push it down. Whenever a guest left her for their travels, she'd spend a few days shoving the feelings they left her with. Then she'd continue with life, ignoring her caged emotions.

Carrying an impressive squirrel, Calia displayed a proud yet playful expression. She had clearly beaten him in their game. However, her squirrel had obviously faced tough times, with a ragged pelt and a few ugly scars across its body. Purring loudly, Calia set the squirrel down, before standing tall and meowing playfully, ``Look! I caught a `bad boy` squirrel! These are rare creatures, y'know. They roam in forests, growling at rival squirrels and impressing females with their rugged appearance.``

[lone]

[ ahh, I'm so sorry for lateness. busy bee xx ]



Calia trotted towards Obsidian just a few heartbeats after he almost mistakenly called her Sunshine. She loved it when he used his nickname for her, actually. She hadn't ever had a nickname before, and it intrigued her as to why Obsidian - just about a complete stranger - decided to give her one. And it confused her as to why he didn't call her by it so freely. She wouldn't laugh, she wouldn't dare embarrass him in any way... So why did he avoid using it?

The thought of Obsidian leaving hadn't even crossed Calia's mind since he arrived. She's been so occupied by her most recent guest - him - that she didn't realize he'd eventually leave. No doubt it would leave her heartbroken when he leaves tomorrow, after she is unexpectedly faced with the obstacle of his leaving. She wouldn't ever recover, as she never does, but she'd push it down. Whenever a guest left her for their travels, she'd spend a few days shoving the feelings they left her with. Then she'd continue with life, ignoring her caged emotions.

Carrying an impressive squirrel, Calia displayed a proud yet playful expression. She had clearly beaten him in their game. However, her squirrel had obviously faced tough times, with a ragged pelt and a few ugly scars across its body. Purring loudly, Calia set the squirrel down, before standing tall and meowing playfully, ``Look! I caught a `bad boy` squirrel! These are rare creatures, y'know. They roam in forests, growling at rival squirrels and impressing females with their rugged appearance.``


"A bad boy squirrel, huh?" Alright. Maybe he should play along. What harm could it possibly do? Besides, it wasn't like she was suddenly going to get super attached... and Obsidian didn't get attached. Not very easily, anyways. C'mon bud. You owe it to her to be nice. He tried to work up the courage to at least give her a smile, but couldn't seem to do it. What was wrong with him? He knew the answer to that. He was going to be leaving here tomorrow, and he was going to feel horrible for doing it. It was a cruel thing to do, after all. "Well, looks like you won. You're a better hunter then I had thought." His expression was thoughtful, and somewhat worried. Was he being honest here? Yes. Definitely. She was a better hunter then he had thought she was going to be.
　
Perhaps not the nicest thing to say.

It showed quite a bit of doubt in her abilities, which he hadn't meant to suggest. The day wasn't yet halfway over and Obsidian needed to figure out something to do. He sighed, shifting his weight, looking around somewhat nervously, and thinking about what he wanted to do. The tom didn't so much as glance over at Calia again. He didn't really know what to do now. As long as he could keep himself guarded for just a little longer... just the slightest longer bit of time... he would be fine. And yet, he wasn't ready to leave this beautiful place. He didn't want to go yet. But he knew he would have to. It was for her safety as well as his own... if a twoleg-- or housefolk, as Obsidian knew them, were to come, they might end up taking both cats. The old man that Calia had told him about hopefully didn't know about his brother.
　
As long as that news stayed put, everything would be fine... for good.

[AbsurdJinx]

"A bad boy squirrel, huh?" Alright. Maybe he should play along. What harm could it possibly do? Besides, it wasn't like she was suddenly going to get super attached... and Obsidian didn't get attached. Not very easily, anyways. C'mon bud. You owe it to her to be nice. He tried to work up the courage to at least give her a smile, but couldn't seem to do it. What was wrong with him? He knew the answer to that. He was going to be leaving here tomorrow, and he was going to feel horrible for doing it. It was a cruel thing to do, after all. "Well, looks like you won. You're a better hunter then I had thought." His expression was thoughtful, and somewhat worried. Was he being honest here? Yes. Definitely. She was a better hunter then he had thought she was going to be.

　
Perhaps not the nicest thing to say.

It showed quite a bit of doubt in her abilities, which he hadn't meant to suggest. The day wasn't yet halfway over and Obsidian needed to figure out something to do. He sighed, shifting his weight, looking around somewhat nervously, and thinking about what he wanted to do. The tom didn't so much as glance over at Calia again. He didn't really know what to do now. As long as he could keep himself guarded for just a little longer... just the slightest longer bit of time... he would be fine. And yet, he wasn't ready to leave this beautiful place. He didn't want to go yet. But he knew he would have to. It was for her safety as well as his own... if a twoleg-- or housefolk, as Obsidian knew them, were to come, they might end up taking both cats. The old man that Calia had told him about hopefully didn't know about his brother.
　
As long as that news stayed put, everything would be fine... for good.


Like the naive molly she was, Calia simply disregarded Obsidian's suggestion that she was a poor hunter. She honestly didn't inhale the comment as an insult, or anything negative. In fact, she puffed out her chest and flashed him a proud grin. She had heard that statement more than once - `you're a better hunter than I thought`. It was given to her often, usually by guests that stayed overnight to experience her hunt. With all the free time on her paws, Calia mainly spent her time perfecting her skills - her hunting skills, that is. She couldn't fight to save her life.

``Yes, a bad boy squirrel,`` Calia meowed thoughtfully, her tail-tip casually twitching behind her. ``Best look out for them - they're the ones that throw acorns at our heads!`` She's been hit in the head by a flying acorn, yes. She genuinely believes squirrels are constantly tossing acorns at her head, like a game. If they hit her between the ears, they earn ten points. If they manage to hit her hard enough to bring her to the ground, fifty points! Calia especially hates it when the pointy end of an acorn hits her. It's bad enough to step on an acorn, why must they be chucked at her head?

``C'mon, let's bring our prey back. Then we can find out what to do next?`` Fluffing out her pelt, Calia lowered her head and scooped her squirrel into her mouth. Her canines gently pressed against the fresh-kill's skin, careful not to pierce it. With a quick flick of her head, the ginger-pelted she-cat lead the way back to the bridge. She gingerly stepped past the stiff stalks of plants until she reached the welcoming shade of her bridge. Smiling behind the bundle of squirrel, Calia stepped into the cool air cast from the bridge's shadow. She set her catch down, in the small patch of grass near her nest.

Abruptly, Calia jumped in the air, twisting, as she bounded to the end of the pond. She brought herself to a crouch beside the water, bringing her nose to the liquid before lapping at it. Refreshing water slid down her throat, immediately cooling her down. With such a thick, long pelt, Calia often got hot quickly. And being so restless didn't help. Her tail swept at the ground behind her, something her body did instinctively when she drank from the pool.

Suddenly, it hit her. With a dramatic gasp, Calia leapt to her paws, facing Obsidian. Each of her four paws were spaces apart, almost as if she had been surprised. Excitement shone in her bright blue eyes. ``Can you swim?``

[lone]

Like the naive molly she was, Calia simply disregarded Obsidian's suggestion that she was a poor hunter. She honestly didn't inhale the comment as an insult, or anything negative. In fact, she puffed out her chest and flashed him a proud grin. She had heard that statement more than once - `you're a better hunter than I thought`. It was given to her often, usually by guests that stayed overnight to experience her hunt. With all the free time on her paws, Calia mainly spent her time perfecting her skills - her hunting skills, that is. She couldn't fight to save her life.



``Yes, a bad boy squirrel,`` Calia meowed thoughtfully, her tail-tip casually twitching behind her. ``Best look out for them - they're the ones that throw acorns at our heads!`` She's been hit in the head by a flying acorn, yes. She genuinely believes squirrels are constantly tossing acorns at her head, like a game. If they hit her between the ears, they earn ten points. If they manage to hit her hard enough to bring her to the ground, fifty points! Calia especially hates it when the pointy end of an acorn hits her. It's bad enough to step on an acorn, why must they be chucked at her head?

``C'mon, let's bring our prey back. Then we can find out what to do next?`` Fluffing out her pelt, Calia lowered her head and scooped her squirrel into her mouth. Her canines gently pressed against the fresh-kill's skin, careful not to pierce it. With a quick flick of her head, the ginger-pelted she-cat lead the way back to the bridge. She gingerly stepped past the stiff stalks of plants until she reached the welcoming shade of her bridge. Smiling behind the bundle of squirrel, Calia stepped into the cool air cast from the bridge's shadow. She set her catch down, in the small patch of grass near her nest.

Abruptly, Calia jumped in the air, twisting, as she bounded to the end of the pond. She brought herself to a crouch beside the water, bringing her nose to the liquid before lapping at it. Refreshing water slid down her throat, immediately cooling her down. With such a thick, long pelt, Calia often got hot quickly. And being so restless didn't help. Her tail swept at the ground behind her, something her body did instinctively when she drank from the pool.

Suddenly, it hit her. With a dramatic gasp, Calia leapt to her paws, facing Obsidian. Each of her four paws were spaces apart, almost as if she had been surprised. Excitement shone in her bright blue eyes. ``Can you swim?``

Obsidian picked up his own catch, following behind. One more day. You can do this. Attachment had always been a problem for Obsidian. Anything solid, anything that he was sure would make a firm foundation, he would rest on. And guess what? Every other time he had been very wrong. Every other time he had gotten everything about a cat wrong, and it had resulted in nothing but disaster for him. Obsidian's expression was worried, cautious, as though he imagined something was going to go wrong just by talking to her. Dropping the creature down beside her squirrel, the black tom half-nervously, half-eagerly shifted his weight in anticipation for whatever was going to happen next. He could feel his body tense, muscles quivering in an anxious manner as he did so. Obsidian had seen things he had previously thought were impossible.
　
He'd gotten used to it.
　
Living with a house full of bossy and rude show cats, he'd learned a lot about staying out of the way of those better then him. He'd learned a lot about being careful and watching his step around them. But Calia didn't seem to be one of those bossy, rude cats. On the contrary, she seemed rather nice. Someone that Obsidian could get to know and get along with perfectly fine. He didn't want to get along with her, though. He didn't want to get to know her. He disliked absolutely everything about her. From her soft, ginger fur to her friendly, sparkling hues, Obsidian hated her. Why? No particular reason. He was just scared... and fear led to anger, leading to hatred. It was something he had learned long ago. He'd been scared of being a show cat. Then angry towards those who chose that path, and later hateful.
　
It was the same thing all over again here.
　

"Can I swim?" He repeated her question, cocking his head to the side in a puzzled manner. She'd looked so surprised, it had stunned him. "Uh, yes, I can swim. I don't necessarily like it, but I can do it." He shrugged a little, like it was no big deal. Like everyone could swim. And, where he had grown up, water had just been a part of life. With water came swimming lessons-- their father, a friendlier, ordinary cat, had taught Obsidian to swim. He'd gotten his Dad's features. Not the striking ones of his Mother. It was somewhat of a pity but at the same time, he was okay with it. "Why did you want to know?" He was suddenly suspicious of her intentions. This whole time he had been a little suspicious. Honestly, it was strange that she would just invite him into her territory. Or rather, he had come across it, but she was doing more then the average cat! A lot more.
　
And that, to Obsidian, was odd.

[AbsurdJinx]

Obsidian picked up his own catch, following behind. One more day. You can do this. Attachment had always been a problem for Obsidian. Anything solid, anything that he was sure would make a firm foundation, he would rest on. And guess what? Every other time he had been very wrong. Every other time he had gotten everything about a cat wrong, and it had resulted in nothing but disaster for him. Obsidian's expression was worried, cautious, as though he imagined something was going to go wrong just by talking to her. Dropping the creature down beside her squirrel, the black tom half-nervously, half-eagerly shifted his weight in anticipation for whatever was going to happen next. He could feel his body tense, muscles quivering in an anxious manner as he did so. Obsidian had seen things he had previously thought were impossible.
　
He'd gotten used to it.
　
Living with a house full of bossy and rude show cats, he'd learned a lot about staying out of the way of those better then him. He'd learned a lot about being careful and watching his step around them. But Calia didn't seem to be one of those bossy, rude cats. On the contrary, she seemed rather nice. Someone that Obsidian could get to know and get along with perfectly fine. He didn't want to get along with her, though. He didn't want to get to know her. He disliked absolutely everything about her. From her soft, ginger fur to her friendly, sparkling hues, Obsidian hated her. Why? No particular reason. He was just scared... and fear led to anger, leading to hatred. It was something he had learned long ago. He'd been scared of being a show cat. Then angry towards those who chose that path, and later hateful.
　
It was the same thing all over again here.
　

"Can I swim?" He repeated her question, cocking his head to the side in a puzzled manner. She'd looked so surprised, it had stunned him. "Uh, yes, I can swim. I don't necessarily like it, but I can do it." He shrugged a little, like it was no big deal. Like everyone could swim. And, where he had grown up, water had just been a part of life. With water came swimming lessons-- their father, a friendlier, ordinary cat, had taught Obsidian to swim. He'd gotten his Dad's features. Not the striking ones of his Mother. It was somewhat of a pity but at the same time, he was okay with it. "Why did you want to know?" He was suddenly suspicious of her intentions. This whole time he had been a little suspicious. Honestly, it was strange that she would just invite him into her territory. Or rather, he had come across it, but she was doing more then the average cat! A lot more.
　
And that, to Obsidian, was odd.



Calia brightened at Obsidian's claim. With a whisk of her tail, the long-haired, ginger-pelted she-cat whipped around and lunged into the pond. The cool water lapped at her lengthy belly fur, the stones at the bottom of the pool slipping into the space between her toes. She could practically hear the light clattering of pebbles clashing against one another, a sound she had always seemed to adore. Calia loved the sounds of anything related to water, such as the gentle rush of the clear liquid over a stepping stone. She especially loved the sound of water when it was being pushed through. When she moved her legs, and felt the weight of the liquid push against her limbs, she listened with pleasure to the noisy, sucking sound of the water.

Her tail had been dragged underwater, and if she were to life it above the surface, it would resemble a rat's tail - with the exception of her damp, hanging fur. Her pelt played a part in keeping her firmly against the pond floor. With such a heavy, thick pelt that absorbed water, she was pulled down. And if she couldn't swim, or if she were smaller than the depth of the water, then she would surely drown. Calia glanced over her shoulder, blinking away the drops of water she had unintentionally splashed onto her face. Her white whiskers sagged slightly, also weighed down by the weight of the water drops. With a loud meow of joy, a kit-like squeal, Calia called to Obsidian, ``C'mon! Join me!`` Her bright blue eyes gleamed with happiness, a silent challenge within her gorgeous eyes, daring him to swim with her.

She highly doubted Obsidian would join her - he seemed like the type to avoid fun. After all, he was purposely on his way to join the Dusk Syndicate - if that doesn't scream `I avoid fun`, then what does? Besides, he'd clearly stated he preferred not to swim, and when they were play-fighting earlier, he had abruptly ended their play. He wouldn't pursue entertainment, and Calia wondered why. Why would anyone cut fun from their lives? Who would turn away fun if they had the chance? Why cut enjoyment from your life? Calia didn't understand cats who struggled in having fun. In such a dark world, she'd think anyone would take a chance to have fun. She certainly would. The fact that Obsidian would be leaving tomorrow did not cross her mind - in that moment, in the water, she came to the conclusion that she would get him to open up to her, and she'd also show him what fun is. She felt he deserved to have fun.

Throwing her head back, a lighthearted laugh escaped past her lips, and she returned her gaze to the softly rippling water all around her. Calia lifted her paw, holding in a giggle brought on by the tickle of the small pebbles slipping between her toes. Holding her foot beside her head, she watched through wide, fascinated eyes as a stream of water connected her paw to the pond. She watched the clear water rush down like an elegant waterfall, hitting the water with a rough splash. The force of the water pulled the fur of her paw with it, almost like it was begging her to bring her paw back into the water. Calia smiled foolishly at this idea, allowing her paw to sink to the bottom of the pool once more.

Her smile slowly faltered. ``Do you ever wish that life could go by as smoothly as this water moves?`` Her eyes were narrowed in thought, as her brain tried to work out just what she was asking. She wore a frown now, flashes of her previous guests appearing in her mind. The fights, the thievery, the work... Was it all worth it? All her past actions brought her to this moment, this moment she shared with Obsidian... But was it worth it? Everything she had done brought her to this moment where she was sheltering a reserved tomcat that couldn't even continue conversation. Responsibility weighed on her shoulders, and she sat down in the water, as if the responsibility was too much to carry. But then she quickly reminded herself that she had willingly welcomed that weight onto her shoulders. She invited strangers into her home, feeding them and offering them a nest. She even endured the rough times where she'd offer a stranger a home, and wake up the next day to find all her prey gone. The question that constantly haunted her mind, however, was, Is it all worth it?

Silently reminding herself that Obsidian was there, Calia straightened her posture. Her shoulders rose, becoming broader, and she held her head high. She adopted a soft smile, closing her eyes as to enjoy the moment. She inhaled and exhaled until she found her anxiety was nearly gone, and she could once again be happy. She chose the life she was currently living, and despise all the hardships, she was happy with her life. Calia was content.

[lone]

Calia brightened at Obsidian's claim. With a whisk of her tail, the long-haired, ginger-pelted she-cat whipped around and lunged into the pond. The cool water lapped at her lengthy belly fur, the stones at the bottom of the pool slipping into the space between her toes. She could practically hear the light clattering of pebbles clashing against one another, a sound she had always seemed to adore. Calia loved the sounds of anything related to water, such as the gentle rush of the clear liquid over a stepping stone. She especially loved the sound of water when it was being pushed through. When she moved her legs, and felt the weight of the liquid push against her limbs, she listened with pleasure to the noisy, sucking sound of the water.


Her tail had been dragged underwater, and if she were to life it above the surface, it would resemble a rat's tail - with the exception of her damp, hanging fur. Her pelt played a part in keeping her firmly against the pond floor. With such a heavy, thick pelt that absorbed water, she was pulled down. And if she couldn't swim, or if she were smaller than the depth of the water, then she would surely drown. Calia glanced over her shoulder, blinking away the drops of water she had unintentionally splashed onto her face. Her white whiskers sagged slightly, also weighed down by the weight of the water drops. With a loud meow of joy, a kit-like squeal, Calia called to Obsidian, ``C'mon! Join me!`` Her bright blue eyes gleamed with happiness, a silent challenge within her gorgeous eyes, daring him to swim with her.

She highly doubted Obsidian would join her - he seemed like the type to avoid fun. After all, he was purposely on his way to join the Dusk Syndicate - if that doesn't scream `I avoid fun`, then what does? Besides, he'd clearly stated he preferred not to swim, and when they were play-fighting earlier, he had abruptly ended their play. He wouldn't pursue entertainment, and Calia wondered why. Why would anyone cut fun from their lives? Who would turn away fun if they had the chance? Why cut enjoyment from your life? Calia didn't understand cats who struggled in having fun. In such a dark world, she'd think anyone would take a chance to have fun. She certainly would. The fact that Obsidian would be leaving tomorrow did not cross her mind - in that moment, in the water, she came to the conclusion that she would get him to open up to her, and she'd also show him what fun is. She felt he deserved to have fun.

Throwing her head back, a lighthearted laugh escaped past her lips, and she returned her gaze to the softly rippling water all around her. Calia lifted her paw, holding in a giggle brought on by the tickle of the small pebbles slipping between her toes. Holding her foot beside her head, she watched through wide, fascinated eyes as a stream of water connected her paw to the pond. She watched the clear water rush down like an elegant waterfall, hitting the water with a rough splash. The force of the water pulled the fur of her paw with it, almost like it was begging her to bring her paw back into the water. Calia smiled foolishly at this idea, allowing her paw to sink to the bottom of the pool once more.

Her smile slowly faltered. ``Do you ever wish that life could go by as smoothly as this water moves?`` Her eyes were narrowed in thought, as her brain tried to work out just what she was asking. She wore a frown now, flashes of her previous guests appearing in her mind. The fights, the thievery, the work... Was it all worth it? All her past actions brought her to this moment, this moment she shared with Obsidian... But was it worth it? Everything she had done brought her to this moment where she was sheltering a reserved tomcat that couldn't even continue conversation. Responsibility weighed on her shoulders, and she sat down in the water, as if the responsibility was too much to carry. But then she quickly reminded herself that she had willingly welcomed that weight onto her shoulders. She invited strangers into her home, feeding them and offering them a nest. She even endured the rough times where she'd offer a stranger a home, and wake up the next day to find all her prey gone. The question that constantly haunted her mind, however, was, Is it all worth it?

Silently reminding herself that Obsidian was there, Calia straightened her posture. Her shoulders rose, becoming broader, and she held her head high. She adopted a soft smile, closing her eyes as to enjoy the moment. She inhaled and exhaled until she found her anxiety was nearly gone, and she could once again be happy. She chose the life she was currently living, and despise all the hardships, she was happy with her life. Calia was content.

"I don't know..." The tom's voice trailed off at the mention of him joining her, and he looked doubtfully down at the water. She appeared to be having a good time all on her own, without him messing things up. Which, as he had been told, was 'all he was good for.' Stupid housefol- twolegs. He used to call them his housefolk. Now? They were just known as twolegs, nothing special. Horrifying creatures who kicked out out as soon as you were deemed worthless. Stupid creatures. They were ugly, too... Obsidian hadn't liked his twolegs-- his previous housefolk-- at all. And now he was under the opinion that all were the same. All were stupid. All were horrible. All were there to hurt him, that was all there was to it. "You seem to be having a pretty good time all by yourself." He added, though he wasn't sure what benefit that gave his argument of staying out.
　
Perhaps that it would have no real benefit to her if he were to get in. After all, what possible good could it do? She was playing around, laughing, smiling, giggling like there was no tomorrow. Like the only thing she had to worry about was the moment. Oh, how the black tom wished that were true. But he always had tomorrow to worry about... especially the next day. What was going to happen if he couldn't get to the Dusk Syndicate safely? The tom didn't want to be refrained from continuing on his journey. Softly, he put one paw in the water and swished it around in circles, watching it from above. Ripples spread outwards, making designs on the surface that were gone in an instant. Obsidian wondered why they would appear in the first place if they were just going to disappear just moments later? He didn't get it. Then again, Obsidian didn't get everything.
　
Being so cautious had it's drawbacks, such as he refrained from hearing news because he would stay away from cats most of the time. Throughout some time he'd been traveling on his own through unclaimed territory. He could have started a new life for himself! He could be living in a place of comfort and ease right now... Obsidian was not an ugly tom, he was, as a matter of fact, quite handsome-- just not up to show standards. Unfortunately. Her words gave him something to think about as he slowly put his other paw in the water. Now he was lying down, staring at his reflection, two blurred black circles beneath the surface showing where his paws actually were. "I don't know. If life was that smooth, we wouldn't ever learn anything." Like to be careful. Like that your so-called friends and allies are your enemies. "If life went by that smoothly, we'd all be weak and helpless." Though some are anyways.
　
"What about you? Do you wish life was that smooth?" He guessed she was going to say yes. She seemed like a cat who would prefer comfort to the harder life. Then again, here she was, living on her own... in the middle of nowhere... with a twoleg coming by every once in a while, yes, but for the majority of the time she had either a guest or was on her own. And there was no telling whether the guests were pleasant or not. She's a lot tougher then I gave her credit for. Though he wouldn't say that. To him, she would always be a small ray of sunshine. Again, remembering the nickname, a smile appeared on his features just for a moment. For that one moment, his guard was down, his expression was soft, and his hues seemed to lose their hardness. It gave them depth. Worries, anger, a protectiveness and a fierce, burning fire showed within them all in that one moment.
　
It sounded strange, but that was what it appeared to be. And then in the next instant, he didn't know what he was doing... but he got in the water. What was he thinking? This was going to break down his guard. She was already slicing away at his barriers, and he was constantly trying to build them back up. No getting through. For anyone. Tomorrow he would be gone, and tomorrow there would be no more danger... because sometime soon, he'd be in the Dusk Syndicate. "Do you know how far the Syndicate is from here?" He asked her in a low voice, his paws touching the smooth pebbles at the bottom of the pond. The water was swirling all around him, which made his muzzle wrinkle in disgust; but at the same time, he kind of liked it. This was the first day in a long time he had allowed himself to have fun. This was the first day in a long time that he felt like he was safe. She wasn't going to hurt him. He was safe.

[AbsurdJinx]

"I don't know..."
The tom's voice trailed off at the mention of him joining her, and he looked doubtfully down at the water. She appeared to be having a good time all on her own, without him messing things up. Which, as he had been told, was 'all he was good for.' Stupid housefol- twolegs. He used to call them his housefolk. Now? They were just known as twolegs, nothing special. Horrifying creatures who kicked out out as soon as you were deemed worthless. Stupid creatures. They were ugly, too... Obsidian hadn't liked his twolegs-- his previous housefolk-- at all. And now he was under the opinion that all were the same. All were stupid. All were horrible. All were there to hurt him, that was all there was to it. "You seem to be having a pretty good time all by yourself." He added, though he wasn't sure what benefit that gave his argument of staying out.
　
Perhaps that it would have no real benefit to her if he were to get in. After all, what possible good could it do? She was playing around, laughing, smiling, giggling like there was no tomorrow. Like the only thing she had to worry about was the moment. Oh, how the black tom wished that were true. But he always had tomorrow to worry about... especially the next day. What was going to happen if he couldn't get to the Dusk Syndicate safely? The tom didn't want to be refrained from continuing on his journey. Softly, he put one paw in the water and swished it around in circles, watching it from above. Ripples spread outwards, making designs on the surface that were gone in an instant. Obsidian wondered why they would appear in the first place if they were just going to disappear just moments later? He didn't get it. Then again, Obsidian didn't get everything.
　
Being so cautious had it's drawbacks, such as he refrained from hearing news because he would stay away from cats most of the time. Throughout some time he'd been traveling on his own through unclaimed territory. He could have started a new life for himself! He could be living in a place of comfort and ease right now... Obsidian was not an ugly tom, he was, as a matter of fact, quite handsome-- just not up to show standards. Unfortunately. Her words gave him something to think about as he slowly put his other paw in the water. Now he was lying down, staring at his reflection, two blurred black circles beneath the surface showing where his paws actually were. "I don't know. If life was that smooth, we wouldn't ever learn anything." Like to be careful. Like that your so-called friends and allies are your enemies. "If life went by that smoothly, we'd all be weak and helpless." Though some are anyways.
　
"What about you? Do you wish life was that smooth?"
He guessed she was going to say yes. She seemed like a cat who would prefer comfort to the harder life. Then again, here she was, living on her own... in the middle of nowhere... with a twoleg coming by every once in a while, yes, but for the majority of the time she had either a guest or was on her own. And there was no telling whether the guests were pleasant or not. She's a lot tougher then I gave her credit for. Though he wouldn't say that. To him, she would always be a small ray of sunshine. Again, remembering the nickname, a smile appeared on his features just for a moment. For that one moment, his guard was down, his expression was soft, and his hues seemed to lose their hardness. It gave them depth. Worries, anger, a protectiveness and a fierce, burning fire showed within them all in that one moment.
　
It sounded strange, but that was what it appeared to be. And then in the next instant, he didn't know what he was doing... but he got in the water. What was he thinking? This was going to break down his guard. She was already slicing away at his barriers, and he was constantly trying to build them back up. No getting through. For anyone. Tomorrow he would be gone, and tomorrow there would be no more danger... because sometime soon, he'd be in the Dusk Syndicate. "Do you know how far the Syndicate is from here?" He asked her in a low voice, his paws touching the smooth pebbles at the bottom of the pond. The water was swirling all around him, which made his muzzle wrinkle in disgust; but at the same time, he kind of liked it. This was the first day in a long time he had allowed himself to have fun. This was the first day in a long time that he felt like he was safe. She wasn't going to hurt him. He was safe.

Calia's ears twitched at the sound of the movement of water. She figured Obsidian would join her. Though her guest was most definitely an incredibly reserved tomcat, he seemed to be a follower. All this time, he's been just a few mouse-lengths behind her. He would lag behind a couple fox-lengths, but then rush to catch up with her like a frightened kit. She found this adorable, but it also proved to her that Obsidian had difficulty following what was true to him. If he were so focused on keeping to himself, why was he still in the garden with her? Why did he follow her to hunt? Why did he offer to spar with her? Sure, he was rather quick to end their spar, but the fact that he suggested such an activity convinced her that he didn't really want to be so secretive. He was hiding something that yearned to be told, but he refused to release it. Why? Calia did not know, but she wanted to.

She considered his answer. If life went by so smoothly, would they learn anything? Calia decided they would not. If life were perfect, there would be nothing to learn from. And if life were perfect... wouldn't life be boring? However, she disagreed with his opinion of weakness and helplessness. But, after all, she was incredibly kind, and to her, the words `weak` and `helpless` seemed mean. Plus, she offered a temporary home to those who were weak and helpless. It was why she did what she did, because some cats weren't strong enough or independent enough to take care of themselves. And maybe they landed themselves in the category of weak and helpless because some other cat looked down at them? Maybe they were once strong and healthy, but then an opposing force waddled along and decided they wanted to be the best?

``I wish nobody had to get hurt,`` Calia meowed softly, her gaze thoughtful as she looked ahead. A soft breeze disturbed the loose leaves on the undergrowth around her, and she watched as the gentle winds moved the water around her ever so slightly. ``I wish everybody had a chance.`` She had heard stories from guests who lost loved ones over something ridiculous. She heard of kits who died at birth. She learned of elders murdered over false words, and cats left to die over crow-food. The world was a cruel place, and Calia still struggled to adjust. She was too kind for the planet she currently resided on. Places like the Dusk Syndicate were much too rough for her. She adopted a soft smirk as she finished, ``I wish life could be a little ray of sunshine.`` Oh, I wish you would call me `sunshine` more freely.

The smirk fell, and she felt her head sharply whip around. She watched Obsidian sink into the water, and she let her head fall back slightly as she let a gentle laugh. She frowned at the mention of the Dusk Syndicate, pawing at the ground below her. The water sucked at her leg as she moved it, and the pebbles moved at her touch. Before answering, Calia giggled once again when the handsome tom wrinkled his nose. Though she knew everyone liked their own things, she wondered why many kits despised water. She actually loved the clear liquid. But with so much time on her paws, she's learned to love lots of things.

Calia brought her rear up from the bottom of the ground slightly, turning herself around until she faced Obsidian. However, she avoided his gaze, staring instead at the water before her. She continued to paw gentle at the pebbles underwater, causing the water to move roughly with her foreleg. ``It's not too far, I guess. I'd say... A two-day journey. At least, that's how long it took me to find this place from my last home. And I used to live very close to the Clans - the Dusk Syndicate has their home just beyond the Clans, beside the ocean. Remember to be careful there, okay?`` She brought her head up, letting her worried gaze fall on her guest. Forget anxiety caused by eye contact! She had to get her point across. Calia knew how vicious the Syndicate was, and she didn't want Obsidian to get hurt, or adopt their harsh ways. ``

[lone]

Calia's ears twitched at the sound of the movement of water. She figured Obsidian would join her. Though her guest was most definitely an incredibly reserved tomcat, he seemed to be a follower. All this time, he's been just a few mouse-lengths behind her. He would lag behind a couple fox-lengths, but then rush to catch up with her like a frightened kit. She found this adorable, but it also proved to her that Obsidian had difficulty following what was true to him. If he were so focused on keeping to himself, why was he still in the garden with her? Why did he follow her to hunt? Why did he offer to spar with her? Sure, he was rather quick to end their spar, but the fact that he suggested such an activity convinced her that he didn't really want to be so secretive. He was hiding something that yearned to be told, but he refused to release it. Why? Calia did not know, but she wanted to.


She considered his answer. If life went by so smoothly, would they learn anything? Calia decided they would not. If life were perfect, there would be nothing to learn from. And if life were perfect... wouldn't life be boring? However, she disagreed with his opinion of weakness and helplessness. But, after all, she was incredibly kind, and to her, the words `weak` and `helpless` seemed mean. Plus, she offered a temporary home to those who were weak and helpless. It was why she did what she did, because some cats weren't strong enough or independent enough to take care of themselves. And maybe they landed themselves in the category of weak and helpless because some other cat looked down at them? Maybe they were once strong and healthy, but then an opposing force waddled along and decided they wanted to be the best?

``I wish nobody had to get hurt,`` Calia meowed softly, her gaze thoughtful as she looked ahead. A soft breeze disturbed the loose leaves on the undergrowth around her, and she watched as the gentle winds moved the water around her ever so slightly. ``I wish everybody had a chance.`` She had heard stories from guests who lost loved ones over something ridiculous. She heard of kits who died at birth. She learned of elders murdered over false words, and cats left to die over crow-food. The world was a cruel place, and Calia still struggled to adjust. She was too kind for the planet she currently resided on. Places like the Dusk Syndicate were much too rough for her. She adopted a soft smirk as she finished, ``I wish life could be a little ray of sunshine.`` Oh, I wish you would call me `sunshine` more freely.

The smirk fell, and she felt her head sharply whip around. She watched Obsidian sink into the water, and she let her head fall back slightly as she let a gentle laugh. She frowned at the mention of the Dusk Syndicate, pawing at the ground below her. The water sucked at her leg as she moved it, and the pebbles moved at her touch. Before answering, Calia giggled once again when the handsome tom wrinkled his nose. Though she knew everyone liked their own things, she wondered why many kits despised water. She actually loved the clear liquid. But with so much time on her paws, she's learned to love lots of things.

Calia brought her rear up from the bottom of the ground slightly, turning herself around until she faced Obsidian. However, she avoided his gaze, staring instead at the water before her. She continued to paw gentle at the pebbles underwater, causing the water to move roughly with her foreleg. ``It's not too far, I guess. I'd say... A two-day journey. At least, that's how long it took me to find this place from my last home. And I used to live very close to the Clans - the Dusk Syndicate has their home just beyond the Clans, beside the ocean. Remember to be careful there, okay?`` She brought her head up, letting her worried gaze fall on her guest. Forget anxiety caused by eye contact! She had to get her point across. Calia knew how vicious the Syndicate was, and she didn't want Obsidian to get hurt, or adopt their harsh ways. ``

The way that she spoke about life moving as smoothly made Obsidian stop and think for a minute. Yes; perhaps it would be nice to have life move that smoothly, that easily. To have no one get hurt. That much would be very nice indeed. But, it wasn't possible. You couldn't change the way the world worked. If anyone could do it, she could. He thought with a slight smile, looking down at the pebbles at the bottom of the pond and moving them under his paw. They rolled just a little bit, and made him smile even more. Why that slight movement gave him pleasure was unknown, but it did. Maybe it was the consistent movement, knowing that they were there... that they would stay there, never changing-- at least not in that moment that Obsidian was standing in the pond. She could probably change the entire Syndicate if she tried to. He thought, another smile coming onto his features.
　
The thought of Calia putting so much as a paw in a place like the Dusk Syndicate was hilarious. Would she really be able to handle a rough place like that? Nope. But, she could change it. Change had always been hard for the tom. Even saying goodbye to the cats he hated the most had been hard, because they had always been there. Things had never changed with them and yet, he had gone away. So, why was Obsidian headed to the Dusk Syndicate? Because no one asked questions. Because as long as you kept your mouth shut, and were tough enough to handle the fighting, no one bothered you. Because although you might get beaten up, at least you weren't going to be hurt in the same way. Because no one knew anything about you, not unless you wanted them to, and it stayed that way. And yes, perhaps it was just an illusion Obsidian had built up.
　
But as far as he knew? It was somewhere other then where he had previously resided, and he was glad to be going there. "It might be nice for no one to get hurt," He admitted with a slightly softer expression. Then he never would have had problems. Everything would be fine and he would currently be living in a cat's paradise... only, the inside had been more like a cat hell. For those who didn't belong there. He had never belonged there. It had made most of his life miserable, and he resented his so-called family for that. His so-called brother most of all. The rest of his family hadn't had much to do with him, because he wasn't as desirable as the rest who entered or lived there. Perhaps, if no one got hurt, then things would be different. There would be no fighting. But if there was no fighting... then, when perfection did eventually wear off, as it always did... everyone would be weak and helpless.
　
A confliction indeed. He brought his head up, slowly, carefully looking at the ginger feline. She was definitely pretty; almost enough to pass as one of the "starlets" that he had known back at his home. But they were refined and poised, graceful, elegant, everything they did they did without failure. Not that Calia wasn't a graceful and elegant feline, she just emitted an air of warmth rather then stuffiness. Those cats were sickeningly sweet-- and it was a false sweetness, everyone knew it. They would sooner kill competition then wish them good luck, even though they were constantly saying 'good luck sweetie!' and other things like that in a way that made Obsidian feel like the competition should be watching their back rather then thanking the devious felines. Perhaps that was another reason he left. Was he really that scared of the long furred, doe-eyed stars of the show?
　
The answer was yes. They terrified him. He had constantly been scared they might just get rid of him because he wasn't 'show material,' but looking back, he should have been grateful he wasn't. Sure, they had treated him as their own personal toy, but at least they hadn't been too horrible to him. Thank goodness. As she looked up at him, her eyes meeting his own, his expression changed from one of soft interest to one of concern and anxiety. He glanced away, looking anywhere but directly at her. "I don't think you need to worry about me at all." He mewed in a somewhat rough voice, his expression harder then it should be. Just the slightest bit. He appreciated that she was trying to be nice, and that she did care, but really-- it was going to make him feel bad. "Look. The fact that you want me to be careful is nice. It really is, but I would prefer not to know anyone cares." The tom closed his eyes with a slight shudder.
　
"I don't want to know if anyone cares." He mewed again, this time making eye contact all on his own. If someone cared, he didn't need to know about it. All his life he was more used to not being cared about, and the fact that Calia might actually care? It was scaring him. He didn't want the comfort of having an idea that someone, someone out there cared whether he lived or died. Cared whether he was okay or hurt. Cared whether he suceeded or didn't. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions, but then again, maybe not. Which was it? That was something he was going to have to decide for himself.

[AbsurdJinx]

The way that she spoke about life moving as smoothly made Obsidian stop and think for a minute. Yes; perhaps it would be nice to have life move that smoothly, that easily. To have no one get hurt. That much would be very nice indeed. But, it wasn't possible. You couldn't change the way the world worked. If anyone could do it, she could. He thought with a slight smile, looking down at the pebbles at the bottom of the pond and moving them under his paw. They rolled just a little bit, and made him smile even more. Why that slight movement gave him pleasure was unknown, but it did. Maybe it was the consistent movement, knowing that they were there... that they would stay there, never changing-- at least not in that moment that Obsidian was standing in the pond. She could probably change the entire Syndicate if she tried to. He thought, another smile coming onto his features.
　
The thought of Calia putting so much as a paw in a place like the Dusk Syndicate was hilarious. Would she really be able to handle a rough place like that? Nope. But, she could change it. Change had always been hard for the tom. Even saying goodbye to the cats he hated the most had been hard, because they had always been there. Things had never changed with them and yet, he had gone away. So, why was Obsidian headed to the Dusk Syndicate? Because no one asked questions. Because as long as you kept your mouth shut, and were tough enough to handle the fighting, no one bothered you. Because although you might get beaten up, at least you weren't going to be hurt in the same way. Because no one knew anything about you, not unless you wanted them to, and it stayed that way. And yes, perhaps it was just an illusion Obsidian had built up.
　
But as far as he knew? It was somewhere other then where he had previously resided, and he was glad to be going there. "It might be nice for no one to get hurt," He admitted with a slightly softer expression. Then he never would have had problems. Everything would be fine and he would currently be living in a cat's paradise... only, the inside had been more like a cat hell. For those who didn't belong there. He had never belonged there. It had made most of his life miserable, and he resented his so-called family for that. His so-called brother most of all. The rest of his family hadn't had much to do with him, because he wasn't as desirable as the rest who entered or lived there. Perhaps, if no one got hurt, then things would be different. There would be no fighting. But if there was no fighting... then, when perfection did eventually wear off, as it always did... everyone would be weak and helpless.
　
A confliction indeed. He brought his head up, slowly, carefully looking at the ginger feline. She was definitely pretty; almost enough to pass as one of the "starlets" that he had known back at his home. But they were refined and poised, graceful, elegant, everything they did they did without failure. Not that Calia wasn't a graceful and elegant feline, she just emitted an air of warmth rather then stuffiness. Those cats were sickeningly sweet-- and it was a false sweetness, everyone knew it. They would sooner kill competition then wish them good luck, even though they were constantly saying 'good luck sweetie!' and other things like that in a way that made Obsidian feel like the competition should be watching their back rather then thanking the devious felines. Perhaps that was another reason he left. Was he really that scared of the long furred, doe-eyed stars of the show?
　
The answer was yes. They terrified him. He had constantly been scared they might just get rid of him because he wasn't 'show material,' but looking back, he should have been grateful he wasn't. Sure, they had treated him as their own personal toy, but at least they hadn't been too horrible to him. Thank goodness. As she looked up at him, her eyes meeting his own, his expression changed from one of soft interest to one of concern and anxiety. He glanced away, looking anywhere but directly at her. "I don't think you need to worry about me at all." He mewed in a somewhat rough voice, his expression harder then it should be. Just the slightest bit. He appreciated that she was trying to be nice, and that she did care, but really-- it was going to make him feel bad. "Look. The fact that you want me to be careful is nice. It really is, but I would prefer not to know anyone cares." The tom closed his eyes with a slight shudder.
　
"I don't want to know if anyone cares."
He mewed again, this time making eye contact all on his own. If someone cared, he didn't need to know about it. All his life he was more used to not being cared about, and the fact that Calia might actually care? It was scaring him. He didn't want the comfort of having an idea that someone, someone out there cared whether he lived or died. Cared whether he was okay or hurt. Cared whether he suceeded or didn't. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions, but then again, maybe not. Which was it? That was something he was going to have to decide for himself.

Calia was shocked at Obsidian's blunt words, claiming he would prefer not to know if anyone cared. She stared into his eyes until she finally decided that he was serious. Shocked, she froze, her lower jaw dropping and her eyes widening. She lived off caring - kindness, kindness, kindness. Kindness was strength. Why would Obsidian not want to know who cares about him? The love of others gives you something to fight for, because without you, what would your loved ones do? You fight to protect those who care for you from grief.

Recovering from her episode of shock, Calia disturbed the pond by rising from her seated position. She inched closer to Obsidian, her eyes narrowed in thought. ``Why... Obsidian. Care is, well, survival. Imagine all the other cats I helped. Imagine the she-cat with her three kits, her ribs practically poking through her skin and her kits mewling for attention and food. If I hadn't offered her shelter, and food, and water! She and her kits would've died. I saved them, because I cared. If I hadn't cared, they would've died. Three helpless kittens and their desperate mother.`` Calia looked down, shaking her head sadly as she remembered the poor state the family had been in. By the time the she-cat and her kits left, the mother was healthy and strong, and capable of looking after her grown kits on her own. That was why Calia did what she did, helping others, despite the end result of depression.

Her voice was firm, yet raspy with passion. Caring meant a lot to Calia. After all, caring played a part in her incredible success, in her survival. She thrived off care. ``I'm going to tell you I care about you, because I genuinely do. I care about any and every cat I stumble upon, because even if they've done horrendous things, they can prove themselves otherwise. They still have a chance. And perhaps, my kindness was what convinced them to follow in my pawsteps, and be friendly to cats they stumble upon. Perhaps my kindness reminded a cat how lovely life can truly be.``

Calia stopped, taking a moment to inhale heavily before exhaling shakily. She flexed her muscles, her shoulders rolling and her legs stretching. She closed her eyes as she gathered herself, opening them into narrowed slips, and revealing passionate blue eyes. She continued. ``I'm going to tell you I care about you, because the Dusk Syndicate is a cruel, cruel place.`` She shook her head gravely as she mentioned the evil group's name, emphasizing on their cold nature. ``If you know I care about you, you will be gifted with strength. You will endure the harsh nature of the Dusk Syndicate, and survive. Because you'll fight for me. We may never see each other again, but at the back of your mind, you'll remind yourself that I care. In order to prevent me from grieving your loss, you will fight.`` She stepped closer, the water around her swirling around her stiff legs. She now stood just a few mouse-lengths from Obsidian. She hoped the closeness would add more of a serious air to the conversation - not that it wasn't already serious.

Finally, she decided she would wrap up the intense conversation with why she thought Obsidian was what he was. After moons and moons of interacting with other cats, she was an expert in cat-watching! It was where Calia would study cats, and determine their history - unofficially - based off behavior and appearance. She's been studying Obsidian since the tomcat arrived, from their first words to this shared moment. She stopped where she was, stretching her neck forward to get even closer to her guest, to make him feel the passion in her words. ``I understand it. You're a reserved cat. But why?`` Calia's tail was raised above water, droplets of the clear liquid falling from her lengthy fur and into the pond. Her tail-tip flicked, and several water drops flew from her tail. ``You were hurt, weren't you?`` She whispered these words, her narrowed eyes filling with compassion and understanding. She cocked her head to the side, and let her tail gently dip back under the water. The excitement was gone. Now, the moment seemed quiet.

Her question was more than a question; it was a rhetorical question. The sun was falling behind her, and being replaced with the moon. A dull shadow began to embrace the Earth. Calia let her gaze drop, standing where she stood for a quick moment of silence. And then she brushed past Obsidian, still avoiding eye contact. Her tail attempted to curl around his foreleg as she passed, a silent signal that represented `I care`. Her passionate speech left her exhausted, and she dragged her legs through the heavy water with all the effort that remained. Calia emerged from the water, drenched in pond water. She didn't even shake the liquid from her pelt, and instead, she simply crawled into her nest. As she approached her nest, the tall grasses around her brushed against her pelt and played a role in partly drying her. She ignored the fresh-kill Obsidian and her had previously caught. Calia didn't have an appetite anymore. Curled in her now-wet nest, she called out to Obsidian in a motherly tone, one of care. ``Goodnight, Obsidian.``

[lone]

Calia was shocked at Obsidian's blunt words, claiming he would prefer not to know if anyone cared. She stared into his eyes until she finally decided that he was serious. Shocked, she froze, her lower jaw dropping and her eyes widening. She lived off caring - kindness, kindness, kindness. Kindness was strength. Why would Obsidian not want to know who cares about him? The love of others gives you something to fight for, because without you, what would your loved ones do? You fight to protect those who care for you from grief.


Recovering from her episode of shock, Calia disturbed the pond by rising from her seated position. She inched closer to Obsidian, her eyes narrowed in thought. ``Why... Obsidian. Care is, well, survival. Imagine all the other cats I helped. Imagine the she-cat with her three kits, her ribs practically poking through her skin and her kits mewling for attention and food. If I hadn't offered her shelter, and food, and water! She and her kits would've died. I saved them, because I cared. If I hadn't cared, they would've died. Three helpless kittens and their desperate mother.`` Calia looked down, shaking her head sadly as she remembered the poor state the family had been in. By the time the she-cat and her kits left, the mother was healthy and strong, and capable of looking after her grown kits on her own. That was why Calia did what she did, helping others, despite the end result of depression.

Her voice was firm, yet raspy with passion. Caring meant a lot to Calia. After all, caring played a part in her incredible success, in her survival. She thrived off care. ``I'm going to tell you I care about you, because I genuinely do. I care about any and every cat I stumble upon, because even if they've done horrendous things, they can prove themselves otherwise. They still have a chance. And perhaps, my kindness was what convinced them to follow in my pawsteps, and be friendly to cats they stumble upon. Perhaps my kindness reminded a cat how lovely life can truly be.``

Calia stopped, taking a moment to inhale heavily before exhaling shakily. She flexed her muscles, her shoulders rolling and her legs stretching. She closed her eyes as she gathered herself, opening them into narrowed slips, and revealing passionate blue eyes. She continued. ``I'm going to tell you I care about you, because the Dusk Syndicate is a cruel, cruel place.`` She shook her head gravely as she mentioned the evil group's name, emphasizing on their cold nature. ``If you know I care about you, you will be gifted with strength. You will endure the harsh nature of the Dusk Syndicate, and survive. Because you'll fight for me. We may never see each other again, but at the back of your mind, you'll remind yourself that I care. In order to prevent me from grieving your loss, you will fight.`` She stepped closer, the water around her swirling around her stiff legs. She now stood just a few mouse-lengths from Obsidian. She hoped the closeness would add more of a serious air to the conversation - not that it wasn't already serious.

Finally, she decided she would wrap up the intense conversation with why she thought Obsidian was what he was. After moons and moons of interacting with other cats, she was an expert in cat-watching! It was where Calia would study cats, and determine their history - unofficially - based off behavior and appearance. She's been studying Obsidian since the tomcat arrived, from their first words to this shared moment. She stopped where she was, stretching her neck forward to get even closer to her guest, to make him feel the passion in her words. ``I understand it. You're a reserved cat. But why?`` Calia's tail was raised above water, droplets of the clear liquid falling from her lengthy fur and into the pond. Her tail-tip flicked, and several water drops flew from her tail. ``You were hurt, weren't you?`` She whispered these words, her narrowed eyes filling with compassion and understanding. She cocked her head to the side, and let her tail gently dip back under the water. The excitement was gone. Now, the moment seemed quiet.

Her question was more than a question; it was a rhetorical question. The sun was falling behind her, and being replaced with the moon. A dull shadow began to embrace the Earth. Calia let her gaze drop, standing where she stood for a quick moment of silence. And then she brushed past Obsidian, still avoiding eye contact. Her tail attempted to curl around his foreleg as she passed, a silent signal that represented `I care`. Her passionate speech left her exhausted, and she dragged her legs through the heavy water with all the effort that remained. Calia emerged from the water, drenched in pond water. She didn't even shake the liquid from her pelt, and instead, she simply crawled into her nest. As she approached her nest, the tall grasses around her brushed against her pelt and played a role in partly drying her. She ignored the fresh-kill Obsidian and her had previously caught. Calia didn't have an appetite anymore. Curled in her now-wet nest, she called out to Obsidian in a motherly tone, one of care. ``Goodnight, Obsidian.``

Her words left him speechless. Confused. Hurt, even. Yes, he was hurt by what she had said. So what was she accusing him of here? Why, why did she feel it was so important that he survived? He didn't like it. He didn't want her to care about him, he didn't need to know that she cared about him, but she seemed to think it was so important. Care eventually led to hurt. Heartbreak. These were like, the ten commandments of Obsidian's old world. Show cats didn't care about anyone but themselves. Because they had been hurt, just like he had. And because they were hurt, they had hurt him. More. So he had lashed out, and then he had left. Because he had never belonged there.
　
As a kit, all Obsidian had ever wanted was to be accepted. Was to be appreciated. But, guess what? That had never happened. Previously he had never been accepted or appreciated, he had never been a popular tom, he had never been the cat that everyone's eyes were on. Now he was being cared for? No. That wasn't possible. This was a trick, this was a joke, what was going on? No loner in their right mind would just invite strangers in. And Obsidian should have known it before. Whatever she was doing was horrible... she was putting on a different act, he'd seen it hundreds of times before... but why?
　
The idea of that stung more then anything else. After all, he had thought that she was different. It would appear he had been wrong yet again. What a surprise for him. Being wrong was pretty much all the tom could do right these days, or so it would seem. Being wrong was his hobby now. He was great at it. As much as he hated to admit it, he'd been wrong yet again. For the what? The fourtieth? The fiftieth time in his life? Maybe he should go bigger, more like the hundredth. Yeah, that sounded realistic and right. He'd been wrong so many times. So many times it felt like there was an iron fist crushing his heart now.
　
Her question stunned him. How... how would she guess that? Yes, he was a reserved cat, that was obvious... but how would she guess he'd been hurt? Oh wait-- hadn't he told her the other day? Perhaps... everything was foggy, he couldn't remember quite what he'd said. And if he had, had he been exaggerating? No. Obsidian was never one to exaggerate. "Yeah, Calia. I've been hurt. It's not a big deal, and I should have just stayed put where I was hurt, but at least I was safe from being cared about. If someone cares about you, you worry all the time. Worry that if you get hurt it's going to hurt them. I've cared before. And guess what? It came around and bit me. Hard. And literally." His expression hardened angrily.
　
"How do I know you aren't the same as everyone else? That you aren't lying to me, that you aren't just telling me this to make me think you actually do care, and then you're going to turn around and laugh in my face, huh? How do I know that you care whether I live or die, how can I know if you're..." His voice trailed off and he sighed. It didn't matter. None of this mattered. His voice had raised quite a bit and he lowered it once more. This whole time, he had been looking directly at her. Now, he finally looked away. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I don't matter." He growled in a low voice.
　
He got out of the water after her, but unlike her, he shook the water out of his pelt. But, the tom wasn't hungry either. He didn't want to eat anything. He didn't so much look at the fresh kill, his hues hard and dangerous. Curling up in his nest, he put his tail around himself tightly, like a blanket. "Goodnight." His voice was a good deal softer then before, because he knew-- he knew tomorrow that he would be gone. Whether she would be awake or not didn't matter, he needed to get out of there. He needed to find a place where he would be just another cat. Another cat waiting to have their life thrown away in battle, or fighting one of the other members of the Dusk Syndicate.
　
-----
Morning broke quickly, and Obsidian yawned and stretched. He was careful not to wake the sleeping feline, instead grabbing one of the pieces of prey caught yesterday. The other one was left, abandoned, hopefully to be eaten later that day. Eating quickly, the tom put the bones to the side where they wouldn't be in the middle of everything. And then? He walked away. Granted, not at too quick of a pace... but he walked away all the same. Towards the edge of the territory, towards... his new life. And yet he felt bad. He wanted to stay with her. If she had been telling the truth, she was the first cat who had bothered to tell him that she cared. Whose actions and words matched up perfectly. Perhaps he was hoping she would come. To say goodbye. But, he was too proud to admit it. So instead, he walked away at a slow pace, stopping and looking around every few minutes.

[AbsurdJinx]

Her words left him speechless. Confused. Hurt, even. Yes, he was hurt by what she had said. So what was she accusing him of here? Why, why did she feel it was so important that he survived? He didn't like it. He didn't want her to care about him, he didn't need to know that she cared about him, but she seemed to think it was so important. Care eventually led to hurt. Heartbreak. These were like, the ten commandments of Obsidian's old world. Show cats didn't care about anyone but themselves. Because they had been hurt, just like he had. And because they were hurt, they had hurt him. More. So he had lashed out, and then he had left. Because he had never belonged there.
　
As a kit, all Obsidian had ever wanted was to be accepted. Was to be appreciated. But, guess what? That had never happened. Previously he had never been accepted or appreciated, he had never been a popular tom, he had never been the cat that everyone's eyes were on. Now he was being cared for? No. That wasn't possible. This was a trick, this was a joke, what was going on? No loner in their right mind would just invite strangers in. And Obsidian should have known it before. Whatever she was doing was horrible... she was putting on a different act, he'd seen it hundreds of times before... but why?
　
The idea of that stung more then anything else. After all, he had thought that she was different. It would appear he had been wrong yet again. What a surprise for him. Being wrong was pretty much all the tom could do right these days, or so it would seem. Being wrong was his hobby now. He was great at it. As much as he hated to admit it, he'd been wrong yet again. For the what? The fourtieth? The fiftieth time in his life? Maybe he should go bigger, more like the hundredth. Yeah, that sounded realistic and right. He'd been wrong so many times. So many times it felt like there was an iron fist crushing his heart now.
　
Her question stunned him. How... how would she guess that? Yes, he was a reserved cat, that was obvious... but how would she guess he'd been hurt? Oh wait-- hadn't he told her the other day? Perhaps... everything was foggy, he couldn't remember quite what he'd said. And if he had, had he been exaggerating? No. Obsidian was never one to exaggerate. "Yeah, Calia. I've been hurt. It's not a big deal, and I should have just stayed put where I was hurt, but at least I was safe from being cared about. If someone cares about you, you worry all the time. Worry that if you get hurt it's going to hurt them. I've cared before. And guess what? It came around and bit me. Hard. And literally." His expression hardened angrily.
　
"How do I know you aren't the same as everyone else? That you aren't lying to me, that you aren't just telling me this to make me think you actually do care, and then you're going to turn around and laugh in my face, huh? How do I know that you care whether I live or die, how can I know if you're..." His voice trailed off and he sighed. It didn't matter. None of this mattered. His voice had raised quite a bit and he lowered it once more. This whole time, he had been looking directly at her. Now, he finally looked away. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I don't matter." He growled in a low voice.
　
He got out of the water after her, but unlike her, he shook the water out of his pelt. But, the tom wasn't hungry either. He didn't want to eat anything. He didn't so much look at the fresh kill, his hues hard and dangerous. Curling up in his nest, he put his tail around himself tightly, like a blanket. "Goodnight." His voice was a good deal softer then before, because he knew-- he knew tomorrow that he would be gone. Whether she would be awake or not didn't matter, he needed to get out of there. He needed to find a place where he would be just another cat. Another cat waiting to have their life thrown away in battle, or fighting one of the other members of the Dusk Syndicate.
　
-----
Morning broke quickly, and Obsidian yawned and stretched. He was careful not to wake the sleeping feline, instead grabbing one of the pieces of prey caught yesterday. The other one was left, abandoned, hopefully to be eaten later that day. Eating quickly, the tom put the bones to the side where they wouldn't be in the middle of everything. And then? He walked away. Granted, not at too quick of a pace... but he walked away all the same. Towards the edge of the territory, towards... his new life. And yet he felt bad. He wanted to stay with her. If she had been telling the truth, she was the first cat who had bothered to tell him that she cared. Whose actions and words matched up perfectly. Perhaps he was hoping she would come. To say goodbye. But, he was too proud to admit it. So instead, he walked away at a slow pace, stopping and looking around every few minutes.

Calia's eyes blinked open, and she was greeted with silence - with the exception of the birdsong. She slowly got to her paws, stretching as she did so. She nearly groaned in relief and satisfaction when her limbs reacted with a crack. Her eyes still half-closed and her sight blurry with fatigue, she stretched her jaws wide in a yawn while she mewed, ``Good morning, Obsidian-`` and then she saw that the dark-pelted tomcat was not in his nest. The day before, she had awoken before him, and she was not prepared to wake up to an empty nest. Shock filled her, causing her to freeze and stare, jaw dropped, at the nest before her. Her fatigue left. Had her words last night caused him to leave?

Obsidian's scent drifted into her mouth, and Calia immediately determined his scent was fresh, meaning he hadn't left too long before. She tried to tell herself that maybe her guest simply had to make dirt, or wanted to go for a short stroll. Then she noticed one of the two pieces of fresh-kill was missing, and she immediately grew even more concerned. Obsidian didn't seem like the type to help himself, rather awaiting permission to do so, or waiting until the other cat does so. Almost like he felt he wasn't welcome to do anything until another cat did so. Calia figured something wasn't exactly right. Frantically, she began to trace his scent, the trail eventually guiding her right to Obsidian.

She spotted the tomcat walking slowly just a tree-length or so before her. She jumped into a run, her paws hitting the floor roughly as she raced to reach him. Calia's heart was practically leaping out of her chest, and she breathed heavily due to her exhaustion from her frantic morning. ``Obsidian!`` She called in a panicked tone. Her vibrant blue eyes shimmered with confusion and concern. As she neared the tomcat, she slowed to a trot until she came to a complete halt. ``Where- where are you going?`` Calia questioned through breathless pants.

She stood with slumped shoulders that rose and fell with every exhale. Her head was lowered, but her confused and concerned gaze was locked on Obsidian's face. Her bushy tail lied behind her, limply resting. Her fur was messy, a hint that she hadn't taken the time in the morning to care for herself. Her mind had immediately been drawn to her guest - and friend - Obsidian.

[lone]

Calia's eyes blinked open, and she was greeted with silence - with the exception of the birdsong. She slowly got to her paws, stretching as she did so. She nearly groaned in relief and satisfaction when her limbs reacted with a crack. Her eyes still half-closed and her sight blurry with fatigue, she stretched her jaws wide in a yawn while she mewed, ``Good morning, Obsidian-`` and then she saw that the dark-pelted tomcat was not in his nest. The day before, she had awoken before him, and she was not prepared to wake up to an empty nest. Shock filled her, causing her to freeze and stare, jaw dropped, at the nest before her. Her fatigue left. Had her words last night caused him to leave?


Obsidian's scent drifted into her mouth, and Calia immediately determined his scent was fresh, meaning he hadn't left too long before. She tried to tell herself that maybe her guest simply had to make dirt, or wanted to go for a short stroll. Then she noticed one of the two pieces of fresh-kill was missing, and she immediately grew even more concerned. Obsidian didn't seem like the type to help himself, rather awaiting permission to do so, or waiting until the other cat does so. Almost like he felt he wasn't welcome to do anything until another cat did so. Calia figured something wasn't exactly right. Frantically, she began to trace his scent, the trail eventually guiding her right to Obsidian.

She spotted the tomcat walking slowly just a tree-length or so before her. She jumped into a run, her paws hitting the floor roughly as she raced to reach him. Calia's heart was practically leaping out of her chest, and she breathed heavily due to her exhaustion from her frantic morning. ``Obsidian!`` She called in a panicked tone. Her vibrant blue eyes shimmered with confusion and concern. As she neared the tomcat, she slowed to a trot until she came to a complete halt. ``Where- where are you going?`` Calia questioned through breathless pants.

She stood with slumped shoulders that rose and fell with every exhale. Her head was lowered, but her confused and concerned gaze was locked on Obsidian's face. Her bushy tail lied behind her, limply resting. Her fur was messy, a hint that she hadn't taken the time in the morning to care for herself. Her mind had immediately been drawn to her guest - and friend - Obsidian.

The tom's head shot up in shock and half-fear. Was she calling him right then? Right before he was about to leave? He couldn't so much as look at the ginger feline. He didn't want to see the expression on her face when she realized he was leaving. He didn't want to see that she hadn't even taken care of herself yet because she was so woried about him. He didn't want to see the concern in her hues, or hear the panic in her voice. But he could hear it. And he could feel her concern. He could tell she was confused. And, even just knowing her for a short while, he knew she hadn't taken care of herself. All of this without looking at her. His own hues remained looking down at the ground, trying to figure out how to break it to her calmly.
　
"To the Dusk Syndicate. I was planning on leaving today, thought I would get an early start." He managed to make the words sound calm and careless. As though he were just going for an early morning walk... which technically, that was true. And Obsidian still avoided her gaze. Silence stretched on for a few moments before he continued. "I'm sorry I took the prey. Probably should have left it. If you want, I'll get you some more." Even while saying the words he knew she wouldn't care about that. But he was trying to figure out things to say to avoid the subject that he knew would come up.
　
That she cared. That she was worried. He already understood that she really didn't seem to want him to go. If she could, she would probably have her company stay here forever. But he wasn't the type of cat to stay in one place. Obsidian was a wanderer. He had always been a wanderer. This should have been understood from day one, when he came into her territory. She should have known that he was leaving soon. So then, why did she seem so confused? Was it because he hadn't given her an exact date? "If there's anything I can do for you to thank you for your hospitality, let me know." He really did want to thank her. To show her how much he appreciated it.
　
But he wouldn't stay. That was probably what she wanted, and it made Obsidian furious to think that the one thing she wanted to have, he couldn't give her. The one thing that she was asking for... he was going to have to deny it. Look her in the eye and say 'no.' How was he supposed to do that? The last thing he wanted was to see the constantly cheerful, friendly light in Calia's hues go out. She was such a special feline. But, he knew that he needed to move on. Attachment was bad. Attachment was horrible. So he needed to get out of there before he managed to get closer to the ginger cat.

(this is sooooo sad </3
all the feels)

[AbsurdJinx]

The tom's head shot up in shock and half-fear. Was she calling him right then? Right before he was about to leave? He couldn't so much as look at the ginger feline. He didn't want to see the expression on her face when she realized he was leaving. He didn't want to see that she hadn't even taken care of herself yet because she was so woried about him. He didn't want to see the concern in her hues, or hear the panic in her voice. But he could hear it. And he could feel her concern. He could tell she was confused. And, even just knowing her for a short while, he knew she hadn't taken care of herself. All of this without looking at her. His own hues remained looking down at the ground, trying to figure out how to break it to her calmly.
　
"To the Dusk Syndicate. I was planning on leaving today, thought I would get an early start."
He managed to make the words sound calm and careless. As though he were just going for an early morning walk... which technically, that was true. And Obsidian still avoided her gaze. Silence stretched on for a few moments before he continued. "I'm sorry I took the prey. Probably should have left it. If you want, I'll get you some more." Even while saying the words he knew she wouldn't care about that. But he was trying to figure out things to say to avoid the subject that he knew would come up.
　
That she cared. That she was worried. He already understood that she really didn't seem to want him to go. If she could, she would probably have her company stay here forever. But he wasn't the type of cat to stay in one place. Obsidian was a wanderer. He had always been a wanderer. This should have been understood from day one, when he came into her territory. She should have known that he was leaving soon. So then, why did she seem so confused? Was it because he hadn't given her an exact date? "If there's anything I can do for you to thank you for your hospitality, let me know." He really did want to thank her. To show her how much he appreciated it.
　
But he wouldn't stay. That was probably what she wanted, and it made Obsidian furious to think that the one thing she wanted to have, he couldn't give her. The one thing that she was asking for... he was going to have to deny it. Look her in the eye and say 'no.' How was he supposed to do that? The last thing he wanted was to see the constantly cheerful, friendly light in Calia's hues go out. She was such a special feline. But, he knew that he needed to move on. Attachment was bad. Attachment was horrible. So he needed to get out of there before he managed to get closer to the ginger cat.

(this is sooooo sad </3
all the feels)

[ it hurts, six pages of cuteness & now its all over... for now ;3 ]

Calia hated that Obsidian wouldn't look at her, although she somewhat understood just why the tomcat refused to meet her eye. She highly doubted she would be able to look at the cat who nursed her for a few days while attempting to leave. However, she couldn't just nod and smile and accept that the cat she seemed to quickly grow attached to was leaving without a word. All the while he spoke, Calia listened silently, her wide-eyed gaze on the ground before her as she tried to absorb what she was being told.

Finally, everything went silent, and it stayed that way for the next few moments as Calia worked out what to say. She shuffled forward, her paws warming up against the ground as she inched closer to Obsidian. She remained silent as she moved, her gaze remaining locked on the ground before her. She came to a halt beside Obsidian, her chest heaving slightly with every quiet breath. Calia looked over at the tomcat, her head barely moving as she glanced at him via the corner of her eye.

After a deep inhale and a shaky exhale, Calia spoke, her tail-tip waving slightly. ``I don't expect any prey in return - you caught it, remember? It was yours. Besides, I'd give you fresh-kill willingly, okay? Don't you know me just a little by now? I'd offer a cat my last breath just so they'd live a moment longer.`` Calia purred softly, gently rocking back on her haunches. She curled her bushy tail around her forepaws, finding comfort in the warmth it offered her feet. She continued to look at Obsidian from the corner of her eye. ``And I'd normally say I don't need anything in return for my hospitality. But I've decided to be selfish just this once. As a sign of your appreciation, promise me you will be careful. Like I said, the Syndicate is a dangerously cruel place.`` She shook her head in both a saddening and disapproving way as she spoke of the Syndicate. Oh, how she despised that place!

[lone]

[ it hurts, six pages of cuteness & now its all over... for now ;3 ]


Calia hated that Obsidian wouldn't look at her, although she somewhat understood just why the tomcat refused to meet her eye. She highly doubted she would be able to look at the cat who nursed her for a few days while attempting to leave. However, she couldn't just nod and smile and accept that the cat she seemed to quickly grow attached to was leaving without a word. All the while he spoke, Calia listened silently, her wide-eyed gaze on the ground before her as she tried to absorb what she was being told.

Finally, everything went silent, and it stayed that way for the next few moments as Calia worked out what to say. She shuffled forward, her paws warming up against the ground as she inched closer to Obsidian. She remained silent as she moved, her gaze remaining locked on the ground before her. She came to a halt beside Obsidian, her chest heaving slightly with every quiet breath. Calia looked over at the tomcat, her head barely moving as she glanced at him via the corner of her eye.

After a deep inhale and a shaky exhale, Calia spoke, her tail-tip waving slightly. ``I don't expect any prey in return - you caught it, remember? It was yours. Besides, I'd give you fresh-kill willingly, okay? Don't you know me just a little by now? I'd offer a cat my last breath just so they'd live a moment longer.`` Calia purred softly, gently rocking back on her haunches. She curled her bushy tail around her forepaws, finding comfort in the warmth it offered her feet. She continued to look at Obsidian from the corner of her eye. ``And I'd normally say I don't need anything in return for my hospitality. But I've decided to be selfish just this once. As a sign of your appreciation, promise me you will be careful. Like I said, the Syndicate is a dangerously cruel place.`` She shook her head in both a saddening and disapproving way as she spoke of the Syndicate. Oh, how she despised that place!

They were just words. Everything she had said, everything that left her maw that he had been so hesitant to believe and had almost, almost believed that it would actually be true... they were just words. He knew this now. And no, she hadn't said anything wrong, he had just realized that words couldn't hold meaning. He'd been lied to before... with words. Because they were just empty, meaningless things that were used to communicate. There was no depth to them. How did he know she meant a word she said? Oh there were always actions, you might be thinking. Yeah? Well how did Obsidian know she wasn't an actress, fighting back her hatred and anger to trick him? To rip him apart as he felt she was doing now? He wasn't going to let her in his head. He would shut her out. Shut her soft, gentle ginger pelt out... shut her sparkling, friendly blue hues out... shut her loving, soft voice out... shut her warm, welcoming laugh out.
　
Get all of that out of his head and forget. Forget what she had done for him. Forget their spar, forget her words of care, forget her playfulness, forget everything about her. Forget this place. He no longer felt guarded against his own emotions, because they would just bring words. Words she would have no way of knowing whether he meant or not. And while he still couldn't bring himself to look up at her and see that familiar spark in her eyes die out and make them dull. He couldn't bring himself to look up and see no smile on her face. See her expression when he did something he already knew he would regret. But, they were words. Words had no power anymore. Everything was meaningless, the Dusk Syndicate was just a name - two words. Two stupid, powerless words. He would not listen to a word to change his mind. He had latched onto this and he was done.
　
"How do I know you aren't lying to me, Calia? How do I know you aren't just saying those things? Do you know how much I want to believe you right now?" This was true. He wanted to believe her... everything was raw emotion, no filter, no nothing. Because Obsidian was finished with lies. Guarding himself was still important, oh yes - there were things locked away. Painful memories that even he had trouble remembering. "You're just saying words. I don't know whether to believe you or not - because all you're saying are words. No meaning. No power. You're just another cat that I met, and I'll forget you as soon as I walk away from here. Nothing you've said will have power over me. So stop trying to get inside my head, okay? It partly worked. Because all I wanted to do was stay here and be safe and believe you. But I'm not going to, because I'm not sure if I can trust you."
　
No, he wasn't afraid... as some were... to admit that he wasn't sure whether he could trust someone. Because they could say it a thousand times and still, he might not believe them. He might not know whether they were safe or not, and he already was beginning to regret some of the things he'd said to Calia, but... what else was he supposed to do? She needed to stay out of his head. Even if everything she were saying was true... it hurt every time to think that he might be staying here. He might have been staying here, but he didn't... and it made him almost want to cry. But he wouldn't. Obsidian would never let her see him cry... he would cry on his own, as he had done before. He would cry away from others. He would let his feelings out someday. And he would cry.

(Obsidian being the drama king here
poor Calia though, having him say all that to her)

[AbsurdJinx]

They were just words. Everything she had said, everything that left her maw that he had been so hesitant to believe and had almost, almost believed that it would actually be true... they were just words. He knew this now. And no, she hadn't said anything wrong, he had just realized that words couldn't hold meaning. He'd been lied to before... with words. Because they were just empty, meaningless things that were used to communicate. There was no depth to them. How did he know she meant a word she said? Oh there were always actions, you might be thinking. Yeah? Well how did Obsidian know she wasn't an actress, fighting back her hatred and anger to trick him? To rip him apart as he felt she was doing now? He wasn't going to let her in his head. He would shut her out. Shut her soft, gentle ginger pelt out... shut her sparkling, friendly blue hues out... shut her loving, soft voice out... shut her warm, welcoming laugh out.
　
Get all of that out of his head and forget. Forget what she had done for him. Forget their spar, forget her words of care, forget her playfulness, forget everything about her. Forget this place. He no longer felt guarded against his own emotions, because they would just bring words. Words she would have no way of knowing whether he meant or not. And while he still couldn't bring himself to look up at her and see that familiar spark in her eyes die out and make them dull. He couldn't bring himself to look up and see no smile on her face. See her expression when he did something he already knew he would regret. But, they were words. Words had no power anymore. Everything was meaningless, the Dusk Syndicate was just a name - two words. Two stupid, powerless words. He would not listen to a word to change his mind. He had latched onto this and he was done.
　
"How do I know you aren't lying to me, Calia? How do I know you aren't just saying those things? Do you know how much I want to believe you right now?"
This was true. He wanted to believe her... everything was raw emotion, no filter, no nothing. Because Obsidian was finished with lies. Guarding himself was still important, oh yes - there were things locked away. Painful memories that even he had trouble remembering. "You're just saying words. I don't know whether to believe you or not - because all you're saying are words. No meaning. No power. You're just another cat that I met, and I'll forget you as soon as I walk away from here. Nothing you've said will have power over me. So stop trying to get inside my head, okay? It partly worked. Because all I wanted to do was stay here and be safe and believe you. But I'm not going to, because I'm not sure if I can trust you."
　
No, he wasn't afraid... as some were... to admit that he wasn't sure whether he could trust someone. Because they could say it a thousand times and still, he might not believe them. He might not know whether they were safe or not, and he already was beginning to regret some of the things he'd said to Calia, but... what else was he supposed to do? She needed to stay out of his head. Even if everything she were saying was true... it hurt every time to think that he might be staying here. He might have been staying here, but he didn't... and it made him almost want to cry. But he wouldn't. Obsidian would never let her see him cry... he would cry on his own, as he had done before. He would cry away from others. He would let his feelings out someday. And he would cry.

(Obsidian being the drama king here
poor Calia though, having him say all that to her)

[ the sad part is that they'll both act like whats going on here will be forgotten the next day, but they'll really be crying the next day over what they just lost ]

Calia flinched at his harsh words. Unlike Obsidian, she believed words were meaningful; they carried much power. She was living proof - her heart ached as a result of his retort, and sadness filled her sparkling blue eyes. She was aware of the possibility that Obsidian must live his seemingly cruel past every day. Over the periods of times where she nursed passing travelers, she met many cats with bad histories. However, some of them were more willing to share their backstory with her compared to Obsidian. They would tell her how their pasts haunted them every day, their pasts guided their every pawstep. They were either very cautious, or very outgoing - there was never an in between. But some would tell her - the ones who beat their past - that once they successfully faced their past and accepted what had happened, once they came to peaceful terms with their backstory, they felt as if they could be more carefree.

She felt Obsidian was one of those cats that had lived a past of abuse, and had not yet let go of what had happened. Calia strongly believed that it was her who must help the suffering tomcat beside her. But if he was destined to leave the garden... how could she ever help him? And there was no way she'd leave the garden - she wasn't made for the darkness of the Dusk Syndicate. And she didn't think Obsidian was fit for the Syndicate, either.

She folded her ears back in hurt, shuffling her paws below her. Calia watched her paws disturb the ground below them. She didn't want to look at Obsidian anymore. Calia didn't want to be forgotten - she most definitely didn't want to get inside his head and eventually hurt him. Because of the exotic way she thought, Calia didn't place blame on Obsidian, but instead, she blamed herself. From her point of view, it was her own fault that Obsidian felt the way he currently did. If she hadn't been so... so... confusing, then maybe he wouldn't be in the emotional pain he was in.

Calia shook her head sadly, releasing an also-sad - almost tired - sigh. She turned her head until she looked at Obsidian. Her blue eyes were soft, the hurt hidden away. ``I'm-I'm sorry you feel that way, Obsidian. But I've done all I can to prove to you that I'm trustworthy. I fed you, I offered you shelter... Doesn't that mean anything?`` Though her words could be categorized beneath angry, her tone was one of desperation. She both wanted and needed Obsidian to trust her, but for some reason, despite all her kindness, he refused to.

[lone]

[ the sad part is that they'll both act like whats going on here will be forgotten the next day, but they'll really be crying the next day over what they just lost ]


Calia flinched at his harsh words. Unlike Obsidian, she believed words were meaningful; they carried much power. She was living proof - her heart ached as a result of his retort, and sadness filled her sparkling blue eyes. She was aware of the possibility that Obsidian must live his seemingly cruel past every day. Over the periods of times where she nursed passing travelers, she met many cats with bad histories. However, some of them were more willing to share their backstory with her compared to Obsidian. They would tell her how their pasts haunted them every day, their pasts guided their every pawstep. They were either very cautious, or very outgoing - there was never an in between. But some would tell her - the ones who beat their past - that once they successfully faced their past and accepted what had happened, once they came to peaceful terms with their backstory, they felt as if they could be more carefree.

She felt Obsidian was one of those cats that had lived a past of abuse, and had not yet let go of what had happened. Calia strongly believed that it was her who must help the suffering tomcat beside her. But if he was destined to leave the garden... how could she ever help him? And there was no way she'd leave the garden - she wasn't made for the darkness of the Dusk Syndicate. And she didn't think Obsidian was fit for the Syndicate, either.

She folded her ears back in hurt, shuffling her paws below her. Calia watched her paws disturb the ground below them. She didn't want to look at Obsidian anymore. Calia didn't want to be forgotten - she most definitely didn't want to get inside his head and eventually hurt him. Because of the exotic way she thought, Calia didn't place blame on Obsidian, but instead, she blamed herself. From her point of view, it was her own fault that Obsidian felt the way he currently did. If she hadn't been so... so... confusing, then maybe he wouldn't be in the emotional pain he was in.

Calia shook her head sadly, releasing an also-sad - almost tired - sigh. She turned her head until she looked at Obsidian. Her blue eyes were soft, the hurt hidden away. ``I'm-I'm sorry you feel that way, Obsidian. But I've done all I can to prove to you that I'm trustworthy. I fed you, I offered you shelter... Doesn't that mean anything?`` Though her words could be categorized beneath angry, her tone was one of desperation. She both wanted and needed Obsidian to trust her, but for some reason, despite all her kindness, he refused to.

The black tom didn't like seeing her hurt. It gave him a sense that he was in the wrong here, that he was testing her and challenging her over nothing. But that wasn't right! He was just being safe. Keeping himself away from harm, just like he needed to... just as he had learned was right. He folded his ears back as though in an attempt to shut her words out of his mind. Why was she so determined to prove herself to him? Why did she want him to believe her so much? Obsidian should have walked away right there. Right then. But, for some reason... he didn't. He didn't want to leave and he didn't want to walk away, and yet he knew that it was going to happen at some point.
　
This wasn't a safe place. This wasn't his home. He wasn't wanted here. She was just polite and nice and wanted him gone. Either that or she was tricking him, and neither one was going to make Obsidian stay. She wants me gone. No one wants me. Black cats are bad luck. That's what he had grown up hearing, although the reasoning behind it had always been a mystery to him. Perhaps he was his own bad luck. Why did she want his trust so badly? No one wanted trust that badly, there had to be an alterior motive. And, in Obsidian's experience, if she wanted his trust so badly then it must be a bad one.
　
"How can I know whether you're telling me the truth or not?" His voice was so soft it was almost a whisper, quiet and gentle and worried... his eyes flickered down at his paws and he unsheathed his claws, tearing up dirt beneath them and trying to calm himself with the motion. Something was very wrong if she believed he was going to stay after all the hints she had given at her true personality. The tom was trying to envision her as cruel, and mean, and deceitful... just so he wouldn't feel so bad about leaving. But it was rough. "I'm sorry, Calia. I - I think it would be best if we went our seperate ways, huh? Just... just forget about me, and I'll do the same." Because he felt bad, he was trying to be gentler.
　
Though the words came out rough and harsher then he would have preferred. Part of him wanted her to stop him again. Because, deep down, it felt good to have someone care. To have someone want him to stay alive, to be safe, and to act like a Mother to him - a Mother he hadn't had the benefit of growing up with. And, at the same time his instinct to RUN was strong. It was stronger then his instinct to have Calia there, and he stopped... thinking for a moment as though on what to say next. And when words did come, they were a great deal heavier then they should have been. "Goodbye, sunshine."

[lone]

Obsidian had never thought that he would be back here. He had always thought that, after the Dusk Syndicate disbanded, he would end up finding his own territory. And he had, a little ways away from Calia's own, but he had thought... he had thought he might as well stop back by. The thought of the ginger cat brought back bittersweet memories - how badly she had tried to earn his trust, how nice she had been to him, and how roughly he had snapped at her before. Sparring with her. Her giving him shelter, and him planning to leave without so much as a 'goodbye...' it was all difficult to think about. But he was back, just to tell her that he was okay, and then he would be leaving back to his own territory. The black tom felt somewhat uncomfortable stepping paw on her territory. Like he shouldn't be there anymore.

Did he even belong there now? Discomfort flew through every part of his mind, making him wonder if he should have just left well enough alone, but he figured he owed this much to her. Calia had been worried when he had left for the Dusk Syndicate. He just wanted to tell her that he was okay. That nothing bad had happened to him. But he still wouldn't reveal his location, or anything else - he would rather not elaborate on the goings-on in the Dusk Syndicate. Tell her that she was right. That they really were just bloodthirsty and cruel, and he probably shouldn't have gone there. He didn't want to say that they had disbanded. Because he knew he wouldn't be able to look her in the eye after that. Swallowing hard, Obsidian took another few pawsteps foward, his ears pinned back to his head, and his eyes lowered to the ground.

He looked submissive. Like he was coming home to a mother who had scolded him. Part of him wanted to trust her - she was one of those warm cats that it felt like you could tell everything to, and it would be okay. Only, Obsidian had never had one of those in his life. So he didn't know that. He didn't know to trust her. So he was scared. Swallowing hard, the tom lifted his eyes and scanned the territory. Everything was like he remembered it. "...Calia? It's - it's Obsidian."

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

Lonestar23


Calia was currently overseeing the work of the twoleg who was tending to the gardens. As the twoleg scraped a strange-looking tool along the earth, Calia tilted her head slightly to the side in curiosity, and when it pulled some of the flowers from the ground, Calia nearly whimpered as if the loss of plants hurt her. She sat on the bench, her thick-furred tail curled over her paws. The twoleg was at work on one side of the bridge. Whenever the twoleg neared Calia's home under the bridge, she would yowl and the twoleg would back off. Luckily, the twoleg seemed to get the hang of it after a few yowls so Calia hasn't had to strain her vocal chords for quite a while. She continued watching the twoleg's actions very carefully, curious of what it was doing with her plants. The twoleg came often, but Calia had never been able to determine what it was doing. Maybe it was taking her herbs for their healers to use?


It was leaf-fall, meaning the leaves on the trees were earning color and the winds were getting colder. It also meant some snow would fall, but Calia didn't expect the snow to stay for long - it never did. The snow would form a very thin blanket over the ground, the cold temperatures would freeze the pond over, but the snow was always gone within a couple days. Sometimes, the twolegs who owned the cabin within the garden would visit during this season, and Calia truly enjoyed the twolegs' company. Sometimes, the twolegs would invite her into their cabin to eat their special twoleg food and stay the night out of the chill. She even gave them each names - the male one she named `Harry`, which is rather self-explanatory, and the female one she named `Bright`, for the bright-colored fur on top her head. And the twoleg that came every now and then to tend to the garden she called `Herb` because he seemed to like plants.


``Oi! Herb, those stalks protect my den!`` Calia yowled to the twoleg, who glanced back at her with a toothy grin before stepping away from the stalks and caring for another patch of plants. She felt her paws itch to move, and so she jumped elegantly down from her position on the bench, and with a final glance at Herb she was on her way. She'd barely stepped into the forest surrounding the garden when she heard her name. She paused, straining her ears to listen, and that's when she heard his name.


Obsidian? No way... Calia hoped he was still alive after he left for the Dusk Syndicate, but a part of her which was deep down convinced her otherwise. And if he survived in the wasteland known as Dusk Syndicate territory, she certainly didn't think he'd return to find her. She thought she'd seen the last of Obsidian. After a few moments of silent debate, Calia let her excitement overpower her doubt, and she called loudly, ``Obsidian! Obsidian!`` while frantically searching the area for the tomcat she desperately missed.

[lone]

The black tom's green eyes flashed as he heard a familiar voice calling. He hadn't heard Calia's voice in several moons... several long moons...and he missed her more then he had thought. He missed her far more then he had thought. At the sound of Calia's voice, Obsidian's expression changed and became softer. Sunshine. Yes, he still remembered the nickname he had given her. And he still remembered how hesitant he had been to use it. But it stuck in his head just as she had, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake either of them. They were both incredibly special to him. More special then he would... ever admit. "Calia?" The tom's ears priced up in wonder as he saw the ginger cat emerging. The tom's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't say anything for a minute. He just stood there.

He really hadn't ever seen himself coming back here, not to this place with her, and yet here he was now. Standing with her right in front of him. He didn't want to break the illusion that, for right now, he was actually there and everything was fine. His paws shifted anxiously, and he looked down at the ground. "I... just wanted to let you know I'm okay." He didn't mention the Dusk Syndicate, not wanting to lie and speak of them in the present tense (although he would if he had to) and not wanting to speak of them in the past tense because he knew that it would bring back unpleasant memories. And the reminder that he was alone once again. Alone and trying to survive here. "I thought you might want to know." He added after a moment of awkward silence, and then looking back down at the ground.

Right now he was avoiding making eye contact with her. He didn't want to see the expression on her face. He was afraid it would show that she cared, and like he had told her before, he would prefer not to know if anyone cared. But she had been right, too... the idea of someone who cared whether he lived or died had kept him alive in that place. It had been the one thing that carried him through day to day life, making sure that he did stay alive if even just for a moment. If he was staying alive for one thing, it was the thought that Calia had cared. About him. But he wouldn't mention that, either. He was afraid to, partly, and embarrassed to as well. That was an awfully personal thing to say to someone he'd only stayed a couple of days with before.

His territory was only a couple of miles from the border of hers, a stretch of unclaimed land laying in between the two being the only thing that separated them. A stretch of unclaimed land that Obsidian had come all the way across to tell her that he was okay. Did he care? There must have been a chance, otherwise he never would have done that. Maybe he thought because she cared, he needed to care some. Or maybe there was just enough feeling left in his broken and guarded heart to care about the one cat who had shown him kindness in a very long time.

Calia remained the only cat who had shown him kindness since he had first met her, and for that, he was grateful. But for that - he also feared her. It was terrifying, to know that there was a cat out there who had shown him this kindness and that she wanted nothing in return. And what was even more terrifying was that Obsidian wanted to trust her.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)

Calia stood a few fox-lengths in front of Obsidian, gazing warmly upon the dark-pelted tomcat she considered a friend. However, shock kept her from rushing towards him and tightly, affectionately embracing him. And the fact that he didn't seem very excited to see her - would he be okay with her acting like a kit just out of the nursery? Or would she scare him away, all the way back to the Dusk Syndicate? Speaking of, why was Obsidian so far from the Dusk Syndicate? Calia would ask later, maybe when they were talking over a meal or carefully watching the twoleg tend to the herbs. She expected Obsidian to stay for a while, not leave right away.

Finally, Obsidian spoke and broke the silence. Calia was relieved to hear his reassuring statements, and she even released a sigh to express her relief. A cheerful smile slowly stretched across her muzzle, her vibrant blue eyes glowing even brighter as happy tears began to line her eyelids. She sobbed loudly, her entire body convulsing under the power of her cries. ``You're back!`` Calia wailed, rushing towards Obsidian. Her paws, digging firmly into the ground, kicked up earth behind her. She was almost frightened Obsidian would disappear from sight, like an illusion of the mind. She didn't want that to happen - she couldn't let that happen. No way would she let the reserved tom leave her again. In her own way she was selfish, as she was determined to keep the tomcat in her life and not let him leave.

She barely left time for Obsidian to registered what happened and was on him in a heartbeat. Calia wailed her joy out loud with no sound limits at all. She forcefully nuzzled him and brushed against him and almost drowned him in affectionate licks. Finally, when her frantic sobs dried out and she had no energy left for tears she reluctantly pulled away from the dark-pelted tom, the whites of her eyes red due to hardcore crying. She laughed softly at herself, shaking her head in disbelief. ``I'm sorry; I just can't believe you're here. Come, I'm sure there's a lot to share.`` She turned away from Obsidian, stepping towards the direction she came, the direction of the cabin and the bridge, before looking over her shoulder at the tom. She was scared to let him out of her sight, like she had last time when he left. Calia didn't want to lose him again.

[lone]

When Calia burst into tears, Obsidian flinched, his ears going back slightly. Was this a mistake? Was she upset that he was back, should he not have come? The tom shifted his weight, unsure what to do, until he felt Calia up against him. Obsidian wasn't used to this kind of physical contact, not affectionately. The way she nuzzled him and brushed up against him made him feel unsure of how to respond, and he stood there completely still, ears relaxed yet his body still tense, the fur on the back of his neck going back and forth between bristling and laying flat. "I'm... back." He echoed her, his words almost flat. What was to be done in this situation? Obsidian shifted his weight again, looking down at the ground as she stepped away from him.

Yet there was a slight smile on his maw and eventually he looked back up, green eyes meeting her blue ones and sparkling with genuine happiness. He hadn't always been the happiest cat. Real, true smiles were about as rare as it got with this tom. He just didn't have a lot to smile about. Especially not in the Dusk Syndicate - that place had been hardwired to drain the happiness out of you, he was pretty sure. Not like he had a lot of it left. He'd actually fit in perfectly with the other cats there, the cats who had been brainwashed to follow along. "I - I was just stopping by... I mean, I just-" He stopped. Obsidian didn't have the heart to tell her that he was leaving now, and he bit his lip in an attempt to drown out the guilt.

It didn't work. He couldn't find the words to tell Calia that he hadn't been planning on staying, and that he would be going back to his own territory now, and so bit by bit he relaxed and then finally sighed. "But you're right. There is a lot to catch up on." Maybe he could keep the conversation strictly to her side of events. If he could, that would be great. If he couldn't, well... then his answers would be vague and short. He didn't want to tell her everything that had happened there. He didn't want her to know the details about the battle. About having to fight to survive sometimes in... that place.

Where he belonged. He had belonged there, whether he had liked it or not. Cats like him? The loners who had problems? They always ended up in a place like that. Calia didn't need to know the details about how awful it had been - she deserved to stay with a pure mind, untainted by horrible thoughts like that. Left by nightmares. Untouched by thoughts of the Dusk Syndicate. Obsidian slowly followed after Calia, looking back over his shoulder briefly as though he were leaving something very important behind.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)


Calia didn't even notice Obsidian trying to tell her he was only stopping by. She was much to excited to even make sense of `I said hi, and now I'm saying bye`. Besides, if she was even close to capable of registering Obsidian's goodbye, she wouldn't of accepted it. She would've cried a kit-tantrum, screaming and pounding her paws against the earth. Anything to keep Obsidian beside her, even if just for a small meal, or even until nightfall. Calia was incredibly happy when the dark-pelted tom followed after her, and she silently guided him through the forest in the direction of her home.

She couldn't even imagine what Obsidian's been through since leaving her seasons ago. He must've made it to the Dusk Syndicate, as he seemed so determined to make it there, and Calia had a difficult time believing that he would just dismiss that goal. She couldn't see him limping, and she certainly could not see any severe, visible injuries. She assumed the tomcat was physically okay, though she also expected to see a few scars and scratches decorating his pelt that hadn't been there last time. However, it was the mental injuries that truly bothered Calia. Was Obsidian suffering from the inside?

The wooden cabin came into view. Calia purred lightly at the sight of the place she called her home. She raised her head, a bright smile crossing her muzzle. ``There it is, Obsidian! Don't you remember it?`` Without waiting for a response, Calia broke into an excited trot. She didn't dare run, not with the fear that Obsidian might just disappear. She felt a kit-like excitement flood her, probably fueled by her joy that came with Obsidian's miraculous return. She lead the way along the path, her thick ginger pelt bouncing with every step. She stopped beside the bench, staring ahead at the cabin.

Just then, Herb rounded the corner of the small wooden house. Remembering Obsidian wasn't exactly very soft on twolegs, Calia meowed, ``He's no threat. He's just fixing the garden up. Stay here; I'll be right back.`` Once again, without waiting for Obsidian's response, Calia left the dark-furred tom beside the stone bench while she approached the bridge where the twoleg stood with his forearms folded against his chest. She brushed against the twoleg's legs as she slipped beneath the bridge where she stored her catches. This time, she had put away two voles, one for a snack and one for nighttime. However, she was very willing to share. As she carried the voles past the twoleg, he leaned down to run his palm along Calia's spine before rising and heading off. Calia purred at his touch, and watched as he headed towards the monster resting just a little way off. She then continued her way to Obsidian, one vole tucked firmly between her chest and her chin, the other held carefully in her jaws. She dropped one vole at Obsidian's paws, taking a few steps back until she was about a tail-length away from him, and then she lowered herself to her belly and set her own meal between her forepaws. Calia rest her welcoming gaze on Obsidian, that same excited smile still across her muzzle. ``So? Where have you been?``

[lone]

Obsidian's green eyes twinkled with amusement at Calia's excitement. She seemed really happy to have him back. So how was she going to react when he told her he wasn't planning on staying long? Maybe he wouldn't tell her, maybe he would just leave when he decided it had been long enough. Except, that hadn't exactly gone over very well last time. He wished he hadn't come across this place in the first place sometimes. It had changed his mindset - for the better or worse, he wasn't yet sure. "I remember it," He told her, padding along behind with a sigh. Yes, he certainly did remember the wooden cabin. He remembered the two days he had spent here, with Calia, and how hard they had been. Those had been some of the hardest days for him, surprisingly... it was almost like he hadn't been able to function properly.

Now that he was just here for a visit, things should be easier. He could run if it got too hard. And he knew where he was going, so it wouldn't be aimless running. He would be going back to his own territory, back to somewhere that was more familiar. Where he was at least partly alone. Jinx was there at the moment, but she wouldn't bother anything - she was a former Dusk Syndicate cat too, she had some amount of discipline, and she shouldn't mess things up. That was Obsidian's hope, anyways. As the twoleg came around the corner, Obsidian's whole body tensed. His claws slid out and ears went back in a hostile position, anger and fear gleaming in his green eyes. He did not want to deal with a twoleg right now. Why would Calia bring him here? Run. Run. Run. He watched Calia pad fearlessly towards the twoleg, and it left her alone - just standing there. He froze as she came back out, waiting with his heart thumping quickly in his chest, fear apparent on his expression and the anger melting away to make room for it.

The twoleg actually touched Calia - and Obsidian's muscles tensed, ready to spring away from or towards the twoleg if he tried to hurt his friend at all. But, the twoleg left the she cat alone, and the tom breathed a sigh of relief as he watched her return, his green eyes fixed on her with a cautious gleam in them. Currently, the tom was unsure whether she was "safe" to touch. He worried the twoleg might have contaminated her. But, the excited smile was still on her maw and Obsidian was having a hard time saying or doing anything he thought might make it fade away. He liked that smile. There weren't a lot of truly excited smiles in the Dusk Syndicate, or the show home that he was previously from, and her smile was quite pretty.

He'd heard a smile made natural beauty greater. He hadn't believed it. Now? Sure, maybe it was true. "The Dusk Syndicate." He answered, with a huff at her question. Hadn't they been over this before? But, thinking over his words, Obsidian relaxed a little and gently lowered himself down to Calia's position, moving his vole so that it was sitting between his forepaws as hers was. His position was exactly the same as hers.

"It's not as bad as you were telling me, Calia. It's not sunshine and rainbows, and it's not very welcoming, but you get used to it." He spoke of it as though it were still a thing. Maybe to him, it was still there. Or it could be there again.


AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

Lonestar23


Sunshine. Calia suddenly remembered the nickname Obsidian used to refer to her, and a warm feeling flowed through her. She didn't want the warm feeling to go away; she wanted it to stay, forever. She wanted Obsidian to stay, forever. However, she highly doubted that the dark-pelted tomcat would feel comfortable living alongside Calia. The ginger she-cat had great difficulty seeing Obsidian living with another living organism, which is perhaps one of the reasons why it was so challenging to imagine him among Dusk Syndicate members. Also, Calia saw the kind, almost shy side of Obsidian that she assumed almost no other saw. In truth, she believed Obsidian could be an intimidating figure even without trying. He carried a sort of dark air with him, and his reserved nature was a mystery. All these signs pointed to a negative past that had shaped him into the tom he is today, a history he preferred to forget rather than confront.


``Don't be so vague, Obsidian,`` Calia almost scolded, but there was also a lighthearted streak in her tone. She was eager to hear about what happened to her friend out in the `big world`. Calia didn't travel. She's been from her former housefolk's home which is close to the Syndicate and the clans. The next place she's been is her older garden, which had plants that grew tall overhead, nearly forming a dome. It was slightly further from the groups of felines. And now she was here, in her current garden, the garden she planned to live the rest of her life in. It was the furthest she's ever been from the clans, and she didn't get as many visitors, but she learned to love it and accept it as her home. ``Tell me; what happened when you left my garden?``


She wished Obsidian had visited the clans rather than the Syndicate. Sure, he was still alive and appeared to be well, but Calia still believed he would've fared better among clan cats. There was so much she still had yet to learn about Obsidian! Now she'd have to catch up on his most recent journey and maybe, eventually, he'd feel comfortable enough to tell her about his past, just as she'd told him about her own tragic backstory. Calia was a fairly patient feline, and she was willing to wait until Obsidian trusted her and was ready to share. Some cats simply weren't as trusting as Calia was, which she can understand just fine.

[lone]

The tom sighed, his green eyes suddenly averting from the ginger feline. He could have guessed she would push him to tell her. And, honestly, he was tempted to tell her about the Dusk Syndicate. About everything that had occured there, and how they no longer existed, and how much he missed his old familiar home. How he was on his own again. How he almost wanted to be a part of a group. But instead of talking about these things, he gave her a small smile. "I headed to the Dusk Syndicate, stayed there for a while. Met a few cats - some of them were nice, some weren't so nice. I got into a couple fights." He didn't want to give her the details of these. They had been nasty fights, and Obsidian's scars were now covered by his fur, the parts where his fur had been ripped out now growing over, not quite as long as his longer fur, but it wasn't a very noticeable difference.

Even the scars from the recent disbanding of the Syndicate were covered now, at least partly. "I thought I might as well let you know I was okay. So, I got up one morning and headed back this way. Found a piece of territory that hasn't been claimed yet. I'm staying there." The tom mewed. He skillfully left out the whole piece of history with the disbanding. Everything else was true - maybe he got into more fights then he let on, but he was too stubborn to talk about them. Obsidian was embarrassed, to be truthful. He'd been too weak to win every fight. And in the Dusk Syndicate, losing a fight wasn't necessarily a good thing. He was just lucky that he hadn't been considered too weak to be useful.

He was still a functioning member of the Syndicate- or no, make that ex member. Now that it no longer existed, he couldn't be a part of it. And that honestly did make Obsidian a little frustrated. "Now, what about you? I hope you've been okay?" He tried to turn the conversation away from himself. He was afraid Calia would talk him into giving away some more of the fierce details. As before, the dark tom was determined to keep her from knowing just how difficult life could be there. He might as well tell her the good things, though. Late night hunting and afternoon lounging... and, not all of the fights had been bad. Obsidian's green eyes gleamed with pleasure as he remembered the fights he had won. Those had been amazing - so to speak.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)


Calia was horrified that fights broke out in the Dusk Syndicate, and based off the way Obsidian referred to them, they must happen often. Uneasily, the innocent feline began to play with her vole, pawing at it with a distinct frown on her face. ``I don't like that you had to fight there,`` Calia mumbled, folding her ears back. She looked at Obsidian in a mixture of disappointment and worry, disappointment because he chose a place where fighting was common and worry because he had to fight. She shook her head to further express her disapproval and she meowed in a concerned tone, ``Did they hurt you? Did they heal you after? Why do they have to fight? Can't they just live together in peace?``

She hadn't noticed Obsidian's uneven fur and his scars were hidden beneath his pelt which made them invisible to the eye. As far as Calia was aware, he hadn't been hurt too badly during his time with the Dusk Syndicate. Obsidian said some cats were kind in the Syndicate, and Calia did not doubt that. She knew that just because a feline lived someplace, their living space did not define them. She knew this from experience. But, of course, the Syndicate was known for its heartless nature, and for sure a majority of the felines within it were coldhearted, which is why it was stereotyped the way it was. No cat can live in peace while the Dusk Syndicate is still up and running.

As a rather observant she-cat, Calia did notice Obsidian's clear uncertainty. When he directed the conversation to her, she decided he wasn't exactly ready to talk about his own experiences. ``Oh, It's really peaceful around here and not much bothers me. I usually hunt, sunbathe, same old, same old. The only downside of this place is that I don't get as many visitors. Nobody wants to stay near a twoleg nest.`` Calia's tone was almost sad as she grieved for her former home where visitors were abundant. She brightened with what she said next, ``But you say you found a territory for your own? So you aren't with the Syndicate anymore? Oh, I'm so proud of you for leaving that horrid place behind!``

[lone]

The way Calia was looking at him reminded Obsidian of a mother who was disappointed in her kit. He didn't like that look at all - and shifted his weight, his ears going back in displeasure. "It's just a part of life," The tom mumbled, like he thought she might not be able to hear him. Obsidian really didn't want the ginger cat to hear him. He had mainly been talking to himself, anyways - besides, while fighting was a part of his life, maybe it wasn't part of hers. He hadn't seen her fight when he had last been here (except for their spar, which he had definitely won) and she didn't seem afraid of the twoleg, so she must not fight them either. Her onslaught of questions had Obsidian overwhelmed for a minute. He wasn't sure whether he should answer or not - and so stayed silent for a moment, thinking over his answers before he did so.

"I'm fine. Yes, they did heal me after-" when I asked for it- "-and like I said, fighting's just part of life there. You can't live in peace when there's someone you don't like around." He spoke of it like he had seen it. If there was someone you didn't like, you wanted them gone - and you weren't going to "ask nicely" or "just wait around" for them to leave. You were going to fight them until you could get them to leave, take out your anger on them, or hope that they died when you did fight them. And it wasn't like Halite had done a lot about it. Fighting had just been natural there. They still lived by a code, from what Obsidian could pick up. He hadn't been an "official" member for very long, but he had still thought of that place as his home. When she talked about her home, the tom's ears slowly pricked back up and he gave her a look that was semi-worried. "But you're doing okay on your own, right?"

As far as he had known, Calia was a social cat. Someone who thrived when she was around others. If she wasn't getting many visitors, wouldn't that depress her? Obsidian didn't like the thought of that. Some cats just... shouldn't be depressed. Just like some cats honestly shouldn't be happy. It was a dark thought, but one that was true. "Yeah, I found my own territory. And no, I'm - not." But something about her praise bothered him. He didn't really deserve it. He hadn't left the Dusk Syndicate by choice. Instead of giving this confession, the tom weakly smiled and struggled to keep a more pleasant expression on his features.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)

Calia appreciated Obsidian's concern, but he needn't worry about her. It was himself he should be worried about. Calia was not an idiot - she could see the obvious signs her friend was putting down. His weak, forced smile only convinced her further that he needed support but was not willing to ask for it. Perhaps he feared burdening others with his issues? Maybe it was due to his trust issues? Calia would certainly help him, whether she invited her to or not. She just hated it, despised it, when others were struggling alone. And she couldn't understand why they wouldn't ask for help. Surely someone out there wants to help? Calia does and she always will; it was in her nature.

She did not hide her own problems from Obsidian, believing it to be a better lifestyle when she was honest and friendly. Calia would not lie to Obsidian, but if she felt she had to, she would slightly alter the truth by not telling him something. This way she wouldn't be lying, but she wouldn't be sharing everything. However, Calia didn't think it would ever come to that. ``Oh, I suppose. I'm quite depressed, however, without company. It's always been that way for me, without a guest here to care for, but I'm still here, aren't I? I tolerate it.`` She shrugged as if it were no biggie, as if being alone in a period of extreme self-abuse was fine. Her bright blue eyes did not lose their kindness and eagerness, however.

``Are you staying someplace near here? Then we could visit each other every now and then and not feel so alone,`` Calia stated, lowering her head to rip a morsel off her vole. As she chewed, she looked over to the side, observing the forest surrounding them. Everything was so peaceful... Calia wished it would always stay this way.

[lone]

Her words had the dark tom avoiding eye contact, looking down at the ground and shifting his weight nervously. He considered Calia to be an... good acquaintance. Well, maybe a friend. She had done a lot for him after all, the most Obsidian could do was offer some method of friendship in return. He shifted his weight once more, trying to make himself comfortable, before he looked back up at her. "You... are okay though, right? I mean... you... take care of yourself, don't you?" The tom wasn't quite sure how to put it. He had seen depressed cats in horrible states, but Calia was quite... pretty, he supposed was the word for it, for a depressed feline. And she was so sweet and kind, Obsidian didn't understand how she didn't have a good family of her own. She seemed like she would love kits.

And a mate - a good, nice, caring tom who would take care of her and keep her company, and talk to her for hours. Someone who was the exact opposite of him, in his own mind. He, on the other hand, was not the ideal mate for... well... pretty much anyone who knew him. It wasn't so much that he was a bad cat, or that he would be disloyal, but that he struggled with the idea of it. What if something went wrong? Obsidian couldn't handle losing someone he cared for so dearly. Her next words had him, once again, struggling to find something to say. "Yeah, I'm staying someplace near here. It's not far, maybe you would want to come visit sometime?" He found himself saying instead of the general 'yes' or, more likely, 'oh - I'm still finding a territory of my own.'

That wasn't a lie, he was still trying to find someplace to stay, but the area he had already basically claimed as his own (and was planning on staying in) was a good start. So he told her as much. Maybe it was her comment about being depressed that changed his mind, or something else, but Obsidian figured it wouldn't hurt if he saw a little more of the ginger feline. Besides - if things got too rough for him, he would find somewhere else to move. Jinx could have that territory (she could use someone like Calia in her life as well, he supposed, being a former Dusk Syndicate cat too) and he would be free once more.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)


``Oh, I'm fine, Obsidian! Honest. I feel better with you around, actually,`` Calia meowed, finishing with a sheepish smile. She was always a very truthful feline and found it difficult to lie to others, especially those she considered friends. Then again, she liked to look at everyone as her friend. So, basically, that means she found it especially challenging to lie to anyone, the only exception is when her lying can prevent pain. ``I'd love to visit! You must have me over sometime.`` Her bright blue eyes were friendly and inviting, adoring when she looked at Obsidian.

``Are you... alone?`` Calia was very much aware that Obsidian preferred solitary, but what he wanted compared to what he needed were two completely different things. Calia knew what being alone meant, and she wouldn't wish that on anyone. She's heard stories of cats who lived alone, cats who went insane, cats who became severely depressed and wished to reunite with their deceased ancestors, all because they had nobody to talk to, no company whatsoever. She didn't want that to happen to Obsidian. She'd visit him everyday if she had to, just so he wouldn't become one of those cats from the stories.

She was actually quite the hopeless romantic - Calia. Every night, before falling asleep, she imagined herself with a loving, respectful mate and adorable, sweet kits prancing at their paws. It was her only dream, the only thing she truly, truly desired. Her mate would adore her, just as she would him - or them - and they would both be the best of friends. They'd do everything together, and when they started a family, they'd do that together too. They'd raise the most polite, kindest, gentlest, strong kits, offspring to be incredibly proud of. Calia wanted a family, but she'd wait all her life and longer for her wish to be granted.

[lone]

The dark tom questioned (in his head, of course) whether or not the ginger feline really was fine on her own. Still, if she was saying that it was true, it must be - he had never thought the other cat one to lie. Withholding the truth didn't count to Obsidian, although perhaps that was because he had done it so many times himself, it no longer seemed to hold much kick for him. To him, withholding truth was just a way of sparing yourself or someone else from great pain or discomfort, as was lying. He'd never been one to be squeamish when lying was involved. It wasn't like he was a natural-born manipulator; if he could help it, he would refrain from dishonesty and things like that, not because he cared about becoming a thief and liar, but because he found that generally honesty was easier then lying.

Mainly he would just withhold parts of the truth, or leave out the things that were left unasked. "Yeah, that'd be... nice." I'll show you where it is next time I come to visit, he added silently. There was a tinge of sarcasm in the words, but also some sadness. Obsidian knew that he probably wouldn't be coming again - not to visit like this. He might show her where his territory was, just so she wouldn't be worried - not for himself, no, definitely not. He didn't need Calia there, or so he told himself, and as far as he was concerned, he was doing just fine on his own. Jinx was there, yes, but she basically kept to herself most of the time. They had a sort of understanding - which was kind of nice, if he was really thinking about it.

"There's another cat who hangs around sometimes. Her name's Jinx, she's from the Dusk Syndicate too..." Obsidian's voice trailed off before he said anything else. There was some type of a desperate longing for his old home, like a wish that would never be fulfilled. It seemed whatever he touched automatically fell apart. Maybe that was why he was so reluctant to stay near Calia - would she fall apart too, if he touched her? If he decided to stay near her, was she going to collapse and disappear just like everyone else? Jinx would be fine, she was like him; she seemed to be, anyways. He wasn't as afraid. But Calia, she had so much light and life... the tom was so scared it could be taken away.

AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)

``That would be lovely,`` Calia commented on Obsidian's offer, bright blue eyes lighting up at the idea. They'd be neighbors now, and she looked forward to visiting him often. Not every day, of course, because she believed he'd need his space, but maybe once every few days. They could hunt together, eat their evening meal together, talk - maybe Obsidian would even spar with her? She was getting all worked up about the idea that she just about missed Obsidian's following statement. She perked up at his claim, suddenly interested in who this `Jinx` was. Based off what Obsidian told her, she was from the Dusk Syndicate - a cat he met during his time there, she figured, but what was her personality like? Would Calia like this Jinx? She liked to think she would - Calia got along with just about any cat, and even if she didn't get along with them she always looked for the good in them.

``When I visit, I must meet Jinx! I'd like to get to know her,`` Calia paused briefly before adding in a softer tone, ``I'm sure she's a pleasant cat.`` The ginger feline rarely said anything bad about anyone, though some Dusk Syndicate cats were exceptions. She only saw the good traits, the ones that she thought truly mattered. She was even capable of twisting a negative or neutral trait and making it good - in her mind, of course. Other cats weren't so willing to agree with her. Calia's logic was that if Obsidian let Jinx stay with him then she must be decent - for a Dusk Syndicate cat, that is.

[ Oh idea!! what if Obsidian brought Calia to his home & when she's being introduced to Jinx, Augustus bursts from the forest all dramatic-like. then all 4 of them will be there ]

[lone]

Watching the ginger feline's eyes light up, a slight smile broke across the former Dusk Syndicate cat's maw. He liked seeing Calia smile. She really was a ray of sunshine, which must have been why he thought of that nickname so quickly - she did seem like one. "Oh, she's alright, I suppose. She gives me my space, I give her hers. She'll be moving on soon I expect. But I'm sure you can meet her before she does," The tom mewed with a shrug. Calia was about the only cat who he actually thought of as truly good to be around, good for him. She was very good for him. Everyone else was okay, but it was nice to be able to smile a little more and feel happier. Except Obsidian knew that he would have to cut off before things started getting too good for him, before the universe decided that he was having too good of a time and destroyed things for him. He tended to look on the darker side of things when he felt he was actually happy, wondering when this was going to end. "I should get going soon." The tom took another bite of his prey, then half-rose, wondering if now was a good time to leave or if he should go ahead and just invite Calia to return with him. The tom was tempted, of course, but he didn't want to leave at the same time. Go back to having an understanding with Jinx, other then the one short - almost non-existent meeting conversation that they had had, it had just been "hello's" and things along that line from then on. No actual conversations. Calia remained the only cat in the last few moons that he had had a real conversation with. It'd been less then a moon since the Dusk Syndicate broke apart, but Obsidian hadn't had too many conversations even when he had been back there. It just hadn't been safe for him. There was safety in routine, but that place could take the optimism from anyone. Obsidian didn't understand how he had met optimistic felines there - it just didn't make sense to him.

AbsurdJinx

(yesss that sounds amazing! lol Obsidian will be so protective of Calia and really mad at Augustus and confused as to how Jinx knows Augustus)

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)
[ we should do it cx ]

``Aw, do you have to get going so soon?`` Calia whined, looking up at Obsidian. She wasn't ready to let go of Obsidian yet, especially seeing that she didn't know where he was staying, because if she was being honest could she really expect Obsidian to return to her? The dark-pelted tomcat was a mystery, even to Calia who had plenty of experience with cats of all kinds, cats of all personalities and various histories. She was aware something had happened to him - something bad, obviously, based off his reserved nature. Someone had hurt him, broken his trust, and that's why Obsidian was the way he was - at least, that's what Calia assumed. Suddenly, an idea hit her and she shot to her paws faster than the speed of light. ``Oh, I know!`` she exclaimed, an anxious gleam in her blue eyes. Her ginger fur had bushed up in all the excitement but was returning to its original place. ``Show me where you live now! Then I could meet this lovely Jinx as well as see your territory, just like you said I could.`` Calia was a very genuine feline who very rarely lied. She was truly looking forward to seeing the territory Obsidian claimed, and she was even more interested in discovering who this Jinx was.

[lone]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)
[ we should do it cx ]

``Aw, do you have to get going so soon?`` Calia whined, looking up at Obsidian. She wasn't ready to let go of Obsidian yet, especially seeing that she didn't know where he was staying, because if she was being honest could she really expect Obsidian to return to her? The dark-pelted tomcat was a mystery, even to Calia who had plenty of experience with cats of all kinds, cats of all personalities and various histories. She was aware something had happened to him - something bad, obviously, based off his reserved nature. Someone had hurt him, broken his trust, and that's why Obsidian was the way he was - at least, that's what Calia assumed. Suddenly, an idea hit her and she shot to her paws faster than the speed of light. ``Oh, I know!`` she exclaimed, an anxious gleam in her blue eyes. Her ginger fur had bushed up in all the excitement but was returning to its original place. ``Show me where you live now! Then I could meet this lovely Jinx as well as see your territory, just like you said I could.`` Calia was a very genuine feline who very rarely lied. She was truly looking forward to seeing the territory Obsidian claimed, and she was even more interested in discovering who this Jinx was.


The dark tom shifted his weight, trying to think of some reason why Calia shouldn't be able to come back with him. Obsidian was normally pretty good at coming up with a convincing excuse - or lie - but this time, he didn't think any of them were good enough. "Okay..." The tom mewed uncertainly, getting to his own paws so that he was almost level with Calia again. He hated feeling like he had to do this, like he was almost beholden to Calia, but it was hard not to. She had taken care of him before, and Obsidian certainly didn't want that on his mind, that she had done it without anything in return. Being in the Dusk Syndicate had turned his mind to the fact that nothing was free... nothing. Calia had given him shelter before, she wanted his companionship in return - right? Yes. Right. It's not free. "She's on the rough side. Just so you know ahead of time." So maybe don't come off as so... perfect. Cats like himself, and Jinx, had seen things that were different. They were rough around the edges, they were less willing to trust, and they were way less "perfect" then Calia seemed to be. The ginger feline was sweet, she was quite motherly, and she was so selfless it made Obsidian frustrated. How could anyone want to spend so much time taking care of other cats, want to be around them so much? How could anyone have that much faith in the goodness of other cats that they would invite them into their home, and take care of them? Obsidian might never get it, but even if that were true... he admired Calia for being that type of a cat. She had shown him kindness before that it would take moons to forget, if ever.

(alright! do you want to ask Sus about it?)
AbsurdJinx

[AbsurdJinx]

@Lonestar23 (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=42)
[ sussy said she's up for it ]


Calia squealed in excitement the second Obsidian reluctantly agreed. She jumped up and rushed past the dark-pelted tomcat, forgetting about the half-eaten fresh-kill. It wasn't the first time she'd left prey out, partly eaten, and it most certainly would not be the last. The only downside was that it could draw predators, but not many preferred to near a twoleg den and those who did approach didn't stick around. ``I'll try to tone it down a little,`` Calia promised. She would hold back on squealing and just being loud in general, and she would not forcefully push anything on the suspecting Jinx. But until they got to Obsidian's territory, she didn't have to tone it down. ``Let's go!`` the ginger tabby feline cheered, marching in the direction in which she'd found Obsidian. She hadn't conversed with a cat since Obsidian left and was very eager to be gifted with the chance to socialize again.