Starry Meadow

[nyme]

I'M TOO SMOOTH, YOU NEVER SEE ME COMING
NEVER IN A HURRY, I'M JUST MOVIN' FAST

──

REDFACE . 28 MOONS . HE/HIM . WINDCLAN?

Awh, Vinesmoke's just a delight and a half, ain't he? Sure, things were a little tense and awkward there for a second, and maybe they still are just a teeeensy bit, but Redface is feeling grateful and elated enough by now to swoop the rest of the distance between them and give the younger tom's shoulder a fond headbutt. Li'l buddy's really coming through for him, and he appreciates it. His assessment of Redface's red face draws a ragged chuckle out of the older tom. You've definitely got something going for you. And doesn't Redface know it! Anyway, Vinesmoke's hesitance to burst into song and dance and ecstatic worship (he's forgiven for it, don't worry) over Redface's close-up must mean that the looks are suffering bad from how overdue for a full and proper bath he is, so Redface pops that high up on his to-do list. Vinesmoke is thanked with another gentle bump to the shoulder. Redface had never been the touchiest cat, but now he's wondering if it might be worth it to work past that for communication's sake. Pushing all up into others' space certainly allowed for greater nonverbal variety than just the ol' Smile And Nod combo.

Ahhh, it's a work in progress. For sure there's gotta be a plethora of options that he just hasn't found out yet.

Right, well! Small or big, whatever he needs, Vinesmoke is here. Redface sighs and bats his one remaining eye theatrically, hoping it's clear that he's on the verge of threatening to swoon over what a helpful young gentletom Vinesmoke's being, before he cuts the jokes and gets to business.

"Couldya g—o, back, an'," uurgh, hrm. How to put this concisely? He works his jaw. "Lettem knnn—now m'here? Pre-tty....please? An'uhhh..mm.." Redface pushes out another painful-sounding cough before flashing another cheeky grin. "Say'm cool. Nn—ice. Da—hhhh.....dash-ing." He puffs his chest out. Now is the time he has chosen to get the planned strut on. Redface needs Vinesmoke to understand: the favor is going back home with a golden, glowing review of him. "Jus'the...jus'who needsa kn—ow. 'Kay? Don' needa...tell....evr'yone." A glowing review strictly for anyone who might be involved in the process of Redface coming back home, officially. Vinesmoke doesn't need to sing his praises to everyone, Redface could do that just fine himself. After all, there's a certain apprentice that he's still unsure of how to go about this with. Right now the working plan is to just hope she doesn't notice anything. It's not like she'll see me in camp one day. Okay that feels mean but he really doesn't have a better plan. Oh well. He can worry about that after he worries about taking care of his official return, which is where Vinesmoke comes in. It feels a tad over-the-top to send a herald of his pointless glorious return back but he's feeling a little nervous about having to petition more important cats to let him do what he wants (will it even be like that? It's not like he's returning from exile or anything, not like he did something wrong and needs to ask forgiveness—so coming home should be easy-peasy right? Just, walk in and carry on as usual? But those wardens did mention...aughh, stop thinking!), so having a guy go in to set him up for success first seems like a good move.

"M'gonna go. Back s-oon." Redface promises, wrapping up his little catwalk. He needs to go wash up, maybe snag a return offering, and then he'll be back to handle things like a big boy.

@Tallstar ; VINESMOKE

[Tallstar]

Vinesmoke
11 Moons
He/Him
Vinesmoke had barely processed the full weight of Redface's request when he received another bump to the shoulder. For a cat as cautious as him, this interaction felt a little overwhelming, but he understood the sentiment. Redface was trying—really trying—to be gracious, in his own way. The little playful show of his, puffing out his chest and giving a performance like some sort of fancy dignitary, made Vinesmoke smile. He’d never seen the older tom so… well, animated before. Maybe it was a result of the company, or the fact that Redface had finally been able to get comfortable enough around him to drop a bit of that cool exterior.

Still, there was the matter at hand. Twilightstar. Redface's official return. Vinesmoke’s whiskers twitched as the older tom wound down his act and gave a final statement on the matter. He nodded thoughtfully, still unsure how to deliver this request. His instincts were to play it cool, but the earnestness in Redface’s eyes pushed him past that.

"Right. Yeah, I got it," Vinesmoke mewed, not quite sure how to keep his voice casual and light, but the way Redface had laid it out made it clear he didn’t want everyone to know, and the message had to be subtle. "I'll—uh—just, y'know, go talk to Twilightstar, let her know you're, uh, cool. Dashing. Got it."

With a faint chuckle, Vinesmoke gave Redface a nod and turned, tail flicking behind him. It was a simple task, really. But there was something about the gravity of the request—Redface wanted to make sure that things went well with his return—that made him feel a little weightier than he'd anticipated. Twilightstar wasn’t a cat to be trifled with, after all, and knowing how to phrase things just right was critical when dealing with the Clan’s leadership.

@nyme

[sleepysoldier]

Originally Posted by grilledcheese

Lavenderash
warrior, 26 moons || female, she/her || windclan



"As okay as anyone could be at a time like this," she muttered softly, her eyes glimmering with an exhausted sadness. "with how much that has been stirring lately, it would be a miracle from StarClan for anyone to get a fulfilling rest this season."

"But hey," Lavenderash watched Poppyheart's body language, purring in contentment as she noticed her calm, "That's why we're here."

She couldn't even imagine how hard it must be for her friend to witness such violence at her young age, let alone endure it. Even though they aren't many moons apart, Poppyheart seemed so far ahead of her time. It was heart wrenching to see a friend who was once so lively, find their mind plagued.

"Do you remember, a moon before your apprenticeship, you'd be the first that I'd come crying to about how much I felt I didn't belong?" A smile tugged on her muzzle as she looked at Silverpelt above them. "You were just a kit, but you'd listen to every word I had to say."

Lavenderash left that thought linger for a moment before continuing. "I know things aren't simple anymore, but I've never been able to give that back to you."

"What I'm trying to say is," she purred, the stump of her tail brushing against Poppyheart as if it could curl around her, "I want you to talk to me, like I talked to you when we were younger."

"You don't have to now, but... I'm here for you when you're ready."

Poppyheart
warrior, female, she/her, 21 moons

She purred softly at the memory, "of course I remember that, Lavenderash." It had been around that time that Poppyheart had realised she liked Lavenderash, and during those times it was the most painful to see someone she cared about so much being in such pain.


Turning her head to Lavenderash, she blinked slowly showing her gratitude, "thank you," Poppyheart mewed, "I'm really glad to know you as well as I do, you're... really important to me." As she let that out she turned her head away, her tail curling in embarrassment, "ah-- well. I... I really enjoy coming up here during leaf-bare, do you?"

[grilledcheese]

Originally Posted by sleepysoldier

Poppyheart
warrior, female, she/her, 21 moons

She purred softly at the memory, "of course I remember that, Lavenderash." It had been around that time that Poppyheart had realised she liked Lavenderash, and during those times it was the most painful to see someone she cared about so much being in such pain.


Turning her head to Lavenderash, she blinked slowly showing her gratitude, "thank you," Poppyheart mewed, "I'm really glad to know you as well as I do, you're... really important to me." As she let that out she turned her head away, her tail curling in embarrassment, "ah-- well. I... I really enjoy coming up here during leaf-bare, do you?"

Lavenderash
warrior, 26 moons || female, she/her || windclan



"Of course, Poppyheart. You're like the sister I never got to keep." Lavenderash found the view ahead of them as she did, not pushing the topic when she changed it. Making Poppyheart uncomfortable was the last thing she wanted to do.

...But, she had to admit, it wasn't a question she was expecting. Lavenderash let out a quiet mrrow in a soft laughter. "During leaf-bare? Oh no, it's far too cold. I'm no medicine cat, but I know frostbite is a real risk when coming all this way." She warned, then added in a purr, "Newleaf... when every plant and creature are alive once more, and it's all mice and moonlight, that's my favorite time to go anywhere."

"I'd like to know, though," Lavenderash's ears perked, "what makes you appreciate this harsh weather?"

[Rani]

Originally Posted by Dolomedes

Rabbitpaw
He/him | WC Medicine Cat Apprentice | ~12 Moons | Part Manx cat

Rabbitpaw dropped his head to lay on Crowtooth’s shoulder as he listened to the older tom. Yeah that sounded pretty average, in the nicest way. Just everything has been so much and so it's been kind of constant for Rabbitpaw and he wasn’t the clan deputy so he could imagine that his father had a lot more happening. “I was worried about all the kits right at the start of the colder seasons, but I am happy that it seems to be working out well. I can say that it’s strange watching all the ceremonies when… you know, I was the only one for mine.” The apprentice paused… at first a bit surprised by the chance of conversation but quickly recovered, “Oh.. yeah, sure. I won’t tell anyone, I promise.” And Rabbitpaw didn’t break promises.

[ @Rani ]
[ I'm sorrrryyyyy!!! I had this in my docs and just now realized I didn't actually post it ;w; ]

Rabbitpaw gif made by ramen!

Crowtooth
Windclan Deputy | He/him | 55 Moons
Power Card: Cold Gust

Rabbitpaw did have a point it was odd that he as a spring kitten was the only one when winter, the least kitten friendly season had a DELUGE of them. Maybe he needed to have a talk with the clan about timing soon.


Now for the talk which was its.... own thing. "'ave I ever told you about the battle fer the skyglade? I was a young warrior then, full o' confidence an' rage against shadowclan fer their part in the war that'd taken so many clanmates. The glade was contested land then, an' tho we didnt know it this fight was the last one fer its ownership.


I...." He hesitated, gulped and hugged Rabbitpaw closer in comfort for what he'd be explaining next. "I dont remember most o' the battle but Twilightstar lost a life ta Dawnstar, who was bleedin' bad but not goin' down. I couldnt handle that. It... Well its more complex but in short I charged 'er an'... An' we tore eachothers throats out, died in tandem.


I died then, tho I dont remember much o' the afterlife but wakin' up ta Twi cryin' over me. Fer a long time I didnt know why starclan brought me back, just thanked 'em every day fer it an' the... gift they gave me."


Though now the thankfulness rang hollow and bitter knowing doubt was being cast on its origin. Blazingstar had promised to look further into his theory, his worries after their encounter in Crowtooths dreams. He'd been silent since and Crowtooth didnt know what that meant. Did it mean that his return to life and his power was in fact from the dark forest as was suspected? Did it mean the old leader was now too disgusted to even talk to Crowtooth? Or did it mean he was still looking to no avail.


All options were disturbing and made the religious deputys fur crawl at the idea of darkness in his soul. He wasnt going to mention that part until he knew at least.




"Just, just watch this kiddo, seein' is believin' an' all."
The tom pointed at a heavy rock, balanced firmly on top of another nearby, drawling the power to himself. At first it seemed little more then a cold odd wind, appearing from nowhere and different to the rest of the breezes flowing overhead. It ruffled the two cats fur, dancing Crowtooths pelt and swirling around him until with a push of a paw (unnecessary, but a helpful cue) he sent the wind rocketing out in a blast, sending the rock flying.


"Kinda cool huh? I dont show it off, its kinda a last ditch effort I keep secret but fer select few. An' I love ya kiddo an' trust ya ta be among the few soooo I wanted ya ta know about it.
Any questions? I know this must be a lot."
Hopefully he hadnt scared his kid in an effort to create more closeness and trust.


@Dolomedes

[Mica]

Hawkfur
WindClan Fury
he/him | 58 moons
[Russet tabby with tuxedo markings and sky-blue eyes]
Purrks: Flock Together T3, Killer Aptitude T1
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ The Hanged Man ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
· · ────────────── · ·
[Crowpaw - @finley ] [Whiterabbit - @nyme ]

· · ────────────── · ·
The walk to the Starry Meadow wasn't horrible, though Hawkfur was a little slower than he would have liked. He apologized a few times--old habits die hard--but eventually they crested the hill that usually looked over a sprawling meadow of colorful flowers. During Leafbare it was a sorry sight, with vague mounds of earth made more prominent by the lack of flowers and brittle grass.

Hawkfur turned to Crowpaw, tail swishing behind him. "Right, kiddo. Let's go over the basics of hunting, yeah?" Hawkfur glanced at Whiterabbit. "Feel free to give your own tips, or h-" cough "head off to hunt if you prefer."

Focusing on his son again, Hawkfur slipped into a hunter's crouch. "Follow what I do. Keep your paws shoulder-width apart, tail and belly low and parallel to the ground." As Crowpaw followed through, Hawkfur adjusted what was necessary. "Good work, Crowpaw. Moving in a crouch is easier than it looks, but still requires practice." Hawkfur moved forward with long, low strides, trotting through the grass with whisper soft paws. "You try!" He cleared his throat a couple of times, then sat up to watch.

[Idiotic.Bean101]

art by @/Eidolon
Scorpionsight-She/Her
30 Moons(as of rp)


-----------------


Okay, Stormpaw was here.
Time to go.

"Let's go." Scorpionsight said with a soft smile as she led the way.
Soon, they made it to Starry Meadow, and... she could definitely hear why there may not be much prey.
The twoleg stuff must be loud, if they're this audible here.

"Look for whatever you can fond, but don't go too far." The bengal said softly.


@FANNIBAL

[FANNIBAL]

Stormpaw nodded with a grunt before she realized... Gourdsun never taught her how to hunt before going missing. Meh, it couldn't be harder than fighting. She watched a warrior hunt... Once. It seemed simple. "Mhm." She hummed before padding away with her nose to the ground, inhaling every scent she could until she found it. The scent of a mouse, but it lead directly to the twolegs. Whatever, she could fight them off. And if she did, she'd be the best cat in the clan! Heck yeah! @Idiotic.Bean101

[Idiotic.Bean101]

art by @/Eidolon
Scorpionsight-She/Her
30 Moons(as of rp)


------------------


Now, while also kind of keeping a tiny eye on Stormpaw just 'cause of her own paranoia, she started searching for prey.
[Roll=8]
So far, she couldn't find anything.

They were really hiding, huh?
Scorpionsight continued searching.
[Roll=18]
She suddenly caught the sent of a vole.

She immediately turned her attention towards it, stalking silently.
[Roll=16]
She pounced, catching the vole and giving it the killing bite.
Okay, that's one thing so far.
She hoped for a few more, but she wasn't sure how likely that was.


@FANNIBAL
[tiny note, no big deal: the two legs are in windy hills, so they wouldn't be able to interact with them here on starry meadow, only hear them! Again no big deal!]

[FANNIBAL]

@Idiotic_Bean101

Stormpaw watched as Scorpionsight hunted a fair distance away. Crouch, stalk, pounce. Okay then... Simple.

She ducked down and continued tracking for the mouse. (Roll=13) She found it. The mouse, burrowing in the snow. She slowly stalked up to it and pounced.

(Roll=16)

She quickly landed on the rodent and sunk her teeth into its head, chomping down until she felt like her jaw would crack. Stormpaw dropped the mouse and buried it in the red-dyed Snow.

+1 mouse