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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan <-> #cdrstrk Interacting with:
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
[Killer Aptitude 1][Kitty Softpaw 1]
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Cedarstrike found herself cornered and in a dire situation, an impulsive decision leading her into a dangerous confrontation with a fox.
The fox approached her, circling with its gleaming yellow eyes. Cedarstrike's heart pounded in her chest but, she stood her ground. This is what she wanted, right? A chance to prove herself, though she did not expect trouble to find her so quickly. Her fur bristled and claws unsheathed, she faced the fox with narrowed eyes in preparation. Think of it as training, she thought to herself.
The fox lunged at Cedarstrike and leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. It was fast, but she could be faster. She had to be- And so, she retaliated with a swift swipe of her claws, leaving a scratch on the fox's snout. It yelped in surprise but quickly recovered, more enraged than simply hungry. Fear gnawed at her stomach.
Sharp, yellowed teeth grazed her flank, drawing blood. She hissed in pain, scrambling to put a little distance between them. This would go on for some time, her movements and attacks growing more desperate. Against her better judgement, yet again, she had continued on... Now she realized that even if she wanted to abscond, it was a bit to late for that now. She wouldn't be fast enough, the repeated blows from the fox taking a toll on her body, and her energy. She realized that if help didn't arrive soon, she wouldn't survive this fight... But who would come? The she-cat hadn't told a soul what she had planned to do.
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Last edited by babysith; August 17th, 2024 at 11:00 PM.
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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan Interacting with: @dino.
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫ ◦ ≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Cedarstrike found herself cornered and in a dire situation, an impulsive decision leading her into a dangerous confrontation with a fox.
The fox approached her, circling with its gleaming yellow eyes. Cedarstrike's heart pounded in her chest but, she stood her ground. This is what she wanted, right? A chance to prove herself, though she did not expect trouble to find her so quickly. Her fur bristled and claws unsheathed, she faced the fox with narrowed eyes in preparation. Think of it as training, she thought to herself.
The fox lunged at Cedarstrike and leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. It was fast, but she could be faster. She had to be- And so, she retaliated with a swift swipe of her claws, leaving a scratch on the fox's snout. It yelped in surprise but quickly recovered, more enraged than simply hungry. Fear gnawed at her stomach.
Sharp, yellowed teeth grazed her flank, drawing blood. She hissed in pain, scrambling to put a little distance between them. This would go on for some time, her movements and attacks growing more desperate. Against her better judgement, yet again, she had continued on... Now she realized that even if she wanted to abscond, it was a bit to late for that now. She wouldn't be fast enough, the repeated blows from the fox taking a toll on her body, and her energy. She realized that if help didn't arrive soon, she wouldn't survive this fight... But who would come? The she-cat hadn't told a soul what she had planned to do.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫ ◦ ≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
The rule about being out alone was ridiculous. Mountaintalon could handle a damn owl; it was Springlight's own fault she had gotten taken. A dumb bird was no match for him. He was going to go out by himself, and they were going to deal with it.
And honestly? It was a good thing he had decided to disregard that rule, because someone might have died if he hadn't. He came up on Cedarstrike and her scarlet sparring partner right in the middle of their fight, and he allowed himself a split second to observe before leaping to her rescue. She was doing decently, but she wouldn't last.
With a snarl, Mountaintalon thundered out of the undergrowth and slammed into the fox. His forepaws wrapped around its neck and he wrestled it to the ground, ignoring its yelps of shock. Jaws snapped instinctively at his chest, but he sank his teeth into its ear and tore. It jolted away from him with a shriek, scrambling back to its paws. Its eyes were wide as it stared at Mountaintalon and Cedarstrike, hunger and fear warring in their yellow depths.
Mountaintalon took a step forward and sneered. The fox yipped, turned tail, and bolted - already wounded by Cedarstrike and apparently no longer seeing a two-versus-one fight worth the meal.
With the creature gone, Mountaintalon turned sharply to glare at Cedarstrike. "Just what do you think you're doing out here by yourself? You could have gotten yourself killed."
The rule about being out alone was ridiculous. Mountaintalon could handle a damn owl; it was Springlight's own fault she had gotten taken. A dumb bird was no match for him. He was going to go out by himself, and they were going to deal with it.
And honestly? It was a good thing he had decided to disregard that rule, because someone might have died if he hadn't. He came up on Cedarstrike and her scarlet sparring partner right in the middle of their fight, and he allowed himself a split second to observe before leaping to her rescue. She was doing decently, but she wouldn't last.
With a snarl, Mountaintalon thundered out of the undergrowth and slammed into the fox. His forepaws wrapped around its neck and he wrestled it to the ground, ignoring its yelps of shock. Jaws snapped instinctively at his chest, but he sank his teeth into its ear and tore. It jolted away from him with a shriek, scrambling back to its paws. Its eyes were wide as it stared at Mountaintalon and Cedarstrike, hunger and fear warring in their yellow depths.
Mountaintalon took a step forward and sneered. The fox yipped, turned tail, and bolted - already wounded by Cedarstrike and apparently no longer seeing a two-versus-one fight worth the meal.
With the creature gone, Mountaintalon turned sharply to glare at Cedarstrike. "Just what do you think you're doing out here by yourself? You could have gotten yourself killed."
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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan <-> #cdrstrk Interacting with:
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
[Killer Aptitude 1][Kitty Softpaw 1]
Cedarstrike was exhausted.The she-cat wouldn't admit it, but she knew she wouldn't be able to win here. She was going to die and nobody would be there to witness it.
Or rather, that was what she thought would happen. In actuality, a large cat leapt from the brush, a blur of black through her tunnel vision. At that, Cedarstrike allowed herself to collapse, physically spent and breathing heavily on the ground as her eyes refocused...
Mountaintalon? She glanced around briefly and didn't see anyone else. It was unlikely that he followed her, but a possibility. As the fox was driven away, she stood.
Quote:
"Just what do you think you're doing out here by yourself? You could have gotten yourself killed."
The words made her feel embarrassed. It was stupid of her to come out alone... But he was alone, too. "I was coming out to train in silence. I didn't anticipate the fox... An oversight. What about you? It could have been you in my shoes." Cedarstrike rebuttaled, but knew she was just being defensive. It took a moment, but eventually she swallowed her pride and continued. "Thank you. For stepping in when you did... I'm in your debt." It was true. He had saved her when he easily could have just left her to die. That wasn't a part she could skip over to save her ego.
__________________
You've had to walk a dark and terrible path alone.
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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan Interacting with: @dino.
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
Cedarstrike was exhausted.The she-cat wouldn't admit it, but she knew she wouldn't be able to win here. She was going to die and nobody would be there to witness it.
Or rather, that was what she thought would happen. In actuality, a large cat leapt from the brush, a blur of black through her tunnel vision. At that, Cedarstrike allowed herself to collapse, physically spent and breathing heavily on the ground as her eyes refocused...
Mountaintalon? She glanced around briefly and didn't see anyone else. It was unlikely that he followed her, but a possibility. As the fox was driven away, she stood.
The words made her feel embarrassed. It was stupid of her to come out alone... But he was alone, too. "I was coming out to train in silence. I didn't anticipate the fox... An oversight. What about you? It could have been you in my shoes." Cedarstrike rebuttaled, but knew she was just being defensive. It took a moment, but eventually she swallowed her pride and continued. "Thank you. For stepping in when you did... I'm in your debt." It was true. He had saved her when he easily could have just left her to die. That wasn't a part she could skip over to save her ego.
"Training usually involves a partner." Mountaintalon's expression was sour. "I'm out here alone because I can handle myself. You, clearly, are incapable of doing so."
That wasn't entirely true. She had done well enough defending herself from what he had seen, but a fox was still a fox, and a lone cat was usually no match for one. Cedarstrike had strength. Contemplation made his whiskers twitch briefly - and then again when she said she owed him.
He tucked that away for future reference and forced his features to soften, moving to help her stand again. "Come on. Someone needs to see to your injuries."
"Training usually involves a partner." Mountaintalon's expression was sour. "I'm out here alone because I can handle myself. You, clearly, are incapable of doing so."
That wasn't entirely true. She had done well enough defending herself from what he had seen, but a fox was still a fox, and a lone cat was usually no match for one. Cedarstrike had strength. Contemplation made his whiskers twitch briefly - and then again when she said she owed him.
He tucked that away for future reference and forced his features to soften, moving to help her stand again. "Come on. Someone needs to see to your injuries."
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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan <-> #cdrstrk Interacting with:
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
[Killer Aptitude 1][Kitty Softpaw 1]
"You know what? Sticks and stones, mister. Sticks and stones." Cedarstrike knew what she was capable of... Deep down, at least. She was powerful in her own right. His words shouldn't have hurt, but they did. She'd seen Mountaintalon around. She knew his strength- As a matter of fact, witnessed it plain. Right here in front of her. The she-cat was not as strong as he was... Yet. That was achievable. Still, it doused her fiery self-regard for the moment.
Accepting the assistance, she planted herself firmly on two feet. "Thank you. I really only have one thing I'm concerned about, so..." Cedar glanced toward her flank with a sigh. "Was there... Anything you needed out here? I could get it for you before we go." She didn't necessarily enjoy being indebted to someone. Maybe there was a chance to repay it quickly.
__________________
You've had to walk a dark and terrible path alone.
Sticks and stones, she said. The displeased look he gave her only increased in intensity as she continued to speak.
"No," he said flatly. To be owed seemed to be a rare thing these days, and Mountaintalon would rather not squander the opportunity. "I have nothing of importance to do... aside from returning you back home, that is."
He reached around with his tail to drape it over Cedarstrike's back, the gesture meant to convey a sense of protectiveness as well as retain a sliver of control over the situation. A beat passed, before he added roughly, "You have some strength to you if you were able to hold that fox off for as long as you did."
The statement was a direct contradiction of his earlier words, but that was intentional - an attempt to offer a bit of praise instead of continuing to verbally beat her down.
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<— Cedarstrike —>
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She-Cat <‐> 35 Moons <-> Warrior <-> Thunderclan <-> #cdrstrk Interacting with:
A grey-brown, long haired she-cat with tabby stripes and big yellow eyes. She is of average stature, if not only slightly on the larger side.
[Killer Aptitude 1][Kitty Softpaw 1]
The she-cat held back a groan. He was probably going to have her take his place on a patrol... "Well. I appreciate it, at least." She paid no real heed to the tail on her back, simply assuming he wanted to keep her near for safety's sake.
At the mention of her strength, however... She side-eyed him, whiskers twitching in satisfaction- and betraying her otherwise calm tone of voice when she spoke once more. "I agree. But I was overzealous. A habit I'm trying to break, because clearly it gets me in trouble." It felt good to be seen and she loved getting praise, but she was still so hard on herself.
__________________
You've had to walk a dark and terrible path alone.
The vole spun around chasing its tail until it got dizzy. Alpinepaw thought it was the perfect time to catch the elder. She quickly walked while keeping close to the ground. Now, they were half a meter away from each other. As the vole's vision was becoming steady, Alpinepaw pounced on the vole. It squeaked in fear and tried to escape her claws. It was unsuccessful and Alpinepaw's instinct was telling her to kill it. She bit down really hard and its spine broke. Snap!
"Well done!" Wolfhive called from wherever he was, BEAR. doesn't remember. "You're a natural." He was pretty sure he had mentioned that too; but having an assurance with her success never hurt.
A vulture and a vole was nothing to sneeze at either. "Why don't we go for one more thing, and if you're feeling up to it we can head back to camp?" He didn't want to overwork her too much - perfection wasn't done in a day, and she'd have many more to work on her hunting. What was important is she could do it, and knew it.
She picked the dead vole up with her maw and was feeling eager to hunt some more. Alpinepaw nodded excitedly and waited for further instructions. This vole looks like it is in its 'golden years'...Why did it spin? Alpinepaw thought while getting the vole damp with her saliva.
Attempting to smooth out his fluffed pelt from the vigorous shaking, Creepingpaw narrowed his eyes and stared in annoyance at Shockhoney. Normally, his temper would get the best of him and he would be up in arms about things like this. But his annoyed expression dropped as he began to feign a pouty face. "Y-Yeah...well I'm gonna get you back for that~" He teased, sticking his tongue out playfully before smirking and gently nudging her right back, as if to concede that the prank was, indeed, kinda funny.
Reeling from the laughter, Lavendersong sighed the last of her giggles out before collecting her demure composure and lifting herself off her haunches to head towards their next destination. She beckoned the two with her tail as she led the way to Willow's Rise as Creepingpaw kept his pace with Shockhoney. The young queen couldn't help smile to herself as they trekked on, noticing that her apprentice was loosening up and less angry.
Approaching the large and looming weeping willow lit up by the shards of light from the sun, Lavendersong turned around to face the pair and directed her attention to Creepingpaw,"This is Willow's Rise, a gravesite to commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives for ThunderClan."
Creepingpaw approaching the trunk of the willow tree as Lavendersong, closely examining the marks on the trunk before she chimed in, "It's a memorial to those who have perished in the last ThunderClan fire."
Shockhoney fell silent as they stood here, at Willow's Rise, letting the other two cats do their thing as she drifted a little ways off, blue gaze lingering on the mounds of dirt. Briefly, she wondered if her mother was here. She'd never asked Mountaintalon, and he'd never mentioned anything of the sort to her. She wondered, now, if she was even allowed to ask anymore after her latest misstep.
For a moment, Shockhoney stared at the horizon, jaw clamped shut, brow furrowed. The last of her litter and still a disappointment. Gone were Goosepaw, Wrenpaw, Shrikepaw, and Warblerpaw, but still she had not gained her father's favor. Or, she had, for a few heartbeats, and then messed up with her name change.
Shaking her head, the patterned molly turned back to Lavendersong and her apprentice as they began moving on. Oh, yay, they could head to the next place on the agenda. Sunkissed Creek.
Unfortunate Outcomes
Sunkissed Creek
