ThunderClan Territory

[Socks]

Originally Posted by Webpaw & Co

Webpaw kept running after the mouse. Once she got closer she pounced, missing it and falling on the ground. She sighed as she watched the mouse go. "Ugh no.." She got up and shook the dirt off of her before looking back at Rushshade.

"You won't be the type to hunt rabbits, I'll say that now." He watched the mouse scurry underneath the root of a tree. "But that doesn't mean you can't catch anything. We will practice your crouch. Prey can hear you, smell you, and sometimes feel when your paws hit the ground. There are different types of stances for different prey." He sunk down into a basic crouch, his body almost touching the ground, his tail down. "Try this."

[Tundra]

Tigerdawn flicked her tail. "Mmhmm... RiverClan does have the fish."

[doghouse]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

"S-sorry? For... for what?" Everything was so confusing at this point in life. Absolutely nothing made sense. And everything felt awkward, as though he were a kit being introduced to the world for the first time, opening his eyes, or taking his first wobbly steps. And he was, in a way. He was being introduced to a new world. He was opening his eyes to a new world around him... and he was taking his first wobbly steps in this, what he considered to be a great adventure. Perhaps the greatest. Right now it seemed like the adventure of the lifetime. But would it seem like that in a day? A moon? A year? Or would it be the same, forever remaining the greatest adventure that Timberstrike had ever and would ever be on? There was no way of knowing at the moment and at the rate things were going, he expected it would be. Even though just a few moons ago he had thought the battle was the greatest adventure.
　
But that had been before he knew. Before he realized. When he was a young tom, Timberstrike would never have thought about love. About anything, really. And... hadn't he still been an apprentice during that battle? It was so confusing, he felt as though the days all ran into each other now. 15 moons old. That was how old he was. A lot had happened in the past 5 moons alone, and even in the past three-- the time from when he had become a warrior to now-- so much had happened. Zerosight stepping down, Wheatfur becoming the medicine cat, Gyrestar stepping down, Snowstar becoming leader, and Fennelnose becoming deputy. That was all that had happened. Not to mention Northpath's death, which Timberstrike had found devastating... despite not knowing the young apprentice personally. He'd always liked Northpaw when he'd visited the medicine cat's den.
　
And, he'd always found the quiet tom to be very skilled. Despite not visiting the den much. Timberstrike was so happy to have Kiwipaw there now. Change had even effected the two young lovers, and while they might not know it now? It was going to effect them more. Growing up was a part of life, as was change. If there were no change in the world, no one would grow, learn, or fall in love. No one would become friends. The weather would always be the same. How would there even be more cats on earth, let alone in the Clans, if there was no change? No one would have a mate! No one would have kits! And, while the thought made Timberstrike a little uncomfortable now, he was certain that he would feel better about it in the future. He was in love with his best friend. That was change. If there was no change... then he would have never met her.
　
Whether that was a bad thing or not, he was actually on the fence about. No weird feelings. No drama, no stress... but there would be no love. No happiness. He wouldn't get the thrill of seeing her, saying her name, having her beside him. No fear. But he wouldn't have the pleasure of keeping her safe. And yes, that was a pleasure for him. He loved knowing that she was safe. He absolutely loved it. Because, if she was safe? Then he was happy. As long as she was okay, and living, and unhurt... then he would be able to go on. "Are you going to be okay?" It was a question he had already asked. He moved a little closer to her until his tabby pelt was touching her mixed one. There would be no confusion. But he would never get to have these little moments that seemed to make life worth living. Life went on, and change was a part of it... like it or not. But at least when there was change? There was some happiness.

Kiwipaw just shook her head, her bright green hues brimming with tears. She felt so lost all of the sudden, like nothing made sense anymore. She still couldn't admit her feelings to him. Just thinking about it made her stomach churn and head ache. But she hoped that he knew that she did love him, she just couldn't admit it. At least, not yet. Perhaps one day, maybe even soon, she would find a way to tell him, because out of all the things that were uncertain, the most concrete thing seemed to be her love for him. He was her best friend, and nothing would ever or could ever change that. But sometimes, Kiwipaw worried that not everything was as it seemed, and things would not go as she hoped. She worried that if she waited, Timberstrike would think that she didn't love him and would move on. Worry that her decision would destroy their friendship, one that seemed both unbreakable and extremely fragile. Would everything turn out okay if she waited? Because she was going to wait, and nothing was going to stop her, because she just couldn't bring herself to admit her feeling, not yet.

“I don't know anymore. . . .” Kiwipaw replied at last, her tone far away and unfocused, as if her thoughts were no longer on the present, which they weren't. They were on the future, and what it may hold. If it was going to be good or not. Right now, she felt as lost as a kit in a storm, and about as stable as one, too. Her head was spinning with all her emotions and thoughts, the two strongest being love and confusion. She felt so confused, and the calico didn't know what to do or what to think. But she was happy to be sitting there, side by side with the brown furred warrior, his presence a great comfort. After a moment, she calmed down, her confusion ebbing away. A warmth spread through her, but not like before; it was comfortable and pleasant, and it made her feel at ease and safe, unlike how it had once itched her skin and burned her pelt.

She realized that the sensation had not changed, it was the same exact thing. It was she who had changed. She had realized what it was and grown used to it and comfortable with it, since she knew what it was. The ThunderClan apprentice closed her eyes and leaned gently in towards Timberstrike, feeling relaxed. Right now, it didn't matter that she couldn't tell him. It was plain enough in her actions, and all her worries and troubles were no longer hers, if only for this short moment. The molly tucked her chin against her chest, almost dozing off, but careful not to. For she was remembering something, and one of the most important things there was to Kiwipaw. She remembered how all those moons ago, how she had sort of ambushed Timberstrike and probably scared him a little. How he had flirted with her, and how much fun they had had. Back then, Kiwipaw would never have imagined that this would ever happen, that she would be still with him today, their friendship growing into a little bit more than that, something beautiful.

Things had been so much simpler, and so much more innocent, but Kiwipaw didn't miss it at all. For back then, she hadn't loved Timberstrike, and had felt nothing but the gentle pull of longing, and not for him in particular, but for a friend. Now, she looked back and saw that both she and Timberstrike had changed so much, and in a good way, but not in a way that made her feel differently about him, or even herself. She was more mature, and had seen a lot since making the decision to join ThunderClan. She had grown a lot as well, both of them had, and they had not only grown up, but they had grown together, closer every time they spoke. “Yes, I'll be fine. Will you?” she purred, looking up and meeting his gaze, her neck fur bristling slightly, but she forced it flat. She had to make sure that he was going to be fine. She slowly pulled away her gaze and stared into the sun dappled forest, watching out for any movement. Although somehow, it felt like right now, thee only things in the world were her and Timberstrike, and the happiness that seemed to pulse through the air.

( I am so, so sorry this is so late! I was having technical difficulties and having to retype it several times. )

[lone]

Originally Posted by AbsurdJinx

Minkpaw expressed confusion as they sat up, glancing around to determine where their mentor vanished to. As their head moved, bits of dirt would fall from their muzzle, especially their chin. Finally, Minkpaw settled their gaze on Amberflame, a cheerful expression replacing the confusion. Though they had failed to bring their opponent to the ground as planned, they looked at their failure as play. However, before they could continue to launch themselves at Amberflame, their mentor spoke.


Minkpaw nodded as though having understood Amberflame's note. However, they didn't exactly understand. Weren't cats all the same? They mean, weren't all WindClan cats lithe? Weren't all RiverClan cats expert swimmers? And then Amberflame launched herself at Minkpaw, causing the apprentice to release a thrilled squeal while jumping backwards to escape their mentor's attempted attack. Shivers of exhilaration ran throughout their body, and they sported an excited smile. They'd played like this in the nursery!

Amberflame felt her paw touch the apprentice, just barely brushing against them, before she fell, landing on the ground with a grunt. "Very good! You learn fast." Battle training was one of Amberflame's favorite things so far. At least, Minkpaw was a lot less annoying then they had been previously. Perhaps this was going to work out after all. Just as long as she remained impartial and didn't get too attached to the bouncy, excitable feline. Again she tried the same attack, although she supposed Minkpaw would see it this time. Still, she pushed off with a little more force so that if Minkpaw were to move again, she would land on top of the apprentice. A WindClan cat might not try that, but Amberflame was trying to think of another movement to do. What was a good one that someone might try to do. The multicolored she cat leapt through the air, her powerful legs propelling her quickly.

[Webpaw All The Way~]

Originally Posted by Socks

"You won't be the type to hunt rabbits, I'll say that now." He watched the mouse scurry underneath the root of a tree. "But that doesn't mean you can't catch anything. We will practice your crouch. Prey can hear you, smell you, and sometimes feel when your paws hit the ground. There are different types of stances for different prey." He sunk down into a basic crouch, his body almost touching the ground, his tail down. "Try this."

Webpaw sighed than nodded, copying his crouch. Her tailed twitched, nervous. "Is this good?" She looked over at him.

[Charmer]

Originally Posted by Flameleaf

Tigerdawn flicked her tail. "Mmhmm... RiverClan does have the fish."

"Good for them," Cherrypaw remarked. Diligently, she took another sniff of the scent marker, memorizing the Riverclan smell. Then she looked at Tigerdawn, her nervousness forgotten as she wondered where her mentor would take her next.

[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

[/CENTER]

Amberflame felt her paw touch the apprentice, just barely brushing against them, before she fell, landing on the ground with a grunt. "Very good! You learn fast." Battle training was one of Amberflame's favorite things so far. At least, Minkpaw was a lot less annoying then they had been previously. Perhaps this was going to work out after all. Just as long as she remained impartial and didn't get too attached to the bouncy, excitable feline. Again she tried the same attack, although she supposed Minkpaw would see it this time. Still, she pushed off with a little more force so that if Minkpaw were to move again, she would land on top of the apprentice. A WindClan cat might not try that, but Amberflame was trying to think of another movement to do. What was a good one that someone might try to do. The multicolored she cat leapt through the air, her powerful legs propelling her quickly.

Minkpaw felt excitement drive them, the type of excitement a kit would feel when they were playing with their denmates. They basked in Amberflame's compliment, flashing their mentor an appreciative - and proud - smile. They stood tall, their neck craned slightly where they could look at their mentor, but their flank was still on complete display. And then Amberflame launched again. Shocked, their smile fell and they quickly tried to work out what to do. They had the imagination of a kit, and right now, it was as if they were in a real battle, facing an opponent that actually wanted to hurt them. They knew they couldn't run this time, they'd have to fight. What were some moves they'd used in the nursery? And then it hit them. Minkpaw, in a desperate attempt to defend themselves, lowered into a crouch. When Amberflame hit them, they'd push off with all their strength against the ground to throw their mentor off balance.

[lone]

Originally Posted by AbsurdJinx

Minkpaw felt excitement drive them, the type of excitement a kit would feel when they were playing with their denmates. They basked in Amberflame's compliment, flashing their mentor an appreciative - and proud - smile. They stood tall, their neck craned slightly where they could look at their mentor, but their flank was still on complete display. And then Amberflame launched again. Shocked, their smile fell and they quickly tried to work out what to do. They had the imagination of a kit, and right now, it was as if they were in a real battle, facing an opponent that actually wanted to hurt them. They knew they couldn't run this time, they'd have to fight. What were some moves they'd used in the nursery? And then it hit them. Minkpaw, in a desperate attempt to defend themselves, lowered into a crouch. When Amberflame hit them, they'd push off with all their strength against the ground to throw their mentor off balance.

Amberflame landed almost directly on top of Minkpaw - just where she wanted to be. Quickly, the warrior scrambled to pin her apprentice's haunches down. That way, when they tried to fight back? They wouldn't be able to. All they could do was sit and wait for Amberflame to get off of them. Although, perhaps the trick wouldn't work too well... it always had, though! "Okay, Minkpaw. Don't ever let... a WindClan cat... get you... pinned." The feline panted, winded. She didn't want to let it show too clearly though. It was embarassing that a young apprentice... her own apprentice... had winded her the first time through in battle training. Now, if it were the case with a young WindClan apprentice and older ThunderClan warrior, it wouldn't be too serious. The apprentice wouldn't be strong enough, nor have the patience to keep a warrior pinned down for long. Amberflame wondered what would happen if she stayed down when an apprentice pinned her. They might die of excitement from actually doing something worthwhile. Then again - if they didn't, it was better not to risk it.

[AbsurdJinx]

Originally Posted by Lonestar23

[/CENTER]

Amberflame landed almost directly on top of Minkpaw - just where she wanted to be. Quickly, the warrior scrambled to pin her apprentice's haunches down. That way, when they tried to fight back? They wouldn't be able to. All they could do was sit and wait for Amberflame to get off of them. Although, perhaps the trick wouldn't work too well... it always had, though! "Okay, Minkpaw. Don't ever let... a WindClan cat... get you... pinned." The feline panted, winded. She didn't want to let it show too clearly though. It was embarassing that a young apprentice... her own apprentice... had winded her the first time through in battle training. Now, if it were the case with a young WindClan apprentice and older ThunderClan warrior, it wouldn't be too serious. The apprentice wouldn't be strong enough, nor have the patience to keep a warrior pinned down for long. Amberflame wondered what would happen if she stayed down when an apprentice pinned her. They might die of excitement from actually doing something worthwhile. Then again - if they didn't, it was better not to risk it.

Minkpaw huffed in defeat, looking up at Amberflame who appeared to be breathing rather heavily. They chuckled softly in amusement. Who knew that a newly-appointed apprentice could wind the strong warrior? But in Amberflame's defense, Minkpaw was a rather lithe and agile feline. At Amberflame's words, Minkpaw tilted their head to the side slightly in confusion. But what if Minkpaw used their strength against the WindClan cat? Shouldn't the WindClan cat, slender and lightweight, not be strong enough to hold them down? But then they remembered their mentor's words - that every cat was their own cat, with their own personalities and advantages. Minkpaw had gone slack under Amberflame's weight, releasing a puff of disappointment in the way the spar turned out.

[lone]

Originally Posted by Skjoldolfr

Kiwipaw just shook her head, her bright green hues brimming with tears. She felt so lost all of the sudden, like nothing made sense anymore. She still couldn't admit her feelings to him. Just thinking about it made her stomach churn and head ache. But she hoped that he knew that she did love him, she just couldn't admit it. At least, not yet. Perhaps one day, maybe even soon, she would find a way to tell him, because out of all the things that were uncertain, the most concrete thing seemed to be her love for him. He was her best friend, and nothing would ever or could ever change that. But sometimes, Kiwipaw worried that not everything was as it seemed, and things would not go as she hoped. She worried that if she waited, Timberstrike would think that she didn't love him and would move on. Worry that her decision would destroy their friendship, one that seemed both unbreakable and extremely fragile. Would everything turn out okay if she waited? Because she was going to wait, and nothing was going to stop her, because she just couldn't bring herself to admit her feeling, not yet.

“I don't know anymore. . . .” Kiwipaw replied at last, her tone far away and unfocused, as if her thoughts were no longer on the present, which they weren't. They were on the future, and what it may hold. If it was going to be good or not. Right now, she felt as lost as a kit in a storm, and about as stable as one, too. Her head was spinning with all her emotions and thoughts, the two strongest being love and confusion. She felt so confused, and the calico didn't know what to do or what to think. But she was happy to be sitting there, side by side with the brown furred warrior, his presence a great comfort. After a moment, she calmed down, her confusion ebbing away. A warmth spread through her, but not like before; it was comfortable and pleasant, and it made her feel at ease and safe, unlike how it had once itched her skin and burned her pelt.

She realized that the sensation had not changed, it was the same exact thing. It was she who had changed. She had realized what it was and grown used to it and comfortable with it, since she knew what it was. The ThunderClan apprentice closed her eyes and leaned gently in towards Timberstrike, feeling relaxed. Right now, it didn't matter that she couldn't tell him. It was plain enough in her actions, and all her worries and troubles were no longer hers, if only for this short moment. The molly tucked her chin against her chest, almost dozing off, but careful not to. For she was remembering something, and one of the most important things there was to Kiwipaw. She remembered how all those moons ago, how she had sort of ambushed Timberstrike and probably scared him a little. How he had flirted with her, and how much fun they had had. Back then, Kiwipaw would never have imagined that this would ever happen, that she would be still with him today, their friendship growing into a little bit more than that, something beautiful.

Things had been so much simpler, and so much more innocent, but Kiwipaw didn't miss it at all. For back then, she hadn't loved Timberstrike, and had felt nothing but the gentle pull of longing, and not for him in particular, but for a friend. Now, she looked back and saw that both she and Timberstrike had changed so much, and in a good way, but not in a way that made her feel differently about him, or even herself. She was more mature, and had seen a lot since making the decision to join ThunderClan. She had grown a lot as well, both of them had, and they had not only grown up, but they had grown together, closer every time they spoke. “Yes, I'll be fine. Will you?” she purred, looking up and meeting his gaze, her neck fur bristling slightly, but she forced it flat. She had to make sure that he was going to be fine. She slowly pulled away her gaze and stared into the sun dappled forest, watching out for any movement. Although somehow, it felt like right now, thee only things in the world were her and Timberstrike, and the happiness that seemed to pulse through the air.

( I am so, so sorry this is so late! I was having technical difficulties and having to retype it several times. )

She didn't know? She didn't know. She didn't know... The realization seemed to hit Timberstrike and he stopped for a minute, looking at her. Swallowing lightly. His expression was worried and he gently brushed his tail alongside her. Hopefully she was going to be okay. Everything was so confusing at this point at time. Right now, Timberstrike was trying to focus on being a sucessful warrior and he knew that Kiwipaw wanted to complete her training. He also knew that it would be harder to do that with... distractions. Not that that was all his friend was, but she was certainly a type of distraction for him. After all... these feelings were taking up time and energy, and wasn't she the cause? Timberstrike didn't mind. But he hoped things weren't distracting Kiwipaw from her training. Her mentor, Featherspeckle, sounded nice... it was a nice name. A nice name for a nice cat, he hoped. Timberstrike felt like he knew Featherspeckle already - he could almost picture her even from her name.
　
After all, there was no way that a cat with a name like that could be rough. He wasn't sure his suffix, 'strike,' was the correct one for him. Timberstrike. Made him sound a little cruel, didn't it? And at the same time, the tom loved his name. It was interesting. It made him sound cool. And, for a tom who didn't have too many friends, a cool suffix was pretty much all he had. Besides, he had his prefix and pelt color to thank too. Probably wouldn't have a name like that if it weren't for them. Now he was sounding like a creep. Turning his thoughts back to the present, the tom glanced over at his young friend. He needed to quit thinking about how pretty she was. But, the calico did indeed have a stunning appearance. "You're beautiful." The words were spoken under his breath, and would be barely audible to anyone outside - but Timberstrike knew who he was talking about. He was talking about his friend. A unique cat who was more special then all others to him.
　
His... soulmate, if you believed in that type of thing. Perhaps he would call her that. Although that was a little extravagant. Maybe she would make a good partner for life, but Timberstrike wasn't sure if he was ready for that or yet. He wasn't even ready to consider it. And besides, she was an apprentice - she definitely wasn't ready, or old enough. Perhaps she would be ready in another season or two. That would be a good amount of time to allow her to grow, get used to her settings as a warrior, and by then Timberstrike would have more experience. By then he would be prepared for whatever the Clan might throw at him. And hopefully, WindClan wouldn't be stupid enough to pick a fight with his Clan. Hopefully by then the troubles with WindClan would be over and ThunderClan would once more be in a peaceful era. But, from what he knew, the leaders of both Clans were reasonable cats who would most likely be willing to try and find a peaceful solution.
　
They wouldn't jump right into war. Feeling his female companion lean into him was a comforting and relaxing movement for the tom. For him, Kiwipaw was like his rock. Although he knew even rocks needed others to hold them up sometimes. He knew he couldn't count on her to do everything for him. To help him through everything. There were some things in life that he was just going to have to do for himself. "I'll be alright. I'm glad you're going to be okay, Kiwipaw... and maybe - maybe after you finish your training... there's a chance I- I mean, we- we could get together." He finished his statement. Hey, what was the use of beating around the bush now? She already knew that he believed he loved her. So, the best thing to do was to take the next step. Move to the next level. That was, if she felt the same and he... he just had a feeling that she did. As far as he could tell, she at least returned the majority of his feelings towards her. For her.
　
She was a special cat, that was for sure. And the last thing that Timberstrike would want to do was push her into anything. When she was comfortable, she would move on her own. When she was ready to go, she would do everything on her own. He knew she would. And Timberstrike would be there to support her. He would block her from any oncoming assault. He would be there to protect her when she needed it and stand beside her when she didn't.