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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 6, 2011 22:12:42 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
His wintery blue eyes bathed the grassy clearing they called camp in their sharp watchfulness. He never slept in a den anymore - his place was out under the stars curled up in a soft swirl of lush grass collected straight from the moor. The other seniors thought he would pay for it with stiff joints in the future, but Ripplesurf would never be discouraged. The day he retreated into a warm den was the day he retreated to Starclan. Even then, who said he couldn't sleep outside? Another thought hit him, stirring his determination. If he made it to leader, then he would be expected to sleep in the den for his own safety.
Pale silver tail-tip flicking, the brawny tom smoothed down his flaring white chest fur with his tongue. I'll think about that when I get there. He thought calmly, wishing not to think of Paintedstar as a brilliant addition to Silverpelt. Speaking of the starry belt, he looked up, awe never fading through the moons of looking up at the infinite night sky. Through the dark clouds you could see splashes of deeper midnight sparkling with thousands of tiny lights. Dew drops, or diamonds could easily be used to describe them. Ripplesurf's dark grey pelt looked more like silver in the faint light, tonight dimmer since the clouds were lazily floating over the waxing crescent that hung high above him. It was moving towards the highest point, already half-way there.
The observation triggered a memory. "Meet me in my den half-way to moon high. We can share words there." His leader's directions echoed in his mind, the deputy already standing and padding towards the tuxedo she-cat's den. His large paws hesitated as he passed the fresh-kill pile, head tilting back and fourth as he weighed his options. Should he bring her a late meal? Or show up with just an apology? The later sounded too harsh on himself, she probably rather not eat this late and wait for morning. Nodding absentmindedly he swiftly reached the entrance to her private quarters. "Paintedstar?" He called, deep voice steady and curious.
He didn't just want to barge in, that was rude. If she was asleep he would check back just before dawn tomorrow - it was important they had words and stayed informed with each other. Waiting patiently outside the quiet den, the older tom thought about a complaint he had heard his son share with another warrior.
"I'm so tired lately! Had a headache too. I don't know two rabbit-tails about herbs and there isn't a blasted medicine cat...you know any -" The first part of his sentence had gotten to the tom. His fatigue and headache was probably due to his rambunctious ways and Ripplesurf dismissed them. The fact that there was no medicine cat was troubling. How could there be a proper clan without one? Zephyrclan needed to stay strong, and healthy cats and a good connection to Starclan was how that happened. A sullen expression crossed his handsome face. He would talk about this with Paintedstar.
Looking up again the grey cat pushed away his worries. He waited for an answer - and hopefully - permission to enter.
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Post by lace ! on Jul 7, 2011 10:32:26 GMT -5
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A sweet aroma wafted around a she-cats nose. It smelled of sweet honey and herbs. The she-cat could almost see the tendrils of the smell swirling around in the air around her. With a blink, it disappeared. The scent lingered for only a moment, before fading. Sadness crept upon she-cat, washing over her pelt. The scent had reminded her of her mother, Petalfur. The sweet, sandy she-cat had cared for Paintedstar and her sister, Cherrystorm, for most of their life. She had always been there for them, unlike their father, Darkclaw. A shiver crept along the base of the tuxedo she-cats spine. She had loved her father, and would have given anything to keep him alive, but when he had been alive, he had sometimes been, off. He hadn't seemed that way in StarClan, though, when he was delivering one of her nine lives. In stead, he had seemed sweet and compassionate, and he looked younger than how he did while he walked the forest. He had only been one of nine cats to deliver lives, though. Some of the others had been Cherrystorm, Petalfur, and Swishstar, the old ZephyrClan leader.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Paintedstar was brought back into reality by a call from her deputy, Ripplesurf. She had only appointed him deputy several sunrises ago, but he was already proving to be the right choice. And StarClan had shown no regret or disappointment. Had they? She thought, fear pricking her paws. No. she decided firmly. StarClan would have visited her in her dreams. Although that was usually only for medicine cats, ZephyrClan currently did not have one, so Paintedstar was next in line to receive dreams and prophecies. There had been none, so far, but was it because the forest was momentarily safe, or was it because StarClan had stopped watching over her? If StarClan had stopped watching over her, had they stopped watching ZephyrClan? Surely not! If something were to happen to ZephyrClan, then there would only be three clans in the forest; there had always been four. ZephyrClan was strong now, just beginning to grow in size. Shadekit and Rustlekit were ready to become apprentices.
Stopping her panic, the she-cat thought about the mentors for the apprentices. Poisonfang had seemed like the ideal choice for a mentor for Shadepaw. The warrior was experienced, and his personality was patient, something that would be needed to train the apprentice. But who would be ideal for Rustlepaw? Flicking her tail, the ZephyrClan leader went through the list of all her warriors. Noxbane! She decided finally. Yes, Noxbane was perfect for Rustlepaw. Glad to have that out of the way, the she-cat sat up, wrapping her tail around her paws. A wave of guilt fell over her, she had forgotten Ripplesurf's call! "Come in!"
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 7, 2011 18:51:45 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
"Come in!"
The large tom cat didn't hesitate when he heard Paintedstar's gentle call. So she was awake. His broad shoulders filled the entrance, figure casting a shadow over the she-cat as he loomed over her, letting his winter blue eyes adjust to the darkness. The deputy laid about a tail length away from the tuxedo, folding his massive paws as he settled down into a comfortable position. The den was a fair temperature, his thick grey fur establishing his body's climate at a toasty 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Head dipping respectfully, Ripplesurf started off with the usual exchange.
"A nice night." He commented, lifting his white chin just an iota. His sharp eyes met with her blue-green ones, somehow even in this dim sanctuary he could see the alluring traction they had about them. She was a pretty young thing; he wouldn't deny it. Twenty moons ago he would have been game for trying to pick her up, but looking at it now that was rather ridiculous. First of all she was his leader, second of all twenty moons ago she was a young warrior just starting out. He had been a warrior for a good ten moons by then.
The thought impelled him to realize his own age, and how he had been around Zephyrclan for quite a while. But it doesn't seem so. It seemed like yesterday he had been a bursting young warrior, the day before that a rambunctious apprentice. It all had a dream-like quality to it really. Blinking a few times to clear away long past memories, he focused on what was now. He still had plenty of life left in him, and needed to carry on this conversation.
"You must have something you wanted to talk to me about, but I'd like to start off with a question." He meowed slowly, putting the words together with a relaxed binding. The grey tabby flicked his tail idly. "Shadekit and Rustlekit are ready to become apprentices, (As I'm sure you know,) did you have any mentors in mind?" He cocked his head slightly, quizzical stare unwavering. "Zephyrclan is doing well." He purred, the words not directed to her, but in general. The rumble sounded like he had swallowed thunder. Don't forget the medicine cat situation. He reminded himself, putting a mental note in the front of his mind.
Ripplesurf's expression turned thoughtful, maybe not waiting for her to start was a bad idea. "My apologies if I've sidetracked you." He sighed, glancing at the ground. "I guess I still have some leftover enthusiasm from being named deputy." His voice was quiet, but a sheepish smile crossed his handsome face. He still had the looks, no doubt.
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Post by lace ! on Jul 8, 2011 16:22:29 GMT -5
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Paintedstar stared at her deputy for a moment. He has come in and immediately said what had been on her mind. Had he done that on purpose? Shaking her tail, she decided not. Perhaps it had been on his mind, too. After all, she had been late with Firekit's ceremony. Was he, and the clan, beginning to think she was going to be late with Shadekit and Rustlekit's ceremony? Suppressing a shiver of angst, the tuxedo she-cat shook her head. "Of course,"
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[/color] She said, waving her tail. Now that she had said it aloud, she felt a lot more confident in her choices. The two warriors would be excellent mentors to the kits, just like Ashstorm had been to Firepaw so far. Taking a breath, the ZephyrClan leader continued. "Poisonfang needs something to do nowadays, his energy may have depleted since his first moons as a warrior, but he still has too much."[/color] She said, chuckling at how odd this sounded. Poisonfang was older than Paintedstar herself by a good ten moons, if not more. She continued anyways, hoping Ripplesurf would make no notice of the realization. "And Noxbane would match Rustlekit perfectly. I can already tell the little tom is going to be quite the handful."[/color] She said, giving a purr of amusement. She remembered when she was a kit, somewhat. She didn't have all the memories still, although she was young, but she remembered most of the adventures she had taken with Cherrystorm. The two had been like any other litter of kits, annoying, pesky, and adventurous. They had escaped the camp many times, as well as stumbled onto other clans territories as well. Scuffling her paw on the ground, Paintedstar looked at her deputy. "But that's not why I asked to talk to you."[/color] She said, all traces of amusement gone. Her voice was flat and monotone, her eyes cold and expressionless. "I want to talk to you about my recent beliefs."[/color] The tuxedo she-cat began, suddenly nervous. What if Ripplesurf didn't believe her? What if he told the rest of the clan? Would they over throw her? Eyes widening slightly, the she-cat continued, trying not to portray her sudden change of emotion in her voice. "I have started to lose faith in our warrior ancestors. I am losing faith in StarClan."[/color] She mewed, voice low, soft, and deep. She stared at Ripplesurf with expectant eyes. Would he believe her?[/center] × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 10, 2011 11:21:48 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
A faint trace of tension seemed to radiate from Paintedstar before she spoke. Ripplesurf took no notice of it, too intent on her answer. "Of course," The large tom unconsciously leaned in a little, though his calm never wavered. "I was thinking Noxbane for Rustlekit and Poisonfang for Shadekit."
"Poisonfang needs something to do nowadays, his energy may have depleted since his first moons as a warrior, but he still has too much."
Poisonfang for Shadedpaw is a great pick. He thought, remembering the very day the grey tabby was born. The deputy knew he was a loyal warrior that would do well at teaching the young she-cat the ways of Zephyrclan; he was looking forward to seeing their progress. He slightly cocked an eyebrow (or where one was supposed to be) as he came across the fact that Poisonfang was older than the leader, but she knew that. It'll give him something to focus on. He finalized, referring to the future mentor.
"And Noxbane would match Rustlekit perfectly. I can already tell the little tom is going to be quite the handful."
As Noxbane was. Ripplesurf almost voiced his mind, but held fast. She would teach him to express himself when he needed to and hold it in when he didn't, maybe even give him the confidence to look warriors in the eye. His tranquil silence was held for a few more moments as he formed what he was to say in his head. "Those are excellent choices indeed." He finally meowed, tone deep as he gave a slight nod.
"But that's not why I asked to talk to you." Everything about the tuxedo hardened, dissipated, or simply went cold. Instantly questions surged through him. Is it something about me? Have I done something wrong? Or maybe it is about the medicine cat... He wasn't worked up, if she had a concern with him so be it - he patiently waited for her to share. "I want to talk to you about my recent beliefs." Ripplesurf's winter blue gaze didn't leave her's. "I have started to lose faith in our warrior ancestors. I am losing faith in StarClan."
Somehow this wasn't surprising to him, and he hadn't expected it at all. Who would have known Paintedstar, one of the most promising felines in Zephyrclan, could even doubt her ancestors? He softly exhaled. What do I say to something like this? His locked stare didn't flinch or glance away, he was going to address her directly. "Paintedstar," He meowed, eyes sharp but not unfriendly. "I was appointed deputy of this clan only a few sunrises ago, but my duties and responsibilities are the same as those before me." His long tail swept around to his front paws, pale silver tail tip flicking idly. "I will stand by you and respect your decisions, help you best I can." His somber voice was quiet, if anyone overheard any of this...
"But I can not help you with your faith. It is up to you if you choose to believe or not, that goes for every cat. I myself was raised to believe, as all clan cats are. I still have hope and faith in those above us, they watch over us and advise us best they can. They can be wrathful or merciful, or pick to show nothing at all." Not often did his age catch up to him, but here in this dim lit den, laying in front of his leader, Ripplesurf seemed worn as the moor he lived on. "All I can say is that I am sure of your ability to lead Zephyrclan, whether you choose to let our ancestors light your path or not. I'm here for you, Paintedstar. Never forget these cats here love and respect you, look to you for leadership only you can give. If you tell them you have indeed lost faith, think of what that will do to them? Until you are sure of what you feel, I request you keep this between us. For the good of the clan."
The elderly look vanished shortly after he finished, his normal self returning as if it had never left. Blinking to replenish his dry eyes, he still hadn't looked away from her emotionless, alluring gaze. Starclan help us.
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Post by lace ! on Jul 11, 2011 12:05:27 GMT -5
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Paintedstar stared at her deputy. The tom didn't seemed surprised by her confession. Unease pricked her paws. Had he guessed it all along? Did the clan know? Suddenly nervous, the she-cat ignored the urge to race out of the den and question the clan. She wanted to know, she deserved to know. But perhaps the entire clan didn't know. Perhaps only Ripplesurf had known, for he was closer to her than most of the clan. It sounded wrong to phrase it that way, but it was true. The clan leader was often distant from most of the clan. Other than relatives, they didn't get close to many cats. Sure, a male leader may have a mate and kits, but you didn't exactly see leaders running around the camp and striking up conversations. They usually stayed in their den, thinking over their duties. A leaders life was always filled with responsibilities and duties, one could not afford to chat all day.
What Ripplesurf said next surprised the tuxedo she-cat. She knew he had his duties, just as she had hers, but a deputy was supposed to stick by a leaders side. She did not expect the tom to lose faith, but wasn't he basically telling her she was on her own? This was only strengthening her current beliefs. Anger swelled up inside the she-cat, and she could barely listen to the tom finish his statements. "I see."
"I understand your point then, Ripplesurf. And I shall maintain your request. It is, after all, for the good of clan." She said, her voice hard. She had confided in someone, and they had reacted opposite of what she wanted. But what did she want him to do? Beg StarClan to show her a sign? Confess his lack of beliefs too? No, if the confessed, she might lose all sanity. She could barely deal with her own, let alone someone elses. Her deputy, on top of that. Giving herself a mental shake, she looked at her deputy with cold, emotionless eyes. "Thank you for understanding." She said through forced teeth. It took all she had not to wail to him, to beg him to help her. But that was not what a clan leader should do. Calm and composed, the tuxedo she-cat blinked at her deputy, willing to dismiss him without words.
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 12, 2011 13:37:45 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
It was a cutthroat world. And unfair, cruel, and mysterious cutthroat world. Ripplesurf couldn't help but gently shake his head as he got to his massive pale silver paws, wintery gaze almost apologetic as it swept over the smaller tuxedo for the last time that night. "Anytime." He meowed respectfully nodding. It couldn't be any clearer that she was displeased with his reaction; his advice. It wasn't as if he was judging her, or trying to ignore her internal issues. He really did care, he swore it on his heart and soul. Heart and soul. But what was he supposed to do? He still had his faith and he wouldn't abandon it or pretend to lose it to please anyone. Not even Paintedstar. It interfered with the warrior code...Hell it all does.
He turned gracefully, long tail retracting to his side as he squeezed to circle around. If he ever got to be leader, this den would have to be enlarged...Don't think like that. He spat at himself, top lip twitching. All of this new information was getting to him. Inhaling and exhaling, he started out of the den again only to pause and look to the side. He had thought of one last question. "You don't have to tell me, but what has given you these doubts?" His deep voice seemed lighter, distant. Calm. He was deathly silent as he waited for an answer, not able to fathom a single guess. He hadn't noticed any signs or omens, nothing out of the norm. No betrayals between those living and no longer alive.
Starclan had said the wait to choose a deputy was fine, hadn't they? Surely she wasn't thinking....
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Post by lace ! on Jul 15, 2011 18:46:33 GMT -5
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Paintedstar's body jerked at the deputies words. Had he guessed it? "I cannot tell you."
Tail trembling, the she-cat felt her whiskers quiver. If this was StarClan's idea of punishing her, she was beginning to think begging them for death would be better. How could she continue to be the leader of ZephyrClan if she couldn't even trust her own deputy? She couldn't walk around camp doubting every warriors actions or thoughts. She knew her warriors for loyal, but part of her judged they weren't. That same part told her that the entire way of StarClan was horrid and fake. The tuxedo she-cat couldn't listen to that, though. She had grown up believing in StarClan, all forest cats did. She knew even some rogues were born that way, taught to believe in a greater force among the stars. Perhaps they didn't call it StarClan, but it was the same idea.
Giving herself another shake, the she-cat stared at the deputy, willing him to see through her facade. She had walls up, but perhaps he could see through. Perhaps he would come through when she needed him, and he would comfort her, and make things better. But the ZephyrClan leader knew she was only lying to herself, he had just expressed himself clearly; that he did not share her current state of mind and beliefs. Why would a single, pleading look change anything?
OOC: ;A; I'm sorry it's crappy.
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 18, 2011 12:26:34 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
Ripplesurf wasn't crestfallen by her unwillingness to tell him, if anything he had expected she wouldn't share. Maybe the condemning words meeting this tense air would ignite something bigger than the situation which they both found themselves in. If so, maybe it was best her mouth stay closed. Again, he thought back to the clan. No, not to the clan. Paintedstar herself. How hard it would be to pretend in front of an entire clan that you had a connection to the stars above; the pressure one would feel during ceremonies when speaking of and to spirits you didn't trust or believe in! Questions poked at the brawny tom with unease. If her heart wasn't where her mouth was, and she preformed the ceremonies, would Starclan accept it? Shadekit and Rustlekit's apprenticeship was about to start, but would Starclan accept them as real apprentices when they had been deemed so by a cat that didn't have faith?
His alarm was immersed into his wintery blue orbs before it could reach the surface. No, it wouldn't be fair to Shadekit and Rustlekit. Starclan is always fair. The thought was fraud, but he got the comfort he needed from it. The gray tabby knew himself Starclan was not always fair. Life itself wasn't always fair. But Shadekit and Rustlekit had done nothing to deserve punishment, their innocence was too great to be abolished by another's mistake. Is that what Paintedstar's choice is, a mistake? No. An unfortunate loss. Besides, that would mean his own deputy-ship wasn't valid....
And if it's not? This time he couldn't help his eyes as they widened. A uncomfortable feeling was worming its way inside him. "So be it." His thoughtful pause had been too long, and his reply felt late and awkward. He hadn't expected to lay sights on her again, but his gaze found itself sharp and magnetized to her. She looked....in a sense....broken? No. His mind couldn't muster a fitting word. He was starting to feel tired, his plentiful energy bar grazing low. He could already image himself sinking into the moor grass, silverpelt looking down on him. With repugnance? Something about the she-cat suggested a word he hadn't thought of. Pleading. Honestly cherishing her well-being, Ripplesurf somehow felt he hadn't done enough for her. His inner self took him back to an early time, when he was young and innocent and true with all of his intentions. There he found something.
Once again graciously making a tight circle, he slowly approached the leader, hovering closer then before. "Would you like me to stay a while?" He popped the question easily, smooth and just as relaxed. "Genuine feline to feline comfort?" He cracked a smile, the phrase seeming foreign. Sometimes just the presence of another being close was enough, possibly that was what the pretty tuxedo needed. If not, hell, he looked like a fool. But he had tried with the best (and purest!) of intentions.
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Post by lace ! on Jul 24, 2011 21:37:12 GMT -5
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The ZephyrClan leader watched her deputy's eyes grow large, and her pelt pricked with unease. What had she done? He had clearly expressed his beliefs, that he believed in StarClan, and that they were there, although not always fair. But had her words sunk in? Was he doubting himself? Worry shaking the she-cat to her core, she dug her claws into the ground. Why did she have to invite him here, tonight? Was she so weak that she could not manage her own problems by herself? What was the use in dragging others into it? Ripplesurf had done nothing wrong, so why did she need to throw her burdens onto him, weighing him down while adding to his own? She was ZephyrClan's leader, she should be strong. In fact, it was less than two moons ago that she had been in contact with StarClan, given her nine lives. Why had the doubting come so quickly?
Then she remembered, her late choice of deputy. That's what had started it all. If that was the case, she thought, then it was his burden, too. No.
Paintedstar watched at the tom circled once again, as if his previous signal to leave had been disregarded. Was he disobeying her? Yes, but she could not punish it, she decided. After all, he was offering her help, the help she had pleaded this entire time for. But now, she wasn't quite sure she wanted it. She had been keen enough to actually plead only a moment earlier, but something had clicked inside her, and the strong side was emerging. Still, it would be rude to turn down his offer, and this would not happen often. She would be spending many nights alone in her den, for female leaders could not have a mate. She could request a warriors presence in her den, but very seldom does anyone except the leader sleep in the leaders den. It is only ceremonial, traditional, but that was by the ways of StarClan. Did she have to obey them now, that her belief in them was gone? Yes, she did, for she still had a clan to serve, a clan whose faith in StarClan was still strong.
Nodding her head in what felt like a delayed response, the she-cat lay down, curling her tail over her paws. She did not care if the tom saw her like this, utterly defeated and broken. If her beliefs did not ripen once more, he would have to get used to her being like this. The entire clan would, for what is a clan cat, a leader at that, without faith in their ancestors? Shaking herself mentally, the she-cat parted her jaw to speak. "I would rather enjoy your presence."
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 28, 2011 11:39:41 GMT -5
{ R } IPPLESURF
Ripplesurf flicked his tail in response to her untimely words and settled himself about a tail-length away, bulky figure looking a little less big when he relaxed and placed his white chin on his massive pale paws. He wasn't going to judge her appearance or her emotions, she had reason to act and look like she did. He just provided a positive comfort. His sharp wintery eyes blinked and then glanced up at her. It was a mixed look he gave, but it said nothing negative. Hopefully Havocflare and Stormtrick wouldn't ask as to where he had gone. (Their assumptions would be most amusing.)
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Post by lace ! on Jul 29, 2011 13:08:09 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480px,true][atrb=cellpadding,10px,true][atrb=cellspacing,10px,true][atrb=align,center] [style=width:95px; height:95px; border:3px solid;-moz-border-radius:100%; background:url(http://www.thebridgethegapfoundation.org/images/sponsor/mica.jpg); float:left; padding-right:3px] [/style]
[style=font-family:mistral; font-size:30px; line-height:16px; margin-left:30px; margin-top:6px; padding-right:3px; text-align:right; text-transform:lowercase; width:440]paintedstar[/style] [style=background-color:#50896C; color:#c1c6bb; font-family:ms gothic; font-size:10px; line-height:10px; margin-bottom:-1px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:right; text-transform:uppercase; width:440]HOW CAN YOU SEE INTO MY EYES LIKE OPEN DOORS[/style] [style=border-top:1px dotted; font-size:8px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:center; width:440]WORDS: 406, TAGS: painted ; ripple, LYRICS by evanescence, NOTES: not bad. c:[/style] [style=font-size:10px; line-height:9px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:justify; width:440]Paintedstar stared blankly at her deputy. He was acting so calm right now, when she had just told him she had thrown all beliefs of the forest cats' ancestors out the window. She admired his ability to keep calm, though, for it was something she could not do but wished she could. It would be better if she could, for then she wouldn't have to worry about hiding her lack of faith from her clan, it would be done with ease. Nonetheless, she did not possess that trait, so she would have to deal without. But for now, she had Ripplesurf for the time being, and she ought to enjoy his company, for it was a night she would not spend alone amongst many.
"So Ripplesurf," |
[/color] She began. "- how has clan life been?"[/color] Although the tuxedo she-cat was the clan leader, she did not pry too much. She had a duty to protect and lead the clan, she was not responsible for monitoring every aspect and action that went on. Ripplesurf, however, was in charge of patrols and such, and he himself often would be expected to join them, so he ought to know how the prey prospected and such. Perhaps I should get more involved. She thought, pondering the thought. It would be nice, to get to know more of her clan. The other leaders, from what she had observed, already joined patrols and daily life. Was she putting ZephyrClan at a disadvantage due to her lack of sociality? She gave herself an internal shake, something she had been doing a lot lately. No, that was not a disadvantage, but it would be nice to start performing. So it was decided, she would start including herself in more clan activities. Maybe then her clan would respect her more. She tried remembering the last patrol she was on, which seemed like seasons and seasons ago, although she had only been leader for less than five seasons. The last patrol was with Firepaw, when she had met the curious young apprentice amongst the fresh-kill pile. She had let him chose the warriors and apprentices on patrol, although he chose to put himself as the only apprentice. He had potential, that was for sure. However, he did not appear to perform well under pressure, so that was quite the weakness. He was still young, though, and had time to change. The entire clan did, including Paintedstar herself.[/font] [/style] [style=background-color:#50896C; color:#c1c6bb; font-family:ms gothic; font-size:10px; line-height:10px; margin-bottom:-1px; margin-left:30px; text-align:center; text-transform:uppercase; width:443]LEADING YOU DOWN INTO MY CORE WHERE IVE BECOME SO NUMB[/style] [style=border-top:1px dotted; font-size:9px; line-height:9px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; text-align:center; width:443] [/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center] |
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Post by aero ❥ on Jul 30, 2011 10:50:43 GMT -5
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ripplesurf,
The deputy hadn't expected any further conversation, but it was a good sign that she was still talkative. (Well, took the time to speak at least.) "So Ripplesurf," She began. "- how has clan life been?" The question was uncommon to his blue/grey ears, and he was quiet for a few long moments. He considered the inquiry, and contemplated his answer. How has clan life been? Usually only an outsider of the clans asked that, a loner or rogue. He hadn't seen one of those for a number of moons, being too caught up with clan drama and duties to wander in places where those dregs dared near. So for his leader to ask him this, it puzzled him. Was she an outsider? An outsider in your own clan... It was possible, surely. He sometimes glanced around and spotted younger cats that weren't actively going about their duties or even socializing. They seemed to just drift towards the shadows and observe. From the outside.
Paintedstar generally didn't get to go on patrols (For her own safety, as the clan saw it.) or even frequently leave camp for that matter. She might take walks every once in a while to check up on certain personal places or issues she had kept to herself, but lately there had been no reason to have their leader step a mouse-tail outside the entrance besides the gathering. So, shouldn't she know how the clan was? The image of those cats that drifted to the shadows came to his mind again. Her being leader might scare off clan-mates because they feel uncomfortable speaking with such a highly prized cat, so narrow her company choices down to mostly hardened warriors. That didn't leave many, since Zephyrclan was rather youthful with it's inhibitors. And those hardened warriors were usually busy on patrols or whatnot, at the least watching over and directing their younger future.
And as leader, there was a certain amount of opinions and emotions you had to keep to yourself. With all of this intense thought Ripplesurf finally started to understand. Again, the question rang in his ears. How has clan life been? Well, prey was abundant so that meant hunting was easy. Which, in turn, lead to sleek coats, full bellies, and overall better moods. The weather hadn't been completely unbearable, though the recent humidity was starting to heat things up to a rather unpleasant point. As far as the deputy knew there was no disorderly drama between cats. He heard some reports of feeling a little under the weather as they say - but he was no medicine cat so he couldn't judge what that was about. Physically the clan was rich, but mentally they were still in distress. Talk of bad omens and the like was whispered of, Ripplesurf personally choosing to ignore those eyes that looked at him with slight distrust. "Clan life if well, prey is thriving and everyone is enjoying the lush hills green-leaf gives." No, he wouldn't tell her about their clan-mate's worries. She didn't need any more talk of Starclan tonight.
"From the...obvious troubles...have you enjoyed leading Zephyrclan?" His collected tone was still dotted with curiosity, wintery eyes steady as he gazed over at the tuxedo. He had already tucked away the distress of her lack of faith somewhere deep into the back of his mind, saving it for a later date when he hadn't anything else to think about. A blessing surely this ability. But he almost took it for granted at times, having it for his life-long use when he pleased. It could make you forget to be thankful.
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[/td][/tr][/table] made by hay shay @ caution! [/center] |
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Post by lace ! on Aug 3, 2011 13:08:10 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480px,true][atrb=cellpadding,10px,true][atrb=cellspacing,10px,true][atrb=align,center] [style=width:95px; height:95px; border:3px solid;-moz-border-radius:100%; background:url(http://www.thebridgethegapfoundation.org/images/sponsor/mica.jpg); float:left; padding-right:3px] [/style]
[style=font-family:mistral; font-size:30px; line-height:16px; margin-left:30px; margin-top:6px; padding-right:3px; text-align:right; text-transform:lowercase; width:440]paintedstar[/style] [style=background-color:#50896C; color:#c1c6bb; font-family:ms gothic; font-size:10px; line-height:10px; margin-bottom:-1px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:right; text-transform:uppercase; width:440]HOW CAN YOU SEE INTO MY EYES LIKE OPEN DOORS[/style] [style=border-top:1px dotted; font-size:9px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:center; width:440]WORDS: 256, TAGS: painted ; ripple, LYRICS by evanescence, NOTES: sorry ;A;[/style] [style=font-size:10px; line-height:9px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; padding-right:3px; text-align:justify; width:440]Paintedstar was pleased by her deputies reply, which seemed calm and pleasant. Perhaps she had only been fooling herself, believing clan life was worse than she had suspected, since she had become an outcast. No, not an outcast. She corrected herself. She was not an outcast, simply a cat of higher rank, so of course having less of a social life within her clan was to be expected. Was it? Did her clan think of her as an outsider? Of course not, she decided. Her clan looked up to her, faith or no faith. Of course, if they ever found out...
No, the leader thought to herself sharply, they would never find out. Unless Ripplesurf blabbed, which he would. Speaking of the deputy, the tuxedo she-cat had only just realized he had parted his jaw to speak more. Flicking her ears, she focused her attention on him, intent on listening. This was their time now, not time to ponder and think of the clan. "From the...obvious troubles...have you enjoyed leading Zephyrclan?" He inquired her, making her jump the slightest bit. Collecting herself, she slowed her heartbeat and stared at the tom, blinking only once. "Of course I have." |
[/color] She responded. "Why would I not?"[/color] She asked, more to herself than Ripplesurf. Why wouldn't she? "ZephyrClan is a very respectable clan, with infinite loyal cats. They prove themselves everyday, and I wouldn't trade anyone for a morsel of mouse."[/color] She spoke, her voice soft but distant. Who was she trying to convince, herself or Ripplesurf?[/font] [/style] [style=background-color:#50896C; color:#c1c6bb; font-family:ms gothic; font-size:10px; line-height:10px; margin-bottom:-1px; margin-left:30px; text-align:center; text-transform:uppercase; width:443]LEADING YOU DOWN INTO MY CORE WHERE IVE BECOME SO NUMB[/style] [style=border-top:1px dotted; font-size:9px; line-height:9px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:30px; text-align:center; width:443] [/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center] |
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Post by aero ❥ on Aug 4, 2011 12:36:31 GMT -5
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ripplesurf,
He hadn't meant anything by the question. There was no inner meaning, no trick answer, no judgement. It was small talk and a typical thing one asked their new leader. He had even asked Swishstar (Starclan rest her soul.) the same when she had become leader. But obviously Paintedstar had taken it a little backwards, and Ripplesurf saw this. As she talked about Zephyrclan he nodded his head, finding everything she said true. "That question sounded rude," He meowed, bowing his head slightly. "My apologies. I meant no harm." That was him; owning up to his mistakes. It was a good quality, an honest virtue no feline could argue with. Flicking his silver-tipped tail as to shoo away the matter, he gently smiled, handsome features shaded casually by the lack of light. It gave him a sketched appearance. "Have you noticed more toms in the clan lately or is it just I?" It was true, there wasn't as many feminine faces around as seasons past.
wip
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