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Post by Red Wolf on Nov 6, 2016 17:11:20 GMT -5
Coyotestar couldn't help but roll his eyes as Leafpelt tried to make conversation. It never did seem to be of her attributes, especially when speaking to a new, unfamiliar face. At least, in part, he was glad that the conversation was no longer spotlighted on him. He shifted his weight as he listened to Juniper, wrapping his tail about his other side.He brought a fore paw to his maw for a few quick licks before swiping it over his face once. It was only then that he realized Juniper waiting on him to affirm her words. "Yes, I had brought her here so that we could discuss her staying", he mewed assertively to the calico she-cat, trying to override his sudden distraction with an air of authoritative confidence. "With her knowledge of herbs, we wouldn't have to bother so much with it or worry that we were unintentionally poisoning ourselves. Plus, Juniper would make for another friendly face out here in this strange forest. Safety in numbers." The tabby tom added a slight purr to his last statement, trying to make the mood light. He hoped Leafpelt would readily accept Juniper as a friend. Moreover, the leader hoped Crowpaw would be willing to accept, and help teach, the silver tabby as a clan member and medicine cat.
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Post by LaurelTree on Nov 6, 2016 17:35:24 GMT -5
As if suddenly hit by realization, Leafpelt didn't know how to feel about the matter. Coyotestar seemed so quick to accept the first cat that he crossed paths with into their new home. They didn't even know if they could trust Juniper and yet, it sounded as if the Clanless leader wanted to appoint her as medicine cat. It took a lot more than a knowledge of plants to be the medicine cat- the silvered tabby didn't even know about Starclan! Though, it's not like that really mattered much since, according to Crowpaw, they would not have communication with them until long after Leafpelt and Coyotestar were dead... Was that really true?
"Oh, well, okay. That's kind of you, Juniper." The calico mewed before glancing over at the tom-cat. She would need to speak to him later and voice her concerns but, for now, the warrior held her tongue. She had made a fool of herself quiet enough for one day.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2016 18:20:49 GMT -5
That brought a smile to Junipers face, she felt a little more at home among the two who where with her. All she could do was smile with the joy having company brought. Just talking made her heart soar to new heights. Then an idea came to her, now that she was welcome into there group maybe they should talk, share stories like how they did back at the barn. The stories traveling cats would tell, some of old battle wounds and others of new friendships, all where whimsical and interesting, each having history behind them. "It is really no problem, I assure you." The silver tabby chided, quick to give a reply to the she cat before her. Eyeing the sky through the thick foliage of the oak Juniper saw the sun was past sun high and was beginning to make its way to sun down, light still treating them as the sky provided.
"Unless you both have better things to do, do you want to share stories? It would be a wonderful way to get to know each other better, and I can help you to understand this area a bit better." Juniper said excitedly, she hoped they would agree, she would love to hear of the lives these two cats must lead. Her curiousity peaking every time she saw a faint scar along there pelts.
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Post by Red Wolf on Nov 6, 2016 19:51:18 GMT -5
Yellow eyes watched Leafpelt closely. The tom could see the slight change in the she-cat's features as she glanced at him, noting her subtle concern. She needn't worry too much, they would definitely be discussing Juniper's acceptance into the 'clan'. Someone would have to train her in the ways of the clan life, teach her of Starclan and the Code. A slight shiver ran down the tabby's spine as he thought about teaching another cat the same thing he had shamed. The Warrior Code was not just a list of rules to be followed, it was a way of living, a religion more like. And it was something he had broke and ran from. Now he was beginning to understand Crowpaw's curse. By him having to teach others, Coyotestar would continually discipline himself not only in the ways of his clan but for his sins, as well. It was on that thought that Juniper's words broke into the tom's mind, adding to his displeasure. What could he tell to this kindly seeming she-cat that wouldn't turn her from him? How he used to be? What he was now? Sure he could speak about his youthful ambitions, but what did that lead up to? Only cowardly self-preservation and a curse that she was the start of. What a way to get a cat to join your little cause. "Perhaps", he mewed almost absentmindedly. Coyotestar let his gaze travel between the two she-cats and he almost began to doubt the idea of bringing Juniper here. Maybe now wasn't the time? Or maybe it was? The tom unknowingly furrowed his brow, letting his ears angle backwards at his sudden distress, before gaining composure. He hoped neither female would notice and again gave the conversation back to his calico friend. "What do you think, Leafpelt?"
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Post by LaurelTree on Nov 6, 2016 20:42:08 GMT -5
"Well," the she-cat began in response to Coyotestar, her gaze switching from the tom to their new acquaintance "I'm not really sure our story is one you want to know, but I suppose it would be unfair to keep it from you." Leafpelt glanced back at the male for a moment before returning her yellow-green gaze to Juniper, opening her mouth again as if about to speak, then suddenly paused, eyes wide and jaw still slightly ajar. She had forgotten all about her catch. "Oh, for Starclan's sake! We're already cursed, does my memory have to worsen as well!?" She hissed as she stood, turned, and then trotted back over to the couple of lifeless bodies still laying among the grass and leaves.
They were basically completely stiff with probably no warmth left inside them, but at least they were food. The warrior bent her patched head forward and grasped them in her teeth before turning back around to join the other two cats. In her frustration, the she-cat hadn't taken notice of the exact words that had just been spewed from her mouth. In fact, she was still ignorant to it and being further distracted by the fact that she had caught only two voles. Originally one was for Coyotestar and the other was for herself, but now they had company. Could she really eat this in front of the other she-cat?
Leafpelt glanced between the two for a few heartbeats before placing the prey down before the pair, "Here you two go. I caught these earlier, but I'm not hungry now. You go on and eat them so they don't go to any waste." A kind gesture, but a lie nonetheless. In all honesty, the calico was actually rather hungry, but she wouldn't admit that now. Maybe she could steal away for another short hunt before heading to her nest for the night.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2016 15:10:23 GMT -5
Juniper watched the Calico with interest as Coyotestar had once again redirected her question towards the poor she cat. Looking towards the cat in interest she noticed the sudden change in deminer, followed by a slew of information new to the tabby. The idea of curses where not uncommon, she had heard from quite a few cats claiming to have been cursed in one way or another. Usually these would be overexagerations or terms used to reason misfortune, but there had been times she would believe in curses. Once a tom came to the barn that spoke of a curse, he had bad luck that was brought upon him by the moon he said. The moon was punishing his mother for her misdeeds and he had traveled with his misgiving ever since. Though the story to go with the curse seemed far fetched that tom always got himself into trouble and the idea that he was in fact unlucky seemed like reality more and more. So curses where something Juniper had history with, this Starclan, not so much.
Once Leafpelt came back with her two voles and decided to give her one, she eyed it oddly. Juniper had no right to have this, Leafpelt had caught it fair and square. Not to mention she had a rabbit already, she really wasn't hungry. Taking her paw she slid the vole back towards the calico, a smile gracing her expression. "It's alright you caught it, you should eat it. I had a rabbit today anyway so don't worry to much."
Licking her paw before setting it down Juniper than decided to question the slew spoken before. "So you both are cursed? Also what exactly is a 'Starclan?'" Ignorance and confusion, as well as curiousity filled her question. Maybe this would lead to something.
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Post by Red Wolf on Nov 7, 2016 16:17:01 GMT -5
Coyotestar jumped when Leafpelt exclaimed and leaped away to find her catch. Even more so did he become startled when her words fully dawned on him. Why!? Life could be so cruel, he thought. He watched the she-cat drop the two cold voles before him and Juniper and offered them up. Perhaps earlier he would have taken one, but now he had no stomach as he tried to gather his mind on what he would say to the newly acquainted tabby. Filled with fear and indecision, he almost contemplated running into the woods. As if by hiding he would escape his wrongs and having to admit them to a stranger. Heaving a sigh, the tom simply answered, "Yes, Leafpelt and I are cursed." No use in trying to hide the truth with known lies and make yourself look like a fool. "And Starclan is our dead ancestors. They live among the stars of Silverpelt, guiding us and helping us when we need it. And punishing us when we don't listen." His last statement was filled with bitter grief. The tom stood and padded closer to the mouth of the den before settling to the ground again, tucking his paws under his chest. He was mentally readying himself for what ever Juniper said or did next. "Leafpelt and I are cursed because we failed to help our clan when they needed us. Starclan saw fit to curse me as a leader to clan that has yet to exist, a clan that you would start if you should wish to stay with us." He looked at Juniper, waiting for whatever scrutiny and foul words she had to offer.
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Post by LaurelTree on Nov 7, 2016 17:54:26 GMT -5
The tri-colored female had been about to ask the silver tabby if she was sure about not eating any of the prey when Juniper's words continued. At first, she held her tongue due to manners, but then because of what the she-cat had just asked. All at once, Leafpelt's previous outburst dawned on her... Had she really just blurted all that out in front of their new friend? Was she truly that mousebrained? Granted, she was about to begin explaining certain things that would eventually lead to the whole truth, but the warrior hadn't wanted to start out with such major topics.
She felt slight relief when Coyotestar took over, putting things in a general way that explained their situation well, even if not in much detail. Yet, she could tell it pained him to admit to such a crime as to not only caring for himself before the Clan, but abandoning them entirely. The two cats had done the unthinkable, even if they hadn't agreed with the war in the end. They should have tried to settle things, banned together with other cats that felt the same way to subdue the violence and restructure the forest. Instead, they tucked tail and ran... It wasn't a wonder Starclan did not want anything to do with them. If it weren't for Crowpaw, curse or not, there would be no hope for them to ever rest among the starry skies.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 15:21:58 GMT -5
Juniper took the information in, digesting it, and referencing it to past experiences. It was in these moments, ones of pure cluelessness and confusion that her time at the barn really shined. This 'starclan' was one of many names she has heard given to the end. The name in it of itself was a means to an end, what happens when we are gone, the ultimate question. No matter what name it took, be it the skies, darkness, eternal, etc, it was a place we entered when life ended. It seemed this 'clan' was more than just a group, it was a group that served by a code, one that these two cats broke. It was uncommon to find groups that led themselves under a moral code, even less for them to say they where cursed for breaking it. All this new information seemed to catch Juniper off guard slightly as she tried to think it through. She needed to decide her next move carefully as to not accidentally mock their beliefs, in fact this entirely new system interested her, she wanted to learn more.
What was even more jarring was the idea that there might be more clans, judging by what the tom said, they left there own clan and was cursed to make his own. Did all these clan follow the same moral code, how did the group function. The possibilities alone where somewhat fascinating. Shaking her head Juniper brought herself back to the situation at hand. "I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and if this is how it will start than so be it. I would love to join you if you will let me."
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Post by Red Wolf on Nov 8, 2016 23:38:00 GMT -5
(Sorry for the slow reply, been a wee bit busy today.)
The tom glanced between both she-cats, yellow eyes passing over calico pelt then silver tabby and back. Leafpelt was silent after her sudden outburst, whether for shame or shock, simply sitting where she was waiting for an outcome just like him. Though she might be able to input something to help placate the bluntness of his words, the leader was grateful for her quietness. When Juniper did speak, he readied himself to take her criticism but found none as her tone was not only kind but inviting. It took a few moments for Coyotestar to fully understand what Juniper had said. He looked at her, blinking as he mulled over each word trying to comprehend why she hadn't spat and ran. Did she really mean that? Did she really want to stay even after knowing that this was a cursed clan? That she was the first of his trials? "Y-you do?" He suddenly wondered if Crowpaw was watching. What would she say? Was this a test? That by telling the truth he would gain a friend and clan member? He almost wanted to state his dilemma again, just in case the silver tabby she-cat hadn't heard him right, but feared it would turn her away. So he just stat there, staring at the female, waiting for her affirmation on the matter.
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Post by LaurelTree on Nov 9, 2016 20:12:42 GMT -5
Leafpelt had sat in continued silence and surprise, heat flushing under her pelt and heart beat picking up ever so slightly. It felt as if the three cats had sat among quiet for a long time, though, it was likely only a few moments made deeper by thought. Now was the moment of truth, she supposed. If there were ever a test for the silver she-cat before them, this ought to be it. They would soon know just how much the tabby wanted to become one of them, but would it be what they wanted to hear?
When Juniper's words finally did come, the warrior almost felt emotional. She spoke with such a loyalty that Leafpelt felt she had lost forever, a reflection of something that made the calico feel deepened her own shame. The silver tabby showed an expression of loyalty to a Clan -no, the idea of Clan yet to exist- that she knew nothing of. There was something very innocent and pure in the feline before her that Leadpelt suddenly felt the need to preserve. And if there was anything she could do to make that so for the entirety of her future Clan, she would.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2016 12:54:29 GMT -5
(Sorry got busy, here is a reply ^.^) As soon as the words left her maw, Juniper watched as the cats before her expressions change. It was odd to think that just those few words alone had done so much for them, bright them from worry to confusion, to emotional. With Coyotestars shakey words she only smiled and held both her head and tail high. "Yes, and if you are willing I would love to learn more about these 'clans' of yours, and this 'starclan'." The two new vernacular seemed to role off her tongue oddly like she was unsure if she was saying it right. Soon enough that would change with comfort but it would take time. Soon enough she would feel more at home with these cats, and learning about there culture was the first step.
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Post by Red Wolf on Nov 16, 2016 22:53:22 GMT -5
(So so so sorry for how long this has taken me. I'm dealing with some sort of body flu coupled with something else, and headaches have been bane as of late. Thinking and typing just doesn't happen.)
Yellow eyes wide in disbelief, the tabby tom sat there staring at Juniper. His head had subconsciously tilted a degree or two as he tried to make sense of what his ears were telling him. Did she really mean that, or was she just being kind? This had to be a cruel joke of some kind but there was nothing about her demeanor that would say otherwise. "O-oh, okay", was all he could say in response. It had seemed so easy, just tell them the truth and voila - clan member! So easy in fact that the tom didn't quite know what to do next. Coyotestar slowly turned his gaze to Leafpelt, blinking a few times as he thought of what to say. "Uhm, would you, uh.. Would you be willing to teach Juniper about the code and Starclan", he finally managed to meow. He took a few side glances at Juniper just to see if the silver tabby was still standing there and hadn't slipped away.
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Post by LaurelTree on Nov 20, 2016 18:50:54 GMT -5
(Obviously didn't respond when I thought I would, but here it is now. Sorry!) The orange, black, and white she-cat's surprise switched from Juniper to Coyotestar as he made his request of her. "As a mentor? I mean, obviously not in the traditional sense considering her age, but same concept... Right?" It felt odd to be asked to help teach another cat, something the warrior had never done before. Leafpelt had never been assigned an apprentice in all her moons serving her previous Clan, probably because their leader felt the calico's judgment would be clouded by the loss of her litter and her emotions would get in the way; something unwanted in a time of war and inevitable death. Either that, or their leader was being kind in sparing the warrior from having to endure another probable loss. It was a curiosity that had never been quenched for the female, but one she often used to think about.
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