A Misty Morning (Open)

[4icestar]

Dovesong was standing on a river bank. It was extremely foggy and she could barely see across the river. She was cold, damp and nervous. Dovesong had had this nightmare thousands of times and she always felt like someone or something was watching her; It made her fur stand on end. "Is anyone there?" Nothing but a damp breeze answered her. "Where am I?" she demanded. Again, no answer. Dovesong started to pace back and forth on her side of the river. "I have to wake up. I always would've woken up by now" she mewed aloud. Suddenly she looked up to see golden eyes staring at her....it made her shiver. Gathering her courage, she took a step forward. "Who are you?" The eyes simply blinked. "Who are you?! Show yourself!" A black tom with long fur and broad shoulders stepped out of the reeds. Dovesong recognized him immediately. "What's your name?" But it was to late, her surroundings were starting to fade. "No! Wait! Who are you!?"

Dovesong woke with a start; she was breathing heavily and her fur was quite ruffled. I hope I wasn't yowling in my sleep... Dovesong huffed and stretched out her front legs. Much better. Starting to groom, Dovesong pondered about her dream. She had had it thousands of times....it was always the same, but not tonight. She had met that cat before. He was the loner that she had helped when she was a lot younger. Her dream was always in the place where she had met him....but he had never appeared until now. The thing that bothered her the worst was that she had never learned his name! I NEED to learn his name. Getting up, Dovesong was now determined to find him again and learn his name. She needed to...but she also needed to tell someone about it. But who? I need to tell someone I trust...

Squeezing out of the warrior den exit, she wondered into the clearing of the camp. It was a misty morning, but the sun would soon appear and burn all of it away. it would be a perfect day to go out and hunt - her favorite pass time. Today is gonna be a great day.

[Tiny]

The orange tabby tom trotted proudly into the camp, a medium sized fished in his jaws. Nothing to be too proud of however, that just came naturally with his left-over arrogance from his apprentice days. He hadn't really been in the mood for hunting, but he had wanted to make himself useful and Silverblaze hadn't told him to do any patrols until later. This morning, he had already caught a mouse and another smaller fish. Dropping his prey where it belonged, he gave his front legs a good stretch, making sure anyone who was able to see him, could see him. He gave himself a gentle shake to remove the morning's dew from his fur, and looked around the camp. Spotting Dovesong, he walked over to her. "Well good morning. I'm surprised you're up this early. When I left, you were sound asleep. Didn't think you'd be awake for a while." Though meant as more of a joke than annything else, Flamestorm had his normal flirtatious tone in his voice.

[4icestar]

Dovesong watched as Flamestorm trotted into camp with a pretty big fish in his mouth. He had already been gone when Dovesong woke up, she just hoped he didn't hear her yowling in the middle of the night. The thought of that made her fur feel hot and she gave her chest a couple of nervous licks. While she was distracted, Flamestorm had wondered up next to her and started talking, making her jump.

"Well good morning. I'm surprised you're up this early. When I left, you were sound asleep. Didn't think you'd be awake for a while."

Ha, being the normal flirt. Although she wouldn't admit it if anyone asked, it was a pride thing, she did kinda like him. He was strong, funny, loyal....she wouldn't let the list get too long. Purring, "Why, good morning, Flamestripe. Did you catch much?" She caught herselt staring at his muscled chest and quickly turned away, feeling her fur get hot again. Ugh, I am so bad talking to toms.... She gave her paw a lick and brought it over her ear.

[Tiny]

His paws itched for him to actually be doing something, instead of standing around talking. But the tom, like normal, kept his attention on his clanmate, never wanting to seem rude to anyone. "Why, good morning, Flamestripe. Did you catch much?" He watched Dovesong as she lifted a paw to her mouth, and then wiped it over her ear. He quietly wondered to himself if she was nervous, but quickly removed that thought from his mind. No matter what he said, he was well aware of the fact that not every she-cat in the forest liked him. Not really noticing her eyes staring at his muscles, he contined on with their conversation. "Not too much. But it's still kind of early in the morning. And there's still time for cats who like to sleep in to catch some prey," He said, reminding her of her late slumber, in a playful tone.

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[4icestar]

"Not too much. But it's still kind of early in the morning. And there's still time for cats who like to sleep in to catch some prey."

Reminded of her late slumber, Dovesong mewed, "Well, I would've woken up but...." she trailed off, unsure if she wanted to share about her constant nightmares. He's an awesome friend, but wouldn't he think I'm a bit strange? Dovesong couldn't believe herself, he was like her best friend! At least the one tom she felt most comfortable around... She flicked her tail back and forth in annoyance with herself. I need to tell someone. Instead, she tried a joking approach. "Ha, I would've woken up, but I kept getting woken up by you snoring during the night, so I had to sleep in." It wasn't the truth, but hopefully Flamestripe wouldn't notice the tremble in her voice. She sighed, debating.

Instead, she changed the subject. "Have you seen Silverblaze around? I was wondering what patrol I should go on." After having the nightmare, Dovesong wasn't fully awake, but she needed to get working to get her mind off of it. Dovesong was ready do to something for her clan. Dovesong was extremely bored - nothing was happening amongst the clans. it's been peaceful for at least 2 seasons. Dovesong wanted something exciting to happen...a fight, a new discovery, finding a mate...anything, really.

[cass]

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

Wildstar was a cat that rose early, sleep to her was for the weak, and although you needed it to live she preferred to wake up early, to watch the sun rise over the lake. She would often spend a moment watching and waiting to see if the sun rose at all. She often wondered of one day perhaps the sun would not rise above the horizon, maybe one day it would just sink, and not appear. Did it not feel as though it is continuously pushed into the sky to do a deed that was continuously needed? It was always thrown into the sky, to light up our world, but no one was ever grateful. Did the sun never feel hated? Did it never feel regret or pain for being wanted so very much, but no one ever being grateful for what you do?

Maybe one day it would not rise at all.

Wildstar always took the beginning few minutes of her day to stare at the place where she knew the sun would rise, she would always watch and wait for the first few streaks of light to stretch their fingers into the sky. She would always wait for the sun to peak over the top of the horizon like a sleepy kit waking from a deep slumber. She was always amazed with the way every morning was different, how every morning brang new streaks of colours and light. It would always make Wildstar happy to see the warm glow of her light shining down on her home. It would always bring a smile to her face as the first rays would touch her, making the coldness in her body float away, and leaving her happier than ever.

The sun was so very important. No one could survive in a world of darkness, and the cold that would be sure to rip through the land. And yet no one was ever thankful and grateful for the light that rose. It always did it. It never failed to rise. But Wildstar knew that one day it would regret its unpaid deeds. Because no one could go on forever always giving and expecting so little. The sun was not unlike Wildstar’s life. She gave so much, but unlike the sun she got to see her clan happy and thriving under her care, that would always be enough to make her happy. Her warriors always repaid what she sacrificed, so unlike the sun she was paid for her losses. She would never disappear. She didn’t fear herself sinking and never rising as she did with the sun. Because unlike the sun she had so much more. That was why she knew one day the sun would not rise, but sink, and never shine again.

Her long legs stretch out in front of her sinking into the damp mud. Her eyes stayed focused on the rising sun, grateful that the day would have light. Her teeth gleam in the early light as she gives a big yawn, shaking the tiredness from her limbs she strolls through her camp. Most of the warriors were asleep, but she didn’t mind the peace of the early morning. Especially when all that could be heard was the soft call of the morning birds. It brought the hope of fresh prey and good hunting. The sound of the bubbling stream a mere few meters away was always soothing, there was something lulling about it. It was the way it was familiar, and Wildstar could let herself sink into a less alert state as long as she knew the stream was there, and as long as she knew she was surrounded by her clan.

She padded silently to the camp opening, ignoring the fresh kill pile she nods politely to the warrior on duty at the entrance before padding out of the camp. She would not take from the fresh kill pile, when there were other warriors and apprentice, queens and kits and elders who needed it more than herself. She could catch her own. She takes a deep breath breathing in the familiar smells of her home. The Earth smelt fresh and free, and her paws itched for her to just run, and run until she could run no more, but she had to feed her clan.

The soft talk of a cat reminded her where she was, and she instantly scolds herself for not being more alert. She heads silently over to the sounds, seeing two of her warriors she allows herself to relax a touch. Her body slides into the small area, still in the boundaries of the camp. She stops before stepping into their view her body blended in with the shadows, so to them it would look as if she had materialised out of nowhere. ”Morning.” She says softly looking at the two warriors.

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

((OOC: I hope you guys don't mind me popping in!))

[Tiny]

"Well, I would've woken up but...." His clanmate started. The RiverClan tom noted how Dovesong trailed off at the end, and gave a slight curious glance. Saying nothing, he waited for her to continue. "Ha, I would've woken up, but I kept getting woken up by you snoring during the night, so I had to sleep in." Flamestorm snorted unhappily, though completly fine with the joking. Had that been what she was really going to say? "At least I don't talk in my sleep. Jeez, you could probably wake up all of RiverClan and StarClan." He gave her a playful glare, daring her to say more. He was pro at these kind of things.

It was quite a coincidence that the RiverClan leader herself appeared shortly after Dovesong wanted to know if he had seen Silverblaze. "Have you seen Silverblaze around? I was wondering what patrol I should go on." He didn't have much time to give more than a shake of the head before Wildstar appeared. Yes, he had seen Silverblaze, but he hadn't heard her say who was doing which patrols. "Good morning, Wildstar," Flamestorm said respectfully, with a dip of his head.

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[4icestar]

"At least I don't talk in my sleep. Jeez, you could probably wake up all of RiverClan and StarClan."

Dovesong panicked. I talk in my sleep..?! Taking a moment to calm down and breathe, Dovesong gathered her thoughts. She knew she should tell him; after all, he was practically her best friend. He was about the same age as her and she remembers him being in the nursery when she a young kit. He still had the same personality, too. it seems as though Flamestorm was born a flirt...but he was also extremely loyal. I should tell him... He can keep a secret. Gathering herself to tell her friend about her dream, she mewed, "Well...I couldn't sleep last night because I had a night-" Just before she could finish her sentence, Wildstar appeared out of no where from behind some reeds.

Dovesong knew the young leader liked to get up early in the morning. She had often seen her staring up at the sun as it was rising; almost daring it to come up or stay down. Licking a paw, calmly, Dovesong mewed, "Good morning Wildstar. Do you happen to know where Silverblaze is?" Dovesong was glad a distraction came along. She knew she had to tell Flamestorm about her dream, bit not when she was still a bit shaky from it. She knew that she looked a little but ruffled up and nervous; however, Dovesong was determined to find that loner.

(OOC: Mine's not long...I've been having some pretty bad writers block lately. hahaha)

[cass]

Trust to the young she-cat was everything and as she looked at the two warriors in front of her, and she felt proud at the level of trust she felt in these two cats. The she-cat sinks her claws into the ground, and stretches the tiredness from her muscles, her claws sink into the soft, damp mud below and a yawn escapes her lips. She settles herself down onto the morning ground, the due that clung to the leaves seeps into her fur. She resists the urge to move. She raises a paw to her mouth, giving it a few strokes with her tongue before gently wiping it over her ear.

She does this again, as the two cats great her. She nods back to them, her eyes glittering. ”How are we all? Anyone feel like hunting?” She asks turning her head to look at each of them. Her paws itched to go running, for her to head out into the forest and show her warriors what she could do. The young she-cat was proud, but she knew when she had to bend it to allow other judgement, and forgiveness. It was one of the many things the cats of Starclan had told her that night she had gone to the Moonpool. She shivers slightly at the memory, the gasping and heavy breathing. The pain.

She hadn’t expected what had come, but she had endured and come back as what she would like to call, a better cat. Dovesong’s voice brought her back to the present. ”Do you know where Silverblaze is?” That was a good question. She knew that the tom had left early on the dawn patrol, but she couldn’t remember where he had gone. She nods her head thoughtfully. ”He went on the dawn patrol.” She says standing up. Her body was cold from sitting in the damp ground, and she desperately wanted to do something. ”Let’s go hunting.” She says.

She turns around and heads back through the reeds, waiting for them to follow.

((OOC: Sorry about this post Dx))

[4icestar]

Shocked by the sudden announcement of a hunting trip, Dovesong didn't know what to say. It was unusual that her leader would burst out like that. Maybe she was also suffering from boredom? The lack of excitement for at least two moons was wearing down Dovesong's patience. She needed something exciting to happen or her claws might rust off from mis-use. Reminded of her dream, because it was the only excitement she had had for a long time, she became even more determined to find out the loner's name: he had been haunting her dreams for too long. At last, Dovesong could no longer sit on the muddy, cold ground. She needed to continue with finding this mysterious loner. Perhaps if she went hunting with these two cats, she might get a chance to tell them about her dream or at least get to see the place where she had met him: it would offer her some relief. Dovesong stuttered out, "S-sure Wildstar. I'll go hunting."

Standing up, Dovesong padded forward a few steps until she stood next to Wildstar. They were about the same height, but Dovesong was a bit more light on her feet while Wildstar was built of muscle. Looking back to Flamestorm, she flicked her ears, wanting him to come with her. She needed to tell him about her worries. Would he believe her? What would he do? Tell the medicine cat? Surely he would keep it a secret. She trusted him; they were friends. Lost in her own thoughts, Dovesong hadn't realized she had been starring at him for a bit too long. Her fur felt hot and she quickly snapped her head back to Wildstar. She hoped that he didn't see the longing in her eyes.

(OOC: Sorry about this post, it's not my best.)

[Tiny]

”Let’s go hunting.”, he wasn't really sure if that was more of a command or a question. Not that it really mattered to the tom, he wanted to go hunting either way. He watched as Dovesong stuttered clumsily and agreed to go. Giving a small laugh in his head, Flamestorm rose from his sitting postion. Dipping his head respectfully, he said, "Ready when you are.".

Looking from Wildstar to Dovesong, he had a playful look in his eyes. The kind of look that a kit would get. It was the only way to tell that the orange tom wasn't being as serious as he sounded. With the apprentice-like arrogance he use to wear a lot, he noticed Dovesong staring at him oddly. A dumbfounded look fell over him as she quickly turned away. He wasn't quite sure what it was all about, but he didn't ponder on the thought for very long. He looked at his leader expectantly, waiting for her to lead the way.

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[cass]

Wildstar stops at the edge of a line of reeds. She noses her way through waling into the opening of a small clearing. Coming to a halt she opens her mouth and takes in a deep breath. The scents of the forest, river and reeds race through her. She closes her eyes letting herself drink in the smells. She sorts through them all placing the scents she doesn’t need behind her, than as she reaches the sweet smell of prey she brings that forward. Her ears move to the sounds and finally stop at the spot where she knows the prey to be.

She opened her eyes; she flicked her tail telling the cats behind her to be quiet. But as she stepped forward she fell aware of something. Her eyes flicker around her. Something was wrong, there was something nagging at her. She flicks her ears ignoring the feeling. Her paws move forward sliding over the ground. Her eyes flicker to the little mound of fur buried under the leaves. That was her mouse. With delicate steps she drags her slender body forward. Wildstar was not like most Riverclan cats, she was quite small and didn’t have the broad and distinctive chest, hers was far more narrow, more built for speed. It was why she was one of the fastest cats in her clan.

Her muscles ripple under her has she leaps into the air, and with a swift bite the mouse is dead. That’s when it hits her. She gets up forgetting the limp body. ”Mouse dung.” she curses. She turns to the two warriors. ”I’m so sorry I have to go. I forgot that I was supposed to meet with the medicine cat.” She meows. She spins around and clamps the mouse between her teeth. ”You young cats have some fun!” She says through the fur in her mouth. Without a backwards glance she springs through the nearest reeds, disappearing from sight.

((OOC: Sorry I have to leave the thread xDx))

[4icestar]

Following behind Wildstar, Dovesong placed her paws carefully as she didn't want to step on anything that would make too much noise. Dovesong could smell a mouse nearby and she knew Wildstar, ahead of her, could also smell it. Knowing that her leader would get to the mouse before her, Dovesong stopped. Maybe she stopped a little bit too fast, as Flamestorm would've had to have been paying attention. Whoops. What would Flamestorm think of her? She should have raised her tail in signal that she would stop. However she didn't. Dovesong felt her fur get hot once again. Why can't I do anything right around toms? Instead of sitting down to wait for Wildstar, Dovesong took a couple of paw steps and peered through the leaves just to see Wildstar fly through the air and kill a mouse. "Nice catch!"

Dovesong then stepped out of the reeds and took a step toward her. Just then Wildstar cursed and mewed, ”I’m so sorry I have to go. I forgot that I was supposed to meet with the medicine cat.” Wildstar quickly grabbed the mouse, mewed "You young cats have some fun!” and ran off through the reeds back toward camp. Dovesong thought it was a bit odd - her leader wasn't usually as distracted as she was today. Maybe she's feeling bored too? Was she also waiting for something exciting to happen? Was she bored of the same routine everyday as well? Dovesong shook all of these thoughts out of her head and focused herself.

Where to go? There were so many places. They could stay in the swamp, go out by the lake, head closer to the two leg nests or...go to the stream! I'll head to where I met the loner! Dovesong calmed herself by taking a couple of deep breaths. She didn't want Flamestorm to sense her excitement, it was only a hunting patrol after all: she hoped he didn't notice her quivering with anticipation. Suddenly she announced aloud, "I know just where to go, Flamestorm." Aprubtly she added, "....Do you trust me?" Not waiting for an answer, Dovesong took off running toward the stream.

Dovesong gathered speed as she ran along through the reeds. Knowing that Flamestorm could keep up with her, she picked up her pace a little bit. The fast she could get there, the better. As she was running, questions flashed through her mind. Will he believe me? Will he think I'm nuts? Will he help me? What if he doesn't believe me? Would he tell everyone? Frustrated with herself, she shook her fur and stopped right by the stream. Thirsty, she lapped up some water while she waited for Flamestorm to arrive. It was time to trust him and tell him about the loner.

[Tiny]

Flamestorm watched, and almost ran into Dovesong as she stopped quickly, probably from tripping over something the orange tom assumed, though not fully sure. He held back a joke that had the possiblity of being mean. Had this been a cat that he was better friends with, he would have said his comment without any second thought. But being Dovesong, he didn't want to hurt her feelings on accident.

The hunted mouse that Wildstar had just caught caused a happily welcomed distraction. He knew he had caught the scent of a mouse a few steps back, but hadn't paid much attention to it, having the craving for a fish instead. ”Mouse dung. I’m so sorry I have to go. I forgot that I was supposed to meet with the medicine cat.” His leader said before Flamestorm managed his words to congradulate his leader for a good catch.

Watching as his leader raced off, he looked a Dovesong. "I know just where to go, Flamestorm.....Do you trust me?" She announced rather loudly. He wasn't quite sure what to say, as he gave her a weird look. But before he could say anything, she took off in the opposite direction. Not knowing what else to do, he followed after her, following her mostly by scent. After having caught up to her by the stream, he panted, "What are we doing?" He had a growing sense of uneasiness knawing at him.

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