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Post by 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ on Jul 21, 2017 20:44:14 GMT -11
i wish i could hurt you the way you hurt me. but i know if i had the chance, i wouldn't do it. “ Witheredstar moved his stiffened limbs slightly, wincing at the old bones shifting under his ragged pelt as they clicked loudly into the still air.
'Just have to make it to the ledge, get this ceremony over, and then I can sleep again...'
He thought tiredly, dragging himself onto the large ledge that overlooked the center of camp. From here, he could almost touch silverpelt it seemed, and the twinkling stars loomed ominously overhead, warning of his passing that was arriving on a swift wind. Soon, the old leader would just be another spark among the sky, and would have to greet new leaders as they came to receive their nine lives to lead Riftclan post his death.
Witheredstar coughed loudly, before taking a deep breath, looking down at his small clan, the few that had already emerged from their dens gathering silently below the elder tom to hear what he had to say, without him even needing to announce the meeting. This softened his heart, and pained him to know that he wouldn't be with these loyal cats for very much longer.His gaze sought his head deputy, Dovefrost, and found the young, lively shecat talking adamently with a friend about a subject he probably knew nothing of below them. She hadn't a clue that soon she would take over the leadership of the clan, but he was sure she would make a fine leader, even without the experience of a seasoned, older warrior.He finally sighed, resigning his old throat to the fact that he'd be yelling very soon."LET ALL CATS OLD ENOUGH TO SEE THE SUN PEAK OVER THE TALLEST BUILDING'S ROOF, GATHER UNDER THE RIDGE OF GLASS FOR A CLAN MEETING!!"He choked the words out, croaking the syllables out as loud as he could before lapsing into a coughing fit on the ridge, taking shuttering breaths to calm his breathing down. He hated his age, and part of him couldn't wait for the promise of youth in Soulclan. Most of him, however, knew that his clan needed him, especially Tinypaw, his apprentice. The young tom needed his mentor and leader today, so he'd stick around for a while longer.Witheredstar sat back with a heavy 'thump' on the glass below him, sighing as he waited for the rest of his cats to gather onto the roofs below. ” notes "Talking"'Thought'
"Others talking"
Pff, this took longer than expected  |
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You just gestured to all of me?
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Post by Hiccup on Jul 21, 2017 21:31:31 GMT -11
 It seemed like a good idea yesterday He was older now, and less blinded by the optimism of youth that had allowed him to overlook his leader's age throughout most of his apprenticeship, even nearer to the end, when sometimes he was taken out and trained by other warriors, he didn't notice, or if he did, he buried it so far down that it sat like a flea at the back of his head. Witheredstar had taught him so much, about himself, and about being a warrior, and even though he'd never spoken the words out loud, the old tom had filled the role that his father had left behind when he was taken from him. It was hard to be optimistic anymore, with his leader on his last legs, and his mother sick now too, it was getting harder to keep his chin up and his head above the water. But he tried, he had to, for Witheredstar.
He lifted his head when he heard the summons, swallowing a hard lump of nerves. He'd been waiting for this moment his whole life, despite the doubts from within himself and from others from outside of his clan, he'd scratched and clawed his way to this point, and he couldn't deny that he felt pride deep in his heart, despite the things eating at his thoughts, he'd earned this, and he intended to make the most of it.
Tinypaw was not so tiny anymore, and though he hadn't filled out completely, he was certainly not the same scrawny scrap of carrion food that he had been before, his body now more filled out with lean muscle, and he'd even grown quite surprisingly over the last moons. His gait was much more balanced and even as he made his way to the gathering place, aided by the prosthetic device that his leader had helped him get a hold of, no matter what happened or where he ended up, he would carry that reminder of what his leader had done for him for the rest of his life, it was a lesson in selflessness for the individual...His leader had taught him a lot of lessons.
Cats parted to let him through as he came to sit in the center, ducking down a little now that all eyes were on him, he'd always been a little bit of an introvert, and having so much attention on him was a prickly feeling, but not altogether bad, he swallowed and turned his face to his leader at the top of the Ridge, feeling a pain in his chest that soured his tongue when he heard those horrible coughs, he didn't show it though, his mossy eyes were determined and proud, and he let that settle into his chest as well as he waited."Words" - 'thoughts' TAG: 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ / NOTES: I teared up reading your post and writing mine you monster. |
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Post by 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ on Jul 21, 2017 22:07:40 GMT -11
i wish i could hurt you the way you hurt me. but i know if i had the chance, i wouldn't do it. “ The sight of his once-scrawny apprentice seating himself among his clanmates warmed his heart, and the strength the young tom had gained through the moons under Witheredstar's wing made it just a tad bit less heart-wrenching that the leader would be dying soon.
'If anyone deserves to know that I'm on my last life, its him. I must tell him tonight, after the ceremony. It'll be hard, but it'll be better than surprising him when I just don't wake up a few sunrises from now'
The old leader let out a heavy sigh, before clearing his throat. He knew that most of the cats that were already gathered would be the only ones attending, and that was at least over half of the clan. He could trust the patrols already sent out by Dovefrost to control the borders for a few short hours while he announced the new warrior, and he was sure that news would carry fast within the walls of the small encampment. Tinypaw's ceremony wouldn't be secret for long from those not attending.
"As you all know, I took on an apprentice not too long ago, and recently my apprentice has successfully passed his assessment, to become a full warrior of Riftclan."
The old tom wheezed the words over the silent camp, his rasping, reassuring tone washing over the tenants of his clan's dens. His eyes, having grown soft with age, glowed a light yellow in the waning sunlight, and the barely showing silverpelt glowed gently over the tight grouping below him, the sun's dying red rays illuminating his white patches a bloody red. He looked down on Tinypaw, the deep mahogany crimson-glowing tabby tom with the thinly veiled worry for the elder above him looking on with determined eyes, and smiled gently, giving him a heartfelt nod before speaking again, seemingly directly at the young tom, but also for the entire clan to hear and acknowledge.
"Tinypaw, you have completed your assessment, and successfully made it this far, despite your disability. You have shown so much strength in the face of deceit, hardship, and troublesome trials, and I am proud of you, and proud that I've lived to make you a warrior. Now, I, Witheredstar, second leader of Riftclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice."
He paused to wheeze out a cough, before letting his raspy words flow again, nodding again to his former apprentice whom he was about to bestow the freedom of a warrior to.
"He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I command him as a warrior in his turn."
The old tom scrambled to his paws and dropped from the ridge to the roof below on heavy paws, his thundering landing sounding painful, but very powerful. He struggled to straighten fully for a second before succeeding, and took a step forward to stand in front of his loyal clanmates.
"Tinypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and serve and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"
He asked this question gently, brilliant yellow meeting moss green with a confidence only a mentor or parent could hold within, as he lapsed into silence, swaying gently as the entire clan seemed to hold their breath in suspense of Tinypaw's next words, whatever they may be. ” notes "Talking"'Thought'
"Others talking"
HAHA THEN I HAVE SUCCEEDED! NOW CRY |
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Post by Hiccup on Jul 21, 2017 22:24:19 GMT -11
It seemed like a good idea yesterday He felt his breath hitch in his throat when his leader began to croak out the words, as old and timeless as the clans that had first uttered them, they made his heart swell as he looked on at his leader with a fondness that only a kit could give their father, despite his gaze being tinged by worry and fear for the elderly cat, he was proud to have served as his last apprentice, it was a pride he would carry until the day where he met him on the starry hills of Soulclan, where no amount of age or fatigue could stop them.He stood when the leader nodded at him, returning the gesture, the words burned through him like a wildfire, the praise meant more to him than any titles or names ever could, to know that he'd made his leader proud, no matter what hesitating either of them had started out with, it was an amazing feeling, and the lump of emotion in his throat almost hurt, but he kept his composure, he'd always been good at that.He lifted his head proudly when the old tom joined him on the ground, having to resist the urge to step forward to help him right himself again, he swallowed, reminded again of the age of his leader, but his eyes shined as he spoke the words that would seal his oath as a warrior of Riftclan. He looked around at the gathered cats, wishing his mother could be among them, before turning back to his leader with a sure nod, conviction in his eyes as he gave his answer."I do.""Words" - 'thoughts' |
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Post by 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ on Jul 21, 2017 22:48:48 GMT -11
i wish i could hurt you the way you hurt me. but i know if i had the chance, i wouldn't do it. “ Witheredstar smiled gently at the tom, and took yet another deep breath to prepare his voice for the projection it would have to give to reach all of his clanmates, and spoke.
"Then by the power Soulclan has invested in me, I give you your warrior name. Tinypaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Tinyspark. Soulclan honors your bravery and willingness to give yourself to others, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Riftclan."
The elderly tom took a step forward, his long fur and shredded ears swishing silently in the breeze of the early night as his action came to be, and pressed his muzzle to the top of Tinyspark's head, listening as they were surrounded by the roaring cheers of supportive clanmates eager for a new warrior to join the ranks. All around them, "TINYSPARK! TINYSPARK! TINYSPARK!" reverberated and bounced off the shimmering glass windows of the clan's dens, and Witheredstar rested where he was for a moment, before removing his head and looking down at his former apprentice--now a full warrior of his clan. He waited for the new warrior to return the gesture with a lick to his shoulder, before leaning forward again to speak into Tinyspark's ear, so that he would be heard over the loud chanting of their clanmates around them.
"I need to see you in my den once the meeting is over, alright? You're not in trouble, I just have to tell you something."
He then leaned back with a slight smile, and backed up to the front of the meeting, waving his tail. Immediately, the clearing fell into a calm silence, and the cats around him had their ears pricked to catch his words.
"Tinyspark is the only one to receive his warrior name tonight. I should hope Creekpaw will soon receive hers, but I cannot do it tonight, as her mentor has not reported her assessment success as of now. Therefor, this meeting has come to an end, and you are all dismissed for the night."
He looked at Tinyspark briefly, before slowly climbing up the stairs to his den, vanishing into the shadows of the building that housed him. ” notes "Talking"'Thought'
"Others talking"
-dark cacking overtop sobbing- |
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Post by Hiccup on Jul 21, 2017 23:03:01 GMT -11
It seemed like a good idea yesterday He took in a heavy breath when his leader uttered his warrior name, feeling a warmth wash over his pelt as the praise of his clanmates came so loud that his ears rang a little. He returned the age old gesture with a lick to his leader's shoulder, having to swallow another hard lump of emotion as he pulled back, trying hard to keep his composure for his leader and his clanmates, he was a warrior now, he couldn't get this soppy!His mossy eyes were curious when the leader leaned in to whisper his words into his ear, heavy and grave, even if he tried to keep his tone casual, Tinyspark could tell that something wasn't right, his tall tufted ears flicked worriedly, even if he was reassured that he'd done nothing wrong, he couldn't help the prickle at his skin that told him that something was amiss. But he nodded anyway, turning to watch with admiration in his eyes as the tom commanded a hushed silence with just the simple flick of his tail, he hoped he could be that strong someday, enough that cats listened when he spoke and took his words to heart, he hoped he could instill the same feelings in his own apprentice someday that Witheredstar had instilled in him.When the meeting was closed and cats began to disperse to their duties and whims, he turned to watch his leader climbing to his own den, swallowing a tight lump of worry as he followed shortly after, unable to help the anxiety that prickled just under his pelt."You wanted to see me, Witheredstar?"He would ask, a very subtle tremble of concern in his voice as he came to sit close to the old tom, tilting his head."Words" - 'thoughts' TAG: 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ / NOTES: that feel when u know somethin' bad's about to happen |
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Post by 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ on Jul 22, 2017 9:12:20 GMT -11
i wish i could hurt you the way you hurt me. but i know if i had the chance, i wouldn't do it. “ Witheredstar settled among the moss and random twoleg soft things that made up his nest right as Tinyspark followed him into the den. A sigh escaped his lips, long and tired, and he shook his head with a sad, weary smile.
"As you know, I'm on my eighth life."
He paused slightly, swallowing the bile rising in his throat before continuing.
"And this life is fading quickly, I fear."
His wheezing was worse now, and he had to stop talking again to catch his breath before coughing and lowering his head further, heaving air in and out of his lungs to muster up more words for his former apprentice.
"I'm dying, Tinyspark. And I won't come back a ninth time. Riftstar left the clan, he didn't die in the forest like I told the clan, when he took me on patrol alone, he escaped the territories to head further into tribe territory, leaving me with only eight lives to live out."
His gaze softened slightly, and he gave a small smile, shaking his head.
"But don't mourn me, Tinyspark. I've lived a wholesome 156 moons, and at this point I'm not much of a cat anymore, let alone a useful leader. I trust Dovefrost to make a fine leader in my stead, and you will strive under her leadership, if that is truly where you would like to remain."
He smiled again, flicking his tail in fatigue as he looked at Tinyspark with determined yellow eyes, and sank further into his nest.
"I see great things for you, Tinyspark. You're an amazing cat and any clan would be lucky to have you. I'm glad you ended up here with me while I pass into Soulclan. Honestly I'm terrified of dying, and it's been torture to die over and over again eight times. I'm kind of relieved this will be the final time I pass, I'll finally get some rest."
Witheredstar's eyes closed gently, and he hummed gently, before opening his eyes again half-way to watch Tinyspark, his back and legs relaxing slowly into the contents of his nest. ” notes "Talking"'Thought'
"Others talking"
-plain sobbing- |
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Post by Hiccup on Jul 23, 2017 9:37:43 GMT -11
It seemed like a good idea yesterday The heavy that settled over the new warrior as he settled in to hear what his leader had to say was enough to weigh him down until he sunk into the floor below him, or that was how it felt, he'd been dwelling on this conversation for moons now, and yet, as the old leader continued to speak he felt his mouth grow dry, a sick settling in his stomach enough to nearly bring bile to his throat."Witheredstar what..."He stopped, swallowing a nauseous lump as he went on, the reality of the situation hitting him like a tidal wave as he found himself subconsciously digging his claws into the ground below him, as if trying to keep a hold of himself so that he wouldn't collapse and fall. His breathing did pick up a little, the prickling at his skin twitching his back as discomfort settled over him. His leader was dying, his mentor was dying, and even if his words brought some peace, they didn't wash away the sting that he felt losing the old cat."Witheredstar...You've done so much for me, taught me so many things."His voice cracked as he came closer, settling beside the old tom, perhaps a bold move, but he couldn't help the tightness in his voice as he made sure he was settled down comfortably."I'm honored to have been your last apprentice, I will carry you with me for the rest of my days, wherever I might end up, until we can run together in Soulclan at the end of my own life."He leaned to lick between his scruffy ears, rumbling out a low purr of affection, trying his hardest to hold himself together for the old cat."is there anything you need?""Words" - 'thoughts' TAG: @username / NOTES: tba |
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Post by 《∞♛𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖♛∞》™ on Jul 24, 2017 16:47:14 GMT -11
i wish i could hurt you the way you hurt me. but i know if i had the chance, i wouldn't do it. “ The leader shook his head at his question. His heart was warmed by Tinyspark's words, and he was quite content, if he did say so himself. He sighed softly, air leaving his body and his chest stilling dangerously for a second, before he inhaled deeply, letting out a broken, coughing purr, and smiling slightly.
"This old cat is okay, I promise. I'm just.... tired... though I suppose that's an unfortunate effect of age. Though, I will ask that you tell no one that I'm about to die, especially Dovefrost. The girl wouldn't handle it well, I fear."
He sighed softly again, exhaling long and deep as the two just sat in silence, before Witheredstar decided to ask something else of the tom, though he regretted it.
"Tinyspark, I know losing others can be hard. I heard about your mother, and I just... I wanted to tell you that you're not tied to this clan. If you're suffocating yourself to stay, please, go where you can make yourself happy. You're destined for great things, my young warrior. I don't want you to have to walk with me in Soulclan for a long while yet. I wan't to give you a life of leadership, guide you through prophecies, through rough times, but while you're alive, not with me in Soulclan. Can you promise me you'll not make yourself suffer to stay, if your heart is telling you to go?"
The words were hushed, strained with sincerity and worry for his young friend and son-like companion. He never wanted his clanmates to suffer. It made him suffer, and he would rest easier to know that Tinyspark believed him when he told him he wasn't tied to Riftclan indefinitely. The leader sat up and started to cough, hunching over to try and keep from drowning in his own lungs, but he knew this was his end. He felt it, felt the stars above start to gather on his gray fur and in his eyes. He felt his mother and mate and kits come forth, and tears leaked from the sides of his eyes, a silent sob jerking his old, frail body silently. He looked back at his final apprentice--and friend, and smiled softly, refusing to leave until he had heard the words. He listened close as he sank further into his moss, the breath leaving his lungs growing fainter but still present, awaiting his promise he wouldn't leave without. ” notes "Talking"'Thought'
"Others talking"
It has begun > |
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