What light through yonder window breaks? (c)

Sunflare could hardly keep from purring as he walked along ShadowClan’s marshes, the most beautiful she-cat in all the forest by his side. Tonight was the night. The night he’d finally tell her the truth. Coming to a stop in the same spot she’d invited him to some time ago, he cleared his throat.

“Tawnyshadow, um, how do I say this? Tawnyshadow, you’re the most beautiful and intelligent she-cat I’ve ever met. Your care of Dawnbright is inspiring and your finesse as a warrior is astounding. I know life hasn’t been kind to anyone lately and perhaps fate will strike us too, but will you grant me the pleasure of being your mate?”

OOC: It's Tawnyshadow, not Tawnyflare, but that's okay XD

Tawnyshadow was surprised and pleased when Sunflare invited her for a walk. They hadn't talked much since the gathering, other than snatches of conversation between patrols. She found her paws stepping into the exact clearing that she had once brought him to. Did the tom have something to say to her?

“Tawnyshadow, um, how do I say this? Tawnyshadow, you’re the most beautiful and intelligent she-cat I’ve ever met. Your care of Dawnbright is inspiring and your finesse as a warrior is astounding. I know life hasn’t been kind to anyone lately and perhaps fate will strike us too, but will you grant me the pleasure of being your mate?”

How was she supposed to reply to this? The thought of a mate had never crossed her mind-- kits, yes, but never a mate. Now that she thought about it, Sunflare was probably one of the best options in Shadowclan for her, and since he's here already... might as well. Tawnyshadow couldn't hide the small smile that grew on her. Not a bad option at all. Sunflare did go through the trouble of reciting her strengths though, so she should probably do the same.

"Sunflare, since our apprenticeship you've shown nothing but the best of yourself, both in training and as a clanmate. I would be honoured to be your mate," The tortoiseshell purred, leaning forward to gently nuzzle the tom's cheek. Joy bubbled in her chest; from what, she couldn't tell.

OOC: I have no idea how I managed to miss that. It’s fixed now.

Sunflare leaned into Tawnyshadow’s touch, chest vibrating with a purr. “We’ve got this,” he whispered. “WindClan and all the other clans won’t be able to raise a paw against this power couple.”

The touch of her new mate was not as awkward as she had imagined. It was almost... warm. Cozy, even. Something she had not felt before. If anything, she would compare it to her nights with Sagestone, when they were just kits, huddled together in their nest to keep each other warm because no one else would do it for them. Is this feeling what they call love? Tawnyshadow had always felt envy when she saw the look of pure joy on her clanmates' faces when they were with their loved ones. Even with Dawnbright or Creekpaw, she had never felt such warmth. It was as if all her worries were nothing but snowflakes, melting as soon as they came close. What a wonderful feeling.

For the first time since Sagestone's death, a laugh broke out of the she-cat. Sunflare's words were both amusing and comforting. With Sunflare by her side, not even the strongest of Windclan warriors could take her down. Which reminded her-- "You should introduce me to your mother and father sometime," She mewed, curling her tail around his. They were both valued members of the clan, and they raised such a wonderful cat... she wanted to at least meet them. In the meantime, she didn't have any parents to speak of. Live ones, that is. Will Sunflare and I ever have kits? Am I taking things too fast? Tawnyshadow pushed away her worries. Sunflare was here, and he wasn't going anywhere. They had all the time in the world...