The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Subject: to guide these lives we see (c) Wed 2 Aug 2023 - 19:23
The weather was only getting warmer. Perchstar found herself almost amazed at how each day seemed to become progressively hotter, clouds and shade only offering slight reprieve. It hardly even cooled down by the time she had to sleep, and then the sun came up in the morning, and the cycle began all over again. Perhaps that was part of the reason that she felt so exhausted lately. She'd been feeding herself well and taking time to rest like Poppyshine insisted... and yet, there was a persistent dizziness pounding in the back of her skull that she couldn't quite ignore. But she did her best anyway. There were things to do, patrols to lead, mentors to speak with, and apprentices to mentor. Three of them, in fact. All had different needs and desires, so she did her best to train them all individually whenever she could. She wanted them to feel like they were known and appreciated individually, rather than as a part of a whole. However, busy as the leader of RiverClan was, she could only manage so much time... so today, she would be going on a patrol with all three of them.
Rookpaw had been her apprentice for the longest period of time. They were one of the oldest apprentices in the den, for a variety of reasons, and she had noticed great improvement in their hunting and fighting skills. Once they went with Sandyshell to have their Moonstone journey, it might be time for them to gain their warrior name... if they wanted to, that was. They had lingered in the nursery far longer than necessary; perhaps they desired to do so in the apprentice den, as well. She was not fish-hearted enough to ignore the fact that their parents had been some of the many to go missing during the Twolegs' invasion last leaf-bare. She knew that they still had not given up hope that the warriors would return. In her quiet heart, Perchstar doubted very much that they would ever return. All too well, she knew the pain of waiting each morning, hope sinking lower and lower, on the off chance that the awaited cat would return into RiverClan's embrace. But it had not happened for many of her missing cats. It likely would not happen for Rookpaw's parents. And perhaps... perhaps, that was the lesson that they needed to learn. Once they understood--once they found enough joy and belonging in RiverClan to offset the need, to fill the empty void left so long ago--then they might be ready to truly advance.
Her second apprentice was Lavenderpaw. He was certainly the most different of the three, but by no fault of his own. He had been born without the use of his hind legs. A more heartless Clan might have cast him out, citing a terrible mercy that may have taken his life on the assumption that it would not be worth living. A more thoughtless Clan might have had him live out his days in the elder's den, or forced him to take the path of a medicine cat, thinking that it was the only way he could possibly be of some kind of use. Perchstar had subscribed to none of those notions. Though it was a great addition to her daily workload, she had taken the tom on as a warrior apprentice. That was not to say that she was so fish-brained as to believe that Lavenderpaw could be exactly like the other apprentices. She knew that he would need special treatment, and there were some things that he should not be permitted to even try. With that said--he had proven her right. He had learned hunting incredibly quickly, and was as good at fishing as any other apprentice his age. He also had a determination that was unmatched. A determination to be useful--to be normal. And though he would never be anyone other than himself, she had truly come to appreciate who he was. Though he could not fulfill requirements the same as the other cats, Perchstar knew that he was working harder than ever to earn his name. The time would come soon that it would be awarded to him.
Then, her youngest and newest apprentice. Cinderpaw. Perchstar had spent the least amount of time with her, so it followed that she knew the least of her out of all three. However, something about her timid anxiety struck a familiar chord that the leader was doing her best to reckon with. In the short time they'd been working together, and the leader had been supervising her, Cinderpaw had shown good progress. There was a remarkably kind heart and wise soul beneath the shy, uncertain exterior. With more careful teaching and an understanding eye, the apprentice would blossom into a strong and capable warrior. It would just take time. Time that Perchstar would have to claw and scratch away from her other duties. But, it would be well worth the effort.
The four of them had to travel at a relatively slow pace so that Lavenderpaw could keep up. However, that was probably for the best; the slower they moved, the longer they could linger in the sparse patches of willow-tree shade, alleviating the scorching heat for just a few more moments. It also reduced Perchstar's normally fast walking speed, meaning that she would not tire herself out as quickly. Eventually, the group reached a nice spot on the territory. It was near to a shallow part of the riverbank--the spot that she usually took Lavenderpaw to fish, so that he would be able to reach properly without any danger. It was also nearby to a cluster of beech trees, which offered not only a cooling shadow to fall upon the overheated cats, but the occasional bird or squirrel that would chitter among the branches. Several different options to hunt.
A journey that short should not have left Perchstar as exhausted as it did. However, she had to try very hard not to let her sides heave and show how tired she had become. It took every ounce of willpower not to rush to the river and drink as quickly as she could. Instead, she sat down, leaning casually and almost imperceptibly against the trunk of a slim tree. "Feel free to hunt in whichever area you like," she told all three apprentices, nodding at each in turn. "Watch and learn from each others' techniques. I am sure that all of you can learn something new today."
~~PM me here or on Discord if you want a topic with any of my cats!~~ ~Wonderful Signature by Xaandiir!~
downfive Former Staff
Characters : [R]owansong [Ro]okflight [S]ilverhawk [P]igeonpouce [F]ish [T]wilightkit Clan/Rank : [R] RiverClan T5 Elder [Ro] RiverClan T4 Warrior [S] ShadowClan T3 Warrior [P] T2 RiverClan Warrior [F] T2 Rogue [T] RiverClan Kit Number of posts : 2493 Gender : any or username Age : 22
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Thu 10 Aug 2023 - 20:08
Rookpaw
Rookpaw stayed close to their mentor as the small patrol made the ambling journey across the territory. They did not know Perchstar’s other apprentices well, and while they’d been (incredibly slowly) warming up to the idea of those outside their immediate circle as more than specimens to be studied, they had no interest in speaking with either of them today. Green-leaf was a miserable, wretched season, and as of late, the increasing heat had exhausted them beyond their baseline fatigue.
The shade, however slim, was welcome. Rookpaw angled his head back, looking up into the rustling canopy while Perchstar offered her instructions. His gaze slide to the side, looking toward Cinderpaw and Lavenderpaw. He was older and more experienced than both of them. To learn from them seemed rather asinine, but he did not have the energy to argue.
Drifting to the water’s edge, they stooped down to let the fine spray blow across their muzzle, taking a moment to enjoy the cooling air before they bothered to watch for fish. Fishing… what a chore it seemed, today. They did not want to work. They wanted to lay down in some dark corner, and perhaps take a nap. But they would be a poor apprentice were they to just… sit. Sighing a bit dramatically, they caught a flicker of silver between the ripples and extended a paw. Despite their leisurely movement, their claws caught under its gills, and Rookpaw dragged the trout they'd snagged out of the water. It only thrashed until they bent down to deliver a bite to the back of its hard-scaled neck, after which they dragged it further up the bank and looked briefly towards Perchstar. They were beyond the point of seeking approval for their abilities, but still, they found themself looking for it anyway.
Rookpaw attempted to catch a fish... attempt successful! -3 SP.
Last edited by downfive on Thu 10 Aug 2023 - 20:10; edited 1 time in total
Mistpelt
Characters : Mistpelt Clan/Rank : RiverClanWarrior Number of posts : 15066 Age : 30
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Thu 10 Aug 2023 - 20:08
The member 'downfive' has done the following action : Dice roll
'Hunting Dice' : 1
______________________________________
♪~Founder/Owner of WCC~♫ ~Forever a RiverClan Warrior~ ~Please pm Administrators with queries as I'm not active~
moonazyne
Characters : [C]indersky, [W]olfpaw Clan/Rank : RiverClan, T3 Warrior| ShadowClan, Apprentice Number of posts : 327 Gender : They/She Age : 20
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Fri 11 Aug 2023 - 13:03
Cindersky T3 Warrior | RiverClan| she/her "i loved you like the sun."
Cinderpaw followed along quietly, keeping to Perchstar's shadow while also being aware of where the other two were. Rookpaw she knew only from Larkpaw's previous interrogation of her. Lavenderpaw, she had never met before. She was surprised that she had not been told of his condition, but at the same time, it seemed to bother him little. She often found herself glancing behind her, to make sure they weren't travelling too quickly. Even so, the notion of rising conversation with any of them seemed... Difficult.
When they came to that location in the territory between the trees and the soft mumbling of the shallow rivers-edge, she was grateful of the shade. The heat made her skin prickle and itch, and it drew an aching pressure onto her head. She didn't like it.
She listened close to Perchstar's instruction and felt a cold jolt rip across her chest. Hunt? She barely knew how. She looked at Perchstar, a flicker of apprehension and uncertainty crossing her blue gaze. She couldn't rely on her mentor all the time. Her ears flicked back, and with unsteady feet she turned to Rookpaw. She watched them effortlessly tear a fish from the sun-glimmered pool. She stopped a shadow behind them. They had seemed so closed off the entire way, she wondered if they would even entertain the notion of giving them guidance with fishing. It was the only thing she had an inkling on how to do-- But hadn't got the chance to properly try it with the rude interruption of big-white-bird.
"Uhm..." She began to speak, hushedly, but her voice faltered out almost as soon as it started.
Last edited by moonazyne on Mon 15 Apr 2024 - 6:25; edited 1 time in total
isla
Clan/Rank : RiverClan/apprentice Number of posts : 317
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Sun 13 Aug 2023 - 23:10
☽ ☽ ☽
It was a very hot day. Even the partial cloud and frequent shade didn't cool Lavenderpaw, and it took all his effort to haul his hind legs along on the outing.
But it was one of those rare days Perchstar had the time to take him fishing. Rather than feel unattended to, because Perchstar was taking all three of her apprentices on the outing, it was also a rare opportunity Lavenderpaw valued.
His den-mates were continuously coming and going out, while Lavenderpaw stayed in the island camp. So, he didn't really know the other apprentices, except in passing. There was the once when Swanpaw was stuck in camp with him. Then the outing today, with Rookpaw and Cinderpaw.
Neither of them spoke on the way, and Lavenderpaw did not have the breath to start a conversation. Cinderpaw was the youngest, and very shy, so she seemed the most elusive. But she kept glancing over her shoulder to see if he was keeping up alright. It showed him the caring and kind cat she was. Each time he would offer her a soft reassuring smile.
Rookpaw lingered in the willowtree shade and slowed pace as much as Lavenderpaw, seeming miserable in the heat with their dark pelt. They were the oldest, almost the age to earn their full name. Lavenderpaw knew they and their brother Larkpaw as well as their friend Sunpaw were orphans, like him. Lavenderpaw didn't remember his parents, or his life before the injury falling into the river which meant he didn't have use of his back legs, and he could only imagine it was difficult for Rookpaw in a way wholly different than for him. Rookpaw had very slowly started to warm, he had noticed, and he hoped they could continue moving forward together with their sibling and their friend.
Lavenderpaw's friend, Drizzlepool, had passed from illness recently. Her parents, who had been like parents to him as well and who Lavenderpaw had worried a lot for, were coping surprisingly okay. But they had become very distant from Lavenderpaw as well. That was the feeling of an orphan.
RiverClan was his family. His leader and mentor, who had supported him in a purpose within RiverClan and trained him herself, was the closest to his parent. Poppyshine too, more recently Sandyshell and Wrenpaw, and all the warriors shared his training when Perchstar was busy. His apprentice den-mates and the kits were the closest to his siblings. All of the clan was Lavenderpaw's family.
It was Perchstar he worried about today. She usually had to temper her fast walking pace for him, but she did not seem to have the energy at all today. Her breathing was just slightly heavier. While Rookpaw and Cinderpaw shadowed Perchstar closely, behind them Lavenderpaw found himself taking his time in the hope his mentor could catch her breath. He did not mind being the excuse for an even slower pace, he was used to such.
He himself was exhausted and panting a little, dragging the weight of his unmoving lower body, in the heat of the day. As Perchstar leaned against the trunk of a slim birch tree in the shade of the cluster of trees, her eyes immediately flicking subtly to the water, it took all Lavenderpaw's will not to flop down on the spot.
Lavenderpaw was the last to join beside the river. Rookpaw had elegantly pulled a fish out of the sun-sparkled water and Cinderpaw hovered nervously behind them on unsteady paws. Lavenderpaw opened his mouth to speak at the same time as her, closing it politely to wait for Cinderpaw to speak first, but her hushed murmur faltered out.
After a moment, Lavenderpaw gently filled the silence, "Nice catch." He also stood just behind Rookpaw. "You're the most experienced," he stated obviously. "Would you give us some guidance?" He would appreciate that and was sure Cinderpaw would too.
He moved to Rookpaw's side. "Should we make sure we have the basics first?" he asked the older apprentice earnestly. He did not want to waste Rookpaw's time on what the younger two should already know.
With a paw, he swept his limp back legs tidily out of the way so there was space for Cinderpaw as well. "Please," with an inclination of his head and a downward angle of his ears, Lavenderpaw invited her to sit down. "Make yourself comfortable," he told the younger apprentice with a small smile.
He believed Cinderpaw knew more than she thought she did. Lavenderpaw positioned himself comfortably, soft yellow eyes flicking to Rookpaw to check against them. One front paw held him upright, the other with claws unsheathed poised purposefully above the water. His eyes turned to Cinderpaw with a reassuring blink to make sure she was following okay. The fish flickered in the clear shallow water below. He gave her a nod, all there was to do now was wait for a fish to swim underneath one of their waiting paws, and ~~
A loud harsh squawk as a large white bird charged in to try to steal a fish. It went straight for the apprentices and Lavenderpaw's heart lurched. With no time to think, "Look out!" he yelled. He threw his body in front of the goose's attack to shield the other apprentices. The stab of the goose's beak knocked Lavenderpaw away, his body bouncing and landing sprawled, the breath knocked out of him.
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Tue 15 Aug 2023 - 17:58
Perchstar settled down, still allowing the tree's trunk to assist in bearing her weight, choosing to focus on her apprentices' efforts instead of her own irregular breathing. Rookpaw, of course, caught a fish easily. They were her most experienced apprentice; it would be concerning if most of their attempts were unsuccessful. She caught the brief flicker of their eyes towards her. She offered a small nod in response, blinking slowly. Of course, she approved of them. The only reason they had not become an apprentice yet was the fact that they had yet to travel to the Moonstone... and that when they decreed they would be ready to do so would be up to them. But given how long they had lingered in the nursery, Perchstar wasn't sure but whether Cinderpaw would become a warrior before they did.
Speaking of the youngest apprentice, she was hovering somewhat uncertainly by the banks of the river. It was understandable. Perchstar certainly hadn't gotten to teach her much before... well. The leader sighed inaudibly, sides heaving, at the reminder of her previous goose-induced failure. Stars willing, that wouldn't happen again. At the moment, Cinderpaw seemed to be asking Rookpaw for help. If they did not wish to answer, then as a mentor, she would need to step in and assist. But for now she indulged her exhaustion by just resting a bit longer. Just a little while longer.
Lavenderpaw, having been able to focus almost exclusively on hunting rather than fighting, was also rather skilled, despite his disability. He made his way in a surprisingly easy fashion to the riverbank, mediating between the more standoffish Rookpaw and shyer Cinderpaw in a way that made Perchstar's whiskers twitch. The three were an interesting combination. Hopefully they would get along well enough. Light blue gaze regarded the three, watching as Lavenderpaw awaited the appearance of a fish--and then, suddenly, used his front legs to throw himself in front of the other two, in the very same moment that a white feathered figure descended.
Again? What is this--some kind of joke for the stars' personal amusement?
Well, she had no time to sit and rest any longer. No time to even think. The entire point of at least one warrior accompanying Lavenderpaw was to keep him from getting hurt. Perchstar had already failed that prerogative. All she could do now was damage control. Almost automatically her body moved forward. She ignored the deep ache that had settled into her bones rising up, gritting her teeth as she used a burst of energy despite the painfully oppressive heat around her. Just a moment after Lavenderpaw cried out and took the blow, he was suddenly in the shade--but not under the shadow of a tree, or a cloud. Perchstar leapt above him, her powerful hind legs carrying her both forward and upward. Outstretched paws, claws unsheathed, grabbed hold of the large bird before it could fly out of reach. A full life of leaping atop the Willow Branch and the Great Rock had made her an excellent jumper. Heavily, she landed atop the goose. Despite the sharp teeth she could see lining its beak, her hold was too strong. Sharp claws bit down past its feathers as she pinned it to the riverbank. "Lavenderpaw, are you all right?" Her voice was urgent, commanding, snapping into "leader mode" almost instantly. "Cinderpaw, make sure he's okay. Rookpaw, assist me."
Perchstar used Leap-and-Hold, dealing 12 (10+2) damage and costing 15 stamina. Goose is pinned for 1 turn.
~~PM me here or on Discord if you want a topic with any of my cats!~~ ~Wonderful Signature by Xaandiir!~
Mistpelt
Characters : Mistpelt Clan/Rank : RiverClanWarrior Number of posts : 15066 Age : 30
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Tue 15 Aug 2023 - 18:00
The member 'Ash' has done the following action : Dice roll
'Effect Dice' : 2
______________________________________
♪~Founder/Owner of WCC~♫ ~Forever a RiverClan Warrior~ ~Please pm Administrators with queries as I'm not active~
downfive Former Staff
Characters : [R]owansong [Ro]okflight [S]ilverhawk [P]igeonpouce [F]ish [T]wilightkit Clan/Rank : [R] RiverClan T5 Elder [Ro] RiverClan T4 Warrior [S] ShadowClan T3 Warrior [P] T2 RiverClan Warrior [F] T2 Rogue [T] RiverClan Kit Number of posts : 2493 Gender : any or username Age : 22
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Wed 30 Aug 2023 - 20:18
Rookpaw
Rookpaw acknowledged Perchstar’s nod with a flicked ear, ready to turn back toward the water when their attention caught on Cinderpaw lingering close by. They blinked slowly at her, waiting to see what would follow her hesitant... greeting, if it could be called such. They were ready to turn away when Lavenderpaw shuffled suddenly to their other side, though he seemed keen on actually speaking. “I am,” they agreed with another owlish blink, before quietly echoing, “Guidance?” They were not a teacher. Rookpaw looked between the other apprentices with befuddlement, watching as Lavenderpaw beckoned the youngest between them to sit, as if preparing for a proper lesson.
“Uhm. Yes.” He started, although Lavenderpaw was already poised to attempt a catch. Before he could make up his mind on what else he could possibly offer as advice, a furious beat of wings drew his attention upwards, not a full moment before a goose came careening from the sky to dig its beak into the valiant shield Lavenderpaw made of himself. The fur along Rookpaw’s fur bristled, and he took a few hurried steps backwards, shouldering Cinderpaw back alongside him. He’d yet to be assailed by a goose. Truthfully, it’s appearance startled him somewhat.
But Perchstar threw herself quickly into action, despite the heavy weight of heat that bore down on her, and Rookpaw straightened to heed her urgent voice. She brought the goose down from its flight, and Rookpaw moved forward to join her before her instruction had even finished. The flash of surprise had worn off, and they threw themself at the great bird as it wrestled against the leader’s weight, their teeth finding purchase around its neck.
Rookpaw used Snap, dealing 6 damage and costing 7 SP.
Characters : [C]indersky, [W]olfpaw Clan/Rank : RiverClan, T3 Warrior| ShadowClan, Apprentice Number of posts : 327 Gender : They/She Age : 20
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Thu 31 Aug 2023 - 3:57
Cindersky T3 Warrior | RiverClan| she/her "i loved you like the sun."
Perhaps she should've known this would happen. A big white bird exactly where Perchstar and the three apprentices were. It was an ill-omen for sure, for three to bring a goose. StarClan must find this horribly amusing. It was not the goose that surprised her, despite the involuntary hiss and raise of her hackles. It was Lavenderpaw throwing himself in front of the blow.
She yelped when Rookpaw backed into her and nudged her further back, almost loosing her footing. The back of her neck itched and chest felt tight from the swift chaotic spiral of things. The older apprentice immediately jumped back in to aid Perchstar in fending the fiendish creature away, and she appeared rooted to the spot. She knew she should probably fight, but Lavenderpaw...-
Perchstar, thankfully, broke that spell for her. The voice brought her back to her senses and she moved before she even realised she was. She wiggled in between the two defending cats and grabbed on to Lavenderpaws scruff as tight as she could. He was heavy, she thought, or maybe that was just because she was nervous.
She dragged him out from harms way and lay him down. She nudged him with her snout, trailing her eyes over him. It was a heavy hit, and she was surprised the goose didn't cause more damage than it appeared to. Nonetheless, it would definitely be sore for a good few days.
"Why did you do that..?" She said softly, her gaze downcast and struggling to keep the quiver out of her voice. She wasn't scared of the goose. She was scared of them getting hurt. She kept herself angled over Lavenderpaw, should the goose decide to break free from Perchstar's hold and attempt to finish the job. "You shouldn't have done that. You didn't need to get hurt."
Last edited by moonazyne on Mon 15 Apr 2024 - 6:27; edited 1 time in total
isla
Clan/Rank : RiverClan/apprentice Number of posts : 317
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Thu 28 Sep 2023 - 22:50
☽ ☽ ☽
For a moment, Lavenderpaw couldn't breathe, couldn't move. He had hit the ground hard and might have blacked out. Cinderpaw was tugging at his scruff, and he struggled for breath like a drowning cat, as she dragged him out of harm's way.
Cinderpaw nudged him with her snout. He was sore all over, or the parts of himself he could feel, at least. But that was good. It meant Lavenderpaw had had the strength with only his front legs to have thrown himself in front of and shielded the other apprentices.
"I'm okay," he reassured Cinderpaw. She seemed so shaken, her voice quivering, Lavenderpaw's answer was soft and almost apologetic. He looked okay as far as he could see. Cinderpaw stayed angled over him protectively. "I saw it first. If I didn't do anything, it would've hurt you or Rookpaw."
He felt proud to have protected his clanmates. He felt guilty to have worried them. Emotions swirled, righteousness and frustration, he wasn't completely helpless!
Lavenderpaw turned his soft yellow gaze to where Perchstar and Rookpaw were fighting. He was scared of them getting hurt, too. There was a part of him that didn't want to just watch, then there was a part of him that didn't dare move again, knowing he wasn't allowed to fight.
Subject: Re: to guide these lives we see (c) Tue 24 Oct 2023 - 19:12
Fighting in weather like this was far from ideal, but Perchstar did her best. At least the cool spray of water was nearby. Though she was doing her best to focus on fighting the goose alongside Rookpaw (whose help was well-given), her eyes kept on straying back to her other two apprentices. She saw Lavenderpaw shift; he wasn't too badly injured, then. But the way Cinderpaw's shoulders were shuddering, the way Lavenderpaw's yellow eyes fixed on them with a quagmire of emotion, made her throat tighten. What kind of mentor was she if even on such a safe patrol, her apprentices were constantly in danger? How was she supposed to protect them adequately if trouble followed her like a clinging second shadow? At least it had only been a goose rather than... well, rather than something worse. But the thought wasn't encouraging. It was only a matter of time, it seemed, until the entire forest's worth of predators came bearing down on her.
Eventually the goose managed to break free of her hold. But Perchstar was ready, retaliating quickly with a sharp swipe of claws against its feathered back as Rookpaw held it within reach. It was free again--but hopefully it would attack one of the cats swarming its close proximity, instead of lunging for Cinderpaw and Lavenderpaw.
Perchstar used Front Paw Strike, dealing 12 (10+2) damage and costing 7 stamina. Goose is no longer pinned.
