Uncharted Grounds - Week 1

[brackengaze]

He knew he was somewhere he shouldn't be, he was in a land that was not his. Yet he knew it. He knew this land better than he should, and why? As an apprentice the large gray and ivory tom had come here to see a she-cat he knew, had befriended, loved. He knew he shouldn't have, but he was young, or so he gave the excuse of. At the time they were only apprentices, an innocent young love he claims to no one. None from his clan knew, he never let them. From the time they had met at a gathering he and Cinderheart had met secretly as apprentices, at first simply playing, then it grew to more, why had Starclan not stopped them? Or better yet, why had Starclan not stopped him from coming here now? Back to the Canyon? They knew he was breaking the warrior code, the thing he strove to uphold. Why make him a hypocrite now? Why not stop him, make the world crack beneath him and force him to turn back? Perhaps a better question was what was pulling him there now?

He had not spoken to Cinderheart since he told them they could not longer meet, he never made eye contact with her at gatherings or even nodded to her. Now he was back, he had spoken to her at the last gathering, asking her to meet him, to catch up and she agreed. His heart pounding he stopped, feeling unsure as his large paws moved rather gracefully over the stony earth. From his size few thought he would have the grace he does. The massive cat had grown larger than most thought he would, he towered over many in his clan and most of the others. He could only imagine the size of his own kits one day. Smirking he stopped at the edge of the canyon territory waiting for her. With the ground so open he prayed she would come alone, or worse a patrol would not find him. That would be questions he did not wish to answer.

Licking his chest subconsciously the tom waited, trying to look his best as the odd tail wrapped around his paws, the three brown rings ever visible by his white paws and the forest green eyes watching diligently for the she-cat.

status - Done

[Juniper]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/cin2.jpg] The pale amber she-cat padded slowly from camp. She was distraught and apprehensive. She was an emotional wreck that bright day. Birds chorused their beautiful harmonies, while distant mice chattered into the breeze. Puffs of clouds scorched the blue skies, and a hazy film lay low in the heavens. But Cinderheart noticed none of this. She felt like she was treading the familiar path of old, when she first went to meet Hiddenstar, or Hiddenpromise in those days. Should’ve been called Brokenpromise, she thought bitterly. But she stopped abruptly, her amber eyes welling up with tears. A few drops trickled down her cheeks, tingling against her saturated fur. She quickly brushed them off with a swipe of her light tail before they leaked onto Sunkit. A wide, teary grin spread across her face as she gazed lovingly at her kit. Sunkit’s eyes were equally wide, with curiosity and wonder at the world. He was a tiny scrap of midnight fur just like his father’s. Twin golden eyes gleamed from somewhere in that eternal blackness. She nuzzled him gently, her pace quickening. Slanted eyes searched the wide chasm for her old friend. At last, she spotted him, her breath coming quick. Brackengaze was more handsome than ever, his lustrous ivory coat sparkling under the sun. Emerald green eyes stared intently around him, and he seemed almost as fearful as she was. More enthusiastically, she bounded closer, closing in the distance. Her kit stumbled after but she did not wait for him. At last she approached him, staring at him with a gaze akin to a curious kit’s. She finally spoke, her voice almost cracking with the strain of her memories of him. “Brackengaze. It’s you…” Cinderheart’s soft voice trailed off as she slid closer, with Sunkit skittering in after. She brushed her tail along his flank in greeting, sweeping it along until it intertwined with his own misty gray tail. “All those moons…” she murmured. Then her words tumbled out in a rush. “Have you seen my kits? Oh, this is Sunkit here. Say hello to Brackengaze, Sunkit. Oh you heard about Hiddenstar? Yes he died. Yes I grieve for him still.” There was so much to say and yet none of it seemed to matter. Meanwhile, Sunkit gazed brightly at the pale she-cat’s old lover. He smiled and meowed dutifully, “Hello!” He padded up and pounced on the other Warrior playfully while Cinderheart watched. He could be quite a beast and yet he was so adorable… “Sunkit bothers everyone” "Cinderheart speaks" Cinderheart ponders Cinderheart does Word Count 416 Tags Brackenfur Ooc Sunkit’ll go away once someone claims him. I’m RPing him now since I figure all kits are the same once they’re a week-old.

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[brackengaze]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][bg=433f3e] It had felt like an eternity as Brackengaze waited for her, he was unsure if she would even come. He remembered hearing she was with kits, and then seeing her swollen belly for his own eyes had made his heart ache. She had another mate, another cat to love and he had no one in Soulclan. His paws fidgeted slightly in fear she would not show up, or worse betray him and send a patrol instead. He might have been strong, but he was not foolish enough to take on a whole patrol by himself. Tail flicked as he finally spotted her, his forest green eyes lighting up like a kit. His muscles ached to run to meet her, but he knew better than to charge into enemy territory, especially if another cat saw them. As she approached a purr rose in his throat, cut off as he spotted the kit. He was surprised she would bring a kit so small with her, but perhaps there was none other to look after the little scrap. His attention returned to her as she approached, the purr becoming louder as she wrapped herself around him. Even after all that time of them not speaking, not even looking at each other she still felt the same for him, and he her. He entwined his tail with hers, rubbing his muzzle over the top of her head. His mouth opened about to speak when a small body launched onto his back. Chuckling he let the kit remain there, the giant cat had always enjoyed kits, kept a soft spot for them. Opening his mouth, "I did hear, every clan mourns for Hiddenstar,"He said gently with a nod of his muzzle, "I assume the kit using me a tree is Sunkit, good to meet you,"Brackengaze said gently letting the kit remain there. Turning his gaze to Cinderheart he sighed praying they had more time, he could only hope her clan did not come looking for her or her kit. "I cannot express how much I missed you all these moons, I am still surprised you agreed to meet me. I was so cold to you all those gatherings, and yet you are still kind as ever,"The large tom said, sitting up straight he tried to tell himself this was the only time they would meet, but he knew it wasn't, it couldn't be. It appeared neither of them could stand to be away from the other, "How are you? And How are things going with Sunkit by himself?"He asked out of general curiosity. Doing Speaking Thinking "Your cat talking"

[Juniper]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/cin2.jpg] The pale queen felt comforted by the presence of her old friend. She buried her muzzle into his sweet-smelling fur before withdrawing hastily. Her wary eyes glanced around for any eavesdroppers. It would do no good to her or her kits if she were caught seeing another cat not in her Clan. They were young yet; Sunkit and Applekit simply couldn’t survive alone, even with their mother there to help. She stared at the snowy pelt of Brackengaze, at his beautiful figure, his penetrating eyes of emerald. He seemed not to notice her reluctance as Sunkit latched miniscule claws onto his pale back. He glanced back at her after his laughter subsided and replied. She nodded as he continued to speak. Cinderheart felt a twinge of guilt as her old lover conveyed his feelings to her. She cast her eyes away from his, not daring to meet that forest-green gaze. The primary reason she now met with him was because her beloved mate had been disgraced and perished shortly after. She suspected it was suicide but did not want to further shame Hiddenstar. She still felt the mingling emotions of grief and fury well deep inside. How could Hiddenstar choose to just abandon his mate and kits? Even if his rank had dropped to near exile? They could still live out their lives as rogues, or maybe join up with another Clan. Something, anything. But the shadowy Warrior had made the choice to end his life instead. And Cinderheart despised him for it. Brackengaze murmured an inquiry into her well-being. She hesitated before replying, struggling not to show the conflicting emotions she was experiencing. [coler=7a7a7a] “Good,”

[/color] she responded as evenly as she could. Her voice trembled a bit as she continued, “And, oh, Sunkit and Applekit are doing fairly well. They both have already demonstrated their eagerness for graduating to an apprentice status.” A short, high-pitched laugh, almost like a squeaking rat erupted from her throat. It was anxious and false; hopefully the white Warrior would not notice. She signed and rubbed herself along Brackengaze’s side. She wound around and pried Sunkit off of his back.

“Come along, Sunkit. We should probably leave soon,” she said resignedly, despite the dark kit’s mewls of protest. She grasped the kit in her jaws carefully and padded off a ways. She felt as if she could feel Brackengaze’s stare burn into her fur. Finally, she could stand it no more and dropped Sunkit gently to the earth. Her amber fur swished with the breeze as she turned and leapt back to the pale Warrior’s side. “Oh, Brackengaze! What can we do? We can’t stay like this, not being able to see each other much, not allowed to be together…!” Her voice held a note of urgency and desperation. She was torn between loyalties – to that of her Clan and her lover.

"Cinderheart speaks"
Cinderheart ponders
Cinderheart does

Word Count 478
Tags Brackengaze
Ooc I’ll just call her other kit Applekit for now.
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[brackengaze]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][bg=433f3e] The large ivory and gray tom noted how distressed she seemed, over her kit, their separation, it seemed things were continuing to pile up for her. Gently the tom pushed his nose into her fur, drinking in her sweet scent. Things would have been so much easier had he been born into Ashclan, but he was a Soulclan cat, that was what he knew. Could he learn to live in another area, probably. He would have to, if she would simply ask him, he would stay, for her, for Sunkit and Applekit. "Does Ashclan know who their father is? I could stay, stay and claim them as mine,"he said. He had little tying him to Soulclan, he was not close with any cat. What was there to keep the warrior there, besides his loyalty to them and the warrior code. Shaking his mug he thought of all the warriors in the past, those of legends who had changed their allegiance for love. Things had worked out for them, although what if things fell thorugh again with Cinderheart, then he would be within a clan that was not his birth, and not his home. It could become home though, they had to be meant to be together, he had to believe Starclan had placed these two together at birth. He was meant for greatness, and together they could be that. (OOC: Sorry that is so short and crappy, I have had a mental block for him for a bit now. Next post will be better) Doing Speaking Thinking "Your cat talking"

[Juniper]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/cin2.jpg] Cinderheart’s eyes brimmed with tears of crystal, which trickled silently across her cheeks. She was comforted by the presence of the pale Warrior, the sensation of his warm body pressing against her flank. She rubbed her head over his neck and felt his pulse beat alongside hers. It drummed out one melody, filled with love and melancholy. One melody, one song. She was more at peace with him than she ever was with Hiddenstar. Then, as if he had sensed her thoughts, Brackengaze questioned if her beloved kits knew their father. She withdrew a little again, and quickly shook her head in response. She lifted her gaze to meet his, which shone with a brilliant, lime green sheen. “No, they do not. Hid- He died before they opened their eyes,” she responded softly, her voice quavering as she remembered Hiddenstar’s death. It was, to say the least, tragic and greatly impacted her even now. Sunkit, his sooty fur glinting almost silver in the light of the sun, ambled over, resting clumsy paws on Cinderheart’s side. The AshClan queen nuzzled her kit affectionately before training her gaze back to the cloudy pelt of Brackengaze. Her amber eyes were hopeful but she tried to hide it. There wasn’t much use in getting their hopes up. Breezestar was kind and accepting, but he was so new that he might request time to think it over… And Cinderheart didn’t know if she could bare the wait. She attempted to be encouraging at least. “Yes I suppose you could. Everyone else would know though,” she said somewhat doubtfully. Her pale stare lowered so Brackengaze wouldn’t see the emotions flickering across them. The SoulClan Warrior, however, seemed determined for them to be together. For his sake, the dusty pelted she-cat turned her musings to how they would be reunited under more appropriate circumstances. She contemplated idea after idea, rejecting them one after one. Perhaps if she joined his Clan…? Maybe if they just ran away together…? Absently, her soft tail stroked the silky furs running along his pallid back. Suddenly, she spoke up, a spark of hope glistening in those tawny eyes. “What if I mention to Breezestar that I might require assistance for caring for my kits? We don’t have much queens so your help would be perfect! I’ll… We’ll go see him now!” Her burst of speech was rushed with her ecstasy. Perhaps this really was the perfect solution! "Cinderheart speaks" Cinderheart ponders Cinderheart does Word Count 405 Tags Brackengaze and later Breezestar! Ooc I hope this gives you more muse!

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[brackengaze]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][bg=433f3e] The massive gray and ivory tom waited, patiently as he always was while she spoke of her kits. Brackengaze licked her ear gently, "It is a shame he never got to meet them, and they will never know him," he muttered trying to sound encouraging, although unsure how. This all seemed to be working out in his favor, he could maintain many of his goals in one shot. The tom could claim her kits as his own, reconnect with his Cinderheart and perhaps be a part of a clan that cares, a space that he could feel at home in. Flicking his odd tail the cat thought for a moment He would have to be careful how he approached things now. Forest green gaze flicked down to her kit, then back to her. He could pass for Sunkit and Applekit's father, at least he hoped he could. Looking back towards Cinderheart and then past her, towards the full territory of Ashclan he took a deep breath, aiming to know the scents of his hopeful clan better than Soulclan one day. His gaze swept downward, examining the canyon, feeling its hard surface underneath his paws. It had a cold sense, as well as a deep heat he could get used to. Scanning the area he noted each crevasse, each dip within the rocks and every plateau. Places he would learn, things that would become second nature to him. He would be himself. Finally. He prayed to Starclan Breezestar would accept him, and the clan. He could be a powerful asset to the clan, hopefully. He knew he could not return to Soulclan, unless it was to tell them a goodbye, which he must. He sighed knowing that would not be pretty. Looking back he flicked his ears hearing her words, "Cinderheart, if I come to the clan, I do not simply want to help out, I would claim the kits as my own. I would be their father and hopefully a warrior of Ashclan,"he stated. He was a warrior, not a cat to sit in the nursery helping out queens with their kits. Snorting in almost annoyance she would suggest something like that he swept his tail towards Sunkit, "Sunkit and Applekit will only know me as their father, so if you agree let's go to Ashclan, I must speak to Breezestar,"he said rising waiting for her to lead the way. Flicking his brown ringed tail he looked to Sunkit, hoping he and his sibling would accept him as their father. They had not known a sire up to this point, so there was reason they would not accept him. Good reason, yet hopefully when they saw the care he held for Cinderheart they would know he would care for them in the same way. Doing Speaking Thinking "Your cat talking"

[Juniper]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/cin2.jpg] Cinderheart gazed down at her paws, her eyes semi-closed as Brackengaze voiced his sympathy. She thought back to her own parents – the beautiful speckled Dapplefoot and the handsome ash-black Hawkclaw – and her heart tore as she remembered the grief following her mother’s premature death. Dapplefoot and Littlecloud had been brutally killed in the Gathering two moons ago. And she knew just how much she missed them and wondered what it would be like to have never known them. Her amber stare fell softly upon the furry back of Sunkit. She tilted her head to the right. What must it be like to have never known one’s father? The pale ginger she-cat’s sorrowful gaze swept back onto what could be her future mate. Brackengaze seemed to be in a thoughtful mood; his bright jade eyes roved the dust-strewn territory of AshClan. He lowered himself a bit to obtain a good view of the chasm below, inspecting every little inch of the land. Her eyes wary, Cinderheart swept a fluffy tail around his paws, as if barricading him, or preventing him from slipping down into the canyon. Softly, her beautiful kit padded over in curiosity, so she relinquished her hold on the SoulClan Warrior and guided Sunkit farther away from the edge of the cliff. The gray-and-white Warrior finally returned her glance, his expression level. She was a bit taken aback by his words, but hurriedly reassured him, “Oh yes, of course. I’m sure Breezestar would allow you in as a full Warrior.” She hesitated for a heartbeat, casting her eyes elsewhere to stall for a chance to think properly. She was quite certain that her kindly leader would accept this newcomer, but would the Clan? AshClan, like the majority of Clans save AspenClan, was prideful in the purity of its Warriors’ blood. But Cinderheart was a well-known figure in her Clan, the only full-time queen, there to tend to other females’ kits and prepare new moss… Well, she was certainly well-respected, and she had just lost her mate. Surely that would garner her some sympathy at the very least. In the silence used to gather her thoughts, the tom had already continued. The AshClan queen flicked her tail at Sunkit, plugging his ears gently so he would not hear what Brackengaze had to say. So far, she had not revealed their true father to her kits, despite their many pleas. It shattered her heart to withdraw such information, but she felt it was necessary. “I suppose it would work. Here, I’ll lead you to our camp. But don’t you wish to speak to your leader first? Who was it again- Branchstar or did he die?” Brackengaze had already surged forward so she hurried along, prodding Sunkit with sheathed claws. Her kit seemed to give questioning looks towards the other tom, so she quickly clarified, “He is… your father.” Having paced forward enough to surpass the SoulClan tom, she swung around and stared hard at him. Her pale gold eyes seemed to ask a question, wondering whether or not it was such a good idea to lie to her own kits about their father. She closed her eyes, envisioning their response once they found out – suppose a Clanmate tell them? She decided to let the Clan know of her decision. It was best that Sunkit and Applekit not know of Hiddenstar. "Cinderheart speaks" Cinderheart ponders Cinderheart does Word Count 559 Tags Brackengaze and Sunkit Ooc You can control Sunkit’s actions now since you’ll be creating his bio later anyways.

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[shocky !]

He had been pacing, something that he had been doing a lot of lately. It was far too difficult to stay in camp and do nothing, but he could only hunt for a certain amount of time before he grew weary of it. There was nothing to catch. Maybe if he had an apprentice, things would change. He would have an excuse to spend more time out of camp. But his last apprentice had been a long time ago. It had really only been for the sake of becoming deputy – it hadn't been difficult to see that he wasn't the type for apprentices. He was a quiet cat, too quiet to teach well. Besides, any apprentice that he took on would be too scared of him to act naturally and to forget that he was an important cat.

Still, it was something to look into.

Breezestar made his way to the canyon, his paws leading him step by step through the frosty dirt. It wasn't long before he came upon a familiar scent. The tom opened his mouth to taste it, pausing. It was Cinderheart, there was no mistaking her, but why was she so far from camp? She was a queen, with kits to take care of. Narrowing his eyes, he trotted further forward, and wasn't surprised when an unfamiliar SoulClan scent pierced the roof of his mouth. The black and white tom stopped. Either she was meeting someone, or this was just very coincidentally. Slowly, he began to pick his way down the sides of the canyon, his ears pricked. He didn't like eavesdropping, but he wanted to get a general sense of the conversation before he burst in.

He came up behind Cinderheart and narrowed his eyes at the cat just beyond, a grey and white tom with strong green eyes.

“Oh yes, of course. I’m sure Breezestar would allow you in as a full Warrior.”

Oh. Would he now? The tom hadn't been aware of that a few moments ago. Who was Cinderheart to presume that she knew what he would do? Hiddenstar, or Hiddenpromise, or whichever – it was a touch too painful to think it out – had only been gone for a couple of moons. Now she was meeting SoulClan cats at the border? Breezestar felt a growl rumbling deep within him, but he suppressed. Due to her relationship with the former leader and her role as a queen, Breezestar had always respected Cinderheart and considered her close to a friend. He would hear this story out. It was the least he could do.

They turned and began to walk towards him, Cinderheart reaching down to speak to Sunkit. Breezestar's eyes never left the SoulClan warrior, and as they approached him, he stepped out to bar their way, his yellow eyes flashing. He was smaller than the others, but his skin was taut over his muscles, and his stance held the confidence of his position.

"Why would I do that?" he demanded, his neck fur rising as he stared down the enemy warrior. Breezestar paused for a moment and then turned his attention to Cinderheart, his voice softening slightly. "Cinderheart, what's going on here? Who is this?"

[brackengaze]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][bg=433f3e] Watched her move before him, trying to block him so he would not fall, it was rather cute she was trying to protect him from falling over the edge. Flicking his tail he licked her ear in a sort of reassuring way. He was not necessarily one to show his emotions like this, particularly in public, yet since it was just he and Cinderheart, he saw no issue in doing so. He was about to say something when she relinquished her hold on him moving to protect her kit... their kit away from the edge. He would have to grow used to the idea of being a father. True he had always wanted kits, but was it this way? He loved Cinderheart, or he had, but did he know her anymore? No, but he would get to know her. Love always came back, didn't it? He would love her again, just as she seemed to still care for him. He would ensure that. He would be the best father to these kits, Sunkit and Applekit, they deserved that. While he doubted either would look like him that did no matter, kits did not always look like their parents. Looking around he rose to follow her, eyeing the kit carefully, watching his mannerisms. Sunkit was rather curious, asking questions, probably the one getting into mischievous back at the nursery, also getting his sibling into trouble at the same time. Sighing he prayed for whoever was his mentor, while he could see great potential in the kit, hopefully he would grow out of his ways and become the serious apprentice Brackengaze had been himself. A confident, attentive, and well respected apprentice. As Cinderheart began moving he followed silently at first, although paused upon hearing her tell him that she was sure Breezestar would accept Brackengaze, the warrior was not so sure. If he were leader would he accept an enemy warrior from another clan into his clan? He was not so sure, although Brackengaze planned no malice how was the leader to know that. When he was so ready to desert his own clan for the sake of his kits and mate? When she mentioned his own clan, Soulclan he sighed, "There is little for me there, Soulclan was only a hostel for me to temporarily live in, Ashclan will be my home, assuming I am accepted,"he said confidently, continuing to move once more. He doubted if they would even notice his absence. Looking down to Sunkit the tom nodded in agreement, affirming what she had told him of the kits parentage. Hopefully the kits would now be accepted, not being taunted for their half-clan status. His tail bristled at the idea of his kits or mate being taunted for choices at least in the kits case that were not their own. You cannot help who you love, can you? Starclan decides all those things. Once another cat barred their way he stopped, his gaze holding the toms yet a respectful dip camp from his head towards Breezestar, he recognized the Ashclan leader for gatherings. ""Good day Breezestar, my name is Brackengaze of Soulclan, although now I should ask that you allow me to join Ashclan,"he said with a sigh, choosing his words carefully and respectfully, " Cinderheart is my mate, and her kits, Applekit and Sunkit are mine, I only ask to join their clan so I may be there to help raise them, to give them a proper parentage that I know their clan would give them wholeheartedly." now that that was admitted he felt he could try and sell himself to this clan, try and make himself seem like the asset they would desire, hopefully. "I would be completely loyal to you and your clan, I am a powerful warrior, and would learn your skills with all that I am and with all that Starclan have given me,"he said stopping, hoping his speech was not too full of pity. He meant only to give Breezestar things to consider before trying to chase him out, although the tom had at least a couple inches on the leader. Doing Speaking Thinking "Your cat talking"

[Juniper]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq95/amanda1472/cin2.jpg] The pale queen’s fur glowed with happiness as her new mate returned her affectionate gesture. It was always the little things that made her feel warm deep in her heart. She cast a quick, loving glance towards the other Warrior, then stopped, confused again. Her blood pulsed in an odd, jerky manner as her thoughts turned back to Hiddenstar. Back when he still walked among the living, he and she were desperately in love, like they were truly meant for each other. It was quite like her entire life was… complete. No matter how many of their kits had died, they still had each other. Emphasis on the had. Now Hiddenstar had perished as well, and Cinderheart was left to bear the grief and shame. Then this other cat, an old flame, had entered the sorrowful scene. Her old love resurfaced – rekindled – but her loyalties were torn. Should she love Hiddenstar, her strongest love, or Brackengaze, her first one? But Hiddenstar was dead, and Brackengaze was here, beside her, gazing at her with the love reflected by her own eyes… Love could be so complicated sometimes. Quickly, she pushed these troubled thoughts out of her mind. She needed to be strong for her new mate and her kits’ sakes. Meanwhile, their paws now treaded the path leading back to her camp. Bright sunlight streamed over the three, casting soft shadows beneath their bellies. Cinderheart had originally been leading the way, but had slowed down to a trot so she could walk alongside the SoulClan tom. Sunkit, she assumed, was lagging in the back but she didn’t notice. Brackengaze spoke then, in a tone that suggested he didn’t care much about his old Clan – SoulClan. Pangs of sorrow struck the queen again, and she murmured, “I’m so sorry. AshClan will welcome you. They will.” She would make sure of it too. Her reputation may depict her as overly trusting but her Clanmates usually respected her decisions. As the new family padded along the dusty trail, the afternoon eased into early evening. The bright sky was now darker, casting shadows onto the amber she-cat’s fur. Cinderheart turned to her mate, nodding absently at his pallid coat splashed with darker streaks. Sunkit’s pelt was of course as dark as ever. However, it was as the she-cat passed her glance over her kit that she noticed the presence of another Warrior just behind them. She sniffed cautiously, noting no new scents but the ones already there. The other cat must have followed them for a long time. Again, she sniffed, drinking in the scents of her leader, Breezestar. Oh dear. Just as she was about to speak and alert Brackengaze, Breezestar cut forward and blockaded their path. Immediately, she stopped, averting her gaze away from the black and white tom. From his furious words, she deduced he must have been trailing after them for a long time. Oh dear, oh dear. She darted a quick glance at him before staring away, shame coloring her cheeks. She flinched as he spoke her name, despite the kindness in his words. Fortunately for her, Brackengaze cut in with an explanation. It was more of a ramble really, but they were so nervous it was natural. “Yes, yes he would be wonderful for the Clan,” she intoned softly, still avoiding her leader’s stare. Instead, she busied herself with ensuring that Sunkit would not topple over the cliff, despite the fact that they were an entire tree’s length away from the edge of the canyon. “I’m sorry, Breezestar,” she began at last, her tone solemn but desperate. “But I truly love Brackengaze, from when we were just made Warriors. And his Clan… He no longer wishes to be in SoulClan. I thought we could offer him a home, a real home, in AshClan…” Please? Her words ended in a silent plea, gray amber eyes animated with her pleading. "Cinderheart speaks" Cinderheart ponders Cinderheart does Word Count 650 Tags Brackengaze, Sunkit, and Breezestar Ooc When will Sunkit’s bio be finished (just wondering)?

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[shocky !]

Breezestar was watching Cinderheart, his eyes calm and his body tensed. The black and white tom didn't move; he just kept himself still, watching and assessing the situation. When Brackengaze spoke, the leader merely flicked an ear in acknowledgment, letting the tom's words ring in his head. Brackengaze wanted to join AshClan. That was all well and good, but what reason did Breezestar have to let the tom in?

There was nothing about Brackengaze that particularly endeared him to the tom, who was now making a case for himself. Though judging by the way he spoke, he wasn't arrogant – yet at the same time, he wasn't intimidated by Breezestar. No, Brackengaze was a good warrior, but in his mind, nothing special.Yellow eyes narrowing, he listened, holding his silence. Brackengaze was respectful, and Cinderheart's mate, and –

Cinderheart's mate.

This caught Breezestar's attention. He turned slowly towards the tom, his interest piqued. He had thought that Hiddenpromise had been the father of the dusty brown she-cat's kits. Applekit and Sunkit... he looked down to where they were, and his stomach churned. Was it fair to the kits to reject Brackengaze simply because he was a warrior from another Clan? Their love had broken the warrior code, and Cinderheart would have to reprimanded for that, but it was not Breezestar's place to punish Brackengaze for his actions. He had to make his decision based solely on the fact that Brackengaze had a right to be with his kits. Had it been any other cat, the decision would have been simple, and yet... Hiddenpromise had been his friend, whatever that meant. Cinderheart had been his mate. But she had been in love with another cat for a long time, it seemed.

No long concerned with Brackengaze, he turned back to Cinderheart. "He can join AshClan. There will be no announcement, no ceremony. The duty is yours to tell your Clanmates the circumstance of his arrival."

Dismissing Brackengaze with a quick flick of his tail – well, the tom couldn't exactly go anywhere, but Breezestar no longer had any interest for him – and stepping closer to Cinderheart, Breezestar bowed his head and spoke quietly to her. "You knew that this was against the warrior code, and yet you followed through with it. We will talk later about this."

He stepped back, stomach churning. He had trusted Cinderheart, considered her to be close, always thought of her as a companion to Hiddenstar. This, well, this was unexpected.

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