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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2021 18:38:18 GMT
 The cold air nipped at his nose the second that he padded from their den site entrance and into the open world of the dim forest. The sun was just about to rise in the horizon with it's familiar golden pink and orange glow of morning but for right now the dim grey light of the shifting moon and sun made the world around him seem eerie and quiet with the occasional bird chirping in the tree tops that bore little to no leaves on their branches. His breath came out in white vapors in front of his face to mingle with the cold frost at his paws thanks to the temperature that came with Leaf-Bare in the mornings. The fallen leaves and dead grass crunched under the weight of his paws as he moved forward into the darkness like the shadow that he was in search of prey he knew to be rather scarce due to the season's change. But, he did have a family to care for after all; and really that's all his focus lays on.
It took him longer than he wanted it to but he managed to snag himself a crow from a group of crows that was busy picking and plucking the flesh off of a corpse that looked like it once belonged to a squirrel maybe? Ah well, at least he managed to get him a meal. The black feathers of the crow tickled his nose as he bounded across as silent as he could back towards the clearing in which he's made their home. The light was twinkling through the leafless branches and he was darn near out of breath when he finally returned him. His kin was still fast asleep in the early rays of the morning so he let them sleep; he'd make sure to take his kits out for a mini hunting session for their breakfast, he liked it when he had the opportunity to mix together every day needs into a lesson like guiding his young to prey that they would practice their hunting techniques on and in the end be rewarded with breakfast.
Settling the bird down at the entrance of the den site he slipped his sleek form through the hole and into the warmth of the interior. His blue eyes took a moment before he saw the figures of his family lying fast asleep together. In the darkness, away from unwanted prying eyes he allowed his mouth to curve ever so slightly into a fond smile as he saw the bright colored pelts of his family curled up in a bundle together sleeping soundly. He knew he only had a few hours at best so he slipped carefully around the dog pile of his kits; not as young as he remembered them; time flew by far too quickly. It was making him feel old.
He paused at the ever fluffy cream furred bundle off to the side where he had only an hour ago removed himself from the warmth it admitted and pressed his nose against the soft fur. His mate was a blessing in disguise that if it weren't for her Jay would never have made it where he was today, or had the family they did without her. The black tom nuzzled against her a moment and breathed in her scent before he gave a firmer nod in the purpose of waking her up.
"Violet, my love. It's time to awaken. I brought you breakfast." his voice was soft but firm as he attempted to wake his mate and not his kits.
It was a rare thing indeed to be able to have alone time with Violet without their kits Flare, Spider, Gale, and Melody at their heels 24/7. But time was precious so Jay would take what he could. He adored his family no doubt but sometimes he wanted to be left alone in the vibrant presence his mate provided in the crazy chaotic work of parenthood.
"I'll be awaiting your presence outside, come when you are ready. There is no rush." he told her softly before he was slipping from the den to wait for her.
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on Jan 7, 2021 19:39:04 GMT
violet The den was warm, filled as it was with small, sleeping bodies. The muted purrs of the youngest litter, the louder rumble of Violet's eldest—the empty space beside her where her mate usually slept. Some of the chill from the air outside the den crept in, filling in the empty space left by Jay's absence and rousing a shiver in Violet. Still, she slept on, too far from wakefulness to be concerned, until the cold intensified into a single point; a cold nose prodded her side, waking her more fully. Her blue eyes blinked open blearily as Violet was led back to consciousness by the low sound of Jay's voice, soft enough to catch her attention only while leaving the rest of their family to their slumber. Breakfast, did he say something about breakfast? Violet shook herself further into wakefulness as she watched Jay slip back out the way he came, his black tail swishing behind him. The entrance to the den leaked early morning light; threads of pink and gold bled into the otherwise dark den, illuminating its interior somewhat and making the gently rising and falling chests of Flare, Spider, Gale, and Melody glow the faintest bit. Violet spared a moment to watch over her kits, letting her eyes linger on their sleeping forms. Parenthood was no easy feat, especially with the the litters she'd had; keeping everyone fed, safe, and happy was hard work regardless of the joy it brought her, but in quiet moments like these, Violet could not help but think that whatever hardships she had endured or whatever troubles were yet to come, all of it was worth it a hundred times over. But she had dallied enough already, her wistfulness interrupted by a slight grumble in her belly. Right, breakfast. She made her way through the den's entrance and into the young morning's light. Jay was not hard to spot, his black pelt stark against the first weak rays of sun pushing through the gathering clouds and the naked, leaf-bare branches. Steps light enough to avoid cracking any of the remnants of frost on the ground, Violet padded over to be at his side. "Still spry enough to catch a crow, I see," she teased, flicking her tail against Jay's. His catch lay before them, a mass of black feathers not dissimilar in color from Jay's fur. "Not willing to let Flare take over the bird-catching yet?" Not that either of them were old enough to be quite so shaky, but it was something that Violet had started to think about. She and her mate would not be able to provide for their kits forever, and at this point the main goal seemed to be preparing them for that day. But then what? The future nagged at her, but she tried to push her worries down, focusing instead of the calm morning atmosphere and the presence of Jay beside her. And her breakfast, of course. She leaned forward to take a bite. 499 | @gala |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2021 23:32:40 GMT
He peered up at the grey clouds with knowing eyes; he could feel it in the air, the change of the weather and the promise of snow. Even with the sun coming up across the forest floor like pale fingers he knew the weather would still promise more coldness yet to come. The sound of movement within the den alerted him that Violet had finally decided to awaken from her slumber at his insistence. It took her a moment but he figured she was doing her normal stretches, or perhaps she sat in their nest while running the course of the day in her pretty little head. But at last she did join him; looking rather radiant as the first morning light hit her cream fur making her look ethereal and not fully mortal. When she came to sit beside him have ave her a rare smile that he did not show often. Her joke about their age did not go amiss by the ebony male; frankly he was thinking the same thing.
"I contribute my spryness towards the kits. They certainly keep me on my toes. I must keep up my energy and stamina to par with the best of them, now don't I?" he replied back looking amused as he looked over her head towards the entrance of the den where their young slept peacefully and unaware of their talk.
"In all seriousness my dear, I do believe I need to upt the training with Flare. He is excellent already and he will help Spider, Gale, and Melody when the time comes. I won't be around forever; we must live as if tomorrow shall be our last, anything could happen." he murmured looking over at her.
He did not want to think such gloomy thoughts but with the long life he's lived he'd come to appreciate what he had; but usually when something like that came around anything could take it away just as quickly. Living a wild life wasn't something that he wanted for Violet; she grew up being a kitty pet and he wondered if she missed her old life. He watched her lower herself down to take a bite and he allowed her to eat as much or all of it as she pleased; Jay usually did. The silent provider that he was. he rather let his family eat first and he'd either eat the left overs or go hunt himself something after but his family came first and foremost. As he watched his mate eat he thought where fate would lead their family.
"Violet dear," he began softly, a tone in his voice that Violet of all people in the world could realize the certain undertone he held underneath.
"Have you been thinking of Flare's development?" he spoke up looking over at the entrance to their den. "He is fully grown already and his thirst for adventure and to see the world has grown...When will you be ready to give him his freedom?" he was not trying to make her think that she was holding their son back but the facts stood that Flare was considered an adult; he would not be with them forever.
Jay knew Flare loved his family but his love for adventure and to explore the world and meet others besides his family grew each day. Something that Jay was starting to see more and more as the days grew. Jay and Violet could not in their right mind as parents consider holding back their eldest from living his life purely for their selfish gain. They did not want their kits to leave the nest of course, but would their kits wish to stay as a family and not go out to see the world?
"we cannot keep him tied down forever my love." he said softly "I fear it was my stories that I told of the forgotten clans that once where that brought on the desire to seek them out that is driving our son. I do not know what to do about this." he confessed bowing his head with a troubled look in his blue eyes as his inner conflict raged war in his mind.
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on Feb 7, 2021 20:25:10 GMT
violet As if tomorrow shall be our last...It was a grim thought, certainly. Just because Violet herself had spared a moment here or there to consider the possibility didn't make hearing her mate voice it aloud any easier to bear. It had taken some getting used to, the idea of independence. Growing up among twolegs, Violet had never wanted for any of the necessities; food, water, shelter, comfort...all within reach, all accessible without a second thought. But the one thing she had not had was true freedom. It had been a trade-off, obviously, but one that she couldn't bring herself to regret, especially with her family in the equation. All the same, she had yet to cease being startled by reminders of how dangerous her new life could be. It was a paradox; the reason for which she had abandoned that safety was the very same reason for which she craved it. Would her kits not be better served in a home free from all the dangers of the forest? The very same dangers that coalesced into daring trials and tribulations, tales of adventure and mystery and intrigue that had so enraptured her eldest. No, Violet couldn't imagine going back to her old life, regardless of the safety it might afford her and her family. It would only strip them of everything they had grown to become. The thought didn't much assuage her worries though, as Jay continued. "Of course I think of Flare's future," Violet said with a small huff of laughter. Flare was...well. Flare would always be her kit, but he wasn't much of a kit anymore. This fact became more obvious with each passing day, and Jay's words struck another unvoiced chord within her. "I'm sure he is as torn as we are," she said after a moment's pause. "He obviously wants to strike out on his own, a fantasy which is no doubt fueled at least in part by those stories of yours, but...if we asked him to stay, I think he would." Another pause, then, more quietly. "I think he would grow to resent us for it, though."Violet's eyes slanted towards her mate and saw his downcast eyes, their burning gaze focused on the frozen ground. She pushed the half-eaten crow in his direction, into his line of sight. She nudged him lightly, an indication to take more of his share. It was a—perhaps thinly veiled—attempt to keep him occupied while she gathered her thoughts. When she thought about her eldest son, she tried not to be selfish; as much as she would love to spend the rest of her life with him and all of her children, such a dream was simply and obviously unrealistic. As such, asking him to fulfill such a wish was never something Violet had seriously considered. But Flare was young and dedicated, and she was not convinced that he would not take such a burden upon himself. "My real worry," she began, "Is that we wouldn't need to ask. That he would feel obligated." It was not a guarantee by any means, but even the possibility ate away at her, now that the idea had crystallized in her mind. "We cannot keep him tied down forever," she echoed, "But he should know that he will always have a family to return to. That we will be here for him but that we do not...need him." Her voice cracked minutely at the end of the statement, her words trailing off into a soft, pitiful mewl. Do we really not need him? It felt like a lie. Wasn't it supposed to work the other way, though? The child needs the parent, not the other way around. But still, the sentiment sat heavy in her stomach alongside her morning meal, and she turned her gaze towards Jay again, hoping for wisdom or insight or consolation. 646 | @gala hello I am SO SO sorry about the wait |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2021 19:34:42 GMT
[googlefont="Poiret One"] His words hung in the air for a good while as his mate ate the fresh kill he'd brought home for her and mulled over his words at the same time. It was not a conversation he wanted to have; to imply that perhaps it was time for their eldest to branch off on his own. He was not one of many words but he couldn't imagine not having his family beside him. He wouldn't have made it this far and had the blessing of a family if it were for Violet. And he loved his elder as much as he did his younger litter and he wished they did not have to part. But in the end; he himself knew better than anyone that sometimes leaving family did not always mean saying goodbye forever. He and Violet could only provide Flare with so much. He knew his son was restless even in the vibrant energy that he put off with his playful nature and dutiful ways that Jay had drilled into him when it came to taking care of his family. But Flare was not a little kit anymore in need of their protection. A thing that shot a pain through his heart along with his mate's.
His blue eyes turned from the ground he stared at up to look into his mate's face as she spoke. A bit of airy laughter in her tone that did nothing to hide the sadness in her heart at the prospect of having her son leave them. The bit about Flare's adventurous nature stemming from the stories his father told made the older feline sigh with a small smile; it was alright that she did not understand then need to tell stories. Every father had that right whether others believed those stories or not. Jay told his stories to Flare because frankly, not only did those stories ring true in Jay's mind but it was something his own father used to tell him about growing up. It only made sense; but that was beside the point.
He looked down at the half eaten carcass Violet offered and absentmindedly took a bite from it as he mulled over her words. She was worried she'd lose her son whether they asked him to stay or not. In the end the choice was his and they both knew it. Looking back up at his mate he gave her a gentle look even if his eyes held the gravity of the serious situation as he spoke.
"He is still our son no matter what he chooses to do. We as his parents raised him to have free will and to be as prepared as he can be for the world; his training was not just to survive as he grew but to live on his own if it ever came to it. Life is not something we can predict but we are not the foresayers on how others should live either. If he so chooses to leave and venture on his own we can take comfort that he has been trained well. We still have our other children that we must think about as well...but, Flare needs to make the choice on his own whether he believes himself ready to go on his own. I've trained him as much as I can It's up to him to live his life and I think it's time we told him that. Let it be said out into the open so that we can have a peace of mind and that himself may know that we will not resent him if he chooses to leave us." he looked at her with a small smile before nudging his head against hers.
"It is time we learned to let go Violet. He's not a little kitten anymore that we need to shelter. Who knows, if he so chooses to leave us to venture on his own. We may cross paths again and tagging along maybe grand-kits we can spoil." he gave a teasing smile her way before nudging the rest of the meal to her so that she could finish.
He stood to his paws and stretched himself long with a sigh before turning to look her way again. He tipped his head towards her in invitation to follow him for a walk to help clear their heads. "Speak little unless words are meant to be heard; actions leave a lasting impression." ~Jay
Sigh
Sorry for the long wait! |
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on May 4, 2021 23:55:56 GMT
violet When Jay looked away from her again, Violet turned her own eyes upwards to the gray sky above. Sometimes, in the early light of dawn or the waning hours of dusk, she could see stars even without the full dark of night. The sun was too high now, and the clouds too heavy, besides, for any such visibility, but even without seeing the stars, she still felt their presence. Although she had never derided the stories that Jay and Flare held so dear, she had never taken them too seriously either. But maybe there was something in them, she thought, something about being greater than an individual, greater than a single lifetime. Maybe it was this moment of perspective that put Violet more at ease with the whole situation. Flare's independence would not be wholly permanent or entire—and even if it were, such a change would not negate their life together up until that point or the bonds that held them together, even when they were apart. Not to mention their younger litter, as Jay had mentioned. Really, in the grand scheme of things, having one less kit to look after would make her life easier, if perhaps less exciting. Unless, of course, grand-kits were in the picture. What an idea! Violet felt a satisfied rumble fill her chest at Jay's comment, and she smiled back at him before dipping her head to finish off the last few bites of the bird. "Don't tempt me with the hope of our next generation when we still have little ones of our own to look after," teased Violet, following Jay's lead in a brief stretch before padding after him into the trees. She inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp morning air and all the smells it brought with it: the ever-present whiff of wood, brief flashes of mouth-watering prey-scent, the humid tang that preceded precipitation. It was refreshing, despite the cool temperature, and the fresh morning chill, combined with her morning contemplations, gave Violet's thoughts an optimistic bend. "So we're agreed then," she said after they had walked a few tail-lengths, "We'll talk to Flare about his future." Her eyes sparkled as she continued, "Do you think he's already met a nice she-cat, though? From my understanding, he's met a few other cats around these woods who he seems to be on good terms with. How good are those terms I wonder..." So, perhaps Violet had been a little more taken in my the concept of grand-kits than she had been prepared for. After all, she would be excited for her son's future regardless of whether or not it held any offspring, but Violet knew how happy her own family had made her, and hoped for that same happiness for all her children. And, as Jay had said, more little ones to spoil. The thought kept her warm as she continued to walk with her mate through the frosty forest. 483 | @gala sorry for the wait again! |
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2021 2:34:14 GMT
[googlefont="Poiret One"] They walked in silence for a good few feet before Violet's soft voice broke the inky tom's trail of thought that wondered about so many possibilities and responsibilities they still had even after their talk. His blue orbs danced to herself briefly and a small smile tugged at his face. Oh the thought of having grand-kits made him feel so so old. But he wouldn't deny it was something to look forward to. It meant he and Violet did good to raise their son right and then be blessed with a youngling to watch grow up like their son. But to fulfill that little notion meant big changes needed to happen in the future. Mainly, the tactics of their son to get a mate. That thought almost made Jay laugh. Flare would always be his little man even when tiny paws would attempt to climb with claws up Jay's back one day in the future.
"Oh that she-cat should be a saint for sure if she'll put up with Flare's energy." he snorted in amusement before looking to the sky with a small smile. "But maybe it isn't a saint he needs. Even an ordinary molly would do him good. He's met a few in his explorations. Makes me wonder if he'd fancied anyone before or if they stuck around." he mused to himself. "Wouldn't hurt to ask the boy. But, hopefully...if we are both lucky the answer is no." was he ready to be a grandpaw? "I don't want to be old." he muttered.
He turned to look at the creme fluff beside him and smiled her way. At least her had her if he was to grow old someday. He shrugged and looked along their path as they walked. "It's time we say something. Maybe give him the incentive to find someone. And after that, we focus on our other kits that need us to help survive this world. At least talk to them about Flare if he decides to leave whether on adventure or for love. I know Melody will have it the hardest I think; she has tried to outdo Flare for the longest time." he chuckled and shrugged.
He's stopped their walk to jump on top of a large boulder overlooking a small hill and sat there waiting for his mate to join him to admire the view as the sun would soon rise to grace their presence. He enjoyed having the time to be able to enjoy the morning sunrise with her and remember the first days they met. He was an idealist sure, but it humbled him to remind him of how he came to be where he was now. "Speak little unless words are meant to be heard; actions leave a lasting impression." ~Jay Sigh no worries! |
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on May 5, 2021 22:15:44 GMT
violet "Well I, for one, will accept nothing less than extraordinary for our boy," declared Violet teasingly. "Although," she amended, "I suppose even if he has met someone—or has yet to meet someone, the first isn't always the last. After all, not everyone is so lucky as to find the one so easily." She nudged Jay gently as they strolled. Really, all she wanted was for Flare to be happy and healthy, and ultimately her own wishes for her son's companions didn't matter all that much. That was the nice thing about love; even the ordinary became extraordinary to the right partner. I should know, she thought, eyeing her mate in the moments of silence. Jay's muttering caught Violet's attention, and her ears twitched to catch the quiet sound. She laughed lightly. For all his stoicism, Jay was not immune to bouts of what Violet thought might be vanity. He was something of a perfectionist, she knew, but despite knowing him so well, she was still occasionally surprised by how these familiar traits manifested in such surprising ways. Old age? Sure, it would be a pain to deal with all the aches and, well, pains of an aging body, but there was nothing to be done about that, and, in Violet's more optimistic moments, she thought that growing old was a monument to a life well-lived. That was how she wanted it to be, at least. "We'll grow old whether or not Flare starts a family of his own," she reassured her mate, "We might as well enjoy all the good things that come our way as we get there."As they carried on, Violet considered the kinds of conversations they would have to have with their kits in the near future. It wouldn't just be necessary to talk to Flare, but to all four of them. Of course, the discussions to be had with Gale, Spider, and Melody would depend heavily on that first conversation, but it couldn't hurt to be prepared. She nodded at Jay's remark on Melody; she would likely have the hardest time adjusting. "I know Gale loves his brother," she added, "But I think he'll find some new stick or salamander to talk to before too long instead. And Spider can always bother you for stories instead of his big brother."They came to a stop, and Violet watched as Jay leapt onto a boulder ahead of them, admiring the play of muscles beneath his midnight fur. I can't think why he's so worried about growing old, mused Violet dreamily, He looks just fine to me. Shaking herself out of her reverie, Violet follow her mate's lead and launched herself onto the rock beside him, feeling the harsh scrape of stone under her claws, cold from the weather but not slippery with ice, thankfully. She let the silence hang between them for a moment, exulting in the peaceful atmosphere and pleasant company. She was loathe to break the moment, but all things must come to an end, she figured; the true value of a moment rested in its transience. "'So, Flare,' we say, 'We love you very much and want what is best for you. Because of that...'" she trailed off. "I don't want to pressure him," she admitted, "And I don't want to say 'I love you, but'..." Another pause. "Maybe we start with a question?"556 | @gala |
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2021 19:07:29 GMT
[googlefont="Poiret One"] Flare having a significant other by his side would make Jay feel happy and content but also a bit jealous. For the longest time he had his children and his mate close to him and no one else had interfered. So, he was happy to think it'd stay like that forever. Sadly, though, he knew that would not be the case. Whether Flare found himself a pretty she-cat or a handsome strong tom to take as a mate Jay would give his blessing as long as his son was happy and well taken care of. It meant a big deal to the midnight tom that his family stayed close but it didn't always mean that closeness would keep his family happy. Violet felt the same; as long as their son was happy and keeping his head straight. Still, it would suck to lose their son. He was a bright ball of energy that challenged Jay every single day; it wouldn't feel the same without that flame haired tom cat being around if he did choose to part ways. Jay had to come to terms with the impending facts that his son might want to fly the coop.
Violet's warm teasing voice paired with the gentle bump of her head brought him back into focus and his blue eyes turned down to meet hers; giving her a gentle smile that was rare and only gifted to her. She was right though, the world did not end just because Flare may leave. They had other kits to worry about. It would just be a change of pace and a part of life that needed to happen. Her words made sense no matter how difficult it would be to have to live through that. Every day was a gift with the ones they loves and held dear and should be treasured as such instead of worrying about it's end. A soft sigh left his mouth causing it to vaporize like mist in front of his face; briefly clouding his vision of the view ahead. Her words of suggestion on how to start their conversation with their son gave Jay pause as he listened to her. She was conflicted about to go about having this discussion with their eldest and although Jay didn't want to come off as callous to his mate or son there was only one way that he could go about saying it to him.
"Honestly, sugar coating it won't make his decision any easier or the end truth on us. I think it's best we just start with telling him that...we will respect and love him no matter what he chooses and that we have felt his restless energy recently." he frowned as he thought it over. "Just straight up ask him what his heart is trying to tell him and if he wants to leave I guess...you know I have never been good with words Violet. I'm always blunt and it sometimes comes off as orders or insensitive. Whether I do most of the speaking or you do most of the speaking it'll come out sappy." he shrugged and gave her a sheepish look.
"I don't think stressing over what to say and how to say it will help in end income. We should just go and talk to him, no rehearsal, no script. Just be honest with him. Do you think you can do that?" he looked at her. He loved her dearly but he felt as if she would be worrying too much on how to say what was on their mind that she would sugar coat her words and make things more difficult for their son and them.
"Why don't we just...give it a shot? What comes out...comes out. But we have to have this talk with him; sooner rather than later for all of our sake." he told her softly and looked over her shoulder back in the direction of their camp before wrapping his long black tail around her fluffy cream one; a hard contrast between them yet somehow they blended well together like a puzzle piece. "Speak little unless words are meant to be heard; actions leave a lasting impression." ~Jay Sigh we can pop a tag for Riley now! (you can in your post or I can in my next) |
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on May 14, 2021 23:34:23 GMT
violet "I'm sure I can, but do I want to?" Violet chuckled morosely. Of course no amount of preparation would make the conversation any easier; if anything, getting all worked up about it would only make it more difficult to actually speak freely and stay calm. But surrounded by the calming chill of a gray leafbare morning, Violet felt her rising panic only distantly, almost as if it were being held off by the cool, quiet atmosphere—not to mention Jay's steady presence beside her. What would I do without him? Violet thought to herself, filled with gratitude for her mate. Everything that Jay was saying had been echoed in Violet's thoughts at some point or another. She knew, realistically, that they could only put the conversation off for so long, and now was as good a time as any. That didn't make it any easier. She felt the brush of Jay's tail against her own and looked back to see the sharp contrast of their fur outlined against the backdrop of the wintry woods. A smile overcame her, and the sight of their contrasting, intertwined tails served as a reminder of the strength of their family. The panic abated and a sense of calm suffused her body. We'll be alright, she thought, It is us, after all.Resolve strengthened, Violet shook the chill from her fur and reluctantly extricated her tail from Jay's. "Well then. Shall we?" With one last look in her mate's direction, Violet leapt down from the rock they'd sat upon and alighted onto the ground, paws silent as they landed on frozen dirt. She waited for Jay to join her before returning the way they came. Their initial journey had seemed...not long, but certainly longer than the trip back, impossible as it was. Perhaps it was the absence of conversation as they walked, the air filled not with softly-spoken words but with barely-there pawsteps. Or it might've been the anticipation hovering between them, neither wanting to distract from the task at hand. It was hard to tell the exact reason, but either way the time passed far too quickly for Violet's liking, and in what seemed like no time at all, she and Jay had arrived back where they had started: their cozy family den. In the time that they'd been gone, the pinks and golds of dawn had grown into a duller gray sunshine did not cast long shadows but suffused the woods in gentle light. And yet, with a head poked through the den entrance, Violet saw that all of their children were still fast asleep. She spared another moment to appreciate their still forms before nerves and conviction seized her once again. Flare was easy to spot; although in coloring he resembled most of his siblings, he was easily larger than all of them, older as he was. Violet made her way toward him, taking care not to wake his siblings. This conversation was not meant to be overheard by the family entire. She nudged her son gently with her nose. "Flare?" she said softly, "Can you come outside for a moment? Jay and I would like to talk to you."528 | Riley welcome to the party! |
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Riley
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Post by Riley on May 26, 2021 1:43:43 GMT
Contrary to last time one of his parents had woken him, Flare's jump from sleep to alert was almost instant. Perhaps he'd gotten more restful sleep, or maybe because it was Violet waking him and not Jay. Or maybe it was the words she'd spoken after nudging him. Every kit knew their parents wanting to talk to them in private wasn't a good sign.
And even if he wasn't a kit anymore, he'd always be THEIR kit. So on silent but cautious paws, Flare rose from his nest and followed his mother out of the den. Yellow eyes flicked back and forth between his mother and father and meowed hesitantly, "Am. Am I in trouble? Because whatever I did wrong, I'm sorry and I promise I'll try not to do it again?"
The raised tone indicated it was more a question than statement, as Flare couldn't think of anything recent he'd done to earn their ire. If he WAS in trouble though, he'd do everything he could to actually NOT do it again.
@gala Sigh Sorry for the shortness of it. I'm tired af right now. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2021 14:13:46 GMT
[googlefont="Poiret One"] The walk with his mate seemed short than the walk there. Perhaps it was the information that rolled in his skull or the worry in his heart. He did not want to have to have this conversation with their son but it is something that must have. Jay had to remember Flare was not a little kit anymore and although he'd love to have his son by his side to help raise the rest of his siblings Jay would not force Flare to do so. He had every right to want to live his own life and have more adventures without having to worry about his family. Jay and Violet still had a spring in their step and weren't THAT old so they could still raise the rest of their young.
Jay absently watched as the creme fluff of his mate disappeared into their den as they soon arrived in their small family camp. He sat patiently outside staring up at the sky still thinking of the right words whenever the movement of creme and ginger fur emerged from the dark den. His blue eyes focused on his kin and watched as Violet came to sit beside him once more and Flare seemed to be hesitant as if he was in trouble. Oh goodness, Flare thought he was in trouble. Well, that wasn't far from the truth on any other given day but today was not one of those. Jay gave his son a small smile; a look of amusement on his face as he shook his head and looked at Violet.
"You are not in trouble Flare." he spoke up a tinge of laughter in his voice which he tried to stifle behind the clearing of his throat before he motioned Flare to come closer.
"Flare, your mother and I'd like to have a conversation with you. It's one that we should have had a long time ago but it's about time we did. We know that you have grown up quite a lot the past several moons and you are no longer a kit that need our protection and guidance. This is not a conversation that's come up even in passing talk. But, we would just like you to know that you are not obligated to stay with us if your heart is telling you something different." he said and looked down at his mate briefly before looking back at their son.
"We are wondering if you'd thought about it yourself...about your future and where you'd like to go from here." he told him carefully and looked at the ginger tom searchingly.
It was true that Jay and Violet didn't want him to leave but they would support him if Flare wished to travel. They just wanted him to be happy even if at time his travels may not be that safe; they had to have faith in his abilities. "Speak little unless words are meant to be heard; actions leave a lasting impression." ~Jay Sigh Riley sorry for the lateness |
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Sigh
New Warrior
159 Posts
EST; he/him; mid-twenties
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Post by Sigh on Jun 17, 2021 18:52:26 GMT
violet Violet startled back at Flare's speedy awakening, not anticipating the suddenness with which her son had surfaced from his slumber. She gathered herself quickly, however, and noticed almost equally as quickly how agitated Flare was. Nervous anticipation was written in the tense lines of his posture, the rapid roving of his eyes, the quiet pawsteps that belied more caution than the tom was typically given to take. He seemed, in a word, spooked. Well, it didn't take long for that to go wrong, she thought. Perhaps she should have anticipated this, though; nervous energy was still energy, after all, and Flare was certainly energetic—enough even to sometimes rival his exuberant younger siblings. But really, mused Violet, I couldn't have been much more gentle about it. He was going to be nervous no matter how we started the conversation, so the best thing to do now is ease those nerves early on.Jay seemed to be of the same mind, Violet noted with a surge of relief. His words were light and unintimidating, striking the perfect tone for the kind of discussion they had hoped to cultivate. As he continued to speak, Violet felt herself relax further. She appreciated him taking the lead, especially when the thoughts he voiced so closely mirrored her own. Although I suppose that comes from discussing all this beforehand. The thought wound through her mind with a wry twist before she was distracted by Jay's eyes catching her own. She maintained eye contact for a moment before his gaze returned to rest on Flare, acknowledging that what he was saying came from the both of them. It wouldn't do to stay silent for much longer, though. "We don't want to pressure you towards any decision or another," Violet added on after it seemed that Jay had reached the end of what he had to say. "Mostly we're curious about your thoughts on the future, and how we can support you and your dreams, even if that means supporting you less...directly." A quiet laugh rumbled within her as she finished her statement, hoping to maintain the lighthearted atmosphere that Jay had established. She could not help but feel some anticipation of her own, though, as she waited for Flare's answer. |
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