Riley
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Post by Riley on Aug 14, 2020 8:29:58 GMT
Feather Moon, by the River
Flare had grown up in this forest. While he couldn't honestly say he knew every pawstep of it, he felt that he knew the signs of the turning seasons. True he's only seen two cycles of the seasons, young as he was, but it didn't take much to recognize the slowly declining rate of prey. It wasn't something to worry about quite yet, but Jay had told him how quickly the weather could turn. And if anybody's experiences could be trusted, it was Jay's. Today found Flare by the river that cut a swath through the forest. It was a good day for fishing. Hot enough that the water felt nice on his thick fluffy pelt but cloudy enough that he didn't have to overly worry about his shadow laying on the water. He just had to pay attention to the movement of the clouds and react accordingly. He'd already caught and eaten a minnow. The days were only slightly cooling down from the blazing heat to the simmering heat so prey was still abundant. Flare didn't have to feel guilty about eating before feeding his family, but he knew at least one of the kits would complain if they knew he'd had fish and didn't bring any back for them. He loved the little rascals, he really did, but sometimes...
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Post by Shortee on Aug 14, 2020 14:59:43 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone wasn't really the type to fish. The water made his long fur cling to him and he could only imagine how foolish he looked when that happened. His size made not creating a shadow a bit more difficult and his paws were so large that the fish could see them coming from miles away. But, it was also Feather Moon, and the Maine Coon had noticed the usually plentiful birds beginning to dwindle as they headed to different areas. The gray, black, and white plumage littering the ground only confirmed this.
Nevertheless, he found himself taking a path straight toward the forest river. His paw steps were quiet upon the forest floor, head hanging low, eyes fixated on the grass beneath him as he found himself lost in thought. Today was cloudy, so he shouldn't have to worry too much over his shadow. And perhaps, he mused to himself, it will benefit my coordination. The tom attempted to justify his reasoning for visiting the water while continuing his trek, and as soon as he reached the destination, found himself more confident.
And then he saw red. Literally. His entry to the river was blocked by a ginger tabby, and briefly Stone wondered if the stranger found a way to enjoy the fishing without ruining his long fur. The tom also fleetingly wondered if he should simply turn and leave. But, he atoned, perhaps this cat was also curious about the former Clans. It wasn't very likely, but he concluded that he had to at least try. So, he made his presence known by clearing his throat. Despite seldom using his voice, he maintained a deep sound after dipping his head in respectful greeting and saying, "Apologies. I did not realize any one else would be here. I do not intend to fight, so I can leave if you would prefer." His yellow gaze revealed nothing as he awaited an answer to his formal words.
325 words | Riley | i'm very excited for these too! stone doesn't know how to be normal lol.
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Riley
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347 Posts
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Post by Riley on Aug 15, 2020 3:22:52 GMT
The clearing of a throat behind him made Flare startle and spin around. A tom stood there, burly and gray, and Flare instantly analyzed his situation. The stranger was larger and thus had weight behind him, and Flare's back was to the river. He could risk swimming to get away, but that would make it easier for the stranger to hurt him if he was so inclined.
Then Flare took a closer look at the other's body language and relaxed. Whoever he was, he wasn't standing like he was expecting a fight or he was seeking to antagonize. He even dipped his head respectfully to Flare before speaking in a soothe baritone that Flare felt could shake the stones from the riverbank if he yowled. "Apologies. I did not realize any one else would be here. I do not intend to fight, so I can leave if you would prefer."
Flare hesitated for barely a second before throwing a friendly smile at whoever he was. "Nah, you're fine. There's space enough here for more than one cat." He moved to the side and swept the spot next to him with his tail, like he was dusting it off. "You're welcome to join me, if you want." Plus it'd give Flare a chance to interrogate him. Get his name and how long he'd been in the forest and all that stuff.
Shortee
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Post by Shortee on Aug 15, 2020 15:47:26 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone was silent as he watched the new tom startle for a moment, quickly examine him, and finally relax upon realizing that he meant no harm. Stone would be lying if he said he wasn't expecting the ginger tabby to run, so he was pleasantly surprised to hold a friendly interaction instead. He also pondered at how different their way of speaking was. He was a far more serious speaker in comparison to the casual tone the red tabby used. Before he could wonder about it even more, the other surprised him yet again by offering space for the gray tabby to try his luck at fishing. "You're welcome to join me, if you want." The stranger concluded with a flourish of his tail on the newly dusted spot.
The Maine Coon looked at the other long-haired cat for a few seconds before nodding his head once in thanks and walking towards the spot given to him. Stone was apprehensive to be fishing with someone, not out of suspicion, but because he really wasn't very good at it. Plus, he been expecting another solitary day, and naturally he was thrown off by the new appearance. So he stood there for a long while, simply staring at the blue water instead of readying himself to strike at the unsuspecting creatures below. This was foolish, he thought to himself, eyes narrowing slightly. 230 words | Riley | sorry this one is a bit shorter!
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Riley
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347 Posts
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Post by Riley on Aug 16, 2020 6:22:48 GMT
Ouch. That hurt. Whoever this cat was, he was about as expressive as Jay was, meaning not at all. But it was because Flare was used to subtle twitches and facial expressions that he could see the split second flash of surprise that crossed the stranger's face when Flare didn't go on the defensive or run away.
How often did such a thing happened that his first thought to somebody being friendly was surprise? Flare couldn't imagine how lonely living like that would be, and his heart broke for him. As the tom moved to sit where Flare had indicated, Flare decided that he was gonna be the big cat's friend. Because nobody wanted to be alone forever, not even Jay.
At first there was quiet between the two, each concentrating on the water, but Flare shifted his eyes over to look at the cat at his side. "So. Feel free to push me in the water if this is too much but. My name's Flare. I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to the forest?"
Shortee Short post gets short post!
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Post by Shortee on Aug 16, 2020 15:47:45 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone suddenly felt a tingling sensation, one he knew meant he was being looked at. Looking up from the water, he met the yellow-green gaze of the other tom just as he began speaking, "So. Feel free to push me in the water if this is too much but. My name's Flare. I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to the forest?" Inwardly, the Maine Coon felt fortunate to now have a distraction from fishing. But, he was also hesitant to be so open like this Flare character was. He certainly seemed friendly, and Stone noted that the orange tabby was rather observant for thinking the conversation 'may be too much' for him. What else has he already figured out, he pondered to himself. Narrowing his eyes in thought, he suddenly remarked, "I'd never push someone in the water."
The tabby brought his mind back to reality. He'd spent long enough in comfort of silence. Now was the time to be brave, right? Maybe? Before he could let himself question it anymore, he replied to the actual questions Flare asked, saying, "My name is Stone." A pause. "I've lived here for many moons, but I prefer staying in one area." Another pause before clarifying, "Well, I usually prefer staying in one area." He used his paw to gesture toward the river, a bit of disdain in his gaze as he eyed the blue water. He shook his head to himself before, once again, settling his yellow orbs on Flare. Stone added, with little emotion in his voice, "I do not enjoy fishing." The gray tabby waited intently for the other tom to respond, internally pleased with himself for continuing the conversation, albeit with a statement rather than another question... Oh well, he has to start somewhere. 298 words | Riley | here ya go friendling!
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Riley
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Post by Riley on Aug 18, 2020 4:52:32 GMT
The suddenness of the declaration would have made other cats jump. Flare simply blinked and waited. His patience was rewarded when the cat, Stone, introduced himself. The disdain that, pardon the pun, flared in Stone's eyes toward the water made Flare chuckle in amusement. "I get that. Long fur like ours is an utter pain to dry out."
He shook out his pelt for emphasis. When he was done, he looked like a miniature sun. Flare forced his fur to flatten as much as he could without licking it flat and looked back down at the water. Seeing nothing close enough to grab, he sat back. "But, we're here now! And if you're like me, the pain of wet fur is beat out by the taste of fish. Hate the fishing, love the fish."
Flare opened his mouth to continue, but a flicker of silver in the water made him freeze. "Sh." he quickly hissed, keeping an eye on the silver. It came closer and Flare slowly raised a paw, waiting... waiting... NOW. His paw flashed out and hooked, grabbing the fish and throwing it onto land, closer to wear Stone was sitting. "Get it!" he cried.
Shortee
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Post by Shortee on Aug 18, 2020 16:27:12 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone watched with masked amusement as Flare proved his understanding about fishing by shaking out his ginger pelt. Though, there was most likely a glimmer of humor in those normally muted eyes of his. However, the result of the orange tabby's dramatic display was something forever ingrained in his mind: an over-sized fluff ball with a striking resemblance to the afternoon sun. Stone appreciated the theatricality of the situation and waited with sincere interest as Flare continued the conversation effortlessly.
But just as the other tom was delving into his love of fishing, he suddenly froze, asking the gray tom to stay silent. Stone naturally froze as well, but his eyes narrowed as he followed his companion's gaze into the water. Just as he made the connection, a swift paw reached out and swiped a gray mass from the clear blue sheen. Stone's yellow gaze widened as it followed the airborne fish until it landed near him. He instinctively jumped upon the floundering creature just as Flare called out for him to catch it. Ending its life quickly, the large tom picked his head up, fish dangling from his jaw, with a hint of pride in his stance.
Now that was teamwork, Stone thought to himself as he quickly padded over the other tom. He dropped the fish in front of the other before exclaiming to him, "That was incredible!" His excitement took over his natural composure as he looked to see how Flare was reacting to the whole situation.
250 words | Riley | I love these two :)
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Riley
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347 Posts
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Post by Riley on Aug 22, 2020 1:04:09 GMT
Stone was on the fish before Flare even finished his strongly worded request. The pride that filled Stone's stance was only matched by the excitement in Flare's, and Flare started laughing when Stone trotted over with his fish in his mouth and his tail in the air. "That was incredible!" Stone exclaimed. In the short conversation they'd had, this was the most awkwardly emotive Stone had been. Flare was glad of it. "It was! I was like 'BLAM'", he swiped his paw low to mimic the action that had caught the fish, "and you were like 'RAWR'!" This time he rose on his back paws with an exaggerated snarl twisting in muzzle before dropping heavily back down with a 'thump'.
Then he reached forward and poked the fish and went, "And the fish was all like 'bwah, don't eat me!' But we're gonna. We're gonna eat this fish. This fish is-"
Flare froze as his own behavior caught up with him. A creaky old voice echoed in his head from ages ago, from a she-cat long gone. 'Warriors treated prey with respect. Don't ask me why, kit, they just did. They thanked their ancestors for guiding their paw to whatever hapless rodent or bird had died at their paws, and they thanked the fresh-kill for being the sacrifice to feed their elders and kits.'
Shame filled his chest, and Flare backed away from Stone with his ears pressed low. "You take it. I don't deserve it. Warriors don't play with their food. They treat it with respect, for it's lost life preserves our own." He turned back to the water with narrowed eyes and lifted his paw, ready to strike at any moment. "I'll catch another to take back for my family."
Shortee
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Post by Shortee on Aug 22, 2020 15:41:28 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone watched with wide eyes as Flare reenacted the scene. The tom couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him as the orange tabby mimicked his movements with exaggerated gestures and narration. Surprisingly, Stone found himself admiring the tom's friendly and outgoing nature rather than being overwhelmed by such a bold disposition. However, Flare's excitement disappeared almost as quickly as it had come. The sudden change worried Stone, his head tilting in confusion. Had he done something wrong?
Flare's ears flattened against his head as if he was in distress, but Stone stayed where he was; uncertain as to how to handle the situation. The other tabby backed away, saying, "You take it. I don't deserve it. Warriors don't play with their food. They treat it with respect, for it's lost life preserves our own." Stone's eyes widened again. He knew about the Clans, too? Well, that part wasn't necessarily a shock considering most cats that live around the forest had heard the stories. But Flare seemed far more devoted to them, just like he was. Not only that, he also seemed to have unwavering respect towards the lessons implemented into them. Stone's admiration for the tom grew at that moment. Shaking his head to himself, he remembered Flare's self-loathing and replied quietly, "But you also helped catch the prey," He paused, trying to figure out the best way to voice his thoughts into words. Perhaps, by mentioning the former Clans, the fiery tabby would heed his advice. "I think... because you realized the mistake, the actions should be forgiven. And if that's not the case, I laughed at your display, so I do not deserve the fish either." He prodded the fish for emphasis before continuing, "I'm certain the former warriors made mistakes, too. But I doubt it hindered them from enjoying a fresh meal with someone new. So, I think we should share it."
Stone's voice, although soft and slow, held a strong tone. He wanted to get to know Flare more, and if they shared some prey, perhaps he could figure out what else he thought of the Clans. Proving his point, the gray tabby settled himself down into a laying position, looking at the fish before eyeing Flare. He would not eat with out him.
378 words | Riley | this is my longest post yet o.o
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Riley
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347 Posts
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Post by Riley on Aug 25, 2020 3:51:30 GMT
Flare tried his hardest to ignore what Stone was saying. He kept his eyes on the water, looking for another fish, but his ears kept constantly twitching towards the larger tom. What Stone was saying was sensible and logical, but it still felt like Flare had done something bad. It was the declaration of sharing the fish though that had Flare turn back toward him.
Stone was laying in front of the fish, eyeing it and then eyeing Flare himself. Clearly he wouldn't start if Flare wasn't also sitting with him. And if he wasn't gonna eat if Flare didn't eat too, then it stood reason that NOT eating would be even more dishonorable than wasting prey, right? It felt like a justification, but it soothed Flare's inner conflict enough to turn away from the river and settle in front of the other tom. "I had a minnow earlier, so I'll only have a little bit."
Flare nudged the fish closer to Stone with his nose in a silent offer for the first bite before meowing, "It sounds like you've heard of the Clans before. Enough at least to know what I was talking about when I mentioned the warriors. How much do you know about them?"
Shortee I actually kinda don't like this post but. Meh.
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Post by Shortee on Aug 26, 2020 21:02:29 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone waited in silence with his intent gaze trained on the orange tabby, watching as the latter dealt with inner conflict. He felt a tad mischievous for improv-ing such a compelling reason for Flare to join him. Flare suddenly turned toward him and walked toward him until he settled himself down. The gray tabby was relieved to not hear a tone of reluctance in the other's words, merely an excuse to eat less of the prey. Stone dipped his head in acknowledgment, but a feeling of victory also rushed through him. After all, he wasn't keen on creating a grudge. I can not believe that actually worked! he thought to himself, amused with his antics.
Accepting Flare's invitation to have the first bite of the fish, Stone quickly and neatly had a bite. He chewed slowly, savoring the prey. He did not have fish often, so it felt like a special treat and a reward for convincing his companion to sit with him. Speaking of, Flare began a new conversation, one in which he implored Stone's knowledge of the former Clans. Stone took a few more moments to finish chewing and then pondered an answer (as he normally did). He loved talking about the Clans, but he was careful to mask his joy about the subject. He didn't want to become too intense about the stories immediately, thinking it might make Flare a bit uncomfortable with the sudden excitement he would display. Finally, he responded with a small shrug, saying, "In comparison to you, not much. I only know of the stories others have shared with me." He was quiet again, wondering if he should continue. Thinking about it for a few more moments, he nodded to himself once before deciding on an answer. . "The history has always intrigued me. But, as I said, you seem to be more in tune with the tales than I do. Tell me," the tom tilted his head to the side, his ears flicking once, "How much do you know of the Clans?"
339 words | Riley | hope this is ok :)
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Riley
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347 Posts
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Post by Riley on Sept 4, 2020 5:59:20 GMT
Flare took a tiny bite of the fish while Stone was thinking over his answer and had just finished swallowing when Stone formulated his answer. "In comparison to you, not much. I only know of the stories others have shared with me." Flare made an understanding 'ah' sound. Not an uncommon way to hear the stories. It was how Flare himself knew of them, after all. He'd apparently just had more of an opportunity to hear more than Stone had, it seemed.
Stone himself brought it up, and Flare flashed a teasing grin. "You might regret asking that. I've been told I can go on about them." More seriously, he continued. "I used to have a friend that knew about them. The way she spoke, I'm wondering if maybe she'd been descended from them." Flare stopped, remembering Suzie with a fond smile. "She'd been old when I met her and apparently she was just waiting to die and, well, what kind of cat would I be if I let an elder just live like that?"
Flare shrugged self-consciously, wondering what Stone would think. "So I fed her and kept her company and Suzie, that was her name, told me stories about the Clans cuz apparently I reminded her of them." Flare pitched his voice high and creaky in an imitation that if Suzie had still been around, she'd have smacked him for it. "'Young obnoxious upstarts who can't leave well enough alone'."
Shortee
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Post by Shortee on Sept 9, 2020 11:30:46 GMT
stone
tom | 22 Moons | solitary
- Silence is my strength -
Stone felt amused as Flare teased, "You might regret asking that. I've been told I can go on about them." Although the tom mostly kept his face neutral (with a hint of curiosity), he felt the excitement pulse through him. And the excitement only grew as the orange tabby explained how he had a friend who may have been descended from them. Incredible! he thought. I just assumed all of the Clan cats disappeared.
Stone watched as Flare remembered his friend with a fond smile. He frowned a bit. He wondered to himself, why didn't he have anyone to think of so fondly? Did he need someone to think of like that, anyway? No. No of course not. Shaking his head to himself, he tuned back into the story, eager to hear more information.
The gray tabby gave a sad smile as the other tom concluded his tale. "I'm sorry for your loss," he murmured. "It was very kind of you to take care of her..." He trailed off before continuing, "Did she tell you anything different from the normal stories? I really only know the names of the Clans and their usual characteristics. Like ThunderClan is brave..." He trailed off yet again, not wanting to ramble or be overbearing with his curiosity. 213 words | Riley | sorry for the tardiness
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Riley
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Post by Riley on Sept 13, 2020 2:50:12 GMT
Flare felt such relief that Stone didn't think lesser of him for helping Suzie. If he had, Flare didn't think they could be actual friends. Perhaps friendly acquaintances, based solely on this interaction, but that was it. So Flare was glad Stone was kind enough to know why Flare had done it.
Stone asked about the stories Suzie had told him, asking if they were any different to what the usual tales were. "Some. Enough to know that ThunderClan being brave is only one perception. There was one story about a ThunderClan cat who led a dog onto the thunderpath to get hit by a monster and nearly got hit himself. Incredibly brave but also foolish and reckless and something I would absolutely be on den arrest for if I tried it, no matter how old I am."
Flare purred at the thought but knew exactly how true it was. Even though he was old enough to have his own kits if he was so inclined, Violet would still cuff him over his head and confine him to the den all while fussing and making sure he wasn't hurt.
Shortee Sorry it's short.
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