Comrades of Old | tag: Willow (Nightbreeze)

[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

The pretty warrior shook the flakes of snow from her pelt as she made her way into camp, her whiskers twitching with cold. She didn't like leafbare. It was her least favourite season. Her pelt was useless when it came to camouflage in the snow, and the water was too cold to fish or swim. Oh how she missed leaf-fall. Her favourite season was newleaf; she couldn't wait for leafbare to end so that it would be newleaf again.

Coupled with her callous attitude, her aptitude for listing reasons why she did not like things made her the perfect addition to the elder's den, even if it was only for the pleasure of visiting. The she-cat had only earned her warrior name a few moons prior, she would not be joining the elders for some time.

And pity the apprentices who would have to tend to one so callous and tart in her youth as Duskfire.

Flicking her ears, she padded over to the elders' den and made her way inside. The other young warriors respected the elders, yes, but it was typically only the apprentices who were assigned to clean out the dens or bring the elders food that paid them visits. However, Duskfire was not so quick to forget her comrades of old. They'd once been warriors too, and perhaps her fellow youth would not find such sting in their words if they visited them more frequently.

But Duskfire had a sharp tongue too, and she preferred those who could match her wit.

Blinking as her eyes adjusted to the darker setting of the elder's den, the she-cat hummed to announce her presence. “Anyone care for a visitor?” she asked softly, so as not to awaken anyone who might have been asleep.

Notes: No rush on replying, I've got three midterms this week and a class discussion to lead, so I won't be able to reply back until the weekend at earliest.

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: Sulking xD LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS Back in the camp, a black shadow lay sprawled on its belly inside the reedy nest otherwise known as the Elders Den, avoiding the chilling winter outside by staying in the confines of this solitary place. Having just downed a few poppy seeds and a silver fish for the aching in his back, Nightbreeze was preparing for a well-needed nap, which was hard to do when the entire clan was out and sharing-tongues and milling about but he would have to manage. Hearing the the mews of friendship, it reopened that pit of dark longing and loneliness in his heart. Here he was, a tom in his prime without so much a mate let alone kits. But that was a lie. He wasn't in his prime, he wasn't even healthy. Nightbreeze was an advancing cripple and the soul inhabitant of the reed nest of the Elders den. A sigh escaped him and he put his head on his paws, turning it away from the noise of the clan and focusing on the sound of the rushing water and waving reeds. Those were his only and true friends, the water and the reeds, and he would probably die with only those as companions. Who in his right mind would even want to get to know such a sorry cat as Nightbreeze? No one. The only one he presumed knew how he used to be was Leopardstar, but then again tales went around the entire clan about how mighty he was, how powerful, how skilled. He could feel their eyes burning his pelt when he severely limped across camp just to get fresh-kill, and that was if he was in his best condition. Most times things were having to brought to him and warriors had to escort him flank-to-flank just to get him to the water when he wanted to fish. As far as Nightbreeze was concerned, he was nothing but dead-weight everyone in Riverclan was waiting to fall off. He could only imagine their sympathy, their shame, their disappointment each time they looked at his robust frame. What a bitter waste of a great warrior. If only he had been more careful that day in battle. The black tom could imagine them saying with shaking heads and he closed his eyes tighter in a futile attempt to go to sleep. I am nothing but a waste and a leech. No wonder nobody comes around me anymore. I'm not Nightbreeze the Great, not Nightbreeze the Skilled, I'm not Nightbreeze the Proud...not anymore, nor will I ever be. All because of a cursed Thunderclan cat... He thought sadly to himself but his tail gave a quick flick of anger. My glory days are over. There's nothing left of what I used to be and what I am now...nobody wants a part of. Then came something unexpected...a voice. "Anyone care for a visitor?" Nightbreeze lifted his head and looked to the illuminated entrance to the den and was surprised to see on of the young warriors coming in. "Duskfire?"

[/color] He rumbled, squinting his yellow eyes so he could finally confirm that the half-black masked she-cat was truly who he thought she was. Though he was ready for a nap - the seeds were beginning to work now - he supposed he should at least entertain Duskfire as long as she remained. After all, it wasn't like he got visitors every day. "I wouldn't mind a visitor, young warrior." The Persian tom meowed with what humor he could muster, seeing as he pointed out her status as being newly appointed as one of Riverclan's ranks. [/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

One of the youngest elders, Nightbreeze, lifted his head. Nightbreeze was one of the several reasons that she was not so fond of Thunderclan. She wasn't an idiot - the whole clan knew what had happened to him, what had left him unable to look after himself. And yet here she was, the only one who seemed to care enough to pay anyone in the elder's den any attention, let alone a cat who had made the greatest sacrifice for his clan - his legs. His ability to look after himself. He was still a warrior - every elder was, even though they may not fight alongside the younger cats in body as they once had, but assured, whenever their clanmates marched into battle, the elders of the clan were alongside them - even if just in spirit.

Her clanmates had short memories, apparently.

He spoke her name - it was a question. She dipped her head in greeting to the tom. “Of course.” She mewed. Well who else did he think it was? The only time she really saw non-elders leaving the elders den was when one of the apprentices got stuck with the task of cleaning them out or taking them some fresh-kill. And the older cats only ever seemed to visit when they needed something.

She didn't look forward to those days, when she would be forgotten too, and sent away to live in another den where she'd be out of sight, out of mind. But she was young, she had many moons to wait before she would be discarded.

Unless she ended up like Nightbreeze.

No, she oughtn't think about that. What had happened to him was a nightmare, and she shouldn't dwell on fearing the same fate. She shouldn't pity him, either. At least he was alive. She couldn't say that for most of her siblings. Besides, she didn't doubt that he received enough pity from his clanmates in one moon to last him a lifetime.

“How are you today, Nightbreeze?” She asked. She didn't soften her tone, and not just because if any of her fellow warriors heard her, she'd never live it down, but because if she softened her voice, she'd be treating him differently than everyone else, and surely he wouldn't appreciate that.

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: Grudge Partayyy LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS Nightbreeze couldn't withhold a genuine smile when seeing that someone like Duskfire had enough curtsey to come visit the elders of the clan, and that was saying something. He knew as well as anyone that the she-cat wasn't known for her calm and agreeable personality. Even her voice now was gruff, though less hostile than he had observed with other cats. Yet, she must have some deep respect and kindness towards the forgotten warriors of the clan to visit them as often as she did of her own free will. The apprentices were nice enough, but every so often they got cocky, snappy, even disrespectful and Nightbreeze wasn't above putting them in their place. "I'm well enough, thanks to Mudfur's herbs."

[/color] He replied in his normally deep voice, shifting in his nest of river plants and fur to try and get more comfortable while avoiding upsetting his back. It had ached enough already this morning, he wasn't about to test it's limits again. The tom cat motioned with his plume of a tail for the tortoiseshell to come further in the den, more so for his benefit than hers. It was straining his eyes trying to make out her face in the light of the outside and he wanted to be able to talk with Duskfire without blinding himself.

"Come and sit, no need to linger around the entrance. I won't bite."[/color] He mrrowed in further insistence of her coming nearer towards him, yellow eyes gleaming in the shadows of the den, the only things a cat could really see of him due to his pelt. "How are you faring, Duskfire? Life as a warrior going smoothly, I assume?"[/color] Nightbreeze tipped his head some to the side in his questioning, wrapping his tail around his body so it came to rest over his wide black paws.

Now he watched the she-cat closely, though looking completely indifferent on the outside, searching for any signs of lying or hesitance in the tone or delivery of her reply. Truly he wanted to know how this young cat was getting along in her recently appointed duties, for he remembered how it was when he was but a new warrior himself. Waking up early for dawn patrols, dealing with trouble-making apprentices and battle hungry enemy patrols. He had gotten used to it over time and he was sure Duskfire was settling in nicely, but there wasn't any harm in being sure. [/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

The pretty she-cat nodded in acknowledgement at Nightbreeze's response. “That's good to know.” She replied. She was being uncharacteristically sweet. She wasn't even this tame when she conversed with her best friend and littermate, Oakspirit. But then, they'd been as thick as thieves since they'd lost Petalkit and Mallowkit, and he'd known since their first mews that she had a tendency to be tart. And this particular instance was no different. “He wouldn't be much of a medicine cat if his herbs didn't help, would he?”

He beckoned her closer, and she dipper her head in acknowledgement before complying. “I might though.” She teased. “Are you sure you want to risk being that close?” Well, she wouldn't physically bite him, but her words did tend to have a bit of a bite to them. Okay, typically more bite than just a bit.

The she-cat padded closer and sat close enough to the older warrior as he'd instructed her to. She flicked her ears as he inquired after her. “I've been well.” she answered. “And I worked for long enough to earn my warrior name, at the moment I'm still enjoying the accomplishment of achievement.” She curled her tail around her ginger-and-white paws. “I still despise leafbare though.”

Oakspirit had called her the 'elder-apprentice' when they were younger. It'd spread like wildfire through the apprentice den. She didn't care though. She liked the elders, and if the other apprentices thought her attitude fit in well with theirs, well then, so be it. She was a warrior now and still didn't mind associating with her old comrades. In fact, some of the other warriors were just plain annoying; she much preferred the company of the elders.

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS The black tom chuckled lightly at Duskfire's response, his eyes brightening as the she-cat made fun. "I'll take my chances."

[/color] He replied with a soft smile. Nightbreeze knew she wouldn't harm her clan-mates in a physical sense, though she did have a tendency to do so with her tongue.

The senior warrior could relate to the tortoiseshell in some aspects. Many times he had a foul nature when his injury was being a particularly terrible nuisance, other cats knew that, thus they all had a tendency to keep their distance. Really, he wanted to be closer to his clan-mates but ever since the battle for Sunningrocks seasons ago...things had been different for the tom. Did she yearn for friendship just as he did?

Nightbreeze kept his piercing yellow eyes continually on Duskfire as she crept closer, sat down, and provided an answer. He nodded in agreement, finding that basking in the ambiance of reaching the rank of Warrior was the best to do at this point. After all, it didn't last forever.

His young, perked whiskers twitched in amusement at her obvious distaste of leaf-bare. Though he was in the Elders Den, Nightbreeze had yet to affected by the cold claws of leaf-bare through suffering such as stiff and pained joints. His youth was still with him, even if his spine was a crippling factor, and his thick Persian coat kept him warm in the coldest weather. The only thing that could truly be neglected was his appetite, which was incredibly hard to do between being asleep and nibbling at the fish he or the other Riverclanners had caught.

"Ah I'm not such a big fan of it either, but it's a part of life. We all have to endure it, cope with it, even learn to accept it. There have been worse before."[/color] Nightbreeze mewed, his tail-tip twitching as he recalled leaf-bares before much worse than this. "Nowadays, we have more troubling things to worry about rather than a chilling season."[/color] His tone became grim at the very subtle mention of the great wars going on between the clans. Though all seemed quiet in the forest, it was hard not to imagine what was going on on the sidelines. [/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

The she-cat nodded in acknowledgement as the tom replied with his opinion of leafbare. It was true, there had. “Like when I was a kit.” she said aloud. Maybe part of the reason she was so predisposed to hate the season was because she had lost two littermates during it, and caught an illness that might have killed her too. Her first leafbare - she'd never forget. The coughing, the wheezy breathing, the dull ache in her stomach from coughing. And who could ever forget Mallowkit's pained mews? Or Petalkit's silence, betraying her weakness - she'd been too weak to make any sounds in her last few days of life.

She always had resented Shadowclan after that. Had there not been that added strain on Riverclan's territory to support two clans instead of one, Petalkit and Mallowkit would have been well-fed, perhaps even strong enough to survive.

He seemed to be thinking along similar lines, and his reference to the relations between the clans set the hackles on her back rising.

Hr eyes narrowed, her response was given in a low and especially hostile tone. “Crookedstar, may Starclan light his path, was a fool to agree to let Shadowclan hunt in our territory.” She still hadn't forgiven Riverclan's former leader for that. As much as she blamed Shadowclan for the deaths of two of her littermates, she couldn't forget that it wasn't solely Shadowclan's fault. Sure, they were greedy mouse-brains overstepping their territory, but Crookedstar was a mouse-brain to just allow them to do so.

And Leopardstar didn't seem overly anxious to fix Crookedstar's mistake, at least not to Duskfire.

The she-cat had been raised by parents who were opinionated on this subject, and had passed those opinions onto both of their surviving kits. Duskfire had had the misfortune of growing up knowing only the alliance between Riverclan and Shadowclan, but her parents had told her many tales of Riverclan's glory days, back when they were sovereign.

Duskfire had no love for Shadowclan and wasn't afraid to make it known. “The greedy dung-breaths. I'm surprised that Starclan hasn't turned their backs on us for the alliance.” She said, not even noticing that all the fur on her back was raised. “Surely this has to be against the warrior code.” After all, the clans stood alone. “Next they'll be wanting us to send our clan's kits to them as gifts. Or telling us that only Shadowclan warriors can mentor Riverclan apprentices.”

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS Nightbreeze hung his head in respectful sorrow, barely nodding to Duskfire's obvious recollection of her kit-hood, when Riverclan was weak from letting Shadowclan leech off of their territory. Not enough prey made it into the fresh-kill pile, the supply of herbs was dangerously dwindling. Every cat in Riverclan felt the grief of Mossnose and Cloudheart when they lost two more children, including the black Persian. There was no sadder sight than that of having to bury kits, those who had so much more to live for, so much more to experience. But Nightbreeze knew that those little cats were in Starclan being watched over well by their ancestors. He felt his stomach lurch at thinking that the kits were better off in the stars rather than enduring the terrible times down here amongst the living. It felt wrong, but he believed it was true. Yellow eyes widened in alarm as Duskfire's amber eyes burned with hatred, her words dripping with malice when speaking of the clan they were allied with. His fur began to bristle and claws itch at the very mention of Crookedstar, and worse yet Shadowclan. Though he tried hard to put away his grudges held against the past Riverclan leader, it was hard considering that he hadn't fallen back when the patrol was being driven back. If that crooked jawed tom had just called for a retreat and let Thunderclan have the rocks for a day, his sister, her mate, and a great warrior would still be alive. And he would have had his legs. Hot anger radiated outward from within and boiled his blood, his thick tail lashing once but then settling back against his body. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, Nightbreeze tried to settle down, for the sake of the warrior in front of him. He could see she had enough hate to go around and adding fuel to the fire by giving her a negative reaction towards Shadowclan would bring no good. "Our ancestors know what is happening between the clans, Duskfire, and they understand what we're all going through."

[/color] He said in a hard voice while still keeping his eyes closed, as if imagining the words he was speaking in his own mind. "Each of the clans has attributed to what's happened up to this point but I don't believe Starclan would turn away from us just because cats have done what they believe best for their clan, even if it has gone against the code, which it hardly has yet to do."[/color] Nightbreeze opened his narrowed yellow eyes back to look at the riled up she-cat.

He didn't bother to let his fur settle, instead raising his hackles as he continued on, trying desperately to prove something to the warrior and himself. "Now, do you really think that Leopardstar would dare let something like that happen while Riverclan was under her care, that her pride in her clan could be so easily belittled?"[/color] Nightbreeze growled, a snarl threatening to play on his expression. Why was he letting all of this get to him so easily? It would make no difference for him to be vengeful towards Thunderclan or Shadowclan or any cat nor beneficial to allow an abhorrence to fester in his heart. Maybe he was trying to tell himself that, maybe his words to Duskfire were really words to himself, a twisted reassurance.

Forcing his fur to lie flat but his facial expression nor tone softening, the dark elder added, "Riverclan would not quietly accept such a thing. I would fight till my last breath against it, of that you can be sure."[/color] It was true. Nightbreeze, even in his crippled state, would still defend his clan if it came down to it without hesitation.[/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

She she-cat breathed out through her nose when Nightbreeze responded, insisting that Starclan would not turn against them. She felt like a reprimanded apprentice, and part of her did agree with him. But the other part was louder, telling her how this was wrong and that surely Starclan would turn against them if the so-called alliance persisted much longer. It was against the warrior code. It was wrong. The clans stood alone. And yet she'd grown up with Shadowclanners eating Riverclan prey.

It seemed that Nightbreeze was just as easily riled up about all this as she was.

Duskfire shook her head, sighing inwardly. She would admit - to herself - that she resented Leopardstar, but it wasn't Leopardstar's fault. “Leopardstar can't really go back on Crookedstar's agreement without admitting how Shadowclan has weakened our clan.” Duskfire commented. “And then we may as well invite the other clans to attack us.”

Have no doubts about it, Duskfire would fight to her last breath for the good of her clan. She had a made a vow to do just that, and she would keep her promise to her clan. “I'd give my life for Riverclan, but unnecessary blood would be spilled.” She told the elder tom with a frown. Nobody could question her position on the issue with the scorn in her tone when she spoke next. “Crookedstar's concern for Shadowclan has put our clan in a bad position.”

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS Nightbreeze's anger cooled as quickly as it came when Duskfire's response came, leaving him feeling more tired than he was initially. Those poppy seeds had put up a fight but it was really the release of the anger and frustration that built within him that caused this sort of exhaustion. He was not too proud to know that Duskfire was right, Leopardstar came into her position with a rather sore situation that her predecessor had caused. Going back on the agreement between the two clans would be demeaning to Riverclan and paint them as cruel kit-killers. After all, that was why Brokenstar had wanted more land anyway. If they were really having so many kits, the dark clan had to be doing better than Riverclan. Breaking away would be a declaration of that to all the clans, who especially now are eager for more. The black tom huffed and cast a glare at the wall, imagining Crookedstar was there so he could feel some sort of accomplishment. "That is true. Crookedstar was not in his right mind to make any sort of agreement between Shadowclan."

[/color] Nightbreeze sniffed, a tremble going down his spine and causing him to draw in a sharp breath at the pain radiating from the fusing disks in his back. "Perhaps he was concerned for the kits of Shadowclan. The code does touch on kit's safety, though he must have had bee's in his brain to twist it around into giving our territory to Brokenstar's cats."[/color]

It really was a sad situation for all of Riverclan to be in, but he couldn't begin to imagine what Leopardstar must think of this all. "It's really a shame...I pity Leopardstar."[/color] Nightbreeze shook his head and his yellow eyes softened at the thought of the new leader. [/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

Duskfire dipped her head in agreement as she listened to what Nightbreeze had to say. She agreed completely. Crookedstar's decision had hurt the clan, but he'd done it for the kits. “His concern for kits is noble, I do not refute that,” Duskfire admitted, but she wasn't finished yet. She couldn't and wouldn't mask the resentment in her voice. “However, I cannot help pointing out that perhaps he should have made sure that the kits in his own clan had enough food before putting it in the mouths of cats in other clans, kits or not.”

“Kits I do not mind going hungry for, it's Brokenstar's brutes that I disagree to sharing with.” Duskfire said. She could just about handle Shadowclanners at gatherings, but having to see them more frequently than once a moon wore on her patience. She was used to running into Thunderclan and Windclan on the occasional border patrol, but having to put up with Shadowclan's rank stench and unbridled greed set her blood boiling. She loathed that they might be able to so easily learn the secrets of Riverclan's own territory. She wanted the Shadowclanners out and out for good.

“Brokenstar doesn't care if Riverclan kits starve to death, and apparently neither did Crookedstar.” Duskfire spat resentfully. She couldn't help hating Crookedstar. He'd been weak - so weak that he'd agreed to an alliance with Shadowclan when obviously their territory could not handle such strain. “I wonder how long it will take Leopardstar to undo the damage that Crookedstar has left for our once-great clan. She has much work ahead of her; I do not envy her position.”

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS Nightbreeze sighed deeply and found himself nodding to Duskfire. It was clear, so plain that Brokenstar didn't have a single hair on his pelt that carried enough kindness for any single kit in Riverclan, or any clan in that manner. He couldn't help but question how long it would be before Starclan brought him to his end. Why would they even grant such a sadistic cat nine lives? "I imagine it will be a long, hard journey before Riverclan is free of Brokenstar's leeching. Leopardstar as her work cut out for her."

[/color] The Persian agreed grimly, looking back at Duskfire with softer eyes. This young she-cat was wiser beyond her moons, but resentment and frustration of her leaders decisions and the situation they all were in had tainted her view of another clan, just as it had him. Why had he not spoken with this warrior more often...it would have done him much more good to have spoken with her before.

For a moment, there was a tensed silence. Nightbreeze shifted in his stuffy nest and looked out at the lit world outside his lair. It seemed like a nice day to get out. "Will you accompany me to the river, Duskfire? I feel that doing a bit of fishing may soothe our roaring spirits."[/color] He asked in a voice free from all of his previous ill feelings, instead now chipper and warm, his yellow eyes inviting. He would go on his own, he felt relieved of his pain enough to drag himself to the river-side. But it would be good for both him and Duskfire to calm their tempers and minds for now and just spend time together as fellow clan-mates while doing some good for the clan. Nightbreeze thanked Starclan he was still able to do that, no matter how little it was. [/div]

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[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

The she-cat nodded in response as Nightbreeze commented on how difficult Leopardstar's reign as leader of Riverclan would be. She couldn't help but agree. Leopardstar had been left with some of the worst problems that the clan had and might ever face - Shadowclan leeching off their territory. She couldn't think of a worst disaster that would put such a strain on their clan. A fire would devastate the clan, of course, but they would recover in less time than it was taking to shake free the iron claw of Brokenstar. She'd grown up with the alliance, and she longed to be free of the choke-hold that Shadowclan had on Riverclan.

Nightbreeze was certainly a cat that she would not mind conversing with more often. His opinions were quite similar to hers. It was most unfortunate that the tom had been physically disabled, forcing him into retirement at such an early age. She didn't suppose too many she-cats wanted a mate that couldn't fend for himself. Then again, perhaps he didn't even want a mate or kits. She certainly didn't. She wanted to live her life for many more moons before she settled down - if she ever decided she wanted to settle down and had kits.

Having kits really wasn't one of her priorities. Not only was there the strain on the clan from the Shadowclan leeches that would make being a queen exceedingly difficult, but there was also the issue that she found the vast majority of her clan-mates nearly insufferable. The only ones she really got along with anyway were all her kin, and she would never choose her own kin as her mate. That was just. . . disturbed.

Besides, she was fine on her own. She had her family: her mother, her father and her brother. That was all she needed. If her parents wanted to have more kits, then that was fine by her, but she didn't want kits. Oakspirit could have kits, but she herself didn't need them. Especially not while Shadowclan insisted on keeping her clan weak and hungry. Those were certainly not ideal conditions for raising kits.

But, she wouldn't pity him. Surely that was the last thing he wanted. If she were the one who had been disabled, she certainly wouldn't want the pity of her clanmates.

When Nightbreeze changed the subject by asking her if she would accompany him to the river, she nodded immediately. “Of course.” It probably would be a good idea for both of them to get some fresh air to clear their heads after their passionate discussion.

OOC: Awww, she's going to be so upset when she eventually finds out she's going to have kits.

[willow]

[atrb=width,455,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, padding: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/Hlcpz.png);] WORD COUNT: ### TAGGED: Duskfire NOTES: Yeaaaa but it will interesting to see how this all plays out xD LYRICS: GHOST OF ME, DAUGHTRY DON'T LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER, 'CAUSE THAT'S JUST THE GHOST OF ME YOU'RE SEEING IN YOUR DREAMS The she-cat's response came quickly, as if she didn't even have to think about what other things she might do instead of being with a crippled cat at the river. She may have friends to share-tongues with, patrols to volunteer for, maybe even just catch some rest. But no, she was humble and willing enough to be with him and that warmed Nightbreeze's heart like it hadn't been for a long time. He felt a little hesitant to admit it but he was growing fonder of this tortoiseshell. He had always longed to have a closer relationship with another cat and wanted to find that one she-cat who would love him even as he is now and still want to bear his kits. Could it be possible...was Duskfire enjoying his company or simply tolerating him? The answer was still unclear to him but he didn't want to know it right now. The black tom simply wanted to enjoy the fellowship of his fellow Riverclanner. "Well then, let's get going." He mewed with a chuckle, taking a moment to prepare himself to stand and begin the walk to the river. Most cats would think nothing of it, he certainly didn't when he was a fit and healthy warrior. But now just to get up and go to the fresh-kill pile was enough to have him yowling for Mudfur's herbs. The things that used to be so easy were a strain on him now...Maybe now that he had some poppy seeds in his system, he could make it to the water and fish for a bit before turning in. Taking and holding a deep breath, Nightbreeze brought his paws under him and slowly stood, gritting his teeth against the pressure pushing against his spine as he dared to stretch it out so he could stand at his full height, a looming black form with piercing yellow eyes. Letting out a long breath, he was relieved to feel nothing more than a simple prodding and pressure at the place where his spine has broken near his hind legs. There, he might be able to walk on his own today. He would have to thank Mudfur later. Taking a few tender steps toward the entrance to the den, he squinted his eyes against the bright light and sniffed at the beautiful scent of fresh air. The sound of the river rushing by wasn't far. "Will I have to carry you there, Duskfire?" Nightbreeze's eyes twinkled and a smile brightened his face as he looked back at the tortoiseshell. CODED BY ACRYLIK ON BTN!

[Lo]

DUSKFIRE

The she-cat stayed out of Nightbreeze's way as he prepared himself to get to his paws again. She knew she certainly would not have appreciated him rushing to her aid if the situation was reversed and she was the one with a crippling injury. She had far too much pride to be pleased by others rushing to her aid, assuming she was incapable of doing things on her own, and she did not yet know Nightbreeze well enough to know if he too felt the same way on such matters.

She watched with some admiration as he drew himself up to his full height. Despite his injury, he still went on. The looming figure that was Nightbreeze began to make his way towards the entrance of the den, and Duskfire remained where she was, trying to stay out from under the tall tom's paws. If he needed her help, all he had to do was ask. She was there if needed, and would not do any damage to his pride by offering help that wasn't needed.

Then the tom glanced back into the den at her, asking her if she needed him to carry her there and she dipped her head. “Of course not, Nightbreeze.” She answered, her whiskers twitching in amusement at his joke. “But my stiff old bones are not as limber as they once were.” She said, offering her own joke. “You'd understand if you were as old as me.”

Not to make him think she was mocking him, she didn't feign a struggle when she rose to her paws. Besides, many of the elders had a habit of complaining about their aches and then moving as spryly as a cat half their age. But then, that may have been down to Mudfur's expertise, Riverclan was lucky to have such a knowledgeable medicine cat. Some clans were not as blessed and lost their medicine cat before their medicine cat apprentice was able to complete his or her training.

Duskfire halted by the tom's flank and dipped her head to him. “Lead the way.”

OOC: Sorry to have to ask this, but could you possibly change the font colour you use for Nightbreeze's speech? The contrast of black-against-dark-grey is hard to read without highlighting and it hurts my eyes.