Private Thread Hunting Sunbeams

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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  Following closely behind the cinnamon she-cat, Specklenose noticed the gentle sunlight around them. It was a nice contrast compared to their last adventure. Specklenose was lucky not to catch a cold. He had visited Flutterdream, but the small tortie had said he should be fine, that they just needed to warm up and take the rest of the day easy. Like the medicine cat had said, he was sneeze-less the next day, ready to go back to action. 

Happy to see that Emberdust had actually brought him to a patch of grass, he purred with amusement, 'I never know with you though. For all I knew you could have been taking me to carrionplace and I wouldn't bat an eyelid.' Hey, maybe that could be their next adventure...?! Specklenose didn't go to the smallswamps all too often, this particular part was adorned with small plants, a refreshing look compared to the dense and endless swamps closer to ShadowClan's camp. Slamming into Emberdust as she stopped abruptly, Specklenose blinked a few times before giving himself and embarrassed shake. 

Not even needing the encouragement, Specklenose stretched out beside his companion, sprawling out right next to Emberdust. 'Mmm, I'm missing Greenleaf already' they murmured, the rays already tingling at their skin. They half closed their blue eyes before giving Emberdust a lazy but fond gaze, glad she had brought him out here.

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust let out a soft purr of laughter at Specklenose’s comment, her whiskers twitching in amusement even if her muzzle wrinkled with distaste for the area. “Carrionplace? Now that would be an adventure - a stinky adventure!” She teased, though the gleam in her eye suggested she might actually be considering it. “If you're feeling brave, maybe next time we can go and scope the place out.”

She shifted slightly, rolling onto her back so the sun could warm her belly, the gentle breeze rustling the nearby cattails. The peacefulness of the smallmarsh made it easy to forget the cold grip of leaf-bare, even if just for a little while.

Glancing over at Specklenose, she caught the lazy fondness in his eyes, her own softening in response. “See? I'm full of good ideas.” Her tone was light, but there was a certain contentment behind her words. Moments like these, with good company made everything else seem less daunting.

“Greenleaf feels like a lifetime ago...”Her voice grew a note quieter, even a bit saddened by the fact that Leafbare was upon them now. Emberdust was wistful for the humid days of frog calls and fireflies. “But at least we’ve got today.”

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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'Not as stinky as you are' they teased back, a snicker rippling through their body. 'I honestly think we should go there next time. I've always been too afraid. Well, maybe not afraid, but it just smells so bad I avoid it like nothing else.'

He watched as Emberdust rolled over onto her belly, a mischievous grin spreading across their face. Leaving Emberdust little time to react, he scooted forward before letting his head fall onto Emberdust's belly, her soft fur tickling their nose. 

'Why can't everyday be like this, would make out lives a lot easier...' he murmured. The way life worked was irritating to Specklenose, but it was something they just had to put up with. Good and bad came and went, so Specklenose had learnt to savour the good and push through the bad, even when their brain told them to give up. Moments like these were what made life worth living.

'What do you think this leafbare will be like? Think we'll survive?' he asked, a humorous gleam shining through his gaze. They wondered what would come of the future. Things within ShadowClan were very relaxed at the moment, and they had trouble foreseeing their own future, at least one that was any different from now.

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she considered the idea of actually going to Carrionplace. "It’s settled then. Next adventure, we’ll head there and face the stink head-on. Who knows what we might find."

The warmth of the sun had already started to lull her into a state of relaxation, but before she could fully settle, she felt the weight of Specklenose’s head plop onto her belly. She let out an exaggerated sigh but made no effort to move him, her tail tip flicking lazily in contentment. "You always find a way to make yourself comfortable, don’t you?" There was nk fight in her voice, it was soft, her body completely at ease.

His question about leafbare made her pause, her orange eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed up at the sky. "Survive? Of course we’ll survive." She said confidently, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her mind. Leafbare was always tough, but she tried not to let that bother her now. "But I do wonder... I hope it’s not too harsh this time around."

Her gaze softened as she glanced back at Specklenose, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "It's crazy to think that those kits are apprentices now. It wasn't long ago that they were tripping over mossballs."

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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   'Oh absolutely. I can turn anything into a sleep spot. Nest, rock or cat, you'll find me lying there, comfortable as ever' he said with a grin, already very comfortable. A soft, inaudible purr rumbled in their throat. Though he didn't think that Emberdust would put up a fuss, they were glad to see she accepted him using her as a cushion, yawning while sharp fangs glinted in the soft sunlight. 

Specklenose considered what she had said, noticing the way she trailed of at the end. They understood what she was feeling. Leafbare always brought fear and doubts, even to the strongest of cats. Those who have seemed to brave all could starve or freeze in the blink of an eye. Nature's wrath was not something to underestimate. 'I don't think it will be. Look at the weather now! I predict, worst we'll get is some medium snow or something. Even then, snows fun to run around in. Like you said, we will be fine'

At the mention of Clovershine's brood, a small smiled formed at the silver felines mouth. 'I know right! Poor den'll be empty now. I'll miss their stupid squeals and giggles around camp. Dazzlepaw nearly tumbled Brackenwing over once, and remember when the three brought a snake home?! Even I wasn't that crazy! They were so proud though. Holdin' up the little snake together as they gleamed at Clovershine.' It was too bad the both of them were a bit to young and inexperienced to mentor, as Specklenose would have loved one of them. Dazzlepaw was particularly fond of Emberdust, and they had found it adorable. The bright red tom-kit rambled on about their adventures and how he was going to ask Palestar if she could mentor him.. but then he also mentioned something about wanting Palestar too... That kid was full off a lot of energy. Poor Clovershine will have her work cut out for her.

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust chuckled at Specklenose’s confidence, her whiskers twitching with amusement. “I believe it. You could probably make a pile of thorns seem cozy if you tried hard enough.” She felt his weight against her fur, but it was comforting rather than bothersome, the steady warmth of his body blending with the sun's gentle rays as she edged a bit closer, collecting heat.

His optimism about leafbare brought her some comfort, though her gaze flicked back to the sky, still thoughtful. "I hope you're right. Maybe we’ll get lucky this time." She imagined snow drifting across the marsh, a blanket of white that could either be beautiful or deadly, depending on how the season played out.

At the mention of Clovershine’s kits, Emberdust’s ears perked up, and a nostalgic smile spread across her face. "Oh, I remember that snake." Came her purr, laughing softly. "I thought Clovershine was going to faint on the spot when they brought it into camp. They were so proud of themselves, too!" Her eyes gleamed with fondness as she thought of the kits - now apprentices - and the energy they brought to the camp.

But Specklenose’s words stirred a quiet longing in Emberdust, one she hadn't fully acknowledged before. She flicked her tail idly against the grass, her gaze thoughtful. "You know… mentoring might be fun." She admitted, her voice quieter now. "But I don’t know if I’d be any good at it. I’m not… a great warrior. I don’t know if I’d teach them the right way." She hesitated, then added with a chuckle. "But maybe the empty nursery could give me another way to contribute. It's the warmest den in Leafbare!"

Her thoughts trailed off, wondering what the future might hold for her. Kits of her own? It was something she hadn’t thought much about, but the idea lingered, soft and unspoken, like the warmth of the sun on her pelt despite how her own dam had died. It just felt... natural. Like sunbeams.

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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   Specklenose noticed the hesitation and thought in his friend's gaze and words, his expression almost turning to a frown as they wondered what was troubling her. 'There is no 'right way' to teach an apprentice. Maybe in the eyes of leadership there is, but as long as the cat is healthy, enthusiastic and willing to provide for their clan, I don't see what the problem is, even if they do things in less than conventional ways. That means you too, Emberdust. You are a perfectly fine warrior, no worse than I am and I know many of out clanmates appreciate your help. Especially me. Dazzlepaw loved hanging out with you, and that to me screams 'mentor', or at least someone worthy considering.' Specklenose didn't comfort others often, nor did they really know how. They just spoke from the heart, and hoped at least something would resonate with the other. In his eyes, Emberdust was nearly perfect. She didn't need to be an amazing hunter, or the clans best fighter. All she needed to do was give him love and support as his best friend and they would forever appreciate her. 

With a pause to process her words, Specklenose soon realised that Emberdust was talking about having kits of her own, and their face flashed with surprise. 'You've been thinking about having kits of your own?' he left out a soft chuckle before continuing, 'Mini Emberdusts running around would be chaos, very adorable chaos. Imagine they have little tails like you do!' Specklenose had no idea this was something she had even considered, especially due to their young age. He couldn't tell if she was joking or not, but if she wasn't, would she really go through with it?

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Specklenose’s words, her orange eyes softening as she gazed at him. "You always know how to make me feel better." She purred, her tail flicking affectionately against his side. His reassurance meant more to her than she would admit, and she let out a small sigh of relief. "Maybe you're right. I guess I just don't want to let anyone down."

Her whiskers twitched in amusement as Specklenose mentioned Dazzlepaw. "Dazzlepaw’s got enough energy for three apprentices. But he is fun to be around." Her fondness for the young apprentice was evident in her tone. "But maybe it's just the immature kit behavior of buzzing bumblebee energy that resonates with me."

When the conversation turned to the thought of having kits, Emberdust let out a startled laugh, though there was a flicker of something more serious in her gaze. "I guess Clovershine's kits made me warm to it - " She smiled softly, her mind wandering to the image of little versions of herself running around camp, full of energy and mischief.

"Mini Emberdusts, huh? I can see it now - driving the whole camp crazy." She chuckled, but there was a tenderness in her voice as she spoke. "But kits don't come from she-cats alone. I'd have to think about who might sire them." A michevious smirk crossed her maw from behind a coy, upraised paw as she shuffled close, as if she already had a tom in mind.

"Have any suggestions?"

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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  'You'll never let me down, that I can promise you' he said before flicking their own tails against her. 'Maybe you do just resonate with Dazzlepaw's energy, but I saw the was he looked and talked about you. I hardly know the kid yet he came running to me, yappin' about your adventure. You've got two clanmates fond of you and that's more than enough for now. I can even speak for my mother to! She said she loved sharing the nursery with you, your sister and Hawkfeather!'

The small hint of seriousness in Emberdust's tone was starting to for an understanding in Specklenose's mind, and they started at her curiously. 'You are always full of surprises, Emberdust, and that's what I love about you' His laugh was fond and soft, ringing through the air before being washed away by a gentle breeze.

Emberdust's coy smile was almost contagious, and they felt themself smiling involuntarily back. He could see the way her eyes gleamed with mischief, and in the very back of his mind, they felt like they knew what was running through her mind, but he chose to play along anyway. 'Hmm.. a very hard choice indeed. I could recommend a few, there is the mighty Dawnflurry, beloved deputy of out clan, or perhaps you might be interested in kithood friend Brackenwing. So many choices... Maybe instead, you wish to give Hickorystorm another chance at life through some kittens, or... perhaps old Honeyglow...' Their body wracked with laughter at the mention of Honeyglow. Emberdust having kits with Honeyglow was one of the worst possible things he could imagine. Slowly, a lopsided grin formed across their face and they began their suggestions again. 'But... there is someone I know who might be interested. You grew up with them, tend to often hang out with him, and from what I know he is quite fond of kits themself...'

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust couldn’t help but smile at Specklenose’s reassurance, her orange eyes gleaming with gratitude. She gave him a playful nudge with her shoulder, her whiskers twitching. "Dazzlepaw took to mud so eagerly!"

When Specklenose mentioned his mother and their shared time in the nursery, Emberdust’s expression softened and scrunched together as she gave a giggle. When she was little, the nursery had been pretty full - bustling with the bodies of kittens and dams alike.

As Specklenose continued, his fond laugh and teasing remarks only fueled the growing mischief in Emberdust’s gaze. “Dawnflurry? Brackenwing?” She sampled the names with a mock-thoughtful tone, her stub tail twitching with amusement. “Ugh... Doesn't Dawnflurry already have kits? And Brackenwing... I woudln't want to get between them and their special rock.” She chuckled, shaking her head at the thought of Hickorystorm and Honeyglow, stifling a laugh when he mentioned them. "Hickorystorm's whiskers are uneven... and, and, well..."

But it was the subtle shift in Specklenose’s tone, the way his grin turned lopsided, that made Emberdust pause, her heart skipping a beat. His words echoed in her mind as her gaze flicked toward him, studying his face for a brief moment. The warmth between them felt more present, more palpable.

“Oh?” she purred, shuffling awkwardly on her back. “And who might that be? You wouldn’t be talking about yourself now, would you? 'Cause Sootbounce is too young, I'd think...” She raised a brow, her voice teasing, but the affection in her tone was unmistakable. The playful banter hung in the air, light yet weighted with unspoken feelings.

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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 Specklenose tried their best to uphold their confidence, but it was clear he was struggling to do so, especially with his heart racing just a little faster than usual. 'Maybe, perhaps you'll have to ask him though, otherwise you'll never know.' They hadn't even noticed Hickorystorm's uneven whiskers, and Dawnflurry was related to half the clan at this stage, she had a good point. Brackenwing didn't exactly seem like the type to have kits either, and Honeyglow was... well, Honeyglow. There was a chance Clovershine's brood could have been his too, although the sire was never announced. 

'Sootbounce and Ashcloud are definitely too young..' meaning, there really was only one cat left. He looked at Emberdust, almost a little anxiously. Was she really going to ask them? Was this just talk or was this real and happening right now. Specklenose studied her face back, trying to see any hint of what exactly was going through the cinnamon warrior's mind. 'Just what exactly are you thinking of Emberdust... Did you have someone in mind?' he murmured, his blue eyes looking into hers once more. 

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust’s whiskers twitched with amusement as she noticed the flicker of uncertainty cross Specklenose’s face, his earlier confidence wavering just slightly. She felt her heart beat a little faster too, but it wasn’t the nerves - it was something warmer, something more tender.

She chuckled, still thinking about the ridiculousness of Hickorystorm’s whiskers, but the mood between them was shifting, softening. The banter was fun, but Specklenose’s growing anxiety was starting to seep through, and Emberdust found herself more curious than before.

As his blue eyes met hers, Emberdust felt a flutter in her chest. His question, softly murmured, hung in the air like a challenge, and she smiled, her expression soft but with that same mischievous glint. The sunlight had energized the she-cat and her nervous energy seemed to burst through her chest.

She spun around on her back, twisting herself so her front paws slapped softly at the tom. Maw half open, she looked ready to nip at him, and did - aiming to bite playfully at his forearm while her tail wiggled.

With half a giggle, she exclaimed. "Specklenooooose - Don't make me say it! What better cat I know could be the sire to my kits, eh? Someone who makes me feel like I could be more than just a reckless warrior.”

Emberdust’s smile widened slightly, her gaze unwavering as she stared down at him. “So… what do you think of that? Wanna be a sire?”

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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 He grunted softly as Emberdust's paws slapped into their face, stunning them for a moment before she playfully bit his forearm. 'Hey, no touching!' they playfully growled, aiming a slap back at her forehead. Brining his forepaw down with a heavy thump, he hoped that Emberdust would be too slow to move away.

Clearly his vague questioning and not so subtle hints had worked, and Specklenose grinned at Emberdust as she half whined. Would she say it?! Yes, she absolutely would. As the words finally left her mouth, his gaze softened significantly, 'Yes, I really would love to'. Blue meet orange, and with only a brief moment of hesitation Specklenose pressed his nose into Emberdust's with a purr, excitement vibrating through his body. Kits? His kits? Emberdust's kits? 'Mini Embernose's!' he exclaimed quietly. This had all come out of what felt like nowhere, but now in this moment, Specklenose couldn't think of anything else. 'Are you sure? Definitely sure? Cause I only wanna if you wanna, but if we both wanna then... then perfect!'

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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  Emberdust let out a startled laugh as Specklenose’s forepaw thumped down on her forehead, though she made no effort to dodge it. Instead, she wriggled beneath his paw, swatting half-heartedly at him in return. “Fair!” She giggled, her whiskers twitching as she felt the warmth of his affection sink in.

His response sent a flutter through her heart. The way his eyes softened and his excitement practically radiated off him made her chest feel light, and for a moment, she forgot about anything else but the two of them. As Specklenose pressed his nose into hers, she closed her eyes and purred softly, enjoying the moment of connection.

“StarClan help us if they inherit both our energy.” Came her teasing remark, though there was no mistaking the happiness in her tone.

At his sudden burst of questions - if she was sure, really sure - Emberdust’s gaze softened even more, and she smiled warmly at him. “I’m sure, Specklenose.”

Her tail curled around his as she shifted closer, her orange eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and affection. “So… we both wanna...” Emberdust echoed his words with a light chuckle, bumping her head against his shoulder. “And I think that’s more than perfect.”

     'I look at things from the heart, despite my brain screaming please don’t!'
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   At Emberdust's touch, Specklenose curled their tail around hers just as she had done. 'I hope they get our energy, I can't wait to see some of the elders reactions. Hickorystorm wont get a break, I can already foresee it. Pebbleshine is going to be so excited and I'm sure Clovershine will be happy too, her kits too. You will be alone in the nursery though... Maybe I can sneak in sometimes..' Specklenose rambled on, kits this and warrior that before pausing for a moment. 'Well, I first would check if you are planning on announcing me as sire though. It's totally fine if you don't, just need to make sure cause I don't want to go say something I shouldn't to someone later on.'

As both warriors came to the conclusion, that yes, they very much did want this litter, Specklenose felt a small spark ignite in their chest, one that he had never felt before. A swelling mixture of pride, excitement and awe. She was right too, this couldn't be more perfect. Laying his head on Emberdust's shoulder, Specklenose's gaze drifted of to the horizon the flickered through the dense treeline, its glimmering bright light a sign that this was the right thing, exactly where their future was meant to go. 

The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
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Emberdust’s whiskers twitched with amusement as Specklenose rambled on, her heart swelling with warmth as she imagined the future he was painting. "Pebbleshine will be thrilled!"

She laughed softly at the idea of him sneaking into the nursery, the thought of sharing those quiet moments together warming her heart. “Please do! Sneak in and I'll pretend you're out on patrol."

But as Specklenose paused, Emberdust tilted her head slightly, studying his face. His question made her smile softly, her heart filling with even more admiration for him. “Oh, I'd want everyone to know." Her gaze followed his as he stared off into the horizon, the flicker of light through the trees reflecting in her eyes. The future seemed bright, full of possibility, and she couldn’t wait to step into it alongside him.