Ask to Join A Break in the Chill - 17LN

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles was slowing his small form to ensure that Bravesong wasn't being left behind, or so he didn't think he was. Greypebbles often did that when walking with Bravesong. It was a habit he had mad, perhaps it was something to do with that fact the younger tom was rather eager to please others, but maybe it was concern or even guilt for his mentor's situation. Although... he had never seen Bravesong complain about it, so it might not be as bad as the grey tom thought it might be.

The little grey tom gave a definitive nod. "I was thinking the same, with Leopardrose and Coyotepaw being out most days, I've felt a little sense of loneliness recently." Greypebbles admitted, settling down beside his former mentor when the reached the warm rocks that had been ThunderClan's for generations, his blue-grey eyes flicked towards Bravesong and immediately gravitated to his missing eye and his tattered ears, the young warrior sighed silently, glancing down for a moment but deciding not to mention how bad he felt, this was supposed to be a nice day for the two of them, not something for Greypebbles to make about himself.

"To take every event as a learning opportunity? To push through harder times to become a stronger version of one's self? Of course I do, I'd be fur-brained not to remember advise from a mentor like you" Greypebbles' voice was filled with a certain sense of nostalgia that eased his worries. A rare but soft smile tugged at his lips. Of course he was proud to be a ThunderClan cat, but sometimes the warriors of his clan were far to intense for his liking, it overwhelmed him to the point of no explanation, he just wished it could go away, just for a moment. Perhaps this outing could do that. 

Bravesong inevidably asked about Coyotepaw and Greypebbles let a small chuckle flare his nostrils. "Leopardrose says she's doing well, she's a great apprentice with a great mentor" He added with a warm tone, he really cared for Leopardrose and Bravesong, and was just happy that they were happy. What cat wouldn't want their friends to be happy, even happier than themselves

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong’s hazel eye cracked open, a flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. He watched Greypebbles settle in beside him, the younger tom’s usual air of quiet contemplation never far.

"Loneliness, huh?" Bravesong mused, his voice soft as he shifted slightly to get more comfortable. "I suppose it's easy to feel that way when you've spent a lot of time with someone." He let out a deep, thoughtful purr, a slight chuckle escaping him. "I know I had my paws full with you back in the day."

The veteran tom’s teasing was gentle, affectionate even. He tilted his head toward Greypebbles, the warmth in his gaze cutting through the remnants of his more battered exterior.

"That’s a relief to hear." The elder warrior shifted again, letting out a content sigh as the warmth from the rocks soaked into his scarred body.

Bravesong glanced over at the young warrior, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "I think they're a good match. A little fire's good for the soul, but sometimes you just need to take a breath and let the world pass by, like we’re doing right now. Just you, me, the sun, and the rocks." He gestured toward the open sky above them with a nod, the warmth of the day wrapping around them like a comforting pelt.

The older tom settled deeper into the sun-warmed stone, his one good eye closing again as he relaxed fully into the moment. "You and Leopardrose are pretty close too, right? That's good."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles let out a soft chuckle, resting his pelt against Bravesong for a moment, letting the warmth of the sun on the vast, flat rocks sooth his worries and set him free from the chill for the moment the two were sat there. Greypebbles was no bigger than a large apprentice in the grand scheme of things, so he was yet to find his place, especially with such a great ancestor like Goldenstar to strive towards in regards to honor and glory, the little grey tom felt like he had huge pawprints to fill and with his small paws, it seemed impossible.

Bravesong’s affectionate jab at the young warrior lightened his mood, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he let out a short chuckle "I wasn’t that bad, I was one of the more quiet ones if anything" Greypebbles remarked, giving Bravesong a small nudge with his nose, Greypebbles was small yes, but there was something strong behind that nudge, like there was a strength hidden in him that not even he found yet, mostly because he had yet to experience any a major battles as of recently or ever now that he thought about it.

As Bravesong went on about how good of a match him and Leopardrose were, it was nice to hear from someone else besides himself or Leopardrose herself. Greypebbles did however keep silent for a moment, no matter how content Bravesong was now, and how many cats Greypebbles spent time with, which wasn’t many in the hindsight, he would still see himself as guilty for Bravesong’s situation, perhaps if he had just stayed and helped, Bravesong wouldn’t have been so badly injured.

Bravesong?" Greypebbles’ voice seemed to echo around the rocks for a moment before resting uncomfortably in the air. "I’ve never gotten the thought out of my head that it was my fault that you’re in this situation, if I had stayed and helped, it might not have been as bad"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong's good eye opened slowly at the sound of Greypebbles' voice, the weight of the younger tom's words cutting through the peaceful warmth that had settled around them. The gentle breeze that had danced across his battered pelt seemed to still, and for a long moment, Bravesong said nothing, letting the silence between them stretch.

Finally, the older warrior shifted, propping himself up slightly so he could properly look at Greypebbles. He knew that tone well - he'd heard it before, often in the quiet moments after battle, when warriors were left to wrestle with the "what ifs" and "could haves" that always haunted them.

"Greypebbles. What happened that day... wasn't your fault." He let the words sink in for a moment, his gaze never leaving the younger tom. "I know it feels like you should have been able to change something, that maybe if you'd done things differently, I wouldn’t be sitting here with a limp and a missing eye." His tail flicked lightly against the smooth stone beneath them. "But let me tell you something, and listen closely - that battle was never yours to carry."

He shifted closer, pressing his side against the smaller tom’s in a comforting gesture. "I made the choice to protect my Clan and my apprentice that day. And I’d make that choice again in a heartbeat, no matter the cost. What happened to me? That was the price of being a warrior, of standing in defense of something bigger than myself. You didn’t fail me, Greypebbles. You were right where you were supposed to be."

Bravesong’s voice dropped lower, the gruffness in his tone replaced by something gentler, more fatherly. "You’ve grown into a fine warrior, one I’m proud to call my former apprentice. But you need to stop holding onto that guilt. It’ll only weigh you down, and you’ve got far too much ahead of you to let the past keep you from it."

He glanced up at the sky, his eye tracing the soft clouds that drifted lazily overhead, his tone playful once more. "Now, enough of that. We're here to enjoy the sun, not dwell on what can't be changed. So how about you relax for a bit, and we focus on making some new memories, eh?"

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles felt the weight of Bravesong's words settle heavily in his chest, a mix of gratitude and lingering guilt swirling within him. He appreciated the elder's reassurances, but it didn't erase the memories of that day—the sounds of the battle, the frantic yowls, the sight of his mentor injured and bleeding. He shifted slightly closer, leaning into Bravesong's side, seeking comfort in the warmth of his presence.

"Thank you, Bravesong" he murmured, his voice soft, barely above a whisper. "I just... I can’t help but think about it. If I’d been faster or if I hadn’t let that fox get so close…" He trailed off, his tail flicking nervously against the ground. "It feels like I should have done something. You were there to protect me, but I—" He paused, closing his eyes for a moment to steady himself. "I don’t want to let you down again. You’re one of the bravest cats I know. I just... I wish I could have done more."

Greypebbles looked up at Bravesong, his pale blue eyes reflecting both admiration and uncertainty. "I see you like this, and it makes me realize how fragile everything can be. I don’t want to be a burden to the clan or to you." His voice trembled slightly, revealing the depth of his feelings, a vulnerability that was hard for him to share 
"But you’re right" he admitted slowly, taking a deep breath as he tried to shake off the weight of his worries. "We’re here to enjoy the sun, not dwell on the past." A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, the warmth of Bravesong’s encouragement slowly washing over him. "I guess I just need to learn to let it go."

Greypebbles turned his gaze towards the sky, feeling a sense of peace begin to settle within him. "So, what do you want to do?" he asked, his voice gaining a bit more confidence as he focused on the present. "We could explore the territory a bit or maybe just lie here and watch the clouds. It feels nice to be out like this." He glanced back at Bravesong, his heart feeling a little lighter. "Whatever you want to do, I’m up for it. Just glad to be here with you."

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong watched the flickers of emotion play out on Greypebbles' face, his expression softening as the younger tom shared his heart. The vulnerability in the younger warrior’s words was not lost on him, and Bravesong felt a pang of empathy. He remembered his own youth, the weight of responsibility he’d placed on himself, the endless cycle of "could haves" that never seemed to leave.

He gave a low purr, resting his muzzle briefly against Greypebbles’ ear in a gesture of quiet reassurance. "I see the strength in you, even if you haven’t fully realized it yet." His tail swished lightly against the smooth rock beneath them, a gentle rhythm to match the calming breeze.

"We all have moments when we doubt ourselves, moments where we think we’re not enough. But it’s what we do with those doubts that matters." He lifted his gaze back to the sky, as if the clouds themselves might carry away the heavy burdens they shared.

The older warrior let out a slow, content sigh, feeling the warmth of the sun sinking deeper into his scarred pelt. Bravesong stretched out lazily, letting his muscles relax as he turned his gaze toward Greypebbles with a twinkle of amusement. "Let's take it easy and stay right here. If you really want to do something, we could always have a little competition. Who can spot the strangest-shaped cloud? Winner gets first pick at the next fresh-kill pile."

He cast a sideways glance at Greypebbles, the lighthearted challenge in his voice unmistakable. "What do you say?"

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles couldn't help but let out a soft purr in response to Bravesong's reassuring touch. His mentor's words, calm and steady as always, eased the knot of tension that had been building in his chest. He shifted slightly, stretching his legs out and letting the warmth of the sun soak into his pale grey fur. It was moments like these, quiet, peaceful, that he cherished the most with Bravesong.

He turned his gaze upward, scanning the clouds as Bravesong had suggested, his blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "A competition, huh?" he meowed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, I’m in. But don’t think I’m going to let you win just because you’re my mentor."

Greypebbles’ voice took on a playful edge as he settled more comfortably beside Bravesong, his tail flicking lazily against the ground. He could feel the weight of his earlier worries beginning to lift, replaced by the simple joy of being in the present moment. "There" he said after a moment, pointing his paw toward a particularly fluffy cloud drifting across the sky. "That one looks like… a rabbit, maybe? No, wait… it’s more like a badger with its head in a hole." He let out a soft chuckle, the ridiculousness of his own observation lightening his mood even further.

"I’ll win this" he added, glancing over at Bravesong with a gleam of determination in his eyes. "But even if I don’t, spending time like this… it’s more than enough for me." Greypebbles leaned back a little, his ears flicking toward the rustling leaves in the distance. "I’m glad we found the time for this. I think I needed it more than I realized."

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to resonate through his entire frame. He squinted up at the sky, tilting his head slightly as if to see the cloud from a different angle. "I think I see it now. Not bad, Greypebbles, not bad at all. But you’re going to have to do better than that to win."

He shifted slightly, easing his weight onto his other side as he studied the sky with a mock-serious expression. His tail swayed lazily against the stone, the warmth of the sun easing the aches in his old bones. "Now, look over there." Bravesong meowed, pointing with his muzzle to a long, wispy cloud trailing across the horizon. "See that one? Looks like a fox chasing its own tail.

He glanced back at Greypebbles, the playful gleam in his eye mirrored in the younger tom’s.In moments like these, he hoped the younger cat could see that being a warrior wasn’t just about battles and duties - it was about balance, too.

"Looks like this contest might be a little closer than I thought." Bravesong teased, letting out a satisfied purr. He rested his head on his paws, the gentle breeze ruffling the fur along his back. He closed his eye for a moment, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the peace of the moment. His voice was soft but resolute. "We’ll always find time for moments like these."

After a moment of silence, Bravesong opened his eye again, watching the clouds lazily drift by. "Alright, your turn again."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles let out a soft purr, his eyes glinting with amusement as he looked from the sky to Bravesong. "A fox chasing its own tail, huh?" He tilted his head, squinting up at the cloud Bravesong had pointed out. "I see it... but I think it looks more like a squirrel leaping off a branch." He tapped his paw lightly on the stone beneath him, as if to cement his claim.

He relaxed a little, feeling the warmth of the sun soak into his fur. These moments with Bravesong were something Greypebbles had always cherished, a reminder that there was more to life than the hustle of warrior duties. It was rare to get Bravesong in such a lighthearted mood, and Greypebbles wasn’t about to let the chance slip by.

"Looks like we're neck and neck," Greypebbles meowed, his voice soft with affection. He gazed at his former mentor, his admiration for Bravesong clear in his eyes. "But I’m not giving up yet. Let's see... how about that one?" He gestured toward a particularly fluffy cloud hanging lazily in the sky. "It’s a rabbit... well, kind of a rabbit. If you squint."

He flicked his tail, feeling a bit more at ease in the moment, letting the playful competition wash away any lingering doubts he had. "I’ll win that first pick at the fresh-kill pile, just wait." His voice was light, but underneath it all, there was the quiet, unspoken gratitude for Bravesong’s presence, for being there, through it all.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong's whiskers twitched in amusement as he gave a slow nod. "You might be right, but that rabbit you spotted is looking a little wobbly. Maybe it's tripped over its own ears." His playful banter was layered with fondness, a reflection of how much he valued these moments.

The older tom stretched his paws out in front of him, feeling the satisfying pull of his muscles before settling back down, more comfortable than ever. This little break from their responsibilities felt like a gift - a chance to unwind, to reconnect without the pressures of the outside world.

"You’ve always had a good eye." Bravesong added, his tone softening as he looked at Greypebbles. There was a deeper meaning in his words, a quiet recognition of the younger tom’s growth. He had seen him wrestle with his own self-doubts and insecurities, but moments like these proved just how far Greypebbles had come.

"Alright, alright." Bravesong conceded with a chuckle. "Maybe you’ve got me this time. That rabbit’s looking pretty convincing now." He lifted his head, ears twitching as he considered the clouds once more. "But I’m not giving up. Let’s say the next round decides the winner."

There was an unspoken understanding between them - this was more than just a lighthearted competition. It was about trust, comfort, and the deep bond that had grown between mentor and apprentice. Whether or not Greypebbles won, Bravesong knew he'd already achieved something far greater: confidence.

Bravesong flicked his tail, a mischievous gleam in his eye as he glanced back toward the sky. "Now, let’s see if you can top a two-headed badger. Look there - fierce, even got its jaws open."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles let out a quiet purr of amusement, his eyes following Bravesong's gaze toward the sky. The older tom's playful spirit always managed to coax a smile from him, even in the most ordinary of moments. "A two-headed badger, huh?" He tilted his head, squinting as he tried to make sense of the cloud formation Bravesong pointed out. "Alright, I see it... barely. But I think your badger’s got a crooked jaw."

The younger tom stretched his paws out in front of him, mimicking Bravesong’s earlier move, though with less stiffness in his limbs. The warmth of the sun against his fur, coupled with the easy rhythm of their conversation, made the world outside their little moment feel far away. Greypebbles had always admired the older warrior’s ability to find peace in the simple things, like cloud-watching or sharing a quiet moment under the sun. Bravesong’s compliment about his 'good eye' lingered in his mind, causing a soft flicker of pride to bloom in his chest. It wasn’t often he allowed himself to feel confident, but hearing it from Bravesong felt... different. It felt real. He caught the older tom’s gaze for a moment, sensing the deeper meaning behind the words, and his heart swelled with gratitude.

"Thanks, Bravesong" Greypebbles murmured, his voice quieter now. "But don’t think I’m going easy on you just because you gave me that one." His whiskers twitched, a glint of mischief lighting up his blue eyes. He turned his attention back to the sky, scanning for his next contender in their lighthearted contest. "There." He flicked his tail toward a large, puffy cloud drifting lazily overhead. "That one’s a hawk, wings spread out. And if you look close, you can see a mouse caught in its talons." He glanced sideways at Bravesong, a challenge in his eyes. "Let’s see your two-headed badger beat that."

Despite the teasing, Greypebbles couldn't help but feel the unspoken weight of the moment. These quiet times with Bravesong—moments without the weight of Clan duties or expectations—were what anchored him, reminding him of the importance of connection and trust. Whether it was cloud-gazing or just exchanging stories, this bond between them was something that made him feel seen, understood. As the gentle breeze ruffled his fur and the sun bathed them in warmth, Greypebbles’ heart felt lighter. He might not have all the answers or always be the strongest warrior, but in moments like these, with Bravesong by his side, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong let out a hearty chuckle, his single eye gleaming with amusement as he glanced up at the cloud Greypebbles pointed out. He squinted, pretending to scrutinize the cloud closely. "Hmm... you’ve even thrown in a meal for the hawk. Well played, Greypebbles."

He stretched again, but this time it was more out of contentment than stiffness. There was something comforting in this moment, something about being here with Greypebbles that made the usual weight of his injured exasperated age and responsibilities seem lighter.

Bravesong finally gave a resigned sigh, flicking his tail in mock defeat. "Alright, I give in. You’ve bested me this time." His voice held no bitterness, only pride. "That hawk’s got more fight in it than my two-headed badger. It’s clear you’ve got the better eye today."

The old tom rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky with a lazy smile as his tail thumped gently against the stone. Bravesong was proud, not just of Greypebbles’ cloud-spotting skills, but of the cat he had become. In moments like this, he could see the future of their Clan reflected in the younger warrior’s eyes - strong, capable, but most importantly, kind.

With a final contented sigh, he closed his eye again, the warmth of the sun and the comfort of Greypebbles’ company lulling him into a peaceful rest. "But next time. I’m coming for that hawk." He added with a pillow soft purr.

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles let out a soft chuckle, his blue eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction as Bravesong admitted defeat. "Maybe next time your badger will stand a better chance" he teased, nudging Bravesong playfully with his paw. He settled back down beside the older tom, the warmth of their shared moment making him feel more relaxed than he had in moons. The sky above was a canvas of clouds, each one a new shape waiting to be discovered, but for now, Greypebbles was content to simply watch them drift lazily by.

"Guess my eyes were sharper today" he mused, his voice trailing off as the gentle rhythm of the day began to lull him into a comfortable quiet. Greypebbles was never one to rush through moments like this; there was something about Bravesong's steady presence that made everything feel grounded. It reminded him of the days when he was an apprentice, soaking up the wisdom of the older warriors like Bravesong.

With a slow, deep yawn, Greypebbles stretched his legs out in front of him, feeling the sun's warmth seep into his fur. "We should just stay here for a while" he said, his voice drowsy. "No sense rushing back until some cat needs us." The peacefulness of the moment settled over him like a blanket, and he closed his eyes, perfectly content to let time drift by for just a little longer.

Greypebbles appreciated these moments more than anything else, and he felt like, despite their harmless competition, that he was much stronger than he thought her was. Perhaps he was worth being a warrior of his clan after all, perhaps he should start acting like it.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Bravesong let out a deep, contented purr as Greypebbles settled beside him. The gentle nudge and playful banter brought a warmth to his heart that no amount of sunshine could match.

The older tom stayed quiet for a moment, savoring the tranquility between them. The peace of the sky above and the solid presence of Greypebbles beside him made everything feel right, as if this small, shared moment was more important than anything else going on in their busy world.

"You know." Bravesong began after a stretch of silence, his voice carrying the wisdom of his many moons. "It was hard to find these moments as a warrior..." he chuckled softly, "It's hard to remember to take things slow."

He turned his head slightly, gazing at Greypebbles, seeing the younger tom in a new light. The quiet confidence that had started to grow in him wasn’t just about spotting clouds or winning a game - it was about becoming the warrior Bravesong always knew he could be.

The older tom let out one last soft sigh, feeling the warmth of the sun and the quiet companionship sink into his bones. "Let’s just enjoy this peace... together." With that, Bravesong let the quiet lull of the day take over, a satisfied purr rumbling deep in his chest as he rested beside Greypebbles, the bond between them stronger than ever.