"Ough!"
Clovershine exclaimed softly as she shifted her weight. Licking her stiff leg a couple of times, the pale ShadowClan warrior sighed. She'd been feeling a bit restless since the Gathering and all she wanted to do was explore...or something..
"Ooh why can't a mouse just run by!" That was a silly thought of course, but she didn't feel like doing anything extraordinary. She'd made her way to the nursery in hopes of playing with the kits, but for some reason it just didn't hold the same happiness that it always did.
Her thoughts were all twisted.
"I just need a good friendly discussion!" Craning her head to look out the tunnel, Clovershine's blue eyes sparkled as she desperately searched for any other cats to chat with.
17
Hickorystorm and Clovershine
A friendly chat between friends
East Tunnel near the Nursery
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
Hickorystorm's head was held high and his golden eyes sparkled with pride as he entered camp, his mouth full of his current catch- two voles and two mice dangling by their tails. It was definitely a good hunt so far today! He went to put it on the freshkill pile when he noticed a pair of bright blue eyes looking around, their owner looking a bit disconcerted. Tilting his head, he padded over to Clovershine. "Hey Clovershine, are you okay? You seem a little..... high strung?" He honestly wasn't sure of the word he was looking for to describe how she looked. Uncomfortable wasn't fully what he was aiming for but she was definitely not at ease.
Clovershine heard Hickorystorm before she saw him, but as the tom came into view, it was all Clovershine could do to keep herself from leaping into the air.
"Hi Hickorystorm!" She called with a wave of her tail. His question didn't really catch her off-guard. She had been a bit tense the last few days after all and she wasn't known for hiding her emotions.
"I'm alright, just feeling a bit antsy. How are you doing?" The she-cat was careful to keep her voice light, although it might be too light? Oh, mousedung.
"That was a great haul you brought in today, well done!"
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
Hickorystorm managed to stop himself from barking aloud in laughter, but he couldn't help the soft purr of amusement as Clovershine nearly leapt out of her fur. "You're as jump as a mouse in the open."
Golden eyes blinked at her praise and he felt himself warm under his pelt at her praise. "Well, thank you! Hollyclaw might be full of spit and fire to fight, but I prefer the quieter chore of hunting." He had thought he was pretty good at it, but Clovershine's praise seemed to reassure him that he was right.
So she was feeling restless, was she? Hmmm, he had just gone hunting but he never turned down a good hunt if he could. Maybe she wanted to do a border patrol? Maybe wandering the territory and renewing scent markers might stretch her legs and help her relax? If she wanted a play fight, he supposed he wouldn't be opposed to that either.
"Were you needing to get out of camp? We could do another hunting patrol or do bit of scent renewing along the borders?" Tilting his head inquiringly, he sat down and his tail curled around his paws as he decided to give voice to activities that might alleviate her mood a bit. "Or if you didn't want to stray too far from camp at the moment, we could always do some training if you want. I'm sure the kits would love to watch that." If she didn't want to train or patrol, if the idea of entertaining the kits was appealing to her, they could always go hunting and bring another piece of live prey to the camp and let the kits practice some more.
The pale she-cat thought for a moment, pondering all the options that Hickorystorm offered. It could be fun to hunt, but the tom-cat had just come back from hunting, so she didn't want the activity to be repetitive...
"I think a spar would be very much fun!" she meowed, getting to her paws and stretching a bit as she spoke. "We should find the kits and see if they want a little pre-apprentice training session!"
It would feel good to move her body and get some of these fluttering bugs out of her stomach.
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
Clovershine obviously didn't want to go hunting and Hickorystorm respected that. She wanted to see about maybe giving the kittens a small lesson in sparring before they became apprentices? They were little anklebiters, but he could work with that. "Let me go fetch them and we shall see about doing so then!"
With a swish of his tail, he trotted over to the nursery and squeezed partially into the den. He wanted to call out softly, but he knew better with kits in the nursery. Especially excitable as these two were. What he saw was a brown swirled form around two sleeping balls of fluff. Ashkit and Sootkit were down for a nap and he knew better than to antagonize his dame by waking the sleeping kits for any reason.
Backing out, he turned and made his way back to where he had left the cream she-cat. "Bad luck, I'm afraid. Looks like Hawkfeather has them down for a nap, so we shall have to wait until they wake up. We can still go spar if you want or we can go for a stroll, maybe refresh a few scent markers."
Hickorystorm was off in a flash to check on the kits. Rather than hurry after him, Clovershine took her time and even before reaching the nursery he was back with news about the napping kits.
"Aw sweet dears" Clovershine purred "no sense in waking them then. They need their rest!"
Clovershine swiped a paw over her ears carefully as she spoke.
"Yes, Hickorystorm I think a scent marker renewal would be perfect! Let's go!"
Taking the lead, Clovershine made her way to the camp's entrance and out into the rest of the territory.
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
"Hawkfeather would have our tails if we tried to wake them." Hickorystorm's whiskers twitched in amusement, remembering his time in the nursery with his dame and Hollyclaw. Golden eyes watched as Clovershine took a moment to wash behind her ears with a striped paw, knowing she was making up her mind and for once, he waited patiently.
Scent marking it was then! Standing, his tail held high, the chocolate tabby followed her at a trot. To be honest, he was secretly a little relieved as he was good at hunting and good at making sure the scent markers got renewed on patrols, but he didn't feel he was exactly the strongest fighter or sparring partner. He hadn't wanted to embarrass himself in front of her or have Hollyclaw come up and help to embarrass him.
Hickorystorm almost called out for her to wait for him, but clamped his jaws shut on the urge and just lengthened his stride to match her's better. Instead, he decided to ask a question, though he tried not to sound too eager. "Where do you wanna check first?"
Clovershine smiled at Hickorystorm as he came up beside her, and despite her stiff leg, the pale she-cat already felt lighter.
This will be a god day.
"Why don't we head towards Forest's Edge first, that way we can work towards the burnt sycamore!" Getting into the tree cover would be a nice relief from the sun today and Clovershine always enjoyed passing by the sycamore as it was like an old friend.
As the pair walked, Clovershine babbled on about the day so far and what they might find along their trek. "Do you think we'll see anything exciting, Hickorystorm? I always enjoy a good surprise!"
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
"Sounds like a plan then." Hickorystorm flanked Clovershine, feeling both amused and refreshed by her peppiness, listening to her chatter happily. However, his own tail was ehld high as they walked, a show of his own high spirits. "Depends on the surprise if you ask me. Something unexpected that will feed the clan? Sure, that's be a good plan. Someone or something that shouldn't be in the territory? Well, that'd be a bad surprise and I know which surprise I would much rather come across."
"At least we won't have anymore weasel issues for the foreseeable future at least." He paused a moment to refresh one of the markers before continuing on. Unlike Clovershine, the chocolate tabby tom had never come across any truly challenging trials in his apprenticeship or early warriorhood. It made him rather relaxed, especially since there had been no true issues between the clans lately. So when the shadow began to descend upon them as they entered the clearing, he only casually looked up- straight into the talons of a Cooper's Hawk.
His pelt immediately fluffed in alarm and he meant to duck as he raised his voice in a yowl of alarm and defiance. The next moment, his head exploded in pain and his vison literally disappeared on him. Hickorystorm reached up in a reflexive instinct to try and sink his claws into the creature attacking him- attempting to kill it or if not that, to at least make it let go of him.
The friendly conversation between the two cats was refreshing and Clovershine was just beginning to feel a bit lighter as they made their way closer to the forest's edge.
Maybe I need to just forget about Cloudflare and that whole adventure...she thought to herself as Hickorystorm spoke about something that shouldn't be within the territory. After all, there was plenty of excitement right within her own clan.
Such thoughts were swirling through her mind, the sun shining down on her pale striped fur, and Clovershine was starting to relax, happiness radiating from her. Suddenly, everything changed in a heartbeat. A familiar sound crashed against Clovershine's ears...one that she'd hoped she'd never have to relive again.
The sound of beating wings.
With a quick turn, her stiff leg quivering in phantom memory, Clovershine's wide eyes took in the sight before her. Blood pouring down Hickorystorm's face. His claws swiping at the air in a feeble attempt at freedom. And a hawk.
Clovershine's legs almost locked up completely, the memories of her own attack not so long ago flashing through her mind like lightning bolts. Pain jolted through her hind leg as she imagined the tearing talons gripping her in a death hold.
"NO!"
A screech left her maw as Clovershine ignored the terror pulsating through her body and launched into the air, stiff leg completely forgotten in the rush of adrenaline. Eyes flashing and teeth bared in a nasty snarl, Clovershine put her entire strength into grabbing the rising hawk, pulling its cursed form back towards the ground. Sharp pain wracked her old injury as she hit the ground, but snarling through it, the ShadowClan warrior swiped her claws at the hawk's eyes with the intent to kill.
"LET HIM GO!!!"
Screeching again, Clovershine fought with every ounce of power she had, willing StarClan to give her the strength she'd need to save her friend.
Please, please, please...don't let me fail!
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
The fluttering of feathers was all he could initially hear once the roar in his ears had temporarily subsided. Hickorystorm still couldn't see anything, but he could now hear Clovershine's screech of challenge and the weight that had been on his head, trying to lift him, suddenly fall back and thrust it hard into the ground. He flailed helplessly as he lost his balance and footing, giving a loud grunt as his ears started ringing, the tune a little different this time.
His whiskers were impeded by the feathers and down of the creature on his head and something wet, but in the heat of the moment, he didn't know if it was his own blood or his attacker's. His only sense of touch was now that under his paws. Kicking his white back legs, he found no ground under them, there was nothing. Reaching with his forepaws, the chocolate tabby tom swiped but he could feel his strength ebbing and his heart was starting to roar in his ears again. The bird wasn't going anywhere and he could hear that Clovershine was still nearby. He tried to call out to his companion, but the roar in his ears was ebbing away and it was getting quiet- alarmingly quiet. He could feel the strength in his forelegs ebbing away and he fought even harder to make them move, but they wouldn't listen.
He attempted one last time to remove the bird from his head before falling limp and still, unconsciousness claiming himn.
Her claws connected. First with the right paw, then the left. Hickorystorm hit the ground hard as the hawk screeched and released its grip temporarily before trying to grab onto the tom's head once more. Clovershine only got a glance at Hickorystorm before the feathers started flying again and at this point, she didn't even give herself a chance to think.
Instead, a growl lept from her throat as the furious ShadowClan warrior pivoted, lining herself up with the hawk once more. With another leap her strong form hit the bird head on, ripping it from the fallen form of Hickorystorm.
All she could do was kill this blasted thing and hope that she could get help before it was too late.
Snapping her jaws shut, Clovershine was able to get her fangs into the Hawk's wings, causing it to screech out in pain.
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
PCs:
Hollyclaw, Warrior of ShadowClan
Dawnflurry, Deputy of ShadowClan
Mistyleaf, Warrior of ThunderClan
Thornstrike, Warrior of RiverClan
Shadesleek, Warrior of WindClan
Morgan, Royal Scion of Camelot
Duke, Rogue
NPCs:
Hawkfeather, Elder of ShadowClan
Nettlesky, Warrior of RiverClan
Ceridwen, Princess of Camelot
Pawsteps. I...can..hear..pawsteps...
Clovershine barely had a coherent thought as pain from her leg was joined by sharp, stabbing heat brought upon her shoulder from the hawk's beak as it pecked furiously in an attempt to get free. She almost caved when suddenly, a yowl filled her ears as the quick form of Hollyclaw leaped from above her, landing quickly onto the hawk's other wing.
Thank StarClan!
With renewed energy, Clovershine released her death grip on the wing she was holding, moving swiftly towards the hawk's neck instead. Grabbing it with her teeth, Clovershine brought her hind legs around and kicked at the attacker's eyes, scratching them into a bleeding mess. Despite the protest from her stiff leg, Clovershine fought through the pain, digging her front claws into the feathers before releasing her jaws.
"Finish him, Hollyclaw! Hurry!"
Her voice came in a gasp, but she had enough adrenaline coursing through her to shout, hoping above all hope that this could be done soon. If Hollyclaw could rip off the wing or tear out the bird's throat, this fight would be over.
Hold on, Hickorystorm, hold on!
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
PCs:
Hollyclaw, Warrior of ShadowClan
Dawnflurry, Deputy of ShadowClan
Mistyleaf, Warrior of ThunderClan
Thornstrike, Warrior of RiverClan
Shadesleek, Warrior of WindClan
Morgan, Royal Scion of Camelot
Duke, Rogue
NPCs:
Hawkfeather, Elder of ShadowClan
Nettlesky, Warrior of RiverClan
Ceridwen, Princess of Camelot
After what felt like an eternity, the bird's movements finally stopped. Clovershine's ears were ringing and her entire body was numb. She knew she'd received some injuries based on the severity of the skirmish but she couldn't tell where they were. Collapsed on the ground, her legs covered in blood and feathers, all she could do was breathe.
Hollyclaw's voice echoed somewhere in her mind and shortly after, she could hear Dawnflurry asking her a question. Was she alright? No, she wasn't alright. For the second time in her short life, a hawk had taken something from her. First her leg, and now her companion.
I...still wasn't...strong..enough..
Moving slowly, Clovershine crawled her way over to where Hickorystorm lay. She couldn't tell the extent of his wounds, but she knew it had to be bad. Blood was everywhere. Shell-shocked, the shivering set in, and Clovershine curled tightly against her fallen friend, closing her blue eyes to the world.
Forgive...me. Just..a moment...please
I just need a minute to rest.
The only thing that Clovershine could feel was the slow, slow breathing of Hickorystorm beside her, and the burning pain that had finally returned to her injured leg.
[End of Thread]
Willowfrost- Medicine Cat of RiverClan
Pinestep- Warrior of WindClan
Clovershine- Warrior of ShadowClan
Siofra- Domestic of Whiteheart
