Closed Thread Looking for Chatter

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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 It had been a long day for a busy kit and a doting queen. Bravesong had taken quite fondly to the foundling, and it was good to see her fitting in with the clan even if she did gain the occassional attention of Savagefox. He meant well enough - and no way under Starclan's gaze (and Bravesong's own) would he try anything to undermine her progress or comfort here.

Once leaving Coyotekit in her nest, he ambled out of the nursery and spied the cream pelt of his half-sister, Larchpaw. He flashed her a gentle smile, brow raising that crinkled the horrid scar across his muzzle. It was good to see her out and about and hoped she wasn't too dour at not being called to the Gathering.

"It's been a long day and I think she's a bit tired, but if you're up for some chatter I don't mind." His tail arched above his back in friendly greeting. He felt as if her training had kept her away far too long. "That's sweet of you... How has your training been coming along?"

Blissful at best, clueless at worst
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Bravesong padded out of the nursery, and Larchpaw happily purred, circling around him a few times with a pep in her step. 'Bravesong! How are you goin' old guy?' she said cheerfully. Bravesong wasn't that old and she knew that, but when it came to her kin, they were all 'old and crusty' in the cream tabby's eyes, making them all the more loveable. 

Larchpaw was a little disappointed she wouldn't get to see Coyotekit tonight, but she understood. She was still little and rest was important! Her mind wandered off to the little kit, snuggled up in her nest next to Bravesong, and she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Why did Speckedfrost have to leave her? 

Bravesong's question about her training brought her back to reality, and she quickly shook off any negative thoughts. 'Training.. It's been going well, I think! I like Greenfang, but I hope I've done enough to impress her, cause her son is Moosestar after all!' Larchpaw found Greenfang a little scary, the vicious she-cat seemingly only cared for her own clan, and those outside of it worthless. Despite this, Larchpaw was still fond of her. Larchpaw looked up to the lanky brown she-cat, and she taught her well. Plus, they both has a shared passion of fighting. 'We did battle training yesterday. Y'know the like diving stuff where you smack (scratch) their flank' she said, giving a little demonstration, energetically pawing at the air while fighting her invisible opponent. 'Pretty cool amIright?'

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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  Bravesong's smile seemed to crease further along his scarred maw as she greeted him. Typical of Larchpaw, and while he knew he wasn't that old, sometimes he felt like an old timer - at times. Her presence seemed to swathe the years off of him, and he gave a boisterous little wiggle. "I've been able to reach all of my ticks, which is a plus. The weather loosens the ache in my joints, as long as it doesn't rain - then it's the opposite." He inwardly winced at the description. Of course, he could imagine an elder saying as much, but she sincerely asked so...

"Why don't you join me for a late night snack." He inhaled the scents of camp as he did so, feeling comforted by the blanket of night and even a lack of cats. It was oddly serene and he enjoyed those moments of quiet especially with a new kit bouncing around him. Larchpaw was more than welcome. He slowly made his way with his telltale awkward amble to the freshkill pile, putting only a bit of weight on his twisted paw. It was a blessing he wasn't still in pain from the disfiguration.

While balancing himself on his good paw, and half slouched on his back haunches, Bravesong hooked a robin from the pile and began to shred into it with his claws, defeathering the creature as he mused to his half sister as she showed off her battle techniques. "Very 'cool'." He winked with his good eye. "I don't know Greenfang all too well, but she reminds me of a badger." She shared a similar sentiment with the other fierceblooded cats in the clan. Their own heritage stemmed from Fiercestar(storms) line through Speckledfrost. Oh, how he missed her - but she was among her fierce kin. Fiercer than he could ever be. Bravesong considered himself lucky enough to avoid the more violent "traditional" genes of his family, but he long suspected that Brindlepaw might have inherited some of it. Larchpaw remained the be seen.

Blissful at best, clueless at worst
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Larchpaw's eyes brightened at his offer for a snack. 'Yes, of course!' she said, trotting by his side. As he made his way over to the pile, Larchpaw made sure to stay close. Not so close that it was weird, but close enough that if Bravesong needed a little support getting over, Larchpaw would be right there for him. 

'A badger? Why? She doesn't look like one. Are you scared of her maybe? I am a little as well but I feel like relating her to a badger is a little too far... Actually, maybe it is a compliment. I would love to have cats be scared of me, and think of me as something as ferocious as a badger!' She rambled while playfully batting at Bravesong's good paw before diving into the robin to get the first bite. 'Quick, get a bite before I eat it all!' she tried to say, but all that came out was a muffled 'mrmph'. Larchpaw really needs to learn not to talk with her mouth full. She is nearly a warrior for StarClan's sake!

She moved back from the robin, looking a little ashamed at her greedy behaviour, but a light humour glimmered within her eyes as she licked her lips with a grin. She wasn't proud of her behaviour, but she definitely didn't have a problem acting like this every now and again.

'I'm sure I've asked you this before, but what's it like being an elder? Like, do you miss patrolling and sharing a den with all of your clanmates? Or is it nice to be able to relax more that you used to?' she queried. It may seem like a sensitive question, but Larchpaw was genuine in her questioning, relishing in any conversation she got to have with those she cared about.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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 Bravesong blinked down at the dottering apprentice, a flash of relief in his eye as she seemed to soothe his concerns. There was no way that Larchpaw had inherited anything remotely fierce in her genes, and perhaps it was for the better. Greenfang was sure to instill confidence in her abilities, but he was glad her attitude hadn't rubbed off on her. He pondered her assessment. "Badgers are pretty scary, but they aren't as fast or as smart as a fox. If a fox catches you you might have a chance - but if a badger catches you?" He shook his head, inhaling the smell of the freshly caught robin before Larchpaw had snatched a bite.

With a muzzle full of flesh, he could barely understand his sister. Something about eating it all? This wasn't what he had in mind... but Bravesong wasn't so affronted by the casual code breaking as some other cats could have been, as long as it was a joke between family members. He sighed, meandering in his thoughts. At least once Larchpaw had swallowed her prey he could make out what she was saying now. Bravesong had inclined his head down to take a bite, but was distracted by how he'd word his response.

"Of course I miss being a warrior! But...mainly I miss being able to be a more proactive contribiter to the clan. While I was an active warrior its easier to keep up with the goings on of the clan. As an elder you're forced to take a more reactive roll - and sometimes simply reacting isn't good enough." Darkness clouded his gaze, but it was a brief cloud that shadowed his thoughts before the brim of silver lining returned.

"Also Gingerthrash and Wildcry weren't very pleasant denmates... I much prefer denning with warriors. My friend, Mistyleaf for example, but now as a 'queen' denning with Coyotekit had been a pleasure." Perhaps she wouldn't notice that Bravesong hadn't a single bite of prey yet, but he was patient - conversation seemed to be fueling his appetite for now. "Who'd have thought?"

Blissful at best, clueless at worst
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While Larchpaw liked to consider herself a fierce to-be warrior. She could be pretty mellow at times. She had not yet experienced any border kerfuffles, but was sure if she did encounter one, she would fight with little mercy, for she had a role within her clan, and she must uphold it. If she would actually do so - only time would tell. After talking about badgers and foxes, Larchpaw couldn't help but complain about her name. 'Why did I get given such a boring name? Imagine if I was Foxpaw, or Dogpaw. Much more scary than a tree' she grumbled. It was more of a joke though, as Larchpaw was actually quite fond of her name, but talking is what Larchpaw does best, so she continued to do so. 'Your name is awesome, like you have brave in your name, and it was definitely well earned from you!' she said, giving him an affectionate nudge. 'Whaddayou think my warrior name will be? I want something like Larchbite or Larchclaw, or maybe I could be matching with you and be Larchsong!'

Larchpaw, oblivious to the fact that maybe her diving head-first into their prey was not what the tom cat hand in mind, continued to let herself be engrossed by her half-brothers words. 'You can still be proactive though, maybe not in the same ways as before, but you could do all sorts of things around camp, such as fixing dens and relacing nests. You should come give me and our sisters a lesson one day. Maybe you have some hidden tricks in your paw that will send the other clans crying home! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your time with Coyotekit. You are definitely one of the best queens out there! Coyotekit couldn't be luckier' she said with a purr. 

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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 Finally allowing a precious moment to pass between them, Bravesong bent his head down and savored a warm mouthful of sparrow. He appreciated the choosiest bites for himself, and the innards were still a warm treat. His ears gave a twitch at the sound of Larchpaw despairing his apprentice name - following it up with a expectant question. He lifted his head, tongue rasping over the length of his maw.

"I never thought I'd live to hear it be spoken." It was said matter of factly, not without a tinge of sadness. More self reflection as he smiled at her affectionate nudge, and returned it as he leaned a bit of his weight back into her. "Hmm... Larchbreath?" He purred with a spot of good humor, hoping she didn't mind a bit of teasing in return. But before she could dwell too much on it, he spoke again. "Larchsong has a nice ring to it. Or Larchshadow. Trees cast large shadows, after all."

Bravesong dipped his head for a second bite, moving onto the flesh this time, chewing on some breast meat. His own chest burned with warmth, feeling a bit embarassed by the kind words, but he shouldn't have expected any less of her. Larchpaw was easily his favorite half sister, even if he'd never admit it outloud to her ears. Maybe she reminded the older tom of his younger, unmained self back when he was known as Jaysong.

"I might be able to spare a bit of time for a lesson sometime. Maybe if someone volunteers to watch Coyotekit for a while. Sunstrike maybe. She seems a responcible sort. That way you'll have my undivided attention... Hopefully Greenfang can spare you. Have you spent any time with Dovepaw or Brindlepaw recently?"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong listened to his half sister with the patience of a starclan saint. He blinked lazily, his one eye slightly gleaming with amusement as they both sat close to the freshkill pile eating their late night snack. Larchpaw seemed to enjoy it as well, and sharing it meant his stomach wouldn't awaken with growls when he awoke in the morning.

"It's important that you all stay close... Now with Speckledfrost gone, you'll need each other more than ever. Maplesprig too." It hadn't been easy knowing that his mother had perished in such a way, not when she was a shining example of health previously. It was important to cherish what was right in front of you and not distract yourself with hypotheticals, even if you were the most famous cat in the forest.

Once she stole a moment for another breath, Bravesong bent down and swiped another bite, nearly finishing the small creature between the two of them. When he glanced up again, he spotted the brown tabby shape of Wrentalon. His smile softened, but hadn't disappeared completely as the warrior gently berated the apprentice for her chatter. Bravesong winked at Larchpaw. "He's right, you know. No doubt you have a busy day tomorrow and you'll want to hear everything about the Gathering." Unlike Larchpaw's voice, his was like the tickle of an owl feather.

Then he turned towards Wrentalon. "We were just sharing a morsel, is all. Coyotekit must have underestimated how tired she was after all the excitement of the meeting - Few things rouse her after she falls alseep. Must be nice." He attempted to make light of the situation. It wasn't often that he got a nice chat with Larchpaw, even if the moon was high in the sky. 

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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 Larchpaw was right about one thing. She was a source of near boundless energy, even as a kit, and no doubt she would be a relentless warrior. Ah, what it was to have boundless energy like that - Bravesong was almost jealous. Once his meal was more or less finished, he set aside the feathers for himself before aiming to give his half-sister a soft flank bump.

"I think there is some merit to Wrentalon's offer, so you don't need to go to your nest just yet." Bravesong spoke freely in front of Wrentalon. He had little against the brown tabby, even if he seemed as prickly as a nettle at times. He was used to it in Thunderclan. "There's a lot at stake when watching over camp - especially when half of the clan is out attending the Gathering. You'll be lucky to have her help." He added with a wink to the younger tom. Larchpaw could take care of herself, and he should get back to snuggling up to Coyotekit.

"In the morning you'll have to let me know what you hear about the Gathering, assuming you'll be able to stay up to see them back?" Giving the chatty she-cat even more incentive to take Wrentalon up on that offer was a little cruel - for the two guard-keepers perhaps - should she end up talking their ears off.

Blissful at best, clueless at worst
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Larchpaw held her sigh. She got what he meant, she really did, but Larchpaw was so certain she could talk and pay attention, for when she talked her mind hardly ran. Words spilled while brain remained relatively calm, only catching up after her ramble had spewed. Wrentalon was a warrior though, and she had a level of respect for him so she nodded and kept her mouth shut. 'Fineeee, If you insist. I'll be quiet'

And with that, the young she-cat managed to stay awake until the gathering cats returned, and stayed up until dawn too, yawning as she sun made its journey towards the sky. She had no need to stay up past the time the gathering cats returned, but she wanted to prove she could do it. She was exhausted the rest of the day, but she felt a sense of accomplishment. Such a silly thing determination was sometimes...