Private Thread A Little Snowbound [26LN20]

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

She squinted, desperately searching the swirling white for any sign of her friend. Her heart pounded in her chest, each breath burning in her throat from the icy air. Just when she thought she’d lost him, she caught sight of a small, dark shape ahead, barely visible through the snowfall. Her ears pricked, hope surging through her as she realized it was Greypebbles disappearing into what looked like shelter.

Relief flooded her veins as she trudged toward him, her paws heavy from the cold. She practically stumbled into the small space beside Greypebbles, her fur damp and frosted with snow. The warmth of his body, even as cold as it was, brought a flicker of comfort.

Panting, Leopardrose curled up beside him, pressing her pelt against his for warmth. Her breath came out in ragged, misty puffs as she glanced at him, noting the fear in his usually calm blue eyes. She gave him a tired but determined smile, though her heart was racing just as much as his. "Sorry, I'm here now..." she rasped, her voice barely audible above the wind. "We’ll get through this."

Despite her brave words, her own body trembled with cold. She nuzzled her nose into her paws, trying to warm herself, but the snowy chill had already seeped deep into her pelt. Her aqua eyes flickered toward the entrance, watching the snow pile up, and she knew they wouldn’t be able to leave until the storm passed.

"We’ll just have to wait it out." She curled a little tighter against Greypebbles, their pelts pressed close together, sharing what little warmth they had.

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles’ breath shuddered as Leopardrose pressed close, her presence bringing a small bit of comfort amid the storm’s relentless fury. But the weight of the situation hung heavily in his chest, colder than the biting wind outside. He glanced at her, his usually soft blue eyes clouded with worry, his voice coming out in a low, trembling murmur.

“Leopardrose… what if we don’t make it out of this?” He hated how weak and small he sounded, but the words had clawed at him since the moment the storm hit. “I mean… this storm, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. And I can’t stop thinking—what if this is it?”

He looked down at his paws, snow clinging to his fur like ghosts of the blizzard still raging outside. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove myself, trying to contribute to the clan. But what have I really done?” His tail twitched as he spoke, his breath catching in his throat. “I’ve caught prey. I’ve fought when I needed to. But if I die here… trapped in this storm… is that all I’ll have left behind? Just a few pieces of prey in the fresh-kill pile?”

His voice broke slightly as he shook his head, trying to stop the flood of thoughts but failing. “I wanted to do more. I wanted to be more. But I’m scared, Leopardrose. What if… what if no one even remembers me after this?” His words were barely audible now, swallowed by the howling wind outside and the suffocating fear gnawing at his heart. Greypebbles pressed closer to her, his body shaking with more than just the cold. “I don’t want it to end like this. If this is the end... I can't die without seeing what I was meant to be”

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose blinked, her breath still coming in shallow, misty puffs as Greypebbles' trembling words reached her ears. His vulnerability struck her harder than the icy wind outside, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Her own heart pounded with fear, but hearing him speak so openly made her realize just how much the storm was weighing on both of them.

She shifted slightly, her body still pressed close to his for warmth, but now more purposefully, as if to shield him from both the cold and the dark thoughts swirling in his mind. Her aqua eyes softened as she met his worried gaze. "Greypebbles..." She began softly, her voice hushed but steady. "I understand. This storm… it feels like it’s never going to end, and it’s terrifying to think that we might not make it out of here. But you can’t think like that. We can’t."

Leopardrose paused, her mind racing for the right words. She didn’t want to dismiss his fears, but she also couldn’t bear to see him lose hope. "You’re more than just prey in the fresh-kill pile. You’ve been there for your clanmates, for me. And that matters, Greypebbles. It’s not about being remembered for something big and flashy… sometimes, it’s the little things that leave the biggest mark."

She nuzzled her nose gently against his shoulder, her breath warm against his cold fur. "I’m not going to let us die out here, okay?" Her voice was firmer now, determination sparking in her eyes despite the howling storm outside. Leopardrose shifted again, wrapping her tail around Greypebbles in an attempt to comfort him. "I’m scared too." She admitted in a whisper, her gaze dropping to the floor of the small shelter. "But we can’t let that fear control us."

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles felt a flicker of warmth from Leopardrose's words, her presence easing some of the fear gnawing at him. He let out a shaky breath, leaning into her warmth as the storm howled outside.

"Leopardrose… I know you’re right" he began, his voice soft. "But it’s hard not to let it get to me. I’ve always been scared… scared that I’d never be enough for the clan. That I’d never really make a difference. I know it sounds silly when I say it out loud, but... what if I haven’t done enough?"

His blue eyes flicked to hers, full of doubt and insecurity. "I’ve tried so hard to be a good warrior, but I’ve always felt like I’m just... there. Like I’m just one of many faces in the clan, easily forgotten."

He paused, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on his chest.  "I don’t know if I’ve left any real mark on anyone" he admitted quietly, his voice barely audible above the storm. The fear of insignificance, of being lost in the shadows, had always lingered in the back of his mind, and now, trapped in the storm, it felt more real than ever.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose’s heart twisted at the vulnerability in Greypebbles' voice, his words sinking deep into her chest. She understood those fears all too well - the doubt, the gnawing worry that no matter what you did, you’d be forgotten. She wasn’t the best at soothing words, but she couldn’t stand to let him feel this way, especially not now, when the world outside felt so bleak.

Her tail tightened around him, her aqua eyes softening with understanding. "You say you haven’t left a mark, but you’ve left one on me." She paused, trying to find the right words to break through the doubts swirling in his mind. "You’ve always been there. I trust you more than I trust most cats in this clan. When I needed a friend, you’ve always been that. That’s not nothing."

She shifted slightly, leaning her head closer to his, hoping her warmth and presence would help ease the storm of thoughts in his mind. "We don’t always get to choose how we’re remembered."

Leopardrose’s eyes flicked toward the storm outside, the snow falling steadily, but her resolve remained steady. "I know it’s hard to see right now, but the storm will pass. And when it does, you’ll see." The sepia benel pressed her muzzle gently against his shoulder, offering silent reassurance as they rested together, her mind trying to think of something to divert their thoughts and keep them from becoming dark.

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles felt a warmth spread through him that wasn’t from the small space they shared but from Leopardrose’s words and the comfort of her touch. The storm outside raged on, but somehow, it didn’t seem as overwhelming anymore. Her steady presence and the reassurance in her voice eased some of the swirling doubts in his mind, and though the fear still lingered, it was softened by the reminder that he wasn’t as invisible as he’d feared.

“Leopardrose… thank you.” His voice was softer now, the tension slowly easing out of him as he rested his head closer to hers. “I guess… I just needed to hear that. You’re right, we don’t get to choose how we’re remembered, but knowing I’ve left some mark on you... it means a lot.”

A gentle silence fell between them, the storm howling outside while they huddled close. Greypebbles let out a slow breath, then shifted, eager to lighten the mood. His thoughts drifted to the nursery, where new life brought joy even in the harshest times. “Hey, have you met Sunstrike’s litter yet? Or Wildcry’s kit? I heard they’re adorable.”

His tone lightened as he spoke, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he turned his head to look at her. “I’ve been meaning to visit, but… well, I’ve been caught up with all the patrols and... Wildcry kind of scares me off just by thinking about her. I bet the kits are already causing chaos in the nursery though.” 

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●── 

Leopardrose blinked, caught off guard by Greypebbles' sudden change of topic. The mention of kits stirred a knot of unease in her stomach, a tension she hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. Her heart beat a little faster as memories of her own kithood flashed briefly in her mind - flames licking at her fur, the chaos and terror of the fire that had nearly consumed her.

She forced a small smile, but her tail flicked nervously, betraying her discomfort. "Oh, I… haven’t really spent any time around the kits..." She admitted, her voice quieter now, tinged with an edge of anxiety. "I mean, I’ve dropped off prey, but I don’t really… visit the nursery." Leopardrose's aqua eyes flickered uneasily, avoiding Greypebbles' gaze. "I guess… kits make me nervous."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and she shifted, her paws kneading at the cold ground beneath her. "I know it’s silly, but there’s just so much that could go wrong. They’re so small and fragile, and… I don’t know. What if something happens to them?" Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke, her usually confident demeanor faltering. "I was a kit when my life almost ended in that fire. My siblings weren't so lucky... Sometimes I look at them and I just… I don’t want to think about it happening to them."

Leopardrose swallowed, her gaze distant for a moment before she refocused on Greypebbles. "I know they’re safe in the nursery, their mothers are usually there, but it still… worries me." Her tail wrapped tighter around her body as if she could shield herself from the vulnerability she was showing. "I guess I’ve always been more comfortable out here, away from all that."

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles watched Leopardrose closely, noticing the shift in her posture and the nervous flick of her tail. He knew that look—he’d seen it before when she had tried to bury her emotions, and it stirred something protective in him. She had comforted him many times before, and now it was his turn to be there for her. He leaned a little closer, brushing his muzzle gently against her cheek, offering a quiet moment of reassurance before speaking.

"Leopardrose… it’s not silly" he began softly, his voice steady and gentle. "Kits can be fragile, and what you went through as a kit... that’s not something easy to forget. It makes sense that it’d make you nervous." He shifted so his shoulder pressed more firmly against hers, his warmth trying to shield her from the memories that clearly haunted her. "But you’re safe now. And so are they."

He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I get it, though. I think we all worry about what could happen. But you’re one of the strongest cats I know. You’ve survived things most cats can’t imagine, and that means you have something special to offer them, even if you don’t realize it yet."

Greypebbles met her gaze, his blue eyes soft with understanding. "You don’t have to visit the nursery if you’re not ready. But those kits could learn a lot from you, just like I have." His voice lightened, and he nudged her playfully, trying to lift the weight of the conversation. "Besides, if I can survive a snowstorm with you by my side, I’m pretty sure those kits will be just fine with mothers like Sunstrike and Wildcry looking out for them."

With a gentle purr, he added, "And who knows? Maybe when you’re ready, you’ll find that kits aren’t as scary as they seem. But until then, just know that it’s okay to be nervous. You’re not alone in that."

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●── 

Leopardrose felt her chest tighten as Greypebbles leaned in, his gentle touch soothing some of the unease coiling inside her. His words were like a steadying force, soft but firm, and though the fear lingered, she found comfort in the warmth of his presence. It wasn’t often that someone really saw past her confident exterior, but Greypebbles had always been different. He saw the cracks she tried to hide, and somehow, he never judged her for them.

A small smile tugged at her lips as he spoke, her aqua eyes meeting his as she listened. His reassurance, his belief in her strength, was grounding, even if she didn’t fully believe it herself. The idea that she could offer something valuable to the kits - that she had survived something powerful enough to make her stronger - gave her pause.

"I don’t know if I’m as strong as you think." Came her nervous murmur, though her voice was lighter now, a touch of warmth creeping back into her tone. "But… maybe you’re right." She flicked her tail, forcing herself to relax just a little, though the knot of uncertainty still twisted in her gut.

Leopardrose let out a soft breath, her smile growing as she caught Greypebbles' playful nudge. "Sunstrike and Wildcry are fierce. I doubt anything could shake them." Her words were more confident now, even if she was still faking some of that bravado for Greypebbles' sake.

"But hey, I’ve survived worse storms than this, haven’t I?" She added, her grin returning, though a part of her knew she was still a little ways off from shaking her fears. Still, she’d try - for him, and for herself. "I'll still keep my distance, I think...Or at least wait until they can come to me."

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles listened closely, his heart softening as Leopardrose opened up, even just a little. He knew how hard it was for her to show vulnerability, and he admired her strength more than she could ever know. As she spoke, he felt a quiet sense of pride swell in his chest—seeing her take in his words, even if just for a moment, made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he had left a mark after all.

He leaned in closer, pressing his fur against hers with a comforting purr. "Leopardrose, you’ve already survived more than most cats could handle. I don’t just think you’re strong, I know you are" he meowed softly, his voice steady and sure. 

He glanced toward the entrance of the den, the storm still raging outside. "Besides, I think those kits will be drawn to you whether you like it or not" he teased, his whiskers twitching with amusement. "Who wouldn’t want to meet the mighty Leopardrose? You’ll have them hanging off your every word when they’re older."

Greypebbles then gave her a warm, playful nudge. "You know" he began, his tone thoughtful but light, "it’s not just Sunstrike’s or Wildcry’s kits that would look up to you. Any young cat would be lucky to have someone like you around, even if you don’t realize it yet." His gaze flicked to her, soft yet teasing. "You’ve got a kind of strength that’s more than just claws and teeth. You don’t need to hover over them. When the time comes, they’ll come to you."

He leaned back slightly, meeting her eyes. "And when they do come to you, you’ll know exactly what to do. You always do." His eyes softened as he added, "You’ve helped me more times than I can count. If they’re lucky enough to learn even a fraction of what you’ve taught me, they’ll grow up strong, just like you."

He then let the silence settle comfortably between them, hoping his words had given her some of the peace she deserved.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Greypebbles’ words, a rare sense of ease washing over her despite the lingering doubts. His belief in her was steady, unwavering, and though she couldn’t fully embrace the idea of being as strong as he saw her, she didn’t mind leaning into it for a moment. For him.

His gentle teasing about the kits brought a real smile to her face, her whiskers twitching in amusement. "I think you’re overselling me. I’m just…" Her voice trailed off, but she quickly shook off the thought, not wanting to dwell too much on her insecurities. "Well, if they’re anything like Wildcry's bloodline we'll all be kept on our toes."

She gave him a gentle nudge in return, her grin still there but softer, more genuine now. "We'll see..." She still felt nervous at the idea of being around kits, but Greypebbles' confidence in her made it seem a little less overwhelming.

Her aqua eyes softened as she glanced at him, appreciating his warmth and the comfort he offered so effortlessly. "You’ve always been there for me too, you know." Her tail brushed lightly against his side. "I don’t know what I’d do without you reminding me that I’m stronger than I think."

The silence between them settled into something peaceful, the storm outside just a distant hum now, muffled by the warmth they shared.

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles felt his chest swell with warmth as Leopardrose smiled, her teasing and genuine words easing the moment. He leaned into her nudge, his purr growing a little louder, glad to see the tension in her easing even slightly.

"You’re more than just strong, Leopardrose" he meowed softly, his gaze steady and sincere. "You’re someone worth believing in, and I’ll remind you of that as many times as you need." His tail brushed against hers, a gesture of quiet reassurance.

When she mentioned his support, he felt a warmth spread through him, knowing how much it meant to her. "I’ll always be here for you" he said gently, his tone firm yet comforting. "You don’t even have to ask. Whatever you need, whenever you need it—just say the word, and I’ll do anything I can to help."

He paused for a moment, his blue-grey eyes meeting her aqua ones with a seriousness that softened into something more tender. "You’ve done more for me than you know, Leopardrose. I owe you that and so much more." As the silence stretched out peacefully between them, Greypebbles felt content. The storm outside seemed a distant worry now, overshadowed by the quiet strength they shared in this moment.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Greypebbles' steady, unwavering support was something she didn’t always know how to handle, but in moments like this, it grounded her in a way few things could. The tension in her chest loosened even more, though she still felt that nagging uncertainty about herself lingering in the back of her mind.

A soft purr rumbled in her throat, quiet, as she returned the warmth he gave so freely. She leaned into his side a little more, taking solace in the closeness. "I’m glad you’re here, even when I’m being... difficult."

Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the vulnerability she so often buried bubbled to the surface. Greypebbles had a way of making her feel seen, in ways that both scared and reassured her. "I’ll hold you to that." She mewed softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

The silence stretched between them again, but it was comfortable, almost soothing against the backdrop of the storm. For now, in this quiet moment, Leopardrose allowed herself to believe she was stronger than her doubts, if only because Greypebbles believed it so fiercely. But then Leopardrose blinked through the chill, half startling herself before shaking her head. "Starclan...I remembered that I promised to train Coyotepaw later. I hope she's not too worried or upset."

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles chuckled softly, his eyes meeting Leopardrose's with warmth. "Coyotepaw? She’ll be fine" he reassured her, nudging her shoulder gently. "She knows you'd never forget about her. Besides, you're a great mentor. I've seen the way she looks up to you—she’s confident, thanks to everything you've taught her. She can handle waiting a little longer."

His tone softened, leaning into her touch with a comforting purr. "And you're not difficult, Leopardrose. Not to me" he said firmly, his gaze steady. "I'm here for you, whenever you need me. All you have to do is ask." The words carried the weight of his unwavering support, a quiet promise that she could always count on him.

Glancing out at the storm still raging beyond the shelter, Greypebbles let out a small sigh. "We’re not going anywhere in this weather, though. It wouldn’t be safe." His eyes flicked back to her, the storm outside feeling distant compared to the warmth they shared.

"Besides," he added with a playful twitch of his whiskers, "it gives us a bit more time together before Coyotepaw starts thinking you've gone soft on her. But once this storm clears, we can head back."

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●── 

Leopardrose smiled softly, flicking her tail against his side. "It's odd. It's like you always know the right thing to say." She murmured, her voice carrying a faint note of amusement. "Coyotepaw should be alright...." Leopardrose glanced down, her claws lightly flexing against the cold ground beneath them.

Leopardrose allowed herself to relax again, leaning into his side. There was a comfort in knowing Greypebbles saw through her doubts, that he could see the strength she sometimes couldn’t find on her own.

"I don’t think we’re going anywhere soon, anyway." Blinking out towards the snowfall steadily accumulating before them might keep them for some time. The snow could fall for as long as it liked - right now, she was content to stay here a little longer, sheltered from both the weather and her own doubts. At least for a little while.

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

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of Leopardrose’s fur against his side, a soft rumble of contentment vibrating in his chest. Despite his usual quiet nature, there was something about being close to her that made the words come easier, as if he didn’t have to overthink everything he said. "I just... know you" he replied, his voice low but genuine. A shy smile tugged at his lips as he glanced up at her, and then his eyes flicked to her paws, watching her flex her claws against the ground. "Coyotepaw’s tough, and you’ve given her the strength to handle things on her own for a bit. You don’t give yourself enough credit."

The snowfall outside was thickening, but Greypebbles found himself almost relieved. He didn’t mind being stuck here with her, away from the cold and the pressures of their duties. He felt safe here, and more than that, he felt like he could actually be himself. "You’re right. We won’t be going anywhere until this lets up." His gaze followed hers to the swirling snow, but his attention soon drifted back to her. There was a gentle determination in his voice as he added, "But that’s alright. Sometimes it’s nice to just... be still for a bit."

His mind wandered for a moment, thinking about the bravery he always hoped to build within himself. He wasn’t always the boldest cat in ThunderClan, but in moments like these, with Leopardrose at his side, he felt stronger. He wanted to protect her, to shield her from both the storm outside and the doubts she faced within. "I’ll be here, as long as you need" he murmured softly, his shy nature slipping away in the comfort of their closeness. "We’ll face the storm when it’s time. For now... we’re good right here."

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

There was something so simple, yet so profound in his presence - he had this way of making everything feel just a little lighter, even when her own thoughts weighed her down.

"Maybe you’re right. Maybe... I should start listening to you more." There was a teasing lilt to her voice, but it was underpinned by something deeper - an acknowledgment of the truth in his words.

For once, she allowed herself to just be still, to be in the moment, without worrying about what came next. No duties, no training, no expectations. Just the quiet peace of being together.

"Thank you, Greypebbles..." Her voice was barely above a whisper but it was filled with sincerity. "For being a presence in my life." Her aqua eyes held his for a heartbeat longer, conveying more than words ever could.

With a final glance toward the storm outside, Leopardrose exhaled softly, her tension melting away as she settled in beside him. And with that she allowed herself to simply rest, trusting in the stillness, trusting in him. Content to face whatever came next when the time was right.