Ask to Join Gentle Paths

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong’s steady tread carried him through the undergrowth unhurried. He’d walked this trail more times than he could count, enough that even with his stiff joints he could pick his way through the roots and brambles without breaking stride. The sun was generous this morning spilling in shafts that lit his coat in broken dapples as he neared the stream.

He paused at the edge of the clearing, one hazel eye catching the shimmer of water as it glowed beneath the light. A familiar warmth tugged at his chest this bend of the stream had long been one of his favorite places to linger, to let the sun and sound of water ease the aches from his bones.

But today he wasn’t alone. His gaze found Orchidflame bent at the stream’s edge. "Well look at that. Seems the forests seen to save me the trouble of being lonely." His tail swayed lazily behind him as he padded closer, easing himself down into a patch of sunlight. "You found a fine spot."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame's eyes curved as the smile stars near reached the bottom lids, there's the company she was hoping for. "Isn't it?" She purred, the white tip of her tail curling closer to her side then tapping the ground to invite the other elder to join her in the sightseeing. "I was afraid I'd have to enjoy the sites without someone to tell of their beauty with me" She added, her mismatched eyes slowly moved the the sun-dappled stream, like a dilute tortoiseshell with blue and gold flecks, it made that friendly smile soften to its usual serenity, how could it not?

"Has everything been well, Bravesong?" Orchidflame asked, like an old friend checking up on the other after what always felt like moons between them. "Got your paws full with Robinpaw coming in every morning? Sweet girl she is." her eyes softened, she had seen Robinpaw grow from a shy little kit to the quietly self-aware, esteemed she-cat she is today, though from a short distance.

There was something about Robinpaw and Finchpaw that reminded her of something it felt she lost seasons ago, that camaraderie, training with someone close. Someone like the dear Bravesong, who knows, maybe that talkative ol' Jaypaw was still in there somewhere begging to start up another never-ending conversation again.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong’s ear flicked at her invitation, and with a low grunt he stretched himself into the sun beside her, his stiff paw settling with a practiced shift until the warmth bled into his joints. "Mm. Better to share it, eh?" His whiskers twitched, hazel eye bright with quiet mirth as he followed her gaze to the stream’s glow.

At her question his tail gave a lazy sweep across the grass. "Sweet is one word for her. Determined is another. I think StarClan picked a good one." His chest rumbled, half laugh, half purr. "It's nice having someone check up on you...I miss Coyotepaw doing that."

He let his head tip back a fraction, soaking in the sun, before giving her a sidelong look. "And you? Still finding your own excuses to wander too far from your nest even with a rogue on the loose?" His tone was teasing but gentle, the way one might poke an old friend without drawing blood.

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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"StarClan's got an eye for these things I'd hope." Orchidflame replied, using her tail to playfully flick droplets of water at Bravesong, a quiet and mischievous warning "But if you start talking all gloomy I'll have to wash it our of you" she purred, shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter that she covered with a polite paw over her muzzle.

She let her giggles come out in a soft breath before she flicked the remaining water from her tail. Her mismatched eyes met his single hazel eye with a soft grin that shaped her face in all the right ways, the ways that made it seem like she was made to smile that way. "You've got company, Robinpaw's a good cat for it. But you can definitely tell who her favorite elder is" Orchidflame purred, nudging Bravesong with her good shoulder. "She has a good eye too, I'd say you're my favourite elder too, the rest of 'em just snooze and complain about their ticks, you're up for a conversation or two" she cooed softly.

Orchidflame twitched an ear at Bravesong's teasing question and shrugged the best shrug she could manage, one that seemed rather lop sided for the most part. "Oh you know me, been out and about since I left the nursery" she chimed, leaving space for her words to set "StarClan would have to take all my legs to keep me stuck in camp"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong gave a raspy laugh as the droplets hit his whiskers, shaking his head with mock offense. "Hah! Wash it out of me, will you? You’ll have to do better than a splash." His tail gave a playful swat in her direction, though his voice softened after. "But I’ll take the warning. Gloom shouldn't belong here."

Her nudge pulled a deeper purr out of him, one that rolled steady in his chest. "Can’t say I mind the title. Truth be told, I think Robinpaw’s done more for me than I’ve done for her."

His eye softened as he watched her, the grin on her face meeting the warmth in his own. "You always had a knack for making company feel easy. Maplesprig is all well and good, but sometimes I think he forgets himself at times. His train of thought isn't what it once was."

He prodded himself onto his side, reclining off his sore paw to give it a rest. He had managed to limp his way after her, but now he needed a moment. Or two. "StarClan taking your legs wouldn’t stop you. You’d drag yourself out just to prove them wrong. I’d wager if a fox stood in your way you’d argue it around in knots before it even got its claws up."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame didn't hesitate to follow Bravesong in a relaxing recline of their stiff limbs, Bravesong had the right idea in having their limbs catch a rest, they've been carrying them this after all. "Well, Maplesprig's getting old. It happens, that's just how life is, Bravesong" she mewed, a little more softly than before, almost nostalgic in nature if one looked close enough, like someone reflecting on their own experiences rather than just speaking to make a point "We can be there for him, but there's not much else" Orchidflame shrugged, there was no grief or sadness in her tone, just acceptance.

Then, the tri-colored elder began to giggle and shake her head, like she had just revealed the punch-line of a poorly time joke "hey now look who's talking gloomy! Have to start sticking to my own words" she chirped, moving closer to Bravesong and offering him a few slow and deliberately affectionate licks. "But I glad you happily wear the title of favourite elder proudly because it isn't changing anytime soon, not for me"

Her laughter hadn't ceased, not completely, when Bravesong was chattering about her arguing a fox into another direction before it could even move a paw. "Sounds about right, I used to be a chatty little thing as an apprentice wasn't I? Never talked first but when a conversation started... great StarClan." she let out a soft breath, the final remains of her giggling that slowly turned into a purr that began to match Bravesong's. "Last I recall you started most of those conversations"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong’s whiskers twitched with amusement at her affectionate licks, his single good eye crinkling with mirth. "Hah, you remember it that way, do you? I must’ve been desperate for company then." His voice was as playful and gentle as ever.

His purr rumbled again, steady and unbothered, as he sprawled. The sunlight felt good on his joints. How was it he felt so old? "Suppose that’s what kept me talking. You gave as good as you got, Orchidflame and you’ve only sharpened that tongue since."

He stretched his legs a little, then let them fall back with a tired sigh, though his grin never faded. "Still, if I had to choose an echo for my moons, I’d rather it be yours than Maplesprig’s rambling. At least you argue with sense." His tail gave another gentle swat at her flank.

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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"You've always had your way with words. Even if you say less of them now" Orchidflame commented, smiling warmly at the bi-colored tom "I'd be happy to be your echo if it meant hearing you speak, that's a voice that could bring light to the darkest of tunnels. I understand why so many cats enjoy your company" Orchidflame mewed softly, now letting a cool silence settle between them, not a heavy one, just soft and light, like something that wasn't being rushed to be filled as easily as some needed to be.

Orchidflame shut her mismatched eyes and let herself be silent, let herself be there with Bravesong. The two were close enough now that the words they spoke didn't feel rushed or forced, they just felt like it had always belonged.

The tip of her kinked tail brushed against his flank as she glanced at the stream, how smoothly it flowed, how calmly everything seemed to fit into place. Orchidflame laid her head down onto the grass and let an easy sigh leave her nose. "This is nice, just, laying here. Makes you think you don't have things to worry about." she finally spoke, that soft smile of hers not leaving her muzzle.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong let her words settle over him, and for a long moment he simply listened to her voice, to the quiet hum of the stream, to the easy stillness that wrapped around them both. His chest rose with a slow, steady purr the kind that needed no explanation.

"I've always liked the sound of your voice." He murmured at last, whiskers twitching as he turned his gaze toward her. If Bravesong could have blushed he might have at her words. What was with all the sudden affection all of the sudden? Not that he really minded it. It was always nice to be admired.

The elder gave a low, raspy chuckle, stretching his forepaws out until his joints popped. "I'm starting to feel spoiled." His good eye glimmered with mischief as he tilted his chin toward the stream. It was peaceful but it seemed to call to him. "What do you think? Want to see if we can still pull a fish out of there? Bet you'll laugh at me as it slips through my claws, but I could use the excuse to stretch."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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The idea of a quick fish brought a rise to one of her brows and a smirk to her maw. Orchidflame chuckled at the idea, a light, airy chuckle that found the idea funny without degrading the offer for what it was, something that had grown to be quite like her. "Are you sure this isn't just a ploy to get me back for splashing you?" She teased lightly, pressing her nose into his cheek.

"It sounds to me like we'll get more water on ourselves if we try. We're no RiverClan cats after all." She chirped, amusement being betrayed in her tone and in the subtle twitching of her whiskers. Her eyes moved towards the stream to investigate the water, the stream glimmered with light, as if trying to tempt her into accepting the offer. 

Orchidflame rolled her eyes and conceded to this silly idea, who knows! Might be fun!

The long-furred calico she-cat moved a little further away from Bravesong, as to not be pressed up against the bi-colored elder for much longer and nodded her agreement. "As silly as it might be, we'll feign knowing how to fish like RiverClan." She moved her body closer to the stream, a little lopsidedly with her stiff forepaw, but she was in no rush. She turned, summoning Bravesong with a flick of her tail. "You pitched it, if you'd like, you could try this out first. Go on, RiverClan" she mocked, though nothing beyond playful cheering.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong heaved himself up with a grunt that quickly turned into a laugh. "A ploy? I’d never stoop so low… well, not unless I thought it might work." His whiskers quivered as he shot her a crooked grin, pawsteps uneven but steady enough.

At the stream’s edge he didn’t hesitate to ease himself into the shallows, the cool rush of water swirling against his paws. The chill ran up his legs drawing a sigh from him that was half relief, half contentment. "Not bad." He meowed, lowering his head to peer at the rippling surface.

Sterling slivers darted beneath, weaving and flashing in the sunlight like scattered stars. His good eye softened, following their fluid dance, not even bothering to swipe a paw just yet. "Look at that. Almost feels wrong to spoil it with claws..."

He stood there a long moment, letting the water flow around him, keeping sure to stay his tail tip abobe the surface. Then he glanced back at her that playful grin returning. "You like fish? What do you think...Could you ever just eat fish for a season like RiverClan?"

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame watched at the edge of the stream as Bravesong padded in like he wasn't afraid of his limbs going stiff later, a soft breath left her as she shuffled forward, not close enough to emerge her paws, but close enough to see the same beautiful display of silver rushing around him. How could RiverClan hunt such a beautiful display?

"Not for a whole season I don't think" Orchidflame chuckled softly, watching the flitting silver bodies rush past, however little there were. Her eyes softened, it was moments like this that reminded her about how beautiful life can be without the worry of duties and killers overhead, she wondered what she would be like if she hadn't had her incident, probably a lot busier than she was now. "I'm happy with woodland prey, more variety" she purred.

With a raised brow, Orchidflame moved her focus to Bravesong, an echo of something familiar in her gaze, something softer than the joking moment called for. "But you can stick to your fish mister RiverClan" She teased playfully, flicking her good paw beneath the water to aim another splash at Bravesong, she could get used to time like this.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong gave a mock gasp, flinching back a step as the splash skimmed his chest fur. "Determined to drown me today, are you?" His laugh was low and raspy, bubbling up . He shook himself with an exaggerated shiver, droplets flying, before leaning back into the current hoping he got the she-cat a bit wet too.

He shrugged. "Can't argue variety. Squirrels, thrushes, mice… keeps the tongue guessing. Wonder if RiverClan can tell the difference or if they taste all the same." His whiskers twitched, eye flicking back to the gleam beneath the water.

He let his paw hover above the stream, following a flash of silver, but never struck. Instead, he glanced back at Orchidflame, a crooked grin tugging his muzzle but then he became stern serious. "If I started to smell like a water logged RiverClanner, would you still nest near me?" His hazel eye gleamed with gentle teasing as he swished his tail toward her, careful to keep his balance in the water.

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame's whiskers twitched with quiet amusement as Bravesong shook droplets her way. She had already splashed him twice, and though she held herself with her usual calm, there was the faintest glimmer of playfulness in her eyes. His laughter and teasing washed over her like the steady flow of the stream, and she let it sit there a moment before answering, her tone soft but carrying warmth.

"If I truly meant to drown you," she murmured, paws steady on the ground, "I would have kept going after two splashes." As small smile touched her muzzle, fleeting and serene, before she tilted her head at his question, eyes catching the light in the water.

She let the silence linger, gentle as the current, before she spoke again, voice measured and soothing as ever. "If your scent became that of RiverClan, it would only mean you brought the stream back with you. I would not turn away from friend or companion over water clinging to their fur." Her gaze softened as she watched his grin tug into something sterner. "Nest near you? So long as your heart is still yours, I would. Maybe share a nest even"

Orchidflame leaned just enough toward the bank to dip her paw once more into the cool stream, ending another ripple his way, though this one was lighter, playful in its gentleness. Not quite a splash anymore, but it was still present. "Besides," she added, quiet humor lacing her words, "I've already grown used to the scent of water and rain on you. It suits you better than you think."

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong froze for half a heartbeat at her answer, her words landing with more weight than a playful splash ever could. A low, rough purr slipped from his chest, unbidden but steady, and his whiskers curved into a easy smile. "Share a nest...?Careful, Orchidflame, you’ll have half the camp gossiping if you keep talking like that.'

He eased a paw through the water, stirring the silver flashes below without chasing them, his hazel eye lifting to meet her mismatched gaze again. "But I think I'd have to expand it..."His voice dropped softer, the gravel smoothing into something almost tender. 

The ripple she sent his way brushed against his legs, and he huffed a laugh, swiping his tail tip in the current to send a lazy swirl back toward her. "If I end up smelling like a half drowned trout, you’ll have only yourself to blame."

With a grunt he shifted his weight, standing steady against the push of the current, and for a moment he only looked at her, really looked, before giving a small nod. With a flick of his good paw, claws outstretched, coaxed a small minnow arcing into the air. Maybe he'd could have been destined for RiverClan after all. Once the small fish landed on the bank, he winced from putting his weight on his bad paw.

"Think you could eat that and tell me what it tastes like?"

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Bravesong's claim that there would be gossip rose a chuckle in Orchidflame's throat, a soft, hearty chuckle that from another cat, always seemed to light up the camp in the darkest of moments. She hoped it would do the same for her other Clanmates, for Bravesong. "You really think of everything don't you?" she trilled, stretching out her stiff, slightly aching leg flexing her claws and examining the white glint of the morning sunshine. "And besides, what is gossip going to do? I have no reputation to ruin."

Orchidflame shut her eyes, simply enjoying the sun warming her pelt and the sound of her friend's voice, something about the blame being on her if he came back smelling of fish, she let out a breath at that, a short, stark breath like she was trying to stop a laugh. 

A yellow eye cracked open as the fish landed at her paws, she glanced down at the fish, it was small and silvery in color, a common fish, though she didn't know enough about them to know which one. If she asked a RiverClan cat they'd probably be able to tell her, not like she was rushing to do that either.

"How it tastes?" She repeated, leaning down to sniff at the fish, it was fresh, clearly. Orchidflame tore a bite from the fish, the texture was... unique, flaky and easy to chew a 'melt in your maw' kind of texture. She savored the flavor for a moment, a rich, fattening thing, albeit a little salty, she didn't wonder why RiverClan enjoyed them beyond necessity.

Once she lifted her head again, she rasped her tongue over her lips and twitched dampness from her whiskers "Salty, but not very, it stops my wondering as to why RiverClan cats are so protective of the water prey." then, without much hesitation, she nudged it closer to the edge, closer to Bravesong. "But the best way to know is to try it yourself. We've shared prey before, I'd like to hope this is no different"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong let out a low rumble of laughter, the kind that seemed to come from deep in his chest. He limped a few paces closer to her, the stream curling around his paws before he stepped onto the bank beside her. As the water dripped from his legs, he gave his pelt a firm shake, sending a light mist into the air.

I don’t have a bad reputation maybe just an ugly one. From the scars." His voice wasn’t bitter, just matter-of-fact, softened by the warmth in his gaze as he looked at her. "Guess that’s what happens when you live long enough for kits to start whispering you’re part badger."

The teasing note returned as he crouched, nosing the fish she’d nudged toward him. "Guess there's only one way to find out." His good paw steadied the fish as he leaned down to take a small bite. A thoughtful hum rumbled through his throat then a snort. "Huh. Not half bad. If RiverClan eats like this every day, maybe they’ve been keeping secrets from the rest of us."

Just the tail remained being such a small fish. With a satisfied sigh he settled down beside her again. "Suppose if that’s the last thing I ever catch, it’s not a bad one to end on."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame pawed at the water for a moment, listening to Bravesong, but thinking of her own thoughts that couldn't find words at the same time. The badger comment brought a soft, amused snort out of her as she wrinkled her face in an effort to keep laughter in and disturb the bird in the trees above. "Well, if I were a kit and heard that rumor, at least I would know who to come to for the best badger rides eh?" the dappled she-cat rested her top half on Bravesong's back theatrically, the shivering of her shoulders proving a suppressed giggle.

"However good it is, it's worth very little if you don't have the company to enjoy it with." Orchidflame added, a soft glimmer in her eyes slowly met Bravesong's single hazel eye and the corners of her mouth curved softly, curling her tail around Bravesong's run, the characteristic kink not quite fitting around him. "I'm glad I have that company. Especially if it's you"

A soft white chin rested in the crook of Bravesong's neck between his shoulder and his neck as she glanced at the half-eaten fish. She didn't feel very hungry, she'd rather leave the fish to Bravesong, someone who would finish it in a few more bites at least. "Do you remember sneaking out of camp to come here as apprentices? I don't think Speckledfrost and Hazepounce were very pleased, but the view was worth it. The stream's view or otherwise" she purred softly casting an affectionate look at Bravesong, watching the glinting silver darts push through the ripples with such ease.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong gave an easy laugh that rumbled out of him as Orchidflame leaned over his back, the sound halfway between amusement and a groan. "hah! Don’t start giving the Rimekit ideas" Still, he didn’t move her off and he shifted slightly to better balance her weight, tail flicking in idle contentment.

Her warmth against his back and her words coaxed something softer from him, a purr deep and steady as the stream beside them. "Company like this makes me feel young again." His gaze lingered on her for a heartbeat longer before he looked out over the water again, expression gentling into fond nostalgia.

Her mention of their apprentice days drew another laugh low, warm, touched with memory. "How could I forget? Speckledfrost nearly tore her whiskers out." His eye gleamed with mischief as he cast her a sidelong glance. “You tried to pin it all on me if I recall right."

His voice dropped quieter, the nostalgia melting into something more reflective. "I’d say we made the right choice sneaking out. Every time I come here, I remember that sunrise and the way it hit the water."

He chuckled, rough and fond, before turning his muzzle toward her where it rested against his neck. "You still laugh the same way, you know."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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Orchidflame let out a hearty giggle batting playfully at Bravesong's nose with her good paw. "How could I not remember!?" She laughed, rolling slowly off of Bravesong's back and onto her own, her belly facing the trees as she reached up with a dramatic flare that only Bravesong really saw from her, not many else. "Oh Speckledfrost! It wasn't my idea! Jaypaw suggested we go! I swear by Myrtlemist!" she playfully mimicked in a higher pitched tone, mimicking a young apprentice, at least a poor impression of herself at that age.

"She went on about responsibility..." she murmured, rolling onto her belly and putting on a stern face that poorly mirrored her former mentor "Jaypaw that is VERY irresponsible of you! Taking young Orchidpaw out to the stream, the two of you could have drowned!" she lowered her voice in a playful mocking tone, the twitching in her tail betraying her amusement. "I think it took like, half a moon for me to actually confess to the idea. But the sunrise was worth lying for. So was the company"

She rasped her tongue over Bravesong's ear in an almost motherly gesture that she didn't really intent to put behind the soft, friendly gesture. 

The thought of the kits more so... kit. "Rimekit, she's an apprentice next moon. I remember finding out Wildcry'd be kitting. We couldn't possibly get her out of the elders' den quick enough" she joked lightly, purring loudly, taking to nuzzling against Bravesong. "You did well in the nursery with Coyotepaw, I will tell you that much. Ever thought of doing something like that again when the opportunity faces you?"

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong’s whiskers twitched, his one good eye crinkling with laughter as Orchidflame’s impersonations filled the clearing. "I think so too, worth lying for." For a moment, he let himself drift into the memory.

The rasp of her tongue across his ear drew him back. He leaned slightly into the touch, listening as she spoke of Rimekit. His gaze followed the current downstream, thoughtful now. "She'll go far with her fire if her dam has anything to say about it. "

At the mention of Coyotepaw, he blinked slowly, something between pride and wistfulness flickering across his face. "Something like that again?"His tone dipped low, almost contemplative. "Maybe. If StarClan ever thinks I’ve got another lesson worth teaching. It was nice to have a den nearly all to myself. It spoiled me, I think."

Even a flame that burns softly can still bring warmth through the darkest nights.

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"Let's hope that fire doesn't burn the others around her" Orchidflame added onto Bravesong's analysis of Rimekit, twitching her tail as thoughts nipped in the back of her mind. But Bravesong's answer to her question brought her back to where they sat by the stream. "Maybe." she repeated. The thought that Rimekit would be the last in the nursery at the next moon wasn't lost on her, maybe ThunderClan could use another queen that wasn't as bitey as Wildcry or as anxious as Sunstrike... though she'd take anxious over snappy any day.

Orchidflame moved to a stand, moving her weight to the centre of her her body so she wouldn't topple onto the bi-colored elder. "Maybe the next ThunderClan queen will want your help with lessons, ThunderClan could use more of them" she added, glancing up at the sun snaking across the sky as it slowly moved to a peak. 

"It's sunhigh" she noted softly with a twitch of her ears, had her and Bravesong really been out this long? "Stars, time does fly when you've got good company doesn't it?" she chirped, glancing back to the trail that lead to the camp. "I could go for a visit to the medicine den to check up on Robinpaw and Tigerrush, maybe they haven't gotten the chance to eat something today." she murmured to herself, steadying her posture to be ready to move back to camp. However she ducked slower in case Bravesong wished for some help getting up.

"Care to join me or would you rather stay here and fish like RiverClan?" she gave him a playful wink and a teasing grin, it was more of an offer than a question, whatever Bravesong chose she would follow, she had nothing better to do today.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
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Bravesong’s ear flicked toward her as she stood, his gaze still half lidded, fixed on the sunlight scattered across the water’s surface. For a heartbeat, he didn’t answer and just let the hum of the stream and the warmth of the day settle into his bones.

Finally a slow rumbling purr stirred in his chest. "Mmm. I think I’ll stay a while longer." He said, his voice carrying that easy, gravelly calm of a cat perfectly at peace where he was. "Haven’t had a quiet moment like this in a while."

He shifted his weight, easing his good paw beneath him and letting the sun soak into his scarred shoulders. "Tell Tigerrush I’ll stop by before the day’s done." Bravesong’s gaze lifted toward Orchidflame, softened by that familiar warmth that always seemed to find her. He gave his tail a lazy flick toward the water, the silver ripples dancing across its edge. "I’ll catch up soon enough."