|
|
Post by Starlingfeather on Jun 27, 2013 23:26:35 GMT
The familiar scent of her Clan, her home, beckoned Starlingfeather to the ThunderClan camp. The corners of her mouth tilted up a bit in a make-shift of a smile before she stepped into the brush of the camp and shouldered her way through the entrance and into the clearing. Green eyes swept over the Clan to see that it was functioning perfectly, patrols were coming and going, the kill-pile was well supplied, and it seemed that her leader and friend was having a small chat with Mothkit. The proud kit seemed to be boasting with her little games. Starling hadn't known the little fluff-ball then, but she heard from others that she can be a bit bossy.
Starlinfeather couldn't ignore the peaceful air. It was a pleasant feeling and it insured her that both herself and her leader were doing their jobs. The deputy let out a breath of exhaustion and she shook out her pelt of twigs and dirt. The twitching feeling close to her shoulder made her sit down and scratch at her neck out of impulse. Great. She'd better not have fleas. She'll have to see Yellowtail about that later. Starlingfeather was not very fond of fleas. Damned pests.
The she-cat quickly shook herself off and stood up again, her gaze once again finding her leader. "Littlestar! I need to talk to you if you're not busy, at the moment," She called and began making her way to the ThunderClan leader. "It's important,"
If she could, Starlingfeather would've added, 'I think...'
|
|
Littlestar
ThunderClan 
Leader
Posts: 23
User: Sparkie
|
Post by Littlestar on Jun 28, 2013 5:55:30 GMT
Littlestar had wandered away from Mothkit, pleased and concerned about her, but proud to have such loyal cats in his clan. He hoped she would accept the best life he could give her, even if it wasn't the one she longed for. He padded towards the warrior's den, determined to finally run a small patrol with whoever he could find in there. Foxfang and Brackenpaw would be out but he was positive there were a few warriors who'd been guarding the camp at moon-high who could stand to go out.
He barely made it four steps towards the low leafed bush when he heard a voice from behind him meowing, "Littlestar! I need to talk to you if you're not busy, at the moment."
He wanted to sigh, wanted to say that it was his duty to take the patrol out, but it was also his duty to listen to his deputy, a she-cat he'd trusted to keep his clan alive after he was gone, and honestly, Starlingfeather was more than capable. So he turned, taking in the breathless black and white warrior as she padded towards him, adding, "It's important."
This boded poorly, since important wasn't something he really wanted in his forest. He wanted peaceful, calm, and maybe if he was slightly bored, mildly amusing. But nothing important. He thumped against the ground, sitting hard and feeling a stern look rush over his face. It wasn't Starlingfeather's fault, he knew and wouldn't take it out on her. It was merely the foreboding he felt that made his expression turn sour.
"Yes, Starlingfeather?" He asked, his voice firm, cutting quickly to the chase. "What is it?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Starlingfeather on Jun 28, 2013 15:43:12 GMT
The deputy couldn't help but feel a little guilty. She could clearly see that her leader was busy at the moment, and she wasn't really one to always cut in into the tom's duties. She sat down and kept her ears back, her tail fidgeting at the spiteful expression on Littlestar's maw. She sighed and calmed herself. It's alright, Starlingfeather, she told herself. He's not mad at you.
"I ran into someone along the borders of the Tallpines," She began, already feeling her hide being rung out to dry. Starlingfeather knew it was her job to chase out any intruders and then re-mark the borders for safe measures. "I know I should've chased him off, but we talked and it seems he wants to negotiate with us- er, you. The Clan, I guess..." She fumbled on her words and mentally scolded herself.
The black and white feline continued, keeping a stern and serious face, straightening her back to sit almost soldier-like. "He informed me he and his sister had information and much more to offer ThunderClan. The two want to negotiate a deal of some sort with us and wants to know if we can meet tomorrow at the Tallpines,"
Starlingfeather (secretly) hoped that Littlestar would go along with the plan. Her mind was too curious to give up the opportunity to meet knew cats. Such curiosity would get her killed, though. This she knew. Though, it seemed half the time she ignored her subconscious and went out on a limb.
|
|
Littlestar
ThunderClan
Leader
Posts: 23
User: Sparkie
|
Post by Littlestar on Jun 28, 2013 17:29:08 GMT
Littlestar frowned, his lip curling in anger. He was disappointed in his deputy; she shouldn't have spoken with those cats at all. Starlingfeather should have chased them off. He considered punishing her. It was her duty as deputy to uphold the warrior code. She was a role model to the entire clan, someone the kits looked up to, who the warriors took their cue from, someone who would eventually lead them all. And if she wasn't properly following the law of the forest, well, he wasn't entirely sure he could rely on her anymore.
"I expected more out of you, Starlingfeather." Littlestar growled. "As a deputy, you know the clan is expecting you to make the right decisions and to follow the warrior code. You have failed in both aspects." He paused, flicking his tail, annoyed that he had to look up to see her face. "Pay more attention to your role in this clan.'
But she'd done what she'd done and though he vowed to watch her more closely, he would hear her out. Cats made mistakes. His anger drained away, leaving only retrospection and discipline in it's wake. Startlingfeather just needed to learn. She was young and he'd chosen her for more than just her age. She was patient with the clan, intelligent, and above all loyal. He knew that beyond anything, and he valued it more than others. If she'd thought it was for the good of the clan, he could understand her thought process.
That didn't explain though, why she was trusting the words of cats she didn't know, or why she trusted the words of cats who knew no honor. They would take a patrol to Tallpines, if he thought the information was worth finding out.
"What information did they offer you?" Littlestar did not apologize, but he gentled his voice, signalling that their conversation could move away from her mistake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Starlingfeather on Jun 28, 2013 23:31:15 GMT
Starlingfeather dipped and lowered her head, her ears went back. She deserved the scolding. She knew this. "Yes, Littlestar," She muttered sadly. "I'm very sorry, I accept any punishment for my actions," Starlingfeather knew her role as a deputy, but sometimes she got easily carried away with her own thoughts. Next time she knew not to be so trusting.
After her scolding she quickly regained her composure, though she kept mentally nipping at her heels for her mistake. "He informed me that his sister had connections with rogue and loner groups beyond and in the forest. Apparently she has information that we might not about what's going on. I thought that having this information would benefit us in maintaining peace in the forest," She meowed and curled her tail over her paws. "Maybe it could help us be one step ahead of the destruction that the Twolegs cause," This she muttered more to herself, but she made sure Littlestar could still hear her.
"I know we should not trust these words, which is why I recommend that if you're to meet with them, we should being two other warriors. We shouldn't risk you losing a life so early in your leadership." Finally her voice of reason and responsibility came out. "Such a thing would show the other Clans that your weak and we can't afford that, not even at times of peace," Starlingfeather reasoned out of her thoughts.
|
|
Littlestar
ThunderClan
Leader
Posts: 23
User: Sparkie
|
Post by Littlestar on Jun 29, 2013 4:25:01 GMT
Seeing that she was properly contrite, Littlestar decided to let her lack of common sense slide. He did not know her exact motivation for her bad decision but he strongly suspected she had done it for the good of the clan. He would never doubt her loyalty.
He was extremely pleased as well to see her recover quickly from her scolding. She was very professional and he was pleased by that. He knew that when he picked her for deputy that she would handle the job well and it seemed that he had been right. Littlestar knew there were many strong, brave, loyal warriors in Thunderclan. But non of them were as intelligent nor as understanding as Starlingfeather. She was a perfect compliment to his own personality, and she did her job well.
"Rogues in the forest?" Littlestar's interest was perked. He had no reports of rogues. There were at least not in his territory. But he would help the other clans with rogue cats as well if he got the chance. Any cat out of the clans were a threat to every clan. "We'll need to send a few more patrols in the next half-moon, to see if we can scrounge them up."
He stood up, stretching his back legs, and tilting his ears down. He was somewhat amused that Starlingfeather's concern about him. He supposed that he should tell her that he's already on his second life, but didn't feel the need to explain that greencough made him sicker than the clan thought. If he lost another one soon, he would tell her.
"Of course we'll take a patrol. Adept thinking. But we don't need to be concerned with my lives nor how other clans will view us." Littlestar meowed. "I get several more. It's your life I'm concerned with. I do not want to pick another deputy so early in my leadership." He flicked his tail, avoiding touching her, knowing he'd lost his professionalism with that confession. "Which cats would you suggest we take?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Starlingfeather on Jun 29, 2013 4:48:35 GMT
Regaining a little more confidence in no more scolding or punishment, Starlingfeather began thinking once again, though, this time it didn't bring on her scatterbrained personality. The deputy was sure that information about the unknown of the forest would help their Clan and the others. She knew that the leaders were trying to keep the peace between the Clans, careful not to tip their paws. Though, other works could slip in and ruin the peace easily if they had the chance. Starlingfeather saw fit that the Clans would cover up those risks.
If there really was a rogue conspiracy brewing in the forest, it would surely break the alliances between the Clans and maybe even turn them against each other. Such events made the forest unstable between the powers and it wouldn't be smart to ignore any warnings given from outside sources, even if those words were not the most trust worthy. "Yes, sir. I'm not quite sure if it's true, but it's quite possible there is some rogues in the forest, if not a group and we should be aware of that. Can never be too careful, correct?" She inquired with a turn up of her maw.
"I can arrange patrols during the mid-hours of the day. I'm sure Foxfang and Brackenpaw would be willing to get in the experience for the apprentice." Starlingfeather informed with a glance around the camp. The mentor and apprentice must've been out training. "If any warriors are willing, I can even send a few extra paws than usual along just in case," She suggested.
Starlingfeather's mind shifted uncomfortably. She wasn't quite alright with the idea of not taking care of Littlestar's lives. Sure, he had nine of them, but...she didn't want the guilt or responsibility of allowing her leader to lose a life on her watch. She'd hate herself for it. The she-cat wasn't really one to treat lives so needlessly, even if they had more than one. It was her duty to protect her leader and the Clan with her life. At least, that's what she understood.
Though, instead of arguing with the tom, Starlingfeather just dipped her head. "Yes, sir. Though, your lives are just as valuable to the Clan as mine. Thank you for your concern, though," She muttered and looked up once again. She tilted her head to the side and thought for a moment. "I'm not quite sure. I'd say Foxfang, but he's busy with Brackenpaw and I wouldn't want to bring him so early in his apprenticeship. Wouldn't want to risk the possibility of a fight and then Brackenpaw getting seriously injured..." She left it at that, hoping he'd pick up on what she was leaving behind. The deputy didn't lightly carry the subject of death on a new apprentice. "Maybe a couple of the senior warriors?"
|
|
Littlestar
ThunderClan
Leader
Posts: 23
User: Sparkie
|
Post by Littlestar on Jun 29, 2013 5:14:37 GMT
Littlestar nodded. Starlingfeather had a good idea. But...
"Brackenpaw needs a few more days to learn proper fighting moves before we allow him to travel with an actual patrol. Next week, he'll join a few." Littlestar meowed. "I know it makes the patrols harder to create, but I don't want his well being at risk."
He paused for moment, wondering if it he was making it too complicated for her. He didn't doubt her ability but with Foxfang busy with Brackenpaw she was going to lose a good warrior. Along with Brackenpaw's sisters, that was two more warriors out of use. He sighed, it was worse than he thought.
"Tell Foxfang he has two days to teach Brackenpaw as much fighting as he can. I thought the forest was supposed to be peaceful." He grumbled then Littlestar's whiskers twitched in amusement as he finally addressed her concern for his lives. "Starlingfeather, I only have these lives for the clan. I'm perfectly willing to give them up for you or any other clan member. As for the patrol, find two senior warriors and an older apprentice to go with us. The apprentice will appreciate the experience and it's time I promoted new warriors anyway."
|
|
|
|
Post by Starlingfeather on Jun 29, 2013 5:51:51 GMT
Starlingfeather nodded in understanding. "I understand. I just thought that he'd need the real-time experience," She muttered and flicked her tail. She understood clearly his reasoning of waiting on Brackenpaw. Though, it would make the patrols harder to create. She'd probably have to overlap the warriors if they were willing. Maybe send out one less hunting patrol. Once again she nodded at his command. "I'll inform Foxfang as soon as I see him," The deputy meowed. She’d made a note to try and find the tom after she’d taken a nap. After her patrol around the forest and her little walk to and from the Tallpines she was exhausted. Not to mention all the worry she was in.
The she-cat's maw formed a hard line and she looked at her paws, letting out a sigh. "I understand, Littlestar. It's just..." She shrugged. "You know me, I'm not so well with throwing away lives so easily, even if you do have nine of them." Starlingfeather chuckled at her spoken thoughts and shook her head. "Don't mind me, just my concerns, is all." She knew she could always be a bit over protective and concerned, but she had a good reason. Ever since the greencough epidemic and the loss of her mother, she couldn’t stand the thought of death. It was all just too unwelcoming for her.
Starlingfeather decided to drop the subject before she’d started sounding unprofessional again. She never did like carrying on a subject like that for long unless she was prepared to stay and chat until moonhigh. Right now, the young feline was tired and just wanted to sleep, she didn’t even entertain the idea of eating before so. After this chat and maybe looking for some other cats to set up patrols for, she was off to the warriors den for a little while. Though, despite her tiredness, she kept a good looking expression and a straight posture. Her mother always did pester her about looking proper. Something about every she-cat has to look pretty even if they broke their jaw.
"I'll be sure to find someone available.” She meowed, almost allowing a yawn to slip from her muzzle. Starlingfeather chuckled at her slight mess-up. “So, tomorrow it is, right?"
|
|
Littlestar
ThunderClan
Leader
Posts: 23
User: Sparkie
|
Post by Littlestar on Jun 30, 2013 1:24:05 GMT
Littlestar felt a rush of affection for his young deputy. He knew she worried about him, even though she understood what he meant. He quickly pressed his muzzle gently against her shoulder, silently thanking her for her concern.
"I know taking away warriors and assigning more patrols makes your job more difficult, and I appreciate you accommodating my fears. The last thing we need is to appear weak and this is going to stretch us thin." He meowed softly, sighing. "I just don't know what else to do. If your informants are right, then there is going to be trouble. I want Thunderclan to be prepared for it. We need more warriors."
It wasn't that Thunderclan was lacking in warriors. They were thriving in the forest. Prey was running strong, the seasons were fair. But he knew other clans were equally successful in their territories and would be as strong. Even rogues and loners would have done well with their lives. All animals in the forest would be healthy and capable and that made him more worried than he could relate.
He thought about further mentioning his fears to his deputy, but saw her muffled a yawn. His ears twitched, feeling negligent. Starlingfeather had been up with the dawn patrol and no doubt would have been working harder than any other cat, trying to figure out patrols and what the rogues had said. It would have been hard to come to him, admitting a mistake, and then take the scolding.
Littlestar quickly flicked his tail over her ears, "Help yourself to freshkill, tell the warriors you want to take tomorrow, and get some rest." He began to pad away, but quickly tossed over his shoulder, "Don't forget, Starlingfeather, you can assign me a couple of patrols as well."
|
|
