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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Sept 17, 2010 15:33:34 GMT -6
Smokescore split into a grin with the realization that Midnight wasn't upset with him. The tongue to his cheek was a shock, but his smile didn't fade.
"Farewell, Midnight," he meowed softly before he stood. "It was a pleasure meeting you." And he turned, bounding to his leaders side.
Her sharp remark made him start. "Um, yes?" he asked uneasily. Lunarstar didn't sound at all pleased.
OOC:: Ugh. Soooo short...
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Sept 17, 2010 15:43:47 GMT -6
"Do watch your careless mouth. That could have easily turned bad. Now come, I'll introduce you to Mud." Lunarstar replied coldly, her voice expressionless and her eyes hard. She had to grin a little at the thought of Mud. He and her had a...odd relationship. They weren't mates, didn't have kits, didn't see each other all that often, but flirted.
Lunarstar hurried through the forest, clearing as much space between her and Smokescore as she could, without leaving him lost. It would feel good to see Mud, have someone to talk to that wouldn't turn on her. Or mess with her feelings. They had mutual feelings for each other, friends with benefits.
The run/jog to the stream wasn't long, and she found his den easily. It was an old badger den, which he dug out to make a spacious underground cave. Lunarstar poked her black head in, her sharp yellow eyes easily catching sight of his brown head.
"Mud!" she called into the cave, watching his ears perk. He lifted his head, blinking his neon brown eyes open. They seemed to glow in the darkness, and she saw them winkle in recognition. The muscular brown body trotted across the cave, crawling out into the sunlit forest.
"Hello Lunarstar, long time no see." he purred, until he saw Smokescore. "Who's that?" he hissed to Lunarstar, narrowing his eyes.
"Smokescore, this is Mud. Mud, this is Hawkstripe's replacement."
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Sept 17, 2010 16:14:44 GMT -6
Smokescore was about to say something in return of his leader's remark, but realized she was right. That situation could have turned bloody. And it was because of his running mouth. Ducking his head slightly, he galloped a few feet behind her as they whisked though the twisting greens of trees and grass. His eyes had hollowed out once more, leaving him back at his blank state.
Mud? That was the name of the cat they were going to see? Well, it didn't sound too bad. Maybe this would be a tom he could grow used to.
Turned out, Mud looked just like his name. When Smokescore saw him pop out from his hole in the ground, he was shocked at the intensity of his brown eyes. They even stuck out from his mud-looking pelt. He had looks; that Smokescore could give him.
Those illuminating eyes fell on Smokescore. Keeping a firm hold on his eye contact, the gray tom nodded in polite greeting when Lunarstar introduced them.
"Mud." Smokescore tried the name on his tongue. It fit the tom well in his opinion. But that intense look Mud was casting over him was unsettling.
Smokescore squinted, glancing away for a second. He took a couple steps closer and sat down to be within conversation range. He did hate it when other had to shout at him.
OOC:: ...That's much better.
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Sept 17, 2010 16:27:08 GMT -6
Lunarstar sat next to Mud, who wrapped his long brown tail around her body. His eyes didn't leave Smokescore. His brown eyes easily showing his possession over Lunarstar. His body a little closer than normal, his darker brown ears drawn back slightly.
"So you're replacing Hawkstripe?" Mud laughed harshly, sitting taller, flexing some of his muscles. "Hawkstripe was the only cat to ever beat me in a fight, and trust me, he was much stronger than you. Good luck."
"Mud," Lunarstar hissed, already annoyed. The stupid cat wasn't even her mate, yet he refused to play nice to any toms. "He was the best of my Clan, no one in any of the Clans come close to Hawkstripe. You know he has some potential."
Mud looked Smokescore over again and snorted. "He has as much potential as my tail." he meowed haughtily, refusing to look the tom anywhere but the eyes.
"Oh Mud, be nice. Or else we're leaving right now." Lunarstar said, her voice edging towards bored. This was the conversation Mud always had with a tom anywhere near her. It got old.
Mud didn't answer, just sent hatred through his bright eyes, warning Smokescore to stay away.
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Sept 17, 2010 22:39:38 GMT -6
Smokescore couldn't help but watch as his tail wrapped around Lunarstar's body. Returning his gaze to Mud's, the gray tom angled his ears back to a point where he just looked like he was listening to what was behind him. If Mud wanted a staring contest, he would get one.
Smokescore had gone longer than twenty-four hours before, after all.
The tom's body suddenly went rigid, and his eyes widened slightly, as if something startled him. His brow relaxed, but his eyes didn't. They stayed wide open, those dull violet irises taking on a burning look. His eyes actually seemed to become duller, if that was at all possible. His dark lines around his eyes- which normally just looked like his fur pattern- could actually be seen scarred onto the whites of his eyes. His ear went forward for a second, then swiveled to hear next to him, and back again. If Mud was so intent on seeing his eyes, maybe he could read another cat's past. Maybe he could look into the gray tomcat's violet irises and see everything.
Worth letting him peek, right?
And then it was over. If Mud hadn't seen anything yet, it was too late.
Slumping slightly, Smokescore's eyes became hollow again. He seemed more like a slave, more timid.
He nearly parted his lips to speak, but thought better of it. He knew that Hawkstripe was still stronger than him, and if saying one wrong thing would coax this cat into a fight, Smokescore didn't want to have to be the first to cry for mercy.
His exhaustion was actually starting to kick in, anyways. The fight earlier with Bone was one for his books, and his untreated wounds had left him stiff. It was unnoticeable, though.
This silence was killing the tom.
Something needed to be meowed. Smokescore dug his claws deep into the soil underpaw, and gently worked it. Either one of them needed to carry on a conversation, or they needed to leave. The silence was awkward and bothersome.
You haven't had any trouble running your mouth so far, Mud. Keep it coming, big guy. If you don't, I think I might start laughing. And I would hate for you to know that Lunarstar has entrusted a lunatic.
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Oct 1, 2010 17:48:54 GMT -6
Lunarstar gently began pulling away from Mud. His tail stiffened and he pressed against her. Lunarstar, infuriated, extracted herself from his brown fur, stalking haughtily over to Smokescore's side. She glared pointedly at her "mate", and he received the glare calmly, ignoring her anger. He was used to this. They both were. Mud was too demanding and controlling, Lunarstar was too independent and moody. Neither cat could handle the other's company for more than a night, but they always wanted to be with each other. They had tried two nights together, and Lunarstar lost the tip of her right ear, Mud lost a claw. Daisy attempted many-a-night to explain to Lunarstar that their relationship was abusive and would never work. Sometimes the arrogant she-cat agreed, other times she complained about Daisy preaching to her about matters that were of no concern to her.
"Lunarstar, maybe you should go." Mud said, his eyes narrowing in a silent warning as he watched Lunarstar's fur begin to bristle.
Lunarstar stared at him a moment longer, her eyes briefly displaying her desperate need to stay with him. That moment passed quickly. She found herself narrowing her eyes back and turning her face from his.
"Yes, I think we will leave. Many more cats to meet." she agreed, standing and taking a few steps in the direction of Alder's den. She looked at Mud over her shoulder, this time the wanting in her eyes matched by his own. Both cats knew they couldn't continue their relationship. It was just a matter of who would admit it first.
Turning away again, Lunarstar spoke to Smokescore. "Come, we leave now."
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Oct 1, 2010 21:40:19 GMT -6
Smokescore twitched his ears. They were'nt as cozy as they made themselves look. They actually seemed to... hate one another almost. It was a strained relationship, almost one that they both knew was over. It had turned into nothing more than an act.
Nodding at Lunarstar's suggestion, Smokescore rose to his paws. He shot one last glance at Mud, and then fully turned and padded one step behind his leader.
So, the relationship is whack. It's like they both know that it can't happen, but they aren't sure if the other knows. They're waiting for the other to know, but they already do. But they don't know that, so they just keep pretending that they are in this. His head spun, and he lowered it for a second to steady his insides. Confusion was never well-handled with Smokescore. Shaking it off, he picked up the slack and got one step behind Lunarstar once more.
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Oct 1, 2010 22:17:49 GMT -6
Lunarstar picked up her pace as Smokescore fell into step behind her. It would be good to see Alder again. Alder was one of Lunarstar's few friends. She would visit him more but he lives at the border of NightClan, normally too far of a walk for her when she was with Hawkstripe.
Lunarstar sighed as her stomach began to growl, she hadn't eaten much, and they'd been out most of the day already. She continued her way to the border, veering to the left to stop at a small stream. She glanced at Smokescore and told her their schedule for the remainder of the day.
"We're going to take a small break to eat and rest our legs, then we'll go meet Alder. I'll send one of his kits to the Clan to tell them we might not be back tonight. We'll visit him for a little while, then we'll visit Shadow and Shade, who aren't too far from Alder. We'll spend the night at either of their dens, then head back home in the morning. And you'll have met all of my allies, except a few who are really of no importance." Lunarstar explained, staring intently at the water, her face warmed by the sun. She was facing the setting orb full on to hide her skewed shadow from the fish. Within a few moments she saw a flash of scaled and on its own accord, her paw shot out, lifting the scaly body out of the water. It flailed on land, gasping for breath until Lunarstar's teeth took away its last breath.
Carrying the fish to a stone large enough for a few cats, she settled down, digging hungrily into the flesh. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until the cool fish touched her tongue. It warmed her empty belly, filling it slowly as she ate. Never did she think a fish could taste so good.
The meager meal was gone soon, and Lunarstar sat up, waiting for Smokescore.
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Oct 1, 2010 22:32:38 GMT -6
Pure relief surged through the tom as he was told they would be taking a break. "Sounds good," he meowed, peering into the water. His eyes caught a flash of silver, and his paw snaked forward, his claws hooking onto the scaly body. Ripping the fish from the water, the gray tomcat quickly killed it and settled down on the rock a few tail lengths away from Lunarstar. He didn't really feel like being so close to her.
The rock warmed from the sun felt good on his aching muscles. That fight with Bone had done more than he had thought. He was going to be stiff for a day or two.
Finishing the fish, Smokescore looked over to see that Lunarstar had just finished up. "Do you want to rest here longer or get a move on?" he asked her, looking out over the stream surface. He liked to stare at water; it was almost like bringing life into his gaze.
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Oct 1, 2010 22:46:12 GMT -6
Lunarstar's gaze had drifted to the forest. She was staring at nothing, but what looked like a tree. Her eyes were blank, and she was focused soley on her thoughts.
I need to tell Mud the truth... she thought, as much as it pained her. She didn't want to end their relationship. No matter what happened between them, she knew she loved him. When she was with Hawkstripe, she thought about Mud, when she was with Mud she thought about Hawkstripe. Now, with Smokescore, her thoughts were racing between the two.
Hawkstripe...what did I ever see in him? Lunarstar questioned herself, and couldn't think of an answer. He was strong, yes, handsome enough, and charming. Yet, Mud was all of that and more. But she knew she had had stronger feelings for Hawkstripe than him. Why was that? There was nothing significant about Hawkstripe. His ancestry wasn't remarkable, Mud descended from Scourge. His appearance had only one noticeable feature, his colors. Mud had eyes that would literally glow. The two toms were so alike...yet so different. Even Smokescore was like them. Strong, not as strong, but not weak by any means. He was okay looking, not amazing, but neither was Mud. Charming enough, he had character and charisma. But insanity set him apart from the others. She still had no answer to Mud or Hawkstripe.
Lunarstar's eyes clouded briefly, and she ended her thoughts abruptly. She has heard Smokescore's question, but hadn't payed attention until she was done with her silent debate. She glanced at Smokescore, he looked pretty beat up.
Good old Bone. Lunarstar thought fondly, a smiling warming her face.
"We'll stay here a little longer." Lunarstar told him.
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Oct 2, 2010 7:51:50 GMT -6
Smokescore had caught the pause, but said nothing about it. Today had been emotional for his leader, and he knew that. There was no need to disturb her.
Smiling at Lunarstar, the gray cat nodded. "I can take that," he murmured graciously, glancing back out at the water surface. He set his head down on his paws, relaxing his stiff body. His eyes became half-mast, and the reflection of the water's ripple caught in them. His violet irises grew a sense of depth, their new temporary surface giving them a gorgeous look.
Smokescore smirked peacefully. Rose had once said that water was glorious. The way it would play and dance, without even tiring, was magical. And she couldn't have been any more right. The gray tom was always fascinated by the brilliant colors.
"It's a beautiful river," he meowed quietly. He wasn't sure if Lunarstar could hear him, but he didn't mind if she did. "7673 would have loved to see it."
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Oct 2, 2010 8:35:07 GMT -6
Lunarstar's gaze landed on Smokescore as she waited. Her paws were itching to meet Alder, and she stood. Her yellow eyes turned in the direction of Alder's den, and she spoke softly to Smokescore.
"Come on. We must be going." she raised her head to look at the setting sun. "The sun's moving faster than we are, we must hasten to the others." she added, stepping lightly off the rock onto the ground. She began the trek to Alder's den, deeper into the forest than Lunarstar preferred to go.
She walked slowly at first, but as the sun moved lower she quickened her pace. Soon she was trotting along, weaving her slender black body through branches and brambles. The sun was soon just a half circle along the horizon, offering little light through the densely growing forest. The tree tops offered little spaces for light to leek through, the closely packed trunks allowing enough light to see where your paws were. The skewed shadows of the forest stretched along, dotting the forest floor with shapes.
Lunarstar, now deep into the forest, right at the border, stopped abruptly. She raised her head, cocking her head to the side, listening. Her acute ears managed to pick up a small mewling sound, followed by an aggravated sigh. That would be Brook. The sound was coming from only a little ways away, the den hidden by nature's natural mantel.
The sounds of kits led Lunarstar south a few feet, then in front of a rock pile. There was a small crevice, too small for some cats to fit through. Mud was one of them. She held her tail out to Smokescore, warning him to stay still and quiet. The kits would be startled by anyone but Lunarstar, even the youngest knew her scent. She slipped into the gap, and was in a small, narrow tunnel. It led her a few feet underground, then opened into a large cave. Off in a corner lay a lithe, gray and black she-cat with dazzling blue eyes that brightened as they met Lunarstar's yellow gaze. Suckling beside her was a small she-kit, the newest addition, Moon. Named after Lunarstar, for she looked just like her, minus the bright blue eyes that they all knew was her permanent color. A few kits, about the age of a Clan apprentice, were playing a little ways away. One was chasing the others, roaring and hissing. Alder was watching them fondly, a young she-cat, about Lunarstar's age, sitting next to him. Her gaze fell on Lunarstar, and her neck fur began to bristle.
"Daddy, she's here." Snow hissed to the oddly patterned cat beside her. He turned his head excitedly, the fondness for her clearly visible in his big, amber eyes. He was a gray color, almost like the color of smoke, with black and white flecks dappling only the rear of his body. Around his right eye was a silver spot, that stretched into a thin point near his muzzle. The black spot on his left eyes a perfect match. His tail was all black, as were his paws.
"Luna!" Alder called happily, gathering the attention of all of the other kits, except for young Moon. The four playing kits stopped immediately, scampering over to her side. Alder stood and walked over, pressing his nose to Lunarstar's. "Welcome. What brings you here?" he asked.
"I bring you Hawkstripe's replacement. You and the twins are our last stop. I was wondering if we could stay the night here, after we meet the twins." Lunarstar meowed, bending her head to lick the head of the only pure colored cat, Pebble.
"Why of course! Please, bring him in!" Alder said.
"Smokescore! Come in!" Lunarstar called into the tunnel, trusting the dirt and stone walls to carry her voice.
"Daddy, why does she have to stay here?" complained a soft, silky voice that was contorted in a whining tone. Snow stood, her beautiful thin white and silver body strutting over. Her gray eyes watched Lunarstar coldly. Lunarstar just rolled her eyes pointedly, not showing the envy she felt. She loved the sleek and short fur Snow possessed, and would gladly trade. From head to midsection it was a beautiful, snowy white, then it followed her dad's pattern. Starting with extremely small, spaced out flecks of silver, her fur began to show spots of color. As they neared her tail, they were the size of her eyes, and getting closer together. By the time they reached her tail, she had a pure silver colored tail.
"Snow, behave yourself." Adder warned her, his eyes briefly flaring in anger, then returning to the warm and friendly glint.
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Oct 2, 2010 9:49:33 GMT -6
Smokescore reluctantly stood up and hopped from the rock to follow Lunarstar. She seemed to be relaxed somewhat.
Alder. She seems eager to go and visit him. Smokescore felt a brief wave of jealousy, but he flicked it away. He shouldn't be doing that; Lunarstar was not his property. It pained him to think that she might not even ever sit at his side as a mate.
Sliding his much more massive figure through the forest behind his leader, he felt the satisfying tug as branches scraped his coat. The woods were getting thicker and thicker. His eyes caught light and took on the glow common in animal eyes. They slid from side to side, a natural sense of timid overcoming the tom. He had never been clear out here before.
Stopping just before he ran into Lunarstar's halted figure, Smokescore sat down and nodded in understanding to stay and be quiet. He looked out into the deep forest as she ducked into the tunnels. He squinted at the shadows, trying to make out something he couldn't place. It was just a gnarled log, leaning against a tree.
He hadn't noticed he was holding his breath in fear. Releasing the air slowly and silently, he felt his heart slow from its race. It had just seemed too human-like. Smokescore wasn't ready to face another human. His escape had been the last time, hopefully.
Jerking to the present when he heard his name called, the gray tomcat slowly stood, his aching body screaming in protest. He forced himself to walk normally and slipped into the cavern. His shoulders brushed the walls on either side. Good thing he was done growing.
Finally the walls opened up into an underground cave and Smokescore slid his battered body in. Quite a family you have here, Alder, he thought to himself. His eyes tore through the cats, searching and pinpointing Alder himself. He was a handsome cat, nonetheless, and the she-cat sitting at his side was beautiful. How they could live down here and be so clean was beyond Smokescore's knowledge. There was a queen, the loving mate to Alder, no doubt. And there were a few apprentice-sized kits. Hm. Very clean, well organized.
Blinking at Alder, Smokescore bowed his head in respect. He could feel the respect Lunarstar had for this cat, and he decided it best to show the same. Flashing his eyes to the she-cat, he noticed that she didn't seem at all pleased with the situation. She doesn't seem fond of Lunarstar at all. Maybe some past conflict? Hm, let's just hope that she doesn't hate me. I haven't done anything wrong to her.
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Post by {Lunarstar} on Oct 2, 2010 12:59:08 GMT -6
Snow's grimace gracefully melted into a small smirk as the tom entered. She sat, wrapping her bushy tail neatly around her paws. This, she thought, is worth dealing with her. She lowered her eye lids, flashing Smokescore a grin.
Lunarsar nodded to Smokescore. "This is Smokescore, Hawkstripe's repacement." she introduced him, her eyes portraying her approval of the tom's show of respect.
Alder nodded, staring intently at the tom. "Hello Smokescore, we welcome you." he meowed.
Brook had stood, lifting young Moon in her mouth and carrying her over. The she-cat's pleasant blue eyes stared at Smokescore in the way she looked at new cats. It was as though she was looking into you, judging you, verdicting whether your soul was bad or good. She scrutinized him only a moment longer, before nodding absently to herself. Then she sat beside Alder.
"Welcome to our home Smokescore." Brook mewed, her voice just like the soft lapping of a steadily flowing stream. She dipped her head in greeting.
The kits, all edging closer to the strange tom, began to sniff him. The oldest, Sparrow, began batting at Smokescore’s tail, his brown eyes alight with excitement. Rain, a beautiful black and white flecked she-kit, stared at him reproachfully. She hesitantly moved towards him, her blue eyes widening in half terror and half curiosity. The other two kits followed, and soon they were blurting out questions.
“Where did you come from?” Rain asked.
“I bet you’re super strong!” exclaimed Sparrow, attacking the gray tail, and missing.
Lunarstar watched the kits fondly, until her gaze drifted to Snow. Snow’s cold gray eyes held Lunarstar’s yellow ones, and both she-cats stood. Lunarstar’s fur began to stand on end, and Snow silently unsheathed her sharp silver claws. The she-cats nodded once, as on cue, and walked together to the back of the cave.
“Why do you hate me?” Lunarstar blurted out when they were hopefully out of earshot.
“Hate you? Why would I have any reason to hate you?” Snow’s voice was dripping with sarcasm as she gazed coldly at Lunarstar.
“Are you still mad about that?” Lunarstar asked, annoyance creeping into her voice.
“No. I completely forgave you for stealing the love of my life!” Snow hissed, her cool gray eyes blazing in rage.
“That was a year ago. You were too young anyway. We both were. Get over it.” Lunarstar replied angrily.
“But you’re still with him, aren’t you?” Snow accused.
Lunarstar thought briefly about her relationship with Mud. In a way, they were still together…but it wouldn’t last long.
“No.”
“Oh, so you dumped him for that gray cat?” Snow’s voice had lowered and the fury in her eyes dimmed.
“No. I’m not with him, either.” Lunarstar explained, tired of telling her love life to a snotty she-cat.
“Oh…” was all Snow said as she turned her head to look at the distant purple eyes.
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Post by .:*Hawkstar*:. on Oct 2, 2010 14:08:21 GMT -6
Smokescore smiled at the tomcat. "Thank you," he meowed in response to the couple's greetings. He smiled at the she-cat that had to be a daughter. He felt content enough to sit down, and his eyes lit up with amusement at the kittens. He lifted his tail in surprise as he sensed one of them lunging for it. He brushed it down their spine as they flew past.
"Far away," he answered to the location question that was hurled at him. "Very far away from here. I came here a while back because I wanted to be strong." He swiveled his ears to the kit that had asked about his strength. "I'm not strong enough yet. But I will be someday." He smiled a little wider, not even noticing the two she-cats depart to go talk.
But when they began to speak, his ears flicked. Twitching his tail to keep Sparrow occupied, Smokescore listened intently to the conversation outside. Their voices were muffled, and he could only make out something about hate and relationships.
A wave of fear of some sort swept through the steel-colored cat. What if they were talking about how they felt? What if... Smokescore mentally shook himself. No, he wouldn't burden himself with such thoughts.
What if Lunarstar is talking about me? his mind forcefully thought, against Smokescore's free will. What if she's telling that cat that she hates me? No. Stop thinking like that. He didn't want those thoughts slowing him down at all.
The unfamiliar she-cat's eyes pierced through and stared at Smokescore. He turned his attention away, and glanced at Alder. "Are those two always like that?" he asked quietly, being sure that the she-cats wouldn't hear.
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