Looking over the camp

[Rolo]

((With this post, I announce the Pineclan rp open ^^ Feel free to join this rp!))

No-ears hobbled out of the elder den, supressing a groan as his eyes fell upon the half-melted snow around his sleeping quarters. His joints had been paining him recently, the cold dampness that seemed to be constantly in the air causing his muscles to ache constantly. His right back leg, damaged in a long-ago battle, was hurting him particularly, which was unusual since it usually barely hurt. No-ears would have grimaced at the thought, however this sign of his ever-growing age didn't bother him in the sightest. No-ears had had a more fulfilling life as an elder than he had ever had as a warrior, minusing the few weeks when his dear Redtail was around. Here his ambitions had finally been achieved, he was playing the part in a clan he had always wanted to play. He was a strategist now, not a pawn (although that role had still been fulfilling). Though he had enjoyed using his claws once, now he enjoyed the break eldership gave him.

That is... if he could call it a break. The patched elder was busy, his job of Oldest Elder meaning he was often being asked for by the leader or some other cat for advice on clan matters. Despite the fact that he was being constantly asked for, it was a job he reveled. Playing such a large role in the formation of this clan had been an unexpected pleasure, but he was so glad he had gotten the chance to do all he had at such an old age.

No-ears wandered away from the elder den and towards the centre of the camp. The snow had melted here already, the pawsteps of many cats coming and going wearing the layer of ice thin. He paused, scanning the camp for any signs of life. Though the sun was definitely up now, the only cats about were those on patrol, most cats still sleeping in their soft moss beds. He lowered himself into a sitting position. He smiled, though the clouds were still dark in the sky, the wind had lost the chill it had held for the whole of leaf-bare. New-leaf was well and truely on the way, it made him happy to think about it... and grateful that he had managed to survive yet another season of snow.

No-ears wondered what he would do today. Would this be a day filled with telling his life story to any cat with their ears open or one where he ended up giving alot of advice? He wondered briefly if Gingerstar would need him again today. There was still alot to be done to make the clan stable and the she-cat needed all the help she could get. Setting up this clan had been a challenge... perhaps more of a challenge than it would have been had this clan been centred on a belief in Starclan. Setting up boundaries, organising hunts and keeping cats happy was one thing, trying to build a loyal body of clan members was another. It was early days, the clan had definitely bonded together well but they still could not be called a whole yet. Gingerstar certainly had her work cut out in that respect!

No-ears smiled again when he saw the sun peep out from behind the clouds. They would manage though. Together, with some hard work, this clan would build a clan with loyalty like no other. They would build a place of safety for their kits, relying on only themselves rather than looking to the stars for guidance. With loyalty and friendship as their motivation, they would build a better life.

[Slug]

From the Warriors den, Smokestripe's content golden gaze scanned from his nest at the scenery just beyond his resting place, eyeing the half-melted snow and the way it sparkled under the sun's shy rays. It was warm out today, much to the silver-and-black warrior's relief. The leaf-bare seemed to have lasted forever until finally clearing up some, retreating as New-Leaf started just around the corner.

Promptly, the tom stood; shaking off the remaining effects of sleeping so long and hard. Oh, yes-- Smokestripe could definitely tell it was going to be a good day. Or so he hoped. You never know how Life will treat you; for all he knew, it could do a U-turn and Smokestripe could die within the following day. Not a nice thought, but oh well. Such is the circle of life. If it was time to feed the scavengers, then so be it.

Stretching, Smokestripe yawned widely, showing off his fangs before smacking his chops. If this kept up, Smokestripe was going back to sleep in no time... With another yawn, the tom stumbled a little blindly out his den, retrieving his footing quickly, though not quick enough to stop Smokestripe from making a face-plant in the snow. Oh, merciful circle, he hoped no one witnessed that!

Scrambling to his paws, Smokestripe momentarily wondered what he ate last night to make himself so... dysfunctional. It never crossed his mind until now-- ... maybe the pigeon had been stuffed with poppy seeds? No. Otherwise he would have felt their hard shells within his mouth. So what... ? Nevermind. It was not important right now. Smokestripe would figure it out later.

It was then Smokestripe spotted the elder: No-ears. No-ears had given the clan such great advice through the moons; to which Smokestripe was in debt-- technically speaking, anyways. With a new surge of energy, Smokestripe trotted over to the oldest elder, tail held high and ears errect, a smile on the mentors face.

"No-ears," Smokestripe began. "It's good to see you up and about, is it not?" He didn't wait for him to answer. "I hope you are fairing well with all this snow, No-ears; it is causing some problems for the warriors as well. But let us not think about such things now-- how have you been lately, my friend?"

[Rolo]

No-ears smiled as the young warrior wandered towards him, happy that the clan were beginning to rouse. He dipped his head in greeting, a smile on his face, despite being higher in rank himself.

"Greetings, Smokestripe," He said warmly to the male, "My limbs aren't what they used to be, but I'm fairing quite well nevertheless," He chuckled, "Like you, I will welcome the warmer weather when it comes, this chill isn't exactly pleasant."

She shivered slightly, "And how might you be? I've gotten the feeling that this weather is tiring out even the strongest of warriors right now, especially since there is so much work still to be done. It seems that they are sleeping it off anyway... usually a clan would be up by now!" He laughed lightly.

[Slug]

"Ah, yes, new-leaf is just around the corner. It will bring great fortune for us all! The prey shall be plentiful, and the streams will flourish." Smokestripe dipped his head back, wrapping his tail around his paws. "I look forward to it." He added, licking his chest fur down, then continued.

"But yes, the warriors are haveing problems of their own-- lazy bones-- and feel that they should sleep in." The tabby chortled along with No-ears laughter. "I admit that even myself is having difficulities with the weather! Hopefully new-leaf will change this gloomy atmosphere of the camp-- I'm starting to feel the effects myself and over-rest."

"I am fairing well, besides this weather. I am eager for new-leaf to come-- my mouth waters just the thought of many plump mice!" Smokestripe stated cheerfully, if a little rushed. "All things considered, Pineclan will make wonderful warriors these comeing moons. I can feel it." He tilted his head to the side as a stray thought came to his mind.

"Are the elders alright, No-ears? Do they need new moss for their nests? Snow digged out of their den? Hungry? Anything at all? Perhaps I can have one of the apprentices assist you??"

[Emily]

With a stifled yawn, Badgerpaw rose from his nest in which he had been burrowed in, unfurling his paws from beneath his chest. The bulky tom rose slowly, his back arching upward into a sharp curve. Finally Badgerpaw slid from his spot in the Apprentice's den, padding into the sunlight warily. The apprentice narrowed his eyes trying to shield his sight from any of the blinding rays which had filtered through the thick pine boughs.

The ever-melting layer of snow which lay over the camp, felt awkward and strange beneath his paws; the sickly wet snow and the small, pine needles prickling at the tom's pads with a sharp pang. Badgerpaw shivered, his thick, winter pelt slowly molting - and the cold, dampness lingering in the air around him able to seep through to his skin.

Badgerpaw though to himself, a tiny grin visible on his face. He and his brother, Spiderpaw who had first been named Spider and Badger; had only so recently arrived at the Clans. They had run off, seeking the forest Clan life that these warriors did, and PineClan had debated whether to outcast the two young toms, or allow them to stay within their camp and train them amongst their other apprentices. As the two had no belief in StarClan, Gingerstar had willingly taken them in - knowing it was better to snatch them up now, instead of letting any other Clan gain new warriors.

"Probably still sleeping, that lazy cat," he mewed to himself with a purr of delight, even though he was quite loyal to his leader and mentor. Greenish-gold gaze flitting back and forth in search of any other warrior or apprentice up and about at the time, he caught No-ears and Smokestripe chattering back and forth. Badgerpaw held a high respect for any warrior or elder, almost just as high as he would for Gingerstar, and his deputy or Medicine Cat. Ever since he had become a PineClan apprentice, his loyalty and devotion was tested; and though most apprentices had already taken a liking to the cheerful toms, some warriors were still suspicious. Kitty-pets or not, they were quite new to any of their terms or ways and traditions.

Padding forward, taking each step lightly so not to get his paws /too/ damp, Badgerpaw managed to make his way towards Smokestripe, eyes bright with curiosity. He was such a curious, nosy little cat.

"Hello Smokestripe, No-ears," he mewed, long whiskers twitching with spontaneous anticipation. The particularly large tom dipped his head with acknowledgment and honest respect at the two, his tail standing straight, its tip flicking back and forth. "Have you seen Gingerstar anywhere?" Badgerpaw questioned, letting his gaze fall over Smokestripe.

[Whiskers]

The sun was up. Gingerstar could see it picking its way to her den before resting on the tips of her toes. She should probably get up now. All leaders had their lazy mornings, but Gingerstar tried to be prompt as possible

Gingerstar had found the last night to be peaceful and uneventful and she had slept well, dreaming of times when she was an apprentice. The leader had slept long and well; she was ready for a day like today, one sure to be packed with patrols to organize and cats to talk to. When she first opened her eyes though, Gingerstar felt like she could have laid in her den for hours, her fluffy ginger tail wrapped around the rest of her body. Her den felt right now... it felt familiar. Finally, after five moons, Gingerstar felt like this really was the home she had set out to create.

But she did HAVE to get up and so she did, shaking the dampness from her fur before stretching out, hearing the tiny pop pop of her joints. Gingerstar gave her head a small shake as well, to clear the drowsiness and childish dreams that happened to linger there. She poked her head out of her den then, eyes focusing on the Pineclan camp to see which cats were up... which cats she could grab and send on a patrol, that is. She'd go with them, to make up for sleeping in a little longer then she should have. Kestrelstorm could keep the clan in order while she was away.

Her sharp eyes zeroed in on Smokestripe and her own apprentice, Badgerpaw-- and of course, her good friend No-ears. They were chatting pleasantly, and it was surprising to Gingerstar that they were the only ones up. She wasn't the only one who was groggy this morning.

She trotted out of her den toward them just as young Badgerpaw mentioned her own name. She smiled--almost smirked--at the young apprentice's back. "Ah, talking about me?" She meowed, sitting down and giving her shoulder a lick before looking back at Badgerpaw.

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[Emily]

Badgerpaw turned towards Gingerstar, his leader and mentor; her eyes a bit dull this morning - her face groggy and disassembled into the stern, commanding face of the leader, he always met. With a nervous shuffle of his paws, the strongly-built tom allowed his ears to swivel towards her first, before his own face. But he loved her, loved her as a leader and a mentor. It was strange, how Badgerpaw had ended up with such a wonderful, leader. Stern, sure. Stubborn, maybe. But every leader had to be like that. The responsibility of it all, was a bit overwhelming, and the apprentice wasn't sure how she could handle it all.

"Gingerstar!" he mewed, eyes bright with excitement, though in a moment he managed to calm down, only the tip of his tail wavering back and forth. "I was just wondering where you were, he replied briskly.

Badgerpaw certainly was a bright, curious young thing. Funny, how he, of all apprentices ended up with Gingerstar. In fact, he didn't care if no one envied him for it. He adored her, and was faithful as a lap-cat.

"When can we train?" Badgerpaw finally spluttered out, practically floundering back and forth with excitement. Voice eager, you couldn't help but laugh and love the little apprentice. Always willing to train and hunt, anything really.

[Whiskers]

Gingerstar's eyes followed Badgerpaw as he bounced from one paw to the other-- the tom was always in constant motion, and it seemed that, while the rest of the clan was asleep, he was making up for them all with his excessive energy. She was glad that he was excitement but wished he's just sit still and pay attention so she could answer his question.

She would have to work on him... make him more focused. She enjoyed his enthusiasm, yes, but if he could bring it down a notch, that would be lovely.

"As soon as you stop flouncing around like a kit, of course. She said smoothly, her eyebrows raised at the young tom. "We're going on a patrol actually, with Smokestripe," she nodded toward him, her form of issuing her order, "and... a few other cats as soon as they get up as well. Slow morning, eh?"

It was almost unnerving to how quiet the morning was. She would just have to draft someone from their den-- it was past dawn and really, enough was enough.

[/size]

[Rolo]

No-ears smiled despite himself. It was nice that this clan had such respectful warriors already, considering that they had only joined together a few moons ago. It gave No-ears high hopes; if the warriors Pineclan created were as attentive and adaptable as Smokestripe, they couldn't fail to make a successful clan. Maybe that issue of banding together the cats of this clan was really a non-issue after all, perhaps his worry had been misplaced...

"That's kind of you, Smokestripe." He dipped his head respectfully again, "But the elders are quite alright. You needn't worry about us, young warrior. We may be old and a little worse for ware, but there is life in our old bones yet!" He paused, his voice rising as his eyes glittered with warmth, "I commend you for your attentiveness, though, Smokestripe. It is a mark of a good warrior. If you are the kind of cat Pineclan are producing now, I think we can correctly assume that future warriors will be wonderful, as you say."

He looked around to see a young apprentice joining them, asking after Gingerstar. He opened his mouth to speak but he had no time to answer him before the she-cat herself appeared.

"Greetings Gingerstar," He flicked his tail at her in welcome, "And young Badgerpaw."

He smiled, at Gingerstar's remark, "I wouldn't worry, Gingerstar. No cat was starting rumors, Badgerstar was just inquiring about where you were, as he said."

He chuckled, looking down at the apprentice, "Keen on starting your training, are you? Enthusiasm never goes amiss, though do be careful that it doesn't make you foolish."

[/center]

[Emily]

Badgerpaw blushed beneath his dark pelt, embarrassed at his anxious actions which had caused his mentor to tell him he was acting like a flouncing kit. How dissapointed he seemed. The faithful apprentice slowly dipped his head, slowing his pace, and hardening his paws into place. What a slow morning, indeed? Surely more warriors would be up and about, right?

The black and white tom faced Gingerstar with a calmer, more subtle appearance. "Sorry, Gingerstar," he replied quietly, daunting greenish eyes flitting from his dear mentor towards Smokestripe. he thought to himself silently, finally hushing down to near complete silence as his ongoing thoughts and goals of who he wanted to be like went on and on.

"Anyway," Badgerpaw managed to stifle, giving a slight yawn from getting up quite so early. His nose twitched, taking each scent which wafted towards him. Smells - how they distracted the young apprentice. Always coming towards him, and he always had to go chasing after them as if he'd get such a brilliant surprise at the end. Sometimes the tuxedo tom did, but usually he was met with mere disappointment. Except for the usual praise for being such a good tracker as well as a fighter, from his mentor or whatever warrior happened to be with him when he trailed off. If it weren't for Badgerpaw's constant curiosity; which seemed to be his second nature, he would never be in so much trouble as usual.

But what could he say? Badgerpaw was an addict for it. And that little pink nose of his. The apprentice often blamed it on that, and Queens would laugh softly. 'Still a kit, isn't he...?' And every warrior would simply reply that he was. Of course... both were really, he and his brother Spiderpaw, except for Spiderpaw's strange sense of shyness. When he was floundering around with his friend apprentices than he was just as hyper and bubbly as then next.

"We are? Oh really? This is so great!" Badgerpaw exclaimed, green eyes bright.