cherish life's [simple] pleasures

[laur]

Jumping back towards Cloudstar, Rookfang stood over him and watched as he found his footing in the earthy riverbed. Giving him a jokingly critical glare as droplets of water splattered her face from his paws, she mewed, "Why splash me if I'm already wet?" and flicked a wet paw at him to scatter water from her fur into his face. She smiled weakly as Cloudstar mentioned the fish being scared away, but she was not bothered. "Like it matters, we caught plenty. Besides, we could always move downstream, or hunt in the woods again." Rookfang flicked her thin black tail at him, beckoning the large white tom to exit the stream. Just then, however, she heard a rustle, louder than the last one, and turned just in time to see a cat speak.

"Ah, Cloudstar! Just the cat I was looking for!"

Rookfang flung herself at the intruder, hackles raised and every hair on end. As she came closer, however, the smell of kits wafted towards her nose and she paused in front of the dappled she-cat, claws itching to attack, but respect for the unborn babies the new cat was harboring was keeping her in her place, even if her look was murderous.

"What in StarClan's name are you doing here, MeadowClanner?" Rookfang spat, her fur fluffed up to make her seem twice her size, although that wasn't too much larger than the intruding she-cat. "You have no business here," she snarled, "stay away from my leader, my clan, and our territory." Rookfang's light yellow eyes locked on the unknown feline, her tail lashing in fury and her expression cold and hostile. A moment later, however, there was another rustle behind the cat that made Rookfang look up.

Another she-cat was plodding through her territory, as if no clan even existed in this land. Rookfang screeched fury, turned her enraged face back towards the pregnant she-cat and saying, "Who's this, now? Your bodyguard? Did you feel like taking a stroll through enemy clan territory?" Without waiting for a response, Rookfang turned her angry gaze at the silver she-cat behind the pregnant one. "Care to explain yourselves?"

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[Whiskers]

Yup, this is what Mistystream was expecting.

Of course they would react with hostility to two cats who clearly didn't respect boundary lines. Dappledflower had waltzed in as though she didn't give a flying flap about the warrior code and the only reason the female black cat was not attacking was the kits, that Mistystream was sure of. Kits were a ... sacred thing, it seemed, to the warriors. There was a rule somewhere that said you had to help a kit no matter what clan its from. That rule probably extended to when they were unborn as well.

Mistystream lowered her head and dropped the prey. She tried her best to remain humble, though it wasn't her nature to do that. She nudged the prey forward with her foot. "I am Mistystream from Meadowclan and this is Dappledflower. We don't mean to intrude. We are here... to trade. These two pieces of prey for one fish," Mistystream explained quickly, her eyes darting to Dappledflower before back to the female.

She stepped forward and positioned herself in front of Dappledflower, just in case things got ugly. After all, it was an unusual request, trading prey. She hardly thought that the female and the leader were going to go for it.

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[Pyro]

A silvery cat strolled down to the river's edge, his wildcat face alight with nothing less than poorly concealed mirth.

And who could blame him?

His leader, Cloudstar and a fellow warrior Rookfang, were in the water splashing about like kits.

The looks of the tom made him painfully recognizable and made him stand out...a little too much for his liking. The silver of his short, coarse coat was not consistent, or evens silver really. It was a darkish salt and pepper gray that faded to a creamy white at his under belly and the inside of his legs. He could almost be a tabby...Perhaps a ticked one...But his wildcat looks would dissuade even the stupidest from suggesting that he was pure run-of-the-mill cat. His stripes were darker at the legs, fading until they were barely visible at the shoulder. The tail of the warrior possessed a stripe that went down the tail, branching off into other stripes until it ended at the black tip.

He was, of course, Rabbitheart.

"Hey Cloudstar, Rookkit. Who's the fatty and her guard?"...Though 'Smartass' worked just as well. It was clear that he was just joking around, not trying to be malicious. He dare not poke fun at Cloudstar for acting kittish, but Rookfang? Sure, why not. And as for the Meadowclan cats...They were on Streamclan territory anyway.

[Crowzerplorodon]

Eh, she had a point. There were still plenty of places to hunt within StreamClan territory. They could easily find another place full of prey which they could hunt in. At the moment all he should be worrying about was getting out of the river and stop acting so kit-ish. He felt odd enough pushing Rookfang into the river only to get pushed in himself.

Drops of water fell off his short, white fur as he slid out of the river, listening to the sound of water rather than his surroundings. It wasn't until Rookfang practically exploded at the intruders did he realize they had guest. Cloudstar looked on for a moment, sizing up the two she-cats and feeling a flare of pride for having a cat so dedicated to StreamClan she wouldn't hesitate to snap at a pregnant queen.

He didn't speak until the other she-cat, Mistystream, introduced herself. Cloudstar nodded slowly, understanding their reason for intruding before he spoke, his voice low and calm. "Greetings, Mistystream and Dappledflower. I am Cloudstar and this is one of StreamClan's warriors, Rookfang." His tail flicked fondly to Rookfang's direct as he introduced her, padding closer to the newcomers.

A prey trade? The... rarer side of him which had seemed to taken over for the day was absolutely amused at the idea. It seemed to silly, trading mice for fish! Oh StarClan, whatever reason they had would probably have him laughing for moons afterwards. And the brief glimpse he had gotten of Dappledflower's personality told him it would definitely be an interesting reason.

His usual, rational side spoke clear in his mind, however. Dappledflower was a pregnant queen, that much was obvious. The only reason a pregnant queen would come and offer to trade was if she was craving something, that something being fish. Mistystream was probably just a bodyguard for the queen. It would be cruel (maybe that was too harsh of a word) of Cloudstar not to agree to the trade.

His other side still find the idea particular funny.

"A prey trade?" He repeated, mostly to himself, while nodding. Slightly off paw he muttered a "Calm down, Rookfang," to the she-cat before returning his attention to the MeadowClanners. "Is their a particular reason for the trade? I personally have nothing against it, but my curiosity has been piqued."

"Hey Cloudstar, Rookkit. Who's the fatty and her guard?"

His ear twitched. Rabbitheart. "Hello Rabbitheart," he said, turning his head to view the tom. "Please address your fellow warriors with respect, including those not from this clan. This is Dappledflower and Mistystream, from MeadowClan."

[» s a b ø r ]]

Dappledflower paid no attention to the bitchy she-cat that had decided she was the keeper of Cloudstar. She was not here to see a the she-cat, but the leader of StreamClan. Then Mistystream decided to grace everyone with her presence. About time too, Cedarstar would not have been happy if Mistystream had arrived after the she-cat from hell had killed me.

"I am Mistystream from Meadowclan and this is Dappledflower. We don't mean to intrude. We are here... to trade. These two pieces of prey for one fish." Dappledflower smiled then meowed warmly to Cloudstar, still ignoring the she-demon, "That is exactly why we are here. See, I would have marched over here alone but Cedarstar insisted upon Mistystream coming along with me."

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Dappledflower sat down, making sure to get comfortable, then smiled at the she-"cat". Nothing like being friendly to cats that hate you. Her attention was then drawn to a cat that had decided to make himself part of the group's conversation. "Hey Cloudstar, Rookkit. Who's the fatty and her guard?" Fatty? Oh, he must be talking about me. I like him already. He isn't afraid to call a cat fat, even if they are pregnant.

Dappledflower smiled at the tom like they were old friends. "A prey trade? Calm down, Rookfang." Dappledflower chuckled as she thought to herself, Owned. "Is their a particular reason for the trade? I personally have nothing against it, but my curiosity has been piqued." At this Dappledflower turned her attention back to the StreamClan leader, "See, I woke this morning with the craving of fish. Why fish you ask? Well I really don't know. Have I ever eaten a fish? No. Do I know how to eat a fish correctly? No. All I do know is that I really want a fish. So I went to Cedarstar, StarClan bless his soul, and asked him if I cold come and trade a mouse and sparrow for a fish and he said it was fine...as long as I brought some sort of protection along."[/color]

Dappledflower smiled, as if everyone around her was her dear family. Oh how she loved this. It was great to finally get out of the damn Nursery and see other cats... Of course, it would be much better if Rookfang wasn't around. I mean, what's got her tail in a knot? Are a queen and a single warrior really a reason to get all pissy? Dappledflower sighed then chuckled.

Making friends, making friends everywhere we go.

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[laur]

Rookfang watched the intruders closely, eyes narrowed, as her leader spoke. Whatever he wanted to do, Rookfang was not going to roll over and let these cats sit and take control. She was going to watch. Wait. One toe out of line, and it's off with their ears.

"Calm down, Rookfang,"

Rookfang huffed, shot the stuck-up Dappledflower a murderous glare, and padded angrily back towards her leader. She didn't like being bossed around in a hostile situation, and if it were any cat but Cloudstar she would not have obeyed. Reaching her leader's side, she stood stiffly and glowered at the intruders, her black pelt lightly touching Cloudstar's white in a mesh of simple color.

"He shouldn't of let you come," she muttered to herself, loud enough for Cloudstar to hear and Dappledflower if she listened hard, "like some stupid little piece of fox-dung has the right to parade around and do whatever she wants just because she's pregnant. I've been pregnant before, and I wasn't such a badger." Rookfang looked away, anger beginning to make her shake. She was beginning to calm down, pressing her flank into Cloudstar's, when Rabbitheart arrived -- and she exploded.

"Are you serious?" In a matter of seconds after Rabbitheart spoke his last word, Rookfang was on top of him with a look of pure contempt. She leaned closer to his ear so that only he could hear what she said next."Wow, you're such a great cat, Rabbitheart. Insult your fellow warrior in front of the enemy clan. Smart. Why don't you just run along and do something helpful, instead of annoying everyone you come in contact with?" She took a deep breath, hoping to calm, and trotted back to her leader, her shiny black spine facing Rabbitheart and her head turned to look out at the stream.

"Ridiculous." All of this was ridiculous. What does this stupid she-cat think she's doing? These cats are idiots. All of them but Cloudstar, he'd probably be rolling on the floor if he wasn't trying to be polite. Rookfang sighed again at the idiotic behavior of these cats, and lay down to face the StreamClanners, continuing her silent war by shooting angry looks at them.

Ridiculous. All of this.

[Pyro]

"Please address your fellow warriors with respect, including those not from this clan. This is Dappledflower and Mistystream, from MeadowClan."

Rabbitheart nodded his head. "Of course, Cloudstar. Pleasure to meet you Dappledflower, Mistystream." He said with a pleasant smile. It wasn't like he was going to completely ignore an order from his leader.

"Wow, you're such a great cat, Rabbitheart. Insult your fellow warrior in front of the enemy clan. Smart. Why don't you just run along and do something helpful, instead of pissing off everyone you come in contact with?"

"I see somebody woke up on the cold side of their nest today. Yeesh, Rookfang, can't take a joke?"

Clearly the tom wasn't bothered by what might have been considered a very humiliating moment. He just picked himself up off the ground and shook out his short coat, getting rid of the blades of dry grass that clung to it. His ears perked as he heard the words 'prey trade' tossed about. By the end of Dappledflower's explanation, he had a look of interest and fascination.

Choosing his words carefully, Rabbitheart said (fascination still plain on his face), "I'm completely aware that I'm stating the obvious, but that's one of the oddest thing I've ever heard. It's an interesting proposition...But you mentioned not knowing how to eat a fish...And not even tasting one before. Are you sure that once you, or rather if you get one, you won't change your mind?"

[» s a b ø r ]]

"...I've been pregnant before, and I wasn't such a badger." Dappledflower was confused by this: what had she done to deserve the title "badger"? She had been perfectly nice, she had even ignored the rude comments that Rookfang had been making the whole time. She let her pelt lay flat then stood up and faced Cloudstar, "Cloudstar, I am sorry if I am being a "badger" but I must address the little she-cat that is sitting next to you."

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Dappledflower cleared her throat and locked her eyes upon Rookfang, "I would like for you to explain to me how I'm being a "badger". Please, I would love to hear. I have ignored all of your snide, rude comments that you have shot my way, I have done nothing but smile at you, and I did not demand a fish; I asked for it. Furthermore, I am surprised you would insult me in such a way in front of your leader. Sure, clans have their feuds but most cats are smart enough to be well behaved in front of their leaders. Cedarstar said it was fine with him, are you questioning my leader's authority within his clan? Because I can sure march back on over there and tell him that some she-demon is representing her clan horribly in front of her leader."[/color]

Dappledflower gave a disdainful nod of her head then sat back down. There was no way that some she-cat from StreamClan was going to disrespect her for requesting something as simple as a fish. It was obvious someone needed a mood-adjustment. And why Cloudstar chose to spend his time with such a vile creature Dappledflower did not know.

"...Are you sure that once you, or rather if you get one, you won't change your mind?" Dappledflower turned to Rabbitheart and smiled at him. "I am sure that I want a fish, Rabbitheart. I suppose someone in MeadowClan will know how to eat it. I'm sure they could teach me."[/color] Dappledflower was feeling quite pleased with herself at this point in her journey. She was being nice and respectful despite the temptation to act otherwise.

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[Rolo]

((Just a note as an admin.

You guys need to be careful with your swears. The words 'Pissed' and 'Bitch' are considered swears and, I'm afraid, must be changed. 'Bitch' is not a term warriors would use anyway so it needs to be change. Pyro has suggested Badger as an alternative.

Laur, you also need to use OOC in your last post. I cannot get you to change your mind, but I would just state that Sabor's post is reasonable and that it is probably in her cat's character to be somewhat difficult. Nethertheless, it is your own issue so I won't force you to do anything, I'll just be watching closely.

However, the idea that Sabor's cat is being a little to human is not a bad critisism (as in, it's just if you can back it up) and Sabor would do well to consider it.))

[Crowzerplorodon]

What Cloudstar wouldn't do for a good badger right now, anything had to be better than listening to these she-cats have a silly argument about... whatever it was they were arguing about. The white tom found himself not caring, instead casting an exasperated glance at Mistystream, who seemed to be the only other sane and or calm one in the bunch. Perhaps it was his way of saying I'll keep my badger down if you keep yours.

"Dappleflower, I understand your request for a fish, I understand that Cedarstar permitted you to come. However, this is still StreamClan territory." He waved his tail, pointing at one end of the river to another in a swift movement. "If you are going to come on and ask for a fish, it would do you well to not jump to conclusions. Rookfang is simply acting as a faithful warrior who is loyal to her clan. Despite your... handicap, you are still a visitor here." Rambling. Bad. Suggestion: stop.

His ears twitched in thought and irritation. All he wanted now was to get a fish to the visitors and have his clan be on his way. This whole ordeal was just pointless, it was a fish for StarClan's sake! Yes, Rookfang may have overreacted. Yes, Dappledflower was being rather stuck-up. Yes, Rabbitheart was a bit of a douche. And yes, he did feel like someone had put him on nursery duty. But that still didn't excuse this whole thing which was beginning to spiral out of control. Perhaps if Mistystream wasn't the only bodyguard a fight would have broken out already.

His thoughts were interrupted by the warmth at his side (when did Rookfang get so close?) break off, the she-cat snarling in Rabbitheart's ear before stalking back over an taking a seat. Oh StarClan, what now? "Rabbitheart," he said, attempting to cure the tension. "Please head down river quickly and catch a fish for Dappledflower."

Hopefully Rabbitheart was a good fisher.