OPEN [cry for me; i don't have the tears]

[Pyro]

A large dark grey tom moved across the camp like a shadow. It was morning, technically, but the pinkish glow of a sunrise was not yet clearly visible. The dull hoot of an owl could be heard somewhere in the distance and the tom flicked an ear, but did not give it much more notice. The bird was probably already at its tree, preparing to sleep the day away in preparation for another night of hunting. Adderfang wished things were that simple. He wished all a cat needed to do was hunt, sleep, and hunt again...But that was his wish, so it wouldn't come true. His only relief from the complications of life would be death, and unfortunately, his own death was what he feared most in the world, now that Sonne's had come to pass. Adderfang did not want to travel into that void, that darkness, where the end result of his struggles in life was as uncertain as life itself.

The warrior heaved a sigh. So much was uncertain now that Sonne was gone. So much had been less complicated with her around. All that seemed to matter was love. Love and the need to be together forever. But now...now She was gone. Gone, gone, gone. And in respect for her he had thrust himself into a kind of living that was fraught with frustration and...uncertainty. He couldn't even have faith that leaders would remain so for as long as they claimed they would be. Almost as soon as he had gotten used to life under the rule of the 'warrior code' and Owlstar, it seemed he had to get used to a new leadership, one that came to be against the 'code'...yet somehow strengthened it? The ways of clan cats were strange indeed. He found that he could not lose himself in a certain way. He could not mourn for Sonne as much as he did because 'she was still with him', or at least she was 'looking upon him' from some hogwash called StarClan. Under Owlstar, he didn't have to believe, to his understanding. Under Miststar...he had to? Were beliefs so easily controlled in clan life? Granted, he wasn't completely against Miststar. If Owlstar was so weak as to be kicked out with mere words...well than, enough said.

"Sonne, my Sonne, 'ow could fate be so cruel as to take you from me?" If he had her with him, if he had more than just her wish to tie him to FogClan...Perhaps things would have a better light to them...As it was, he was like the time in dawn's beginning. He knew what he was, but he couldn't show it.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

The stocky tabby was bored. He'd been on a patrol, caught a mouse, cleaned out some nests (a dull and unsavory chore) and Russetfang was off somewhere else, so there was nothing for him to do. He'd tried napping, but it was no use. And he wasn't that hungry yet. And all the apprentices, even Frostpaw, were gone...not that he would've talked to her! No, he would have steadfastly ignored her, but would be on the alert for anything she would say that further begrimed the glorious name of StarClan. It made Miststar happy...and that was the only thing that mattered nowadays. Be devout - or at least seem devout - or you get crushed. Of course he wanted to be devout anyway...this just made it more of a priority. Yes.

So he rolled out of his nest and stretched, his short tail rippling as he arced his spine, the dark brown and black fur rising and falling over his muscular frame. Perhaps he could visit Mom, if there truly was nothing else to do. Even if she was all moony nowadays over that tom...what's his face...Beaverstripe. It embarrassed Falconpaw, but he decided the best way to deal with it was to pretend it didn't exist.

He yawned and sniffed the air, his pupils slits in their amber circles. Anyone? Well, Miststar was probably here, but one didn't disturb StarClan's chosen just for a chat...oh look! Adderfang, that was his name. Sure, he was kind of gruff, and he didn't like she-cats, but who cared? He was cool, and really tough-looking too. And his own mentor was so wimpy anyways...Falconpaw bet that such a forbidding-looking tom must know lots of battle secrets. With a satisfied smirk, the FogClanner padded over to his older Clanmate and sat down a respectful distance away - but still close enough to talk.

Dipping his head in the traditional greeting of respect for an older cat, he meowed "Greetings, warrior Adderfang. I pray I am not disturbing you. If my presence is tolerable, may I ask you a question?"

One might be surprised at Birchtail's son's current demeanor, when he was so condescending and often rude and arrogant among his peers. But this was because Falconpaw considered many of them mouse-brains who weren't worth his time - especially since his good friend Firestorm was now a warrior. He missed him sometimes. But warriors of his own blessed Clan, being smarter, stronger and more experienced, were actually worth talking to and showing courtesy toward. It was the honorable thing to do.

[Pyro]

Adderfang stiffened at the apprentice's approach, staring at him from the corner of his yellow eyes. He only knew the stocky tom by name-Falconpaw-and it was surprising he did, seeing as the warrior took little interest in the goings-on of apprentices. What was even more surprising was that one of them had taken an interest in him, or at least, was brave enough to come over and try to start a conversation. He flicked an ear in response to Falconpaw's dip and kept the ear toward the apprentice as he spoke. The larger tom sighed, exhaling long and loud as though with exasperation. Truth be told, the last thing he wanted to do was sit and play twenty questions. Yes, Falconpaw had said 'a' question, but that would no doubt lead to more.

All the same, the apprentice had been polite, and that was enough to perk Adderfang's interest. An apprentice who wanted to talk with him and politely no less! Yes, his manner of speech was rather stiff and aloof...but then a lot of FogClan cats were starting to sound like that. Adderfang was almost tempted to adopt the speech pattern himself to fit in better...but he wasn't quite sure he could stomach that. No. He'd stay gruff. And he'd agree to hear the apprentice's question. Already he was wondering what sort of question anyone would think to ask him of all cats.

"What do you want to know?" Adderfang didn't need to specify that there were limits on what exactly the apprentice could ask. His tone implied that there were boundaries. Strict boundaries.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

Falconpaw smiled in his smug, arrogant way, pleased that the warrior had permitted him to inquire further. Well, why wouldn't he? He was a perfectly good apprentice asking a perfectly legitimate question...to ask a question. Now, to find about battles, since his useless mentor wouldn't tell him anything. He might have to report Russetfang to Miststar for his incompetence if it continued.

"I was wondering if you, being an experienced and strong warrior, could tell me some useful battle tips? After all, we have no idea when those filthy heathens will attack, and my own mentor-" Here the stocky tom's black-striped, dark brown face furrowed into a frown, "-is remarkably useless on the topic. I might have to report him soon if he keeps avoiding giving me the training I need."

Falconpaw's end expression was a curious one: it mostly contained the disdain and smug superiority he felt and wanted to feel, but there was a trace of the true feeling of being lost and confused, and unsure of what he really should be doing. It was faint, however - the apprentice was always trying to do his best to suppress it. Weakness must be obliterated, and such feelings were weak and not worthy of true believers.

He waited, impatiently as usual, for the blue-gray tom to answer. He did not dare interrupt him in his thoughts, though - Adderfang was probably thinking of an answer this very moment, and it would be a good one, too.

[Pyro]

"Filthy heathens...s'an interesting way of looking at your enemies."

Fighting techniques? He wasn't really the cat to ask about that sort of thing, considering he just let his rage take over...probably not the best strategy in the world...and definitely not something he could tell the apprentice. What could he say? He loved fighting: the rush, the blood, the gore, but it wasn't a hobby he'd want to pass on. Adderfang chuckled. Sonne wouldn't like it at all if he sent Falconpaw off with new ways to kill.

"Never be so eager to get at your enemies...and never assume they're bitin' at the bit t'git at yuh."

Well this conversation was getting no where. It was so awkward for him to push a cat toward more peaceful thoughts. Adderfang wasn't quite sure why he hadn't just gotten up and walked away when Falconpaw posed his question. He didn't want to be baby-sitting some other cat's apprentice, certainly not the apprentice of somecat who was apparently too chicken to teach his own apprentice skills he'd need. What if Falconpaw ran off into battle and got himself killed? What if he became some other FogClanner's Sonne?

The large tom sighed. He was going to regret this. Big time.

"But. I suppose there's no reason why you shouldn't know a few things...I'll uhm...I'll take you out to the hollow if you want." Someplace where no one can see me embarrass myself by trying to be a teacher. He added silently, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

[Cloud of Diamonds]

Falconpaw's brow furrowed. Interesting? It was the way they were. Miststar said so. It was easy to believe, anyway. Life had taught him that cats were far more often bad than good, and he must not be like them. And they didn't believe in StarClan, so they had nothing to guide them toward purity and truth. It only made sense.

"What? Why? And what does that mean?" Falconpaw's amber eyes were confused, his head cocked, short front legs crossed, and dark brown tabby fur bristling slightly as he tried to keep his tone respectful. He attempted to calm himself down.

But then he relaxed, his expression brightening at the big gray tom's next words. He dipped his broad head low to the older FogClanner, trying to convey his appreciation, then looked back up at him in gratitude.

"Thank you, warrior Adderfang! Thank you! May the blessings of StarClan rain down upon you! Let's go!" The young apprentice was so excited that his short, thick tail was waving back and forth in the dust in joy, his face filled with the desire to sharpen his fighting skills. He rocked from side to side, filled with energy at the fun to come.