New Hopes

[Raven-chan]

Time had ceased to have any meaning for the striped tom. He was trotting through the territory, territory that was familiar to him now, for he had been traveling over and over it for awhile now, memorizing it, learning it, becoming one with it. He had strictly stayed inside of this Clan's border, knowing that this was the place that he would live out his days, where he would die.

Passing the water once more, the older tom looked at his reflection. Brown, with broad tabby stripes, and other colors mixed in. Pure white whiskers, shaggy pelt, leaf-green eyes that seemed as old as StarClan, yet young with life and promise. Who was that tom? Surely that wasn't him, Warrior of LitheClan...

And it wasn't. Because LitheClan was gone. How many times had he told himself that, only to shove the thought away, hope still lingering in his heart? How many times had he punished himself for not staying, not dying with his Clan, not trying to save Brazenclaw? How many times would he regret the decision to run, to live? He should be in StarClan right now, with his Clan, with his sister...

Cats approached him, and so he trotted towards them, finally eager to be found. He refused to go to the camp, though he knew where it was, but absolutely insisted on being found. Why? He didn't know. The sleek, poised tabby tom saw a flash of moonlight pelt, and his heart almost stopped beating. Could...could it possibly be? Then, soon after, a black pelt, and the tabby almost had a heart attack. No...no it couldn't be....

Then the smells hit him, and his heart plummeted like a stone. Who had he been kidding? Of course it wasn't them, you fool! How could you have even thought that it was Lunarfrost, or Raveneye? Piece of foxdung! He managed to start breathing again, managed to not suffocate on his own idiocy.

He sat down, wrapping his tail around his paws and holding his head high, ears pricked, completely poised and dignified. There was no way that the cats could miss him, no way they could possibly pass him by...

[__ S K Y E]

[[ Am I supposed to know who this character is? =o ]]

[/blockquote]

[Wazo]

Loststar stopped with surprise and stiffened, his fur on end, upon seeing this tabby tom sitting there right within TealClan's borders, dignified and strong, even in the face of a patrol. Mismatched eyes quickly swept over the tom and Loststar slightly relaxed, although his posture was still solid. He stared unblinking at the tom, silver and brown eyes against leaf green. Judging from his posture, this tom meant no harm, showed no fear, and didn't seem to possess the sneakiness or hostile attitude of a rogue or enemy clanner.

Loststar was a fair judge. He had a duty to his clan, to protect them and their best interests. Yet he too had been a loner, and Crimsonstar had extended the paw of friendship. Loststar was welcomed into TealClan and they won over his loyalty. If this tom meant harm, he would have to go through Loststar. And this hulking black tom was no push over. But he wouldn't make a hasty desicion.

Loststar stepped forward to address this loner. "My name is Loststar, leader of TealClan. If you have business with us, you may take it up with me or my deputy," he said with a small nod towards Crowflight. "If not, I suggest you leave," he said calmly, without a trace of threat or danger. "If you mean to cause harm to my clan, then this is your only warning. I will not be merciful," Loststar added. And he meant it. This clan was his life now and he would give his 9 lives for it.

[__ S K Y E]

-››

[/b] Cгοшƒɬıgɦτ [/size][/blockquote][/b]

[/u]

✫☆ -- The gray, brooding night sky had opened long ago, revealing the bright light of the morning sun shining in his eyes. The golden rays peppered the ground, prompting the slow, hesitant emergence of small creatures, light and heat-loving creatures from the safety of their burrows. Crowflight watched soundlessly, mouth curved into a quiet - though neverendingly serious - line, as they scurried out of their safe havens, ever so carefully sniffing the air – and then set to work, gathering food, doing whatever it is that they do before they sky closed up again. The patrol set forward, the young deputy's hard eyes scanning the surroundings for any sense of danger and prompty ignoring the plump, juicy prey at his feet. No time for eating; he had had to protect the clan now.

Automatically, with no sign they actually know what they’re doing, the tiny creatures steered clear of the lone - as in alone, for even though he had companions he was still... detatched - figure strolling forward and while not losing himself in the folds of his minds, he also seemed to be staring impassively at nothing. A barely audible rustly and a flicker of movement caught his attention, jaw suddenly tightening. Instantly, the figure’s head whips about, glaring at the single intruder who dare interrupt the peace and quiet he had. Looking at the unknown creature, Crowflight noticed he - it was a tom - was - much to his disbelief and annoyance - looking quite...arrogant, though perhaps that was not the right word. He was much more dignified and strong than anything else. And as he glared - no rather stared, his gaze still calculating - his eyes were a brilliant ice blue, and cold of emotions, contrasting sharply with the dark of his pelt. They held no affection; anger; annoyance – instead, they were devoid of all emotions -- he had repremended himself, rather bluntly, that being enticed by such a she-cat as Eclipsedmoon when his heart was so obviously taken was just wrong and he had no time for it; plus, he should have never let his emotions play across his face like an open book. Goodness, didn't he remember the last time they had?

They - being those bright, sapphire shards - were uncanny. Those eyes are - he had found - was what a stranger first notices when they meet Crowflight, and were it not for the fact he is so incredibly beautiful, they would be all that would keep him from being tossed into the endless whirlpool of indistinct, drab, and unoriginal silver toms.

Muscles contracted and loosened beneath his pelt - it was easy to see that he was in excellent physical shape - as he strolled foward on light paws, his dark blue gaze still unwavering, to stand beside his leader, mouth twisted into an unfathomable line that was neither a smile, nor a smirk. Brain still clicking, his jaw still tight as he began to think of the different turns this situation might take, the beautiful tabby was well aware that Loststar - having been a loner himself - would neither be easy on this strange cat, nor hard. Crowflight, himself never have taken a step out of his caln boundries, nor having to resist the urge to do so and disobey the warrior code, was indifferent to what his leader would do -- what Loststar says he does; no questions about it. Crowflight had no problem with that - in most circumstances he agreed with his quiet leader - as long as what the bulky tom did made sense. Letting a hostile rouge in was something - unless given other reasons - that he'd promptly disagree to, but if it was a seemingly harmless loner... he could deal with that; as long as they didn't step out of line.

When his leader was done, the quick, brisk sound - something that was impossible of any type of imitation and yet seemed to be so sure of themselves - of his steps unmistakable, the silver tom stepped forward and focused his gaze upon the older tom, his face closed of any feelings that he might have been holding and free of the wariness from before, with his deep cobalt pools smouldering against the sharp emerald orbs of the other. They stayed like that for a long moment, his eyes narrowed. "Tell us your name," he suddenly meowed, his tone - though it wasn't harsh and demanding - holding a sort of quiet command filled with a sense of utter importance.

As if his answer meant something, everything. Yeah, Crowflight just had that effect on you.

_{Silence is the universal refuge,
the sequel to all dull discourses
and all foolish acts,
a balm to our every chagrin,
as welcome after satiety
as after disappointment.}

[/color]

notes;; huhr. not bad, i think. =P
status;; finished
word count;; 778
[/size][/blockquote]

[Raven-chan]

The leader found him first, Loststar if he recalled correctly. Pricking his ears, paying close attention, the tom gave the leader silent approval. He didn't seem to have been leader for too long, but for some reason he seemed to be welcomed easily. Maybe he was just imagining that.

He couldn't help but compare the leader to Thornstar, his leader, the leader of his entire life. Strong, powerful, compassionate and true, Thornstar had been a leader to remember. He was gone.

Shoving these thoughts violently away, he dipped his head in accordance with Loststar's words, when the moonlit one approached him, full of grace and command. This one was destined for greatness. He was the deputy, he could tell. Strong, handsome...no, beautiful. It was odd that he thought the tom beautiful. Not that he cared anything for toms, but it was odd. Emerald-leaf eyes met the pure blue ones, and they held. Neither looked away.

A voice emerged from the tom, husky and pure, with a strange lilting quality to it. It was quite nice. Suprisingly enough, it wasn't rough from disuse, which made you wonder how often he had prayed to StarClan. (Often.) "Jaggerstorm. My name is Jaggerstorm, and I intend no harm to your Clan. Indeed, I was hoping for quite the opposite. I no longer have a Clan, and I was drawn to yours. As you might tell, I have had numerous moons of experience and would be no burden to your Clan, if you care to take me up on my offer." A slight pause for him to glance over the other cats. He had been speaking to the leader, and now shifted his gaze over to Crowflight.

"If you would rather see me leave your territory forever, then I understand." Silence fell as he awaited his judgment. He had practiced these words so often, tweaked them and molded them in his head so many times that it felt odd for them to be rolling off of his tongue, smoothly as if he had made them up on the spot. His heart was pounding, though he kept himself as poised and dignified as ever. Emotions flitted through his eyes, sadness about LitheClan, regret about his decision, and hope that they would accept him.

Hope that he might find a home.

[Stormeh]

Eclipsedmoon had finally sighed and given up on speaking to
Crowflight. Who was she to think that she could win the heart of the
beautiful tom, anyway? He was much too...too...refined for her, she
thought as she settled on the word. Why in StarClan's name would
he want her? But then again...what was his she-cat like?

Besides being the kit of Inkpool and Eveningrain, the two cats who
had given quite a few good warriors to TealClan and who had more
on the way, she had not much to her name. She was a fairly fine
hunter and a more magnificent fighter, but what did that matter in
love? He was taken; it was obvious. His body language, his
unreadable expressions... Yes, he had to be.

So what point was there in chasing after something that was gone?

Eclipsedmoon halted, almost bumping into a cat that was in front of
her. She hadn't even noticed the tom's scent until this point, and
now that she did, it intrigued her. He was from a different Clan! And
not just CherryClan or RavineClan, either; his scent was different
from theirs by far, but he didn't smell like the Druids, either... How
strange.

She watched him with curiosity in her expression. She listened to
Crowflight speak and was entranced by his voice. Perhaps she could
make him jealous by showing an interest in this tom? Suddenly, all
hope returned.

She padded towards Loststar and whispered quietly into his ear
only loud enough for him and Crowflight to hear, the two cats who
were closest to her. "I know that I'm not the deputy,
nor am I to be making the decisions for the Clan, but we could use
another warrior with Inkpool's kits on the way," she
reasoned. "I would think that he would be able to
show us some fighting and hunting moves that we would not have
encountered, perhaps, as well. What have we to lose?"

She hoped her ruse was working. Excitement radiated from her
body and her voice was rushed with wonder. Certainly Crowflight
wouldn't like that if he had any interest at all in her.

The midnight she-cat stole a glance at Crowflight, then looked back
at Loststar, awaiting his reply.

[Wazo]

Loststar did not think it was out of place for Eclipsedmoon to voice her thoughts to him. In fact, that was what he liked about TealClan the most; the courage to let their opinions be known. And her reasoning was spot on, they were going to be in need of warriors during Inkpool's kitting, as well as additional warriors to mentor the kits.

Still he couldn't help, but flash a glance towards his deputy. Loststar would have to be blind as a badger to not see the tension between these two, two attractive cats seemingly to have finally noticed each other. Her reasoning was just, but what the motive was, Loststar couldn't quite say. He doubted she was interested in this loner, but perhaps she wanted to appear like she was. The faintest of smiles danced on his features, until his expression once again became serious and firm upon looking at the loner.

Jaggerstorm...who wanted this one chance to become a part of TealClan. What did they have to lose? Now Loststar didn't know this loner, but he could judge him on a few things. He didn't sneak into their camp, try to surprise them, or any number of rougish things. He waited until he was found by them, and by a full patrol too. He had already been in a clan, and he answered their questions quickly and firmly, without a trace of hesitation or hostile behavior at being questioned. It was very likely he did just want to join their clan.

"Well Jaggerstorm," Loststar started, ebony fur settling down on his back. You may join TealClan, but on trial. Once we can be assured of your loyalty, you will be welcomed to TealClan as a full warrior. Are you willing to accept these terms?" the large black tom finished, hoping he had made the right desicion.

[__ S K Y E]

-››

[/b] Cгοшƒɬıgɦτ [/size][/blockquote][/b]

[/u]

you don't love someone because they're beautiful...
                                                                         

[/u][/color]

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍
                                                                         

... they're beautiful because you love them.[/center][/i][/color]

✫☆ -- Crowflight did not say anything, or rather do anything, in response to her comment - that is with the exception a few minor movements - simply because he had told himself, over and over, that he did not like her and wasn't - with each passing moment - becoming completly taken by the pretty she-cat behind him. His ear flicked at her words, a strange - though fleeting - emotion crossing his face, and a vein in his jaw twitched for all but a second, but if she were to look for something major to trigger within him -- well, then the warrior would be at a loss because from afar, it looked as if the statement had not phased him in the least.

Inside, however, the young tom was - to put it nicely - not boding as well because, no matter how well he masked the truth, a part of him - one that always fluttered when she walked past, made his heart skip a beat and made his eyes continuously gaze at the she-cat with a smoldering, dark blue eye that only he could pull off without being seen - did hold a certain amount of feelings for her, whether or not he would admit it. However, even if a part of him was deeply irked by the thought that she was interested in this tom - the tom that, who he had, moments ago, thought of as pretty nice and an all-around good addition to the clan, was nonetheless arrogant, selfish and shallow [where he got these ideals, he wasn't sure] - and a tom - the deputy would never voice this concern out loud, though - who wasn't him, she would have to do an awful lot and much more to get him to do so much more than simply twitching.

Seemingly nonplussed, Crowflight flashed a smile at the tom - though somehow still guarded, but still as unfathomably warm as the situation called for - as he watched the older cat through partly narrowed eyes and his cobalt pools still searching the older cat - perhaps something, for an ulterior motive - he smiled again, nodding briefly. " I see no problem with that, " he murmured quietly to himself in a voice that only he and Loststar - perhaps Eclipsedmoon too, sensing their close proximity that sent a silent prickle up his spine - before, his sapphire orbs flashing, he focused his deep, though dark, gaze upon Jaggedstorm and his face suddenly hardened, though still welcoming, as leaf-green meant startling quartz.

"I hope you will not disappoint us, " he commented, his voice hold the brisk and quick, though noticeably calm, tone that was needed for the situation at hand. The deputy did not have any other suspicions about what Jaggedstorm would do and when speaking, his voice had been warning though confident, because he already knew - from the older cat's words and actions - that the loner would accept the offer without hesitation; it was as simple as that. Though if he did refuse, then this new cat had succeeded in not what many cats did; confusing the great Crowflight. Of course, there were other cats - namely four, not counting his mentor - who had stirred deep bewilderment in the tabby before.

And, fate behold, one of them was standing right behind him.

_{Silence is the universal refuge,
the sequel to all dull discourses
and all foolish acts,
a balm to our every chagrin,
as welcome after satiety
as after disappointment.}

[/color]

notes;; eew. icky. -stabs-
status;; finished
word count;; 565[/color]
[/size][/blockquote]

[Raven-chan]

An emotion that had not been present in Jaggerstorm's heart for a long time finally surfaced, slowly warming his veins and heart. Joy. He was so joyous at finally having a place to stay, a place to call home that he would've accepted any terms of the leader's, especially these gracious ones. He nodded his tabby head, leaf-emerald eyes showing gratitude as he meowed, softly in his deep voice,

"Thank you." He stood, glancing towards TealClan's home before wisely asking,

"Are you going to finish your patrol, and do you trust me enough to go with you, or would you rather send me back to camp with another Warrior?" It was clear that he was quite skilled and knowledgeable about Clan customs, having been a part of a Clan for a good twenty, nearly thirty moons.

He had also gotten pretty good at living alone, but it wasn't his favorite choice. He missed the hustle and bustlle of a Clan around him, of kits giggling, of apprentices arguing, Warriors working seamlessly together. He also knew that they didn't completely trust him, and it was unlikely that they would take him on a patrol, unless they wanted to see what he could do. This didn't seem to be a hunting patrol, because there were too many cats. Usually, at least in LitheClan, only one or two, maybe three cats went out on a hunting patrol. They didn't want to scare the prey away, but it was better to have bigger numbers on a border patrol, just in case. Here, they had four, which wasn't that but it was more than he would send hunting.

He stood, tail flicking absently behind him, lean muscles evident beneath his slightly shaggy mottled pelt. He was no elder material, not yet anyways. He didn't plan to be, either. He would fight and hunt as long as he could, and hopefully die in battle, defending this- no, not this Clan anymore, but his Clan. TealClan.

[Wazo]

Loststar was a little taken aback by the tabby tom's obvious gratitude at being accepted. A brief trace of sympathy darted in his mis-matched eyes, but it was gone as quick as it came. Perhaps he was just like he was once, a loner, saved by a generous leader and welcoming clan. Who knows how long he would have wandered, or what he would have done with his life of little purpose. Perhaps Jaggerstorm had also been saved of this slow yet crippling fate.

Loststar listened to Jaggerstorm's question, his ears twitching thought as he furrowed his brow. "I think it would be best if you went back to camp and was introduced to the rest of the clan. I will take you back myself. The patrol was nearly finished anyway. Crowflight is perfectly able to continue along with Eclipsedmoon, they shouldn't meet any trouble," he finished, glancing at the other two cats. Not only did he want to introduce Jaggerstorm, he wanted to introduce him on the best terms possible. Loststar would make sure he wasn't shunned due to his loner status, yet, he also wanted an opportunity to see how he interacted with the rest of the clan with his own eyes.

He glanced back at Crowflight and Eclipsedmoon. "Finish up here and then head back as soon as you are finished," he told Crowflight. "I'd like the chance to take Jaggerstorm back myself," he added. With that, he began to pad back to camp, motioning for Jaggerstorm to follow.

ooc: short i know, but i have several posts to do. This way, crowflight and eclipsedmoon can have their badger attack without waiting for loststar to post. if i have a chance ill post loststar with jagger and bring him back to camp to introduce him, maybe share their stories