Home, or no?

[D a R K - R a H]

))For this thread, and most exploring threads, I ask that you choose only two of your characters. If everyone roleplayed all of their characters, it'd be much too confusing to keep up. If you have ranked characters, I'd perfer if you roleplayed them here. Also, try picking cats from different clans.((

A deep sigh escaped him as the tom pushed his way further up the hill. His muscles were strained and he panted hard from exhaustion, but on he went. He could hear the panting and pawsteps of the others behind him and even a few ahead of him. All the same, the tall tabby's eyes were bright with excitement. He knew when they'd reached the peak of that last mountain that his valley was certain to be their new home. Now, as he crested the last of the major foot-hills, Silverhawk could see out over the beautiful expanse of land.

There was a lovely sparkling lake for TealClan, some grass-like territories for CherryClan, and, of course, sacred forests for RavineClan. Silverhawk's paws tingled at just the thought of being able to run through the woods again without having to keep glancing over his shoulders.

Whirling eagerly around, he cried back down to the large group of cats, "We've made it! We're home!"

[Wazo]

The journey had even begun to take a toll on Beepaw, who for once in his life, couldn’t muster up the energy to bound up over these hills and to a new life. His sandy beige coat was slightly dusty from the travel, but his black stripes were still prominent beneath the dust, his trademark “bee-like” appearance. The apprentice had grown since he had first come to RavineClan with his sister. Still lanky and large, he had grown more into his body, making him slightly less clumsy when he controlled his energy. He was growing into a warrior, but he still had a lot to learn. His older age, nor the journey, had tarnished the glow in his hazel eyes at the prospect of a new experience. He looked around for Morninglight and saw the familiar golden coat of his sister, slightly towards the back, who had been worn out by Beepaw’s speed and had settled for her own pace. Beepaw looked back ahead and a grin sped to his face when he heard Silverhawk’s call. Beepaw couldn’t help but send out an approving yowl at Silverhawk’s words.


A hulking black form was only a few paces behind Beepaw, easily one of the larger cats in the clan. Lostmoon of TealClan hadn’t taken his eyes off the back of Beepaw, soaking in his little brother’s presence. Proudly, he noticed that Beepaw looked a lot like him in statue, the wide shoulders and large paws. Standing side to side, there was a clear resemblance. The warrior turned his mismatched eyes to Silverhawk’s silvery form, almost sadly. He had hoped that sometime during the journey he would have summed up the courage to tell Beepaw of his past. However, the fierce emerald glances of Morninglight ever time he opened his mouth left him no doubt that she would claw his fur off. Even with Lostmoon’s size he knew he would not wish to enter a battle with the golden Morninglight over Beepaw. Beepaw had carried on conversation with him while he was here, but Lostmoon had had a hard time keeping a neutral tone in his voice. He sighed inaudibly at a lost chance. Now there would be separate clans again and his brother would be a distant enemy. He turned his attention back to the present just in time to hear his brother’s voice resonate through the air and couldn’t help but smile a little.

[Hawky]

^{Redstorm padded doggedly forward, not wanting to look like he was getting tired in front of his new clan. He was still struggling with the idea of him being a leader of anything, let alone having to start the entire clan over and rebuild everything that Fernstar had destroyed. He didn't even have a proper name yet, something that all the other leaders had in common, but it was still strange. There was nothing more that Redstorm wanted than to stretch out in the tall grass and lay there till the end of time, but now he had too many cats to watch over, too many lives in his paws. It had been a weary journey, especially now without Hailstorm to even keep him company. He now knew that if they were ever going to be more than fellow warriors, it would have been her decision, but now he didn't even have the easy friendship, or the calm reassurance that she always gave. Just being around her had kept his nerves in check in a sticky situation, and now he was utterly alone. With a sigh, he bounded forward when he heard Silverhawk's revelation, and a brightness came into his eyes for just a moment. For that moment, he was his old self, a little less reserved and stiff, and giddy with happiness that they had finally found the end of their journey. Starclan was truly watching over them, and Redstorm smiled to himself as he flicked his tail in joy, looking back to the new members of his clan, and also some friendly faces that he had known for a long time. He would have to figure out how to do this on his own, and even though Fernstar had made awful decisions, she had been a good leader in one way...she had taught him exactly how, and how not be be a good leader. With renewed steps and an excited gleam to his eye, Redstorm stopped at the top of the hill, looking down at thier new home. Curling his tail around his paws, he purred loudly and turned to face the rest of Cherryclan. They were home.}[/sup]

[Patmos]

Willowpaw scurried his way to the top of the hill. He felt as if he got at least a little stronger during the journey. He looked out at the new territory, it seemed perfect for each clan. His blue-gray eyes were twinged with sadness. He couldn't help but miss the old forest. The familiar BrookClan camp, the camp that he was born in. The camp he was raised in. The camp he spent time with Leafpelt in. For a moment he could remember the time when he thanked StarClan that he still had Leafpelt, for Silverhawk had lost Watermint. He could fully understand the tom's pain now. Not only had he lost his mentor, he lost others. The long journey claimed many. Softflower and Sagepaw...Their deaths were certainly more than he could handle, but he'd have to manage somehow. They lived on in the stars, with Rootstripe. When his time came, which he knew was so far in the future, he knew he'd be sad to leave his clan, but happy to join the ranks of StarClan with his family. He sighed, for now he'd be fine with his younger siblings. They were all similar to his deceased mother, father, and brother in their own way.

"This is it." He concluded, feeling as if he could get used to his new home. But more troubles were to come. Over the course of this journey the clans were brought closer together. It'd be difficult to break out of this friendly state and accept each others borders. Of course, the borders would be a problem to. He could almost clearly imagine the bickering over two rabbit hops of territory. Another problem pricked at his mind. What if there were other animals that inhabited this place? He wasn't sure if he really wanted to find out.

Rainwhisker waited for others to reach the top of the hill. All of clans were certainly tired. Perhaps they should rest before exploring the territory. He turned around, scanning the throng of cats for the other leaders. It'd be best if the three of them figured out for somewhere everyone could stay and rest for at least a little while. He wished he could just sit at the top of the hill and take in the beauty of the territory. Alas, there were many things to be done. Once they found a place to settle down temporarily they'd have to organize hunting patrols. Eventually, they'd have to send a small patrol to explore the territory and then decide where the borders should lay...He sighed. There was so much to do and he had to admit, he was exhausted.

[D a R K - R a H]

He glanced at the other's near him, unable to let a frown cover his face at all. "Oh, come on, Rainwhisker!" he cried to the quiet tabby at his side. "Smile, be happy. We're home!"

It was all the medicine cat could do to keep from frolicing down the hill. Instead, he tried to act calm and suggested, "Perhaps we should rest at the bottom of this hill. You know, until we're decided how to explore the territories." He tried to suggest it gently, quietly hinting that it was time to start being a real leader again.

He turned to the smaller tabby at his other side. "Hey, Willowpaw, how about we find some moss for your siblings to sleep on? I'm sure they're really tired." A small, sad smile came to his face. "Darkrain'll be sad to say goodbye to them, I bet."

[Raven-chan]

Everything seemed farther away than normal. At least, it did for Gryffinwing. What was everyone so excited about? Her ears pricked, and her tail lifted up a little at the excitement that seemed to crackle from the others. She sped up her pace, trotting up the hill and padding up to Silverhawk's side. She looked ahead of her, all around her, and let out a little gasp of excitement.

"Welcome home, brother." She whispered, turning to face Silverhawk with excited midnight-blue eyes. Her face was open, her voice dancing lightly as she said again,

"It's home." She stopped talking once he realized that Silverhawk was speaking with Willowpaw. Gryffinwing had to think about that for a second; how would the Clan adjust to having Willowpaw as a medicine cat apprentice? He had certainly proved himself worthy during the Journey, that was for sure, but it was hard not to think of him as a BrookClanner. Oh well- she would adjust, and so would the others. She knew it.

"Home." She realized the full emphasis of that word- they hadn't had a home in moons. It was exciting, thrilling, to think that they would have a home, a place to sleep, curled up next to Brownspot, to try and keep the nightmares away.

[Patmos]

Rainwhisker let out one last sig h before letting a grin creep onto his face.
"I was thinking of doing that." He replied. "I was looking for the other leaders so that we could discuss it, and agree on it. I suppose the bottom of this hill is fine." He nodded beginning to pad down the hill.

"Yes, of course." Willowpaw replied. He followed Rainwhisker down the hill.

))The writer's block monster is eating me! Dx((

[Hawky]

<sup>Hawkshadow could hardly contain his excitement when they started to pad over the last hill that seperated them from thier new home. They had traveled long and hard, and he knew that they were lucky to have lost very few of thier numbers. Gryffinwing's kits were certainly a huge loss, but life goes on. Gryffinwing still had Brownspot, and it seemed that she was doing better every day. Turning his face from the she-cat, his eyes sparkled with excitement as he put on an extra burst of speed so that he could see, once and for all, thier new home.

Things would certainly be different, there only being three clans now. It was going to be strange at the Gatherings, and even in daily clan life. Hawkshadow was sure that the Brookclanners, now Cherryclanners, would have to take a while to get used to the new cats, and Redstorm was going to have to re-earn the respect of the cats that he was now in charge of. All of these thoughts ran through Hawkshadow's mind in an instant, but he focused now on the task ahead of him. He hoped that he could be sent out to start checking out the territory. Glancing around, he looked for a trace of Phantomsun, and his stomach lurched when he couldn't find her. It would have been perfect to go and look around with her by his side. Sitting down and waiting for Rainwhisker to announce directions to his clan, Hawkshadow contemplated Phantomsun's new role as deputy. Things were going to change, and it scared him to his very core. He felt as if he were barely hanging on to her by a thread as it was. Seemed that she was still not willing to let Virosleek go. Hawkshadow sighed and curled his tail around his paws, not really looking forward to the complications that awaited him after they got settled in...</sup>[/sup]

<sup>Redstorm looked around at the gathered cats, now a little restless and ready to start exploring the new territory. He wanted to get settled in as fast as possible, they needed to get back to how thier lives used to be. He looked around for Rainwhisker and Aquapulse, they needed to figure out just how they were going to split up the land, or if they were going to send out scouts. Either way, they needed to discuss the next plan of action, the warriors were waiting.

Padding up to Rainwhisker (he hadn't caught a glimpse of Aquapulse yet), Redstorm called out to him, "Rainwhisker!" He tried not to sound anxious, but it was urgent that he talk to him. He was ready to get started.</sup>[/sup]

[Patmos]

Rainwhisker turned his head at the sound of his name.
"Redstorm," He nodded in greeting. "I was just looking for you. I think we should find a place to rest before we explore the territory. Everyone is exhausted and there are kits too. Silverhawk suggested the bottom of this hill and I think Willowpaw will be finding some moss for his siblings. Once everyone was settled, I was thinking we could send a few hunting patrols out. Perhaps we could take the rest of the day to rest, then tomorrow we could organize a patrol to explore the territory and get an idea of borders. What do you think?"

[Hawky]

^{Redstorm nodded at Rainwhisker's words. It was wise for them all to rest, especially if they wanted the younger kits and apprentices to survive. It had already been a hard journey. But his impatience kept tugging at the back of his mind. In his heart, he really longed to send out some cats to scout the territory, to see if this place was even really going to work out as a home for them. I mean, you never know what kind of things inhabit a place like this...they might not be alone. Redstorm made sure to keep the indecision out of his face, so as not to alarm Rainstorm, or make him suspicious. Not that he had anything to worry about, but it wouldn't be good for Redstorm to start out living in thier new home with Rainwhisker already worried about what was going through his head. After a few moments of deliberation, and a quick scan of the land below them, Redstorm gave a slight nod. "Yes, that probably would be the best plan of action for the moment. But I agree, I would like to get some scouts out soon, just to get the lay of the land and figure out what parts of it would work for which clans. We don't want to be out here too long, exposed as we are if there are enemies about. We need to get settled as soon as possible. And I'm willing to send some of my warriors out tonight as well, the kits and the queens need to be fed to keep up their strength. We need to be ready for any sort of trouble that might be heading our way if there's something here that doesn't particularly feel like sharing." Redstorm didn't talk much, so this was one of the longest 'speeches' he'd made since he became leader. He knew that he was going to have to get used to it, but it was hard for him to almost force the words out. It was his nature to be quiet, it was what he had always been taught. But now, now as the responsibilites of being a leader had been creeping up on him he was beginning to see just how important it was to speak up. There were cats looking to him for guidance, and he needed to prove himself a worthy leader to those that still doubted him. He could tell that there were still lingering feelings about him even being a deputy, let alone the leader of the entire clan. He almost let a sigh escape his lips, it had been hard enough doing that the first time, but now he was going to have to do it again with Cherryclanners that didn't really know that much about him. If he were being completely honest, he'd be skeptical of himself as well if he were a Cherryclan warrior. Having just lost thier leader, and having a new one come out of a clan that tried to take over their land before...it was going to be hard to get them to trust him. Flicking his tail side to side anxiously, Redstorm continued to survey the land beneath his feet, extending from the ends of his paws. Getting to his feet, he let a small ripple of excitement travel from his ears to the end of his tail, and then motioned to his warriors to go forward, down to the bottom of the hill. The ground beneath his paws squished gently, the grass was soft and spongy, just like how it used to be at his old home. It was an unexpected relief to find that there was at least something that could remind him of his former life, before everything had gotten so complicated...before Fernstar betrayed them all. Just thinking about his former leader made Redstorm blaze with anger, all the dead cats that had suffered for her greed. He would make sure that he would never make the mistake that she had, especially with all the trust that had been placed in her. With an even more determined mindset, and a even more confident stride, Redstorm slowly made his way to the bottom of the hill, waiting for the others to catch up.}[/sup]

[D a R K - R a H]

Silverhawk purred aloud as Gryffinwing came to his side. He paused to brush his muzzle against her ear. He wasn't sure where Brownspot was, but he had a feeling his brother was near the back of the group, making sure old Darkrain kept up. Even more relief filled him at this thought. Darkrain would finally be able to settle down. She was still recovering from her wounds from the foxes, and age was beginning to show on her dark face. Still, the old she-cat had made it this far, and pregnant, too! Silverhawk was glad that, despite losing Gryffinwing's litter, he had managed to save Darkrain's small litter. As the kits of two powerful RavineClanners, they'd certainly become favored kits in the clan. That is, once they'd settled into their new territory.

With a small laugh, Silverhawk launched himself down the hill after Willowpaw and Rainwhisker, flicking his tail to Gryffinwing to join him. It was a relief to be able to stretch his muscles without having to worry about leaving someone behind. He slowed to a stop at the base of the hill, panting lightly.

A thought came to mind and he turned, looking for Redstorm. "Ah, Redstorm!" The tall tabby trotted over to the ginger leader. "Have you seen Tawnystone or Firestone? I think one of us should take a look at that tabby queen of yours again." A flicker of worry filled his eyes. "It would be better for her and the kits if she gave birth in her clan's camp, instead of out here in the open. If she kits soon, we'll have to wait a few days before the kits will be ready to move."

He was thinking of Brackenpaw. The young queen had certainly shown courage along the Journey, but her strength had been waning in the last few days. Her coming kits were apparent and she had to stop and rest often. Silverhawk recalled Darkrain making him take care of the other she-cat several times before she'd let him look at her own kits. Along the Journey, Darkrain appeared to have grown close to the small group of queens the clans had: Inkpool, Brackenpaw, Gryffinwing, Raccoonpelt, and Clearpool. Silverhawk refrained from sighing aloud. Three of the queens were RavineClan's. Despite the long Journey, RavineClan had grown in size since the foxes early attacks. There was Darkrain's several kits, plus Raccoonpelt's four, not to mention Monkey-Tree. RavineClan's future certainly had been looking up.

[Wazo]

Beepaw stopped when the rest of the group halted, but he was too excited to rest for very long. His hazel eyes couldn't stop taking in everything around him. He glanced over at his mentor, Rainwhisker, now the new leader of RavineClan, and his chest swelled with pride. It was an honor to have the leader as his mentor and he wanted to learn all he could as an apprentice. Who knows, perhaps that could be him someday....

He turned his thoughts back to Lostmoon, whom he had not seen since he was hardly an apprentice. He had enjoyed seeing him again, but moments with him were few and far in between since Morninglight didn't like to leave them alone. Beepaw couldn't see any problem with hanging out with Lostmoon, but he still hadn't found time to ask him about his past. Their conversations had barely skimmed the surface before Lostmoon would fall silent and find an excuse to leave. Beepaw was dying to know, but even he could manage some patience in this situation. He began to look around for the other apprentices. He would miss the other clans' apprentices, but now with the new kits, it wouldn't be long until RavineClan would be full of young ones.

[Raven-chan]

Gryffinwing laughed as Silverhawk raced down the hill, and leapt after her brother, her legs carrying her quickly down the slope as her tail streamed behind her. Her heart was light and carefree, for they were home. Home!

She slowed as she caught up with Silverhawk, and her ears twitched at his words. Yes...Brackenpaw would be having kits...kits...Her eyes clouded briefly, and her body stiffened for a mere fraction of an instant. But she shoved the thoughts away, and looked around at the beautiful territory, unable to meet anyone's eyes, drawing slightly closer to Silverhawk for comfort.

((Erch...*yawns* It's really late...then again, that wasn't an ALL bad post. XD))

[Hawky]

))Should I post back? Or should I give other people a chance to post first?((

[D a R K - R a H]

))I think we're waiting for Patmos...))