SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98 
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Aug 9, 2022 5:10:39 GMT -6
"Hmm, hmm!"
Far from an irregular occurrence in the Sunclan woods, a white and orange cat teetered cheerfully along the thin arm of a young tree branch, still a pale, flexible green at the tip where it was developing the layers of bark it'd need to bulk up with the rest of its parent body. With the investment of a scout on new terrain, Tinyleaf commit the new growth to memory, peering down from where he balanced to reference the perspective from his bird's eye view above. Rough, dry soil with scraggled grasses and the start of thin, herbaceous flowers teasing at the crusty earth... And with that many pebbles down there? He was certainly nearing the meadow- he'd recognize that ground anywhere. It wasn't as if he didn't know the path by now, after moons and moons of padding among the trees like a patched squirrel. He was familiar with most every tree this side of camp, although he still was learning to memorize the ones closer to the lakefront. Each plant was a landmark, each canopy intimately known down to the number of eyes along the trunk and the exact arch of their crowns. The only tricky thing was learning new branches like this, but it was an important task. When newleaf had come and went, fresh buds had been stimulated by spring rains, and had quickly developed into the thickening twigs that he was looking at right now.
It'd be important to take note of where these fragile parts where, lest he mistake his footing and end up snapping straight through a branch he hadn't remembered to check for strength. That's what he was doing currently, first pawing at the new wood before testing the gradual placement of his weight. Making sure that they were climbable, in spite of the still maturing tips. This one in particular seemed to support him just fine, after he'd given it a good few sunrises to grow hardy and durable. Maybe it'd start growing leaves soon, maybe not. Either way, it could be a valuable new route if it continued extension in its current trajectory- it'd form a bridge to the nice birch just a short passage over, and then-
Snap!
Oh!
Tinyleaf's claws flashed, grinding hard and confident into the soft bark of the branch immediately below where he'd broken through. I guess it wasn't as safe as I thought. But that was hardly a bad thing- Or, it was kind of sad that he'd gotten too gutsy and hurt the tree where it was growing so advantageously, but... better here and now, while he was practicing for the express purpose of finding weak zones, than when he was running around with tree dwellers without the time to check where he put his paws. And yet.
..He hadn't fallen. That was good. If he actually fell and got hurt, he'd never live it down, not after his brothers warned him against climbing too high time and time again. But while he'd caught himself from his demise, clinging to the branch above like an anchor, it was also... one of the lowest branches. Which meant. There wasn't exactly another drop point he could lower onto, not unless he wanted to just let go and crash into the ground. From this height, he tried to calculate how bad the impact might be- not as bad as if he'd fallen from that higher point, but it still wasn't ideal. Dangling here also wasn't ideal, and he couldn't see himself getting close enough to the main trunk to be able to swing his hind legs up and get the footing needed to right himself. He certainly couldn't do as much stretched limply in midair, with only his upper body strength keeping him from dropping like a stone through the water. Would he really have to just take the fall? After so long without breaking his record? Oh.. I really hope nobody's nearby to see this.
The sound of motion nearby immediately struck him rigid. A steady pace from below, sounding an awful lot like a warrior passing by. Willing himself to manifest the shape and behavior(??) of a hanging fruit, he stayed as still as possible and hoped his orange patches would color him enough like a giant, misshapen seed pod to let any cat ignore him from his place of peril. His tail... was a stem. Obviously. His white fur... was. Mold or something. In any case, Tinyleaf stayed very still, keeping his wide gaze to the sky as if avoiding eye contact would save him from notice.
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38 
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Aug 10, 2022 10:05:31 GMT -6
Mentions: @
Swanmask had been uncertain about things lately she questioned every move she made and tried to play to the clans strengths going as far as to try and remember what clan members preferred and would sometimes give them a gentle push out of their comfort zone so that they could build new strengths. So far she believed it to be working but she still worried that the clan at some point would not listen to her suggestions and orders she wondered if Rabbitstar had, had the same worries when they were named deputy... As she padded through the forested area of their territory she remained on alert ears shifting to pick up the slightest of sounds since Fallenpetal and Honeyflare's run in with an unidentified Moonclan cat she'd been more on edge than normal. Passing underneath a patch of tree's she picked up the sound of a branch snapping making her wonder what could have had enough weight to snap a limb from the ever growing tree's. Pale green eyes scanned above her head when her eyes almost crossed over the form of the cat clinging to one of the branches high enough off the ground to make her worry.
Peering closer the she cat recognized the pelt of the cat to be none other than Tinyleaf a warrior she had gotten to know after the patrol they were sent on together, she noticed the tom looked towards the sky as he clung there making her tilt her head slightly to the side as she attempted to study the situation. She realized to get him down safely she would probably have to climb up as well not that it would be a problem she was quite comfortable laying among the branches of the tree's while the breeze rustled the leaves around her, she had not known however that Tinyleaf liked to roam amongst the branches as well. She didn't want to startle him so she began to think of a way she wouldn't have that problem but the rigid way he clung there showed that he had probably at least heard her and truly didn't want to be seen.
Deciding at last on a way to go about it she cleared her throat as she moved beneath the tree he was in, setting her claws into its bark she began the process of ascending the large tree glancing up occasionally to make sure her target branch remained off to her left so that she would have an easier transfer from trunk to branch. It took her a few moments but finally she managed to get up far enough that she pawed down for the larger limb that Tinyleaf currently clung to. She padded carefully along it making sure to step as lightly as she could so she wouldn't sway the branch with her extra weight as much as a new apprentice getting out of camp for the first time swayed the grass in the meadow as they joyously ran through it. Once she was a paws length away she looked down into the leaf green eyes of the tom "Well hello Tinyleaf, you seem to be hanging about would you like a paw up?" she questioned in concern.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Aug 11, 2022 3:52:09 GMT -6
The soft sound of a claws meeting wood crackled through Tinyleaf's ears like lightning- the only warning he had from his point of stasis that someone had indeed, unfortunately, spotted him hanging there like a fool. He didn't groan, didn't grumble. That sort of needless complaining never got him anywhere in life. Just because he didn't immediately react poorly, however, didn't mean he was spared the ache of embarrassment as he listened to his fateful companion climb nearer, nearer to where he dangled, the sound of climbing drawing nearer until it close enough that he could feel the slight sway of his branch once the other cat had gained access to his particular altitude. Well. There's no avoiding it, now. Slow and sure, he peeked up, up, up.. and met with the cool gaze of none other than Sunclan's deputy, witnessing him here like a lost kitten. A flood of heat overtook the warrior's pelt where he swayed, wavering in the air like a miniature flame licking the breeze.
"Oh.. Hello, Swanmask!" As casually as he could muster, Tinyleaf gave a slow, welcoming blink to his superior, looming large and dark above him. Oddly enough, his first thought wasn't one of the shame it should be to be found in his own clumsiness by such an important figure. Rather, he found himself puzzling out how someone as big as her could creep so softly among the trees, so silent and stable as to hardly shake him the way he would have expected of any other cat climbing across towards him. It was quite an impressive show of skill, but also spoke to the she-cat's elegant grace! That's what you'd expect from Rabbitstar's personally picked commander. Moreover, it's precisely what he should have expected from the calm, ever composed cat who'd accompanied him on patrols prior, always confident in her pawsteps and never missing so much as a hint of scent in the passing summer breezes.
How awkward that someone so capable should find him like this.
Ears angling outwards somewhat in a sheepish way, the smaller cat blinked out of their held eye contact, gaze flitting to the paws in question, ready to aid him where they stood poised and purposeful. "Well, um. I guess I could use the help, as I am right now. Heh..." With a light laugh to burst the pressure in his still flustered heart, he shifted his own mismatched paws where they grasped the wood, although the break in tension from where he'd previously hung motionless did cause him some soreness in the forearms. Wincing lightly, Tinyleaf's claws scrabbled for a moment as if to try and pull himself up again in spite of accepting the offer. After a half second of getting nowhere and only straining his upper body further, he fell limp once more, and peered hopefully towards Swanmask for aid, regardless of how much it abashed him to have to be pulled up like a mere apprentice.
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Aug 16, 2022 14:04:17 GMT -6
Mentions: @
Swanmask waited a moment as Tinyleaf seemed to try and grip the branch himself to gain access to the top of the branch, when he settled once more seemingly accepting he could not do it on his own she gave a slight nod. "Alright, once I get you correctly on the branch I need you to roll your weight to your shoulders and help pull yourself up, otherwise it'll put us both off balance." she explained as she looked down at the tom. "Its going to pinch, its not the greatest feeling to be pulled by the pelt." she added as she shifted her weight bunching her muscles at her back legs as she leaned her right paw down and angled her head to get a grip on Tinyleaf's scruff and hoping to reach his back leg with her paw. [rolled 11 Managing to get his scruff properly she reached further with her paws trying to hook her paw behind the curve of his leg instead only managing to get the side of his leg before her own movements caused her to rethink and just begin to pull the tom up.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Aug 19, 2022 5:19:33 GMT -6
In spite of the warning, Tinyleaf still had to grit his teeth around a whimper when the pressure of teeth met his scruff- not because the grasp itself hurt, but because of the tautness of his shoulders against the ensuing pull, a painful stretch that worked against the opposing weight of his limp body, just waiting to plummet to the earth and take root like a fallen seed. But that couldn't be the case, not as Swanmask's paw grasped at his flank, lifting him from his impending demise. Gravity itself seemed to part ways for the deputy, allowing the patched warrior a moment of mercy as he braced his paws against the upper branch, braced against his own limpness to push up into the larger cat's resistance to his still heavy haunches. Although the wood creaked ominously with the force of their joint effort, the combined strength quickly allowed him purchase. Before he knew it, his forearms were wrapped clumsily over the span of the bark, and Tinyleaf scrabbled awkwardly to gain foot with his back legs, now upheld by his stabilized front- until at last, he was sprawled back into the cradle of the tree, tuckered out and lain before his savior.
"Phew!" With a puff of breath that was only half exaggeration, his eyes flickered up towards the other, still a bit hazy with taxation from the struggle, but conscious enough to gleam with lingering embarrassment where they met Swanmask's own green. "Sorry to put you through that. Nonetheless... thank you! I guess I'm lucky you came by." Amidst his weariness, Tinyleaf's tone lilted melodically in an attempt to lighten the mood, and ideally put his own shame behind him. "I really owe you one!"
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Aug 29, 2022 19:44:05 GMT -6
Mentions: @
Once Tinyleaf had managed to get a grip and was among the branches of the tree once more Swanmask released the scruff of the warrior allowing him a moment to catch his breath as she looked over the landscape around them before giving the tom some space. "You owe me nothing Tinyleaf, what kind of cat would I be to accept such a thing I am glad I could help it could have ended badly." she meowed softly not wanting to think of the what ifs. "What brings you about the limbs and the wind?" she questioned genuinely wanting to know what brought her clanmate off the ground which was a much better place for most though there were a few that managed to learn the way of the ever-changing tree limbs she looked up trying to spot the offending limb that had made Tinyleafs decent unexpected noticing the barely hanging on branch that seemed to be of new growth over the past few seasons "Sturdy but new and unpredictable, though I'm surprised it snapped where it did if anything it would have snapped near the middle, not the base." she calculated.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Sept 1, 2022 1:32:48 GMT -6
"Oh!" Tinyleaf looked overhead, having to stretch his neck much further than the taller she-cat to glimpse the traitorous twig dangling above them, swaying gently from its final fibers as if taunting the two with its persistence. But he didn't take it personally. "You're right about that," He chirped in response to her analysis, a hint of surprise in the curious angle of his ears. So even the clan deputy studies Sunclan's flora! I guess Swanmask has to be adept in all sorts of things, being so large and in charge. And large in general, he realized a little more than before, as he turned back to Swanmask and found himself wondering how much of her darker brindling was natural and how much of it was her shadow being cast down over him from where she loomed. Wow! Maybe that impressive size was what had inspired Rabbitstar to promote her. For their leader, it'd be just that much more worth admiring!
Deciding to stop ogling his superior, Tinyleaf dipped his head, almost bashful as he returned to the question at hand. "I actually came up here to look for tricky branches like that, in case anyone was climbing around and needed a fair warning. It turns out, the one who needed the warning was me!" With an air of self ridicule, he raised a patchy paw to bump the edge of his muzzle playfully- a scolding gesture towards his own recklessness. "Guess I don't have your eye for detail!" Then, as a follow-up, he lowered his paw, blinking at the other warrior in wonder. "Do you come up here often, too?" Being so sharp on her survey of the branch, Swanmask certainly didn't seem like a stranger to the tree-tops.
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Sept 12, 2022 10:12:10 GMT -6
Mentions: @
"I find it peaceful to sit among the branches, to feel the breeze through my fur and watch for any dangers that may be about while also keeping safe from above. It also gives better access to birds and squirrels since they build their nest in the tree's of course I only go after their nests once their young have gone so that a new generation of prey can grow to feed the clan next new leaf." she explained her eyes soft as she gazed down finally realizing exactly how close she was to the tom knowing sometimes being so close to others made them uncomfortable due to her size and so she backed up carefully feeling her back paws finally hit the trunk of the tree behind her she shifted so that she could drop her shoulders as well making herself smaller and not as towering she gave Tinyleaf a smile "Have you found anything interesting while up here?" she asked him though she supposed some would find this an odd spot to have a conversation Tinyleaf did not seem in a rush to get to the ground and so until he expressed interest in doing so she would not rush them to get their paws down.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Sept 17, 2022 4:30:30 GMT -6
As the other warrior retreated somewhat, Tinyleaf stared readily after her with glimmering eyes, seemingly starstruck by the genius of Swanmask's admission- A bonafide survivalist! Was there anything Sunclan's deputy couldn't do? Although they'd had plenty of time to get to know one another in their time together as equal patrol partners, the grey cat's promotion had garnered her much more scrutiny from her clanmates, and he was certainly no exception. But where others may be watching to see where she might falter in her leadership, appointed so young as opposed to all the other senior warriors who'd been available, the smaller tabby had only taken the new spotlight as an opportunity to take closer notice of his now savior, marveling over her wisdom and the way it retroactively affirmed everything about her position. Truly, Swanmask was a cat who stood out! "That's so thoughtful," He told her in quick response, the impression of his pleasant surprise written clear across his eager features. "You're such a careful hunter! Thinking for the future is definitely important!"
Toning down somewhat, his smile flickered smaller, becoming something more contained, more modest. "I don't really think I've come up for anything nearly as significant... But there's always something interesting up here!" Mimicking the deputy's backtrack, he took a few pawsteps back, although not so far as to expose his weight to the more vulnerable, tapered end of the branch as he had before. With his back leg, he kicked gentle behind him, nudging the base of a fresh twig enough to flex the spongy, developing bark, but not break through. "I've been exploring all the greenleaf shoots! Just because... well, so I don't make the same mistake you caught me dealing with in the first place. But that's a lesson I won't forget!"
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Sept 23, 2022 10:57:19 GMT -6
Mentions: @
Swanmask blinked softly noting he had also backed up she was glad she made the decision now they faced each other without angles and she was sure it felt less imposing though she had seen his surprise at why she climbed about the branches she couldn't help but smile back and as it faded to something less wide she held back a chuckle she had put a lot of thought into how the other members of the clan might take her becoming deputy over the more experienced warriors but so far she had yet to hear anyone voice something bad about it though she knew they were watching what for.. the sunrises would tell but she was expectant of it.
She was glad Tinyleaf knew what to look for more, maybe she should ask around a see who was interested in learning to climb. Though Sunclan had small patches of forest compared to Moonclans forested area she was sure there were still those that would have an interest even if it they just used it for hunting "Tinyleaf have you found anyone else interested in learning to climb?" she asked lightly a thoughtful expression crossing her features.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Sept 27, 2022 2:40:16 GMT -6
"Well, just about any cat can climb, no lessons required!" Ever the earnest one, the warrior blinked wide and humoredly towards Swanmask, raising a paw playfully in the air to flew his claws into view. When push came to shove, even the most devoted, down-to-earth (literally) Sunclan member could scramble themselves into the protective cradle of a tree's branches if it meant escaping a large land predator like a fox or badger. It was just feline nature! But, recognizing the more important question at play, Tinyleaf was quick to lower his limb and and tilt an ear thoughtfully towards the upper leaves, as if listening for the answer to come drifting in on a passing breeze. "Hmm.. Oh! Now that you mention it, I had a lovely conversation with Honeyflare recently about that very topic!"
It'd been a little since he'd made arboreal plans with the younger warrior, but it was something that lived in his mind like a big, fluffy owl cozied within a tree hollow. Visibly brightening at the memory, he looked back towards the deputy. "We were talking about practicing together! Is that the sort of thing you're interested in, Swanmask?" It'd be quite the fateful turnabout if all three of them wound up together, picking through the trees like they once perused the fields together as a regular patrol team.
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SunClan
High Position
Posts: 38
Pronouns: she/her
Played By: Nightrose
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Post by Swanmask on Nov 14, 2022 14:06:01 GMT -6
Mentions: @
Swanmask almost chuckled when Tinyleaf pointed out that cats could climb without lessons though she knew that she guessed she should have explained that she meant properly and safely with a way to descend without getting themselves hurt. When she heard of the warrior's discussion with Honeyflare about the topic and smiled when he questioned whether or not that was what she was interested in she slowly nodded her head "Yes, that's what I mean. Sure we can all climb if we need to but being able to climb in a panic and knowing how to do so safely are two different things. I want to keep our clanmates safe and have a way down afterwards without possibly hurting themselves." she finally replied ears flicking about as she made sure nothing else was around though since she was in the tree tops maybe she could catch a couple pieces of prey for the clan before going back.
Txt "Speech" Attack
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SunClan
i stop to smell the roses; my body decomposes
Posts: 98
Pronouns: he/him
Played By: rubykh
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Post by Tinyleaf on Nov 25, 2022 1:49:50 GMT -6
Always so considerate!
He couldn't help the rounding of his eyes as the deputy's words met his ears, sweeter than any birdsong! Tinyleaf was the same as any clan cat ought to be; Loyal to the group, and ever vigilant for options towards progress and security. But Swanmask.. She's on another level! While he'd been out gallivanting through the woodland for his own means, here was a clanmate selflessly devoting her time and energy to training in order to train others! If Honeyflare hadn't asked him directly, that sort of thoughtful initiative would've never come to his own mind.. All he'd really wanted was an excuse to spend time with someone, honestly. But here was a cat who thought solely of others! It was so inspiring, it sent a little shiver through his pelt, as easily as the breeze might send a chill. "Wow.. I agree entirely!" With an earnest blink, he added, "You have excellent foresight! Have you already spoken to Rabbitstar about it?"
A smaller, quieter voice inhabiting the recesses of his mind asked a different question. Am I too late to participate?
But as quickly as it came, he dismissed it with a flicker of his ears, almost irritably. Lately, ever since the whole thing with Turtlefang and the night patrol had taken off, he'd found himself struggling with all sorts of troublesome thoughts, buzzing in his brain like a particularly annoying swarm of flies. It had left him wondering what had gone so rotten to attract them in the first place. Certainly not him, right? Because there was no reason to care about that whole thing! No reason to care now, either, if Swanmask already had a plan in the works. After all, a deputy knows best! Who was he, a simple warrior, to start nosing about like an elder with nothing better to do?
No, it didn't matter. What mattered was supporting his favorite patrol partner in her ambitions! Because as easily as his mind seemed to veer negative these days, it was equally easy to redirect, recorrect, and find his footing in that little curl of pleasure that came with knowing he may be one of the few cats so lucky as to receive her goal in confidence.
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