PAFP Territory you're nobody till somebody wants you dead // argument

[sassafras]

SASSAFRAS, 29 moons / barncat mouser
a pale blue tabby with scraggly fur and a large shoulder scar
sister to honey, mate and parent to none
a scrappy cowboy who feels he has something to prove. stupidly stubborn but gentle and kind
Tagging @Merrystalk

---

"For all that talk m'not sure I'm hearin' nothin' from you." Sassafras spat in contempt at the tortoiseshell, silvery tail bristling and lashing behind him. The barn, dilapidated into nothing but the brittle bones that held it strong grew smaller in the distance. The fallen mousers had been pulled from the disaster once the smog had cleared away, the farmers had done what they could in the days passing since with all the rain and clouds. One more sweep, one more check, and they were to return to whatever Dusty-whats-her-face called the prairies.

"Th'place went down 'cause a fire, but where'd it come from? Not a cat, could tell you that. Some tickbrained upper must've done it!" Sassafras clenched his teeth together to shut his maw from spitting something more hurtful, instead sinking the tension of his anger in a sharp kick at the ground.

//pls wait for @Merrystalk to post first!

 

[Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

Why the hell Sassafras had to come along, Merry had no idea, and Starclan knows he had been trying his best to hold his tongue the whole time they scoured the remnants of the barn. He couldn't even mourn as he swept the area with that insolent excuse of a warrior kept making unneeded remarks at an awful time. Merrystalk had volunteered to make the way back to the farm to seek those who were lost or even the slight chance that there were survivors, but no. No of course Sassafras couldn't keep his damned mouth shut for once. He'd tried to be civil! For the clan, for when Auroura was terrified, the idiotic tom had perished in the fire, for a semblance of peace like he and Harefoot hoped would hang around for longer. But oh he was sick and tired of the tom's shit.

"Dont ya get tired of hearin' yer own damn voice cause I sure as fuck am sick 'nd tired of that bullshit yer spewin." Merry snapped, tail lashing behind him with a snarl. "Not like I'm gonna wanna chat with you of all cats ya' ignorant coward, ya' couldn't even give the folks who died some damned peace without runnin' yer damn trap." It wasn't the first time Sassafras had earned Merry's ire, but this one hit deeper than usual; he wasn't just infuriated for himself, but the cats who had lost their kin and friends to the fire, especially for Owlbear and her kittens. Made all the worse by the other tom's snide remark that froze Merry in his stride for a moment, dumbfounded by what he'd just heard.

"Are ya' out of yer fuckin' mind Sassafras?" He hissed, his claws unsheathing as they dug into the dirt, soot and ash clung to his paws, barely healed from the fire's wrath, one that felt renewed in the frustration that bubbled within. "Why in Starclan's name would any twoleg have a damned reason to set that barn align knowin' damned well cats been livin' in there for generations. I'd say the smoke did somethin' to yer brain, but yer cowardly ass did nothin' to help while good cats died in there." Merry spat, disgust and rage darkening his expression, ears pressed back, and lips curled in a snarl. Something unsaid hung in the air.

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan moor-runner | 26 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[aurorabeam]

★ She had just wanted something to do. The blue tabby chimera has always been prone to productivity, hunting the moment a mealtime passed, checking borders at the mere mention of a dog sighting, and it was a habit she dragged with her to the new place she was to call home. Having a task guided her mind as much as it did her paws. The walk back to the desolated remains of the barn kept her legs striding, her thoughts on their surroundings. Sifting through the sooty structure zeroed her attention in on the sights revealed by her paws. Anything else let her mind wander, and it always found its way back to her failings on that inferno of a night.

If she hadn't dreamed. If she hadn't left to patrol. If she hadn't hesitated at Merry's command to stay out of the fire. If she hadn't relaxed when Sassafras revealed himself to be safe. If she hadn't let her own heart dictate her actions for once, maybe there would be less to search for in the rubble.

Aurora blinked, a commotion drawing her out of her thoughts, and realised her paws had stilled. It wasn't terribly uncommon to hear Sassafras snap, the bitten edge to his words familiar and enticing, but her fur set itself on end to hear Merry's tone stray so far from his usual kindness. The green-eyed cat's kindness was central to her understanding of him, his greatest strength and weakness, virtue and flaw, attraction and repulsion. Its absence muddied her perception, its antithesis being leveled at Sassafras disquieted her. There had to be something she didn't understand. "Merry," she pleaded, unsure how to intervene but certain she had to try, because the action would keep her thoughts in check as much as it would protect the pale blue tabby, "That's not fair."

 

[Meadowpaw]

Sitting in the dark waiting on the stars
Thinking through all the places that you've been

.

The day was quiet, wrapped in a hush of overcast skies and brittle grass. It had rained the night before—just enough to moisten the air—but the ground still felt dry and brittle beneath her paws. Meadow padded steadily forward, the distant wisps of fading smoke marking the place she knew too well. She had asked to go back and see their home one last time.

The tortie occasionally turning her head to speak with Chickpaw, who had come along. She hadn't planned for him to join her and Hollowmumble, but she was glad he did. His lighthearted warmth was something she hadn't realized she needed. And with Hollow's steady presence not far behind, keeping a quiet over them, Meadow felt a little better about the whole thing.

Her pawsteps fell soft against the grass, her head low even while she chatted—careful of where she stepped. The breeze stirred gently through the moor, carrying with it the faint scent of old smoke. The walk felt longer than she expected. She hadn't been conscious for the trip from the barn to the prairie, and now she realized just how far they had come.

Crossing the weathered fence stirred an ache in her chest. She thought of Meggie—of all the afternoons they'd perched there, talking and laughing. Until the last time… when they got up early and raced each other to their spot, finally going past the fence and into the fields beyond, scattered with more flowers than she could ever pick.

She found it difficult to talk to Chickpaw from that point on. Her throat constricted as they came closer to where their old home used to be.

Pressing forward, the remains of the barn came into view—a twisted, blackened skeleton where their home once stood. The fire had devoured more than wood and straw. It had taken lives… smiles… memories. The things they cherished most. It didn't take everything, but it had taken enough. Much of which they could never get back.

"Not a cat, could tell you that. Some tickbrained upper must've done it!"

"—ignorant coward, ya' couldn't even give the folks who died some damned peace without runnin' yer damn trap."

The sharp bark of a voice shattered the quiet. Meadow's ears twitched toward it. She knew those voices—Sassafras and Merrystalk. They were having a heated argument with each other. Merrystalk especially was saying some really hurtful things that she never expected to hear from him.

She quickened her pace, heart pounding as she stumbled through tall grass. Her paws scraped ash and stumbled over bits of crumbling wood. The barn stood quiet as a graveyard and they looked like ghosts. Meadow had never seen that expression on Merry's face before. He always was kind… What could make him so angry? And Aurorabeam was there too. Why was she just letting it happen when it looked like they were about to chew each other's faces off?

The shock was plain as she limped toward them. "Sassy! Merry!" She rasped loudly, breath tight. "What has gotten into you two?! Merry... W-why are you sayin' such cruel hurtful things?" Nothing excused that kind of talk, especially toward each other… and especially, especially here.

@Chickpaw @Hollowmumble

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

8 MOONS

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WINDCLAN

⟢

SONG

⟢

bio

 

[MAREMANE]

"Idiots." Her voice barely heard over the increasing volume. Maremane had no interest in stopping the fight – they were certainly not youngsters squabbling for some reason blind to even themselves. Whatever the hell they were hissing about was the result of some settled foundation beneath them.

Leaving the graveyard of their loved ones, no less. Her eyes were narrowed, pupils thin as willow branches, but she said no more. Though she had already willed herself into being a mere audience to their quarreling, the tail end of Merry's scathing remark knifed at her own heart. Maremane had believed she left with no burden, no bodybags, but her shoulders buckled briefly under the realization that she too had escaped with no real effort to help cats inside.

Is that what others thought of her? Had they seen the way she escaped, the facade of helping in the form of berating a child in the safety zone? Her chest ached for a second. Disoriented, she swung her head to Aurorabeam, watching her wide eyes as she pleaded. Ever self-focused, Lucille only saw the words as a justification to herself.

Maremane's feathery tail lashed as they came to a standstill, debating leaving but too interested in seeing what went down to turn her attention elsewhere.

 

[Hollowmumble]

Hollowmumble, -- 35 Moons / Barn Cat -- Ages on the 14th
Black spotted ghost tabby with bright amber eyes.
She is friendly, yet quiet, and always willing to help.

Tagging @Meadowpaw @Chickpaw

---

Hollow sighed quietly and watched warily as Merry and Sassafras traded words, she had been hoping for a peaceful day out with Meadow and Chick, not whatever this was. She had the right mind to lead them both away from all of this so that Merry and Sassafras could hash this out without so many cats around, but her heart skipped when Meadow dove headfirst into the conflict.

Paws twitching, she couldn't stop herself from trailing behind, though she was sure to keep a good eye on Chick. When Meadow spoke, Hollow touched her tail gentle to her flank, head lowered as if hoping the two fighting cats wouldn't notice them and would go about their business without getting them involved.

"Leave it, this isn't our fight," she whispered to Meadow, giving her a quick glance before looking back in Merry and Sassafras' direction.

 

[Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

Fury burned in Merry's chest, burning his very being with each word that dripped from his lips. But what the tom hadn't realised, nor accounted for, was his clanmates bearing witness to his outburst. At first, that ire prepared to be shot at the first cat who even had the gall to speak his name. To admit, the dark look he shot Aroura was undeserved, but in the moment, none about him would have been spared the bubbling frustration Sassafras had sparked to life. Just as soon as Merry realised the cruel glare he shot one he would consider a friend - even if now she held him at a tails-length, something that often unsettled Merry, feeling as if he might have upset her for such a drastic change in their friendship - well, he visibly cringed. While his fury did not subside, he gritted his teeth and tried to settle his breath.

"Auroura." Merry's voice low through gritted teeth and a pained attempt to not aim any further frustration to her. "What ain't fair is only mentionin' my name when I spent this whole damned patrol listenin' to him spit baseless horsedung." His attempts were feeble, but still he tried to calm himself, especially as a much smaller voice popped up, one that made him dip his head in an almost pained shame. "Meadow-" He bit his tongue, feeling a new frustration rise within him, now not just about Sass' rediculous ideas, but to make him seem the bad guy in all this, as if he hadn't been antagonised this whole time by someone known to stir bullshit. Merry shot a glare to Sassafras, he couldn't care less for the tom, he had higher priorities.

"Meadow, lil' flower." He softened his voice, even with the bubbling in the back of his mind, never would he have wanted these apprentices to bear witness to a rage even fewer of the farm cats had seen in a fairly long time. "'m terribly sorry you 'nd Chick had ta' hear that I- Well. Unfortunately, cats don't always... Get along. Can't always agree with 'em." Merry breathed, trying to keep himself steady, hoping Starclan Sass wouldn't say anything else foolish. He pressed a gentle nose to the top of both Chick and Meadow's heads, he'd apologise to them a thousand times over for having to see him snap like that. "Don't ya' worry too hard 'bout grown cat fights...Had plenty of 'em before, don't ya fret 'bout me."

But as he spoke, he couldn't avoid Hollow either, the tom looked to his friend, shame in his eyes, he had noticed he trying desperately to hush the apprentices. "Hollow I- Take 'em back to camp. 'm sorry y'all had to see me like this, but you know me, Hollow. I ain't 'bout to start somethin' like that fer no reason..." Even with that, his tail began to lash again, side eyeing the other tom, vitriol in his gaze. "I just couldn't deal with his constant damn remarks..."

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan moor-runner | 26 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[sassafras]

SASSAFRAS, 29 moons / barncat mouser
a pale blue tabby with scraggly fur and a large shoulder scar
sister to honey, mate and parent to none
a scrappy cowboy who feels he has something to prove. stupidly stubborn but gentle and kind
Tagging person here

---

Merry is a usual easy target for offense, historically. Sassafras knew even with all the tom's patience and care it was wearing thin with his retorts and quite frankly, he couldn't find it in himself to care. Their home was burned to ruin, snuffed in the night while he wasn't home to defend from whatever caused it. Now they were expected to relocate all this way from the farm off the words of a madwoman who he hardly gave a rat's tail about before. He just wanted Honey safe, her life calm and plush without struggle- it was a situation impossible for him to fix and it drove him up a wall.

A final snap and Merry's lips took off like a bat in the night. "Coward?!" Sassafras yowled in disbelief, inching closer. "Huntin' food while you laid on yer tail waitin' for the sun- I'm the coward? I ran to y'all!" It was for his sister and her mate's reassurance, but he had stayed even after knowing they lived. He helped, he showed up.

Aurora and Meadow arrive and Sassafras spared them only a glance. He didn't care if he had to flay Merry's hide in front of them all to prove his point, maybe the humiliation would teach him something. The hardened shell around Merry seemed to fall the moment he is confronted by his own, and the silvery tom scoffed. "Yeah, go spit that StarClan nonsense to someone who gives a tail-end about it. Y'sound like a downright lunatic, a dog barkin' at clouds." StarClan could eat cow patties for all he cared, they weren't real. He was real.

"Go 'head, Merry. Curse me in StarClan's name- see if they'll do something since you won't."

 

[harefoot]

Harefoot appears at Merrystalk's side, quiet but steady. He isn't quick to anger, not quick to anything– but even he grew weary at Sassafras's tone, his callous words. Still, when he speaks, his voice is even and even soft, almost pitiful. He supposes he does pity Sassafras, in a way.

"I don't know what's wrong with you," he says, speaking to Sassafras directly, eyes devoid of anger or blame, simply… observing. "I don't know why you carry so much anger in you, but there is no need to take it out on Merry, or anyone else for that matter. We have suffered enough, don't you think? Do we need to suffer at each other's paws too?" he pauses for a moment, observing once more. "If you do not believe Dustystar, if you do not believe in Starclan, you can simply leave. You do not have to follow. And if anger is all you will carry towards us who do, perhaps it is better that you don't."

 

[GOLDENROAR]

He's probably just as surprised as at least one other cat that his brother, of all cats, snaps at Sassafrass first. Yeah, he thinks that the other tom is really nerve-biting, that he gets on everyone's case, but Goldenroar isn't here to argue that point with anyone. Judging by the tenseness of the patrol as he approaches from the other end of the barn, the howling in the air that sounds more like mutts then cats- he knows something has gone wrong. He catches bits and pieces of the arguments, Sassafrass inching closer to his brother.

Goldenroar's ears flatten to his skull and he picks up his step. "Woah, woah woah!" He barks out, pushing between the two of them. His eyes are narrowed, vision switching between them both as Harefoot speaks, but he lands his gaze on Merrystalk first. The set of his eyebrow is harsh, lips pressed together and thin. "Why don't you head on back to camp? Take Meadow n' the other's back to camp. Let Dustystar know there's no' much here. Gonna take days of diggin' to get anyone out." Anyone. It goes unspoken there is only corpses and dead memories left here, not much more. Beyond that, though? Goldenroar is giving his brother a purposeful and direct out of the situation.

He turns his head then, towards Sassafrass. "Harefoot is righ', Sass'." He shortens the name in the favor of time, trying to get his words out before the sparking between his brother and Sassafrass grew to an inferno- ironic, considering what ash they were standing in. "You can pony up, or you can get out. I'm still shaky on this 'belief' thing, but I watched it happen." He doesn't elaborate, but given he was a part of the guarded patrol to that stone up on the big hill... His nostrils flare briefly. "There ain't no reason to be fighting each other. I don't give a damn who started what. Help me finish searching and we'll go back." Goldenroar doesn't dare move until Merrystalk steps away, or until Sassafrass relented- standing like a shield between them.

_______________________ I KEEP RUNNIN' BUT ☼ I'M STANDING STILL _______________________

• "speech"
  

• 

• GOLDENROAR he/him, windclanner, thirty six moons.
  ☆ a lh golden red marbled tabby with low white and glimmering aqua eyes. often seen with a smirk, confidence oozing from him in heaps, but always the ever-helpful guy.
  ☆ mentored by who / mentoring no one
  ☆ older brother to merry
  ☆ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ☆ penned by dallas ↛ dallasofnines on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

/code]

 

[HoneyflowerHoneyflower's icon]

Slow Down, Just Breathe

She had been with Goldenroar on the other end of the barn, paws nearly black from sifting through soot and ash in the hopes of finding... She wasn't sure. She wasn't sure if she actually wanted to find anyone because it was sure to be a grisly scene and Honeyflower wasn't sure if her stomach would hold out. What she was sure of was that her brother had to have been the one who started the argument that began to reach her ears. An apologetic glance is given to Goldenroar before following him to the scene.

While Goldenroar steps between the two toms Honey moves tentatively to Sassafrass's side, hoping that her presence might serve to lower her brother's hackles a little.

Harefoot's comment that he could leave was alarming. Surely he didn't mean it? Her brother just... needed more time, she was sure. Didn't they all? "Come on Sass," It's a barely-there murmur in his ear, pleading. "This isn't helping anyone. Can't you just give it a little more time..?"

Green eyes searched blue for a brief moment before she stepped away in an attempt to beckon him to follow. "Why don't we search over here..? Take a minute to cool off..?"

xxx

All We Have Is All We Need

Tags

Honey

✿—Moor Runner Of WindClan
✿—She/Her
✿—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
✿—Dilute Calico Shecat With Green Eyes And A Floppy Ear
#a4e1ba

 

[Hollowmumble]

Hollowmumble, -- 35 Moons / Barn Cat -- Ages on the 14th
Black spotted ghost tabby with bright amber eyes.
She is friendly, yet quiet, and always willing to help.

Tagging @Meadowpaw @Chickpaw

---

With other cats stepping in and interrupting the argument, Hollow took a couple steps forward to cut off Meadow from the arguing cats, looking down at her. Hopefully she wouldn't try to push and get involved further. "Come on, lets go back to camp," she mumbled, gently nudging her back a little and trying to get Chick's attention so they could head back.

With everyone gathered around, hopefully the fight wouldn't get any worse. The last thing they need is claws flying. With so many still healing from the barnfire injuries, they needed everyone they could to hunt for the group. Thank heavens there were more level headed cats around- she didn't expect something like this from Merry, but she supposes you never truly know a cat until you push them to their limit...

 

[Merrystalk]

—————————————— Dreaming along in a pace you'll understand. ✦

Hollow would have been the first to see the sharpening of Merry's pupils, he really didn't want to escalate. part of him wished to have the sense or patience of Harefoot in that moment. But of course that wasn't what the tom was like, there was a moment his eyes still met his best friend's gaze, he spoke one thing to her, low and quiet, trying desperately not to let any rage ever seep in her direction. "Leave. Leave now."

It was the last thing he uttered to the molly, he refused to meet the gaze of the apprentices or the other she-cats who had overheard to commotion. Why there had to be a crowd, Merry had no idea, but if they really wanted to witness this, then it was their own mistake trying to break up an argument they never had a stake in. Though his gaze fell to his- to Harefoot. He nudged a gentle nose against his cheek, a wordless apology and thanks; grateful as always for his presence, try as he might to help him keep his cool. He never wanted the other to have to see the kind of cat he could be, but Sassafras had earned what was coming to him.

"And what?" Merry spat, a drawl of a sarcastic laugh rolling from the back of his throat, like a flip of a switch. The ignition of a match. "Just cause ya' do the bare damn minium? Like were gonna give yer a damn round of applause for earnin' yer keep?" The tom shook his head, tail still snapping behind him as he approached Sassafras. "Even that ya' barely do, ya' spend more time causin' problems than givin' anythin' useful to the clan!" Slowly, his voice rose from a hiss of rage, growing louder with every word as that rage bubbled louder in his chest, threatening to spill over.

"And y'know what! I woulda commended ya' for it, ya' could ran with yer tail between yer legs, but yer still a damn coward cause good cats died in that fire. You-" Merry's eyes flickered to the remnants of the barn, the rubble and ash, and for a moment a thought, one cruel and bitter and something his clanmates would have never forgave him for saying, would have been spat at the other. Only did his voice falter when a blur of golden fur crossed his vision. Merry's blood ran cold.

'Who the hell told Goldy...' The smaller tom grumbled to himself. But even then, with his brother talking him down and trying to give him an out, there was something cruel still toiling within. A ticking bomb locked under a bristled pelt and unsheathed claws. The bitterness, the frustration, and pain built up from everything. Watching his home go up in flames, seeing cats he cared about die, losing everything and having to start all over again, Sassafras had made the mistake of poking at a cat who had been on the brink of something awful for a very, very long time.

Even though Goldy- Goldenroar stood between them, he only acknowledged the other by taking a step back, trying to steady his breath, but still refused to leave without a final word, not of rage, but of defence. "I trust the Stars more than anythin' comin' out of yer flea-bitten trap. Dustystar is a good, brave cat, more than anythin' you'd ever amount to. She's been tryin' her damnest to help every last one of us after everythin' 'nd if she wants ta cope with the belief our friends are safe somewhere in the stars? I'd believe her over ya' any day."

He tried to silence the bubbling feeling in his chest, his word no longer barked, but something cold. Merry's rage was usually red hot, fiery, and a burst that last for no longer than a moment or so. But Sassafras earned something even Merry didn't know he was quite capable of, he seemed calm. Too calm. "'nd what are ya' doin'? Startin' fights? Face it, Sass, you've done nothin' compared to these cats who really been doin' their part for their friends 'nd clan." There was an itching in his paws, if it wasn't for Goldy, he would have clawed that ugly soul something new. But it wasn't over. Not if Merry had a say.

"You would like that satisfaction, woulda ya? But that's the difference, you 'nd I. I wanna help the clan, ya' wanna see it fall apart." Merry shrugged. There was something... Unsettling almost. The sudden calm from the smaller tom, his tail still flicked. He respected his brother, his... His mate, his best friend, and clanmates too much to fight in front of them all.

But this wasn't over. Far from it.

Merry turned around, standing at Hollow's side and flicking his tail for the others to follow. He again pressed a gentle nose to the tops of the apprentice's heads. "Like Hollow and Goldy said, back home now. 'm sorry for ruinin' y'all's walk." He would apologise to all the non-offending cats in time.

— And it's harder than you think,

Telling dreams from one another. —

• ooc LET MEADOWPAW REPLY BEFORE ANYONE ELSE DOES RN PLEASE MWAH
• 
  Merrystalk
  ✦—Windclan moor-runner | 26 Moons
  ✦—He/Him
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A skinny, tortoiseshell cat with bright green eyes and pelt speckled with hay.
  #9D6E46

 

[Meadowpaw]

Sitting in the dark waiting on the stars
Thinking through all the places that you've been

.

Meadow glanced back at Hollow with a frown. Was she serious? "No! Hollow this is already way out of control." She whispered sharply. There were already plenty of cats not doing anything—grown ones, no less. How could anyone just sit on their tails and watch?

Merry offered no more insight to that question. Cats don't always get along? Her frown deepened, confusion bleeding into hurt… even anger. But not just at Merrystalk or Sassafras… She was angry at the whole situation. That the fire could take so much and still drive a divide between them after the last ember went out. She was upset with herself for not being able to do anything, and that they still felt the need to treat her like a kit. Especially when they were hardly acting any more mature than she was. All these feelings were a sour thing that twisted in her belly.

"If this is how grown cats handle their differences," She muttered, "Then it's a wonder we ever made it out of that fire." Her eyes drifted between them. She knew Merrystalk and he wouldn't be the one to start it… Sassy had to of goaded him into it. Still, what Merry said hadn't been right either.

Relief finally came on the breeze, wrapped in golden fur. Her shoulders slumped as Goldie stepped in—finally someone was willing to break them up. Looking to Maremane and Aurorabeam was a waste of effort. At least Harefoot was willing to try… Meadowpaw should've been able to look up to them—to rely on them—but it seemed she didn't know these cats as well as she thought.

She had never been so disappointed before.

"Did you two… really have to do this here? Hasn't' there been enough pain and loss in this place without adding your spite to it too?" She put on a brave face, but tears scorched her eyes. It reminded her of the fire, the way it'd stolen her vision, and her breath too.

Meadow blinked at Goldenroar, and noted to thank him properly. If not for him, she was sure it would've been beyond their control. At least the worst was over for now... Her eyes are downcast as Merry presses his nose to the top of her head. She does not look at him as she turns away. "Thank you… But I came here with Chickpaw and Hollowmumble, and we're capable of getting back to camp ourselves." Meadow mews hoarsely, already beginning to head off back in the direction they came. "Besides... I wanted to pick some flowers on the way back." She's already moving back in the direction they came by the time she finishes speaking.

There was a hard knot in her chest. But what could she do? Was it really that hard for him to try? She didn't understand why they had to handle it this way either. Couldn't they just talk? Isn't that how grown cats were supposed to handle things? Her sister never acted like that.

Since when has getting up in each other's faces and using sharp words become the only way to solve anything? Was there something Meadow was missing? Something she couldn't understand?

Speech, thoughts/emphasis

8 MOONS

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WINDCLAN

⟢

SONG

⟢

bio

 

[MAREMANE]

Maremane knew anger intimately, and knew it was only a coat, not the entire outfit. It was a shell of whatever was inside of it. She did not care about either tom enough to dissect the reasons they fought like they did. Her ears pinned against her long fur as the loud talking crescendoed into shouts. Though the queasy feeling of entertainment brewed in her stomach, she found some touch of care in the way the apprentices on the other side of the match looked, bumbling uncomfortably.

"Ruined is an understatement," she shrugged, her eyes finding Hollowmumble and her younger company rather than the ones warring with eachother in front of them. She didn't want to look at Sassafras, nor Merrystalk and the cats surrounding them, offering their more gentle support. "Are you adults or not?"

The idea that this was what cats thought of those who escaped with their own lives, not gambling it away on the burn victims inside, stuck with her. Maremane did not like being viewed as a coward, or being percieved at all. Tinytail had found her after the fire, terrified and relieved to know she was alive, and she wondered if her sister knew how she dodged the paws reaching for her ankles, begging for help.

She shook her head, abandoning the thought (as she did most things).

"Cats aren't the only things that died in that fire." Lucille scowled, leaving the implications in the air. Dignity, sanity, peace did as well.

This wasn't the scrappy argument she thought it'd be. She'd caught strays during it as well, though she protected that fact with a stony expression, and the under-layer of trauma that guided their furies made it too cold, too real. No claws came out, no real action was had, just this weight between all of them. Disappointed and deflated, Maremane turned to leave as the others were doing, picking a different route to walk in silence.