somethings gotta give -- [kipper/hawkclaw]

[!!elissebear]

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[atrb=background,http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/Spottedbelly/Emberstripemain-1.png] The sun was high as I prowled this way and that, searching for something to do. It didn’t mattered what I was doing, so long as I was moving. My paws thumped the ground in an ever louder rhythm as I picked up that slow walk to a feline gallop. Muscles bunched and relaxed as I jumped over rocks and logs. The sun beat down on my back. Sure, it wasn’t a hot day, but I was a feline in full motion and this was boiling to me. I could feel my skin burning and a low rumbling sound echoed in my chest as I found a nearby bush to claim as a resting place. I laid my weight down under it and waited for a moment. I could hear the soft, wild beat of a rabbit’s heart. It was close by. My head turned this way and that, trying to catch the sound. There! In the bushes just to my left. It was trying to hide from me. That wasn’t about to happen. I rose, looking like I didn’t know it was there and then, I pounced. It squealed as I landed on it, killing it with a quick blow. It was a nicely sized rabbit. It looked like it could have fed two or three warriors and that was if they were always active. I could only imagine how many elders or apprentices it would feed if it needed to go that far. My tail was raised high as I dug a hole big enough for the darn thing and covered it quickly; making sure it was still under the bush it had been hiding from me in. My steps were light as I headed back out into the blazing glow of that great ball in the sky. I wasn’t sure how long I would last out here, but work needed to be done and I was willing to do it. Feeding the clan was a high priority in my book and I wasn’t about to forget that. Panting hard, I moved further through the hills, looking for something more to hunt up. A puddle of fresh rain water came into view and I stopped by it, dipping my head down I lapped up the water in greedy gulps. I hated being over heated like this, but I couldn’t let those I was loyal to down with bring back food. Raising my head once more I scanned the world around me with quick glances here and there. I saw it. A field mouse was cleaning its paws and just waiting to get itself caught. Without thinking about the fact that I would have wet paws, I walked through the puddle and crouched down. The mouse turned its nose to the wind and that was all it took. It turned and saw my great mass. I pushed off the ground running at it, but it scurried away and down into a hole. I snarled as I moved back to the puddle, gulping down more water before laying in the shade of a nearby tree. I sprawled there and dropped my head down onto my paws. I could have fallen asleep on this warm day, hidden away in the shade. I enjoyed it here, but I knew I couldn’t sleep without making myself venerable. I was sure there was someone out there who might like to play a dirty trick on me. At the same time, it could just be a bought of paranoia that had me thinking such things. It was just better that I stay awake and stare out at the world for a moment. speaking word count -- 607 tag -- Hawkclaw/Kipper comments -- none muse -- good

[KIPPER.]

Ah, it seemed like Leafbare had finally come to an end. Awakening in the Warriors den he let out a sleepy yawn and turned to face the usual sleeping spot of his mate, Emberstripe, but it appeared she had opted for some afternoon hunting which wasn’t unusual as she liked to preoccupy herself when Hawkclaw was out on afternoon patrol or hunting but seeing as he was on neither is seemed odd she had opted for this time to leave. Lifting his stiff body from the soft earth he sniffed at where she had lay and by the semi-stale stench he guessed she had gone about an hour before he awakened. Following this trail he was greeted by his clanmates bustling about as usual but his mate’s trail had disappeared into the thick fields and beyond. He pondered whether to follow her or not as she could be quite touchy when anyone interrupted her hunts but his gut instinct told him to pursue his ember queen in case she had stalked away after some upset. The brown tabby followed her scent towards the fence without further hesitation.

He tried to avoid the harsh rays of the sun but even in the shade he couldn’t escape the patches of harsh light scolding his fur and making him feel uncomfortable and aggravated. Feeling grumpy he sought refuge against a post close to a large thicket to save himself some unwanted heatstroke. Damn Emberstripe! Even in her older age she never failed to outshine the younger Warriors with her ability to cover her tracks and hide - if he hadn’t been mated to her for many moons he would have not even got this far! Yet the trail stopped here and with no fresh signs of the orange rippled queen he doubted he would catch up to her now. He thought about returning to the Clan headquarters to check on Sandpaw but stopped himself when he caught a whiff of freshkill and new-earth. The Warrior code kicked in at this moment and his ears flattened at the thought of an intruder… silently he approached the scent and was pleasantly surprised to find Emberstripe had made the kill - and a rabbit too! This was marvellous for the Clan who had suffered from the season and he couldn’t help but feel the familiar trickle of pride that Emberstripe had hunted a rabbit much more filling than that old bag of bones the Deputy had to offer.

When he found her she was traipsing through a shallow puddle in persuit of prey it seemed so he hung back until he heard the familiar cursing that was normally directed (though somewhat more fond tones were used) towards him when she caught him scowling at old ‘friends’ at the Clan meets. He was unable to contain himself and a loud chuckle escaped his maw before he could help himself. This would not help the situation any and would certainly earn him a good swipe around the ear but after her last catch she was able to lose out on some prey comfortably. Entering her view with his familiar swagger he purred softly and reached out to touch noses with his beautiful mate before fixing her with a look of curiosity. “I wonder where you had gone. I thought you might have grown bored with this old tom after spending yet another leafbare in his company.” The rumble in his chest grew louder as he sidled down beside her and flicked his tail playfully against hers.

[!!elissebear]

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[atrb=background,http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/Spottedbelly/Emberstripemain-1.png] I didn’t smell the tom as he came toward me. I wasn’t focused on him because I wasn’t paying much attention at all to the world around me. My tail lashed at my failure, but that was okay. I would find something more later on. I didn’t expect, however, to hear a tom’s deep laughter. I turned harsh eyes onto the cat, but smiled boldly when I realized who it was. Hawkclaw. Only he was brave enough to laugh at me, of all cats. I remained in my spot though, laying there, tail tip twitching as I watched him with affectionate eyes. I would get him as soon as he was close enough. That was something he would have to remember. I never, never let others stand in my way or make fun of me. It has never been who I was and though I had a sweet nature, I was going to teach him a lesson, although it was small and he more than likely knew it was coming. As soon as he was within range, I lifted a paw and cuffed his ear lightly, claws sheathed. I wasn’t about to hurt my heart’s desire, not when all he had done was laugh at me. Leaning up to his touch, keeping contact for as long as I could, then settled back once more against the sun warmed ground. I let out a sigh and watched him with all the fondness that I’d ever held for him and more. I’d always had a soft spot for this tom ever sense he’d came to my rescue. He was my knight in shining fur. There was no way I could let him go and just the thought made my heart break a little bit. I was sure, that should he die, I wouldn’t be far behind him. I would be there within a day, maybe less. He was the beat of my heart and the breath in my lungs. I could feel the pride and love in me swelling up and pouring out to touch the world around me. It was hard for me to see the bad in anything unless it was full blown evident in everything that was going on around us. Drawing in a deep breath, I gazed at him with soft amber eyes and was just happy being close to him. He was unlike any tom I’d ever met and he would always remain the most important. Scoffing, I looked away from him, a playful glint in my eyes. “Never, you’re much too easy to push around and make fun of. Why, these young toms wouldn’t know what to do with me. They’d walk away with one look.” I shifted so that I could lean my weight lightly against him and rubbed my cheek against his own. “Anyways, what would you do without me?” I teased, “You’d probably make some younger, stronger tom mad and they’d leave you for crowfood at the side of a thunderpath.” I taunted him in a light tone that was all play and sweet devotion. The playful touch of his tail caused me to flick mine towards him and lightly tap his flank. This was a special moment. One where we could spend time together, just the two of us, no matter how fleeting it might be. Sure, we’d have to go back to the clan soon, or another cat might stumble upon us, but for now, we had each other and it was just us, no one else. It was a sweet, delightful moment and I owed it all to Hawkclaw. It was all because of him. speaking word count -- 605 tag -- Hawkclaw/Kipper comments -- none muse -- good

[KIPPER.]

Even the soft bat against his frame was nothing to deter him from nearing her. He knew in his heart that she was taking it in good humour though if he were any other cat he may not have got off so lucky. The look of love in her golden eyes betrayed any savagery that might have been brought to surface at his rude intrusion and in that instance he would have forgiven her even if she did keep her killer claws in check. His eyes lifted over her soft frame, her name was very much her essence - she was built as a female warrior should with her agile frame suited for speed, her sharp face and long whiskers for tracking but with softer features that would melt any toms heart which of course meant he would always be on his guard around her - even if he was reminded several times that she would never leave him. “Never, you’re much too easy to push around and make fun of. Why, these young toms wouldn’t know what to do with me. They’d walk away with one look.” She told him with what seemed like a teasing tone which filled him with admiration for the she-cat.

He felt the orange cat sidle up against him, her warm flank pressing against his adding some extra heat even in this warm day. He was not a young cat so you may have though he would have grown out his ‘blushing-puss’ act long ago but even now a simple act of affection could still make his whiskers curl like a love-struck apprentice. His purr mellowed as he steadied himself against her slight body and lowered his head for some friendly loving. “What would you do without me?” She asked with mock challenge to which he fixed her with a feigned hurt expression. “Younger and stronger? This younger and stronger tom will most certainly turn tail and head home when I blab to their parent about their naughty kits.” He gently licked her brow and pressed a tender paw against hers. “… even if I was left for crowfood, I know somebody will come looking for me. At least I hope.”

From above he heard the distant caw of a crow signalling the return of prey to the Hillclan territory. For this he was glad, not because he was especially fond of the other Clans but it meant for them the lesser need to invade to steal food - hopefully the Brookclan waters had calmed too as they had been a reoccurring problems. He scowled as he scanned the sky with concern remembering that he was with his mate for now and not tied down to word. Maybe she would catch his scowl and remind him that he was not on duty but as of late it seemed like his work had almost completely consumed him - especially after Eaglestar had been appointed Leader. Ah, Eaglestar, how his thoughts always ended in his son was probably the only noticeable affection he shown towards any of his remaining kits. Every move he made these days was to provide Adderfang and Eaglestar with the best and safest territory he could offer but it seemed to the tom this was a neverending cycle and he was growing tired… very tired. His purring stopped abruptly and his ears flattened in dissapointment.

“Have you spoken to Eaglestar of late?” He asked loweing his gaze. “… I met him briefly after Sandpaw was assigned to me but he didn’t say much. I know I have put my duties before my kits and I can answer to StarClan for those sins but it seems even the word ‘father’ is lost on me. I would give my life to my Clan if asked of me but to my kits I would give everything.” The great tabby was silent for a moment then turned to nuzzle her nape softly. “Perhaps I am expecting too much of him.”


note;; What do you think of a late litter? XD

[!!elissebear]

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[atrb=background,http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm141/Spottedbelly/Emberstripemain-1.png] You wouldn’t believe it by our reputations, but we were one of the most affectionate couples out there. We were more likely to love on each other than swipe a paw because one of us had said the wrong thing. My tail flicked lightly at the idea, dismissing the thought that we could be angry with each other. Sure, we had lover’s quarrels, but you can imagine where those ended. Just the thought had me snickering softly. I was lucky that my kits didn’t know what a rutting stag their father could be at times. I often thought about that before I walked out into the world. It was often that I would find myself alone one moment and then with him the next. Just like right now. I slide a side long glance at him and chuckled under my breath. My life was quite interesting to say the least and well, I didn’t think anyone could be the love and happiness I shared with those I cared most for. When I thought about it, it was probably time for me to go and talk to my sons. They needed a good mother-child talking to seeing as Eaglestar was now leader and I wanted grandkits. When Hawkclaw lowered his head, a small smile touched my feline kissers as I purred and licked affectionately between his ears. He was my one and only. My other half and I would share him with no one. I’d probably kill any she-cat who so much as looked at him funny. I had to stop though and turn my head away to stifle the laughter that was ready to come roaring from my lungs. “My, my. Aren’t you a terrifying warrior, going to their parents with their bad behavior?” I teased him lightly, whiskered tilted forward with amusement. This was our game. Teasing and taunting each other with ideas that weren’t likely to happen. I leaned into his affectionate lick and purred softly as his paw came to rest on mine in the most loving of manners. “Yes. I would come to your rescue after I beat the tom for hurting my beloved.” My voice was all seriousness at that moment. Sure, I teased him, but when it came down to it, I would never let anyone, not even my own kits hurt him. I’d kill someone first, then dance on their grave later, crying to the sky that no one would harm Hawkclaw. I could tell something was on my mate’s mind and it worried me that he would be thinking about it so much. I watched him with a creased brow and felt the need to keep as close to him as I possibly could. I didn’t want him to worry too much. He had other things to think about and well, whatever he was thinking about now was something that I should be dealing with I was sure. I knew it was only a matter of time before he told me, but I was concerned none the less. Nothing bothered Hawkclaw except the idea that I might actually walk away from him, though I kept telling him it was never going to happen. He was my guardian angel and well, you couldn’t just leave your guardian angel and I didn’t want to. I felt no need to walk away from the life and love he had given me. Even if he didn’t think he deserved that love, I knew in my heart, mind and soul that he did. He would always be deserving of the love and devotion I gave to him. He was my life. Listening to him speak, my eyes grew a bit wide, even as he nuzzled my nape my mind was already working a mile a minute. The response I was working up was one that would make my son’s ears turn red and wish he’d never not called Hawkclaw father. I rose swiftly and moved until I was sitting in front of him. Leaning down, I touched his nose for a moment then brought my head back up. “No. I haven’t talked to him, but I will. No matter if he is leader, unless it’s for a formal occasion then he should by all rights be calling you father and I swear if I don’t get a hello mother, he’ll regret it and you know he will as well as I do.” There was a fiery look in my deep amber eyes, “Oh how he’ll regret that. I’ll pin him down and demand who raised him and gave him life. He’ll get a swipe on the ear to help him remember that too.” I flicked my tail harshly from side to side. My mate and my kits were important to me and when family wasn’t working nicely together, I made it work. I was, after all, QUEEN of this family. speaking word count -- 813 tag -- Hawkclaw/Kipper comments -- they are gunna be so shocked by a new batch of kits. muse -- good

[KIPPER.]

Her face was blank yet her eyes were full of concern as he listened to the tom’s pathetic rumbling. A sinking feeling enveloped him as he realized he might be upsetting her with his unsympathetic words about their kit - Emberstripe was very much in love with the idea of family and to her it may even surpass the need to be a warrior now. He often thought that the orange she-cat would be quite happy in the elder den with other retired queens discussing moons gone by when their kits got into mischief and she would happily chuckle along while padding at her bed of soft moss - then he remembered the look in the eye every time she saw an enemy line and all thoughts of retirement were vanquished. She loved her kits and it pained him that she would not carry any more… it was a miracle that she even carried her first litter of kits and the medicine cat warned her that the odds of conceiving more were like finding a dog that spoke cat! The thanked StarClan that they had blessed him with the ones they had and listened to her newly-heated words.

His amber eyes grew wide with horror as she relayed her plan on how she was going to ‘talk’ to Eaglestar and he tried unsuccessfully to interrupt, his mouth hanging loose then closing with a snap. “And he’ll get a swipe on the ear to help him remember that too!” She told him, voice raised in the heat of the moment. He was quiet before he started chuckling again… which quickly turned into a rare belly-laugh with the amusement in what she just said! Oh StarClan! To watch any leader of a Clan being cuffed by how own mother? The leaders which everyone fought for and respected? This was too much! He lowered himself to the ground to stop himself from toppling over, he couldn’t even look at her properly until he had finished his moment of madness. “Emberstripe, seriously? No wonder the clan runs from you when you get annoyed but to scold Eaglestar like a naughty kit? The elders would be gossiping for moons!” He grinned playfully and belly crawled closer to her. “… Eaglestar was chosen by the Clan as leader because he is respected and loved. Even if he was to forget who I am, I would never wish humiliation upon him especially as that paw of yours is usually mine and mine only when I’m I’m being mouse-brained.” He was close to her chest now and he rolled on his belly gazing longingly up at her. If only the Warriors knew this was how he acted when he was in the privacy of his mate they would laugh and surely he would never be taken seriously again.

“Hmm, this setting is somewhat familiar though as I recall it was a beautiful little tabby laying in this spot gazing wide-eyed up at me before she lunged for my throat. How I ever came to be mated with her I have no idea.” The wind blew a forgiving breeze in their direction bringing with it a fresh scent of life. With the sun silhouetting her head she looked more breathtaking than ever. He lifted himself to stand in front of her and watched her with longing in his eyes… she would never bare his kits again but as long as she wanted him, he was the earth in her claws. He inched closer and buried his nose in her soft fur.

“I love you Emberstripe.” He purred softly…



note;; They will be SO CUTE! I think Hawkclaw may be a little more than surprised and even a little embarrassed if the rest of the clan joke about him 'still being game' Think Eaglestar will be grossed out his folks are still makin' babies? LOL anyway, I didn't really want to post the breeding (awkward >.>) so I kinda just hinted towards the end. If you like, we can beging again when they wake up curled next to each other or/and we can start a new thread in the medicine den when she approached the Medicine cat with weirdly familiar symptoms? hehe

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[!!elissebear]

Omg. These two are too dang cute. I think they are my favorite couple. Haha. I think it would be awesome if they were in the medicine cat den. x D I'll get that post up asap. I can totally understand not wanting to post the breeding. It would be more than a little awkward since cats are well . . . yeah. haha.

[KIPPER.]

Yeah XD When I was doing Animal Studies in college they showed me this neat little diagram of a kitty penis and how they worked during breeding... can't say I was too fond of it LOL. If you could get the post up that would be great - I'll reply asap. I can't wait to see everyone's reactions to the new kits! *huggles Tansykit and Heatherkit*