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Post by Masquerade on Jan 25, 2012 15:59:40 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
So, you see, there's just one problem with him. He's shy, meaning that he would take a minute or two of getting used to the idea of this new place. His eyes, a gentle aquamarine blue, glimmered as he scanned the camp, looking for a companion to speak to, which he'd hoped there was at least one. Raggedshadow had not been in Riverclan camp long, which meant he was new to the whole 'living in one general area' technique. It was quite awkward for him, for he knew not a single soul. He knew that someone- anyone- would come to welcome him, but when, he wasn't sure.
Now, Raggedshadow was a handsome beast, with deep ebony black fur with ivory white patches. Some would call the pattern 'tuxedo,' where he just called it 'fur.' Keep in mind, the young tom- of a generous 27 moons, give or take, he never really cared to remember- was quite smart like that. Like any other tom, he knew he would search for a companion that was more than a companion, but he knew he wasn't sure of if he was ready. He'd been through a lot, and now he was here, scared of what these others might think of him.
He sat down tall, tail tip curled upon his haunch, eyes piercing yet mezmerizing, generously waiting. |
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Post by Jess on Jan 25, 2012 22:21:41 GMT -5
"Oh, cheer up, chap!"
The call was in a tone surprisingly familial for the deputy to use to a cat who he just vaguely knew. Thistlefire usually liked to keep that sort of language for only his closest of friends, and of course his family. But he was still enjoying the very slowly fading splendor of his new rank, and that made every aspect of his manner a little different. He was acting more jovial and loose, at least for the time being.
This cat here, he looked uncomfortable. Thistlefire didn't know his name, which certainly concerned him. He felt it his responsibility to know the name of every Riverclan cat, after all. As he approached the black and white cat from his earlier post at the warrior den, he gave a persuasive little smile and nodded in the stranger's direction. "Now what did you say your name was, again?" he asked loudly, striding confidently up to the tom. He didn't feel the need to introduce himself, though, as he figured that any cat worth his salt would know the deputy.
His pale green eyes gave the other tom a good going-over, at once both committing the looks to memory and sizing him up. His first thought about him was that he might be competition for the ladies, as they were about the same age, and his eyes narrowed slightly. But then he could remind himself blissfully of his rank, and dismiss the issue entirely. Holding his head up proudly, he patiently awaited an answer.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 27, 2012 15:07:51 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
"Oh, cheer up, chap!"
Now what did you say your name was, again?"
Boy this cat knew exactly what he was doing, and it sure rubbed Raggedshadow a very weird way. He shifted, slightly, and directed his aquamarine gaze to the approaching tom, nodding his head ever so slightly, though returning to his earlier stature. "Why a name is first important, I know not, but you may call me Raggedshadow." He replied, voice quite flat. One of his ears twitched, and his tail tip quivered irritably, though he kept a pretty amazing facade. He smiled, kindly it seemed, his fur clean and giving off a sheen in the sunlight. He had to admit that the tom would be a bit of competition for something, probably anything.
"Excuse me for asking, but what position do you hold in this clan, again? I seem to have forgotten." The primed tom meowed, voice rich and smooth, much like velvet. His posture stayed the same, which was of course as much of him that was important. He held his head high, and back like he was of importance to someone, or something. It's just who he was. He wasn't arrogant, or a fool, but he did show that no cat was more important than him, but only had more power over the clan than he did. He smiled, or smirked- more or less- to show some general sign that he was either kidding or mocking, that he didn't even know.
Raggedshadow waited a response, all the while gazing once more around camp, wondering if someone else were going to arrive. His spirits were a little more lifted than before, for some reason. |
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Post by Jess on Jan 27, 2012 17:33:29 GMT -5
Raggedshadow. Thistlefire thought for a moment, but again he came up with a blank when deciding if he could remember anything specific about this cat. Well. That was too bad. The more he stood there, looking at the other tom, the more he felt the need to learn about him. Now, Thistlefire wasn't naturally nosy, but in a case like this, where he suspected that disrespect might be imminent, he liked to know how things would stand between them.
"Excuse me for asking, but what position do you hold in this clan, again? I seem to have forgotten." A sudden flash of annoyance quickly lit up his eyes, and his ears twitched impatiently. He had to admit (though definitely not graciously) that the other cat had a really nice voice, smoother and richer than his own. While he didn't squeak out his words, or even get close to it, his own voice wasn't as deep as he might have liked it to be, and that desire flared up in him when he compared it to the other.
Misinterpreting the smirk and posture of the tom, Thistlefire frowned slightly, and then forced his face into a sweeter-than-necessary little smile for Raggedshadow. "Well, I'm deputy of this fine clan, of course." He thought of adding something after that, but another idea had already come to him. He knew what would wipe that infuriating little smirk off his smug face, and firmly establish Thistlefire's superiority over the other tom.
"I was just on my way to organize a hunting patrol. Why don't you join me?" Once again a note of bravado entered his voice and smile, and he lifted his head, feeling at once more at home, and excited for the prospects ahead.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 27, 2012 17:59:03 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
"Well, I'm deputy of this fine clan, of course." Raggedshadow had to give him that, well the 'fine clan' part, whereas he didn't quite care of the cat's general importance in the clan. He never really did. "Well congratulations on your... importance." He answered, taking a careful look at the fresh-kill pile, which was diminishing because of the weather. How well this leaf-bare would go, he wasn't so sure. His eyes twinkled for a moment, whiskers twitching.
"I was just on my way to organize a hunting patrol. Why don't you join me?" He pondered this for a moment, head tilting just slightly so that it looked as if he was thinking deeply. "I suppose that would be alright," The young tom replied, turning his gaze toward the deputy. "But don't you think that it would be wise to ask others to accompany you, as well?" He added, his general knowledge of a hunting party or patrol party consisting, usually, of more than one cat.
Raggedshadow's jaws parted in a half-acknowledged yawn, clearing his throat once it stopped. His ivory teeth glistened just before his jaws clasped shut completely, directing his gaze, once more, upon the tom before him |
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Post by Jess on Jan 27, 2012 18:27:57 GMT -5
Thistlefire didn't even acknowledge the other tom's "congratulations." In his eyes, it obviously wasn't sincere. And besides that, the deputy was getting the distinct feeling that this feline he was dealing with didn't understand the concept of respecting one's superiors. Ah, his first test of deputy, then, would be knocking some sense into the poor guy. It was pretty much his duty at this point.
"I suppose that would be alright." Huh. As if he would really have had a choice in the matter. Obviously he didn't understand that Thistlefire was just being polite. If he really wanted to, he could certainly take a logical approach, or a hard-to-refuse approach, or, if things had escalated enough, he wouldn't have had difficulty defending a forceful approach on his part. He knew the situation of the food supply in the territory, and he would have refused to let him off the hook. But, it was probably better that things had worked out as they had.
At Raggedshadow's question, though, Thistlefire honestly couldn't have held back the chuckle of contempt if he had been trying. "Really, now, do I look so inept as to have you explaining to me how to do my job? As I was explaining, although I understand how it is rather difficult for certain cats to actually pay attention to things, I was just on my way to organizing a border patrol. Now that you're coming along with, well, we can go and find some others." He started scanning the camp for other cats who might be about, hoping that he would be able to get an apprentice to come along with them.
Really, who does he think he is? he thought, playing over once again what just happened. Did he really expect me to overlook some small a party of two would be? Mouse-brain.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 27, 2012 18:40:24 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
"Oh don't get your fur all in a knot, deputy. You seem to be rather agitated. Maybe a visit to the Medicine Cat den would soothe that attitude of yours, or do they even have herbs for that? Raggedshadow replied, eyes flashing momentarily until he lifted a paw and drew it to his muzzle, licking it rather slowly. He placed it down, continuing to look upon the other tom. "But what would I know, I'm just a lowly warrior, so forced to listen to the deputy enforce the rules.
He stood, striding contently closer toward the clan entrance, drawing in the scents of the territory beyond it. "While you search for more cats to boss around, I'll be looking to see if there's even a hint of prey around. Hopefully that's alright with you." Raggedshadow tossed the words over his shoulder, chuckling to himself. His aquamarine eyes rolled as he slipped his way outside of camp, not bothering to wait for the go-ahead.
'Oh, Raggedshadow, you're not one to really cause trouble, but the temptation was to hard to resist.' He pondered, lifting his nose into the air and drawing every scent in. His eyes closed, partially, letting the gentle breeze swirl around him. 'I hate ignorance, arrogance, and bossy toms. Honestly, couldn't they be easier to get along with?'
Once more, he chuckled quietly to himself, shaking his head to and fro with his ears pricked for sounds.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 27, 2012 19:28:06 GMT -5
Sparrowpaw was just pushing through the camp entrance when she bumped into Raggedshadow, stumbling backwards and landing with a thud. She looked up to see who she had so rudely crashed into, only to realize that it was her mentor, Raggedshadow. After having her last mentor retired after recieving a permenant limp, her Clan had assigned Raggedshadow as her new mentor. It was quite exciting, really, to be taught by someone so newly introduced into the Clan. Most would underestimate him, but Sparrowpaw enjoyed mock-fighting with him, and practising her hunting skills every now and then.
"Sorry," she apoligized to the mysterious blue-eyed tom. The tension crackling in the air hit her as soon as she noticed the look of contempt on her mentor's face. Glancing at Thistlefire, she figured that the deputy had ruffled Raggedshadow's fur the wrong way. Or vice versa. Either way, the tabby apprentice just wanted to lift the uncomfortable mood, so she quickly added, "Er, Raggedshadow, you said you would show me a few new moves today, can we do them now?"
Sparrowpaw's whiskers began to twitch; it often occured when she was uncomfortable or nervous. Glancing at the RiverClan deputy and her new Clan mate, it was clear to her that they would never be on the same terms. It somewhat disappointed her, seeing how some cats can dislike each other as soon as they uttered a single word to each other. But what business was it to Sparrowpaw? She didn't like to put herself in between conflict, fearing that she'd only make matters worse, but she would, if she could.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 27, 2012 19:59:18 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
He came to an abrupt stop, head automatically moving downward to the apprentice. "No, no, that's my fault, Sparrowpaw. My apologies." He replied, eyes glistening again. Raggedshadow smiled, enjoying the fact that he was only a new-comer to this clan, already with an apprentice. His smiled slightly faded for a moment, remembering that he had told her that he would teach the young she-cat a few moves.
"Well, how about you join Thistlefire and I on a hunting patrol, and then we'll practice those moves?" He meowed, voice equally as rich and smooth as the first time he'd spoken, only a few moments earlier. His head tilted curiously, awaiting the apprentice's answer. His gaze slipped back toward the deputy, eying him sharply before directing his aqua orbs back to Sparrowpaw. He hadn't known her long, but he was enjoying the mentoring already.
"Well, Thistlefire, are you coming or not?" Raggedshadow sighed heavily, his nerves for the deputy wearing somewhat thin.
ooc; Crap post >.<
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Post by Jess on Jan 27, 2012 20:10:27 GMT -5
Well, almost clever. I commend you the effort, at least. Thistlefire certainly wasn't amused at Raggedshadow's little comments. Maybe if they had been a little classier, he would have deigned to respond. But no, they were just the things that a little mongrel like him would come up with. No better than a kittypet, really.
Aw, how cute. Now he's just being difficult. Really, when will he learn? He let out a quiet breath of exasperation once the other cat had turned and started walking away. Once again he cast about with his eyes for another warrior or two to drag into this, but no one was out. He really didn't want to let the other tom get a head-start on him with the hunting party, so he figured he would pull whoever he saw next and call it good. Hunting patrols didn't have to be very big.
"Er, Raggedshadow, you said you would show me a few new moves today, can we do them now?" The voice drew his attention to the reedy entrance of camp, where the answer to his search had just run into the very tom he was trying to keep in check. Too bad this cat wanted to get Raggedshadow off task. Well, with just a small explanation, he was sure she would understand what they were up to.
So he gave his coat a few quick licks to straighten up. It was just an apprentice, sure, but any she-cat got this habitual response out of him. After the quick little grooming, he approached the two, nodding respectfully to Sparrowpaw as he approached. She wasn't too bad, as far as apprentice went. He wasn't so sure how he would feel about her after this rascal, Raggedshadow, was through with her, though. It was probably well within his duty was deputy to make sure she spent time with a more quality cat than him. Which was just what Thistlefire was. He mentally decided to make sure he spent a little time with the poor apprentice, as she really did deserve better.
"Well, Thistlefire, are you coming or not?" He gave the lesser cat a rather friendly look, determined not to let on to the apprentice that she was in the hands of such a piece of mouse dung. It could be hard on them, sometimes. "Of course. Let's head on over in the direction of the Gorge, yeah?" I swear, if you say one thing about that place being dangerous for apprentices, we'll have issues. This sentiment he tried to convey through his eyes, but he wasn't sure that the other cat would quite grasp it. "The territory out in that direction is pretty nice, and it's not like we have much of a choice with that river being flooded."
And so he struck out, slowly at first, so as to let the others get in step with him. He didn't want them dawdling back there, for Sparrowpaw didn't need to be getting any bad ideas for her mentor. Perhaps teaching Raggedshadow a lesson could wait for a little while, until the actual hunting began. Then he'd see what he could dish out.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 27, 2012 20:25:00 GMT -5
Sparrowpaw felt her heart sink at her mentor's words, but she managed to flash him a fond smile. She and Raggedshadow had became friends quite easily, and she liked to spend time with him. When they went out into the territory for one-on-one training, it helped lift the stress of looking after Kestrelpaw and Mothpaw off her delicate shoulders. It was strange how the two of them had such a nice friendship.
But now her chance of confiding into her mentor was gone, because of Thistlefire. The tabby apprentice had never tried to confide into Raggedshadow, but he was a good listener, and so was she. Her mother was never really around, and she didn't have a clue as to where her father was. It would've been so much easier to just spill everything to the one cat who she was able to trust. I'll do it another day, she decided, figuring that it wasn't a big deal. Sparrowpaw was usually optimistic about things.
"Sure thing!" she replied cheerfully, inwardly dreading the hunt. By the look on Thistlefire's face, it occured to her that he and Raggedshadow would be bickering the whole way. But maybe they wouldn't. Maybe I can impress him by catching some prey! she though, excited at the thought. With the scarce prey, she wanted to show her mentor that she could hunt as good as any other warrior. She wasn't perfect in everything, besides swimming, and making Raggedshadow proud would make her proud of herself, as well.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 27, 2012 20:33:12 GMT -5
Raggedshadow didn't bother taking a step at the mention of the gorge. He strictly did not think that place would be safe right now, and where the river was flooding would definitely be away from their paws. His eyes sharpened, the hatred behind them growing far more fiercely than it had before. "No, Thistlefire. The Gorge is out of the question until Sparrowpaw has learned her moves, and more techniques. If you don't like that, then I'm sorry." He meowed, voice deepening as the protective side of him began to show. He refused to let an apprentice go to such a place until he knew for sure that they would be alright. He didn't know what all Sparrowpaw knew just yet, and he wasn't going to risk it.
"Sparrowpaw, where would you like to go. This is your time to show what you're made of, and learn as well." Raggedshadow meowed to his companion, the only one who seemed to understand him right now. His eyes were no longer sharp, to her at least, and he gently, as well as playfully, butted her shoulder with his head. He chuckled softly, whispering to her: "Don't worry, we'll go ahead and have a small bit of training on this patrol. Why not make it fun?"
The warrior smiled softly, then turned his attention toward the direction of the Gorge, already feeling wrong about it. It's just who he was, and he wouldn't accept any cat putting his apprentice in danger. His face darkened, not knowing how well this patrol would go as far as Thistlefire's companionship went. He didn't like that flea-bitten mouse-brain one single bit. Just the thought of him pulled a deep, hidden, and lost hatred that he had long ago put away.
Raggedshadow shifted on his paws, tail some-what lashing and some-what flicking. It looked a little odd, and went just with how his emotions were right now.
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Post by Jess on Jan 27, 2012 20:48:44 GMT -5
Thistlefire stopped. Was he actually this stupid? Thistlefire couldn't tell anymore, whether he was just not paying attention to a word he said, or whether he actually didn't understand such phrases as "in the direction of." Seriously, did he actually expect him to bring an apprentice out all the way to the Gorge? Well, it was just like an idiotic cat like Raggedshadow to think that way. The deputy wanted to make it very clear to the lowly warrior that obviously he didn't mean the Gorge, but he couldn't.
Anywhere else, with any other company, and perhaps he might have illustrated the point to his semantics to the less-sophisticated cat. However, his policy didn't let him do that in front of apprentices he deemed deprived of good mentorship. He knew that any apprentices under his teaching would be able to handle whatever he dished out to the feeble-minded. He couldn't promise the same for those who had to answer to such soft souls as that mouse-brain Raggedshadow!
Turning around, he meowed, "I'm sorry, Raggedshadow, but I wasn't suggesting we go to the Gorge. It's dangerous even for you and me, right now. I was merely suggesting that we travel in that direction. After all, there is a lot of land between here and the Gorge, great for hunting in." He looked over at Sparrowpaw, and gave a kind little smile. "But I suppose your mentor does have a good point or two in his head. You may choose where we hunt. Although, I don't really see how we can go in any other direction." He knew the camp lay on the opposite side of the territory of the Gorge. Did Raggedshadow? It sure didn't seem like it.
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Post by ♦ stormeh ♦ on Jan 27, 2012 21:03:32 GMT -5
Sparrowpaw opened her jaws to protest, but immediately thought better of it. There was no point in including herself into this arguement, only to make things worse. She just wished that they would stop bickering and they could get on with their hunt. At the mention of the gorge, she shifted uncomfortably. Personally, she didn't fancy the gorge that much. If they got to close to the edge, it would only take a single pawstep to slip and fall to her death. Not only could her life be at risk, Thistlefire's and Raggedshadow's could, as well. She didn't want to lose Raggedshadow, after forming a pleasant friendship with him.
When Raggedshadow turned to her, she noticed how his blue eyes softened and he didn't look as agrivated when he spoke to her. It was always like that with Raggedshadow, and it could always make her relax. But while Thistlefire's hard glare was most likely burning into her, along with Raggedshadow's gentle gaze, it felt like whatever happened in the end would depend on where she chose to hunt. Honestly, did it matter?
Sparrowpaw was about to suggest following the main hunting trail that most of the Clan used, but Thistlefire had interupted her by rounding on Raggedshadow once more. She kept quiet once more, and for once, was getting annoyed by those whole dilemna, until the RiverClan deputy turned to her once more, with an eery smile on his face. The tabby she-cat tried not to look away, for doing something like that would be rude. "Er, we could use the hunting trail..." she murmured, ears burning from the pressure.
The only thing that kept Sparrowpaw's spirits up was the possible training that Raggedshadow promised when he quickly whispered into her ear. But she had no clue how a patrol like this could be fun. She'd try, at least, to look enthusiastic - which was always easy for her, but she was dying to spill everything to Raggedshadow later. Sparrowpaw liked to talk to him about her personal stories, since she felt so safe with him. Maybe they could talk when they're alone, and without the nagging presence of Thistlefire.
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Post by Masquerade on Jan 28, 2012 11:55:28 GMT -5
Raggedshadow
His eyes began to blaze, and he resisted the urge to fully extend his claws and round on the deputy. His fur bristled around his neck, but he quickly commanded it to lay flat once more. His breathing deepened, but he didn't dare let his anger show too much. "You know what, how about we just train first. That way you can show us what you know already." Raggedshadow meowed, softening just a bit. He didn't know what it was, why he was so easily calmed when he was around her. It was something, he was sure, but what? He didn't know.
"In fact," He began, sitting down with his tail laying comfortably on his paws. "We can even do battle training, as well. Before or after we hunt, it's up to you. I'm sure Thistlefire wouldn't mind helping for a while." He added, smirking generously. "Would you, deputy?"
He wasn't real sure as to why his fur was so ruffled when it came to this cat, for he'd only just met him, but whatever it was, he knew it would last. He wasn't real fond of Thistlefire at all. All he knew was that he and Sparrowpaw needed their own time so they could talk, like usual, and train as well. It was much less of a hassle when it was just the two of them; everything was peaceful and quiet with just the two of them keeping one another company. He enjoyed it quite a bit, and hoped they would get together soon. He hadn't really known the she-cat long either, but he already knew that he could get used to being around so much.
ooc: Just woke up, post not that great >.>
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