Average Patrol (Open ^_^!)

[Stagshadow]

With a twitching tailtip, the massive tomcat narrowed his bright green eyes and stared at the bridge in the distance. The RiverClan warrior didn’t want to take the patrol over there, even though they were checking on the ShadowClan border. Stagshadow doubted very much that any stinking ShadowClanner would be stupid or willing enough to wade through the ocean of Twolegs during greenleaf. Certainly this large cat didn’t want to. Those furless animals were dangerous and Stagshadow really didn’t enjoy thrusting himself or others into unnecessary danger. That’s all that Twolegs were: unnecessary danger. At the lake, they could be avoided very easily. The marbled cat just decided to mark near the bridge, but still sort of in the fields, rather than actually going across into Greenleaf Twolegplace. Glancing over his shoulder, the large cat’s eyes swept over the landscape. RiverClan territory really had everything; he had no idea why anyone else would want to be in another Clan.

The thought of choosing to be in other Clans brought a stabbing pain to his heart, as though a dog were shredding it with its gigantic fangs and pummeling him with its huge paws. Yet another unnecessary danger – the danger of memories and their attached emotions. If StarClan granted a way to wipe away memories, sometimes Stagshadow genuinely thought he would want to do that. And then other times he thought that, even though it hurt, it was better to hold onto those memories because, even if they didn’t really make him stronger, they were still things that made him who he was. There was no other Stagshadow, and his memories were part of that, one part of a whole. That was usually the process that won out in the end, and it did here. All it took was a couple of heartbeats, no time at all, and then the big tom was sweeping his head back around to face the front. He began to pad forward, not going quite so close to the bridge.

Turning back to the other cats in the patrol, Stagshadow meowed in his deep and solemn voice, “We won’t be going any father today. Greenleaf is in full swing, and there are too many Twolegs past this point for our safety. If ShadowClan even tries to enter RiverClan territory en masse, then good riddance, but we’ll not make that foolish mistake.” He stared at each one of the cats with him to make sure they understood. He wouldn’t have any sort of silly heroics in case a ShadowClan cat or scent did crop up. There would be no chase that crossed this point, either, and Stagshadow’s gaze held all possible seriousness and command. He was rather large, after all, and lots of cats find that intimidating. Did he care? No, of course not. Stagshadow didn’t give a rat’s tail about his stature and how it made other cats feel, not in a social sense. When it came to a fight, well, then he was totally aware of it and would use it fully to his advantage. But socially? No. The social realm was not Stagshadow’s strongest place.

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[rubykin]

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Mossfeather walked along with the patrol, liking the feeling of soft earth beneath her paws. She loved being out with the wind in her fur and so much to see. Only recently had she become a warrior, nearing a moon and a half ago, so everything was new and exciting. The other warriors probably still thought of her a a silly apprentice, but she was starting to give them reason not to.

She had seized every opportunity to go on patrol, loving that she didn't have to ask for permission. Nothing made her happier than helping the clan, although she relished some of the less glorious roles. Luckily her apprentice days were behind her, so no more hunting for the elders or changing moss.

She breathed in the smells of the forest, closing her eyes for just a moment to savor them. She detected many scents in one breath, but the one that stood out was that of the twolegs. She grimaced, hating the foul taste on her tongue. It was amazing how much twolegs could stink up such a large area. Mossfeather hoped they weren't traveling into their greenleaf territory, she didn't think she could take much more of the smell. That, and the fact that the twolegs could be awfully dangerous. But luckily Stagshadow stopped the patrol, and she nodded in approval at his words.

She flicked her tail, wanting to get moving again. She watched Stagshadow, waiting for his signal to keep going. His ominous appearance was a little intimidating, but Mossfeather knew that deep down the warrior was just like any cat. He was just scarred by his past, and she couldn't blame him for it. In fact, she had always admired the warrior and his loyalty to his clan. He would never do anything against them, and would always be there for them.

[cricketleap.]

The first thing Cricketleap noticed was the heat as he stepped out from under the shady pine trees. It was so hot that it made his tongue loll out of his mouth, and then he was panting like a farm dog from WindClan territory. Sweat trickled down his forehead. His ears were pinned back on his head as he scurried toward RiverClan territory. Out from the black shadows, the ShadowClan medicine cat felt vulnerable in the clearing. His emerald green eyes darting from side to side. He didn't expect to see any danger in the middle of his territory, but he could never be too cautious. Cricketleap crouched down in the fragile shade, hoping to soak up as much as it's coolness as he could. For being so close to leaf-fall, it was dangerously hot. He heard the elders complaining of drought, which feared the gray-and-white tabby tom. He was only afraid for his Clan. He just wanted them to all be well, but with a threat of a drought, it was impossible. But prey was still running normally, which didn't seem odd. There were no threats from the other three Clans, but that could all change in a heartbeat. Just with a flick of a single claw, this could go from peace to a raging, bloody war. The thought made the tom flinch. He didn't like to think of war and battle. Because he was a terrible fighter, and not just because he was a medicine cat, meant he hated battles more than ever. Plus, he was scared for his Clan because he didn't want anything to happen to them. Shaking his fluffy head, he layed down in the cool, luscious grass to chill himself of his worries. They shook off of him like a tick covered in mousebile, and they were quickly forgotten. Prey was practically leaping into his mouth, ready to be caught. What could go wrong?

Cricketleap jumped to his paws, remembering why he had left the camp. The tom padded toward the lake, eager to see it's dark blue waters. The closer he got, the more the trees thinned out, until he was standing in an open clearing. He felt naked in such heat. Falling onto his belly for protection, he crawled toward the glassy-looking lake. When he approached the bank, he looked over at the vast expanse of solid blue-green water. He had to admit - it was beautiful. It reminded him of a cat's eye, shining brilliantly in the faint light. But, must to his horror, it had shrunk from the last time he had visited the exact spot just a quarter moon ago. He frowned. Maybe the elders in ShadowClan were right. Could it be possible that there was a drought in mind for the four Clans? It hadn't happened in a long time, so why would it happen now? The questions buzzed in his mind like busy bees. They fizzed and popped, going from one to the next. What would happen to ShadowClan? That one was the most important one for Cricketleap. He could stand around all day asking questions, but the heat was starting to get to his head. With his head throbbing and tongue lolling from his opened mouth, he padded back into the shade, thankful for the cool breeze under the pines. Colder winds ruffled his pelt, refreshing him. A purr rumbled in his chest. For once in such as long time, Cricketleap was happy. He didn't even know where he was going, but for some odd reason, his paws lead him toward RiverClan territory. Why he was going there was a mystery to him. The air was a bit cooler than before, which was good enough for him to be in such a fine mood. There wasn't room for any sour emotions.

As Cricketleap neared the border with RiverClan, he thought only about one thing. And it wasn't about his Clan for once. What if they see me? But it didn't really matter, since he was a medicine cat. Medicine cats where allowed to go anywhere they pleased without getting jumped on or clawed. StarClan would disapprove if one was! A medicine cat could step paw into another Clan's territory, and they weren't supposed to be challenged. But some cats took another cat trespassing as a threat, no matter what ranking they were. With that in mind, Cricketleap knew he had to be careful, even if the Clan by the river was friendly right now. Bright green eyes glowing, he headed toward the small Thunderpath. The ShadowClan cat crossed it quickly and continued along with his route. Now he was so close to the border that he could taste RiverClan's scent markers. It was so smelly that it made him want to hurl right there. But he sucked it in and padded across the boundary lines. But he slowed down as he came to the Greenleaf Twolegplace. It was just fox lengths away, and was crawling with Twolegs. He growled quietly as he saw them. Twolegs were disliked by all cats. They scared prey, chased cats, and stunk the air with their monsters. There was nothing good about them. He swerved around them and padded forward. That was when he saw RiverClan cats. He didn't know how many there were from the way he was positioned, but he saw a swirled-tabby tom leading them. A patrol, perhaps? His ears flicked nervously. He was socially awkward, yes, but with the threat of RiverClan and the Twolegs... that was a lot to deal with. But he'd rather deal with his own kind than with the strutting up-walkers, so he crept toward them. Now that he could smell them better, he scented a she-cat and a couple others. He saw dappled fur through the grass. As he took a step forward, a twig beneath his paw lurched, then snapped in two. His head perked up, and his heart rate increased. Eyes wide, he started to edge toward ShadowClan territory, but he knew he probably wouldn't make it by the time the patrol came his way. But he was hoping that they hadn't even heard it break in the first place. Why did he even trespass? He wasn't a kit anymore!

[Stagshadow]

By StarClan, Stagshadow felt as if his patrol just stared at him blankly. RiverClan needed to shape up, even in this crushing heat, because who knew what would happen. WindClan pulled the whole “innocent and sweet” act, but Stagshadow knew that they could turn into vicious monsters at the drop of a leaf. Wasn’t Windstar herself rather aggressive? She didn’t seem even to value medicine cats, if Stagshadow knew the stories correctly. And then to their other side was ShadowClan, the territorial and greedy cats who always wanted more land for their webby paws to taint. RiverClan was the fairest of them all, so long as they had the water they needed. RiverClan was content, RiverClan was pleased, unlike those others. Stagshadow had the feeling that he would see the day that even ThunderClan decided to stand up and creep their territory out until it bordered RiverClan’s. Sure, RiverClan had to join TigerClan in the past, but that was so they weren’t wiped out. ThunderClan and WindClan had seemed so weak at the time, and Leopardstar was just doing what she felt she had to for the safety of her Clan. Stagshadow would probably have done the same (not that he knew because he wasn’t there at the time). It was not in him to blame RiverClan at all, but to blame the others – Tigerstar was threatening, especially with BloodClan on the horizon. Needless to say, Leopardstar put her trust in one place. If WindClan and ThunderClan had approached her together, then she might have chosen their help, however meager it was.

With a flick of his tail, the massive dark tomcat was just about to whirl around and continue the patrol without awaiting any real comment from his silent patrol when he heard a sound that was something he disliked very much. A twig snapped. Spinning around, Stagshadow narrowed his vibrant green eyes and peered toward the sound, his mostly-pink nose twitching as he sucked in the scents. He didn’t quite get anything until he parted his jaws and let the smells waft over his scent glands on the roof of his mouth. ShadowClan. Stagshadow hissed slightly, then took a few steps toward it. “Come out now, ShadowClanner! Come out peacefully and tell us why you’re here and we won’t have to spark a war between our Clans. You know how the heat goes to many cats’ heads,” Stagshadow snarled loudly, the overwhelming mass of command in his booming voice overtaking the protective aggression that also was very slightly leaking in. His dark fur wasn’t even bristling, but his muzzle was wrinkled all over, showing his glistening white fangs.

Stagshadow was slightly curious to see how the rest of the patrol would react, although his attention was almost solely on the intruder, for he was certain there was a ShadowClan intruder (which happens to be the reason he addressed the twig snap in such a manner). Mossfeather was a young cat, especially in Stagshadow’s eyes, at fourteen moons. He really didn’t know much about her, since he wasn’t her mentor or anything, but he had the feeling that she was going to be immature and difficult to control, just like any young and impulsive cat. Then again, Stagshadow had a very warped view of youth and almost refuses to admit that he was young himself once. Younger than he already is, anyway. Young as in apprentice-age young without the wisdom and experience he’d collected since then, which was hardly much seeing as he was still just a warrior and not a senior warrior or anything. It must have meant something, though, since he’d been awarded an apprentice when he was just a very young warrior. But still, how everyone would react in this situation. A situation of which Stagshadow had just taken control by stepping up and speaking. Then again, he was the leader of the patrol, and he viewed it as his responsibility to do this, and it was not happening out of some weird desire for attention or to bring honor to him or anything.

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OOC: Over 1,000 word post, Cricket! If you were afraid of its quality lacking or something because of being late, that certainly makes up for it. (Of course, quality =/= quantity… sometimes xD)

And I tried to make my post a sort of average of the two replies. |D’’

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[rubykin]

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-->Mossfeather was looking around absentmindedly. This patrol was getting duller by the minute, and she was tired from the late night patrol she had gone on the night before. She yawned. She wondered what the other cats on the patrol were thinking at that moment. Did they always find patrols as interesting as Mossfeather had always imagined them to be? At this moment she was thinking they didn't, as the rest of the patrol looked quite as bored as she did. She turned back to Stagshadow, smiling at his seriousness. She loved the way that he always took everything so seriously, even when he really didn't need to.

-->This is why Mossfeather liked hunting best. There was always a scent to follow, and always a reason to keep looking. The clan could never have to much prey. And even in the winter when prey was scarce, she could hunt for a whole day, and never get bored. The anticipation of that defining moment when she pounced, and the satisfaction and physical evidence of her accomplishment. But patrols on the other hand were never as exciting. That is, not unless they ran into trouble. But as exciting as trouble was, it was never something to be happy about.

-->While the she-cat was wishing for this patrol to be of the hunting kind, the faintest whiff of a strange scent entered her nose. She perked up, sensing that something out of the ordinary was going on. One more breath confirmed that the scent was definitely Shadowclan, but why so close? They weren't close enough to the Shadowclan border for the smell to be this strong, so there must be an intruder. Her fur prickled, and she tensed her muscles slightly, wanting to be ready for whatever might happen. She watched Stagshadow for cues, unsure what to do. A third breath into her nose told her there was only one trespasser, and she relaxed a little. A whole patrol could definitely take on a single intruder. Stagshadow spoke, challenging the cat to come out, and Mossfeather watched the spot he was staring at intently.

-->But there was something a little bit off about this Shadowclan cat's smell. It was definitely a Shadowclan cat, the reek was more than enough to be sure of that, but there was something else. It was subtle, but it reminded Mossfeather of her apprentice days. She couldn't quite put her paw on it...

-->She thought hard, trying to remember, and after a few moments id hit her. Herbs. This cat was a medicine cat! But medicine cats were allowed free roam through other clans' territories, she wondered what Stagshadow would do. The patrol had suddenly become much more interesting. Stagshadow was glaring at it with such a menacing quality. With a jolt, Mossfeather realized he didn't yet know this cat's ranking. Being new to patrolling, Mossfeather wasn't sure if she should tell him. What if he did know, and she did something to interrupt the tense moment. He could be distracted, and someone could get hurt. But what if he didn't know? And they attacked an innocent cat? And not only that, but an innocent Shadowclan medicine cat? It could spark anger and lead to even more damage. She decided to take the chance "Stag...Stagshadow?" She tried to make her voice more powerful, more like she knew what she was doing. I have something I think you should know...."

[cricketleap.]

Great StarClan! Cricketleap gasped. His eyes widened like the Moonpool back in WindClan territory, and his heart quickened with fear. He wasn't afraid of these stinking RiverClan cats - that would be ridiculous if he was. Who could be frightened of these scrawny little kits, especially a medicine cat? The gray-and-white tom was only frightened that he would have to speak with them - that's how socially awkward he was. He folded his ears on his head, and debated whether or not to try to make a hasty retreat. But, if he ran now, he would be a coward. He could tell that one of the cats had realized who he was, from the spark of surprise in her eyes. Although she was a RiverClan cat, Cricketleap knew who she was. It was Mossfeather, a young warrior. He'd seen her at past Gatherings before, since he was aloud to come ever moon or any time he pleased. That was just one upside to being a medicine cat. But the worst downside was that no medicine cat could ever have a mate. It would be breaking the warrior code if he fell in love, so he vowed when he was an apprentice that he would never love any she-cat. His mentor taught him that love is just a feeling - it was nothing real. Foxtrot also said that she-cats stabbed toms in the back, and they could never be trusted. This hardened Cricketleap's feelings for them, and trusted the males more than the females. That was probably why he was uncomfortable talking around any cat, since Foxtrot had taught him to be like that. But, as he could recall, he had been shy his entire life, so his mentor didn't influence him to do anything or be anyone. It wasn't either of their fault that he wasn't talkative. He was just born like that.

Shaking his head to come back into the present, Cricketleap realized that only a couple of heartbeats had passed. He breathed a soft sigh of relief. “Come out now, ShadowClanner! Come out peacefully and tell us why you’re here and we won’t have to spark a war between our Clans. You know how the heat goes to many cats’ heads," a growl shook the air. Stagshadow, the swirled tabby tom, was the one to speak. His tone was laced with hate and bitterness. He doesn't know that I'm the medicine cat! Cricketleap pondered with fear. What if he attacks me? He took a cautious step back, lowering himself to the ground in the long, flowing grass. The tom hoped his colors would blend in, but his white pelt stood out in the green like a russet-red fox in the middle of a band of badgers. No. I don't want to be a coward. Foxtrot has taught me better than this. I have to stand up and talk, he reasoned with himself. Shakily, he stood up on his paws and approached the dangerous Clan cats. He knew that once they saw him they would apologize for stepping in the way of the medicine cat. For all they knew, there was danger somewhere, and he had taken his way around the lake to reach it. But Cricketleap wouldn't lie to the RiverClan cats, as much as he wanted to. There was nothing funny or serious about the way Cricketleap staggered over to Stagshadow and the rest of the patrol. He wasn't being disrespectful, he he wasn't lowering his head with respect. He was a medicine cat - not some troubling apprentice caught catching prey in another Clan territory. Before he stepped out of the green grass, he heard Mossfeather whisper something to Stagshadow. He didn't hear what she had said, but from the urgency in her voice, it sounded important.

Then Cricketleap stepped out. From the looks, he wasn't the biggest cat around. Stagshadow was a bit larger than him, but the other cats were like ants compared to Cricketleap. His emerald eyes glowed as he padded over to Stagshadow and faced him. They burned with contempt and anger, but besides his eyes, nothing else about him gave away what he was feeling. His fur wasn't even bristling with nervousness, like it would usually do. "Stagshadow," Cricketleap growled softly, almost under his breath. It was almost hard to hear, even for Cricketleap. Self-consciousness crept over the gray tom until it reached his heart. He shrank back a litte, his cheeks burning. Oh, how he wished he wasn't shy. Sometimes it ruined his life. So the medicine cat stood in front of the angry RiverClan cat, wondering what they would say.

[Stagshadow]

Stagshadow’s ears swiveled back when he heard the younger warrior speak. What, she probably thought she knew better than he did. Mossfeather thought she knew better than Stagshadow, who was still a young-ish warrior, but still more senior than she! Still, she had somehow managed to gain her warrior name, so she could not be completely incompetent. Not in RiverClan, anyway. When she spoke, though, it stirred anger within his heart, and he didn’t look at her at all, but instead shot quietly, but somewhat harshly, over his shoulder, “Mossfeather, do you really think now is the time?” She probably spotted a toad or something, a mouse, whatever. By StarClan, this heat was getting to the dark tom, and the fact that he encountered a rival Clan cat on what was supposed to be, in his mind, a very peaceful, silent, and relaxing patrol. But no. Stagshadow’s hopes had been dashed against the rocks. The RiverClan tomcat’s tail tip twitched back and forth with a mixture of agitation and annoyance as the ShadowClan cat finally stepped out from his hiding spot. It seemed there was only one. And he knew Stagshadow’s name.

Upon hearing the voice and noting the size and coloring of this cat, Stagshadow knew at once that this was ShadowClan’s medicine cat. Yes, the marbled tabby was interested in Clan politics, and he knew all of the leaders, deputies, and medicine cats by name and sight. So he stood down, took away any sort of aggressive posture he may have once held. Perhaps Mossfeather smelled the herbs on the gray-and-white cat’s pelt that only then drifted to Stagshadow’s nose. It was so very faint, but he had a feeling that Mossfeather was decently acquainted with herbs. Was she a medicine cat apprentice for a while or something? Stagshadow couldn’t rightly recall (mainly because he didn’t care that much), but his own vibrant green eyes locked on the ShadowClan cat’s equally bright gaze. “Cricketleap, my apologizes. I assumed you were a trespasser,” the dark brown cat meowed gruffly, neutrality sinking in and, like acid, breaking up the outward fury that was now simmering down within.

Politely, Stagshadow tilted his head to the ShadowClan cat. It occurred to him suddenly that Cricketleap might not have known his name if Mossfeather hadn’t stated it when she was trying to be a good and loyal Clan cat, trying to prevent Stagshadow from doing something he’d regret. Honestly, though, he wasn’t going to attack! He told himself this mentally – that he wouldn’t have attacked anyway – because he generally wouldn’t have attacked first, although this time he had felt a bit different and decided that he would have to overcompensate for his near-accident. And, he begrudgingly added to himself, he would have to thank Mossfeather for her attempt to prevent catastrophe. “Is there something in particularly for which you are looking? Is there some kind of outbreak in ShadowClan? You know that RiverClan is always willing to stretch a kind paw to our neighbors.” Bordering-stiffly, Stagshadow added, mainly to remind himself of this cat’s position and identity, “Cricketleap.”

At the moment that Stagshadow said it, he hadn’t meant to sound suspicious or conniving or grasping or sneaky or anything, and kindness actually almost touched his sincere words, even if they held a smidgeon of distrust. After the words popped out, though, the idea formed in his mind that if ShadowClan were weak from sickness, then RiverClan could always take some of the shore from them, since they never used it, if prey were to grow dangerously low. But, alas, that would come later, and the leader might even dismiss it or punish Stagshadow for such an… ambitious suggestion. While waiting for a response, the massive tabby repeated to himself that he was not his father. Over and over and over again.

OOC: >_> I'll admit it, I love Staggy so much! 8'D The stuff just kind of keeps spewing out|D''

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[rubykin]

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-->The moment Mossfeather felt the words slide out of her mouth, she could sense that it had been a bad idea. Stagshadow turned back to her, and she felt her face turn hot. Her ears folded back, and she recoiled, looking down at her paws. His words stung her more than he knew, and it was going to take a while for that wound to heal. She was disappointed that he was angry at her, but even so, Mossfeather looked up to the severe warrior. He could be harsh at times, now being a good example, but he was an intelligent and skilled warrior. He always had good intentions, and there was something about him that made Mossfeather want to try even harder. Maybe it was is unwavering devotion to the clan, or maybe his hard exterior made him even more tempting to break into.

-->The She-cat tried to shake off the stinging feeling in her chest, but the best she could do was distract herself with the new show that was unfolding in front of her. Stagshadow tensed for a moment, and Mossfeather felt a pang of anger course through her. He's only going to cause trouble, getting angry at a medicine cat! If he's too ignorant to listen to me... Her fur bristled slightly, but she didn't want Cricketleap to mistake her anger at Stagshadow for hostility towards him. She managed to calm down, and thankfully so did Stagshadow. He seemed to have realized the Shadowclan cat's ranking. Mossfeather wondered what he would do next. It wasn't like the Riverclan tom to be even remotely friendly towards other clan cats, especially ones that were trespassing on Riverclan territory. But would he act differently now, considering the fact that this was a medicine cat?

-->Mossfeather watched closely, filing away his every move in her mind. She was no longer an apprentice, but her mentor had always taught her to learn from everything around her. And she hardly thought that this learning should stop just because her name had changed. She wasn't an apprentice anymore, but maybe she still acted like one. Was that why Stagshadow had snapped at her? Probably. She would have to change his mind about that, but this wasn't the time.

-->“Is there something in particularly for which you are looking? Is there some kind of outbreak in ShadowClan? You know that RiverClan is always willing to stretch a kind paw to our neighbors.” Mossfeather was surprised, but pleased, that Stagshadow had tried to make up for his harsh actions. It wasn't like him, but it was nice to see a softer side of the hardened warrior. She hoped he would show some of his soft side more often in the future, it was a nice change. And since he seemed to be in such a good mood, maybe he would even apologize later for snapping at her. She smiled at the thought, and waited for Cricketleap's next move.

[Dreampool<3]

~Calm~Half-Blind~Intelligent~Lost in thought~Mature~
Dreampool

Staring at the water, Dreampool lay in wait, paw positioned properly over the stream, hoping for a trout. A shadow appeared under the waves, and with a blur of movement, a flopping fish was skidding around on the bank. The black she-cat pounced onto the slippery prey, and killed it in one bite. The delicious smell of trout filled her nostrils, and she closed her luminous green eyes in delight. When she opened them, her blind eye stared off into the distance. It was still quite a surprise that no one had noticed her blind condition in her lifetime. Still, Dream hoped to keep it that way. She didn't want anyone she knew babying her or treating her different from the best warriors around. Her hunting skills were mastered, and her battling skills were improving drastically. Her small build gave her a little strength disadvantage, but her logic made up for it entirely. She began to pad off to camp when three scents entered her nostrils. Tasting the air, she murmered. "Stagshadow....Mossfeather..." The third scent she didn't quite recodnize, and she soon smelled the reeking scent of Shadowclan. No, Dreampool didn't feel any hatred toward that clan in particular, but the stench did get on her nerves. She preferred the sweet, watery scent of the clan she called home. But of course, any normal cat would prefer their own smell than those of the opposing clans. She dug ferociosly with her claws, and plopped her fresh-kill into the small trench. She would be back for that meal later. Giving her jet-black fur, which was frizzing out in all directions, a few licks for good measure, she frolicked off to go find her clanmates. Maybe she could help them with the apparent out-of-riverclan cat.

Once she reached them, Dreampool's good eye recodnized the Shadowclan medicine cat, Cricketleap. She had met him a few times at gatherings, and they had shared conversations about herbs and the health of Shadowclan. Even though she had seen him before, her nose hadn't quite learned to pick up his scent yet. Adressing her clanmates first, she blushed a little in saying Stagshadow's name, but she ignored it. "Greetings Stagshadow, Mossfeather. Hello Cricketleap. Did you come to borrow some herbs? Maybe the medicine cat could spare a few..." Dreampool would never admit it, but her longing to be a leader was fading and her desire to be a medicine cat was building up. Maybe it would be easier to work with herbs with a blind eye than having to battle. She didn't really like unsheathing claws anyway. Smiling at the medicine tom, she licked her ruffled pelt, which still looked a little like she had been shocked with electricity. She could smell the scent of herbs eminating from him, and she was one of the only cats that was actually nice to other clan members. She never really felt hostile to any cat, her clan or otherwise. Still grinning slyly, her blind eye stared ominosly off in the opposite direction, never to see other than darkness. She tucked her tail neatly around her paws and waited for Cricketleap's response. At the gathering, she had confessed her longing to be a medicine cat with him. She wondered if her understood...

((OCC: Hope it is ok if I join!! Sorry for shortness, don't have much time today. I can write much, much longer when I get into it. Keep in mind that Dreamie is trying to hide her desire!))

[cricketleap.]

Itchiness crawled up Cricketleap's spine, making him very uncomfortable. With Mossfeather, Stagshadow, and the rest of their patrol with their eyes on him, it made the medicine cat was very self-conscious. Gulping in a breathe of warm air, Cricketleap heard him bark something to the pretty dappled she-cat. He didn't quite catch what Stagshadow was saying, but it sounded urgent. Pricking his ears to see if the mackerel-striped tabby tom would say anything more, Cricketleap took a cautious step closer. If they were talking about ShadowClan, they would pay. Well... Not right now, obviously, because how could a medicine cat take on a whole patrol? Even if Cricketleap had been training to be a warrior when he was younger, he didn't get his full training. His mentor had given up on him, and had asked the leader what to do about him. The leader had said that he should be a medicine cat apprentice, which was a dream come true. Then he was Foxtrot's apprentice. But he hadn't even had his full medicine cat training before the old orange cat had died. Foxtrot had given Cricketleap his medicine cat name before death, but maybe it was just because he knew it was coming? His mentor had been one of the oldest cats in the Clan - StarClan could have told him that his time was running out. Shaking his head, he realized he didn't catch if Stagshadow had said anything else to the younger warrior. He looked irritated for a second, but the RiverClan warrior quickly shook it off, and replaced it... with respect? Cricketleap snorted quietly. Stagshadow was just a moon older than Cricketleap. He'd never seen the warrior show respect as far as he knew. It was probably something rarely given. Knowing this, the gray-and-white tom took note of that. It made him feel almost special that he was actually being kind. Did other cats not see him this way? Under his pelt, he was actually a kind, caring cat, despite his horrid past. Twitching his whiskers, a small grin blasted on his face. But it was quickly wiped off. He was trespassing. Coldfoot and Foxtrot had taught him better than that!

"It's okay," Cricketleap answered quietly and very simply. When it came to speaking, that wasn't his best subject. That was why he was a medicine cat. He was bad at hunting, terrible at fighting. But sometimes he had to do it anyway. Then he heard Stagshadow say something else about ShadowClan. Cricketleap decided to keep it cool. If he reacted hotly, then they'd probably think something was up with his Clan. It was the same thing if he spoke too slowly. "We're fine." Two words? Now every cat could tell that he wasn't a talker. Slightly embarrassed, especially since he was in enemy territory, he took a couple steps backward so he was closer to ShadowClan, just in case he had to retreat or something. He looked over at Stagshadow. From the distance, he could tell he was having some sort of a battle in his mind. Interested, Cricketleap debated whether or not to pad closer. He decided against it, but watched the tabby from afar. When he got bored of watching him, he looked over at Mossfeather and the rest of the patrol. Mossfeather seemed to have gotten over whatever Stagshadow had said to her. Sniffing the air, he realized that he smelled a new scent. Did one of the cats in this patrol go back and tell the leader that he was on their territory? If he ran back now, he'd be known as Cricketleap the coward. He would be ruined then. No, he would just wait to see what would happen.

Through the grass, Cricketleap could see a dark pelt. Black. He smelled the air once again, and recognized the new cat as the she-cat, Dreampool. A moment late she stepped out through the greenery. "Greetings Stagshadow, Mossfeather. Hello Cricketleap. Did you come to borrow some herbs? Maybe the medicine cat could spare a few..." Dreampool meowed. Being the medicine cat he was, he could tell there was longing in her voice. Did she want to be in ShadowClan with him? No! She wants to be the medicine cat! Cricketleap thought. And from the way one eye wasn't looking straight at him, and since it was lighter than the other, he realized that she was half-blind. Hadn't the other cats noticed that, too? Maybe only Cricketleap could tell since he was a medicine cat. He'd dealt with blindness before, and knew it like he knew his Clanmates. Shaking his head to say "no", Cricketleap meowed, "Nothing is wrong, Dreampool, we're fine." That was his long speech. Six words. That was probably the most words he'd ever said in a sentence. Cricketleap decided to keep quiet about Dreampool longing to be the medicine cat and her being half-blind. He didn't want to upset her if her Clanmates didn't already know.