Posts by .Mothshine.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Surely there'd be discontent at the idea of a stranger staying in their camp. It had happened twice now, and so close together. Things might have been different if the individuals had been from one of their more closely allied clans. She understood the worry--their herb supplies must have suffered terribly during the heat. A problem Mothshine knew little about, and one that would still effect her. And those she considered family and friends. She couldn't blame Tawnydove or any of the others for their frustration. It was their promise to protect their own, wasn't it? Skyclan was meant to come first. Those within Skyclan were to take priority. But did that mean everyone else was meant to be turned away? She spotted the Shadowclan warrior from across camp, searching for signs of healing wounds. Surely it wouldn't be long before the molly was on her way home again. She had to hope that Shadowclan would have done the same for one of their warriors, had the situation been reversed. "Amberlight, right?" She chirped as she approached, offering a warm smile. "I'm Mothshine, Skyclan's deputy. I don't think we've formally met just yet." She introduced, watching busy paws go to work at their den repairs. "It's nice of you to help out while you're here." It'd keep anyone else from complaining too much about her presence--but Mothshine didn't voice that side of things. "The apprentices will certainly appreciate it when they don't get stuck with this chore." She joked lightly. She wondered if she felt any unease here. She must, to some degree. It was hard to miss the melancholy expression she wore. Skyclan had once had to seek refuge in Riverclan's camp, when their old home had been destroyed. But that had been differrent--she had had her entire clan with her then. Amberlight as on her own. Just one among so many strangers. She searched her face again, whiskers twitching. "How're you feeling?" She asked finally. It could be a question about her injuries, or something much broader than that. However she chose to answer, Mothshine would be sure to listen.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― There were memories attached to any smell associated with the city--associated with Bloodclan. Memories of a raid where Lavenderstar had lost a life, Bloodclanner's bargaining the life of an apprentice. Cheap tactics. Still, it wasn't the smell that first caught the deputy's attention. That came after--the awful stench that hit the back of her throat and made her nose scrunch. It was the sounds that drew her in. Hissing, growling, shouting commands. If her clanmates were mid fight, Mothshine would be sure to follow. She was quicker on her paws than she had been in the weeks following Heronstar's death. There'd be no time for being tired now. She had to be wherever she was needed. She came to a skidding halt when she came upon the scene, surprise clear in her eyes. Stars, there were so many of them. She'd never seen more than one or two rats at a time before--certainly nothing like this. It was clear by the time she arrived how overwhelmed they'd all become. What next? Things had finally begun to look up. And, as it always seemed to go, they were faced with something new. Something they'd never dealt with before. At least, not in Mothshine's lifetime.

She surged into the thick of it all, teeth bared and a hiss rising in her throat. They were doing their best, weren't they? She could hear words of support and the promises to protect being throw around. Still, it didn't seem to be enough. She came up alongside Juniperstar, doing what little she could to avoid the biting and clawing at her legs. "Dammit." Spat bitterly beneath her breath after swatting back a particularly aggressive rat. There was no time to even check in on the clanmates around her. Was Cinnamonpaw alright? The poor boy seemed tired. Sedgeroot had taken a nasty blow. It made her heart pound furiously in her chest. She never quite stopped moving, eyes darting wildly around them and teeth gnashing at whatever she could get a hold of. This wouldn't end well for any of them if they couldn't turn the tide. With the swarming at their paws, it didn't seem all that promising. She searched over her shoulder for their leader, her best friend who carried a fury you could never quite ignore. Then there was his deputy who wasn't used to losing. Isn't this how it worked, when they fought alongside one another? They were deadly in battle when paired with the other. Did she expect him to back down the first time his clan was being threatened under his leadership? She certainly didn't want him to have to. Still, they couldn't have prepared for this. Not when you came across it so suddenly. "Juniperstar--" She called to him, voice like a warning. Maybe a plea. It was as much about her worry for him as it was for everyone else. She wouldn't see him fall again, not so soon. Not like this. She'd fight for as long as he asked her to. But she wouldn't ask everyone else to do the same. Not when they all must still be so tired for that unusual heat. The bitter truth of it all was that they simply hadn't been ready for this.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Retreat to the trees!

She'd have to tell him later that she was proud. Admitting defeat was no easy thing--not for any apprentice or warrior. Certainly not for a leader. Certainly not for this leader. Mothshine had stood stubbornly beside him so many times before. As smart mouthed apprentices, as warriors in battle. This would've been no different, if Juniperstar had asked that of her. She'd give everything she had. But hadn't they grown by now? He certainly must have. There was strength too, in knowing your limits. She knew others must think him to be brash. Harsh. Stars, don't prove them right. Not now. She tried to catch his gaze, to give him a nod that meant he was doing the right thing. But she'd been foolish to think that a call for retreat would bring the relief they needed. The swarm was still there, the blood was still being spilled. She watched Ternpaw reach the branches, and she turned to aid Cinnamonpaw next. "Quickly, quickly!" She ushered above the noise, struggling to force a rat's grip to release itself from her ankle. One by one they'd go to the place Skyclan had always ruled--they'd be safe in the treetops. So long as they managed to get there in the first place. She whirled around on her paws, searching for anyone at all that may need assistance. She didn't have to search for long, and she felt her heart leap into her throat. "Cloudednight!" She shouted her name, and in her voice was the same fear heard when she'd seen Lavenderstar die once. That girl had been through enough for several lifetimes. Somehow, somehow she always came back. She always saw the other side. Mothshine was desperate in her attempts to reach her, carelessly shoving through rats and past clanmates. Not her, not her.

Mothshine knew loss well. She'd lived it over and over again now. She'd be damned if, after everything Cloudednight had survived, this was how they lost her. "Arc!" She called to the senior warrior, more of a gasp than a shout. Time was wasted in what it took for her to reach the pair. Her muscles begged to stop, to find the solace of the treetops. Still, she didn't turn back. Not yet. Not yet. "I'll cover you!" It was a promise she intended to keep, furious when she yanked rats away from the vulnerable pair. Stars, the shape they must all be in. She could hardly look at Cloudednight for the fear it instilled in her. She'd protect her now and whenever she might need it again. Juniperstar, Arcticwind, Cloudednight. All of them. The smell of blood had become overwhelming, and it was hard to tell what was left by the injured warrior, what was her own, and what had been taken from the rats. She feared what state she might be in had she been here for the initial attack. Now, what energy she could spare would be spent here. Covering the backs of her friends, her clanmates. Ensuring that they did every last thing they could to get Cloudednight to safety. They would not leave her here. She swiped endlessly at the bitter creatures, chest heaving. Just clear a path. Keep them off for just long enough. They had to see the other side of this. They didn't have any other choice.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― No matter how at home she was here, there was always more to learn. New faces. New names. Perhaps that's what Mothshine loved about it. The call of a relative stranger was quick to steal the deputy's attention, fresh off of a hunting patrol. She supposed she could do with a quick break. Besides, wasn't the socializing aspect of the clans nearly as important as the rest of it? She thought so. She approached the quickly growing group, friendly smiles directed at her clanmates. She chose a seat alongside Dovekit, tail twitching behind her. "It is a pretty name." She agreed warmly. Different, sure. But Skyclan had always had a rather interesting mix, with their daylight warriors and whoever else. She'd heard stranger names yet on the mouths of Bloodclanners. Amusement played on her face at Dovekit's eagerness. Ah, It was no wonder she liked the company of kits. They could match her energy. She listened as Mottlewish spoke next, and was reminded again of how many different lives were being led in one clan alone. A contrast between a queen and a deputy. Her gleaming amber eyes glanced around them, "Suppose it's my turn then!" She chirped.

"I'm Mothshine. Skyclan born and raised!" She may have spoken that with more pride a few seasons ago, but as time had gone on birth place began to mean less. After a leader who came from Riverclan, friends made across borders, daylight warriors she had grown to call family--Well, sure she was glad to have Skyclan blood in her veins. But it certainly wasn't everything. Now came the time for fun facts. She could say so many things, she supposed. Interesting things. Lavenderstar had been her mentor, the orchard was her favorite place in the whole forest, she had a mate across the river who had stolen her heart more quickly than she could've planned for. She'd have to settle for something less revealing than that. "This scar," The traced a forepaw along the deep scar than ran where her neck and shoulder met. It had faded some with the moons, and the day she had received it seemed a lifetime ago now. So much so that there had to be plenty of those in Skyclan that weren't here when it happened. "I got from fighting a rogue when I was an apprentice." She explained. Stars, it had been a terrible blow to her ego back then. Now it was a lesson she carried with her. "I wouldn't recommend trying to take one down on your own, if you can help it." She said it with a laugh in her voice. Something she hadn't been able to joke about at the time. She turned to look expectantly at whoever may be next to approach.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Mothshine couldn't blame their neighbors if there were some...residual tension. She knew if the roles had been reversed, she'd still be seething about a prey thief. Times had gotten hard for all of them, in the heat of things. Tawnydove had made a mistake, and Flamestar had been gracious enough to show forgiveness. Something she wasn't so certain many others would've shown. Still, leader or not, she wouldn't carry the same opinions as all of her warriors. The deputy was next to arrive, just in time to hear Ternpaw's question. She approached with a demeanor that was partially relaxed, but not in the same way it would be were she only around Skyclanners. Still, she was cordial. "This would be Thunderclan, Ternpaw." She chimed, standing alongside Urchinpaw. It was almost strange to remember a time where she didn't know this territory inside and out. She felt almost certain she could navigate it with her eyes closed. These patrols had become second nature, muscle memory. She gave a dip of her head in greeting to their neighbors before she carried on. She wasn't familiar with either of the cats she looked at now--perhaps seen in passing at a gathering, but nothing more. "How has Thunderclan been?" She asked. Stars, please no mentions of their thieving apprentice. Mothshine would be glad to forget about it.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― You smell weird. Words caught on the deputy's ears, perking up from her place beneath the warrior's den. The stench of the city still managed to make her want to wrinkle her news--a smell that was guilty was association. She wondered, in her moons of secrecy, of how often she must've come home smelling of the river. Likely odd for a cat who so plainly hated the water. Still, Finchblossom had called to her more plainly than anything. She never managed to stay away. Stars, she had never even tried. She had been so wrapped up in her from day one. That first meeting, spotting her from the treetops. Sapphire eyes that made her heart pound. Mothshine was careful when she came to join her three younger clanmates. Ternpaw got right to the point. Would this be hypocritical of her? The last time something like this had happened, she'd kept her nose out of it. It felt like the right thing to do at the time. If it weren't for that familiar smell of Bloodclan, she'd likely have left it alone again. She eyed Milkpaw for a moment. "I was wondering the same." There was no hostility in her voice when she said it, only a pointed curiosity. She wasn't about to scold him unless she was truly given a reason. Truthfully, it made her uneasy to simply ask. She was careful to keep her body language as relaxed as it often way. No sense if having anyone wonder why this might suddenly be a touchy subject. Stars, what a challenge for a girl who wore her heart so plainly. Always a challenge.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Mothshine's body stung from the efforts given against the rats. Her ego may have been equally bruised, for the fact that a lost battle had been rare enough in her lifetime. At least, when it came to battles of strength. Yet they'd been bested by glorified mice. She'd returned that day with blood on her paws and had they anything to show for it? Maybe. The camaraderie she'd seen that day made her heart swell. It had been quite the feat, even in their loss. She'd seen her clanmates put their lives on the line even when they hadn't been explicitly asked to do so. Cloudednight, Arcticwind, Asterpaw. She could still find pride in that, at least. Stars, her head was swimming. There'd be planning to do now. With everything to be done, she may have missed Sparkkit's call to camp. She looked on in a daze, blinking the daydreams away furiously. Decorating? The molly was already rising to her paws, and amused smile playing on her maw. "Sparkkit!" She chirped to her as she approached. She bore the wounds of battle. She hadn't seen the worst of it, but she'd certainly been in much better shape than this. Maybe something to brighten her pelt was exactly what she needed. "I think that sounds like a great idea." And she meant it. This wasn't just an older clanmate humoring the clan's young. She would find genuine enjoyment in this. "I hope you've found the prettiest flowers you could! I'll only accept the best." She quipped, voice light despite everything. There was plenty to be done. But she could take a moment and enjoy some flowers and something a little different. Mothshine likely needed it as much as Sparkkit did.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― It hadn't been what she had expected. Even when Mothshine arrived late on the scene, she hadn't thought anyone would end up near death. Then she'd seen the way Cloudednight had been overtaken. Flashes of it played in her mind the trek back. Glorified mice. Her mouth tasted bitter still with the scent of them. She longed to walk alongside her best friend, the way they always had when returning from battle. She'd lean on him, or vice versa, and there'd be that promise that they had one another's back. He'd said so, right in the thick of it all. But she couldn't only think of him--not now, when she'd seen the damage they'd all taken. Mothshine had opted for taking up the rear as they returned to camp, checking in with the more injured members of their party. Was Sedgeroot alright? Had that rat gotten to his eye? She hadn't been able to tell--it had all happened far too quickly. The apprentices must be overwhelmed. The whole way back, she hardly took her tired eyes off of Cloudednight. She'd have gone down for that girl if she had needed to. She wanted to rush them all back, to move more quickly. They needed their medicine cats and yet in their defeat they couldn't move all that quickly. How badly had Tawnydove been injured? Would he even be fit to see to the rest of them?

It was only when they breached the camp entrance that she slipped into step alongside Juniperstar. She pressed her shoulder to his, despite the sting any contact brought. The eyes of their clanmates who had not been so unlucky were already on them. Even now, she tried to offer a smile to Sparkkit and Natalina. Something that would say see? we're just fine! despite the look of them all. Battered. Her fur was certainly in a state. A wary breath escaped her muzzle, looking back at their cinnamon furred leader. She wanted to sit, to lie down. To retreat to her nest and find answers in the morning. At least, that's what her body longed for. Still, she'd stay by her clanmates sides. It's where she needed to be. "You heard him, Juni." She spoke after Tawnydove started towards the medicine den. Her words were meant to sound lighter than they probably did. She wasn't about to let him skulk off to his den and let an infection fester simply because he was stubborn. She was glad Tawnydove wasn't having it either. She turned to him for a final moment, pressing her nose briefly to his cheek. "We'll figure this out." A promise spoken beneath her breath, meant only for his ears. She turned only to go in search of Cloudednight, ready to aid her and Arcticwind once more. She'd fret like a worried family member no doubt. It still felt like her heart as in her throat.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Don't lie. The venom in Juniperstar's voice was hard to miss. It made her own pelt prick with unease, shifting her weight from paw to paw. It was bad enough that she'd be making a hypocrite out of herself. Now she'd potentially have put her best friend in that same position. After all, he'd know about she and Finchblossom longer than anyone. He'd seen her come home in the middle of the night to a nest she'd abandon for hours, likely notice when she smelled more like a Riverclanner than a Skyclanner. He never said a word about it--unless he was offering his support. Hunting. The deputy exchanged glances with her clanmates who had gathered. Was anyone buying that? It didn't seem likely. Truthfully, she felt some pity for Milkpaw. The poor boy, being questioned by everyone right in the middle of camp. Mothshine might've died on the spot. She'd have gone right up in flames. She hoped he was listening when Bisoncharge gave his warning. He had to be more careful about whatever it was he was doing. "Milkpaw, we don't need another prey stealing incident, if that's what happened. Maybe we need a refresher on our borders." She spoke it half as a joke. Forced. She'd be happy for the conversation to be over, and she'd bet he was thinking the same. Truthfully, a misstep at the border would be easier to deal with. Plainer. She could scold him for that, there'd be obvious repercussions. But if Milkpaw was doing otherwise...That wasn't quite so black and white, was it? Not for Mothshine. Ternpaw was right. Just hunting didn't seem likely at all. Not smelling the way he did right now. She eyed him a moment, a question sitting heavy in her mouth. Perhaps she might try to catch him later, under less scrutinizing gazes.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Stars, their borders had been busy lately. Still, Mothshine would take accented strangers to Bloodclaners or rogues. Someone looking for a place to call home. Skyclan had become that for so many cats now, hadn't it? Heronstar, Natalina, Blackbird, Sharptooth. How many of those she considered friends were never even born into their nursery? It must not matter in the scheme of things. Besides, with daylight warriors, they'd always been rather welcoming. It was the cacophony of voices that drew the deputy in. Just in time to hear the traces of introductions. The welcoming committee. It was with an amused smile that she drew up alongside Dizzypaw. "A welcoming committee, huh?" She chirped. "I like the sound of that." She gave the apprentice a gentle flick of her tail against her shoulder, before turning her amber gaze onto the stranger. Young. That was probably good. Her gaze fell to the snapped collar at his paws, and she passed a look in Natalina's direction. Had she wore one of those once? Bloodclanners wore them still. But that symbolized something wildly different than this. A thoughtful hum rumbled in her throat. During the heat, it had been harder to accept newcomers with such open arms. Not for a lack of wanting, but a lack of resources. But the boy before her could become capable, if he wasn't already. "Well, you've found the right place. Don't think you'll find anywhere better in the forest than Skyclan!" So perhaps she was a bit biased. But it's how she felt about the situation. Besides, this is what he had hoped to find, wasn't it?

"Redpaw, was it? I'm Mothshine. I'm the deputy here." She introduced. Her clanmates around her had already done well enough to explain what that meant. "I can already see you're pretty serious about joining." She said it with half a laugh in her voice, nodding to the remains of the collar that had adorned his neck before her arrival. He'd already gone as far as choosing a new name for himself. At least, she doubted a twoleg would've given him that name. "If you want to come back with us, you'll be in for a few moons of training. Just like these three." She explained, motioning with her tail to the three apprentices. "But if you're certain that's what you want, I don't see why you can't join us." Her voice was warm when she gave the offer, always friendly until given a reason not to be. Was it intimidating? To up and leave everything you knew for an entirely new life? It must be. Mothshine didn't know the first thing about it. She'd been born here and expected to train as a warrior. It was the only thing she knew and the only thing she'd ever wanted. He'd have to know what he was in for. Juniperstar wouldn't appreciate a lazy mouth to feed. None of them would. "I won't lie and say it isn't hard work. But I'll tell you it's worth it."

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Things weren't so bad, were they? Despite everything, they still had moments like this. Plenty of them were still recovering from the rats, and there was an uncertainty that hung in the air as a result of their loss. Egos bruised, bodies bruised. But she wouldn't bring those worries to their younger members. She wouldn't steal any more of their youth from them than the world already would. So, she'd enjoy these moments in camp with friends. She might have cuts that were healing, but wouldn't flowers be just the thing to help? Mothshine thought so. Her eyes followed Sparkkit as she selected flowers for her. "Yellow ones! Those are perfect." She spoke it with a grin, and she might genuinely be just as excited as the kit doing the decorating. She was glad for Natalina and Applepaw's company. They could all do with some pick-me-ups every now and again. The most fleeting escape for reality. She was careful not to move as Sparkkit's paws worked delicately. "Those flowers bring out your eyes, Nat." She commented excitedly as the next member was being adorned with petals. Her own eyes lit excitedly as she watched on. Truthfully, she wouldn't have expected Applepaw to have wanted to partake. Was he still wrapped up in his grief? She wouldn't blame him. The death that Mothshine had known still followed her, even if some of them were ages ago now. It wasn't really anything you could learn to let go of. At least, not entirely. "And don't you look handsome, Applepaw!" She said it with a laugh, rising to her paws. She made a great show of spinning around once, showing off the flowers Sparkkit had selected for her. "What do you all think, hm? I think I should go around like this all of the time!" That'd make hunting a bit tricky, wouldn't it? She might get strange looks on border patrols. Mothshine would bet Finchblossom would love it. Flowers reminded her of her as it was, with her bright eyes and herb scented pelt. She could carry pieces of her like this. She beamed at Sparkkit, grateful for the little reprieve she had offered from their regular routine of the day.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Mothshine's heart ached more than her body did. She had gotten some much needed rest in the aftermath--or, what little their position allowed for. She had gotten off lucky, compared to most. She'd seen Cloudednight nearly die right in front of her, and Arcticwind do the same in order to protect her. Juniperstar had called a retreat, and still they'd refused to leave her. Wouldn't they all have done the same? No one was to be left behind. But she knew the pair had been confined to the medicine den, healing from wounds they shouldn't have gotten in the first place. How were the apprentices recovering? Training would be slower while they recovered. Even Mothshine knew the decision to charge into battle had been brash. It was costing them even now. Juniperstar didn't need to hear that from her. Besides, he knew her mind so well he likely already knew it himself. And Sedgeroot--how was their senior warrior recovering? She drew up alongside him as she joined the growing crowd, and touched her tail tip gently to his shoulder as she passed him. Wordless for now. Her eyes found Redpaw, and there her gaze would linger a moment. Poor boy. He'd come to start a new life with them, a life Mothshine wanted to promise would still be great. But he had come at a strange time, hadn't it? Mind heavy with worry for the clanmates around her, she padded towards the front of the crowed. She sat silently, looking up at Juniperstar expectantly.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― If his wounds weren't enough to worry her, Sedgeroot's absence in the morning certainly was. Mothshine was returning from a patrol of her own when she saw his unceremonious landing at the base of their shared den. Her ears shot up, and she was quick to dart towards him. "Sedgeroot!" She called the tom's name, voice flooded with worry she'd been feeling since their return from that rat right. She moves to offer a shoulder of support, something for him to lean on should he need it. Something. She could feel the heat coming off of him. Her expression was twisted and tight in her concern, searching his face and eyeing the worst of his wounds. Stars, you wouldn't have to be a medicine cat to know this was bad. His own frail, confused voice did little to soothe her. "Sedge," Her voice was gentler now but no less urgent than before. "Are you alright?" A stupid question. She knew it. It was clear as day that he wasn't alright. He'd always been so kind--to everyone. Her, their clanmates. He could do with some of that in return now. "Your eye...We should get Bisoncharge or Tawnydove." She didn't want to alarm him, but surely the sight of it was cause for alarm alone. She tried to catch Virgo's gaze, frowning. She was glad she wasn't the only one who seemed to think he was speaking unclearly. "Don't worry about the patrols for now, alright? You need to be resting." She said, turning her attention back to the injured tom. It wasn't a request, really. They'd fill his spots. His wounds needed attention before anything else.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Well, it was always something. The last conversation she had here had come with news of Ryland's rise to leadership. Mothshine was still somewhat...lost on how that had happened. He didn't seem the type. Considering where he hailed from, that was a compliment. The painfully curious Ryland now at the helm of a group Mothshine had only ever known as bloodthirsty and violent. Milkpaw had returned to them reeking of the place, and the smell still made her blood boil. Memories of stolen clanmembers, a raid that seemed a lifetime ago now. Not long enough ago to have forgotten all the bitterness that had led to the fight in the first place. Natalina's voice was some cause for alarm. She was young, still new to this--the way of the clans. She was glad to see Kestrelswoop was alongside her when she drew up to the border. She recognized this cat immediately, with his ashy pelt and single eyed gaze. "Sergei." She spoke his name with some sharpness to it, watching him carefully. She had done her best to be civil at the gathering, under the truce of a full moon. This felt different. He was much closer to home now. Her body language was not nearly as relaxed as it would've been at the borders of their allies. She looked past him for a moment, as if expecting another cat to make an appearance. Was he alone? He hadn't had much for company at the gathering either. Kestrelswoop had already asked the question, so she only looked on expectantly. Waiting to hear whatever it was that had brought him here.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Mothshine was used to sleepless nights. More often than not, this was done by choice. She'd busy herself with matters at the border. Not patrols or news deliverance, but something more exciting than that. Something familiar. She'd long since lost count of how many times she had gone in search of Finchblossom. It felt a lifetime ago now that they had first met, and a coincidence turned into secret meetings. She wouldn't trade it for anything now. Especially in times like this, when tension settled so thick over their camp. When problems were breathing down their necks. She had become her relief. The deputy lifted her head from her nest, blinking into the darkness. Now, even on nights where Finchblossom wouldn't be waiting for her, she found herself waking. Her eyes still looked in the direction of Juniperstar's old nest on instinct. An old habit, muscle memory. She'd look there first, before glancing upward and wondering if he was asleep. More often than not, she'd bet he wasn't. She wondered for a moment if she ought to go and check. But she wouldn't risk waking him now, on the off chance that he was sleeping. Instead, she rose delicately to her paws and picked her way around dozing clanmates. Cool night air was a welcome sensation when she descended from their den, searching for any signs of sleepless friends. A clear sky made her heart swell, starlight dazzling above her head. She stared for a moment, like she might be searching for something. Someone. Who might be watching them now?

She carried herself to the center of camp, never looking down. These nights were her favorite. No clouds, newleaf on the wind. It was a nice reminder that things were never quite as dire as they seemed. That as the forest changed around them, so would their situations. They'd learn to cope as they always did. There'd always be a solution. She was tempted again to seek out Juniperstar, if only to ask for his company now. It was only when a flickering caught her eye that she pulled her gaze from the stars. A curious hum rumbled in the back of her throat, and she spotted it again. That warm, pleasant light that went in and out of sight. She reminded of a time that had come and gone seasons ago. She took a tentative step towards the light, before another appeared. "Fireflies..." A quiet whisper that tumbled from her lips, like she was worried she might scare them off. She had stood in their old camp, alongside Brookfur and Lavenderstar. She had been an apprentice then, surrounded by a light show. It was all different now, standing there as deputy with new losses and new relationships. There was something unsaid in the smile that grew on her face, watching on with eager eyes. She was flooded with nostalgia, with warmth. It was welcome. Whatever she was remembering now, she didn't speak it out loud.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― It seemed so often the night was filled with restless cats, or cats slipping from their dens for one reason or another. She didn't always ask what it was that kept her clanmates awake. When it came to Juniperstar, she likely already knew the cause. When it came to herself, Juniperstar was likely the only one who knew what kept her from resting. It was perhaps the one area where she was dishonest with her clanmates. She felt young again, staring at an array of dazzling lights. Younger. Virgo's voice nearly startled her, and she only drew her eyes away to offer the queen a smile through the darkness. "Fireflies." She echoed her previous words, spoken before anyone had joined her. Voice still hushed, she sounded like an excited kit when she spoke it. She was glad for the company. She couldn't very well enjoy this all on her own! That wouldn't seem fair. Mothshine had grown used to even the sound of Juniperstar's footsteps, and she looked over her shoulder to see him emerging from his den. Of course he'd been awake, hadn't he? She knew better than to think he'd really been asleep before this. She'd bother him about it later, in a private moment. The bump of his shoulder to hers earned a short purr--a gesture so familiar it felt like home to her now, no matter where they were.

"Not too long." She answered his question, nearly laughing when one of the insects dared fly close to her nose. It nearly sent her cross eyed, just trying to get a better look at it. "Remember back at the old camp?" Stars, it sometimes still hurt to remember. She had so loved it there. Mostly now, she looked back on it fondly. The ache had become less as she had grown to love their new camp. Perhaps just as much, if only in different ways. "I think there must have been hundreds of them." Her voice was hushed, spoken quickly and swept up in the memory of it all. The cat they had stood with then...So many of them gone. Brookfur, Lavenderstar, Blackbird. Now, with fireflies flickering around them, it felt like the stars had joined them. Surely they were still here, in one way or another. Mothshine found comfort in that. "Aren't they, Mottlewish?" Beautiful. It was nice to forget everything else for the moment, in favor of enjoying this. She felt warm from nose to tail tip. Content. There'd be plenty to deal with when the morning came, but she was happy to forget. Even if only temporary, even if all of their problems were still very real. They should be allowed to forget every once and a while.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 18 moons

― Death. More death. That day they had charged hastily into battle she hadn't wanted to think it would lead to this. They'd so nearly lost Cloudednight and Arcticwind in that chaos. Hadn't that been pain enough? The aftermath had been no less than chaotic, with many of their apprentices and warriors sustaining wounds. Mothshine herself had been relatively lucky. A few days of pushing herself a little less hard, and her bites and cuts had healed to little more than rough patches. The news that they had lost a daylight warrior to these nasty creatures sent her heart into her stomach. Of course this was not going to resolve on its own. She'd be foolish to have hoped this would resolve on its own somehow, and yet some small part of her had hoped that maybe, maybe--

But the broken voice of her clanmate was enough to know that this was far from over. She looked between them and Juniperstar a moment, not quite walking up. So much loss had taught her that there was such little comfort to be given in these initial moments. She had been inconsolable following Lavenderstar's death. She wouldn't need to tell Juniperstar what needed to happen now. He was smarter than he gave himself credit for, and he wasn't foolhardy enough to not learn from his mistakes. He would be prepared now. They would be prepared now. And it was the voices of her clanmates that reminded her why she never did manage to lose hope in these times. That even now, with no hesitation, they were ready to go into battle. She'd seen this very thing before the badgers, the Bloodclan raid, the dogs. She was certain she'd see it again even after this. That willingness to defend, to protect the ones they loved. Their home, even if the camp Mothshine grew up in was no longer there. She drew up alongside Juniperstar, shoulder brushing to his momentarily. "I'll be there." A promise to fight with him him like she'd given so many times before. A promise he so easily returned to her. This time should be no different.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 19 moons

― Of course Mothshine had chosen to fall in step alongside Juniperstar. They'd walked this very same way to fight badgers, to raid Bloodclan. They'd been younger then. Less scarred. Juniperstar hadn't even yet become deputy. This was something else entirely. He walked with more lives than the rest of them, and Mothshine with a title she'd never dreamed of carrying if you'd asked her when she was young. She looked at him a moment as they walked, studying his face. Was there anything left to be said now? Mothshine so scarcely ran out of things to say. Except for the fact that they'd gotten so terribly good at talking without speaking at all. Bumping shoulders, shared glances. It wasn't because she was his oldest friend that they worked as leader and deputy. It was that connection. And perhaps the fact that they could sometimes be terribly different. It all balanced out. Nineteen moons. Nineteen moons old, one life down, leader for such a short amount of time and already leading them into battle. Likely not because he wanted to but what other choice did they have? Just another thing she could blame on the city. It's where the rats had come from, right? She looked over her shoulder once, at the faces of those who had selflessly volunteered. She had so many friends among them, and she hated to think they might lose somebody today. She wasn't foolish enough to believe there'd be no injuries, hopeful as she was. She threw a smile over her shoulder as silent encouragement. She really did believe in all of them. "Be careful, alright?" She uttered this only when she turned back to Juniperstar, under her breath.

The smell of the rats soured her expression quickly. Were there more this time? Stars, it certainly looked like it. Cats might have been easier. She could talk if they were cats, could understand how they moved. An enemy so unfamiliar was always more dangerous. She was quick to ready herself for the inevitable--the scrabbling of claws and needle like teeth. It was with Juniperstar's direction in mind that she moved, rearing on hind legs and lashing out with her forepaws. If it weren't for the time she spent in the trees, she doubted whether she'd hold her balance well enough for this. No matter how many there were, there was no turning back now.

MOTHSHINE ♚

Skyclan - Deputy - Female - 19 moons

― They had planned. They'd planned. Still, had they planned for this many? She didn't think even Juniperstar anticipated this. They were being overwhelmed as quickly as they had the last time. He made her feel invincible, even with only one life. Cocky apprentices, strong willed warriors. A leader and deputy who were so scarcely found anywhere but at the others side. The biting at her ankles had her hissing, fur along her spine raised. How exhausting it would be to keep this up--and for what? To just barely keep them off of one another? They'd all be spent again before long. She spared glances in her clanmates directions. If they were as terrified as they probably should be, they didn't let on. There she was, feeling proud in the midst of it all. Even through fear. Behind us! She was whirling around on her paws, facing the opposite direction now and cursing beneath her breath. Dammit, dammit. Oh, this was worse than before. They couldn't have planned for this, no matter how hard they tried. Stars, they'd tried and were still trying. She could see it in the desperate clawing of her clanmtes, the way she pressed her flank into Juniperstar's so that she could watch his back for him. Feeling of invincibility or not, even Mothshine could see how dire this was becoming.

Utterly surrounded. It felt like for every rat she knocked back, two more came surging forward. Never before had she felt so useless in battle. There'd be no victory here. Not today. Wild amber eyes searched for Juniperstar's in hopes of catching his gaze. Moth. That single utterance. It was exactly what they needed and exactly what Mothshine loathed to hear. How could he ask this of her? How could she be expected to leave him? Then, how could he have asked anyone else? She hesitated for what little amount of time the situation would allow. She'd have pleaded with him if things were different. I don't want to leave you. She never had before. She'd never dreamed of it. She felt sick at the thought of walking away from this. In a different life she'd have refused him. In a different life, he never would have even had to ask. But this was the price of changing roles. Hard choices came at every turn. "I'll go. I've got them." She was breathless when she said it, and whether or not he would hear she wasn't sure. They'd left so many of their vulnerable members back at camp. Kits, elders, those who weren't fighting fit. If Juniperstar would protect those on the front line, then someone had to go back for them. She wanted to say something else, to leave him with something more. Stars, there wasn't enough time. She was burning valuable seconds. So, she pushed forward. She tore her way through as best as she could and she couldn't look back. If she looked over her shoulder, if she saw him fighting there without her for the first time, she'd be turning right back around. She couldn't look.