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Post by silentpaws on Mar 24, 2019 17:09:11 GMT -6
The first day of true newleaf sun found Floodstar laid in the clearing by the camp entrance, the ghost of a smile on his face as he watched the world go by. Despite his recent illness he felt mostly recovered save from the lingering ache in his bones, but whereas his Clanmates had to get conventionally surviving he could thank losing a life for that. His eighth life. The sudden return of his morality with no more lives left to lose had played on his mind in the last couple of days more than he'd ever expected it to, and with that he'd found himself teetering on the edge of a decision that his younger self would never dreamed of making. Perhaps it had been brought on by him being back to the fragility of the average warrior that he'd found himself wondering if he should step back and become one again. He'd led WillowClan for longer than a lot of the cats in his clearing had been alive. The circumstances he'd risen to power in were nothing like those his Clan faced now. Perhaps that was a sign that he should let a cat born of the current times take over while he enjoyed his days in the sun.
A few cats nodded to him as they passed by either in or out of camp but no-one stopped, but Floodstar didn't mind that. He was content to just watch over his Clan for a moment, a literal version of what he'd spend the majority of his life doing. With a wry smile he wondered if he'd ever felt as old as he did in that moment.
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Post by matchesrulezu on Mar 24, 2019 18:31:00 GMT -6
Exiting the medicine cat's den, she spotted Floodstar laying in the clearing, looking more relaxed than she'd seen him in moons. The sight warmed her and she paused for a moment, letting them both enjoy the serenity of it. But she wasn't just seeking the company of her mate this fine afternoon. It was time to share the news that she'd been keeping to herself for a good time. Brookshine felt guilty keeping such happy news to herself, but also didn't want to interfere with Floodstar's duties especially since things had been so busy as of late. Now was good. Moving forward again, she trotted over to Floodstar with a bright smile, her green eyes dancing with emotion that betrayed her joy. "Well hello, dearest," she greeted, licking the top of his head affectionately before laying down at his back, her head resting on his side so she could look up at his face. As usual, she was unable to hide her feelings and couldn't stop from smiling as she asked, "Guess what?"
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Post by silentpaws on Mar 24, 2019 18:48:17 GMT -6
Immediately Floodstar found himself smiling at his mate's approach, tilting his head upwards into her embrace before twisting around a little so he could look at her when she lay beside him. "Hello my love," he returned the greeting, leaning down to muzzle her cheek before he got a proper look at the grin on her face. While he knew Brookshine had always been expressive and nearly always wore a smile, this was the sort of grin that indicated there was something on her mind that she was bursting to tell him. "Go on, tell me. I could use some good news," he encouraged her with a fond smile, thinking back to the thoughts he'd been considering before Brookshine's arrival. He could discuss that with her later, sombre topics could wait in the face of good news.
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Post by matchesrulezu on Mar 24, 2019 20:21:37 GMT -6
She did respond right away, staying silent briefly to let the suspense build while never losing her smile. How should she tell him? Of course, she could just tell him flat out, but where was the fun in that? "You know..." she started. "I've been thinking about giving you a new nickname. I have your endearing nickname, now I just need a fun nickname for you. Hmm..." Her tone was teasing as she had fun with dragging out the news. Finally she leaned forward and suggested, "How about...Fatherstar?" Her voice was quiet, but the implication was loud. It was a strange joke, a bad joke she was willing to admit, but knew that Floodstar would pick it up. It was just unusual enough that it would catch his attention, and she watched his eyes, waiting for the realization.
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Post by silentpaws on Mar 28, 2019 18:35:55 GMT -6
He waited patiently as she started to explain ever so slowly, knowing Brookshine's delight in dragging things out whenever she had something she was particularly excited to say. It took a second or two for the joke to sink in, but as soon as it did Floodstar's jaw fell slightly open in shock. "Tell me you're serious," he said, his heart hammering wildly as a smile slowly curved onto his face. Despite Brookshine's playing about he already knew that she wasn't joking. She was expecting kits. He was going to be a father. "How... how long have you known? Do you know how many?" he asked, having to restrain himself from asking anymore excited questions. If they weren't in the centre of camp he would probably already be smothering her face in affectionate licks, but he kept himself together as he waited for her answers.
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Post by matchesrulezu on Mar 28, 2019 18:52:02 GMT -6
A loud purr rumbled in her throat when she saw pure joy emanate from Floodstar at the news. Her smile grew even wider, so much that her cheeks began to hurt, but she didn't even mind it. Brookshine's heart began to beat a little harder, hoping that Floodstar wouldn't be hurt that she didn't tell him as soon as she had found out. "I'm only half a moon along, so I haven't known for too long. I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, my love," she answered. "You've just been so busy with everything going on, I didn't want to take your focus from WillowClan." Her green eyes still glimmered with happiness, but wavered with worry.
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Post by silentpaws on Mar 28, 2019 18:59:52 GMT -6
"Please, don't be sorry," Floodstar said, shaking his head though his smile still remained. Brookshine was the one carrying the kits, as far as he was concerned the big decisions until they were born were all up to her. When she told him, when she moved to the Nursery, that was up to her though of course he'd always be beside her. When she mentioned the Clan though he could easily see the concern in her eyes, and his smile faded only a little as he moved back to the topic he'd originally wanted to discuss with her. "That was something I wanted your opinion on actually," he started, meeting her gaze without hesitance. "I haven't spoken to anyone else about this yet, I'm not even fully decided myself. Though kits will definitely have a hand in it." He thought that as he said it, but only paused for a moment before he continued. "I'm thinking of retiring." He didn't add anything else for the moment, curious to see what her initial response would be.
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Post by matchesrulezu on Mar 28, 2019 19:12:59 GMT -6
She was relieved that Floodstar wasn't upset with her, but now it was her turn to be floored. "Retire?" Brookshine repeated, still managing to keep her tone quiet despite her shock. "Leaders can do that?" In truth, she had never really thought about it. Probably more intentionally repressing it rather than it slipping her mind. She had always been under the impression that leaders were leaders until the day they lost their last life. Brookshine supposed that it would be possible for a leader to retire, at least once they were on their last life so the next leader could receive their nine lives. The realization struck her and she looked back up at Floodstar, the fear haunting her gaze. Was Floodstar as mortal as she was now? The thought opened a pit in her stomach. Her mate having multiple lives had been a source of comfort for her. Although, she could see the benefit of Floodstar retiring. Especially now that they were about to have a family. By sacrificing his title, his duties to WillowClan would be significantly reduced. Of course, all of WillowClan's members had a duty to their Clan, but none near the level of the leader. Floodstar would have more time to be with her and their kits. To enjoy his last life more relaxed, helping to raise their young. Finally, she shrugged slightly before speaking again. "Well, I suppose the decision is ultimately yours, but I can't say I would complain," she mewed. The corners of her lips curled up into a joking grin as she continued, "Although it would mean we'd lose the privacy of your den and would have to share a den with everyone else."
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Post by silentpaws on Mar 28, 2019 19:25:47 GMT -6
Floodstar nodded. "When they're on their last life," he said, his voice a little quieter as he said that. He knew that fact would weigh on Brookshine's mind even more than it had been playing on his since the loss of his most recent life a few days ago. The fear in her eyes when she looked at him confirmed that, and he leaned over to lick her cheek before pressing his nose into her fur for a moment. "I've lead this Clan for a long time," he started, feeling he owed her an explanation. "Most warriors of my age would be thinking of retiring. Shrikewind is well equipped to lead, and perhaps it's time for someone new to step forwards. So much has changed lately that maybe we need someone young at the helm." He didn't add the doubts he'd been having about his own decisions, knowing she would side with him without fault which he would always be beyond grateful for. He laughed at her joke, humming in agreement as he imagined not sleeping in that den for the first time in seasons. "That will be something I miss. But our kits deserve a father who can devote all his time to them. As does their mother," he added with a purr.
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Post by matchesrulezu on Mar 28, 2019 20:30:15 GMT -6
Brookshine nodded her head solemnly, showing her understanding. She pressed into him and returned his purr, resting her head on his side. The feeling was strange. While she was elated that she would be having Floodstar's kits, she also felt strangely melancholy. There was something unsettling about this shift in their life. Like another phase of her life had ended and another one was beginning, reminding them of their aging. Mentally shrugging off her thoughts, she brought herself back into this moment with Floodstar. "You know that whatever you decide, I'll stand by you," she purred.
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Post by silentpaws on May 16, 2019 3:39:50 GMT -6
"I know you will. That's why I love you," Floodstar said, his voice soft and genuine. Brookshine's head resting on his flank was a comforting weight, a reminder that despite being leader and supposedly above everyone else he could still be grounded by her touch. She'd been by his side for so long during his leadership, and even though she'd always known that he would always have an extra duty to the Clan she'd waited long enough to be his first priority. "It looks like everything will change then, doesn't it," he wondered aloud after a minute of thoughtful quiet. "A new leader for our Clan, and new life in the Nursery for us. I suppose it proves we're never too old for a little excitement." He laughed at his own comment, nudging her gently.
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Post by matchesrulezu on May 23, 2019 15:34:02 GMT -6
"Old? Why you better watch yourself, Floodstar, or this old she-cat might club you," she teased with a playful grin, her loud purr betraying her threat. Despite her daring words, her heart swelled with love for her mate and their family growing in her womb. And now knowing that Floodstar was retiring, she was excited for their future. It would be strange, but their full presence in the lives of their kits was important to her. Without the duties of being leader always hanging over him, he could be there for their kits in every way.
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