Mysteries Unfolded :[OPEN]:

It's over... They had reached the finish line. The end of their struggle. The end to their search. They could finally live peacefully once more in their new home. All the Clans could. But, it would take a while for the tortoiseshell warrior to actually call this place "home". She was too stubborn to give up on her old home just yet. Their old RiverClan camp was the place she was born at. Raised at. Her family was buried there. Along with her memories. It wasn't going to be easy getting used to this place. No matter how ancient it was. The whole journey, about 90% of the time she was glued to Crimsonclaw's side. She didn't want to leave him. It was almost like she was scared to loose him, and was protecting him from danger. But also, she just wanted his presence. It comforted her to feel his crimson fur, to smell his mesmerizing scent, everything. It blocked out all the fears and stress of the journey. Maybe being in love wasn't so bad after all. Sometimes, she strayed away from him from time to time, just to feed her kit side. Observing new objects, exploring new land, it was too much for just her eyes to handle. But no matter how much distance she covered, she always came right back to the one she cared about. The only one she cared about. That tom who she hated so much and grew to love. Sorrelstrike turned around to the catching up Crimsonclaw, who she left to go up a few pawsteps ahead to see the new camp. She couldn't believe how lucky she was. He was so handsome. How come no one caught him in his whole lifetime? Why was she the one he picked? Why her? As he moved, the muscles beneath his pelt comfortably flexed in rhythm to his steps. His crimson fur shined in the sun, making his pelt seem like a golden fire. His green eyes made her feel like she was melting when her gaze meet his. Sorrelstrike shook herself, noticing how dreamily she was staring at him. Smiling she raced toward him, licking his cheek. "I am not going to have fun getting used to our new territory," Sorrelstrike complained. "It feels so...weird." [bg=638a66][atrb=border,0,true]

Lionstrike padded into camp with fresh-kill and fish hanging from his jaw. He felt so much better after eating. The journey had been hard, but it was well worth it. They were safe, well fed, and everyone was happy...mostly. Lionstrike couldn't help but let his thoughts stray to what had happened to Khaki. He hadn't see the chocolate colored she-cat since that night. His stomach tightened with worry, but he quickly shook it off. If she died or if she lived didn't matter. Well, it did because Lionstrike cared about her. But he had his Clan to worry about. He couldn't let his recovering Clan down by going on a wild goose chase looking for the loner! He proudly padded toward the fresh-kill pile. It was such a blessing that bringing just one piece of fish can hold! Wasn't it just this time the last moon that they had been struggling to bring in just one pitiful mouse? In their new home, the river was full and running. And although the Sunning Rocks stilled laid on ThunderClan side, RiverClan would make in theirs someday. Old quarrels would never end. Now, having ThunderClan for a neighbor was different. Lionstrike smirked as he began to clean his paws. But at least they smelled better. The warrior sat in silence as he continued to clean himself. And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar silver pelt. Coming in from training with her apprentice was Miststorm. In an instant Lionstrike was on his feet and at her side. "Hey, Miststorm. How's training going?" the smile on Lionstrike's face turned into a grin. When he was around Miststorm, he didn't stutter. There was something special about this she-cat - and he liked that. [bg=152111][atrb=border,0,true]

Fawnstep poked her head into the assumed medicine cat's den. Ears perked she padded into the musky den. Small hollow caves littered the left side of the wall. The she-cat raised her brows, "Herb storage." she whispered. She opened her mouth, it hadn't been used for many, many moons. But if felt right. A smile drifted across her muzzle. Her dream had been right, the journey was tough, and heart wrenching. But at the end, the light was warm, it was right. Her eyes clouded over as she remembered when the roadway gave away. A thunderclan apprentice was hurled down to his death, while the rest of the cats were either safe on the opposite side, or like Riverclan trapped. It had been Sunrise who risked his life, by dislodging a boulder to fill in the path. His bravery cost him his life, because when he rammed into the boulder, he too fell. Fawnstep back slowly out of the den and raised her eyes to the sky. "Thank you." she murmured. Sunrise would always be remembered as a hero. Fawnstep took another glance at her new den. It was spacious and comfortable but it was missing something. That something happened to be herbs. "I can't find them all by myself." She meowed quietly, cocking her head to the side she considered the options. She could take along a warrior or an apprentice. Immediately she sided with the younger cat. She too, was merely an apprentice and being stuck with a warrior would only tease her of what could have been. Her eyes trailed across the sea of cats, but only one stood out particularly. He wasn't an apprentice, but great starclan he was close. Fawnstep padded up to the young tortoiseshell tom, "Cursekit, would you be interested in helping me find some herbs?" Her eyes were kind, as she gazed into his. The medicine cat could feel his mother's gaze rake her pelt. Quickly she glanced upward, "He'll be safe with me, Icewish." She could understand why the she-cat was protective over her family. Just recently she lost her mate, and she probably wasn't keen on losing someone else. Fawnstep hoped she would agree to it, she ever so curious to explore the territory. She wanted to find the best herb places, she wanted to discover new secrets. Most of all she wanted to make a journey to the Moonstone. She was told that it glistened like the moon itself. Fawnstep almost purred at the thought of being so close to such a historic landmark. The she-cat battered her eyelids, "I promise he'll be alright." [bg=5e462b][atrb=border,0,true]

Cursekit sat comfortably in the presence of his mother, relaxing in the dappled sunlight paving the soft earth. He wasn't sure what to think of the new territory. He didn't know the other one too well, he didn't even go outside the camp before. So he wasn't effected too much by the chance in land as much as cats who lived their whole lives in their old home. Hopefully though, this home would be much better. Cursekit already felt more relaxed and comfortable here. It was much more peaceful, and his overall feelings were positive. He didn't feel so nervous and confined. This was more of a relaxing atmosphere. He didn't know why, but he liked this place. And he could easily get used to it. But what about outside RiverClan's territory? It was strange, these new borders. He was so used to hearing about how ShadowClan and WindClan bordered them and all the rumors he heard. But now it was ThunderClan and WindClan. Maybe ThunderClan would cause less trouble and conflict. He also wondered if the other Clans enjoyed their new territories as much as he did. But overall, he wondered what the new Gathering place would look like. The replacement for the moonpool. What would it be like? A smile curved his lips. It looks like his first gathering was going to be taken place in the ancient gathering place. Cursekit jumped when his name was called, quickly looking up at the speaker. It was Fawnstep. Fawnstep...the medicine cat? Why did she want him? He was just a kit. But nevertheless, from the moment she looked at him he felt as if he could trust her completely. Her warm gaze made him feel safe and secure. As if he wasn't alone. This was also a great opportinity to see the new territory completely. And, to subdue his curiosity for the herbs Fawnstep kept in her old den. Maybe he could learn more about her mysteries. "I-I'd love to." Cursekit replied, growing happy inside as he stood up and scampered nervously toward Fawnstep. [bg=422c1d][atrb=border,0,true]

Crimsonclaw rolled his eyes, "You hated me at first, now look at us." He couldn't have said it any better. The sun kissed his shoulders, and the water lapped at his toes. He had his mate at his hip, and a full belly. What more could you want? Already a few days here and the Riverclan scent was already distinguished. It didn't take him long to settle in, but perhaps it was the clan not the camp that made his home. Glancing over his shoulder he made sure Sorrelstrike was listening, "So do you want to choose nests?" It was a bit odd that the clan cats hadn't arranged the sleeping nests yet, but why the rush? It had been moons since they had ate to their fill, and it was the time to relax. Only just yesterday did they situate the dens. The warrior's den was in a cluster of reeds. The outside was reinforced by a barrier of bramble. For decoration some of the apprentices had weaved in some seashells, and silvery stones from the shoreline. Already did it feel like home. Picking his way through the cats he found himself in the center of camp. Apprentices were playing, and queen were scolding their kits. Definitely home. Crimsonclaw flashed Sorrelstrike a glance, "You really can't say this doesn't feel like home." He commented dryly. Through out the journey the couple had been glued to the hip. Rarely did he leave her side, in fear that he would loose her. It was a dangerous adventure, but the outcome was grand. They were blessed the home they belonged to. The lake was only a distant memory in his mind. The crimson colored tom almost suppressed a shiver at the thought of his former memories. Ninety percent of them were dark and dreary. Hardly memories anyone would like to remember. The remainder were his few good ones. The time before his father hated him, and the days after he met Sorrelstrike. Not only did his life get better, he too changed. No longer was he the grumpy, elder he used to be. He acted a lot younger, and he glimmered much more radiant. Apprentices still feared him though. The tom twitched his whiskers, he wasn't sure if he could ever fix that reputation. "Speaking of apprentices..." His voice trailed off, he hadn't had one training session with Snowpaw since who knows when. "Mouse-dung." he spat, turning to Sorrelstrike he meowed hastily, "Do you mind taking care of the nests yourself?" Narrowing his eyes he added quickly, "I better get some training done with Snowpaw before it gets too late." Grunting he barged past the calico she-cat and rummaged through the crowd, trying to locate the white apprentice. It didn't take long for him to find the she-cat, her bright pelt stuck out like a sore thumb. Approaching Snowpaw he meowed harshly, "Snowpaw." Flicking his tail he snapped, "Get over here." It was no wonder to as why apprentices hated him. "You have training." [bg=FFFFFF][atrb=border,0,true]

Speckledpaw
The cocky apprentice of Riverclan

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The calico she-cat slowly padded out of the apprentice den and flicked her ears letting out a large yawn. She was sleeping perfectly fine but when a warrior came to wake up an apprentice she knew she probably needed to get up. As she watched the two cats follow her out she gave herself a small shake and watched them go sighing. Lionstrike hadn't even so much as even trying to find her to train. He had been acting really strange ever since they left on the journey. But that didn't mean he couldn't train her.

She was about to march over to him, but stopped when he moved over to the warrior Miststorm. She could he liked her, and the poor tom needed someone to like him back. She sighed and turned slowly heading toward the fresh kill pile. There was a nice plump vole and she picked it and started to take it herself when she heard the squeals of kits. She sighed and slowly looked that way. It was code that Elders and Queens ate before anyone else, even warriors. Speckledpaw wanted to be the best warrior ever, but why did she want to break this one rule? She flicked her ears and slowly padded over there.

She could hear the murmurs all around her. Speckledpaw's actually doing something without having to be told? She flicked her ears back in annoyance but kept going. Is she feeling okay? Maybe Lionstrike told her to do it earlier. She's not that nice." She put the vole down and start to snap back a comment but held her tongue and licked her jaw and picked the prey. Once she got to warriors den she stopped and set the prey down again.
"Icewish...i brought some prey for you and your kits..."

[/color] she mewed loud enough for the queen to hear. She ignored the murmurs again nd waited for the queen to come out.[/size][/left]

After his time with Miststorm, Lionstrike felt so elated. He felt like he was on top of the world, like he could handle anything and everything. Everything was going perfectly...but there was that one thing that always ruins everything. He was worried about Khaki. He hadn't seen her when the clans left the lake territory. He hoped she was alright, but then he reminded himself that if she was or if she wasn't, it didn't matter anymore. He had his clan to worry about. Miststorm to talk to. And an apprentice to train. Lionstrike froze. That was right! Speckledpaw! He hadn't seen her in awhile, he had been so caught up in talking with Miststorm. The ginger tom scanned the camp for his apprentice's familiar calico pelt. It took only a minute for him to pick her out, sitting alone. His gaze softened. She had changed a lot; especially since her friend had been hurt. She needs to get her mind on other things for a change. Lionstrike decided and then he began to pad after her. He would need to assess everything he had taught her and see what they needed to work on. It had been awhile since they had done any training, even before they had left the lake because of Khaki. He would have to condition both him and her back into the ways of RiverClan. As Lionstrike made his way to his apprentice, he began to think about all that had changed. So much had changed, he really couldn't grasp a lot of it. Khaki was gone, probably forever. He now had an amazing friend in Miststorm, and he was beginning to feel even closer to her than he did Khaki. He lived in a great Clan, and they were like family to him. Even his stuttering was beginning to vanish now that he was friends with Miststorm. Even though a lot had changed, a lot of it had been for the better. The tom approached Speckledpaw. Putting a cheery look on his face he called out to her. "Speckledpaw, how would you feel about doing some training today?" [bg=152111][atrb=border,0,true]

After Icewish had thanked her for the prey and gone to feed the kits, Speckledpaw had felt a small pang of hurt. She appreciated the "thank you" but she had hoped to maybe talk to the kits and if they felt like it playing with them. However she was alone again with nothing to do. Fawnstep had practially kicked her out of the medicine cat den so Ravenpaw could get some rest and heal up. No other apprentices really wanted anything to do with her and Speckledpaw really hated being around them. She she found herself curled up in the sun staring at her paws. What if she wasn't meant to be a Riverclan warrior? No one seemed to like her and she was easily annoyed with everyone. On her own she could follow her own rules and be her own cat. No one could tell her what to do and she wouldn't have to depend on anyone for help. But then again, she would have to leave Ravenpaw behind. And she couldn't give up the urge to tease Lionstrike every now and again. And Riverclan was starting to run low on Warriors. If she didn't stay around, the clan would slowly die into nothing. There had to be a reason she stuck around. At the sound of her mentor's voice she lifted her head and perked her ears. He had a happy smile on his face and she felt her nose wrinkle as he stepped closer. She could smell miststorm all over him. It wasn't that she hated the she-cat or had anything wrong with her, she just knew Lionstrike had probably come over to stutter about his new love life. Not something she was looking forward to. However what caught her ear left her unguarded: The tom never stuttered and he wanted to take her out to train. Both were completely new to the young she-cat. All she knew is that Lionstrike had always stuttered around every cat like he was nervous that they would claw his face off. And it had been days since he had even mentioned training. She sat there for a moment and looked a her mentor. Something wasn't right. But who was she to give up a chance to go train with her mentor. "I guess we could. I mean i would like to become a warrior sometime before i die." she mewed rahter icely at him before getting up and stretching her limbs and padding towards the entrance. "I have been working on a few things since you've been flirting with that she-cat of yours." She kept going, letting a small smirk slide across her face as she felt the embarrassment come off her mentor in waves. Yep, the real Speckledpaw was back in action. [bg=00003d][atrb=border,0,true]