P u r s u i t [of] T u r m o i l {open;}

[[ m i r a g e ]]

Ignoring duties could be considered a regular hobby at this point, as with the rebuild after leaf-bare many things were left neglected that no cat wanted to do. The wind felt almost murky, assuming one could describe such mist and humidity in that way, but there was nothing to stop Feathermist from associating the words. Her knowledge of weather changes - mostly those that involved rain - had come from bitter experience.

A gust brushed against her thin fur, and the she-cat's knobby frame began to shudder. Her belly pressed to the ground, and chest fur flattened to the ground. The patches of new-leaf grass fluttered gently, almost as if they weren't being buffeted to death. The she-cat knew better when a blade struck her gleaming eye. Once the air settled back into a sluggish movement she rose to survey the area. No cat appeared to have shared the experience with her; even the other Clans hadn't sent out a border patrol at the time.

Its too far past sunhigh to expect anything more. Her thoughts trailed off, and Feathermist began to pawn over her life. Wake up, go hunting, return and drop off prey, take an order from the deputy, report back, escape camp with lookout excuses, return to eat, and sleep. Life in a nutshell for a common WindClan warrior. A rabbit broke across the land, but too far away for Feathermist to bother hunting it, the way the thing was streaking across the open plain was easily notable to any cat.

Once again, the yello gaze unfixed into a trance. More thoughts rushed through her head; wonders, notices, comments, and it became such a mess her head began to throb. Her ears were ringing, and she didn't even notice pawsteps approaching.....

Wow. Just wow.... that was kind of awful. A couple months off and I really am getting rusty! Not even 300 words =_=

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

The late afternoon sun was, as per usual on a newleaf day, hiding behind a soft layer of clouds. Sharp, quick gusts of wind swirled around the hills, shaking the heather to its roots. Along the horizon, dark ominous clouds danced, as if contemplating whether or not to come and send a downpour over the golden-hued land. A large hawk rose higher and higher in the sky, feathers fluttering in the warm thermals. It watched the world below it, golden eye glinting as it caught sight of a hare. Shifting its wings as it prepared to dive, the hawk seemed to laugh itself from an invisible perch. The rabbit saw it, and too late, started to bolt off. with a screech, the hawk labored away, claws heavy with its newly acquired prey.

Unaware their pawsteps had led them so close together, what with the circling, biting wind, two felines faced opposite directions. One, a short-haired calico, seemed to flow with the wind as if she were a part of it. Yet her apparent distrust of the openness marked her a foreigner, or at least unused to the environment. Not thirty fox-lengths away, another feline lay crouched against the sun-baked earth. Her silvery stripes easily disguised her as a rock, but she lifted her head, breaking the trance. The splotched black and ginger she-cat lifted her head, scenting for something. She seemed to have gained the information she wanted, and turned around to trot purposefully to her destination.

Raveneyeflattened her broad ears against her skull, wishing away the obnoxious wind. For one thing, it did not allow her to scent what she came for- herbs. A scent would come for a second, only to be snatched away by an opposing gust. Secondly, it was a lovely cold wind, penetrating her short pelt ferociously. Stepping carefully down a small hill, bursts of air wanting to blow her over, Raveneye once again looked distrustfully at her lack of cover. No matter how much of a nomad she was as a medicine cat, she could never shake her ThunderClan love of trees and undergrowth.

For a moment, she seemed to forget her purpose. But, when a blade of spring-green grass slapped against her belly, she remembered. Yarrow. New-leaf was its best growing season, and this was one of the best places for it; open grasslands. Eye scanning the tops of grasses for a stalk of green and a crown of tiny white flowers, Raveneye noticed something else. The glint of silver fur was peeking through a short bush. Approaching cautiously, she scented the air, but the wind did not allow her any help. Stepping past the bush, she called softly, "Hello?"

OCC: haha. it's alright. I ususally only post about this much; 400-ish.

[[ m i r a g e ]]

Fur bristling, the warrior sharpened and her gaze scanned over the she-cat before confirming that there was no challenge. The yellow gaze blinked, registering the identity of the cat in front of her. Names ran through her mind, but it took only a moment to pull it from her memory. "Raveneye, welcome." Her claws flexed gently, it was unnoticeable, since they always did when she felt compelled to do something she didn't want to do.

'Having a heart' just happened to be one of those very things. Her paws glided over the earth, and her neck bent, giving the she-cat a foreshadowing appearence that could be counted to resemble a hawk.
Feathermist let her mind reel on what to say, her senses heightened at a distracting pace. Every twitch of the ear, slightest spasm of the muscle, each rush of nerves from her join; it was if the warrior could sense it all. Her tail flicked, back and forth, and back again, sweeping up dust into the wind. A slight shuddering had her shoulders twitching endlessly as she resisted the urge to show weakness against the cool breeze.

Odd little habits, filling only second of time, and she found it quite bothersome. She had a personal torment created for herself; a punishment even. Then, Feathermist felt herself relax. Raveneye was a savior of lives, not a member of a rival Clan. She was part of all, and none at the same time, which was the only thing she could convince herself made the she-cat feel edgy.

"What brings you to WindClan's territory?" She meowed, a silky voice with the tone she couldn't reilieve. She faked a quick cough, and considered attempting to rephrase that, but doing so might make her look foolish. If not that, than insulting the Medicine Cat might make the Clan look a bit suspicious, so she snappped her lips shut and held it there.

{ooc; 300 words to say: Feathermist was surprised. She looked at Hawkeye and felt annoyed. Then she said "blah blah blah"... My brain hurts. Hehe.}

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

The wind seemed to calm down for the moment, and at once a thick silence ensued, not adorned by birdcalls or noises of wildlife. as the calico feline padded lightly past the thick green bush, a hostile response seemed to be inevitable, but was quickly calmed. The light silver tabby regarded the intruder with an almost neutral glance, but it could just be one's imagination. Yellow eyes flickered over the femme, as if searching for a name. Raveneye, welcome. The so named she-cat blinked slowly in response, whiskers twitching. The other seemed to be in thought, so she licked her chest as a means to fix what the wind had messed up.

Raveneye made it a point to know each and every cat's name, be they kit or apprentice or loner. It was important that every cat feel calm near her, and to trust her. Knowing their names was important in getting them to do that. So it surprised her when the feline's name didn't immediately come to mind. Those yellow eyes were familiar, but... Oh, come now StarClan. Surely you can help me... She racked her memory, thinking over all of her past patients in WindClan. Ah! This was the apprentice Raveneye had saved a while back, right before the poor little cat was supposed to be named a warrior. Featherpaw then... and Feathermist now? Now satisfied that she was correct, she wondered why this cat eluded her memory. Maybe it would come to her as they spoke.

What brings you to WindClan's territory? Raveneye glanced up, startled out of her thoughts. Her mismatched eyes narrowed for a second, trying to remember why, exactly, she had been here. Her brain was all mixed up today, it seemed. "Hello, Feathermist. Actually, I was looking for some yarrow. It tends to grow well here,a nd I can usually find it pretty fast, but the wind..." she shrugged two mottled shoulders in an exaggerated fashion, twitching her whiskers amusedly. "What about yourself?" Slowly, Raveneye stretched and sat down, wrapping a colorful tail around her paws. The wind picked up again, once again at a perfect moment, and she sighed. She liked WindClan territory alright, but some aspects made her edgy and annoyed. What it would be like to be a normal warrior in ThunderClan, to have a mate and kits, the protection and cover of the forest all around her.

OOC: I know the feeling. ack. sorry for this post, it kinda sucks. you don't have to reply right away if you don't feel like it :3

[[ m i r a g e ]]

Yarrow, was it? Feathermist would have to think about it, but there were budding flowers off to a nearby scatter of brush. Surely one of the many plants would match the needs of Raveneye. It wasn't hard to be drawn away from it if you didn't know the land marks, but the she-cat knew one thing about the other Clans that made them exposed if they ventured into the moor.

Sight, The gift of vision she had always valued dearly in the world. However, the warrior would have to slip by the second question, and make it smooth. No telling whom the Medicine Cat could question about her ironic whereabouts. Would any cat in their right mind admit they were ditching any chores or duties? Absolutely not, leaving the silver she-cat as no exception. She refused to let her nerves get the better of her.

"I believe you can find some on the slope over there. There's a patch of plants and grasses." Feathermist responded in a gentle voice. Her tail tip flickered to the direction slightly off from the setting sun and adjusted her body to face it herself. She squinted her eyes into the pre-sunset light of burning orange

How it held a contrast to the color of her orbs, and after a quick pause to see if the Medicine Cat has heard her, although she did not check she was almost sure, the warrior descended down the hill for a few tail-lengths. About the time her head craned back the air whipped her fur and Feathermist shook her head. A quick lick to the shoulder and the WindClan cats would be fine, but she was curious to see what Raveneye would do in reaction to the weather.

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

I believe you can find some on the slope over there. There's a patch of plants and grasses. Why did this cat elude her memory? She seemed friendly and amicable enough, and did not seem one to shy away from company of others. Raveneye looked the cat opposite her over, searching for signs of anxiety or unrestfullness, wondering if she should thank the cat and leave her be in her own company. But the defendant seemed completely relaxed and at ease, not warning Raveneye away.

Observations were necessary in being a medicine cat, but they could get in the way of the present time. Once again, as it often happened when Raveneye was trying to solve a puzzle, she found herself behind in the conversation. Feathermist was already walking in the direction she had indicated, flicking her head over her lightly marked shoulder to see if Raveneye followed. Jumping up from her sitting position, she trotted alongside the femme, meowing, "Thanks. I would be having a much harder time without your help." A sudden gust of wind slammed against her frame, causing her to wince and shrink down to a crouch. It seemed to not even affect her companion, but then again she was a WindClanner. "No matter how much I come here, I will never be used to the wind..." She looked over at the gray she-cat and half grinned, half grimaced, shaking her mottled ember pelt.

Raveneye got up delicately, following beside Feathermist. Hopefully, there would be some yarrow. And because she had already sent her apprentice out to search for some other necessary items, help of this she-cat would be welcomed, if she offered it. And who knows? I might make a friend out of her yet. In her position, it was always nice to have friends of all kinds in each Clan, even if they weren't necessarily close friends. Still the wind buffeted again her fur, sending shivers down her spine. As much as she liked the cats of WindClan, they always had the worst taste in territories.

OOC: done. sorry it took so long.

[[ m i r a g e ]]

The grasses felt good against her pads, and the bitter scents were distracting but easily cleared her jumbled thoughts. With her eyes she followed each movement made by the Medicine Cat, vowing silently to herself that she would do something for the Clan to make up for her absence. Although... she wouldn't be surprised if she broke that. Feathermist was feeling a bit noble today, for some reason or another, this was beginning to put her in a good mood. Although, for this cat, contridictory traits weren't uncommon.

For a moment, the she-cat thought she felt eyes on her, and turned to look at Raveneye. The Medicine Cat appeared to be in her own thoughts however, and the warrior's ears pricked at the sound of her voice. It was obviously some sort of thanks, but the warrior did not see the point in acknowledging it as so, and briskly nodded it off and flicked her tail, a dismissal.

"I think you'd be fine in a couple of days, its not really that hard to live up here, it just takes a bit of experience." Honestly, Feathermist had never thought about life in ThunderClan, knowing it would be rather taxing on her to adapt to another lifestyle. It was incosiderate to think that the other she-cat might not feel the same, so her jaws remained locked tight for the next few heartbeats. "Well, here it is."

She really should have left Raveneye alone to do her work, but against better judgement the WindClan cat stood by, hazy in vision and in understanding her purpose for choice. She flicked her tail again from habit, and surveyed the patch of undergrowth, if you could call it that, like it was the fresh kill pile and she was one in need of a specific piece of prey.

[ooc: That's actually exactly 300 words... wow... but yeah. I think I'm done talking to myself.]

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

I think you'd be fine in a couple of days, its not really that hard to live up here, it just takes a bit of experience. The calico looked over at the other she-cat, thinking on what she said. It was not that she was unfamiliar and unused to this territory, for she traveled here and stayed here a lot of the time, it was just that she had ThunderClan's knack for hating open spaces. Grinning, she voiced these thoughts aloud, adding, "I have gotten used to all territory types, but the wind makes this one hard to love." Sidestepping a few rocks as the gray cat led her on, the femme finally scented the sharp pleasant aroma of yarrow.

"Thank you so much." Raveneye looked at the tall-stemmed plant, just beginning to bud minuscule white flowers. "If you don't mind, I'll join you back to camp. I need to refill that stock, along with my ShadowClan one." Her stock in ThunderClan was usually always filled, because there was a nice patch next to camp. Flexing her muscles, Raveneye sunk her claws into the hard-baked soil. With several deft, quick strokes, she had uncovered the mysterious roots. She picked them up and lay them on a pile, also snipping off a few stalks. Looking over at her acquaintance, she meowed, "Unless you aren't heading back to camp. yet." It was both a question and a comment, leaving Feathermist to do as she pleased.

OCC: bleh. that sucked.

[[ m i r a g e ]]

"Well, it doesn't look like any enemy cats are planning an attack, so I'll go ahead and escort you." After watching the she-cat perform her duties, her mind began to trail off. Not that it was unusual for it to do so, and in her short time of inattentiveness her tail snagged on a bit of grass. She growled and ripped it away before giving her tail-tip a quick lick. The fur seemed in okay shape, a bit messy with a tuft stuck to the sharp blade. Her yellow eyes narrowed at the object, as if challenging it to attack her or some other insane sort of assualt. It did nothing, of course, as blades of grass are inanimate and therefor unable to think or act. She did not linger on it and let her yellow eyes shut for a moment.

Refusing to show embarrassment, Feathermist turned back to Raveneye with a quick meow. "Would you like me to help you carry anything?" The silver warrior's expression was composed and cool, showing that the moment of annoyance had passed. Well, reluctance was gnawing at her brain, what was making her so nice today? Although, something did seem a little bite wrong, or right, or whatever was in the air. Which was reminding her... there was something she wanted to ask Raveneye, but hadn't the courage before. Such a procrastinator, and maybe even a bit nervous about it, she put off her question and let the former offer hang in the air. The warrior probably felt that her question was better left silent, and another thing not to let her mind remain on.

Even in those few heartbeats where she waited for the reply, her mind spun rapidly, the question repeated over and over again. It was too much, until it cut itself into a single name. Owlkit. Owlkit. Owlkit. Oh how she wondered what happened to her little brother, but it was in the past, and again something that Feathermist should be forgetting about. It tugged her heart, before she noticed her mind was going in circles. With the twitch of her whiskers she tried to focus on Raveneye, hoping she hadn't missed what the she-cat had said... wait. Did she even accept or decline yet?

OOC: That's okay ^^'

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

Well, it doesn't look like any enemy cats are planning an attack, so I'll go ahead and escort you. The she-cat smiled to herself at her acquaintance's response, but quickly replaced it with a concentrated expression as she worked to free another root. Claws sinking into thickly wound coils of gnarled root, she tugged hard. To her dismay, it didn't budge. Hmph. Fine. You can stay, her thoughts said to the stubborn root. Although it was probably better she didn't take out more than half of them, so the supply would last. Too late, the calico realized she should have probably thanked the gray cat. "Oh. Alright; I'd enjoy the company." She twitched her whiskers in embarrassment.

Raveneye began to clean out her pads, working out strands of thick moor grasses and tiny worn pebbles. She glanced up when Feathermist spoke coolly. An offer to help? Well, help was certainly always welcome! In fact, it was something she had been wishing for, not just so she wouldn't have to work so much, but so she could get to know Feathermist. The cat intrigued her. Smiling, she replied warmly, "That would be very much appreciated." She nodded towards the stalks, meowing, "You can take those, if you want. They don't taste nearly as offensive as these roots."

Raveneye looked over at the grey femme, and decided it was time to make conversation. She was comfortable with silence, but sometimes the other cats weren't. Straightening herself, she wondered how old she was. Probably still pretty young, but still... "Have you had an apprentice yet?" Ooh. Bad choice. Maybe she would take offense. As comfortable as she was around others, they were not often comfortable around her. Asking questions could often make things worse...

[[ m i r a g e ]]

(ooc: Sorry for the poof! D: )

With the flick of Raveneye's tail, she didn't hesitate to grasp the herbs in her jaws. Although, ignoring the sharp scent was a bit hard, her expression managed to hold together. She had already began to twitch, awaiting the return to camp. Not that she was looking forward to it of course, in fact, she was feeling a bit disturbed. Or maybe it was simply under the weather.
It didn't matter either way, her thoughts chased away by Raveneye's meow. She blinked and held her eyes shut for a moment before responding. She was asked about having an apprentice. "Yes... actually, I do." Although, the warriors tended to know who had mentored and who hadn't, she was one who had but was forgotten about. The memories of her first apprentice, however, were stronger than with the current cat.
Fox dung, that Clan traitor, he ran off without a word or warning, and he better keep hiding in case I get my claws on that mangy pelt of his.
Even if the average cat would find that harsh for an apprentice to face, it was perfectly suitable in this particular situation. A cat usually just doesn't leave their Clan, they stay and live their until there's no use for them anymore... why did they live in a world like that anyway? Her heart seemed to be going soft again, but she hardened up fast enough to counter with her own question. "How are things coming along with Nightpaw?"
Feathermist's muscles rippled as she began to strut casually, and yet with pride, a somewhat cliche` thing to watch but something that was a common habbit for a prideful warrior. The question hung in the air and before the medicine cat could answer she also had to add in the question, "Shouldn't he be with you anyways?"

[[ m i r a g e ]]

(Auuuuggguuuusssstttt~)

[AUGUST ?!]

RAVENEYE

Perhaps it was just the atmosphere playing with the keen eyes of this she-cat, but is seemed as though her companion narrowed her eyes for a split second, and the calicoed Raveneye wondered what could possibly be on her mind. But it was not for her to know, unless Feathermist decided to speak of it. Instead, she focused on the sharp tang of the herbs in her mouth, the way the juices seeped over her tongue and reminded her of the days when she was in training to become medicine cat. Then her company broke through her revere with a question. Wait. What had I asked Skypaw to do? A split second of panic crossed her mind and a frown blossomed on her face. But just as quickly as the tempest of fear crossed her mind, it left, leaving her aware of what she had indeed assigned her this morning.

"Skypaw is doing well, but it can be hard at times. " Raveneye glanced at Feathermist, unsure if she knew her apprentice's handicap. She decided to play it in subtly, just in case."With her being blind and all, it can sometimes be quite a challenge. But we are working on it. Right now, I actually have her near our den trying to locate certain herbs I hid without my help, to see how far we've come along." She never liked leaving her apprentice alone, even so close to the camp. She wanted to watch her, make sure she was safe. But if Skypaw was ever to manage, Raveneye couldn't be there for constant supervision.

"Feathermist, is everything alright in WindClan? Do any cats need tending to, any queens need help with kits?" It was so hard for Raveneye to keep an eye on every Clan. If only there were more medicine cats! And hopefully Feathermist would be able to tell her the problems of the Clan. She was the deputy, after all.

[[ m i r a g e ]]

Feathermist refused to keep eye contact with Raveneye, her tail twitching slightly as she pushed away her thoughts and acknowledged the Medicine Cat's feelings. She dipped her head in agreement, "I see. We all know that out apprentices will grow up and become great warriors some day... or rather, take their place among the Clans." The warrior's mouth didn't relax once on carrying the herbs, no matter how long she spoke, "I suppose Frigidstar...

[/color]" Her voice fell to a mutter and the she-cat went quiet. It was not the time to talk about the leader, especially since she continued to slack off even as a deputy. Ignoring her previous attempt at a sentence, the she-cat continued, "We have four healthy apprentices, but currently no queens are nursing or expecting... which worries me a bit, since the Clans are a bit small right now."
Feathermist's eyes closed, as if trying to imagine what her Clan would look like, though she was only letting the air around her brush against her pelt in a soothing gesture.
Her eyes opened once more and the warrior's yellow gaze examined the current slopes around them, noting that the two females had not walked very far away from their original spot, and sped up, though very slightly, towards the direction of camp. Although the conversation was the largest hinderance, Feathermist had to admit to herself that she rather enjoyed speaking with another cat on loose terms. Actually, it was rather... nice. Then, her heart wrenched, and the she-cat was reminded of her usual taste for chaos.
She tried to resist any physical signs of her inner-rebellion, and continued with her words before, "I really think that our Clan has been doing well on its own. I'll be happy when WindClan is strong[/color]." She took another look at Raveneye, meeting the she-cat's gaze with a look of pride for the way she was supporting her Clan, even if she didn't truly feel that way.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Venusflower]

The breeze of the land was more forceful then usual, but it was no trouble for the sleek silver she cat to trail her clan mate. Peathingy blue pools deep of misery blinked as a strong gust of wind ruffled her fur. Small pads seemed to glide across the grassy fields. She pricked her ears forward, and straightened her neck to see out of the swaying vegetation. She could rely on scent that both were felines, both were she-cats and both were on Wind Clan turf.

She recognized the calico she cat within a blink. The kind hearted she cat was named Raveneye, the medicine cat. Raveneye had coaxed Venusflower off the path of craziness and help get her life back in order. Feathermist, her clan mate, was one also to thank, or rather, the whole of Wind Clan. If she had no clan to go to, the pretty little silver female would be a loner and would still be a shell. Deciding it was fine to present herself, Venusflower bounded from the secret spot and landed silently on the grass; the wind blew forcefully and masked all sounds.

'Feathermist.', Venusflower gave her clan mate a sharp nod and to Raveneye she did nothing different, 'Raveneye.' Both cats were carrying herbs. One of Venusflower's silver and black tipped ears flicked forward in recognition, 'Would you appreciate my help much' Pointing towards the load they were carrying with her small tail.