Softbreeze
Windclan Warrior
“Those stupid idiots” Softbreeze couldn’t help but grumble, light blue eyes blazing in anger as the white and silver molly was cursing under her breath when stalking through the moors. The molly couldn’t believe that Desertstar and Sandadder had the audacity to start drama during a clan meeting. Disgusting, that was her job. Of course no one noticed that she left, everyone was too busy engrossed with those two and their idiotic words to even notice. As of late, Softbreeze had felt out of place in the world. While she was performing her warrior duties, or at least attempting, Lightpaw and Vulturepaw disappeared to who knows where and Hailgaze always let them get away with it. Although karma hit them both in the end as the two seemed to had faced the consequences of their actions and their naming ceremonies got delayed.. Softbreeze managed to get her naming ceremony on time, and without anyone’s help or any sort of special treatment.. She did it all on her own.
“Stupid blind bat decides to leave and somehow I’m stuck with all the crazies in this stupid clan?” Softbreeze couldn’t help but mutter to herself as her silver striped paw finally stepped over the Windclan border and into some neutral territory that was between Thunderclan and Skyclan. The last thing that the young warrior needed was to deal with those annoying brats Hollypaw and Hazelpaw, but it would probably relieve some anger if she could stick her claws into their pelts and rip it off. Feeling the snow crunching underneath her paws, she couldn’t help but remember the memories of playing in the snow with her littermates.. But then again, she remembered Lightpaw always throwing snow in her face and insulting her, or Vulturepaw simply telling her to go away, or Poppyblaze running her mouth about something that lost Softbreeze’s interest a long time ago. The only one that was nice to her in their kithood was Lynxtalon, her brother would probably notice her disappearing from the territory right away. Letting out a soft sigh, the molly looked up for a moment at the snow beginning to fall but still padded forward.
Where was she going? Softbreeze wasn’t quite sure.
The white and silver molly needed to be away from Windclan, the toxicity that currently was there. Softbreeze wanted to be away from Windclan for now, to go on some sort of vacation and find herself until the drama that Desertstar and her family would sort itself out . Would it lead Softbreeze to return to Windclan when everything was over? She wasn’t sure. But for now, the slender molly would find some temporary area to reside in. Raising her nose in the air, she smelled the faint scent of Skyclan around but furrowed her eyebrows as this was neutral territory.. Unless Firestar planned on claiming this land as Skyclan’s. Moving towards a hollowed log, the molly peaked inside for a moment and saw that it was empty, deciding this is where she would be staying. Looking around, the young molly went to work and began padding around the area to find moss.. Hey, if she was to stay in a hollowed log.. Might as well make it comfy.
It wasn’t until Softbreeze’s ears perked up at the sound of snow crunching nearby and her eyes narrowed slightly “Who goes there?!” The molly questioned, her claws coming out before turning around with a snarl on her lips. It wasn’t until her facial expression went from hostile into confusion.. In front of her, was solid brown tom looking at her with a confused expression.. And he was limping?
Claypath |Wander of Skyclan|
Taking a moment to compose himself before heaving himself up to his unsteady paws. Brows furrowing in concentration as he steps carefully over the old nest. He was glad that he was able to get a few moments to rest and stretch out his leg. Though, Claypath had wanted to rest longer, he certainly did not want to anger Softbreeze as she was now determined to get this den cleaned and tidy to her liking. Inwardly sighing as he wished he hadn’t said anything as he loved his disorganized mess. Glancing around half-heartedly as he was suddenly not sure where to begin. Noticing Soft opening the door that leads out into the cold, shivering lightly at the sudden chilling breeze as she tosses the old moss bedding out.
Giving her a small nod as she gently nudges him, encouraging him to get started. Moving a few objects out of his way before using his slightly fluffy tail to dust debris out of the den. Coughing every once in a while as dust tickles his throat and nose as he cleans. He was surprised and impressed that she was able to find supple moss within this harsh weather, watching her for a moment as she sets to work. It intrigued him to see her expertly weave the moss into a large comfortable looking nest, she certainly knew what she was doing. Carefully moving his treasures to the other side of the den, organizing them by where they came from. Just when he goes to gently place a pebble stone down does Softbreeze’s voice filter around them.
Clay was so surprised at her words that he unexpectedly dropped the pebble, an echoing thump ringing for a moment as he glanced over at her with a stupor expression on his face. “I uh never even suggested that we were playing house!” He exclaimed, feeling his cheeks heat up drastically at her implications. “That’s absurd, if anything you are the one who brought it up” he huffs and mutters to himself before finishing up dusting. Sighing in utter relief, triumph glowing in his golden eyes as he glances back at the silver and white molly when she offhandedly compliments and insults him at the same time. Frowning over at her as he sarcastically quips, “Thanks…I suppose” it wasn’t his fault that he was socially awkward while she was straight forward!
Limping backward as he takes in his new profound organization skills, humming in approval before making his way back towards Softbreeze. His golden gaze flickering over her briefly before settling on the nest as she weaves a few shells from his collection into the bedding. Arching a brow and tilting his cranium in surprise as he studies the nest. Ears twitching at Soft’s shy hesitant voice as she tries to explain the reasoning for the shells. “Hmm I surprisingly like it” Clay admits in surprise, his lips pursed before scoffing back at her. “Flies can’t survive in cold weather” he snarks before moving closer to the nest. “Just for that I get to try it out first” Clay teases as he slowly settles himself down.
Moaning softly in bliss at the supple softness of the moss against his aching bones. “This feels nice!” Stretching out his long lanky frame and briefly closing his eyes. “You certainly know how to make a good nest” he compliments with a quiet purr within his chest.
Softbreeze
Windclan Warrior
Her light blue eyes were looking into his golden gaze for a moment, a small smile appeared on her face as she nodded. Claypath was right, the den must be fixed up in order for her to stay at. Watching the tom climbing out of the nest, Softbreeze got up and followed after him. Narrowing her eyes playfully at his words. The tom was so strange, and awkward.. Softbreeze couldn’t help but have a feeling that she somewhat adored him. However, she was taught to never have such feelings or affections towards other felines of different clans by Hailgaze and Goldenrose. Besides, Claypath was doing her a favor by helping her with providing her shelter.. Maybe Softbreeze could help with his grooming tips, Skyclan must be equally windy if his fur keeps sticking up out of nowhere.
“Come on.” Softbreeze said, nudging her shoulder against his own as the two began their work. Claypath would start sweeping the ground with his tail while Softbreeze opened the door slightly so she could begin taking out the old bedding. She would leave the brown tom with organizing the place as it contained his belongings. A couple of minutes had passed and Softbreeze returned with large pieces of moss in her mouth, and returned outside to grab more. The white and silver molly knew that the nest would have to be somewhat bigger than the previous, so the two felines could fit comfortably (Although she would kick Claypath out of the nest if he kept looking at her like she grew two heads)
Once gathering enough moss, Softbreee moved to start making the nest. She noticed that Claypath was sweeping the dirt out of the den and into the ground long with getting rid of any cobwebs that formed. A playful scowl appeared on her face “Just because we’re making a den together.. Doesn’t mean we’re playing house, ok?” Softbreeze said and saw the tom quickly becoming flustered with her words before letting out a snort and turning away to carefully begin starting to woven the nest together “But I think you would be a good husband if you would stop blushing all the time..” The white and silver molly joked before clearing her throat and returning to work. Ah yes, Her brother and mother had taught her to be independent, she didn’t need no males to help her become happy in life.
Once finishing the nest, Softbreeze moved away to look around the nest for a moment. It wasn’t until spotting a couple of Claypath’s shells and she picked them up gently, placing them within the nest and carefully starting to woven them in. Looking towards Claypath, it was her turn to have a shy expression “I had originally thought about putting flowers but..” She stopped, feeling her cheeks redden. Softbreeze only assumed that mates had placed flowers within their nests as it was romantic to do. Looking back at the nest, she shook her head “Close your mouth before that fly enters your mouth.” Softbreeze said, rolling her eyes as she knew that Claypath was probably speechless. Goodness, he was so weird.
Claypath |Warrior of Skyclan|
Claypath could not help but feel suddenly over conscious on how he moved, his golden eyes kept flickering down to his paws, watching where he was going. The poor two toned brown lanky tom did not want to make an even bigger fool out of himself than he already has. Biting his inner cheek as he feels Softbreeze lightly presses against him, as if silently telling him that he was okay, that he was moving just fine and to stop worrying. It surprised Clay with how caring and understanding she was, as she had been so defensive moments ago when they had first met. For a brief moment, he wanted to reassure her, to prove he could handle himself on his own, to not appear weak. Yet, he could not bring himself to utter those words, he did not want to disrupt the comforting silence between them as he leads them slowly but steadily to his hideout—a place to get out off the bone chilling cold.
Occasionally he felt eyes upon him, burning holes into his pelt, Clay tried to ignore the feeling to not give in to temptation to glance over at Softbreeze. Mentally telling himself not to, as he did not want to make the situation even more awkward. Finally, he could not help but tilt his chin downwards as he glances over at her casually. A chill going down his spine as his golden eyes lock with her blue ones. Pausing in his movements, giving her a curious look as she awkwardly clears her throat before moving even closer to him. Eyes widening slightly in panic as he wondered what in Starclan was she doing? Lips parted in surprise as she carefully smooths the fur along his cheek. Blinking slowly as he stares down at Softbreeze, he suddenly had no thoughts within his mind. Only snapping out of his trance at her delicate voice, ‘Shit…I must look like a homeless hooligan’ he inwardly groans. Instead he flashes her an awkward half grin as he mutters a ‘Thank you’. Looking away from the beautiful silver white molly as she slowly lowers her paws from cupping his face.
Mutely nodding as she lightly nudges him, telling him to get a move on before they both freeze. Smiling to himself as he watches Soft look around the hideout within the tree, her blue eyes glimmering in awe. Claypath could not help but silently praise himself for bringing her here, as he had doubted that she would like it since he did create this place when he was an young apprentice. Closing the wooden door carefully, squinting his eyes slightly as he adjusts to the dim lighting. “I am glad you love it….it’s not much but it is a nice escape” Clay says with a fond look as he takes it all in. Still looks the same as when he last saw it—maybe a little dustier but other than that it was perfect. Biting his lip nervously as he notices her interest in a few of his treasures that he had collected over the moons. River stones and gems from his adventures into rivers and caverns, a few pine cones he managed to snatch near Shadowclan, shells and shark teeth from the rocky shores of Skyclan. Hoping that she would not comment on his wide array of little trinkets scattered around—he probably should have picked up more than just leaving them about his hideout.
“Oh! I stumbled upon this tree when I was an young apprentice, the tree looked like it was rotting from the inside. So I cleaned it out…I was surprised it remained standing so I thought it was perfect to make it my own” he babbles with an excited grin, happy that she was so interested in his work. “I’ve always found it odd though, that the tree looks so healthy and alive now when it’s so hollow” Claypath mutters before his attention shifts back onto Softbreeze as she makes her way to his nest. Wincing as he takes in the poor attempts of weaving moss and ferns together, he would definitely have to remake his nest as he now held moons of experience compared to the beginner he was when he first attempted the advanced art. Eyes widening in mild horror as she invites him to get into the nest as well…with her! How absurd! He did not want to make her feel uncomfortable, nonetheless he felt like his heart would explode for being so close to a female that was not his sibling or mother. “U-uh that’s quite alri-“ he cuts off as Softbreeze teases him lightly.
Frowning as he takes in her words, could he? Eyeing the nest, trying to come up with an excuse but did not want to upset her any further. Taking a deep breath as he nods to her, slowly limping towards the nest. Taking note with how she moved over to give himself enough space to stretch out him limp hind leg. Hiding a small smile playing on his lips as he carefully settles down. A sigh of relief escapes him, it felt wonderful to finally relax his exhausted body. Shifting into a more comfortable position as he lets his hind leg stretch, not wanting to cramp. Grinning at Softbreeze in gratitude for helping him settle. His stomach fluttering nervously, especially when her warm paws lightly press against his side. Pausing as he tilts his cranium to the side to get a better look at her face, enjoying seeing her shy and bashful features as he felt it was usually him who felt that way in others presence.
Ignoring her little slip of words, not wanting to embarrass her any further. Humming in thought as he glances around in thought. “I suppose it is a little dusty. Thought it just added character” he teases, his warm golden eyes flickering in amusement. “If you rebuild the nest…I’ll certainly dust. Don’t want me near making a nest. Bloody embarrassing sight” Claypath laughs while lightly picking at the dried moss.
Softbreeze
Windclan Warrior
If Startledcrow taught her something, it was that disability never should affect who you are. The white and silver molly admired him greatly for that, the dark tabby even taught her to embrace herself with attitude and all. Softbreeze frowned for a moment, she missed that blind bat dearly.. She wondered if he was safe, but Softbreeze knew that Heatherpetal and Startledcrow were keeping each other safe. Looking at Claypath, she pressed herself against him as the two felines kept walking. Softbreeze didn’t doubt the Skyclan warrior, she knew that he could handle himself.. The molly was just slightly nervous being on her own for the first time ever. Looking towards the reddish brown tom, her light eyes observed him for a moment. Softbreeze was admiring him, a fond look on her face as she couldn’t help but slightly swoon over his gentle and kind personality. It appeared that she had been staring at her companion for too long as he turned his gaze towards her with a questioning look.
Claypath caught Softbreeze staring at him now.
The white and silver molly felt a blush appearing on her cheeks before figuring out an excuse on why she had been staring at her companion for too long. Softbreeze cleared her throat awkwardly as she stopped him for a moment and with her paw, gently smooth his cheek fur. “You had some leftovers from your breakfast” Softbreeze lied, squinting her eyes as she let out a snort. Disgusting. This tom should be clean! The white and silver molly outta smack him in the back of the head for his poor grooming manners.. Yes, that’s what Softbreeze needed to think. While her paw rested his cheeks for a moment, light blue eyes looked into golden for a moment before Softbreeze turned to the direction of where he was leading her and she nudged his side “Come on, before my whiskers fall off from the cold” Softbreeze grumbled as the two felines carried on towards Claypath’s hiding spot.
Once they approached Claypath’s tree, Softbreeze watched as the tom moved towards the entrance that appeared to be a door and she watched as he pulled it open. The Windclan molly watched on, impressed. Claypath was quite a clever tom, to be able to assemble something so advanced.. It must have taken a lot of time and patience to figure something out like this. The tall molly made her way inside the hide-out spot and looked at it in awe. There were holes within the tree that gave the den a warm light inside, a nest laid in the middle while she looked around and saw a few treasures that Claypath had. Turning back to see him closing the door, Softbreeze nodded “I.. love it” The white and silver molly complimented, as her light blue eyes shined for a moment.
Softbreeze padded around the den, looking at his treasures and a couple of the holes that gave out light. Turning back to look at him, she arched an eyebrow “How did you do all this?” Softbreeze questioned, admiring his work. Looking towards the nest, the Windclan warrior nodded as she made her way towards it and climbed in carefully and let out a soft sigh. It was comfy. Looking towards her companion, the white and silver molly squinted at him just standing there “Well, get in! I don’t bite” Softbreeze snapped, frowning at the tom. He needed to rest, and she didn’t mind if they were in the same nest. “Good Stars, I don’t have rabies.. I’m sure that you can share a nest with a female without getting too nervous” Softbreeze teased him, rolling her eyes and watching his expression. Claypath was an interesting character.
Beckoning her head, she watched as Claypath made his way towards the nest and Softbreeze shifted until giving him some space to settle. The white and silver molly moved so he can stretched his hind leg, Softbreeze gently guiding him with her front paws so he can lay on his side. A small smile formed on her lips when seeing that he was comfortable, although Softbreeze would have to gather more moss to expand the nest so both felines can rest. It was a bit tight right now, but she didn’t care so long as Claypath’s leg was alright. Her silver paw moved towards his side and rested there as she couldn’t find a position to her liking, looking around, Softbreeze gave a nod of approval “After clearing away some of the dust and replacing the old moss.. It will be a nice place for us” She said before her eyes widened before shaking her head “I meant for you! Since you are the host and all” Softbreeze said, ears pinning to the back of her head.. The molly was quite bashful, a shy smile appearing on her face.
Claypath |Warrior of Skyclan|
Clay could certainly tell he was not making a good first impression with the silver and white molly, feeling his fur prickle with unease at her judgmental stare. Did he seriously look that bad? He had to fight the urge to look over his usual silky dark brown pelt, he didn’t want to give Softbreeze the satisfaction of seeing him panic. Which he certainly would, with seeing his reddish brown fur ruffled from twigs snagging at his fur. Licking his dry lips as he debates on if he should continue standing there awkwardly or say something. Blinking owlishly as he tries to quickly think on his paws, knowing he had to chose his words carefully as the silver and white she-cat seemed hostile and took offense to everything he said. Frowning as his paper-thin ears twitch as he catches her mumbled words, ‘Blind bat?!’ Now why on earth would she even think of comparing him to a bat? Though the more he thought about it, maybe she was correct—even though he thought he resembled more as a flightless bird than anything. Taking a quick scan of the clearing around him, making sure none of his Skyclan comrades followed after him.
His attention turning back to Softbreeze when hearing her less than impressed snort. Feeling his cheeks burn with embarrassment that soon turned to shame and panic at her accusation. Golden eyes widening slightly, feeling his throat dry up and tightening as he tries to think of someway to savage the mess he has gotten himself into. Coughing awkwardly as he looks back at the log, should he apologize or just move on? “I-uh did not mean to sound like I was implying that you could not take care of yourself…” Claypath begins, shuffling slightly closer to the irritated molly, before realizing that it probably wasn’t best to poke the badger so to speak. “I can just tell you are not familiar with these lands…but do as you please. Hope to see you around if you make it through the night in that log” he huffed, his tone holding a tint of snark but mostly concern, he hoped she would listen to him. He found himself observing her once more, noticing the prominent lines between her brows, the faint flare of her nostrils, and the sigh of frustration escaping her. She intrigued him, he wanted to learn more about her. About why she chose to leave Windclan in the first place, as it seemed odd for her wanting to become a loner or even a rogue during Leaf-Bare.
Jostling out of his thoughts at her sweet concerned voice, staring at her dumbfounded for a brief moment. His cloudy mind trying to decipher the riddle of her question. It was odd that she went from strong-minded to vulnerable just like that. Parting his lips, ready to reassure her that she indeed looked lovely—-I mean fine. Yet, he was too late to put her worries to rest as her petite paws were already combing through her cheek fur. It amused him slightly, seeing how much her appearance mattered to her. “I um well you look even better” he lamely says, turning his cranium away as he forced himself to break eye contact. Clay certainly did not want to be caught once more for staring, as he was certain that Softbreeze would catch on that there was nothing on her face. He hated how awkward he was, wished he could blame it on someone else but himself for turning out this way. Tensing up when noticing her gracefully making her way towards him. Was she going to smack him? Curse him? Either was possible. Instead it was the complete opposite as she politely thanked him and gently nudged his shoulder. “No worries” is all he could bring himself to say, confusion seeping through his golden gaze as he briefly looks over at Softbreeze—what was going through that head of hers?
Pushing the urge to question her to the back of his mind once it clicked that she was willing to follow him to better shelter. Giving her a small relieved smile, thrilled that she was listening to him. “It’s not too far from here” he reassures. Flinching slightly at feeling her press lightly against him. He had wanted to retort that he was more than capable of handling himself, to throw her words back at her, but knew that her help was needed and appreciated. Standing for so long in one place had tired the disabled warrior. A brief comforting silence settles between them as he leads her to his hideout, his right leg dragging limply behind him. Ears flicking backwards in her direction as she questions on his name. Oh how rude of him, he could not believe he had thought to convince her to come along without having introduced himself. Auroraskies would certainly playfully scold him if she were to ever find out. “Nice to meet you, Softbreeze” Claypath says with a grin, ignoring the hesitation when she spoke about taking a vacation, he understood. “My name is Claypath, at your service” he politely says with a hint of playfulness to his warm tone. After a few minutes of trekking through the snow, they finally come upon a tall cypress tree standing proud on the outskirts of the neutral grounds. Pulling away from Softbreeze as he hobbles closer to the tree, at first glance it seemed like any other tree.
Definitely did not seem like a good hiding place considering it did not appear hollowed. Leaning his tall frame against the side of the tree, using the trunk as balance while he raises his right forepaw, unsheathing his claws as he carefully pries a large chunk of bark away, to reveal a hidden entrance, the now open door tethered by moss and vines, making it accessible to open and close from the inside. “Ladies first” he states with a reassuring nod. After a moments hesitation from Softbreeze, she enters with Claypath not far behind. Grasping hold of the moss and vines within his mouth, pulling backwards as he softly closes the door, the entrance becomes hidden once more. Blinking several times as he slowly adjusts to the dim lighting, the moonlight filtering within from several holes created from woodpeckers over time. Taking a quick look around, humming in approval that his hideout had been left just how he had left it moons ago. “This is where I go to get away…my little vacation” he explains before noticing there was only one nest. “This nest should help you keep warm” Claypath says while gesturing for her to climb into the nest. He would stay only long enough to regain his strength.
Softbreeze
Windclan Warrior
Watching Claypath approaching her, her light blue eyes narrowed when limping towards her. The white and silver molly instantly noticed the ruffled look that the brown siamese was sporting. It looked like the tom slept in some bird's nest! Disgusting. Softbreeze outta give him some kind of grooming advice if he wanted to speak to her. Going towards the larger tom, she squinted her eyes at him and watched carefully. The tom smelled of Skyclan, she wasn’t surprised since the molly made her homebase nearby Skyclan territory as she wasn’t in the mood to deal with the clans at the moment. Not after Desertstar and her little family drama within Windclan. “I swear, you’re much worse than the blind bat..” She mumbled, watching his confused expression as she was talking about Startledcrow. A wave of sadness overcame her, as she couldn’t help but think of her favorite elder. Softbreeze wondered where he was currently, as he had traveled to the mountains with her sister Heatherpetal.. She hoped that her family members were okay, otherwise she would smack them the moment she entered Starclan and saw them.
Letting out a soft snort at Claypath’s awkwardness, Softbreeze tilted her head slightly when he apologized and offered to find her a place that would shelter the molly better. However, how he worded it came off the wrong way. Scrunching her nose, Softbreeze watched him in disgust as she wasn’t impressed with him “Are you saying that I’m incapable of handling myself?” Softbreeze asked calmly, but she was indeed annoyed. Who on earth did this cat think he was? Disgusting. Softbreeze should wack Claypath in the back of the head for insulting her. Letting out a sigh through her nose, she remembered that the tom was merely trying to be nice to her.. Goldenrose had always taught her that kindness always mattered.. Even to cats that insulted you. Getting up from her spot, she noticed that the tom was once again looking at her for a little bit too long. Softbreeze suddenly wondered if something was wrong “Is there something on my face?” She generally questioned, light blue eyes widened slightly as the white and silver molly had managed to check herself before leaving Windclan territory.. She thought that she looked fine! Wrapping her tail around her paws neatly, her smaller paws began to comb through it as clearly Softbreeze thought that she wasn’t groomed enough.
“Do I look better?” She questioned him, and once he nodded.. Softbreeze nodded in approval and smiled slightly “Thank you, I’m glad.” She simply said before looking towards the brown and chocolate tom. The white and silver molly was glad that she looked better, how rude of her. Looking towards him, the slender molly moved towards him and bumped his shoulder softly but not enough to knock him over “Come on, let’s get somewhere warm.” Softbreeze muttered, not wanting to get either feline sick. Moving towards the larger tom, her soft fur brushed against his own. Ever since she was an apprentice, Softbreeze always felt comfortable when leaning against Startledcrow as the former healer would lean on her as they explored camp. The molly knew that this younger tom was more capable of looking after himself as he had sight and at least three good legs.. But it was a habit Softbreeze had, to look after others, to make sure that everyone that was around her was protected.. Huh, you wouldn’t expect it from someone like Softbreeze.
“What is your name? I’m not going to be calling you Stranger.” Softbreeze said with narrowed eyes, releasing a small snort of impatience. Letting the tom lead the way, she remained close to him as the two were making their way towards another part of the forest. Oh Starclan, now she was rude by not saying her name. “My name is Softbreeze.. I’m um, taking a small vacation.” The white and silver molly simply said. She didn’t want to reveal that there was some kind of Civil outbreak within Windclan, as she didn’t know how the other clan leaders would react to it. Softbreeze wasn’t sure if cats like Wildstar would react if she heard that Windclan was at their weakest.. Now the molly didn’t care about the Thunderclan leader, especially after the death of her father Wolfstar.. But Softbreeze wouldn’t be a main reason of Windclan’s fall if some clan decided to use it to their advantage and attack. “What about you, why are you walking around here?” She questioned.
Claypath |Warrior of Skyclan|
Glancing over his slim shoulder as he escapes the sky tree. Sighing under his breath, thankful that no one was around to see him slip away. The two toned brown Siamese needed time away, to decompress from socializing with his clan. As he often became overwhelmed with the looks of sympathy or even doubt that he could be a valuable warrior. Clenching his jaw at the memory of how his right hind leg became crippled, it had all been Copperheart’s fault. Even though the little stunt had not been meant for Claypath but for other apprentices’ that often teased Copperheart during their training. He knew that his brother felt satisfaction in having him withering at his paws, not understanding what had happened. Claypath could not figure why or how his brother had purposely kickstarted a mudslide. He could still feel the thick sticky mud clinging to him, threatening to drag him further away if it hadn’t been for his hind leg getting pinned between a log and a large stone—rendering his leg useless. No matter how much he had wanted to tell his father the truth, he couldn’t. Copper was his brother! How could he ruin his chances of being a warrior? Of making their father proud? He certainly could not have said no with his brother begging over him to lie—to not tell anyone what had transpired there. Foolishly Claypath had agreed.
He had went along with the story of having fallen from a tree while hunting, landing in a heap of mud and shattering his ankle as well as fracturing his leg. The chocolate and hazelnut brown tom had let his brother carry him back and play hero, while he accepted the role as the fool. Many had been surprised that Clay had fallen as he had been one of their best climbers, swift on his feet. He could tell that not many looked at him the same way again. Breathing heavily through his nose, blinking away the dark memories as he pushes on. His lean muscle form exhausting easily as he stubbornly limps through the Birch forest. His golden eyes narrowing in determination to reach his once safe haven. A place not many Skyclanners or even Thunderclanners ventured to. A strip of neutral land—a place where he could be himself and not who others expected him to be. It had been several moons since he visited his hideout, having spent that time recuperating from his injuries and learning how to maneuver with his permanent disability. Pausing every once in a while to collect his breath, he could feel his three stable legs quiver from over extending his physical strength. His body begged for him to rest, to give up on continuing any further, to turn back before he became stranded. ‘Come on! I can do this’ he mutters under his breath, ears pinning tightly against his skull.
The young warrior was certainly glad that no one was around to witness his humiliation. After several minutes between limping and pausing, Claypath could sense he was close. Eyes brightening as he picks up the pace, his crippled right hind leg dragging behind him, leaving odd tracks behind. Ignoring the bare bushes and branches snagging at his brown pelt, ruffling it comically in the process. Snow crunching beneath his large paws, his breath fogging around his muzzle with each deep exhale. ‘Almost there!’ He could feel excitement and pride building up within him, had he actually accomplished his goal? Reaching his secret domain all on his own?! Without any assistance but his own. The young lad had been so deep in thought that he did not even register the new scent clouding the area or the paw prints embedded into the powder white snow. It was not until he shouldered his way past a low hanging branch into the small clearing and the harsh warning thrown his way, did he notice Softbreeze.
Brows furrowed, chest heaving up and down rapidly as he catches his breath. Golden eyes flickering over the white and silver molly, noticing the hostile glare of her light blue eyes. Shifting his weight more heavily to his left, cringing at the sharp ache to his right back leg. Observing the situation quickly, wondering why a Windclan she-cat would be far from home. “Sorry” he awkwardly mumbles, biting his inner cheek. “I uh did not mean to disturb you…” Claypath adds, hoping she would not see him as a threat. Why would she? With his limp, she could certainly take him down with ease. Noticing the large hollowed log behind her causes him to frown slightly. He could see her distinctive paw prints along the outer edges of the log, as if she had been pacing not long ago. Guessing she had hoped to reside in the log for the night. That would not keep her warm. Tilting his cranium slight to the side as he mentally debated on if he should take her to his hideaway, to a hollow cypress tree not far from here. Clearing his throat once realizing he had been staring a little too long at the beautiful molly before him. Flicking his lithe tail side to side anxiously, “That long won’t keep you warm or protected all night” Claypath states the obvious. Mentally cursing his great communication skills.
“I know of a place that will keep you warm—until you figure out your next step” he offers, a small warm smile gracing his maw. There was no way he could simply leave a young lady out in the cold, not when he could help. His golden hues glistening in the dim evening light, his eyes liquid gold as he sincerely looks upon Softbreeze, hoping she was willing to trust in a complete stranger. One that only wanted to help.