Russetpaw
WindClan Apprentice
The stillness was welcoming. No one was around him doubting his life and intentions, whispering to others he was a fraud. No one was scoffing in his face that he looked nothing like a direct Wolfstar grandkit. It was just him, the wind, and the lapping of the water against the dock’s wooden legs. Although the birds and insects didn’t seem to leave him be as the sun was just beginning to descend down towards the horizon, welcoming the evening life to come alive. Russetpaw watched a few water bugs hop across the surface of the water with deep amber eyes, breathing in slowly before letting it out as a sigh. His mother told him Wolfstar loved to swim, strangely enough. How often did he swim in these waters? Was he ever doubted of being a WindClanner because of his ability to swim? Would he ever be accepted amongst the many family members? If only Willowfur had come with him. But she left him.
Russetpaw’s eyes closed as the wind picked up a bit, his dark coppery-toned fur rustling around his neck and tail, the dark stripes on his back turning even darker as the sun kept lowering. He didn’t know quite how long he had been at the docks, or if he was needed, but it felt good to get some peace and quiet from the constant doubts and annoyances. It wasn’t in him to fight it or get angry. Duskpaw was usually the one to stand up for him but she had been out with her mentor all day while Cometchaser gave him a much needed break. The worst was Wolfleap. His sneers and dirty looks made Russetpaw’s skin crawl and he chose to stay as far away from him as he could. Heatherpetal was nice, but also busy with her kits and mate. Therefore, he didn’t have anyone at the moment. Like his life as a rogue, he was alone.
A distant round of thunder across the horizon made his ears twitch and eyes open to look in that direction, but it left as quick as it came and no dark clouds were in sight. His eyes narrowed and head tilted, but his tail flicked as he dismissed it. Maybe he had misheard it. However, he couldn’t miss the sound of pawsteps coming up behind him and Russetpaw turned his head to look upon Airheart. At least… he believed that was her name. There were so many cats in this Clan that it was hard to keep up with all the names, and he didn’t believe he had spoken much to her so far. His ears flattened to his head for a moment and he nodded slightly. “I can leave if you’d like,” he mumbled, beginning to stand up off the edge of the dock.
Russetpaw
WindClan Apprentice
Russetpaw looked up as Airheart chastised him, his blinking amber eyes seemingly surprised for a moment when she pointed at his chest with a prodding paw, causing him to look down at the red fur he had inherited. It was darker and more noticeable than Willowfur’s ginger coat. He smiled slightly and looked back up at the she-cat, pleased she felt like she could trust him after such a short amount of time communicating. “That is true. I think I expected to be completely immersed in this lifestyle after desiring it for so long, and I don’t know why I thought I would immediately be welcomed entirely. I can understand why some would be…cautious of me. I’ll prove to them that I deserve to be here.”
Sighing heavily, Russetpaw looked away from his reflection in the water and at his new friend as she patted his flank, giving her a smile and a nod, his tail flicking at his side before resting on his paws while a soft purr rumbled in his chest. “Thank you, Airheart, for saying I belong. I needed to hear that. You’re easy to talk to.” Standing up for a moment just to stretch out his paws, his back arched and his front paws twitched, the strange wooden structure beneath them creaking slightly before he settled back into a sitting position. His brows furrowed slightly as he seemed thoughtful, parting his jaws as he let out a soft chuckle. “Are we…related? Ever since I came back, it seems everyone I talk with has some sort of relation with Wolfstar.”