[Cindergaze x Wildstripe] Bittersweet Goodbyes

[Irish Night Fox]

Cindergaze's heart felt heavy. She could hardly bring her head up to meet the glances of the other cats around her. So many of those she'd shared the Warrior's den with were just... leaving. She understood having to follow what you believed, but it was still so hard. What happened to clan loyalty?

She decided she wouldn't allow bitterness into her heart. Not like she'd seen in the she cat Sparrowflight. That one prowled around with such hate and anger in her heart... No, Cinder decided she'd bid them farewell and wish them the best. She'd rather all this nastiness ended so they could all get back to their own lives.

But... There was one male she hoped otherwise. She was moving slowly, but with purpose still. She'd been looking for Wildstripe. She was so grateful that despite the battle things weren't weird between them. He at least seemed to understand why it had happened, that she had been called. She was glad he at least came out unscathed from it all.

She padded towards the Warrior's den and stuck her head in, "Wildstripe?" she called softly, wondering if he had already left with a sick stomach.

Teigra

 

[Teigra]

It felt as if there was so much to do, that there was no time to think.

He wished it were so.

No matter how he pushed his paws from one busying task to the next, however, Wildstripe's mind just wouldn't be silenced. The scouting trip to check out the old Rockclan territory had been fairly effective at keeping his mind busy. His senses had all been trained on the new territory, well, new for him, having lived in Lightningclan all his life, and his focus centered on any signs of danger. His mind had started to wander though on the trip back.

Was this really it? Was he about to leave his only home he'd ever known behind for good? It was staggering; unsettling...but did he have much of a choice?

One had been offered, yet...

He had been following his paws in a daze, mindlessly going about checking on Elders and kits prepping for the journey when he found himself standing outside the old Warriors' den. The sound of his name being called softly shook him from his waking daze.

"Cindergaze?" He spoke equally as softly from behind the calico queen, hoping not to startle her.

Irish Night Fox

 

[Irish Night Fox]

Her ears twitched as his voice came up from behind her. She perked up and turned around, giving him a small smile. "Ah, there you are, I was worried you had left already..." her voice trailed off not sure where to go with the conversation. She eyed the scar and nick in his ear and looked away for a moment.

Every time she saw it she felt terrible. How could a clan member do that to another? Even so, she couldn't deny that she wouldn't do it again if she were called to. It was nothing against him, she was just following orders. Yes, those that hurt, but if anyone was coming up against Starclan or her clan members... She'd defend them. She just appreciated that he understood that.

She looked back up at him deciding it would be best to ease into it, "How are you feeling? You look tired..."

Teigra

 

[Teigra]

Settling on his haunches, WIldstripe curled his tail around his paws. He'd been on them most of the day and could use a moment's rest. "Oh, err...no, not yet. Still finishing up prep." He too fell silent, not sure what else to add to that. The silence felt awkward, moreso with the odd look Cindergaze had given him before looking away.

Hmm...

Her question derailed whatever thought had been forming. "...a bit tired," he admitted quietly. He was trying to make sure he pulled his weight during the preparations, so he didn't want anyone else to hear and think he was slacking off. "There's just so much to do, it seems like. Trying to make sure the elders and kits are ready to go, making sure everyone is prepared for the journey. At least, the path we scouted out seems safe enough. The challenge will be in keeping everyone together, especially the kits. Will also depend on how many paws finally decide to go." There were a few still waffling on the decision. Understandably. This was home for many. And for those who had come from Rockclan, going back to a place with such memories...and yet, staying here instead in others' land?

Not an easy choice for anyone.

A tiny spark of an idea flickered in his mind.

"I mean, it's not too late. We haven't left yet," he started hesitantly, looking up at Cindergaze with a curious expression.

Irish Night Fox

 

[Irish Night Fox]

She sat herself down along with him, feeling grateful that he had enough time to talk with her for a moment. From the corner of her eye, she could see the business of the other cats around them, but it didn't seem to bother him. This very well could be the last time they see each other if he continued on with their plan...

She reached a paw out and placed it on top of his, a look of worry coming over her. "Don't push too hard. Each one of you will need their strength for this trip." There was also the silent worry of something showing up during the migration. The dogs returning, preditors, who knew what lurked in that territory now. If they came face to face with something...

She tried to not sigh at his comment. It was hard. The numbers were all over the place with cats whisperings who was and wasn't going, and ultimately one clan or the other would suffer for it. They had become so intermixed that emotions were running high for all. Saying goodbye, moving on. It was hard for all. Still, she knew their territory couldn't continue to support that many cats. So, in that way, it would be healthy.

She tilted her head curiously at him, processing his words. She pulled her paw back and tucked it under her, a soft smile appearing. "Oh, Wildstripe..." she shook her head sadly. "You know I am Starclan loyal. I could not in good conscious leave my clan behind. This is my family, cats that also believe along with me. I can understand why the Forestclan cats feel they must go, but this is not the journey for me." she paused a moment.

"Is it truly the journey for you? You know you are welcome to forever call this place home."

Teigra