Bury all your secrets in my skin - Open

[Hornetstripe]

back away

from tangents, on the verge of drastic

Hornetripe was drained. Completely and utterly drained. The nervousness and stress from the ceremony only a few minutes ago had taken a toll on her, and her headache has escalated to a full on migraine. Dragging herself along with a pile of moss overflowing in her jaws, the tired Warrior slunk into the den, trying not to collapse where she stood. She paused in the entrance, scanning the den for a spare spot and becoming quite worried when she couldn't find one. Is there seriously no space? Or am I just not looking hard enough.

Now worried that she was going to have to spend her precious time searching for a plce to build her nest, she finally let the exhaustion get to her and collasped, dropped the moss and watching as it scattered over her paws. She groanded and lay on her side, resting her head on her paws and trying not to focus on the pounding in her head. This nest isn;t going to build itsef, she thought glumly, groaning quietly. But I really don't have the energy... She glanced up hopefully, tryingt o locate a cat to maybe give her a hand.

200 | @//tagged | I'm bored someone talk to me ;-;

ulla

[Finchwhisper]

(First post in the warriors den for me too... yay! xD )

Finchwhisper was in a state of activity. Not only had one of her apprentices be appointed a warrior, taking a bit of the pressure off of her to adhere to the duties of a mentor, but also the small retreat to observe more often in the camp and in the territory instead of conversing with others also had been soothing to her. Now, she was about ready to throw herself back into the routine again, of finishing training her remaining apprentice, and also learn more about the cats she was not yet aware of so much, and focus on each one by one as observational targets, until she was satisfied. So, that meant that conversations might occur, anything to gain more information. She was ready, though it also meant ready to be annoyed by all of the tiring procedures, at least she would gain information in the process. Or at least, hopefully she would be able to do so. Finchwhisper resting in her nest at the moment, which was in a corner, the most unnoticeable spot she could find.

She still felt very uncomfortable in this den, and out of place. She didn't want to be noticed, she didn't want to be disrespectful to the more experienced warriors by not choosing an unnoticeable spot. Fortunately the young warrior had managed to do, and while it wasn't as steadily as blocked as she would have liked it to be; like it had been when she had been in the apprentice's den and even nursery, an observing corner had not yet been made for herself, for there wasn't enough room for it yet. But she would find a way somehow, for it was a way that she felt comfortable in a den with others, especially others older then her that she respected and feared in a way. But now, she was waiting for the newer warriors to arrive and make nests, and do the normal procedures.

For she wanted to observe each new one carefully, and preferably they wouldn't notice her. It was kind of an assurance to know she wouldn't be one of the newest warriors anymore, but it didn't matter, she was still inexperienced. Though, one that came in seemed particularly exhausted, and it was most definitely one of the newest warriors. She observed the new warrior with a sharp gaze, immediately searching for an identity to come to mind. Finchwhisper soon remembered it to be Hornetpaw, Hornetsripe now. One who she didn't have much of an opinion of, other then the other cat was pretty decent. She at least attached an identity to this cat now, and was satisfied. What was surprising, however, was when the warrior suddenly collapsed, letting the moss that she had been carrying scatter. It was instinct mostly, as well as a definite sense of duty that caused Finchwhisper to rise, and to immediately go to the back of the exhausted cat.

She didn't even take time to stare, just got to work picking up the clumps of moss that had been dropped, and putting them into a pile. She would make a nest from the scraps if she could. She technically thought that a younger warrior younger then her should have to make their own nest, it would not be proper to help, but she was also used to being the unnoticeable one in the den, a shadow. Also, like in the apprentice's den, she felt duties, ones to do tasks around the den, to offer just a bit of assistance sometimes to have the den by just a bit more pleasant, and just a bit more orderly too. It was habit now to do such tasks in a quiet way and then disappear to her nest to sulk, which what she was doing now. Fincwhisper didn't glance at Hornetstripe yet, not really caring to converse, just wanted to finish the task efficiently, and then tak her leave form the situation, as well out of the exhausted female's mind, hopefully.

[Hornetstripe]

back away

from tangents, on the verge of drastic

Hornetstripe was just beginning to close her eyes, fully intent on falling asleep then and there, when she heard a quick patter of pawsteps approaching, and a few bits of moss were lifted from her paws. She opened her eyes in surprise and spotted a cat with the majority of the plant in its mouth, avoiding making eye-contact with her as they organised the moss she had dropped a moment ago. She blinked a couple of times, her eyes refusing to adjust enough for her to identify the stranger, before her vision cleared and she was able to recognise the familiar pelt and emotionless expression. "Finchwhisper."
She watched without a word as the older cat cleaned up the pitiful scraps before her, feeling as though she should apologise for making a mess, or get up to help her, though she remained quiet. After a second, she lifted her head and sat up slowly, giving the she-cat a quite forced apologetic smile. "Thank you..."

Squeezing her eyes shut for a moment as her head started to ache once more, Hornetstripe managed to stand up and took a step forward. "C-could I have a some more help if that's al right?" She spoke slowly, trying to pick her words carefully so she didn't sound desperate. "I'm having some trouble staying concious at the moment, so do you know of a spare space where I can build my nest? It would really help me out a lot, thank you." She shrugged half-heartedly, not really having the energy to speak too much more. She was very glad that a cat she knew had found her, even if it was a mere Acquaintance. A stranger would have most definietly oiled anxiety onto her list of current problems, and she felt comfortable enough with letting Finchwhisper assist her. That is, if she was willing to. I hope, at least.

325 | @//tagged | Yay! x) I was really wanting to RP with you again so this turned out well c:

ulla

[Finchwhisper]

(Yes, indeed! I'm glad to roleplay with you again. c: )

Finchwhisper kept working on gathering all the moss, even the little bits of it, for she felt it necessary to do so. Even though her perfectionist side strongly influenced this, she still felt certainty as she picked up even the bits of moss to place in the pile that she had created. It was a little while before she actually heard the voice, and the cat laying on her side actually speak her name. She turned her head to meet the gaze of Hornetstripe for a few moments, before continuing to pick up bits of moss, clenching them in her teeth. She continued for a few more minutes in a rather comfortable silence for her, before once again Hornetstripe spoke up. She would have thought the cat would have fallen asleep where she was right then and there, but apparently the other one hadn't. Even if the cat had, she would have moved the other one out of the way so now warriors coming in that were perhaps older would be bothered, though it was be a lot of a hassle. Maybe it was a good thing the other one hadn't fallen asleep yet.

 She was surprised when Hornetstripe actually stood up, and took a step forward, she once again turned her head, nothing betrayed in her gaze or expression, though she was privately wondering where that energy had come from. It didn't concern her, though, she would just do her duty as a small helper and assister of the den and its occupants, and then quickly retreat to her more comfortable nest. She didn't look back up at the other one, even as Hornetstripe asked for more help. "'s why I'm here, anyway." Fincwhisper grumbled in a plain tone, indicating that this was obvious, though she also meant a deeper meaning too. She was a bit amused at the other one stating how she was having trouble staying conscious at the moment. The she-cat felt tempted to make a wry remark about how she had noticed that, but didn't. She shrugged when the other one asked if she could have help building her nest somewhere.

She had already started to look around the area, and examine it carefully. She knew who slept in the nests, too, and where the more respected older ones were, the highest ranked one being the deputy, and where the more younger ones were, like her. She eventually chose a spot that would be more suited. "Ye, I'll help with spot." She said quickly and plainly, then reached down, and grabbed a mouthful of the pile she had assembled. Finchwhisper then lugged her mouthful over to the spot in the more back area of the den, which seemed to be more suitable. She then carried the rest of the moss there, though often had to backtrack to get the small pieces or bits that had fallen out of her grasp. Eventually she was satisfied with the mass of moss. The warrior then began to form it as a nest for now. It was rather difficult, since the scraps were rather... pitiful, so it was slow making it at first.

Finchwhisper eventually realized that she had some moss near her nest, some extra, to start on her observing corner, though hadn't done so yet completely because it was too crowded. So, she went over to retrieve some thicker pieces of moss from the little pile ear her nest in the corner, then went back to the pile that would be Hornetstripe's nest, and started to make it again. This time, it was a bit easier, and she soon was finished making it. She had begun to get more experienced with making nests, so she felt a bit satisfied with it, though was now done, which was a relief for the she-cat. "Okay, 's done." Finchwhisper mumbled to the other she-cat, making sure she was heard and indicating with her tail towards the newly made nest, then began to plod towards her own nest in the corner, which wasn't too far away from the one she had just made.

[Hornetstripe]

back away

from tangents, on the verge of drastic

Hornetrtipe gave a small sigh of relief when Finchwhisper complied, sitting back down heavily and closing her eyes. She was, however feeling a little guilty about making the other cat do so much work for her, but her exhaustion quickly banished the thought and brought upon a heavy layer of weakness. Blowing some air our of her nostrils, she slumped back down and watched with one eye open as the older Warrior gathered up the still remaining moss and transferred it into a neat pile, before looking around the den. She wondered why the she-cat was being so kind and helpful considering the sudden circumstances, but simply concluded that it was a hidden part of her nature that she had been unable to pick up on earlier. She didn't mind the tone Finchwhisper used in her responce, instead sending her an attempted warm smile in thanks, before brining her head back down to her paws.

She once again began to rise as the other cat took a bundle of moss in her jaws and began to pd off into the depths of the den, but the sudden darkness that filled her vision forced her to collapse once again, and she huffed in annoyance. Quickly thinking of an alternative, Hornetstripe began to slide forward where she lay, trying to drag herself forward towards the nest that was beginning to be built. She suddenly froze after a moment, however after suddenly realising that she must have looked like some sort of furry snake, and quickly cleared her throat and pretend it never happened, praying that no-one had seen her little spectacle. Out of ideas, she simply took to lying patiently in wait for Finchwhisper to finish, sending her quick smiles whenever she returned to gather strands of moss that she left behind.

Realising that the nest was now finished, by the sudden stop in work by the she-cat, Hornetstripe reluctantly rose to her paws very slowly, gritting her teeth against the sudden pain in her skull, and slunk forward. She stopped just in front of the older cat and attempted to dip her head, which led to a small flash of black across her vision. "Thank you so much, Finchwhisper. I-I really appreciate it, you have no idea..." She furrowed her brow and let a small smile form on her lips, before turning and sinking into her nest. She collapsed almost immediately, but forced her eyes to stay open and watched as Finchwhisper returned to her own nest; not too far from her newly made one. Well, since you're so close together, more interaction is guaranteed. Possibility of a friend? Maybe... I hope. Her gaze wandered around lazily for a moment, before she raised her head and called out quietly, "Hey, would you please mind reminding me in the morning to go see the Medicine Cat? I might need some help if this headache keeps up, aha." She tucked her head under her paws before she could catch an answer and almost immediately, fell into a deep -and rather aching- slumber.

529 | @//tagged | welcome back, muse. So do you want to continue this plot into the next day?

ulla

[Finchwhisper]

(Of course. (: )

Finchwhisper looked down at the slightly younger cat when she dipped her head, though seemed to falter with this action a bit. She returned the motion accordingly, though was confused y the thanks and gratitude. It was an emotion seen or at least spoken that she was more unfamiliar too, or didn't really like the concept of and thought it as foolish. So she brushed off the thanks in her mind, just nodded again with a bit of a dubious expression, though it didn't show for long. "'s just a duty." She spoke in a monotonous voice, for it was true, and she was stating a plain fact. She watched as the other one got into her the newly made nest, and watched for a few moments, before slowly trudging to her own nest.

She dropped down into it carefully, making sure to arrange herself in the correct position, before resting her chin on her nest. She wasn't going to sleep yet, instead observe anyone else who came in. Maybe she would get a pleasant glimpse of her former mentor, or just observe some of the newer warriors, but wasn't about to give up her procedure because of some necessary tasks she had committed herself to do, even if it had been slowed down. Finchwhisper glanced at Hornetstripe when the other one tiredly asked if she could remind her about something to go to see the medicine cat in the morning. She was uncertain, and not so pleased, since she didn't want to commit to another duty that might be a hindrance, and she wasn't so aware of the medicine cats of the clan. She nodded reluctantly, however, and mumbled in a husky and blank tone.

"Okay." After that, she continued her procedure of observing until she was satisfied that night, and then eventually dosed off herself, but only after she was satisfied with what she had observed. She drifted into the pleasant drifts of sleep. The young warrior rarely dreamed. Or at least, remembered any of her dreams. Sometimes, she faintly remembered dreams of shadows, of abstractly moving figures of cats with the information of random ones playing through her subconscious. The dreams were usually blank though, with only sometimes subconscious fears or thoughts would surface in them, but rarely.

Sometimes she would dream of observation targets, which was a bit more common, no matter how much or little she knew about them. That night was a time when she dreamed of blank things without impression or meaning, though, and when she woke up she didn't give that matter any thought. She didn't immediately go to eat, for she never did eat when the sun rose or in the mornings at all. She slowly got up, and of course remembered that small duty she had. Finchwhisper had woken up at a fairly satisfying time, when there was still observing time of other cats to be done.

She padded over to Hornetstripe's nest that she had made, then prodded the she-cat with one paw, or at least, tried to. She hoped it would rouse the other one, for she wasn't about to care about whether the other one woke up later, or need more sleep. She didn't actually care about things, or feel compassion and such other feelings. It was merely duty, and objective feelings to the den and the residents which caused her to do this. After the attempts, the she-cat then turned and looked away from the other one, whether she had woken up or not. "Need medicine cat or not?" She mumbled, waiting to see if she would get a response or not.

[Hornetstripe]

back away

from tangents, on the verge of drastic

Hornetstripe was greeted with distorted shapes and colours that night, her mind conjuring up strange figures that approached her from a distance as she lay helplessly, watching with fear in her stomach as they approached tantalisingly slow. They walked upright and sported long daggers protruding from their limbs, swinging them wildly as they crept forward. The landscape sloped and tilted, seemingly to dissolve behind the monsters. She watched, heart beating out of her chest as she struggled to rise, fighting against her disobedient legs. Her eyes widened and a terrified yowl escaped her lips as the creatures rushed forward suddnely, bodies flickering in and out of her existence until one appeared right in front of her, bearing a large, toothy grin and screaming loudly. It was only then she recognised the mangled body of the creature: a fox. The head of the beast resembled that much, but the rest of it seemed to bend away from her vision when she tried to look at it. The fox-like thing screeched again and snatched her attention, and she lay paralysed as it leapt forward, sinking its claws into her body.

Hornetstripe woke with a start to a sudden jab in her side, letting out a strained yowl as she leapt to her paws. Her vision remained blurry for a moment as she whipped her head back and forth, trying to distinguish whether she was still in the horrors of her sleeping mind, before her eyes landed on a familiar turned face. She couldn't seem to work for a moment, her body still pumping with adrenaline, so she instead mumbled out a stuttery load of gibberish, before swallowing hard and trying to relax her shoulders. "Oh, Finchwhisper. I-uhm, good-morning..." It was, however, not turning out to be a very good morning, and she knew it very well. She cleared her throat and gazed over at the older cat, only now registering what she had said. "Oh-uh...yes. Yes, thank you."
She paused for a moment, expecting the rocketing headache to return, but instead felt nothing more than a mild ache. "I seem to have recovered, so I think I'll pass. Thank you for the reminder, though. You're very kind." She put on a shaky smile, before sighing and sitting back down in her nest. The dream was already beginning to fade, and she gladly let it go, although the distorted face of the fox stuck in her mind like a stubborn thorn.

Shivering at the thought of the beats, Hornetstripe let her gaze flicker over to Finchwhisper for a moment, trying to focus on anything but the horrors. "Just a quick question," she said after a moment, glancing down at her paws in worry. "I wasn't, uhm, yowling in my sleep, was I? I...kind of had a really bad nightmare, and I'm worried that I might have woken the others cats in the den."

480 | @//tagged | Sorry about the sucky dream description, yours was boss

ulla