{of cloudy days and ice} open

[**Burn**]

IN all honesty, Cloudypelt couldn't remember the last time his paws had been warm. After trekking through the marshes since daybreak, and then sliding across the ice to get back to camp, Cloudypelt was having trouble remembering the last time anything on him had been warm. Ice crusted his whiskers and chilled his paw pads with each step as he gingerly skidded across the ice that separated camp from the rest of the land. Crystals of ice and snow caught in the tom's pale gray fur but were ignored, his underbelly wet from wading through slushy marsh waters and deep snowbanks. In his jaws, a scrawny rabbit was the tom's only fruit for all his labor but at least it was something. Most mornings these days, any hunting was unsuccessful, leaving warriors and apprentices cranky from hunger. At least this would be able to satisfy someone's hunger, if only a little. With that thought in his head, Cloudypelt finally managed to stagger into camp. He wasn't surprised to find the clearing empty. Almost everyone was out hunting or training. If they were smart, they were holed up somewhere to wait out the blustery winds that kept blowing over the marshes. Shuddering at the memory of them, Cloudypelt dropped his kill on the pile and veered straight for the warrior's den. THANKFUL to find it empty, the blue-eyed tom scrounged together a nest in the far corner, as far away from the entrance as it was possible to get and still be in the den. Circling twice, the ReedClan warrior dropped down in an exhausted heap with a gusty sigh to accompany his descent. EVERYTHING ached. He wasn't old, far from it, but it just seemed like the cold invited little accidents that were just enough to make the end of the day painful. Just hunting up his pitiful rabbit, Cloudypelt had caught his foot in a hidden burrow and nearly gotten a face full of snow for his troubles. Thankfully he'd been able to right himself and not lose his quarry. That thought alone though, didn't stop his hind foot from throbbing in time with his heartbeat. Add the constant collisions with the ice while crossing the streams and Cloudypelt was sure he should just be one giant bruise. Most ReedClan cats had no trouble with ice. Cloudypelt despised it with a burning passion. He could never navigate it as gracefully as his sister, Nimblefoot. Not in his wildest dreams. GROANING at the memory of the drated frozen water, Cloudypelt curled himself into a ball. Tucking his feet up near his underbelly, chin tucked to his chest, fluffy gray tail coming up to cover his muzzle, he closed his eyes. Trying to ignore the throbbing and cold, Cloudypelt kept his blue eyes firmly closed and tried to drift off to sleep. He nearly made it to the blissful haven of dreamworld when he heard someone coming into the den. Flattening his ears against his head in protest, Cloudypelt curled in tighter on himself, determined to ignore the intruder no matter what they wanted, did or said, even if it was his own mother. [bg=969992][atrb=border,0,true]

[Arcanine]

[atrb=border,3,true][atrb=width,400,true][bg=222f46] A mother he was not, good StarClan no, but cold he was indeed. There was no place safe from leaf-bare, and it was times like this, that everyone was reminded of it. The prey was hiding or dead, and the river was iced over. It was a dead world that they lived in during this season, and he for one was counting down until new-leaf would show and grant the blessing of life upon their home. The prey pile was low, pitifully, and the though his stomach protested weakly, he had no intention of eating, not right now at least. The idea of food sliding down his throat made him want to vomit. No, right now, he just wanted to try and find some warmth, a place that would sooth the agony out of his leg and shoulder. Life was never fair, and leaf bare seemed the harshest judge of all. Patrol had been his mission, and the other cats he had taken were going their own ways now, doing what ever it was that they wished to do. Not that it was his business. Jaggedstep always did hate running during the coldest moons, it almost always agitated his shoulder, and even know he could feel the pain increasing. He was as bad tempered as other cats of the Clan, due to hunger, even the kits were rarely seen out and about during this time. With a sigh, he took a moment to look around the clearing, tail flicking once dismissively. He hurt, he was cold, and as the first of more snowflakes began to fall, he could feel his irritation growing by leaps and bounds. It really sometimes did not pay to be a Clan cat. Everyone was hungry now days. Not enough prey, their kits were merely scraps of fur, the elders slept, conserving energy. It was a sad sight, at gatherings, to see all four Clans so thin. Still, Jaggedstep would gladly suffer a thousand leaf-bares to see the life of his Clan continue. A snort passed from him as he approached the sheltered warrior's den. Him, acting so noble, what a load of mouse dung. He was nothing more than a survivor, a cat who had clawed his way to where he was in life. It was that simple. Pushing his way into the warrior's den, he stopped, his tail still in the cold, tip twitching in irritation. He was already in a rather irritable mood, from the cold and hunger. His shoulder hurt, with a agony that pulsed in time with his heart beat, demanding he notice it. Like he could ignore it. The long furred cat curled up was what made him pause. Cloudypelt. Rather klutzy for a cat if he recalled. With a grunt he padded fully into the den, carefully finding himself a spot to curl up as well, his movements stiff and painful, he sighed as he lowered himself into the soft moss. After a moment, with one blue eye still open, even as his chin rested on his white paws, he spoke a single sentence. After all, it did no favors to be uncharitable. " Thank StarClan it's not like this forever."

[**Burn**]

" THANK StarClan it's not like this forever." THE words broke through the hazy half-sleep Cloudypelt had cradled himself into. Darker ears twitched as Cloudypelt's dusky blue eyes flickered open reluctantly. That voice. Cloudypelt had to bite his tongue not to groan. Jaggedstep. He didn't know the warrior very well, but Cloudypelt had been told by others that it was a good idea to avoid him. Often foul tempered and cranky, even Cloudypelt's brother Ripplefur had dodged the other tom when they'd been apprentices. Personally though, Cloudypelt knew little about the tom other than what he looked like. Peeking his blue eyes open now, the younger tom got a glimpse of the brown and white long-furred warrior curled up not too far away on a pile of moss. Just as other muttered about, he looked stiff and irritable, even when he was settling in to sleep. Some part of Cloudypelt pitied the tom, having seen his limping gait around camp and on patrols. He knew all about disabilities. Cloudypelt's own mother, Mistygaze, was blind. It seemed everyone in the clan had their burdens to bear, and dealt with them differently. Mistygaze used hers to be unique, to stand out and raise her head high, to make others smile and be a steady presence. Jaggedstep just seemed to turn more sour with each passing moon. "IF it was this way all the time, I'd consider being a kittypet," Cloudypelt mumbled, flicking his long plume of a tail. "At least then its warm." A lot of warriors would get indignant or angry with Cloudypelt for such a statement, but Mistygaze had always told her kits to speak their minds. Many cats then blamed her from Nimblefoot and Ripplefur's outspoken, rather egotistical and bossy personalities. The light gray tom was nowhere near as loud as his brother and sister, favoring Moonflower in his quiet but sometimes outspoken nature. Besides, it wouldn't be leafbare forever so he would never have to consider being a kittypet. It was just a statement that if it ever came to being winter all the time, he would be the last cat caught out living in it day in and day out. His long fur helped keep him warm, but in all honesty Cloudypelt had no love of winter. His sister Nimblefoot could navigate ice with uncanny ease. That was not so with Cloudypelt. He hated ice, hated being cold, hated being wet. Leafbare meant all of those things at the same time. Ugh. HOPEFULLY though, Jaggedstep hadn't caught his words so he wouldn't get his tail in a twist about it. Some warriors just took things too seriously and something in the back of his mind told him Jaggedstep was probably one of those. He probably adhered to the warrior code like it was life itself. Cloudypelt followed the code but there were parts he didn't always agree with. The former leader had punished Mistygaze because she had mated with a cat she wasn't allowed to, though she said again and again it was someone within the clan so there was no wrong to be done. That was the only reason Cloudypelt and his siblings had been allowed to stay in the clan. A tom had spoken up saying they were his kits. Mistygaze never told them which tom had spoken up. They had never been that curious. They had Mistygaze, that was good enough. Still, the idea of his mother being punished for something as simple as mating for love was something that always made him frown. In his mind, that shouldn't be something StarClan controlled. Not everyone thought like that though. Most cats adhered to the clan's code, obeying rules to the letter and rising like angry snakes when someone so much as muttered that something didn't seem just. With any luck, Jaggedstep either wasn't like that or he was too far asleep to have heard Cloudypelt. [bg=969992][atrb=border,0,true]

[Arcanine]

[atrb=border,3,true][atrb=width,350,true][bg=222f46] In life, there are those that you quickly come to find that you rather like being around. These are called friends, and they are often dear to you, for life. You'd do anything for these cats. You'd do what you can to help them, and that would be an unspoken bond for the rest of your life. Of course, there is always the opposite end of the spectrum. There are the cats that you'd rather skin with your own claws, and line your nest with their fur. These cats are the ones you'd rather not deal with for any amount of time. For the most part, they probably feel the same way about you, too. No hard feelings, that's just how life played out for you. In a roundabout situation, there is the middle as well. Where you have friends, but their not close, or you have enemies, but their just a pale shadow in the day light, and invisible in the night. If you were lucky, that is. Of course he'd known of Cloudypelt when he as an apprentice. Well, not known, but definitely known about. In a Clan, it's almost impossible to not know about every Clan member. Unfortunately. There were rumors in every Clan, and as with all rumors, true and non, there is always a grain of truth amongst the lies and and deceit. . At the soft murmur from the other tom, barely on the edge of his hearing, and he had a feeling that it was meant to be that way for a reason. Smart warrior. He was what you might call, painfully loyal to their way of life. Most of the time that comment would earn you a good tongue lashing, if not the threat of an argument. The closed eye opened, both brilliant blue eyes locked onto the long furred tom, intent and keen. There were many ways he could go with statement, indeed, none of them all that attractive. Still, no one had said that Jaggedstep was kind nor caring about others. Stepped on tails were quite often left in his wake were he in a mood. " It is fairly apparent that your mother should be considered far too liberal. Her kits have no semblance of manners nor true loyalty for the code." The continuous flicking of the black tail paused for a moment, before continuing it's pendulum like movement. With that, the tom curled back into himself, tail coming 'round to cover the tom's pink nose, as paws tuck themselves against himself as his eyes slipped closed again. Kitty-pets were the height of undesirable. Disgusting, Soft and weak. There were many unattractive words to be used to talk about those cats. Many of them were considered insults, but they were the truth. He was fairly certain that Cloudypelt would most definitely not betray the Clan, it was merely a statement, an exaggeration, but Jaggedstep was never one that was capable of passing up an opening for a verbal jab. It was a, weakness, of his. Something that many often had a hard time passing up. The cold and miserable weather did not help with this situation nor his mood. That that he was a particularly jolly cat on any given day.

[**Burn**]

JAGGEDSTEP'S jibe at Mistygaze had thoughts of sleep cleared from Cloudypelt's mind in a heartbeat. Claws flexing in the moss, fur bristling along his shoulders, Cloudypelt sat up. A blue-eyed glare was shot at the brown and white tom but he managed to bite back growling. Anyone one of Mistygaze's kits would rear their heads to defend their mother. They all knew the clan sometimes frowned on her, not just because of her blindness but also because of her eccentric personality. So she hadn't asked permission to breed, did it really matter so much? Jaggedstep's was not the first statement Cloudypelt had heard against his mother but it did not endear the tom to him. Had Nimblefoot or Ripplefur been around, Jaggedstep would have been eating his own fur before he could blink. Thankfully, Cloudypelt didn't leap first and think later. Getting into a fight with a bigger tom, and older warrior, would get him into a world of trouble with Palestar. Sure, he knew the other tom was handicapped but, since he sympathized with handicapped cats because of Mistygaze, he knew deep down he wouldn't be able to use that as an advantage against his own clanmate even if Jaggedstep made him furious. "WHO is more of the fool, the one that questions why or the one that follows blindly?" Cloudypelt snapped, claws still flexing in the moss. "It's such a shame it takes a blind cat to question why and chose her own path while those that see follow like obedient kits." IT wasn't that Cloudypelt didn't believe in StarClan, quite the opposite. Mistygaze may have taught her kits individuality but she also taught them to respect their ancestors and elders. True the lessons stuck more with Cloudypelt and Moonflower than with Nimblefoot and Ripplefur, but at least they had been taught. It was just that Cloudypelt didn't think StarClan had meant for mated pairs to be chosen by the clan leader, or that a cat that mated for love should be alienated just because they disobeyed the rules laid down by a bunch of dead cats. Who knew anymore if StarClan had even made that rule? Cloudypelt had sure never seen any sign that it was a divine law. Mistygaze had given birth to healthy kits. None of them had died of sickness, accident or in a battle. They were capable warriors, every single one of them. StarClan hadn't cursed them for being born outside of leader permission. PUSHING himself up despite his stiffness and prior exhaustion, Cloudypelt decided it was perhaps in his best interests to simply go hunting again or maybe find a piece of fresh kill. Maybe by the time he finished, Jaggedstep would either be fast asleep or gone. Then he would be able to get some real rest without worrying about wanting to shred his own clanmate's fur. He was used to stopping fights between Nimblefoot and Ripplefur, but Cloudypelt didn't like dealing with ill-tempered cats in his own clan, much less fighting with them. All it did was get everyone in trouble. [bg=969992][atrb=border,0,true]

[Arcanine]

[atrb=border,3,true][atrb=width,350,true][bg=222f46] The younger tom's words were greeted with merely a flick of an ear, acknowledgment of the words that were said. For a moment, he tensed, expecting some form of attack other than verbal from the pale warrior. It wasn't a smart idea, for either of them. 'Handicapped' he may have been, but age and experience were on his side, while youth and health were on the other's. Besides, squabbling between Clanmates always led to sour feelings, and that kind of distrust and dislike was bound to lead to trouble in the middle of a skirmish. Trust was a fickle thing, and it was just as easily to destroy as difficult it was to build. Aggravating the other cat hadn't been his first choice of communication, though it did lead to memories of other days, when he had been a cocky apprentice. Oh, the trouble he'd dug himself into during those days. As Cloudypelt stood to exit the warrior's den, a thought crossed his mind. Jaggedstep was no great thinker, to be sure, but there are some things that you just learn over time, even if it does take a few mistakes for it to be drilled in. To walk away angry, was never a good idea. An olive branch, even if it was just for now, was in order. He had crossed a line, and though he would not apologize for it, it was cold outside. The younger warrior had come here for a reprieve, not to be verbally assaulted by him. Jaggedstep was not known for his accepting manner, and was known as a grumpy ball of fur most of the time. He wasn't fond in the slightest of younger warriors, and apprentices and kits down right angered him a good part of the time. That didn't mean that he couldn't be civil with them, at least for awhile. Without really moving more than he had to, he'd just started to warm slightly, he extended his rather mouse-brained olive branch. "It depends," he grunted, " and that's all I say on that. It is a shame, but creating waves in a peaceful pond is not a way to do things, not wisely. " The tip of his tail twitched slightly, and stilled. After a moment, he continued, whiskers twitching with begrudging amusement, " Stay. It's cold outside. I'm done talking. " Why was he doing this again? He didn't need to have everyone's approval, by StarClan. He was happy by himself, and making it on his own. What did some warrior's thoughts change about that. 'not much, certainly. The thought was fleet, but certainly true. It wouldn't make much difference the long run. He wasn't good at mending things, and this would probably be not different. Oh well, no fur off his hide. Cloudypelt would be no different if he left or stayed. Sleep was almost within his reach, and that was fine with him. He didn't really dream, a blessing and a curse, but, oh he could do with a dream of warmer days gone by. After all, that's all you could do, stare at the past, as it was out of reach, and the future was unseen until it was upon you.

[˟Ɍɑɨղ]

"Don't tell him what to do!" Nimblefoot slipped into the warriors den, her gaze aiming directly at the older warrior Jaggedstep. Of course, she had no idea whether the tom was acting harsh toward his brother or not, let alone what the conversation was even about. But his reputation wasn't pleasant. So her reason for snapping was at least slightly logical. Besides, the only cat that could boss Cloudypelt was her. At least it's been portrayed around the Clan it's that way. No one really follows that rumor lead by the one and only Nimblefoot, though. Everyone knew since her crush died she was bossy and protective of all the cats she knew these days. It wasn't a big surprise. Back to the scene, yes, she was butting into something she had no clue what it was about. All she heard was something about staying. And in her mind, the first thing she thought was that this stuck up warrior was trying to keep Cloudypelt in the den. Who did he think he was? He didn't rule the Clan! He couldn't tell every cat what to do without hesitation! Maybe her brother didn't want to stay! Didn't think about that, huh? Did you? Nimblefoot gave out a huff of disapproval. She wondered if in that heart of ice, there was something good in it. Maybe something no one has seen from him before except maybe his own mother. Maybe he wasn't all that bad. Well, everyone had a kind spot in there heart somewhere. But where is his kind spot? Nimblefoot was a little resistant to find out. Yes, she loved little challenges, and the thought of finding Jaggedstep's other personality intrigued her. But was it worth it in the end, especially how bad things could turn out? "Hey, bro." Nimblefoot greeted more kindly, facing her brother with a devious smile. "Having some alone time with Mr. Grumpy over here? Is there something you two are hiding from me?" Nimblefoot joked, playfully batting at Cloudypelt's ear. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." [bg=97a4a9][atrb=border,0,true]

[**Burn**]

JAGGEDSTEP opening his big mouth again made Cloudypelt pause, just because he wasn't the sort to leave things unsaid. If the clan deputy was going to offer an apology or make things worse, far be it from Cloudypelt to deny him the consequences of whatever his chosen action was. The problem was, what he said was a half-assed attempt at an apology. In short, it was about as convincing as Jaggedstep showing Cloudypelt a half rotted rat and telling him it was a freshly caught mouse. The deputy was just covering his tracks in case Cloudypelt tried to retaliate or if Palestar caught wind of bickering warriors. Needless to say, she wouldn't be happy. Jaggedstep was just making sure he couldn't be blamed for whatever nonsense came after. It only made Cloudypelt's fur bristle and his fluffy plume of a tail lash from side to side. He turned to continue on his way out of the den, perfectly intending on ignoring Jaggedstep's jibes and poor excuse for covering his bases but, nothing in his life had ever been so easy. LIKE a windstorm all her own, Nimblefoot swept into the den bristling and hissing. Had she not started speaking right away, Cloudypelt would have felt sincerely sorry for whatever poor soul got on the bad side of his sister. Growing up with her, he had learned that it was often best to let her vent and simply do as she recommended, just because it made things that much easier. Sure, he'd tell her no from time to time but usually he didn't mind letting her have her way since her plans were generally sound most of the time. Now though, her vengeful wrath turned on Jaggedstep, it took all of Cloudypelt's self control not to smirk or laugh. The mere idea of his petite and graceful sister taking on a brute like Jaggedstep simply struck him as humorous. "NO, you're not interrupting anything sis," Cloudypelt purred, flicking her side with his tail and bumping his nose against her cheek in greeting. "And since when do I hide things from you Nimblefoot?" he asked, all blue-eyed innocence and playful smile. Flicking his tail at Jaggedstep's curled up form, Cloudypelt went on, "I was just leaving, he's blowing steam like an elder, nothing to get worked up about." THOSE were probably the wrong words to say to a cat like Nimblefoot though. Nimblefoot always got worked up, although it had gotten worse in recent moons since Birdswipe and Brackenstripe had been killed by a badger when on patrol with her. Her personality, if it was possible, had gotten even more potent but Cloudypelt couldn't blame her. It was how she dealt with things, just like Moonflower clammed up when she was unhappy or he went off alone. It was just how they coped. He didn't mind giving in to her bouts of over-protectiveness or bossiness as long as it didn't lead to full-fledged wars with Rippleheart. In those cases, he made himself conveniently absent. Being told to chose sides between his egotistical brother and his bossy sister was like being stuck between two massive boulders or having two foxes trying to rip him in seperate directions. It was funny how Moonflower seemed to always be gone when Cloudypelt could only dodge such affairs half the time. The other half he had to listen to both his siblings bicker like kits. But, that was their family dynamic so he didn't mind too much. Eventually he just got used to Nimblefoot and Rippleheart and learned to love them even though they both made the clan grumble. [bg=969992][atrb=border,0,true]

[˟Ɍɑɨղ]

Nothing to get worked up about, huh? So he was leaving! And Jaggedstep was forcing him to stay! Just like she suspected! What a jerk! Whether Cloudypelt thought it was nothing or not, she would have to make drastic changes to satisfy her with this little problem she was facing. Yeah yeah, the old grump was deputy. So what? All he is in charged of are stupid patrols! Doesn't give him the right to keep Cloudypelt confined in the warriors den, does it? No. Could the leader even do that? The point was, he doesn't have that authority. Nimblefoot could yell at him all she wanted. She had a good reason for it. Besides, no one had the guts to give Jaggedstep an earful. It was time he finally got one. Cats all around the Clan would thank her for this. Especially Cloudypelt. For all she knew, after this she could be the new deputy. And it all started with this legendary step. Actually, though, the scene didn't seem too serious. Cloudypelt didn't seem at all in a bad mood. Jaggedstep was either failing at annoying him, or her sudden appearance put him in a good mood. Nimblefoot was a little doubtful about that last proposition. It wasn't like she did anything to put anyone in a good mood right now, In any situation, really. When she was mad, she would rip your ears off. When she was happy, she would rip your ears off, due to the amount of talking. Unless you enjoy a feisty attitude and a talkative nature, she isn't the right cat to hang around with. It seems like only her mother would be able to tolerate her. And maybe Cloudypelt and Moonflower. Definitely not Rippleheart, obviously. They are always at each others' throats. Yeah, she loved him. In a way. She's pretty much forced to love him, right? With them being siblings and all. He is still an annoying little fur ball, though. That won't ever change, even if he saved her life. "If he's messing with you, it's something to get worked up about." Nimblefoot huffed, her gaze flickering back to the still present tom. Stalking up to him, a thrust of her muzzle slightly making contact with his, she growled fiercely, "I don't care if you're deputy, Mr. I'mbetterthaneveryoneelse. You don't boss around my brother like he's your kit! I don't care if you feed me to foxes, I'm not standing by while you treat him like an apprentice! Even if it means clawing your face off! Take those words to heart, Mr. Deputy! Because I'm not afraid to stand by that threat!" Backing away, her fur still bristling at an immensity, she whipped in the direction of her brother, forcefully letting her gaze soften and her fur flatten. "Then let's leave, since you aren't hiding anything from me." Nimblefoot rolled her eyes, smiling teasingly. "This big lump has tortured you enough." [bg=97a4a9][atrb=border,0,true]

[Arcanine]

[atrb=border,3,true][atrb=width,350,true][bg=222f46] If there was one , and StarClan knew there were definitely more than just one, thing that irritated him, it was definitely cats with easily triggered personalities. That considered, this would most definitely classify him as a hypocrite, as he was not known to have the most sedate of personalities. However, for the sake of not getting tensions raised any further, he ignored the jibe at his age. Age came with wisdom, and youth with inexperience. Each with a pitfall, and each with an advantage. It was a rather simple hope that Nimblefoot, an insufferable she-cat if there ever was one, would have enough sense to shut her mouse-brained mouth and just leave, and let it lie. Jaggedstep was not known to get on well with her, or her equally foolish littlermate. Not that he spoke to her more than was strictly necessary, it gave him a headache that was more to do with restraining his temper than anything else. He watched her through slitted blue eyes, and he tensed. Depending on what the she-cat said next, would decide just how far this was going to go. At the touch of her muzzle being thrust against his, Jaggedstep felt the fur along his shoulders bristle. He was not a cat fond of contact, at all. With a few stiff movements, he lurched to his feet, raising his head level with hers, ears flexing backwards, and black brown tail lashing. He listened to her rant, and nearly snorted at the idiotic phrases and examples leaving her mouth. Did she even stop to consider the words that exploded out of her empty cavern of a head? Most likely not, considering past experiences. Not that she was stupid, just that she didn't check herself enough to keep her completely in the good light in the eyes of some. The longer she spoke, the tighter his muscles bunched, pale claws sinking into the ground below him. As Nimblefoot turned away and spoke to her brother, he watched her, weighing the odds of a fight. Instead of following through with that rather, ah, tempting idea, the white pawed tom sat, tail still lashing behind him across the ground. He needed the ground, before stopping, forcing his temper back, and the fur to lie flat on his shoulders. " Claw my face off? Will you, Nimblefoot? My statement holds true, then. " The second half of the statement was intended towards Cloudypelt, but his gaze was stuck to Nimblefoot as he continued. " I don't see how you're siblings stand on their own four paws. You're there champion, you butt into their conversations and business, and you issue threats in response to a conversation gone wrong. What bravado. Have you ever considered, that perhaps Cloudypelt can take care of his own battles? " By this point, his tone was cold, and his appearance calm and collected. With his piece said, and who knew what would come after, he lifted one paw, washing the white appendage. Though, he kept an eye on Nimblefoot. One could never know what to expect from her. When and if she ever settled down, she'd have a great shot at deputy-ship, after he retired, for he had a feeling he would not succeed Palestar. She was fierce and loyal, and had the qualities that were essential. Not that he would ever let it be known of what he thought of her or her chances. He was the deputy, yes, and he was a grumpy fur-ball, yes, and yes, he was rather harsh towards the younger warriors and was known to get nasty towards them. Still, there was a reason he was deputy for ReedClan, and that was simply that he could get the job done, and do it well enough that he had been chosen. So, until he retired, and by the way his shoulder and leg hurt more and more each leaf-bare, it would be sooner rather than later, she was just out of luck. OoC: Feel free to ignore him for this weekend, since I'm going to be temporarily MIA. I'd also like to take this time to say that I absolutely love Nimblefoot!<3

[**Burn**]

IF Cloudypelt had been physically able to make himself invisible or simply drop through the floor of the den into infinity, he would have done it in a heartbeat. Groaning quietly, the pale colored tom looked away as Nimblefoot started up on a rant, actually going so far as to get into Jaggedstep's personal space. He loved his sister, he really did. She was one in a million, if nothing else and she had all the fire of the sun itself. Sometimes though, that fire in her belly was just too much. The problem was, Nimblefoot didn't know that and she'd never understand if you told her in the simplest of terms. She was always gearing for a fight, verbal or otherwise and sometimes it was a bit trying to deal with. Usually he didn't care, he'd let her vent and all that but today it just seemed to grate on his nerves. Especially since there wasn't really much of an issue for her to get riled up about. Thankfully she hadn't heard any jabs about their mother or she really would have lost her mind. Thank StarClan for small miracles. "NIMBLEFOOT, really, let it go," Cloudypelt meowed, not really thinking it would do much but he at least had to try. "And Jaggedstep, please, don't give her more reason to fight. Our business is settled, Nimblefoot you have no business here with him of all cats. Also, Jaggedfoot," Cloudypelt meowed calmly, looking at the deputy with hardening eyes, "insult my siblings again and they'll be the least of your troubles." There was a chip of ice in his tone, a subtle chilling warning. NOTHING in the world would get Cloudypelt more ready to fight than a jab about his siblings or his mother. Jaggedstep speaking poorly of his mother was the whole reason they were in this mess in the first place. Cloudypelt could let small, sometimes justified jabs slide. After all, Jaggedstep was entitled to his opinion. But he didn't know any of them, not truly. He didn't know the Rippleheart held the clan above all else, that Nimblefoot had bigger dreams than he could imagine and more pain for it. He didn't know that Moonflower still mourned or that Mistygaze was probably the wisest cat in the clan. He couldn't say that they couldn't stand alone because, in all honesty, they had no need to. As far as Cloudypelt was concerned, they stood strongest together. Sure, they didn't get along all the time. Sometimes Cloudypelt wanted to lop off Rippleheart's and Nimblefoot's ears so they couldn't hear each other's jabs. Sometimes he wished he was deaf so he wouldn't have to listen to it all. In the end though, it was just part of their family dynamic. TURNING away from the tri-colored deputy, Cloudypelt swept out of the den, as he had intended to do before Nimblefoot appeared. The cold was like a slap in the face but he ignored it, making his way toward the dwindling fresh kill pile. Perhaps a quick mouse and then he would go hunt again. He was still tired but far be it from him to go back and face an enraged sister and bristling deputy. [bg=969992][atrb=border,0,true]

[˟Ɍɑɨղ]

Yeah! Big trouble! Wait what...? Cloudypelt defending Nimblefoot. That was quite...odd. He was always usually the quiet one. She didn't know if she should feel grateful, or angry because she could take care of herself. She was doing a damn good job anyway. Obviously she needed no help. Even if she didn't get mad at that, though, she was going to be enraged anyway. No, it wasn't directed to the taunting deputy. No, more at her brother. Why should she go? Why shouldn't she have business here? If it was Cloudypelt's business, it was her's. Jaggedstep was in Cloudypelt's business, so, of course, he was getting in her business too. It was common sense, right? It would have wasted her breath in lecturing his ears off anyway. The pale tom was already leaving her sight, leaving her in the presence with this unpleasant lump of fur. StarClan only knew how much she wanted to continue their fight, but it would lead to no point. Might as well walk away now. Especially since her anger for him dissolved and was redirected at the no longer present brother of her's. Ha, what a twist. Instead of being mad at Rippleheart, it's Cloudypelt. That was a rare situation. It was going to happen sooner or later. Besides, it wasn't the only time she was mad at him. Just not to this extent. Come on, seriously! Nimblefoot defended him back there! Why was she treated so coldly? She was doing him a favor! At first he acted pretty warm, but maybe when she took it a step too far, that was when he had enough. Was he really that picky on how far things should get? He should be used to it by now that he couldn't control how angry she got or how much she yelled, let alone be angry at her. That event should be as familiar as snow falling. Now to decide what to do. Immediately Nimblefoot marked off the option of continuing her quarrel with Jaggedstep. He was like a rock to her now, so bland it isn't even worth taking a glance at it. She really didn't feel like following her brother now, after his dramatic little exit. So, now what? There wasn't anywhere else to go, she really had no friends that she could just walk up to and let her worries and rage go free. No, just her siblings and mother. Mistygaze she didn't feel like going to at all. She was quite boring, and the opposite of a best friend. Yes, she had amazing advice and her words were wiser than a leader's. But she wasn't the type Nimblefoot would hang out with. Her siblings, not counting Cloudypelt, were probably no where to be seen. Probably out patrolling, or doing something useful like hunting. Wait, that's it! She could hunt! Duh, why didn't she think of this before? After a little meal, though... Nimblefoot thought, her tongue swiping around her lips. Right when she stepped foot out the warriors den, though, she was confronted by the cat she wanted to ignore. "Hmph...hey...after you eat your little snack there, you want to do some hunting? Or should I just go my separate way and yell at some bushes while I'm at it?" [bg=97a4a9][atrb=border,0,true]