Heart of Gold ((ANY))

[+: Alixa :+]

Ah, newleaf. It was about time the sun offered a tad more warmth than it used to not too long ago, back in the cold season. Roseheart was sick seeing the white blanket of snow covering the territory. But now, the snow was melted, and warmth had retuned to the golden rays of the sun that shone down o the Sunning Rocks. New life was begining, and old life was returning or awakening. There was no season so beautiful... Of course each season had something beautiiful about it, that the she-cat would admit. Like how the snowy season, covering the forest floor with the soft yet cold white power. The first snow was always the most beautiful, before creatures had the chance to leave their tracks in it, turning the pure white blanket of snow into a muddy brown with the dirt they stirred beneath the snow. She loved the gentle snowflakes as they fell upon her long, silken ivory fur. But after a while, it just got annoying and aggitating. It was beautiful, but Roseheart could only stand it for so long.And in newleaf, it was hard for her to find a particular thing she liked more so than the rest of what newleaf brought forth. She wasn't sure if she loved the first songs of the season more, or the fact that the emerald grass underpaw was growing. Thick, lush, and new. The scent of new grass was yet another beautiful thing about newleaf. And just the mere fact that new and old life stirred brought an endless happiness and tranquility to her peaceful soul. Then, there was the hot season. When hunting was more tedious for her, what with her thick and long fur. But still it was beautiful all the same. And then, the season that marked the end of greenleaf, and the coming of the snowy season. The season when leaves fell, in various different colors. It was a beautiful season, because of the many colored leaves that littered and scattered themselves over the ground. But that was the season when finding food for the clan started to get hard, even thoguh finding food in the snow was much harder. But still, Roseheart could find at least one thing about each season that she admired and took the time to do so.

She lay upon her back, letting the golden rays of the warm newleaf sun caress her underbelly, lids shut against the brightness as she lay there, her brething slow and relaxed. She was, once again, at peace. But then again, when was Roseheart not relaxed and tranquil? it was just a natural thing for her to be like that. She was ever so balanced, bot in body, spirit, and mind. and it felt wonderful to feel one with nature. When she had all her hunting finished, and there was nothing she needed to do, she was usually here at the Sunning Rocks, just watching nature's masterpiece move and change.

Her thoughts returned back to her family. Oh so vidid memories. She knew she had had two sisters. She knew she had a father. All their faces were just simply nothing more than blurs. At times, it brought unto her heart a sorrow not to know her family. But she also knew she had no choice but to accept what their fate had been. Now, they walked with Starclan. She rolled onto her belly, letting the sun warm her back, her large, feathery tail stirring gently, swaying to adn fro slowly. Lids open, revealing her glacier blue eyes as she stared into the crystaline waters of the river nearby. A wind blew, gently stirring her long fur, giving her a beautiful, practically breath-taking appearance and elegance. And so, letting her thoughts stir gently, she lay there, staring into the river as she let the sun warm her body.

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[CRYSTAL .?!]

Maplepaw brushed against the gorse tunnel of camp as she padded out, yawning widely. She leaped up the ravine, unsheathing her claws to climb up the rocky path. Pebbles showered down below her and she heard a few muttered complaints. Maplepaw, amused at the though of a Clan mate being bombarded by pebbles, couldn't help but twitch her whiskers amusedly and smile.

Reaching the top of the ravine, the small apprentice, sheathed her claws and bounded off towards Sunning Rocks, where she was sure to find watermint. The ferns brushed against her shoulders, tickling her chin as she pushed through them, leaving them still in motion as she carried on forward. Maplepaw yawned again; she had woken up way too early. She pushed through one last clump of ferns and reached the river. It was beautiful; the sun shone on it, making small rainbows on its calm waters. She padded along the shore, pebbles cooling her paw pads as she gazed into the water.

Maplepaw looked up to see Roseheart lying on their warm surfaces, the breeze gently stirring her fur and making her look amazing. Her eyes were half closed, and she seemed to not have noticed Maplepaw. The apprentice padded closer to the elegant she-cat. Her flank rose and fell in a perfect rhythm, making her look calm and peaceful. But that wasn't surprising, Roseheart was the type of cat who was calm all the time. Speaking softly, Maplepaw greeted her. "Hello there Roseheart, what brings you here?"

[+: Alixa :+]

The rustling of bushes and trees stirring in the passing wind rang in her ears. They twisted a single time, before they fell still, her half shut pale blue eyes shone with utter contentment and serenity. Peace was such a join to the beautiful seal masked she-cat. The only marking and traces of color upon her long, silken fur was in fact her seal mask. Over than that and her pale eyes, she was the purest of whites. Her feathery tail continued to say to and fro ever so slowly, the fur rippling in the wind with the motion her tail made as it moved contentedly. She then tucked her paws beneath her body, making her appear as those she was without limbs. Her tail slowly came to wrap about her right side, hugging her loosely as she lay there, letting her gaze watch the ripples of the river. Silver fish darted about within the waters, adn yet she felt no intent on moving. Later, she would hunt for more prey. but she ahd been awake since dawn's first light. She loved watching the sun rise and set. It broguht an unspoken bedazzlement to her calm spirit to watch the day begin and end. And on occasion, she would stay up late at night, when the many stars of Silverpelt would shine brightly in the black-blue sky. She wondered often of her past. But there was no going back. No need to search for the ones who had brought her into this world, as well as the ones who had entered into it with her.

Hardly stirring, she found time slowly passing her by. The sounding of a crow's voice broke through the silent tranquility. She lifted her head to see a black feather fall from the airborne form. Her eyes followed it, watching the wind toy with it, pushing and blowing it this way and that as it so desired. It soon came to rest upon the river's broken surface, tiny rippled of its impact hardly visible to even the keenest eye as it settled, rocking gently on the small waves of the river's current. Slowly, and ever so steadily it floated down the river, and was soon out of sight. But still, Roseheart would remember that moment. She remembered the small things that held such a large abundance of beauty and elegance, as well as all the imporant things such as battle strategy and hunting skills. And when she thought of her hunting skills, she wondered of the mentorless apprentices. A small smile flickered upon her face as she heard the voice of Mudpaw, the medicine cat apprentice break her frm her inward thoguhts and ventures. She smiled sweetly as her pale blue eyes met Mudpaw's face.

" Just enjoying the newleaf sun and scenery."

A light, gentle laugh escaped her, but soon silence fell, but only for a few mere moments.

" What brings you here, Mudpaw?"

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[CRYSTAL .?!]

"Just enjoying the newleaf sun and scenery.

"What brings you here Maplepaw?"

Roseheart's soft voice was music to Maplepaw's ears. She had always liked the seal-furred queen. Laying down beside her and resting her head in between her paws, the apprentice gazed over the clear river water. She had never been a big fan of water, but, being a medicine cat, had a sort of respect for it.

"I'd come to fetch some water mint. We're running low, you see," murmured Maplepaw. "It grows thickly by water, and I wanted to visit the river. It's beautiful isn't it?" She lifted her head, still staring at the water. She could silver flashes of fish under the water, adding even more beauty to it. The small apprentice gave a small smile, and met Roseheart's lovely blue eyes, and her smiled broadened. She sun warmed her back, and Maplepaw rolled over, purring with pleasure as the run's rays touched her belly fur.

[xD Alixa it's Maplepaw, not Mudpaw. Sorry the post's so short too!]

[+: Alixa :+]

Roseheart was only the kind of she-cat that just adored nature and what Starclan could mold the forest into with the changing seasons. Soon, greenleaf would come to the forest, as it always did at newleaf's end. it was something the beautiful she-cat often thought about. How the forest's grand design came to be, what made it the way it was, and why things reacted the way they did. But Roseheart had a very deep soul, and enjoyed pondering these things, even if she never was able to bring understanding to her naturally curious mind. But the tranquility o her soul was something she hardly even understood. She knew what it was, what it felt like. But as to why she was this way for as long as she could remember. Such a thing was uncertain. She hadn't the slightest idea as to what was within her spirit that brought unto her such a calm nature. Even as a kit she had always been the calm one, the friendly one, and the sweet one. She ahd always done her very best for her clan and afterwards, she would tend to herself. But she had often wondered if some things just came to be, needing no reason as to why or how. And this was something Roseheart was open and accepting to. Everyone had their wanderings. Everyone wanted to know the why's and how's of the world and its grand design. But sometimes, one just couln't bring unto their curiosity the delicious satisfaction of knowing brought.

She felt Maplepaw move to lay down beside her. A small, serene smile crept unto Roseheart's features as she and Maplepaw lay there. It was a beautiful day, after all. The small medicine cat apprentice was another cat Roseheart enjoyed being in the company of. But then again, she enjoyed everyone's company. Some would often whisper as to whether or not she was a fighter, if she could truly and honestly defend the clan's territory and the clan itself. Never did the warrior within herself ever seem to show. Always calm, always peaceful. But Roseheart's simple explanation was this: She had no reason to be aggressive if there was no threat that needed to be disarmed. She was a warrior. she wouldn't be one if she couldn't cut it. Her ears twitch as Maplepaw's words ring out, and she listens with a curious interest. Roseheart didn't know what it was liek to be a medicine cat, or even a medicine cat apprentice. But she could only imagine the wonder and splendor of sharing such a close bond with Starclan. Another peaceful grin formed.

" You're a wonderful medicine cat apprentice, Maplepaw. You'll make for a great medicine cat one day."

Roseheart's voice was filled with admiration for the small, young she-cat. She turned her glacier blue eyes to the water, and laughed oh so lightly, but sweetly.

" Yes, it is very beautiful. But newleaf is usually this beautiful. And still, it takes my breath from my lungs."

A soft sigh moved through Roseheart's body as she lay there, relaxed and calm. She knew of a few apprentices without mentors. Would Roseheart make a good mentor? She hadn't any idea, really. How could she know the answer to something she'd never done? Laying there beside Maplepaw, she watched with inspiration and tranquilty the moving water, listening to its own unique song as she awaited the words of Maplepaw that were sure to come and greet her ears.

(( Sorry! I misread her name. ^^))

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[CRYSTAL .?!]

Maplepaw closed her eyes as Roseheart spoke. Her sweet soft voice seem to lull her to sleep, drowsiness making her eyelids droop. "I know I have to collect herbs," she mewed, "but all I really want to do now is lay down in the sun and fall asleep."

Larks flew overhead, trilling merrily and rolling in the air. Maplepaw rolled over onto her back and stared at them, giggling softly. A gentle breeze ruffled her ears, and made the river's surface ripple, a movement that was hardly noticeable. A small finch dived, then sharply rose, the pressure making the water ripple once more. Watching them, Maplepaw was speechless with wonder. Her green eyes were locked on the birds, flying in the sapphire blue sky.

The little apprentice laughed aloud, cheerful and sweet. The sound filled the small silence in between the two she-cats as the breeze carried on brushing their pelts. Maplepaw's laugh faded away, carried on by the small breeze and the silence lengthened. She heaved herself to her paws, and padded to the edge of the water, bending down to sniff out the watermint she was looking for. She walked slowly along the river's edge, nose twitching rapidly. Lifting her head, she looked over into RiverClan territory, their scent flooding her nostrils. The fishy smell made her gag, and she trotted back to Roseheart.

Settling down beside the queen once more, Maplepaw licked her paw and drew it over an ear. "I've never liked that fishy scent," she declared. She looked over to Roseheart. "How about you?"

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[+: Alixa :+]

Roseheart was the sweetheart of the clan, though she would never say she was the sweetest cat. Maplepaw was a little angel. And the slea masked she-cat was grateful to know that there was someone that was able to help the wounded more than just what kind and gentle words coated with encouragement could do. All the love in the world never broguht forth recovery. At least, not always. She had seen a she-cat make a full recovery once, for the sake of her beloved and deoted mate that scarcely left her bedside. And then, she had seen a mother and father standing over their ill kit, coaxing and talking in the tones that often instilled in Roseheart a sorrow and joy mingled altogether in one swift motion. And still the kit never pulled through, passing on to join Starclan. it was heartbreaking to see young lives lost. It was even more saddening, she thought, to watch your mate pass on before yourself. And yet, it was the same the other way around. One or the other would live without their loved one beside them physically. Perhaps that might be why Roseheart was afraid to love, though wished for it all the same? You cant have something forever, so you should always treasure it while you have it...

She smiled and laughed lightly at Maplepaw's comment of falling asleep in the sun, despite the fact she had to gather herbs for the clan. but they had in fact been resting here for a good while. Perhaps it was time they both did something more to aide in the clan's progress. She watched maplepaw roll onto her back, watching the birds within their surroundings. They were marvelous creatures, the birds were... Roseheart could listen to their cheerful melodies for the entire day if ever she got the oppertunity. A bird dove into the water, only tp burst out of it, sending drops of water into the air. The sun caught them, making thme sparkle beautifully. Roseheart felt Maplepaw move, and she watched with pale blue eyes as the apprentice went about sniffing the grass for herbs. Roseheart loved maplepaw's laugh. But then again, she just enjoyed hearing laughter. It was w wonderful thing, and it lifted low spirits. She watched Mapelpaw return adn sit beside her. She rose into the sittign position as well, lifting her right forepaw. She licked it a few times, and began to wash her face. She listened to Maplepaw's coment, and ceased cleaning, smiling as she met Maplepaw's gaze.

" I was never one to like the smell, either."

Roseheat laughed lightly, and putting her paw down, she began to groom her long furred chest. When she finished moments later, she put on a thoughtful look, and turned to Maplepaw. Perhaps, they could share more than just daily news and interests.

" Maplepaw? I know you're destined to be a medicine cat one day, but have you ever given a curious thought to having a mate? Have you ever wondered what it would be like?"

Roseheart would back down from this coversation if the apprentice didn't wish to talk about it. But Roseheart was a curious she-cat who sought after all the knowledge she could obtain, no matter the importance. So, she waited for Maplepaw's reaction, eyes shining with harmless curiosity.

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[CRYSTAL .?!]

"A mate?"

Of course, Maplepaw had thought of having a mate. Of course, she had wanted one. But of course her want to be a medicine cat was stronger. Sure she wanted kits, but really, being a medicine cat meant you took care of the whole Clan; they were your own kits, even if you didn't give birth to them. She looked at the sky, focused on that white puffy cloud, right there in between the tree tops. She didn't answer for a few heartbeats, just looked at that cloud, drifting in the clear blue sky.

Why was it so hard to say 'Yes, but I don't want one'? Why couldn't she just say that? Was it possible that she still wanted a mate? No. The thought was firm. No, she did not want a mate, no, not anymore. Shaking her head to cler these confusing thoughts, Maplepaw met Roseheart's eyes, and whispered, oh so softly, the words that spoke her mind. "Yes, yes I have thought about it. I did, and possibly, I do want a mate, but I have chosen my path. My mate will never be, but my kits, are the Clan, ThunderClan." Maplepaw smiled brightly.

"I don't regret my decision to become a medicine cat. I'm really happy, and I don't mind all the work. I'm never bored, and it makes me feel...accomplished, you could say. It would be like the feeling of a mentor when his apprentice passes an assessment. You'll know the feeling when you get your own apprentice. I'm sure you won't need to wait long." Maplepaw smiled again, eyes shining and head slightly cocked to the side. Her silky ears were pricked, awaiting the sound of Roseheart's soft voice to meet them.

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Tag: Maplepaw
Word Count: 286
Lyrics: None this time.
Muse: A lot...came out of nowhere o.o
Other Notes/Ooc: Yay, I put a tag!
© Crystal

[+: Alixa :+]

The gentle winds rippled her long, silken seal and white fur as she watched with harmless curiosity as Maplepaw seemed to be rolling Roseheart's words wthin her mind. Roseheart's glacier blue eyes could have caused the she-cat to imagine she had seen a flicker of longing the medicine cat apprentice's eyes. To be able to love so passionately, so tenderly... And to recieve such affections in return. it brought a strong want to the surface of Roseheart's beautiful form. She did wish that she would, one day, find the one that would complete her in every way. She hoped she would one day have her own kits, instead of looking after kits that didn't belong to her. Perhaps it was the simple want to love someone to no end, and have such devotions and affections returned that caused her heart to ache for the love of another. and yet, she was still content and at peace with the life she has, as a warrior of Thundercla, looking after her clan mates.

Maplepaw's words soon reached rosehearts ears, tipped forward and eager to hear her words, interest dancing wildly within her pale blue eyes. And when she heard Maplepaw's words, roseheart felt ever so inspired. Her love for her clan, the words that painted the clarity in Roseheart's mind, it made a understanding smile form upon her features as Maplepaw continued to speak. Maplepaw was so certain of her life's path. So certain that she would get the same satisfaction and love and sense of accomplishment by tending to the clan. And it touched Roseheart. And when Maplepaw spoke of Roseheart being a mentor, the seal adn white she-cat toyed with the thought. To have an apprentice would be something of a great privilege for her. But she just didn't know if the apprentices that needed a mentor would like her. She was so traquil and peaceful. Perhaps they thought she could not teach them what the needed to know. But still, Roseheart smiled.

" I'm glad for you, Maplepaw."

Roseheart got to her paws, her smile just as radiant and bright.

" Perhaps we should get to collecting some of the herbs you need? I'd be more than willing to help if you pointed out what was which herb."

And so, patiently awaiting for Maplepaw, Roseheart stood there, eager to help the apprentice, seeing as she had nothing more important to do. The hunting was done, and she would do so again just after nightfall.

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[CRYSTAL .?!]

Maplepaw was surprised at the words she had just spoken. Had she really been the one who had spoken? Or was it some kind of other side to her, an inner self that she had just unburied? It was weird, she had never spoken like that before...had she changed, become a more mature cat? The small tabby shook her head, clearing it of these confusing thoughts. Roseheart's answer also surprised her. She hadn't said anything about wanting a mate herself. Maplepaw decided to leave the subject; if the she-cat didn't want to talk about, it was fine.

The apprentice looked up at Roseheart, who was patiently waiting for her answer. "Oh, yes that'd be great. Thank you." Maplepaw dipped her head thankfully to the older cat. She got up, gave her chest fur a couple brisk licks, and flicked her ears. "The watermint should be by the water. It's a very leafy plant, and it's green. It should be around here somewhere..."

Maplepaw slipped off the smooth surfaces of Sunningrocks, skinning her paw pads in the process. They burned for a few heartbeats, then slowly the pain faded away. She sat down and gave her pads a couple licks, softening them. She jumped onto the soft grass, feeling cool after the burning sensation in her paws. Trotting towards the water, Maplepaw once again put her nose to the ground, sniffing for the scents of the herb she was hunting for.

Tag: Maplepaw
Word Count: 238
Muse: Just a little...
Lyrics: None, AGAIN.
Other Notes/Ooc: Nothing else.
© Crystal

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[+: Alixa :+]

There was always a more mature cat within every apprentice and kit. Some discovered it quicker than others, or never even found it until rather late, when something big and drastic comes along in their life and makes a few large changes that open their eyes. But Roseheart could tell just by the simple way Maplepaw spoke that she was in fact destined to be a medicine cat. She was more so mature than most apprentices, perhaps. And Roseheart couldn't help but find more and more inspiring things about the young she-cat. Her words still echoed in Roseheart's ears as she replayed her words. It got Roseheart to wander... What was her true path? She had yet to find a mate, and it was looking fairly slim for her. Perhaps it was a sign from Starclan that she wasn't meant to be a warrior? She smiled, and leapt down from the rocks, shaking herself gently as she landed. What was she thinking? All these deep thoughts had caused her to think of something that could never be for Roseheart. She looked too forward to finding a mate one day. She realized she hadn't replied, but it was best Roseheart didn't. The thought of her incompletion of her spiritual self held a hint of self-pity. And that was something that Roseheart didn't wish to feel.

She looked back up to Maplepaw, and smiled.

" No problem."

She watched as maplepaw skidded down, stopping to lick her paws. Roseheart let her gaze fall to the gently flowing river. Then, when Maplepaw's words caught her attention once more, Reoseheart's pale blue eyes began to search for the plant, lowering her head to the emerald grass as Maplepaw did. After moments of sniffing along the riverbank, Roseheart noticed a very leafy, green plant. She turned to look over her shoulder.

" Maplepaw! Is this it, over here?"

The seal masked she-cat had wandered a good number of yards down the river, leaving Maplepaw to look at the other part of the riverbank. And so, Roseheart waited for Maplepaw to come over and see if this plant was the watermint they were searching for.

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