x.broken[wings]

[Dodgestrike]

The leader’s den.

Hawkeye padded alongside his mate – that hawk’s gaze on the leading leaderess. If she were anything like Goldenstar, she’d kill Oddeye without a doubt.

But she wasn’t.

Lillystar had shown them more kindness than the tom had even seen in a cat before, and the depth of his gratitude for it and her consideration of Oddeye was unfathomable.

His gaze shifted, looking around the den once before he settled Oddeye, making sure the mostly blind queen was comfortable before he could face Lillystar again.

[Shadow Spirit]

The she-cat turned herself around a few times and then settled in the thick moss. She flicked her ears, making positive that they were not being eavesdropped on and then she relaxed. Looking intently at Hawkeye, she nodded, allowing him to divulge about their story.

[Dodgestrike]

Ah, so Lillystar was ready to hear their tale. The orange tom blinked, glancing at his mate, who nodded as well.

“I was born to a clan far to the south of here – Wildclan. That is how I know of clan life and culture. Oddeye…she was a kittypet who had wandered away from her home. I found here, and took her back to camp with me. When my leader, Goldenstar, learned of her origins, he ordered her to leave. I….I couldn’t just let here leave.”

Those hawk’s eyes seemed burdened for a moment, but then shone with the love he felt for his mate.

“I left the clan to be by Oddeye’s side. It was a few moons later when she grew sick, her vision was the first thing she lost…”

The tom stopped, struggling to speak as if this were nothing.

Oddeye suddenly picked up where he left off.

“I am dying Lillystar.”

Her head lifted, looking in the general direction where the leader was.

“This illness, it’s stripped me of my vision and my strength. I know I have only a few moons left, and I wish to spend them with the knowledge my love and my son will be looked after and happy after I pass. That is the one thing I dare to ask. Living free, living with Hawkeye…yes, I am glad I left my kittypet home. I never would have had such an adventure!”

A smile crossed her delicate face.

“We’ve not told Dodgepaw in fear of his reaction…plus…it’s quite a difficult thing to say to your only kit.”

[Shadow Spirit]

Lillystar looked at the two of them in shock for a few moments, then her golden eyes showed nothing less than complete sympathy.

"I am very sorry to hear that...I would have liked to have you as a friend Oddeye..." she murmured, regret thick in her voice. "I must insist you tell Dodgepaw as soon as possible though...I understand that it will be very hard, but better that he knows now...because no one can predict how long you will have to wait..." She looked at them sadly, her head barely raised.

[Dodgestrike]

Pain flooded his feral gaze, and Hawkeye buried his face in his mate’s soft white fur. He breathed in her rich scent deeply, a shiver going dow the length of his spine.

Almost as if she could sense Hawkeye’s agony, Oddeye licked along his head gentle for a few moments, digesting Lillystar’s words.

“Perhaps we could be friends during the days I have left.”

Those once stunning hues looked in Lillystar’s direction.

“A feline cannot go through life without a friend.”

She paused, her tail flicking slightly.

“I understand what you mean with telling Dodgepaw. I just…do you think it would be best to wait until he settles a bit into clan life? He is shy enough already – I fear that such news might scare him into a proverbial shell he might not come out of right now.”

[Shadow Spirit]

The she-cat was unsure of what to say. She thought it would be best to tell their kit as soon as possible, for fear of her dying beforehand, but it might be too soon. Her pale gold eyes were strained with emotion as she deliberated the options in her mind. Finally she sighed and looked at both of her new clanmates gently.

"I haven't any say in when you tell your son, that is one thing a clan leader cannot give an order for...but I advise you to tell him before it is too late..." she said sadly. Narrowing her eyes grievously, she looked directly into Oddeye's milky green hues. "Our friendship will be bittersweet..." Then she turned her white and saffron head to Hawkeye, her sides pulsing with the effort it took not to sob. "I am sorry if I upset you...my poor tom...but all this pain will be easier to bare...once you are settled into this clan..." she told him calmly. "This is your home now, so enjoy it, to the best of your ability..."

Lillystar then stood and walked up to the two cats. She pressed her face into Oddeye's fur and closed her eyes briefly, sharing the ailing queen's pain. Then she stood and looked seriously at Hawkeye a moment, before brushing her shoulder against his gently. Then she padded out of the den. "I'll be out in the camp, join me when you feel ready!" she called over her shoulder and then they were alone, warm and quiet in the leader's den.

[hollykit]

Holly kit slowly made her way to Lillystars den then she called" Hey Lillystar are you in there!"

[Dodgestrike]

“I understand Lillystar. We will tell him soon.”

The ill queen purred softly, so softly. It was amazing that, even in her last days, she could still be so strong and brave.

Hawkeye blinked, gratitude in his eyes as he looked up to Lillystar.

“I cannot ever repay you for your kindness.”

They would join their leader soon, but now both cats needed a little time to remained quiet, to gather their spirits.

[Goldenblaze]

Sometime after this time, for matters have occured and I have no idea where else to find these two... o____o;

<sub>The warrior approached the tom with a heavy heart, dragging all four of his feet and his tail slowly along the stoney ground. He looked up at him with dull eyes. How would he break it to him? Should he even tell him..?

Or let him find out on his own..?

Rustshade stopped before Hawkeye. He was a tad intimidating, but he'd never personally met this tom. This was a tough one, but he had his leader's orders, and Rustshade was never EVER one to refuse a direct one from his former Mentor herself.

"Our leader, Lillystar, would like to see you in the Warriors den." He said sullenly, trying to keep it to all business. But it was hard.

Mistclan cats were dropping like stones, and so close to war...

He dared not think of the results.</sub>

[Dodgestrike]

The large long-haired orange tom flicked his tail, watching the younger tom coolly for a moment. Ah, but he wasn’t one to disobey an order from the leader herself; especially not after all she had done for him. Idly, a glance around the area confirmed that his dear mate wasn’t nearby, but Hawkeye knew she would not leave the camp without him or Dodgepaw with her.

Speaking of his son, the tom flicked the large apprentice lightly with his tail, catching his attention.

“Are we both required to come?”

He was sure Dodgepaw was ready to head to bed – it was late after all.

Dodgepaw had watched this stranger pad up; requesting his father to head to the Warrior’s den. But why…? He frowned slightly, considering all options, looking at all views just as his father had taught him.

But then a tail flick, and he was drawn from his thoughts with a faint startle.

[Goldenblaze]

<sub>His breath caught sharp in his throat as he asked this. He considered it.. No, he wouldn't put a kit through this. He avoided eye contact with Dodgepaw as he looked firmly up at the golden tom. He was beginning to shake now, not from fear but from sadness.

Perhaps that was it.

"Please, put your son to sleep and come with me. It is best him not hear this news.." He added the last in an undertone to Hawkeye, his breath coming out raspy and with a short intake. He padded away, still avoiding looking at Dodgepaw to wait outside the den for the tom.

He couldn't imagine ever losing someone like that. No, wait..

He already had..</sub>

[Dodgestrike]

“But…”

Something inside the apprentice snapped, suddenly, and he feared…he feared…

…what did he fear? It was hard to explain the sudden wrenching feeling, and the young tom bolted past Rustshade, away from the both and directly towards the warrior’s den.

“Dodgepaw!”

Hawkeye seemed exasperated, and he followed his young son,. Dodge was usually the most level-headed of kits; he couldn’t understand what had come over him.