a prince without a crown [joining]

MINKSHADE

the exiled prince
Sep 19, 2022
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WHAT IF I AM YOUR MISSING PIECE? WHAT IF WE MESS WITH DESTINY?
WHAT IF THE DEFINITION OF 'WE', IS TWO PEOPLE IN TIME, LIVING THEIR OWN LIVES?


Today marked the day. A new life, a new home. He was a little nervous, but he assumed that was to be expected when you left everything you knew behind and had to start over from scratch. Of course, he already come to terms with that. It'd been quite a few moons since he'd been made to leave home, and while his heart still hurt from everything that had happened he wasn't about to let it ruin the rest of his life. He couldn't go back, so now he had to move forward.

And so thats what Mink kept his focus on these days- it wasn't all bad, after all! The days were filled with sunshine and slow prey, meaning he had the luxury of sunbathing and easily caught meals. And, much to his secret delight, he now had the freedom to do exactly what he liked without having to live up to the pressures of being someone important, and that alone was worth a lot on the scale of 'pros' that he'd been weighing up ever since leaving home. Unfortunately though, there was also a list of 'cons', a big one being that Mink just didn't like being alone all the time. His heart no longer yearned for the city, but that's where all the cats were, meaning that for a good chunk of time now his wanderings of the wild lands beyond the human domain were fairly lonely and quiet, neither of which he was particularly fond of.

And so, when word had reached him of a group of cats living on the moors the next place over, Mink had decided to check things out and toss his hat in the ring. He wasn't sure if they'd accept him or not, but the idea of living with a community was far better than spending the rest of his days living alone, making only fleeting friendships with other loners. If there was one part of his past he couldn't shake, it was that need for family, for community. He'd spent his whole life surrounded by cats he loved and trusted, and if there was anything he was desperate to get back it was that feeling.

So he was willing to take the risk of being chased out as he came to a stop along the Windclan border. The moors were gorgeous, all open blue skies and hills of rolling green dotted with flowers of yellow and purple. It was a bit of a rush being out in such a large, open space, finding it a far cry from the city he'd lived in as a stray or the forests and fields he'd passed through on the way here.

Knowing the importance of borders, Mink didn't dare set paw beyond the scentlines, and instead the slender tomcat would seat himself where he could be seen, eyes and ears alert for any potential predator that might try to sneak up on him. Aside from a bird though, he couldn't imagine anything being able to sneak up on him in such an open place- not unless he went lurking in the tall grass at least.


minkshade - windclan warrior - male - homosexual - polyamorous - single - a lean, black & white tomcat with pretty blue eyes
 
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There's a stranger here, standing at the border— purposeful, this thing. His eyes shine with bright, blue determination. Cute. Doubt they know what they're really try'na get into, though. Her family made that mistake once.

Passively, she wonders about his background. Borders hadn't been a thought in her silly head till she moved in, yet this one already seemed to familiar an' eager to please. "Hi," she greets, warm with a sly rasp of a purr. She'd leave the bulk of the talking to the others, particular as they were about joiners. She knows they're nearby already, so she sits an' waits, tired eye trained on the stranger.
 


Nearby she was, after the mostly alabaster she-cat presents herself the smokey blue feline slithers up beside her. Before her is a black and white tom- his eyes were the most captivating thing about him, pretty and vibrant they were. In the bright sun his black fur rusted, appearing more of a reddish hue than anything, it was pretty to Sootstar. Not that she was in the market for a tom of any sort, she had made her selection quite a time ago and was content on keeping him.

Despite the pretty-looks, Sootstar greets him as she would any other stranger.
"You are in the presence of Sootstar, leader of WindClan, and Moonrabbit, warrior of WindClan." She introduces herself and the other, "State your business, and quickly." She was not a patient feline.

 


Polish-20220919-194915382.jpg

WHAT IF I AM YOUR MISSING PIECE? WHAT IF WE MESS WITH DESTINY?
WHAT IF THE DEFINITION OF 'WE', IS TWO PEOPLE IN TIME, LIVING THEIR OWN LIVES?


He wasn't made to wait long. And as nice as it was to sit there enjoying the warmth of the suns soaking into his dark pelt, the breeze just strong enough to keep him from overheating, he was grateful that these Windclanner were active enough to show up in a timely manner. Whiskers twitched in eager anticipation as the pair of shecats made their way toward him, and he rose to his own feet out of respect as he'd been taught to do by his parents. Deep blue eyes flickered between the pair, taking what notes they could in such a brief span of time. The pale furred one seemed to smell of kits, stepping forward and offering a raspy 'hi'.

"Hello." he offered in return, a small but polite smile settling on pale lips at the brief exchange of greetings. Well, so far so good, right?

The second shecat seemed to have a sterner air about her, green eyes landing on Mink with an impatiance that shone just as brightly in her tone when she spoke. His ears would twitch backward for just a moment in uncertainty, but he was quick to recover. It was to be expected that taking up the Leaders time like this would be troublesome, especially when she no doubt had cats that normally took care of this sort of thing for her. With that in mind, the lithe tomcat didn't keep her waiting.

"Greetings, Miss Sootstar and Miss Moonrabbit of Windclan." he returned, offering them a gentle dip of his head before straightening up. "My name is Mink, and I'm here hoping to join the clan that rules these moors. he explained, figuring it would be best to just get straight to the point. "My former home is no longer willing to accept me due to reasons that are beyond my control, and as a wild-born cat I can't bring myself to turn to the twolegs. If you'll allow it, I would happily offer my skills to Windclan in exchange for a home here."

Minkshade would never be the biggest or strongest warrior, but he still had much to offer. His hunting skills were excellent and his diplomacy skills were just as sharp, and he'd discovered he possessed a certain level of charisma and likeability that was soothing to others. He was certain he could be of use to Sootstar and her group if she allowed him to be.


minkshade - windclan warrior - male - homosexual - polyamorous - single - a lean, black & white tomcat with pretty blue eyes
 
The tom’s eyes would narrow in suspicion as he halted beside the mollies, looking at the stranger with distrust as he spoke. Alarm bells were already setting off in his mind. He knew for sure that if he were leader, he wouldn’t allow someone to just join without explanation. “And where exactly did you come from? What makes you think we would just allow a stranger into our home with open arms? If they don’t want you why should we let you stay here? Unless you explain yourself, and give us reason to trust you.At least Sootstar isn’t hare-brained enough to allow just anyone to step foot into Windclan. Not with that kind of explanation anyway. Not even allowed into their own home? That wasn’t right.

 


Polish-20220919-194915382.jpg

WHAT IF I AM YOUR MISSING PIECE? WHAT IF WE MESS WITH DESTINY?
WHAT IF THE DEFINITION OF 'WE', IS TWO PEOPLE IN TIME, LIVING THEIR OWN LIVES?

The large tomcat that approached next made him a little uneasy, mainly because now he was very outnumbered if things went poorly, and this tom in particular as much larger than he was. He reminded mink of the soldiers from his birthplace, large and capable, stronger than he'd likely ever be.

This tom didn't bother to greet him or exchange pleasantries, launching instead into an interrogation that Mink had already half been expecting. After all, it made sense that they'd want to know about him before just letting him walk right into the place.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume anything." he replied, not wanting these cats to think he felt entitled to join. No, far from it. He was well aware that to these cats he as just another outsider whom they had no reason to trust, and that was beyond fair. "I've heard from several of the loners in the area that the moor group will occasionally allow outsiders to join. If that information's wrong then I apologize for how random this must seem to you all." he explained, hoping he hadn't accidentally crossed a line already.

"As for where I'm from, I come from a large twoleg place about half a moons journey from here. I was born to a large group of wild cats, and I'd still be there today, but there were... complications." he paused for a moment, wondering how much detail he should go into. He hadn't really wanted anyone to know that much about his past. There was nothing sinister or malicious hidden within it, he just didn't want others to look at him differently. Cats had a tendency to assume the worst about him, automatically deciding that because his parents were important that he thought he was some bigshot- and really, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Cats just... felt threatened by stupid things, including titles that no longer meant anything.

"My father was an important cat, the sort of cat whose reputation mattered. When he found out that my mother had gone behind his back and met within another tom, and that I wasn't actually his son, I was exiled from the group. I'm still perfectly capable of contributing and following orders, it's just, back there my title meant someting. It wouldn't get in the way here though."

He hoped it was a satisfactory enough answer, because really it was all he had. Short of declaring 'my father was a king and im ex-royalty', everything said was the absolute truth. His reason for exile had nothing to do with what kind of cat he was at heart or how much he could contribute, and it wouldn't be a problem for Windclan in the slightest.

"I don't think there's anything I can really say that will make you all trust me right away, but if it helps, while our groups probably weren't exactly the same, I am familiar with living in a community. I know there are no free rides and that I'll be expected to get along and work together with you all, and I'm willing to put the work in to prove myself, if you'll allow me."


minkshade - windclan warrior - male - homosexual - polyamorous - single - a lean, black & white tomcat with pretty blue eyes
 
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"Can you fight? Hunt?" Hyacinthbreath was next to arrive, exhausted eyes staring at the tom. She didn't see the attractiveness in him, no- her first impression of the male was that she was bigger than her. Much, much bigger. As was everyone else, but Hyacinthbreath always remembers sizes first. She dips her head to Sootstar with her arrival, Wolfsnarl's hostility being met with a glance from the lead warrior.

"My name is Hyacinthbreath. Lead Warrior." She quickly introduces herself, before her gaze turns to Sootstar. "Shall we have someone fight him, to see if he is worthy?"
 


The tom speaks his story and she merely grunts in response. He claims he's still aware of how to take orders but Sootstar did not want any threats to her reign... she's done well so far to be sure of it. Why mess up and let such a cat into her group now? Yet Hyacinith's idea of a fight intrigues her, it'd be the perfect way for him to prove his strength.

After a few moments of silence, she nods in agreement. "Moonrabbit, you'll fight this tom. If he proves his strength he may join WindClan as a warrior." Her tail lashes, "Claws unsheathed, no killing or completely maiming each other. Go for a pin of about ten blinks long." She didn't want to lose or weaken warriors after all... That'd be silly.

// @moonrabbit. @MINKSHADE she asks them to fight hehe

 


Polish-20220919-194915382.jpg

WHAT IF I AM YOUR MISSING PIECE? WHAT IF WE MESS WITH DESTINY?
WHAT IF THE DEFINITION OF 'WE', IS TWO PEOPLE IN TIME, LIVING THEIR OWN LIVES?

Hyacinth- another name and face among t he sea of others to remember, but he did his best to commit it to memory. He nodded at her words, quickly confirming he knew the basics of both. And really, he was expecting the 'prove it' that came along in the form of the spar Sootstar was quick to suggest, but it still made his nerves fly. Mink was no weakling. Sure, he was built more on the lean side and didn't stand as tall as some of the other adult tomcats, but he'd been trained to defend and provide for himself since he was just a little kit. Granted, the sparring lessons he'd been given were likely a far cry from anything he'd experience in a real fight, but he wasn't about to just not try.


He nodded at the womans words, unsure weather to find her confidence as a positive or a negative. These cats were probably really well trained with a leader like her, the order of 'claws unsheathed' unnerving while those of 'no killing or completely maiming' at least reassured him he'd leave this encounter with his life even if he couldn't win against Moonrabbit. "If that's what it takes to join, then I'll fight." he agreed, blue eyes shifting to land on the shecat he'd been matched off against.






minkshade - windclan warrior - male - homosexual - polyamorous - single - a lean, black & white tomcat with pretty blue eyes
 
Moonrabbit, warrior of Windclan. Aw, shucks. Doesn't she just sound all official bein' introduced like that? N miss Moonrabbit, he says. So formal, isn't he? Sure, she could get used to this. She sorta tunes out when it comes to his sad history, though she's trusted back into the fray when ol' Wolf starts snapping questions at him. Sootstar seems just about as unimpressed. Figures

And when her certified lackey shows up, the first thing they do is suggest a fight, right out here. She can't be for real.

No, no— scratch that, they were for real, both of them, and she's offered to be this tom's scratching post on a silver platter. Huh. No matter how badly she wants to raise an eyebrow at the two, she refrains, the prime example of self-restraint as she is. "Alrighty," she agrees, as if it's the most normal thing in the world. Clan's sure are somethin'

Sootstar lists out the rules, and to this, she can't withhold the lift of a brow. Did she really think she could kill this guy? She doesn't know if she should be flattered or not. As soon as no killing or completely maiming comes out, Moonrabbit heaves a dramatic sigh. "Aw man," hopefully the way she wasn't wearing some kinda bloodthirsty killer expression would give a way that she isn't for real. She's getting stick-in-the-mud vibes... Eh.

Feels like she hasn't fought proper in awhile, but she sure has seen plenty while in Windclan, more than in her lifetime, maybe. An not like there's a lot of time to think with everyone standing all expectantly... Using her size and speed to her (hopeful) advantage, she suddenly darts forward and away, claws unsheathed in an attempt to rake at Mink's side. It's not much, just to judge where he's at, maybe, before she goes for anything worse.