LEAVE NOT BEHIND | leopard

[ThistleBack]

A half de-feathered sparrow lumps to the soft ground of the elder’s den, a sodden pelt greased and thorny like an urchin run down his spine as he refuses the urge to shake. The light sprinkle in the cold world outside of the warm shelter of ferns. Thistleback’s limbs steam with the heat of his blood against the chilled kiss of wind and dampness.

A cruel sting from his nose to his tail-tip but the only sign of his complaint was the slightest shivers that stiffened at his neck. He turns on heel wordlessly, " I pray you have a taste for songbird, would’ve plucked it better but- It started raining " he speaks to the dying woman with frosted breaths , " I left Coyotepaw in camp though, no need to risk whitecough " he reported carefully before flicking out his tail like a whip.

His muscled forlimbs prowl him toward the woman, and he settles down to the soft dry ground a respectful distance. Jowls rolling as he licked his knuckled paw. " hope you don’t mind the company neither " he hums, intelligent silver hues flicking toward the ill elder with a quietly searching stare.

" I hope you don’t find it rude that I haven’t paid any respects to you. Leopardcloud. I do wish you know when the time comes, the loss of you will be heavy in the hearts that matter. " he promises, crossing his paws and letting his gaze drift. " My mate is very fond of you, and I … respect your sacrifices " the brute toys the air with a statement with so many meanings. All intended, some hushed. " I wish I could trade you. you deserve this life more than I " he chuckles but it’s tinged with a deep sadness.

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OOC INFO REF

• — I'm so sorry i'm rusty!!! @leopardcloud
  
  
• — Thistleback | thirty moons | cis-male
  — daylight warrior of Skyclan
  — bisexual | fallen for Deersong 9.29.22
  — very muscular piebald black and white tom with spiky fur and cold silver-grey eyes. Wears a purple collar with brass clasp.
  
• 
  
  

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[leopardcloud]

Thistlebone was a tom of strength and confidence, a worthy mate to someone as soft as Deersong; she'd promised that her and Thistleback would take care of her son when she passes, and she believed them. Believed in them. Despite her age, she found herself wiser to the world; perhaps because she had nothing to fear anymore, but to let Death claim her. Her body quaked and shook as she lifted her head weakly to meet the gaze of the large tom, giving him a gentle little smile. There's a sorrow in his gait, and he speaks of him deserving her fate. "Whatever you did in the past, isn't who you are now. SkyClan made you a better man, I believe that. Deersong does, too."

"It's tragic, not being able to switch fates with others when you feel like you deserve it. You do not, 'spikes." She chuckles softly, youthful in her mirth as she lowers her head back to her paws. Her breathing is ragged, but she's living; suffering, she'd say. But it wasn't anyone's duty to put her out of her misery. When the time came, she would be welcomed back into Her arms. Mother nature was kind in those ways.

She hums softly as he talks of those that will miss her; would they, though? Aside from her own family and Amanita, did she really matter that much in a Clan that despised her lineage? She chuckles at the thought, shaking her head. "Your mate is beautiful, and smart. Deersong will be a wonderful mother to Coyotepaw. Much softer and empathetic than me, that's for sure." She meows softly, eyes fluttering closed so she could think properly. Ragged fur and all, she looked like she would keel over any minute now. "What he needs is tough love, and I gave him that. But I forgot to nurture him, as well. He needs to learn how to properly feel his emotions so he won't lash out everytime he's in pain." So he won't turn out like his father. The voice echoed, and she bit her lip at the thought. No, he would never be like him. He was better. "Squirrelkit isn't an apprentice yet, but she was born a girl. My illness was passed down to every molly in my family until it came to me, and I hope it skips her generation or rids itself completely. My family has suffered enough."​

 

[ThistleBack]

Tattered ears flick upward with these words specifically, vindication from a dying woman was not something taken lightly. Was not worthless beyond any means, it was a priceless set of words that garnished the collar wearing beast’s full attention and careful pensive stare in silence. The gratitude gleaming like light off pearl in his eyes, but the rugged tom was a man not raised how to handle positive feedback. " you’re a kind woman. I-… certainly value your forgiveness " he smiles as she laughs, it’s a solemn sound for her breathing is ragged and her lungs struggle audibly.

" I can’t imagine it’s easy to be empathetic with the amount of pain you’re in-… nothing can fault you for that " he offers words against her own at her own defense. Sure, what she says of Deersong is beyond the truth- and if anyone fed on praise of his mate it was certainly, he.

" you did your part, love, and you did damn good. " he follows her beliefs with on of his own. As she rests her head, he’s able to see just how close to death she was. While it was a horrid sight for most, most would look away, Thistleback peers at her coat with wonder. She had unique pattern, something the stars may only ever draw once- and now, she would return to them. Leaving behind a son she hoped she hadn’t failed. He’d make sure that the day Coyotepaw was made a warrior, it was roared to the heavens and rattled Starclan’s trees.

Squirrelkit may have inherited this curse, Leopardcloud worries aloud. Thistleback’s brows pinched as he gave way to this possibility. It was tragically possible, " I’ll lend my prayer to Starclan with you… whatever happens… my family will look after yours. Should Deer and I have kits…Coyotepaw will know them as big brother " he promises with a twitch of his pelt. This was the first time he had ever spoken of the possibility of kits. This was a true sign of change, wasn’t it.

" I never thought I’d say that " he laughs to himself.

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OOC INFO REF

• — her countdown :'''O omg
  
  
• — Thistleback | thirty-two moons | cis-male
  — daylight warrior of Skyclan
  — bisexual | fallen for Deersong 9.29.22
  — mentoring Coyotepaw
  — very muscular piebald black and white tom with spiky fur and cold silver-grey eyes. Wears a purple collar with brass clasp.
  
• 
  
  

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