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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 16, 2007 11:10:19 GMT -5
.TheTimeHasCome...
The camp was quiet. Surprisingly so. ShadowClan had always seemed peaceful. Even the first time he'd come, though that was under a more pressured time. The Silent Forest lived up to it's name, despite the growing numbers in the clan. There was 13 members now, and both Windsong and Coyotesong's blood coursed through the veins of many. It made everything seem a little less depressing to the elder. He would be sad to leave his family, but he knew they would prosper well. He smiled at the thought of his mate, waiting for him in StarClan. He'd be with her again soon. Although his life had been anything but easy, he was proud of how it all turned out. He'd found true love, something most cats dream of, and many cats never find. He'd had two beautiful litters. And even though Coyotesong had left him earlier then either of them could have imagined, and all of his kits had ended up here in ShadowClan, he was still content. After his reign in WindClan, he'd retired to an elder and joined ShadowClan to be with his family. They had welcomed the respected elder, just as they had the first time. ShadowClan was not nearly as cold-hearted as they may appear.
Three of his kits had been lost, but not before two of them had found a life with a mate of their own. One of their litters was here in ShadowClan, while the other grew up in WindClan with their father until he too had perished. Windsong knew that not only would Coyotesong be there to greet him, but his beloved daughters, Coyotespirit and Dingohowl, and his son Mothpelt. Perhaps they were with their mates as well, happy to eternally bound through the stars with the cat the love the most. It would be his turn soon. Windsong could feel it in his old and aching bones. It was his time to join StarClan. All he could do now was wait.
...ToTalkOfManyThings. |
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Post by Roxie ! on Jul 16, 2007 11:29:43 GMT -5
A sleek bengal-spotted she-cat padded quietly through the ShadowClan camp. Her slender paws carried her toward the Elder's den, her ears pricked forward as she searched the clearing for her father. A large thrush was clamped in her jaws, once that she had caught earlier that day. When she had returned to the camp, she had placed it in the fresh-kill pile, but then had thought better of it. Windsong could probably use a meal right now; she hadn't seen him out around the camp lately. As she neared the den, she spotted her father's dark brown coat, and padded toward him, a warmth creeping through her emerald-hued eyes.
Sandstorm set the thrush down near-by, and gave Windsong a slight smile. "Hey, dad. I brought you something to eat." She meowed warmly, flicking her tail toward the speckled brown bird. Sandstorm's usual sharp tongue seemed to dissolve around her father, whom she had always been particularly close to, especially since he had returned to ShadowClan to spend his last days as an elder. She glanced up, waiting for Windsong to say something...and that was when she noticed his expression.
He seemed far off...distant. And there was something else she noticed in Windsong's gaze. He seemed incredibly tired. Sandstorm knew her father was aging, but he always seemed to have that spark of energy that a young warrior would have. And now...
"Dad? Are you okay?" Sandstorm asked quietly, her eyes narrowing in confusion and concern.
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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 16, 2007 11:51:52 GMT -5
.OfSealsAndShipsAndCeilingWax...
Windsong lifted his chin and let his dark gaze settle on the cat before him, focusing. The ever-familiar shape of his first daughter, Sandstorm, appeared before him. She'd set a thrush before him and was now staring down at him, her own eyes giving away her concern. "Dad? Are you okay?" she asked. Her soothing voice reminded Windsong so much of Coyotesong. He couldn't help smiling. A light breeze found it's way through the camp walls and rustled his brown fur. It sent a cool shiver down his spine, but he felt warm. It was nearly time. He could almost feel the spirit of his mate beside him, waiting for him to cross into her world. "Of course I'm alright." he told his daughter after a few moments. "I've had the best life I could possibly have, and I have such wonderful children, and now grandchildren. I'm content, and I know that I'm ready now." His voice was full of affection as he spoke, but it also held a certain gravity to it. The life was already starting to fade slowly from his eyes. He smiled up at Sandstorm. He wasn't afraid of dieing. In fact, he welcome it now. He only hoped that his family would soon come to accept it as well. It was his time, and there wasn't anything they could do about it now.
...OfCabbagesAndKings. |
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Post by Roxie ! on Jul 16, 2007 12:37:35 GMT -5
Sandstorm watched him for a moment, her eyes still narrowed in confusion and sudden dawning as she had realized what he was trying to say. Was Windsong telling her that he was dieing? And why was he looking so peaceful? Almost...happy? No. She decided. She must have heard him wrong, or...or misinterpreted. The fur on her back stood on end involuntarily as she surveyed him in utter silence for a few painfully long seconds, unwilling or unable to tear her gaze away.
"What?" She finally spoke at last, rather bluntly, as if she didn't want to hear his answer. For the first time, Sandstorm's gaze wavered uncertainly as she stared in shock at her father, her head half-tilted as if she were still confused. If Windsong was telling her that he was dying...then. No. He couldn't be. He couldn't leave them behind, not now when most of her relatives were dead, and Dustfall was sort of...depressed. What would the two siblings do without their father? Sandstorm could almost feel herself swaying as he spoke calmly, but she snapped herself back to earth and stared down into his slowly fading eyes.
"No--dad, wait. You should see a medicine cat,...please?" Her voice almost quivered, but she refused to let herself weaken any further. Not right now. She gazed down at her father helplessly, her claws digging into the ground as though she believed that if she could hold on hard enough, she could keep Windsong there with her.
"Please..." Sandstorm gave an uncharacteristic whimper. "I need you."
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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 16, 2007 13:01:09 GMT -5
.AndIfTheSeaIsBoilingHot...
The elder shook his head slowly, closing his eyes. "No. There's nothing he can do." he replied, speaking softly. "Please... I need you." she pleaded in return. He opened his eyes and looked into hers. It wasn't like Sandstorm to show this side of her. The side that needed her father like a kit needed it's parents. He smiled gently, tilting his head. "No, you don't. You're strong, the strongest of my kin. Perhaps stronger then me. You don't need me, not anymore." Something tugged at his heart to see the way she looked at him. "You're so much like your mother. You're beautiful and smart, your loyal, you always do what's right. You know just how to make someone smile, even when they don't want to. And I'm so proud of you." He was purring now, gazing at his daughter lovingly. He was growing short of breath, his breathing becoming shallower. "And besides, I'll always be here, right there beside you."
He coughed softly, tucking his chin into his chest and closing his eyes. With a deep sigh, he layed his head down on his dark paws. "Please, will you lay with me until I've joined them?" he asked, his eyes still closed. "I want to share my last moments with my daughter." He felt weak, and knew that he probably couldn't lift his head if he tried. The time was growing closer and closer. He was nearly ready now. He patiently waited for Sandstorm's answer, understanding if she didn't want to be here when it happened, but hoping she would.
...OrWheitherPigsHaveWings. |
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Post by Roxie ! on Jul 16, 2007 13:24:21 GMT -5
Sandstorm's eyes widened as she spoke, and she listened without a word. A slow warmth crept through her body at this. He was proud of her. She'd made her father proud. She, who could never do or say anything right, had made Windsong proud of her. It helped to know it, and a shadow of weak smile crossed her face at this. She was grateful for his words, but they were only making her slip into deeper sorrow. She didn't want him to leave her. Didn't want to lose him. And then, as if Windsong had read her mind, he spoke again.
"And besides, I'll always be here, right there beside you."
Sandstorm looked down at him wordlessly, unable to speak. Her eyes reflected all the sadness that she felt, and yet at the same time, all the gratitude. Windsong had taught her so much. He had been a leader, a friend, a father. Most of all, he taught her that love was never wrong, and not to be afraid of it. He had remained spirited even through Coyotesong's death, and she hoped she could be strong enough to do the same for him. She wanted to make him proud again.
Sandstorm opened her mouth to speak, intending to tell him all of this. But somehow...she just couldn't find the right words. She hoped he'd look at her, and understand. With a soft, sad sigh, she hesitated. It didn't seem real. She was about to lose her father, her best friend. She didn't want to let him go...but now, there was no other choice. He was going to die in peace...he was going to be happy.
Trembling slightly with emotion, she honored his last request. "Of course." Sandstorm told her father softly, laying down slowly beside Windsong and pressing her pelt to his.
"I love you."
OOC// God that was cheesy ><
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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 16, 2007 13:51:31 GMT -5
.He'sHereButNotHere...
"Of course." Sandstorm finally replied. Windsong smiled with relief, feeling thankful and proud all over again. He could feel the warmth of her body as she slid beside him, her pelt pressed against his and meshing the way it often had when Coyotesong would do the same. And then she uttered three of the most meaningful words a cat could ever hear or say. "I love you." He could hear the fear and sadness in her voice. She didn't want him to go. But she could also hear gratitude for his earlier words, and he could hear acceptance. She knew that he had to go. Familiar scents began to drift around him. Ones of cats who had already passed. He could die in peace now. "I love you, too." he said, opening his eyes and gazing at Sandstorm beside him without moving. "Thank you, Sandstorm."
Spirits of StarClan were settling around them, he could feel it. Darkstripe was there. Coyotespirit and Dingohowl. Even Mothpelt was waiting. Blackfrost, whom had visited him many times before in his dreams, was there, ready to welcome him. And then Coyotesong's sweet scent washed over him. His fur tingled the way it used to when they'd first fallen in love. "Are you ready?" Blackfrost's smooth voice filled his head. Windsong was ready. But first, there was one more thing he needed to say. With all the strength he had left and more, he nuzzled Sandstorm, giving her cheek a gentle lick. "I want you to know, that the greatest gift of honor is having you for a daughter."
With this said, Windsong could now die in compleate and utter peace. His head fell back to his paws and his breathing thinned out. The StarClan warriors around him became clearer and clearer as he slowly, but peacefully, died. And then, it was done. Windsong looked down to see his old and fragile body, still lying limp at Sandstorm's side. He smiled sadly, knowing he'd have to leave her. His spirit drifted around to her other side and laid beside her, pressing his coat to her. He knew she couldn't see him, but she might be able to feel his presence. "I'll always be here." he whispered in her ear.
...He'sGoneButNotGone. |
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Post by Roxie ! on Jul 17, 2007 10:25:31 GMT -5
Sandstorm lay in silence, relishing the last few moments with her father yet at the same time, dreading it as the last moments of his life ticked away. She tried to put the thoughts out of her mind as much she could. She wanted Windsong to feel complete and utter peace as he died. And when he spoke his last words to her, she lifted her gaze to his once more. Emerald-green eyes filled with unspoken emotion and glimmered with tears that would soon fall however hard she tried to subdue them. Sandstorm waited for a moment in a rare state of speechlessness. Windsong's words had touched her heart, but instead of bringing herself to say something, she lowered her head and buried her muzzle in her father's dark pelt, as if hiding from what was happening.
The last few seconds of Windsong's life seemed to fill an eternity. Sandstorm stayed at his side throughout it all, never moving, scarcely breathing at all as his breathing grew shallower. When the last of the tom's life slipped away, she drew a quick, sharp breath, but it was of no use. Her tears had already begun streaking down her speckled cheeks, and though she knew Windsong had at last died, she didn't move from his side. She wouldn't for a long time.
Afterwards, Sandstorm would swear that she had felt her father's presence there, had almost heard his words. Perhaps it was just a figment of her imagination, but somehow, she didn't think so. It was nice to believe otherwise.
Among the StarClan cats, a light brown tabby she-cat stood in wait, her amber eyes glimmering with love and affection for her mate and daughter as they layed there together, a StarClan spirit and a ShadowClan cat. Coyotesong was so proud of her family, and she knew that one day, they'd all be together again. And so she watched Windsong lay there with Sandstorm, whispering a few last words in her ear, and sighed softly. The sound merely blended with the whispering of the winds, as most StarClan voices did.
Gently, she stepped forward, her eyes never leaving Windsong. At last, she had been reunited with her mate.
"Windsong," Coyotesong mewed softly, her voice gentle and affectionate as it had always been. "It's time to go."
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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 17, 2007 10:41:22 GMT -5
.He'sHereButNotHere...
Windsong was in StarClan at last. And just like that, he felt strong again. He felt strong like he had been as a young warrior. His pelt shined and his eyes sparkled. He felt light. But his heart was just the same as it had always been. The love for his family had never faded the way his youthful energy had, so nothing was to be gained, and nothing was to be lost. And then he heard her voice. His mate Coyotesong was there, waiting for him as he knew she would be. He stood slowly and gazed up to meet the she-cat's eyes. She was as beautiful as she had been the day they had met until the fateful day she had died. She always would be to him, no matter what. "Windsong," came her voice, soft and full of love, the way she always used to speak. "It's time to go." He nodded, padding toward her. When he reached her, he smiled. "I've been waiting for a long time now." he said. Then he reached forward to touch her nose with his, as if to make sure she was really there. And then he whispered softly, enough for only her to hear, "I've missed you." A hearty purr was rising in his throat. "I never stopped loving you."
...He'sGoneButNotGone. |
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Post by Roxie ! on Jul 17, 2007 11:28:26 GMT -5
Coyotesong watched him quietly as he turned away from Sandstorm at last, and faced her. As their eyes met, each cat's gaze filled with equal love. The tabby smiled gently at her mate, her tail flicking in a warm gesture behind her. Before she could move, Windsong had, pressing his nose gently to her's. She allowed them both to stay this way in utter bliss for a moment, hanging on to his every word and the voice she had missed so much. With a soft purr, Coyotesong lowered her head slightly and rubbed her cheek affectionately against his, eyes closed. The moment was almost surreal. At last, they had found each other again, though in a way, they had never really parted. Her eyes narrowed with affection, Coyotesong sighed.
"I know," She mewed quietly. "Not a moment passed when I wasn't thinking of you." It might have sounded cheesy, but it was the truth, and Coyotesong wanted Windsong to know exactly how much she still cared about him. And now, they'd never have to part again. No Clan boundaries would separate them in StarClan.
Finally, after that tender moment that lasted a lifetime, Coyotesong pulled away to gaze at him. "Windsong..." She murmured softly, her eyes brimming with emotion. It almost reflected her daughter's gaze, Sandstorm and Coyotesong had often made the same expressions. "I love you. So much."
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Post by le Dawnz on Jul 17, 2007 11:51:25 GMT -5
.He'sHereButNotHere...
Windsong's eyes widened slightly when she rubbed her cheek against his suddenly and rested her head on his shoulder. Then he too closed his eyes, licking her shoulder gently. Standing there beside his mate he felt pure bliss. That was when he realized, as if ready Coyotesong's mind, that they could truely be together now. No boundries, no warrior code, no cats to forbid them from seeing one another. They could be together everyday for the rest of eternity, and no one could tell them otherwise. She spoke again. Windsong loved the sound of her voice. He'd missed it so much. "Not a moment passed when I wasn't thinking of you." she said. His heart swelled. She was taking the words from his mouth. She had always used to. It seemed they thought the same. Windsong had always taken it for granted. But now he drank it in sereinely.
And then she pulled away. His eyes flew open in confusion and they met hers. But her loving gaze put his mind at ease. "Windsong..." she meowed. Her eyes were full of not only affection, but an emotion that ran so deep that it had no name. It was an emotion that one just knew was there. "I love you. So much." His smile grew and his expression softened even more. "I know." he replied, just as softly and full of love. "I love you, too. And I wish that there was something more I could do to prove it. But I can't think of anything. I'm sorry." He nuzzled her. They were the only ones there now. The StarClan cats whom had come to welcome him had faded away, awaiting for the two to join them in Silverpelt after a few moments together.
...He'sGoneButNotGone. |
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Post by le Dawnz on Aug 1, 2007 13:05:48 GMT -5
-bumps waiting for Roxie to get back from vacation-
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