Post by { tessa } on Jun 7, 2008 9:40:04 GMT -5
A sleek tortoiseshell form sihlouettes the horizon as the sun rises, sitting on a rock potruding from the tall green grass just outside of her barn. She doesn't move except for the occasional twitch of her tail as she contemplates the day ahead. All is quiet now, save for the chirping of a few nearby birds. The loner knows to savor these precious moments of peace while she can. For the day, she fortells, will be anything but peaceful. For although many Clan cats think that loners choose simple lives, Rosaline knows that such a life is harder than many would guess. Every day is a fight for survival; hunting and defending your territory without the help of any clan-mates.
True, now that Green-Leaf is finally dawning, life around the barn will be a lot easier. They have survived the harsh winter and made it to more plentiful times. But Rosie knows that she can never let her guard down. For this can be a fatal mistake. But I've managed to get this far, haven't I? she thinks reasonably. No point in getting pessimistic now. As if to prove her nonchalance, she calmly settles down and begins washing herself, briskly licking her ruffled chest fur flat. Her tail wraps around her tightly as she shifts to lick one of her white paws before drawing it over her face a few times.
Every so often, her ears flick back toward her barn, listening for any sound. Because of course, hunting and fighting aren't the only sources of trouble she deals with nowadays. The two little fur-balls who are still curled warmly in the softened hay inside may look cute as they sleep, but Rosie reflects affectionately that in their waking hours they bring much curiousity, and, well, mischief. Yes, perhaps mothering is the hardest job of all. But also the most rewarding.
Of course, things will only get harder, she knows. Her kits are nearing what the Clan cats would call apprentice age, and soon she will have to start training them. What a challenge that will be! But for now, Rosaline's eyes close gently as she takes in the growing sunlight and warm breeze of the early Green-Leaf morning. Life has its rewards as well.
True, now that Green-Leaf is finally dawning, life around the barn will be a lot easier. They have survived the harsh winter and made it to more plentiful times. But Rosie knows that she can never let her guard down. For this can be a fatal mistake. But I've managed to get this far, haven't I? she thinks reasonably. No point in getting pessimistic now. As if to prove her nonchalance, she calmly settles down and begins washing herself, briskly licking her ruffled chest fur flat. Her tail wraps around her tightly as she shifts to lick one of her white paws before drawing it over her face a few times.
Every so often, her ears flick back toward her barn, listening for any sound. Because of course, hunting and fighting aren't the only sources of trouble she deals with nowadays. The two little fur-balls who are still curled warmly in the softened hay inside may look cute as they sleep, but Rosie reflects affectionately that in their waking hours they bring much curiousity, and, well, mischief. Yes, perhaps mothering is the hardest job of all. But also the most rewarding.
Of course, things will only get harder, she knows. Her kits are nearing what the Clan cats would call apprentice age, and soon she will have to start training them. What a challenge that will be! But for now, Rosaline's eyes close gently as she takes in the growing sunlight and warm breeze of the early Green-Leaf morning. Life has its rewards as well.
