Tourists (Closed)

[sil]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Qbg1.png] Quinn felt much more comfortable with Ismo at her side, especially with the young Warrior emitting nothing but contempt for the two of them. Still, Nighteye’s attitude irked her irrationally. “You don’t need to be so tense,” she almost snapped. “If it was our intention to harm you, don’t you think we would have done it already?” In the back of her mind, the Showshoe knew her anger was on Ismo’s behalf. Quinn didn’t like the way the black she-cat looked at him, spoke to him slowly as if he were a half-witted kit. Her fur began to bristle, so Quinn shifted closer to her companion. Their proximity abated her anger. Meeting a Warrior and joining a Clan was everything that Ismo was working toward, and here was a Clan cat on the brink of crushing his dream. Quinn would not let that happen. Er—she shook her head to clear her confusing thoughts—well, she would do what she could. It wasn’t like she owed the handsome tom anything to begin with. “My friend may have never been a Clan cat, and his information may be… incredibly outdated, but he has grown up on stories of the Warriors. He is eager to learn; give him a chance.”

[ghostwoodwarrior]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Ibg.png] Ismo’s ears twitched in agitation at Nighteye’s deliberately slow explaination and constant aggression towards himself and particularly Quinn. He could tolerate and understand suspicion since Quinn had told him about the trouble amongst the clan, but this ceaseless aggression despite continued assurances of peace was simply rude. This she-cat had no evidence to indicate they were lying and had to know she would be in dire straits had Quinn or himself had wished her harm at this point. If Nighteye truly wished to represent West clan in a positive light then she was doing a poor job of it. As Quinn shifted even closer to him, Ismo felt himself calm slightly; but only slightly. ”Just because I am a foreigner in these lands Warrior, do not think I am stupid. It would only be respectful to speak to me as a welcome Wanderer, at least, since I have shown you no ill will. You seem to forget you are in a situation where insulting us would lead to much more trouble for you than if we insulted you. I am very curious why your clan mates have yet to arrive and support you in fact. In my home, a call for aid is always answered, even if it is from another’s territory.” Ismo inhaled deeply, and then released slowly to help his building agitation dissipate some before continuing. ”Now I thank you for what you have told us so far, it is very intriguing. My friend mentioned me not being clan born, and as I have said I can understand it being a strange occurrence for a stranger to be admitted to your ranks; but what makes me incapable of becoming one of you? Why should my place of birth keep me from being a candidate? If you were not wounded I would ask to be allowed to spar with you so you may see I am a fine fighter. And I know fighting is not the only requirement to become a Warrior. My knowledge of your Warrior Code is slim at best, but I know full well what honor is and what it means to live your life by a strict moral code.” Ismo put one large paw before himself. ”If you truly feel I am unworthy of such a title as Warrior then let me prove myself! I will face any challenge you set forth!” Ismo then turned and locked his gaze with Quinn and meowed softly. ”I am sorry, I know you do not wish me to insult the clans but I have had enough of this one’s arrogance. I am here to train as a Warrior not play games like a new-born kit! I hope all other Warriors are not the same as our inconvenienced host.”

[Kenya]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/NEbg.png] N I G H T E Y E Nighteye flattened her ears against her head feeling ashamed of her behavior after hearing their harsh words sting like open wounds. Perhaps she was being a bit.. unkind. Thrushstar would have my pelt for this! She thought as she pulled herself to her paws and stepped towards them. Allowing her weight to one side to favor her leg Nighteye lowered her head almost as far as Ismo had done before. "I... Apologize for my behavior." Nighteye's downcast eyes to focused on a small stone laying to the side of Quinns paws. It was simple, smooth and round. The color reminded her of a lizard basking in the sun. "You must understand you come at difficult times, not only for Westclan but for all the clans. Things have been... troublesome recently. " Nighteye stepped back and sat again, wrapping her thin black tail around her. She needed to explain to them her reasons for judgment. They were right, her behavior would seem hostile and rude to the loners but given the situation she felt her caution necessary. Nighteye found she did not regret her hostility and caution towards them. Not now at this time anyways. "If you wish to become a warrior, the decision is not mine to make. What ever my thoughts are, it will be the leader who untimely decides." She meowed looking back from cat to cat. "If Thrushstar does ask for his warriors thoughts, he was listen closely to the deputy, medicine cat and his seniors warriors. I am very young and have only received my warrior name a few moons back. The decision will not be mine to make." She shifted her paws in the mud feeling it squish between them. A few watery bubbles pressed through the ground by the small pebble from the pressure her paws placed on the ground. "My injury came from this morning. I was on my way back to camp when I found you. A clanmate and I chased a fox out of the tunnels that border our territory and I was bitten." Nighteye gave her chest a few swift nervous licks cleaning off some of the drying mud and raveling her glossy black pelt. "The warrior code, we should start that warrior code." She meowed feeling small and scatterbrained while trying to keep her aggression down. She would fight if needed like the tom suggested but her chances of success were not high and she knew it. These two cats together could easily send her to Silverpelt. "There are twelve in total. The elders have stories of its origins, but no one really knows where it came from. A few cats insist Starclan gave us the code when the clans formed but some argue that it was developed over time." "The first," She meowed moving her eyes to look at Ismo as he was the one who needed to know, "Is Defend your clan with the cost of your life, Your loyalty must be to you clan above all else." Nighteye felt her chest puff out a little with pride at being a warrior. Receiving her warrior name was the greatest honor she could ever know and reciting the code made her remember that night and helped distract her from her uneasiness. "Two. Do not hunt or trespass on the territory of another Clan. Clans have the right to punish or fight off any trespassers found on their land. Prisoners might be taken. Three. Feed the weak before the strong. It is frowned upon to eat while hunting as stronger cats last longer without prey. Four. A kit must be six moons old to start apprentice training. Five. New warriors must journey to the standing stones to gain acceptance from Starclan. There they must remain in silence the entire night. Do you understand so far?" She asked thankful for a pause to collect herself before the rest of the code. Talking of the code was a relief from the statements about her clans absence which she had slithered out of answering. Nighteye herself wondered where her clan was but she wouldn't allow herself a glimpse at the camp walls. She hoped they were alright.

[sil]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Qbg1.png] At Ismo’s agitation, Quinn’s hackles began to rise and she nearly leapt to her feet. She forced herself to keep her cool, draping a chocolate-hued tail around her escort as a signal to remain calm. “Ismo,” she meowed softly, but harshly, in his ear. Her body trembled slightly and her whiskers twitched with contained tension. “You need to take it easy. Don’t make an enemy out of the first Warrior you make. I know you’re upset… but try to understand where she’s coming from.” She inclined her head to meet his gaze with a serious stare. “Don’t waste the opportunity to make an ally. You will never be accepted into a Clan without one.” Quinn’s speech was mostly unneeded; Nighteye visibly settled down and apologized for her behavior. She dipped her head in acceptance. “I’m sorry for my outburst, and please forgive my friend for his. I’ve lived much of my life on the outskirts of your territories, watching your kin and the other Clans. I’m beginning to better understand the… recent behavior I’ve noticed.” The Showshoe looked at Nighteye’s leg with sympathy. “That was a very brave thing you did, Nighteye. If you need attention for your injury, please don’t let us keep you.” She was about to suggest going back to the she-cat’s camp so the Warrior could see the medicine cat, but Quinn held it back. If Nighteye wanted to take them back to WestClan camp, she would have. It was obvious enough that the younger she-cat’s intention was to keep them away from her home as long as possible. Casting a sidelong glance at her half-wildcat friend, Quinn waited respectively, knowing he would have more questions.

[ghostwoodwarrior]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Ibg.png] When Nighteye stepped forward Ismo tensed expecting a strike of some sort for his outburst. His thoughts were scattered completely as he saw Nighteye return his bow and utter and apology; along with the tail draped around him. Ismo stood there in silence, trying to regain some semblance of control over himself as both she-cats spoke. Quinn was right he was being too hot-headed. You fool! For several moments Ismo continued to internally chastise himself while his mind absorbed and processed the information being handed to him. That explains why she immediately attacked, even when injured you arrogant kit! Maybe if you had really stopped and thought about it before trying to act all high and mighty in front of Quinn you could have kept things calm and not risked your one chance to make it to the camp as a Wanderer! Get hold of yourself Wildcat! It was another moment more before Ismo realized that Nighteye had stopped talking and was waiting for a reply while he stood there staring. He restrained himself from shaking his head to clear his thoughts but managed to respond coherently. ”Yes Nighteye, I understand what you have told me so far. I hope to eventually meet with your leader if he will grant such an audience but I understand that such a thing may not be in your control if we are ever even allowed inside your camp. As for the codes you have mentioned so far, I understand them as well. But I am in agreement with my companion; if you are in need of attention from your healer then do not let us delay you. We can rest here until you are recovered and await your return.”

[Kenya]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/NEbg.png] N I G H T E Y E She flicked her ear uncomfortably when he mentioned having an audience with Thrushstar. Her leader was strong minded and Nighteye knew very well she had a disliking for outsiders more than most cats. Seeing Ismo win her over would be a site to see. "Now is not the best time for you to... speak with her. " Bending her head she gave her leg a few licks. "My injuries are more of an annoyance then a concern. I do not require the aid of my medicine cat." Nighteye was awed by their concern for her, as many loners and rogues are often ill-tempered and ignorant towards other cats. Barn cats and kittypets are ignorant in their own ways, being soft and mouse-brained in the presence of anything outside their gardens and barns. It was odd for her to speak with cats outside of a gathering who were level-headed. With the word kittypet ringing in her ears Nighteye eyed the color worn by Quinn. "Why do you bear the mark of the twolegs?" She asked eager to get the subject away from her clan. Nighteye found herself thinking of the last part of the warrior code. A warrior rejects the soft life a kittypet Though it was clear Quinn had been on her own for some time, why had she chosen to keep her collar? Surly it affects her hunting unless she allows two-legs to feed her. Nighteye wrinkled her nose at this thought. She needed to buy them more time. Something had to be going on that required the attention of the warriors for the marshes to be so silent. There would be plenty of time for Ismo to learn the rest of the warrior code, and if he was denied acceptance into their clan then her efforts would be wasted anyways. Perhaps he would have more luck with Northm South, or Eastclan. But then again from the news she heard all the clans seemed on edge.

[sil]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Qbg1.png] Quinn was relieved when both Ismo and Nighteye were finally taking a moment to understand each other, rather than spit fury and condemnation at one another. A short purr rumbled through her chest, hopefully not long or loud enough for Nighteye to notice, but rather to show her companion how pleased she was. At the Warrior’s interest in her collar, Quinn turned her head to one side. The purr stopped and the peaceful, compromising mask faded away to a blank stare. “It serves a purpose,” she meowed after a long moment, “as a disguise, a ruse, and a means of survival.” The Showshoe angled her neck in such a way that black she-cat could see the four feathers woven in back of the dirty blue collar. Two blue jays’, a cardinal’s, and a raven’s. “It’s a part of my identity—a part of me. A reminder and a source of strength.” Thinking of the Warriors’ love of StarClan and their Lion, Tiger, and LeopardClan ancestors, and the Warriors’ adherence to the strong bonds between their kin, Quinn added, “I’m sure you understand.” An intelligent she-cat, Quinn knew from the beginning that Nighteye was attempting to buy time for whatever was supposed to be coming. The Showshoe did not feel a need to rush her; the Warrior was anxious just waiting for the arrival of her Clanmates. Quinn tried to appease the younger she-cat by asking, “What about the rest of the code?” She glanced at her half-wildcat friend with a smile and wrapped her tail around him reassuringly. With their closeness, it would be hard for Nighteye to see the gesture, but Quinn didn’t care if she did.

[ghostwoodwarrior]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Ibg.png] Ismo frowned slightly at the Warrior’s words but did not let if truly bother him, for such a thing was to be expected with the turmoil amongst the clans. But when Nighteye asked about Quinn’s collar, Ismo barely contained a smirk. He had only known his companion for a short while but it was difficult learning anything about her that revealed anything far beyond the obvious. Ismo noticed the shift in her face as she began to reply, indicating a new mask being put in place. That was one of the first things he had learned with Quinn; the she-cat possessed many masks. But he was still surprised he was able to notice the subtle changes already. It was even harder for him to withhold laughter as he recalled how she had attempted to use the innocent kittypet ruse on him when they had first stumbled upon each other. At Quinn’s question Ismo’s ears perked up, he was indeed interested in hearing the rest of the code, but something else also struck him at the same moment. He had already noticed the absence of Westclan patrols, and the lack of reinforcements that Nighteye’s call should have brought for both of these things seemed strange in lands so filled with conflict. But what confused Ismo most was the explanation of Nighteye’s injuries. ”Yes, please tell us of the rest of the code, honored Warrior. But before that, would you mind telling us why you are alone now? You told us that you chased away the fox from your lands with another Warrior, so why is it that you return to camp alone?”

[Kenya]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/NEbg.png] N I G H T E Y E She nodded as Quinn finished explaining, not quite understanding but didn't want to stir up more trouble objecting. Her feathers were lovely, but Nighteye didn't rely on acts of trickery. She was a proud trained warrior with a clan to be loyal to. Nighteye nodded again at her request to hear the rest of the code. "So why is it that your return to camp alone?" Nighteye stiffened at his question, quickly scrambling her mind for a reason why Fleetfoot hadn't returned with her. Ah! That's it! "Fleetfoot went off in a different direction, for better hunting. I decided to return as my injury would of slowed her down" Nighteye felt pleased with herself, Wherever Fleetfoot had decided to go, they didn't need to know. These cats are awfully nosy. Still, their growing curiosity made her nervous. Cats in her clan had started feeling ill, but even so the silence coming from inside the camp walls made her nervous. What has become of my clan? Nighteye wasn't very old, but even as a kit the clan was healthy and strong. Patrols never seemed to be late and there was always someone to play with. Even her apprentice training had gone well, minus the vanishing of her sister Darkflower. A loner had taken her away. At that moment she felt like clawing the two cats in front of her and had to remind herself that It wasn't their fault. "Lets finish the code. There are not many left, but all are important." She meowed feeling her body relax. "Six. The deputy will become the leader if the leader dies or retired. If both are unable to lead the clan the medicine cat will chose the next leader and deputy according to the wishes of Starclan. Seven. Every full moon, each leader from each Clan will journey to the Moonwatch Island with two chosen cats from their Clan. These cats act as bodyguards, and are not permitted to speak to cats of any other Clans. No others may attend; just the three from each Clan. Eight. Boundaries must be checked and marked daily. Challenge any and all trespassers. " With this last one she eyed both cats for a short moment before continuing. "Nine." She meowed flicking her black tail. "No warrior may neglect a kit in pain or in danger, even if that kit is from another clan. If a kit in found on another clans territory the clan may take it in without being questioned. Ten. The leaders word is law. Eleven. An honorable warrior does not need to kill other cats to win battles, unless it is necessary for self-defense. Murder can be punished by a Clan leader, if the murderer is found out. And the last one is twelve. A warrior rejects the soft life of a kittypet." She sighed as she finished speaking. It would be hard to imagine sharing the warrior den with this tom. If he even made it past Thrushstar. He seemed honorable like he would be willing to follow the code, but Nighteye felt like he wouldn't be able to remain truly loyal to it. Even a newborn kit could see the affection he held for Quinn, who was not interesting in joining a clan. If he's accepted, She thought watching them both curiously, He will have to leave her behind.

[sil]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Qbg1.png] Quinn narrowed her eyes at Nighteye’s hesitation in answering Ismo’s question. She assumed the young Warrior wasn’t telling the whole truth, but her explanation was completely plausible, and what other proof did Quinn have? She just hoped Ismo wouldn’t be bold enough to call the WestClanner out on it instead of just letting it go. Nighteye was a little dodgy when it came to relaying their—mostly Ismo’s—questions, but Quinn could sympathize. Being raised in a lifestyle where you trusted no one but your dead ancestors and your Clanmates would make you wary of any outsiders. And now with StarClan supposedly gone and the Clans at each other’s throats, Quinn understood more than ever why Nighteye was withholding things, even being hostile. Quinn didn’t blame the younger she-cat for her actions, and commended her bravery in holding off two much older intruders while she herself was injured. When Nighteye finished listing the Warrior code, the Showshoe inclined her head. “Thank you, Nighteye,” she meowed sincerely. Quinn shot a look at her companion with mischief in her blue eye. “Hope you paid close attention to your mentor, wildcat. You’ll be quizzed immediately.” She flashed a pink tongue at him.

[ghostwoodwarrior]

Nighteye's response seemed odd to Ismo, but he decided to take her words for truth. That being the case he was disappointed in Nighteye's companion; you should never leave a wounded comrade alone in times like these. He paid rapt attention to the rest of the Code, absorbing every word. The last code left an uneasy feeling in the back of his mind. He knew Quinn was no longer a kittypet but he still hoped she didn't get insulted. Yet that wasn't what created that odd feeling; their was something implied here that he was missing.

"Thank you very much Nighteye. I want you to know that whether I become a Warrior or not, your assistance here is not in vain. This will help me avoid many conflicts in the future." At Quinn's jest Ismo jumper slightly. "What do you mean a quiz?" Then seeing Quinn with her tongue poking out Ismo deflated, knowing he had missed the joke. He shifted his back legs and gave her a small shove with his rear before turning his attention back to their host.

"I don't mean to sound like a bird flying in a circle, but I feel like you must return to your camp Nighteye. There should have been other come to investigate by now. If nothing else it is indeed time for you to seek aid for your wounds."

[Kenya]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/NEbg.png] N I G H T E Y E Nighteye nodded at the thanks from both cats standing infront of her. Nighteye to got to her feet a bit clumsily, her tail swishing free drops of moisture from the damp ground. "My clan is fine" She hissed feeling defensive again when Ismo spoke of her clan not coming out. Nighteye realized she had her hackles raised and flattened the fur along her back again. She knew she was being unfair to the strangers but his words were true and that worried her. Something wasn't right for her clan to be kept away. She shuffled her feet feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yes, and it is probably best for you both to move on. I'm afraid you won't find what you're looking for here, at least not now. " "If you head straight towards the rising sun from here you will find South clan as it borders our territory divided by Stardust trail. Going North will lead you to the foot hills and following those will take you to North clan" She meowed through narrow eyes pointing out each direction with the tip of her tail. "East Clan lies in the middle, in the grass lands. Forgive me for not being your guide." She added dipping her head in apology more for her behavior than her lack of being able to show them the way. Turning, she started to made her way back to her camp, limping less after resting for those few moments. "Good Luck" she meowed turning back to face them again. "I'm sorry West clan isn't what you were looking for, but to be honest I feel as though you will find most of us this way. "

[sil]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Qbg1.png] Quinn let out a surprised yelp at Ismo’s playful shove. She steadied herself and then shot a glare in his direction, though the expression lacked any real malice. When Nighteye rose, her irritation nearly palpable, Quinn turned abruptly back toward the Warrior. “We didn’t mean to imply anything bad about your Clan,” the loner apologized. The black she-cat calmed herself to give them directions, and Quinn respectively remained quiet. She wasn’t surprised when Nighteye suggested they move on. The younger she-cat then turned to take her leave. “Goodbye, Nighteye,” she meowed after her. “We won’t forget the time you spared for us.” The Showshoe watched her go with a twinge of sadness; she wished the three of them could have departed on better terms, potentially even friends. But it was evident enough that Nighteye had a great deal on her mind, and the nosiness of two loners was the last thing she was interested in. With a sigh, Quinn turned to her companion. It looked like their journey wasn’t over yet. “Well, you heard her. Any of the other places pique your interest? Or are we just gonna go wherever your paws lead us?”

[ghostwoodwarrior]

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[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/Ibg.png] Seeing Nighteye's irritation Ismo immediately made to smooth things over. "As Quinn says we apologize honored Warrioir. We meant no insult to you or your clan." He fell into another bow. "And your directions are invaluable, thank you. May your Starclan see fit to watch over you on your travels for you represent your clan with honor. I believe we will meet again in the future for cats like us are inevitably drawn together by fate. Fair well." As the Warrior turned and left, Ismo considered Quinn's question. As he did so he realized he didn't much care where they went, he was simply glad Quinn was still willing to travel with him. But a decision had to be made. "South sounds pleasant, I would like some trees growing high above me. And you said they weren't involved in the recent battles correct? So they may be a bit less hostile towards strangers in their midst than the North or East clans. And I promise I will do my best to watch my tongue since these Warriors are so very touchy." Ismo sighed,"I'm a bit hungry, we should hunt on the way." He looked at Quinn and smiled despite being sent away by the first clan cat he encountered. His hopes were still high and he couldn't have asked for a more clever and charming companion to share the journey with.

[Kenya]

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[atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/Sillvy/NEbg.png] N I G H T E Y E Nighteye watched them go discussing where next travel to, almost feeling guilty that she had to send them away. "Hey!" she yowled before they were out of ear shot. "You will make a great warrior and I hope I don't meet you in battle one day." What she said was true. If, however unlikely, Ismo was made into a warrior, meeting him in a battle would be a challenge in itself. Nighteye locked eyes with Quinn next. She found she admired her now that the cats were leaving and Nighteye could finally relax. "Take care of that cat. Toms are always getting themselves in trouble!" Feeling satisfied she readied herself to finally leave. Her clan was waiting for her. There was one last thing Nighteye felt like she needed to say. She was a young cat, full of energy and making mistakes often. Being a warrior and a clan cat always filled her with pride and she couldn't imagine any other life. Nighteye decided to give the two travelers a goodbye spoken by other clan cats themselves. "And May Starclan light your path!" With those last words she vanished into the camps walls. If they ever met again, it would be at the front of a battle or by fate. Now she had her own clan to see to.