Forming Bonds and Making Friends [Echostar]

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] Echostar half expected for their interaction to have something to do with the clan or Ashstorm's duties as a deputy. But as soon as he saw that strong look of affection in the she-cat's eyes, he knew it was not about that. Letting out a purr as their fur touched, he draped his tail over hers, his deep amber eyes staring into the other's. He waited for her to finish- ears going back. He was about to urge her to continue, worried she genuinely thought it was stupid. He sure didn't. He was about to get up out of exasperation to try and urge her to finish what she was saying, before she actually did. Letting out a rumbling purr, he sat up, running his tongue over Ashstorm's cheek and over her ear. He licked her once on the forehead after that, smiling at her, feeling happiness well inside of him. "Of course- I feel the same way. I wish the same thing," he meowed, winding himself around his deputy. "I would want nothing more than that." ((You always think your posts are sucky.. I don't think so. I like your roleplaying =])) [/scrolly]

[snowtuft]

Ashstorm purred and rubbed against him, licking his face and shoulders and back with love. She thought about how great this was going to be, being Echostar's mate. She thought about how happy she was going to be, and the kits she was going to raise. Her thoughts came to a grinding halt at that thoughts. Kits? She thought about having kits, she wanted them all her life. If Echostar agreed to give Ashstorm her own kits to care for, she feared about whether she would be a good mother or not. She sighed, but then her heart filled with joy. Being a mother would be great! Ashstorm would do for her cubs that her mother never did for Ashstorm and her siblings. She would hunt for her kits, play with them, love them, support them, protect them, never abandon them. Ever. She looked at Echostar with a look of fear and love mixed. Echostar, I was thinking about how great being your mate will be when a thought came to my mind. I've always wanted cubs, ever since I was a cub myself. I think there is the possibility that maybe in the future we can raise a family, you and I. She mewed. I mean, its a possibility. Ashstorm muttered. Ashstorm could already see Echostar as a father. Strong. Protective. Loving. Maybe a little bit playful. And definitely gentle. But, would he say yes, or no?

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] Echostar let out a purr at Ashstorm's affection, ears flushing with warmth, an almost sheepish look crossing his face. Rubbing back, he twined his tail with the she-cat's. He was very pleased with this outcome. Ashstorm was a beautiful, caring, sweet, kind, tough but also gentle cheetah. He admired her courage with dealing with his clanmates as well. The Cheetahclan leader could feel his ears grow even warmer at his new mate's words. If his skin was visible beneath all of that fur, he would be entirely red in the face. After his surprised and embarrassed reaction, he settled down, truly pondering that thought. Kits would be great. He loved kits. He knew how to act with them, and he knew Ashstorm would be a wonderful mother, despite the kind of mother she had. "Yes. There is a possibility, a great one," he purred warmly, running a tongue over his mate's cheek. [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] It had been a couple moons since Echostar and Ashstorm became mates. Now, as she walked through the camp with a heavily swelled belly as she padded from the nursery with soiled moss. She was cleaning it out. Before she was half way out, Ashstorm was confronted by a warrior. I see your getting fat, Ashstorm. The warrior said. Ashstorm curled her lips in a growl. Are you taking extra prey from the fresh kill pile to feed your own hunger, eh? Letting the clan starve to feed oneself? What kind of clan are you? Ashstorm wanted to rip the she-cat to shreds. Is that any way to speak to your deputy? Ashstorm spat, her tail lashing. Your not a deputy. Your a rogue! The warrior barely had time to finish saying rogue before Ashstorm was upon her. She slashed at the warrior's belly with sheathed claws, batting her belly and slapping the she-cat's face with sheathed claws. The warrior threw Ashstorm off and the warrior and deputy tumbled and wrestled across the clearing in a tangle of paws, tails, fur, and then claws. Blood splattered the clearing as Ashstorm was struck blow after blow, her blood painting the clearing red. She was exhausted already, having been on a dawn hunting patrol and sun high border patrol. Ashstorm tackled the she cat with sheathed claws, refusing to strike her down, no matter how much she wanted to. Finally, Ashstorm grabbed the warrior's throat in her teeth, not biting down but just hard enough she couldn't get out of the deputy's jaws. I am no rogue. Not anymore! I am your deputy, and a queen. So tell me, why attack an expecting mother? Ashstorm spat, releasing the warrior. Your a queen? Who in the name of StarClan would want to be your mate? The warrior hissed with pure hatred.

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] Echostar was already enjoying his morning, currently just awakening. With a gigantic stretch, forepaws stretching out, his claws tensed against the stone of his den as his rump rose, along with his long tail. Letting out a large yawn, he stood up straight again, shaking his fur free of any moss that could have been caught in it from the den. The only thing that could have made this day better would be waking up next to Ashstorm, but she was already awake because she had been on the Dawn Patrol- and Sunhigh Patrol. He appeared to look forward to every day more and more as the days passed. Before, he never felt this happy. Of course he had been, but he hadn't been a potential father with a loving mate before. Speaking of his mate, where was she? Heading out of the den, he realized he had slept in much later than expected- he had been on a night patrol though. Feeling embarrassed, he hoped no one noticed as he stalked out, ears perking at the sound of hisses and growls, nose twitching. Blood!? Fighting down panic and the bile rising in his throat, he rushed towards the sounds and scents, tail streaming behind him. That blood smells like Ashstorm... He prayed it was just him being a worry-wart. But his fears were met, followed by anger as he realized what was occurring as his mate and clanmate came into view. He didn't butt in once he saw the deputy grab the other warrior's throat, though he had been about to. He waited knowing Ashstorm wouldn't inflict further harm on the other, finally making his presence known after the exchange about his mate being a queen now. "I would," he hissed at the cheetah, ears pinned to his skull, tail flicking in anger. "I suggest you apologize. To Ashstorm. Me. And our kits. You could have harmed them! What were you thinking!?" He was finding it extremely hard to fight down his fury, tail puffed to double it's thickness with the fur on his back rising. "If you think my decision on deputy was so wrong, if you think Ashstorm's presence is so terrible in this clan, we have no room for you! Leave! Starclan has accepted her, as have I. You need to as well or you are not welcome here!" [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] Ashstorm crouched, preparing to spring again, when Echostar's voice rang in her ears like a beautiful song. She turned to see him with pricked ears as he defended his mate and his kits. But when he asked what his warrior was thinking, attacking a queen like she did, both verbally and then physically, Ashstorm was quick to answer for her. She is a mouse-brain. Any warrior can see I am fat because of kits. The kits of Echostar! If she had half a brain, she would've seen it as well. And Echostar is right, Ashstorm growled as she took her place by Echostar. If you cannot accept me as deputy, then you must leave. If you choose not to leave, and still taunt me of my roots and heritage, I will force you to leave... pregnant or not. Ashstorm snarled, her long teeth bared and still glistening red from the fight. The warrior just stood, looking at her paws. Yes, Echostar. Ashstorm, I am sorry. I will trouble you no more. Ashstorm narrowed her eyes to amber slits, but concealed her teeth. I accept your apology, but your actions will not go unpunished. For the next half moon, you must tend to the elders. Fix their ticks, fetch them prey, clean their den and nests, and anything else they wish for you to do. Ashstorm said steadily, though she was still shaken with fear for her kits from the battle. The warrior opened her mouth to object, but saw Ashstorm set a stern glare and thought better of speaking back. Yes, Ashstorm. she said and padded away toward the elders den. Ashstorm looked at Echostar with a frightened look. I hope they are all still healthy and well. Ashstorm said, her voice quivering with pain and fear for her unborn kits, as she placed her head under Echostar's chin, seeking comfort and safety.

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] Echostar glanced at Ashstorm, growing almost frustrated with her as well at what she was saying. She could have only made it worse. Waving his tail, he pushed it in front of his mate as the other cat left, giving his mate a stern look. "Ashstorm. Let me handle these things next time. There will be no more fighting between members of this clan. If someone says something to you- as horrible as this cat probably did, come to me. I know what they said was terrible and untrue, but I do not like seeing any of you fight, especially my mate who is with my kits. If this cat does not want to leave you alone, they will leave under my word, because they know they will be forced out by me. You will not be forcing them out. You are pregnant, and my deputy. Remember that. Just because you are my mate, does not mean you handle something that affects the whole clan. That is a leader's duty, and next time, come to me before you get into a fight. That's not acceptable in this clan, even if I do love you. Also- I give the punishments as well." He smiled slight for the first time during his 'speech'. "I would have had her eat dirt as well." His whiskers twitched in amusement, having to add something less serious to his whole spiel- he had to remember he was a leader, not just Ashstorm's mate, and he had to make sure everything was run okay. He couldn't have anymore fighting. He grew serious again, eyes filling with worry and sadness. "I hope so too," he muttered, voice cracking with that worry. His ears were pinned to his head, and his tail drooped down, running his tongue over his mate's cheek. "You need to see Swiftstep." [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] Ashstorm growled as he spoke. I can handle myself just fine, Echostar. I respect you as my mate and my clan leader, but I need to fight my own battles. Yes, if it gets to out of paw, I will get you. But please, Echostar, let me fight my own battles whether I'm pregnant or not. Anger flashed like fire in her amber eyes, then ebbed away as she sighed heavily. I'm sorry Echostar. I'm just under a lot of stress. The duties of being deputy, caring for unborn kits, dealing with warriors. It's starting to affect me. She sighed. She shook her coat, stumbling with the weight of her belly. I guess I should go see Swiftstep. She lumbered toward the medicine den and disappeared inside, reappearing after several moments. The cubs' outcome is yet to be said. She said to Echostar as she padded past, slipping into the nursery. --- A high pitched yowl shattered the silence of moon high. It had been four moons since Ashstorm conceived and her kits were ready to join CheetahClan. The other queens woke with a start and stared at Ashstorm. They had supported her since she joined the nursery and now murmured words of encouragement as she growled with the pain as she prepared to deliver her kits. Voices rang around her as the camp's guard burst into the nursery. What is happened!? He demanded. Ashstorm looked up at him with blazing eyes. Get Swiftstep! My kits are coming! Ashstorm yowled as another wave of pain made her body stiffen. The guard disappeared without hesitation and Ashstorm dug her claws into her bracken nest, trying hard not to show weakness. OOC: Maybe we can bring Swiftstep's roleplayer in just for the birthing?

[jellyfish]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,5,true][atrb=width,497,true][atrb=height,199,true][atrb=background,http://i56.tinypic.com/2ynq63l.jpg][atrb=cellPadding,1,true][scrolly:h(170),w(475),sy,as(position:relative;left:20px;)] She had been sorting bramble twigs and borage when the guard came running. He stumbled into her healing space like a kit on weak new legs, and made about the same amount of mess in his wake. The cat was obviously flustered, for he practically danced around her stores, shattering pieces of the twigs she had been collecting since the break of dawn and scattering their pieces across the ground. Swiftstep- for she had no use for imbeciles who ruined her hard work- shut him up with a terrifying hiss. "Fool! These herbs are important! They are to help Ashstorm after she-" But the medicine cat was interrupted by the squawking of the guard, who seemed to have found words the instant she tried to shut him up. Ashstorm! He said, the panicked look of someone who hadn't a clue what to do swimming in his eyes. She's giving birth! As if those very words were a trigger, Swiftstep blinked once before sweeping the usable twigs and leaves over to the guard to carry. "Put these in your mouth and come with me. I don't want to hear a peep from you." Even in the moment of excitement, Swiftstep was just as surly as ever. They made short time of getting over to the nursery, and even shorter time on locating the swollen carrier of the leaders kits. Swiftstep demanded of the guard to set her bundle of bramble twigs and borage down immediately, and sent him from the nursery with a withering look. Her eyes softened when she looked down at Ashstorm, and she murmured quietly to the other feline. "It hurts- It will hurt. But it will be all over quite soon, little one." Her words might have seemed a tad silly- after all, Ashstorm was older than she, so using such a term probably made her seem a bit mousebrained- but she spoke despite that, and made no attempt to correct herself. She was the medicine cat- she was Swiftstep- she would refer to anyone however she would please. ---------------- "There are four, though one has joined starclan early." She murmured solemnly, when Ashstorm had birthed the last kit, and she had cleaned up a bit. "Another has a twisted paw, and yet another is smaller than usual- but other than that, all three of these kittens are relatively healthy." She said that with a smile- one hopefully taken as a sign of encouragement for the new mother. "I suppose you would like Echostar to come and see his kits?" Without waiting for a reply, she called out to the guard who had fetched her earlier, and sent him running for the leader. "Mousebrained lad, nearly wrecked the herbs I was going to give you. These bramble twigs should calm you and help with sleep, while the borage should help with increasing your milk supply." Swiftstep proceeded to chew the twigs into syrup before mixing them with the borage and presenting them to the king cheetah. "I'll leave you now- yowl if you need anything," She murmured before strolling off to check on the other queens in the nursery, intent on making sure all of her clan was in good health. ooc; I hope that works? x3 stock credit goes to Martin Pettitt of flickr

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[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] At the word that Ashstorm had given birth, his eyes had brightened. He had kits! The only thing he regretted was the fact he hadn't been there for her when she was kindling. He was sure that it would be alright as soon as he saw her though. This was the most exciting thing that he could have ever imagined. He actually had never imagined it would have been this fantastic. Jumping at the thought, his face fell when he heard they had lost a kit. That was so upsetting. But at least the other three were okay- save for the twisted paw on the one. But that kit would live with it, he knew with his and Ashstorm's blood would provide those kits with tons of courage and strength. With bounding leaps, he skittered to where his mate would be laying, most likely suckling his kits. "Ashstorm! Are you alright? How are you feeling? How are the kits? Did you name them without me?" he asked, a million questions just spurting from his excited lips, ears perked, tail held up confidentially behind him. [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] Ashstorm lay exhausted in her nest, using her thick tail to guide her cubs to her teats, watching them suckle with pride and joy. She jumped as the silence was broken by Echostar coming into the den. He badgered her with questions. She purred with amusement. I am fine, my love. Our kits are well, too. But we only have three, the fourth is deceased. She growled as she remembered her fight with that warrior. It was just as much her fault as it was the warrior's that the fourth kit was never born alive. She sighed. And I have named one before you came in. Ashstorm pointed to the large male in the middle. His name is Viperkit. He's a strong one, like his sisters. Ashstorm purred loudly. You can name the other two. She chirped. OOC: We can change the names to whatever Echostar wants. Sorry ^^;

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/table2-1.png] [scrolly:h(98),w(310),sy] With a soft purr, laced with sadness for the lost fourth kit, Echostar crouched down quietly, not wanting to frighten the kits with any accidental loud noises. He leaned forward, tongue lapping reassuringly across Ashstorm's cheek and ears. "At least you and three of the other kits are alright. I couldn't have asked for anything more... anything better... They're beautiful.. I'm sorry I wasn't here while you were giving birth, I haven't been sleeping well, too anxious for this moment.." His voice was soft, sheepish and almost embarrassed. His whiskers brushed against the kits as he looked them each over, giving them each a gentle lick on the head. He had heard from another cheetah that when their mate had kits, the mother always fell in love with the kits instantly, but the father not as quickly. He resented that the other cheetah had said that. He loved his kits already- but maybe it was different since he just loved kits in general. Looking amazed at the thought of naming the kits. When he pondered for names, nothing came to mind. Almost disappointed in himself, he shook his head, finally laying across from his mate. "No, it's alright, you can name them.. I can't think of any names, and I know whatever you name them will be great," he admitted, smiling embarrassedly. [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] Ashstorm purred, resting her cheek against Echostar's leg. They are beautiful. She said softly, nuzzling her kits gently. How about the one with the crooked paw, we call her Sandkit, because of her sandy colored fur. And that small one, Rosekit. Ashstorm suggested. She purred as she looked proudly at her kits. What worries me, though, is that Sandkit won't ever be able to be a warrior. What will she be? The queen asked, her voice weighted with concern for her kit. Suddenly, Rosekit's eyes opened slightly. Ashstorm's heart fluttered as the kit broke away from her mother's belly and looked out around the nursery, squirming close to Ashstorm's belly again at the sight of so many large cats. It is okay, my sweet. Nobody here will harm you. Ashstorm cooed softly, wrapping her tail gently, protectively, around her three babies. Rosekit looked around at everyone, her gaze falling upon Echostar. She tilted her head to one side and stretched out a trembling paw toward him. Ashstorm purred. That is Echostar, your father. Ashstorm said softly. Rosekit stumbled to her paws and walked on unsteady legs toward Echostar, tripping and falling on his forepaw. She gave him a cautious sniff before craning her neck to see his face.

[`echo !?]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/echostar2.png] [scrolly:h(306),w(200),sy] Echostar's paws kneaded the ground, his eyes filled with a sense of warmth and love for the kits. He felt so... accomplished, to have brought such beautiful kits to Cheetahclan. And such strong kits. Already survived a battle- a battle inside his mate's belly. Even the one with the crooked paw would be a great asset to the clan if they decided they wanted to be a medicine cat. "I knew you would choose wonderful names," he purred, licking the kits' heads. "I would have chosen something silly like Dirtkit. I'm terrible at names." He let out a soft chuckle, before tilting his head ever so slightly. "Hopefully Sandkit will find interest in the Medicine den. maybe she could become a Medicine Cat Apprentice.." he pondered seriously, ears flicking in the warmth of the den. He looked down at Rosekit, licking her head gently as she waddled around, and then towards him. "Hello little one, you're awfully cute, you know that?" he asked her with a rumbling purr, lowering his head so it was level with the kit. ((Did we skip? Cheetahs don't open their eyes until 11 days after birth.)) [/scrolly]

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[atrb=background,http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy35/BaileeDanielle3/ashstormtable2.png] Ashstorm scooted Rosekit back into the nest, purred, and looked at Echostar. They are beautiful. She whispered as they suckled on her belly. The other kits squirmed about as Rosekit shoved them so she could suckle. Ashstorm purred loudly. These were her kits and Echostar's kits. A strong feeling of protection washed over the queen and she layed her tail around them, keeping them warm. They mewled pitifully and Ashstorm licked them each softly, comforting them with love. She yawned suddenly and layed in her nest. I should get some sleep. She yawned. They are sure to be out of the nursery tomorrow getting in all sorts of trouble. Ashstorm giggled and laid her head down to rest, falling asleep almost instantly. Morning came quickly and Ashstorm opened her eyes with a yawn. Good morning kits. She purred as she looked at her belly. Her eyes widened and she sprang to her paws. Her kits were gone! She searched the nursery intently, checking around every nest, under every queen. There were nowhere to be found. She hurried out of the nursery and looked around the clearing, her eyes revealing her panic. They softened suddenly with relief. Her kits were bouncing around the center of the clearing with a moss ball. She forced her fur to lie flat as she sat down and curled her fluffy tail around her paws, licking her chest fur. Rosekit had the ball in her mouth, haring away from her brother and sister. She wasn't looking where she was going and barreled into Ashstorm's forelegs. Rosekit jumped back with a squeak of surprise and looked up to her mother. Hello Ashstorm! Her kits mewed in unison. Hello my precious kits. How are we today? Ashstorm asked gently. She looked up, searching for Echostar. OOC: Sorry it took so long.