we walk as one (aurum)

I AM NOT THROWING AWAY [ MY SHOT ]

no matter how the seasons continued to change and so did the world continue to turn with what seemed to be little regard for the passing time but for the simplicity of being and moving things along; no matter how snowfall fretted over the fact that time kept its unstoppable tick and did not wait, the way he could pride himself in putting that momentary happiness in pinestar’s face would never grow old for the tom. seeing his brother liked that brought snowfall a certain feeling that expressed that nothing had changed at all. no matter how their world pushed for change, it was a constant snowfall could ground his four paws firmly to the earth with.

the mention of his cheerful apprentice urged on a similar smile to settle on his maw. snowfall had nothing but good thoughts for the youngster, and it was rather an amusing reminder of him, too. “that is very much true,” he agreed, a deep purr resounding in his words, “and honestly? i’m glad you’re not regretting the choice. could have given me more warning beforehand, you know. i didn’t anticipate that i was going to be addressing such a big audience that day.” truly, snowfall was more than a little nervous to have been so abruptly shone in the spotlight. it took more effort to still the quakes gripping his body, and more to think of words to say. yet even though he would have liked to have been prepared, snowfall wouldn’t have changed a thing.

it warmed his heart to hear in person that pinestar still cared so much for him. true, pinestar did check up on every cat in the clan at one point or the other, but nevertheless it brought a warm feeling to being so acknowledged. “aw, you’re making me feel awfully warm and fuzzy. and to think that they peg you as the emotionless one!” it was no lie that pinestar certainly projected a more stoic image—in his field of work, it seemed almost a requirement—and somehow snowfall was the one privy to his softer side. not entirely true of course because pinestar was not, in fact, made purely of stone, but snowfall liked to tease like most brothers do.

and by the sound of it, snowfall needed that last bit of entertainment before the serious topics were addressed. the more pinestar talked, the more snowfall was enlightened. but at the same time, mortally confused. stagstrider had always been the more adventurous one in the family, but snowfall had never known him to do something so brash.. then again, in times as stressful as the possibility of an expansion and other pressing matters, their older brother oftimes found his solace in committing fun yet risky tasks. the other ones, snowfall had to think more on. spiderfang, he didn’t wonder much about, being aware of the dark tom’s volatile, goading tendencies. whitewater was loyal, certainly, and it seemed paradoxical that the warrior would jeopardize their clan’s security and their honor by initiating a fight to defend said things. now, silvershade.. snowfall never could understand the she-cat. he didn’t know what else she could get out of the situation aside from perhaps a little satisfaction? from what exactly, the deputy could not place a paw on. lastly, the apprentices were easily impressionable, and snowfall commended their ability to see the error in their superiors’ decisions. it was a messy thing, surely, and snowfall could already feel his muscles tighten and start to eradically twitch.

“it will be harder to negotiate when nerves have been struck, and we’re going to need other options. can’t rely so much on the river now.” it was so promising, and snowfall saw so many advantages in having that kind of land, but it wasn’t as achievable now. he regarded pinestar with a gentle expression. “i think public humiliation is punishment enough for them. i think they’ve learned their lesson,” he voiced, willing to temper pinestar’s ire, “besides, our energy would be better spent on devising a plan b than in admonishing warriors who are probably giving themselves a harder time than you’re already giving them.”