[TSF] Morningflame

9.25.19 | updated for reboot! art from @/Sweet-n-treat
11.3.16 | updated his relationships -- now in first person, and including all windclan members

Name: Morningflame
[Morning] - named for his pelt, which reminded his mother of the bright white sun of an early morning
        [flame] - for his warm spirit and determination
Previous Names: Morningkit | Morningpaw 
Clan: WindClan
Age: 42 moons
Rank: Warrior
Gender: Tom
Apprentice: None
Appearance details: Average height but smaller frame due to being a WindClan cat--lithe muscles, agile body. His fur is short but a bit scruffy--fairly well groomed as his coat picks up dust and dirt from the territory very easily. His fur is completely white with no markings, with bright, golden eyes flecked with yellow. His tail is more bushy than his coat. His pawpads and nose are a light pink, long calloused from the rocky moorlands. He is a rather attractive cat as well, always known for being well-groomed and carrying himself well.

kithood | 0-6 ☾
Morningkit was born in a small litter, just himself and his sister, Nightkit. Their parents, Amberleaf and Shadestripe, were content enough to have two healthy kittens, naming them after the times of day that their pelts reminded them of. Morningkit and Nightkit were both cheerful and happy; their parents affectionate and loving. Their kithood was simple and easy, sleeping beside their mothers every night. 

apprenticeship | 6-12 ☾
Morningkit and Nightkit were named apprentices on the same morning, both eager to receive their mentors and begin training to be warriors--and their mother eager to be a warrior again as well. Morningpaw's mentor, Mousewhisker, was a kind she-cat, and she was happy to put her energy into mentoring him. Likewise, Nightpaw seemed to do well with her mentor, Longfoot, and the four of them went training together often. Nightpaw always seemed cheerful enough on patrols and hunting missions, but once the two were alone together, her smiles seemed to fade, and she would seem to Morningpaw almost slower, duller, sadder. At first, he thought he must have been imagining it--or that something unfortunate had happened to her earlier that day. But as time went on, it seemed more and more clear that Nightpaw wasn't happy. She said she didn't know why, and Morningpaw felt frustrated that he didn't know how to make her feel better, so the two put their efforts into training and hoped everything would resolve itself in the end.

On one particular border patrol, the apprentices happened to run into the barn loners. Longfoot and Mousewhisker spoke politely to the cats, but quietly advised their apprentices to always be cautious of cats who weren't a part of clans. Morningpaw had nodded along with their advice, even if he didn't think the loners were untrustworthy. Nightpaw had seemed strangely quiet after meeting the loners, and Morningpaw was eager to speak to her alone after the encounter.

When he did, her words surprised him. Morningpaw had always known, of course, of the other clans they shared their borders with. How foolish could he be not to? But though they had heard of rogues and loners, the siblings had never actually encountered any, ever seen any with their own eyes. Nightpaw confessed to him that she felt like she didn't belong in WindClan--in any clan, that she felt penned in and wrong within the group. When Morningpaw asked her why, she couldn't answer, telling him it was just how she felt, but that seeing the loners gave her hope that cats outside of clans could survive and be happy. Morningpaw didn't know what to say--he and his sister were so close, the thought of losing her was devastating. Finally, he told her that she couldn't leave, that she had to stay in WindClan, that she belonged, and that they needed her. Nightpaw seemed disheartened after, hanging her head and complying with what her brother was saying even when it was clear she didn't believe. The conversation shook Morningpaw to his core, but since Nightpaw didn't bring it up again, he felt more confident that perhaps the feeling had passed.

warriorhood | 12-??? ☾
Eventually, the day came for the apprentices to become warriors, and Morningpaw was as excited as any cat could be. Lining up with the other apprentices, Morningpaw didn't notice his sister hadn't joined them. Reedstar named him Morningflame, for his warm spirit and his determination. It was only as Reedstar gave out all the names that Morningflame realized Nightpaw had not been among him, looking back at the crowd to see her sat, with her head down, with their parents. Of course, thanks to the vigil, Morningflame couldn't question why she hadn't joined him. 

After the ceremony, his parents headed over to him, congratulating him and pressing their noses to his, covering his cheeks in comforting licks and purring in his ears. Nightpaw told him she was proud too, brushing her pelt against his before heading back to the apprentice den.

The warriors sat vigil throughout the night, and in the morning, Mousewhisker told Morningflame that Nightpaw had been held back because Longfoot didn't think she was progressing as quickly or as well as the other apprentices. Morningflame didn't know what to say--he had trained with Nightpaw, he was sure her progress was on par with his own! But Mousewhisker went on to say Longfoot didn't feel she had a warrior's spirit, and until he felt like she truly wanted to be a warrior, how could he approve her promotion? Morningflame didn't really know what to say to any of that, mostly brushing it off stubbornly and going to get some rest.

For some time, Morningflame treated Longfoot and Mousewhisker coldly, feeling like they were the reason his sister was still out doing apprentice chores instead of standing with him as a warrior. There also felt like there was more distance between the pair now, Morningflame struggling to get Nightpaw to open up to him. She insisted she was all right, that she would be a warrior like him someday, that he just had to be patient. 

But it was not to be. It had been an ordinary morning, with Morningflame preparing for a patrol and the mentors taking their apprentices out to train. Longfoot approached Morningflame, explaining that he couldn't seem to find Nightpaw anywhere, asking if he had seen her go out on an earlier patrol. When he said he hadn't, Longfoot had nodded and headed for their deputy. By the time Morningflame returned from his patrol, he was informed by Amberleaf that Nightpaw was missing, and they were sending out border patrols to search for her. Of course, Morningflame had been quick to accompany his mother on one, but it seemed no matter where they looked, she couldn't be found on the territory.

That gave Morningflame an idea about where to check, leading his mother to the barn on the side of their borders. They explained to the loners who they were looking for, but the cats swore they hadn't seen Nightpaw, and Amberleaf admitted that she couldn't catch her scent either. Eventually, the clan had to give up their search and pronounce Nightpaw a rogue, a cat who had abandoned her clan and turned her back on their way of life. Morningflame was distraught, as were his parents, and the three of them spent the remainder of the day mourning the family that they would never see again. 

For some time after, everything seemed to be the same. Every day, waking up for patrols, hunting, sharing tongues, even receiving his first apprentice--it all felt very stale and empty. Morningflame didn't feel like enough cats were saddened by the departure of his sister, angry that Longfoot hadn't done enough to nurture her, and that he himself hadn't tried harder to understand her when she had first told him she felt like she didn't belong. The tom became colder, more detached from the cats around him, only really soft and kind to his parents. He wasn't cruel, but he didn't make any attempts to socialize if he didn't have to. Instead, he just carried on with his day to day life as every other cat did, watching things change around him as apprentices became warriors, and kits left the nursery to take their place.

Eventually, the famine came. Prey was harder to catch, the moorlands were more and more empty. Morningflame was hungrier, as every cat was. Many cats were disheartened, despairing. As sickness started to spread, it was hard not to be affected. Morningflame tried to keep a cool head through the troubles, encouraging his mother when she worried about the clan, and when she muttered quietly that she hoped Nightpaw was getting enough to eat, he insisted his sister had always been a very good hunter. The disease and famine stole many lives from WindClan, leaving the survivors starving, and anguished with loss. 

When the leaders announced their decision to travel to find a new home, many cats were against it, believing this was where StarClan wanted them to be. Morningflame was skeptical, but it was impossible to say that they could survive here. There was no food, the lake was drying out, and the cats were growing ill so fast that the medicine cat couldn't keep up with them. His parents were nervous of leaving the last place they had seen Nightpaw, but Morningflame told them that a loner would have traveled to find food if there was none--that he was sure that she must have been safe because she wouldn't let herself be tied to one, dying place. They seemed to believe him, for they both found the strength to make the journey.

But the journey was no easy matter. Traveling through a jagged mountain pass would have been challenging enough at peak health, but these cats had suffered a great deal before even setting foot in the mountains. Morningflame found himself tending to more than just his parents, trying his best to help any struggling WindClan cat he could, even Longfoot. Though he was still detached and relatively unemotional, he tried to make the cats around him feel warm, and safe. The more he struggled, the more he was reminded of how Nightpaw had wanted him to reach out to her, to understand her, and he did his best to do that for the cats around him, even if more physically than emotionally. 

But the mountains were rigorous no matter how hard the clan tried to stay together, work together, and be safe. His mother, Shadestripe, was lost to the cliffs, and Mousewhisker's legs gave out from starvation and fatigue. The cats tried to stay together as best as they could, and finally, they reached the new territory. The journey was so exhausting for everyone that the relief of finding a home at long last was uplifting. Reedstar passed on shortly after they arrived, as if guiding the clans to their home was her final mission before she could be welcomed to StarClan. 

+ [ level-headed | understanding | orderly ]
level-headed :: Morningflame is very thoughtful, and does his best to consider everything in turn. Logic rules him far more than emotions do, so he can always be counted on to make choices after serious thought.
understanding :: After everything he went through with his sister, Morningflame always does his best to be understanding to the troubles of others. Though he doesn't always come across as compassionate, he tries to impart in others--especially mentors--to always lend an ear to the troubles of their friends. 
orderly :: Along with his well-groomed coat, Morningflame does his best to keep the clan running smoothly and orderly. He prefers as close to set scheduling as possible, and is very conscientious of cleanliness within the camp. 

= [ dignified | charitable | terse ]
dignified :: Morningflame always carries himself in a very proud manner, keeping himself well-groomed and almost majestic. Though it makes him appear confident, some cats always find this makes him seem standoffish as well.
charitable :: Though Morningflame has pride in his own clan, he sees no issue with trying to help others and coming to aide of those in need--including loners and rogues, as long as there is no threat present. He sees to reason to decline things if he can help--why make an enemy when you don't have to?--but some cats can see it as weakness.
terse :: He tends to be a cat of few words. Morningflame doesn't take longer than he needs to explain things and keeps everything brief, and also is quite direct and doesn't beat around the bush. 

- [ detached | rigid | calculating ]
detached :: Thanks to the time Morningflame spent feeling isolated from his clan after his sister left, he feels somewhat emotionally distant with them, even after the journey. He isn't one to get attached quickly.
rigid :: Morningflame tends to be firm in his beliefs and decisions once they've been made, and doesn't take kindly to being told he is wrong.
calculating :: Due to being ruled by logic, Morningflame understands that sometimes, you must make the unpopular opinion to protect your clan. Considering the repercussions of such decisions, it isn't necessarily a good trait.

Likes: snow and leaf-bare hunting, hare, birds, crisp night air, starry nights, the feel of the beach sand on his paws
Dislikes: rain, forests, mountains, soggy wet ground, dirt and getting his pelt dirty, heat

• Morningflame is not one to talk about his problems to anyone but his mother or sister, so he tends to bear most problems on his own shoulders.
  

Orientation: Pansexual
Looking for: Not interested
Ideal Relationship and Traits: Currently, he is uninterested in taking a mate and hasn't considered what he does and doesn't want in one.

Mentor: Mousewhisker
Apprentice:  
Crush: 
Mate: 
Ex-Mate/s: 
Kin: Shadestripe, Amberleaf, Nightpaw

"I'm not one to make bold claims about how my clan is superior to others... we're better at some things. I doubt we could fish like RiverClan. I couldn't tolerate filth the way ShadowClan does. At the end of the day, WindClan is my home. I suppose that's all there is to it."

Moorstar | frickinkey | leader
"You've hunted more hares than me simply because you're of a more accelerated age. Wait until I'm as old as you."

Rosethorn | CitrineCitrus | deputy
"Pigsnout always made it out like she was rather strict, but it's hard to say I see that as a bad thing. Still... her apprentice Mist-tail reminds me of what happened with Nightpaw. I wondered what really happened..."

Goosetooth | KreoWolf | medicine cat
"Considering his father is still around as well, Goosetooth must have incredible genes. I expect he'll be our medicine cat for quite a while longer. He's eccentric, and I can't say I enjoy visiting him, but he's served out clan well."

Snailpaw | me! | medicine cat apprentice
"It's hard to believe a cat with a bad leg lead the way through the mountains for us. But, she's clearly spirited, and she must value the clans to have done such hard work. Although she's young, I do respect what she's done."

Amberleaf | NPC | mother
"I'm quite close with my mother and I try to take care of her as best as I can now that she's an elder. She still asks me about Nightpaw sometimes and... even though worrying about my sister still keeps me up some nights, I assure her as best as I can."

Pigsnout | StruggleMatch | clanmate, friend
"Pigsnout and I spent our youth together, as we were born around the same time. I appreciate his friendship, but lately I feel too worn out to make too much of an effort..."

Palebriar | Nap-Rapt0r | clanmate
"She's been through a lot, but in all fairness, haven't we all? Hopefully the new territory can be a fresh start for you. All the same, I'll keep my distance... She's a paw-ful..."

Specklestorm | geckobud | former apprentice
"My apprentice has grown into a fine warrior. She's much more high energy than I am, but... she reminds me of the way I was before Nightpaw left. I hope she can keep her positive spirit now that Copperpaw has joined StarClan. I'll be here for her if she needs me."

"I don't understand how these cats can be so comfortable with... well, being so wet. Awful. We now share a border with them, but I'm not worried. We won't be overstepping into the river, and the current, surely, is too fast for them to be trespassing on our lands."

Bearstar | StruggleMatch | leader
"I suppose he'd seem old if I wasn't so accustomed to Branchsnap and Goosetooth. Still, for a leader, he is old. How long can nine lives stretch..? He may live to be the oldest cat yet..."

"SkyClan doesn't particularly bother me. They aren't very friendly, but I'm not interested in befriending other clans, anyway. Let them enjoy their mountains."

Thawstar | BARACATT | leader
"She seems to be a competent leader. I haven't seen much of her in action though. Hopefully, she retains a headache free reign."

"Historically, ThunderClan and WindClan have had a good relationship. With a river between us, I don't anticipate much trouble from this clan. Nothing to worry about, really."

Cedarstar | tinymonstrosity | leader
"You can't help noticing a cat her size. We didn't spend much time together on the journey, but she seems like a good, reliable leader for ThunderClan."

"Ordinarily, I wouldn't be bothered about ShadowClan. They have a bad reputation, but since Sleekstar, it's been a thing of the past. However, their leader is now a rogue masquerading as a clan cat, and we're lucky enough to share a border. I'll be very cautious. They'll not take a pawpad of territory from us."

Coyotestar | me! | leader
"All things considered, I can't say I'm a fan of loners and rogues. Sleekstar was a fool to appoint one as her deputy, and now look where she's left things. I hope Moorstar is keeping a close eye on things between our clans."

Nightpaw | RANPl | sister
"Ah, my feelings towards you feel so complex. I'm still angry at you for leaving me; and I'm angrier still that you left without a goodbye, although rationally, I think that's because you knew I'd try to stop you. After everything that's happened... all I can do is pray that you're safe, and somewhere where prey is plentiful. StarClan watch over you--and I hope we can somehow meet again someday. I miss you."

i don't mind
tsf sketches
doing well

Bennet couldn't die--he couldn't die here, by Nicchia's hand or Ernest's or Aurelius', because his purpose was far from over. He'd accomplished a lot, but not enough, no where near enough, and he couldn't let Nicchia snuff him out so easily like this. So no matter how many times he felt the burn of silver pierce his skin--no matter how many bullets Ernest shot him with, and no matter how much blood he knew he was losing that he couldn't replenish, he couldn't lose. He couldn't die. Despite his injured, bleeding hand and his even more freshly injured shoulder, he fought against her as best as he could, nails digging into her skin and doing the best that he could to try and strangle her, even just enough to get her to loosen his grip. He didn't care about killing her now; he just wanted to get far enough away to flee until he was strong enough to get rid of her permanently. If he could just get her off of him, if he could just get her to loosen her grip for a second --

He didn't have the air to hiss as his hands were tugged away from Nicchia's neck, realizing after a second it was Aurelius pulling them away; the hands were too soft and delicate to be Ernest's and Nicchia were very clearly still pushing him down under the water. He couldn't get Nicchia off of him if Aurelius had his hands, so he turned his struggled on Aurelius instead, scratching at the man's chest and neck to try and get him to stop. Despite the water, he could still hear Aurelius speak--muffled, but clear enough to understand.

"Stop struggling."

Bennet could feel the fight starting to leave him at those words; he didn't know if it was Aurelius' influence, or his body starting to give out. Either way, his lungs were burning and it was harder to fight Nicchia's strength. He didn't want to die, he was scared to die--and he stopped scratching at Aurelius' neck, letting the man's hand's pull his away, and instead curling his fingers around his. He was scared, and maybe Aurelius wouldn't have wanted to give him comfort, but Bennet was still selfish, and he wanted it. He weakly squeezed his hands, taking some small comfort as Aurelius squeezed them back. He could still hear him faintly, trying to relax and listen to him.

"Quies."

By the time Nicchia pulled him out of the water again, he didn't have the strength to cough up the water in his lungs. His head was spinning from lack of oxygen--her words were somewhat lost on him. It was hard to listen to them, and the moments he managed to process were literally hard to hear. He didn't want what she was saying to be true; he didn't want to die forgotten. He didn't want his life to be meaningless. He didn't want to be erased from history. More than anything, he didn't want Aurelius to be the one helping her kill him. He didn't want Aurelius to hate him the way Nicchia hated him, but there was no strength left to speak to him and no time left to fix it. His lips shook as he tried to speak, but he couldn't even breathe, head starting to get too foggy to hear the end of what she was saying.

But Aurelius was still squeezing his hands, and that was about all he could process anymore.

A last comfort.

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