xx. head in the clouds {open}

[Minty]

The cool breeze of a perfect day softly billowed the elder's fur as he lay on a rock sunning himself. The green leaves of the trees above gently swayed in the wind. Cobrastrike sighed in content, his striking blue eyes fluttering open. He had just experienced the perfect nap; nobody had bothered him, the weather was perfect, and camp was mostly quiet. None of the warriors were having pointless squabbles about stupid things. The tom sat up on his rock with a giant yawn, and glanced around the clearing. A couple of lovebirds nearby were sharing tongues lovingly. Cobrastrike couldn't help the giddy smile that found its way on his lips, his insides warming at the sight of new love. The tom's gaze flew up to the sky, his thoughts taking a turn towards his beloved. He felt a pang of agony deep inside his chest; grief for his deceased mate, Willowsong. The elder let out a soft sigh, the pain as fresh as the day she died many moons ago in a past leafbare. Cobrastrike blinked his blue orbs, and began to groom his white and gray fur, wondering what he should do today.

[Willow]

Russetpaw looked around curiously, inspecting it for something exciting. She spotted Cobrastrike smiling dreamily at the sky, and though, she admitted, it was not as exciting as her being the first to spot a invasion from whatever there was hiding in their territory, it gave her something to do.

"Hello, Cobrastrike" She smile, interrupting the old tom. She suddenly regretted doing so. He was obviously alone, and thinking deeply. Maybe he wanted to be alone!

"Uh.." She continued awkwardly. "I was just wondering... " She frantically thought of a polite way to ask for a story. "Would you like me to check your pelt for ticks?"

[Minty]

The tom glanced to the side, spotting Russetpaw. He repositioned himself on his rock so he could see the apprentice better. Cobrastrike nodded politely to the she-cat, listening to what she had to say. When she asked to check his pelt for ticks, a short chuckle escaped the elder's lips. "That's not needed Russetpaw, I went to Gingerberry earlier today because they were bothering me. They're all gone now." He said, blinking his sightless eyes. The tom carefully made his way off his rock, and onto the ground where he again turned to Russetpaw. "Is there anything else you need?" he asked.

[Willow]

Oh! Why couldn't have checked up earlier?! Russetpaw looked at her paws. She had no time to think of another excuse!

"Well... I was actually wondering if you would mind telling me a story She meowed feebly, hoping the Elder wouldn't think bad of her. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you... I understand if this might be a bad time..."

In truth.. she was dying for something exciting... A story might not be adventurous but at least she'd have something enjoyable to do for a couple moments.

[Minty]

A smile grew on the elder's lips as he listened to the apprentice speak. Once Russetpaw finished, the tom nodded. "Of course Russetpaw, I'll tell you a story." Cobrastrike chuckled and settled down into a lying position. "Have you ever heard the story of the badger battle moons ago? It was once said that this badger, you see, was terrorizing the Clan." He started off, widening his eyes to make the story sound more interesting. "Finally, the Clan was fed up. They were tired of sleeping in fright every night, so three brave warriors took a stand and voulnteered to chase the badger away. Amazing, right? The warriors set off one afternoon, and found the badger dozing off to the side of their territory, dangerously close to the border line. There yowls of anger could be heard from camp as they attacked. The badger was so surprised! He didn't even see it coming." Cobrastrike leaned forward, recalling the story perfectly as he heard it moons ago. "You know what happened next, Russetpaw?" He asked, a short purr rising in his throat.

[Willow]

It only took Russetpaw half a second to break into a smile, and drop into a comfortable position, ready to listen to whatever story Cobrastrike had thought of. She listened eagerly, and her eyes widened as the Elder told her about a badger, yet more troublesome than others. I wonder where it is now... She asked herself.
When Cobrastrike was done talking, it took her a while to figure out that the story wasn't over, and her had asked her a question.
“Oh! Uhh..” She paused. What could have happened next? “They didn't die did they?” She suddenly blurted out, not so excited with this story anymore. “Did anyone get hurt?” She vaguely remembered her own parents had died in a badger attack.

[Minty]

ooc;; so sorry about the wait.. and this sucky post x[

The elder chuckled at Russetpaw, his gaze soft and friendly. "No, they didn't die. Exactly the opposite, in fact. They charged the badger from different sides, taking the fierce animal off guard. The beast was terrified! It ran away with his head low and many battle scars all over his pelt. The warriors were crowned heroes when they returned." Cobrastrike mewed, coming to an end of his story. "Thankfully, none of the warriors were hurt. You know how badgers can get. They can really injure a cat." He said, warning the apprentice.

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[Willow]

Russetpaw let out a sigh. Phew... everyone was all right... she thought silently, and began to wonder about the story. After a moment or two, a curious question made her way into her mind. "Where you part of that fight, Cobrastrike?" She asked, obviously pressing the elder for more details.

[Minty]

Cobrastrike blinked, letting a few silent moments pass as he spoke. "No, little one. I was just announced a warrior at the time of the badger. I would have gone, but the leader decided the more experienced warriors could have handled the situation better." He replied, a bit surprised that he confessed that to the apprentice. The elder moved his icy blue eyes to the ground, moments of that time flashing back. His anger that he wasn't allowed to go on the mission, and how Willowsong had comforted him. Cobrastrike let out a soft sigh, grief for his mate churning through him. He glanced at Russetpaw, almost forgetting where he was for a split second. "It was a great victory." He mewed, recalling the badger attack again.

[Willow]

"Oh... " Russetpaw hesitated. "I think you would have handled just fine too. The leader should have let you go!"

She glanced at Cobrastrike a couple moments longer, and noticed that he was lost in thought. Obviously not about the badger. She was incredibly curious as to what he was thinking about, but didn't dare ask.

"We're you upset you couldn't go?" She asked softly, after Cobrastrike had finished speaking. She knew she would be. She would be dying top prove her skills to the clan, her first warrior mission. She pushed the thought away however. This was about Cobrastrike, not her. And anyway, she was not even 8 moons old.