APPLESTAR - WINDCLAN LEADER

~ Within the withered hollow shaft of the antique nursery den Applekit, Honeykit, Cherrykit, and Pinekit where fetched unceremoniously into the world. Their birth, though adored as all new additions to the clan are, was rather trivial and mundane. Daisystorm was an immensely proud warrior queen, and incessantly left the bundles of fluff to return to her duties out in the dark depths of the forest. Russetcoat, on the other paw, seized every opportunity to be a doting and loving father -playing with his kits and spoiling them upon every occasion. It is easy to assume then that they were indeed a happy and average family.

~ As the looming form of a broad-shouldered feline stood silhouetted with the sun bathed tallrock, Applepaw’s growing legs trembled. The young tom’s stout head, though, was lifted proudly into the cooling air with his pale green eyes glowing in the dim light. His mentor, Tansyheart, was known for being gentle and thoughtful –the exact opposite of Apple. While she strove to teach the young tom patience he fought doubly hard to master everything in the quickest possible way. He would spur on the other apprentices with jibs and speeches, often causing a rowdy scene to unfold. In this way he met Yellowkit and the two became friends, the best of.

~ Darkness lapped at Applestripe’s pale claws as they dug reflexively into the dank soil of ShadowClan’s new stretch of stolen territory. He proved to be neither the strongest nor the brightest of warriors, but his determination and devotion had led him into the title of deputy. His first apprentice, Squirrelnose, lay a fox-length ahead as she inspected the fresh marked border. A more pressing issue hung in the thickening air, though –ShadowClan was about to ambush the unlucky patrol. The earth was drenched with thick, russet blood by the time the moon peeked from behind a corner of the last remaining storm cloud. Apple’s head was hunched in defeat, the body of his sister lay crumpled and lifeless upon the grass. While the WindClan warriors had faught bravely, they had been out maneuvered and outgunned.   ShadowClan would continue to claim WindClan soil.  Worse yet, the loss had come with a heavy price. But not all was lost and as light washed the land a love kindled between him and a beautiful ivory she-cat, Clovertail.

~ Moons passed and Applestripe became Applestar with the passing of the elder she-cat who had led WindClan to numerous triumphs -including claiming a stretch of RiverClan territory. This proud tom had come to lose his youngest son within his first litter, and the death was not taken well. Using the fresh wound of the clan he rallied his warriors and commanded them once more into battle with ShadowClan. It was victorious in the end, but the passionate leader lost a life and received a wound to his hind-leg that was to trouble him greatly in his elder years. The victory was short-lived, and ShadowClan quickly reclaimed the land. It was a crushing defeat.

~ But life went on, and he was blessed with another healthy litter of kits. His second apprentice, a young tom by the name of Smallpaw, did not live up to his expectations by far. Applestar had been a passionate kitten and so he expected the same. Smallpaw, however, was insecure, careful, and cautious. Although Applestar tried his best their partnership was strained.

~ In one fell swoop The Alliance took out first ThunderClan, and then RiverClan. Fleeing cats were welcomed into WindClan's depths, although RiverClan refuges were kept at a skeptical distance. Through the victims he learned of the rogues' actions, and he swore revenge. Immediately the large tabby called for a fight to end it. However, his senior warriors and loving mate managed to convinced the tom not to repeat RiverClan's mistake.

~ Now an old feline, Applestar’s passion has begun to wane and patience may prove to take its place –though this is left to be seen. He has lost many a life to battles, mistakes, and victories. Each is precious and distinct, and a story unto themselves. Now he watches with slowly fading eyes as those he loves passes away to be replaced with new faces and dreams.