GRAYSTRIDE ~ RIVERCLAN

[graystride]

credits to ~NilgunT on Deviantart.
Graystride of RiverClan

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Name:
graystride.

Age:
98 moons.

Gender:
tom.

Clan:
riverclan.

Rank:
elder.

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Reason For Name:
gray for his gray fur, and
-stride for his long, proudful strides he used to take when he walked.

Previous Names:
graykit / graypaw / graystride

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One Sentence Description:
large long haired gray tom with cloudy green eyes.

Appearance:

This large tom is rather odd looking, really. He's just a mass of unkempt gray fur. He really doesn't care much to clean it himself, so there are random clumps of matted fur here and there that go unbothered. He's got to smell with all the debris clinging to his pelt, as well, but with his failing sense of smell he doesn't mind one bit.

He's unsturdy when he walks, caused by an injury that occured to him in his younger days. As a result, he has a limping way of walking, though when paired with his aching joints and stiff muscles, the old coot looks rather odd when he walks. He can still get around, though, but it takes him a while to get there. His paw pads are calloused and rough from moons upon moons of adventure, and now can sometimes be sore to walk on. His whiskers are uneven, bent, and frayed. His tail is crooked, and some of his claws and teeth are chipped and discolored.

All in all, the tom isn't the most handsome of the bunch in the least.

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Personality:

Graystride, in a nutshell, is a rather odd cat. Not that he chose to be this way, of course; back in the day he was just as normal as any other warrior, full of hope and promise to be the best warrior the forest had ever seen. But now old age has gotten to the tom. The years have caught up with him, and he's paying the price for his reckless behavior when he was young.

The large tom suffers from a light case of dementia, that is, he's senile. At least... A tad bit off, if not completely bonkers. It's very common to see the old coot wobbling his way around camp on those unsturdy legs of his, rambling with himself about some irrational topic, either made up on the spot or not. He talks to himself occasionally, has conversations with invisible beings, and it's not odd to catch him in a corner somewhere, carrying on as if he were really talking to someone. Truth is, he's simply lonely, though his worn out old brain doesn't register this, and so he simply rambles to himself, occasionally arguing with his own brain out loud, not a care in the world about anyone around him.

Graystride's age has dulled his senses, making his sight blurry and his hearing and sense of smell hazy. When speaking with an actual cat he'll often get incredibly close to their face to make out facial features before he backs up and continues whatever conversation it was. Personal space obviously isn't an issue with this old guy. One usually has to yell at him to get his attention, as his hearing has dulled out considerably. He can hear well enough, true, but it's hard to get him to pay attention when speaking to him. It's not that he has a hard time keeping on track, it's just that his ears aren't as sharp as they were in the old days. Even if he's seen and spoken to a cat a million times before, it's not uncommon for him to completely forget whoever it is and ask for their name again. He usually can't remember their last encounter, and so has to start over from scratch every single time he's spoken to, that means going through the introduction phase a million times over. Tedious, yes, but he can't help it.

He's stubborn to boot, and will fight tooth and claw, metephorically, of course, to make sure everyone knows that he's right. Usually, the only solution to get him to shut up and move on is to simply agree with him and then move on without him. If he doesn't want to move, he won't move. As simple as that. Although he may be grumpy sometimes if he doesn't get his way, the elder is completely harmless. He wouldn't hurt a fly if he could help it. Truthfully, he hates confrontation. He absolutely, completely loathes it, and refuses to fight. Only if he's absolutely needed to defend himself or anyone else will he ever raise a claw to anyone. Ever since he's retired Graystride has been a rather peaceful, if not a little bit crazy, cat.

Although senile and stubborn, Graystride, overall, is just a big, loveable teddybear. He's the friendliest cat imagineable, and is willing to talk to anyone so long as they're pleasureable company. He really just wants a friend, someone to come by and visit him every once in a while to talk to occasionally. Truth is, he misses the life of a warrior, no matter how content he may seem, and always feels cooped up in the camp. He secretly sneaks out once in a while, by himself, just to take a short stroll around the territory, though he knows well enough to never go near the borders by himself. He may be crazy but he's not dumb.

Which brings me to another topic. Even though Graystride may seem odd and dumb and not able to care for himself, the elder is wise and will show this side of himself to anyone he thinks needs a little nudge in the right direction. He's not a miracle worker, but he is definitely a wise cat to look up to when in a time of trouble.

And, despite his hobblings and odd personality, the old fart is a fighter. Graystride, even though he may seem like he couldn't survive a day on his own, would to very well on his own. If a fight is present, this tom is not one to mess with, because when you make him grumpy by going and attacking his friends or family, even though he doesn't like to fight, he will, and you will pay the price for upsetting this big guy.

Also. No matter where he is, this crafty old guy always, always has a stash of snacks somewhere. Mess with his snacks, and he will not be a happy camper.

Likes:

• Company
  
• Being the one to offer conversation
  
• Some kind of mild adventure
  
• watching the goings on of others
  
• Snacking

Dislikes:

• Overall rude company
  
• Cats who think they know everything
  
• Being alone
  
• Being cooped up

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History:

Every cat in the forest should know about this tom's history with the way he freely babbles about it, constantly telling the same stories over and over again about his past. He usually only hilights a few moments in his life, like his past mate, his brother, and his so-called "daring" adventures. But those are only what he likes to talk about. Those few subjects are only a very small portion of this tom's life. There's much more to his story than this old coot is letting on, and it's hard to drag it out of him.

Kithood;

As a kit, life went pretty easily. Rainstream was the picture perfect mother, and always seemed so gentle and kind to her kits. It was true, too; she was the most loving mother imagineable. She hardly ever raised her voice at her kits, unless, of course, they were being too rowdy. Stormfang was renowned in the Clan for being a normally quiet guy, but a strong shadow, and no one to mess with. He roamed around camp with the expression like he was always in a foul mood, and no one really expected him to change once his kits were born. He was full of surprises, though, and was the proudest father on the pkanet at the time. Now parents of three completely healthy, normal kits, the two cats couldn't be more content.

Brownkit, however, soon developed an illness. An infection, of sorts, targeting his lungs. Rainstream did the best she could to take care of him, and always had him huddled up in the warmest spot in the nursery, but everyone knew it was already too late. The little tom didn't make it past his second moon. The blow hit the proud parents hard, and they were even more persistant in protecting their offspring from outside dangers, keeping close eyes on the two remaining kits at all times. As a result, Graykit and Cloudkit never really got to explore much. Even when they went to play outside the nursery, their mother was always right there, tensed as if she were expecting something to go horribly wrong. Obviously, Brownkit's death had her on edge, and she wasn't about to ease up.

Apprenticeship;

The two brothers went into their apprentice lives with ease, melting into the daily routine of training as if they'd been ready for it wheir whole lives. Graypaw's mentor was a she-cat with the name of Swallowfur. She was sensible enough, and was a fairly good teacher, but the two didn't get along hardly at all. She was more business-oriented, while the young Graypaw only wanted to play. He was the typical "youngster" or "ruffian," as he says now, and didn't take hardly anything seriously, always goofing off with his brother, Cloudpaw. His mentor had a hard time tying him down to one spot, and the two bickered constantly about everything, it seemed.

It was around this time he was introduced to the beautiful young Dappledpaw, a small calico she-cat that had all the toms looking. She didn't flaunt her stuff, though; she was very reserved and rather shy around everyone. Still, it didn't stop Graypaw from throwing himself out there at her. She seemed overwhelmed with his rambunctious personality; it conflicted with her own quiet nature, and the two didn't seem to have a future together at all. She didn't seem to be interested anyway. Still, Graypaw wasn't about to let up, and kept hanging out with her against her own will. It wasn't before long that the two eventually became good friends. Even their mentors were friends, and the two got to train together sometimes. It was obvious of Graypaw's feelings toward her, but Dappledpaw was simply too oblivious to notice.

Warriorhood;

Moons passed, and the two brothers eventually gained the right for their warrior ceremony. Falling into their warrior names, Graystride and Cloudfrost, the two sat vigil together all night long. And, though no words were spoken, their eyes sparked excitement all the same. Oh how excited they were, and anxious as well, to gain this new freedom. To finally prove their worth to the Clan. It had been their most desired position all this time, and finally, finally, they got there. With proud parents, now elders by this time, looking on from the sidelines with sorrowful smiles as they watched their offspring, minus one Brownkit.

Dappledpaw became Dappledrose a moon after, and it was obvious that she and Graystride's relationship was finally beginning to take off. She was still her shy, timid, quiet self, and it seemed to anyone else that it would conflict with his own outbursts and recklessness. But it was quite the opposite; they worked so well together. It wasn't long until the two had fallen completely in love with one another, and a few moons after that it was announced that she was pregnant.

Such a surprise! He couldn't have been more ecstatic about it. Everywhere he went, he was babbling on and on about his soon-to-be father status and just how excited he was about it. The tom simply couldn't believe that this beautiful calico she-cat who'd been oblivious to him in their apprentice moons was about to be the mother of his kits. She soon moved into the nursery, and Graystride spent a lot of his time in there, talking to her.

He, Cloudfrost, and Graystride's new apprentice Eaglepaw were assigned on a border patrol about a moon later. Things went well for the most part, it seemed. Eaglepaw was an anxious apprentice, always willing to learn new things. He was a bit of a trouble maker too, and constantly got an earfull from the senior warriors about his hasty actions. He reminded Graystride of himself way back when, so the two got along well.

Now, by this time, Graystride had lost his apprentice's attitude and took things a lot more seriously now, expecially ever since he'd practically slaughtered Brackenpaw. It still troubled him. It still does, even now, though he refuses to speak about it.

The patrol made up of four cats went well, until they ran into the island. Bordering FrothClan and always fighting back and forth for that one piece of territory, he hadn't been surprised to find intruders there. Although he was surprised that what he found wasn't FrothClan cats. Rogues, three in number, but all nasty beings. They grinned maliciously and just asked to fight. Naturally, the two brothers attacked the intruders, while sending Eaglepaw flying (no pun intended) back to camp for back up.

The fight was intense. Outnumbered three to two, and with the rogues being all obviously well trained and in a bloodthirsty mood, they weren't in a good situation. Two of the three took on Graystride for the beginning of the fight, while Cloudfrost wrestled with one. While being doubled up on, Graystride didn't have a chance. He was nipped, bitten, and scratched within an inch of his life. He even sprained his right forepaw in the scuffle, before the second rogue finally chose to change opponents and take on his brother. With Cloudfrost taking on two opponents now and one still battering away at the gray tom, he had no idea what shape his brother was in at the time.

But, as soon as it happened, it was over. No more pain, no more yowls. The rogues just seemed to disappear, leaving the two injured cats behind to wonder what in StarClan's name just happened. They were left bewildered, bleeding out on the forest floor, before help finally arrived shortly after, a batallion of CocoaClan troops following Eaglepaw's lead. They were too late, though; the three rogues had gone. At least... That's what everyone thought.

Battered and bruised, the two brothers spent a few nights in the medicine cat den as their wounds were attended to. Patrols were set up more strictly, with more cats in them, hoping to find the rogues again, but there was no trace of them anymore. No scents, no sightings, no tracks. Nothing. It was as if they'd just vanished off the face of the earth.

Dappledrose gave birth to two kits, one unfortunately being a stillborn and the other being very small and weak. It was a calico she-cat, just like her mother, and she was the most beautiful thing Graystride had ever seen. Dappledrose named her Rainkit, after her bright blue, shining eyes. Still recovering, Graystride spent as long as he could with the two in the nursery before he was rounded back up again into the medicine cat den. Still, though, he snuck every once in a while back to sneek a peek at the two beautiful she-cats, hobbling over on his still-sprained right forepaw that hurt like an angry thorn infection.

About a moon later, the two brothers were well enough to go out alone, but Graystride was still having trouble with his paw. Though refusing to show it, it slowed him down and still hurt badly when pressure was put on it. He tried to limp as little as possible, wanting to cause as little alarm as he could. He hated staying bed ridden all day long. It was at this time that the three rogues made their glorious return. It was well past moonhigh, and the shining stars of Silverpelt wer shouded by an eerie, mist-like cloud cover. Even the moon, barely a sliver, could hardly be seen. They made their approach, each of them silent as a gentle breeze, and somehow managed to slip into the camp. It was then that Rainkit and Dappledrose were killed, them naturally going for the nursery first, before alarms were called and the intruders were attacked, one of them being killed, before they slinked away with their tails between their legs, scars apparent.

Graystride was never the same. Some say it was this very thing that made him as odd as he is now; that it's not just his old age causing this. He still hobbles around on his paw, never really healing right. He limps heavily now, but the pain is gone, aside from creaking joints and tense muscles complaining. He bears scars, here and there, from the fight with the rogues that very well nearly claimed his life.

IC Example:

Rain wasn’t far off, this much was obvious. Even now, the rainforest that was normally already thick with humidity was now just dripping with the uncomfortable heat, making being there overall unenjoyable. A few sparks of lightning in the distant erupted into grumbles of thunder as it rolled forward, not far away at all. Shouldn’t be long now until it began to really pour down rain. Animals in the forest seemed to sense this well enough, as the forest seemed null and void of all life. Not even the birds dared to sing their cheery songs into the open air for fear of getting wet from the approaching storm.

So why exactly was she out here? Why, she was following Reedstar, of course. Always looking out for him, it seemed. The big lug. She truly cared for him and always was wondering just what sort of trouble he was getting himself into at the time. Like now. He’d just kind of… gotten up and left. She knew the look on his face; he didn’t look happy at all. Which wasn’t any good. She felt she needed to, not exactly baby sit him, but make sure that he wasn’t in any danger, at the very least. And now, well, she just wasn’t sure what in StarClan’s name he was doing.

Rosepetal’s white and ginger colored paws stepped lightly on the ground underpaw, moving swiftly to catch up with him. Even now she couldn’t see him; the forest’s foliage was simply too thick to see very far in front of oneself. She was relying on his scent, and was secretly growing frantic to catch up with him. If she didn’t find him before the storm came, the rain would wash away his scent and she wouldn’t be able to locate the brown tabby with the deep blue eyes that always perplexed the she-cat every time she stared into their depths. With the added humidity, she wasn’t exactly in the greatest of moods. She felt… Fluffy. Her fur was fluffed out uncomfortably, making her feel like a prisoner in her own skin. It felt heavy and bloated; nothing she much liked. Ears pinned back, she quickened her pace, eager to find him.

As the flashes grew more prominent in the ever encroaching storm, she finally arrived at the channel. Soft green eyes searched the waters, trying to peer beneath the surface. A small, painful feeling of panic swept through her. Reedstar’s scent ended here, at the water’s edge. Oh great StarClan, he didn’t jump in, did he? It certainly didn’t seem like him, but that didn’t stop her from worrying about it. Hoping frantically that his scent continued again on the other side, Rosepetal decided not to go for the bridge, and just swim across instead. That is, until the smart side of her conscious decided against it. Cursing herself, Rosepetal turned and swiftly ran for the Oak bridge, which really wasn’t that far away to begin with. What on Earth was he doing, going out of Clan territory? Not that these lands were claimed, but it just didn’t seem like the Reedstar she knew… Something was wrong.

It wasn’t but a few seconds that she was across the channel and on the other side, still holding onto the hope that his scent continued on. Thankfully, it did, and she praised the name of StarClan that he hadn’t gone and killed himself right then and there. She doubted he’d go that far, but then again she wasn’t sure really what had him in this mood of his and why it came on so suddenly. Was the stress of being a leader finally getting to him? She felt awful. She wanted to know of some way to take that stress away from him… At least for a few minutes in the least. She hated watching him like this.

Quickly, Rosepetal turned to recover her lost ground. Was Reedstar headed for the ruins, possibly? That was a common loner hang out. Once again, she was struck with a small wave of worry. Did he just enjoy making her worry about him? Wouldn’t be surprising. Loners could be just as dangerous as any other enemy, especially if he was on his own. And a Clan cat, at that. Most loners didn’t like Clan life, and chose to live on their own. Which was another reason of why she was uncomfortable being out here. She wanted nothing more than to find him. He made her feel safe, and she really wanted that right now. As if things could get no worse, the dark clouds that had been threatening rain this whole time had finally arrived overhead, and mercilessly released their heavy burden upon the ground below. “Ahh, seriously? Now? she asked exasperatedly, throwing a quick glance to the dark sky above.

It wasn’t long, though, until she finally, after all this time worrying and panicking, found the source of it right there, hunched over against the ruin’s wall. Memories of RuinClan flashed in the she-cat’s mind, but she forced them away. She wasn’t going to think of that now, when all she wanted was to simply be with him and find out what in StarClan’s name was so important he had to rush out in a foul mood without so much as telling her. Rosepetal’s mood escalating, picking out a few choice words to say, they melted instantly as soon as she saw him. Approaching almost wearily, even though she wanted to take shelter from the rain with him, a prickle of gentleness touched at her. The she-cat flinched visibly at the incredibly loud thunderous boom overhead that shook the ground underneath her very paws, but did nothing more. “Hey now, what’s wrong?” she asked gently, approaching him, taking steps closer. “You had me worried, ya big lug.”

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Who Are You?
Twi.

How Did You Find Us?
Cougarr.

Other Characters:
Frothpaw of WindClan (twi)

[brittlebreeze ♠]

Accepted!