Curlear

Barkbite (alive)

A tall and muscular chocolate bicolor. She has dull gray eyes and curled ears.
A distinct dark stripe runs down her back.

## Personality

POSITIVE: generous, caring, sociable

NEAUTRAL: excitable, curious, intimidating

NEGATIVE: distractable, nosey, immature(?)

A seemingly youthful soul, whose energy may come of as endearing, annoying or frightening. Enamoured with all things pretty, be it random items or even physical features of other cats. Still hopeful about having a family of her own someday.

## History

**Curl:**

Curl was the second-born in a litter of four, the only female as well as the largest of her siblings. The playful kit used this to her advantage, winning many (often self-initiated) nursery fights. This did not last long however, as her mother actively discouraged her rough behavior, deeming it inappropriate for a she-cat. According to her, display of strength was reserved for the battlefield, and no tom would like a roughneck like her.

While her mother had no ill intent and only wanted the best for her daughter, her words caused Curl to start feeling self-conscious about herself. Would others really not like her? She wanted to be on friendly terms with everyone and hoped for a fulfilling relationship like her parents had. Thus, she started focusing on kindness, her mother giving her much-needed advice on the way. Little Curl also started presenting herself in a very cute manner, often repeating herself and speaking softly. She found other sources of satisfaction. Collecting various “pretty” objects was one of those.

**Curlstep:**

Curlstep´s previous love for combat came in handy during training, but that was also the only time where she allowed it to exist. Instead, she convinced herself that her growing collection of objects was more fulfilling.

In the following moons, Hawkstep (one of her brothers) used this development to his advantage, deciding to get back at his sister who now refused to fight back. What bothered him the most was the fact that Curlstep was chosen to become a guard, a position he secretly wished for. He was training hard to grow stronger, yet she had been picked for what she was born with. He would often tease her for her size, ears and even her way of speaking. Curlstep, who yearned for everyone's approval more than ever, tried to make amends first, then started avoiding him, fearing her mother´s warning was coming true. Only the siblings were aware of this conflict and kept it a secret. Barkstep grew very frustrated with his brother, however, which resulted in conflict.

In the last moon of her apprenticeship, a handsome tom caught her eye. Curlstep fell for the young warrior, hard.

**Curlear:**

It´s incredible what infatuation can do to someone. Curlear (no one was surprised this ended up being her full name) would spend much of her free time chasing the tom around, trying to get into hunting and border patrols he was part of, even bringing him food in secret. Although being “cute” has been part of her persona for a long time now, it became even more apparent in his presence. The tom was not impressed, finding her somewhat annoying and juvenile, but accepted her presents, unintentionally giving her hope.

The onlookers of the clan took pity on the obviously infatuated Curlear, one of them even pestering the tom to just accept it. He eventually agreed to take her as his mate, but never became truly affectionate with her. On the outside, Curlear was content with the relationship as it was, diligently fulfilling her guard and warrior duties on the side, but her frustration was growing. Hoping a litter would save the relationship, she begged him for a family. On that leaf-fall night, her mate half-heartedly complied to her wishes, resulting in a litter of kittens that would never take their first breath.

The tom contracted greencough and passed the following leaf-bare, leaving behind a distressed mate who was unable to carry her pregnancy to term. In the end, the loss of the kittens had been the more devastating tragedy of the two, forcing her to take a break from her duties. In this period of recovery, Curlear made up with her estranged brother (who had matured a lot since his early days) and became more honest with her feelings, although she avoids the topic to this day.

Nowadays, Curlear is a culmination of all her feelings and experiences. While her personality still isn´t completely genuine, presenting herself in any other way would feel wrong. It could be said that the fake Curlear changed in subtle ways, becoming the real one in process. A cat that is always smiling contently, but also allowed to stand up for herself if need be.