[alkaline]

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

Another moon, another night of hell. Alderstep fervently wished he could skip out on these whenever he pleased, more so tonight than ever before. His wounds dully ached, and if he so much as glimpsed Salamanderlivesunderarock, he might just convert to the kittypet life. He didn't want to be here, which was usual, but he desperately just wanted to go home and curl up in his nest. If only. If only, if only if only if only. He just wanted to go home.

ThunderClan wasn't even first for long. Of course, RiverClan had to show up ten seconds later, because they could never decide between being late or being punctual. Alderstep hesitated to go to the deputy spot, instead looking over Seastones. He could see his apprentice Treepaw, wearing her usual enthusiasm. He glanced once over at Bumblestar before making his way to the young cat. This was her second gathering if he recalled correctly. Alderstep stopped in front of Treepaw, regarding her for a moment before speaking. "I'm not doubting that you heard Bumblestar, but I want you three fox-lengths away from those toad-eaters at all times. Understood? Great." Hopefully, that hadn't come across as concerned, because he wasn't concerned at all. Nope. Alderstep padded away, leaving no room for argument, not that he thought Treepaw would've anyway. Best not to stay long, lest he looked like an overbearing mentor. [ @SuspiciousMindz ]

Alderstep scouted the gathering crowd once again, but he didn't spy his other apprentice yet. He frowned for a moment, before deciding that was for the best. From what he could tell, Fireflypaw would hate Gatherings. Besides, she seemed too shy to get into trouble anyway. That mental matter settled, Alderstep stalked his way to where he was supposed to sit.

He spotted Springpaw already on Seastones, looking dead to the world. Huh. Definitely not good. Where's her keeper? Alderstep peered about for Drizzlecloud, growing wary. Right. It was best to avoid the medicine cat. He wasn't sure when she meant he was supposed to return to have his wounds looked at, but it'd been a couple of days. The last thing he needed tonight was to run into her and probably get scolded. Maybe. It was more likely that Drizzlecloud would be more focused on her fellow herb cats than anything else. Safe to say, the deputy didn't need to worry. Not yet, anyway.

The tabby grimaced as he leaped up onto the rock, hating how his muscles pulled painfully at his wounds. Surprisingly, Gingerfrost wasn't up there yet. Alderstep took this stolen quiet moment to breathe, ducking back into a shadow as he collected himself. He vehemently hated it here. He wanted to say that he didn't care about these stupid gatherings, that they were a waste of time. He just wanted to go home.