ears perking in interest at the idea of becoming an apprentice he voices his thoughts. How old does one have to be to become an apprentice? Is it above 7 moons? he would think so because anything younger than five is quite…awful. Then the idea of cleaning caught his attention. Cleaning and making nest’s sound fun! green eyes shimmering in interest even more so than a moment before he scooted closer. Oh! So your the the new leader aunty larky! That’s so cool..and dad the medicine cat? Oh! Oh! And there’s a deputy too! although he found the leader sleeping alone quite puzzling. Why do you sleep alone? Don’t you get lonely Larky? If I was the leader I’d have one BIG sleepover! Hehe then nobody would be lonely.
@FrostyGalaxy
__________________
꧁༺ inside this place is warm, Outside it starts to pour ༻꧂
Last edited by Kass; November 30th, 2023 at 10:07 AM.
Applebees
Cross-eyed flame point with blue eyes ▵ She/her ▵ 20 moons
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The warrior had been quietly standing and listening to Larkstar and the kit speak, nothing coming out of her sadly. Not that she had much more to add since she had only found the kit as they were. "Of course" she nodded and used her tail to lie on the back of the kit. "C'mon bonekit, I can imagine you're tired from all that wonderin'" she said softly as she corralled the kit out of the den and towards the nursery,
Status: My mind runs a million directions at once, honey <3
Gender: Lunarian, she/they please!
Bump Policy: After 48 hours, but keep in mind that I have school and can't be here all the time!
Posts: 31
My Mood:
Re: RiverClan Leader's Den
Quote:
Originally Posted by FrostyGalaxy
Minkpaw's death a murder... that certainly felt more likely than the young apprentice drowning on her own right. While she'd been a little bereft of information regarding this situation beforehand, at least she was getting filled in now. And Rushwater had taken it upon himself to begin the ground work of investigation, stating clearly his reasons for keeping this silent for now. Lark had to admit that was a smart call - she'd likely have told the whole clan about the suspicions of murder if he hadn't presented this reason to keep it quiet, too worried about not lying to those she was meant to lead to focus on if being honest all the time was always the smart move.
"Thank you for telling me this," she says, a troubled look in her eyes. If this was going to be a recurring problem, cats getting murdered by someone so skilled not even a scrap of fur or a whiff of scent was found, that would certainly pose a large problem. "Yes, I agree, keep investigating. Let me know any big breakthroughs you come too - especially if you suspect the culprit to be among our own ranks." Stars... would someone in RiverClan do this? Larkwing didn't want to think of such a scenario - she'd already had to take care of an attempt on her own life, and that hadn't been skillful or quiet at all. "And, uhm, the other thing you wanted to talk about it?"
"Uh, sorry," Larkstar begins, feeling suddenly a little self conscious of her young age. "I was born after Sootstar's time as leader, so I'm afraid I don't remember - sorry again." Why was she apologizing for not being born yet? That's a little stupid now that she's thinking about it - she can't help when she was born.
She takes the shells from the kits and places them near her nest carefully, making sure they don't crack or break, before smiling gratefully back at the three kits. "They're lovely - and I'll do my best." She adds at Soulkit's comment. She doesn't feel like she's able to make history, doesn't feel like she has what it takes, but maybe some cats think she does, and that's what matters, isn't it?
"Adderpaw?" Larkstar asks, noticing the kit she had just apprenticed finding her way into her den, "what do you want to tell me?"
"Ah, ok, so it's not a new thing - nevermind what 'seeing' means for now, Applebees? Can you escort him back to the nursery?"
[ @Leafy ]
"Yes, I hope so," the molly says wearily, weight heavy on her shoulders. This is so much harder than she anticipated it was going to be - this whole leading thing. Not that she thought it would be easy she just... well, she hadn't really thought about it much. She thought she had time. But she was wrong.
__________
Birdsnow pads into the den, frustrated, fur ruffled, and Lark briefly thinks she might be in trouble - that is until the molly opens her maw to speak. Sootpelt? Had tried to murder Bird? What was up with RiverClan and attempted assassinations lately? She sort of guessed some cats might not exactly be thrilled with her choice in deputy, but she hadn't expected attempted murder - or that Sootpelt was expecting kits. Lark had thought Soot to be rather level headed, but apparently not. Regardless, this information was troubling to say the least. "No... no you did fine... I just worry - what if she comes back seeking revenge? But- no you couldn't have killed her, her kits would've been lost too..." troubled, Larkstar trails off.
[ lark and bird form a book club where they don't read anything it's just an excuse to talk gossip lmao ]
She was licking her wounds when Fishpaw entered unannounced - not that that was any issue really, she didn't exactly mind anyone coming into her den unannounced (or, if she did, she wasn't about to make that known). What she did find rather uncomfortable, however, was the way the apprentice just... stared at her. He didn't say a single thing for several heartbeats. Was this his goal? To unnerve the leader who was not that much older than even he was? Because if that's what he wanted to accomplish, he was certainly doing a great job of it.
And, when he did finally open his mouth, the first thing he said was not kind, the words were prickly and wrapped around the tortoiseshell like a thorn bush. "I'm going to be quite frank with you, I think you're stupid." he'd said. And he was certainly truthful in that the words were frank and even more sincere in his belief of what he'd said, not one thing about the apprentice's body language indicated he might be lying. And then he kept speaking and... ah, so his goal here was to criticize her choice in deputy.
Blue-grey fur starts to bristle at the comments. Here he was, criticizing the one cat in the clan Larkstar was absolutely certain she could trust. If she were a better person, Lark may have been able to see reason behind his words, may have been able to approach this conversation at a better angle, but alarms were ringing in her head. Did he want her dead, too? Was he here to kill her? Had he been working with Spiderleap? Is she safe in her own den? There's only one exit, and the apprentice is blocking it. Could she get past him? Would she have to kill this one, too? Further stain her paws red? She didn't want to, but what choice would she have?
"And what do you propose I do instead?" She asks, a snarl in her voice that she did not give permission to be there, "choose between a number of cats who may or may not want me dead? At least I know Birdsnow won't deign to kill me in my sleep. At least I know that much." She shouldn't let her insecurities show, she really shouldn't, but right now she feels as if she is backed into a corner, a scared little kid who has no idea what she's doing.
"A fox?" Larkstar says almost breathlessly. She'd never personally seen one before. "Yes- uh- thank you for telling me, take a patrol with you to retrieve the body." There's more she wants to say, she wants to organize a patrol to take care of that fox for good, but she can't bring herself to say the words, too stunned by Sycamore's report.
Roseheart's ears flattened against her head. "Oh stars," she thought out loud, "I really have been gone for a long time..." She sighed. "Well, it's okay. Regardless, I hope I can serve you well to make up for my disappearance, Larkstar." She lowered herself and licked Larkstar's shoulder respectfully.
Four large, dark-furred paws pad silently over to the Leader's Den and a tail curls around those same four paws as a cat melts into shadows. A pair of almost colorless green eyes glance around the camp, those little light golden flecks burning with an intense, protective fire. The sky above is dark, filled with stars. Eyes flick up once, then turn back to the camp, making sure no cat is able to bother the inhabitant(s?) of this den.
He has always been protective, he realizes, he's just never really had anycat to protect. With a frown, the apprentice bares his teeth as a rugged-looking cat passes by him. He frowns at the other cat, watching as the rugged warrior heads to the Warrior's den - away from Larkstar. His sister. Well... half-sister, but no one really cares about the half part, do they? Shatterpaw sure doesn't. He could care less - Larkstar is still family, still his sister.
Across the clearing he spots his brother - fine, half-brother - Falconfeather and he can't help but frown when he sees the medicine cat entering his unprotected den. Wishing he could be in two places at once - or, he thinks, they could be in one place - he could protect them better, make sure they'll be safe. He hates the looks they get - ever since Gingerstar's death, life has been quite hectic. First the things he hears and sees have been growing more vivid, then his panic attacks - and Frecklepaw hasn't talked to him in...-
stop, you're such a fool, Shatterpaw. you truly need to stop. talk to someone about it, stop being such a lovesick fool. He thinks to himself before he stops, when he sees Larkstar's eyes look at him. He does not know if she seen him - if she did... uh-oh. He wracks his mind for an excuse.
rushwater dipped his head in respect, glad that larkstar understood his rationale behind the choices. perhaps (though hope was a dangerous thing to have) she would shape up to be a great leader after all. it would certainly give rushwater one less thing to worry about.
her understanding made his shoulders relax and his words come easier. his next topic was one that he had thought on at length; since the moment they lost cattail pond.
“i’m sure you’re aware that a small but vocal portion of the clan disagree with you being leader, and my running theory is that in times of great stress and chaos the clan needs an enemy. someone to blame, to punish for every inconvenience. neither you nor i are keen on this rebellion talk- i mean, sure, rebellion has its time, but now is not one of them.” rushwater paused, reigning himself back onto topic.
“i digress. you see, what i’m getting at is riverclan needs a common enemy. something to rally against, and prove that we’re all still a family. we’re all still riverclan. for this reason, i’d like to voice my idea of a take-back plan. if possible, i’d like to keep this plan clandestine. you’re free to tell your lionhearts and deputy, of course, and the decision falls on your shoulders, but i’d be careful as we can never truly know where the other clans have eyes and ears.”
patiently, the rhadamanthine blue-grey tom awaited an indication to continue before he spoke again.
“thunderclan is more likely than not expecting us to make an attempt on the cattail pond, and i see why; it’s a useful little place, and it was a painful loss. we’re bound to get bold and try to rip it from their grasp as they did us. this means they’re prepared.”
the ghost of a smirk, roguish and flattering on him, replaced his usual thin frown. “i’m suggesting we use their overconfidence and planning against them, cut the head off the snake and watch them flounder and writhe trying to pick up the pieces. as they say- divide and conquer.”
rushwater was a good warrior. that was common knowledge; he was dedicated and skilled. a bit asocial and sometimes brash, but he was useful. yet, even more than all of that, rushwater had a critical skill. one interest, however odd, that made him both dangerous and crucial in equal measure. it was what made him a powerful ally- or, in thunderclan’s case, a powerful enemy.
it was tactic.
logical observations with practical implications. his ability to infer what each win, each loss and give or take meant. to compromise, togive-and-take, form artful deception and draw the necessary connections. war was a game of chess, a skillful dance of push and pull. rushwater could dance this dance and play this game. it was second nature.
it was what he was made for; of all of the things he enjoyed, it was the only one he let himself indulge in.
“my suggestion, at surface level is to take firefly cove. it was ours quite some time ago- i was an apprentice then, it was before you were born or just after that we lost it. i can’t recall. it’s a tricky spot, though easily defensible. the mountain paths take time to scale and must be done in a single file line, so we’d need time to get our forces in position. this is why i suggest we make it look like we’re attacking cattail pond, lure the brunt of thunderclan’s forces there, and have our warriors push the scent borders and get into position at the cove during the frenzy. of course, this plan is a lot more detailed than what i’ve explained so far, and i’ve got a full plan for each different aspect of this; a scouting party, false scent lines, a small ambush, instilling panic, an emergency get away and some backup plans.”
“if the idea interests you at all, i’d be more than enthused to elaborate further.”
After hearing Larkstar the molly moved inside. She didn't want to take too much of the leaders time. It shouldn't take too long hopefully. "I just came by to tell you that I'm having kits and would like to get started settling down in the nursery. Every day tasks are starting to be too much these couple weeks after finding out.", she meowed.
Marigoldleap is a pretty active Riverclan warrior and I really want her to be as active as possible, so if there is ever a plot Idea and you need an extra cat feel free to reach out to me. Her and me would love to have something to do
purrks: herbal knowledge tier 2, agatha kitty, just a scratch [PERM]
132/200
---
It had been days since the incident with Larkstar and Spiderleg. Why did the fear still consume her every time she looked at the young leader? She was a hard worker and the only medicine cat Riverclan had. There was no way that she would be killed outright like that. And she had a duty to report her transgressions when they arose. So she stands before the entrance of the den with cold paws, wanting nothing more than to run away and hide in her nest. Maybe she should have eaten some thyme before coming out here, even if she was trying to not rely on it as heavily anymore.
Breath in. Breath out. Here goes.
"... L-Larkstar? Can I come in? I need to talk to ya about a few things..."
Adderpaw
Determined, Loyal, Lawful Good
“One day I’ll be the greatest warrior of all the clans!”
Adderpaw took a moment to take a deep breath, she felt so nervous about this but the fire in her heart burned for this and she wasn't just going to give up so easily. When was one not supposed to feel fear? "I'M GOING TO BE YOUR BODYGUARD SO YOU STAY SAFE!'' She shouted out before flicking her ear awkwardly shocked she did that. "Er.. When I become a warrior and... Know what, no I'll do it now I'll train to be the greatest warrior and help protect you Larkstar." She almost tried to hold back what she really wanted, what she really meant feeling nervous about how it came across. Though Adderpaw decided that no, this is what she meant and she wasn't going to hide her feelings.
"Larkstar when I heard the news about someone trying to hurt you.. To.. Ugh its hard to say it fully and I wasn't even the one in that situation! Anger boils in my stomach and I want to fit it to something more productive with it than just be angry." She took a moment to catch her breath as she had been yelling and speaking a lot. "I heard one leader go before I was born then two more left before I became an apprentice. I hate to make this sound like its all about me but it helps explain. I want there to be order, all this chaos has harmed our clan too much! I want to protect the order."
Adderpaw looked at her paws, she had her claws out in the dirt and she didn't even realize; maybe that happened when she spoke about someone trying to hurt Larkstar. She sheathed her claws back, it was improper to keep your claws out like that in front of a leader. "You are order. The warrior code is order. It is how things should be, chaos has been ruining everything.." She lowered her ear and her voice went low.
Suddenly Adderpaw stopped staring at her paws and jumped up to all fours looking like she was about ready to pounce on the world. "So I'm going to protect you! And that's how it's going to be!" She was very determined in her convictions.
At the new apprentice's declaration of protection, Larkstar can't help but feel her heart warmed. Unable to hold herself back, she laughs - the first time in days she's genuinely laughed about something, and it's an apprentice declaring that she'll be her personal bodyguard. It was silly... but it was also very sweet.
"Thank you, Adderpaw," she manages to say between breaths, grimacing when she feels a pain in the claw wound at her side. She'd gone to Tansypaw but... no, she shouldn't bother her, the medicine apprentice has her paws even fuller than Lark herself does. "You're very sweet for saying that. Maybe once you're older you'd be a great fit for Lionheart."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark
Fishpaw
Go With the Flow 34/100
___________
Unbothered by his leader’s show of aggression, Fishpaw settled down into a laying position with his paws folded underneath him. ”Hold on now, don’t get your fur in a twist,” He said with a long yawn ”I’m not here to hurt you. Honestly, I couldn’t be bothered even if I didn’t like you enough to warrant aggression.” The truth. One, he was quite small and didn’t have any substantial training under his pelt after going missing. And two, the effort needed to attack her was just not worth it. Not even out of spite.
”But to answer your question, yes. Choosing a more experienced cat would have been ideal,” He said, squinting at her with disapproval. ”Now I won’t pretend to know everything that’s been going on, as I spent a great deal of time lost due to the flood and the accident…” He shuddered at the thought of his near-death experience in the river ”But I do know one thing, and that is picking Birdsnow as your deputy was a terrible idea.”
Waving his paw to silence any potential argument, he continued. ”She’s been an apprentice my entire life, and despite my small size, I am 15 moons old. Additionally, she was just made a warrior at the meeting before this most recent one, and now she’s the deputy? There would understandably be a lot of outrage.” He didn’t want to waste any time so he got straight to the root of the present issue. Birdsnow just wasn’t a candidate that made sense. Sure, she could’ve justified it by saying the deputy was experienced, but to what degree? And even if that were the case, with the current unrest in the clan, promoting a fresh warrior straight to deputy was a bad move.
Fixing his eyes on the leader, he stared at her scrutinizingly. Ugh. ”What I’d have done was this: I’d have promoted a senior warrior to the position of deputy, one that doesn’t seem to be a total crazy. Just to appease the group. Then I’d have surrounded myself with a group of cats that I could trust, which in your case would include Birdsnow and… Well, others I’m sure. From there I’d make sure that at least one of them is with me at all times should a murder be attempted. Lastly, I’d have worked to improve my standing within the clan. As to how? I’m not sure, but that’s a later problem.” Basic stuff really, he didn’t understand how Larkstar hadn’t thought of a similar plan before.
”Let’s be honest here, your position in the clan is… mediocre at best. Half the clan thinks you and Featherbrain killed Gingerstar. More believe you’re incompetent or too young for the position-” He frowned as he said this, as he was in the second group of cats. He then took a look at the she-cat’s wounds and shook his head in disapproval. “Evidently, you’ve had an attempt on your life as well. And lastly, you gave what is essentially a 30-moon-old apprentice the second most important role within the clan. What you need right now is more allies, and in my humble opinion you’re doing a crappy job of finding some.” A shake of his head, followed by an exasperated sigh. ”Oh, I nearly forgot!” He said, bristling a little himself as he recalled a certain small she-cat that he may have been an ass to ”Minkpaw was murdered on our territory!”
Officially, she was declared “drowned”, but the tom knew that was a load of mouse-droppings. He had reason to believe that she was murdered, but that may just be the skeptic in him. He hadn’t the faintest clue who it was, or why, but whoever did it likely wouldn’t just stop at her. Whatever, that was for Larkstar to deal with and not him. Should he even refer to her as Larkstar? She had one life just like the rest of them, what made her so special? A failure. Just like Beansprout and Gingerfrost before her. If StarClan wouldn’t recognize them, then neither would he!
Rising to his paws, he lazily (and non-threateningly) approached the she-cat until he was right in her face. ”It’s not too late for you to choose someone else, however, you’ve made your decision and I believe you should stick with it. The question now is: What are you going to do? Are you going to control this mess of a clan? Will you force them to submit? Or are you going to allow everyone to walk all over you?” He challenged, unable to keep the slight growl out of his voice. ”I’m going to tell you the truth and say that I don’t have any hopes for you. None at all. However, I’ll be damned before I allow RiverClan to continue this downward spiral into ruin without saying anything. So what I want you to do is get your act together. Stop being so nice to those who act out and show them that you’re the boss. Show them that you make the rules and that they are to do what you say.” A small grin tugged at his lips when he said this, delighting in the possibility that something in this stars-forsaken clan would change. ”Show me that you’re not a failure and you’re worthy of your position. Earn your lives and turn this mess of a clan into something worth fearing. The other clans in this forest don’t respect us, and your own warriors don’t respect you – which I couldn’t care less about but I digress. Get this clan into shape and maybe…” A brief pause, as if he was undecided on what he should say. ”Maybe I’ll consider helping you out. There’s not much I can do while I wait for my training to conclude – shouldn’t be too long now, however, I can see what I can do about gathering some of your supporters and gathering intel for the time being, though I loathe to talk to these idiots for extended periods of time.” He’d given the idea a bit of thought before, however, he was still undecided on whether it was worth his effort or not.
There, he was done. He spent that whole time pointing out Larkwing’s flaws, but he also offered her what he felt was a fair solution. He hated the idea of going out of his way to help someone out, but this was his clan. As much as he didn’t like where things were, this was his home, and he somewhat liked Cherryswirl so he figured he would do something so that she wasn’t stuck in a stagnant clan for the rest of her life (she wasn’t getting any younger!). She better thank him for this if this brat in front of him gave him the time of day to even consider his offer of help. Hell, he’d be disappointed if the young leader didn’t tell him off for being as bold as he was. Frankly, he just wasn’t scared of her. Hopefully, she’d provide him with a bit of entertainment before he was either kicked out, dragged out, or left of his own accord.
[ @FrostyGalaxy Sorry that he’s a meanie butt! Also I didn’t intend for this to be as long as it is, whoops! Additionally, if Lark gets mad, feel free to have pp perms to beat the lad up. Nothing permanently debilitating, but a little whack and a pow won’t hurt anyone. Ofc if it's more in character for Lark, I hereby grant you staff and pp perms to murder the rat]
Every shred of filth Fishpaw spat was another claw in her pelt. He wasn't... wrong exactly - about anything. Larkstar knew that, she knew that the one big decision she's made so far has been... not greatly received by the clan as a whole. She knew she was taking a risk regarding her own reputation among the clan, but she had been so certain she'd made the correct choice. Her decision had basically been made on the spot, though. There were other options she was considering, but in that moment, when an attempt on her one measly, stupid life was made, and Birdsnow rushed in to protect her? That solidified her choice. It was not one made with logic. It was one made out of fear - like a kit still clutching on to a worn down mossball, ignoring everything anyone told her about getting rid of it for a new, better one.
But Fishpaw was right about another thing - she couldn't take that decision back now. It would look weak, it would look cowardly, and while she may not be the bravest cat in the forest, Larkwing had enough pride to know that taking back her word was the worst possible decision she could have made. Although, according to Fishpaw, even appointing Bird in the first place was a horrible decision. He did not think she was worthy of her position - a sentiment she herself shared. Somehow she lucked her way here (if you want to call it 'luck', it felt more like some sort of divine punishment to her), and she'd been doing a real poor job of showing that she deserved it. 'Because you don't deserve it. He's right, you know he is,' the ever present doubt stalking in the back of her mind made itself known again.
She wanted to bite this apprentice's face off, find some long, strong grass and wrap it around his maw until he couldn't spew any more filth. But she couldn't do that. That was the desperation showing itself - the need to leave this den. Would his mentor blame him if she smacked him over the head, though? Maybe Cherryswirl would agree that he deserves it. Or maybe she only wants to hit him because she knows he's right and is too sensitive to take what he's saying to heart. But he'd managed to get right to the heart of her problem because she doesn't know what she's doing. She had no one to teach her, Gingerstar had died before she could learn anything about managing a clan from him... and it seemed everyone blamed her for that death. Couldn't she just beam herself up to StarClan and beg him to tell them she's innocent?
...if StarClan would even let her in. They sent her to the Dark Forest when she went to greet them, after all, why would they want her visiting them? 'But I haven't done anything to deserve the Dark Forest!' Her mind pleads, but the snarling growl of her fears and her doubts renders her silent. Maybe she does belong to the Dark Forest... not because of what she did, but because of the actions of every RiverClan leader before her. If she can even be called a leader - Fishpaw certainly doesn't think so.
As the apprentice finishes his speech, Larkwing considers his words. He says to convince him she's not incompetent, but she has no idea how to do that. Instead, she narrows her eyes at him in a glare, unable to suppress the low growl that leaves her throat. "I want you out of this den in the next 10 seconds or, so help me, I will drag you all the way to the elders den by your ear so they can teach you some respect." There... was that competent enough for him? Authoritative enough?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Dawn
Nightspark
RiverClan Head Lionheart Purrks: Just a scratch (permanently active), Rapid Recovery (permanently active)
"Thank you Larkstar." Nightspark responded, with a slight tone of relief. His eyes sparkled as he heard that Larkstar had found some new candidates.
"Who are the ones you have chosen?"
Asked the Head Lionheart.
"So far, the candidates are Cherryswirl, Cliffjumper and, though she's still an apprentice, Springpaw." Larkwing informs him. And then, a little less confidently now that she was speaking about a topic she really didn't know much of anything about, "I'm... unsure how the process for choosing Lionhearts usually goes. I've heard that other clans have a spar for the role - I'm not opposed to that, but how did you become one?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zel
habit / shrike
ears peeking in interest at the idea of becoming an apprentice he voices his thoughts. How old does one have to be to become an apprentice? Is it above 7 moons? he would think so because anything younger than five is quite…awful. Then the idea of cleaning caught his attention. Cleaning and making nest’s sound fun! green eyes shimmering in interest even more so than a moment before he scooted closer. Oh! So your the the new leader aunty larky! That’s so cool..and dad the medicine cat? Oh! Oh! And there’s a deputy too! although he found the leader sleeping alone quite puzzling. Why do you sleep alone? Don’t you get lonely Larky? If I was the leader I’d have one BIG sleepover! Hehe then nobody would be lonely.
@FrostyGalaxy
So many questions... Lark smiles at the little thing fondly, amused at the curiosity and began answering the mountain of questions. "Kits, depending on the needs of the clan, can become apprentices starting at 5 moons, but that's rare. The official age in 6 moons, though sometimes they're apprenticed later for whatever reason. I'm sure some of the queens or warriors could teach you more about nest building if you're interested. As for why I sleep alone..." she pauses briefly and thinks it over. "I think it's a hierarchy thing," she eventually settles on, "it's like a way to let the rest of the clan know who's in charge. But I don't always have to sleep in here alone... I could go back to the warrior's den if I wanted to, or others could sleep in here if I invite them to."
Quote:
Originally Posted by MintyBea
Roseheart's ears flattened against her head. "Oh stars," she thought out loud, "I really have been gone for a long time..." She sighed. "Well, it's okay. Regardless, I hope I can serve you well to make up for my disappearance, Larkstar." She lowered herself and licked Larkstar's shoulder respectfully.
"No, no! That's ok!" Lark quickly assures, accepting the respectful lick, though she feels a little undeserving of it. "Could you, um... could you tell me a little about Sootstar? What was he like?" Curiosity wins out, and she asks her question, wonder in her gaze. Maybe if she took an interest in him she could coax him into telling her how to do this job...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spartan-117
Four large, dark-furred paws pad silently over to the Leader's Den and a tail curls around those same four paws as a cat melts into shadows. A pair of almost colorless green eyes glance around the camp, those little light golden flecks burning with an intense, protective fire. The sky above is dark, filled with stars. Eyes flick up once, then turn back to the camp, making sure no cat is able to bother the inhabitant(s?) of this den.
He has always been protective, he realizes, he's just never really had anycat to protect. With a frown, the apprentice bares his teeth as a rugged-looking cat passes by him. He frowns at the other cat, watching as the rugged warrior heads to the Warrior's den - away from Larkstar. His sister. Well... half-sister, but no one really cares about the half part, do they? Shatterpaw sure doesn't. He could care less - Larkstar is still family, still his sister.
Across the clearing he spots his brother - fine, half-brother - Falconfeather and he can't help but frown when he sees the medicine cat entering his unprotected den. Wishing he could be in two places at once - or, he thinks, they could be in one place - he could protect them better, make sure they'll be safe. He hates the looks they get - ever since Gingerstar's death, life has been quite hectic. First the things he hears and sees have been growing more vivid, then his panic attacks - and Frecklepaw hasn't talked to him in...-
stop, you're such a fool, Shatterpaw. you truly need to stop. talk to someone about it, stop being such a lovesick fool. He thinks to himself before he stops, when he sees Larkstar's eyes look at him. He does not know if she seen him - if she did... uh-oh. He wracks his mind for an excuse.
rushwater dipped his head in respect, glad that larkstar understood his rationale behind the choices. perhaps (though hope was a dangerous thing to have) she would shape up to be a great leader after all. it would certainly give rushwater one less thing to worry about.
her understanding made his shoulders relax and his words come easier. his next topic was one that he had thought on at length; since the moment they lost cattail pond.
“i’m sure you’re aware that a small but vocal portion of the clan disagree with you being leader, and my running theory is that in times of great stress and chaos the clan needs an enemy. someone to blame, to punish for every inconvenience. neither you nor i are keen on this rebellion talk- i mean, sure, rebellion has its time, but now is not one of them.” rushwater paused, reigning himself back onto topic.
“i digress. you see, what i’m getting at is riverclan needs a common enemy. something to rally against, and prove that we’re all still a family. we’re all still riverclan. for this reason, i’d like to voice my idea of a take-back plan. if possible, i’d like to keep this plan clandestine. you’re free to tell your lionhearts and deputy, of course, and the decision falls on your shoulders, but i’d be careful as we can never truly know where the other clans have eyes and ears.”
patiently, the rhadamanthine blue-grey tom awaited an indication to continue before he spoke again.
“thunderclan is more likely than not expecting us to make an attempt on the cattail pond, and i see why; it’s a useful little place, and it was a painful loss. we’re bound to get bold and try to rip it from their grasp as they did us. this means they’re prepared.”
the ghost of a smirk, roguish and flattering on him, replaced his usual thin frown. “i’m suggesting we use their overconfidence and planning against them, cut the head off the snake and watch them flounder and writhe trying to pick up the pieces. as they say- divide and conquer.”
rushwater was a good warrior. that was common knowledge; he was dedicated and skilled. a bit asocial and sometimes brash, but he was useful. yet, even more than all of that, rushwater had a critical skill. one interest, however odd, that made him both dangerous and crucial in equal measure. it was what made him a powerful ally- or, in thunderclan’s case, a powerful enemy.
it was tactic.
logical observations with practical implications. his ability to infer what each win, each loss and give or take meant. to compromise, togive-and-take, form artful deception and draw the necessary connections. war was a game of chess, a skillful dance of push and pull. rushwater could dance this dance and play this game. it was second nature.
it was what he was made for; of all of the things he enjoyed, it was the only one he let himself indulge in.
“my suggestion, at surface level is to take firefly cove. it was ours quite some time ago- i was an apprentice then, it was before you were born or just after that we lost it. i can’t recall. it’s a tricky spot, though easily defensible. the mountain paths take time to scale and must be done in a single file line, so we’d need time to get our forces in position. this is why i suggest we make it look like we’re attacking cattail pond, lure the brunt of thunderclan’s forces there, and have our warriors push the scent borders and get into position at the cove during the frenzy. of course, this plan is a lot more detailed than what i’ve explained so far, and i’ve got a full plan for each different aspect of this; a scouting party, false scent lines, a small ambush, instilling panic, an emergency get away and some backup plans.”
“if the idea interests you at all, i’d be more than enthused to elaborate further.”
[]
As she listens, Larkwing tilts her head. She'd been raised on tales of the battle to keep Firefly Cove, among many other stories the queens and elders of her youth had deigned to share, but she's never seen the place for herself so she didn't know the geography as Rushwater did, instead listening to his plan. Curious now, she says "I like the idea of stealing back from the squirrels, but the clan made themselves clear two meetings ago - they're not ready for any fighting. I want to respect their wishes, but if you think this plan is crucial to - uh... morale, or something, then I'd like to hear more of it."
After hearing Larkstar the molly moved inside. She didn't want to take too much of the leaders time. It shouldn't take too long hopefully. "I just came by to tell you that I'm having kits and would like to get started settling down in the nursery. Every day tasks are starting to be too much these couple weeks after finding out.", she meowed.
"Congratulations," Larkstar smiles at the news. New kits mean new future warriors... and more mouths to feed. But mostly new warriors. "Feel free to move into the nursery, I'll let Birdsnow not to include you in patrols for the time being." She purrs.
At the new apprentice's declaration of protection, Larkstar can't help but feel her heart warmed. Unable to hold herself back, she laughs - the first time in days she's genuinely laughed about something, and it's an apprentice declaring that she'll be her personal bodyguard. It was silly... but it was also very sweet.
"Thank you, Adderpaw," she manages to say between breaths, grimacing when she feels a pain in the claw wound at her side. She'd gone to Tansypaw but... no, she shouldn't bother her, the medicine apprentice has her paws even fuller than Lark herself does. "You're very sweet for saying that. Maybe once you're older you'd be a great fit for Lionheart."
Every shred of filth Fishpaw spat was another claw in her pelt. He wasn't... wrong exactly - about anything. Larkstar knew that, she knew that the one big decision she's made so far has been... not greatly received by the clan as a whole. She knew she was taking a risk regarding her own reputation among the clan, but she had been so certain she'd made the correct choice. Her decision had basically been made on the spot, though. There were other options she was considering, but in that moment, when an attempt on her one measly, stupid life was made, and Birdsnow rushed in to protect her? That solidified her choice. It was not one made with logic. It was one made out of fear - like a kit still clutching on to a worn down mossball, ignoring everything anyone told her about getting rid of it for a new, better one.
But Fishpaw was right about another thing - she couldn't take that decision back now. It would look weak, it would look cowardly, and while she may not be the bravest cat in the forest, Larkwing had enough pride to know that taking back her word was the worst possible decision she could have made. Although, according to Fishpaw, even appointing Bird in the first place was a horrible decision. He did not think she was worthy of her position - a sentiment she herself shared. Somehow she lucked her way here (if you want to call it 'luck', it felt more like some sort of divine punishment to her), and she'd been doing a real poor job of showing that she deserved it. 'Because you don't deserve it. He's right, you know he is,' the ever present doubt stalking in the back of her mind made itself known again.
She wanted to bite this apprentice's face off, find some long, strong grass and wrap it around his maw until he couldn't spew any more filth. But she couldn't do that. That was the desperation showing itself - the need to leave this den. Would his mentor blame him if she smacked him over the head, though? Maybe Cherryswirl would agree that he deserves it. Or maybe she only wants to hit him because she knows he's right and is too sensitive to take what he's saying to heart. But he'd managed to get right to the heart of her problem because she doesn't know what she's doing. She had no one to teach her, Gingerstar had died before she could learn anything about managing a clan from him... and it seemed everyone blamed her for that death. Couldn't she just beam herself up to StarClan and beg him to tell them she's innocent?
...if StarClan would even let her in. They sent her to the Dark Forest when she went to greet them, after all, why would they want her visiting them? [i]'But I haven't done anything to deserve the Dark Forest!'[/b] Her mind pleads, but the snarling growl of her fears and her doubts renders her silent. Maybe she does belong to the Dark Forest... not because of what she did, but because of the actions of every RiverClan leader before her. If she can even be called a leader - Fishpaw certainly doesn't think so.
As the apprentice finishes his speech, Larkwing considers his words. He says to convince him she's not incompetent, but she has no idea how to do that. Instead, she narrows her eyes at him in a glare, unable to suppress the low growl that leaves her throat. "I want you out of this den in the next 10 seconds or, so help me, I will drag you all the way to the elders den by your ear so they can teach you some respect." There... was that competent enough for him? Authoritative enough?
"So far, the candidates are Cherryswirl, Cliffjumper and, though she's still an apprentice, Springpaw." Larkwing informs him. And then, a little less confidently now that she was speaking about a topic she really didn't know much of anything about, "I'm... unsure how the process for choosing Lionhearts usually goes. I've heard that other clans have a spar for the role - I'm not opposed to that, but how did you become one?"
So many questions... Lark smiles at the little thing fondly, amused at the curiosity and began answering the mountain of questions. "Kits, depending on the needs of the clan, can become apprentices starting at 5 moons, but that's rare. The official age in 6 moons, though sometimes they're apprenticed later for whatever reason. I'm sure some of the queens or warriors could teach you more about nest building if you're interested. As for why I sleep alone..." she pauses briefly and thinks it over. "I think it's a hierarchy thing," she eventually settles on, "it's like a way to let the rest of the clan know who's in charge. But I don't always have to sleep in here alone... I could go back to the warrior's den if I wanted to, or others could sleep in here if I invite them to."
"No, no! That's ok!" Lark quickly assures, accepting the respectful lick, though she feels a little undeserving of it. "Could you, um... could you tell me a little about Sootstar? What was he like?" Curiosity wins out, and she asks her question, wonder in her gaze. Maybe if she took an interest in him she could coax him into telling her how to do this job...
Sleeping in her den, Larkstar is unaware of the silent sentry standing guard.
As she listens, Larkwing tilts her head. She'd been raised on tales of the battle to keep Firefly Cove, among many other stories the queens and elders of her youth had deigned to share, but she's never seen the place for herself so she didn't know the geography as Rushwater did, instead listening to his plan. Curious now, she says "I like the idea of stealing back from the squirrels, but the clan made themselves clear two meetings ago - they're not ready for any fighting. I want to respect their wishes, but if you think this plan is crucial to - uh... morale, or something, then I'd like to hear more of it."
"Congratulations," Larkstar smiles at the news. New kits mean new future warriors... and more mouths to feed. But mostly new warriors. "Feel free to move into the nursery, I'll let Birdsnow not to include you in patrols for the time being." She purrs.
Nightspark
RiverClan Head Lionheart Purrks: Just a scratch (permanently active), Rapid Recovery (permanently active)
Cherryswirl, Cliffjumper, and an apprentice, Springpaw. He already have seen them, and honnestly, they sounded like potential candidates, and they were in a good place too.
But Larkstar's question interrupted the course of his thoughts.
"I also heard that."
He then searched his words for a quick second
"I was chosen as a Lionheart under Beansprout because I was very implicated in the clan. He maybe noticed the fact that I was a lot present, defending the clan if needed, and doing it ferociously.
There is two things in my life, the well-beeing of the clan, I see myself as a rampart for the others, and I'll defend them until I fall. And StarClan. My well beeing can be expelled out of that.
I think Beansprout noticed the first thing and chose me."
please be patient with me ! i am an hsp & i have autism and osdd-1b .
i have chronic pain & chronic illness, meaning i am in and out of the hospital a lot ! for time sensitive replies , i will try to get to those , but everything else will be put on the back burner for my recovery <3
Re: RiverClan Leader's Den
