August Gathering

[elaif]

( This is a lengthy post, so if you want to get to the important bits go to paragraphs 3 and 4)


v-Cracklepaw-v
(80/100)
| Beefed Up tier 1|
-----
Was he late? He sure hoped not.
Continuing his way down to Seastones, Cracklepaws grip on the object in his jaw tightened. Amber hues scorching the clearing before him, the apprentice took a moment to collect his thoughts. It was time to cause a stir, whether the result of this stunt was big or small, it mattered not. The only thing that he wanted was to be heard. To let every High Ranking cat on that damn pile of pebbles know that Thunderclan wasn't fooling around. That he wasn't fooling around. In the end, what would it be worth? What would this bring? Hmmm, good question. A question that would only be answered at the end of the gathering. Hopefully it wouldn't leave him in immediate danger, no one would be brave enough to try and kill him here, right? It was the gathering after all... there was a truce. No one dare break it... Well except for him, that is.

Finally stepping into the very edge of the clearing, a faint grin slid across his angular maw. The thrill of being here was slowly started taking a toll as little spikes of excitement ran throughout his entire being. This was going to be fun!! Even if the most important cats here didn't pay him any attention, he was sure he would scare at least someone with his little present. The gift could be considered harrowing, at least to some cats, so the matter of making some unsettled wasn't to difficult to conclude. Asides from any possible weaklings here, he was sure there were a few hot headed individuals who would get riled at the sight. Oh ho, now that he thought about.. He was sure someone would blow up about it, whether that be mentally or physically... It would be fine either way.

As the mentalities slowly faded away into the now, Cracklepaw prevailed with his path; sinewy frame slipping past unaware bystanders. The trek to the front was only momentarily halted as his eyes skimmed across his sister. Hey! Mapleface actually came this time! She actually ditched her dumb little children just to be here with him! This news was great not only because it proved she was the BEST sister ever, but it was awesome because she would be there to witness this whole thing! He was sure the queen would be proud of him! She would be proud of him protecting her and the entirety of Thunderclan! He'd sooner burn the entire forest down than let harm come her way! And that was the point of this, wasn't it? It was halfway accurate, but he wouldn't get into that here or now. He had other things to do.

Casting one last glance at his beloved sister, he reached the front of the crowd and scanned over the assortment of cats. This is where the fun begins.
Dropping the ragged looking pelt of the (former) Shadowclan warrior, Cracklepaw grinned up at a certain individual. That individual being the all mighty Dawnstar. Hmmm... She certainly was not as gigantic as everyone made her out to be. And if tiny ass Bumblestar could beat her up, then she couldn't be the most intimidating specimen while fighting either. Pushing the thoughts down, he prodded the skin with long black talons. " Dawnstar!" he crowed " I've come to return a trespasser back to their clan!" he gave a small cackle before continuing. " I apologize for the state I left them in, I just felt it fitting after all the things you've done to us." voice holding berated criticism, the lanky tom felt his gaze sift over to Bumblestar, silently wondering how his leader would react to this. She should be proud of this... But knowing her he'd probably get in trouble back at home. Anyway, where was he?

" Make of this what you will Dawnstar; Call this display pathetic, but just know this isn't the first time I've done this, and it sure as hell won't be the last! And I'll continue to rip your clanmates apart piece by piece until the lot of you learn which clan is superior!" he sneered, eyes flashing with tid bits of insanity. " This is not a threat, it is a PROMISE." Snickering, he flung the skinned pelt towards the Shadow Lurkers leader and took a couple steps back.

There! That was it! He had done it! Good riddance to that! Letting his attention drift away from the leaders, Cracklepaw sought out Mapleface once more. The eager eyes met hers as he hoped he could get some sort of approval from the queen... After all he had just done.... Surely should be proud of him!


// Mentions: | @Rose : Mapleface | @Undertaker : Dawnstar | @dino. Bumblestar | \\

[Levi 99]

Originally Posted by The Doctor

Nightgaze sighed loudly she was so bored and there were so many Shadowclanners she hated it! Growling quietly the small black she-cat rose to her paws and padded quickly to the farthest and darkness point of the clearing avoiding every cat and sat down sulking angrily.

OPEN

Shadefrost gave a short quiet yawn. The waiting. Oh how Shade hated the waiting. It was the worst part of the Gathering, and it was almost depressing. The fact that cats were tortured for who knows how long because one clan was somehow late to the Gathering. The sacred event that only occurs twelve times in a year. Three times in a season. *Sigh* What a shame. Shadefrost could remember multiple occasions when a cat sitting only a few inches from him had fallen asleep and missed the Gathering completely due to someone's inability to show up on time. It was actually starting to piss the black tom off some. But what was one supposed to do, cry about it to their leader as if they could make the other clan's show up faster. He'd have a better chance of losing a race to a slug. Suddenly an annoyingly familiar scent entered Shade's nostrils. His tail claw flicked to and fro with frustration, as squirrels came padding onto the Seastones. "Oh great" he muttered just low enough for Dark cloud to hear, "the worst of the worst decided to show, are we lucky or what?" he said the last bit jokingly but meant it to be sarcastic. If there was anything he hated more than anything it was cats from outside his clan. Sapphire blue orbs scanned the new group, taking note of how many there were and what the chances of survival would be if Dawnstar and Bumblestar got into a scrap. He didn't actually think that the leaders would do such a thing, but it was always better to be prepared, especially during a war. Then his gaze landed on a certain Thundrclan molly. A grin slowly spread across his face and he found himself waving with his tail as he began to speak, "Hey tiny twin, long time no see. How's it hanging with you?" The last time he'd seen this cat who'd refused to give him her name was a moon or two ago. The warrior had half expected the tinier version of himself, minis the eyes to have died, but it seems as if she was proving him wrong. Shade then remembered Dark cloud and turned to her to say, "Oh you must be wondering, that's Tiny Twin. She and I had a run in a while back, but Bumblestar stepped in to stop us before someone lost their life unfortunately."

[Alchemist Kitsune]

| Sprucepaw |

At the unexpected touch, Fudge felt his fur stick out on end, hopping three steps to the right as he gave a judgmental glare at whoever had just tried to attack him. They didn't need to know he was currently trying to swallow his heart back into its proper place, or that he had no idea how to defend himself. He just had to look mean, and big, and angry! Or... well... at least as much of those three things as he could at his age. Unfortunately, at four moons old, even squirrels seemed to find him positively adorable. Or an easy target. Semantics.

Hiding his surprise as his emerald hues fell on silver fur, the Birman mix narrowed his eyes, instantly suspicious of his would be assailant. This was one of the new ThunderClan apprentices. Spooky or something along those lines. Hmph. The only spooky thing about her was how she seemed to be determined to remove him as competition even with all of these cats around. Actually no, that sounded fairly terrifying. Maybe the name was kind of fitting this one time.

Carefully maintaining an air of indifference, Fudge felt confused as the molly apologized. Well... she better apologize. She almost scared him half to death. He just... didn't understand why she was apologizing. Most cats didn't bother giving him the time of day. Cattibal - also known as Lamb - and The Boulder were really the only cats who mostly acknowledged his existence among the star worshipers. Paying attention or respect to him did not give Spooky any advantage, so why bother?

Her second question gave him direction. A clearer understanding to her train of thought. She was trying to glean information from him. See how much she needed to work to catch up to his vast knowledge. Well, joke was on her, because he knew diddly, so hah! No... wait... that wasn't good for him either. Damn it! What mind games was this molly trying to play with him?! He would not be beat! Not this time!

And why was she approaching now?! Wait... was she planning on taking the first strike now?! Wait no, he wasn't ready! Did she have some sort of kickass battle training already done by one of those murderous city cats? Did she intend on using some strange move on him? He was too young and pretty to die here! He thought by joining these strange cats he had increased his chances of survival, but now it was too late! Gone! Taken down by a... hello... Now hold up, was she seriously just getting up close and personal to him just to say hello?! Rude much! Giving him a heart attack for no reason. Sheesh... She would fit right in.

"Salutations..." Fudge drawled back, narrowing his eyes at her.

He was on to her. Don't think for a minute he bought this charming, innocent routine. There was no such thing as talking for the sake of talking. No niceness without a price attached to it. But if this was how she wanted to play the game? Fine. He would play the game. And he would survive it, too! Or run away before she gained the upper paw. Whichever came first.

-

@Starfinder [Ghostpaw]
| Ghost may or may not have spiked Spruce's paranoia to a whole new height. I am so sorry for the itty bitty grump. |

[Rose]

Larkfire
She/Her | Shadow Fiend & Beefed Up (T1) Purrk

Her mouth pressed together into a thin line as Yarrowcrest continued to speak. Thankfully, though, she'd relaxed enough to scrutinize the tom beside her without bristling the entire time. She wasn't going to say anything to him, so if he was hoping for information on ShadowClan, he was not at all getting any from her.

Instead, she canted her head to the side and listened to him speak, amber hues glowing dimly with suppressed mirth as he trailed off in finish. "I don't think it's very smart to be talking about clawing eyes out to an enemy warrior." Larkfire said wryly, the corners of her mouth inching up in a smirk. She opened her mouth again after a moment, and then halted midway, head swinging in the direction of a loud voice ringing across the clearing, accompanied by some very foul choice words.

Her pupils narrowed to slits, a snarl reverberating in her throat at the sight of the sinewy ThunderClan apprentice.. and his threat. That was Starlingheart's pelt he was casting around. Starlingheart, who Larkfire had trained and had seen how they struggled to gain warriorhood. A life wasted, because of some little ThunderClan apprentice.

Amber hues flared to life with recognition as Larkfire took in Cracklepaw's appearance, and the youngest enforcer rose to her paws. Cracklepaw had murdered Starlingheart, and before that, he'd trespassed and killed Duskpaw in cold blood. All Larkfire needed was an order from her mother, and she'd gladly fell the squirrel where he stood. She barely cast Yarrowcrest a parting glance before slinking off into the shadows like the Shadow Fiend she was, disappearing into the crowd with renewed purpose.

[ @silverwynds - Yarrowcrest Mention ]

---

Mapleface
She/Her

When Cracklepaw didn't show up for quite a while, Mapleface had begun to doubt that he'd even left camp. Perhaps he'd wanted to sit this Gathering out? That seemed very unlike him, especially after how he'd been denied going to Gatherings as punishment on previous occasion. Except, Mapleface supposed she'd jumped to conclusions too soon, because not too long after, she saw her wonderful little brother waltzing up to Seastones where all the leaders sat. She didn't understand, at first, what the heck he was doing.

Until that bewilderment faded, and Cracklepaw's voice carried across the sands towards where she sat.

Oh no.

Oh no, oh no, oh no!

"CRACKLEPAW!" Mapleface yelled, the word somehow both filled with concern and a whole lot of anger. Ah yes, no more Crackles, no more terms of endearment after the stupidity-filled stunt he'd just pulled. Mapleface was pissed. More than pissed. Her heart was practically in her throat as she pushed herself to her paws and scrambled over to her little brother. She reached his side within moments, aiming to cuff him over the ear in reprimand before.. utterly ignoring the stinking pelt at his paws and positioning herself in front of him protectively.

Her tail fanned out behind her, bristling with worry for what would befall her little brother. "No one touches him." The Queen hissed in warning, jade-green hues flicking between Bumblestar and Dawnstar, all the while wondering which one was more of a threat. It was true Bumblestar wasn't the most.. forgiving sort, and Cracklepaw had tested the leader's patience one too many times. No one was touching her little brother. Not if she could help it.

Well, except her, that was. She was going to stuff him in the nursery until Rosekit and Redkit were apprentices, and then she'd babysit all of them for the rest of eternity.

[ @Leafí - Cracklepaw / @dino. - Bumblestar / @Undertaker - Dawnstar ]

[Morrigan]

Originally Posted by Levi 99

Shadefrost gave a short quiet yawn. The waiting. Oh how Shade hated the waiting. It was the worst part of the Gathering, and it was almost depressing. The fact that cats were tortured for who knows how long because one clan was somehow late to the Gathering. The sacred event that only occurs twelve times in a year. Three times in a season. *Sigh* What a shame. Shadefrost could remember multiple occasions when a cat sitting only a few inches from him had fallen asleep and missed the Gathering completely due to someone's inability to show up on time. It was actually starting to piss the black tom off some. But what was one supposed to do, cry about it to their leader as if they could make the other clan's show up faster. He'd have a better chance of losing a race to a slug. Suddenly an annoyingly familiar scent entered Shade's nostrils. His tail claw flicked to and fro with frustration, as squirrels came padding onto the Seastones. "Oh great" he muttered just low enough for Dark cloud to hear, "the worst of the worst decided to show, are we lucky or what?" he said the last bit jokingly but meant it to be sarcastic. If there was anything he hated more than anything it was cats from outside his clan. Sapphire blue orbs scanned the new group, taking note of how many there were and what the chances of survival would be if Dawnstar and Bumblestar got into a scrap. He didn't actually think that the leaders would do such a thing, but it was always better to be prepared, especially during a war. Then his gaze landed on a certain Thundrclan molly. A grin slowly spread across his face and he found himself waving with his tail as he began to speak, "Hey tiny twin, long time no see. How's it hanging with you?" The last time he'd seen this cat who'd refused to give him her name was a moon or two ago. The warrior had half expected the tinier version of himself, minis the eyes to have died, but it seems as if she was proving him wrong. Shade then remembered Dark cloud and turned to her to say, "Oh you must be wondering, that's Tiny Twin. She and I had a run in a while back, but Bumblestar stepped in to stop us before someone lost their life unfortunately."

Darkcloud

Darkcloud just narrowed her eyes at the Thunderclan cats "Fox-hearts" she thought coldly she just stayed silent after that until Shadefrost greeted someone turning herhead around she saw it was a Thunderclan warrior why was he talking to her? She was about to ask but her clanmate answered before she could but his answer just brought her more questions "Run in where?" she asked calmly did he go to Thunderclan territory? It was unlikely for Bumblestar to go and rescue one of her warriors that had trespassed on Shadowclan territory or so she thought.

Nightgaze

Nightgaze snapped her head around as she heard a familiar voice a snarl came across her maw as she saw who it was "I'm not your tiny twin mange-pelt!" she hissed angrily her fur bristling as he told the she-cat next to him about there meeting this just made her even more furious "Rescue?! Ha your the one who had to be rescued mousebrain! Your lucky that Bumblestar stepped in or you would've been the one to lose your life!" the small black she-cat retorted hotly she would've attacked already if this hadn't been a gathering.

[stag]

HOUNDHUNTER
Death: Reversed
Pronouns: Haunt/Hauntself || Massive black and white cat with heavy flank scarring, orange and green eyes.
Purrk: Beefed Up || Tier 1
[ ➥ MENTION(S): @Rose , @Leafí , @Undertaker , @dino. ]

An apprentice dragged in one of haunt’s clanmates pelt…. The cat stood up, making haunt’s way over there immediately. The black and white cat gets stopped by another cat, her red and cream pelt with some pitiful words. No one touches him? He killed one of haunt’s clanmates did she expect Shadowclan to just sit and let it happen? Words coming out in a low snarl, the volume just above a whisper. Yelling would get the massive cat nowhere “Give me the pelt. Or die like Starlightheart.” Houndhunter lets a hiss escape haunt’s throat, green and orange eyes moving towards the white apprentice. The cat towers over these two, haunt’s claws dig into the sand. Black and white pelt shifts slightly as Houndhunter’s tail lashes back and forth.

This apprentice’s name was Cracklepaw…interesting. The Shecat was protecting him? Why protect that creature. Houndhunter didn’t speak on the other comments, the clans were already at war. This little boy fueled the flames more than he probably understood. Demanding the pelt once more “The pelt, give them.” The body, where was the rest? Had it been returned as well, Larkfire had been active about the borders. Claws digging into the sand even more as Houndhunter hisses once more. If haunt had to kill this child to get back haunt’s clanmate then so be it, and if this warrior got in the way then she would die too.

[bubble[error].]

*Cherrypaw is there*

*Drippingpelt exists*

*Tigerpaw sighs*

(All open)

[lem~]

Originally Posted by FrostyGalaxy

<><><><><>



*-Lichenpaw-*
2/100
she/her | 7moons
small and scruffy calico she-cat with one blinding eye

There was another apprentice talking to her? How exciting! She didn't even need to seek anyone out herself if they would all just come to her!! From the smell of the cat - and the fact that that she'd never seen her in WindClan before - she had to be from one of the other two here, but which one? Sourpaw didn't smell like dead things though, a smell she'd often heard used to describe ShadowClan, dead things and rats, so she must be ThunderClan! 'Oh yeah, Lichenpaw, you're a fantastic detective!' She thought happily.

"Hi!" She greeted the other apprentice back, "I'm Lichenpaw! Is this your first gathering? It's mine! I'm so excited!"

SourPaw
"Mine as well!" She said happily. "I super excited!"

'Making friends isn't so hard!' She thought to herself.

"You windclan cats always smell so delight full!" She purred "To be honest I wasn't going to come but my mentor said I should..."!

[dino.]

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

Stars damn it all, one PEACEFUL night was all she asked for!

Bumblestar's head whipped around as her resident troublemaker swept onto the sands and announced his presence in the worst possible way. She felt her fur bristle in a mixture of shock and horror, and before she could scramble down the stones, Mapleface stepped in.

She took a brief moment to compose herself before her eyes narrowed at the cat who approached the pair, and with a snarl building in the back of her throat (yet looking much more collected), Bumblestar leaped from the stones and landed in front of the three.

"I don't know what the hell you think you're doing," she seethed at Cracklepaw, claws sinking into the sand, "but this is the most impulsive, idiotic thing I have ever seen from you. Mapleface!" Sharp green eyes snapped to the queen, burning with fury. "Take your charge back to camp, NOW! Make sure he doesn't go anywhere, I want to speak with him as soon as we're done here. And you."

Back to Cracklepaw. If she could breathe fire, flames would be licking at her jaw this very instant. "Drop the pelt, right now, and hand it over to that warrior." She gestured sharply with her tail at the ShadowClanner that had approached. "This is unacceptable and as soon as I get back home you're going to hear several things from me, mark my words. Go with Mapleface. Don't make me ask you twice."

This was not up for debate. The presence of her claws said clearly that she was not afraid to use force to remove him if necessary.

Her gaze, still burning, flickered to the ShadowClanner and Dawnstar, though she forced her tone flat. "I'd hoped never to see the day we stooped as low as you." Publicly, at least. Privately, she really didn't give a crap, but this? Not something she wanted to deal with. "Take the pelt, I'll handle him later."

[ @Undertaker @vampire @Leafí @Rose ]

[silver.]

yarrowcrest // he/him // 17 moons
purrks active: mind reader

---

Oh, alright. One moment Larkfire was before him and it was as if he blinked and she was gone. So much for getting a second opinion. He didn't blame her for not wanting to talk about it or giving out what she thought was important information. If only he could have gotten across that he was something of a pacifist and meant no harm by asking her for her thoughts... The words she left him with sit heavily, though. It was a joke but... She wouldn't take that seriously, right?

Hopefully not.

Sighing, he picks himself back up and pushes into the crowd of cats. Scents mingle enough to give him somewhat of a headache... Time to seek out someone else to talk to in order to pass the time, he guesses!

Or well. That was the plan originally. Now he understands where Larkfire had disappeared off to. Yarrowcrest didn't know Cracklepaw personally but he had heard of him... Or rather, his nature. Not a cat he would find company in... Especially once he realizes that he's dragging a pelt. Eyes widening in horror, the orange and white tom makes his way towards the front-- towards the Seastones-- watch this spectacle unfold. Call it morbid curiosity but if a fight was going to break out, he'd rather know about it sooner than later. This wasn't... The first time he had done this? Had Bumblestar just let this sort of thing go on? Skinning enemy warriors to present as some sort of trophy? Ears laying flat, his attention jumps to the massive cat approaching his clan mates. The worst part of this was Yarrowcrest agreed with haunt. What use was the pelt of a murdered warrior? A prize? A statement.

Seating himself nearby to keep an eye on the situation, wary of a fight breaking out, a worried glance is shot Mapleface's way. Would she really give her life to protect a cat that had basically flaunted his act in the faces of the enemy? Part of him wants to intervene-- try to mediate the situation. Speak calmly and try to ease the tension that was already threatening to loose hell upon them all. But what place did he have? A young warrior with no name for himself. All he could do was standby. Watch. Worry. Glance between each cat

(reposting so it makes more sense chronologically! )
mapleface // @Rose | houndhunter // @vampire | cracklepaw // @Leafí
[ #fire ]
389 words = 77 pts.