December Gathering

[Moonraven]

Please wait for your respective Clan leader or deputy to post before you arrive!

HIGH RANKS - PLEASE USE THIS CODE FOR YOUR ROLEPLAY POSTS WITH YOUR CHARACTER!

[announcement ] [/announcement ]
Make sure you close the brackets for your post coding!

Roleplayers, feel free to have your cats react to what the leaders are saying! You can search #announcement in this thread to find all the high rank posts you get to respond to!

[ Undertaker, Singing Jay, spade, gs29513, TheNyanCatMinecart, Willowfern, poppy. ]

[Moonraven]

Leaving behind the moor, Twilightstar strolled across the cold sand that covered the beach. As her clan poured in behind her, the she-cat glanced around seeing that they were the first to arrive. This would never not be a strange feeling. Twilightstar padded straight over to the Seastones and leaped up, taking a seat, she turned her eye towards the sea watching the water sway back and forth in a hypnotic fashion.

The WindClan leader pulled her gaze away from the water and went back to watching her cats, examining the prints they left in the sand as they moved. With leafbare so close, she assumed all of the clans, ShadowClan included, would be preparing for the cold weather or more focused on hunting prey than causing trouble. But it was hard to say with Dawnstar, Twilightstar never trusted her assumptions with that she-cat at the head of a clan.

WindClan could not afford a fight, and after some contemplating she had already decided to avoid saying anything about the missing medicine cat, Peachfrost. RiverClan was already informed, and even though she knew that ThunderClan wouldn't do anything with information, Dawnstar was still the most unpredictable out of all of WindClan's problems. Twilightstar knew that she should probably be a bit more stressed out and completely concerned with the lack of a medicine cat, but she was strangely alright with it. She's gone through at least four if not more medicine cats and deputies under her rule as leader. There were always replacement cats willing to step up, Peachfrost's replacement will show one way or another.
WindClan's Here

[Brightlight]

||OPEN||

—Slatefrost of Windclan—

Slatefrost followed behind Twilightstar, and the rest of Windclan as they filled a large area of the beach. He padded along the sand and found a nice spot a good distance from the stones where the leaders and deputies sat. There, he could hear whatever they said, but could also engage with the rest of his Clan, and the other clans as well.

It was always a nice feeling to be early. Slatefrost sat, fluffing his fur to retain as much body heat as he could. It was getting colder and colder, and it didn’t help matters that since they were so close to the sea, there was more of a breeze. Slatefrost shivered, waiting for the other Clans to arrive.

[error]

Haredash padded in, looking around. She had seen that Slatefrost, and shivering. The hazel she-cat sat down next to him, giving him a sweet smile. "Cold, isn't it?" He chuckled a bit exhaling on her pelt in attempt to warm herself.

( Brightlight )

[Pitou]

**Toadpounce**
[OPEN]

The night was chilly but lit brightly by the full moon hanging in the sky. His clan had suffered a lot the past few moons but none seemed too despaired. Toadpounce wasn't one for pride but he was proud of his clan when he really thought about it. He'd spent so much of the last few moons, so much of his life in general, cooped up within himself. He enjoyed the company of other cats but other cats tended to not enjoy his company. It never really bothered him much, he was content on his own, with his experiments. Lately he'd really buried himself in his own experiments. His mate and most of his kits had gone missing. Cobwebpaw was a busy young cat, training to become a tunneler. He'd thought Batsnow was the rest of his story, the one cat who truly understood him and would be there through it all. He brought his mind back. He had yet to let himself fall into any form of despair, unwilling to delve into his feelings at all, preferring to lose himself in activities, his first would not be at a gathering of all places. He settled himself on the sand, fluffing his black pelt against the chill of the breeze blowing over the ocean.

[taillow]

Bravebird
As the land changed from moors to sand, Bravebird felt a chill travel up her legs. The air tonight was icy, cutting through her thin fur and chilling her down to the bone. Blue hues shifted around as she realized Seastones was rather empty; it appeared WindClan had arrived first. A certain stir of pride swelled in her chest as she lifted her chin just a little bit higher. It had been some moons since that had occurred, and hopefully it was something they could keep up.

She gave a nod to Slatefrost and Haredash as she passed them, taking up a spot close to where the leaders would join Twilightstar once they arrived as well. Bravebird thrived off of intellect and the going ons of the other Clans. She was curious if the warrior she had almost fought near the ShadowClan border would show face tonight; or if the little kit who had stumbled into her paws was an apprentice by now. Two faces she wouldn't mind seeing, if only to shoot them a stone-cold glare and frown.

(open roleplay post!)

[~Sayonara~]

Dawnleaf yawns and stretches, warming his pelt up as he sits by the seastones. He wasn't used to the cold weather still, but he would live.

[Brightlight]

Haredash padded in, looking around. She had seen that Slatefrost, and shivering. The hazel she-cat sat down next to him, giving him a sweet smile. "Cold, isn't it?" He chuckled a bit exhaling on her pelt in attempt to warm herself.

( Brightlight )

--Slatefrost--

Slatefrost nodded quickly. The action caused his head to spin, but he did feel a bit warmer. Slatefrost got up and twisted in a circle. He always found that moving a bit warmed him up fast.

"When so you think the other Clans will arrive?" Slatefrost said out loud, looking towards Haredash. He really did wonder. Slatefrost glanced up at Twilightstar. He suddenly frowned. Where was their deputy as well?

[arrow.]

The she-cat gazed out, tiredly. The Gathering would hopefully, not be quite crazy. She gazed at another Clanmate, Orangestripe. It was easy to spot him. "Are you alright, Orangestripe?." she asked, seeing a frown on the orange tom's face.

Orangestripe, hearing Mapleleaf's voice, he quickly turned to look at her. "I'm fine, Mapleleaf. Thank you for the concern..." he walked ahead, before Mapleleaf could respond.

(Both of them are open for someone to talk to either one of them!)

[Clock Dragonshifter]

Smokepaw padded into the gathering in awwe. Great Starclan my first ever gathering! he thought excitedly as he walked around exploring every inch of the place.


Silent'Song walked into the gathering and sat down by herself her fluffy white tail covered her black paws as she was fluffed up against the cold. She was extremely susceptible to the cold she always had been but she wouldn't want to miss a gathering.


[Both Open to RP of you'd like!)

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ WOLFFANG ~

It was time for the Gathering. The large, dappled gray tom was right behind his leader, head and tail held high, chest puffed out. He had to make a good appearance. No more traces of weakness or breaking down. Not only did he have to be there for his Clan, he had to prove that WindClan was strong. Twilightstar was more peaceful; he had to be the stronger one. And him failing mentally was completely unacceptable. This shouldn't even be preoccuping my thoughts. I must be strong, and loyal to WindClan. Well, WindClan had missed the last Gathering. Hopefully their lack of attendance hadn't made the other Clans think badly of them.

Ironically, WindClan was the first to arrive. Wolffang looked around. Nobody was here yet. The tom didn't like the fact that they didn't have a medicine cat. I need to talk to Twilightstar after this. They had to focus on ways to make WindClan look strong in the face of the other Clans. I must be a good deputy. So far, I don't believe I've convinced Twilightstar yet. I don't know how much time I have left. I must get this right. The tom took his place below the big rock and sat, his tail tucked around his paws, his thick-furred tail tucked over his huge paws. It was cold out; he fluffed out his thick, medium-length pelt. StarClan, it was cold. And snowing. Perfect weather, he thought sarcastically.

[error]

She smiled, waving her paw as if to pass the subject off. “Of course everything’s fine. We’re just early, they’ll come any moment.” She grinned, as she continued warm herself.

( Brightlight )

[carmen]

Silentstorm swished into the clearing, silent as a mouse. Though that didn't matter. WIndclan was the first one there, surprisingly. Would it be fun? The white bengal hadn't been to a gathering in a while, she wasn't sure what to expect. Would Twilightstar talk about the windstorm? She was pretty sure the other clans knew about it, or at least Riverclan. But if Shadowclan didn't, couldn't that pull them ahead somehow? At least, if the clan of shadows didn't know, they wouldn't attack while they were... weaker? Silentstorm wasn't sure if that was the right word. So she opted to sit and wait near an opening instead.
[Open!]

[Ikoria the Wolf Pup]

(OPEN)

Dewpaw followed the rest of WindClan to the Seastones. It was her first gathering, and she planned to do as much as she could. She had never met cats from other clans before, and she hoped to do so. Just… not ShadowClan. She had heard bad things about them, and didn't look forward to talking to one. Unfortunately, it looked like they were the first ones there. Looked like she would have to wait for other cats to come.

[beau]

Cobwebpaw padded into the clearing warily, trailing at the end of the group. As his yellow gaze flicked around to take in the scene, it became apparent that, to his surprise, Windclan was the first group. That was good, it meant he could find a place to settle without having to wade through crowds of cats. As he continued to scan the space, his gaze settled on Toadpounce, his father, and he breathed a soft sigh. Most all of his family had gone missing, leaving practically just Cobwebpaw and his father in Windclan. His siblings' absences he didn't mind - he never felt truly close to any of them - but he did miss his mother quite terribly. It didn't seem like her to just... up and vanish. But then again, she was a peculiar cat. For all he knew, one of her risky experiments had gone awry. Ahh, at least it would be a death she appreciated.

The skinny tom lingered at the edge of the crowd for a moment before hesitantly making his way towards his father. He hadn't spoken with him in what must have been moons, save a few words in passing, a nod of acknowledgement or so. "Hey." The apprentice internally cringed as his voice, quiet and rough from underuse. Geez, he needed to start talking more. He cleared his throat before speaking again. "How have you err... been?" He felt the uneasy guilt that he had been suppressing for the past few day reawaken. He hadn't been avoiding Toadpounce, but he also never sought out his father. He felt bad, though, leaving him to his own devices. He knew how close his mother and father had been, and between her disappearance, along with his siblings', Cobwebpaw felt bad about growing distant.

The young tom had always know his father to be a social cat, and it didn't take long to notice the subtle avoidance other cats had around him, as well as most of his odd-ball family. It never bothered Cobwebpaw personally, except maybe as a small kit, but he had seen the effect it had on his more extroverted siblings, and he was worried about his father's semi-abrupt seclusion.

Ravensong
[Figured I could tie in the interaction here, if you don't mind too terribly]

[Brightlight]

She smiled, waving her paw as if to pass the subject off. “Of course everything’s fine. We’re just early, they’ll come any moment.” She grinned, as she continued warm herself.

( Brightlight )

--Slatefrost--

Slatefrost nodded. Of course, he was certain the other Clans would arrive soon. They wouldn't want to make themselves look bad by not coming. Slatefrost also noted their deputy had joined Twilightstar on the stones. Good. He had been right behind her after all.

Slatefrost fluffed his fur for a third time, knowing that at this point he probably looked like a puff ball, but not really caring. He saw a few more Windclan cats settle in and find their places, including Bravebird, who nodded to him. Slatefrost nodded back, before turning to Haredash.

"Do you know many cats in the other Clans?" Slatefrost questioned. He didn't know many, Slatefrost preferred to stick to his own Clan and socialize within them.

[Pitou]

[Not at all! That's a great idea]

**Toadpounce**

Toadpounce nearly jumped as his son approached him, pulling him from his thoughts. He smiled, it'd seemed like so long since he'd had a good talk with Cobwebpaw. Sometimes Toadapounce wondered if he should make more of an effort but he didn't want to be a drag on his son's up-and-coming new position in the clan. He tried to balance a delicate and complex line of not wanting to be too needy, he was just an old silly father afterall, and showing his son that he cared enough to make the effort. But here Cobwebpaw was making the effort approaching him, Toadpounce wondered if that was a bad sign, he didn't want his son always thinking he had to make the first move. He sighed, exasperated at his own conflictions. "Hi there, Cobwebpaw. I'm..uh...I'm glad you made it out to the gathering, not that you wouldn't or anything. It's great to see you, is all." Smooth. "I've been...I've been okay." That wasn't the whole truth, was it? He had been doing okay but only because of his inclination towards avoidance. He smiled and laughed nervously. "I miss your mother but I guess you could've guessed that." He paused momentarily then brightened, nudging Cobwebpaw with a paw. "How have you been? I've seen you doing well with tunneling. That's exciting!"

Naiad

[alaskaa]

Bravebird
As the land changed from moors to sand, Bravebird felt a chill travel up her legs. The air tonight was icy, cutting through her thin fur and chilling her down to the bone. Blue hues shifted around as she realized Seastones was rather empty; it appeared WindClan had arrived first. A certain stir of pride swelled in her chest as she lifted her chin just a little bit higher. It had been some moons since that had occurred, and hopefully it was something they could keep up.

She gave a nod to Slatefrost and Haredash as she passed them, taking up a spot close to where the leaders would join Twilightstar once they arrived as well. Bravebird thrived off of intellect and the going ons of the other Clans. She was curious if the warrior she had almost fought near the ShadowClan border would show face tonight; or if the little kit who had stumbled into her paws was an apprentice by now. Two faces she wouldn't mind seeing, if only to shoot them a stone-cold glare and frown.

(open roleplay post!)

Dawnstreak

The tall, brown-and-cream tabby she-cat's dark blue eyes were sharp tonight. Their medicine cat, Peachfrost, was missing, and leafbare was approaching fast.She didn't want to be caught off-guard.

That she thought to herself as she scrambled up the rocks onto the Seastones, as other WindClanners pushed past her, chatting. Taking her spot as far away from the other cats as possible, Dawnstreak reflected that she better try socialising. Since she was now a tuneller trainee, she could pretty much foresee being well-known within WindClan and expected to have a reasonably large amount of friends.

Sighing, Dawnstreak cast her gaze around the crowd, looking for any cat that was, so far, alone. WindClan had arrived first, so no other cats from other Clans were here yet, which was a relief because the warrior didn't particularly like theother Clans alot... except RiverClan.

Dark blue hues landed on Bravebird. Well. Dawnstreak didn't know Bravebird as well as she knew other WindClan cats. Why not give it ashot? Decidng on this, Dawnstreak trotted over promptly, forcing herself to speak once she approached Bravebird.
"Hi... Bravebird," she mewed, feeling extremely self-conscious. She took a step back as a precaution. Though it was a very small step.

[spade]

Leading RiverClan down the grassy slope towards the beach, Kestrelstar winced yet again as his hindleg stretched and tugged at the wound. He had avoided against placing any herbs over it, due to not wanting to look weak. The pain was barely there anymore, just small annoying stings every once in awhile; nothing the tom wasn't used to. Yellow eyes were still bright and his pelt had been freshly groomed as the grass turned to sand under his paws.

By the scent before him it appeared that only WindClan was here so far. Good. His muscles relaxed a bit as he continued onto the sandy that surrounded Seastones, giving a nod to his Clan and Splashleap and Snakeheart as he broke away to pad up towards his place among the rocks. He bunched his muscles and sprang up to join Twilightstar, settling down on his rock. He gave a greeting nod towards the WindClan leader. "Hello, Twilightstar. Certainly is a cold one, isn't it?" the gray tabby tom joked as he fluffed out his pelt, noticing the tiny, almost invisible flakes that drifted through the air. Hopefully nothing of flare would happen this Gathering, and they could all make fast with their announcemens and go home; it was too cold for any cat to be out here for too long. Already the noticeable (yet healing) scars on his hind leg and flank were stinging, though Kestrelstar remained sitting upright and ignored it.

Moonraven gs29513 Rani

RIVERCLAN HAS ARRIVED

[WinterMara]

| Whitepaw of Riverclan |

Finally, it felt like moons [but wasn't actually that long of a trip, just Whitepaw being moody and a bit of a brat] for them to arrive, she was feeling better since the last one, although, with all this cold, part of her wanted to home, the other part of her knew any skinny and small cats here were probably freezing to death while she was minorly annoyed, so she showed no discomfort and simply sat. Hm, seems Windclan are the only other ones here, good, they're the less annoying ones.

| OPEN!

[Rani]

Dear starclan this was going to be a depressing gathering. Peachfrost was missing Icicleripple was dead and while Snakeheart had received no news on Bounceberry he was well aware if something happened to the tom Dawnstar would not inform him. Wonderfully dull and dreary first gathering for his new apprentice.... Ah well maybe he could do a little instructing on proper etiquette for a medicine cat while the gathering occurred? Yeah explaining the expectations for the medicine cats was a must. So with a flicked tail to indicate he wanted Reedpaw to follow him Snakeheart made his way over to the regular medicine cats meeting spot and sat turning to his apprentice with a "So medicine cats of the other clans. Who are they and what do you know about them? Go."
Nixey Fletcher

[Pitou]

**Codpaw of Riverclan**
[OPEN]

The spotted grey tabby trotted in amongst the throng of Riverclan cats. This would hopefully be his last gathering as an apprentice, he had an extra spring to his step as he looked for a spot in the open. He noticed with some disappointment that Shadowclan hadn't arrived yet. Unwittingly he realized he was hoping to see Firepaw.

Codpaw broke away from the rest of his clan to find an open sandy spot on the beach. He sat straight, his eyes scanning, hoping to find a cat from a different clan that he could talk to. His gaze landed on a young-looking apprentice, barely more than a kit. He smiled happily and bounced over to her. He didn't recognize her so he assumed she must be from Windclan, the windy scent of heather and grasses confirmed it for him as he got closer. "Hiya! I'm Codpaw. What's your name? Is this your first time? It's really neat, right?"

Ikoria the Wolf Pup

[error]

She laughed awkwardly. “Not- really. I normally kinda keep to myself during gatherings, to keep out of trouble. But- why?” She tilted her head, quirking a brow.

( Brightlight )
___________________

Lionshade padded in, looking around. He still kinda had to hide from Stormstripe and Morningpaw atleast until she became a warrior. He sat, looking around. Not much had happened yet- which was a relief during the beginning of a gathering.
( OPEN )
___________________

Silverflight padded into the clearing, eyes blank. Normal sucky life, and a chaotic gathering.
( OPEN )
__________________

Maplepaw padded in and sat down, her second gathering, and she had to try to expect that some chaos would happen. She pursed her lips, looking around.
( OPEN )

[Akira]

Reedlight practically skipped over, excitement running through him. He had just become a warrior, and he was so excited! He joined RiverClan and anxiously sat and waited, wondering if any ThunderClan cat would recognize him from the raid.

(Open to anyone, though mainly to ThunderClan who may have seen or heard of him in the raid).

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
Streampelt padded towards Seastones, choosing a spot in the middle of where everyone was gathering.

~Fierceroar~
Fierceroar padded towards Seastones, choosing a spot close to where the leaders were.

~Shypaw~
Shypaw padded towards Seastones, choosing a spot a bit far away from where the leaders gathered.

[All are open to everyone]

[alaskaa]

Hazelstorm of RiverClan

The young warrior followed Kestrelstar up the stons to the Seastones, her fur tingling with excitement. It was her first Gathering... as a warrior.

Choosing a spot near the leaders, Hazelstorm tilted her head up at Kestrelstar and Twilightstar. She glanced around, and sighed. She caught sight of Codpaw - it certainly was surprising that now, she was a warrior, and her best friend still remained an apprentice.

She hoped Shimmerbird had decided to come to the Gathering, since she was a new warrior too. Hazelstorm sighed again, simply bored.

[Rosyfrost of RiverClan

The she-cat would've preferred to stay at camp, but nope. Rosyfrost had instead decided to come to the Gathering. Why, she didn't know. She chose to sit down near her fellow Clanmates and looked up at Kestrelstar, wondering what announcements he would make this Gathering.

( both open )

[CroissantKitty]

Aspenleaf of RiverClan
The silver she-cat padded in and looked around. She had made it out of the medicine den just in time. Thank the stars for that. She would probably be left to sit quietly with her clan mates, judging other clans from afar. Fine with her though.
(OPEN)

[Nixey]

She couldn’t even begin to explain how much she hated the chilly air. Only made worse while passing the beach, Reedpaw was left with her fur all puffed out. As excited as she was for this gathering, what with her new rank and all, she had to admit that coming out here when leaf-bare was almost on top of the clans truly sucked. However, just because of the stupid seasons changing that wasn’t going to stop her from attending. As always, Reedpaw felt a certain stir of anxiety in her chest, which only seemed doubled by the fact that she would now have to act confident. So instead of sticking glued to Snakeheart like she had done with her other mentors, Reedpaw drifted between cats that were filing towards Seastones. Her worry was intensified twice fold when she saw they were only the second to arrive, which, may have been surprising. As much as Reedpaw didn’t entirely like ShadowClan, she also knew that since the ShadowClan medicine cat wasn’t here yet, she’d be stuck on her own with Snakeheart, which in itself was a little terrifying.

Noticing the flick of Snakehearts tail, Reedpaw had realized she had subconsciously drifted towards him yet again. Allowing a soft breath to drift from her, Reedpaw followed along with Snakeheart, the joking words of “I know not to poke the snake” of which she had said to Reedlight playing in her thoughts. Now was especially important as she took a spot just a few inches from the RiverClan medicine cat. The question proposed to her was a bit of a odd one, and it caused her to take a moment and think it over. “Well..I know Peachfrost is from WindClan, and Icicleripple is from ThunderClan, and she..sadly passed away” she had to think for a second. Was the ShadowClan healer Bouncepaw or Bounceberry? Frowning slightly, Reedpaw peered towards Snakeheart for a moment before continuing on with a “and I think..ShadowClans is Bounceberry, not Bouncepaw,” memory don’t fail her now. Thinking back to what she had heard about the medicine cats, which wasn’t much as she normally didn’t pay too much attention to that stuff, “I’ve heard Peachfrost was cold to cats not in WindClan, and Icicleripple was nice, but I don’t know much else beyond that,” it made her seem, at least in her eyes, inconsiderate to not know more. Rani

[Captain]

[Rosyfrost of RiverClan

The she-cat would've preferred to stay at camp, but nope. Rosyfrost had instead decided to come to the Gathering. Why, she didn't know. She chose to sit down near her fellow Clanmates and looked up at Kestrelstar, wondering what announcements he would make this Gathering.

Snowleap silently followed Kestrelstar to the Seastones, his heart thumping in his chest. He never really did well at Gatherings, so many cats tended to make him nervous, though he planned on staying close to Riverclan if anything did happen. The tall tomcat could only hope that things would go smoothly and they could all go home before freezing to death. He could feel the cold air ruffling through him and his clan, making him feel a shared sense of unease. Snowleap trusted his leader regardless, following with the other Riverclan cats. They nodded to Kestrelstar before the large dark-gray tomcat made his way to the top of the rocks to join the other leaders. The tall warrior gave a sigh, trying to ease himself into a sense of calm so he wouldn’t panic or anything. He figured he’d take this chance to mingle among his own clanmates. The option to talk to other clans felt... unwise right now.

“Hello there,” He sat down next to a Riverclan she-cat, who was a brown-and-cream patched tabby named Rosyfrost, “Quite a chilly night tonight, eh? Feel like my paws might go numb.” Snowleap didn’t know her personally, aside from her name, but he was always open to meeting another one of his clanmates. He looked up at Kestrelstar like she did, simply making conversation before the Gathering officially started.

[alaskaa]

tokyo_driftin

Rosyfrost of RiverClan

She blinked as a cat approached her, sitting down next to her. Rosyfrost looked at him, recognising him as Snowleap. Her fellow Clanmate. Turning her attention from the leaders to this warrior, she smiled at him.
"Hi, Snowleap,"she responded brightly. "I'm Rosyfrost. Though, you maybe already know that."

Rosyfrost paused for breath, and continued. "Yes. It really is. After all, leaf-bare's coming," the she-cat mewed sensibly. "Soon, there'll probably be snow."

[Captain]

Snowleap of Riverclan
Snowleap nodded with a kind smile present upon his maw. “I’ve seen you around camp, but it’s a pleasure to meet you personally,” He said, blinking at the she-cat before responding to her next words, “Indeed… I’m definitely not looking forward to it.” The tall warrior gestured to his bushy dark-grey coat of fur. “At least I have this to keep warm. Hunting will be much more difficult though… Finding anything with much meat on it these days is hard enough as it is.” He licked the fur on his shoulder, casually grooming his pelt as he usually did when talking to other cats.

“Enough of that depressing chatter, how are you doing today, Rosyfrost?” Snowleap asked, peering at her with his icy blue-eyes. His ears twitched at all the idle chit-chat that went on around them as cats conversed among the group, but he made sure to focus on the she-cat before him. He tended to get distracted easily if he started thinking about something else, but he was working on socializing better with his clan.
mystical

[Brightlight]

She laughed awkwardly. “Not- really. I normally kinda keep to myself during gatherings, to keep out of trouble. But- why?” She tilted her head, quirking a brow.

( Brightlight )
___________________

Lionshade padded in, looking around. He still kinda had to hide from Stormstripe and Morningpaw atleast until she became a warrior. He sat, looking around. Not much had happened yet- which was a relief during the beginning of a gathering.
( OPEN )
___________________

Silverflight padded into the clearing, eyes blank. Normal sucky life, and a chaotic gathering.
( OPEN )
__________________

Maplepaw padded in and sat down, her second gathering, and she had to try to expect that some chaos would happen. She pursed her lips, looking around.
( OPEN )

--Slatefrost--

"I was just wondering. I was thinking of maybe trying to talk to other cats from other Clans this Gathering. But I don't know......" Slatefrost just left it at that.

A smell suddenly wafted through the air, blown around by the wind. It was familiar yet somehow foreign at the same time, and, distinctly...fishy. Slatefrost watched as Riverclan cats entered the beachy area, the second Clan to arrive.

[Brightlight]

||OPEN||

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

The grey elder padded slowly along the sand. He didn't know why he had wanted to come here when he could be curled up in his nice warm den. Already, it was getting too cold for him. The breeze was somehow getting through his thick fur.

Brittleshore didn't bother shivering though. He hoped Kestrelstar would just say whatever and then they could all go back home. Brittleshore looked around. He could see several Windclan cats around him, but he could also see Riverclan. Including the new medicine cat apprentice, and their medicine cat. Brittleshore looked up at the stones, hoping this would be over soon.

[Fletcher]

Dear starclan this was going to be a depressing gathering. Peachfrost was missing Icicleripple was dead and while Snakeheart had received no news on Bounceberry he was well aware if something happened to the tom Dawnstar would not inform him. Wonderfully dull and dreary first gathering for his new apprentice.... Ah well maybe he could do a little instructing on proper etiquette for a medicine cat while the gathering occurred? Yeah explaining the expectations for the medicine cats was a must. So with a flicked tail to indicate he wanted Reedpaw to follow him Snakeheart made his way over to the regular medicine cats meeting spot and sat turning to his apprentice with a "So medicine cats of the other clans. Who are they and what do you know about them? Go."
Nixey Fletcher


Nixey cccc

Almost as if Snakeheart had summoned him himself, Bounceberry poked his head into view past a couple of rocks, his head was held low as he skulked about the perimeter of the Seastones, but eventually moved to approach Snakeheart as he was interrogating an apprentice.

"Why are you bullying a child, my friend?" he snarked, plopping his butt down, "I-it's been quite a while, I have been busy, and avoiding these gatherings since the demotion of Ebonyfang. It has been hard, but I have managed just fine."

[~Sayonara~]

[BOTH OPEN]

Honeypaw looked around happily, it had been a while since he'd participated in a gathering! He hoped he'd see some of his old friends. How much he would enjoy that!

_____________________

Nightpaw gazed around a bit anxiously. He was nervous. It was his first gathering and he didn't know what the other clans would think of him!

[Ian]

--Fallownose--
[OPEN]

The tall tom weaved his away amongst the WindClan and RiverClan cats that had already arrived, silenlty glad that ThunderClan wasn't here yet. Hopefully he wouldn't run into Bubblebreeze, who knows what that evil she-cat was capabale of starting at a gathering.

--Shimmerbird--
[OPEN]

The new warrior stuck close to RiverClan as they made their way towards the Seastones, her pelt fluffed up against the chill of leaf-bare. The molly let out a quiet sigh of relief when she saw that WindClan was already there, glad that the Clan hadn't been terribly injured or even driven out. Plus, two gatherings ago she had talked to a nice apprentice... Snowypaw she believed their name was. Hopefully they were alright.

[Rani]

"Correct." Snakeheart was about it elaborate further but then in a fit of 'speak of the devil the shadowclan medicine cat appeared as if from nowhere earning a slight jerk of surprise from the older tom. "Evening Bounceberry and for your information Im not bullying a random child this is my new apprentice Reedpaw. Reedpaw, Bounceberry. He's the best of shadowclan so dont expect the others to be as good though if needs must you can trust him." The younger tom got a greeting nod and an understanding flick of a ear at his dislike of the gathering. Starclan knows the only reason Snakeheart came to the gathering was his refusal to let riverclan look bad by showing to a gathering missing a medicine cat. "As for your judgment on Peachfrost she can be cold yes but shes a good cat besides. Though you wont be meeting her today as, Bounceberry keep this secret please, she'd gone missing after the windstorm. When Twilightstar chooses her successor they'll probably come to riverclan for training so expect that." Cats went missing all to often and honestly though Snakeheart viewed Peachfrost as a friend he'd exhausted all the cares he could have about the situation. One apprentice he'd taught went, another came on and on.
Fletcher Nixey

[Mistletoe]

~Lavendersnap~

The elder came slower than the other Windclan cats. It seemed she’d arrived with Riverclan. She waited for the Riverclan cats to go through before going over herself. She looked around for a place to sit. I wonder if there will be any young cats who will want to hear stories. Lavendesnap remembered loving stories from other clans herself when she was young. This was her first gathering as an elder, despite it being her forth moon of being one. She wasn’t sure what this generation thought of stories yet. She found what she deemed a cozy little spot and sat down. Her old pelt did little to nothing for the cold. She shivered silently, but remained optimistic. I wonder what’s going on across our borders.

~Dragonflyfrond~

The silver Riverclan tom looked around his gaze a bundle of awe and nerves. This was his second time coming to the gathering as a warrior. Last time he had been too timid to talk to any cat outside his clan. He wasn’t sure, yet, if he wanted to expand his horizon this time. You should! It’s what respectable warriors do. He looked around for one of the Windclan cats to talk to. They all look so scary! And didn’t they just go through a tragedy? Maybe I should wait for another clan? Yes that’s what I’ll do. But not Shadowclan, of course. So Thunderclan then. He shrank away from the Windclan cats and found a seat as far away from them as possible.

[Both open]

[beau]

Cobwebpaw nodded as Toadpounce spoke, whiskers twitching with amusement at the stuttered greeting. Not to say that he was much better at speaking, but it was still a little entertaining. He recalled his father being a bit sporadic, even as a kit, so he was used to his father's general demeanor; though, he did seem a bit stressed. He supposed that was to be expected - Cobwebpaw had been raised to place family first, and now most all of them were gone.

His eyes flickered towards the seastones for a brief moment as Kestrelstar joined Twilightstar, and more cats - along with a strong scent of fish and river grass - flooded into the clearing. He wished gatherings wouldn't be so crowded. He absolutely despised being caught in the middle of giant hordes of cats, all babbling nonsense whilst shushing everyone else. The only reason he came was to get news on the other clans, but he usually stayed as far from the other cats as possible. He swallowed, shoving away worried thoughts and returning his focus to Toadpounce and his father nudged him gently with a forepaw. Don't be stupid, nobody's even around you.


"I've been... fine. Yeah, things have been alright." His tone had grown softer, a result of being half in his thoughts, half anxiously worried about cats... hearing him? It was odd. He supposed he didn't want to be heard saying anything stupid, or perhaps he was worried his voice sounded weird; he couldn't really be sure, as he didn't know himself what he was silently fretting over. He perked up some at the mention of his tunneler training, and a bashful smile formed on his face as he cast his gaze down towards his paws. "It's been going really well, Crowtooth is a good teacher. The other trainees are nice too. They're quiet." He thought he might be good friends with Jaypaw, if either apprentice would take it upon themself to speak to the other, but he didn't foresee that happening in the near future. Dawnstreak... he was less sure about. She seemed kind of neutral about everything. What he enjoyed was that there was no effort to make forced, awkward small talk. All three seemed to be content to simply exist in silence. Crowtooth on the other hand...

Cobwebpaw didn't know what to make of Crowtooth. The large tom was loud, extroverted, and spoke in a sort of strange way. Oddly, the young apprentice didn't really mind the tunneler's over-the-top behavior. Perhaps it balanced the three quiet trainees. His pale eyes flicked back up towards Toadpounce, and he attempted to continue the conversation. "Have you- err.. done anything interesting? Recently?" Starclan, he was bad at this. He supposed it was open ended enough that his father could answer anything, but he suspected it would be along the lines of having found a new way to maim prey, or 'I pestered some dying old elder in the medicine cat den the other day!' Ok, maybe that train of thought was a bit mean. His father wasn't that insensitive. Usually.

Ravensong

[Fletcher]

"Correct." Snakeheart was about it elaborate further but then in a fit of 'speak of the devil the shadowclan medicine cat appeared as if from nowhere earning a slight jerk of surprise from the older tom. "Evening Bounceberry and for your information Im not bullying a random child this is my new apprentice Reedpaw. Reedpaw, Bounceberry. He's the best of shadowclan so dont expect the others to be as good though if needs must you can trust him." The younger tom got a greeting nod and an understanding flick of a ear at his dislike of the gathering. Starclan knows the only reason Snakeheart came to the gathering was his refusal to let riverclan look bad by showing to a gathering missing a medicine cat. "As for your judgment on Peachfrost she can be cold yes but shes a good cat besides. Though you wont be meeting her today as, Bounceberry keep this secret please, she'd gone missing after the windstorm. When Twilightstar chooses her successor they'll probably come to riverclan for training so expect that." Cats went missing all to often and honestly though Snakeheart viewed Peachfrost as a friend he'd exhausted all the cares he could have about the situation. One apprentice he'd taught went, another came on and on.
Fletcher Nixey
Nixey

Bounceberry ducked his head in acknowledgement, "Y-yes, I understand, I will keep that a secret. I would say a shame, but she was a tad closed minded for my tastes," he let out a yawn and stretch, pinning his ears back and rolling his shoulders, "You a-are the only reliable one, train this new one well, though I don't have many doubts on that..." he returned to a sitting position, eyeing the full moon that hung above them.

[Undertaker]

Didn't she yowl at Ebonyfang that one time for barging ahead of her during the gatherings? Dawnstar's was almost certain that she had, so why the hell had Bounceyball gone and done the same things? It was hard for her to say if her medicine cats were just plain stupid or ignorant. Perhaps she's been too lenient with him? Whatever the reason, Bounceyball being here before her pushed the control freak's buttons.

The powerful muscles underneath the thick brown coat quivered with Dawnstar's growing irritation. She refrained from scolding the medicine cat, she'd do it later. Dawnstar could only tolerate so much disobedience from cats among her clan. Striding across the sandy beach, Dawnstar bunched up her bulky muscles, springing up onto the rock some tail lengths away from the other two leaders. Turning around to face the cats below, Dawnstar lowered her enormous body into a crouch and waited silently for ThunderClan to arrive. She had little interest in pestering RiverClan and WindClan this meeting, her mind was preoccupied with something else.
Moonraven arden poppy.
ShadowClan's Arrived

[Nixey]

Amusement seemed to shimmer in Reedpaws gaze when Bounceberry asked why Snakeheart was bullying a child. For some reason, it was just kinda funny to her, and a twinge of a smile could be seen. The amusement was only added onto when Reedpaw had noticed the jerk that came from Snakeheart. Bounceberrys arrival certainly hadn’t been entirely expected, but she couldn’t say it had spooked her. Keeping her muzzle shut as Snakeheart introduced Reedpaw to Bounceberry and vice verse. Offering the medicine cat from ShadowClan the slightest smile and a small squeak of “hello.” It was good Reedpaw could trust Bounceberry, and that Snakeheart had told her that. Starclan forbid, but in her mind it was valuable information to know. However her smile was quick to fall when Bounceberry mentioned why he had been avoiding the gatherings. It took a moment for Reedpaw to recall Ebonyfang, since she was never the best with names or faces. The fact that she didn’t entirely have to come to gatherings was good information, but so long Snakeheart came, the little ball of fluff would follow in pursuit of the medicine cat.

Listening intently to what Snakeheart was saying about Peachfrost, a few emotions seemed to flash across Reedpaws face. The initial look of interest was plastered across Reedpaws features, accompanied with a tilt of her head as she listened. The next few emotions seemed to have happened rather quickly. First confusion as to why Snakeheart was asking Bounceberry to keep a secret. Then a blank look as Reedpaw was processing what Snakeheart had told her just now. Lastly, a bit of a horrified look. “Getting lost in a windstorm? That sounds terrible..I hope she’s alright,” as immature as Reedpaw could be, the fact of the matter that Peachfrost could’ve had something happen to her played on Reedpaws emotional side. Though the next thing said caught Reedpaws attention for no clear cut reason. “So..kinda like a learning buddy? I guess that’s kinda cool,” her emotions having died down, Reedpaw nodded along with her words. But the way Bounceberry seemed to call Snakeheart the most reliable was interesting. Reedpaw knew Snakeheart had to be reliable to be the medicine cat, but was he the most reliable? Maybe she was looking too far into that. With a soft nod, Reedpaw showed her agreement to the statement said by Bounceberry:

Rani | Fletcher

[Ember Paw]

Bubble-Breeze scowled as the other clans began to arrive. She had never liked these gatherings. Although there was a treaty during the gatherings, she always hated conversing with cats from other clans. " Well.. This should be fun... " she growled under his breath as she caught wind of shadow clan approaching the clearing.

[Pitou]

Cobwebpaw nodded as Toadpounce spoke, whiskers twitching with amusement at the stuttered greeting. Not to say that he was much better at speaking, but it was still a little entertaining. He recalled his father being a bit sporadic, even as a kit, so he was used to his father's general demeanor; though, he did seem a bit stressed. He supposed that was to be expected - Cobwebpaw had been raised to place family first, and now most all of them were gone.

His eyes flickered towards the seastones for a brief moment as Kestrelstar joined Twilightstar, and more cats - along with a strong scent of fish and river grass - flooded into the clearing. He wished gatherings wouldn't be so crowded. He absolutely despised being caught in the middle of giant hordes of cats, all babbling nonsense whilst shushing everyone else. The only reason he came was to get news on the other clans, but he usually stayed as far from the other cats as possible. He swallowed, shoving away worried thoughts and returning his focus to Toadpounce and his father nudged him gently with a forepaw. Don't be stupid, nobody's even around you.


"I've been... fine. Yeah, things have been alright." His tone had grown softer, a result of being half in his thoughts, half anxiously worried about cats... hearing him? It was odd. He supposed he didn't want to be heard saying anything stupid, or perhaps he was worried his voice sounded weird; he couldn't really be sure, as he didn't know himself what he was silently fretting over. He perked up some at the mention of his tunneler training, and a bashful smile formed on his face as he cast his gaze down towards his paws. "It's been going really well, Crowtooth is a good teacher. The other trainees are nice too. They're quiet." He thought he might be good friends with Jaypaw, if either apprentice would take it upon themself to speak to the other, but he didn't foresee that happening in the near future. Dawnstreak... he was less sure about. She seemed kind of neutral about everything. What he enjoyed was that there was no effort to make forced, awkward small talk. All three seemed to be content to simply exist in silence. Crowtooth on the other hand...

Cobwebpaw didn't know what to make of Crowtooth. The large tom was loud, extroverted, and spoke in a sort of strange way. Oddly, the young apprentice didn't really mind the tunneler's over-the-top behavior. Perhaps it balanced the three quiet trainees. His pale eyes flicked back up towards Toadpounce, and he attempted to continue the conversation. "Have you- err.. done anything interesting? Recently?" Starclan, he was bad at this. He supposed it was open ended enough that his father could answer anything, but he suspected it would be along the lines of having found a new way to maim prey, or 'I pestered some dying old elder in the medicine cat den the other day!' Ok, maybe that train of thought was a bit mean. His father wasn't that insensitive. Usually.

Ravensong

**Toadpounce of Windclan**

Toadpounce smiled. Contrary to what most cats believed, he was sure, he was very aware of his social ineptitude. He knew cats were trying to be polite but he never did miss the pitiful looks they'd give him. He knew when he got talking about his interests and findings, other cats, normal cats, grew bored at best, concerned at worst. Batsnow had been the first cat that made him feel normal. He knew he wasn't normal but he didn't know what to change exactly to pass as normal and he'd given up trying long ago. He only grew concerned again when his kits were born. His biggest fear was that he'd turn his kits into something akin to himself, an outcast. But Cobwebpaw was apart of something! And he was thriving, wasn't he? "That's wonderful! Crowtooth is an odd one, he seems likeable enough. I guess quiet would be good, especially down their in the tunnels. You don't want someone just chattin' up and echoing all over the place." He chuckled to himself.

The new cats settling in around him and his son hardly registered in Toadpounce's mind. Cobwebpaw seemed to be growing antsy but that was normal, right? It wasn't abnormal for cats to not be used to so much activity and closeness from basically strangers. But Toadpounce couldn't care less, he was consumed in their conversation. The sticky smile on his face grew wider as Cobwebpaw asked him about his own activities. "Did you know that darkness kills?" He was struck slightly. "I guess that's maybe not so surprising after the storm and the time the clan spent underground. Many didn't come out of it so well..." He shrugged and carried on, "If you lock mice in complete darkness, no matter if you keep feeding them and watering them, you can give them everything they technically need to survive but they just don't. They fail to thrive until they just stop eating altogether and die. What drives then to that? What is it about darkness that simply saps them of the natural fight for survival and calls them to death?" His mind began to whirl again as it had at the time he had slipped underground that last time to find his subject scrawny and dead. What had its final moments been like? Had it fallen asleep and not woken? Did it know it was dying? Did it care?

[Pitou]

**Elmshadow of Shadowclan**
[OPEN]

Elmshadow padded onto the beach close behind Dawnstar, keeping his chin high. The scent of river mud and Heather mixed with the ocean breeze; before even bothering to scan the beach, it was clear Windclan and Riverclan had beat them there, so they were waiting only on Thunderclan. His green eyes watched Dawnstar leap to the top of the Seastones and settle in amid Twilightstar and Kestrelstar. The days leading up to the gathering had left Elmshadow drained in a way he hadn't felt before but he showed nothing, keeping himself erect and his chin high, emerald eyes cold and indifferent. He found a spot close but off to the side, prepared for the gathering to begin.


**Cougarivy of Shadowclan**
[OPEN]

The black and white she-cat nearly bounced in with the rest of her clan. The chill sent a shiver down her spine but she relished it. The mingling of scents from the present clans made her mouth water; what a bore a truce was! She just wanted to play, and she didn't get these sorts of open opportunities to play outside of the full moon, the cowards hid when there wasn't a truce to protect them. She giggled to herself. Her blue eyes caught on a grumpy-looking cat scowling at the mass of Shadowclan cats. A different sort of shiver ran down her limbs, throwing a wide grin on her face. She bounced out the excitement then bounded directly to the scowling cat, stopping just in front of her. "Well hello! You seem like you could use some company." Cougarivy giggled.
Ember Paw


**Sunsetpaw of Shadowclan**
[OPEN]

The small yellow she-cat trotted close to her clanmates. Her eyes were wide but she kept her chin high, refusing to let anybody see signs of her pounding heart. Gatherings were everything everybody always said they were but it was nothing Sunsetpaw could've imagined without seeing it for herself. There were so many cats! She recognized Windclan and Riverclan scents from her first outting with Stormwing. This would be an opportunity to get to know the other clans better, understand them more, maybe pick up on secrets. She saw her father, Elmshadow, find a spot and keep his attention focused on Dawnstar. She had the urge to do the same but she wanted to talk to somebody. She placed herself near Elmshadow, sitting tall, hoping that he would notice her taking after him, but kept her body angled so she could keep an eye on all of the cats around her.

[ChillCat]

Ravenblaze slid down the slope to the Seastones. It looked like it would be a boring gathering, unless one of the more birdbrained warriors or apprentices decided to start something. But since it was leaf-bare, probably not. Ravenblaze yawned, too-large teeth showing.
(Raven's open for a convo!)

[~Sayonara~]

[OPEN]

Stormwing padded along with his Clanmates. The sight of a gathering always amazed him greatly. The amount of cats, from all clans coming together for a night in peace. Though he knew there was tension in the air. Especially between his clan and RiverClan.

_____________________

[Ravensong]

Honeypaw notices a new apprentice among ShadowClan. Regardless of tension, he felt friendly and so he hopped over to the new cat. He could tell she was a new apprentice as she was still small. "Hey!" he says happily. He hopped this cat would be somewhat friendly.

[Ian]

--Howlpaw--
[OPEN]

The large golden apprentice padded along with the rest of ShadowClan, their ears perked in curiosity as they glanced around at all the other cats. This was their first gathering, and although they didn't openly show it, they were excited.

--Vixenpaw--
[OPEN]

Vixenpaw let out a soft huff as she glanced at the cats around her with narrow eyes. Hopefully this gathering would prove to be interesting and she would be able to pick up some tidbits of gossip to use in the future.

--Badgerscar--
[OPEN]

The scarred tom openly scowled at anyone who approached him, making it clear that he didn't want to talk. He would much rather sink his claws into the pelts from the cats of the other Clans, but apparently there was a truce created by this so called StarClan. Ugh, just thinking about that supposed Clan of dead cats made his stomach churn in disgust.

[Ember Paw]

Bubble's tail twitched as she watched the other cats.

[Levi 99]

Cold traveled deep into the shadowclanners bones, as he made his way into the gathering. His sapphire colored eyes were like two magnificent moons sitting alone in a black furry sky, as they scanned the cats around. It was hard to imagine that these cats didn't want to shred each others pelts with how they looked at each other, but Shadefrost new they wouldn't dare do so, at least if the leaders didn't which there was no guarantee. The tom took a seat in the crowd of cats and waited for the meeting to start.

[Ember Paw]

The she-cat's eyes traveled around the clearing staring at the other cats in disgust, until her eyes stopped on a tom with sapphire eyes. Her tail flicked twice as she watched the tom.

[Ember Paw]

Quick-Step ( WC ) sat down next to Fallow-nose, purring. " Hey Fallow! " he purred to his clanmate.

[Ian]

"Hello, Quickstep. How are you doing?" Fallownose replied politely in greeting, inclining his head slightly. He knew who the other tom was (he was a WindClan warrior after all), but had never personally interacted with him before.

Ember Paw

[Ember Paw]

" I'm doing fine. So what do you think about the gathering so far? " he mewed in response.

[Singing Jay]

~ Shadestorm ~

As he followed right behind his leader the dark deputy's dark fur shone faintly in the fullmoon's light. Shadowclan was usually the first at the gathering, and he didn't like that they weren't. Shadowclan was strongest and best, and it was clear they should be first. He also didn't like that the bunnies were here before them. They had been gone last time, so at least he might get to know the reason to that. Riverclan also seemed to have something going on... Ah there! A new cat was beside Snakeheart and Shadowclan's own medicine-cat. Great, they had a new tic with them who had a high-rank. Another cat he would have to kill later when Shadowclan invaded them.

He shock out his tabby pelt, trying to lock out the chilly air. He didn't like leafbare. It was cold, little prey and all that. At least the cold winds wold bothered everyone - he grinned to himself as he saw in front of him how the bunnies chivered in the snow, until they just fell over like icicles - so Shadowclan could even use the season to give them an advantage if they played it right.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

(All are open to RP!)


~~Smokepaw Of Windclan~~
Smokepaw bound around the clearing happily seeing other clans gather. He was in absolute amazement as he looked around. Should i go talk to another apprentice. This is so cool my first gathering! The dark gray tom thought happily.


~~Silent'Song Of WindClan~~
Silent'Song sat quietly scanning the gathered cats. The only clan missing is Thunder clan She thought looking around


~~Vinewatcher Of Riverclan~~
The Silver tabby walked into the clearing. Good I'm not late she thought as we sat near the middle of where the crowd was gathered waiting for the meeting to start.


~~Honeyfire Of Shadowclan~~
Honefire stepped into the clearing his paw steps heavy as he walked. He grunted and sat in the back of crowd scanning the surrounding cats menacingly.

[Ian]

Fallownose shrugged, tilting his head slightly in thought. "Not much has happened yet since ThunderClan hasn't arrived, but I hope it goes much more smoothly than the last one we attended. I'm also curious as to what happened at the previous gathering since we were unable to attend."

Ember Paw

[Ember Paw]

" Indeed. " He mewed slightly distracted by the Shadow-clan cats sitting across the clearing. Shadow-Clan cats always gave him the creeps, and the thought so highly of themselves. It was ridiculous.

[~whirl~]

Dawnpaw was literally SO excited! This was her first gathering, yay! You wouldn't believe how excited Dawnpaw was right now- she was very excited - YAY, this was like, so excitingggggggg!

[Ember Paw]

Without looking he scooted closer to Fallow-Nose, in attempt to shield himself from the eyes of other cats. He never liked being stared at, and it didn't help with so many cats here. He had to make sure he didn't make a fool of himself, especially not in front of Fallow-Nose.

[Brightlight]

Ravensong

--Rainburst of Shadowclan--

Rainburst walked with the rest of Shadowclan into the beachy area, her head held high. When she entered the beach, Rainburst stopped, narrowing her eyes st the gathered cats. Alright. Her favorite part about the Gatherings had always been talking to new cats. And there were so many new cats right now! It was all so exciting!

Rainburst spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd, then she saw an apprentice sitting nearby. Sunsetpaw, Rainburst thought. That was her name, right? Rainburst raced up to the cat, plopping down beside her and beaming. "Hi! I'm Rainburst, and you're Sunsetpaw, right? What do you think this Gathering is going to be about?"

Rainburst stated up at the three leaders currently gathered on the stones. Oh. How sad. Thunderclan would be last. That wasn't very surprising. But she wondered what drama would happen during this Gathering.

[Ian]

Fallownose blinked when Quickstep scooted closer to him, looking down at the other tom. "Is something wrong?" he asked in confusion, glancing around to see if some cat had sent him a mean look or anything.

Ember Paw

[Singing Jay]

~ Firepaw ShC | Ravensong | Codpaw....? |

They grey spotted from quickly moved away from his clan and Dawnstar as soon as he arrived. He really didn't want to be too much associated with them. Neither did he crave conversation or company, but risking a cat from a another clan coming up to him was worth it if he could avoid his own. He was loyalty to his clan above all, but he didn't approve of how Dawnstar, her deputy, and mindless followers lead and did things. Bloodshed wasn't how you became a good leader or clan.



~ Silvernight RC | Open to not RC|

Gosh she loved gatherings! Not the fighting or coldness between the leaders, but how everyone could at least act like friends, for once. Forget about the battles, forget about the fighting and throw away the differences. With a happy bounce in her step he drew away form her clan and searched for someone to strike up and conversation with. Ah there, a cat! She wasn't sure which clan they were from and didn't care. A bright smile shone on her face as she landed beside them. "Hi! I'm Silvernigt! What's your name?"



~ Goldenpaw RC | Open to ShC|

She had never quite seen the point of these gatherings. Sure, everyone could share news and whatever, but she was afraid this would give one of the many traitors in Riverclan a chance to give away all the secrets and plans and such that Kestrelstar might have in blind trust told them. But here was an opportunity to gain something for Riverclan as well. "Let's see, Shadowclan would be the one we need to press out information of the most." After the attack a while back she desperately needed to protect Riverclan from everything.

Swiftly she picked out a Shadowclanner and made her way over to them, dipping her head in greeting and fake respect. "Goldenpaw, of Riverclan"



~ Jaypaw WC | Open |

Deep breaths, deep breaths... They thought to themself as they followed behind their clan, thoughts flying around in their head like frightened birds. Would Twilightstar announce the new tunnelers in training? Would she point out who they were or just that there were new ones. Oh Jaypaw hoped the ladder option would happen. They really didn't want anyone to know them by name.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

~ Firepaw ShC | Ravensong | Codpaw....? |

They grey spotted from quickly moved away from his clan and Dawnstar as soon as he arrived. He really didn't want to be too much associated with them. Neither did he crave conversation or company, but risking a cat from a another clan coming up to him was worth it if he could avoid his own. He was loyalty to his clan above all, but he didn't approve of how Dawnstar, her deputy, and mindless followers lead and did things. Bloodshed wasn't how you became a good leader or clan.



~ Silvernight RC | Open to not RC|

Gosh she loved gatherings! Not the fighting or coldness between the leaders, but how everyone could at least act like friends, for once. Forget about the battles, forget about the fighting and throw away the differences. With a happy bounce in her step he drew away form her clan and searched for someone to strike up and conversation with. Ah there, a cat! She wasn't sure which clan they were from and didn't care. A bright smile shone on her face as she landed beside them. "Hi! I'm Silvernigt! What's your name?"



~ Goldenpaw RC | Open to ShC|

She had never quite seen the point of these gatherings. Sure, everyone could share news and whatever, but she was afraid this would give one of the many traitors in Riverclan a chance to give away all the secrets and plans and such that Kestrelstar might have in blind trust told them. But here was an opportunity to gain something for Riverclan as well. "Let's see, Shadowclan would be the one we need to press out information of the most." After the attack a while back she desperately needed to protect Riverclan from everything.

Swiftly she picked out a Shadowclanner and made her way over to them, dipping her head in greeting and fake respect. "Goldenpaw, of Riverclan"



~ Jaypaw WC | Open |

Deep breaths, deep breaths... They thought to themself as they followed behind their clan, thoughts flying around in their head like frightened birds. Would Twilightstar announce the new tunnelers in training? Would she point out who they were or just that there were new ones. Oh Jaypaw hoped the ladder option would happen. They really didn't want anyone to know them by name.

Lilacpaw awkwardly looked at the Rivenclan cat for a few seconds before speaking. "Hello, I'm Lilacpaw of Shadowclan. It's nice meeting you Goldenpaw" she said politely nodding her head in respect. It's a gathering i should be nice and show respect. She thought wanting to represent her clan well.

[Ember Paw]

" Huh? " his gaze returned to Fallow-Nose, then he realized what he had done and jumped back a bit. " S-sorry. I'm just not comfortable with all these Shadow-Clan cats around. T-they scare me a little. " he mewed in a hushed tone.


NinjaBloss

[error]

Ashpaw padded into the clearing, a tired look in her eyes. She had heard that clan gatherings were normally chaotic, and she wasn't exactly up for it. Despite that, she came anyway, it's not like she would miss her first gathering. She looked to her sisters, Cham seemed to do her own thing, and Sunset was talking to some other cat, she let out bored sigh, and sat down, her dark green eyes looking around at all crowd of cats.
(Open!)

___________________

Freckleface looked around, her brown eyes lit up. It still was rather exciting seeing so many cats in one place. She sat down, a small smile on her face.
(Open!)

[Clock Dragonshifter]

Ashpaw padded into the clearing, a tired look in her eyes. She had heard that clan gatherings were normally chaotic, and she wasn't exactly up for it. Despite that, she came anyway, it's not like she would miss her first gathering. She looked to her sisters, Cham seemed to do her own thing, and Sunset was talking to some other cat, she let out bored sigh, and sat down, her dark green eyes looking around at all crowd of cats.
(Open!)

___________________

Freckleface looked around, her brown eyes lit up. It still was rather exciting seeing so many cats in one place. She sat down, a small smile on her face.
(Open!)
Smokepaw looked around seeing another apprentice he walked over to Ashpaw. "Hi! I'm Smokepaw Of Windclan! Who are you?" he asked cheerfully a smile spread across his face. This was all so new and exciting to him and he wanted to meet everyone. I Hope they're nice... He thought realizing her could've made a mistake.

[A Wolf]

// Open to anyone, posts will get longer as I get more to write about //

Hawkshade followed behind Dawnstar and her cranky old deputy, her long tail flicking back and forth and the sharp amber eyes she was named for glowing slightly in the dim light of the fullmoon, looking down at the mass of cat bodies. She usually wasn't one for mingling with cats from other clans, but she was restless in a way, and the cats in her clan could be rather poor conversation partners. Maybe she could find more interesting company here, even if they weren't from her glorious clan they could do for some entertainment.

[Toodle]

Goldenstep walked in close beside Elmshadow and the rest of the Shadowclan cats. Her heart felt full and happy though her desire to fade into the unseen was slowly returning. But it was no longer a suppressive feeling, it just was. She was content with her mate at her side. She shifted her bright eyes around the beach. Sunsetpaw seemed to be getting right into the swing of things, talking and meeting with some new cats. Then her eyes found Ashpaw looking apprehensive. She split away from Elmshadow just slightly to detour past Ashpaw. She drooped her tail to swish it over her daughter's back, smiling down at her. "You're welcome to join your father and me. Or go meet some new cats. Gatherings are great, and safe, learning experiences. You're doing great." Goldenstep purred. It was nice being at a gathering again,, even better now with her kits joining her.

Goldenstep turned and wove through the other cats to meet back up with Elmshadow in an open spot and sat beside him as he settled down. She huddled close against him against the chill of the breeze blowing in over the water. She fluffed up her golden fur and wrapped her tail around behind Elmshadow.
error Ravensong

-----------------

Gingercry squished the sand from between his toes. The cold felt like it was seeping through his thick orange pelt and into his joints, stiffening them uncomfortably. He'd hoped the brisk trot through the forest to the beach would loosen him up but the cold was persistent and his old bones were unforgiving. Three generations, He thought happily. He was still kickin' and his daughter was here with her mate and now their kits had also made it to their first gathering.

[OPEN]

---------------------

Pigeonpaw stalked onto the beach, following behind her mentor. Cougarivy seemed happy tonight. She wasn't sure she wanted to socialize tonight but maybe her mind would change. She found a spot and curled up, lowering her body down over her paws to stave off the cold.

[OPEN]

[Ian]

Fallownose nodded in understanding and sympathy for Quickstep. "I understand that, after they kidnapped Twilightstar, slaughtered our patrols, and took our territory any cat in their right mind would be wary of them."

Ember Paw

[Ember Paw]

" Yes. But why do they have to be so cruel?..... " his eyes were wide with fear as he continued to stare at the Shadow clan cats.

[poppy]

Weariness hung over Aspenstar's head as she padded down to the Seastones, leading her Clan behind her. Last again, but that was alright. The mouse-brains that were the other Clans could bear to wait a bit, freezing. She wasn't against it, coming here to see mostly blocks of ice where the other Clans once were. Not really, there had to be four Clans. Four.... an even number, usually. Better than five, back in the days when SkyClan were around, and when Clans allied with one another, two and three weren't fair odds. Either that or a Clan tore itself apart with half the Clan going to one side and the other half going to the other side. It wouldn't be good, that was for absolute sure. StarClan only knew why these thoughts ran through her head.

The maple-furred molly leaped onto the Seastone in a powerful bound, wincing as she felt the cold stone beneath her pads. It would only get colder, and sitting on a freezing rock. Quite a high level of discomfort, that would bring. She nodded to Dawnstar and Twilightstar, sparing Kestrelstar a small smile in greeting, before taking her place. Hopefully this Gathering would go smoothly. Her neatly groomed fur raised slightly as the cold night air settled. Her calm facade would most certainly fall once she had to announce Icicleripple's death. That... that she wasn't looking forward to at all.

ThunderClan has arrived :heartbounce:
arden Undertaker Moonraven Willowfern (love to all of you :heartbounce:)

[Ian]

"I suppose it's how Dawnstar runs her Clan. Kill or be killed seems to be her motto." Fallownose replied. The tom then took his gaze off of Quickstep as ThunderClan finally arrived, his eyes narrowed slightly as he searched for a certain molly among them. Hopefully she wouldn't be there because she was sure to start trouble.

Ember Paw

[Ian]

[OPEN]

Shiningskies weaved her way among the crowd of cats that were there to attend the gathering, finally settling down in a spot where she had a good view. She looked up to the leaders and shot Aspenstar a quick but encouraging smile, wishing for nothing more than to be up there with her for comfort and strength. What had happened at the Clan meeting had to have been weighing on the leader's mind so the ginger molly knew this would be a tough gathering for her, especially with the announcement of Icicleripple's death having to be made.

[spade]

Bubble-Breeze scowled as the other clans began to arrive. She had never liked these gatherings. Although there was a treaty during the gatherings, she always hated conversing with cats from other clans. " Well.. This should be fun... " she growled under his breath as she caught wind of shadow clan approaching the clearing.

Brackenthorn stalked after Aspenstar, his huge paws heavy against the sand as he made his way onto the shoreline. Seastones rose up ahead and his gaze followed her as she made her way. There was careful scrutiny laced within them, but he knew well enough the stress and pressure Aspenstar had been carrying. A mixture between hatred and desire to snap his fangs at those who had turned on her so easily burned in his belly, though he held his composure rather well. That is, until he spotted a certain feline... who was here well ahead of ThunderClan.

Aspenstar hadn't taken notice, but the she-cats mind was filled with thoughts outside of catching those who disrespectfully went ahead of her and the main group. Brackenthorn would take it upon himself to straighten it out since Dogbark wasn't here yet. "Bubblebreeze," the gruff tom snapped, heading in her direction with a slow gait. "Who do you think you are, rushing ahead of everyone?" There was irritation in his tone, and a small bit of frustration as he stopped in front of the she-cat, eyes narrowed and waiting for her to explain herself.

[ thunderclan had not yet arrived when you posted with bubblebreeze which is why brackenthorn is commenting on it ^^ ]

[Ember Paw]

She flicked her tail and scowled at the tom. " I just don't have time to wait around for a bunch of slow cats! " She hissed at her clanmate. " Mouse brain... " she murmured under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

[Shade.]

gs29513

Rookscreech felt weird. She'd felt weird ever since she became a warrior earlier. It was weird. Mostly because it was too un-weird. She'd expected it to be weirder. She was a grown cat, for goodness sake. She didn't have a mentor anymore. And she was technically qualified to pursue high-rank positions now, though none of those were open and she obviously didn't have an apprentice yet and didn't want one. She'd...changed. So much over the course of her life. She used to be si ambitious, thinking she was most certainly going to become leader, to be at the peak of the world. Now, she didn't care. She didn't...want anything, to be honest. She saw everything and everyone through a smoked dark lense. Being leader was bad. Being deputy was bad. Everything was bad. She...had thought that maybe it wasn't all bad but then what little good there was left her. It was all bad. So then what did it matter how she felt. She didn't want to start a family, that was lame. She didn't want to make friends, those were traitors. She didn't want to try and achieve anything, that was pointless. So then what dud she want?

Well, currently, she wanted to go back to camp because it was snoeing out hate and her fur wasn't long enough to deal with it.

[Willowfern]

The gray tom padded alongside his clan, tail whipping from side-to-side as the scent of the others clans reached his nose.
Late again. He thought ruefully, jogging faster to 1. Keep the cold off and 2. To catch up with Aspenstar, who was at the head of the group.
[ poppy. ]
“StarClan knows someone’s to make a smug comment about our lateness one of these days, heck, I’d like to see them have to get all these lazy logs to get out of camp,” There was a slight chuckle in his tone, but it didn’t last long when he spotted Bubblebreeze already in the clearing, a low growl sounded in his throat.
[ Ember Paw ]
Sure, Brackenthorn was already getting at her, but it would make more of an imprint if he also mentioned it.
“So, Bubblebreeze, you think you’re too good to walk with your clanmates, hm?” His eyes flashed as he challenged the molly, “These ’slow’ cats are at least being respectful, not dashing ahead of their Leader,” He flicked his tail in annoyance at her before turning away.
[ arden ]
Seeing Kestrelstar up on the Seastones, Dogbark didn’t offer a dip of his head, nor a smile, like Aspenstar gave him, he only flicked his ear in acknowledgment to his existence, and hoping to convey to him that despite both having saved the other’s life, RiverClan and ThunderClan were not friends.
[ gs29513 Singing Jay TheNyanCatMinecart ]
Dogbark sandwiched himself in with the other Deputies, his green eyes narrowed as he saw Shadestorm, and he gave a gruff snort, Wolffang received an ear flick, as did Splashleap.
Now, the Gathering was to begin.

[Jayvines]

~ Mistpaw | Open ~

Attempting to stick to the center of the group of her clanmates as they traversed the forest towards the Seastones, Mistpaw kept her fur fluffed up and her paws moving in an attempt not to turn into an apprentice-sized cat-cicle. While seeing her first snowfall had been delightful (she had spent far too long examining the intricate crystalline structures of snowflakes as they landed on her paws and wishing she could preserve their pretty shapes for her collections), it was quickly becoming apparent that the snow, while pretty, was VERY cold and wet.

The temperature seemed to drop even further once they excited the forest and entered the sandy shores leading up to the stones. A miserable shiver wracked it's way through her small frame, and Mistpaw kept her head down as she hurried along with the rest of the Thunderclan group. This was supposed to happen every year?! Stars above, why did it get so COLD?! Plopping herself down into a condensed loaf, the young apprentice hoped against hope that someone would sit with her (she'd even tolerate someone from another clan at this point) to help her stay warm in this frigid air.



~ Sparrowflight | Open ~

Paws moving quickly through the light dusting of snow on top of the sand, Sparrowflight's eyes quickly flicked across the already present group of cats milling about as they settled around the Seastones. Darn it, last to the Gathering again. The more competitive side of the young warrior cringed at being 'last' in anything, so she quickly found a spot as close as she could to the front without having to push past any other cats. Besides, if she stayed around the central grouping of bodies it could help keep her slightly warmer in the freezing breeze of Leafbare coming off the open sea.

Green eyes drifting up to the top of the Seastones as Aspenstar lept up to join the other clan leaders, Sparrowflight noted the... tense mood that hung over her leader as she settled into her place. It would make sense, especially with the recent goings on in Thunderclan and the announcement of Icicleripple's death that needed to be shared. Shuffling her paws to keep them warm, Sparrowflight eagerly awaited the news of this moon.

[Willowfern]

[ Jayvines - Mistpaw ]

The new apprentice danced forwards, his heart full of excitement, he was an apprentice! He was at a Gathering!
He was among the bigkitties of the other Clans!
White fur fluffed out and making him look like a great, white bush, Spiderwebpaw made his way into the first Gathering of his life, ready to make new friends and awesome memories.
“OH WOW! Lookit all those bigkitties on the bigrock!” He was practically vibrating with excitement.
Look! There was Twilightkitty standing on the rock! She looked nothing like a rabbit to Spiderwebpaw!
Look! Wolfkitty was beneath Twilightkitty, looking like he needed a couple hugs!
Look! Kestrelkitty, who was not a fish, had wounds!
Look! Splashkitty, who was also not a fish, was sitting beneath Kestrelkitty, the birdy and the fishy!
Look! Aspenkitty, not a squirrel, and Spiderwebpaw was not surprised, was on the cold, cold rock, smiling at Kestrelkitty!
Look! Dogkitty was angry! He looked like he was going to bite! He sat beneath Aspenkitty like a guard!
Suddenly, and without warning, Spiderwebpaw plop-ed down next to a random cat, he couldn’t tell if it was a Fishkitty, a Rabbitkitty, or a Squirrelkitty.
“Hi! I’m Spiderwebpaw! This is my first Gathering! Are you a f-f-frequent Gathering-goer? I’m not! Isn’t it cold?? Starkitties really decided to make it chilly willy tonight!”

[Ember Paw]

The she-cat sent a challenging glare towards Dog-Bark and let out a low hiss.

Clover-Wing, an elder who padded up sat beside her daughter, Bubble-Breeze, flicked her tail and scolded her offspring for running ahead of her clan mates.

" Oh shutup you mouse-brain.... " Bubble-Breeze hissed at her mother.

[Mistletoe]

~Robinleaf~ [@marni]

The redish molly trotted into camp a little behind her clan mates. Maybe she had done too many patrols today. She was rather tired. She refrained from yawning or looking sleepy. I don’t want to embarrass Shadowclan.

She surveyed the gathered cats, desperately hoping to not see Bravebird. The fiery Windclan molly had come to the border looking for a fight. While Robinleaf was sure the other warrior wouldn’t break the truce, she hadn’t attack Sunsetkit after all, Robinleaf didn’t feel like getting into an argument. Ah there she is. She looked away quickly hoping to not attract her attention.

~Mallardstep~ [Open]

The Thunderclan tom had to practically drag himself into the clearing. His fur was disheveled as he had not bothered to groom himself beforehand. He didn’t much care what the other clans thought of him. Honestly he didn’t care if he ticked off his own clan mates by looking like a mess either. This better not take too long. This moon has been way too much work. I need to sleep. He groaned to himself. He found himself a spot at wherever was closest to him, and plopped down.

[WinterMara]

| Softpaw of Thunderclan |

Despite coming here once, she still felt nervous, she hadn't talked to any cats outside her clan before at a gathering and, well, she had no idea what they'd think of her. What if they asked her how long she'd been training, or how much experience she had, or how good she was at it or something like that, gahh, the worries were real and very very existent to her right now! Before you say she could logistically stay home, it didn't feel that way to the young molly, it felt like an obligation to come here, and she couldn't say no or else she'd be rude.

Okay, deep breaths Softpaw, it's fine, no one is going to ask anything ridiculous and, besides, she can lie, she's lied before, all the time. It still gave her a sick feeling in her stomach though, and what if other cats caught onto her habit of lying, would she be in trouble, oh starclan, well, okay, she can't lie about training but, everything else is relatively safe to lie about, it will be fine, besides, they'll probably just ask how the weather is, and the answer was simply that it was annoyingly cold.

| Open!

[Jayvines]

~ Mistpaw | Spiderwebpaw | Willowfern ~

A puff of white fur seemed to answer her silent pleas to Starclan as a young cat plopped down next to the shivering grey apprentice. Turning to look at her new gathering buddy, Mistpaw's nose was hit with the scent of Shadowclan, and for a moment a waterfall of emotions raged beneath her short grey fur. First a jolt of fear coursed through her at the prospect of sitting next to somecat that was a part of the clan most renowned for their ruthlessness, second was confusion as the young apprentice excitedly babbled out their introduction, and third a wave of relief that maybe not ALL the cats in that neighboring clan were savages.

"Hi um... my name's Mistpaw," she started before another shiver made its way from her ears to the tip of her tail. "This is my... my third gathering actually. I've... I've never been so cold in my WHOLE life. Starclan must... must be playing tricks on us in the clouds."

Oh boy, hopefully Starclan would let up the cold sooner rather than later.

Giving Spiderwebpaw a small smile (teeth clenched a little tighter than they should to prevent them from chattering) she offered up the space for them to continue talking. The presence of another cat was nice; their body heat was starting to warm the side of her pelt and she scooched over half a pawstep in an attempt to try and absorb more of it.

[error]

Bushpaw entered the clearing, a big grin on his face. Although the last gathering he was at was rather chaotic, he didn’t mind looking at the mass of cats, a rather big commotion and so many excited cats to see their friends. He was looking around, when he saw another apprentice in Thunderclan looking rather down. He wasn’t letting that happen. He padded over to her a small smile on his face. “You look joyful to be here.” He let out a small chuckled, before looking to make sure Softpaw wasn’t hurt in any way, it made him wonder why she was down anyway.
WinterMara
______________________

She listened to her mother tell her to just kinda “relax” and be aware this was a safe space. She nodded and padded of, before taking a seat, and immediately being startled by another apprentice. She whipped her head around, her eyebrows lowering. “Ashpaw of Shadowclan.” And left it at that. She wasn’t one to have small talk unless she was bored, or it was her family or Crookedkit. She scanned the Smokepaw, and it didn’t seem that the apprentice was one to talk to. Maybe someone more..fierce-looking would be better to mess around with. She looked away and at the leader, who’ve all gathered there.
( Clock Dragonshifter)

[beau]

Sundust trotted into the clearing, somewhere in the middle of the crowd. His peach-colored eyes followed Aspenstar and Dogbark as they took their respective places by the seastones, lingering on the other leaders and deputies, before landing on where the medicine cats gathered. The Riverclan and Shadowclan medicine cats were there, along with a new young molly. Who could she be? He took note of Peachfrost's absence, and a mixture of worry and relief settled on him. So Thunderclan wasn't the only clan missing a medicine cat. Perhaps the she-cat was Peachfrost's replacement? Or maybe she was simply a new apprentice.

With a sigh, he tore his eyes away from the medicine cats - and the notable empty space that Icicleripple should have filled - and refocused on the crowds of cats milling around. He felt no real pull to interact with anyone, Thunderclan or otherwise, so he simply sat in an empty space. His ears flicked as he picked up snippets of conversation around him - none too terribly interesting - but he kept an ear out for any whispers about Thunderclan. Had others picked up on the tension between them, however mild it may be? Yes, things had died down, but the tom suspected that the clan would not truly settle for quite some moons, maybe not even until newleaf. With leafbare arriving any day now, and prey becoming more scarce, it worried Sundust that they would be entering such a hard time with the clan somewhat divided.

He hoped things would be well soon, and that they might be able to keep internal conflicts under wraps. While Thunderclan had no real qualms with any of the clans, (except perhaps Shadowclan, but who didn't have qualms with them?) he hated to imagine what might transpire if any weakness was sensed by any of the other clans. Surely all clans would grasp at any territory they could get their paws on, if the leafbare grew hard enough. But, alas, there seemed to be no such suspicions so far. The leaders seemed cordial enough up on the seastones, no dirty looks tossed around so far. Maybe this Gathering would actual be peaceful. Ha, as if. He couldn't even take that though seriously. Soon enough some drama would arise - bickering between warriors, a flash of claws maybe, accusations of the other clans... there was sure to be something.

[Open!]

[JackHunt_17]

Lynxpaw excitedly padded to his very first gathering!

Fiercefire watched his son

[Ikoria the Wolf Pup]

**Codpaw of Riverclan**
[OPEN]

The spotted grey tabby trotted in amongst the throng of Riverclan cats. This would hopefully be his last gathering as an apprentice, he had an extra spring to his step as he looked for a spot in the open. He noticed with some disappointment that Shadowclan hadn't arrived yet. Unwittingly he realized he was hoping to see Firepaw.

Codpaw broke away from the rest of his clan to find an open sandy spot on the beach. He sat straight, his eyes scanning, hoping to find a cat from a different clan that he could talk to. His gaze landed on a young-looking apprentice, barely more than a kit. He smiled happily and bounced over to her. He didn't recognize her so he assumed she must be from Windclan, the windy scent of heather and grasses confirmed it for him as he got closer. "Hiya! I'm Codpaw. What's your name? Is this your first time? It's really neat, right?"

Ikoria the Wolf Pup
Dewkit turned to an approaching cat. He was definitely older than her, and not WindClan. Great! "Codpaw? Oh, I thought you were a warrior! You definitely look a bit on the older side…" She sat down. "Yeah, it's my first Gathering. There are so many other cats here, and they're all so different. A lot more interesting than camp. My name's Dewpaw."

[Dawnfallstar]

Sundust trotted into the clearing, somewhere in the middle of the crowd. His peach-colored eyes followed Aspenstar and Dogbark as they took their respective places by the seastones, lingering on the other leaders and deputies, before landing on where the medicine cats gathered. The Riverclan and Shadowclan medicine cats were there, along with a new young molly. Who could she be? He took note of Peachfrost's absence, and a mixture of worry and relief settled on him. So Thunderclan wasn't the only clan missing a medicine cat. Perhaps the she-cat was Peachfrost's replacement? Or maybe she was simply a new apprentice.

With a sigh, he tore his eyes away from the medicine cats - and the notable empty space that Icicleripple should have filled - and refocused on the crowds of cats milling around. He felt no real pull to interact with anyone, Thunderclan or otherwise, so he simply sat in an empty space. His ears flicked as he picked up snippets of conversation around him - none too terribly interesting - but he kept an ear out for any whispers about Thunderclan. Had others picked up on the tension between them, however mild it may be? Yes, things had died down, but the tom suspected that the clan would not truly settle for quite some moons, maybe not even until newleaf. With leafbare arriving any day now, and prey becoming more scarce, it worried Sundust that they would be entering such a hard time with the clan somewhat divided.

He hoped things would be well soon, and that they might be able to keep internal conflicts under wraps. While Thunderclan had no real qualms with any of the clans, (except perhaps Shadowclan, but who didn't have qualms with them?) he hated to imagine what might transpire if any weakness was sensed by any of the other clans. Surely all clans would grasp at any territory they could get their paws on, if the leafbare grew hard enough. But, alas, there seemed to be no such suspicions so far. The leaders seemed cordial enough up on the seastones, no dirty looks tossed around so far. Maybe this Gathering would actual be peaceful. Ha, as if. He couldn't even take that though seriously. Soon enough some drama would arise - bickering between warriors, a flash of claws maybe, accusations of the other clans... there was sure to be something.

[Open!]
Leafwind went down into Seastones. She didn't feel like talking to anyone at the moment. So she sat next to her brother. "Who do you think is going to start the drama tonight," She asked him. (Are we still doing that plot with Rainywind aka Poppy ?)

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf spotted the ThunderClan warrior slump down and warily padded over to him. "Um...Hey, are you alright there?" she asked, pawing Mallardstep's head.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf spotted the ThunderClan warrior slump down and warily padded over to him. "Um...Hey, are you alright there?" she asked, pawing Mallardstep's head.

[Fair warning Mallardstep is a bit grumpy. I think this is gonna be pretty funny, but if you need me to tone it down that’s fine :)]

~Mallardstep~

A strange fish-smelling cat was touching him. He groaned. What does this cat want? He looked over at her with an grumpy expression.

“Yes I’m fine. Who are you? What do you want?” Can you leave? He added to himself. Being rude wouldn’t start a war right? If it would it was too late anyway he assumed.

[~Fierce~]

~Bluepaw~
Bluepaw padded to Seastones and sat down.

~Goldeneyes~
Goldeneyes padded to Seastones and sat down.

~Shimmertail~
Shimmertail padded to Seastones and sat down.

(All are open)

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
(Heh heh heh. I’m sure it’ll be alright.)
Aspenleaf huffed. So much for trying to be polite. On the other paw… perhaps she could smack a little sense into this Thunderclanner. The silver she-cat smiled. “Well, excuse me for checking on an obviously tired cat at the gathering. StarClan, are you storm cats so stuck up you try to act brave over taking a little rest?” She asked calmly.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

Bushpaw entered the clearing, a big grin on his face. Although the last gathering he was at was rather chaotic, he didn’t mind looking at the mass of cats, a rather big commotion and so many excited cats to see their friends. He was looking around, when he saw another apprentice in Thunderclan looking rather down. He wasn’t letting that happen. He padded over to her a small smile on his face. “You look joyful to be here.” He let out a small chuckled, before looking to make sure Softpaw wasn’t hurt in any way, it made him wonder why she was down anyway.
WinterMara
______________________

She listened to her mother tell her to just kinda “relax” and be aware this was a safe space. She nodded and padded of, before taking a seat, and immediately being startled by another apprentice. She whipped her head around, her eyebrows lowering. “Ashpaw of Shadowclan.” And left it at that. She wasn’t one to have small talk unless she was bored, or it was her family or Crookedkit. She scanned the Smokepaw, and it didn’t seem that the apprentice was one to talk to. Maybe someone more..fierce-looking would be better to mess around with. She looked away and at the leader, who’ve all gathered there.
( Clock Dragonshifter)
Smokepaw shrugged his shoulders realizing Ashpaw didn't want to talk. "Well it's nice meeting you!" He said happily before looking up at the gathered leaders waiting for the gathering to begin. Smokepaw tried to sit as still as possible but he kept fidgeting with his paws.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

~~Silentclover Of Thunderclan~~
Silentclover padded into the clearing stretching as she settled down near the back of the crowded cats waiting for the meeting to start. Her ears remained perked and eyes either on the leaders or scanning the crowd around.

[Pitou]

[Ravensong]

Honeypaw notices a new apprentice among ShadowClan. Regardless of tension, he felt friendly and so he hopped over to the new cat. He could tell she was a new apprentice as she was still small. "Hey!" he says happily. He hopped this cat would be somewhat friendly.

**Sunsetpaw of Shadowclan**

The young apprentice smiled as she turned to face an approaching cat. She tried to be discreet as she parted her lips just slightly, breathing in the young cat's scent. She recognized the scent of Riverclan though when it was just one cat she could make out subtle differences. So they don't all just smell the same. Even though each Clan has a distinct collective scent, they still also have their own individual scents as well. That only made sense though, she'd never considered any of her clanmates to smell like Shadowclan, they all just smelled like them.

She sat up straight, chin high as she stole one quick glance towards Elmshadow before looking back to the Riverclanner. He was much bigger than her and had lost the youthful softness of an apprentice but he was still younger and leaner than most of the warriors; he must be a young warrior or old apprentice. "Hi! I'm Sunsetpaw. What's your name?"



[B]~ Firepaw ShC | Ravensong | Codpaw....? |

They grey spotted from quickly moved away from his clan and Dawnstar as soon as he arrived. He really didn't want to be too much associated with them. Neither did he crave conversation or company, but risking a cat from a another clan coming up to him was worth it if he could avoid his own. He was loyalty to his clan above all, but he didn't approve of how Dawnstar, her deputy, and mindless followers lead and did things. Bloodshed wasn't how you became a good leader or clan.



**Codpaw of Riverclan**

Codpaw's attention was redirected as the shadowy movements of cats filtered onto the beach. He looked over and was instantly met with the crisp smell of pine. Shadowclan had arrived! He scanned through the faces, looking for either familiarity or at least an open friendly face. Dawnstar jumped onto the seastones beside the other two leaders. He watched her curiously as she seemed to not even notice the other leaders. Was that a leader tired or was she as cold and distant as the rumors claimed? But then his eyes found a familiar face breaking away from the rest of the group of Shadowclanners as they were settling into their places. Codpaw perked up, smiling, and bounded airily through the gathered cats. He stopped as he approached Firepaw. "Hiya, Firepaw! How've you been?"


Goldenstep walked in close beside Elmshadow and the rest of the Shadowclan cats. Her heart felt full and happy though her desire to fade into the unseen was slowly returning. But it was no longer a suppressive feeling, it just was. She was content with her mate at her side. She shifted her bright eyes around the beach. Sunsetpaw seemed to be getting right into the swing of things, talking and meeting with some new cats. Then her eyes found Ashpaw looking apprehensive. She split away from Elmshadow just slightly to detour past Ashpaw. She drooped her tail to swish it over her daughter's back, smiling down at her. "You're welcome to join your father and me. Or go meet some new cats. Gatherings are great, and safe, learning experiences. You're doing great." Goldenstep purred. It was nice being at a gathering again, even better now with her kits joining her.

Goldenstep turned and wove through the other cats to meet back up with Elmshadow in an open spot and sat beside him as he settled down. She huddled close against him against the chill of the breeze blowing in over the water. She fluffed up her golden fur and wrapped her tail around behind Elmshadow.
error Ravensong
---------------------

Pigeonpaw stalked onto the beach, following behind her mentor. Cougarivy seemed happy tonight. She wasn't sure she wanted to socialize tonight but maybe her mind would change. She found a spot and curled up, lowering her body down over her paws to stave off the cold.

[OPEN]

**Elmshadow of Shadowclan**

Elmshadow had regained much of his normal confidence and self-assuredness, a trait he'd lost for a brief, but difficult, couple days. He'd taken his place again, leading Goldenstep through the territories. It felt good to be in the role of protector again, no matter how unnecessary the role was in this particular instance. He felt a protectiveness over her that he'd only faked in the beginning; everything he'd faked in the beginning had somehow developed into reality as time wore on, including how much he enjoyed her company. He couldn't help but believe the two things were related.

He watched her split away from him and approach one of their daughters. He turned his attention back to the top of the Seastones until he felt Goldenstep's warmth return beside him, her tail wrapping around his back. His gaze shifted as Thunderclan finally spilled into the clearing but he quickly lost interest and turned to Goldenstep. "How's she doing?"

**Cougarivy of Shadowclan**

Cougarivy turned to her apprentice. This would be her second gathering. She smiled at the fluffy grey she-cat. "If you'd like to talk to cats from other clans, don't be shy, that's what most of the cats here are here for." She lowered her voice and crouched down closer to Pigeonpaw. "Poking their sore spots is sometimes fun too but you have to be careful about it. Don't end up like Maggotpaw." She stood back up. "Can you tell which cats are from which clans?"

[~Sayonara~]

[OPEN]

Redrock looks around at the large crowd of cats. There were so many! He purrs softly, making his way around the different pelts and scents.

[Brightlight]

||OPEN||

--Clearlight of Thunderclan--

The tabby queen padded cautiously about the sand. Clearlight had never been to a Gathering before. When she had been carrying, it hasn't really been possible. But now...now she could come, since she had just delivered. It broke her heart to leave her babies behind, but Clearlight didn't want to be the kind of mother who never knew about the Clan's happenings.

So she seated herself pretty close to the large stones in which the leaders and deputies sat themselves upon. Clearlight stated up at them, shivering a bit already. She fluffed her fur just a bit, to combat the breeze. She wondered what the high ranks would talk about?

[carmen]

Hanukkah Hawkice
[For Lynxpaw]
Foxpaw felt like attending the gathering for once. She wasn't as sleep-deprived as normal, and she was itching for some action- not that she'd make it happen. The russet patch-tabby would rather just sit and watch the anger unfold, take in the view. With a barely muffled yawn, she padded over and sat down, not noticing that there was another cat in the vicinity until too late. Drats. If she got up to move now, it would seem rude. Foxpaw stared at the other cat, a Shadowclanner, by the scent. He didn't seem to mean, yet she wasn't sure how he would react to her attitude. Before the silence drew out to become awkward, she spoke. "Hello. I am Foxpaw, of Thunderclan. Who are you?" Gruff and annoyed. She was trying to seem nice, but like always, it failed. Great.

[JackHunt_17]

Hanukkah Hawkice
[For Lynxpaw]
Foxpaw felt like attending the gathering for once. She wasn't as sleep-deprived as normal, and she was itching for some action- not that she'd make it happen. The russet patch-tabby would rather just sit and watch the anger unfold, take in the view. With a barely muffled yawn, she padded over and sat down, not noticing that there was another cat in the vicinity until too late. Drats. If she got up to move now, it would seem rude. Foxpaw stared at the other cat, a Shadowclanner, by the scent. He didn't seem to mean, yet she wasn't sure how he would react to her attitude. Before the silence drew out to become awkward, she spoke. "Hello. I am Foxpaw, of Thunderclan. Who are you?" Gruff and annoyed. She was trying to seem nice, but like always, it failed. Great.
"I'm Lynxpaw of Shadowclan." Lynxpaw mewed, trying to sound calm to impress his father. He made his face look tough. He wanted to be like his dad!

[carmen]

Hanukkah Hawkice

Foxpaw was surprised by his answer. Not the part about him being Shadowclan, or anything, but this cat was nice. It seemed. They were Shadowclan, so anything might happen. But the real shock was his reaction. No one ever reacted kindly towards her. "Well, um, I haven't seen you here before. Are you a new apprentice?" She swallowed hard, trying to bite back her words, but ultimately failed. "Is Shadowclan really as mean as they say?"

[WinterMara]

| Softpaw of Thunderclan |

She hadn't expected anyone to come talk to her, let alone one of her own clanmates, it was a bit, embaressing. Softpaw took a deep breath and sighed, before looking over to Bushpaw with a fake smile, before forcing a laugh herself. ' 'Yep, joyful as ever to be at the gathering with so many cats and, plenty of news to hear.' ' Her mood shifted as of recently, mostly to a lot more faking but also a lot more, honestly she'd call it full on depression, so many things were changing around her and, she herself was changing to the point where it felt like everything was hitting at her like a huge monster, it sucked.

| error

[poppy]

(for context, Sun and Leaf know her as Hazelkit ^^)

All these cats. It was.. difficult. Rainywind had trailed behind the rest of WindClan, preferring to stay in the shadows, like usual. It was easier to hide in the darkness. It was also hard enough living in a group again, she barely remembered the last couple of times she had been apart of groups. Bone's group. That group that her family was in.

She didn't know... where they were. She missed them a lot, and didn't have anything to remember them by except for faces. The kit-like faces of her littermates, the loving faces of her mother and father. Only their faces, she remembered. Her heart quickened as she slipped sinuously out of her hiding spot, flustered. She looked around at a bunch of the cats. They looked... mean. Her eyes fell to the gruesome scar on her flank, and she shook her fur out to cover the clawmarks on her back. Sapphire blue gaze on the alert, she back away from the cats she saw, terrified of them running at her and adding to her scar-littered skin.

Her paw flew to her throat, where the slight bump of teethmarks remained, just a pale pink scar, but still a horrifying memory. Of Death. And Claw. A small squeak of fear escaped her, and she turned around, ready to run, when someone caught her eye. A pale ginger, russet marbled flash of fur made her freeze. Momentarily forgetting her terror, she approached the tom. He was talking to a tabby she-cat, who's face struck a chord in Rainy's heart. She leaned forward, sniffing the tom experimentally. Coming around to face the two cats, she let out a hoarse, strangled gasp, and stumbled backwards.

''Y-you.'' She choked out, caramel colored fur bristling. ''I... I...'' Tripping over her tail as she backed away slowly, she looked around, natural instinct telling her to flee this uncertain, terrifyingly strange situation.

Naiad Dawnfallstar

[Rani]

'Only reliable one' well that was a new attribute and not one commonly commented on, usually his snappish nature was the conversation piece, but as time went on and an endless stream of high ranks came and went it was looking increasingly true. And wasnt that a wonderful thought... ugh. Moving swiftly on so this point didnt end it irritating him to the point of grumpiness Snakeheart shifted focus. "How are your herb stores looking for the winter? Ive tried to fill mine and am going to be trying some methods to extend their lifespan to avoid winter rot but I swear herbs go as fast as they are added too its maddening." Granted some of that was due to him giving herbs to Dogbark after he treated the tom but still he needed to be prepared in case of a greencough outbreak, it was the season for it after all and riverclan cats were especially susceptible. Wet fur in the cold was asking for sickness....


Fletcher Nixey

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ IVYPAW ~

She had decided to come to this next Gathering. Ivypaw padded alongside the ShadowClan cats, her fur fluffed out against the chill. Even though her pelt was short, it was very thick and dense, so that helped a bit. But it seemed like this "leaf-bare" was upon the Clans. Her breath clouded in front of her, and... what was that? There was a light powdering of dusty white stuff that was very cold when she stuck her paws in it. Was this the "snow" cats were talking about? It made sense. This "snow" made everything colder. The she-cat continued along, feeling the muscles that had begun to develop under her pelt. She was getting stronger. I can't wait to fight the other Clans! I really want to give Dawnstar a pelt that doesn't belong to a mouse, and slice my claws through some cat's fur, and kill! She really couldn't wait. What did another cat's blood taste like? What was a battle like? Ivypaw knew the basics, but not everything. I really want to test out my battle moves.

Well, she was here. Ivypaw looked around. There seemed to be a lot more cats - every Clan was here. She recognized the smells of RiverClan, ThunderClan, and... WindClan, who hadn't been at the last Gathering. They were referred to as "weak bunnies", small and skinny, and ShadowClan loved pushing them around. Ivypaw herself had never met any of them. Now she could smell their scent around the area, and the clearing seemed fuller than it had been before. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. Where are the deputies, again? Her sharp amber gaze flashed to the big rock where the leaders sat. She'd seen her father gather at the bottom with cats who she assumed were other deputies. There. She saw Shadestorm's familiar dark gray tabby pelt; his sky-blue eyes were glinting in the moonlight.

He was sitting beside three other cats. One was a small gray tom with a heavily scarred muzzle; she wondered how he'd gotten it. Was he attacked by something? Was it in a valiant fight? She tried to recall his name, but she couldn't remember. Nearby was a long-furred brown-and-white she-cat. She wasn't too remarkable. Then, sitting near them, a large, dappled gray tom - who towered above the others, except for her father - stood out to her. He had nicked ears and a few scars here and there that proved that he was a fighter. There were also strong muscles rippling under his pelt. What Clan was he from? RiverClan? According to Shadestorm, they were strong. The small gray tom was probably WindClan's Wolffang. Right?

Ivypaw padded over to them. She wanted to talk to the deputies. She stopped nearby and slightly tipped her head to one side, her sharp amber gaze fixing on them. "Hello," she meowed to them. "I'm Ivypaw. Shadestorm's daughter. I know that you three are deputies so I wanted to ask you all some stuff, I guess." Sure, they were from other Clans, but it wouldn't hurt. But now that she was closer, she could smell their scents. The small gray tom wasn't WindClan, he was ThunderClan. The brown-and-white she-cat was RiverClan. And the large, dappled gray tom was WindClan. He must be Wolffang. He wasn't small like she'd been told WindClan cats were. Well, surely not all of them could be small.

"What's it like being deputy? And what are your names?" Her gaze landed on the small gray tom. "What happened to your muzzle? Was it
a really fierce fight? I want to get into some fierce fights, and show how great ShadowClan is. I've learned a bunch of fighting skills, too. And I thought WindClan cats were small, not big." She glanced at Wolffang - Shadestorm had told her about him. "Oh, and I suppose you're in RiverClan. What's it like there?" she questioned the long-furred she-cat. "I know that we're enemies and all, but I'm just curious."

Singing Jay gs29513 Willowfern

[Shade.]

Sharppaw did not particularly hate gatherings. In fact, she somewhat enjoyed listening in on everything happening. She preferred not participating, however. Sharppaw's most comfortable place was amongst the shadows. Didn't mean she couldn't listen, however. The lithe cat made her way around the edges, likely unnoticed. Whi would bother with her anyway. Dawnstar likely didn't cars who was or wasn't here. She wanted to listen in on sone interesting conversations. The high ranks were hard to hear as they were closer to the middle. Bit all the really important conversations probably happened hidden around the edges.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
(Heh heh heh. I’m sure it’ll be alright.)
Aspenleaf huffed. So much for trying to be polite. On the other paw… perhaps she could smack a little sense into this Thunderclanner. The silver she-cat smiled. “Well, excuse me for checking on an obviously tired cat at the gathering. StarClan, are you storm cats so stuck up you try to act brave over taking a little rest?” She asked calmly.

~Mallardstep~

How dare she mix up laziness with tiredness! Were there no lazy cats in Riverclan? How dull! The absolute disrespect! He wanted to snarl, but suspected that would only cause more work for himself. Instead he lashed his tail with annoyance.

“I’ll have you know that I am not in the least but tired! I just don’t like gatherings!” That would show her!

[Captain]

After a bit of time passed, Snowleap broke away from his clan and sat towards the back of the large group of cats that gathered within the Seastones. The tall warrior’s ears flattened against his head as he looked down at his paws. All the loud noises of his clanmates and other cats around him started becoming nothing more than muffled nonsense in the background. He felt weird, like he didn’t belong here. It all felt like too much all of a sudden and the tomcat wanted to run back to Riverclan territory, but how would that make his clan look to others if he ran from a gathering? Lynxfall agreed that they would meet again at this moon’s gathering, but where was he? Snowleap wrapped his tail around himself, feeling so frustrated internally. Being rather tall compared to his clanmates, it was quite hard for the Riverclan warrior to make himself small and not attract attention, but he was starting to lose his friendly, open demeanor as he sat by himself. Maybe it was for the best that nobody talked to him, maybe all those cats that he talked to these last couple of days thought he was strange. He didn’t know. The dark-furred feline just wanted to go home and go to bed. This was a mistake. He shouldn’t have come to this gathering. It was all too much. It had been so long since he had genuinely wanted to cry, but he refused to - not here, anywhere but here.
[ Snowleap: *starts to become overwhelmed and overstimulated in an overly crowded area where he proceeds to have a panic attack and overthink and start to isolate himself again*][ OPEN to anyone who wishes to console the poor man, this is his first gathering since he first became a warrior and he forgot how bad his anxiety can get. ]

[JackHunt_17]

Hanukkah Hawkice

Foxpaw was surprised by his answer. Not the part about him being Shadowclan, or anything, but this cat was nice. It seemed. They were Shadowclan, so anything might happen. But the real shock was his reaction. No one ever reacted kindly towards her. "Well, um, I haven't seen you here before. Are you a new apprentice?" She swallowed hard, trying to bite back her words, but ultimately failed. "Is Shadowclan really as mean as they say?"
"I am a new apprentice. And we're not mean, just strong. People get the wrong idea of us." Lynxpaw sighed. "Sure Dawnstar is really strong and scary looking to some, but she's only doing what she believes is right for the clan, like any leader would." Lynxpaw mewed.

[carmen]

Hanukkah Hawkice
She didn't managed to cover her laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you. It's just..." She paused. "I'm pretty sure Dawnmstar purposely acts mean in front of the other clan leaders to sound scary. You're a complete change of pace." The russet molly snorted. "Do you like being an apprentice? Did you get a good mentor? Who are your parents?" She liked this cat, his seemingly innocent nature. She wasn't used to anyone acting like that.

[gs29513]

Splashleap followed to the rear of the party, although she was still at the deputies seat before Dogbark. While she wasn't particularly interested in interacting positively(or negatively really, hostility was unnecessary and would only cause problems given how touchy the Shadowclanners could be, Dawnstar had proved that a hundred time over) with Shadestorm, Wolffang was perfectly fine. Irritatingly large(she definitely had small dog syndrome, whatever you called it when the bark was much too large for the dog), but an ally nonetheless. And they had recently had trouble with the winds, of course.

But before she could ask how things were going in Windclan, if any other cats had been blown away to Starclan know's where, she was interrupted by what seemed to be a Shadowclan apprentice. Shadestorm's......daughter? She seemed far more interesting than her father, and while she was from Shadowclan Splashleap supposed you couldn't choose your birthplace. Ivypaw was polite as well, and a small smile scrawled across the deputies maw as she responded.

I'm sure you've heard how fishy we are! Lots of fish, lots of swimming, a few irritating cats who don't know how to do what they're supposed to do. My guess is your father's told you a bit about the last one. Hopefully that wasn't too much to say, she didn't think there were any real clan secrets given out there. Every clan had a few numbskulls, it couldn't be helped really. Shadowclan must have a few as well, that couldn't be a Riverclan-exclusive issue. Then again, the other clans didn't seem to have as many problems with.......gathering disturbances as they did. She would have to keep a bit more of an eye out this time around, see if she could nip it in the bud. Not that the bud hadn't already been smashed to pulp several times. It just kept growing back! Just DIE ALREADY STUPID PLANT OF IDEAS THAT MAKE CATS THINK INTERRUPTING IS A GOOD IDEA! TheNyanCatMinecart Singing Jay Willowfern

[beau]

Sundust offered a smile to Leafwind, but didn't speak his guesses aloud. If anyone was going to cause trouble, he assumed it would be Nectarflame, but who knew? His attention was momentarily distract by another molly - was she Windclan? It was hard to tell by the scent - suddenly coming around in front of a the two. "Oh, hello-" He cut himself off at the loud gasp, and the stuttering that followed. "I'm sorry, do I know- are you alright?" His gaze clouded with concern and bewilderment as the she-cat stumbled away from them. He cast an anxious glance towards his sister before it clicked in his head.

Not clicked exactly, but it was an odd sense of déjà vu. A familiar warm scent from the nursery... his mother upset over something... his father pulling him and his sister to the side to explain something... and a name at the tip of his tongue. Ha... Harekit? No. That wasn't it.

"Hazelkit?" The tom blurted out, a subtle trace of confusion in his voice. How?? His brain could not form a more comprehensive thought, not even a complete sentence, just... how? His brain fumbled with old memories, trying to pull up a clear memory of the kit who had vanished from his life, a second sister who left so little trace that his mind had practically erased her. He suppose he knew he had two sisters, and that one was gone, but he never really thought on it. He was too young to understand when it happened - he could only recall being disappointed to lose a playmate - and by the time he was a warrior, he could barely remember her. The vague flashes he could remember seemed to check out: clear blue eyes, long brown fur, a sweet scent...

Wow.

The curly-furred warrior stood frozen for a moment, staring at Hazelkit, before he whipped around to face Leafwing, as if she wouldn't be anymore confused. Maybe he was just making sure he wasn't crazy, making sure that there was a Hazelkit. There was no way his brain had made something like that up. Right? The memories were distant, but they were there! It couldn't have been some freaky dream of something. Right?? Oh, Starclan he didn't know. For all he knew, he was hallucinating her right here and now.

poppy. Dawnfallstar

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Well, it was a start for a good comeback. At least for Aspenleaf. She sighed and sat down next to Mallardstep. In all reality, she kind of liked this toms attitude. Sure, he was a little grumpy, but who was she to judge on that. She smiled, ready to state what she felt was obvious. “If you don’t like gatherings, then why are you even here?”

[Madelaine]

-->Ebonyfang<--

Following behind his leader Ebonyfang was kind of curious about what would happen at this gathering if anything did. This was his first one since his demotion since not soon after that he had been stuck in the nursery. No more though. He was a warrior and he was very happy as one. He looked around, spotting his only remaining son talking to an apprentice from another clan. He wondered how his first gathering was going, but he'd ask once they got back. He was wanting to start being there n his life and now that he was stronger he would definitely be there.

Ebonyfang's next glance was at Bounceberry. It had been a long while since their last interaction. He probably would leave the tom alone for right now. Leafbare was right around the corner. He was sure to be extra busy. Plus Ebonyfang was trying to act more like a warrior now that he had returned. Sitting down in a spot he looked up waiting for the announcements to start.

// open \\

[spade]

An eerie chill crept up the back of Kestrelstar and the gray tabby turned his head to see Dawnstar leaping onto the rocks a good distance away from himself and Twilightstar. No greeting, but that was pretty standard for the ShadowClan leader and Kestrelstar didn't expect one for as long as she remained on the throne of ShadowClan. The thought of her leadership continuing to extend, her claws continuing to dig into his pelt like a thorn he couldn't remove, sent a flash of irritation in him, only revealing itself through an annoyed ear flick.

While ShadowClan finished settling in, a new scent wafted towards him, indicating the arrival of ThunderClan. Kestrelstar's yellow eyes found Aspenstar, and stars did she look worn down. He was the one sporting new wounds, but she looked as how he had felt in the first few moons of his leadership. For a moment, Clans were forgotten and he felt a pang of sympathy for the honey-colored leader. Then, it was back in a flash. While there was a truce in place, and they were cordial with each other, Kestrelstar was unsure if RiverClan and ThunderClan would ever be friendly. The smile was a nice sign that the peace treaty was upheld, and the tom nodded back to her in return.

Yellow eyes flickered down to Dogbark as he followed his leader into Seastones, and was surprised to see the stony expression on his face. He hadn't expected their little excursion to make them fast friends, but Snakeheart had shared valuable herbs with Dogbark, and had healed him in the face of pretty severe injuries. The small ear flick of acknowledgement made Kestrelstar want to growl, but instead he only pushed his paws into the rock to steady himself. He had to remember though that he was the one who had offered it all, hoping that just maybe it might continue to bridge the gap between ThunderClan and RiverClan.

They needed to stand on their own though, and maybe that's just what had to happen. If Dogbark wanted to act like RiverClan and Snakeheart hadn't done him a great service, then fine. Kestrelstar lifted his chin and allowed his gaze to snake over the rest of the cats gathered. RiverClan had come to their aid for the last time, in his mind. What was a Clan without their own paws to stand upon?

A bit of a commotion garnered his attention back down, and Kestrelstar blinked as some warrior hissed at Dogbark. She appeared to be a ThunderClan warrior, and while the gray tabby refrained from saying anything, he was simply glad it wasn't one of his own warriors causing a fit this time. Whiskers twitched in amusement but the rest of his composure remained.

"Let's get this thing started so we don't have to freeze our tails off anymore than necessary," Kestrelstar grunted, deciding to start them off again. He swung his gaze around to his fellow leaders and gave them a nod before stepping forward on the rock.

"RiverClan is doing well. Land prey has been dwindling, but thankfully the rivers and ponds have not frozen over yet. Fishing is still yielding plentiful results to our Clan." Kestrelstar didn't ever think he would let on if RiverClan was struggling even if their prey-pile was empty. He wanted to showcase strength, resilience. The new era of growth and change him and his Clan was experiencing wouldn't be stopped on his watch.

"Birdpaw, Dawnpaw, and Minnowpaw have also begun their training as warriors, and we expect them to make excellent additions to the Clan once they're finished." As much as he was starting to take a liking to Birdpaw, he sincerely hoped that she had either stayed home, or at least brought her quiet voice with her. He didn't want another fiasco like what had happened with his two warriors the last Gathering. "Shimmerpaw, Hazelpaw, and Reedpaw have now all completed their warrior training and are now known as Shimmerbird, Hazelstorm, and Reedlight. They have been welcomed as RiverClan's newest warriors." He was curious if anyone in ThunderClan would recognize Reedlight from the raid. He didn't really care for their opinion on him making the tom a warrior - truthfully it was none of their business. He knew who Reedlight was, and why he deserved his warrior name.

Casting a look towards where Snakeheart sat with Reedpaw and Bounceberry - the two spots where WindClan and ThunderClan's medicine cats would've joined them vacant - Kestrelstar gave a nod. "Snakeheart has taken on an apprentice as well. Our second Reedpaw," stars he wished the two had different names, as it might sound confusing to the other Clans, "has been chosen to follow in his pawsteps as RiverClan's medicine cat apprentice." He was still a little cautious of his brother having an apprentice at all in the fragile state he was in, but still decided to not speak on it.

Continuing on, Kestrelstar resumed his sweeping gaze across the crowd. "We've also had a bundle of new kits welcomed to the Clan. Sandbreeze has given birth to Frozenkit, and a new addition to our Clan, a former loner Pumpkinsprout, has given birth to four healthy kits; Softkit, Wrenkit, Whisperkit, and Sparkkit." He was starting to be glad about his decision to accept the outsider into RiverClan, despite leaf-bare swinging in. Four healthy kits would make great additions to the Clan once they were older.

The next announcement was not one he was looking forward to. Grief momentary clouded his gaze - at least it had not been another Clan that could be held responsible. "Lastly, there have been an increase in rogues and loners trespassing onto our territory. I was on a patrol when I came across Eveningwhisper’s body - she was killed by an outsider, and has been laid to rest in RiverClan's thicket." A sad death to announce, but Kestrelstar wanted to both get it out and state a warning about the outsiders.

His throat felt tight as he tried to clear it. He let silence hang for a moment in recognition of the life lost, before nodding to the crowd, Kestrelstar called, "That is all from RiverClan," before stepping back and taking a seat, indicating that one of the others could go now.

[ getting this posted now since i'll be on a small hiatus coming up - hope that's alright with everyone :heartbounce: ]

poppy. Moonraven Undertaker Willowfern gs29513 Rani Nixey

[JackHunt_17]

Hanukkah Hawkice
She didn't managed to cover her laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you. It's just..." She paused. "I'm pretty sure Dawnmstar purposely acts mean in front of the other clan leaders to sound scary. You're a complete change of pace." The russet molly snorted. "Do you like being an apprentice? Did you get a good mentor? Who are your parents?" She liked this cat, his seemingly innocent nature. She wasn't used to anyone acting like that.
"Did you see that tall brownish red tom before with me? Thats my dad, Fiercefire. My other dads here somewhere, I think. And sure, Dawnstar wants everyone to know we are strong so she tries to intimidate the other clans. If Twilightstar did that then maybe Windclan wouldn't be nicknamed the bunnies." Lynxpaw mewed, not seeing the problem with any of this

[Dawnfallstar]

Sundust offered a smile to Leafwind, but didn't speak his guesses aloud. If anyone was going to cause trouble, he assumed it would be Nectarflame, but who knew? His attention was momentarily distract by another molly - was she Windclan? It was hard to tell by the scent - suddenly coming around in front of a the two. "Oh, hello-" He cut himself off at the loud gasp, and the stuttering that followed. "I'm sorry, do I know- are you alright?" His gaze clouded with concern and bewilderment as the she-cat stumbled away from them. He cast an anxious glance towards his sister before it clicked in his head.

Not clicked exactly, but it was an odd sense of déjà vu. A familiar warm scent from the nursery... his mother upset over something... his father pulling him and his sister to the side to explain something... and a name at the tip of his tongue. Ha... Harekit? No. That wasn't it.

"Hazelkit?" The tom blurted out, a subtle trace of confusion in his voice. How?? His brain could not form a more comprehensive thought, not even a complete sentence, just... how? His brain fumbled with old memories, trying to pull up a clear memory of the kit who had vanished from his life, a second sister who left so little trace that his mind had practically erased her. He suppose he knew he had two sisters, and that one was gone, but he never really thought on it. He was too young to understand when it happened - he could only recall being disappointed to lose a playmate - and by the time he was a warrior, he could barely remember her. The vague flashes he could remember seemed to check out: clear blue eyes, long brown fur, a sweet scent...

Wow.

The curly-furred warrior stood frozen for a moment, staring at Hazelkit, before he whipped around to face Leafwing, as if she wouldn't be anymore confused. Maybe he was just making sure he wasn't crazy, making sure that there was a Hazelkit. There was no way his brain had made something like that up. Right? The memories were distant, but they were there! It couldn't have been some freaky dream of something. Right?? Oh, Starclan he didn't know. For all he knew, he was hallucinating her right here and now.

poppy. Dawnfallstar
"Yes, she does look like our sister." Leafwind said not sure how her sister was in Windclan.

[furrensic]

Angelique //

➸ cornpaw - he/him

following aspenstar to the seastones eagerly, cornpaw skittered off in his own direction once they arrived. jeez, it was so cold!! shaking his fur to try and get rid of the biting cold, the apprentice searched all the cats that were fathered. shadowclan, thunderclan (the BEST), windclan and...riverbutts.

he wondered if his mom was here, thinking there could be a chance she could have joined a different clan. eventually he gave up, and his eyes landed on a scary looking cat and he grinned stupidly, deciding that this cat would be the one to suffer tonight. hurrying over, he sat down right beside the tom, who he was pretty sure was shadowclan.

he inhaled, staring at the tom, "HI!!" he greeted loudly. "you look SCARY!! just like dawnstar - she looks MEAN. I heard she's mean, is that true?" he asked, aiming a small nudge at the shadowclanner, turning his head to look at the leader. "anyways!! i'm cornpa-aw," he said, giving a slight shudder. cold, cold, cold!! too cold! "alrighty!! i've told you my name, whats yours?" he asked, turning his attention to kestrelstar momentarily before looking back to the shadowclanner.


open //

➸rainypaw - they/them

walking to the seastones with the rest of thunderclan, rainypaw frowned when they noticed just how cold it was. it seemed much more colder here than it did in camp - they guessed that was to be expected since the seastones were so close to the water. taking a seat, they hoped that they'd end up falling asleep. so far, the gathering didn't seem that bad, hearing the news that kestrelstar had to give. but still, if it ended up anything like the meeting they sat through .. they'd just leave, honestly.

[Brightlight]

After a bit of time passed, Snowleap broke away from his clan and sat towards the back of the large group of cats that gathered within the Seastones. The tall warrior’s ears flattened against his head as he looked down at his paws. All the loud noises of his clanmates and other cats around him started becoming nothing more than muffled nonsense in the background. He felt weird, like he didn’t belong here. It all felt like too much all of a sudden and the tomcat wanted to run back to Riverclan territory, but how would that make his clan look to others if he ran from a gathering? Lynxfall agreed that they would meet again at this moon’s gathering, but where was he? Snowleap wrapped his tail around himself, feeling so frustrated internally. Being rather tall compared to his clanmates, it was quite hard for the Riverclan warrior to make himself small and not attract attention, but he was starting to lose his friendly, open demeanor as he sat by himself. Maybe it was for the best that nobody talked to him, maybe all those cats that he talked to these last couple of days thought he was strange. He didn’t know. The dark-furred feline just wanted to go home and go to bed. This was a mistake. He shouldn’t have come to this gathering. It was all too much. It had been so long since he had genuinely wanted to cry, but he refused to - not here, anywhere but here.
[ Snowleap: *starts to become overwhelmed and overstimulated in an overly crowded area where he proceeds to have a panic attack and overthink and start to isolate himself again*][ OPEN to anyone who wishes to console the poor man, this is his first gathering since he first became a warrior and he forgot how bad his anxiety can get. ]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

The grey elder nodded along as his leader spoke. Yes, yes. And they had a new medicine cat apprentice. It was nice to know some cat could take care of him when he started dying. Yes.

Brittleshore sighed in annoyance when a small breeze literally blew through his fur, and he gave an almost unnoticeable shiver. Why in Starclan had he decided to come here, he didn't know.

Brittleshore got up and headed towards the back of the crowd, moving slowly. The cold made his bad leg even worse. He didn't really need to hear anything quite so clearly any more, so to the back he went. Brittleshore was preparing to sit, when he noticed a cat who looked like he wanted to be anyplace but here.

"Are you alright, young one?" Brittleshore asked, his tone mostly neutral, but with a hint of concern.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

The grey elder nodded along as his leader spoke. Yes, yes. And they had a new medicine cat apprentice. It was nice to know some cat could take care of him when he started dying. Yes.

Brittleshore sighed in annoyance when a small breeze literally blew through his fur, and he gave an almost unnoticeable shiver. Why in Starclan had he decided to come here, he didn't know.

Brittleshore got up and headed towards the back of the crowd, moving slowly. The cold made his bad leg even worse. He didn't really need to hear anything quite so clearly any more, so to the back he went. Brittleshore was preparing to sit, when he noticed a cat who looked like he wanted to be anyplace but here.

"Are you alright, young one?" Brittleshore asked, his tone mostly neutral, but with a hint of concern.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As a chilling breeze brushed through the Seastones and among the crowd of cats, Snowleap felt colder than usual on this night, despite his long dark fur. His body shivered slightly as he curled his tail around himself tighter, wishing he had just stayed back at camp. Maybe then he would not look like such a minnowbrain. The tall warrior thought he had gotten better with crowds, that his anxiety had subsided since he stood up to Lynxfall those several sunrises ago.

But no. Sure, he had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of Riverclan’s camp clearing, but this? This large of a group made him feel lightheaded and uncomfortable. Even as Kestrelstar began to speak to all the clans, Snowleap couldn’t focus, it all just sounded so far away, so muffled and unheard. It wasn’t until a voice, much closer than any other voice, sounded beside him and made him realize how tightly closed his eyes were. He opened them, his icy-blue eyes resting about another tomcat who was much older than him. His pelt seemed familiar and his scent screamed Riverclan, but it was someone whose name he did not know. He blinked at the other feline, realizing that he had been staring for a moment longer than needed.

“Ah…yes,” Snowleap said, sitting up to keep himself from not remaining hunched over while someone was looking at him, “I apologize for my strange display… I’m not a huge fan of crowds…” His tone was quiet, shy even. He felt ashamed.

[TheWhiteWolf]

After a bit of time passed, Snowleap broke away from his clan and sat towards the back of the large group of cats that gathered within the Seastones. The tall warrior’s ears flattened against his head as he looked down at his paws. All the loud noises of his clanmates and other cats around him started becoming nothing more than muffled nonsense in the background. He felt weird, like he didn’t belong here. It all felt like too much all of a sudden and the tomcat wanted to run back to Riverclan territory, but how would that make his clan look to others if he ran from a gathering? Lynxfall agreed that they would meet again at this moon’s gathering, but where was he? Snowleap wrapped his tail around himself, feeling so frustrated internally. Being rather tall compared to his clanmates, it was quite hard for the Riverclan warrior to make himself small and not attract attention, but he was starting to lose his friendly, open demeanor as he sat by himself. Maybe it was for the best that nobody talked to him, maybe all those cats that he talked to these last couple of days thought he was strange. He didn’t know. The dark-furred feline just wanted to go home and go to bed. This was a mistake. He shouldn’t have come to this gathering. It was all too much. It had been so long since he had genuinely wanted to cry, but he refused to - not here, anywhere but here.
[ Snowleap: *starts to become overwhelmed and overstimulated in an overly crowded area where he proceeds to have a panic attack and overthink and start to isolate himself again*][ OPEN to anyone who wishes to console the poor man, this is his first gathering since he first became a warrior and he forgot how bad his anxiety can get. ]

{Lynxfall of ShadowClan}

The small tom slowly crept away from the other cats in his clan in the search of his dear friend, Snowleap. ‘It’s been awhile since we’ve last met up…’ Lynxfall thought while his ears dropped ever so slightly. As he padded along the group of several cats from all around, he was able to make out the tall soft shape of the RiverClan Warrior he cared for. He swiftly padded over to him as fast as he could, but as he grew closer, he saw the saddened look on the taller toms face. “Snowleap? What’s wrong? Did someone hurt you?” The orange toms face contorted with worry, as his ears fell flat to his head. He was concerned about his friends well being, as one final thought ran through his head- ‘Could I be the cause of this sadness? We haven’t spoken since… back then.’ Looking down for a split second, lost in thought, he turned his gaze back up at the RiverClan Warrior, waiting for them to respond.

[Ian]

--Shimmerbird--
[OPEN]

The new warrior ducked her head shyly when Kestrelstar said her new name, although there was a smile on her face indicating that she was pleased with her knew status. Shimmerbird had worked hard and done her best to overcome her fears (though there were definitely things that still scared her, like cats staring at her hope which she really hoped they weren't doing right now) and finally managed to become a full fledged RiverClan warrior.

--Vixenpaw--
[OPEN]

The young molly listened to the RiverClan's leaders announcement with curiosity, filing away all the important information for later. It appears there medicine cat--Snakesomething--- had decided to take on an apprentice. When would Bounceberry take on one for ShadowClan? They couldn't let those guppies get stronger than ShadowClan!

--Howlpaw--
[OPEN]

The golden apprentice paid little attention to what Kestrelstar had to say and instead was focusing on the cats around then. The other Clans seemed interesting, albeit weak, and Howlpaw was already coming up with various plans to mess with them once they learned some battle moves.

[carmen]

Hanukkah Hawkice

She followed his gaze and nodded. She had seen the tom before, once or twice, maybe more. Her memory wasn't the best, so she may have seen him before, but she definitely had not met him. She wasn't sure who is other dad was, but thatt was to be expected. This was the first time Foxpaw had spoken with him, she had no doubt it was fine for her not to know. Foxpaw chortled at the toms explanation for Dawnstars brutality. It was almost funny how innocent he was. Almost. "So, Lynxpaw, who is your mentor?" It was a common question when asking other apprentices, a good way to continue a conversation.

[Captain]

{Lynxfall of ShadowClan}

The small tom slowly crept away from the other cats in his clan in the search of his dear friend, Snowleap. ‘It’s been awhile since we’ve last met up…’ Lynxfall thought while his ears dropped ever so slightly. As he padded along the group of several cats from all around, he was able to make out the tall soft shape of the RiverClan Warrior he cared for. He swiftly padded over to him as fast as he could, but as he grew closer, he saw the saddened look on the taller toms face. “Snowleap? What’s wrong? Did someone hurt you?” The orange toms face contorted with worry, as his ears fell flat to his head. He was concerned about his friends well being, as one final thought ran through his head- ‘Could I be the cause of this sadness? We haven’t spoken since… back then.’ Looking down for a split second, lost in thought, he turned his gaze back up at the RiverClan Warrior, waiting for them to respond.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As a chilling breeze brushed through the Seastones and among the crowd of cats, Snowleap felt colder than usual on this night, despite his long dark fur. His body shivered slightly as he curled his tail around himself tighter, wishing he had just stayed back at camp. Maybe then he would not look like such a minnowbrain. The tall warrior thought he had gotten better with crowds, that his anxiety had subsided since he had finally told Lynxfall his feelings all those sunrises ago. He had tried so hard to be better at doing this kind of thing, surely he wasn’t still so terrified when it came to places like these.

But no. Sure, he had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of Riverclan’s camp clearing, but this? This large of a group made him feel lightheaded and uncomfortable. Even as Kestrelstar began to speak to all the clans, Snowleap couldn’t focus, it all just sounded so far away, so muffled and unheard. It wasn’t until an all too familiar voice, much closer than any other voice, sounded beside him and made him realize how tightly closed his eyes were. He opened them, his icy-blue eyes resting upon the orange-furred tomcat that he knew as Lynxfall of Shadowclan. The Riverclan warrior knew that even his closest friend had never seen him in such a vulnerable position. He hated appearing so weak in front of everyone like this.

“L-Lynxfall?” This was the only word that was able to leave Snowleap, his voice low and shaky, “No, no…” He shook his head, unable to form anymore words than that to answer the other tomcat’s questions. He felt terrible, he felt like he was going to cry, he felt like he was going to black out, but his body was keeping him from doing anything. It wasn’t Lynxfall’s fault, he knew that, but Lynxfall didn’t. It was just the claustrophobia, the anxiety, the overwhelming noise around him. The warrior, with shaking paws, moved forward towards his friend, burying his face into Lynxfall’s shoulder to drown out everything for a moment. His whole body was shaking like he had been swimming in a freezing lake. He couldn’t calm down.

[ Snowleap definitely has ADHD and/or autism. He shouldn't have subjected himself to a gathering because overstimulation, but the poor soul keeps pushing himself too far. ;-; ]

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Well, it was a start for a good comeback. At least for Aspenleaf. She sighed and sat down next to Mallardstep. In all reality, she kind of liked this toms attitude. Sure, he was a little grumpy, but who was she to judge on that. She smiled, ready to state what she felt was obvious. “If you don’t like gatherings, then why are you even here?”

~Mallardstep~

The mostly black warrior was surprised by the other cat’s smile. She sat down beside him too. He certainly not expected his outburst to have made him a friend…of sorts. He couldn’t help but start to like this other cat. Who’s name he didn’t even know. I don’t think she knows mine either so that, at least, isn’t rude.

“Because if I don’t come then I’ll have to ask some other cat about what happens and that would be annoying.” Mallardstep meowed plainly. And I don’t have any friends to explain it to me. He added quietly to himself. This stranger didn’t need to know that so he kept it to himself.

The Riverclan leader started the meeting. Good I want to get out of here as fast as possible. He was saddened to hear of their cat’s death. He hadn’t know them but he could tell Kestrelstar was effected by it. I wonder if that’s where he met Dogbark. Other than that it seemed like Riverclan was fairing well. That’s good, I suppose.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As a chilling breeze brushed through the Seastones and among the crowd of cats, Snowleap felt colder than usual on this night, despite his long dark fur. His body shivered slightly as he curled his tail around himself tighter, wishing he had just stayed back at camp. Maybe then he would not look like such a minnowbrain. The tall warrior thought he had gotten better with crowds, that his anxiety had subsided since he stood up to Lynxfall those several sunrises ago.

But no. Sure, he had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of Riverclan’s camp clearing, but this? This large of a group made him feel lightheaded and uncomfortable. Even as Kestrelstar began to speak to all the clans, Snowleap couldn’t focus, it all just sounded so far away, so muffled and unheard. It wasn’t until a voice, much closer than any other voice, sounded beside him and made him realize how tightly closed his eyes were. He opened them, his icy-blue eyes resting about another tomcat who was much older than him. His pelt seemed familiar and his scent screamed Riverclan, but it was someone whose name he did not know. He blinked at the other feline, realizing that he had been staring for a moment longer than needed.

“Ah…yes,” Snowleap said, sitting up to keep himself from not remaining hunched over while someone was looking at him, “I apologize for my strange display… I’m not a huge fan of crowds…” His tone was quiet, shy even. He felt ashamed.

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore made a noncommittal noise when the warrior- Snowpounce? Snowball? Oh, Snowleap, if he remembered right -finished talking. He sat himself down by the cat slowly, sitting a bit awkwardly to keep most of his weight off his bad leg.

"I've never been a big fan of crowds myself." Brittleshore stated offhandedly. It was probably because he had never liked talking to cats in general. Yeah, that was probably it. Brittleshore took in Snowleap's expression and posture, and spoke. "It's nothing to be ashamed off." Brittleshore said, his tone softer. He didn't quite know what made Snowleap behave that way, but he'd seen a few cats in his time do that as well, and he had an idea.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded, "Well, I suppose that's a good reason." She looked back up as Kestrelstar began the meeting. She glanced down at her paws as she remebered Eveningwhispers death. She hadn't known the other molly well, but it still saddened her to see a cat die. "May StarClan give her swift swimming, good hunting, and shelter where she sleeps," she muttered.

[Zenoebya]

-- Morningfeather of RiverClan --

Morningfeather restlessly sat by their clanmates, pawing at the ground gently with a sheathed paw. They perked their ears, listening to all the cats nearby, but felt too conflicted and shy to initiate a conversation, first. They stuck by their clanmates, listening to Kestrelstar.

|| OPEN ||

[duskfire1]

Duskfire of Windclan ll open!

He gave an irritable grunt as he fluffed his fur out against the cold. Take me now Starclan. His mind moaned as he shook the steady growing frost on his fur. He glanced around, and sat down, the chill of the hard, gritty floor seizing his bottom, but he ignored it. Hell to this! His mind snarled as he furiously stomped the ground. Contract. He stomped. Your muscles. He stomped again. To make. He stomped once more. Yourself. He pummeled the ground. WARM! He stomped the ground once again. Erg. He thought, giving up.

[Rizo]

~Wolfsong and Moonfrost of Riverclan~

Wolfsong watched Kestrelstar intensely, her light blue eyes piercing in the dark as the cold sea breeze ruffled her silver striped fur. It hadn't been long since she and her sister had returned from another futile attempt to find any sign of their blood relatives. The only one they knew of anymore was their younger sister, Nightleap. Perhaps the young she-cat was here? She would find her after the announcements, see about catching up on what had been occurring while the sisters had been absent. She cast her gaze around the gathering, seeing a great many cats that she did not know. She would take time after the announcements to speak to some.

Beside her, Moonfrost sat, her dark tabby fur fluffed out against the cold, almost like her sister's shadow. She flicked an ear as she listened to the conversations around them, her inky tail curled about her paws, the tip twitching slightly. Moonfrost kept her gaze upon the leaders sitting on the Seastones, but her focus was not truly there. Instead, she would take in anything around them, any interesting news or gossip. She and Wolfsong had worked out this tag-team ritual moons ago, perks of being close with a littermate. Her hindrance became an asset when the two worked together, allowing their focuses to split to take in as much as possible before reconvening. It was efficient. The dark she-cat leaned ever so slightly into her silver sister's shoulder, sharing warmth in the cold night.

[Open!]

[JackHunt_17]

Hanukkah Hawkice

She followed his gaze and nodded. She had seen the tom before, once or twice, maybe more. Her memory wasn't the best, so she may have seen him before, but she definitely had not met him. She wasn't sure who is other dad was, but thatt was to be expected. This was the first time Foxpaw had spoken with him, she had no doubt it was fine for her not to know. Foxpaw chortled at the toms explanation for Dawnstars brutality. It was almost funny how innocent he was. Almost. "So, Lynxpaw, who is your mentor?" It was a common question when asking other apprentices, a good way to continue a conversation.
"Mistlegaze." Lynxpaw mewed. "She hasn't started training me yet though, only my dad's trained me." He mewed. "And I just remembered, you might've heard of my other dad, he was Shadowclans medicine cat before Bounceberry. He's called Ebonyfang." Lynxpaw mewed.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore made a noncommittal noise when the warrior- Snowpounce? Snowball? Oh, Snowleap, if he remembered right -finished talking. He sat himself down by the cat slowly, sitting a bit awkwardly to keep most of his weight off his bad leg.

"I've never been a big fan of crowds myself." Brittleshore stated offhandedly. It was probably because he had never liked talking to cats in general. Yeah, that was probably it. Brittleshore took in Snowleap's expression and posture, and spoke. "It's nothing to be ashamed off." Brittleshore said, his tone softer. He didn't quite know what made Snowleap behave that way, but he'd seen a few cats in his time do that as well, and he had an idea.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As time passed and the dark-furred warrior was able to focus on chatting with the Riverclan elder, he started to ease up and feel better overall, regardless of the dense crowd situation nearby. It made him happy to have someone sitting with him, not really having a preference to who was and more so just enjoyed not being alone. His fur settled against his frame and he took a calming breath, making sure he didn’t forget to breathe or something. It had been so long since he had an attack like this one.

“Thank you…” Snowleap meowed, “My name’s Snowleap, what’s yours? I’ve seen you around Riverclan before, but forgive me, I’m still trying to learn everyone’s names associated with their scents.” For moons, he was a social outcast, only keeping to himself and staying away from others, even if it was his own clan. But now, Snowleap strived to become better and more involved with his clanmates. It was embarrassing to have their first interaction while he was such a nervous wreck, but the older tomcat made him feel like he was simply overthinking it. His whiskers as he proceeded to come back to his old self.

[TheWhiteWolf]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As a chilling breeze brushed through the Seastones and among the crowd of cats, Snowleap felt colder than usual on this night, despite his long dark fur. His body shivered slightly as he curled his tail around himself tighter, wishing he had just stayed back at camp. Maybe then he would not look like such a minnowbrain. The tall warrior thought he had gotten better with crowds, that his anxiety had subsided since he had finally told Lynxfall his feelings all those sunrises ago. He had tried so hard to be better at doing this kind of thing, surely he wasn’t still so terrified when it came to places like these.

But no. Sure, he had gotten used to the hustle and bustle of Riverclan’s camp clearing, but this? This large of a group made him feel lightheaded and uncomfortable. Even as Kestrelstar began to speak to all the clans, Snowleap couldn’t focus, it all just sounded so far away, so muffled and unheard. It wasn’t until an all too familiar voice, much closer than any other voice, sounded beside him and made him realize how tightly closed his eyes were. He opened them, his icy-blue eyes resting upon the orange-furred tomcat that he knew as Lynxfall of Shadowclan. The Riverclan warrior knew that even his closest friend had never seen him in such a vulnerable position. He hated appearing so weak in front of everyone like this.

“L-Lynxfall?” This was the only word that was able to leave Snowleap, his voice low and shaky, “No, no…” He shook his head, unable to form anymore words than that to answer the other tomcat’s questions. He felt terrible, he felt like he was going to cry, he felt like he was going to black out, but his body was keeping him from doing anything. It wasn’t Lynxfall’s fault, he knew that, but Lynxfall didn’t. It was just the claustrophobia, the anxiety, the overwhelming noise around him. The warrior, with shaking paws, moved forward towards his friend, burying his face into Lynxfall’s shoulder to drown out everything for a moment. His whole body was shaking like he had been swimming in a freezing lake. He couldn’t calm down.

[ Snowleap definitely has ADHD and/or autism. He shouldn't have subjected himself to a gathering because overstimulation, but the poor soul keeps pushing himself too far. ;-; ]

Lynxfall placed his chin on the top of Snowleap’s head and let out a soothing purr. Placing a gentle lick on the RiverClan Warrior’s head, he gently started his best to calm his friend. “Hey now, it’s gonna be alright. I get overwhelmed at these things too.” He said with a slight chuckle, trying his best to be strong for the both of them. Curling his tail around the taller tom, Lynxfall spoke up once more to give him some reassurance. “We can stay like this for a while if you need too. I really missed you.”

The smaller tom closed his eyes for a bit and just got lost in the small moment of being around his dear friend. Meeting up with Snowleap was always a highlight of their day, and they always cherished the time they had spent together. Sure, Lynxfall had his friends back in ShadowClan territory, but for some reason, he felt like none of them had been as big as Snowleap. Maybe it’s because they knew each other for so long, maybe it was something else. But what the smaller tom did know is that he deeply cared for Snowleap, and was willing to comfort them and protect them when he can.

Lifting their chin off of Snowleap’s head, they decided to make some small talk. “I Can’t believe there’s so many cats here. I’ve never been to a gathering before, this is a first for me.” He said, looking off slightly into the crowd. Looking down at his friend, he smiled. “I sure am glad you’re here though. At least I have you.” The orange tom purred once again. Thinking about the stories his mentor said about the Gatherings, he sat there with a small smile on his face. ‘This place really is big, Sharp Shooter.’ He thought quietly as he sat along side with his RiverClan friend.

[Captain]

Lynxfall placed his chin on the top of Snowleap’s head and let out a soothing purr. Placing a gentle lick on the RiverClan Warrior’s head, he gently started his best to calm his friend. “Hey now, it’s gonna be alright. I get overwhelmed at these things too.” He said with a slight chuckle, trying his best to be strong for the both of them. Curling his tail around the taller tom, Lynxfall spoke up once more to give him some reassurance. “We can stay like this for a while if you need too. I really missed you.”

The smaller tom closed his eyes for a bit and just got lost in the small moment of being around his dear friend. Meeting up with Snowleap was always a highlight of their day, and they always cherished the time they had spent together. Sure, Lynxfall had his friends back in ShadowClan territory, but for some reason, he felt like none of them had been as big as Snowleap. Maybe it’s because they knew each other for so long, maybe it was something else. But what the smaller tom did know is that he deeply cared for Snowleap, and was willing to comfort them and protect them when he can.

Lifting their chin off of Snowleap’s head, they decided to make some small talk. “I Can’t believe there’s so many cats here. I’ve never been to a gathering before, this is a first for me.” He said, looking off slightly into the crowd. Looking down at his friend, he smiled. “I sure am glad you’re here though. At least I have you.” The orange tom purred once again. Thinking about the stories his mentor said about the Gatherings, he sat there with a small smile on his face. ‘This place really is big, Sharp Shooter.’ He thought quietly as he sat along side with his RiverClan friend.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Being soothed by Lynxfall’s scent and rumbling purr, Snowleap slowly began to calm down. There was a small voice in the back of his mind that told him that they shouldn’t be doing this, especially where both Riverclan and Shadowclan could see them, but for the moment, the tall tomcat did not care. Lynxfall’s efforts were slowly starting to pay off, making the lean Riverclan warrior come down from his severe panic attack. “I thought it would be better this time,” He murmured, his tone coming off like a whimper, “I thought I was finally past all of this.” His voice made him sound like he had just been kicked, coming off as miserable and defeated. Snowleap had been trying so hard to become stronger, become a confident, proud warrior that Riverclan could be more than happy to have.

They stayed like this for awhile, Snowleap enjoying the warmth that Lynxfall gave him within the chilling air. He had told himself that he would finally move on from seeing his friend in a romantic fashion, because of their rivaling clans, but for the sheer good of themselves most of all. But this was beyond a simple crush. The tall warrior didn’t even really care that Lynxfall didn’t see them that way. He just valued the company. Sure, he had friends in Riverclan now. Morningfeather, Dragonflyfrond, and even Vinewatcher made his daily activities more exciting and worth getting up for. It was different with Lynxfall though, he could be open with him more than others. Snowleap could be himself and not have to force himself to be strong constantly. His body ached at the hurtful reminder that his mind gave him that they were in different clans, but he refused to let it ruin this moment too much right now.

Of course, even something as sweet as this could not last forever. The Riverclan warrior eventually pulled himself away from Lynxfall as the other tomcat lifted his chin off of their head. He exhaled, calming his mind and bringing himself back to reality. “I went to my first one when I was named a warrior many moons ago,” Snowleap said, settling down into a comfortable loafing position next to his Shadowclan friend, “I don’t usually like coming to these kinds of things.” They spoke the truth, hating such a large crowd in one area, but he turned to look at Lynxfall, his icy-blue eyes shimmering in the darkness. “I came to this one to see you again. I don’t know when we’ll see each other again after this gathering.” It was no secret that Windclan and Shadowclan were on nasty terms right now, being on the edge of a battle. Lynxfall needed to be ready to defend his clan once the time came. Snowleap didn’t know where his own clan would be in that whole situation, but ever since Kestrelstar got attacked by coyotes, he hoped Riverclan would stay out of anything violent for awhile. “How have you been, my friend?” He asked, quietly, trying to change the topic of his thoughts.

[dino.]

>Lynxfuzz | ThunderClan Warrior | Open<
A quiet hum thrummed in the massive tan cats throat as he sat down as close to the ocean as he could get. He held a golden-brown stalk of grass between his teeth and fiddled with it as he settled down onto his stomach, before stretching out onto his side and resting his cheek against the ground. Gatherings were rarely chaotic - maybe it would be a welcome break from ThunderClan's current setting. His Clan was practically in shambles at this point; they could do well to take some advice from WindClan or, hell, even RiverClan on how to stay in one piece.

Lynfuzz moved the stalk of grass to the corner of his mouth and closed his eyes with a sigh. "Freakin' songbirds can't learn how to work together," he mumbled to himself.


----------

>Coastcrash | RiverClan Warrior | Open<
Wooooowwww. Wow, wow, wow. Lots of cats! So many! Coastcrash fought to squash the excitement that burst across his face in frantic sparks and tried for a more mysterious expression instead. This many cats didn't need to know how AWESOME he was right off the bat, they could figure it out themselves! Maybe fix my posture, too, there we go... Shoulders back, neck straight, head held high and chin tilted imposingly. One paw placed carefully in front of the other as he walked, eyes half-lidded and disinterested as he surveyed the massive crowd of cats. He sniffed, as if he could find nothing particularly gripping about this, and then turned to find one of the more secluded areas to sit down in. Yknow, he was actually doing a pretty good job.

oh my stars, oh my stars, i love gatherings, they're so cool, there's so many cats, all of them are so cool, i wonder if there are any cute dudes here, maybe i can talk to one of them- NO COASTCRASH BE MYSTERIOUS. AND SUSPICIOUS. WELL MAYBE NOT SUSPICIOUS BUT YOU GET THE IDEA YOU DOOFUS. HAHA YES I AM AN ACTOR NO ONE WILL KNOW. THEY WILL THINK I AM SO COOL.


----------

>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior | CLOSED<
His scars hurt. Was that normal? He hadn't had these pains in a while. Maybe it was the cold. He huffed as he surveyed the crowd of cats, glanced up at the rock, and then took up an open space near the edge of the crowd. First Gathering in a while... maybe it would be uneventful.

[taillow]

Dawnstreak

The tall, brown-and-cream tabby she-cat's dark blue eyes were sharp tonight. Their medicine cat, Peachfrost, was missing, and leafbare was approaching fast.She didn't want to be caught off-guard.

That she thought to herself as she scrambled up the rocks onto the Seastones, as other WindClanners pushed past her, chatting. Taking her spot as far away from the other cats as possible, Dawnstreak reflected that she better try socialising. Since she was now a tuneller trainee, she could pretty much foresee being well-known within WindClan and expected to have a reasonably large amount of friends.

Sighing, Dawnstreak cast her gaze around the crowd, looking for any cat that was, so far, alone. WindClan had arrived first, so no other cats from other Clans were here yet, which was a relief because the warrior didn't particularly like theother Clans alot... except RiverClan.

Dark blue hues landed on Bravebird. Well. Dawnstreak didn't know Bravebird as well as she knew other WindClan cats. Why not give it ashot? Decidng on this, Dawnstreak trotted over promptly, forcing herself to speak once she approached Bravebird.
"Hi... Bravebird," she mewed, feeling extremely self-conscious. She took a step back as a precaution. Though it was a very small step.

Bravebird
Like a fly buzzing around her ear, Bravebird blinked as words came to her ear, spoken by some cat who sounded like a young apprentice. She turned, shocked to see it was Dawnstreak. A bit too timid for her liking, although she was a good Clanmate and worked hard, so the fawn colored molly couldn't really complain. "Hi... Dawnstreak," she replied, mirroring her skittish tone as blue hues darted down towards the warriors paws, which had stepped back. Well that was certainly interesting. She was a Clanmate to her companion, was she not? The sudden need for creating distance baffled Bravebird, although she could feel a small laugh bubbling in her stomach.

This amused her, which glimmered in her gaze as she returned to look at Dawnstreak. "A little scared tonight? Don't worry - I only use my claws on disrespectful toads, slimy fish, or scaredy-squirrels. No need to take a step back." There was a twinge of disdain in her voice, almost as if Bravebird was appalled her Clanmate was treating her like something that needed precaution. Casting one last puzzled glance Dawnstreak's way, Bravebird returned to surveying the leaders, listening as the river leader spoke.

"Sounds like someone is lying. No Clan's prey is running that well in leaf-bare," Bravebird muttered at the RiverClan leader's remark. She gave a roll of her eyes, casting a sideways look to Dawnstreak. "It's like he thinks we're not aware that he's lying. Obviously prey isn't running as well as he says, it's leaf-bare for StarClan's sake." Subtle irritation lifted the fur behind her neck, but Bravebird refrained from letting it ruffle her. The other announcements of new warriors and apprentices bored her since they were not from WindClan, and she show-cased this by parting her jaws in a rather large yawn.

>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior | Open<
His scars hurt. Was that normal? He hadn't had these pains in a while. Maybe it was the cold. He huffed as he surveyed the crowd of cats, glanced up at the rock, and then took up an open space near the edge of the crowd. First Gathering in a while... maybe it would be uneventful.


Cindersky
It had been a last minute decision to come to the Gathering. Back at camp, there were quite a few kits and apprentices who were still reeling from a rather disaster of a meeting and Cindersky felt a familiar tug in her bones to watch over them. But another part of her, the part of a warrior, wanted to make sure that ThunderClan and their relationship with the other three Clans, did not sour any further than it already had. The only Clan that could serve an issue with would be RiverClan, so as the spotted gray feline came onto the sand, she shot a thoughtful glance up towards the Seastones. Aspenstar looked ragged, Kestrelstar seemed to be sporting new wounds, Twilightstar was calm and Dawnstar looked evil, but those were all typical looks for the leaders.

It seemed as though the RiverClan leader was already speaking, giving his account on what the water resistant cats of the river had been up to. Cindersky listened half-heartedly while making her way through the crowd. She tended to move away from her Clanmates at these Gatherings in favor of seeking out those from rival Clans. It was a night of peace and clarify, so long as the full moon hung in the sky. Spotting a familiar pelt in the crowd, matched up with a grumpy face she had seen before in passing, Cindersky decided to try her luck. "Hello there, mind if I sit with you?" she asked in a soft, fluttering voice as a respectful smile stretched across her face.

[Raven~]

ShadowClan
________
Maggotpaw

The Clan cats shifted around as they got settled, with Maggotpaw around them. She sat down with a huff and listened to the Gathering with only one ear actually listening to it, the other wary of the RiverClan cats. She dug her claws in, acutely aware how some of the fish-faces were within striking distance. But she certainly didn’t want to become Maggotkit, so she kept her jaws tightly shut.
As she heard that new apprentices and warriors had been made, Maggotpaw growled. She couldn’t believe RiverClan had so many new warriors. And it was kind of silly, but she envied Hazelstorm, who had the same warrior name as she had originally. Hazelstorm. Foxstorm. It was ridiculous, but true. Because of this, Maggotpaw cheered for all of them except for Hazelstorm in some weird version of rebellion. Then she smiled at the mention that a RiverClan cat had been killed. RiverClan deserved it for what they had done to her.

RiverClan
_______
Palebrook
Palebrook cheered loudly for her Clanmates, her tail waving high in the air. She was proud of her Clan to have so much good to report to the Clans. She quested some Clan cats were probably whispering that Pumpkinsprout’s kits were not true Clan kits, because their mother had been a loner before joining. But the kits themselves had been born in RiverClan, and that’s what counted. She smiled down at her belly, where her own kits were. She couldn’t wait for them to be born, and to here Kestrelstar announce the birth to the Clans.

Frostpaw
Frostpaw cheered for RiverClan, but only for a second. She had already done that at the meeting, she saw no reason to do it all over again. Ok, we get it, you’re apprentices and warriors now move on please. She liked her paw, annoyed that this was taking so long. Get to Evingwhisper already. When Kestrelstar announced it, finally, that Evningwhisper was dead, Frostpaw glanced around. She had gotten it into her head that ThunderClan had killed Evningwhisper and that the murderer was here, somewhere among these cats. She just had to find the right one, which would then give her an excuse to kill them.

WindClan
______
Dustypaw
Dustypaw cheered for the new additions to RiverClan, especially for the kits. The mothers must be so happy. Though they were probably tired too. She wasn’t a kit expert, but she was pretty sure they were a lot of work. It couldn’t be easy to take care of four kits. Dustypaw shivered. One or two was fine, but four seemed like a nightmare. She didn’t think she would ever want kits. They were so much work.
Dirtpaw
Dirtpaw cheered for the RiverClan apprentices and warriors, as well as for the queens and kits. He didn’t know who was here from RiverClan and if that included the cats Kestrelstar had named. Maybe not the queens and kits but surely the warriors and apprentices were here. He hoped they could here him cheering for them. His tail lowered when he heard that a Riverwarrior had died. He remembered when WindClan cats had been brutally murdered only a few moons ago. He could sympathize with the WindClan cats. He couldn’t believe a rouge would do that.

ThunderClan
________
Larkstorm
Among the other Clan cats, Larkstorm cheered, her voice loud. RiverClan was certainly thriving. Three new warriors, three new apprentices, and four new kits was quite the accomplishment. If only ThunderClan could do that much. It would show how well they were doing. Not that they needed to prove it or anything, but still. Larkstorm thought back to the last meeting, where ThunderClan had been more or less split in half. It had been chaos. They needed to get it together, before another Clan found out and used it to their advantage. She hoped none of the apprentices were spilling their thoughts about it all over the Gathering. That would be a real problem.
(All are open)

[TheNyanCatMinecart]

~ WOLFFANG ~

Shadestorm, unfortunately, was the first of the other deputies to arrive. Wolffang hardly gave him any acknowledgement, just a simple flick of one of his big, notched ears. He still did not like the gray tabby, not one bit. Dogbark came next. In response to the old gray tom's nod, Wolffang gave one back. Great StarClan, it was cold. Splashleap was the last to arrive. She seemed tiny compared to him, and Wolffang had to visibly look down at her. Yet she seemed sensible enough. Dogbark had been ThunderClan deputy for long enough, but did not know the other gray tom very well. Maybe he should perhaps start a bit of conversation. None of the other deputies were initiating much of it, and Wolffang didn't want any cat to think anything was off about him.

"Greetings, Splashleap, Dogbark, Shadestorm." His bright yellow gaze roamed over the three cats. "How have your Clans been faring as leaf-bare has begun to settle in? WindClan has been strong and endured it, as we always have." Despite the windstorm and the destroyed camp, Wolffang believed that they would be getting back onto their paws soon enough. And, as their deputy, I will make sure that I help them do it. No more lying about and moping around. He waited for the other deputies' responses, but without any warning, a cat came up to them and began to talk. Wolffang's gaze swung over to her. It was a she-cat who stunk of ShadowClan, tall for her age with muscles developing under her pelt. She had dark brown tabby fur and amber eyes. What was it with that color combination in ShadowClan?

Oh, so her name was Ivypaw, and she was... Shadestorm's daughter. Just great. She'd probably be just as bad as her father, then. Then she aimed some questions at the other deputies, declaring that she wanted to get into some fierce fights or something like that. Just because she was "curious". Wolffang's eyes narrowed at her, especially at her comment about WindClan cats. "Many of them are small, yes. But not all of them," he meowed in a gruff, careful tone. "Being deputy comes with responsibilities, but I assume that you could just ask someone in your own Clan. Perhaps your own father." He really wasn't a fan of Ivypaw's presence, but it wasn't a Gathering, so he wouldn't yell at her. "Aren't there cats your own age who you should mingle with?"

gs29513 Willowfern Singing Jay

[Madelaine]

-->Ebonyfang<--

Keeping a close eye on his son to make sure he didn't spill any clan secrets he listened closely to the guppies announcement. He couldn't care less, but he was intrigued though. Glancing over at Snakeheart he was proud he was able to find an apprentice. Probably wouldn't last but hey it was a start.

Losing himself in his thoughts he hadn't noticed a Thunderclan apprentice move over to him. It was only when he spoke he finally realized. Cats were saying Dawnstar was mean? Well their wrong if only they understood what they were doing for her clan they would know. "Well don't listen to those cats. Dawnstar wants us to be strong, which is what we need. She would do anything for her clan to be the strongest of the forest. If that is what makes her mean I'm fine with it. I'd rather have hee as leader then some slimy cat who didn't know whats best for her." , it was more towards talking about the Thunderclan leader. Dawnstar was way better than her.

"My names Ebonyfang and if you don't want a Shadowclan cat tearing you apart then you don't ask about their leader like that again.", he growled. Wasn't talking about himself though. If there had been another cat he would surely be in his grave now. It was mostly just a form of advice.

// finnzel; \\

[furrensic]

Xmas Ang //

➸ cornpaw - he/him

the bengal half listened to the 'dawnstars amazing' speech, though his ear twitched to give off the impression he was listening. he didn't care if she was actually mean or not!! he should've specified that. the last bit made him nod his head quickly, "YES! i'd rather have aspenstar as a leader than dawnstar too!! she looks VERY slimy!" he meowed, deciding to do a simple switch-a-roo. only he and his clanmates were allowed to criticize aspenstar!! where did this shadowclanner get the nerve from?

"ebonyfang is a cool name!! BUT .. no offense, i think you're getting wrinkles from all the growling!" cornpaw said, paying no attention to ebonyfangs words about being ripped apart. clearly, shadowclanners were very insecure if they'd rip someone apart for asking if their leader was mean. not him though, he could never be torn apart, obviously. he was just too cool. "why can't i ask if your leader is mean?? it's not like i called her UGLY or something!!" he grinned, tapping his paws against the ground.

he looked at dawnstar, then back to ebonyfang. "..unless YOU think she's ugly. if you do, you can tell me!! I'm not a snitch! snitches get thorns in their nest!!" ah yes, what was more fun than subtly trash talking a leader that's clan was known to murder cats?

[Yeeter]

Gingerice, they/them. Open.

Despite being the first clan to arrive, Gingerice was late to settle down in front of the leaders. They had been pacing around, unwilling to sit still in the cold and start to freeze. The word ‘ice’ may be in their name, but they preferred it to stay in their eyes and not the rest of their body. They tried to keep a fair distance from RiverClan, they did not want to be tempted to leave with them; loyalty to windclan was the only thing they wanted right now, and besides, they would be abandoning their clanmates, and that shouldn’t be allowed. They listened in to Kestrelstar’s speech absently and cheered the new apprentices and warriors names, bowed their head as a sign of respect for the dead cat, and made a mental note to keep an eye out for rogues. What they were really looking forwards to was Dawnstar’s speech, as that could possibly give them information. The last thing they wanted Dawnstar to do was disrupt such a seemingly peaceful gathering, as there was no need to tonight. It was just a normal gathering, nothing to see here, at least that was what they hoped it would stay like.

[Toodle]

**Sunsetpaw of Shadowclan**

The young apprentice smiled as she turned to face an approaching cat. She tried to be discreet as she parted her lips just slightly, breathing in the young cat's scent. She recognized the scent of Riverclan though when it was just one cat she could make out subtle differences. So they don't all just smell the same. Even though each Clan has a distinct collective scent, they still also have their own individual scents as well. That only made sense though, she'd never considered any of her clanmates to smell like Shadowclan, they all just smelled like them.

She sat up straight, chin high as she stole one quick glance towards Elmshadow before looking back to the Riverclanner. He was much bigger than her and had lost the youthful softness of an apprentice but he was still younger and leaner than most of the warriors; he must be a young warrior or old apprentice. "Hi! I'm Sunsetpaw. What's your name?"




**Codpaw of Riverclan**

Codpaw's attention was redirected as the shadowy movements of cats filtered onto the beach. He looked over and was instantly met with the crisp smell of pine. Shadowclan had arrived! He scanned through the faces, looking for either familiarity or at least an open friendly face. Dawnstar jumped onto the seastones beside the other two leaders. He watched her curiously as she seemed to not even notice the other leaders. Was that a leader tired or was she as cold and distant as the rumors claimed? But then his eyes found a familiar face breaking away from the rest of the group of Shadowclanners as they were settling into their places. Codpaw perked up, smiling, and bounded airily through the gathered cats. He stopped as he approached Firepaw. "Hiya, Firepaw! How've you been?"

**Elmshadow of Shadowclan**

Elmshadow had regained much of his normal confidence and self-assuredness, a trait he'd lost for a brief, but difficult, couple days. He'd taken his place again, leading Goldenstep through the territories. It felt good to be in the role of protector again, no matter how unnecessary the role was in this particular instance. He felt a protectiveness over her that he'd only faked in the beginning; everything he'd faked in the beginning had somehow developed into reality as time wore on, including how much he enjoyed her company. He couldn't help but believe the two things were related.

He watched her split away from him and approach one of their daughters. He turned his attention back to the top of the Seastones until he felt Goldenstep's warmth return beside him, her tail wrapping around his back. His gaze shifted as Thunderclan finally spilled into the clearing but he quickly lost interest and turned to Goldenstep. "How's she doing?"

**Cougarivy of Shadowclan**

Cougarivy turned to her apprentice. This would be her second gathering. She smiled at the fluffy grey she-cat. "If you'd like to talk to cats from other clans, don't be shy, that's what most of the cats here are here for." She lowered her voice and crouched down closer to Pigeonpaw. "Poking their sore spots is sometimes fun too but you have to be careful about it. Don't end up like Maggotpaw." She stood back up. "Can you tell which cats are from which clans?"

Goldenstep felt Elmshadow turn towards her, feeling his emerald gaze fall on her. She suppressed a smile and sighed but she was cut off by his question. He just asked how she's doing? Is he talking about Ashpaw? She shouldn't be shocked about a father asking about his daughter but, Elmshadow asking about Ashpaw's feelings? She felt a shocked purr rising in her throat. "How's who doing? Ashpaw?" Her voice cracked as she tried not to get too excited too soon.

----------------

Pigeonpaw smiled and nodded once. "The fishy smelling ones are Riverclan. They have the shinier coats from all the fish they eat." She looked around for other different cats. "Windclan are the scrawny-looking ones. They're fast but so is their prey. And..." she turned as another clan moved into the clearing. "Thunderclan! They're...um...the squirrelly ones? They like to climb trees." She couldn't pick out exactly what set them apart, although she did recognize their scent from her outing with Couvarivy.

Pigeonpaw scanned the cats to find another apprentice to talk to, and maybe try out Cougarivy's advice. She spotted an apprentice, using what she knew, she figured they must be a part of Windclan. A small smile split her maw and she weaved through the cats to approach the Windclan apprentice. Keeping her chin up, she chirped, "Hi! I'm Pigeonpaw of Shadowclan," she nearly growled the "Shadowclan". "I may still be young but I'm going to be one of Shadowclan's strongest fighters. What's your name?"

She looked up to Kestrelstar as he started his announcements. New apprentices, new warriors, new kits, and another dead Riverclan warrior. Pigeonpaw locked onto the announcement of the new warriors' names and the cheering that followed of their new names. She couldn't wait for her new name to be cheered for like that, hear her name said by all the cats of all the clans!

Raven~ [For Dustypaw or Dirtpaw, or both]

[dino.]

Cindersky
It had been a last minute decision to come to the Gathering. Back at camp, there were quite a few kits and apprentices who were still reeling from a rather disaster of a meeting and Cindersky felt a familiar tug in her bones to watch over them. But another part of her, the part of a warrior, wanted to make sure that ThunderClan and their relationship with the other three Clans, did not sour any further than it already had. The only Clan that could serve an issue with would be RiverClan, so as the spotted gray feline came onto the sand, she shot a thoughtful glance up towards the Seastones. Aspenstar looked ragged, Kestrelstar seemed to be sporting new wounds, Twilightstar was calm and Dawnstar looked evil, but those were all typical looks for the leaders.

It seemed as though the RiverClan leader was already speaking, giving his account on what the water resistant cats of the river had been up to. Cindersky listened half-heartedly while making her way through the crowd. She tended to move away from her Clanmates at these Gatherings in favor of seeking out those from rival Clans. It was a night of peace and clarify, so long as the full moon hung in the sky. Spotting a familiar pelt in the crowd, matched up with a grumpy face she had seen before in passing, Cindersky decided to try her luck. "Hello there, mind if I sit with you?" she asked in a soft, fluttering voice as a respectful smile stretched across her face.
>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior<
Mmmm, he'd missed the start of the announcements. Kestrelstar was already speaking. Unconsciously he tuned his leader out, voice fading from his ears to a quiet, distant hum. Nothing about that was interesting, just basic announcements that had already been said during Clan meetings. He turned his single eye to the far edge of the growing crowd, flickering aimlessly over random forms before returning his gaze to the leaders' stone.

A soft voice beside him made him whip his head around to blink at the cat it had come from. ThunderClan scent washed over him like a flood wave. Images of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak followed, and for a moment his expression seem to contort into that of a snarl - and then it faded almost as quickly as it had appeared, and Goosefury bent his neck with a small sigh. "I'm- sorry, you startled me," he answered, voice gruff. "No, I... I don't mind, go right ahead." He scooted over to make a bit of space for her and wrapped his tail around his paws.

Hm. Awkward. "Soooo... ThunderClan?" He tried for a sideways glance. "Aspenstar isn't looking so great - what's going on there?"

[Madelaine]

-->Rabbitpaw<--

Showing up late to the party the former rogue padded after her foster clan to what they called a gathering. Her grandfather had mentioned it before and she knew a bit about it. Rabbitpaw was hoping to talk to someone. It didn't matter if they were from her clan of Windclan or another. She wasn't a shy cat at all.

She moved towards where there was many cats and sat down. "This is my first gathering! It's really exciting don't any of you think?", she meowed to anybody who was listening. She really just wanted someone to talk to.

// open \\

[error]

He snorted, a small grin on his face. “You don’t have to lie about liking gatherings, these things suck. It’s chaos and arguing, I just come here because I rather be where everyone else in the clan is going instead of staying at camp.” His bushy tail bumped the brown she-cat playfully. His eyes gleamed with mischief, and big smile on his face. “And if you don’t like it that much, I’ll sneak you out and we can explore while everyone’s busy arguing.” He gave her a sympathetic lick on the ear.

( WinterMara )

[poppy]

Duskfire of Windclan ll open!

He gave an irritable grunt as he fluffed his fur out against the cold. Take me now Starclan. His mind moaned as he shook the steady growing frost on his fur. He glanced around, and sat down, the chill of the hard, gritty floor seizing his bottom, but he ignored it. Hell to this! His mind snarled as he furiously stomped the ground. Contract. He stomped. Your muscles. He stomped again. To make. He stomped once more. Yourself. He pummeled the ground. WARM! He stomped the ground once again. Erg. He thought, giving up.


Usually, Silentfeather didn't attend Gatherings. They stressed her out, and she wasn't the biggest fan of the aggression that she was faced with whenever she stood here. Being called a bunny wasn't something she was okay with, not a fond nickname at all, really. But, what could one do? Just let the other Clans fester in their immaturity and child-like insults. Fine by her, she only saw these cats once every couple moons, if she was lucky once every couple seasons, since she usually volunteered for hunting patrols as of late. Having her pelt hung on Dawnstar's den wall and her corpse rotting away on the border wasn't exactly something she looked forward to.

As she padded to the Seastones, even thought she had seen the sight multiple times in her youth, it felt unfamiliar. Strange. Foreign, if you would. Inhaling shakily, she looked around for someone to sit by. Duskfire! She hadn't seen her brother come down here. Trotting up beside him, she noticed how angry and cold he looked. A soft trill rumble din her throat as she licked his cheek in greeting. ''I'll keep you warm if you keep me warm.'' She offered, pressing against him. Usually, he didn't snap at her. He was overall the supreme grumpy-pants of the world, but she couldn't remember the last time he yelled at her.

Well... she could. But it was a long time ago.

[WinterMara]

Softpaw rolled her eyes, smirking so it seemed a bit playful. While she herself was used to her friends being rebelious, sneaking out and doing pranks, the young molly was not into it at all. She’d actually considered that type of thing to go against her vow she made to herself moons back, sneaking out, especially during a gathering, was very much not approved of by a lot of older cats, and it was for safety reasons. With how much of her vow and even the code she felt like she was breaking, even with her mere existence, she didn’t want to mess up more than she already had.

' 'I don’t mind it that much, not to the point where I’d just leave without warning, besides, it’s disrespectful.' ' She said with a flick of her tail, it was a bit more stern, but it didn’t mean to come off that way. She took into account what Kestrelstar had said, she felt bad for Riverclan with it’s latest loss. The she-cat silently hoped that they had a good leafbare, every clan should have a good one, after all, at least they had tons of new warriors and apprentices, and even a medicine cat apprentice, so maybe things will look better for them.

Still felt a bit wrong to hope for it though, a bit of bias and all that.

| error

[gs29513]

Shade.
It was Gathering time! Normally Deadmoon wasn't excited for any kind of social event, but THIS social event involved Rookie, and she was always excited when her best frenemy was involved! So, as was her usual practice upon arrival, the molly prowled through the crowd, in search of one particular pelt. Which she saw! Yes! Her friend would NEVER know what hit her! Actually she would know immediately what hit her, there were only so many Windclanners willing to endure such close proximity to a Shadowclan cat, let alone one that looked quite ready to swallow whoever aggravated them first. But still! It could be a shock!

So, despite the fact her plan was probably not the most foolproof, the molly sunk into a crouch and prowled along the edge of the gathered crowd. She might be SLIGHTLY more social than Rookie, but she drew the line at interacting with a crowd of that size. Nope, no, not for her, too many irritating kitbrains. And now she was close.........RAAAAGH! she screeched, although not at the earsplitting volume that she COULD attain. No sense totally embarrassing herself. The noise was acompanied by a lunge that left her just short of her friend, who she immediately wrapped an arm around, pulling her close. As friends do, you know? Rookie! How are you doing? What's going on in the swamp? she inquired, tail flicking.

[Shade.]

Shade.
It was Gathering time! Normally Deadmoon wasn't excited for any kind of social event, but THIS social event involved Rookie, and she was always excited when her best frenemy was involved! So, as was her usual practice upon arrival, the molly prowled through the crowd, in search of one particular pelt. Which she saw! Yes! Her friend would NEVER know what hit her! Actually she would know immediately what hit her, there were only so many Windclanners willing to endure such close proximity to a Shadowclan cat, let alone one that looked quite ready to swallow whoever aggravated them first. But still! It could be a shock!

So, despite the fact her plan was probably not the most foolproof, the molly sunk into a crouch and prowled along the edge of the gathered crowd. She might be SLIGHTLY more social than Rookie, but she drew the line at interacting with a crowd of that size. Nope, no, not for her, too many irritating kitbrains. And now she was close.........RAAAAGH! she screeched, although not at the earsplitting volume that she COULD attain. No sense totally embarrassing herself. The noise was acompanied by a lunge that left her just short of her friend, who she immediately wrapped an arm around, pulling her close. As friends do, you know? Rookie! How are you doing? What's going on in the swamp? she inquired, tail flicking.

Rookscreech did not expect the gathering to be any different than usual. She honestly hoped Dawnstar wouldn't announce her warrior name to the clans since it felt safer to not attract attention to herself. Something in the way Dawnstar had acted at her ceremony had her on edge. It felt like she was somehow seeing the disloyalty inside. So she'd better keep a low profile.

Unfortunately that would turn out quite hard as her ears were suddenly met with a roar and a vicious hug. Rookscreech let out a yelp and flailed to defend herself but quickly realized that it was Deadmoon. How had she not expected this? Rookpaw quickly composed herself and looked around nervously.
"Shhh, why did you have to scream like that?! Anyway, hi, swamp's been great I..." she looked around once more and took a deep breath. Deadmoon might notice that her usual sass wasn't there.
She looked back at her. She wasn't sure about her yet. Everything seemed too good to be true. An instinct born from the pain of betrayal and raised by the moons of mocking and humiliation whispered to Rookscreech that this was all an elaborate ruse, some sort of revenge on her for being ShadowClan. That, one day, Deadmoon was going to humiliate her and tell her that they had never been friends and that she'd been a fool. She pushed those thoughts aside. After all, who knew what Deadmoon had faced. Come to think of it, she wondered what her clanmates thought when they saw her do this. They likely didn't like ShadowClan. And, on a more urgent note, she certainly didn't want Dawnstar to notice. Rookscreech had always been a rebel when it came to social norms. However, she was really on thin ice now. But she supposed it was worth it...
"I was doing great until you decided I was your next assassination target. Anyway, That's Ms. Rookie to you, I got my name. Rookscreech. Though maybe screech would've been a better suffix for you. Wait, you guys weren't here last time. What happened?" she asked. Dawnstar hadn't said anything so maybe this time her clan wasn't the problem. That or Rookscreech hadn't paid attention as usual.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded, "Well, I suppose that's a good reason." She looked back up as Kestrelstar began the meeting. She glanced down at her paws as she remebered Eveningwhispers death. She hadn't known the other molly well, but it still saddened her to see a cat die. "May StarClan give her swift swimming, good hunting, and shelter where she sleeps," she muttered.

~Mallardstep~

“I’m sure a warrior brave enough to fight off rouges will be honored in Starclan for many moons to come.” The Riverclan warrior had become visibly upset by the mention of her clanmate’s death. Mallardstep wanted to reassure her somehow. Maybe I should have laid off on the rude comments earlier…

[Tracker]

Wolftiger padded up to the gathering

[Courage]

~Swirlpaw~

Did she realy have to go to the gathering? And there was a TRUCE! She looked around the clearing wanting to rip the pelts of of all the non Shadowclan cats out there.
but she didnt because Dawntar would probably disaprove at doing that at a gathering. Well she might rip anyones pelt of if they tried to talk to her and where from another clan.

She did not want to talk with a cat from another clan. There was nothing to talk about with them. But, there was alot to fight about with them. Why did they even have to be here? All she wanted to do was to fight.

She sat at the edge of the beach not wanting her scent to mingle with the other clans. Hmph Shadowclan was not low enough to be talking to the other clans. Shadowclan was very oviously the best clan! It was in times like those, that she wondered why Shadowclan didnt rule the whole forest. Whatever the others thought, they should rule the forest.

She hoped the leaders would start talking soon so she could get out of here. She didn't even want to hear the news from the other clans realy. She didn't want to be here with the stinking stench of the other clans sitting in her fur. Especaly Windclan. Why couldnt they just rip those rabbits fur of right there!

She sat there trying to block the chitter-chatter of the clans out of her ears. She assumed it was all boring anyway, much like to other clans. Shadowclan was the strongest, bravest, and best at fighting and tactical striking. What did the other clans even have! Windclan was a group of rabbits and even though they where the fastest, why did speed matter!

Speed was for running away! Riverclan where fish that where always spoiled with thier fishing to feed them. Thunderclan where realy just sqiuerells! What did it matter that they could climb! They knew how to do that so they could hide like the cowards they where!

[Open] [Also this is my longest rp post ever!]

[duskfire1]

Usually, Silentfeather didn't attend Gatherings. They stressed her out, and she wasn't the biggest fan of the aggression that she was faced with whenever she stood here. Being called a bunny wasn't something she was okay with, not a fond nickname at all, really. But, what could one do? Just let the other Clans fester in their immaturity and child-like insults. Fine by her, she only saw these cats once every couple moons, if she was lucky once every couple seasons, since she usually volunteered for hunting patrols as of late. Having her pelt hung on Dawnstar's den wall and her corpse rotting away on the border wasn't exactly something she looked forward to.

As she padded to the Seastones, even thought she had seen the sight multiple times in her youth, it felt unfamiliar. Strange. Foreign, if you would. Inhaling shakily, she looked around for someone to sit by. Duskfire! She hadn't seen her brother come down here. Trotting up beside him, she noticed how angry and cold he looked. A soft trill rumble din her throat as she licked his cheek in greeting. ''I'll keep you warm if you keep me warm.'' She offered, pressing against him. Usually, he didn't snap at her. He was overall the supreme grumpy-pants of the world, but she couldn't remember the last time he yelled at her.

Well... she could. But it was a long time ago.
Duskfire

He squinted as he felt his cheek being given a quick grooming as he turned and saw his sister. Her eyes seemed bright, only having hints of unknown wanderings as he looked at her. "Agreed." He stated, smiling at her and pressing himself against her as she had him. He gave an attempt at a steady sigh and glanced at her. "So, how are you?" He asked, his breath visible in the dark air. It rather disturbed him, actually. Things that normally cannot be seen, were visible in times of gloom. The days were much shorter, for he always woke to dark, having some light in the day, then back to dark. His mind flicked about, the word "dark" repeating in just about every sentence. His past somehow, in ways he knew, related to dark times. The present was rather disturbing as well. Shadowclan... His mind snagged on that rather sharp edge. Were being called by our prey now. Our prey! I would no issues in calling them lizards, snakes, maybe even frogs. He thought, pleased with his ideas.

He looked back at his sister, smiling at her once again, grateful she was willing to be by his side. He may have not have been the greatest brother back then, but he acknowledges his faults, and is willing to make up for them every moment he had with his family. Well, not for his mother and father, defiantly not Blackriver, but, it was close enough for him.

[Moonraven]

Twilightstar, excluding the obvious shadow menace, dipped her head to each arriving leader. As Kestrelstar started the announcements off, Twilightstar ears perked with interest as she heard a name she recognized. Bubblebreeze, the Thunderclan warrior was getting scolded by another warrior followed by the ThunderClan deputy. Twilightstar had kind of been hoping that this Bubblebreeze character had been an exiled member of ThunderClan. But apparently, she was a trouble maker, hopefully, she could get that problem nipped in the bud before it bloomed into a full-on disaster.

She didn't listen to every little detail that Kestrelstar had to share, but did note the additional warriors and the new medicine cat apprentice. Twilightstar regretted not urging Peachfrost to take an apprentice of her own. But, then again, it wasn't in Twilightstar's nature to force such a thing like an apprentice on her cats when they weren't ready for one. But if she had been a bit more forceful WindClan wouldn't be stuck without a medicine cat again so soon after their last one had to step down.

Twilightstar cast her eye down at her paws briefly while fluffing up her pelt against a cold breeze wind that drifted by. After Kestrelstar stepped back, she got up and replaced him with some reluctance in her step due to the cold. Despite living in a treeless moorland, the WindClan leader would never get used to the frigid season.

"WindClan suffered from a terrible bout of weather last moon. The winds were so bad we could barely leave our camp let alone cross the moor to reach the Seastones. The weather has calmed since then, and WindClan is recovering." Twilightstar left it at that not even bothering to go into details about how their prey was running. It was leafbare, everyone prey would be running a little rough regardless of what a leader had to say to save face. Twilightstar wasn't going to bother jumping into how they had to rebuild their camp, the number of missing cats, or Peachfrost. Maybe next gathering, or maybe after they located their new medicine cat.

The lack of ridicule from Dawnstar this gathering made Twilightstar assume the molly's mind was elsewhere, which should have been good but only made Twilightstar's worries shoot sky high. She hoped that whatever had the other leader preoccupied it stayed solo ShadowClan related.

"WindClan's has a number of new apprentices, Leechpaw, Lionpaw, Beastpaw, Dewpaw, Streampaw, and Speckledpaw have all starting their warrior training," Twilightstar announced proudly, though deflated seconds later. WindClan's lost a few apprentices since their ceremonies, but she was sure they'd turn up along with the other missing cats sooner or later.

"The wind also blew in a few new faces into WindClan, one of them being Rabbit, an upbeat youngster whose grandfather had served in WindClan at one point in his life. Rabbit came seeking WindClan out and I've allowed her to join as Rabbitpaw." She meowed, almost forgetting about the outsiders that had shown up in WindClan. She had to finish talking to a few of them and deciding what they were planning to do with themselves.


"Softleaf, a former warrior of WindClan who had gone missing recently returned. He left WindClan out of cowardice and fear. He came back, begging for forgiveness, and after speaking to my clan. He was given a chance to redeem himself after being demoted to an apprentice for breaking his warrior oath to WindClan. Bravewind, his mentor, informed me that he was killed while hunting by a rouge. He was buried among his clanmates." Twilightstar had been thinking about returning the tom's warrior rank to him but didn't want to go over her clan's thoughts on whether the tom deserved to be renamed or not so had left him as Softpaw.

"That is all from WindClan." The WindClan leader stepped away from the front of the stones, but a piercing stare at Aspenstar as she stepped back. "When this meeting is over, Aspenstar, this is something I'd like to discuss with you." She kept her voice light and respectful, leaving it at that as she took her seat.

Undertaker poppy.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded. “I’m sure she will be.” She brightened up a little as she cheered the new names of the newer RiverClan warriors and apprentices. She cheered for the new WindClan cats as well, yet softer.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded. “I’m sure she will be.” She brightened up a little as she cheered the new names of the newer RiverClan warriors and apprentices. She cheered for the new WindClan cats as well, yet softer.

~Mallardstep~

The black tom cheered alongside the Riverclan molly. He was glad that she seemed to have brighten up. Whether or not it was because of his comment.

“By the way I don’t know your name.” He whispered. Is it rude to talk during a gathering? Oh well too late now.

[Brightlight]

||Openish||

--Slatefrost of Windclan--

Slatefrost listened intently as first, Kestrelstar spoke, then his own leader. He nodded along as Twilightstar announced Windclan's happenings, smiling a bit when his daughter was mentioned. She was an apprentice now. He was so proud of her.

Slatefrost shivered again, wondering what the leaders would discuss this time. It was cold, and that was bound to make some cats more grumpy than usual. He worried a but about the safety of his fellow Clanmates, but he had faith they could handle themselves, what with the windstorm and all.

Slatefrost looked up at the big stones. Once the gathering was over, he couldn't wait to return to the nice, warm, warrior's den. Slatefrost sighed softly, shifting his position on the ground. What would this Gathering bring?

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
“Oh, I suppose you don’t.” Aspenleaf murmered with slight embarrassment. “I’m Aspenleaf, RiverClan warrior, obviously.” She paused to see if any of the leaders were saying anything before adding “What’s your name?”

[Clock Dragonshifter]

Smokepaw fidgeted with his paws with his ears were perked listening to the leaders every word. Trying not to get distracted by other vioces of the cats around him as he wanted to know how the other clans were as well as his own as he doesn't pay much attention in camp.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
“Oh, I suppose you don’t.” Aspenleaf murmered with slight embarrassment. “I’m Aspenleaf, RiverClan warrior, obviously.” She paused to see if any of the leaders were saying anything before adding “What’s your name?”

~Mallardstep~

Aspenleaf, huh? What was an aspen? A kind of tree? He couldn’t remember. He sat for a heartbeat looking confused as he tried to figure it out. Maybe it’s a Riverclan thing. Aspenleaf was a nice name, he supposed. Even if it was a little confusing for him.

“I’m Mallardstep. From Thunderclan.” I guess if she’s saying her clan I should say mine too.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

As time passed and the dark-furred warrior was able to focus on chatting with the Riverclan elder, he started to ease up and feel better overall, regardless of the dense crowd situation nearby. It made him happy to have someone sitting with him, not really having a preference to who was and more so just enjoyed not being alone. His fur settled against his frame and he took a calming breath, making sure he didn’t forget to breathe or something. It had been so long since he had an attack like this one.

“Thank you…” Snowleap meowed, “My name’s Snowleap, what’s yours? I’ve seen you around Riverclan before, but forgive me, I’m still trying to learn everyone’s names associated with their scents.” For moons, he was a social outcast, only keeping to himself and staying away from others, even if it was his own clan. But now, Snowleap strived to become better and more involved with his clanmates. It was embarrassing to have their first interaction while he was such a nervous wreck, but the older tomcat made him feel like he was simply overthinking it. His whiskers as he proceeded to come back to his old self.

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore looked calmly ahead, giving Snowleap a moment to himself before the elder spoke. Kestrelstar had long finished talking about Riverclan, and now Twilightstar was announcing the various happenings of Windclan. They had a windstorm recently? Brittleshore felt a pang of pity. The wind could be a formidable opponent when it turned against cats.

Brittleshore quickly pulled his thoughts together, having given Snowleap a bit more than a moment to himself. "I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't seen me recently." Brittleshore meowed. "I hardly ever go out of the Elder's Den now that leaf-bare's here. The cold's not too good for these old bones, and this leg." It had been many, many moons since the accident when he was just a kit. Brittleshore hardly ever let his leg bother him anymore, but it always reminded him of its presence during the colder moons.

[Singing Jay]

**Codpaw of Riverclan**

Codpaw's attention was redirected as the shadowy movements of cats filtered onto the beach. He looked over and was instantly met with the crisp smell of pine. Shadowclan had arrived! He scanned through the faces, looking for either familiarity or at least an open friendly face. Dawnstar jumped onto the seastones beside the other two leaders. He watched her curiously as she seemed to not even notice the other leaders. Was that a leader tired or was she as cold and distant as the rumors claimed? But then his eyes found a familiar face breaking away from the rest of the group of Shadowclanners as they were settling into their places. Codpaw perked up, smiling, and bounded airily through the gathered cats. He stopped as he approached Firepaw. "Hiya, Firepaw! How've you been?"

~ Firepaw

They grey fur on his back spiked up in surprise and slight stress, and he glanced around quickly to see if anyone was looking at them. But they were just two apprentices, of different clans, talking, but it was a gathering, all this was completely regular, wasn't it. He had seen Rookscreech and Deadmoon interact when they two were still apprentices. "Idiot, it's a gathering, everyone is talking with each other, the problem here is YOU acting like this"

"Hi,.. Riverclanner..." He mewed, in a voice he had attempted to sound calm and neutral, but unlike usually he failed, and sounded just very odd and distant. And just acting normal wasn't helped by his gaze constantly darting back and forth to catch any potential on-lookers. "How is.. they prey running?... swimming..." It was the most common question he had heard being thrown around at his previous gatherings, asking that wouldn't be too wired, AND it was a casual enough question to make it look like the two didn't know each other. Firepaw couldn't exactly figure out why, but knowing Codpaw felt... forbidden somehow?

[pxxylo]

(Just ignore this, im still pretty new and I just posted this in the wrong thread I think-)

[pxxylo]

Petalcharm gave a small smile as she watched the water lap at her feet whilst she walked, her tail gently swaying in the breeze. She paused, squinting at the horizon. ´´What´s that?" She stood there for a few beats too long and shook it off, assuming it was simply a bird, in which it was. Her paws left small tracks in the sand that she brushed off with her tail as it waved left to right. She sat, and observed the beach, taking it all in as she wondered what the other clans had going about so far.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
For a moment, Aspenleaf stared blankly at Mallardstep. What in the name of the stars is a mallard? She thought, Some kind of animal, perhaps? Maybe he was referring to a duck, the birds Aspenleaf saw fly over the territory in a peculiar formation. She smiled, setting aside her thought, and nodded. “It’s a pleasure to know your name. As odd as it may seem to say now, you honestly seem like better company than my own family.” she said.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
For a moment, Aspenleaf stared blankly at Mallardstep. What in the name of the stars is a mallard? She thought, Some kind of animal, perhaps? Maybe he was referring to a duck, the birds Aspenleaf saw fly over the territory in a peculiar formation. She smiled, setting aside her thought, and nodded. “It’s a pleasure to know your name. As odd as it may seem to say now, you honestly seem like better company than my own family.” she said.

~Mallardstep~

“The you should find yourself a better family. I’m really not that great company.” The lazy tom flicked his tail. There can’t possible be cats more unpleasant than I am…are they evil? Do we need to storm Riverclan right now? And I thought Dawnstar was a threat.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf flinched. Had she said too much? She tried to quickly change the subject after clearing her throat. “Well, it’s not as though they’re that bad. My siblings, at least.” She muttered. “My mother wants me to have kits and continue the ‘family bloodline’ when I cant stand kits. And my father…” she hesitated, trying to choose her words correctly. “I haven’t seen my father in so long. I have no clue where he is.”

[Captain]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore looked calmly ahead, giving Snowleap a moment to himself before the elder spoke. Kestrelstar had long finished talking about Riverclan, and now Twilightstar was announcing the various happenings of Windclan. They had a windstorm recently? Brittleshore felt a pang of pity. The wind could be a formidable opponent when it turned against cats.

Brittleshore quickly pulled his thoughts together, having given Snowleap a bit more than a moment to himself. "I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't seen me recently." Brittleshore meowed. "I hardly ever go out of the Elder's Den now that leaf-bare's here. The cold's not too good for these old bones, and this leg." It had been many, many moons since the accident when he was just a kit. Brittleshore hardly ever let his leg bother him anymore, but it always reminded him of its presence during the colder moons.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Despite being calmer now, Snowleap still couldn’t seem to focus on the announcements that the clan leaders were saying. It made him feel bad, knowing that these were important things that he needed to know. Hopefully Kestrelstar would understand if he saw the tall warrior looking distracted and distant, but maybe that wasn’t even something he had to worry about. The Riverclan leader probably had enough to worry about already these days. Snowleap lifted a paw, licking it a few times and then drawing it over his head quickly, flattening his fur.

He turned his head to look over at Brittleshore, blinking at the Riverclan elder. “I can definitely understand that,” Snowleap meowed, glancing at the old tomcat’s leg for a second, “I know that I’m young and probably shouldn’t be feeling these types of soreness, but whenever it’s leafbare, my limbs get really stiff if I stay still for too long.” The dark-furred warrior lifted his gaze to the sky above them, squinting and seeing if he could see any stars among the clouds that passed on by. His anxiety from earlier was subsiding and he felt okay for the most part now.

[carmen]

@Hanukkah Hawkice

She nodded once again, pretending she understood. Foxpaw hadn't heard about either of them before. One was a former medicine cat? That must be pretty cool, having a medicine cat as a dad. She didn't even know who her parents were. "Yeah, my mentor hasn't started training me yet either. And I've been an apprentice for three moons! You'll get used to it in time. Just go around begging random cats for training. It'll work. Eventually."

[taillow]

>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior<
Mmmm, he'd missed the start of the announcements. Kestrelstar was already speaking. Unconsciously he tuned his leader out, voice fading from his ears to a quiet, distant hum. Nothing about that was interesting, just basic announcements that had already been said during Clan meetings. He turned his single eye to the far edge of the growing crowd, flickering aimlessly over random forms before returning his gaze to the leaders' stone.

A soft voice beside him made him whip his head around to blink at the cat it had come from. ThunderClan scent washed over him like a flood wave. Images of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak followed, and for a moment his expression seem to contort into that of a snarl - and then it faded almost as quickly as it had appeared, and Goosefury bent his neck with a small sigh. "I'm- sorry, you startled me," he answered, voice gruff. "No, I... I don't mind, go right ahead." He scooted over to make a bit of space for her and wrapped his tail around his paws.

Hm. Awkward. "Soooo... ThunderClan?" He tried for a sideways glance. "Aspenstar isn't looking so great - what's going on there?"


Cindersky
At the sudden change and then change-back of her new companions expression, Cindersky felt hesitation settle into tired bones. She had never been weary of other Clans before, but something just felt different in the air. Be it the frigid season that was upon them or the inner tensions that still flickered like dying embers between ThunderClan and RiverClan, she was unsure. "That is quite alright," she replied a bit hastily as she settled into a seated position next to him. In an attempt to fawn off the awkward waves that crashed between them, Cindersky turned her head to regard the tom with mild amusement. "I wish I had the same affect on my own Clanmates. I do not think some of them take me all that seriously because of my soft nature."

A rather icy breeze blew past, twirling her whiskers and ruffling her fur. Cindersky shivered only slightly, fluffing out her fur as much as the medium-short length would allow. Her eyes traveled over Aspenstar and her disheveled appearance. Her hopes coming into the Gathering had been that it would not be as noticeable to the other Clans, but Goosefury and the words he spoke served to prove her wrong. "The past couple moons have not been kind to ThunderClan," Cindersky answered honestly after a brief moment of hesitation. A sigh escaped her, accompanied by a tiny head shake. "But she is strong, as is ThunderClan. We have seen the likes of challenges much worse than what we currently face, and I have no doubt that just as RiverClan seems to, we will pull through." There was no disdain in her voice. No hostility, no glaring looks of anger found in the traces of blue hues. Just a simple confidence in herself, her Clanmates, and their crown.

Casting her gaze back towards the RiverClan tom, she realized that while she had seen him in passing, she had never been formally introduced. "My name is Cindersky, by the way," she dipped her head in the traditional greeting that she had done previous times before when meeting a member of an outside Clan. "And you are?"

[Pitou]

**Sunsetpaw of Shadowclan**

Sunsetpaw glanced at Elmshadow and Goldenstep, sitting together. She'd seen Elmshadow visit Goldenstep but there seemed to be something different between the two now. Involuntarily she began to wish she'd been apart of that, she wished he wouldn't shown this side while he had a family to show it to, but maybe that was the point. She turned her gaze to the Seastones to listen to the leaders speak. It was mesmerizing, the leaders looked so tall from up on those stones and their voices were so commanding. The first one was a large tom, she couldn't smell him so trying to place which clan he was from was a challenge. But he had sleek fur and soon enough mentioned Riverclan. She racked her mind and pulled out the name Kestrelstar. He's the leader of Riverclan so that just be Kestrelstar. She noticed the mention of twolegs. It was both concerning and reassuring to know that Riverclan was also having problems with the twolegs.

Then it was a skinnier, older she-cat up. Windclan! So that must be...Twilightstar! She studied the way the leader held herself. While Shadowclan and Riverclan had to contend with twolegs, Windclan was being afflicted by their weather. She grew more hopeful that, even when faced with struggles, Shadowclan was the strongest of all of them and would come out on top.

Goldenstep felt Elmshadow turn towards her, feeling his emerald gaze fall on her. She suppressed a smile and sighed but she was cut off by his question. He just asked how she's doing? Is he talking about Ashpaw? She shouldn't be shocked about a father asking about his daughter but, Elmshadow asking about Ashpaw's feelings? She felt a shocked purr rising in her throat. "How's who doing? Ashpaw?" Her voice cracked as she tried not to get too excited too soon.

----------------

Pigeonpaw smiled and nodded once. "The fishy smelling ones are Riverclan. They have the shinier coats from all the fish they eat." She looked around for other different cats. "Windclan are the scrawny-looking ones. They're fast but so is their prey. And..." she turned as another clan moved into the clearing. "Thunderclan! They're...um...the squirrelly ones? They like to climb trees." She couldn't pick out exactly what set them apart, although she did recognize their scent from her outing with Couvarivy.

Pigeonpaw scanned the cats to find another apprentice to talk to, and maybe try out Cougarivy's advice. She spotted an apprentice, using what she knew, she figured they must be a part of Windclan. A small smile split her maw and she weaved through the cats to approach the Windclan apprentice. Keeping her chin up, she chirped, "Hi! I'm Pigeonpaw of Shadowclan," she nearly growled the "Shadowclan". "I may still be young but I'm going to be one of Shadowclan's strongest fighters. What's your name?"

She looked up to Kestrelstar as he started his announcements. New apprentices, new warriors, new kits, and another dead Riverclan warrior. Pigeonpaw locked onto the announcement of the new warriors' names and the cheering that followed of their new names. She couldn't wait for her new name to be cheered for like that, hear her name said by all the cats of all the clans!

Raven~ [For Dustypaw or Dirtpaw, or both]

**Elmshadow of Shadowclan**

Elmshadow smiled and let out a rough purr. He could see his mate squirming and he figured his new attentions were not going unnoticed. He himself couldn't quite explain why he cared but he did and he wanted Goldenstep to see that. "Yes, Ashpaw. You went and talked to her, didn't you? How is she?"

**Cougarivy of Shadowclan**

Cougarivy wiggled proudly. Pigeonpaw was learning so fast and she retained things so well! Mentoring was a breeze, what did so many other warriors complain about? Elmshadow was one of the few she knew who actually took it as an honor and wanted to do it. She didn't know about the whole "honor" thing but it was fun and she had her very own small cat who wanted to be just like her, what was there to not like?

She turned her attention to Kestrelstar as he started the announcements. Nothing piqued her interest until another dead Riverclanner. They seem to be having trouble defending their cats from outside forces. She smiled slyly.

Then her attention was pulled by Twilightstar as the old leader began to speak. A bout of weather? So all it takes is some wind to bring down Windclan? No wonder they never stood a chance against us. Cougarivy giggled aloud at her thoughts. How quickly they were to take back a coward such as that Softpaw and Rabbit is obviously the decendant of a traitor somewhere along the line. It occurred to her that she didn't truly know her own lineage other than she came from a rogue mother, but she didn't have known clan heritage who deserted. That felt somehow different. She rolled her eyes, smiling. Windclan was soft for a reason and it really didn't concern her unless one of them wanted to play.



~ Firepaw

They grey fur on his back spiked up in surprise and slight stress, and he glanced around quickly to see if anyone was looking at them. But they were just two apprentices, of different clans, talking, but it was a gathering, all this was completely regular, wasn't it. He had seen Rookscreech and Deadmoon interact when they two were still apprentices. "Idiot, it's a gathering, everyone is talking with each other, the problem here is YOU acting like this"

"Hi,.. Riverclanner..." He mewed, in a voice he had attempted to sound calm and neutral, but unlike usually he failed, and sounded just very odd and distant. And just acting normal wasn't helped by his gaze constantly darting back and forth to catch any potential on-lookers. "How is.. they prey running?... swimming..." It was the most common question he had heard being thrown around at his previous gatherings, asking that wouldn't be too wired, AND it was a casual enough question to make it look like the two didn't know each other. Firepaw couldn't exactly figure out why, but knowing Codpaw felt... forbidden somehow?


**Codpaw of Riverclan**

The spotted tom cocked his head curiously at Firepaw. Riverclanner? Codpaw first worried that Firepaw didn't recognize him, had he gotten the wrong idea with their last conversation? Maybe Firepaw really had just been humoring him and Hazelpaw to get them to leave. Of course he'd gotten the wrong idea! Was Shadowclan really what everybody claimed they were? But Firepaw's nervous glances around told another story; Codpaw picked up on them and couldn't help a small, pitying smile. His distant tone hurt, Firepaw didn't want to be known to have met Codpaw. Codpaw couldn't quite place why it hurt so much but it stung all the same. How's the prey running. Of course, that's a normal question. But they were past "normal" questions, weren't they?

Codpaw cleared his throat slightly and sat down, regaining his composure. He nodded, staring into Firepaw as though questioning his demeanor, but answered levelly, "Prey's good, I mean as good as can be expected in this cold. Though, I guess, if the fish start running then we'll have more problems." Codpaw laughed but kept his green eyes on Firepaw.

[dino.]

Cindersky
At the sudden change and then change-back of her new companions expression, Cindersky felt hesitation settle into tired bones. She had never been weary of other Clans before, but something just felt different in the air. Be it the frigid season that was upon them or the inner tensions that still flickered like dying embers between ThunderClan and RiverClan, she was unsure. "That is quite alright," she replied a bit hastily as she settled into a seated position next to him. In an attempt to fawn off the awkward waves that crashed between them, Cindersky turned her head to regard the tom with mild amusement. "I wish I had the same affect on my own Clanmates. I do not think some of them take me all that seriously because of my soft nature."

A rather icy breeze blew past, twirling her whiskers and ruffling her fur. Cindersky shivered only slightly, fluffing out her fur as much as the medium-short length would allow. Her eyes traveled over Aspenstar and her disheveled appearance. Her hopes coming into the Gathering had been that it would not be as noticeable to the other Clans, but Goosefury and the words he spoke served to prove her wrong. "The past couple moons have not been kind to ThunderClan," Cindersky answered honestly after a brief moment of hesitation. A sigh escaped her, accompanied by a tiny head shake. "But she is strong, as is ThunderClan. We have seen the likes of challenges much worse than what we currently face, and I have no doubt that just as RiverClan seems to, we will pull through." There was no disdain in her voice. No hostility, no glaring looks of anger found in the traces of blue hues. Just a simple confidence in herself, her Clanmates, and their crown.

Casting her gaze back towards the RiverClan tom, she realized that while she had seen him in passing, she had never been formally introduced. "My name is Cindersky, by the way," she dipped her head in the traditional greeting that she had done previous times before when meeting a member of an outside Clan. "And you are?"
>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior <
A snort of thinly veiled amusement left him as the she-cat spoke. "I can't say the same, unfortunately." There was a certain satisfaction that came with being able to spook his Clanmates with a single look. His scars may have decided to ache in the winter but they were at least useful for being intimidating.

He shook out his coat as a frigid breeze bounced through the crowd and lightly tossed his ears around his head. He followed Cindersky's gaze back up to Aspenstar, glanced over the she-cat's figure. "...I'm sorry," he replied after a moment. "I'm familiar with your hardships." Fawnsqueak's and Lionstorm's murders, Kestrelstars declaration of war. Goosefury's own sinful actions, how he'd almost broken (or had broken?) Aspenstar's foreleg in two, how he'd sank his teeth into the other ThunderClan warrior's throat. He swallowed, guiltily, and glanced at at Cindersky once more. "I hope things right themselves soon."

The introduction and the formal dip of her head came was a surprise and he was startled into returning the gesture. "Goosefury." Would she recognize him from the raid? Would Aspenstar still know his face, if she saw it today?" "It's... a pleasure."

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Despite being calmer now, Snowleap still couldn’t seem to focus on the announcements that the clan leaders were saying. It made him feel bad, knowing that these were important things that he needed to know. Hopefully Kestrelstar would understand if he saw the tall warrior looking distracted and distant, but maybe that wasn’t even something he had to worry about. The Riverclan leader probably had enough to worry about already these days. Snowleap lifted a paw, licking it a few times and then drawing it over his head quickly, flattening his fur.

He turned his head to look over at Brittleshore, blinking at the Riverclan elder. “I can definitely understand that,” Snowleap meowed, glancing at the old tomcat’s leg for a second, “I know that I’m young and probably shouldn’t be feeling these types of soreness, but whenever it’s leafbare, my limbs get really stiff if I stay still for too long.” The dark-furred warrior lifted his gaze to the sky above them, squinting and seeing if he could see any stars among the clouds that passed on by. His anxiety from earlier was subsiding and he felt okay for the most part now.

—Brittleshore of Riverclan—

Brittleshore made a noncommittal sound when Snowleap finished speaking, his gaze absentmindedly focused a bit to the right of where the leaders were situated. It took a bit for the fact to register in Brittleshore’s mind about a certain little section of what Snowleap had said.

“Speaking of stiff limbs…” Brittleshore trailed off, getting up to stretch some, before returning to his seated position by Snowleap. “That was a good reminder for me to actually move, young one.” Brittleshore turned his head slightly, noticing where Snowleap was looking, and glanced up as well. “Looking for stars?” He meowed questioningly.

[Willowfern]

~ Mistpaw | Spiderwebpaw | Willowfern ~

A puff of white fur seemed to answer her silent pleas to Starclan as a young cat plopped down next to the shivering grey apprentice. Turning to look at her new gathering buddy, Mistpaw's nose was hit with the scent of Shadowclan, and for a moment a waterfall of emotions raged beneath her short grey fur. First a jolt of fear coursed through her at the prospect of sitting next to somecat that was a part of the clan most renowned for their ruthlessness, second was confusion as the young apprentice excitedly babbled out their introduction, and third a wave of relief that maybe not ALL the cats in that neighboring clan were savages.

"Hi um... my name's Mistpaw," she started before another shiver made its way from her ears to the tip of her tail. "This is my... my third gathering actually. I've... I've never been so cold in my WHOLE life. Starclan must... must be playing tricks on us in the clouds."

Oh boy, hopefully Starclan would let up the cold sooner rather than later.

Giving Spiderwebpaw a small smile (teeth clenched a little tighter than they should to prevent them from chattering) she offered up the space for them to continue talking. The presence of another cat was nice; their body heat was starting to warm the side of her pelt and she scooched over half a pawstep in an attempt to try and absorb more of it.

“Mistkitty is a nice name! I like mist, it’s wet, and I can hide in it and pretend attack my clanmates! Do you like to pretend attack your clanmates? It’s fun isn’t it? They yell and squeal, then they realize it’s just you! Hehe,” Noticing the other apprentice scooting closer, Spiderwebpaw smiled and pressed against her, “You’re cold! Here! I’ll keep ya warm!” He smiled wider, his unusual eyes shining, “Wanna be friends, Mistkitty? You seem nice, I don’t think you’re a mean bean!”
His tail waved excitedly like a flag.
Gatherings were so fun! Mistkitty was so fun! This was all so fun!

[Mango]

[OPEN for non-RC toms]

Lambdream inhaled as he glanced around at the all the cats around, looking for a tom from some other clan to flirt with, he was just flirting, he wasn’t taking a mate or anything. The rules were no taking mates from other clans, flirting once and never again was completely fine. He finally saw someone and purred,” Hey Cutie.” he gently attempted to run his tail down the cats back.

[Captain]

—Brittleshore of Riverclan—

Brittleshore made a noncommittal sound when Snowleap finished speaking, his gaze absentmindedly focused a bit to the right of where the leaders were situated. It took a bit for the fact to register in Brittleshore’s mind about a certain little section of what Snowleap had said.

“Speaking of stiff limbs…” Brittleshore trailed off, getting up to stretch some, before returning to his seated position by Snowleap. “That was a good reminder for me to actually move, young one.” Brittleshore turned his head slightly, noticing where Snowleap was looking, and glanced up as well. “Looking for stars?” He meowed questioningly.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“Glad to help,” Snowleap said with a softened smile, “I should probably stretch too.” With that being said, the Riverclan warrior stretched out his front legs, moving into a laid down position before he tucked his paws underneath himself and taking the usual loafing form that cats did sometimes. The dirt felt cold against his underbelly, but Snowleap preferred to lay down instead of sitting. It made him appear less massive next to other cats. Ever since his clanmates started to remark to him how big he was, the dark-furred tomcat began to feel awkward regarding his form. Did he really stand out that much? He didn’t like thinking about it.

Blinking up at the sky, the Riverclan warrior nodded slowly to the elder’s question. “...Yeah,” He said, whiskers twitching, “I like looking up at the stars when I can. They’re so beautiful and I like to think that each one tells its own unique story. I was fascinated with them when I was a kitten...” Snowleap thought back for a moment to the days where he was small, looking up at the night sky whenever he needed something to lift his spirits. His parents never really told him interesting stories, mostly just complained about their own lives to him whenever possible.

[Spottedwillow<3]

Wildstream. (POST: 2)

`~~~______~~~`+`~~~_______~~~`+`

Wildstream stood about, the elder scoffed as he was unable to recognize many cats. He sat down, his tail flickering.

He took his gaze to his surroundings, looking at the trees, rivers, creeks.


`~~~______~~~`+`~~~_______~~~`+`

[Undertaker]

Dawnstar paid little to no mind to either of the other two leaders' announcements. There was nothing worth listening to, so why bother acting like she was. What did catch her attention was Twilightstar's asking the ThunderClan leader to stay behind. That was curious. Dawnstar kept her expression clear of her curiosity and rose from her crouch to step into the spotlight.

"ShadowClan is thriving even in these chilled conditions, I've yet to hear anything about a lack of prey in my territory." The confident feline mewed with her muzzle raised high and tail lazily swaying back and forth behind her. Her gleaming amber eyes shifted towards her deputy for a second and then back to the cats of the clans. She hasn't heard anything from him about patrols since she made him deputy, it's not like she wanted to waste her time with every little detail on patrols, but it would be nice to know if her clan was actually finishing their patrols. She'd remind Shadestorm of that later.

"It's not all sunshine and mice, however, we got some pesty twolegs wandering around the territory. They seemed to be following a herd of deer that are passing through. Even though I doubt they'll become any other clan's problem any time soon, I will warn you all that they have strange death-sticks that shoot out silverstones. I've found a few full-grown rouges dead near my border with silverstones stuck in their bodies." Dawnstar warned the other three leaders with a side-eye. Usually, she'd not bother telling the other clans, but it would be very nice if the twolegs took their sticks and moved out of her territory. She was not interested in having backlash from the clans for not saying anything. Besides, as far as she was concerned, twolegs were a common threat to all of the clans.

If she had an extra medicine cat for wounds, she might try tracking the herd down and moving them out of their territory herself. If she started losing cats and prey, she'd have to take her chances with challenging
the herd, although personally, she'd rather not. Their antlers were nasty weapons and if they kicked like a horse ShadowClan would come out worst for wear. What an irritable situation. Dawnstar wasn't cocky enough to start a fight with RiverClan with an injured clan. Pushing aside her concerns with a twitch of whiskers she moved on to more boring details.

"Lynxpaw, Chamomilepaw, Ashpaw, Sunsetpaw, Spiderwebpaw, Howlpaw, and Snarlpaw are all new ShadowClan apprentice." It's not that big of a deal, new apprentices, but Dawnstar supposes she should be proud that they had quite a number of them this time. It was a pity that they were missing a few.

"Rookpaw has finished her apprentice training and earned the name Rookscreech." Dawnstar's amber glare scorched the pelts below her until she found the young warrior she was looking for sitting with a mouthy bunny. Oh, that's what Dawnstar had forgotten. Rookscreech's inclination to talk to that Deadbunny. The ShadowClan leader stared at the warrior with open suspicion before finally turning her broad back and returning to her seat amongst the leaders, leaving Aspenstar to wrap up the meeting as typical.
poppy. Moonraven

[Brightlight]

||Openish||

--Rainburst of Shadowclan--

The cream cat sat quietly to the side, a bit awkwardly. She hadn't found anybody to talk to, not even from her own Clan. Which only made Rainburst raise her head higher, made her sit straighter. Her usual jubilant expression was gone, Rainburst had to make sure that Shadowclan looked strong. She had to.

When Dawnstar started speaking, she perked up, listening intently. Oh yes, those annoying Twolegs with their Silverstones and their sticks. Rainburst frowned slightly. She hoped the Twolegs would just go soon and leave her clan alone.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“Glad to help,” Snowleap said with a softened smile, “I should probably stretch too.” With that being said, the Riverclan warrior stretched out his front legs, moving into a laid down position before he tucked his paws underneath himself and taking the usual loafing form that cats did sometimes. The dirt felt cold against his underbelly, but Snowleap preferred to lay down instead of sitting. It made him appear less massive next to other cats. Ever since his clanmates started to remark to him how big he was, the dark-furred tomcat began to feel awkward regarding his form. Did he really stand out that much? He didn’t like thinking about it.

Blinking up at the sky, the Riverclan warrior nodded slowly to the elder’s question. “...Yeah,” He said, whiskers twitching, “I like looking up at the stars when I can. They’re so beautiful and I like to think that each one tells its own unique story. I was fascinated with them when I was a kitten...” Snowleap thought back for a moment to the days where he was small, looking up at the night sky whenever he needed something to lift his spirits. His parents never really told him interesting stories, mostly just complained about their own lives to him whenever possible.

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

While Snowleap stretched, Brittleshore contented himself with looking up st the stars. For some reason, even though they had never done that before, those tiny bright dots of light were sparkling Brittleshore's memory. But what? What was he remembering? He didn't know.

When Snowleap started speaking, Brittleshore was only half listening. He could've sworn that somebody in his immediate family had loved stars too. But who? Brittleshore shook the thoughts away and focused more on Snowleap's words. "Indeed..." Brittleshore replied, trailing off. "When I was little kit, many many moons ago, an elder once told me that each star is a cat in Starclan, a cat who has moved on." Brittleshore stared at the sky, wondering. "So I'm sure each one has a story." He meowed, finally, after a period of silence.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf flinched. Had she said too much? She tried to quickly change the subject after clearing her throat. “Well, it’s not as though they’re that bad. My siblings, at least.” She muttered. “My mother wants me to have kits and continue the ‘family bloodline’ when I cant stand kits. And my father…” she hesitated, trying to choose her words correctly. “I haven’t seen my father in so long. I have no clue where he is.”

~Mallardstep~

Aspenleaf, looked uncomfortable again. Oops. He supposed he should choose his words more wisely. It seems he may have hit a tough spot. That had definitely not been his intention.

“Yeah expectations are tough. Both your parents sound like foxhearts, no offense. But who cares about them. I’m sure you and your siblings can be great warriors with or without them.” He had just said what had first come to mind. Honestly he always felt like caring about what cats thought was a bit ridiculous anyways. Wait I’m supposed to be thinking before I speak! He flicked his tail nervously. I hope I didn’t just upset her more.

The black warrior listened to Dawnstar’s announcement with little interest. She was probably lying through her teeth anyways. He didn’t much care about what was happening in Shadowclan.

~Robinleaf~
[Just a little update]

The Shadowclan warrior chanted all the new names with pride. She put special emphasis on Spiderwebpaw’s name, of course. She was proud to be his mentor. She had been keeping an eye on him, just in case, and he seemed to have made a friend. He’s very brave for his first gathering. She remembered her first gathering. She had stuck very closely to her mentor the entire time. She was happy her apprentice was more courageous than she had been.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

While Snowleap stretched, Brittleshore contented himself with looking up st the stars. For some reason, even though they had never done that before, those tiny bright dots of light were sparkling Brittleshore's memory. But what? What was he remembering? He didn't know.

When Snowleap started speaking, Brittleshore was only half listening. He could've sworn that somebody in his immediate family had loved stars too. But who? Brittleshore shook the thoughts away and focused more on Snowleap's words. "Indeed..." Brittleshore replied, trailing off. "When I was little kit, many many moons ago, an elder once told me that each star is a cat in Starclan, a cat who has moved on." Brittleshore stared at the sky, wondering. "So I'm sure each one has a story." He meowed, finally, after a period of silence.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Looking up at the starry night sky with Brittleshore, Snowleap couldn’t help but smile at the elder’s words. “When I was an apprentice, I didn’t go to the elder’s den much to hear stories, but now I wish I did,” The dark-furred warrior meowed, “There must be so many interesting stories within the clans that could be told.” Snowleap never had a chance to have a clan-life kithood, coming to Riverclan when he was around 10 moons old to escape his terrible family. Out here within these woods, among these cats, he felt more alive than he ever had before. Thinking more upon the elder’s words, the young tomcat thought about the time when Lynxfall told him about his mentor who had passed on moons ago, which star were his best friend’s mentor? Nobody in his life had ever died, so he didn’t know who to look for when he looked at the stars. Maybe he was just looking for Starclan and wondering if they were looking back down at him right now. “Doesn’t Starclan watch the clans closer than usual during a gathering?”

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Huh. Was Mallardstep trying to be…kind to Aspenleaf? It was an odd thought considering his disposition when the two had first met. Aspenleaf just shrugged and looked back up as Dawnstar announced ShadowClan. Death-sticks? Silverstones? Those sounded pretty bad. Aspenleaf knew in the back of her mind Dawnstar could be exaggerating, but she couldn’t help but remember the twolegs who had captured her not that long ago, and everything after it. She touched her healing paw at the memory of the monster flipping onto it’a back and tensed with fear.

[gs29513]

YES! IT WAS A SURPRISE! SHE WAS THE GREATEST SNEAK ATTACKER OF THEM ALL! Come to think of it, weren't Shadowclan supposed to be the SnEaKeRs iN tHe ShAdOwS? SHE was the sneaky snake now! Deadmoon was thrilled, her best friend was here, and she had been the stealthiest cat ever and given Rookie a fright! Tough love, that was a thing, right? That was a brand of love she certainly ascribed to, as evidenced by the almost-mauling she was giving her friend. But she was snapped out of her celebration by the intensity in her friends voice. She.....was really not interested in making a scene, huh? Ok, so maybe less loud noise. Quiet, yeah, she could definitely do that. Actually, come to think of it, making all kinds of noise, acting like long lost lovers with a Shadowclan cat might NOT be the best idea.

But her cheerful mood was back almost immediately, when Rookie complimented her terrifying skills! Yeah, I am the SCARIEST! You should all fear me! At the mention of 'Ms. Rookie', she snorted softly. I see! Yeah, you should be Moon! You're all....quiet and wise and stuff. Ok, that was kindof a lie, neither of them was particularly smart. Or quiet, at least in her case. But Rookscreech was moving on quickly, asking why they weren't there last gathering. And after a brief internal debate as to whether it was technically a clan secret that wind happened, she mewed Wind happened. Apparently some cosmic force decided to spite us, and basically leveled the moor with wind. We had to abandon camp temporarily NOT mentioning the tunnels, she was at least that discreet but we've fixed things up now. Better than ever, I think. Nice and warm and cozy, although maybe that's just being in the warriors den instead of the apprentices den. But of course, now she had to hear what her friend had been up to. How has the swamp been? Anything exciting going on besides you becoming far more terrifying and menacing? she inquired, ears flicking as she leaned slightly against Rookie. It was normal to snuggle a little with friends, right? She....wasn't real clear on how friends worked in every way, Marigold never seemed affectionate, but.......Rookie seemed more willing to touch, and maybe Deadmoon just liked snuggling? Maybe she had some overdue snuggling to take care of? That was probably what it was.

Oh. Dawnstar was looking at her. That was mildly terrifying, those eyes did NOT look friendly. And Rookie was connected to the suspicion by proximity. Yeah, maybe cuddling was not a good idea. LITTLE scoot away. LITTLE scoot away to make sure Dawnstar wasn't thinking they were more than friends. Because that was not how it was, they were friends, she just got a little bit to enthusiastic sometimes, which was maybe something that had to stop, yeah, stop with the snuggling, definitely in total public. Uh....whoops. she muttered, scooting away until she was a good mouselength away. Shade.

[Shade.]

gs29513

Rookscreech really didn't want to seem distant. She was all alone in ShadowClan right now. Deadmoon was her only source of hugs and oh how she loved those. But Rookscreech needed to use her mind and not her heart right now. She didn't really fear Dawnstar. But she wanted to be smart about this. I mean, she was usually smart, but smarter than usual.

She listened to her friend discuss the wind. She sensed some uncertainty there. During the WindClan announcements, some details had been changed, like leaving camp. So Rookscreech assumed it was a clan secret. Her heart ached that they had to be separated like this but et least she was relieved it wasn't her clan's fault this time.
"That sucks. Literally, It's wind. Also going stir crazy must've been great." she mused calmly. She'd never been to the moor much but Sky Glade was a little more open than the usual territory and she enjoyed it. Minus the fact they stole it from WindClan, of course.

"ShadowClan is...fun." she said, with every implication that it was, in fact, not fun. It was boring, lonely, and the specter of getting exiled, or worse, ever-present.

She noticed Deadmoon scooching away and looked around, only to lock eyes with the glaring Dawnstar. Her face smoothed out into an entirely neutral one and she maintained eye contact until the leader moved on. She wasn't afraid. She was too dumb smart for that. Fearing Dawnstar is what gave her power. If the entire clan only realized they could collectively kick her butt it would be a different story. She was aware, however that hanging out with Deadmoon could be seen as not a wise decision. Then again, what did she want out of life. Dawnstar's approval certainly wasn't it. Honestly, she wished she could see her friend more. She didn't have anything left in ShadowClan.
"It's fine. She can't kill me for talking to someone and I don't think it matters. If anything, I wish we could talk more. This clan separation thing is really trying it's best to deprive me of a social life, huh." she said seriously.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Looking up at the starry night sky with Brittleshore, Snowleap couldn’t help but smile at the elder’s words. “When I was an apprentice, I didn’t go to the elder’s den much to hear stories, but now I wish I did,” The dark-furred warrior meowed, “There must be so many interesting stories within the clans that could be told.” Snowleap never had a chance to have a clan-life kithood, coming to Riverclan when he was around 10 moons old to escape his terrible family. Out here within these woods, among these cats, he felt more alive than he ever had before. Thinking more upon the elder’s words, the young tomcat thought about the time when Lynxfall told him about his mentor who had passed on moons ago, which star were his best friend’s mentor? Nobody in his life had ever died, so he didn’t know who to look for when he looked at the stars. Maybe he was just looking for Starclan and wondering if they were looking back down at him right now. “Doesn’t Starclan watch the clans closer than usual during a gathering?”


--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore smiled a bit. "You know, anybody is welcome in the Elder's Den. Even warriors. I'd still be glad to tell you a story." Brittleshore meowed, glancing at Snowleap before returning his gaze to the stars. It was true. He didn't care how old you were. Stories were an essential part of Clan life. Stories were in their blood. Stories were what was left when they moved on.

There was a certain cluster of three stars that he could see on clear nights. Brittleshore didn't see it now, but he had liked to think those stars were the spirits of his family, watching over the clan. Snowleap's words suddenly registered, and it shook Brittleshore out of his thoughts. "And yes. Starclan does watch over us more during Gatherings."

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Huh. Was Mallardstep trying to be…kind to Aspenleaf? It was an odd thought considering his disposition when the two had first met. Aspenleaf just shrugged and looked back up as Dawnstar announced ShadowClan. Death-sticks? Silverstones? Those sounded pretty bad. Aspenleaf knew in the back of her mind Dawnstar could be exaggerating, but she couldn’t help but remember the twolegs who had captured her not that long ago, and everything after it. She touched her healing paw at the memory of the monster flipping onto it’a back and tensed with fear.

~Mallardstep~

The black warrior noticed Aspenleaf seemed confused. I guess I’d be surprised if a cat like me tried to be nice too. He reasoned. It still…stung just a bit. Enough for him to keep his muzzle shut. He hadn’t realized simple reactions could hurt. He’d have to remember that for later.

She seemed to tense when Dawnstar talked about the twoleg things. I wonder if she’s had a run in with them? He definitely didn’t want to pry about sensitive topics again so he didn’t comment about that either. Although, it was a little nerve racking to think those things really existed. He had just assumed Dawnstar was lying to keep cats away from her territory.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore smiled a bit. "You know, anybody is welcome in the Elder's Den. Even warriors. I'd still be glad to tell you a story." Brittleshore meowed, glancing at Snowleap before returning his gaze to the stars. It was true. He didn't care how old you were. Stories were an essential part of Clan life. Stories were in their blood. Stories were what was left when they moved on.

There was a certain cluster of three stars that he could see on clear nights. Brittleshore didn't see it now, but he had liked to think those stars were the spirits of his family, watching over the clan. Snowleap's words suddenly registered, and it shook Brittleshore out of his thoughts. "And yes. Starclan does watch over us more during Gatherings."
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap was touched by Brittleshore’s words, nodding to the older tomcat with a warm smile. “Thank you,” He meowed softly, “I just might take you up on that offer in the near future.” Maybe it wasn’t too late for the dark-furred warrior to have experiences most would have when they were younger. He was still young and he had to remind himself of that, but that didn’t matter because like the Riverclan elder said, anyone is welcome for stories. It made him feel better about the whole situation regarding his neglected kithood. He still had a chance to live out those stolen days and live life to the fullest here within the clans.

“Huh..” The young warrior said quietly before growing silent as both Brittleshore and him gazed up at the night sky. Snowleap knew his parents weren’t warriors like he was, but it couldn’t be helped that he wondered if he had any ancestors that were clan cats. He knew it was unlikely, but he adjusted to clan life so easily after a moon or so when he came here and the tall tomcat wondered if there was a reason for that. Maybe there was a reason beyond that though. Did Starclan have a plan for him? Were certain cats looking at him from the stars above? He didn’t know, but he’d like to think so.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf cleared her throat and quickly laid down. Shoot, she had let her guard down. Had Mallardstep noticed? She couldn’t quite tell. She flicked her tail, trying to find anything to make conversation about to offset the awkwardness she was beginning to feel. “So um, how long have you been a warrior?” she asked. Good enough.

[Ian]

Howlpaw straightened and puffed out their chest slightly when they heard Dawnstar call their new name in her announcement. They would make sure show every other Clan why ShadowClan was the strongest.

[duskfire1]

-->Rabbitpaw<--

Showing up late to the party the former rogue padded after her foster clan to what they called a gathering. Her grandfather had mentioned it before and she knew a bit about it. Rabbitpaw was hoping to talk to someone. It didn't matter if they were from her clan of Windclan or another. She wasn't a shy cat at all.

She moved towards where there was many cats and sat down. "This is my first gathering! It's really exciting don't any of you think?", she meowed to anybody who was listening. She really just wanted someone to talk to.

// open \\
Larkfrost

She tilted her ear to a rather loud, and eager to interact apprentice. She scented heather, rabbit, and freedom. She wishes she had that, freedom. How do you scent freedom, you ask? Larkfrost herself doesn't know, but she could tell. Windclan. She had nothing against them, so she padded up to the apprentice. "Hello, this is your first gathering? I would assume it's quite exiting, when I was at mine it was for me. Anyways, what's you name? I am from Thunderclan, my name is Larkfrost." The old tabby purred softly, deciding to start with the basics. She didn't know why she stated her clan, she felt that there was something different about the apprentice. Not sure what, but specifying affiliation wouldn't do harm, it never should. Keyword, should.

[Jayvines]

“Mistkitty is a nice name! I like mist, it’s wet, and I can hide in it and pretend attack my clanmates! Do you like to pretend attack your clanmates? It’s fun isn’t it? They yell and squeal, then they realize it’s just you! Hehe,” Noticing the other apprentice scooting closer, Spiderwebpaw smiled and pressed against her, “You’re cold! Here! I’ll keep ya warm!” He smiled wider, his unusual eyes shining, “Wanna be friends, Mistkitty? You seem nice, I don’t think you’re a mean bean!”
His tail waved excitedly like a flag.
Gatherings were so fun! Mistkitty was so fun! This was all so fun!


~ Mistpaw ~

Of all the things she was expecting a Shadowclan apprentice to be, this was not it. Blinking in awe at the boisterous Spiderwebpaw eagerly pressing into her flank to help with the chill, Mistpaw was overcome with the urge to do something she had never done at a gathering before. It bubbled up inside her, bouncing around the inside of her chest, before escaping her muzzle... A small bout of giggles shook her frame and she quickly turned her head to her paws.

Spiderwebpaw seemed nice! Exceptionally nice! Attempting to stem the flow of her laughter, the young grey cat turned back towards her seating-buddy with a small smile. "I like collecting things to surprise cats with, instead of jumping on them," she stated. Maybe Spiderwebpaw had a collection too! "I'd... I'd love to be friends! You don't seem like a... a mean bean either."

[beau]

Cobwebpaw tilted his head to the side as his father spoke, intrigued by the concept? Darkness kill? How peculiar. He had noticed how tired and stressed everyone had seemed both in the tunnels and soon after they had left; based off of that, it didn't seem too farfetched for that kind of environment to continue sapping away at your energy. Even Cobwebpaw, who considered himself one who preferred small dark places, had gone through a small bout of insomnia being confined to the tunnels for days. Thankfully, a few days back on the surface had done him - along with most of the clan - well, but he wondered what would happen if the Windstorm had gone on for much longer.

"That's so strange." He murmured as he continued down this thought path. How did the tunnel-dwelling creatures survive, then? Sure, the rabbits came up to the surface frequently, but what about the moles and such who rarely left their burrows? And was it darkness itself that caused death, or the environment which created the darkness? He knew of several blind cats in Windclan who lived their whole lives in darkness, yet they seemed to get on well. Perhaps it was the fact that the majority of them had been in darkness since birth - yes, that would line up. Rabbits and moles and groundhogs, as well as any other critters in the tunnels, were all born underground, maybe that was it. "Y'know.. I can keep an eye on the prey that lives in the tunnels. Figure out how they manage, maybe." He offered.

He fell silent for a moment, his pale yellow gaze flicking towards the Seastones as the Twilightstar began to speak, listening to her quick announcements before returning to the present conversation. "Maybe I could take you down the tunnels sometime." It may be a bit before something like that happened, but Cobwebpaw thought he might be able to manage that. He just needed to be able to be confident in his navigation abilities; he would hate to get them both lost down there.

Ravensong

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap was touched by Brittleshore’s words, nodding to the older tomcat with a warm smile. “Thank you,” He meowed softly, “I just might take you up on that offer in the near future.” Maybe it wasn’t too late for the dark-furred warrior to have experiences most would have when they were younger. He was still young and he had to remind himself of that, but that didn’t matter because like the Riverclan elder said, anyone is welcome for stories. It made him feel better about the whole situation regarding his neglected kithood. He still had a chance to live out those stolen days and live life to the fullest here within the clans.

“Huh..” The young warrior said quietly before growing silent as both Brittleshore and him gazed up at the night sky. Snowleap knew his parents weren’t warriors like he was, but it couldn’t be helped that he wondered if he had any ancestors that were clan cats. He knew it was unlikely, but he adjusted to clan life so easily after a moon or so when he came here and the tall tomcat wondered if there was a reason for that. Maybe there was a reason beyond that though. Did Starclan have a plan for him? Were certain cats looking at him from the stars above? He didn’t know, but he’d like to think so.

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore smiled. He hoped that Snowleap would indeed take up the offer. There weren't many elders for Riverclan, and life in the Elder's Den was mostly sleep, eat, and sleep again. Brittleshore was tempted to go hunting alone, just for the sake of it. But he knew he might now be able to catch fish, what with his leg and the water temperature now. He was a good swimmer, but he was nothing against disease.

Brittleshore sat, content to just sit there. He turned his gaze off of the stars and towards the leaders. Which one was speaking now? He had thought he had heard Dawnstar's voice, an annoying sound that was painful to hear. He didn't know how Shadowclan listened to her all the time, he would've clawed off his own ears in not a long time at all.

[Willowfern]

~ Mistpaw ~

Of all the things she was expecting a Shadowclan apprentice to be, this was not it. Blinking in awe at the boisterous Spiderwebpaw eagerly pressing into her flank to help with the chill, Mistpaw was overcome with the urge to do something she had never done at a gathering before. It bubbled up inside her, bouncing around the inside of her chest, before escaping her muzzle... A small bout of giggles shook her frame and she quickly turned her head to her paws.

Spiderwebpaw seemed nice! Exceptionally nice! Attempting to stem the flow of her laughter, the young grey cat turned back towards her seating-buddy with a small smile. "I like collecting things to surprise cats with, instead of jumping on them," she stated. Maybe Spiderwebpaw had a collection too! "I'd... I'd love to be friends! You don't seem like a... a mean bean either."
Spiderwebpaw purred at her laughter, whatever she was laughing about must have been good, because it caused him to giggle a bit too, and when she spoke, he got excited again,
“That’s really nice of you! I bet… I bet your Clanny is much nicer than ShadowClanny, they don’t like gifts very much, except for a select few! I’ve always wanted to collect stuff! Maybe like… rocks! They’re shiny, I like them!” His eyes lit up at the other thing she said, “Really? Yay! I promise, I’ll be the very best friend ever! Wh-when Newleaves rolls around, I’ll make you a daisy chain! I-I don’t know how to m-make one, but I can learn!” He was so happy he was stuttering, this was the best Gathering ever! Even though it was the only one he’d ever been to, it was still the very best of them all!
Spiderwebpaw was so happy! Today was great!
“Mistkitty, have you ever made a daisy chain??”

[Jayvines]

Spiderwebpaw purred at her laughter, whatever she was laughing about must have been good, because it caused him to giggle a bit too, and when she spoke, he got excited again,
“That’s really nice of you! I bet… I bet your Clanny is much nicer than ShadowClanny, they don’t like gifts very much, except for a select few! I’ve always wanted to collect stuff! Maybe like… rocks! They’re shiny, I like them!” His eyes lit up at the other thing she said, “Really? Yay! I promise, I’ll be the very best friend ever! Wh-when Newleaves rolls around, I’ll make you a daisy chain! I-I don’t know how to m-make one, but I can learn!” He was so happy he was stuttering, this was the best Gathering ever! Even though it was the only one he’d ever been to, it was still the very best of them all!
Spiderwebpaw was so happy! Today was great!
“Mistkitty, have you ever made a daisy chain??”

~ Mistpaw ~

Ah, maybe Spiderwebpaw WAS the nicest Shadowclan cat. If the rest of them weren't overly fond of gifts then the rumours could be true about them... Blinking herself out of her thoughts, the grey apprentice grinned at her companions comments. "I think Thunderclan IS pretty nice. At least I think they are, but I've only ever lived in Thunderclan. We do lots of fun things together." Well... Besides the recent craziness, she was telling the truth. Hopefully all the leader stuff would sort itself out. She liked Aspenstar.

"I love collecting pebbles! They're shiny and so many colours! Oh, and feathers and flowers are pretty too, and Cindersky just showed me how to find shells!" Her enthusiastic ramblings regarding her treasures would normally bore other cats, but Spiderwebpaw seemed to be excited about the concept and was going to... make her a present?! "I... I don't even know what a daisy-chain is. Is it made of daisys???"

[Captain]

--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore smiled. He hoped that Snowleap would indeed take up the offer. There weren't many elders for Riverclan, and life in the Elder's Den was mostly sleep, eat, and sleep again. Brittleshore was tempted to go hunting alone, just for the sake of it. But he knew he might now be able to catch fish, what with his leg and the water temperature now. He was a good swimmer, but he was nothing against disease.

Brittleshore sat, content to just sit there. He turned his gaze off of the stars and towards the leaders. Which one was speaking now? He had thought he had heard Dawnstar's voice, an annoying sound that was painful to hear. He didn't know how Shadowclan listened to her all the time, he would've clawed off his own ears in not a long time at all.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap wondered if he could incorporate visiting the elder’s den into his daily activities, seeing how Brittleshore seemed happier when he mentioned coming to see the old tomcat for a story in the future. He wanted to hear any stories that the Riverclan elder would be willing to tell him. Maybe the tall tomcat was putting too much excitement into it though. He took a breath and told himself to stop being such a kitten. Snowleap was a warrior after all and should act like an adult. Saying stuff like that made him remember his mother and he shook his head. He didn’t want to think about her or let her harsh lessons still be in his head. “You know, if you ever need some company, you could join me for a walk sometime.” The young warrior meowed, “We could stop whenever you needed to to rest your leg, I wouldn’t mind at all.” He felt awkward, like it was a strange thing to propose to the elder tomcat.

After saying that though, the Riverclan warrior simply went back to looking up at the stars with Brittleshore. The muffled noises of the clan leaders speaking from the Seastones seemed to be clearer than before, but he didn’t really pay much attention to any of it. He didn’t really wish to know how Shadowclan was doing, considering how harsh they had been towards the other clans in the forest. “Sometimes I wonder if I have any ancestors up there,” He mentioned to Brittleshore casually, “I’m not clanborn, but I’d like to think I came across Riverclan for a reason.”

[Akira]

Reedlight's ears twitched, subconsciously tuning out the leaders' talking. It wasn't that he wasn't interested! He was just... Thinking about nothing was apparently much more intruiging! Wait, he was a warrior now! So he had to act like it.

Nervously clearing his throat, he weaved through the crowd, hoping to talk with someone, while the back of his mind worried about recognition from the dark event moons ago.

(Open!)

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf cleared her throat and quickly laid down. Shoot, she had let her guard down. Had Mallardstep noticed? She couldn’t quite tell. She flicked her tail, trying to find anything to make conversation about to offset the awkwardness she was beginning to feel. “So um, how long have you been a warrior?” she asked. Good enough.

~Mallardstep~

How long have I been a warrior? Oh it must be about 14 moons now. He flicked his tail idly. Was that a long time? He supposed so. Longer than he had trained and been a kit combined. Well two moons more, but still.

“Around 14 moons. What about you?” He wasn’t very interested in the answer. He supposed she just wanted to make small talk. Some cats couldn’t handle silence, he had found. It made no difference to him, so he thought he’d humor her.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap wondered if he could incorporate visiting the elder’s den into his daily activities, seeing how Brittleshore seemed happier when he mentioned coming to see the old tomcat for a story in the future. He wanted to hear any stories that the Riverclan elder would be willing to tell him. Maybe the tall tomcat was putting too much excitement into it though. He took a breath and told himself to stop being such a kitten. Snowleap was a warrior after all and should act like an adult. Saying stuff like that made him remember his mother and he shook his head. He didn’t want to think about her or let her harsh lessons still be in his head. “You know, if you ever need some company, you could join me for a walk sometime.” The young warrior meowed, “We could stop whenever you needed to to rest your leg, I wouldn’t mind at all.” He felt awkward, like it was a strange thing to propose to the elder tomcat.

After saying that though, the Riverclan warrior simply went back to looking up at the stars with Brittleshore. The muffled noises of the clan leaders speaking from the Seastones seemed to be clearer than before, but he didn’t really pay much attention to any of it. He didn’t really wish to know how Shadowclan was doing, considering how harsh they had been towards the other clans in the forest. “Sometimes I wonder if I have any ancestors up there,” He mentioned to Brittleshore casually, “I’m not clanborn, but I’d like to think I came across Riverclan for a reason.”

—Brittleshore—

Brittleshore snorted. “A walk would be nice. But I just think I’d slow you down, with this leg. Perhaps,” Brittleshore glanced at Snowleap, “perhaps once the weather gets warmer. Until then, I’ll be expecting you to visit me.” Brittleshore shifted his weight until he got more comfortable. Yes, it was getting lonelier in the Elder’s Den. He could use some company.

“I’m sure you do,” Brittleshore stated, as an answer to Snowleap’s words. “It doesn’t have to be Clan born cats who go to Starclan. Loners, rogues, even kittypets go to Starclan sometimes. If they’ve done good in their lifetime, of course.” Brittleshore remembered his sister telling him of that. Splintercreek was hardly ever wrong, so he had believed her. He believed her even now, and he was pretty sure she was right.

[poppy]

Blizzardwind, Gorgespring and Birdpaw popped up.


Rowanbriar sat in the shadows, cranky.


Brackenfire sat in the corner, being creepy.

#activity post before holidayssss

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf considered for a moment, flicking her tail. “I guess…seven. Almost eight now.” she mewed semi-proudly.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf considered for a moment, flicking her tail. “I guess…seven. Almost eight now.” she mewed semi-proudly.

~Mallardstep~

Seven or eight! Am I old? His pelt ruffled uncomfortably at the thought. Surely not yet! She looked so proud of herself, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Whatever young one. You need to treat me with more respect. I am your elder after all” He flicked his tail over her ears cocking an eyebrow.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf purred with amusement and rolled her eyes. She gently cuffed Mallardstep over his ears. “Oh, come on now. You’re only seven moons older. And that’s at the most,” she mewed. She glanced around to see if anyone had taken notice. Apparently not. Everyone seemed to have their own conversation in mind or waiting for the next leader to speak.

[Bli]

It’s my first gathering what do I do??:)

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf purred with amusement and rolled her eyes. She gently cuffed Mallardstep over his ears. “Oh, come on now. You’re only seven moons older. And that’s at the most,” she mewed. She glanced around to see if anyone had taken notice. Apparently not. Everyone seemed to have their own conversation in mind or waiting for the next leader to speak.

~Mallardstep~

The black warrior grunted with annoyance at being touched. Although deep down he was glad Aspenleaf had broken the ice. He wasn’t used to joking with other cats. It was nice.

“Numbers don’t lie, young Aspenleaf.” He meowed with a proud flick of his ear.

[DeltaDace]

Bearspot of RiverClan padded up to the rest of the RiverClan warriors. His apprentice, Hazepaw, had sadly not been called for the gathering, but he'll be sure to relay what he had learned to him right when he gets back to the camp. He set himself down on a grassy patch.

(Open!)

[Pitou]

Cobwebpaw tilted his head to the side as his father spoke, intrigued by the concept? Darkness kill? How peculiar. He had noticed how tired and stressed everyone had seemed both in the tunnels and soon after they had left; based off of that, it didn't seem too farfetched for that kind of environment to continue sapping away at your energy. Even Cobwebpaw, who considered himself one who preferred small dark places, had gone through a small bout of insomnia being confined to the tunnels for days. Thankfully, a few days back on the surface had done him - along with most of the clan - well, but he wondered what would happen if the Windstorm had gone on for much longer.

"That's so strange." He murmured as he continued down this thought path. How did the tunnel-dwelling creatures survive, then? Sure, the rabbits came up to the surface frequently, but what about the moles and such who rarely left their burrows? And was it darkness itself that caused death, or the environment which created the darkness? He knew of several blind cats in Windclan who lived their whole lives in darkness, yet they seemed to get on well. Perhaps it was the fact that the majority of them had been in darkness since birth - yes, that would line up. Rabbits and moles and groundhogs, as well as any other critters in the tunnels, were all born underground, maybe that was it. "Y'know.. I can keep an eye on the prey that lives in the tunnels. Figure out how they manage, maybe." He offered.

He fell silent for a moment, his pale yellow gaze flicking towards the Seastones as the Twilightstar began to speak, listening to her quick announcements before returning to the present conversation. "Maybe I could take you down the tunnels sometime." It may be a bit before something like that happened, but Cobwebpaw thought he might be able to manage that. He just needed to be able to be confident in his navigation abilities; he would hate to get them both lost down there.

Ravensong

**Toadpounce of Windclan**

His anxiety began to take over as he wondered if he was blabbering too much. He didn't mean to get off on his tangents, he knew other cats weren't nearly as interested as he was, but he couldn't help the way his mind took off with itself. But he focused in on his son, he seemed to be...engaged? Toadpounce wasn't great at reading other cats and sometimes...oftentimes misjudged their reactions but then Cobwebpaw commented and Toadpounce smiled. He turned near giddy at Cobwebpaw's suggestion. "Oh! That'd be wonderful! Could you imagine everything we could learn from this?! How we could use this to our advantage! I think it tells us much more about the sun actually than it does the darkness. Like maybe it's not darkness that kills, per say, but sun that gives life. Or maybe it's the fresh air. But then tunneling creatures, how do they survive? They must come out at some points. Or maybe some creatures have simply figured it out, how to survive without the sun?" Toadpounce purred. "It's fascinating, isn't it?"

Cobwebpaw's offer caught Toadpounce off again. His son would take him down through the tunnels? Toadpounce wasn't sure which he was more excited about: his son offering to show him his world and wanting to spend time with him, or the prospect of exploring deeper through the tunnels to discover their secrets. "That sounds like a wonderful time! I'd love that...I mean, if you're not too busy of course!"

[DeltaDace]

Reedlight's ears twitched, subconsciously tuning out the leaders' talking. It wasn't that he wasn't interested! He was just... Thinking about nothing was apparently much more intruiging! Wait, he was a warrior now! So he had to act like it.

Nervously clearing his throat, he weaved through the crowd, hoping to talk with someone, while the back of his mind worried about recognition from the dark event moons ago.

(Open!)

Bearspot turned towards one of the RiverClan warriors to discuss with them. Wait, was this the cat that attacked Kestrelstar? His ear twitched when he recognized the grey tabby.

"You," He muttered, narrowing his eyes, "Reedlight isn't it?"

[Akira]

Bearspot turned towards one of the RiverClan warriors to discuss with them. Wait, was this the cat that attacked Kestrelstar? His ear twitched when he recognized the grey tabby.

"You," He muttered, narrowing his eyes, "Reedlight isn't it?"
Reedlight looked up at the sound of his name, blinking as he was approached by a warrior. Ah, he knew him... Bearspot, wasn't it? And from his narrowed eyes, it didn't seem good. The newly name warrior gulped quietly and nodded. "Yes, I'm Reedlight. You're... Bearspot, right? Did you need something from me?" This guy was big... And a bit unsettling. But Reedlight had dealt with worse!... Maybe.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf drew her paw away at the sound of Mallardsteps grunt. Alright, enough there. She smiled and rolled onto her side. “Well, I suppose not.” she mewed with a shrug, “just don’t make me start calling you ‘sir’ or anything like that.”

[TheWhiteWolf]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Being soothed by Lynxfall’s scent and rumbling purr, Snowleap slowly began to calm down. There was a small voice in the back of his mind that told him that they shouldn’t be doing this, especially where both Riverclan and Shadowclan could see them, but for the moment, the tall tomcat did not care. Lynxfall’s efforts were slowly starting to pay off, making the lean Riverclan warrior come down from his severe panic attack. “I thought it would be better this time,” He murmured, his tone coming off like a whimper, “I thought I was finally past all of this.” His voice made him sound like he had just been kicked, coming off as miserable and defeated. Snowleap had been trying so hard to become stronger, become a confident, proud warrior that Riverclan could be more than happy to have.

They stayed like this for awhile, Snowleap enjoying the warmth that Lynxfall gave him within the chilling air. He had told himself that he would finally move on from seeing his friend in a romantic fashion, because of their rivaling clans, but for the sheer good of themselves most of all. But this was beyond a simple crush. The tall warrior didn’t even really care that Lynxfall didn’t see them that way. He just valued the company. Sure, he had friends in Riverclan now. Morningfeather, Dragonflyfrond, and even Vinewatcher made his daily activities more exciting and worth getting up for. It was different with Lynxfall though, he could be open with him more than others. Snowleap could be himself and not have to force himself to be strong constantly. His body ached at the hurtful reminder that his mind gave him that they were in different clans, but he refused to let it ruin this moment too much right now.

Of course, even something as sweet as this could not last forever. The Riverclan warrior eventually pulled himself away from Lynxfall as the other tomcat lifted his chin off of their head. He exhaled, calming his mind and bringing himself back to reality. “I went to my first one when I was named a warrior many moons ago,” Snowleap said, settling down into a comfortable loafing position next to his Shadowclan friend, “I don’t usually like coming to these kinds of things.” They spoke the truth, hating such a large crowd in one area, but he turned to look at Lynxfall, his icy-blue eyes shimmering in the darkness. “I came to this one to see you again. I don’t know when we’ll see each other again after this gathering.” It was no secret that Windclan and Shadowclan were on nasty terms right now, being on the edge of a battle. Lynxfall needed to be ready to defend his clan once the time came. Snowleap didn’t know where his own clan would be in that whole situation, but ever since Kestrelstar got attacked by coyotes, he hoped Riverclan would stay out of anything violent for awhile. “How have you been, my friend?” He asked, quietly, trying to change the topic of his thoughts.


❰ Lynxfall of ShadowClan ❱


“I’ve been doing fine, my friend.” Lynxfall said with a purr. “My apprentice Shadepaw did exceptionally well during a hunt recently, I’m very proud of her progress.” They said while puffing out their chest proudly. He had been nervous about the gathering at first, but being with Snowleap made things so much better for him. He felt a deep sense of pride telling Snowleap about his apprentice, as a smile appeared on his face. “I’d have to introduce you sometime. She’s a bit chipper, and could be loud, but she has a fierce spirit. She’s an excellent cat.”

Lynxfall pondered for a moment, before speaking up. “I do hope things for RiverClan have been well.” He blinked at his friend, hoping that they could discuss some of the well-beings of their respective Clans. ShadowClan was a intense place, with their leader being as strict as she is, it seemed like everyone was walking on jagged stones. “ShadowClan is an intense place, but it’s my home and I proud to be a part of it!” He said with a laugh, waiting to see if his friend will continue the discussion or change the subject.

{Sorry that it took me this long to reply!}

[Dewbright]

(Tawnymist of ThunderClan)

Tawnymist looked around, wondering where to go and who to talk to.

[Captain]

—Brittleshore—

Brittleshore snorted. “A walk would be nice. But I just think I’d slow you down, with this leg. Perhaps,” Brittleshore glanced at Snowleap, “perhaps once the weather gets warmer. Until then, I’ll be expecting you to visit me.” Brittleshore shifted his weight until he got more comfortable. Yes, it was getting lonelier in the Elder’s Den. He could use some company.

“I’m sure you do,” Brittleshore stated, as an answer to Snowleap’s words. “It doesn’t have to be Clan born cats who go to Starclan. Loners, rogues, even kittypets go to Starclan sometimes. If they’ve done good in their lifetime, of course.” Brittleshore remembered his sister telling him of that. Splintercreek was hardly ever wrong, so he had believed her. He believed her even now, and he was pretty sure she was right.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“I prefer taking walks in warmer weather anyway, so I don’t mind that,” Snowleap meowed with a friendly chuckle, “And don’t you worry, I’ll be sure to visit you whenever I’m able to.” The tall warrior adored the warmer seasons, especially Greenleaf when it was a perfect time to swim and fish. It was ironic for obvious reasons, but he wasn’t bothered by that in any sense. He looked over at the Riverclan elder for a moment. The young warrior did look forward to visiting for stories and whatnot in the future, even if it seemed a little silly. Snowleap liked his company being wanted by other cats.

The Riverclan tomcat listened to Brittleshore’s words, genuinely interested in what the old clan member told him. Snowleap was relieved that the elder had no problem with him not being a pureblooded clan cat. He had been a part of the clans for awhile now, becoming an apprentice within Riverclan when he was around ten moons old, but Snowleap always seemed to be learning something new about its culture and beliefs within. It made the dark-furred warrior happy that he didn’t become a kittypet like his father. He had nothing against kittypets, respecting any other cat’s choice of life to a certain degree. It just wasn’t the life for him. He was a Riverclan warrior through and through. Nothing would ever change that, he hoped.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“I prefer taking walks in warmer weather anyway, so I don’t mind that,” Snowleap meowed with a friendly chuckle, “And don’t you worry, I’ll be sure to visit you whenever I’m able to.” The tall warrior adored the warmer seasons, especially Greenleaf when it was a perfect time to swim and fish. It was ironic for obvious reasons, but he wasn’t bothered by that in any sense. He looked over at the Riverclan elder for a moment. The young warrior did look forward to visiting for stories and whatnot in the future, even if it seemed a little silly. Snowleap liked his company being wanted by other cats.

The Riverclan tomcat listened to Brittleshore’s words, genuinely interested in what the old clan member told him. Snowleap was relieved that the elder had no problem with him not being a pureblooded clan cat. He had been a part of the clans for awhile now, becoming an apprentice within Riverclan when he was around ten moons old, but Snowleap always seemed to be learning something new about its culture and beliefs within. It made the dark-furred warrior happy that he didn’t become a kittypet like his father. He had nothing against kittypets, respecting any other cat’s choice of life to a certain degree. It just wasn’t the life for him. He was a Riverclan warrior through and through. Nothing would ever change that, he hoped.

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore nodded as a way of response to Snowleap"s words. He had no problem with visitors. The more, the better. After all, he wouldn't run out of stories for a long time. And once he had run out of stories to tell of himself, he could always tell stories of other cats, like his mother, or his sister, or his father. Starclan, he could even tell stories about last leaders! There were many options.

He also looked forwards to walks. More and more, recently, all he was doing was sitting around. He was sure the Clan wouldn't stop him from hunting, but whenever he had finally decided to get out of his nest, there was always something in his way that stopped him. So Brittleshore sat in his nest. For moons. He was pretty sure that wasn't good for his health.

"So where did you come from?" Brittleshore asked. His inner storyteller was curious about Snowleap's past. Every cat had some interesting story to tell. Maybe Snowleap would share this one.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

[ALL ARE OPEN TO RP!]

~~Silentclover of Thunderclan~~
Silentclover sat in the for corner of the clearing watching the cats around her.


~~Vinewatcher of Riverclan~~
Vinewatcher sat looking around at the cats around her. The silver tabby looked like she would end anyone who came to close but in reality she really wished to speak to someone.

~~Honeyfire of Shadowclan~~
Honeyfire stood walking around the clearing scanning faces for someone familiar.


~~Smokepaw of Windclan~~
Smokepaw bound around the clearing happily loving seeing all the clans gathered in 1 place.

~~Silent'Song of Windclan~~
Silent'Song sat quietly her snowy white pelt puffed up against the cold and growing in the moonlight as her pure black tail was wrapped around her paws.

~~Wisteriapool of Riverclan~~
Wisteriapool sat looking around shyly trying to hide from the crowded cats.

~~Lilacpaw of Shadowclan~~
Lilacpaw stretched looking around the clearing hopefully.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore nodded as a way of response to Snowleap"s words. He had no problem with visitors. The more, the better. After all, he wouldn't run out of stories for a long time. And once he had run out of stories to tell of himself, he could always tell stories of other cats, like his mother, or his sister, or his father. Starclan, he could even tell stories about last leaders! There were many options.

He also looked forwards to walks. More and more, recently, all he was doing was sitting around. He was sure the Clan wouldn't stop him from hunting, but whenever he had finally decided to get out of his nest, there was always something in his way that stopped him. So Brittleshore sat in his nest. For moons. He was pretty sure that wasn't good for his health.

"So where did you come from?" Brittleshore asked. His inner storyteller was curious about Snowleap's past. Every cat had some interesting story to tell. Maybe Snowleap would share this one.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“My mother was a loner and my father was a kittypet.” Snowleap said, looking up at the night sky, “They raised me in a twolegplace not too terribly far from here.” Usually, the tall tomcat hesitated when telling his past to other cats, but something about Brittleshore was comforting. He didn’t judge him for anything so far and seemed to actually listen to what the dark-furred warrior said - most cats, he felt, got tired of him when Snowleap went on a long ramble about the randomest of things. He pawed at the dirt in front of him, fidgeting slightly as he further explained his story to the Riverclan elder.

“I was the only kit that my parents were able to have, so that kinda brought a lot of expectations on me…” He meowed, then sighed, “...and not that fun of a kithood growing up. Once their poor treatment got too much to bear, I just… ran away. It was the middle of leafbare and I was only ten moons old. I just kept running and didn’t look back until I came across Riverclan. When they found me, I was covered completely in fresh snow and that’s how I got my name, haha.” Even to Brittleshore, Snowleap didn’t go into much detail regarding his folks. He hated his parents, especially his mother, for treating him like he was never good enough. It was rough and he prayed to Starclan hoping that he’d never find himself back there in the twolegplace.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

“My mother was a loner and my father was a kittypet.” Snowleap said, looking up at the night sky, “They raised me in a twolegplace not too terribly far from here.” Usually, the tall tomcat hesitated when telling his past to other cats, but something about Brittleshore was comforting. He didn’t judge him for anything so far and seemed to actually listen to what the dark-furred warrior said - most cats, he felt, got tired of him when Snowleap went on a long ramble about the randomest of things. He pawed at the dirt in front of him, fidgeting slightly as he further explained his story to the Riverclan elder.

“I was the only kit that my parents were able to have, so that kinda brought a lot of expectations on me…” He meowed, then sighed, “...and not that fun of a kithood growing up. Once their poor treatment got too much to bear, I just… ran away. It was the middle of leafbare and I was only ten moons old. I just kept running and didn’t look back until I came across Riverclan. When they found me, I was covered completely in fresh snow and that’s how I got my name, haha.” Even to Brittleshore, Snowleap didn’t go into much detail regarding his folks. He hated his parents, especially his mother, for treating him like he was never good enough. It was rough and he prayed to Starclan hoping that he’d never find himself back there in the twolegplace.

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore listened as Snowleap spoke, his eyes trained on the other cat calmly. He didn't interrupt. Or move, at all. Just listened. Once the other cat finished, Brittleshore nodded silently, looking away. Growing up in a Twolegplace, well, that he didn't quite know. He couldn't understand that feeling. Running away? Not that either. But parents with high expectations? That, yes that, he understood.

"You know," Brittleshore started, "not that my story can compare to yours, but my parents had high expectations too." Brittleshore paused, finding his words. "And the thing that I've learned from parents like that is that they do truly love you. But they like to show it in some...some warped way. Still, deep down, they do love you." Brittleshore glanced over. He had absolutely no idea why he had just said that, but he had felt that it was something that he should say. So he did.

[Captain]

❰ Lynxfall of ShadowClan ❱


“I’ve been doing fine, my friend.” Lynxfall said with a purr. “My apprentice Shadepaw did exceptionally well during a hunt recently, I’m very proud of her progress.” They said while puffing out their chest proudly. He had been nervous about the gathering at first, but being with Snowleap made things so much better for him. He felt a deep sense of pride telling Snowleap about his apprentice, as a smile appeared on his face. “I’d have to introduce you sometime. She’s a bit chipper, and could be loud, but she has a fierce spirit. She’s an excellent cat.”

Lynxfall pondered for a moment, before speaking up. “I do hope things for RiverClan have been well.” He blinked at his friend, hoping that they could discuss some of the well-beings of their respective Clans. ShadowClan was a intense place, with their leader being as strict as she is, it seemed like everyone was walking on jagged stones. “ShadowClan is an intense place, but it’s my home and I proud to be a part of it!” He said with a laugh, waiting to see if his friend will continue the discussion or change the subject.

{Sorry that it took me this long to reply!}
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap listened intently as Lynxfall told him about their apprentice, making the tall warrior smile warmly. “That’s wonderful, my friend, I have no doubt that she’s an amazing student and that you’re a perfect teacher for her,” He meowed, his whiskers twitching, “I recently gained an apprentice of my own. Her name is Hailpaw. She should be out in the crowd somewhere, haha. But I’ll be beginning her training soon and I’m very excited for it.” The tall warrior had always wanted an apprentice of his own, so he was more than happy when Kestrelstar finally gave him one. Snowleap had never been a mentor before, but after seeing so many cats with apprentices, he knew he wanted to try that out. Looking at his dear friend, the Riverclan warrior could tell that Lynxfall held a deep bond with his apprentice, Shadepaw, which made Snowleap happy. “I would love to meet her someday,” He remarked softly.

“Things have been going pretty good,” The tall tomcat said with a casual shrug of his shoulders, “I’ve made some new friends in my clan. Their names are Vinewatcher, Morningfeather and Dragonflyfrond. They’ve been really fun to hang out with while I go hunting… Kestrelstar even invited me to join him on a patrol to Haven Springs recently.” Snowleap hoped that last mention didn’t seem like bragging, but he couldn’t deny that spending time with his clan leader one-on-one was very exciting and fun for the young tomcat. With that being said, the Riverclan warrior wondered if he should mention the other cat that he had met recently -- Ringpaw, the sweet she-cat apprentice who smelled like the ocean (she’s 20 moons old, nearly as old as Snowleap, just wanted to put that out there if anyone gets the wrong idea). Just thinking about her made his face grow warm with embarrassment. Before the tom could mention it though, Lynxfall began to speak again. He hoped his friend didn’t notice him becoming flustered. It felt strange given their recent past.

Despite everything, Snowleap was glad that Lynxfall was happy in Shadowclan and not hung up over what happened between them. He knew the tom was thriving in his clan with an apprentice and many friends of his own. Dawnstar was a scary feline, and he was sure Lynxfall was aware of that, even more than Snowleap himself was, but regardless, he was still proud to be a part of Shadowclan. “I’m happy to see that you’re happy.” He purred gently.

[Captain]

--Brittleshore--

Brittleshore listened as Snowleap spoke, his eyes trained on the other cat calmly. He didn't interrupt. Or move, at all. Just listened. Once the other cat finished, Brittleshore nodded silently, looking away. Growing up in a Twolegplace, well, that he didn't quite know. He couldn't understand that feeling. Running away? Not that either. But parents with high expectations? That, yes that, he understood.

"You know," Brittleshore started, "not that my story can compare to yours, but my parents had high expectations too." Brittleshore paused, finding his words. "And the thing that I've learned from parents like that is that they do truly love you. But they like to show it in some...some warped way. Still, deep down, they do love you." Brittleshore glanced over. He had absolutely no idea why he had just said that, but he had felt that it was something that he should say. So he did.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap didn’t know how to respond to the elder’s words at first, not knowing how to take it. His first reaction was to completely deny that his parent’s loved him in any manner. But a big part of him didn’t want to dismiss Brittleshore’s wise words like they were nothing. Even though he had just met this Riverclan tomcat, he already held an amount of respect for him - like all warriors should for those that were here before them. Snowleap had been full of anger and sadness towards his blood family ever since he could really remember. He wished his father had cared about being a part of his life more than being a kittypet. He wished his mother would’ve accepted that her only kit wasn’t a she-cat and that he wasn’t perfect. It was conflicting and part of the tall warrior wished that his family had been more understanding. It wasn’t like he wanted to be treated that way. He just wanted to be loved.

The young tomcat looked over at Brittleshore, blinking at his clanmate before sighing and looking at his paws. “I would like to believe that they loved me in their own strange way,” Snowleap meowed, thinking about when his mother and him would share mice and laugh about stupid things together, “They had their good moments. I guess when I ran away, I just couldn’t stop thinking about the bad times.” Thinking deeply about his parents made him feel weird, like a strange melancholy washed over him. He wondered what they had thought when he had disappeared one day. Did they think he was dead?

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱

Snowleap didn’t know how to respond to the elder’s words at first, not knowing how to take it. His first reaction was to completely deny that his parent’s loved him in any manner. But a big part of him didn’t want to dismiss Brittleshore’s wise words like they were nothing. Even though he had just met this Riverclan tomcat, he already held an amount of respect for him - like all warriors should for those that were here before them. Snowleap had been full of anger and sadness towards his blood family ever since he could really remember. He wished his father had cared about being a part of his life more than being a kittypet. He wished his mother would’ve accepted that her only kit wasn’t a she-cat and that he wasn’t perfect. It was conflicting and part of the tall warrior wished that his family had been more understanding. It wasn’t like he wanted to be treated that way. He just wanted to be loved.

The young tomcat looked over at Brittleshore, blinking at his clanmate before sighing and looking at his paws. “I would like to believe that they loved me in their own strange way,” Snowleap meowed, thinking about when his mother and him would share mice and laugh about stupid things together, “They had their good moments. I guess when I ran away, I just couldn’t stop thinking about the bad times.” Thinking deeply about his parents made him feel weird, like a strange melancholy washed over him. He wondered what they had thought when he had disappeared one day. Did they think he was dead?

—Brittleshore of Riverclan—

Brittleshore nodded silently as Snowleap spoke, half hearing what the other cat was saying, but also half lost in his own thoughts. His parents had been harsh. Yes. His mother especially, wanting her children to become great warriors. But he was sure that his mother and his father did love him and his sister. In their own way, he was sure. They had to have loved him. He was their son. Right?

Brittleshore shook the thoughts away, returning to the present. “Do you think anything exciting’s going to happen this Gathering?” he asked, as sort of an offhand question. “It seems to almost be over, although the leaders and deputies haven’t talked much.” Brittleshore peered from their position at the back of the crowd at the large stones. What was happening up there, he wondered.

[error]

Lionshade sits and listens.

[Captain]

—Brittleshore of Riverclan—

Brittleshore nodded silently as Snowleap spoke, half hearing what the other cat was saying, but also half lost in his own thoughts. His parents had been harsh. Yes. His mother especially, wanting her children to become great warriors. But he was sure that his mother and his father did love him and his sister. In their own way, he was sure. They had to have loved him. He was their son. Right?

Brittleshore shook the thoughts away, returning to the present. “Do you think anything exciting’s going to happen this Gathering?” he asked, as sort of an offhand question. “It seems to almost be over, although the leaders and deputies haven’t talked much.” Brittleshore peered from their position at the back of the crowd at the large stones. What was happening up there, he wondered.
❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱
Somewhat relieved that Brittleshore had changed the subject, Snowleap turned his gaze towards the Seastones. “I don’t think so,” The tall warrior meowed, though he hadn’t really been paying close attention to what had been happening, “It seems like everyone is just trying to get this over with and go back home.” From what he could tell from just looking at the clan leaders, they all seemed irritated and tired, not wanting to cause a fuss, but maybe Snowleap was just terrible at reading the body language of other cats. Truth be told, his body was starting to feel stiff from sitting still for so long once again. He stretched out his paws to help ease the restless tension that resided within him. Looking over at the Riverclan elder as the older tomcat peered across the crowd and at the leaders, Snowleap started to wonder something, the tip of his tail flicking rapidly.

“Was there a time when the clans weren’t so… aggressive towards one another?” The young tomcat asked Brittleshore, knowing the elder had been a part of the clans for a much longer time than him and must’ve seen many things within his lifetime, “Or is this… just… normal?” Snowleap did not know how to word it without it coming out strangely. He wasn’t trying to be rude or anything, swear on his life. The Riverclan warrior had only known clan-life since he was ten moons old and had recently reached the age of twenty-five moons, so he was sure there was much he had not experienced. He wanted to learn though. And what better way to learn than to ask questions to those who had been here before him? He did not know.

[Brightlight]

❰ Snowleap of Riverclan ❱
Somewhat relieved that Brittleshore had changed the subject, Snowleap turned his gaze towards the Seastones. “I don’t think so,” The tall warrior meowed, though he hadn’t really been paying close attention to what had been happening, “It seems like everyone is just trying to get this over with and go back home.” From what he could tell from just looking at the clan leaders, they all seemed irritated and tired, not wanting to cause a fuss, but maybe Snowleap was just terrible at reading the body language of other cats. Truth be told, his body was starting to feel stiff from sitting still for so long once again. He stretched out his paws to help ease the restless tension that resided within him. Looking over at the Riverclan elder as the older tomcat peered across the crowd and at the leaders, Snowleap started to wonder something, the tip of his tail flicking rapidly.

“Was there a time when the clans weren’t so… aggressive towards one another?” The young tomcat asked Brittleshore, knowing the elder had been a part of the clans for a much longer time than him and must’ve seen many things within his lifetime, “Or is this… just… normal?” Snowleap did not know how to word it without it coming out strangely. He wasn’t trying to be rude or anything, swear on his life. The Riverclan warrior had only known clan-life since he was ten moons old and had recently reached the age of twenty-five moons, so he was sure there was much he had not experienced. He wanted to learn though. And what better way to learn than to ask questions to those who had been here before him? He did not know.


--Brittleshore of Riverclan--

Brittleshore nodded, in agreement to what Snowleap had said. Yes, it did seem that everybody just wanted to go home. He squinted his eyes, watching the leaders sit in the stones, as unmoving as the rock beneath their paws. A breeze whistled through the sandy area, and Brittleshore shivered slightly as it swept through his fur, somehow getting through the thick strands. Even he was starting to freeze. He couldn't imagine what it was like for the leaders, on top of cold stones and up high were the wind was strongest.

Brittleshore sighed at Snowleap's question, glancing over at the warrior before tipping his head to the side slightly, trying to remember. Of course they had been a time when the clans weren't as hostile. There had to be. But he just had to remember when. Brittleshore frowned. He couldn't remember. He must be getting older than he thought. Or something. "I'm sorry, young one." Brittleshore meowed apologetically. "I cannot remember. But I am sure there was a time when the clans weren't hostile to one another."

[Toodle]

Goldenstep's heart skipped. Elmshadow was asking about his daughter, maybe he really had changed. She smiled and purred, "I did, on my way in here, you noticed. She's doing...okay. She's a bit distant. Maybe you could try talking to her?" Goldenstep looked sideways at her mate, judging for his reaction.

She quieted as the leaders began their announcements. Riverclan had a new litter of kits to share. Her mind drifted to the kits squirming in her own belly. Another litter of Elmshadow's, she hoped one that would fare better than the previous. But the warning of increased rogue activity, on top of the recent announcement of Shadowclan's increased twoleg problem set her nerves alight. It seemed the forest was more dangerous than ever before, just as she had one litter apprenticed and another on the way.

She tried to focus on Twilightstar's announcements. Their struggles were with weather. Goldenstep felt badly but she was happy to hear that it was something that likely would have no affect on Shadowclan. But another dead warrior by the paws of a rogue...

Goldenstep's mind was a fog and she didn't try too hard to pay attention to Dawnstar's announcements, it likely wasn't anything she didn't already know. Though her kits' names brought her back and she purred lightly before gently calling out Chamomilepaw, Ashpaw, and Sunsetpaw.

Ravensong

----------------------

Pigeonpaw sat quietly, listening intently to the announcements, searching for any weaknesses. There were lots of new apprentices throughout the clans. That didn't matter much to her, she'd be better than all of them, especially now with her special training started. She wondered how many other cats here were being trained in their dreams.

Riverclan and Windclan were having problems with rogues. She wasn't worried about rogues, let them try to attack her. She was bigger than other apprentices her age and that gave her an advantage. And she had one of, what she thought was, the best warriors in Shadowclan mentoring her and she was getting battle training in her sleep. There wouldn't be a cat alive that could beat her soon!

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf drew her paw away at the sound of Mallardsteps grunt. Alright, enough there. She smiled and rolled onto her side. “Well, I suppose not.” she mewed with a shrug, “just don’t make me start calling you ‘sir’ or anything like that.”

~Mallardstep~

The black tom flicked his ear at her rolling onto her side. Are we allowed to do that during a gathering? He honestly wasn’t sure. He grinned slightly at her joke, however.

“Why not? It’s only respectful.” He stretched out his neck in a look at mock arrogance.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf shrugged. “You’re still not old enough for it. I only consider being…15 moons old enough for me to call someone ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’. With a few exceptions.” she mewed as she rolled now onto her back with a purr. She looked up at the stars as she waited for Mallardstep’s reply.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf shrugged. “You’re still not old enough for it. I only consider being…15 moons old enough for me to call someone ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’. With a few exceptions.” she mewed as she rolled now onto her back with a purr. She looked up at the stars as she waited for Mallardstep’s reply.

~Mallardstep~

“Why are you doing that?” The black Thunderclan warrior looked down at her with on eyebrow raised. His tipped his head slightly to one side. It was odd to him. Was it more comfortable? It seemed like an inconvenient position to be in at a gathering packed with cats.

[poppy]

Noticing a small commotion below amongst Dogbark, Brackenthorn and Bubblebreeze, Aspenstar turned a cool glower to the three cats, before fixing it on Bubblebreeze. It seemed as if Dogbark and Brackenthorn were reprimanding the she-cat for something. Arriving too early, ahead of the Clan, it seemed. And the amount of hostility and disrespect Bubblebreeze seemed to possess was worrying, but the issue could be dealt with later, at camp. She gave the immature warrior a cold glare, shaking her head, visibly annoyed at the behavior, then diverted her attention away to focus on the other leaders.

Kestrelstar´s report was... expected. She was quite impressed with the four new warriors, and wondered when the mentors in her Clan would start to work harder. ThunderClan needed new warriors all the time, especially with this leaf-bare arriving, clipping their heels. Twilightstar, her report brought on the news that the weather had been misbehaving for WindClan this past moon, and the honey colored leader made a mental note to keep an eye on the weather from now on. Just so they wouldn't be caught off guard.

Raising a catbrow at Twilightstar's request, Aspenstar flicked an ear, an inquisitive gleam in her eyes. What did the WindClan leader need? She nodded slightly, giving the leader a small smile. ''Of course,'' She murmured softly, then pricked her ears as Dawnstar began to speak. Cold. Calculating. Emotionless. Certainly a typical ShadowClan report, wasn't it? They also had a new warrior. Irritating. Making a mental note to bring the slacking of apprentice training up at the next meeting, Aspenstar stood up, preparing for her turn to speak.

''ThunderClan has done well this past moon. The prey is running decently, and we are preparing for the cold days ahead. ThunderClan has also been blessed with the gift of new life, one of out queens Clearlight has given birth to Nightkit and Daykit, and I look forward to seeing the great things those kits will grow up to accomplish.'' She paused, thinking of the many queens in the nursery. Hopefully they would start kitting or their kits would become of age for apprenticeship soon, so they could go back to warrior duties.

''Cloverpaw has started their training, and I look forward to seeing them turn into a warrior ThunderClan can be proud of.

I was also informed that there was an incident concerning a coyote attack on the border. I thank RiverClan for their assistance and particularly Snakeheart in healing those injured during it.''

Her eyes flicked down to the medicine cats place, to nod to Snakeheart and then to look at where Icicleripple should be. Her heart felt like it dropped, a stone through water, and she took a deep, steadying breath. There was one last thing she had to announce. Oh, this sucked. Breathing deep from her stomach, she looked down, seeking out someone she could trust. Love. Shiningskies. She kept her gaze locked on her friend's, and paused to gather her emotions.

''A while ago.... me and Dogbark went on a walk and found Icicleripple's body. She had been killed by a rouge while out by herself. She was an amazing medicine cat, and an amazing cat in general. She led ThunderClan through a dark time, and we will never forget her. Swallowing hard, she looked down at her paws. This sucked.

''That... that is all from ThunderClan.'' As she stepped back, she glanced at the WIndClan leader, frowning curiously. What could she possibly want?

arden Undertaker Moonraven

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf shrugged. “What? Do you think someone will notice? No one will care. Besides, I kinda feel comfy.” She perked her ears as Aspenstar spoke and sat up, listening with interest. Her ears flattened however when she heard of Iceripple’s death. She had heard rumors about it, but didn’t want it to be true. She looked over at Mallardstep, not sure what to say for a moment. “I…I’m sorry about Iceripple. I hope she finds a good place in StarClan.” Poor Iceripple. Hopefully ThunderClan would recover quickly.

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf shrugged. “What? Do you think someone will notice? No one will care. Besides, I kinda feel comfy.” She perked her ears as Aspenstar spoke and sat up, listening with interest. Her ears flattened however when she heard of Iceripple’s death. She had heard rumors about it, but didn’t want it to be true. She looked over at Mallardstep, not sure what to say for a moment. “I…I’m sorry about Iceripple. I hope she finds a good place in StarClan.” Poor Iceripple. Hopefully ThunderClan would recover quickly.

~Mallardstep~

I suppose if it’s comfortable that makes sense. Then Aspenstar spoke. Sadness clawed at him. He hadn’t know Icicleripple well, but the death of any clanmate was a blow. The effect it had on Aspenstar made his heart sink even more. She looked so disheartened. He lowered his head sadly. I guess both our clans are mourning this gathering.

“I’m sure she will. She was a good medicine cat.” He gave Aspenleaf a sad smile, grateful for her comforting words.

[taillow]

>Goosefury | RiverClan Warrior <
A snort of thinly veiled amusement left him as the she-cat spoke. "I can't say the same, unfortunately." There was a certain satisfaction that came with being able to spook his Clanmates with a single look. His scars may have decided to ache in the winter but they were at least useful for being intimidating.

He shook out his coat as a frigid breeze bounced through the crowd and lightly tossed his ears around his head. He followed Cindersky's gaze back up to Aspenstar, glanced over the she-cat's figure. "...I'm sorry," he replied after a moment. "I'm familiar with your hardships." Fawnsqueak's and Lionstorm's murders, Kestrelstars declaration of war. Goosefury's own sinful actions, how he'd almost broken (or had broken?) Aspenstar's foreleg in two, how he'd sank his teeth into the other ThunderClan warrior's throat. He swallowed, guiltily, and glanced at at Cindersky once more. "I hope things right themselves soon."

The introduction and the formal dip of her head came was a surprise and he was startled into returning the gesture. "Goosefury." Would she recognize him from the raid? Would Aspenstar still know his face, if she saw it today?" "It's... a pleasure."


Cindersky
It was easy to tell, simply by his appearance, that what he spoke was the truth. Though to her, physical appearances had long since been frightening to her. Instead, it was now the insides of cats and who they were underneath the plethora of masks that spoke to Cindersky. For she had met several scarred cats - specifically worth mentioning, Dogbark - who were not just surface level cats. He was kind, compassionate, fiercely loyal - well, when he was not scolding kits leaving camp or speaking out against inactivity in the Clan. But Cindersky still admired him all the same.

Something seemed to haunt her companion, but Cindersky would not comment on it for it was not her place to do so. She nodded in response, her gaze flickering back over to Aspenstar. "It seems our Clans and their respective messes have been tangled for as long as I can recall." There was still no disdain evident in her words as her gaze moved from the leaders to the stars that glittered above. StarClan had been silent, and fading along with the moon as it glided across the sky was the faith Cindersky had once held so strong. How could they have let the things happen that did? She was not sure she would ever know.

Lowering her eyes now to seek out her companion once more - Goosefury, was his name - Cindersky smiled softly. "The name suits you," she replied, though there was no tone to indicate that she spoke in a teasing manner.

Just as she reopned her jaws to speak, Aspenstar began her announcements and Cindersky turned to listen to her leader. A painful claw of grief struck her heart and the senior warrior had to ground herself by pushing her small paws into the ground. The death of Icicleripple had shocked her to her core when hearing about it at the meeting, and receiving the information a second time was no different. "May StarClan light her path..." the crestfallen warrior murmured, bowing her head and closing her eyes in a show of respect. Although she could not see it, Cindersky knew there was a new star shining brightly in the sky overhead tonight.

[Bean]

GoldenDays

Needlepaw had never seen so many cats before. She was sitting next to her mentor. This was her first gathering. "Ive never seen so many cats before..." her voice trailed off

[carmen]

Foxpaw sighed when Lynxpaw didn't respond. That was the problem with Shadowclan: Youu could never tell how invested they were in a topic. With a grunt, she managed to pull herself up and look around, surveying the Saestones to see if there was anyone else to talk with. She immediately crossed out the idea of conversing with another Shadowclanner or RIverclanner, and noticing no empty spots, she simply made her excuses and walked aimlessly towards a Windclan cat before sitting down beside them wordlessly. She wasn't going to talk, she just needed an excuse to leave.

[GoldenDays]

GoldenDays

Needlepaw had never seen so many cats before. She was sitting next to her mentor. This was her first gathering. "Ive never seen so many cats before..." her voice trailed off

Red’paw sat down next to Needle’paw and Speckle’pelt, gazing around at the clans and listening to the leaders speak.
“Yeah, so many cats!” he replied. “Hush you two, The leaders are speaking.”

[Bean]

Needlepaw giggled quietly. "I can barley hear them over all the cats. What's the harm?" She mewed to Redpaw

( Btw i was wonering if redpaw could be a love intrest GoldenDays )

[GoldenDays]

Needlepaw giggled quietly. "I can barley hear them over all the cats. What's the harm?" She mewed to Redpaw

( Btw i was wonering if redpaw could be a love intrest GoldenDays )
(Ooo maybe. Apprentices crushes are always cute in the books haha. Red’paw is Abroaexual, meaning that his sexuality tends to fluctuate rapidly some days he feels bi or Pan and others he feels Aro ect.)
Red’paw giggled at the comment “yeah haha!” he whispered with a purr, tail flicking back and forth “if we stopped to listen to the leaders we’d be the only ones!”

[Bean]

(Ooo maybe. Apprentices crushes are always cute in the books haha. Red’paw is Abroaexual, meaning that his sexuality tends to fluctuate rapidly some days he feels bi or Pan and others he feels Aro ect.)
Red’paw giggled at the comment “yeah haha!” he whispered with a purr, tail flicking back and forth “if we stopped to listen to the leaders we’d be the only ones!”
(Ik Right! It was soo cute when Firepaw was crushing on Sandpaw!)

She giggled. "Yeah, and if we could hear them, that means heghogs fly!" She jokes. "Warriors, always pretending they are paying attention. look at the other clans! There chatting away!" She mewed. She looked at redpaw. She had always loved him. They agree on stuff, there the same age and they are freinds.

[GoldenDays]

(Didnt sand’paw like fire’paw first? Lol, personal headcannon that sand’paw was just rebound off Spotted’leaf that just kinda, stuck)
“Maybe we should sneak away and try and meet some apprentices from other clans? Gotta be a lot more interesting than sitting here with Speckle’pelt” Red’paw suggested, tail curling into a question mark as he looked around for any groups of apprentices they could talk to.

[Bean]

(Didnt sand’paw like fire’paw first? Lol, personal headcannon that sand’paw was just rebound off Spotted’leaf that just kinda, stuck)
“Maybe we should sneak away and try and meet some apprentices from other clans? Gotta be a lot more interesting than sitting here with Speckle’pelt” Red’paw suggested, tail curling into a question mark as he looked around for any groups of apprentices they could talk to.
"Orrr..." She grined. "we could have some fun. Ya know what im talking about?" She snickered

(Same, sometimes i get stuck too :kittyface: )

[GoldenDays]

"Orrr..." She grined. "we could have some fun. Ya know what im talking about?" She snickered

(Same, sometimes i get stuck too :kittyface: )

Red’paw glanced at Needle’paw, confused “what do you mean?” he asked, tilting his head to the side

[Bean]

She whispered her plan into her ear. "Im brought somthing that smells like smoke. We can tell specklepelt that ther is a fire and make him look Mouse-Brained. all you need to do is crush it on my call" She passed the thing over to him GoldenDays

[GoldenDays]

Red’paw pinned his ears back at being given the smoke smelling item. “I dunno, isn’t Speckle’pelt your mentor?” he asked “plus this is our first gathering, maybe we shouldn’t, how did you even get this thing?” he questioned

[Bean]

Red’paw pinned his ears back at being given the smoke smelling item. “I dunno, isn’t Speckle’pelt your mentor?” he asked “plus this is our first gathering, maybe we shouldn’t, how did you even get this thing?” he questioned
She giggled "Gocha! I was joking. This is borage! Your a mouse-brain ya know." She mewed, nudging his shoulder

(Hey, can we do a priv for them and maybe Needlepaw could confess her feelings)

[GoldenDays]

Ooo sure) Red’paw blinked, baffled, leaning down to sniff the beard it was in fact just borage.” O h, haha, silly me.” he replied nervously

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded and looked at her paws. There wasn’t much she could think to talk about now. Maybe she shouldn’t, with the atmosphere around them. It was rather quiet, and Aspenleaf let it soak in before someone else spoke.

[spade]

As Kestrelstar sat back to listen to what the other leaders had to say, a rather peculiar sight caught his attention. Snowleap, a RiverClan warrior, seemed to be shrinking away. It was too far to tell, but the sight struck him as oddly familiar and a brief stint of concern latched itself onto his heart. The warrior was young, and had just recently began involving himself into Clan life more. While the leader was never one to pry into his Clanmates' business, something about it peaked his interests.

But then an unfamiliar cat stepped forward, one whom Kestrelstar had not seen. They were not RiverClan though, and as Snowleap buried his face into his shoulder he felt his yellow eyes narrow. While Gatherings allowed the Clans to be cordial with one another, the blatant display such as the one he was witnessing drew suspicion from him. What Clan did this cat belong to? Why were him and Snowleap embracing each other as if they had been long lost friends? It would be something to speak with the dark furred tom about at a later time, that was for certain.

Subtle showcases of favoritism and conflicting interests aside, Kestrelstar cast his attention to Twilightstar. The WindClan leader had took his place and was now giving her account on what had happened in her Clan. He knew already of the windstorm, as he had felt its force himself while out on a border patrol with Silverpaw, Morningpaw, and Whitepaw. There was nothing too ear opening about her announcements - a few apprentices had begun their training, new cats had been welcomed into their ranks - but the part about the warrior returning after leaving, only to be killed made the RiverClan leader blink. It was bold of Twilightstar to let someone like that back into the very Clan they had abandoned, but he wouldn't comment on that.

What he did want to comment on is why Twilightstar asked Aspenstar to stay behind. Unease prickled through his fur as yellow eyes watched the two converse. It wasn't any of his business - he had faith in the alliance he shared with Twilightstar and WindClan, so for now he'd leave it alone.

Next up was Dawnstar, arrogance and boastful as ever. Kestrelstar kept himself composed, but it took everything the leader had in him not to scoff. Regardless of whatever climate ShadowClan faced, Dawnstar would never speak of them suffering, even if they were. While he could understand that to a degree, the way the ShadowClan leader had phrased it grated against his ears. The news about the twolegs was concerning, and Kestrelstar's tail tip twitched. Hopefully ShadowClan and Dawnstar would have enough sense to drive them to the outskirts if necessary, and not into the other Clans' territory.

At her warning, all Kestrelstar offered was a small nod, though his face remained unchanging and stony, expressions hidden under a layer of indifference. He listened to the rest of her announcements with one ear while the rest of him surveyed the clearing below. There was nothing of too much interest going on - the squabble between the ThunderClan cats seemed to have died down, though the amusement from the situation still lingered in the depths of Kestrelstar's gaze.

Aspenstar's report was more of the same - newborn kits who would one day become apprentices, an apprentice who had begun their training. Same old announcements. Then surprise filled his yellow gaze at the fact that she had brought up RiverClan's healing of Dogbark. He had opted to leave it out, deciding to not speak on it, but turned his head to look at Aspenstar as she touched on the topic. The thanks was... unexpected but nice. Kestrelstar simply nodded, deciding to stick by his decision on himself not speaking on it.

The news of Icicleripple's death pulled forth a dip of his head. He had already been made aware of her death, hench why Dogbark had been healed at their camp. It was saddening, though the RiverClan leader didn't allow himself to dwell on it for too much longer.

It seemed as with that last bit of information that the Gathering would be wrapping up. Rising to his paws once more, tightening his muscles before releasing them in an attempt to warm them. "Safe travels." He gave a nod to the other leaders before glancing down towards Splashleap, and then out at the rest of the gathered cats. "RiverClan, let us head home!"

The gray tabby leapt off the tall rock and onto the sand, sliding through the group of cats to start leading his cats home. As he passed where Snowleap sat with Lynxfall, he gave the tom a slightly narrowed look, though said nothing. He'd deal with it later. For now, he simply wanted to get home and warm himself up.

Undertaker poppy. Moonraven tokyo_driftin [for snowleap]

[Mistletoe]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf nodded and looked at her paws. There wasn’t much she could think to talk about now. Maybe she shouldn’t, with the atmosphere around them. It was rather quiet, and Aspenleaf let it soak in before someone else spoke.

~Mallardstep~

Aspenleaf didn’t try to start a conversation, and he didn’t talk either. Sure he hadn’t known Icicleripple, but the silence felt right. Especially for a medicine cat. I should have had a moment a silence for Riverclan’s cat. He thought with a twinge of regret. He’d try to do better if he talked to some other cat who was mourning.

His silence went beyond that, though. He didn’t want to get too friendly with Riverclan. Having friends in other clans could get problematic. Even if he had enjoyed talking to her, his first loyalty was too his clan. He’d greet her if they met at the border and he’d probably seek her out at gatherings, but that was it. That wouldn’t be enough to make them close friends, he told himself. He kept his mind from wandering to the possibility of them having to fight.

“Have a safe journey back.” He meowed with a goodbye flick of his tail.

~Dragonflyfrond~

The silver tom was all too happy to leave. He bounced up from his spot and fell into step behind his clanmates. What a terrible gathering this was! So much sadness and misfortune. The grief of almost every clan weighted on him heavily as he started the journey back.

[CroissantKitty]

Mistletoe
Aspenleaf felt a little sad as her clan started to leave, but also a little relieved. She usually wasn’t very social, but tonight…she glanced at Mallardstep… things had been different. She stood up and stretched, glad she had made an acquaintance from ThunderClan. She wasn’t wanting to be buddy-buddy with someone who was technically the enemy, but it was nice to keep good tabs with them too. She dipped her head to Mallardstep on last time and mewed “Same to you.” After that she quickly bounded away after RiverClan.

[Captain]

◈ Snowleap of Riverclan ◈

Turning his head towards the Seastones, the tall warrior heard Kestrelstar’s announcement regarding them returning home. This relieved Snowleap, as he could feel his paws growing numb from the cold air. However, as his clan leader weaved through the crowd of cats to lead them back to Riverclan’s camp, the gray-furred tomcat looked at him while he was still sitting with Lynxfall. His expression made his heart sink in his chest and his mouth turn dry. Without even looking at his Shadowclan friend, Snowleap stood up and immediately followed his clanmates back home without a word from him. He could care less about what Lynxfall thought right now, the only thing that was going through the Riverclan tomcat’s head was fear of what his clan leader thought of him. It was a foolish mistake on Snowleap’s part and he knew that. He couldn’t stop thinking about it. Would Kestrelstar speak with him about this? Or was it simply a silent warning? He did not know nor did he want to test it and find out the answer. Going forward, the tall tomcat knew he needed to treat all of this more seriously. His ears flattened, but he kept his head up as he headed back home, his heart pounding.

《 SpiritcallWarriors || arden || (for mention of characters) 》