RiverClan Floodstone

[Fuzzy]

Her breath caught in her throat, as she tried to breath. This is really happening... It's really happening! Petuniapaw realize. Of course she'd gone through her assessment and nothing had gone terribly wrong but actually being called forward was astonishing. So many emotions waved over her. Nervousness of what was to come or what she'd be named, could she remember her new name after eighteen moons of being Petuniapaw?
Excitement made her want to tremble, excited for the next level of her life. While grief of moving forward made her want to cry. Cry for her losses. Sugarapple wasn't here to see her ceremony...

However, as Petuniapaw made her way forward she managed to calm the conflicted feelings that flooded her. Mister Ms. Sassyfire was here, Blizzardsky was to. Along with some cats she hoped to be friends with. She wanted to make them proud. With becoming a warrior she would be able to help RiverClan even more.
Reaching her spot beside Snowpaw, she recognized the younger molly as one who had won the hunting event. Though sadly she didn't know her well enough just yet. Taking a deep breath, Petuniapaw turned her amber eyes up to Mister Lionstorm. Determination flickered in her eyes, with a little smile on her lips. Today was the day. She was going to be a warrior. She was no longer to be Petuniapaw but someone else.
A warrior.

[Bread]

→˚₊·* Duckbounce

"BAYPAW! BAYPAW!" The tabby yelled back. It'd been a bit since she saw her apprentice. At least the warrior was back now, and she got reassigned to Baypaw, meaning they could continue their training.

"Yeah! Of course! Hmmm, wanna go hunting or combating this time? Or like something else, but still training?"

‧₊˚┊ Puddle~ - short post, sorry!

[spade]

For the remainder of the meeting, Kestrelwing hadn't really been paying attention, simply waiting for it to be dismissed to he could lead his patrol out to Smallpines. After all, his involvement in the meeting had already passed; this was just a formality.

But one name in particular made his ears perk up. Petuniapaw.

Was the little apprentice finally becoming a warrior? He swung his yellow gaze over to seek her out, spotting her sitting with Snowpaw at the base of the Streamstone. She looked to be a mixture of nervous and excited, though he did catch the flash of determination in her eyes. Out of all the apprentices in the Clan, she perhaps reminded him the most of himself as an apprentice - full of life and curiosity and kindness. Sure, he'd been annoyed at their first meeting, but the molly hadn't really given him a reason to be upset other than prying - which, he could understand.

It was rare, but he felt a sort of sense of pride fluttering deep within his chest. She was older than him, and finally she would have the rank of a warrior. Kestrelwing let out a snort as he realized he wouldn't be able to hold that over her head anymore.

So, with an unreadable look in his gaze, he did the one thing that most cats in RiverClan might be surprised at him for doing: he smiled.

[Mango]

Fuzzy

Blizzardsky’s eyes lit up in excitement as he saw Petuniapaw called forward to become a warrior, he was sad that Sugarapple wasn’t there, but he’d be certain to be the first person to call her name he was so happy for her, he prepared himself to call her name the second she was a warrior.

[WinterMara]

Hm... Oh, she recognized the name Snowpaw, she talked to them once at a meeting...but this was so boring to just, watch, so she decided to get to know her new mentor a bit. "So, what will we do first for our training, I already know how to hunt." She said, as if she was a master at it, honestly, Whitepaw wasn't a master at it, but she wasn't the worst, she was if anything, just average.

|| Peril ||

[Starfall]

Ravenpaw
Fae

The tuxedo tilted her head to the side. Mentor? What for? Well she didn't know much about clan life but was there really a need to assign her someone to show her the ropes....actually, yes. She would never go out and ask herself.

As a bigger feline came bounding her way the shorter feline began to shuffle backwards, was this the Acorn cat? Flinching as her nose was booped Ravenpaw brought her paw to her muzzle and gave the Warrior an annoyed look. "What? Training?" she asked. "Training for being a Clan cat?" oh, she was a whole new level of confused now.

[Peril]

Hm... Oh, she recognized the name Snowpaw, she talked to them once at a meeting...but this was so boring to just, watch, so she decided to get to know her new mentor a bit. "So, what will we do first for our training, I already know how to hunt." She said, as if she was a master at it, honestly, Whitepaw wasn't a master at it, but she wasn't the worst, she was if anything, just average.

|| Peril ||
l Rumblingstorm l
He glanced at the apprentice beside him. She seemed a bit cocky with her hunting. Battle training. he half-growled. He didn't have much tolerance for young cats, and if she got in his way. Well . . . It wouldn't be good on her part.

[WinterMara]

She noticed the half-growl, but didn't worry about it, instead all she thought about was how he'd probably be a mentor with a lot of lectures. Ugh, one of these cats? Welp, things wouldn't go good for her would it, but then again, maybe he'd help her train in battling well, meaning she'd be a warrior sooner. "Alright then, I expect I'll do well in it, so don't worry about it taking forever."

|| Peril ||

[Peril]

She noticed the half-growl, but didn't worry about it, instead all she thought about was how he'd probably be a mentor with a lot of lectures. Ugh, one of these cats? Welp, things wouldn't go good for her would it, but then again, maybe he'd help her train in battling well, meaning she'd be a warrior sooner. "Alright then, I expect I'll do well in it, so don't worry about it taking forever."

|| Peril ||
lRumblingstorm l
Okay. Who told this apprentice she could say whatever she wanted? He shot a glare at her while he thought she wasn't looking and then back at Lionstorm. She had potential, sure, but she had to learn how to control that mouth first! He made a mental note to scold her when she acted overly confident or too cocky. That made for an irresponsible warrior. If he trained an irresponsible warrior, he'd be looked down upon. He didn't want that. This kid better learn to hold her tongue, or else.

[Doom]

Ravenpaw
Fae

The tuxedo tilted her head to the side. Mentor? What for? Well she didn't know much about clan life but was there really a need to assign her someone to show her the ropes....actually, yes. She would never go out and ask herself.

As a bigger feline came bounding her way the shorter feline began to shuffle backwards, was this the Acorn cat? Flinching as her nose was booped Ravenpaw brought her paw to her muzzle and gave the Warrior an annoyed look. "What? Training?" she asked. "Training for being a Clan cat?" oh, she was a whole new level of confused now.


Acornwhisker cocked her head at Ravenpaw's confusion. Oh! She was new to RiverClan, right. She'll have to take this a lot slower than she planned.

Taking a seat in front of the timid apprentice, she began her first lesson on Clanlife. "Well, sorta! Once a cat reaches the age of 6 moons they must go through training on how to be a proper warrior. RiverClan is our Clan, and warriors like me dedicate our lives to serving and protecting it. Now it is apart of my warrior duties to train you as my apprentice." Acornwhisker let Ravenpaw sink in the information before continuing. "You will learn how to hunt, fight, and secure borders within our territory. I'm looking forward to teaching you everything you need to know!"

She gave Ravenpaw a big smile. "Any questions?"

[BEAR.]

"Both of you have worked hard to get to this point, and you should be proud of your accomplishments." Lionstorm's gaze lingered on Petuniapaw as he spoke. "Today, you gain your long awaited warrior names.

"I, Lionstorm, call upon the Star Cats to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn.

"Snowpaw [ Silverfur & Co] and Petuniapaw [ Fuzzy], do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

It was strange to not say his leader name, to not acknowledge himself as the rank-- but he looked at Petuniapaw, a cat who had fought to finish her training over the course of many moons, and he didn't want to take away a more typical ceremony from her. She earned this-- she worked harder than most to get to this point despite the odds against her. He was quite proud of her.

[Silverfur & Co]

"Both of you have worked hard to get to this point, and you should be proud of your accomplishments." Lionstorm's gaze lingered on Petuniapaw as he spoke. "Today, you gain your long awaited warrior names.

"I, Lionstorm, call upon the Star Cats to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn.

"Snowpaw [ Silverfur & Co] and Petuniapaw [ Fuzzy], do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

It was strange to not say his leader name, to not acknowledge himself as the rank-- but he looked at Petuniapaw, a cat who had fought to finish her training over the course of many moons, and he didn't want to take away a more typical ceremony from her. She earned this-- she worked harder than most to get to this point despite the odds against her. He was quite proud of her.


Snowpaw looks at him and stands proudly. She was glad to finally reach this point especially after having two mentors and then other things going on with the clan. She replied to him "I do."

[Fuzzy]

For a brief moment the world seemed to move slower. This was really happening. All her training, all those moons of work. Her times getting lost and coming back to her home. The mentors she went through. So much had happened in her life while she was an apprentice. Happy, sad, exciting, scary. Most of her life had been spent training for this and now, Petuniapaw was standing her, with Snowpaw, in front of the whole Clan.
As Mister Lionstorm went on with the ceremony, informing them that this was a long awaited promotion. And than, the question she was waiting for. Would she protect and serve RiverClan with her life? She wanted nothing more. "I do." Petuniapaw declared. With that, she vowed her life to serve RiverClan. Finally saying it aloud for all of RiverClan to hear and now.

[BEAR.]

"Then by the powers of the Star Cats, I give you your warrior names.

"Snowpaw, from this moment forth you will be known as Snowstripe [ Silverfur & Co]. The Star Cats honor your dedication and hunting prowess, and we welcome you as a warrior of RiverClan.

"Petuniapaw, from this moment forth you will be known as Petuniaflame [ Fuzzy]. The Star Cats honor your warmth and drive to protect others, and we welcome you as a warrior of RiverClan. You've come very far, Petuniaflame.. I remember when Fallenstream brought you here." Lionstorm never understood why Fallenstorm kitnapped Petuniaflame, but he wasn't going to question it. "You've been nothing but a light in the dark for the Clan, your optimism knows no bounds and I'm deeply honored to have been able to give you your warrior name."

He offered her a smile before he went on. "Tonight, I'd like you both to sit vigil in our clearing. You'll be guarding camp, but .. I also wish for you to take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, how far you've come, and recognize this is only the start to your future. You both have a long path ahead of you. Once everyone is done celebrating, this meeting is dismissed!"[ Rani, hope, Jackpot, Exis, Dipper, Puddle~, implimm, Shadeleaf, Zesty Mango, gs29513, Estelle, Rainquail, Angelique, rosetherosey, Willowfern, Ella_heart, spade, The Flying Pizza, Rockfall, Fierceclaw, Fae, leopardstrike4, Bramblefire01, Dizerel, Angell, Kunaiskrill, cunning, Sagewing, Stormpoppy, Moonpatch, Starfall, QueenCocaHead, Bread, Moon Kit, Kyrieknight, sootsplashed, Peril, Aquilex, Paradise, @TheSnowyAnimal, Shimm, Viper2008, ~Fox~, Zero, Barnabas, feather lily, @Trouble, Silverfur & Co, Bunny Dash, Fuzzy, WinterRabbit5350, Slushie, Cherry_Pi, Fawnhearted, ~dust~, FallAndAutumn, littlelove, Firey, vermin, @*-*Magic....*-* , Vessel, PEPPERMINT~, Firey, Spoopy Eclipse, Moonpatch, @Lennon, Sundae1127, Feathercreek, A Weirdo, LyNxpaw, Romulus, Snook, Sklee, kieryn ]

[Mango]

Blizzardsky listened closely awaiting his sister’s full name and there it was all shiny and beautiful like a newborn kit, her new name, Petuniaflame. He liked the ring it had, it was majestic and powerful yet calm and controlled, like the burning love he had for his sister, he loved her dearly and was absolutely so proud of her, he was so proud, he didn’t believe anyone else could be prouder than him, not even her mentor Sassafrasfire or Lionstorm or their mother, Sugarapple who was no doubtably watching proudly from Starclan, but he was the proudest cat of her at that very moment, and nothing in the world would change that.

He felt his chest swell with pride and a few tears formed in his eye that he simply let form instead of immediately wiping off, he gave the biggest happiest and proudest grin of his life, he was more proud of her than he was of himself when he became a warrior. He couldn’t wait to go hunting with her every single day and collect flowers with her, though he wasn’t planning to let her leave camp without a warrior still since last time that happened she didn’t return. He swallowed a lump in his throat that was coming up before he let out a loud cheer for his sister. The first cheer for his sister, just as he had promised,” Petuniaflame! Petuniaflame! Petuniaflame!” frankly he could care less about the other apprentice err warrior whoever they were they didn’t matter like Petuniaflame did.

[Fawnhearted]

"Snowstripe!! Petuniaflame!!", Mistpaw called in excitement as her den mate's received their warrior names.

[Akira]

"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" Reedpaw, Toadpounce, and Silvercreek cheered loudly.

[kieryn]

lilypaw knew snowpaw and called out her new name "snowstripe!!" she did not know the other cat but to show support she called out "petuniaflame" she was not very loud but she hoped they would hear her soft calls.

[spade]

Petuniaflame. It was a fitting name for her, and Kestrelwing couldn't thing of one that would encompass who she was more than that.

Signaling to his patrol that he would be right back, the gray tabby picked his way through the crowd, eyes focused on the molly ahead of him. He wasn't sure what her reaction would be, but he wouldn't let the anxiety he felt stop his paws now.

"Petuniaflame," Kestrelwing called, tapping her on the shoulder with his tail. Ever since their awkward run in in the apprentices den where he had apologized, he'd been meaning to perhaps go out hunting with her, something to continue to smooth their budding friendship over. But for now he just grinned softly, only for her to see. "Looks like you'll be able to leave camp all by yourself now," he joked, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Congratulations."

He didn't want to stay long - he knew there were cats she'd much rather see instead of him - so he dipped his head slightly and bounded back to where his patrol was. Before he left, the warrior swung his gaze up to Lionstorm, giving him a nod to signal they were leaving before he whisked his way out of camp.

"Lets go."


// Fuzzy

[Puddle~]

Bread

“Could you teach me to fish, please?” Baypaw yapped quickly to Duckbounce, before shifting their attention over to the two warrior ceremonies going on. They’d never talked to either of the new warriors, even though they’d been denmates, but the light tabby still happily chanted out the new names. “Snowstripe! Petuniaflame! Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!”

——————————

Berryscorch was fairly certain Petuniaflame had been an apprentice as far back as she could remember, so though they’d never actually talked, she was glad to see the other molly finally getting her warrior name. “Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!” Her voice rang out as she joined her clanmates in cheering for the two new warriors.

[Bread]

→˚₊·* Duckbounce

The tabby quickly nodded her head. "Yup! We can go right after the meeting ends."

Duckbounce looked back over to the cats standing on the stone. "Snowstripe! Petuniaflame! Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" she chanted with the crowd.

‧₊˚┊ Puddle~

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe smiled and sat nodding looking at Petuniaflame. They both was gonna be standing guard tonight she was ready to fight. Anything messed with the clan it would ha e to gwt past both of them.

[Sklee]

Amberpaw joined in in cheering out their names. "Snowstripe! Petuniaflame"!

[Rani]

Admittedly the medicine cat had been struggling to stay awake and fully functional for most of the meeting. In his travelling to the starcave the naming ceremony he hadnt slept a wink much less ate and the young tom was in desperate need of a peaceful day for once. Still Lionstorms ever long winded naming customs roused him completely to full awareness. The clan needed this, Snakeheart reflected as two new warriors were named, a small grin curling its way around his muzzle as he let out his own chant of;
"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame! Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" For the newest two warriors.

Still with that the meeting was finally over and Snakeheart stood letting out a finally lecture of;
"Right the lot of you stay safe out there if I see any of you in my den for awhile it'll be too soon. If any of you have questions or issues you think need to be addressed just approach me whenever unless it's something stupid. Keep your heads up Riverclan and stand tall." Before padding off.

[Yeeter]

Frostwish looked up as Lionstorm gave the apprentices their warrior names. “Petuniaflame! Snowstripe!”

[~|Snow Leopard|~]

"Then by the powers of the Star Cats, I give you your warrior names.

"Snowpaw, from this moment forth you will be known as Snowstripe [ Silverfur & Co]. The Star Cats honor your dedication and hunting prowess, and we welcome you as a warrior of RiverClan.

"Petuniapaw, from this moment forth you will be known as Petuniaflame [ Fuzzy]. The Star Cats honor your warmth and drive to protect others, and we welcome you as a warrior of RiverClan. You've come very far, Petuniaflame.. I remember when Fallenstream brought you here." Lionstorm never understood why Fallenstorm kitnapped Petuniaflame, but he wasn't going to question it. "You've been nothing but a light in the dark for the Clan, your optimism knows no bounds and I'm deeply honored to have been able to give you your warrior name."

He offered her a smile before he went on. "Tonight, I'd like you both to sit vigil in our clearing. You'll be guarding camp, but .. I also wish for you to take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, how far you've come, and recognize this is only the start to your future. You both have a long path ahead of you. Once everyone is done celebrating, this meeting is dismissed!"[ Rani, hope, Jackpot, Exis, Dipper, Puddle~, implimm, Shadeleaf, Zesty Mango, gs29513, Estelle, Rainquail, Angelique, rosetherosey, Willowfern, Ella_heart, spade, The Flying Pizza, Rockfall, Fierceclaw, Fae, leopardstrike4, Bramblefire01, Dizerel, Angell, Kunaiskrill, cunning, Sagewing, Stormpoppy, Moonpatch, Starfall, QueenCocaHead, Bread, Moon Kit, Kyrieknight, sootsplashed, Peril, Aquilex, Paradise, @TheSnowyAnimal, Shimm, Viper2008, ~Fox~, Zero, Barnabas, feather lily, @Trouble, Silverfur & Co, Bunny Dash, Fuzzy, WinterRabbit5350, Slushie, Cherry_Pi, Fawnhearted, ~dust~, FallAndAutumn, littlelove, Firey, vermin, @*-*Magic....*-* , Vessel, PEPPERMINT~, Firey, Spoopy Eclipse, Moonpatch, @Lennon, Sundae1127, Feathercreek, A Weirdo, LyNxpaw, Romulus, Snook, Sklee, kieryn ]
Sorrelkit growled and padded quickly to the nursery. She really hated Lionstorm. And Snakeheart for that matter.

[JackHunt_17]

Stormrunner chanted the new warriors names: "Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!"

[shaae_26]

Birdstream chanted their names: "Petuniaflame! Snowstripe!"

[Willowfern]

Fishspeckle
________________________

“Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!” Fishspeckle cheered for the two new Warriors, he was very happy to have two more defenders and hunters for the clan.

[Panda1440]

Well, it looked like everyone else was cheering these new names... Saltpaw decided to join in- though more quietly.

"Snowstripe- Petuniaflame... !

[Frozen Reign]

Flamedrop joined in with the chanting.
"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame! Snowstripe! Petuniaflame! Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!"

[elswhere]

@leopardstrike4
Dustkit padded over to Sorrelkit, concern in his amber gaze. ' What's wrong? '

‘ from now ‘til forever, for worse or for better ‘
⎺⎺⎺⎺⎺⎺⎺
Dustkit (RC), Hawkpaw (WC), Codi (Rogue), Kalor (Rogue)
-NOTE: i will not be online on the weekends however, i will be on the weekdays from 7:00 am Central -- either 1:20 or 3:00 pm Central. love you all! this is for everyone to know so my cats are not marked as Missing/Lost.

[FireyZack]

Deerwing called out the names of the new warriors
Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!

[VexSkullz]

Bristletail's eyes glowed as she heard the Apprentices become new Warriors. "Snowstripe, Snowstripe! Petuniaflame, Petuniaflame!" She yowled.

__________

Kestrelsplash purred quietly. More Warriors were always great to have, especially since he had a bad feeling about the other Clans.

[Aquilex]

"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" Barkfuzz chanted the new warriors' names, smiling eagerly in excitement for them.

[Moon Kit]

"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" Gentlefoot cheered, happy for the new warriors.

[Willie Warf]

lilypaw knew snowpaw and called out her new name "snowstripe!!" she did not know the other cat but to show support she called out "petuniaflame" she was not very loud but she hoped they would hear her soft calls.
Stonefoot walked up to his apprentice "Hey! Maybe after the coyote patrol we could go train? Sounds good?"

[WinterMara]

"Snowstripe, Petuniaflame, Snowstripe, Petuniaflame." She said, not giving any effort into it, then she left the streamstone.

[Fuzzy]

The anticipation that followed after the two little words left her mouth seemed to stretch on, and on. How could a second feel so long? Mister Lionstorm started with Snowpaw's ceremony respectively, considering she had both stepped up and spoken first. This, however exciting it was for the other apprentice, made the wait feel so long, but so, so worth it. Her mind wasn't filled with questions or worry. For once it was still, the excitement of what was to come overcoming any worry she had previously had. Leaving her with a calm excitement.
With that, Mister Lionstorm said Patuniapaw's name again, for the last time. That was the last time she'd be called Petuniapaw. No more would she be an apprentice. Petuniaflame... She'd repeat as the golden tom went on. She was Petuniaflame now. Petuniaflame. The words he spoke made tears prickle at her amber eyes. He was honored to give her, her warrior name? Yet, the part that she would keep with her was his recognition of her warmth, passion to protect her Clanmates, and optimism. It made her chest feel tight to know that cats recognized and would honor her for that. For what she wanted to do since Mister Fallenstream had brought her here. For something she strived to be. She was achieving that. Achieving her goals, little by little.
Dipping her head Petuniaflame would offer words of gratitude to the tom. "Thank you Mister Lionstorm." Really, without him she might not have come this far. He was the one that had assigned her to Mister Ms. Sassyfire, they brought her to warriorhood. If you really looked at it, no cat got anywhere by themselves. Along the way they got help, weather that be small steps or boosts. Sometimes some cat setting a poor example helps, as it proves what not to do. While others would literally carry you.

Petuniaflame glanced over at Snowstripe as the younger molly smiled and nodded at her. She offered a smile in return, after Mister Lionstar had announced that they would sit vigil tonight. "Congratulations Snowstripe!" She whispered to the younger warrior. The ginger and off white warrior was sure that she deserved to be promoted as much, if not more, than she did. Making her quite proud to have had her ceremony along side her.
Hearing her brother's distinctive voice ring out into the crowd to start the cheering, Petuniaflame raised her head to take in the warm embrace of her Clanmates. Blizzardsky kept his promise, he was first to call her name. Seeking him out from where she stood, she would cast a bright smile his way. It was no surprise that he kept her promise. She was a warrior now, they'd share a den again and maybe he wouldn't worry so much about her. They were both warriors now after all. By standards there skills should be close to the same.

A tap on her shoulder, accompanied by her new name, took her attention, as non other than Kestrelwing stood there, grinning. He was smiling! Wow, that was a first!! Petuniaflame returned his grin with her own bright smile. A small laugh following at his teasing joke. "Yeah, I can, huh?" She asked, trying to continue the little tease. Kestrelwing being nice was rare but Spirits did Petuniaflame feel encouraged to see him smile. Maybe he wasn't so scary after all! "Thank you!" She called after he congratulated her and left. They'd be denmates after tonight. Goodness she'd be denmates with her mentor too! She'd be denmates with all the warriors now. The thought was a bit strange, but at least she knew a bunch of them.
Looking around Petuniaflame realized that a lot of these cats, all cheering Snowstripe and her new names were all supporting them. While she didn't hear or see Mister Ms. Sassyfire at the moment, she knew that they were out in the crowd. Young and old, these cats that had carried her through thick and thin were still here, calling out her new name. So much had changed sense she last stood up here, and now she couldn't wait to see what life had in store for her and her Clan. RiverClan was going to be okay, they always were. A new leader and deputy would take Mister Sootstar and Ms. Stormcall's place and everything would work out fine.
And thus, a new chapter was starting.

Silverfur & Co Zesty Mango spade
[hope y'all don't mind the mentions]

[Silverfur & Co]

The anticipation that followed after the two little words left her mouth seemed to stretch on, and on. How could a second feel so long? Mister Lionstorm started with Snowpaw's ceremony respectively, considering she had both stepped up and spoken first. This, however exciting it was for the other apprentice, made the wait feel so long, but so, so worth it. Her mind wasn't filled with questions or worry. For once it was still, the excitement of what was to come overcoming any worry she had previously had. Leaving her with a calm excitement.
With that, Mister Lionstorm said Patuniapaw's name again, for the last time. That was the last time she'd be called Petuniapaw. No more would she be an apprentice. Petuniaflame... She'd repeat as the golden tom went on. She was Petuniaflame now. Petuniaflame. The words he spoke made tears prickle at her amber eyes. He was honored to give her, her warrior name? Yet, the part that she would keep with her was his recognition of her warmth, passion to protect her Clanmates, and optimism. It made her chest feel tight to know that cats recognized and would honor her for that. For what she wanted to do since Mister Fallenstream had brought her here. For something she strived to be. She was achieving that. Achieving her goals, little by little.
Dipping her head Petuniaflame would offer words of gratitude to the tom. "Thank you Mister Lionstorm." Really, without him she might not have come this far. He was the one that had assigned her to Mister Ms. Sassyfire, they brought her to warriorhood. If you really looked at it, no cat got anywhere by themselves. Along the way they got help, weather that be small steps or boosts. Sometimes some cat setting a poor example helps, as it proves what not to do. While others would literally carry you.

Petuniaflame glanced over at Snowstripe as the younger molly smiled and nodded at her. She offered a smile in return, after Mister Lionstar had announced that they would sit vigil tonight. "Congratulations Snowstripe!" She whispered to the younger warrior. The ginger and off white warrior was sure that she deserved to be promoted as much, if not more, than she did. Making her quite proud to have had her ceremony along side her.
Hearing her brother's distinctive voice ring out into the crowd to start the cheering, Petuniaflame raised her head to take in the warm embrace of her Clanmates. Blizzardsky kept his promise, he was first to call her name. Seeking him out from where she stood, she would cast a bright smile his way. It was no surprise that he kept her promise. She was a warrior now, they'd share a den again and maybe he wouldn't worry so much about her. They were both warriors now after all. By standards there skills should be close to the same.

A tap on her shoulder, accompanied by her new name, took her attention, as non other than Kestrelwing stood there, grinning. He was smiling! Wow, that was a first!! Petuniaflame returned his grin with her own bright smile. A small laugh following at his teasing joke. "Yeah, I can, huh?" She asked, trying to continue the little tease. Kestrelwing being nice was rare but Spirits did Petuniaflame feel encouraged to see him smile. Maybe he wasn't so scary after all! "Thank you!" She called after he congratulated her and left. They'd be denmates after tonight. Goodness she'd be denmates with her mentor too! She'd be denmates with all the warriors now. The thought was a bit strange, but at least she knew a bunch of them.
Looking around Petuniaflame realized that a lot of these cats, all cheering Snowstripe and her new names were all supporting them. While she didn't hear or see Mister Ms. Sassyfire at the moment, she knew that they were out in the crowd. Young and old, these cats that had carried her through thick and thin were still here, calling out her new name. So much had changed sense she last stood up here, and now she couldn't wait to see what life had in store for her and her Clan. RiverClan was going to be okay, they always were. A new leader and deputy would take Mister Sootstar and Ms. Stormcall's place and everything would work out fine.
And thus, a new chapter was starting.

Silverfur & Co Zesty Mango spade
[hope y'all don't mind the mentions]



Snowstripe padded up next to her. " congratulations to you too petuniaflame. You earned it....we both earned it. We are warriors now." She was happy and purred softly as the clan mates chanted her name and petuniaflame name. She was very happy and smiles. She wandered what to do now. "Later before our vigil would u want to go hunt or something?" Snowstripe asked her.

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" Streampelt yowled.

~Fiercepaw~
"Snowstripe! Petuniaflame!" Fiercepaw yowled.

[Rani]

Stars where in the world was the Golden lug?! Snakeheart could understand him not being around and a little absent after everything that happened, sure. Loosing a father to a coyote attack when he was supposed to be safe had to be horrible, but they had things that needed doing for the clan. Ugh they just couldn't afford to wait with this! Every moment the clan went without leadership solidified was a risk to their security and safety even more than it was already at risk. The coyotes seemed to be gone but there was increasingly more 'incidents' on the border with Shadowclan, even ignoring Thunderclan... Life needed to move on and the medicine cat could not wait any more, a leader was needed. The decision had already been made, now it was just time to inform the clan.

So it was with a determined march and a leap that Snakeheart found himself overlooking the camp yet again and yowling;
"All those old enough to swim gather beneath the Streamstone for a highly important meeting. And if someone sees Lionstorm tell me will you? Ive no clue where he is right now and its irritating me beyond belief."

[spade]

It had been a long night. Restless in the warriors den, sleep had evaded Kestrelwing as the gray tabby laid awake in his nest. His mind had raced with the conversation he'd had at the foot of Duskfall's grave with Snakeheart. Trying to wrap his head around it. Trying to just... understand it. There were so many questions he still had, and so much he'd wanted to say.

Eventually he'd decided enough was enough and re-emerged from the warriors den, managing to have slipped out of camp past the guards for some late night hunting. And it had been rather successful... kind of.

As he made his way back through the entrance, a water vole hanging from his jaws, Kestrelwing's ears perked up at Snakeheart's call, yellow eyes moving to where the young medicine cat stood perched upon the rock. Suddenly all the blood rushed out of him, sucked away like water in a drought. His mouth felt dry, and he made quick work of dropping his catch on the pile. Heat rose to his face and ears as each paw step brought him closer to the Streamstone, finally taking a seat close to the front, but off to the side.

Heart hammering in his chest, Kestrelwing attempted to swallow the dryness from his throat once more, paws shifting in the dirt as his nerves felt like firecrackers going off.

This would be... interesting, to say the least.

[Willie Warf]

Stars where in the world was the Golden lug?! Snakeheart could understand him not being around and a little absent after everything that happened, sure. Loosing a father to a coyote attack when he was supposed to be safe had to be horrible, but they had things that needed doing for the clan. Ugh they just couldn't afford to wait with this! Every moment the clan went without leadership solidified was a risk to their security and safety even more than it was already at risk. The coyotes seemed to be gone but there was increasingly more 'incidents' on the border with Shadowclan, even ignoring Thunderclan... Life needed to move on and the medicine cat could not wait any more, a leader was needed. The decision had already been made, now it was just time to inform the clan.

So it was with a determined march and a leap that Snakeheart found himself overlooking the camp yet again and yowling;
"All those old enough to swim gather beneath the Streamstone for a highly important meeting. And if someone sees Lionstorm tell me will you? Ive no clue where he is right now and its irritating me beyond belief."

Stonefooot scurried over. and sat. THE FIRST!


(Open)

[Aquilex]

Barkfuzz walked quickly into the clearing, seating himself at Snakeheart's call. He stayed near the back of the crowd, not really wanting to be in sight of his Clanmates.

[Akira]

Stars where in the world was the Golden lug?! Snakeheart could understand him not being around and a little absent after everything that happened, sure. Loosing a father to a coyote attack when he was supposed to be safe had to be horrible, but they had things that needed doing for the clan. Ugh they just couldn't afford to wait with this! Every moment the clan went without leadership solidified was a risk to their security and safety even more than it was already at risk. The coyotes seemed to be gone but there was increasingly more 'incidents' on the border with Shadowclan, even ignoring Thunderclan... Life needed to move on and the medicine cat could not wait any more, a leader was needed. The decision had already been made, now it was just time to inform the clan.

So it was with a determined march and a leap that Snakeheart found himself overlooking the camp yet again and yowling;
"All those old enough to swim gather beneath the Streamstone for a highly important meeting. And if someone sees Lionstorm tell me will you? Ive no clue where he is right now and its irritating me beyond belief."


Toadpounce walked over, followed by Creekripple and Silvercreek, talking amongst themselves.

Reedpaw ran over. What was going on?

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe sat down looking at him and nods wadering what was going on she was the second one to the meeting and she hoped lionstorm was okay too. Alot of cats had disappeared recently including Ripplepaw.

[teddy.]

╰┈➤ Bumblebelly

Bumblebelly wiggled his big butt out the warrior den with a big wide yawn.the scarred tom let out a rumbling purr. He came out into the clearing, taking his spot under the Streamstone. The toms eyes widened when he saw the young cat in front of him. Oh stars, he remembered when the little thing was born! How plum Foxblaze had been with child... and now he was practically running a clan? Gosh, he really had missed a lot.

[furrensic]

hearing snakehearts bellow, sprigcloud made his way out of the warriors den and scurried over to the streamstone. it was clear that he had just woken up from a nap, quickly licking down any fur that was sticking up in random places. he wanted-- no, needed to at least look okay!

[Mango]

Blizzardsky had been laying like a lump in the clearing for days now and didn't even move as the clan crowded around him to listen to Snakeheart.


Webkit padded forward was Snakeheart going to make her an apprentice finally, she wasn't sure but she'd certainly throw a fot if she wasn't made an apprentice

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe listened to the gathering of kitties and smiled at him.

[starry]

Fernstream - open

Fernstream yawned, then padded over to join the gathered cats. "No, I haven't seen Lionstorm." she mewed.

[Quasar]

Minnowpaw
____________

The dappled grey she-cats eyes widened as Snakehearts call reached her, a tufted ear flicking as she registered what was said. Hmmmm... a meeting? It had been a while since shes been to one of those. How long had it been? When she first joined as an apprentice, right? Minnowpaws head was tilted as she pondered the question, her eyes drifting off to thoughtfully gaze into space.

Blinking rapidly as the sounds of multiple mews snapped her out of her thoughts, the apprentice quickly shook out her pelt as bounced over to sit by her mentors side, "Say, what'cha lookin' so nervous for? Do you know whats goin' on?" she mused, cocking her head as she gazed up at him.

// spade hope you dont mind <33

[Exis]

Foxblaze hurried her pregnant behind over to streamstones to hear what Snakeheart had to say.

[Zero]

Coastbreeze padded over at Snakeheart's call, settling among the other gathered cats.

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
Streampelt padded over, a little worried that Snakeheart was calling a meeting.

~Fiercepaw~
Fiercepaw groaned quietly. What did the fish-brain want now? Fiercepaw padded over to the streamstone, her paws dragging a bit.

[Quasar]

Chivekit
________

Pale green eyes widened at the sight of his littermate on top of the Streamstone, ears standing straight up. Shock was evident in the kits face, his expression not looking unlike a deer caught in headlights. The tom was silent as he gazed up at Snakeheart, the look of shock giving way to confusion.

Chivekit was snapped out of his stupor as cats of all sizes brushed past him in a hurry to join the meeting, and after a moments thought the blue somali decided too rush over and join them. Surely it had to be important?

Tinykit
_______

As the call sounded through camp, the small charcoal tabby was practically frozen mid-pounce, wide eyes snapping up to stare piercingly up at the medicine cat. Swiftly abandoning his former victim - a ball of moss - Tinykit scurried over to a random mountain of a cat, clambering onto their back and perching on their shoulder without a second thought.

Did he know this cat? No. But why would that stop him. The kit barely even spared the cat a glance, his gaze keenly focused on Snakeheart. A couple wobbles came ever so often, but Tiny was largely pretty balanced, his small size lending itself in his favour.

// Romulus

[teddy.]

Tinykit
_______

As the call sounded through camp, the small charcoal tabby was practically frozen mid-pounce, wide eyes snapping up to stare piercingly up at the medicine cat. Swiftly abandoning his former victim - a ball of moss - Tinykit scurried over to a random mountain of a cat, clambering onto their back and perching on their shoulder without a second thought.

Did he know this cat? No. But why would that stop him. The kit barely even spared the cat a glance, his gaze keenly focused on Snakeheart. A couple wobbles came ever so often, but Tiny was largely pretty balanced, his small size lending itself in his favour.

// Romulus
╰┈➤Bumblebelly

The bear-like tom blinked as he felt the familiar scampering of the a kitten climbing up his body. razor sharp claws had never felt so good! Even the presence of a kitten had his lil gay heart doubling in size with a warm parental fire burning within its core. "You okay up there, little one?" He had to muffle a deep throaty chuckle as to not have the kitten shake anymore.

[Tiabirb]

Stars where in the world was the Golden lug?! Snakeheart could understand him not being around and a little absent after everything that happened, sure. Loosing a father to a coyote attack when he was supposed to be safe had to be horrible, but they had things that needed doing for the clan. Ugh they just couldn't afford to wait with this! Every moment the clan went without leadership solidified was a risk to their security and safety even more than it was already at risk. The coyotes seemed to be gone but there was increasingly more 'incidents' on the border with Shadowclan, even ignoring Thunderclan... Life needed to move on and the medicine cat could not wait any more, a leader was needed. The decision had already been made, now it was just time to inform the clan.

So it was with a determined march and a leap that Snakeheart found himself overlooking the camp yet again and yowling;
"All those old enough to swim gather beneath the Streamstone for a highly important meeting. And if someone sees Lionstorm tell me will you? Ive no clue where he is right now and its irritating me beyond belief."


Starlingflight emerged from the warrior's den, her pelt ruffled with sleep. Snakeheart? Where was Lionstorm? Did they not have any sort of functional leadership? When would StarClan tell Snakeheart who the nest 'star' for Riverclan be? For crying out loud, they didn't even have a deputy anymore!
Grumpy and irritated, Starlingflight stalked forward, her meow rising for Snakeheart to hear.

"If this meeting isn't about who our new actual leader is, I don't think it should classify as 'highly important'. We need a leader. Not just Lionstorm, wherever he is. Having a leader is highly important for the Clan, or at least I'd have thought so. Must not be too important to StarClan, either." She growled, sitting down and licking the clumps of fur that were sticking up on her pelt. What did StarClan know? It almost felt like they didn't want to have a new leader for RiverClan. It wasn't fair to Snakeheart, having to fulfill the roles of his missing leader and deputy. He was a medicine cat. He healed. Leaders...well, lead.

[Quasar]

Tinykit
________

As the mew met his ears, the kit turned his gaze to instead stare at Bumblebelly. Now that he was finally getting a good look at his unfortunate victim, he noticed that this cat wasnt familiar to him. Normally he was quite good with names, but for some reason this cats identity escaped his pea-sized brain.

Straightening up until he was practically perpendicular to the ground below him, Tinykit puffed out his chest as he tried to stay perfectly still. Looking back at Snakeheart, the small kit blinked a couple times before responding, "Im fine! 'm the king of the clans up here, I can see everythin!" he stated proudly, tip-tapping his front paws on the toms shoulder as he steadily found his center of balance.

The kits long tail was waving wildly as he went silent again, his ears swiveling to and fro. He was hardly ever still; a part of him always had to be moving, or else he was sure he would drop dead right then and there!

// Romulus

[Fuzzy]

Petuniaflame's ears flicked up as Snakeheart called for a Clan meeting, he was looking for Mister Lionstorm? Humming the warrior moved over to join the rest of the meeting, limping slightly as she did so.

~*~

Beetlekit looked skeptical as the loud noises echoed through the clearing. Her ears flattened as she sat at the nursery opening, not wanting to join the rest of the Clan.

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe looked over at Petuniaflame and nodded in greeting. She felt something was odd... The disappearence of Soot and now Lionstorm this was very confusing to her and she did not like it one bit. But also there was some other cats missing Like Ripplepaw and a few others. She was worried for them all.

[dino.]

>Goosefury<
Goosefury emerged from the warriors' den and sat just outside of it.


-----------

>Tumblekit<
Tumblekit scampered over to the opposite side of the crowd from where his sister was, trying to avoid being stabbed in the leg again.

[poppy]

~Lilykit~

The white and tan kit padded out of the nursery, looking up at Snakheart. He was barely older than an apprentice. She thought he looked awfully small up there, but she would look smaller. Sure, it would be awesome, but honestly, she wasn't even close to being ready. Highly important Clan meeting. She thought with a twitch of her whiskers. What would be so important? Personally, she thought of Snakeheart and Lionstorm as the leaders, considering Sootstar and Stormcall had been gone for the majority of her Clan life.

[Willowfern]

Fishspeckle
________________________

Highly Important?
Hm, interesting!
Fishspeckle padded out of the Warrior’s Den and sat by the Streamstone, curiosity pricking.

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe dips her head in greeting to fish speckle as well and then looks at snakeheart again.

[Poprock]

Bumblestep had been sunbathing in the clearing, enjoying the New-leaf breeze when Snakeheart called. After a nice long stretch, he padded over to the Streamstone, eager to here what the Medicine cat had to say.

[spade]

Minnowpaw
____________

The dappled grey she-cats eyes widened as Snakehearts call reached her, a tufted ear flicking as she registered what was said. Hmmmm... a meeting? It had been a while since shes been to one of those. How long had it been? When she first joined as an apprentice, right? Minnowpaws head was tilted as she pondered the question, her eyes drifting off to thoughtfully gaze into space.

Blinking rapidly as the sounds of multiple mews snapped her out of her thoughts, the apprentice quickly shook out her pelt as bounced over to sit by her mentors side, "Say, what'cha lookin' so nervous for? Do you know whats goin' on?" she mused, cocking her head as she gazed up at him.

// spade hope you dont mind <33

The warrior had been so caught up in his own head that he didn't even realize there was anyone next to him until Minnowpaw's voice danced through his ears. Blinking, Kestreling shot her a lot as his ears went back a bit. "How would I know what was going on? Do I look like Snakebite?" he snapped, nerves firing on all cylinders now. Stars, what was this? Why was he nervous? Sure, he knew what was happening, but that didn't offer any reassurance.

Forcing his fur to lie flat, Kestrelwing turned his gaze back to Snakeheart, trying his best to not fidgit. "Now if you're going to sit by me do me a big favor and be quiet."

[ he cares for her i promise he just has a weird way of showin it :heartbounce: ]

[Quasar]

The warrior had been so caught up in his own head that he didn't even realize there was anyone next to him until Minnowpaw's voice danced through his ears. Blinking, Kestreling shot her a lot as his ears went back a bit. "How would I know what was going on? Do I look like Snakebite?" he snapped, nerves firing on all cylinders now. Stars, what was this? Why was he nervous? Sure, he knew what was happening, but that didn't offer any reassurance.

Forcing his fur to lie flat, Kestrelwing turned his gaze back to Snakeheart, trying his best to not fidgit. "Now if you're going to sit by me do me a big favor and be quiet."

[ he cares for her i promise he just has a weird way of showin it :heartbounce: ]

Minnowpaw
____________

A small frown placed itself on the stocky she-cats maw at the response, her eyebrows pinching together in concern. He wasnt normally this...snappy, even though he was pretty grumpy most of the time. The apprentice opened her mouth to respond, but thought against it and shut it again, instead settling on wrapping her poofy tail around him. Hopefully that offered some sort of comfort?

If he didnt want physical comfort, then she would obviously pull her tail away, but it was worth a try! Slowly her smile came back, though this time it was more bright, more cheery. Happiness normally rubbed off on others, so this might help out a bit!

// spade

[gs29513]

Splashleap's head jerked sharply into the air at Snakeheart's call. Padding towards the gathered cats, she looked around for Lionstorm. He had always been around, that one, golden ball of fluff that never, ever, seemed to disappear. More present in her life than her family in some ways. But, oddly enough, she didn't see him now. Not that it was likely anything had happened to him. Sure he was a bit old, but he definitely wouldn't be easily killed, and as far as she could tell the dogs were pretty well gone. Spotting Kestrelwing, she made her way towards him. He was nice enough, and she might as well sit with someone she vaguely knew.

The brown and white molly only caught the last few words of his conversation with Minnowpaw, but they were sufficient to banish any plans of conversation she might have been concocting firmly from her mind. Nope, his opinion on chatting seemed pretty clear at the moment. It seemed like, at least in the past few days, Riverclan had begun to tick along a bit more normally. A bit worrying actually, how quickly they had adjusted to the lack of leadership. Made her think Sootstar and Stormcall hadn't been doing such a good job, especially towards the end. But then again, they had disappeared, so what did she expect? Hopefully they would get a new leader soon though. And a deputy. Snakeheart and Lionstorm couldn't run the clan on their own, no clan was meant to function without at least three high ranking cats guiding it. (Open)

[spade]

Oh stars. What was it with his Clanmates and their "burning desire" to be physically close to him? Kestrelwing didn't like it one bit. In fact, he much rather hated it. But his mind was elsewhere, so he didn't attempt to move away from Minnowpaw's tail. He did, however, let a low grumble rattle about in his chest, causing his sides to vibrate in irrational irritation.

It was bad enough that Minnowpaw was already sitting next to him, but now his ears twitched as he caught wind of a second cat coming up to - oh. He recognized this one. Splashleap. One of those who had been assigned to his predator patrol. A formidable fighter, loyal to RiverClan, and...

Giving a blink and a nod in greeting to her, Kestrelwing cleared his throat before looking back at Snakeheart, not making any objection to the molly sitting next to him and his apprentice. His yellow gaze seemed to beg for Snakeheart to not drag this out - to just get it done and over with.

// gs29513 Jackpot

[iliri]

A small growl escaped Lakepaw's throat. What? The almighty Snakeheart called a meeting? How impressive. Grumpily, the tabby made her way over, sitting down in front of the tom with a dismissive flick of the molly's ears. Where was the golden lazy lug anyways? Her ears twitched to the sound of, 'highly important'. Now THAT sounded like pure mouse-dung. She just gave out a low growl, unsheathing her claws. "I'm pretty positive that if it was important an LEADER would be here right now."

[Silverfur & Co]

As everyone gathered ro wait to hear wat snake had to say snowstripe was getting impatient with whatever this announcement was. And why it was taking him so long to make it.

[Flashtail]

Thriftleap padded over to the streamstone.
Listening to what Snakeheart said, he had a thought: Lionstorm missing? Thats not good.

[Quasar]

Minnowpaw
____________

The dappled she-cat could feel her cheeks flush at the grumble, her tail quickly retreating to curl around her paws. How could she have forgotten? Kestrelwing wasnt normally one for physical contact, but a part of her had still hoped that she would be of some help.

A sheepish chuckle escaped the short she-cat, her head dipping in embarrassment, "Sorry" she quietly squeaked, her ears slightly flattening against her head before standing upright again.

Minnow noticed the arrival of Splashleap just as her mentor did, and she turned to the older she-cat with a friendly smile. Though she didnt say anything, she waved her tail in greeting, beckoning the warrior to sit next to her.

// spade gs29513

[littlelove]

Morningpaw weaved her way through the crowd of her clanmates, peering up at the Streamstone along with them. She was a bit late, sure, but Snakeheart hadn't continued his announcements yet. Good.
As Lionstorm's absence was bade apparent, a weird sort of uneasiness washed over her. Sure, more than likely nothing odd had happened, but with all the drama on Riverclan territory, Morningpaw wasn't exactly keen to hear any more bad news. Just another thing to hang over her head, she supposed.

[open!]

[Lavender'fur]

;Hawkwhisker;
A Clan meeting? And Lionstorm was missing? That was.. bad, to say the least. He padded over to the Streamstone and sat, his white tail curling around his paws.

// OPEN \\

[Rani]

So no one had seen the golden lug.... That was concerning.
"He's probably found some quiet place out in the territory to mourn his father, the fluffy moron was aways kinda introverted when it came to grief so I suppose it makes sense. I dont see Fawnsqueak either meaning he's probably not alone so panicking about his being out while emotionally compromised is stupid. After all this is sorted I'll head out and bring him back here so he can grieve in a safe place but he's Lionstorm he'll be fine for a bit while we sort things out."
As much as Snakehearts words were meant to comfort the clan about a notable presence being absent he really did believe them. Lionstorm had been around all of his life and had lived through events harsher then this with little struggle, at this point he was basically immortal. So even as a creeping sense of dread and worry spread through his chest he shook it off and ignored it justifying that if the fluffy idiots stupidity hadnt gotten him killed for all the time he'd been alive so far, there was no way he was going to go anytime soon.

Apparently cats had doubts though so the medicine cats ears pinned back as some cats decided to make their feelings known.
"Kindly shut up Starlingflight do you seriously think I'd jump up here just to yowl about Lionstorm? Of course Im announcing the new leaders theres just important things that need to be addressed first, not that you'd actually have a clue. If you dont think I dont think getting a new leader sorted is important youre an idiot but cast doubt (even subtlely) on the capabilities of the cats that have been holding this clan together through the recent crisis and Ill start throwing rocks."
Why the hell was she bringing up starclan right now, dead cats opinions had no place in the matters of the living even if they existed. The leaders had been selected by Lionstorm and Snakeheart carefully and closely examining their warriors and testing them to see who would do the best for the clan, only an idiot would just choose a cat because ~starclan~ (or at least what they thought was starclan) told them to.



He had more important things to address though. An option that was only kind of an option.

"As you all know recently there was a coyote attack on our camp as the last of those mongrels not chased off by the predator patrol broke into the nursery and tried to eat our kits. Thanks to the valiant effort of our warriors it was stopped but in the process we lost a beloved elder Firehawk whos loss we all grieve and efforts in giving his life to defend the clan we can all admire. This tragedy was no riverclans cats fault but in this event and thunderclans (the true culprits) response we can all see the need for strength to defend our borders! After a long period of deliberation and testing Lionstorm and I have chosen the candidates we believe will do this for us without losing what makes us riverclan!

Splashleap will you please step forward.

For as long as Ive been alive Splashleap you've been a steady and strong presence for us all. You are joyful without being bling, strong without being stupid, and wise beyond your moons. I would not make you leader without asking you first, I know the mistake that'd be personally, but as deputy you'd have more options and wiggle room. So Splashleap will you take the duty of being riverclans deputy leading us all in the moons to come and supporting the leader in a way only you can? Will you swear your life, loyalty, and goals to the betterment of your clan no matter the trails? It will not be an easy task but I speak from experience, it will always be worth it.


Tiabirb gs29513

[Willowfern]

Fishspeckle
________________________

Fishspeckle’s eyes widened in joy for his clanmate,
“Congrats Splashleap!” He cried.

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe cried out next "Splashleap Congrats." then she chants "Splashleap splashleap." to show that she was encouraging it.

[Mango]

Blizzardsky was feeling better now that he’d found Spicekit but he gave a half smile,” Splashleap! Splashleap! Splashleap!” he softly called, oh great, so he was going to have to have her as his deputy, he could manage her, she wasn’t that much trouble for him to handle, besides everyone would be grateful that his deputy was someone they admired, since most cats had little to no respect for him, and he was going to be leader after all. He prepared himself to stand up knowing it was going to be seconds before Snakeheart declared him leader. He felt his paws tingling in excitement, he was going to be just like his idol, he was going to be like Lionstorm, a feared and respected lead, who’d never doing anything rash, but well he’d killed an innocent loner, and Lionstorm would never kill an innocent cat, so there was that against him. But he was about to be Blizzardstar the great, and he’d defeat Dawnstar and Buckstar once and for all.

[Aquilex]

"Splashleap! Splashleap! Splashleap!" Barkfuzz chanted enthusiastically. He didn't really know Splashleap at all, but he was haopy RiverClan would have stable leadership.

[Poprock]

gs29513

Bumblestep listened intently to Snakeheart, lowering his head at the mentioned of Firehawk. If only they could have known about those beasts sooner...
As the medicine cat continued, he was overjoyed at the mention of Splashleap. She would no doubt be a perfect fit for the role of deputy! When they had gone to Windclan together, he had admired her professionalism and poise. He will no doubt be proud to attend the next gathering with her representing his home.
"Splashleap! Splashleap!" He called out.

[spade]

...RiverClan’s deputy. He didn’t know Splashleap too terribly well, but if her actions on the predator patrol to Smallpines and peace rally to WindClan said anything, it was high volumes of sophistication and poise. Perhaps that’s why she had been selected, to offer a nice contrast. Either way, it was a choice he agreed with.

A rare moment as the tiniest of smiles graced his face as he turned to look at her. An unknown emotion lay buried in the mess of his yellow gaze, quite hidden but still... present.

”You better get your tail up there,” he chuckled softly to her so that only she could hear. Despite his own nerves in regards to the meeting, this was easy. She was a respected Clanmate, a great fighter.

He knew without a doubt she would be exactly what RiverClan needed.

// gs29513

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
So Splashleap was the new deputy? Streampelt didn't know her well, just that time that they went hunting in the tunnels. "Splashleap! Splashleap!" Streampelt cheered.

~Fiercepaw~
Fiercepaw shrugged. As long as Splashleap didn't bother he much she would be okay with the decision. "Splashleap. Splashleap." Fiercepaw cheered without emotion.

[Akira]

"Splashleap!" Toadpounce, Silvercreek, and Reedpaw cheered. But, Reedpaw frowned. Then, who would be leader? Hopefully not someone who would join Snakeheart's tantrums in Gatherings like last time. But, with everything going had, he had very low hopes. This wasn't good.

[Willowfern]

Ambermoth
________________________

Oh great! Oh joy! RiverClan was finally coming back together! Soon everything would be normal again!
“Splashleap! Splashleap! Congratulations!”

[Tiabirb]

So no one had seen the golden lug.... That was concerning.
"He's probably found some quiet place out in the territory to mourn his father, the fluffy moron was aways kinda introverted when it came to grief so I suppose it makes sense. I dont see Fawnsqueak either meaning he's probably not alone so panicking about his being out while emotionally compromised is stupid. After all this is sorted I'll head out and bring him back here so he can grieve in a safe place but he's Lionstorm he'll be fine for a bit while we sort things out."
As much as Snakehearts words were meant to comfort the clan about a notable presence being absent he really did believe them. Lionstorm had been around all of his life and had lived through events harsher then this with little struggle, at this point he was basically immortal. So even as a creeping sense of dread and worry spread through his chest he shook it off and ignored it justifying that if the fluffy idiots stupidity hadnt gotten him killed for all the time he'd been alive so far, there was no way he was going to go anytime soon.

Apparently cats had doubts though so the medicine cats ears pinned back as some cats decided to make their feelings known.
"Kindly shut up Starlingflight do you seriously think I'd jump up here just to yowl about Lionstorm? Of course Im announcing the new leaders theres just important things that need to be addressed first, not that you'd actually have a clue. If you dont think I dont think getting a new leader sorted is important youre an idiot but cast doubt (even subtlely) on the capabilities of the cats that have been holding this clan together through the recent crisis and Ill start throwing rocks."
Why the hell was she bringing up starclan right now, dead cats opinions had no place in the matters of the living even if they existed. The leaders had been selected by Lionstorm and Snakeheart carefully and closely examining their warriors and testing them to see who would do the best for the clan, only an idiot would just choose a cat because ~starclan~ (or at least what they thought was starclan) told them to.

He had more important things to address though. An option that was only kind of an option.

"As you all know recently there was a coyote attack on our camp as the last of those mongrels not chased off by the predator patrol broke into the nursery and tried to eat our kits. Thanks to the valiant effort of our warriors it was stopped but in the process we lost a beloved elder Firehawk whos loss we all grieve and efforts in giving his life to defend the clan we can all admire. This tragedy was no riverclans cats fault but in this event and thunderclan (the true culprits) response we can all see the need for strength to defend our borders! After a long period of deliberation and testing Lionstorm and I have chosen the candidates we believe will do this for us without losing what makes us riverclan!

Splashleap will you please step forward.
For as long as Ive been alive Splashleap you've been a steady and strong presence for us all. You are joyful without being bling, strong without being stupid, and wise beyond your moons. I would not make you leader without asking you first, I know the mistake that'd be personally, but as deputy you'd have more options. So Splashleap will you take the duty of being riverclans deputy leading us all in the moons to come and supporting the leader in a way only you can? Will you swear your life, loyalty, and goals to the betterment of your clan no matter the trails? It will not be an easy task but I speak from experience, it will always be worth it.


Tiabirb gs29513

Oh bugger if he didn't sound haughty enough, Starlingflight narrowed her eyes, "Oh sure. And calling clan meetings on your own, rather than wait for the cat who is supposed to call them isn't idiotic enough," Starlingflight retorted, rolling her eyes at the tom. "Medicine cat or not, don't disrespect the cats with genuine concerns for the Clan, those who are not as 'in' as you are and have no clue what is to become of our Clan...and the ones who catch your food." She growled. "Now that seems pretty idiotic to me." She shrugged and flicked her tail as the announcements continued. She didn't care if Snakeheart had to come in and spite every other little comment anyone made. Starlingflight had genuine concerns, and she had chosen to speak out. How was that idiotic? Because it wasn't. They don't know anything about these meetings until the high ranks called them. It was about time a deputy was chosen, either way. But that still left the leadership of the Clan vacant.

She took a glance at Splashleap once the announcement was made, and she nodded to the other respectfully. Seemed decent enough. Not a bad choice at all.

[Dizerel]

A bit late to the meeting. Junipersong rushed into the camp, finding a spot near the back of the group of her clanmates, not because she was attempting to avoid being social, but just because it would be difficult for anyone behind her to peer over her large frame.

She only barely heard the end of what Snakeheart was saying. Though based on how everyone was cheering for Splashleap, she could only assume that they had been called to stand in either as deputy or leader. The answer to which would be found out very soon once whoever was called to the other role was announced.

[Madelaine]

Fizzlepaw stayed close to the apprentices den. He was really nervous. This was his first meeting here and he wasn't sure if he should be part of it, so he stayed over here. He was quite excited that they were finally getting the leadership they deserved. He didn't know who Splashleap was, so he stayed quiet. Maybe after he would get announced on joining. Hopefully Dayheart had told someone about it or he was intruding.

[gs29513]

Rani
So nobody had seen Lionstorm. But he was probably alright, and if Fawnsqueak was out there with him than it was unlikely anything would happen to them. The dogs were gone after all. Splashleap's mind was quickly drawn off of the tom's disappearance however, as Snakeheart began snapping at someone for something. She hadn't noticed what was going on, but it seemed Starlingflight had been complaining about Snakeheart....calling a meeting? She wasn't sure how you could complain about that, but it seemed Snakeheart's threat of rocks silenced the grouching for a moment. Or at least, he ignored any further grumblings and plowed on.

The next topic appeared to be the coyotes, and what had happened with the predator patrol. Splashleap wasn't sure who DIDN'T know what had gone on, both with the nursery and the border, but perhaps some cats had been living under a rock, or sleeping or something for the past moon. Still, it was to be expected that Snakeheart would give an update on what was going on. The fact that they needed to be more careful around that border with Thunderclan was no surprise either. Her attention was beginning to wander away, in fact, when Snakeheart mentioned that the new leader and deputy were chosen. That was something good at least. Hopefully it would be someone sensible, unlike the awful Blizzardbutt.

Of all the names she might have been imagining though, she hadn't expected to be called upon. She might have hoped, when she was a kit, or an apprentice maybe, to become deputy or leader, but didn't every kit think that way? Taking a deep breath, the flicking of her ears the only real indication of her nervousness, Splashleap stepped towards Snakeheart. Looking up at Snakeheart, she mewed a solemnly I will do my best to protect Riverclan and support the leader, in anything that may come. The words sounded strange almost, and hearing the chants of her names begin was a bit surreal really. What she was most worried about now was not living up to the expectations of her clanmates, letting Riverclan down.

[littlelove]

Morningpaw's uneasinesssoon melted away as Splashleap's name was called out by Snakeheart. She didn't know the new deputy well, but was happy to hear a choice had finally been made. "Splashleap! Splashleap!" She called, her shouts mixing in with the chorus of her clanmates.

[Fawnhearted]

"Congratulations Splashleap", Mistpaw said and Violetkit echoed her friend excitedly.

[plum]

Plumpaw vibes as she had been all along. Alone somewhere without conversation buddies. She cheers Splashleap unenthusiastically. These ranks slid by so fast. Snakeheart was stable, but she had her doubts for this one. Was he to be leader? Or did Snakeheart have more up his kitty sleeve?

[teddy.]

╰┈➤ Koistream

Almost instantly after arriving, his bicoloured blue-grwen eyes were glued to Kestrelwing and gosh, that little smile.... Koistream felt like his three legs could buckle under him!

Maybe if he fell Kestrelwing would catch him? The daydream moment lingered across his mind, a small content hum being the only hint to the world of his fantastical mind.

And then he came down to reality hard. Where the hell was Lionstar? Why was there a kid up on the streamstone? Where was SOOT?!

Koistreams handsome face scrunched up as his mind became clouded with confusion. "Man I really did miss a lot, huh..." the meow was quiet, a scoff to himself.

[Fuzzy]

The deputy was named!? Oh wow, that was big news! Super big news! Petuniaflame scanned the crowd for the tom in question. Hopping up, wincing at the strain it caused her, the ginger patched tabby let out a yowl. "Congratulations Splashleap!!" She didn't know much about the tom but she was sure if he was chosen he would make a great deputy, surely. "Try your hardest and I'm sure you'll be a great Deputy." The warrior would add a bit quieter.
Petuniaflame was aware that Blizzardsky wanted to be leader, she could see Kestrelwing wanting that role as well. Yet, she was not quiet sure who would get the rank of leader. She just hoped they remained loyal and hardworking for what RiverClan needed most.

[Rani]

It was almost impossible for the medicine cat to tell what Splashleap was thinking at this moment and a small guilty part of him was glad of that. Was she shocked by this development and nothing but numb even as she spoke? Scared, angry, sad? Or was she feeling joyful she'd achieved this instead and determined to move forward....
Snakeheart hadnt prepared her for this, not like he'd done for her partner, and he really wasnt sure why. It wouldnt have been hard and yet.... Despite that her voice was firm and serious. He'd have to take that at face value with the rest of the clan and take heart in the fact that he at least entirely believed she'd be what they needed in this role. She was already proving that right. The slow growing breakdown he'd been putting off for half his life now could wait forever, he had pride in his clan to fuel him. Riverclan was moving forward in leaps and its steps were strong.

"Then by the power invested in me I name you the deputy of riverclan. Serve your clan with everything you have and take faith in the fact that we all have faith in you."

It was nice to hear the clan cheering her name, that they supported her in what'd be a difficult task but there was always one cat to ruin the moment.... In that it was so hard not to growl and make a fuss over Starlingflight being uppity like the tom would normally do but Snakeheart choked down his instinctive snap to be tactful.
"I said shut up Starlingflight. I dont care if you have opinions, thats your right even if theyre wrong, but a meeting isnt the place. You bring this up in private if you really need to not stir the pot in public. Youre not helping the clan youre disrespecting the cats that've worked hard to be honoured here and creating problems, now stop or I will be forced to pause the meeting to deal with you."
Despite forcibly turning away and making it clear he would not be acknowledging the molly any more this meeting his glare said that he would not be forgetting. It was Splashleap's and the new announced leader decision if they wanted to continue this, the medicine cat was basically tapped out after a month of this already.






Speaking of the leader, he couldnt wait anymore. It was time.


"In the moons since Sootstars disappearance this cat has proved himself to go above and beyond the expected of him to serve riverclan in a way that honestly struck me. To the point of exhaustion he's done everything to serve riverclan and protect us taking a part of every single act even when not asked to do so, asking nothing in return. Trial and tragedy both has done nothing to stop him and if even a sliver of this can be passed to our clan then we cannot fall. We can be strong can be found without compromising who we are, we can be kind without cowards stepping all over us like we're weak, and we can prove there is not a thing in this forrest or anywhere, no beast or disaster, that will ever stop us.

Kestrelwing when I asked you earlier you if you'd take on this burden you said you were ready for the challenge. Will you uphold these words and give everything no matter the trials ahead? Will you stay and live the life we need you to, placing the clan ahead of all personal matters? Will you be the leader we need (and I believe) you to be?"

Snakeheart knew there was only so much he could say to impress the faith he (and Lionstorm and so many others) had in Kestrelwing on the clan. There would always be a cat who didnt believe him, who didnt want to see what was obvious, who needed proof in any situation and the medicine cat didnt fault them. The dark tabby would need to step up, forge his own path, his own proof with no obvious guide and no clear 'right' path as was necessary from high ranks. This was the opportunity for that first step offered up as kindly as he could give it, one bit of kindness for setting his friend on this hard path. So clear words ringing over the clearing Snakeheart stepped back openly vacating the central position on the streamstone that truely belonged to the clans leader. Snakeheart was a medicine cat, his place was at the leaders side not ahead and if his feelings meant anything he wanted it to be as Kestrelstar's medicine cat.

spade gs29513

[~|Snow Leopard|~]

Sorrelkit watched the Medicine name a Leader and Deputy. The hairball had a good leader, but the deputy, Thriftleap could do a better job. She let out a huff.


Rani

[wren]

Peachpurr

The she cats ears burned with excitement at the announcements of both deputy and leader! Splashleap and now Kestrelstar! The she cat shifted from paw to paw eyes glinting with excitement. “Splashleap! Kestrelstar!” she let out a call amongst the rising chorus of her clanmates

[Tiabirb]

Starlingflight rolled her eyes once more at the medicine cat. Every warrior had the right to voice themselves in these meetings. What right did he have to belittle her like so? Creating problems, hmph. Snakeheart was creating them just fine if he figured Starlingflight was being disrespectful or creating trouble. All she had done was voice herself. They had been without leadership for too long, and she had only voiced echoed concerns that others might have been wondering for themselves. Only a lousy medicine cat would scoff and demean the warriors in such a way. Nope, no points here for Snakeheart.

Her head twisted around to stare at the tom chosen for their new leadership. He was a popular choice it seemed, and she raised her voice in greeting the new deputy and leader. "Splashleap! Kestrelstar!"

[dino.]

>Goosefury<
Goosefury leaned back as Snakeheart carried on (and biting back a snarl that would have been directed at Starlingflight had the medicine cat not already said something). Splashleap was a could choice - as far as he remembered, she'd been a fairly stable presence, and he figured she'd retain that stability.

His brow furrowed as Snakeheart once again moved on, to the announcement of the leader... and then he froze.

Kestrelwing. Snakeheart had to be kidding. That guy! Okay, fine, Goose willingly admitted Kestrel was plenty capable and incredibly strong and okay maybe he was a little bit cool BUT STILL. He was still a jerk.

A strong, capable, maybe kind of cool jerk.


----------

>Tumblekit<
Tumblekit didn't really understand. Why did they need new leaders? He'd though Snakeheart and Lionstorm where their leaders. He surveyed the crowd for Webkit carefully before scooting forward a bit to see better. Congrats for the new guys, he supposed?

[Akira]

"Kestrelstar!" Silvercreek cheered, while Toadpounce laughed. "About time!"

Reedpaw couldn't stop the internal dread inside himself, despite his cheering. Kestrelstar and Snakeheart were leading the Clan... he trusted Splashleap, sure, but he wasn't sure he trusted the other two not to embarrass RiverClan more than they already have. Reedpaw heaved a very spft, quiet sigh. This was going to be a long, long moon.

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
"Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar!" Streampelt chanted.

~Fiercepaw~
"Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar!" She chanted with a bit more emotion.

[Dizerel]

She had a suspicion this was coming. Even before Snakeheart started describing the qualities of the new leader, Junipersong knew that deep down, there was no one better fit for the spot. No one that so tirelessly worked for the clan. proved themselves over and over. Someone who asked nothing of others and gave everything they had. She had been watching him for quite a while. Even took quite a liking to him. She had seen what he had done. Nearly given his life for the clan. All the ways he has improved. Even if there was still that grumpy and hard exterior shell about him.

Snakeheart's description of him before even calling his name only further improved her confidence that she knew who it was. Thinking the name right at the same time Snakeheart said it. Kestrelwing. Or perhaps, Kestrelstar, now! She knew he had it in him. All along. That fire burning deep down inside that kept him going. She still had yet to completely crack him open. Her only worry was that he seemed to have a lack of people to confide his deepest troubles in. She was hoping that eventually, she could be there for him when he needed it. But this? Right here, right now, standing in a crowd of cats roaring and cheering his name? This was a dream come true. Watching her clanmates, her beloved, spectacular, wonderful clanmates reach their full potential. It melted her heart. Even with the roar of the crowd, her purring could still be heard. Stepping through the crowd, wanting to be up close to watch her friend receive all the praise he truly deserved.

If Kestrelstar's eyes ever met hers, words didnt need to be exchanged. He could see everything she wanted to say just through her gaze alone. She was so immensely happy for him. It was a moment she would always remember. Its what she lived for, this right here. She wasnt about to take it away from him by demanding his attention, but just letting him know, through her eyes alone, that she was truly impressed and proud at how far he had come, she hoped would be the boost to his morale that would set his heart on fire and lead the clan to greater heights than it had ever reached before.

// spade

[Aquilex]

"Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar!" Barfuzz chanted.

[spade]

Watching Splashleap accept the position, as he knew she would, some of the escaped butterflies in his chest flew into formation, vibrating similar to swelling pride as he watched the cat who would be assisting him in leading RiverClan. He could imagine no better cat for the job, and it quelled a bit of the unease he'd started feeling when told of the next steps.

Who was this Starlingflight? Swiveling his head to survey the gathered cats, he noticed her standing, practically shouting at Snakeheart and undermining him. A low growl sounded in him, and he had to fight to keep his tempter under control.

That would need to be dealt with, and Kestrelwing had a feeling that it would be one of his first duties to attend to as leader.

Snakeheart continuing caused his attention to snap back, all the butterflies and nerves on fire once more. His heart hammered in his chest, so loud he swore that everyone was able to hear it all the way to the outskirts and beyond. On the outside he retained his cool and composed exterior - a steely gaze and still tail.

Proven himself. The worlds that Snakeheart used to describe him he hadn't been expecting. Hearing the praise dance to his ears was new, and not expected. His heart... what was this?? Long since forgotten, an emotion that had become foreign to him in the wake of his mothers death. Briefly it had made an appearance with Eelsting, but his half-brother hadn't stuck around long enough to even leave a mark. He'd taken their kinship and stomped it into the dirt, leaving it to die a slow, painful death alone - the same state he'd left Kestrelwing in.

But Snakeheart... in the past few moons he'd gotten to know the medicine cat more. Sure, they were under unfortunately circumstances, but who was he to complain? The snarky spitfire felt more like family than his own kin... A brother perhaps? Maybe. It was too soon to tell, but the soft smile stayed on the gray tabby's face as he gave a small nod to the medicine cat.

"I will do my best to restore glory to RiverClan, and all those who fight for their home."

Sturdy and confident; ringing out not only to Snakeheart but to every Clanmate that was assembled. There were those who despised him. Those who still didn't trust him due to his half-Clan half-outsider blood. There were those who would need proof no matter what, despite his day-in and day-out servitude to the Clan he loved just as much as them.

His mother's Clan. Oh, if only Duskfall could see him now... Would she be proud? Would she worry? He was confident he'd get a cuff over the ear for not being polite and thanking each individual cat who'd called his name already.

Now seeing the space that Snakeheart had created for him, it was starting to settle in. He would be the one up there calling meetings. Performing ceremonies. Leading the cats who even he had doubts in sometimes, as he was sure they did with him. But now wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

There was work to be done.

Bunching his hind legs Kestrelwing sprang up, easily scaling the side of the Streamstone until he reached where Snakeheart stood. The breeze up here felt different, and he didn't look down at the Clan yet. Instead, his yellow gaze found a home in Snakeheart's, the one tom in this entire Clan that had not for a moment doubted him or cast him aside. There was so much he wanted to say in this moment, this one fleeting piece of time where it was just them up there. "Thank you," he whispered to him, nodding his head before turning to look out on the rest of RiverClan.

There were a few cats in the crowd that initially caught his attention. He saw Splashleap, his deputy, the cat he would probably rely on just as much as he had with Snakeheart. A few kits by the nursery, and... Junipersong. His eyes caught hers, and the emotions that swirled in them nearly threw him from the rock. So raw and real, and for a moment his heart swelled. They hadn't been on the smoothest of paths, but she had saved his life, more than once in his opinion. She had been there, despite his best efforts to push her away. He held her gaze for a moment longer, blinking as if to break the spell, before clearing his throat and stepping forward to address the Clan for the first time. // Dizerel

"Cats of RiverClan! I know many of you know me. Many of you do not... have the highest opinion of me for how I tend to approach personal matters. While I will not apologize for this... I love my home. I have loved RiverClan since my mother Duskfall brought me here as a small kit who knew nothing of Clans or outsiders or the world. She taught me to be strong, brave, to have faith in the living and to trust your Clanmates like they are your family. When she passed..." he took a break, swallowing the lump in his throat, "I vowed that I would do whatever I could to serve RiverClan. That still remains true, and I now extend that service and loyalty to you all as your leader."

With a sweeping gaze across the crowd, Kestrelwing lifted his head, appearing almost mythical atop the rock. "RiverClan will thrive once more, and the entire forest will know our presence!"

He'd expected yells, but not the kind that were given before he even finished his speech. Kestrelwing didn't have to look down to know who it was. With a snarl, the tom narrowed his yellow gaze at Blizzardsky, wishing he was down there and not on the Streamstone now. Rage boiled his blood - how... how dare that sky-brained idiot?? "Blizzardsky," he snapped, voice low and filled with thorns, "the kit you are referring to is Fernpaw - a WindClan apprentice who was securely escorted back to camp after almost drowning at our borders, and Spice-"

// Rani [all of RiverClan]

[Mango]

spade

Blizzardsky silently stood up as Snakeheart continued, holding his head nobly. He prepared to step forward as Snakeheart began to describe the new leader, he was seconds from being declared leader of Riverclan and then Snakeheart said something Blizzardsky could barely process ‘Kestrelwing was leader of Riverclan’ he couldn’t believe it he had to object, it wasn’t just that he was the rightful leader of Riverclan, no he had forgotten that expectation, but Kestrelwing the kitnapper couldn’t possibly be leader of Riverclan, absolutely not, he’d kill Kestrelwing if he had to, he’d spend his life in exile or get killed for doing it, if that’s what it took to protect Riverclan from Kestrelwing. He had to at least tell them that he was a kitnapper, they might change their mind if they knew the truth, it was his only hope of solving this peacefully. He began to shout,” HE’S WHAT NOW?! You seriously appointed the KITNAPPER as leader, are you out of your mind!? he practically screamed,” Kestrelwing here I caught a moon ago with a Windclan kit he had captured and thanks to my heroics I stopped the heartless warrior from drowning the kit, he had just dropped the kit in the water. And earlier this month he even captured my daughter, Spicekit, and the only reason she returned safely to me was because I threatened Kestrelwing if she wasn’t returned alive! You better reject the offer right now, or I’ll have to deal with you myself.” he hissed his fur raised and his claws unsheathed with pure anger as he narrowed his eyes at Kestrelwing clearly planning to attack him.

[gs29513]

Zesty Mango spade
Of course. Of course Blizzardbutt began yowling his head off. The now KestrelSTAR seemed to be dealing with it...acceptably, but he was up on the rock. And Blizzardbutt was still making his little tantrums down at the foot of the rock. Her fur puffing slightly, her rank making her just a bit more willing to throw her weight around(although she was pretty light) Splashleap took a few, stiff steps towards Blizzardsky. Listen buddy. Kestrelstar is leader for a reason. You're not leader for a reason. So shut it. Starclan doesn't have any objections to this, otherwise they would have told the medicine cat who made him leader, alright? This cat did not understand how idiotic he sounded. But she didn't feel like she needed to get that far into it, just tell him to shut his fat trap. She wasn't sure if she was even supposed to do this, but hey, she was the deputy. She ASSUMED she was allowed to discipline idiotic furballs. Hopefully. If not this would be the worst blunder of......ever probably.

[Abyssopelagic]

Palepaw had been about to congratulate Splashleap and Kestrelwing on their new positions, both very much earned and she certainly hoped neither would disappoint the way Sootflare and Stormcall had, when Blizzardsky's howling rang in her ears.
Oh for.... could he go a day without causing problems?
It seemed to be the one thing he excelled at lately.
"Blizzardsky.... Kestrelwing has worked his ass off to be here for the Clan since Sooty disappeared. It is THE BARE MINIMUM we are looking for in a leader. If morality is really your issue here, you should take that up with Snakeheart, in private. Right now you're causing stress for everyone."
She padded up to him and tried to gently usher him backwards and AWAY from the prying eyes of the crowd.
She personally didn't care whether or not Kestrelwing had tried to drown a kit, they needed someone at the helm of this sinking ship and make things right again. Sootflare had been a let down and now LIONSTORM was missing.
After Kestrelwing, was there really anyone who could be trusted with this position? Bunch of lazy lounge abouts, this Clan was.
Zesty Mango Rani spade

[Poprock]

spade
Bumblestep couldn't contain the purr that erupted from his chest at the announcement of Kestrelwing become the leader of Riverclan.Stars did he deserve it. The tom had gone out of his way to host events, organize patrols, and ensure the safety of their clanmates. The black and white warrior was positive he would have trouble juggling even one of those tasks, but Kestrelwing always found a way. In the past few moons alone, Bumblestep had seen the younger warrior mature rapidly. Sure, he was still a closed off hot head... but he cared. That was truly all that mattered.

Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar!" He cheered, ignoring the frankly rude cries of Blizzardsky. With Splashleap to balance him out, Kestrelstar will surely be the greatest leader Riverclan has ever seen.

[Madelaine]

Heronflight looked at Blizzardsky. Oh come on why was he being this way. The molly didn't understand what she saw in him, but that didn't matter right now. The warrior padded over to him, restraining herself from knocking him upside the head. "Oh come on Blizzardsky. drop it before you make things worse. I understand you wanted to be leader, but still. Kesteralwing wouldn't do anything of the sort, so stop talking nonsense.", she meowed with a low growl. If she needed to treat him like some lost kit then she would. Plus in experience, she knew yelling out isn't the answer.

// Zesty Mango; \\

[Rani]

If anyone ever asked Snakeheart if he smiled seeing Kestrelwing scale the rock to sit up there with him he'd deny it to his death but the truth was his long fanged muzzle had been curling into a grin for basically the entire meeting. (Well bar select interruptions by certain individuals). He wasnt alone in this anymore (though he never really was he'd had support even if it wasnt enough to save him from his stress) and someone else was up here on this damned rock. When he first met the older tom he was wary as always and uncomfortable at the warped reflections he saw in a too similar tom, now it was a comfort. He may now know the clan, the future, or anything at all but he knew Kestrelwing like a limb. Snakehearts voice was soft and lacked his normal bite when he replied, moving to stand beside the older tom on the rock. "I should be thanking you..." Before giving him a soft encouraging nudge on the side with his tail.

The older toms speech was... Very Kestrelwing but it seemed to be well received and the medicine cats tail waved slowly at cats cheered. Except.... Stars Blizzardsky. If it was one cat it was always him wasnt it.

Snakeheart did mean to step back on the general now, let Kestrelwing handle it but his temper was always his flaw. So cutting off the dark tabby mid word the medicine cat grabbed a small rock off of the steamstone chucking it with a hiss at the idiot warrior. It wouldnt harm him but it it'd hit it'd smart.
"WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT YOU EMPTY HEADED FOOL! How dare you try and bring this up now and make it an issue, anyone with a brain can see the only reason youre making this a problem because you want the position for yourself. Your egotistical posturing is disgusting and anyone with eyes can see how stupid you are being. I fully believe Kestrelwing when he says the windclan kit stumbled over and nearly drowned, windclan are drown-able and as our allies is good thing he saved the kit.

As for Spicekit... I can sympathise with your worry and fear for your adopted kit but how in the world can Kestrelwing be responsible? You are taking your own dislike of a clanmate and using that to power a quite frankly serious accusation, one that holds no weight. However Ive been far to quiet about something about this matter and now youve pushed too far. I AM NOT UNAWARE THAT YOU TORE APPART PART OF THE NURSERY AND HAVE BEEN PICKING FIGHTS! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU TO MAKE YOU THINK THATS ACCEPTABLE, KITS GO MISSING ALL THE TIME AND IF ANYTHING ITS YOUR FAULT AS HER SELF PROCLAIMED 'CARETAKER' THAT SHE DID DISAPPEAR!
I let it go because I was giving you space to grieve but no more, get out. You must personally apologies to all those you wrongfully accused and I am no longer allowing you to just wander around unchecked. If any queens are willing to take on the responsibility of watching Spicekit to make sure Blizzardsky doesnt end up negatively impacting her life please come forward after the meeting and Palepaw? Given you seem to have some sense do follow him around and be his minder for a bit, if he creates another issue the high ranks should know. Now shut up Blizzardsky or I will ban you from rearing kits permanently. Quite frankly you should be happy Im not doing worse. Your behaviour is unacceptable."
After his little screaming fit Snakeheart snarled glaring down at the warrior paw curled around yet another rock to throw should he continue his accusations. From all his issues with the leadership before, to creating problems constantly, to doing nothing during the coyote attack and now his current behaviour. He'd had enough. If Kestrelwing wanted to take the punishment further his choice but Snakeheart deserved to be the one to hand this down after all Blizzardsky had been driving him mad for awhile.

He forced himself to calm then panting a bit and nodding at Splashleap who was probably handling this more reasonably than he'd ever manage before continuing on.

"Issues aside then by the power invested in me Riverclan I give you your new leader! Bear this burden with honour and grace.
Tonight Splashleap will mind the camp while Kestrelwing and I travel to the starcave to receive his nine lives when we return the clan will start anew. For now take the time to relax and celebrate! The worst is over and we are better for it."

Snakeheart really didnt believe in starclan and knew the whole mess was fake and for show but it was tradition and would defiantly create issues if not upheld. It'd create time for the two to poke around for golden lug anyway. At this point the medicine cat fell silent giving space for the clan to celebrate and for Kestrelwing to give some final words before wrapping up the meeting, trying not to show any of the strain this whole event had put on him visibly, stars this clan was just exhausting.

spade gs29513 Zesty Mango Rainquail

[Mango]

gs29513 spade Angelique Rani Rainquail (think I got everyone)

Blizzardsky’s eyes went wild in shock. They were all blinded by their weird obsession with Kestrelwing, he hated it so much. He found himself bunching up his muscles in rage, he did everything in his power to fight this instinct, but the only thing that seemed to hold him back, was fear that Spicekit would watch him kill Kestrelwing, that wouldn’t look bad,” I don’t care who’s leader, as long as it isn’t him.” he muttered. Frankly at this point he didn’t care that he wasn’t going to be leader, just as long as Kestrelwing wasn’t leader. I could take Spicekit tonight, and we could live on our own, or join Windclan...we’d fit in there in Windclan, could make sure Kestrelwing isn’t stealing any more kits from Windclan. He silently thought before stomping off towards the nursery. He hadn’t harmed anyone, he had just stated the truth about Kestrelwing, he didn’t owe him an apology it was true after all. He really believed it was true.

[Fuzzy]

Zesty Mango

Surprise laced the molly's face at the announcement of Kestrelwing's leadership. He was going to be leader. Kestrelwing was leader!!? Whoa... Petuniaflame had not expected that. Sure, he seemed fitting, but he was younger than her and she just never expected that. She just didn't see a cat she knew and interacted with to be leader. However, the more Petuniaflame thought of it, the more it made sense. He worked his tail off with everything he did for RiverClan. He was the perfect choice. "Kestrelwing! Congratulations!" She called to the tom, knowing he would do well in the position.
She watched as he stood up and vowed to restore glory to RiverClan. To make it the Clan she knew it could be. A Clan that would stand up for itself, be proud to be RiverClan. A Clan that wouldn't fall so easily. Petuniaflame knew that was possible and she knew Kestrelwing, or Kestrelstar now would do just that. "I know you'll do well and keep your word, Kestrelstar... and you have the warriors of RiverClan behind you, I'm sure." She called up to him, a smile creasing her lips. "May the Spirits guide your paws! Petuniaflame would wish, dipping her head to the new leader. While she knew most cats spoke of StarClan, she still didn't quiet grasp the concept despite living in the Clan most her life. The spirits of loved ones were always around even if no cat could not see, feel, or interact with them. They were in the hearts of their loved ones, watching over them.

Her thoughts were cut off by the abrupt accusations from... her brother? Petuniaflame couldn't understand where this was coming from. Kitnapper? Kestrelwing was not a kitnapper. Her brows knotted in confusion. What had given him that idea. Her amber eyes flickered over to Kestrelwing, star, whatever he was to be called at the moment. He seemed to have dealt with everything in the pest well, or everything she had needed help with. A WindClan apprentice that was escorted back, that made sense and she knew he would never kitnap a RiverClan kit. Why would he want to?
Sighing- the yells and accusations making her head spin- Petuniaflame limped over to Blizzardsky and pressed against his side. "Shhh..." She breathed hoping to calm him in some way. "Blizzardsky, Blizzy, calm down. It’s alright... Kestrelwing- er star, he's really not that bad. I know he is kinda mean at times and a bit scary but he's always putting RiverClan first. He really cares about us as a Clan and I know he wouldn't kitnap Spicekit, she's RiverClan he wouldn't hurt her. I promise you, it'll be okay. He'll be a good leader, I know it, but if he's not you can blame me" Petuniaflame cooed attempting to calm her brother. He had been in a rough state recently she knew that he was going through a lot. She knew, despite what it seemed, that he wasn't a bad cat and really didn't try to stir trouble.
Looking away from her brother, she saw many cats looking at him, judging him for his outburst. Splashleap, the new deputy, of course was yelling at him. Bumblestep, Palepaw... Heronflight, a cat that seemed to be close with, even scolded him. Honestly, it made her feel bad, yet calling out the new leader like that, when it couldn't be true, was wrong. It wasn't how things should be done. He always made a fool of himself, but this made her just feel conflicted. Maybe she should just take him and sit him down after the meeting and let him vent again, talk him out of this.
However, Petuniaflame really didn't know what to say. Spirts! She barely knew what to say to any cat at this point. So, many things were going on that it simply confused her. Oh, how she hoped things would get simpler.
"I trust trust him to be a good leader. Do you trust me enough to believe that?" Petuniaflame asked softly, her amber eyes flickering back up to her little brother. Her words were soon followed by the yowl from Snakeheart, his loud sharp tone making her flatten her ears. She knew it was directed at her brother but it made her want to cry. Was it really about his ego or was it because of his broken heart? He wasn't a bad cat, he just needed better guidance. He had lost so much recently, so many things. "It'll be okay..." She whispered, closing her eyes, hopping nothing would get worse from here. "Things will work out, please, calm down Blizzy." Petuniaflame added, voice no more than a mummer. She was over the fighting in her Clan. The drama of who did what when. RiverClan was supposed to be one Clan, a family. They were to stand together, encourage each other. Not fight and bicker over lies and assumptions. It needed to stop. Yet, she didn't know how to make it.
So, she started with Blizzardsky. She wanting him to have a good fufilling life.

[Shade.]

Peachpurr

The she cats ears burned with excitement at the announcements of both deputy and leader! Splashleap and now Kestrelstar! The she cat shifted from paw to paw eyes glinting with excitement. “Splashleap! Kestrelstar!” she let out a call amongst the rising chorus of her clanmates




Lotus had settled next to her sister. She was observing the meeting. She was glad Lionstorm was no longer in power, she hated his guts. She was worried that Kestrelwing would be the same. Not the same, a lot less idiotic, but still violent and amoral. She had fate in Splashleap though.
"How do you think this'll go?" she muttered.

(Hope you don't mind me jumping in)

[wren]

Lotus had settled next to her sister. She was observing the meeting. She was glad Lionstorm was no longer in power, she hated his guts. She was worried that Kestrelwing would be the same. Not the same, a lot less idiotic, but still violent and amoral. She had fate in Splashleap though.
"How do you think this'll go?" she muttered.

(Hope you don't mind me jumping in)


Peachpurr

The she cat was startled by her sister beside her but was soon comforted by her presence. “Don’t know... I’m glad kestrel won’t be doing patrols anymore though. He’s put me on cattail twice now.. neither of my patrol mates showed up to hunt either” her tail twisted around her paws. “Maybe splash will remember who I am and where to put me” she mused quietly.

[Shade.]

Peachpurr

The she cat was startled by her sister beside her but was soon comforted by her presence. “Don’t know... I’m glad kestrel won’t be doing patrols anymore though. He’s put me on cattail twice now.. neither of my patrol mates showed up to hunt either” her tail twisted around her paws. “Maybe splash will remember who I am and where to put me” she mused quietly.





Lotusheart tipped her head and looked at her sister. They were quite similar but the size difference was quite humorous.
"Do you not like patrols? If neither of them came than it's not your fault. And it's not because of you or anything." she said. It was funny, Lotusheart could encourage other people to be confident but not herself.

[wren]

Lotusheart tipped her head and looked at her sister. They were quite similar but the size difference was quite humorous.
"Do you not like patrols? If neither of them came than it's not your fault. And it's not because of you or anything." she said. It was funny, Lotusheart could encourage other people to be confident but not herself.


Peachpurr

The she cat smiled faintly “I don’t mind hunting patrols. I would much rather do a border patrol though. Gives me a chance to talk instead of hunting off on my own. I’m getting sick of not having friends around” she teased quietly her tail twisting gently behind her. “Reminds me, maybe we should head off on a patrol tonight. Just me and you. We haven’t talked in forever.. you never tell me anything either.” she said eyebrows tipped up curiously

[Shade.]

Peachpurr

The she cat smiled faintly “I don’t mind hunting patrols. I would much rather do a border patrol though. Gives me a chance to talk instead of hunting off on my own. I’m getting sick of not having friends around” she teased quietly her tail twisting gently behind her. “Reminds me, maybe we should head off on a patrol tonight. Just me and you. We haven’t talked in forever.. you never tell me anything either.” she said eyebrows tipped up curiously



Lotusheart shuffled her paws nervously. Was there really anything to tell. Peachpurr seemed to have so many problems it had never really been about Lotusheart but it's not like she minded. She kept her problems to herself anyway.
"That sounds nice. I'd like a chance to catch up and help out the clan." she mewed.

[wren]

Lotusheart shuffled her paws nervously. Was there really anything to tell. Peachpurr seemed to have so many problems it had never really been about Lotusheart but it's not like she minded. She kept her problems to herself anyway.
"That sounds nice. I'd like a chance to catch up and help out the clan." she mewed.


Peachpurr

The she cat smiled gently at the acceptance. She gave her shoulders a gentle shake. “Good. We should head out now.. I don’t wanna stay around for celebrations. All this yelling is going to give me a headache” the she cat whispered taking a moment to stand and drop into a pleasant little stretch, her whole body giving a shiver.

[Shade.]

Peachpurr

The she cat smiled gently at the acceptance. She gave her shoulders a gentle shake. “Good. We should head out now.. I don’t wanna stay around for celebrations. All this yelling is going to give me a headache” the she cat whispered taking a moment to stand and drop into a pleasant little stretch, her whole body giving a shiver.



Lotusheart nodded. She herself was not too fond of high ranks or celebrations. She enjoyed being alone in the silence. But Peachpurr wouldn't really bother her either. She rose to her paws.

[gs29513]

It seemed that her anger, when combined with Kestrelstar's and Snakeheart's, was significant enough to silence Blizzardbutt. She had almost expected him to continue his fit, but he seemed to have backed down, at least temporarily. Hopefully he would remain quiet for longer than a day, although on previous evidence that seemed unlikely. Taking the moment of relative calm(at least everyone was cheering for Kestrelstar and not screaming at each other) to cheer for the new leader herself, Splashleap yowled Kestrelstar! Kestrelstar! a few times, her tail lashing in excitement. A leader change was a unique occurrence after all. Nodding quickly up to Snakeheart as he mentioned she would be staying behind while Kestrelstar received his lives, she looked around again. It seemed Blizzardsky was the only major issue, she figured he would be a cat to keep an eye on in the future. But not right now. Now, at least according to Snakeheart, it was time to celebrate.

[Quasar]

Minnowpaw
____________

Normally she would be the first to cheer the names of her clanmates when they rose in rank, but this time the announcement took Minnowpaw by so much surprise that she was momentarily shocked into silence. Was...was this was Kestrelwingstar was nervous about? Had he known about this? As the clan erupted into cheers, filling the camp with joyous calls, her shock slowly subsided. Why was she surprised? He would make a great leader, it only made sense that he was chosen.

Even though it wasnt her ceremony, she still felt an overflowing sense of pride. Not for herself, but for her mentor. Even if he tended to be relatively grumpy most of the time, it was always obvious just how much he cared for his clan. Leaping to her paws as he made his way onto the Streamstone, the dappled grey molly dashed to stand in front of the rest of the crowd and make herself visible to the new leader.

"Kestrelstar!" she loudly cheered, jumping around to try and catch his attention, "You're gonna do great! You'll be the best leader we've ever had!" and she believed that. With every fibre of being being, she believed that he truly would be the best. A huge smile was present on her face, wide eyes happily gazing up at Kestrelwing.

// spade

[spade]

It was a new feeling to have others stand up for him, but the overwhelming support in the face of Blizzardsky's ridiculus accusations did quite a bit to quell his own nerves and anxiety. Did... did his Clan really back him this much? Was it the fact that leadership had been re-established, and any cat elected for the position would do? Or did it really have something to do with him?

These thoughts raced around, chasing each other in his mind, and Kestrelwing knew they would be for quite some time.

He'd fallen silent when Snakeheart stepped up, knowing that anything that came out of the snarky spitfire's mouth he would full heartedly agree with. The rock throw caught him a bit by surprise, and Kestrelwing had to fight the urge of the smile that twitched at his lips. If anyone in the Clan deserved to get pelted with rocks, it was the white sky-brained idiot before him, spouting off nonsense about his status as a "kitnapper".

The nursery wall hole was news to him though, and all at once his narrowed gaze shot to Blizzardsky. He knew the tom was grieving, and while he could understand it to an extent, it didn't give him the right to start tearing into the nursery wall, not after the disastrous events following the rogue coyote. Even having just a bit of the nursery exposed made his heart race as memories of Firehawk's dead body flooded his mind...

Zesty Mango
"If you do not heed Snakeheart's punishment, then I shall see fit to give you my own," Kestrelwing called down, raising his voice so it went directly to the retreating warrior. "And if you walk into that nursery, I'll make it so the ban extends to even seeing Spicekit." There were no reservations in his mind about separating the two if he was going to continue to act like this. Ignoring Snakeheart? Bold. Ignoring his direct order? Blizzardsky seemed to have a desire for isolation.

Fuzzy
Moving on from that, Kestrelwing allowed his yellow gaze to sweep over the crowd. "Petuniaflame," he nodded to the crazed tom's sister. . "I want you both to keep an eye on him. He is not allowed in the nursery under any circumstance." Palepaw was a good choice, but Kestrelwing would feel much better if another warrior was keeping an eye out as well.

gs29513 Jackpot
There was appreciation for the cats who stepped forward in hoping to calm Blizzardsky down - the most prominent to him being Splashleap. Yes, she would make quite the excellent deputy. Then there was Minnowpaw, one of his apprentices (he didn't see Nightpaw which, was a bit concerning...) and he gave her a small nod to acknowledge her words.

wren Shade.
Off to the side he did take notice of two cats who appeared to be in discussion about patrols. It seemed they weren't fond of sticking around for the festivities, and a pang of jealousy struck him. Oh, how his life would never be like that, able to leave meetings whenever he wanted to. So he didn't feel the need to say anything about it - as long as Peachpurr and Lotusheart were productive in progressing RiverClan he didn't really care what they did.

"I will return shortly. Until then, you are to follow Splashleap's orders," he called out before giving a wave of his tail. "This meeting is dismissed."

Boy, he wanted to get down. A bout of dizziness was starting to settle in the more he looked down, and his fear of heights was not something Kestrelwing really wanted his Clan to find out - not on the eve of his leaders' ceremony. "I'll go down to accept the congratulations, Snakebite, but if anyone gets touchy you may have an unexpected patient in your den," the older tom joked to the medicine cat as he scrambled his way down from the Streamstone onto the ground.

// Rani

[Mercury]

It was a new feeling to have others stand up for him, but the overwhelming support in the face of Blizzardsky's ridiculus accusations did quite a bit to quell his own nerves and anxiety. Did... did his Clan really back him this much? Was it the fact that leadership had been re-established, and any cat elected for the position would do? Or did it really have something to do with him?

These thoughts raced around, chasing each other in his mind, and Kestrelwing knew they would be for quite some time.

He'd fallen silent when Snakeheart stepped up, knowing that anything that came out of the snarky spitfire's mouth he would full heartedly agree with. The rock throw caught him a bit by surprise, and Kestrelwing had to fight the urge of the smile that twitched at his lips. If anyone in the Clan deserved to get pelted with rocks, it was the white sky-brained idiot before him, spouting off nonsense about his status as a "kitnapper".

The nursery wall hole was news to him though, and all at once his narrowed gaze shot to Blizzardsky. He knew the tom was grieving, and while he could understand it to an extent, it didn't give him the right to start tearing into the nursery wall, not after the disastrous events following the rogue coyote. Even having just a bit of the nursery exposed made his heart race as memories of Firehawk's dead body flooded his mind...

Zesty Mango
"If you do not heed Snakeheart's punishment, then I shall see fit to give you my own," Kestrelwing called down, raising his voice so it went directly to the retreating warrior. "And if you walk into that nursery, I'll make it so the ban extends to even seeing Spicekit." There were no reservations in his mind about separating the two if he was going to continue to act like this. Ignoring Snakeheart? Bold. Ignoring his direct order? Blizzardsky seemed to have a desire for isolation.

Fuzzy
Moving on from that, Kestrelwing allowed his yellow gaze to sweep over the crowd. "Petuniaflame," he nodded to the crazed tom's sister. . "I want you both to keep an eye on him. He is not allowed in the nursery under any circumstance." Palepaw was a good choice, but Kestrelwing would feel much better if another warrior was keeping an eye out as well.

gs29513 Jackpot
There was appreciation for the cats who stepped forward in hoping to calm Blizzardsky down - the most prominent to him being Splashleap. Yes, she would make quite the excellent deputy. Then there was Minnowpaw, one of his apprentices (he didn't see Nightpaw which, was a bit concerning...) and he gave her a small nod to acknowledge her words.

wren Shade.
Off to the side he did take notice of two cats who appeared to be in discussion about patrols. It seemed they weren't fond of sticking around for the festivities, and a pang of jealousy struck him. Oh, how his life would never be like that, able to leave meetings whenever he wanted to. So he didn't feel the need to say anything about it - as long as Peachpurr and Lotusheart were productive in progressing RiverClan he didn't really care what they did.

"I will return shortly. Until then, you are to follow Splashleap's orders," he called out before giving a wave of his tail. "This meeting is dismissed."

Boy, he wanted to get down. A bout of dizziness was starting to settle in the more he looked down, and his fear of heights was not something Kestrelwing really wanted his Clan to find out - not on the eve of his leaders' ceremony. "I'll go down to accept the congratulations, Snakebite, but if anyone gets touchy you may have an unexpected patient in your den," the older tom joked to the medicine cat as he scrambled his way down from the Streamstone onto the ground.

// Rani

Pebblekit stumbled over to Kestrelwing, a small blue and white feather in his mouth. He laid it at Kestrelwing's paws, looking up at the leader-to-be with a shy smile. "Congratulations...!" he murmured, nosing the feather forward a tad. "Here - for you!"

[Abyssopelagic]

Palepaw wanted to crawl out of her skin. She'd failed to make Blizzardsky back down and now she was stuck being part of the center of attention, even if that part was shared by Heronflight and Petuniaflame.
Well, if nothing else, the threats of having Spicekit taken away made him shut up, even if he still refused to back down or apologize.
She couldn't help puffing her chest as Snakeheart's words stoked the fire that fed her pride. Of course he trusted her with this. She always seemed to run into him anyway. She wasn't particularly eager about the assignment, though, considering it would cut into her ability to train, but she supposed a task was a task and any were important to be conpleted.
She bowed her head to acknowledge that Snakeheart had spoken to her before trying to slip back into the crowd, desperate to disappear among them again and hoping the rest of the meeting could continue smoothly enough, catching that Kestrelwing would also be assigning Petuniaflame to watch Blizzardsky.
Zesty Mango Rani

[Appleheart]

Appleheart ran to the Streamstone panting, "I'm so sorry! Am I late? I think I'm late. It's my first time here and I was just exploring..." Appleheart trailed off and grinned sheepishly, "sorry, Kestrelwing I mean Kestrelstar..."

[Fuzzy]

Zesty Mango

Petuniaflame practically jumped at her name being mentioned. All the attention had been on her brother she did not expect it to shift to her. Her amber eyes snapped to Kestrelwing, not sure what to expect.
"I want you both to keep an eye on him. He is not allowed in the nursery under any circumstance"
So, she would be watching Blizzardsky too? That was not what she had expected from this. Of course, she hadn't expected any of what was going on currently. Her and Palepaw keeping watch over Blizzardsky, that would be interesting. Dipping her head to Kestrelwing she acknowledged his orders. "See Blizzy, he's giving us more reasons to hang out together." She would add to Blizzardsky, hoping to lighten up the mood.

[Rani]

Snakeheart let out a little sigh of relief at the meeting being called to a close turning to jump down from the streamstone as fast as possible. It really wasnt as pleasent as one thought it might be, when you were on top of the rock every little issue was clearly viable and it'd drive you insane if it wasnt dealt with, and it'd stir the pot if it was. He didnt exactly agree with the birdbrains decision to further Blizzardskys punishment, the warrior was an idiot but not one that generally meant any harm and he already had a minder assigned in Palepaw and whatever queen, Snakeheart didnt see the reason for adding Petuniaflame to that. Ah whatever it was now Kestrelwings issue if the giant cloud decided to make an issue and this punishment however harsh or not wouldnt last forever, as soon as Spicekit was made an apprentice it'd be loosened unless Blizzardsky did another stupid thing. If that happened though action would need to be taken, sure the medicine cat believed he was basically harmless but eventually the stupid plaguing the clan couldnt be ignored. At least the guy had his kit back, that was good.

"Linger around brush shoulders and dont maim anyone. Im going to grab some herbs that will help us on this and we can get going, suns going down fast enough we can set out soon anyway."
Even though Snakeheart sympathised it hurt to see the older tom not approaching this event with even a little bit of joy. Kestrelwing deserved this role and should at least be able to be happy about himself and the adulations he was receiving but given the medicine cat didnt really accept compliments himself maybe that was hypocritical. Still the orange tom would be annoyed if any clanmates came into his den bearing the dark tabbys wounds for anything but a very very good reason, actions like that would net some serious anger. The young tom was well aware a lot of the anger was like his, a default and not a true example of his character.
"Do try and enjoy yourself." He added with a tail flick before briefly padding off for now.

spade

[spade]

A scoff resulted in the mini lecture he got from Snakeheart, and Kestrelwing just attempted to flick his side with his tail in a playful manner. He’d quite enjoy working with the tom, as well as Splashleap.

Dahliamoon
Speaking of, the gray tabby set out to speak to her before he left when a little ball of fluff appeared at his paws. Who was this? There were too many kits in RiverClan to keep track anymore - which, he supposed was a good thing, but still. ”A... feather. How wonderful,” he grumbled, though he picked it up if only to appease the young kit. They made him irrationally angry, and aside from the young Fernpaw in WindClan he didn’t feel a need to really get to know any of them.

Dipping his head to Pebblekit, he gave a flick of his tail towards the nursery. ”Better hurry on back to the nursery before a fish gets you.” There was no weight behind the silly threat, and Kestrelwing offered an awkward smile as he placed the feather on top of the kits head before padding off.

Appleheart
Hearing a rather irksome commotion near the entrance, Kestrelwing swung his head over to a rather unfamiliar warrior. What was her name....? Oh! ”Appleheart. Where were you, trying to be a fish at Cattail?” he questioned with a raised brow. She hadn’t been here all meeting - though then again, not many of RiverClan had showed up. That was... concerning.

Dismissing the thought, Kestrelwing gave the warrior one last annoyed look before scooting past her and over to the cat he had been looking for.

gs29513
Finally settling his attention on his new deputy, he sat in front of her. ”I guess you’re my partner in crime now,” he smirked, yellow gaze holding a hint of a challenge as he studied her. With her display of skilled fighting at Smallpines, he was curious as to what her real talent was - perhaps he’d pull her aside for a friendly sparring session later to get to know her.

”Like Snakebite said, hang back here for tonight. Make sure no idiots tear anymore holes into the nursery,” he gave a pointed look towards where Blizzardsky stood surrounded by his sister and Heronflight, ”and if anyone gives you trouble, let me know once I return. If they wish to disrespect your word, that’s something that will be corrected.” With a nod, he got up and touched his tail briefly to her shoulder before sliding past.

- - -

It still felt weird to be congratulated in such a manner by the same cats who’d let his mother’s death pass without so much as a sympathetic ‘sorry’. But there wasn’t time to dwell on that. Kestrelwing accepted it now with little resistant, dipping his head here and there, before finally settling near the entrance, waiting for Snakeheart to join him.

[Appleheart]

Appleheart frowned, "Looks like I'll have to explore later, having Kestrelwing/star unhappy with me is the last thing I ever want." Appleheart shook her head and went to the Warriors den, "Note to self, don't go exploring when it's almost sun-high." Appleheart muttered.

[spade]

So many thoughts were cascading down onto Kestrelstar that each tumbled over the next without a coherent, clean version coming as a result. Not only was he physically and mentally exhausted from the lives ceremony - and the fact that not one but two Dark Forest cats had interjected the ceremony with their own agendas - but finding Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak at Smallpines... it both revived him and wore him out again. The rage that boiled his blood though had only increased his speed, practically sprinting back to camp with narrowed eyes.

It seemed his era as leader would start as a bloody one, because despite the chaos in his mind, Kestrelstar was crystal clear in one vision; ThunderClan would burn for their crimes. Gently, he let Lionstorm's body slip off of himm in the middle of the clearing, swallowing a lump in his throat. Snakeheart would be behind him carrying Fawnsqueak. Without a second though the gray tabby leapt up onto the Streamstone, ignoring the swell of tingles that the height gave him and sweeping his gaze across RiverClan... his Clan.

"RiverClan! Gather around for a meeting!"

Not the usual words, but Kestrelstar could barely think straight, and he knew his voice would wake even those who were sleeping. He scanned the crowd for his deputy, wishing he could've informed her of the grizzly sight before. But there was no time to wait.

gs29513 Rani hope Exis Papaya Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Silverfur & Co Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra implimm shaded shadow -Skyfall- Redtalon Exis Sparrowsong and Co. Tiabirb MooingPanda Quickpaw Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

[Kunaisoul]

Nightpaw sat, looking up exitedtly.

[Tiabirb]

The new leader's voice rose over the camp, and Starlingflight slipped from the warriors den to gather as instructed. She sat near the den, eyes front and trained on Kestrelstar. But upon seeing Lionstorm's body being set into the clearing, her heart froze in her chest. "What...what happened?" It looked like savages had torn Lionstorm usunder. "Who..who did this?" She rasped. Was there more bloodshed on the horizon? How many cats were going to die before peace came back?

[plum]

Plumpaw being one of the first few to approach was a very, very rare occasion. Had it actually ever happened before? The silver she-cat wasn't going to sit and think about it- She knew the answer.
She sits near the new leader, sizing him up with focused scrutiny. He wasn't anyone she knew. Hell, honestly most of RiverClan was still foreign to her. Being the loner in a close-knit family was strange. She felt the same way they did, cared about the same things too. She just had no one to really share that with (to no one's fault but her very own.).

But being the loner in a family who suffered was something else entirely. Seeing the body and getting a close look at it, Plumpaw's stomach rolls. Without warning, a dryheave gets her up on her feet again and she chokes. That was... "Lionstorm!" What led to this?

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe sat at middle near the streamstone looking at kestrelstar worried. She was glad they had a leader but was worries about why he called a meeting after getting his ninelives.

[Lavender'fur]

;Hawkwhisker;
The white warrior looked up.
"What is it now?" he muttered, approaching the Streamstone and sitting down.

[-Ash-]

Nightkit bounced to the front of the crowd, a huge, cheery smile on his face. He sat there, and looked up at Kessystar, listening for what he had to say.

[furrensic]

meeting, meeting, meeting! hearing kestrelstars call, sprigcloud pushed himself off of the ground.(darn, his sun bathing was interrupted. oh well! he'd continue it later.) the blonde tom padded over to the streamstone with a skip in his step, taking a seat.
as soon as he smelled the air, his nose twitched at the terrible smell of death, and the tom shuddered. his eyes landed on the golden body of lionstorm and the body of fawnsqueak (who looked like a lump, with snakeheart carrying him not too far away) and his stomach flipped, forcing himself to tear his gaze away.

[iliri]

Lakepaw's eyes trailed over towards the large tom at the clearing. Her brows raised when she noticed the large body being slumped onto the clearing. Her nose twitched to the stench of death revolting from it. Looking at it, she realized it was..Lionstorm. "What? The almighty golden lug is dead? How?!" She wasn't having any empathy. She was shocked, she didn't know that HE would be dead. She thought that he was one of the toughest cats around. Guess that was wrong then.

[Abyssopelagic]

Palepaw grumbled as she stumbled into the clearing and padded over to the streamstone, blearily blinking the sleepiness from her eyes. Barely a leader and he was already calling a meeting.
She sat herself down, noticing she was one of the first to gather among her clanmates.


Sedgestorm trotted uneasily to join the others beneath the streamstone, not liking the tone of Kestrelstar's voice.

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
Streampelt padded over to the Streamstone, looking at the nursery to see if Mothsky would appear only outside of the nursery.
:heartbounce: The Flying Pizza :heartbounce:

~Fiercepaw~
Fiercepaw padded over and sat down, looking up at Kestrelstar. Then, she looked around for her mentor.
:heartbounce: Dizerel :heartbounce:

[windtail]

hearing kestrelstars call bluegaze sent her kits to the nursery and sat down with the other cats.

[CroissantKitty]

Aspen leaf peeled her ears as he heard Kestrelwi- Kestrelstar call a meeting. She hurried over to the Streamstone and sat down, wondering where Fizzlepaw was.

[Aquilex]

Barkfuzz settled in the clearing beneath the Streamstone. Kestrelstar seemed on edge, and it made him wonder what had happened. He thought things would be more peaceful from now on, but it seemed he was wrong in that assumption.

He sighed. He was so tired of all this drama - both inside and outside of the Clan - but he did his best to stay positive.

[gs29513]

Something was definitely wrong. Kestrelstar's(she presumed) voice was different, held an angry, panicky note. And he had just been to get his lives, what was so urgent that it couldn't at least wait until they were settled in their roles, at least a bit? She hadn't even sent out patrols, and here they were, a second meeting in two days. Camp had been peaceful while he was gone, not even a peep of trouble from Blizzardsky, but that seemed like it was about to change. Forcing her fur to lie flat, she padded swiftly to the Streamstone, taking a seat a few tail lengths away. Hopefully there wasn't some horrible catastrophe, although it was sounding a bit more urgent than she might have liked.

And then her nose and eyes caught up with her ears. The scent of death, of decay, was already flooding about the clearing, and when she turned, she could see that just a bit off to the side, was a corpse. A corpse that was easily recognizable, even covered, absolutely covered, in blood. Lionstorm. Opening her mouth in a wordless gasp, she looked at the tom. Dead. Gone. Starclan no. Why now? Now he was dead, the beloved leader and then warrior, the cat that she had been hoping would help them find their feet.........gone. But how? He hadn't been sick as far as she knew, and so much blood.......what, or maybe who, had killed him?

[shaded shadow]

hearing kestrelstarś call sootfang went over and sat next to bluegaze, he could tell that something was wrong he hoped that nothing bad had happen.

[dino.]

>Goosefury<
No. No way. This couldn't be happening.

The feeling drained from Goosefury's body and his blood went cold as he sat up to look at the reentering form of Kestrelwing... and the limp body of the golden tom he knew so well. He was frozen in place for a moment, staring soundlessly at the battered, bloody body of Lionstorm before turning a heartbroken gaze on Kestrelwing - or was it Kestrelstar now, he wondered ever so briefly.

On shaking paws he approached Lionstorm, ears pinned flat against his head. He opened his mouth to speak but his voice died in his throat as the stench of blood and... something else hit his nose. Something else. What was that?

His heart shuddered and then turned dark, and his lips pulled back into a snarl. ThunderClan scent. ThunderClan. Grief melted into anger and he spun to face Kestrelwing, tail lashing. It would be pointless to ask who had done this - oh, no, he already knew.

They'd pay.

[Jade13]

littlepaw ran up happily and sat down. he was around the middle to the front of the group, he looked up at there new leader. he didnt know if he would ever be leader, probaly not so he would stick to what he was doing now. learning and having fun

aspenpaw sat off to the side just close enough to hear and see, he didnt want to be near others but he knew he should listen to the meeting so he stayed close. he wondered what it was about. hopefully he would get another mentor so he could start training though what if they where mean like his last one.

russetkit walked out of the nursery and sat down like everybody else, she looked up at the leader, she didnt know him it was probably good if she got to know him though, he was her new leader after all though its not like she knew or cared for the old one. she waited for the leader to say what he wanted so she could go back to doing whatever kits do here

( warning, if you interact with her try not to insult her or you will be on her hate list forever and she will do everything to get info on your cat so she can hurt them )

[jimothy]

Firesweep had been sitting in the clearing, eyes narrowing as Lionstorm's lifeless body was quickly set down for the clan to behold, Krestrelstar immediately taking his place above them. It was cruel for a new leader and their medicine cat to be the ones to carry them in. The tall warrior flattens his ears, anticipating what crucial words will accompany the stench of death.

[littlelove]

Morningpaw's head snapped over to Kestrelstar's call as he burst into camp, her blue eyes widening in surprise at the sudden meeting.... and then her heart dropping into her stomach as she processed the sight of a limp, bloodied Lionstorm being set on the ground. She looked top the new leader nervously. What happened?

[Shade.]

Lotusheart settled far from the crowd and flopped on her side. She would listen to the meeting. For some reason, perhaps force of habit, she felt a little mistrust towards Kestrelstar.

[Tiabirb]

Snowstripe was a new warrior but she looked up to keatrelstar as she stood up "Maybe we should see what thunderclan has to say before we just up and attack. Fawnleap may have been an accident and we don't know about Lionstorm. We should at least see what their side of it is before we lose more cats. I understand you may not like this idea but our ancestors wouldn't want us to fight just to fight they would want us to try to figure out what happened first." Snowstripe mews. She wanted her voice to be heard she didn't care if they ignored her or not. She voiced her opinion and sat down.

Starlingflight had collected her thoughts enough to hear Snowstripe speak up, and she looked over at the young warrior. "Snowstripe is right...tensions are high in every clan. If we keep lashing out for every cat that dies, accident or no, then we're simply petty..." She wanted to do something about this, to hear what ThunderClan had to say. But jumping into battle wasn't the wise choice. She nodded towards Snowstripe, approving of the young warrior's confidence.

[Fenz]

Streampaw and streamfern came padding in from hunting together. Oh a meeting mewed streampaw as she and streamfern bounded over

[Silverfur & Co]

Starlingflight had collected her thoughts enough to hear Snowstripe speak up, and she looked over at the young warrior. "Snowstripe is right...tensions are high in every clan. If we keep lashing out for every cat that dies, accident or no, then we're simply petty..." She wanted to do something about this, to hear what ThunderClan had to say. But jumping into battle wasn't the wise choice. She nodded towards Snowstripe, approving of the young warrior's confidence.

She noded back and wrapped her tail around her paws and sighs hoping they take her thoughts spoken outlook into mind I stead of just charging. She understood that lionstorm was killed and she got up sniffing to make sure her assumption was right. She had been in the middle and came back and sighed she wasn't gonna have it.

[carmen]

Bristletail walked into the clearing and deposited a few fish in the fresh-kill pile. Why was everyone looking at the clearing? Eh, it didn't make sense, but that didn't matter. Bristletail went through all the possibilities in her mind. Maybe they found Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak! She grinned happily before it turned to a frown. Then why does everyone look so shocked? She walked to the front of the clearing and stopped.

Her gaze swivelled over the bodies of her clanmates. "No." She whispered it so quietly, it barely left her mouth. Bristletail didn't know the two that well, but they were amazing. They were part of Riverclan, to begin with! Her heart was shattering. She knew that Kestralstar was going to be an amazing leader, but for his reign to start off with a murder, that seemed cursed. She took a few steps back and gazed up at Kestralstar with admiration. He was going to avenge them. She knew it.



Dusksong staggered to her feet at the sound of a meeting. Ugh, what happened this time. If there were new apprentices or warriors or even just mentor switches she was going back to sleep. Blah, blah, blah. Who cares. She wandered over and sat down. Almost everyone was already there and almost all of them looked horrified. What is it this time. Did a battle start? She pasted a look of concern on her face, despite not even knowing what was wrong.

A soft thud reverberated through the clearing. Hmm? Dusksong lifted her head and nearly choked on her breath. What the- She spluttered and coughed until she caught her breath. Fawnsqueak and Lionstorm. She stared at their bodies. Those were the wounds inflicted by other cats. Not good. She guessed it was Thunderclan. They already seemed to hate them and Lionstorm did seem to hate them back. But why? That was the question that swum through her head. Why?

||:OPEN:||

[Dizerel]

Junipersong roused from her nest, having been taking a midday nap after attempting (and mostly failing) a solo hunt. That was Kestrelstar! She was excited to talk to him now that he had returned! But... something sounded off. That wasnt the normal call for a meeting. It sounded angry, panicked, and urgent. Rousing from her nest, standing up and walking out of the warrior's den, she gasped when she saw the two lifeless bodies dumped in the middle of the clearing. Lionstorm? AND Fawnsqueak? This... this was....

She caught sight of her apprentice out of the corner of her eye. Rushing over to Fiercepaw and trying to calm things down. Teaching her apprentice how to respond appropriately in situations like these was most important. "Hey, calm down, calm down. This looks bad, but remember what I taught you. We need to know the full story first. Dont judge the other clans quite yet" she told Fiercepaw.


// ~Fierceclaw~

[Lavender'fur]

;Hawkwhisker;
The tom finally looked up and saw the sight on the Streamrock.
Lionstorm.
Fawnsqueak.
Dead.
"No.." he whispered. They were dead.
Why were they dead?
ThunderClan. Their reek is all over the bodies.

//OPEN\\

[Ziera]

// Stormtalon

Kestrelstar's call rang shrill through the clearing. It was not the call of a poised leader, no-- the words were wrong and there was something chaotic embedded in the timbre of his voice. Death...the tabby tom could smell it before he was even properly out of the warrior's den. Shocked murmurs rippled through the already gathered cats as Stormtalon padded forward, an icy calm fitting over his features born of dread.

...The body was Lionstorm's. Stars.

Stormtalon's heart sank under the heavy weight of foreboding. This was the truest test of the kind of cat- the kind of leader- Kestrelstar would turn out to be. How would he choose to retaliate?


// Ottersplash

"What the..." Otter murmured when he heard commotion. He'd been gearing up to leave camp for a hunt, but then apparently Kestrel returned, so- another meeting? What was the big deal? Something so important that Kestrelstar had to- ... oh. Oh.

The large ginger tom stopped halfway into the clearing, his paws suddenly wooden and uncooperative. That was... that was... no, it couldn't be. Why? StarClan, why? Ottersplash felt an overwhelming urge to run away from the sight of his former leader's corpse lying in the middle of RiverClan's clearing. A major part of him didn't want to see what he was seeing, rejected it, even- but another part of him won out.

"What happened!? What in the stars- how?"

[BristleFrost]

So many thoughts were cascading down onto Kestrelstar that each tumbled over the next without a coherent, clean version coming as a result. Not only was he physically and mentally exhausted from the lives ceremony - and the fact that not one but two Dark Forest cats had interjected the ceremony with their own agendas - but finding Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak at Smallpines... it both revived him and wore him out again. The rage that boiled his blood though had only increased his speed, practically sprinting back to camp with narrowed eyes.

It seemed his era as leader would start as a bloody one, because despite the chaos in his mind, Kestrelstar was crystal clear in one vision; ThunderClan would burn for their crimes. Gently, he let Lionstorm's body slip off of himm in the middle of the clearing, swallowing a lump in his throat. Snakeheart would be behind him carrying Fawnsqueak. Without a second though the gray tabby leapt up onto the Streamstone, ignoring the swell of tingles that the height gave him and sweeping his gaze across RiverClan... his Clan.

"RiverClan! Gather around for a meeting!"

Not the usual words, but Kestrelstar could barely think straight, and he knew his voice would wake even those who were sleeping. He scanned the crowd for his deputy, wishing he could've informed her of the grizzly sight before. But there was no time to wait.

gs29513 Rani hope Exis Papaya Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Silverfur & Co Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra implimm shaded shadow -Skyfall- Redtalon Exis Sparrowsong and Co. Tiabirb MooingPanda Quickpaw Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

Riverkit walks out of the nursery and to the streamstone. He sits and waits for Kesterelstar to talk.

[Willie Warf]

Stonefoot walked up t othe streamstone

[poppy]

|Rainstorm|

Rainstorm fixed her gaze on Kestrelstar, glancing occasionally at the corpses of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. They smelled of ThunderClan... but Lionstorm also smelled of Buckstar. Buckstar wouldn't kill Lionstorm, right? A shiver ran through her, and she suppressed a growl. ThunderClan. She always knew they were trouble. She didn't buy the goody two shoes act and the sweet smiles they emitted. They were totally liars, two faced little brats.
(OPEN)

[VexSkullz]

Kestrelsplash looked around then pricked his ears at an instant; a meeting! He scrambled to his fumbling paws and padded over to the clearing, where Kestrelwing, or Kestrelstar, or was it still Kestrelwing, and he hadn't gotten his lives yet? He sighed. He hadn't been paying attention to most of the things going on now that his mate was bearing kits. That was all he thought about. The tom flicked his ear in slight irritation; come on, he was a Warrior for StarClan sake! He had to have more things on his mind than Fernstream and kits that weren't even born yet, like how he could be hunting for her. Yeah- wait, no! That was still revolving around the she-cat! He felt his heart scramble like his mind.

He shook his head and sat to wait for the next announcement. He looked around at the cats that beat him to it. Yeah, RiverClan was strong. They were attentive. How attentive and strong was ThunderClan?

[Akira]

Toadpounce, Silvercreek, Witheredback, and Creekripple joined, and they gasped at the bodies. What happened?

Reedpaw walked over, and reeled at the sight of the bodies. What happened?! One sniff, however, told him all: ThunderClan. But, ThunderClan would never go as far as to kill a cat for no reason: did something happen?

[shaded shadow]

sootfang stared in horror at lionstorms body and wondered what happend but then he cought the sent of thunderclan.

[Clock Dragonshifter]

Vinewatcher made her way to the clearing seeing Lionstorms body on the ground she then looked up at Kestrelstar worriedly waiting for what her leader had to say

[Rani]

If the clan somehow missed Kestrelstar bringing in the limp and torn appart body of Lionstorm or thought that was it or the worst of it then Snakeheart almost felt sorry as he proved them wrong.

The medicine cat had lagged behind smaller body struggling to carry even Fawnsqueak but eventually he arrived padding into the clearing to a gathering crowd the warrior limp over his back. the horror of the entire situation hit him again when he saw Lionstorms body in the clearing just there and for a moment the medicine cats steps faltered but he eventually made his way to place Fawnsqueaks body next to his mate's. Stars this had really happened..... This..... Snakeheart almost collapsed next to Lionstorm gently nudging at the golden fur so he wasnt just sprawled there like here was where his life had been taken away cringing at the heavy scent of thunderclan still on his pelt. It was on Fawnsqueaks too, the medicine cat having no way of knowing that the scent of the smaller cat was only there because it rubbed off of Lionstorm. However, he had every reason to believe it was there because this too was the forest clans fault.
Sure the injuries werent typically that of an attack, the ex medicine cats head had been hit with something hard, maybe a rock, but it could be explained. Maybe one of those wretched cats had grabbed a river stone and smashed it against his head, maybe they'd pushed him but the scent didnt lie. Any cat that came close would smell thunderclan on the bodies and see the dozens of claw marks on Lionstorm. Somehow despite being relived of this burden that knowledge made Snakeheart feel even more weak sapping the medicine cat of the rage he should be feeling.

Really Snakeheart at this moment just felt.... Hollow.
He felt numb and empty all the emotions he should be feeling drained away by the sheer magnitude of what had happened. Distantly he realised he was probably in shock, that he should go get some herbs to treat himself but while his head felt lighter than air and full of nothing but static his bones felt heavier than stone. Who healed the healer when they were wounded? Snakeheart didnt know so he just say, evidence of tears matting down the sides of his face even and there were none left to fall.

At least he could trust Kestrelstar to stay strong where he couldnt right now. The tom would make things right, silence these fools that thought this type of crime was excusable or didnt deserve justice. And when the medicine cat could muster the energy to do more than just sit besides the golden pelt of the cat he'd come to care for, shoulders sagging as he buried his nose in Lionstorms shoulder, he would help.


gs29513 spade hope Exis Papaya Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Silverfur & Co Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra implimm shaded shadow -Skyfall- Redtalon Exis Sparrowsong and Co. Tiabirb MooingPanda Quickpaw Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

[Shade.]

Lotusheart observed the bodies from afar. A pang of guilt hit her as she realised she could not care less about either. Lionstorm was a given, but Fawnsqueak? She hadn't ever met him. So perhaps it was natural for her not to care. I mean, who cares about some negative acquaintance and a stranger?

[BristleFrost]

Riverkit sees the body of Lionstorm and lets out a yelp. He runs to the body and starts to lick him. He whispers, "Lionstorm, please get up, your the best warrior we have," over and over again.

[Lavender'fur]

;Hawkwhisker;
"ThunderClan!" he yowled.
"They did this- anyone could see it!"
They were dead, they were dead, they were dead, dead, dead.
Dead.
"We should kill them! They should learn not to mess with us!"

[Tiabirb]

Starlingflight was already trying to formulate some form of thought on how to soothe the worst of the the anxieties, but all of that flew up the creek when Snakeheart appeared, carrying the body of Fawnsqueak. Oh no... That alone would set the Clan's ire ablaze. Not one, but two beloved cats dead. Starlingflight cast an uneasy glance at Kestrelstar, wary of how he would respond to this. What would he do? Coyotes, the feud with ThunderClan, and now this? Clearly with the scents, faint as they might be, of ThunderClan itself?

There were going to be dark days ahead. But it all came down to Kestrelstar. Would he throw his Clan into battle with ThunderClan? And if they did, where did it end? Starlingflight envisioned countless moons of bloodshed, cats grieving and lashing out again and again. Is this what our Clan is doomed for?

[carmen]

Rani
Bristletail choked again. Another clanmate dead. A second one. gone. Who else would Thunderclan take? Suddenly, she was jerked from her thoughts as she stared at the body. Bristletail blinked. There was something wrong with Fawnsqueaks body. She stood up again and walked closer, nearly breathing in Snakehearts face. "A cat didn't do that."

She looked up at the medicine cat. "That one was an accident." She hoped she was right. She wondered if the words even left her mouth. ] Bristletail flinched at the scent coming from them. Thunderclan had seen them, but the dent in Fawnsqueaks head wasn't made by a cat. If they went into battle and another Thunderclan cat stole someone else, she couldn't handle it. She would shatter. With another breath, she pressed her snout into Lionstorm's golden fur and felt herself fill with emotion.

Two cats she barely knew were dead, her chance to show her loyalty gone. She wasn't ready to speak with Kestralstar or Splashleap, she had barely worked up the courage to speak with Lionstorm. And he had died before she had spoken with him. She raised her head towards the stars, and her eyes filled with sorrow.

Quietly she spoke, "Starclan, take them into your ranks with pride. I never knew him well, but Lionstorm was a proud and loyal leader. I never met Fawnsqueak, but they protected our clan with herbs, better than any battle would." She looked to Snakeheart, waiting for the tom to begin the ritual.

[furrensic]

Lavender'fur //

sprigcloud was never one for battles, murder, death. he was against it, he was a pacifist, and when it came to battle, he had always tried to get people to calm down. (fighting wasn't good, two bads didn't equal a right.) the smell of thunderclan on lionstorm and fawnsqueaks corpses caused an outrage, eyes widening at the yowl of hawkwhisker, whipping his head to stare at the tom.

"we can't do that! do you want even more dead clanmates? because that's what will happen if we try to kill thunderclanners!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. fighting would only cause more death and injuries for both clans-- that wouldn't be helping anyone! the death of fawnsqueak and lionstorm was heartbreaking, terrible, and honestly angering, but they didn't even know the full story! (couldn't everyone just keep a neutral standpoint on this instead of wanting blood?)

he pointed a paw at the other warrior. "don't encourage battle by yelling, it won't help anyone." sprigcloud said, trying to sound as sharp as the kind tom could. hawkwhisker could go grieve by himself or seek comfort, that was fine, but he wasn't going to allow him to just incite violence.

[iliri]

Then she spotted Fawnsqueak. "Fawnsqeak?! What happened to both of them?!" Lakepaw hissed with pure fury. Her blue-gray tabby fur started bristling heavily with anger.

[Lavender'fur]

Lavender'fur //

sprigcloud was never one for battles, murder, death. he was against it, he was a pacifist, and when it came to battle, he had always tried to get people to calm down. (fighting wasn't good, two bads didn't equal a right.) the smell of thunderclan on lionstorm and fawnsqueaks corpses caused an outrage, eyes widening at the yowl of hawkwhisker, whipping his head to stare at the tom.

"we can't do that! do you want even more dead clanmates? because that's what will happen if we try to kill thunderclanners!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. fighting would only cause more death and injuries for both clans-- that wouldn't be helping anyone! the death of fawnsqueak and lionstorm was heartbreaking, terrible, and honestly angering, but they didn't even know the full story! (couldn't everyone just keep a neutral standpoint on this instead of wanting blood?)

he pointed a paw at the other warrior. "don't encourage battle by yelling, it won't help anyone." sprigcloud said, trying to sound as sharp as the kind tom could. hawkwhisker could go grieve by himself or seek comfort, that was fine, but he wasn't going to allow him to just incite violence.

;Hawkwhisker;
"And what else could we do?" the tom yowled back.
"Sit down and let them take our Clanmate's lives, one by one?"
Hawkwhisker didn't think Sprigcloud was right here. It was obvious that ThunderClan had killed two of their Clanmates, possibly in cold blood.

[dino.]

>Goosefury<
No, skies, no, this was too much.

He choked as Fawnsqueak's body was laid next to Lionstorm's. Something like ice was crawling up his limbs. "No." Encasing his ears and nose. Closing over his heart. "No."

And then suddenly it turned white-hot, as if the sun itself had crashed down on top of him. Though his eye was glassy, fire burned within its green depths, and he rounded on the rest of RiverClan. Their comments had not fallen on deaf ears, and the anger he'd been holding back burst forth with a force no less than what was carried by a flashflood. "What's wrong with all of you?!" he shouted, his voice choked with grief. "ThunderClan did this! Their stink is all over this! THEY took them away from us, they deserve every sort of hellfire that we can rain down upon them! Traitors, the lot of you, all of you saying we don't need a fight." He sank his claws into the sand, shaking, trembling. Hot tears stung his good eye, blurring his vision. "I swear to the skies above, I'll bring it down myself if I have to. They won't get away with this. I'll make them pay myself if I have to!"

He turned on Bristletail [ Pheasantflight ], raised a paw as if to strike her, claws flashing. "And you!" he spat. "Shut up! Get away from him! It is not your place to say those words!"

[Fawnhearted]

Mistpaw let out a wail, at the sight of another body. Too many dead. One was too many. She didn't know what to feel. Anger? Sadness? All she could do was choke back a sob.

Violetkit was old enough to understand what was going on, but didn't quite know why. "Are they,, Mama!", she wailed, looking for her mother or just someone in general to hold onto.

[windtail]

Bluegaze could not understand it, why would thunderclan kill lionstorm and fawnsqueak
her kits had crouded around her asking her what was going on.

[plum]

All around her, yowls rose up as her Clanmates began to realize what was going on. This wasn't just some general ceremony called by a new leader. Kestrelstar and Snakeheart had brought very grim tidings into their camp. Plumpaw takes a while to get past Lionstorm's body. She felt grief over tom she would never get to know any better. He was good, from what she did know of him.
He was resting now, hopefully with the tom he'd died with. She never knew Fawnsqueak and never really felt obligated to, but Lionstorm did so much for her. And she could at least care for the mystery tom in a respectful way of "you were important to someone who was important to me, so you are also important."

Plucking up the courage to look around now, the silver mau is appalled at how they all reacted. Well- Most of them. Yowls of outrage were drowned out with rebuttals of peace and thought. What was there to think about?! Standing up, she pads closer to the two deceased toms and stares hard at them, then lifts her gaze to the cat she knew would speak up loud enough for all to hear, for all to be silenced: Snakeheart.

But her velvet ear flicks in Sprigcloud's direction. He was arguing with another warrior. Turning, she flashes her teeth at the warriors.
"We'll go and challenge them to confess," she hisses at them both. "Their scent is thick on Lionstorm- Fawnsqueak too. IF they didn't slaughter them both, they definitely played a big part in this. It's cruel and absurd to think our own Clanmates would insist on peace, on hesitation!" She stares accusingly at Sprigcloud before snapping her head away again.


"Kestrelstar will make the right call. Hopefully we stand together on that, then."

[ Rani, finn., Lavender'fur ]

[Quickpaw]

(@spade (http://warriorcatsonline.com/forums/member.php?u=269), sorry, but I just wanted to inform you that my only RiverClan character will be born around May 17, so if you could try to leave me out from the mentions until then, that would be great! Sorry for all the trouble.)

[carmen]

Papaya
Dusksong blinked, so everyone was bawling about two random cats. EH, it didn't bother her. She spun around, ready to walk back to her napping place when she heard a yowl of pure fury crash down onto her. At Goosefury's screech, she spun around, shocked. DUsksong paused and thought. I guess I should be worried, but it doesn't matter that much. Then she remembered that Lionstorm used to be leader. So, it does matter. But not too much. She had to pretend as it did though.

She stalked over to Goosefury's and crouched beside them. It wouldn't be too hard, she enjoyed fights. "Why are you cowards moaning about this!" She spit with false fury, almost believing the lie of her anger herself. "Thunderclan killed them. We must take our revenge!" Dusksong spun around and looked at Kestrelstar, "When do we attack?" A thousand thoughts were racing through her head. This was the most active she had been since... ever? Huh. Who knew murder could be so exciting? She licked her lips.

[Lavender'fur]

// finn. implimm \\
;Hawkwhisker;
The warrior nodded to the other cat. It was true; Kestrelstar would make the right call, and he couldn't doubt that. And the best call to action was probably attacking them.
"ThunderClan is the only explanation, unless their bodies accidentially were killed and accidentially were moved to wherever they were found and accidentially have the marks of a warrior on them," he meowed, saying the last bit with sarcasm.

[carmen]

Papaya
Bristletail flinched backwards, away from the claws raised above her. God, she was an idiot. It was Snakehearts place to say that, not mine! She bowed her head to Goosefury and stepped back. "I am sorry." She turned to Snakeheart. "That was your place to speak, not mine." Bristletail was panting. What had he done? What if he couldn't get to Starclan because of her! What if she was exiled! What if nobody liked her! Briostletail stopped hyperventilating and thought, Starclan won't leave them out because of me. Kestrelstar won't make me leave because of this. She took a breath, Nobody likes me anyways. She cleared the thoughts from her head and calmed herself. "If we must fight, I will join!" She hated fighting, but if it were necessary, she would fight for Riverclan.

[Tiabirb]

>Goosefury<
No, skies, no, this was too much.

He choked as Fawnsqueak's body was laid next to Lionstorm's. Something like ice was crawling up his limbs. "No." Encasing his ears and nose. Closing over his heart. "No."

And then suddenly it turned white-hot, as if the sun itself had crashed down on top of him. Though his eye was glassy, fire burned within its green depths, and he rounded on the rest of RiverClan. Their comments had not fallen on deaf ears, and the anger he'd been holding back burst forth with a force no less than what was carried by a flashflood. "What's wrong with all of you?!" he shouted, his voice choked with grief. "ThunderClan did this! Their stink is all over this! THEY took them away from us, they deserve every sort of hellfire that we can rain down upon them! Traitors, the lot of you, all of you saying we don't need a fight." He sank his claws into the sand, shaking, trembling. Hot tears stung his good eye, blurring his vision. "I swear to the skies above, I'll bring it down myself if I have to. They won't get away with this. I'll make them pay myself if I have to!"

He turned on Bristletail [ Pheasantflight ], raised a paw as if to strike her, claws flashing. "And you!" he spat. "Shut up! Get away from him! It is not your place to say those words!"



Starlingflight felt a spark of anger at Goosefury's words of hate. She stalked forward and thrust her face into his, lips curled back, "Look at Lionstorm! Look at Fawnsqueak! What is the difference you see?" She spat, "If ThunderClan did do this, why would they ravage Lionstorm and leave Fawnsqueak's body practically devoid of any marks? There's more to the story, and we're all fools if we allow our anger to push out any dropping of reasoning!"

"Fight if you want, but I don't want to see blood in our river, staining it for generations to come! I for one would love to see what ThunderClan has to say for this. And if they're lying, we'll know.." She glared at the tom, the fur along her spine rose. "If there is a chance we can resolve this without losing anyone else, take it! But I dare you to wail if anymore of your loved ones die because you want to throw yourself blind with rage into battle!"

[furrensic]

/ Lavender'fur Tiabirb //

chaos had erupted with goosefury shouting and kits wailing, and hawkwhiskers words. "now you just sound foolish," sprigcloud commented. of course he didn't want them to just sit around and wait to be killed by thunderclan! if anything, he wanted the opposite of that. where did hawkwhisker even get that from? seriously.

"what im saying is that we don't have to battle, that'll just get more people killed, and even angrier cats. it'll become an endless battle!" one that would probably continue for moons and moons, all because of riverclans outrage. (he understood where the anger came from, he did, but--)

his attention quickly shifted to plumped, ears pinned back at the accusing glare. okay, so it seemed like most people were advocating for attacking thunderclan. the confessing part? yeah, okay, that was fine. murder? not okay. (he was starting to think; maybe clanlife was too violent for someone like him.)

as plumpaw turned away, his eyes landed on hawkwhisker once again, in awe at the sarcastic remark. "I'm not saying they weren't murdered by thunderclan in cold blood," sprigcloud pointed out with a large frown, ears perking at starlingflights words. "starlingflight is right! there's obviously something we don't know- it makes no sense for thunderclan to kill lionstorm in such a terrible way and not claw fawnsqueak to pieces just like lionstorm!"

[Lavender'fur]

// finn. \\
;Hawkwhisker;
The white tom got up and faced the other cat in the eyes.
"It's quite obvious that the cats that attacked Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were different! ThunderClan is as extensive as ours, probably less, but still!"
Hawkwhisker was already beginning to not like Sprigcloud.


(I must say, I'm really enjoying this interaction!)

[Exis]

Foxblaze padded up to her son. How dare they... he was only a boy when this all started. And now... he was no longer. He should have had many moons of apprenticehood, getting into trouble and sneaking out to find adventure. He should have had many many moons of carefree bliss. And yet here he was shouldering the weight of the clan.
How dare they...

She placed her tail across his shoulders and butted her head against his shoulder in support. Her poor baby boy. Her little Snake in the grass. “I love you my son. You are doing amazing.” She purred quietly.
Her poor boy.

Rani

[~Fierce~]

~Streampelt~
Streampelt was dumbstrucked as he spotted Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak's bodies. He looked away quickly. He couldn't deal with seeing the wounds.

~Fiercepaw~

Fiercepaw looked at her mentor and before she could reply, she turned to look at the dead bodies of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. A furious glint appeared in her eyes. She turned back to Junipersong. "I won't get mad. I promise." She meowed, a fierce tone in her voice. She couldn't keep her promise. She had just said that to calm down her mentor. Fiercepaw turned back to looked at Kestrelstar.
:heartbonce: Dizerel :heartbounce:

[Madelaine]

Heronflight padded out of the warriors den hearing their leader call a clan meeting. Two scents filled the air, of death and something familiar. She looked over and saw two bodies she knew quite well. Her heart stopped. She wanted ro rush over, but stayed still. She hadn't gotten to make it up to them and now they were gone. Heronflight sat down, hoding her grief.

Fizzlepaw scbted the scents of his former clanmates and anger boiled in him. They did this to them and they were going to pay. Perhaps he should stay away from them, but his mind went to Sunchaser. Could he really just ignore his friend? He was going ro have to. This was his clan now. All Thunderclan was was savages.

[jimothy]

Despite the weight of processing grief and anger, Firesweep maintains his tall stature as he witnesses the aggravation. The warrior struggles to understand the restraint to charge Thunderclan when all the fingers clearly pointed at them regardless.

"No Thunderclan messenger says enough. Our leader and healer had to bring them back themselves. How could you even approach Thunderclan if not claws-first?"

These cats meant the world to some of their clanmates - and lived valiantly for Riverclan.

[Silverfur & Co]

Snowstripe watched the medicine cat grieve over the two cats she was sad about lionstoem yes because he had given her her warrior name and everything else but she looked at him and sighed.

[Madelaine]

Cottonstrike looked on at the bodies of the former leader, who he held a great respect for. This cat believed in him and now he was gone. The deaf white warrior wanted to cry, but if his mate were not missing and here she would want him to stay strong for his clan. He only knew they were gone. Since he couldn't hear he missed out on who had killed them. But soon it registered. It was Thunderclan. That no for good clan killed to cats everyone respected. Soon they would get what was coming to them and he wanted to be a cat to rip his claws through them.

[Silverfur & Co]

Starlingflight felt a spark of anger at Goosefury's words of hate. She stalked forward and thrust her face into his, lips curled back, "Look at Lionstorm! Look at Fawnsqueak! What is the difference you see?" She spat, "If ThunderClan did do this, why would they ravage Lionstorm and leave Fawnsqueak's body practically devoid of any marks? There's more to the story, and we're all fools if we allow our anger to push out any dropping of reasoning!"

"Fight if you want, but I don't want to see blood in our river, staining it for generations to come! I for one would love to see what ThunderClan has to say for this. And if they're lying, we'll know.." She glared at the tom, the fur along her spine rose. "If there is a chance we can resolve this without losing anyone else, take it! But I dare you to wail if anymore of your loved ones die because you want to throw yourself blind with rage into battle!"


"I agree with her. I do not care what u do to me but I'm not gonna have it I don't want any blood in our river at all." Snowstripe stood her ground and sat near the other molly

[furrensic]

Lavender'fur //

sprigcloud was a patient cat, or at least he tried to be one, but hawkwhisker was pissing him off. "hawkwhisker, can you be quiet? of course different cats took out lionstorm and fawnsqueak, but why would they go through the trouble of killing them in such different ways? there's no explanation for it other than us not knowing something!"

his tone was sharp, similar to a snap as hawkwhisker got up and stared at him. he casted a glance over snowstripe, who also didn't think fighting was the right way to go about this situation. his attention returned to the tom.

"there'd be no point in them doing what they did for no reason." the blonde feline said, his tail lashing and wrapping around his front paws as he stayed seated, staring back at hawkwhisker.

[Quasar]

Raccooncall
____________

Dijon eyes widened in a mix of both shock and anger, the metallic tang of blood flooding his nostrils. With the scent came a rush of exhilaration, a state of excitement taking over his mind. Thunderclan had done this, of course they had. Was the life of an elder not enough? Did those hell spawn really plan on eating away at every strong warrior they had until the clan was left as a shell of its former glory? Well, tough luck mouse-hearts. He wasnt going anywhere. The grey toms eyes narrowed, pupils narrowing into mere pinpricks surrounded by a sea of rage

Normally smooth fur bristled into spikes along the toms spine, broad shoulders shaking violently. Oh, they would pay. Even death wasnt enough, they needed to be tortured eternally for their actions, deep in the pits of hell. Still, that was hardly even half of what they deserved. A sharp glare swept around the area, noting the sheer amount of cats who didnt seem to care, or worse; the cats who wished to grovel at the paws of that wretched clan. A fight was long overdue, and he was itching to get started. Peace never solved anything, not even for a bit. A time such as this called for battle, and he had no problem with bringing war to Thunderclan.

As cats crowded around the lifeless bodies of the former leader and medicine cat, a low growl ripped through Raccooncalls throat. The stocky warrior quickly made his way over to the gaggle of cats, stepping in front of the bodies in an attempt to ward off the cats. "Get your filthy paws off of them" he slowly growled out, his voice cold and full of hostility.

A mew from beside him caught his attention, and he couldnt help but let out a loud snarl, "Starclan? Ha! What a joke. What makes you think a fake cult of dead cats could do anything about this?" Raccooncall barked out a bitter, sarcastic laugh after he finished speaking

// Pheasantflight, Rani, Papaya (since snake and goose are involved n all that)

[Lavender'fur]

// finn.
;Hawkwhisker;
"Well, it's quite obvious that multiple angry cats took on Lionstorm. And only one or two ambushed Fawnsqueak," he growled, growing impatient. This was getting tiring.

"Spare me, StarClan, from this peace-thirsty Clanmate of mine!" he muttered.

[poppy]

|Rainstorm|

Rainstorm raised her tail. Kestrelstar, if I may, I don't think Fawnsqueak was killed by ThunderClan. Or, by a cat at all. The dent in her skull is round a deep. A cat couldn't have done this. Perhaps she fell and hit her head on a stone, or something. She still smells of the river! The small, gray, white flecked warrior padded forward, raising her chin. And maybe... maybe there was a reason for Lionstorm's death. I don't think ThunderClan would kill him unprovoked. Was there ThunderClan scent anywhere near him? Or did it seem he dragged himself off ThunderClan territory? She looked around at her Clanmates. Lionstorm doesn't seem like the cat that would trespass, but does ThunderClan sound like murderers? Isn't that more ShadowClan's style? ThunderClan follows the warrior code, and wouldn't kill without being provoked. Oh StarClan, what if she was accused of insulting the former leader, accusing him of treachery?!

I don't know what Lionstorm was doing by ThunderClan territory... because he was a very loyal, smart cat. It is highly unlikely he wandered there on accident. Her clear, light blue gaze lifted to look above Kestrelstar, to the sky. She didn't want a war. There had to be an explanation.

At least get Buckstar's side of the story. He is a trustworthy cat. Please.
{ Lavender'fur } She turned to face Hawkwhisker. And unless you were there and saw the whole thing, I suggest you be quiet, perhaps? Instead of suggesting things like war, and battle. Do you think avenging death with more death is smart? I sure don't! Losing more cats isn't the solution to losing cats! She fluffed out her fur. If ThunderClan did this, they will pay, but immediately jumping into revenge fantasies is exactly what they did- hypothetically.

{Okay, um... I called Fawsqueak a girl, so sorry about that, I won't change it, because normally irl you can't change what you say so... sorry?!}

[Tiabirb]

|Rainstorm|

Rainstorm raised her tail. Kestrelstar, if I may, I don't think Fawnsqueak was killed by ThunderClan. Or, by a cat at all. The dent in her skull is round a deep. A cat couldn't have done this. She still smells of the river! The small, gray, white flecked warrior padded forward, raising her chin. And maybe... maybe there was a reason for Lionstorm's death. I don't think ThunderClan would kill him unprovoked. Was there ThunderClan scent anywhere near him? Or did it seem he dragged himself off ThunderClan territory? She looked around at her Clanmates. Lionstorm doesn't seem like the cat that would trespass, but does ThunderClan sound like murderers? Isn't that more ShadowClan's style? ThunderClan follows the warrior code, and wouldn't kill without being provoked. Oh StarClan, what if she was accused of insulting the former leader, accusing him of treachery?!

I don't know what Lionstorm was doing by ThunderClan territory... because he was a very loyal, smart cat. It is highly unlikely he wandered there on accident. Her clear, light blue gaze lifted to look above Kestrelstar, to the sky. She didn't want a war. There had to be an explanation.

At least get Buckstar's side of the story. He is a trustworthy cat. Please.
{ Lavender'fur } She turned to face Hawkwhisker. And unless you were there and saw the whole thing, I suggest you be quiet, perhaps? Instead of suggesting things like war, and battle. Do you think avenging death with more death is smart? I sure don't! Losing more cats isn't the solution to losing cats!

Finally, more cats were looking at this with a little more scrutiny. Starlingflight wished with all her might that Kestrelstar, as young as he was, would have the wisdom to do what is best moving forward, what is right, and what RiverClan needs.

"Please, Kestrelstar," Starlingflight addressed the leader, pleading with him now, "We don't know a thing about what really happened, aside from the scent of ThunderClan on their bodies. If they were found by the border, there has to be some reason or explanation. Rainstorm is right; We should try to think this through..." More cats were siding with peace. Thinking ahead and not in the moment. Starlingflight felt nervous; It wouldn't look well for Kestrelstar's first meeting as leader to result in a clear divide, but there were kits, queens and elders who could pay dearly if they didn't move forward cautiously from this.

[dino.]

Starlingflight felt a spark of anger at Goosefury's words of hate. She stalked forward and thrust her face into his, lips curled back, "Look at Lionstorm! Look at Fawnsqueak! What is the difference you see?" She spat, "If ThunderClan did do this, why would they ravage Lionstorm and leave Fawnsqueak's body practically devoid of any marks? There's more to the story, and we're all fools if we allow our anger to push out any dropping of reasoning!"

"Fight if you want, but I don't want to see blood in our river, staining it for generations to come! I for one would love to see what ThunderClan has to say for this. And if they're lying, we'll know.." She glared at the tom, the fur along her spine rose. "If there is a chance we can resolve this without losing anyone else, take it! But I dare you to wail if anymore of your loved ones die because you want to throw yourself blind with rage into battle!"
Papaya
Dusksong blinked, so everyone was bawling about two random cats. EH, it didn't bother her. She spun around, ready to walk back to her napping place when she heard a yowl of pure fury crash down onto her. At Goosefury's screech, she spun around, shocked. DUsksong paused and thought. I guess I should be worried, but it doesn't matter that much. Then she remembered that Lionstorm used to be leader. So, it does matter. But not too much. She had to pretend as it did though.

She stalked over to Goosefury's and crouched beside them. It wouldn't be too hard, she enjoyed fights. "Why are you cowards moaning about this!" She spit with false fury, almost believing the lie of her anger herself. "Thunderclan killed them. We must take our revenge!" Dusksong spun around and looked at Kestrelstar, "When do we attack?" A thousand thoughts were racing through her head. This was the most active she had been since... ever? Huh. Who knew murder could be so exciting? She licked her lips.
Raccooncall
____________

Dijon eyes widened in a mix of both shock and anger, the metallic tang of blood flooding his nostrils. With the scent came a rush of exhilaration, a state of excitement taking over his mind. Thunderclan had done this, of course they had. Was the life of an elder not enough? Did those hell spawn really plan on eating away at every strong warrior they had until the clan was left as a shell of its former glory? Well, tough luck mouse-hearts. He wasnt going anywhere. The grey toms eyes narrowed, pupils narrowing into mere pinpricks surrounded by a sea of rage

Normally smooth fur bristled into spikes along the toms spine, broad shoulders shaking violently. Oh, they would pay. Even death wasnt enough, they needed to be tortured eternally for their actions, deep in the pits of hell. Still, that was hardly even half of what they deserved. A sharp glare swept around the area, noting the sheer amount of cats who didnt seem to care, or worse; the cats who wished to grovel at the paws of that wretched clan. A fight was long overdue, and he was itching to get started. Peace never solved anything, not even for a bit. A time such as this called for battle, and he had no problem with bringing war to Thunderclan.

As cats crowded around the lifeless bodies of the former leader and medicine cat, a low growl ripped through Raccooncalls throat. The stocky warrior quickly made his way over to the gaggle of cats, stepping in front of the bodies in an attempt to ward off the cats. "Get your filthy paws off of them" he slowly growled out, his voice cold and full of hostility.

A mew from beside him caught his attention, and he couldnt help but let out a loud snarl, "Starclan? Ha! What a joke. What makes you think a fake cult of dead cats could do anything about this?" Raccooncall barked out a bitter, sarcastic laugh after he finished speaking

// Pheasantflight, Rani, Papaya (since snake and goose are involved n all that)


>Goosefury<
At least Bristletail knew her place. He lowered his claws and spat at her once more, deciding to ignore Dusksong and Raccooncall in favor of lashing out at Starlingflight.

He stood his ground as she shoved her face into his, resisting the urge to rake his claws over her eyes and let her drop to the ground without a word from him. He was cold again, numb, this time with icy anger, his voice sharp as icicles. "Out of my face," he growled, "or it'll be your blood that stains the river. Let ThunderClan come crawling to us with their excuses after we've beaten them into the ground and buried their corpses six foxlengths under. Pick a side or you'll be joining them."

He turned his burning gaze on Rainstorm [ -Skyfall- ]. "Fawnsqueak is a tom," he spat. "Remember that before I shove it into your thick skull by force."

[poppy]

Papaya
(dang it, typo :sob: Lemme fix that XD)
Rainstorm nodded, meeting his gaze with a small frown. Of course, my apologies. She said, flicking her tail. Perhaps you could be a little less aggressive? I've never talked to you, there's no reason for such rudeness.

[AppleCat4]

Jaynose whipped her head toward Kestrelwing - no - Kestrelstar now. She saw the new leader in an apparent state of distress. And was that... Lionstorm lying dead on the ground? And one other cat, too.
Great StarClan, what happened? she thought.
Jaynose hurried over to gather for the meeting.

[jimothy]

"Rudeness? For a cat starting all her statements with I don't know and I think...you're certainly one to try to speak over your clanmates, Rainstorm." The rising aggression in the middle of the clearing wills Firesweep to stand.

"Don't any of you realize what you're saying beside Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak? Their bodies? As former leaders within our clan, it seems to me that some of you won't do a fraction of what they've done for Riverclan."

__
-Skyfall-

[Tiabirb]

Papaya

"Rich to call us traitors when you threaten your own Clanmate," Starlingflight snorted at Goosefury. "I side with RiverClan. Not myself or any of my personal attachments." No, attachments were just how this mess was made. It was much better to avoid them, Starlingflight mused. "Would they have truly wanted us to attack each other? To attack cats who should at least confess before we decide to slaughter them? If there is any guilt on ThunderClan's conscious, we should at least try to know why they were killed, and give our dead Clanmates a battle with actual reason and not assume anything at all!"

[poppy]

"Rudeness? For a cat starting all her statements with I don't know and I think...you're certainly one to try to speak over your clanmates, Rainstorm." The rising aggression in the middle of the clearing wills Firesweep to stand.

"Don't any of you realize what you're saying beside Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak? Their bodies? As former leaders within our clan, it seems to me that some of you won't do a fraction of what they've done for Riverclan."

__
-Skyfall-
I am trying not to state anything until I know exactly what happened. Perhaps you should do the same thing. Rainstorm suggested, narrowing her eyes. And you won't do much for your Clan, standing there and yowling for war, yowling for the spilled blood of out Clanmates! You're upset about ThunderClan possibly killing Fawnsqueak and Lionstorm?! You are demanding revenge, blood. What would they want? War? No!

During her little rebuke-fest, she kept herself stonely emotionless. It was best not to show emotion, anger, fear, grief. Just get straight to the point, and then go break down alone. Simple, honestly.

If this cat had half a brain, he should be able to see that war wasn't the option. Why couldn't they see it?! Hopefully the High Ranks would be smarter. Snakeheart might be to overcome with grief to see reason, which scared her. Rainstorm would go comfort him (try to, at least) but is she had lost a cat close to her, she would want to be alone.

At Starlingflight's words, Rainstorm nodded. Thank StarClan, at least some of her Clanmates could see past bloos and death, their gaze flooded with red-hot fury. Starlingflight is right.

[MooingPanda]

Brambleheart glanced up from his late-night snack at the new leader's summons and padded over to join the cats gathering around Kestrelstar. He hoped that it was Kestrelstar now. He looked tired and was carrying something. Brambleheart sat down to listen.

[dino.]

// Tiabirb - just mentioning you so ya see this, having goose exit this roleplay :0

>Goosefury<
It took every fiber of his being not to rush forward and slam her into the sand. His voice shook as he fought to control it. "You say you side with RiverClan and yet you refuse to acknowledge what's sitting right in front of you. They were your Clanmates. You should be aching to avenge them. Maybe you need to rethink the side you say you take."

His demeanor deflated as he turned away from her to refocus his gaze on the bodies beside him. A knot formed in his throat as he leaned down to bury his nose in Fawnsqueak's fur and then Lionstorm's. His anger was spent, his energy was drained, and now that he'd gotten a better look, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to unload on someone else with the same ferocity.

His squeezed his eye shut as he sat down and wrapped his tail tightly over his paws, his shoulders hunched, his ears flat, and his head hung. The knot was still in his throat, nearly suffocating, as he fought back burning tears.

[Silverfur & Co]

I am trying not to state anything until I know exactly what happened. Perhaps you should do the same thing. Rainstorm suggested, narrowing her eyes. And you won't do much for your Clan, standing there and yowling for war, yowling for the spilled blood of out Clanmates! You're upset about ThunderClan possibly killing Fawnsqueak and Lionstorm?! You are demanding revenge, blood. What would they want? War? No!

During her little rebuke-fest, she kept herself stonely emotionless. It was best not to show emotion, anger, fear, grief. Just get straight to the point, and then go break down alone. Simple, honestly.

If this cat had half a brain, he should be able to see that war wasn't the option. Why couldn't they see it?! Hopefully the High Ranks would be smarter. Snakeheart might be to overcome with grief to see reason, which scared her. Rainstorm would go comfort him (try to, at least) but is she had lost a cat close to her, she would want to be alone.

At Starlingflight's words, Rainstorm nodded. Thank StarClan, at least some of her Clanmates could see past bloos and death, their gaze flooded with red-hot fury. Starlingflight is right.


"I will stand with Starlingflight for the better of riverclan and as well as Rainstorm as Starflight and i said earlier. WE MEANING RIVERCLAN! Should find out why this happened before we just out right attack for no appartent reason besides cats being dead.... Our ancestors and these two (meaning lionstorm n fawn) would not have wanted that. No matter how much it ment. And attacking each other of the clan is not apart of the warrior code Goosefury. I understand that you are upset but look they wouldnt want any of us to be fighting like this. this is getting way out of paw. Ya'll are acting like a bunch of kits. Yes greiving is normal and yes i get that it will be hard to move on without them but lighten up and at least find the reason why before just blindly attacking cats." Snowstripe had enough of the nonsense even though she was a new warrior she was stating where she stood.

[Rani]

In his haze of static nothing Snakeheart took in the noises of his clan around him.

Dozens of cats talking yelling crying and praying over the tragedy in front of their paws. The clan was bereft. Well some were, others cared too little in a way that felt sickening.
Distantly he felt like he'd be enraged by Bristletails praying and urges for peace despite the obvious evidence of wrongdoing (starclan wasnt real), distantly he felt he'd be furious with Springcloud (coward) Starlingflight (traitorous fool) Snowstripe (blind) and Rainstorm (thunderclan sympathiser), distantly he felt he should be thankful to Goosefury Hawkwhisker and Plumpaw, but all he could feel was numb.
Until the soft familiar feeling of his mothers tail wrapping around him sunk in.
Snakeheart let out a small quiet sob as he heaved in a deep shuttering breath emotions flooding in all at once. Gone, Lionstorm was gone murdered and here cats were trying to pretend the two bodies werent a clear act of slaughter on their territory. The cold fury hit all at once.

"TRAITORS AND FOOLS ALL OF YOU!" He howled still leaning into his mother by the bodies side. "WITH ALL YOUR TALK IM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF YOURE RIVERCLAN AT ALL AND NOT THUNDERCLAN FOXHEARTED COWARDS!"
His fury at that cry was mainly aimed at the dissenters before it turned general.

"Lionstorms injuries are obviously not done by one cat and a great many of them! All of these wounds meant he bled out and with the scent on him its obvious who did it! There are so many wounds because not one single one killed him, Fawnsqueak is untouched by comparison because that single blow was enough...
As for Fawnsqueak all you insisting that it couldnt be anything but an accident are obviously fools! A large enough cat hitting with full force could do it or they could have simply pushed him into a rock! This would leave us with little sign of the cause could easily be a method to cast confusion and turn us on ourself and not the true culprit, just whats happening!

AND NONE OF THAT EXPLAINS THE FACT THAT THE BODIES WERE ON OUR TERRITORY! THUNDERCLAN ARE MURDERERS AND BORDER CROSSERS BOTH! IF YOU REALLY FEAR A FIGHT, A NECESSARY PART OF LIFE, MORE THEN FINDING JUSTICE FOR THE DEAD THEN GO JOIN THUNDERCLAN OR BECOME THE KITTYPET YOU SOUND LIKE!"

The medicine cats furious screech dragged all the air from his lungs and left him gasping, fur in complete disarray. This wasnt right why werent cats seeing the obvious!?! For ages now their clanmates had been picked off by the actions of a group of cowards across the river, first the coyotes now this and yet the rotten cats had insisted they were peaceful and allies at the gathering. Lies all of it and riverclan had lost two cats important to them because of it. Snakeheart wanted to just explode to march over to thunderclan and make them pay himself, now that his emotions were running free it was a monumental task to restrain them and he shook with the effort of it. Heh it was almost funny he probably looked like a wreck, blood on his paws and back from carrying the body home, wet fur from tears he shed before everything went numb matting his face, face twisted in fury and shaking like a leaf. Still he calmed himself best he was able, no matter how idiotic they were, these cats are his clanmates and didnt deserve his claws.

The toms voice was twisted with emotion and horse with restrained venom when he concluded his justifications.
"Theres little chance that thunderclan wont lie their tail off if we ask them for the truth, they cant be trusted. Of course they'll try and warp the reality to save face, we're stronger than them and the only way they could ever harm us is with underhanded acts like this. Any cat that believes a single word they say obviously is doing so for a specific reason and I dont trust that."


gs29513 spade hope Exis Papaya Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Silverfur & Co Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra implimm shaded shadow -Skyfall- Redtalon Exis Sparrowsong and Co. Tiabirb MooingPanda Quickpaw Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

[~|Snow Leopard|~]

Sorrelkit, the little spy that she was, watched as Snakeheart bladed on and on. "Well, you need to shut your big mouth." she growled under her breath. She wanted to burst out and tell him her opinion, winch was to calm down and let Kestarlstar deal with this, but no.

[Twilight Wing]

Blazepaw shivered and she slowly backed out of the riverclan camp,and fled in the direction of the thunderclan border,startled by the medicinecat.She ran as fast as her paws would take her.

[Raven~]

Frostkit's jaw dropped as Snakeheart screamed at them. What was he doing? Telling them to leave RiverClan? He's going to tear RiverClan apart!

[Akira]

Now, both Kestrelstar and Snakeheart were worrying and scaring Reedpaw. Were they insane? Picking a fight with ThunderClan? Besides, there wasn't evidence that they crossed the border aside from the stench on the two bodies, so what did that mean? Reedpaw's pelt itched: ThunderClan needed to be carefuk, lest Kestrelstar and Snakeheart threw another tantrum, but deadlier than any other.

[spade]

Absolute chaos. Kestrelstar hadn't really expected anything else, but it still... came as a shock. Anger faded into grief, which faded into guilt and sorrow and shame and finally, circling back to anger. His heart pounded against his chest, staying quiet as he watched from above as RiverClan gathered, taking in the grizzly sight of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. The claw marks... the blood... some of it already clung to his pelt from carrying Lionstorm. He didn't care. The sticky substance could coat his entire soul for all he cared. That wasn't what needed to be focused on.

implimm
The first cat to approach the fallen figure of Lionstorm nearly ripped Kestrelstar's heart out. Plumpaw... the last interaction he'd known her to have of the golden tabby was in the medicine den, with Lionstorm pelting her with large paws to not die. How they had seemed grumy with each other, but deep down there was a mutual respect and love.

Seeing her now, physically ill at the sight of his death, made his stomach churn. The tingles returned, shooting up and down his forelegs. This had to be avenged somehow. Stars, he could not just sit by while more RiverClan cats died.

Some cats that approached hadn't taken notice of the two deceased in the clearing, and it irked the gray tabby. Had they no respect for their fallen? No respect for the cats who had carried RiverClan on their backs for seasons? They were Clanmates, but right now Kestrelstar wanted to rip the pelts off of each and every one of them. How dare they call themselves RiverClan with no true intent to back up such a statement.

gs29513
His eyes found Splashleap next, his deputy. Already it was becoming apparent who would be the calm on in the partnership. The level-headed one. Kestrelstar wanted to screech an attack plan right then and there, but he had to stop himself. He had responsibilities now. He was leader. Watching Splashleap through yellow eyes he wished that she could be up here with him. Stars, he wished someone could stand on this rock with him if only to stop him from launching himself over the border straight to ThunderClan's camp.

Papaya Silverfur & Co.
Anger that radiated off the gathered group below hit him in waves - starting with Goosefury and sparking to all the cats who had inevitably caught the ThunderClan scent lingering on both golden and brown pelts. He understood it; the anger. The rage. The burning need to avenge them rightnowthisveryminute.
Silverfur & Co. Tiabirb
But another warrior who piped up caught his attention. "It is Fawnsqueak," he snapped to Snowstripe, his anger causing him to perhaps overreact at a simple name being forgotten - but there was nothing simple about those who had perished. Seeing that Starlingflight was apparently taking up the "accident" side, Kestrelstar stomped one of his paws. "Do you not smell the ThunderClan stench that ravages them? Have you no grief in your heart for your fallen Clanmates?" Stars his throat already felt raw.

@/gs29513
Oh no. The kits. While he didn't particularly care for them, this wasn't a sight they needed to see. Glancing down at where Splashleap stood, Kestrelstar waved his tail to her. "Can you gather up the little hairballs and send them back to the nursery? I do not want them seeing that." His voice was sharp, no anger intended at his deputy - rather the queens that were not keeping an eye on them.

Fighting. Yelling and screaming at each other, and Kestrelstar had enough of it. Turning on each other would do nothing but fan the flames of distrust, and he needed unity now more than ever if Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were to be avenged.
Lavender'fur finn.
"Hawkwhisker! Sprigcloud!" Kestrelstar's voice resembled that of rolling thunder, crashing down on the two hissing cats. He gave a lash of his tail, yellow eyes narrowed into slits. He would not lead a Clan that bickered amongst themselves like this. "If you want to squabble like sky-brained kits all day then go to the nursery. Otherwise, shut your mouths." He didn't care which side they were on - their arguing was giving him a headache.

Keeping his gaze fixed on Sprigcloud, however, the leader let out a hiss. "If you can turn a blind eye to the obvious here - ThunderClan scent, both RiverClan cats dead, then perhaps you do not deserve a place amongst the ranks of my warriors," he spat out, disgusted with the lack of braincells his Clan seemed to have.

ThunderClan scent. Blood. Death. How come no one realized that this was an ambush?? ThunderClan and Buckstar both knew who the two most important cats in the Clan were, and he had slaughtered them.

Jackpot
Thankfully, it seemed a warrior had stepped up to aide keeping the Clan away from fighting over Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. He understood their anger, but even Kestrelstar had enough decency to know respect to be shown around the dead.

-Skyfall-
Who in the hell was this?? Kestrelstar didn't remember ever really having interacted with them. Were they even RiverClan? "You don't think? You don't think? Obviously you don't!" Roaring down at Rainstorm, Kestrelstar took a step forward on the rock so he was practically crouching, glaring down at her. "If you'll so kindly get your head out of the streambed you can take a good sniff of his fur and tell me exactly what Clan smell you can scent." Anger rose in him, boiling over and crackling like lightning with another lash of his tail.

He'd wanted to make a point of exercising Fawnsqueak's gender, not have it squandered in death, but Goosefury had beat him to it. Perhaps he and the tom would get along better now. No one more so than him wanted to rip the pelts off ThunderClan, but Kestrelstar had to be smart about this - and he absolutely hated it.

So many little arguments that he couldn't address them all. No, that would take too long, and already Kestrelstar's patience was growing thin. The more time they spent arguing the obvious, the more time ThunderClan and Buckstar got away with it.

Rani
But it wasn't until Snakeheart started speaking - more like yowling - that Kestrelstar really let the grief sink in. Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were gone. They weren't coming back. Two cats who had done so much for the Clan he loved... extinguished from the forest under the claws of cowards.

After everything Lionstorm and RiverClan had done for ThunderClan, this is how they were repaid? This is how their generosity was treated? He knew that whatever shaky relationship RiverClan had with ThunderClan was shattered now. Gone.

"Listen up, all of you!" Kestrelstar raised himself up again, making it so that his voice was heard. "If you do not see the obvious before you, perhaps a nice smack or two will do the trick. As Snakeheart stated, the wounds on Lionstorm are from more than one cat. Fawnsqueak wasn't as strong as Lionstorm - one blow was enough to take him out. For those of you who do not seem to catch the obvious ThunderClan scent and recall the coyote that attacked our camp not a moon ago..." his threat dripped with malice - hatred toward his own Clan? Never, but he would not stand by while RiverClan so blatantly protected the culprits of the murders.

"ThunderClan will not get away with this, I promise you that. Whether it be through claws or fangs, we will show them that when they take one of ours, so do we with them. RiverClan is not weak, and does not stand idly by while our own are slaughtered." His chest rose and fell, breath quickening as he felt dizzy with rage. "Splashleap, Snakeheart, meet me in my den after this is done."

Exis
Looking to Foxblaze, glad that she was conforting her son in the middle of all this, he added "Tonight we will hold vigil for Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. To those who have questioned their death, if you plan to join I hope you keep your mouths shut," he snapped, giving another glare to those who had spoken up in defense of ThunderClan.

"Myself, Snakeheart, Goosefury, and Plumpaw will be laying them to rest after this meeting. Pay your respects now, or don't bother calling yourself a Clan cat."

He'd wait for these words to sink in. There were still ceremonies he needed to get done. Other tasks he needed to accomplish. The mood felt dim though, and Kestrelstar briefly wondered if he would be able to get through it without collapsing.


hope Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra shaded shadow Redtalon Sparrowsong and Co. MooingPanda Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

[Silverfur & Co]

"No im just as angry and upset as all u are but ur gonnabe that way fine. When all of us warned u. I'm keeping my paws here I have been riverclan since i was born but you know wat. At least I'm not acting cold hearted I'm upset about the loses of our clanmates. I just thought we could see why you think we are mouse brained but we aren't. I have said my piece now im going silent." She was not trusting kestrelstar or snakeheart anymore. Snowstripe had enough.

[Silverfur & Co]

Absolute chaos. Kestrelstar hadn't really expected anything else, but it still... came as a shock. Anger faded into grief, which faded into guilt and sorrow and shame and finally, circling back to anger. His heart pounded against his chest, staying quiet as he watched from above as RiverClan gathered, taking in the grizzly sight of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. The claw marks... the blood... some of it already clung to his pelt from carrying Lionstorm. He didn't care. The sticky substance could coat his entire soul for all he cared. That wasn't what needed to be focused on.

implimm
The first cat to approach the fallen figure of Lionstorm nearly ripped Kestrelstar's heart out. Plumpaw... the last interaction he'd known her to have of the golden tabby was in the medicine den, with Lionstorm pelting her with large paws to not die. How they had seemed grumy with each other, but deep down there was a mutual respect and love.

Seeing her now, physically ill at the sight of his death, made his stomach churn. The tingles returned, shooting up and down his forelegs. This had to be avenged somehow. Stars, he could not just sit by while more RiverClan cats died.

Some cats that approached hadn't taken notice of the two deceased in the clearing, and it irked the gray tabby. Had they no respect for their fallen? No respect for the cats who had carried RiverClan on their backs for seasons? They were Clanmates, but right now Kestrelstar wanted to rip the pelts off of each and every one of them. How dare they call themselves RiverClan with no true intent to back up such a statement.

gs29513
His eyes found Splashleap next, his deputy. Already it was becoming apparent who would be the calm on in the partnership. The level-headed one. Kestrelstar wanted to screech an attack plan right then and there, but he had to stop himself. He had responsibilities now. He was leader. Watching Splashleap through yellow eyes he wished that she could be up here with him. Stars, he wished someone could stand on this rock with him if only to stop him from launching himself over the border straight to ThunderClan's camp.

Papaya Silverfur & Co.
Anger that radiated off the gathered group below hit him in waves - starting with Goosefury and sparking to all the cats who had inevitably caught the ThunderClan scent lingering on both golden and brown pelts. He understood it; the anger. The rage. The burning need to avenge them rightnowthisveryminute.

Tiabirb
But another warrior who piped up caught his attention. "It is Fawnsqueak," he snapped to Snowstripe, his anger causing him to perhaps overreact at a simple name being forgotten - but there was nothing simple about those who had perished. Seeing that Starlingflight was apparently taking up the "accident" side, Kestrelstar stomped one of his paws. "Do you not smell the ThunderClan stench that ravages them? Have you no grief in your heart for your fallen Clanmates?" Stars his throat already felt raw.

@/gs29513
Oh no. The kits. While he didn't particularly care for them, this wasn't a sight they needed to see. Glancing down at where Splashleap stood, Kestrelstar waved his tail to her. "Can you gather up the little hairballs and send them back to the nursery? I do not want them seeing that." His voice was sharp, no anger intended at his deputy - rather the queens that were not keeping an eye on them.

Fighting. Yelling and screaming at each other, and Kestrelstar had enough of it. Turning on each other would do nothing but fan the flames of distrust, and he needed unity now more than ever if Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were to be avenged.

Lavander'fur finn.
"Hawkwhisker! Sprigcloud!" Kestrelstar's voice resembled that of rolling thunder, crashing down on the two hissing cats. He gave a lash of his tail, yellow eyes narrowed into slits. He would not lead a Clan that bickered amongst themselves like this. "If you want to squabble like sky-brained kits all day then go to the nursery. Otherwise, shut your mouths." He didn't care which side they were on - their arguing was giving him a headache.

Keeping his gaze fixed on Sprigcloud, however, the leader let out a hiss. "If you can turn a blind eye to the obvious here - ThunderClan scent, both RiverClan cats dead, then perhaps you do not deserve a place amongst the ranks of my warriors," he spat out, disgusted with the lack of braincells his Clan seemed to have.

ThunderClan scent. Blood. Death. How come no one realized that this was an ambush?? ThunderClan and Buckstar both knew who the two most important cats in the Clan were, and he had slaughtered them.

Jackpot
Thankfully, it seemed a warrior had stepped up to aide keeping the Clan away from fighting over Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. He understood their anger, but even Kestrelstar had enough decency to know respect to be shown around the dead.

-Skyfall-
Who in the hell was this?? Kestrelstar didn't remember ever really having interacted with them. Were they even RiverClan? "You don't think? You don't think? Obviously you don't!" Roaring down at Rainstorm, Kestrelstar took a step forward on the rock so he was practically crouching, glaring down at her. "If you'll so kindly get your head out of the streambed you can take a good sniff of his fur and tell me exactly what Clan smell you can scent." Anger rose in him, boiling over and crackling like lightning with another lash of his tail.

He'd wanted to make a point of exercising Fawnsqueak's gender, not have it squandered in death, but Goosefury had beat him to it. Perhaps he and the tom would get along better now. No one more so than him wanted to rip the pelts off ThunderClan, but Kestrelstar had to be smart about this - and he absolutely hated it.

So many little arguments that he couldn't address them all. No, that would take too long, and already Kestrelstar's patience was growing thin. The more time they spent arguing the obvious, the more time ThunderClan and Buckstar got away with it.

Rani
But it wasn't until Snakeheart started speaking - more like yowling - that Kestrelstar really let the grief sink in. Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were gone. They weren't coming back. Two cats who had done so much for the Clan he loved... extinguished from the forest under the claws of cowards.

After everything Lionstorm and RiverClan had done for ThunderClan, this is how they were repaid? This is how their generosity was treated? He knew that whatever shaky relationship RiverClan had with ThunderClan was shattered now. Gone.

"Listen up, all of you!" Kestrelstar raised himself up again, making it so that his voice was heard. "If you do not see the obvious before you, perhaps a nice smack or two will do the trick. As Snakeheart stated, the wounds on Lionstorm are from more than one cat. Fawnsqueak wasn't as strong as Lionstorm - one blow was enough to take him out. For those of you who do not seem to catch the obvious ThunderClan scent and recall the coyote that attacked our camp not a moon ago..." his threat dripped with malice - hatred toward his own Clan? Never, but he would not stand by while RiverClan so blatantly protected the culprits of the murders.

"ThunderClan will not get away with this, I promise you that. Whether it be through claws or fangs, we will show them that when they take one of ours, so do we with them. RiverClan is not weak, and does not stand idly by while our own are slaughtered." His chest rose and fell, breath quickening as he felt dizzy with rage. "Splashleap, Snakeheart, meet me in my den after this is done."

Exis
Looking to Foxblaze, glad that she was conforting her son in the middle of all this, he added "Tonight we will hold vigil for Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. To those who have questioned their death, if you plan to join I hope you keep your mouths shut," he snapped, giving another glare to those who had spoken up in defense of ThunderClan.

[B]"Myself, Snakeheart, Goosefury, and Plumpaw will be laying them to rest after this meeting. Pay your respects now, or don't bother calling yourself a Clan cat."

He'd wait for these words to sink in. There were still ceremonies he needed to get done. Other tasks he needed to accomplish. The mood felt dim though, and Kestrelstar briefly wondered if he would be able to get through it without collapsing.


hope Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail Willowfern Angelique The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ Dizerel AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Lil sagun owl Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra shaded shadow Redtalon Sparrowsong and Co. MooingPanda Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie Jackpot WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Topaztaill Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

She looked at Kestrelstar "I am sorry I forgot the name but there is no reason to snap at a cat that was trying to say yes avenging yes ok I get but but fawnsqueak as u can see has no cat marks lionstorm does. Something happened yes but you know what we shouldn't fight yet because we don't know all the details." Snowstripe spay back at the leader

[Tiabirb]

So this was it? The new mighty leader of RiverClan, just as blind with his own anger as the rest. Starlingflight narrowed her eyes up at her new leader. She believed nothing. And she had no assumptions on the matter. She only wanted to know the truth. But if the leader was going to start his reign with blood, she wanted no part of it. Wordlessly, she slipped from the meeting. She had no interest in what happened next. Nothing mattered now except the selfishness of shedding blood for the dead. RiverClan had gone mouse-brained, and everyone who didn't agree with the cats yowling for war were all traitors. If she was a traitor for trying to spare the Clan a few extra dead cats, so be it. By morning, she would probably leave RiverClan.

[Aquilex]

Barkfuzz was in such a daze lately that it took a moment for him to notice the corpses, and his ears flattened. He and Lionstorm hadn't really gotten along in their btief interaction, but he didn't deserve this...

And Fawnsqueak. Barkfuzz hadn't known him well, but from what he knew the tom was very sweet. He sighed and lowered his head deeply in respect for the fallen. Unlike his Clanmates he felt no rage - it was hard for him to be angry so often - but sadness crashed over him and a few tears slipped from his eyes, splattering on the soil beneath him.

[Silverfur & Co]

So this was it? The new mighty leader of RiverClan, just as blind with his own anger as the rest. Starlingflight narrowed her eyes up at her new leader. She believed nothing. And she had no assumptions on the matter. She only wanted to know the truth. But if the leader was going to start his reign with blood, she wanted no part of it. Wordlessly, she slipped from the meeting. She had no interest in what happened next. Nothing mattered now except the selfishness of shedding blood for the dead. RiverClan had gone mouse-brained, and everyone who didn't agree with the cats yowling for war were all traitors. If she was a traitor for trying to spare the Clan a few extra dead cats, so be it. By morning, she would probably leave RiverClan.


Snowstripe felt bad but she was not going to let it bother her because of the fact that she would stay she wasn't going to leave her clan but she was angry and sighs

[Ziera]

// Stormtalon

It wasn't just one body...but two.

Storm watched as Snakeheart maneuvered another corpse to rest near Lionstorm's. Somehow a tiny crack of surprise chipped away at the tom's mask of composure, green eyes narrowing imperceptivity when he recognized Fawnsqueak-- limp and lifeless.

...So. Fawn and his albatross. It was fitting, the two of them side by side in death.

Madness ensued around him but Stormtalon processed quietly, allowing voices of rage and peacekeepers alike to fill the clearing. He paid them no them mind. Some cats approached the bodies to say goodbye, but Stormtalon stayed rooted to the earth. He didn't presume he was entitled to mourn either of the cats before them; he knew he wasn't. They were practically strangers.

Storm never interacted directly with Lionstorm. Objectively, he could say that the former leader had done more for this clan than most would do in their entire lifetimes, whether for better or worse.

And Fawn... well, the little ShadowClan mission he tricked Storm into was long in the past. Stormtalon tasted a peculiar hint of triumph as he caught glimpses of the tom's russet fur. Where did your foolish, meddlesome, nosey altruism get you in the end, he thought? So much for good intentions.

Hollowness swallowed him whole, but he made a little promise in the privacy of his own mind. For the curious cat who loved so much to learn as well as fumble awkwardly and toss insults, Stormtalon would find out who in ThunderClan was responsible.

Stormtalon returned his attention to the clearing slowly, as if his head was under water and he was only just emerging. Idiots, the lot of them, throwing out assumptions, driven by their emotions and squabbling like foxes with their tails ablaze. He didn't add his own voice to the fray despite cats like Firesweep and Starlingflight trying to frame the situation in a more logical light. Reasoning with cats who were grieving or throwing fits of passion? It was as useful as trying to catch the wind in your claws.

Instead, Storm turned his piercing green stare on their new leader. Kestrelstar had his work cut out for him, and the charcoal tabby willed him to take charge because this was not a time for irrationality, no matter what side you were on. What do you know, he asked their leader wordlessly, and what are you going to do?

Kestrelstar spoke. Storm listened, and while that sense of foreboding increased, he was satisfied with their leader's answer.

[Madelaine]

Why were cats against a battle against the clan that killed two important cat? Thunderclan clearly needed to taught a lesson. Heronflight listened to Kestrelstar and Snakeheart. They were right. They didn't need to ask Thunderclan why when the evidence was right there. "Their right. Thunderclan scent is all over them. They showed no mercy to them, so why shoukd we show no mercy to Thunderclan!", she called. She knew she wouldn't be in the battle, because of her kits. She loved them so much already yet they weren't going to be here for a while. Heronflight couldn't take that chance, but she would love to bash in some Thunderclan skulls.

[furrensic]

Lavender'fur //

sprigcloud was exasperated with hawkwhisker, biting back any remarks that he oh so wanted to say. "Hawkwhisker, are you blind? there's obviously more to this whole situation!" why couldn't anyone see that? it seemed like starlingflight and snowstripe (possibly rainstorm, he hadn't been paying much attention) were the only ones seeing it! at the little mutter, the toms jaw dropped.

before he could say anything, his head whipped to the side to look at kestrelstar, eyes widening slightly. he was silent-- he didn't want a war between the two clans, he wanted peace, but he knew better than to speak out against the leader. (he was annoyed, though. it seemed even kestrelstar was being blinded by rage and not planning on trying to find out what the whole story was.)

the tom sent casted a glance over to fawnsqueak and lionstorms bodies. (their deaths were sad, but he was still set on the idea that their deaths weren't fully thunderclan fault.) he stood up, slipping away from the meeting quietly.

[Fawnhearted]

"Thunderclan will pay!", Mistpaw yelled, her sadness fading to be replaced by anger. "Those stupid excuses of cats are gonna pay! The warrior code says not to murder the-", she broke off, how could Starclan be okay with what was happening? How could they let this happen. Turning to find where Snakeheart was she called out "Snakeheart, has Starclan spoke to you? Maybe when Krestelstar received his lives?", they called hopefully. Surely Starclan couldn't be okay with this?

Violetkit flattened here ears, there was too much talk of death for her, turning to where Mistpaw was talking to Snakeheart she added, "Want me to round up the kits and get back to the nursery?" she wanted an excuse to get away from the bodies, her clanmates,, dead? It was all too much. And the younger kits were wailing as well. The stench of blood and fear, and fired anger was beginning to fill the clearing, too much for the kits.

Rani

[dino.]

>Goosefury<
He just barely registered his name toward the end of Kestrelstar's turn of speaking and still it made his heart squeeze. He didn't think he could take another second of looking at the bodies but he was also so, so hesitant to leave them.

Surely the ocean would take care of them, right?

[Dizerel]

She shook her head. No, NO! This was all wrong! She was watching her best friend, Riverclan's new leader, get so worked up and angry about this. Snakeheart too. Two cats she had been trying for moons on end to brighten up and attempt to be a light in their dreary world. Seeing them stoop so low, to resort to such anger.

That's not to say she didn't have anger of her own. The evidence was pretty damning. Her claws sheathed and unsheathed as her mind was going through all the things she would do to thunderclan. Rip out a kits spine in front of- what? Stars, no! Why was she letting herself think that? that was... wrong. That was horrible! Her head was conflicting with so many emotions, she started batting herself with her own paws, claws still unsheathed, visibly beating and tearing herself up as she wailed in anguish from the two opposite sides of herself.

It would have been horrible for Fiercepaw to see her own mentor go through this. Its clear that Junipersong trying to calm her apprentice was really just the warrior trying to calm herself. She could still see that Fiercepaw was having conflicting feelings of her own, and that's what anchored her back to the world. She had a job to do. This was exactly what her purpose was. Her entire purpose was to fight past the harsh negative feelings and think positively. With a newfound steel to her mind, she looked down to her apprentice. Her voice was calm, stern, deep, and powerful. She was staring straight at Fiercepaw as she said it, but it was loud enough to address all the warriors nearby who would listen, including Kestrelstar and Snakeheart. "I know.... that this is tough. My friends, I have been fortunate enough to rarely see such.... despicable displays of murder. This evidence is damning. But in our grief, sorrow, and hatred, we cannot blind ourselves to what matters. Eachother. Riverclan always comes first, and let me be the voice of reason through this all. Thunderclan are most likely the culprits. I have almost no doubt in my mind that they are responsible. If they are, I will happily be the first to inflict vengeance where it is due. HOWEVER. We cannot lose ourselves. We let them tell their side of the story. It probably wont matter. They would need a damn good story, with evidence, before I would even start to believe that this isn't their fault. But until that point, we do not strike. Prepare ourselves, sure. Get ready for war, sharpen our skills, patrol our borders more, get everything in top shape for an oncoming battle. But we don't stoop to their level. Not yet, anyways. Remember, together, we are powerful. Together, we are Riverclan!"

// ~Fierceclaw~

[carmen]

-Skyfall-
Jackpot
Papaya

Bristletail gasped at Goosefury as he yelled at Starlingflight and Rainstorm. How could the she-cats didn't flinch. That was impressive. The worst part was, she believed him. She wasn't quite sure if he was angry about their deaths, or just mad that they weren't attacked Thunderclan. She shivered in fear. Bristletail knew it made her a coward, but she would prefer peace over battle any day. She liked to talk with cats in other clans, and learn about their lives, hear the gossip. Bristletail laughed a little bit at how inconvenient that was after they murdered a clanmate.

The normally soft-spoken she-cat stepped forward once more, flinching at the scent of death. Turing to Goosefury, she stared at him with blank eyes. "I think-" she started, uncertain, "I think you are right." It felt strange to agree with the aggressive tom. She glanced around the clearing, stopping shortly on Kestrelstar and Splashleap, before ending on the bodies. "We have to fight Thunderclan if they were the ones who did it." She didn't realize that she and Goosefury had been arguing over the rest of the meeting, and she turned to stare at the leader.

[Tiabirb]

Starlingflight slipped into the warrior's den, but turning and laying down just inside of it to listen and observe. Alone. Cats were angry. She didn't want to make things worse.

But then she heard Junipersong, and she felt a glimmer of pride for the troubled she-cat. She was very brave to say what she did. It had been close to what Starlingflight had been trying to say. But Junipersong was so much better at getting the message across. What happened now would define RiverClan for generations to come. And it would define the kind of leader Kestrelstar would be.

[Abyssopelagic]

While everyone was squabbling and screaming at eachother, Palepaw shuffled away from where she'd been sitting and close to where Fawnsqueak and Lionstorm were, bodies twisted and broken.
She'd seen death before, perhaps not up close, but it had happened, and yet...
She felt rage and hatred. They had been some of the most loyal cats around and now they were dead. First their leader and deputy were taken by the coyotes driven onto their territory by ThunderClan and now they dared kill their own within their own lands, so openly and bold?
She hissed and her claws sank into the soft earth, eyes boring into every cat who dared try to sympathize with or cover for ThunderClan. Traitors, the lot of them.
If they were really RiverClan, they'd demand their deaths be answered for, not waste time with how it happened. who cared how it happened? What mattered was that it had happened and now they needed to pay the price for it.


Sedgestorm approached far more cautiously, ears pinned to his skull and he looked over the cat that had brought him into RiverClan and named him. Guilt and a quiet rage filled him. His eyes looked upward and searched for his mate.
He didn't really want her to see this and yet there wasn't any way to hide it without treating her like a kit. It was part of life and they'd surely seen plenty of death, especially given they previously lived under Icestar, but.... she had spent so much of her time as a queen. She hadn't been a warrior before this.
How would this affect her?
He needed to be there for her. He forced himself to look away finally, and he searched for Flamebriar.

[EriBarry]

Berrysplash sighed as they headed back to camp. The warrior was gone for quite a while, wandering through RiverClan territory. As they neared camp, the roars of clanmates screaming about ThunderClan made Berrysplash’s ears hurt. The thought of turning back crept into their mind, but they continued onwards.

Berrysplash entered camp, a wave of a horrid smell seeping their nostrils. Was it...death? Their eyes swept the camp until two limp bodies came into view. Berrysplash’s mouth dropped, their belly churning. The bodies of Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak lay motionless on the floor.

“W-what happened?” Berrysplash said, their voice barely a whisper.

[carmen]

Jackpot
"Fake?" She repeated the cat's words. "Fake?" Her eyes darkened into a storm. "Of course you would say it's fake." She blinked slowly, once and stepped closer, so they were almost face-to-face. Her voice was so quiet that she barely spoke, yet her hissing whisper pierced the air with cold hatred. "Starclan, fake. It can't be fake. What are those." Her head tilted up to the stars. "Are those just stars? What about Silverpelt?"

Bristletail spoke up and stepped even closer, shoving her face into the other cats. "If it's fake, where will you go? You are old and will die in unnecessary battles." She stopped caring if it was disrespectful and false. "You will die and disappear, while I will shake my head from Starclan, knowing you had the choice. It can't be false!" SHe was yowling now, loud enough for the c=entire clearing to hear.

It can't be. If it was false, where were her friends, her ancestors, her former leaders and medicine cats. Where were her relatives, her littermates? Would she ever see them again? To Bristletail, it didn't matter if they were all dead and starry-furred. At least they would be there. "I've heard that cats who don't believe are forgotten. You will be forgotten. You will vanish from this world and I will smile sadly as you fade for the last time."

[The Flying Pizza]

| ~Fierceclaw~ |

|Mothsky|

The queen peeked her head out just for a moment before shrugging, stepping out of the nursery to gather with her Clanmates.

[spade]

More arguing. More shouting. More yelling. But the one cry that alerted Kestrelstar the most was... Junipersong. Yellow eyes watching as she spoke up, he couldn't help but see where she was coming from. A brief moment of doubt clung to him as he watched his Clan - some cats were even leaving the meeting. Was he... wrong? No. He couldn't be. ThunderClan needed to pay, whether they had a story or not. Even if they spun some good alibi, it didn't change the fact of the clawmarks upon Lionstorm.

Dizerel
In the past months Junipersong had become somewhat of a close ally of his, and he recalled their fun competition just days prior in the forest. A race. Kestrelstar couldn't remember who had won, not that it mattered. Conflicting emotions rose up within him. Personally he wanted to strike. He wanted to launch a full scale attack at ThunderClan for taking away another RiverClan life. He wanted anyone who messed with RiverClan to pay.

After a small mental debate, Kestrelstar decided to not respond to Junipersong. He only held his gaze to her, expression somewhat reflecting a mixture of personal betray, but leader pride.

There was more to be done though. As the chatter quieted down, Kestrelstar cleared his throat to speak once more.

"I do not wish to start this new era of RiverClan in bloodshed. I will speak with Splashleap and Snakeheart on what to do, but mark my words. ThunderClan will be taking responsibility for what they have done."

Glancing down at the assembled cats, he took a sharp breath. "With that being said, there are a few things I need to do before this meeting is over and the vigil for Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak can commence."

"Tallkit [ Angelique ], Sleetkit [ Lil sagun owl ], Redkit [ Topaztaill ], Frogkit [ Willowfern ], and Chivekit [ Jackpot], step forward."

hope Puddle~ Shade. Zesty Mango Rainquail The Flying Pizza elysian Rockfall ~Fierceclaw~ AntiAngelic Oakpaw1 Lavender'fur Starfall EriBarry QueenCocaHead fallepoch GT_Wolf Kyrieknight Aquilex Shimm Zero Peril PeachesAndPies Kunaiskrill Fuzzy WCF135 Pheasantflight Adelia Bread Swiftbreeze_41 FrostCat Rxmulus Cobra shaded shadow Redtalon Sparrowsong and Co. MooingPanda Appleheart AppleCat4 finn. Estelle Star Dashie WinterRabbit5350 Cherry_Jay Fawnhearted feather lily littlelove Fiery kieryn Sklee leopardstrike4 Stormpoppy DelberCrankToggle vermin xXFallenheartXx Kai Peril Yeetus Feetus -Ash- PEPPERMINT~ windtail Dahliamoon Feathercreek 1NF1N1TE Bonehead Tigerscratcher mudblack TheCorruptedSoul BristleFrost Twilight Wing Dragonshifter 0live SilverSketches Redtalon r1verstone jimothy

[Topaz]

~Redkit~

Redkit glanced up at Kestrelstar, his eyes wide. Did he just say... Redkit?
The russet kit, shaking, padded forward, his ears pinned back and his tail between his legs. Was he in trouble? Or was... was he getting his apprentice ceremony?!

[Madelaine]

Tallkit padded out of the nursery, waking up to his name getting called. He had no clue what had went on as he always slept. He padded out. Was he really going to make him an apprentice. That might not be such a good idea. He was lazy and didn't like doing anything. Perhaps his mentor will snap him out of not that Tallkit would want that.

[Quasar]

Chivekit
_____________

Oh stars.... was he really comfortable with being made an apprentice at a meeting where so much chaos took place? Well, it was better for it to happen sooner rather than later, he supposed. His expression brightening a fair bit, he began to swiftly pad over to stand by the other kits, only to swerve off momentarily to go give his brother and mom a quick hug. "Im so proud to have you as my brother" he quietly mewed as he tightly hugged Snakeheart before turning to lick Foxblazes shoulder in what he hoped was a comforting manner. The young tom gave them both a sorrow-filled yet hopeful smile then padded up to join the other kits in front of the streamstone.

// Rani Exis @/spade

[carmen]

Dusksong pricked her ears, apprentices? Now? Cool! She wanted one, really badly. She didn't care what happened, as long as they attacked Thunderclan. She sat down and stared at the leader. You know, I might actually start participating in clan meetings now. THe chaos was kind of fun, but no one needed to know that. She twisted her face into a look of sorrow. At least, Dusksong hoped it was sorrow. She wasn't usually doing so much acting.

Launching herself forward, the dust coloured she-cat seemed to teleport to the front of the clearing. All the better for you to see me with. She looked around and pretended to be shocked before her gaze landed on Kestrelsplash. At the sight of the other warrior, her eyes narrowed. Ugh, he looks like he'll be getting one. She snorted once, quietly, before turning her eyes back to the leader. Dusksong thought about her clan. Honestly, there was no one in there she would give her life for. Eh, who cares.

[Kunaisoul]

Nightpaw smiled. She had remembered what it was like to be apprenticed. Only she had first been apprenticed to.. marrowheart. She shook her head and looked to kestrelstar. He was her mentor. He was better then marrowheart had been.

[VexSkullz]

Kestrelsplash found his footing as the Leader spoke for the kits.. Apprentices? He flicked his tail in suspense. Was this his time? To get an Apprentice? He stood up tall and proud, puffing up the fur on his chest. He wanted to be the first cat Kestrelstar saw when he was announcing Mentors.

[MooingPanda]

Brambleheart slowly padded up to the bodies, a lump of dread slowly forming in his stomach. He smelled Lionstorm's scent under the blood, and also Fawnsqueak. He stared, aghast, at the numerous wounds covering their bodies. Had ThunderClan done this. He spun around as Snakeheart began to yowl. He wasn't exactly sure what the fuss was about. Why was the medicine cat suddenly accusing them of being traitors? He agreed that ThunderClan was responsible, but that didn't mean that they were unprovoked.

Brambleheart bowed his head next to the fallen warriors, paying his respects as Kestrelstar began to yell. When he looked up again, the new leader was in the process of naming some new apprentices. Brambleheart was relived. It was about time that something more cheerful happened.

[Tiabirb]

Apprentices? Now? Starlingflight eyed the meeting with skepticism. Of course they'd want to train new apprentices; if they were heading into a conflict with ThunderClan, whether it was now or later, they'd want new warriors to add to their ranks. Now to see who the mentors would be...

[shaded shadow]

We must be getting ready for battle soon with thunderclan if he was making apprentices now Sootfang though.

[carmen]

Rani
So, she had chosen the right side. If Dusksong had the medicine cat unintentionally agreeing with her, she couldn't be wrong. Not like she actually cared about the well being of the clan, but at least no one could yell at her. Dusksong enjoyed the chaos, the yelling. She seemed to bask in the glory of the anger, and her ice coloured eyes gleamed happily. It didn't matter if the clan was arguing and worried, she was actually involved for once. And she loved every moment of it.

Taking a step closer to the medicine cat, she smoothed her expression to one of anger. "Clanmates!" She yowled, "Snakeheart is right! You all are fools to believe Thunderclan wasn't part of this!" They probably should ask Thunderclan about it first, but eh, battles were enjoyable. Glaring across the clearing with narrowed eyes, she waited for the medicine cat or leader to say something. Dusksong was proud of herself. For once in my life, someone actually spoke to me without being mad or piteous! A small smile played across her lips. If Kestrelstar and Snakeheart wee both talking about attacking Thunderclan, she was still right.

[CroissantKitty]

Aspenleaf snapped out of staring at Lionstorms body at the leaders words. An apprentice ceremony? Nice. Maybe she would get to have one, even if she was one of the newer warriors. She held her head a little higher, still having a sinking feeling she wouldn’t be picked. Not that she really cared.

[windtail]

an apprentice ceromony thought bluegaze it was good that there was something that would stop everyone from arguing.

[gs29513]

So much yelling. So much fighting. So much anger, both at Thunderclan and at clanmates. Splashleap was momentarily blindsided by it all, and she had to take a few deep breaths. She took a few, cautious steps towards Kestrelstar, wanting to support him, really in any way she could. Which wasn't actually much. She didn't want to take any radical approach, say anyone was wrong. She had her opinions, everyone did, but the FACTS couldn't be denied.

Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak were dead. Irretrievably gone, forever. Or only to be seen in Starclan. And the Thunderclan scent was there, not as strong as the scent of blood, but unmistakably there. Not the pine of Shadowclan, or the heather of Windclan, but the musky odor of dead leaves. And it was quite clear, though both of them were covered in blood, that Lionstorm had been attacked by more cats, so many more wounds covering his golden pelt.

And yes, Thunderclan had been getting a bit ahead of themselves lately, between the coyotes and this. They did need to give some sort of payment, restitution, for what had happened. Whether in blood, as some might want, or some other way. If Kestrelstar and Snakeheart had their way however......it was definitely looking like blood would be how things went. And every cats seemed happy about that. It might be a bit extreme calling them traitors, but they must know Thunderclan couldn't just get away with this, right?

Raising her voice as she stood, not getting any kind of height Kestrelstar had, but still a bit, Splashleap mewed loudly This isn't the first time Thunderclan has wronged us. They drove coyotes into our territory, without telling us they even had coyote troubles. These same coyotes broke into our CAMP, killing an elder in the process. It had only been a moon ago, if that.

Thunderclan has been nothing but trouble for us recently, and we need to make sure history doesn't repeat itself. How we make sure of that I'm not sure. But if Riverclan is to be safe, we have to. They need to keep their problems on their own side of the border. Maybe a talk with Buckstar would be enough. Maybe he would be reasonably. She wasn't sure. She wanted to support Kestrelstar, she was his deputy, and she wanted to support Snakeheart. They had to do SOMETHING! But she also didn't want to make all the cats who wanted peace even angrier than they already were.

Kestrelstar's voice calling her name snapped her attention to the clan at large. He was right of course, the kits shouldn't be seeing so much fighting, and so much blood. Nodding quickly to Violetkit ( Fawnhearted ), Splashleap began shepherding a few of the stragglers that weren't being called up for their apprentice ceremonies. Spotting one of the queens, she called quickly Mothsky (@The Flying Pizza ), can you help me round up the kits? There's quite a few of them that might not want to see what's going on. That was the most sensitive way she could put it really.

[Fuzzy]

Petuniaflame was a bit late to joining the meeting. She was confused on what was going on. Worry laced her amber eyes. She heard shouting of war and bloodshed, the scent of blood in the air. It was frightening. How could she had missed so much just by being a few heartbeats late. Well, she was more than a few heartbeats but still, the scene was confusing.
Moving around the crowd of shouting cats Petuniaflame came upon the sight that had caused the commotion. She froze. Breath caught in her throat. No. No, no, no. The young warrior took a step back, unsure how cats around her were almost normal. It made no sense. Mister Lionstorm and Mister Fawnsqueak were dead! They were dead!! No, they were fine last time she saw them. Now... Fawnsqueak only had one injury, but his unmoving limp body was sickening. He had been a great warrior and Medicine cat when he was alive. Mister Lionstorm... he, he was covered in blood, his once nit picked golden pelt stained in blood and injuries. It was harder for her seeing him. The golden tom had helped her in so many ways. Sure they hadn't formed a proper bond but she looked up to him, he welcomed her back into the Clan more than once, got her a good mentor and got rid of her bullies. He was the one who gave her, her warrior name. Seeing him dead and blooded was hard to fathom. They're gone, they were killed.
Her mind felt foggy, the yowls from cats around her sounding like muffled white noise. ThunderClan did this? Petuniaflame questioned noting the scent and Clan name she heard. ThunderClan killed them? Why? Why in spirits would they need to be killed!? They were amazing cats with a long life ahead of them! It made no sense... and yet some of the cats were calling for war. Was that truly the best option? Of course ThunderClan had to pay, they couldn't get away with just murdering their Clanmates. Yet the molly couldn't bring herself to want to hurt or kill any of the warriors in ThunderClan. That would cause the same grieving that RiverClan was doing now. She didn't wish that on anyone.

Taking a few deep breathed Petuniaflame calmed herself, wiping her ears that threatened to spill over with tears. She couldn't be crying at a time like this, it was a Clan meeting for goodness sakes. "Spirits guide them." Petuniaflame whispered, glancing up at the sky for a moment.
Her fuzzy mind was finally dragged to attention as Kestrelstar started calling up kits. At first she was confused, not understanding why they were being called up with talk of war and death. Her amber eyes shifted forward, a quizzical expression within their depths. "Oh..." Petuniaflame breathed realizing that they were becoming apprentices. Had she missed a jump or did they just transition that fast.
Stumbling backwards Petuniaflame sat down to take in the rest of the meeting. She was not prepared for any of what was going on currently. Spirits things needed to slow down. Coyotes, foxes, rats, and now ThunderClan. What else was going to attack them.

[iliri]

Immediately, Lakepaw let out a defensive hiss. "I would never join those foul-hearted cowards!" She spat, her blue-gray tabby fur was bristling. Why, out of ALL of the CATS within her clan, was SHE the one actually stepping up and taking apart of this?! "ThunderClan reeks both of them! We should at least try to train our apprentices more and get a battle ready!" She growled, glaring up at Kestrelstar and Snakeheart. "Those murderous fleabags wouldn't see it coming."

[Sweetie]

Sunpaw was just coming back from his trip down to the river as he watched his clan gather. What's going on? Ocean blue eyes scanned the sea of clanmates looking for a familiar face but instead they found something that made his heart drop...Lionstorm...
Sunpaw's throat closed up and tears threatened to spill, the cat who brought him in, shaped him into the cat he was today...the tom who was going to be his big brother or father figure was dead...

The fiery tom rushed to the golden dead body, pushing anyone who was in his way carelessly. "No...no...no....no...nononononononoooooo." His words barely above a whisper. A single tear slid down as the grief hit the tom. It doubled when his gaze caught Fawnsqueak but the only positive thought was that the two were in Starclan together.

Then the idiots started squeaking. DEAR STARCLAN HE WANTED TO RIP THEIR PATHETIC THROATS OUT! Sunpaw's wispy pelt stood up on the end as the fury turned his ocean eyes dark. The ocean may be peaceful and beautiful but don't forget that it can shift in a moment's notice into the worse storm ever seen. The tom opened his maw to yell at his stupid clanmates but Goosefury, Kestrelstar, and Snakeheart beat him to it. The tom remained silent until the new leader mentioned the vigil. No! He wanted to help bury Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak. That was his mentor who was dead in front of him! HE DESERVED TO BURY HIS ROLE MODEL AND MENTOR!

"Let me join." His voice was low at first. "Let me join!" His voice grew louder. "That's my mentor in front of me! I should be allowed to help bury him!" Sunpaw looked around at Goosefury, then to Snakeheart, and finally Kestrelstar. "Please, I'm begging you." His voice broke at the end while his eyes were pleading. It was the least the tom could do for the amazing cat that changed his life and saved it.

Papaya spade Rani


-----

Drizzlepaw was all bubbly and happy until she saw the parade of the two dead bodies. Oh dear Starclan... For once in her life the smile she held fell apart. What happened? The clan quickly burst into chaos with some cats crying, others in rage, shock, and even a few were...unfazed. The young molly kept quiet, she knew better than to speak at this time. Not being able to look at the former leader and medicine cat the apprentice turned her attention to the new leader. She never really met Kestrelstar before. Maybe they can talk about her getting a new mentor when everythi-

"THUNDERCLAN"

The scent was undeniable after the leader pointed it out, the horrible smell of oak and undergrowth. This was too much, too much for Drizzlepaw. With an overwhelming surge of emotions the small apprentice closed her eyes tightly and made herself small as possible while covering her ears.

(Open)

-----

Papaya

Shimmeringpool just came back when the clan was in an uproar. Anxiety quickly came flooding as she looked around with mixed emotions on her clanmates. Then she saw it...the clan's two most amazing cats were dead in the middle...The sight punched her in the gut. Who would do this? Horror and shock made their way onto her silvery-white features as she slowly took steps toward the two. The warrior didn't want to believe what she was seeing, the...the marks on her former leader's body were gruesome; he'd become someone's scratching post. But then Goosefury's voice snapped her attention towards him, he was right! An emotion that never took place in the she-cats heart came into play. Rage, fury, and anger. Shimmeringpool looked up to her former friend and wanted to agree with him but before she could even get a word in cats started turning on him. Oh dear starclan that tom certainly lived up to his name, fury was etched everywhere on him. She wanted to shrink away from Goosefury, not wanting to be in his path of anger but he wouldn't snap at her, right?
Gingerly taking steps toward the tom Shimmeringpool calmed herself down by taking deep breaths, he needed a friend. "Hey..." Voice gentle and quiet and the molly rested a paw on his shoulder.

[Poprock]

As soon as Kestrelstar and Snakeheart brought in the bodies of not one but two of his clanmates, Bumblestep cried. No, to be more accurate he wept. The great and powerful Lionstorm, who had led Riverclan since the day he had opened his eyes was dead. Barely any of his golden fur was visible under the scarlet blood that covered his mutilated body. And poor Fawnsqueak... their body never looked smaller. Limp against the furious medicine cat, never to move again. As he paid his respects, nothing but the smell of Thunderclan filled his nose, almost mocking him as he said goodbye.

How could anyone possibly be this cruel? What point could Thunderclan possibly be trying to make? After how badly they messed up with the coyote situation? For the first time in his life, the cat of peace could not find any peaceful way out of this situation. There truly was no talking this one out. If Kestrelstar wanted war... he would understand.

[Lavender'fur]

;Hawkwhisker;
Hawkwhisker gave a few quiet mutterings under his breath, and looked up at Kestrelstar. New apprentices? I wonder if I will apprentice any of them, his mind whispered. That would be nice.

[dino.]

Papaya

Shimmeringpool just came back when the clan was in an uproar. Anxiety quickly came flooding as she looked around with mixed emotions on her clanmates. Then she saw it...the clan's two most amazing cats were dead in the middle...The sight punched her in the gut. Who would do this? Horror and shock made their way onto her silvery-white features as she slowly took steps toward the two. The warrior didn't want to believe what she was seeing, the...the marks on her former leader's body were gruesome; he'd become someone's scratching post. But then Goosefury's voice snapped her attention towards him, he was right! An emotion that never took place in the she-cats heart came into play. Rage, fury, and anger. Shimmeringpool looked up to her former friend and wanted to agree with him but before she could even get a word in cats started turning on him. Oh dear starclan that tom certainly lived up to his name, fury was etched everywhere on him. She wanted to shrink away from Goosefury, not wanting to be in his path of anger but he wouldn't snap at her, right?
Gingerly taking steps toward the tom Shimmeringpool calmed herself down by taking deep breaths, he needed a friend. "Hey..." Voice gentle and quiet and the molly rested a paw on his shoulder.
>Goosefury<
At first he didn't recognize the voice (how long had it been since they'd spoken?), and he swung his head around to bare his teeth at her - although there was no anger behind his actions this time, only exhaustion and grief - before he recognized her. If his ears could have twisted back further, they would have, but he resigned himself to looking away from her for the moment, his face screwed up as he tried his hardest not to breakdown right then and there.

Then, with a shuddering breath, he leaned to the side and buried his face in her shoulder, his own shoulders shaking. "Shimmeringpool..."