So everything was boring besides the promotions and a few exiles and deaths; until Twilightstar stepped up. She got thanked, great! RiverClan was torturing apprentices, murdering more WindClan bunnies, and Dusklion had killed Twilightstar's deputy. The latter could sound a little insane or revenge-driven if cats forgot about the insane stunts StarClan pulled in the past and the weird omens, prophecies, gifts, or curses some cats carried or received. Hell, she's watched her warriors die before only to have them show up healthy and revived by StarClan later.
So hearing that StarClan, or the dead deputy informed the bunny leader of his murderer sounded legit to her. It was no more unreasonable than StarClan intervening and whispering in Bumblestar's ears to save Spiderthroat's head that one gathering. That reminded her she should really beat the dung out of him one of these days.
The leader could have lied, but what was the point? Twilightstar's always been one of the most honor-bound leaders, it was hard for her to think that the bunny was lying. So, either the dead WindClan deputy was stirring up drama for the hell of it or Dusklion killed the bunny.
Fadingsun's departure was funny, he didn't even try to defend his deputy. Either he was drawing the same conclusion as Dawnstar, he was gullible, or he believed the deputy could do something like that. If she was hot-headed enough and had a history of spilling blood, then why not accept it? Dusklion wasn't trying to defend herself either so...
But anyway, this looked delightful! As the Clans started heading home, Dawnstar moved to leap down and lead her cats home until Twilightstar called for her and Bumblebrat! This night just kept getting better and better. It was almost enough to make her forget about Mossfreckle's and Wolverine's stupid prophecy.
"Mistlewhisker, take them home. She ordered the dark-furred she-cat. Dawnstar might have some fun news to share with the clan later.
"What do you need, Twilightstar?" Dawnstar asked, padding over to the smaller she-cats.
@Moonraven @dino. @Mica
Tulippaw had a scowl as she listened to each leader. They were speeding through this meeting. This was not enjoyable at all. How was she supposed to pay attention to everything when everyone was just yelling at each other like kits. And It seemed everyone was After them. Everyone seemed to dislike RiverClan. Especially Bumblestar. That ThunderClan jerk. She stormed into their camp and attacked them like it was nothing. Tulippaw was only a kit at the time, so she didn't remember much. Then there was Twilightstar. She was definitely mad. Rightfully so. Dusklion killed their deputy. Tulippaw had mixed feelings about that. She sighed as her tail lashed from side to side. This was horrible. She already decided she hated Gatherings.
That's when she heard a stuttery voice beside her. She turned around, with a scowl and fowl mood, however it faded when she got good look at the stranger. Green eyes met the weird blue ones that she knew so well. They widened as she stated at him, and her scowl faded into a gape. She blinked once. This wasn't real. She was probably going insane and hallucinating. Maybe he was a ghost from StarClan. But he looked real. He sounded real. There were no stars in his pelt.
Her green eyes scanned his body, flicking as she observed his every feature. He was bigger than she remembered. No longer tiny or scrawny like he used to be. Still smaller than her, but significantly healthier. He was still jittery too it seemed. He looks terrified and he stutters just like he used to, he seems to be slightly shaky and anxious as ever. He still has the same blue eyes and weird white fur. Other kits used to make fun of him.
Finally, he smelled horrible. He reeked of the marsh. He reeked of ShadowClan. Like a marsh rat. Her fur bristled slightly. And ShadowClan kidnapped her brother? She was knocked out of her thoughts by Fadingsun's call, announcing that they were returning home. She turned back to "Fogkit". She couldn't leave just yet. Just one moment longer.
She was only able to utter one single word despite all the thoughts and conflicting emotions swirling through her mind. "Fogkit...?"
. . .
@MangofDoom - NOOO I WAITED TOO LATE FOR A REPLY!! THEYRE ALL LEAVING
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quick reminder that my characters do not represent my own thoughts and feelings! your characters are all absolute joys to read and roleplay with!
Mistlewhisker
ShadowClan Deputy
she/her | 40 moons
[Large black cat with a half white muzzle and a pale green eye] Purrks: Beefed Up T3, Shadow Fiend
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[Crowtooth - @Rani ] [Dusklion - @taillow ]
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ThunderClan went next for announcements, and it sounded like RiverClan was, once again, full of idiots. ThunderClan too. Two cats in different clans planning on leaving? One even using the excuse of his warrior ceremony to achieve the rank and immediately desert? Mistlewhisker's tail twitched where it rested at her side. If anyone in ShadowClan did that, Mistlewhisker would personally rip out their eyes and feed it to them. Falling in love with another clan cat was the second highest form of idiocy. The first was planning on betraying your leader. So, really, he was 2/2.
Ah, it seemed the guppy was speaking to her. Mistlewhisker slid her gaze to Dusklion, head slowly following suit. Newbies... yes, it would seem they were. A subtle smirk tugged on the larger molly's lips. "Mistlewhisker." She meowed, even though Dawnstar had already announced her rank.
Out of the corner of her eye, the feline could spot Crowtooth making faces at her from the crowd. She loosely scanned the crowd around his general direction, not wanting to stare as he pointed and silently laughed. She wouldn't draw more attention to the idiot. How immature. But even as she thought it, her smirk widened into something exasperated and amused. Just as quickly as it had formed it was gone, her face returning to a stoic and attentive stare.
RiverClan was next to speak, Fadingsun--star, Dusklion had said?--apologizing for various transgressions. She wondered how many times she had heard that in the last several moons. He announced they executed a clanmate, which Mistlewhisker thought was an odd thing to report. Unless Fogmuzzle was directly a menace to the other clans, no one cared if she was alive or dead. His next announcement was a little more interesting. Tansypaw... hadn't she been the former medicine cat apprentice of RiverClan? Mistlewhisker hadn't seen her at the Gatherings of late, and this confirmed that she had left. And tried to rejoin, it seemed. Whether Tansypaw was accepted or denied into RiverClan did not concern her, but she was intrigued that the young cat was still alive.
Soon after Fadingsun was done, Twilightstar spoke up. Now this was going to be interesting. With how furious the molly seemed at the moment, Mistlewhisker could only assume whatever she had to accuse RiverClan of was going to be good. And good it was.
A dead deputy, killed by the guppy deputy. Mistlewhisker slid her gaze to Dusklion, appraising her. Hm. She hadn't been stupid enough to get caught, the stars had ratted her out. Interesting. Mistlewhisker wracked her brain for a reason as to why Dusklion might have killed Fallownose, but she came up empty. It was a decision that would likely mean RiverClan was driven out of the forest, if Twilightstar's ending remark was any indication.
Mistlewhisker awaited Fadingsun's explanation, but was disappointed to see him wordlessly leave, clan on his heels. The one-eyed deputy watched them go, wondering just how many warriors and apprentices would die because of their mistakes.
Bumblestar had Spiderthroat take ThunderClan home, and Mistlewhisker nodded as she received the same order from Dawnstar.
"ShadowClan. With me. Enforcers, meet with me at camp."
Midnightpaw hummed softly to the Windclan apprentice, a simple act of appreciation for their response. Sitting with her tail curled over her paws, she mirrored smile smile that had been presented to her, and she would have introduced herself if it weren't for..
“Batpaw!” She yipped, the fur along her back suddenly spiking up in discomfort at the aforementioned tom's sudden intrusion. Dark green eyes peered over her companion's shoulder as he… What was he doing, trying to intimidate the Windclan apprentice? Why? She would have questioned it if she hadn't been alerted to the arrival of another one of her clanmates, Birdpaw. She didn't know the young she-cat very well, but she vaguely knew of her.
“He’s just being a bug, don’t worry about what he says, Birdpaw.” The younger apprentice made her feel oddly old, big… and responsible. She offered her a smile and a simple nod. “In a few moons, you’ll be as big as us in no time at all.”
Oh, she hadn’t introduced herself to the Windclan fellow. She had been too distracted by Batpaw’s behaviour. “...And I’m Midnightpaw.”
The sudden force that pushed Dovepaw away from the unknown cat caused him to jump out of his own fur. The threat didn't really intimidate him that much to be honest. Ah, his name was Batpaw...
"You Shadowclan cats aren't really good with threats... Plus my clan just helped your clan with your mink problem so why are you threatening me?" The normally shy apprentice retorted back. Dovepaw smiled back at Midnightpaw after she introduced herself. He also flashed a smile at the smaller apprentice, Birdpaw.
Eyes blow wide when the leaders begin their rambling. As much as he was interested in hearing what Dovepaw had to say-- actually, he didn't really care at all-- his attention is now focused on Twilightstar as venom laces her words. Blinking in surprise his gaze then moves to fall upon Dusklion, the supposed murderer of the Windclan deputy. Batpaw didn't know that Fallownose had been murdered. He had just come back home, after all. So the news is a shock. He had just figured he was unable to make it. Huh. A subconscious stare is offered Dovepaw's way to garner their reaction on the news before he's leaning in to Midnightpaw at his side.
"This has certainly been... Eventful, wouldn't you say? Do you think they're gonna kill her back?"
Birdpaw
ShadowClan
she/her | 7 moons | 23/100
[Blue-grey tabby with dark blue overcoat, white underside and amber eyes] Purrks: Lyrebird's Lullaby [PERMANENTLY ACTIVE]
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Birdpaw grinned at her new friends--because of course that was what they were, they couldn't possibly be anything else--as they chattered above her. They even acknowledged her! Dovepaw seemed super cool--he hold Batpaw off when Batpaw was being a... a bug, Midnightpaw described him? Birdpaw looked Batpaw up and down a few times. He still looked like a cat to her. First a rabbit, now a bug... was everyone turning into new animals? Oh! Could Birdpaw be a finch!! She liked those.
Cats suddenly erupted in anger and shock, and Birdpaw watched as everyone started whispering about Dusklion, the RiverClan deputy, killing Fallownose, who was apparently the WindClan deputy. Oh gee, that wasn't good. If someone killed her deputy, she would probably be pretty sad! She didn't know her deputy like, at all, but if Grandma made her deputy she had to be pretty cool.
Birdpaw stood as the others did, listening to Batpaw's question. "Kill her?" She squeaked in an impression of Mossfreckle. "But then RiverClan wouldn't have a deputy either. Why would anyone kill their own clanmate?" Her big amber eyes were wide as she watched everyone get ready to leave. Wowee, what a night! She felt like she could stay awake for hours! "Bye bye Dovepaw!" She chirped as ShadowClan left.
[Writing about my oc from another oc's perspective is super weird and I hate how vain it sounds HAHA]
Hawkfur
WindClan Fury
he/him | 50 moons
[Russet tabby with tuxedo markings and sky blue eyes ] Purrks: Flock Together T3, Beefed Up T1
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[Crowtooth - @Rani ]
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Hawkfur couldn't tear his gaze away from the spot Fallownose used to sit, almost as though he could imagine the tom's grey pelt poised on the stones like always. Of course, it was just a dream. Fallownose was dead.
Twilightstar looked about ready to burst as it approached her time to speak, and Hawkfur quickly learned why. Fernrise, Twistedpaw, Fallownose--all of these cats, dead or hurt at the paws of RiverClan. But Fallownose... Dusklion had killed him. RiverClan's own deputy. Hawkfur's tail lashed behind him as the gathered cats erupted. Hawkfur believed that Fallownose had told Twilightstar--after all, he had seen Blazingstar make an appearance at Fallownose's funeral.
The worst part about all of this, though, was that RiverClan just... left. Fadingsun up and left without a single word, a single nod, even an apologetic glance. Disgusting. Hawkfur pushed himself to his paws and approached Crowtooth, the usually anxious tom now tense with anger. It seemed as though Twilightstar was meeting with the other leaders. "The absolute nerve." He muttered to his friend, keeping an eye on the WindClan cats to make sure no one decided to up and leave at the wrong time.
Next up for announcement was her brother. Dusklion perked her ears to listen, relief flooding over her as he seemed to be on the same page as her about Sweetsong. Then his apology to Twilightstar. Even though the deputy wasn't naive enough to believe a simply apology would ever fix anything, it was better than not giving one at all. Though, judging by the scoff Twilightstar met it with, there didn't seem to be much of a difference at all.
A frown tugged at the edge of her maw as her brother forgot to name off a few things - most notably the other new warriors and apprentices they had gained in the moons they had been absent, the new member in their Clan, and Appleberry. Dusk mulled it over in her head if it was worth earning Fades' ire for adding onto his announcements. It would be silly if he demoted her over such a thing, but then again her brother had made some rather... silly decisions as of late, for lack of a better word.
She was readying herself to add onto it when the voice of Twilightstar came from above her. She angled her ears to listen to the leader, blue gaze still on the cats gathered below. Shock rippled through her though as it was brought to light that... RiverClan warriors tortured an apprentice? A border-crosser, sure, but an apprentice?? Dusklion would understand if the apprentice had simply been attacked, but to make it a sport? It made her feel sick and she couldn't help but wonder if her brother's more violent turn at the recent meeting had anything to do with it. She knew she should've stopped Talonpaw right when she saw him doing what he had done to Fogmuzzle - she had just been too stunned to do much of anything. Cedarfrost was a name she would remember though.
Part of her wanted to interject, promise to the seasoned leader that Cedarfrost would be dealt with and that RiverClan had no room in their ranks for such vile cats. But she couldn't before the leader's gaze was fixated on her - and the next words out of her mouth made her blood run cold. Mouth dropping agape, Dusk stared at Twilightstar in a mixture of bewilderment and disbelief. The rest of what was said went in one ear and out the other, and it wasn't long after the WindClan leader finished speaking that the dark deputy rose to her paws. "How dare you? I never crossed into your territory, Twilightstar. I know the borders. Is your grief blindin' you so much you feel the need to lie 'n make things up??" she spat, ears drawn back and her eyes narrowed.
Her jaws were parted to speak more but the scarred lilac leader was already descending from the stones. Dusklion stared after her, then shifted her desperate gaze to her brother. She knew she should've come clean about what she had done, but certainly her brother wouldn't take this lying down. Except... he did. His gaze met hers and the disbelief in his gaze, the silence... yeah, it hurt. It hurt more than anything. She watched in dismay as he simply descended the stones without saying anything. Was this some sort of sick punishment for her outburst? Was he not over it? Had their heart-to-heart when he had asked her to be hi deputy meant nothing??
Too stunned to say anything else, Dusklion could do nothing but watch as the rest of the leaders and their deputies began to leave the stones. Bumblestar and Dawnstar were staying behind, and Fades was already half-way across the sand. As she glanced out among her own Clanmates, it was clear who they believed. Twilightstar. Even though it was true, the fact that no one had thought to even defend her... that her own Clan thought she would cross into another Clan's territory, or that she had attacked Fallownose unprovoked.
It was confirmed to her now, just how much her own Clan hated her. Despised her. They had already tried to kill her once, and as Dusklion leapt down from the stones onto numb paws she wondered if Appleberry had worked alone. Had there been others? There had to have been. It only made sense with how much disgust she saw in their eyes. How much of it she imagined or was real she didn't know as she followed after the rest of her Clan, taking up the rear.
Her first and last gathering as the Clan's deputy. That had to be a record, right?
Of course nothing light could stay, to be honest Crowtooth didnt expect anything else.
The fury had sat back, smug at making Mistlewhisker smile pleased with 'getting her' despite her obvious attempts to pretend he wasnt there. If the new shadowclan deputy wanted to pretend she didnt like him and that they werent friends she needed to get better at lying to herself and those around her. Right now he was sure no one believed her and he'd grown on her like a fungus she was now stuck with. HA!
Let that be a lesson to all rats who dared to be 'decent folk' and 'fun to chat with'! Crowtooth was those things too and if you endeared yourself to him you'd meet the same fate in reverse.
The Twilightstars announcement came. Most of it was expected stuff, even the negative aspects of riverclans crimes. But the reveal of who'd killed Fallownose turned Crowtooth cold. Dusklion, the riverclan deputy. She'd killed him and they made her deputy, either that or she'd lied to them all to scheme her way tot he top. No matter how it was, it felt almost fitting that a cat like that reigned over a clan as vile as riverclan, she fit right in. However, while she deserved her clan she didnt deserve to sit where good cats like Fallownose were supposed to and Crowtooth seethed.
Hawkfur seemed to concur, padding over as cats filed out. The tom was shaking with rage, gritting out his words as best he could. "I. Need. Ta. Hit. Somethin'. That vile cat is sittin' where he did, they rewarded her fer what she did, even if unknowin'ly. She deserves ta die ta suffer Hawk, even if I cant get at her I hope someone rips her apart in the most brutal way possible." The choked rasp was more of a low growl, toms claws deep in the sand. "I-I. Ya need ta walk me back 'fore I go chasin' that walkin' carcass down myself."
Self control only went so far really, and it'd help him keep his calm to have Hawkfur there to share the anger on the walk home.
@Mica(you dont have to respond lol we can just assume hawk and crow walked home together)
Tulippaw had a scowl as she listened to each leader. They were speeding through this meeting. This was not enjoyable at all. How was she supposed to pay attention to everything when everyone was just yelling at each other like kits. And It seemed everyone was After them. Everyone seemed to dislike RiverClan. Especially Bumblestar. That ThunderClan jerk. She stormed into their camp and attacked them like it was nothing. Tulippaw was only a kit at the time, so she didn't remember much. Then there was Twilightstar. She was definitely mad. Rightfully so. Dusklion killed their deputy. Tulippaw had mixed feelings about that. She sighed as her tail lashed from side to side. This was horrible. She already decided she hated Gatherings.
That's when she heard a stuttery voice beside her. She turned around, with a scowl and fowl mood, however it faded when she got good look at the stranger. Green eyes met the weird blue ones that she knew so well. They widened as she stated at him, and her scowl faded into a gape. She blinked once. This wasn't real. She was probably going insane and hallucinating. Maybe he was a ghost from StarClan. But he looked real. He sounded real. There were no stars in his pelt.
Her green eyes scanned his body, flicking as she observed his every feature. He was bigger than she remembered. No longer tiny or scrawny like he used to be. Still smaller than her, but significantly healthier. He was still jittery too it seemed. He looks terrified and he stutters just like he used to, he seems to be slightly shaky and anxious as ever. He still has the same blue eyes and weird white fur. Other kits used to make fun of him.
Finally, he smelled horrible. He reeked of the marsh. He reeked of ShadowClan. Like a marsh rat. Her fur bristled slightly. And ShadowClan kidnapped her brother? She was knocked out of her thoughts by Fadingsun's call, announcing that they were returning home. She turned back to "Fogkit". She couldn't leave just yet. Just one moment longer.
She was only able to utter one single word despite all the thoughts and conflicting emotions swirling through her mind. "Fogkit...?"
. . .
@MangofDoom - NOOO I WAITED TOO LATE FOR A REPLY!! THEYRE ALL LEAVING
Fogkit. She recognizes him. It’s her. It’s Tulipkit- but now they’re obviously an apprentice. Tulippaw. The new name feels unnatural, but likely so does his own. Her voice is much less squeakier, and though that’s to be expected, it surprises him the most. She’s so different…
”Tulipkit?” Fogpaw whispers. Then it hits him. She’s so surprised… did they not tell her that he lived? Nearly all at once his shaking gives way to his paws digging into the cold ground. He has to say something.
”I’m alive.”
But Riverclan has begun to leave. Then Shadowclan soon after. He needs to leave, but…
Fogpaw stares at her, trying to memorize every detail, every patch of fur. He doesn’t want to forget her. ”I- I have to go.”
Fogpaw turns and walks after the rest of his clan, after ShadowClan, looking over his shoulder as long as he can. He can’t tell what she’s thinking. But he can tell she’s surprised, he can tell she didn’t know. And that only fuels his bonfire of hatred for the clan his sister is a part of, but the fire cannot touch the image of her in his mind. He can’t hate her for staying. But why?
Eaglepaw
RiverClan
she/her | 8 moons | 74/100
[Golden and white tuxedo tabby with green eyes] Purrks: Dreamwalker, Herbal Knowledge T2
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Eaglepaw had been watching the cats gathered at the Sea Stones, memorizing faces and names and behaviors. Dawnstar, leader of ShadowClan. Tail was always twitching. Twilightstar, leader of WindClan. Eyeing Fadingsun and Dusklion like carrionfood. Bumblestar, leader of ThunderClan. Jerk.
Fadingsun's announcements were much of what she expected, except when he mentioned cats trying to rejoin. T-Tansypaw? Tansypaw had tried to rejoin, and they refused her?? Eaglepaw stared in horror at Fadingsun. Wasn't he there when she left? Wasn't he there when the clan turned on her, made her life miserable? Wouldn't he know??? Wouldn't he know how little this stars-forsaken clan deserved and yet he had the audacity to turn away a cat who had done more than ANY of them for RiverClan? Eaglepaw's tail lashed behind her. She had begged the stars for moons for Tansypaw's safe return, and the stars had answered. The Sun had ruined it.
Her first Gathering, and Eaglepaw was already pissed off and ready to leave. She could feel the tension and fury in the air at this point, and it only worsened when Twilightstar snarled at her leader and deputy.
Torture?? RiverClan warriors had tortured a WindClan apprentice? Eaglepaw felt sick. Her clanmates... of course they would do that. The disgusting maggots. Eaglepaw's heart swelled with rage, blood roaring in her ears. Disgusting, all of them. They had to be eradicated like cockroaches, taken out and disposed of before they could throw the clan into a war that would destroy it.
But it seemed it was already too late. She could have sworn reality cracked when Twilightstar accused Dusklion of killing her deputy. Eaglepaw's ears pinned back, furious at the nerve of the WindClan leader to even suggest--
Eaglepaw stared hard at Dusklion, begging her to defend herself, to say it wasn't true because why on earth would it be? Dusklion was better than that. She was impulsive, sure, but surely she wouldn't do something that would rip the clan apart so soon into her run as deputy, especially when they were so weak??
Her words were stunted and surprised, calling out Twilightstar but her defense fell on deaf ears. Eaglepaw watched with wide, glazed eyes as Fadingsun cast a furious look at Dusklion, flicked his tail and left the Gathering. Eaglepaw whipped her gaze between her mentor and her friend, trying desperately to catch up on what was happening. None of it made sense. Eaglepaw sat, still as stone, as her clanmates flooded past, some murmuring to themselves, others in shock like her. They were just going to leave?
Fadingsun, she wanted to call out. Where is the accountability you talked about? Are you really going to ignore her?
But her words remained stubbornly lodged in her throat. Eaglepaw watched the other clan leaders glare at her own before getting together and whispering. The young apprentice's eyes burned with shame and rage and defeat. It never, never ended. She had thought the clan would finally be at peace, now that they had leaders who stood up against the idiots.
She should have listened to the voice in her head that said Fadingsun and Dusklion were just like everyone else.
Eaglepaw finally found herself moving, stumbling along with her clanmates. The apprentice dazedly walked with them, padding along the beach. Once they were far enough away, Eaglepaw hung back and slipped away into the territory. She would not be going home. At least not right now. Apprentices weren't allowed into the territory by themselves, but there was no way she felt safe at camp. Not anymore.
Well, it seemed that the new RiverClan deputy seemed to be full of herself. Not that Springlight could be surprised, almost the entirety of RiverClan was full of themselves and seemed to think that they were better than everyone else in any other way. It was quite the opposite. They were nothing but a bunch of rogues who appeared to think that they would get better when all they were doing was becoming consistent repeats of past disappointments. Springlight didn’t bother to make her gaze contact the new deputy, only feeling her gaze burn into her pelt briefly before watching the crowd again. She’d hate it if she were growing a sudden target over her head; as if she hadn’t had that once before with ShadowClan after Ivysnake’s death.
Unease prickled at the crevices of her nerves, her claws habitually flexing against the smooth stone. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to her if there were now faint markings along the stone from how long she had been atop this stone. From how high the RiverClan’s deputy ego was, she wouldn’t be surprised if she was quick to falter from her position if something were to come for RiverClan. Not that Springlight would be surprised if that were to happen at all. Her ears flicked towards the smaller form of the new RiverClan medicine cat apprentice as she spoke, the medicine cat quick to note her sensitive nature. Springlight’s sunken lips slowly turned upwards, finding herself seemingly growing on the younger feline.
She reminded her of herself when it was her first gathering as a medicine cat apprentice. She was just as anxious, if not more. She had needed the support of her mentor to get through the first gathering, and if she recalls, she needed to go down from the Seastones to get a prep talk from Drizzlecloud herself. It wouldn’t surprise her if Berrypaw needed the same treatment as she had, and required a prep talk from Mistyshard - if that was her name. Springlight couldn’t muster the chuckle that was teeming in her throat, her tail whisking thoughtfully as she glanced toward the small molly. “You know… it’s okay… to be… scared… at your… first gathering… I’m Springlight… by the way… One of… ThunderClan’s… medicine cats… but I… assume you… knew that… already.” Springlight explained, allowing a smile to form on her lips as she expressed herself to the younger feline.
“You see… I was… the same way… with my first… gathering as… a medicine cat… apprentice… but instead… it was… actually… my second gathering… in general… and a lot… was happening… during the… time… but overtime… as time passes… on… you get used… to your… role… and it becomes… much easier… I’m certain… that it… will become… easier for… you… as it did… for me.” Hopefully, her advice would be useful to the newly appointed medic. Her voice had been steady, despite being strained by frequent pauses and stuttering. She couldn’t help that. It wasn’t her fault that she had been brutally attacked by a ShadowClan warrior back when she was just an apprentice. It had ruined her vocal cords permanently, and all it did was make her all the more glad that her preparator was dead. The calico flashed a quick smile towards Mistyshard, expressing her brief congratulations towards the molly before noting Spiderthroat’s presence.
Listening to his and Bumblestar’s bickering didn’t interest the calico much, other than them just antagonizing RiverClan for being the weak clan they became. Their antagonizing wasn’t what Springlight was focused on, the more she was focused on was when Bumblestar requested to know what was going on with the attackers that targeted both her and Drizzlecloud. Springlight felt warmth develop within her chest to hear Bumblestar step up for herself and her former mentor about the incidents that occurred during the raid. It may have been a bit ago, but at least she was still held accountable for caring for what happened to the medicine cats. Speaking of medicine cats, the calico was quick to note her mentor’s appearance making its way through the crowd. Given the fact that she wasn’t apparent at the last gathering, Springlight was pleased to see that she showed up to this one. She hadn’t asked what was the reason behind her lack of attendance, but she decided to hold her tongue before cutting to any assumptions. She gave the ticked tabby a small head bump after she went atop the Seastones. Even with her frustrations, she still held affection toward her mentor and doubted that would change at any time. Giving the tabby a small smile, she focused her attention back towards the Seastones.
Disappointment churned in her stomach at the lack of information about her attacker but was quick to be subdued by the fact that her mentor’s attacker held a name. Birchbranch. At least the molly was dealt with accordingly. If that weren’t the case, then Springlight would’ve been practically feeling her blood boil. If she ever saw the molly around in her territory, she wouldn’t hesitate to take care of the disgrace of a feline herself after what she decided to do to Drizzlecloud. The eldest medicine cat was permanently deaf now, and Springlight had to translate a good gist of what cats were saying for her mentor to understand what was going on. It was nothing but mass disappointment that fell pitifully in her stomach. Sometimes the calico worried that Bumblestar may think that her mentor may not be suitable for the rank anymore and boot her off and leave Springlight to pick up the pieces instead. Not that the younger medic would think it would affect her too badly - she had managed to heal many, many complicated injuries that she had stumbled upon in her time as a medicine cat, but it was just… odd to become the sole medicine cat of her clan. How would she be able to choose a successor? What if they succumb down the same path as their predecessors? What if they failed?
Springlight’s thoughts died down as soon as the faint stench of heather permeated the air, the herbalist quick to note WindClan’s arrival as she walked Twilightstar sulk through the sand, the calico finding her pelt prickling with uncertainty. Well, this night was about to become hell, wasn’t it? Judging from how undoubtedly foul the eldest leader’s expression was, she knew there was something that was bound to occur at this gathering. The entire incident with Fallownose’s death was just wrathful, and she didn’t even know the deputy all that well. All that she could sincerely hope for was that they could potentially find his killer. It could take days or even months, but it was better than doing nothing and leaving his killer on the loose. Springlight could’ve almost found herself holding her breath as she watched the lilac molly make her way onto the Seastones, sensing the tension thickening in the air. Fadingsun’s words caught on deaf ears, but the most she assumed was that he held no clear indication of who her attacker was. What a shame.
The familiar tricolored pelt of Lightningstorm immediately boosted her mood. It was strange how they had come off from such a rocky start to a slow, yet steady kinship. It wasn’t much of anything big or boisterous yet, but she hoped it would gradually grow over time as they saw each other more often at either half-moon meetings or gatherings. The note of the WindClan’s smile meeting her direction automatically made the calico smile back in her, a genuine smile plastered on her face. Lightningstorm was one of the few medicine cats that she found herself growing relatively fond of, that respect for the fellow medic growing after last moon’s disaster with Redhawk. Speaking of which, the calico thought that the other molly deserved to hear her genuine praise given that it was all so sudden. The lithe molly deserved it, and Springlight thought it was best for them to consider that fact. However, she could not hold back the snort that escaped herself after the molly’s comment, finding herself smirking back at the calico afterward.
“Why… indeed we… must,” she mused back, attempting to brighten up the drastically dreary mood to go along with Lightningstorm’s cheerily statement. “I feel… as if… the secret… could easily… be the… way the… moonlight reflects… off our… coats… after all… I feel… as if… it could… have the… same effect… on you… if you… tried… standing… in a… place where… the moon is… present.” Ultimately, she wasn’t the all-time best comedic, but at least she tried. She would get nowhere as adjacent as Lightningstorm’s sass. Despite her relatively awkward attempt at humor, she found herself briefly clearing her throat as she focused back on the WindClan medicine cat. “Well… Lightningstorm… I would… like to… reflect… my gratitude… for your… assistance… last moon… with Redhawk… I know… I said it… once… but I’ll say it… again… I appreciate… your help… and if… there was… any way… for me… to repay that… just let me… know… and I… will do something… the best… that I can.”
It wasn’t often that she received help from others - sure, she had Drizzlecloud, but that was different. Cats were far too indulged in their businesses to try to assist both the medics. Of course, Wolfhive and a few other cats weren’t some of the cats that Springlight saw as intolerable, as they were more helpful than not. Other than that, some cats didn’t bother to assist herself and Drizzlecloud if it was needed. Speaking of cats, the calico was quick to note Berrypaw introducing herself to Drizzlecloud after she had introduced herself. It wasn’t anything for the molly to intrude whatsoever. Berrypaw needed the interaction for future preferences if she was going to stay as a medicine cat. Hopefully, both herself and Mistyshard would last longer than how Tansypaw and Falconfeather did. The thought of the former medic duo just made her stomach churn restlessly. It wasn't that she held any ill-witted thoughts about the former medic duo, but it was just the information that Smallsky had bore to her that couldn’t make her interior thoughts about Falconfeather that made her thoughts about them shift. It was just something that she wished to not think about given the gathering was bound to start at any moment.
The arrival of ShadowClan caught her attention, judging from the scent of pine that invaded her nostrils. The calico watched as Dawnstar sulked through the crowd, granting all four clans at the gathering. She surprisingly had a deputy to replace Vulturefang, which Springlight hadn't expected at all in the slightest. Usually, the leader hadn't bothered to replace deputies until she found a proper suitor to take the role, and that usually took a long while. Now, she had seemed quick with the decision to choose this molly to be her deputy. Other than that charade of news, she seemed surprised to see the ShadowClan leader go first to share her news of announcements for the gathering. It wasn't anything special; just some new apprentices, clan-mates, and a new warrior. The other new deputy’s name seemed to be Mistlewhisker, and Springlight cast her a short nod of approval. It was disappointing to hear that Lostspark - stars, she despised that name - stepped down from being a medicine cat, but the calico suspected she had her reasonings. The role was difficult to keep track of and keep your mental stability at state, but stepping down would be something that wouldn’t be easy. Hopefully, Mossfreckle won't let ShadowClan down. Speaking of the other medicine cat, she didn't see him anywhere. Was he staying back at camp?
Seeing Bumblestar take the stand made the calico fill with uncertainty. There was a portion of news that Springlight felt should be revealed, as for some news at the ThunderClan Stormcrest just before this gathering that had made her stomach churn uneasily. The whole incident with Thrushkit still left her nerves severed, the utter betrayal from the tom-cat making her nothing but downright furious from his actions. Cats who are as soulless as him to abandon family meant nothing to her in the slightest, and all it did was just make her stomach fill with boiling ire. She hoped no clan would bother to accept the traitorous tyrant, even if her way of thinking was wrong in the slightest; he would probably just commit the same act there as he had with ThunderClan and go behind their backs for star's sake. Springlight found the leader’s voice fall on deaf ears, hearing that she decided to give Cattail Pond back to RiverClan and a few other uninteresting announcements other than Thrushkit’s overall demotion, exile, and name change. It was all seemingly normal, in her own opinion.
Next was Fadingsun’s turn to speak, and the calico found herself curious about whatever he needed to say. At least he was committed to admitting that he was willing to handle Sweetsong after the whole scenario with Thrushkit. Springlight’s stomach churned just from the thought. An apprentice seeing a full-grown warrior just felt weird and uncomfortable, especially with how their relationship felt with her. If both cats were out of their respective clans, then they could just stay out. They don’t deserve to stay with their clans if all they are doing is sneak out to meet each other and share secret information. It was disgraceful at its best. The rest of what Fadingsun had to say wasn’t much of anything either, but at least he was willing to make up for the warriors crossing their way into WindClan territory and getting themselves executed. It was mandatorily disrespectful at most and very annoying to hear warriors crossing the borders out of stupidity and ignorance. The other news that the RiverClan leader had to say wasn’t all that interesting, but she did cast a nod toward the two new medicine cats. The news about Tansypaw was disheartening to hear, at best, but she hoped that at least she would start coming around again if she proved her worth once more.
Now, it was Twilightstar’s turn, and the medicine cat wouldn’t be lying if she said that she felt her fur prickling with unease. However, before focusing on the leader, the herbalist couldn’t help but take note of… Dusklion’s sudden expression. Why did she suddenly look so petrified of something? Was Twilightstar about to say something that may spook her? Her eyes narrowed and her tail whisked, her ears fully erected forward to listen in on whatever the WindClan leader may spew. The first bit of information wasn’t much, but the thought of minks made her skin crawl. Hopefully, ThunderClan would never have to tolerate that sort of information. ShadowClan assisting the clan was relatively odd, given the shadow-dwellers' reputation for being stoic and offputting. The calico briefly eyed the colossal ShadowClan leader momentarily before listening back to Twlightstar, hearing new apprentices and a recently appointed warrior before hearing drama between RiverClan and WindClan… and stars were there a lot of it. Attacking an apprentice was just a low blow, and torturing them to an extent was just brutal and downright horrible. They were just innocent children, for star’s sake. No matter the age.
More murder was being approached, and it seemed that they had finally found out who the murderer of Fallownose was, Springlight couldn’t help but feel her blood run cold as if she had just sunk under ice-cold water. Dusklion. The new RiverClan deputy was the one with the blood of a former deputy on her paws. No wonder she was full of it and being egotistical. The news only fouled her further dislike for the fish-loving clan, her claws scraping against the stone as she continuously listened to Twilightstar’s announcements, hearing her practically calling the clan for war. After what RiverClan has done, they had it coming. There was no point for them to shrivel and cower now, because all they were gonna do was continuously lose warriors day after day due to their ignorance and stupidity. Her brows quaked as soon as she heard Twilightstar call for both Dawnstar and Bumblestar to remain behind. To ally against RiverClan, she assumed?
Her thoughts were disturbed as she watched Fadingsun lead his clan away from the gathering, her blue eyes instinctively narrowing as she watched the leader lead his clan away without saying a word. How cowardly. Before she could think of anything else, the calico overheard her leader call to Spiderthroat to lead the clan home, and she nodded quietly toward Bumblestar before standing up to prepare to hop off the Seastones. Before doing so, she flashed a quick look towards her fellow medics. “Well… that was… quite eventful… if I… say so… myself… hopefully… the next… gathering… won’t be… as bad… either way… please… have a… safe trip… back to your… clans.” She felt hesitant to say anything in regards to Mistyshard and Berrypaw, but she gave them an acknowledging nod before hopping off and following after her departing clan.
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Springlight is one of ThunderClan’s current medicine cats.
She has a semi-closed den policy.
Feel free to DM or VM me if you have any questions or concerns!
Please know that my character's personal thoughts and opinions do not reflect my own.
I am simply playing as their character.
My writing often depends on my motivation and therefore due to having autism, I struggle with maintaining focus for writing.
I hope that's understandable.
Re: May Gathering
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