ShadowClan Elders' Den

[Cloverspring]

The elder's attention drew away from the rotted lichen and up to the visitor strolling in. Mudburr's pupils remained thin, not because he didn't like the apprentice, or because they were too close, but they just never seemed to grow bigger, even on the darkest nights. His ears swivelled away from the sound of the clearing and he took in Needlepaw's words.

The tom stayed relaxing on his side, tail flicking rhythmically for a moment before deciding to answer, "It has been." He licked the back of his paw, brushed his chin tuft to the way he liked, then pushed himself up to a sitting position. Mudburr had never been a small cat, den sizes always made that incredibly clear, and yet, despite his stature, his head hung low enough so that he was eye-to-eye with the apprentice. His entire posture demonstrated obedience and readiness, over intimidation, like a warrior reporting for a patrol, or a meeting.

"Though it is not simply gossip I have picked up, more-so than truth. Is there any cat in particular that burns in your mind, Needlepaw?" He knew the duty he had to fulfil. And he would give her the information that she was after, as he had done for Shadowclan so many times. He was always eager to tell, and he didn't care what she did with the information, but he could not begin without the direct request. Truly a Shadowclan warrior, through and through.


( @Dizerel )

[Dizerel]

☠️Needlepaw☠️
[ Simply better than you ]

[ She/Her | 15 Moons | Character Profile | Active Purrks: Ultimate Predator, Killer Aptitude (Tier 1) ]
[ TW: Bullying | Mentions: @Cloverspring ]
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She sat patiently as she watched the old warrior get up to his full height. Needlepaw was pretty much fully grown despite being an apprentice, and even still, the size of Mudburr was respectable. Even when he did her the honor of keeping his head low and eye-level, she kept her chin raised up. However, this old cat was growing on her a little bit, with his openness and willingness to share.

Her tail curling around herself as she brings a paw up to her mouth, wondering who she thinks would be a good target, or at the very least who she wants to learn more about. "Let's see... Stempaw definitely. Magpiepaw, and Lightningpaw" She said. There were plenty more that came to mind, even a few warriors that she might want to pick up some dirt on, but for now she didn't want to bite off more than she could chew. She could always come back for more later, if Mudburr proved to be reliable with his gossip.

[Cloverspring]

The tom blinked in acknowledgement and nodded, concealing his own thoughts behind an apathetic expression. Requesting information on three cats at once was quite a bold request, but he would not judge or advise, only provide. That was his role, and what Needlepaw chose to do with this information was up to them.

Mudburr pricked his ears in vigilance and put out a paw to prop up his upper body. He then let his body weight rock forward and his head shift closer to the apprentice, close enough so that you would hear his whiskers twitch, if they did. This wasn't to avoid attention, just more to keep the information in the requester's mind only.

"Magpiepaw's seniority as an apprentice seems to be well-earned, evident by them being unable to complete their final assessment." Mudburr whispered the obvious first, keeping the conversation quiet. This was information most cats already knew, but he was using this moment as a test, to judge if his voice was too loud. It seemed at the perfect level, due to years of experience, but experience also reminded him to check, regardless of that knowledge. He continued on...

"However, her skills as a learning warrior are... strengthening." The elder considered the right word, and proceeded. "She knows of skills that no other Shadowclan member would know, let alone think to use." He hinted, pulling his head back to shoot a knowing gaze at Needlepaw. He wondered if the apprentice even knew of what he was insinuating. Perhaps, perhaps not.

It wasn't entirely obvious, as she hadn't used any of the more advanced moves yet, but there were familiarities in her movements. Mudburr felt as if he was sitting in the past as he watched her, and could almost predict her very next move. He had been debating in his mind who her teacher was, though, in accordance to his belief of honestly and loyalty, he would never assume such information without direct evidence. He didn't travel into the darkest parts of the forest anymore, and no-one ever knew he did, as they never thought to ask. Perhaps he should begin to wander again. He knew how to get there, he'd never speak of her activities, unless requested, and as always, if they had nothing to hide, they had nothing to fear.

He tilted his head in the silence, a request for if he should continue to the next apprentice or if she needed more information.


( @Marigoldwhisper - Magpiepaw has been mentioned! : D )

( @Dizerel - want Mudburr to list them off info one at a time, or do the rest in one post? )

[Dizerel]

☠️Needlepaw☠️
[ Simply better than you ]

[ She/Her | 15 Moons | Character Profile | Active Purrks: Ultimate Predator, Killer Aptitude (Tier 1) ]
[ TW: Bullying | Mentions: @Cloverspring ]
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Flexing her claws in anticipation of hearing this gossip. Kneading at the ground as she waited for him to lean in. He was a little close for comfort, but considering that she was the one asking, she would grant the old tom some leeway in his proximity.

Nodding her head as he spoke about Magpiepaw's difficulty with her assessment. Needlepaw knew about that much, at least, though there was a small pang that she felt internally. Being in a very similar spot as to Magpiepaw, though not because she had been failing her final assessment, but because she intentionally keeps putting it off. It helped that Rookfire had been so busy with his constantly changing rank in the clan, so her own mentor had little time for her.

Still, being in a similar position, it was not something that she could taunt Magpiepaw over, else similar insults would come flying back. Even though Needlepaw had her own justification for it, when her targets got defensive and tried fighting back, her insults were much less effective, so it was better to not give them any ammunition to use against her whatsoever.

Her ears and tail perks a bit at the mention of unusual skills, however. That could be interesting, maybe she could single Magpiepaw out and figure out what is going on there. Needlepaw's gaze didn't return the same knowing look, so she definitely wasn't aware. Though Needlepaw was certainly an evil cat, she also strictly followed the code, and thus was not as easily swayed by darker teachings or things beyond starclan.

"I see.... As for the others?" She asked, urging Mudburr to continue.

[Cloverspring]

The elder was satisfied to give her information so far, and he felt the small, familiar thrill of achieving his task, his role, as a proud member of Shadowclan. If it weren't for the respect and security of being an elder, along with the enemies he'd made in other clans, he would have rejoined the warrior ranks once again. It would be good to go to a gathering again, but like every other cat, he would have to live with the choices he had made. Still, he stayed wary of his words due to Needlpaw's failure to reciprocate. Mudburr squinted his eyes silently at her, a dismissal of his previous signal. There was no need for him to hide such a fact, the darkness has always been Shadowclan's ally. But he was no fool, he wouldn't let an unknowing cat travel or train in a place they weren't capable of, let alone an apprentice.

The brown tom moved to the side of the apprentice, sitting down and wrapping his tail around his paws. He didn't lean down to her head this time, instead bringing a big paw up to his muzzle and giving it a lick before drawing it over his ear. He looked disinterested now, but he'd actually noticed some more of the lichen had dropped down and opened up the den to the even more of the clearing. Not only would his position block any onlookers, but he wanted to make the conversation look varied. Surely someone would notice if he spent too much time whispering in Needlepaw's ear, after all.

"Stempaw's moody, especially around Silentpaw." He stated bluntly, indicating to Needlepaw that he was still interested in their exchange despite his stance. "And they have a very spirited demeanour. I'm sure you're familiar with that." Mudburr continued, implying them of having a similar personality. The elder knew Needlepaw had traits that would benefit Shadowclan, and so did Stempaw. Perhaps their cooperation could be of the greatest benefit, transforming them into stronger, more loyal warriors, than the apprentices they are now.


"Lightningpaw... hm." He stopped talking. This still wasn't ideal. Regardless of his efforts to make this conversation more private, his better senses still told him they were exposed. Mudburr got up and flicked his tail to Needlepaw, beckoning them to come into the back of the den where it was more covered over. The elder hunched over in the corner, even as he sat, to avoid brushing his head against the branched roof.

"They are perfect." He started off, though his expression remained dull. "At least their mentor thinks so. They, and the other apprentices, never see the tom exhaust himself by practising their teachings over and over again, or see his outbursts when he fails to do so perfectly." Mudburr could almost hear the scream of frustration ringing in his ear right now. The pure fury of mistakes and imperfection that none other than a young, inexperienced cat could scream with such passion... such hatred. He would not make a good Shadowclan warrior with such traits, being unable to adapt, unable to accept. It would be his downfall. But that wasn't the tom's greatest truth...

"They are not of Shadowclan blood, either. Abandoned in the territory as a kit." Mudburr spoke darkly. He knew, for he had been around at that time. The tom was not fond of outsiders, and knew the apprentice was trying to prove themself because of that. But it would have been worse if they were from another clan. Still, he knew that Lightningpaw would make a good Shadowclan warrior, if Needlepaw could convince him to get over himself, but he could never claim himself to be Shadowclan warrior by blood.

"Lightningpaw also appears to collect insect shells, wings, and rocks." He added in the tense silence, unintentionally lightening the conversation. He had his own beliefs, but his extreme loyalty to Shadowclan meant that information and obedience came first.


( @Luna16 and @RainFall Wonders = Stempaw and Lightningpaw have been mentioned! : D)

( @Dizerel )

[Diamondfur]

Spottedpaw pads into the elder's den with a squirrel and a couple mice in her mouth. she puts the prey at her paws.

"does anyone want some prey?" she asks.

Spottedpaw loved visiting the elders.


[open RP]

[Dizerel]

☠️Needlepaw☠️
[ Simply better than you ]

[ She/Her | 15 Moons | Character Profile | Active Purrks: Ultimate Predator, Killer Aptitude (Tier 1) ]
[ TW: Bullying | Mentions: @Cloverspring ]
__________________________________________

For as smart as Needlepaw was, for all her clever tricks and knowledge about what others were up to, she truly was out of the loop regarding the dark forest. Perhaps she had heard stories of it as a kit and had some vague idea of its existence through whisperings and rumors, but to her it was just as likely to exist as unlikely. Not to say it wasn't a possibility for her to ever learn, but given her steel resolve regarding following the warrior code to a T, dark forest cats may feel less inclined to try and sway her heart against the clans.

Taking note of his changing position, she didn't catch on quite at first, thinking he was getting up for some food or to stretch, now disinterested in the conversation. However, as he resumed speaking, she managed to connect the dots. Surprised at the intelligence he maintained in his age, she was liking him more and more!

Needlepaw's tail started lashing back and forth with the first mention of Stempaw. Moody around the new medicine cat apprentice? Could there be a crush going on? Hidden affection? Or a burned bridge? No matter what, it was salt that Needlepaw could rub into the wound. Taking no offense from the implication of being similarly mannered, Needlepaw knew that she was the superior apprentice in the clan, so no need to get worried.

Now clued into the nature of the elder's intentions to keep things subtle and private, she followed along with him towards the back of the den. Taking a seat of her own to look casual and inconspicuous.

Lightningpaw was perfect, huh? Clearly, Mudburr has never seen Needlepaw in action. At the very least, there was something interesting about it that Needlepaw could take advantage of. An easily impressed mentor and an apprentice that tried way too hard to prove themselves. Not of Shadowclan blood either, and a collector of meaningless things? This sure was a lot of ammunition that Needlepaw had been granted! Wondering if she should visit the fellow apprentice immediately after she leaves the elder's den, given how easily it would be to use all that knowledge she had been granted.

Bowing her head in a deep respect towards the elder. All this had made her grow a slight fondness towards him, maybe she should come back more often, or bring him prey some time as thanks. "I appreciate the information, Mudburr. You have my thanks. I'll make sure I use this knowledge well."

[Cloverspring]

The elder reciprocated her respect, lifting up a front paw from underneath him, so he could get lower, before bowing his head too. "Use it any way you see fit." He answered, raising back up to sit.

Though informing Needlepaw of his clanmate's deepest secrets seemed to be a betrayal, Mudburr was only complying in fulfilling his clan role, as he had been trained to do and had done ever since he was an apprentice. To gather information on other clans and pass on their secrets in order to maintain honesty among all clans, to pass on clanmate's secrets to maintain honesty amongst Shadowclan itself, to be eternally honest himself to support this culture of Shadowclan. And yet, he was not taught or encouraged to speak unless requested, so this information continues to be recorded within himself, waiting for a cat like Needlepaw to come along and ask him to speak these truths.

His green eyes darted to the side of her head, noting someone coming in from a distance. Mudburr flicked his ear to signal a new arrival to the apprentice, before curling his tail around his paws. "And, as an apprentice, you still have many duties a warrior does not." He added, acknowledging Needlepaw's status, with his voice hinting that he knew the reasoning for it. "So be sure to come back here to repair the den later." His face didn't let off any emotion, but he appreciated this conversation. Mudburr didn't hope for the apprentice to return, as he only believes in what he knows, but he wouldn't mind meeting her again.

The elder turned away from the apprentice and began casually licking his brown shoulder fur, tending to a task he'd put off to talk with them. As Spottedpaw made her way over he watched her, pulling away from his grooming and dipping his head in gratitude. "A mouse will do, for now." Mudburr answered, wrapping a claw around its tail and pulling it towards himself. "Sparrowtail?" He inquired.


( @Dizerel - Needlepaw absolutely stacked with bullying material lol )

( @Diamondfur - : D )

( @TheGreenestBean - Mentioning you in case you want Sparrowtail to have some too! )

[TheGreenestBean]

Originally Posted by Cloverspring

The elder reciprocated her respect, lifting up a front paw from underneath him, so he could get lower, before bowing his head too. "Use it any way you see fit." He answered, raising back up to sit.

Though informing Needlepaw of his clanmate's deepest secrets seemed to be a betrayal, Mudburr was only complying in fulfilling his clan role, as he had been trained to do and had done ever since he was an apprentice. To gather information on other clans and pass on their secrets in order to maintain honesty among all clans, to pass on clanmate's secrets to maintain honesty amongst Shadowclan itself, to be eternally honest himself to support this culture of Shadowclan. And yet, he was not taught or encouraged to speak unless requested, so this information continues to be recorded within himself, waiting for a cat like Needlepaw to come along and ask him to speak these truths.

His green eyes darted to the side of her head, noting someone coming in from a distance. Mudburr flicked his ear to signal a new arrival to the apprentice, before curling his tail around his paws. "And, as an apprentice, you still have many duties a warrior does not." He added, acknowledging Needlepaw's status, with his voice hinting that he knew the reasoning for it. "So be sure to come back here to repair the den later." His face didn't let off any emotion, but he appreciated this conversation. Mudburr didn't hope for the apprentice to return, as he only believes in what he knows, but he wouldn't mind meeting her again.

The elder turned away from the apprentice and began casually licking his brown shoulder fur, tending to a task he'd put off to talk with them. As Spottedpaw made her way over he watched her, pulling away from his grooming and dipping his head in gratitude. "A mouse will do, for now." Mudburr answered, wrapping a claw around its tail and pulling it towards himself. "Sparrowtail?" He inquired.


( @Dizerel - Needlepaw absolutely stacked with bullying material lol )

( @Spottedpaw - : D )

( @TheGreenestBean - Mentioning you in case you want Sparrowtail to have some too! )

(oh uhm sure)

"I guess I will have a mouse as well" the tom purred

(sorry this was a lil unexpected so I don't really know what is happening)

[Diamondfur]

Originally Posted by Cloverspring

The elder reciprocated her respect, lifting up a front paw from underneath him, so he could get lower, before bowing his head too. "Use it any way you see fit." He answered, raising back up to sit.

Though informing Needlepaw of his clanmate's deepest secrets seemed to be a betrayal, Mudburr was only complying in fulfilling his clan role, as he had been trained to do and had done ever since he was an apprentice. To gather information on other clans and pass on their secrets in order to maintain honesty among all clans, to pass on clanmate's secrets to maintain honesty amongst Shadowclan itself, to be eternally honest himself to support this culture of Shadowclan. And yet, he was not taught or encouraged to speak unless requested, so this information continues to be recorded within himself, waiting for a cat like Needlepaw to come along and ask him to speak these truths.

His green eyes darted to the side of her head, noting someone coming in from a distance. Mudburr flicked his ear to signal a new arrival to the apprentice, before curling his tail around his paws. "And, as an apprentice, you still have many duties a warrior does not." He added, acknowledging Needlepaw's status, with his voice hinting that he knew the reasoning for it. "So be sure to come back here to repair the den later." His face didn't let off any emotion, but he appreciated this conversation. Mudburr didn't hope for the apprentice to return, as he only believes in what he knows, but he wouldn't mind meeting her again.

The elder turned away from the apprentice and began casually licking his brown shoulder fur, tending to a task he'd put off to talk with them. As Spottedpaw made her way over he watched her, pulling away from his grooming and dipping his head in gratitude. "A mouse will do, for now." Mudburr answered, wrapping a claw around its tail and pulling it towards himself. "Sparrowtail?" He inquired.


( @Dizerel - Needlepaw absolutely stacked with bullying material lol )

( @Spottedpaw - : D )

( @TheGreenestBean - Mentioning you in case you want Sparrowtail to have some too! )

"alright here's a mouse." Spottedpaw mews


(fyi you mentioned the wrong person for spottedpaw next time mention diamondfur for the character.)