Mistlewhisker
ShadowClan Deputy
she/her | 48 moons
[Large black cat with a half white muzzle and a pale green eye] Purrks: Killer Aptitude T3, Shadow Fiend, Mind Reader
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ The Chariot ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
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[Dawnstar - @Undertaker ] [Sleepysunrise - @Estelle ] [Silentpaw - @Star ] [Crowtooth - @Rani ] [Spiderthroat - @/Starfall ] [Wolfhawk - @/Beaan ] [Owlstar - @/Marigoldwhisper ] [Berryshine - @/squidz ] [Twilightstar - @/Moonraven ] [Lightningstorm - @/Alchemist Kitsune ] [Rabbitpaw - @/Dolomedes ]
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Well, they were late. Mistlewhisker was a cat who valued punctuality, and looking bad in front of the other clans was something she could not tolerate. But the cold had turned even-tempered Mistlewhisker into a sharp edge that, at this point, didn't care about anything other than making sure this Gathering went smoothly, and no ShadowClan cats caused any issues.
The Deputy joined the gaggle of high ranks below the stones, settling down with Crowtooth and Spiderthroat on either side of her. Seemed Owltalon had been promoted to Leader. A shame, Mistlewhisker had thought Stormstar would actually amount to something, what with her bluster and all.
Turning her attention back to the gathered clans, Mistlewhisker sought out the pelts of Dawnstar's kittens. Mistlewhisker had been informed by the young Emberpaw that Dawnstar had told them Mistlewhisker was their second mother. That definitely did not send the black feline into a whirlwind of affection, surprise, pride, and fear. If these kittens were really (partially) hers now, then why were they so trouble-prone!!!! (Says the cat who got her eye plucked out by a badger like the week after she was made a warrior). She swore, it was like they actively sought out problems.
Bumblestar's growled complaint earned Mistlewhisker's wry attention as the ThunderClan Leader launched into updates. The ShadowClan Deputy felt her lips tugging downwards at the mention of a plague. Plagues were deadlier than any conflict, and it seemed the losses had been somewhat devastating. Hadn't Redhawk and Wolfhive been Hornets?
But then, ohhh but then. Mistlewhisker's one-eyed gaze traveled between the new RiverClan Leader, the single Medicine Cat, and Bumblestar. So, the grey molly of the medicinal duo had been visiting ThunderClanners in their dreams. Inadvisable at best, war-starting at worst. And it seemed the worst was on its way. Mistlewhisker allowed her gaze to slide to Crowtooth, brow crooking upwards.
How long had it been since their last Gathering? The cold made all the moons blend together. Mistlewhisker had been hoping for a little time to chat with her fellow Deputy--she had to brag (not brag, Mistlewhisker was beyond bragging)... share about her successful patrols this past moon. But oh well. The Gathering would be an interesting one regardless.
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Mistlewhisker is ShadowClan's current Deputy!
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"There's a hand on my throat, and a blade at my feet; but the weight of the world won't bend my knees."
Birdecho
ShadowClan Warrior
she/her | 13 moons
[Grey tabby with a dark overcoat, white underside and amber eyes] Purrks: Lyrebird's Lullaby, Don't Mind if I Do! Header art by: @/Daragca
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ The Fool ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
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[Rockjaw - @korok ]
· · ────────────── · · FINALLY, Gathering time! Birdecho trotted along with her clanmates, striped pelt rippling with the shadows that washed over her. It was so cold that she swore her ears were falling off!! Lame season! Boo!!!
Bumblestar immediately started announcements, her commanding voice fading into the background as Birdecho searched for someone to sit with. There weren't any trees to perch on, and she didn't like sitting in a crowd unless she had someone to talk to. Usually she would sit with Sleepysunrise, but... Birdecho purposefully avoided looking at the gathered high ranks near the Sea Stones, instead looking in the opposite direction. aaaAAAaaa... there he was. Birdecho pushed herself small, white paws forward and over to Rockjaw. She plopped down next to him, giving him a sly grin. "Hey, rockface. How's it hangin?" She glanced up at Bumblestar, who was now raving at the (once again different) RiverClan Leader. "She's really goin at it, huh?"
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Mistlewhisker is ShadowClan's current Deputy!
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"There's a hand on my throat, and a blade at my feet; but the weight of the world won't bend my knees."
header by @/daracga
He/Him | ShadowClan Aid | Herbal Knowledge Tier 1
Hm. Looks as though they were the last to arrive. Not that he really cares. Some of these Clans could stand to learn some patience. Finding a spot to himself slightly away from the other Clans, the tabby tom settled into a loaf position with his paws tucked underneath him. This had better go by quickly- he hated this cold. However, it appeared this was going to get interesting quickly as Bumblestar launched into a tirade about RiverClan learning to mind their own business.
Rockjaw snorted in contempt. Was the only threat that worked on them the most drastic one? One would think they'd have kept to themselves longer after their previous incident. But no. Typical RiverClan. Amber eyes gleamed with interest as the ThunderClan leader practically spat at Owlstar. Good tidings. Good tidings, indeed. Still, as long as RiverClan didn't start turning it's attention to messing with ShadowClan, the Aide couldn't care less.
'Hey, Rockface. How's it hanging?'
Inwardly groaning, Rockjaw ripped his gaze away from the quarreling leaders and landed on an, unfortunately, familiar face. "Rockjaw." He corrected her coolly, eyes narrowing. When Birdecho made the comment on Bumblestar's approached, he simply shrugged. "RiverClan 'as ta be talked ta like ah kit ta make 'em understand." He clicked his jaw disapprovingly. "Pathetic, really."
Ugh. He didn't care for gatherings. In fact, he was gradually beginning to like them less and less. The cats of the other clans were far more insufferable than any ShadowClan warrior could ever hope to be, that and, lately, no one seemed to have anything interesting to say. What was the point? He couldn't see any at all. But he wasn't one to ignore responsibilities. The tom stepped onto the icy area, paws skidding a little as he went. Ugh. That was embarrassing. As usual, he took a spot on the outskirts. He wouldn't find himself approaching anycat. He couldn't imagine he looked very inviting either.
Bumblestar began, and for once, she was saying something interesting. They'd had a plague? All this time? He sniffed. And they'd lost a high number of cats. That was sad, he supposed.
Then she was onto something else. The usual stuff. Well almost - His eyes widened. Bumblestar sure was heated today, wasn't she? Drama with the fishes. Thank goodness ShadowClan weren't involved. It seemed a little immoral, but he couldn't help but think - it was quite fun to watch. He cared nothing for either clan, they seemed unremarkable. Especially RiverClan. He found a little empathy for Bumblestar, but not enough. He was more so entertained by the show. He had to scoff, learning that RiverClan thought they had bussiness interfering with an actual functional clan. ThunderClan could survive a literal plague. If in the same situation, he reckoned the fish would be wiped out in a moon.
Thankfully, Dawnstar was far too tactful to ever blow up in such a way. He figured, if anything was ever devastating enough to send Dawnstar spiralling, she'd simply fight it out. None of this incessant yelling. That's what he thought, anyway.
Shadow Fiend: Inactive | Chill of Death: Permanently Active
[ black and white cat, blue and amber eyes. face and shoulder scarring. | she/they ]
[ #VGCHollow ]
➢ The harsh cold cuts through her pelt with no remorse leaving Hollowpaw shivering in a desperate attempt to warm herself, she was getting truly sick of this damn cold. Though the heat of the crowd before her was welcomed, she would never express such. Scorps first Gathering, she should be happy for her friend yet no emotions flooded her mind, nothing. Silence. It was a nice change but it didn't ease the Apprentice's nerves and neither did the Thunderclan Leader's clear anger. Her shivering stopping upon staring at each Leader for more than a heartbeat. It wasn't fear, nor intimidation, but a brewing resentment. Bitter, anger filled resentment. Hate.
Bi-colored eyes leaving the four pillars and drifting to her paws as she sat down near the front, a spot she would have never sat if they hadn't noticed tensions festering among the monarchs of each Clan. Claws digging into the soft sand below as irritation ripped across her face and shoulder. Though it was simply the cold tearing at the scarring, Hollowpaw felt as if it meant more, though she would keep her maw shut for now. Then the announcements begun.
Hot anger dripping from Thunderclan's side was no surprise, or it shouldn't have been, Hollowpaw can hear the pure rage in each word that follow the list of the dead. The Apprentice tried to remain unfazed by such a thing but even the blankest of canvas' can have a splash of white paint on them. She instinctually flinches as the harsh words leave the Leader's maw, words not even directed at her. Hollowpaw swiftly regains her composure, checking her paws for any movement and setting them straight, relaxed (or as relaxed as one could be) once more, as they had also recoiled and shifted backwards into a more defensive pose. A Medicine cat messing in other Clan affairs, in their eyes, it was grounds for death, regardless of what it may have been for.
The idea reflected onto Sleepysunrise and Silentpaw, both cats they had trained with before, would she carry the same opinion if it was them doing such an act...? Yes. She couldn't let personal opinions get in the way of her work. It was a nonnegotiable. It had to be. Hollowpaw feels her anger subside, emotions would interfere with their tasks, letting the shame of her search replace such a feeling.
Turning their head to each side of her, subtly to look for even the slightest flash of electrical discharge among the cats or the ferice stare of Wildkit, hell, or even a glance from Cranekit that tended to dispel all her thinking. You live until you're forgotten, right? right...? Claws digging even further into the sand, grounding the Shadowclanner as her gaze moved back to the group standing (and or sitting) above her.
[ OPEN ]
__________________
❝ it's not a matter of luck, it's just a matter of time. ❞
❯ reply days: saturday or sunday ❮
❯ ❯ [ my carrd ] ❮ ❮
Shadowclan files in, and then everything is set to start. Salamanderpaw is perfectly content to pick along the shore, nudging her paws into the ice and sand to flick pebbles up for her appraisal. She stays very close to Redsurge. Though she had wanted to go and find Seapaw, and though she still really does, she feels safest staying by Redsurge. Having an older cat who wants to help nearby is nice. Even if Salamanderpaw's been unreasonably prickly to her.
With that in mind, as Bumblestar takes the lead and starts sharing her news, Salamanderpaw flicks her bottlebrush of a tail against Redsurge's flank and whispers, "do you want this one?" As she nudges over a pebble. It's got these yellow striations that she finds interesting, but it doesn't meet her own prerequisite of being smooth all over. Her tufted ears flick. Bumblestar is rattling off names now...new apprentices and warriors? No, a lot of them are kits...oh. Right. For the... three moons prior to this one, ThunderClan's been dealing with a plague. A plague is when cats get sick, right? Salamanderpaw had just been thinking of coughs and sniffles, so she hadn't been all that interested, but now it's clicking that that list is the death toll.
"Wow, their medicine cat must suck." She mumbles to Redsurge, sliding another cool pebble over to her. Perhaps, just perhaps, she is trying to buy this warrior's approval with trinkets. Thunderclan's dead continue to stack; foxes. A fall in the river. She finds an awful sense of satisfaction in that one, and tries to make eye contact with Redsurge to flash her a smug look. Fell in the river and drowned, ha! What a joke of a clan! .....N-never mind that Salamanderpaw still can't swim....and hates the water.......and feels ill when she thinks about getting all the way into it.....,,,,, uh.
She averts her eyes, decidedy un-smug-ified, and manages to keep her big mouth shut as Bumblestar calls for a moment of silence. She realy can't find it in herself to care about dead Thunderclanners, not even the kits, but she can be quiet for a moment, at least. The appropriate thing to do is pretend, right? Anyway, it doesn't last long. As soon as Bumblestar starts speaking again, Salamanderpaw is shaking her chilly paws off and continuing her search for pebbles for herself and pebbbles for Redsurge. Bumblestar's on to her good news, now. Salamanderpaw snorts derisively to that that their medicine cat, who she'd just decided must suck, had earned his proper name in all that mess. Whaaaatever. She's got no idea how bad their sickness must have been and what all the cat did to earn a full name...medicine cat standards are different. In Thunderclan, they're probably way different. Salamanderpaw nudges another pebble at Redsurge. She's gradually become more focused on finding rocks for her, instead.
Right, well, that's everything out of Thunderclan. Should she maybe feel a little bad for them, knowing about their recent struggle? .....No. Somehow, some way, they must have deserved all of it. Salamanderpaw almost decides to label it divine retribution, but the thought has her grimacing. It doesn't feel right to only care about Starclan if she's imagining them hurting other clans for Riverclan's benefit. Probably they've been just as useless to Thunderclan, too. Not helping, but not punishing either. Whatever; she really doesn't care enough to dwell. Instead she's hoping Dawnstar or Owlstar will step up next, leave Twilightstar and the impending news of what Greyowl and Morningpaw did for last, give Riverclan a break until—
Oh.
Oh okay there are no breaks.
Hunting for stones is quickly forgotten, because all she can do is stare horrified up at Bumblestar now. What the hell is she talking about? Nobody in Riverclan, least of all their medicine cats, would go out of their way to do something so...so stupid, right? Pointless? But Cobwebstorm isn't here...Cobwebstorm is—is busy. She just became a full medicine cat, she probably stayed behind to do work of some kind. Riverclan's medicine cats do that, they work hard, so no stupid plague comes and makes all their cats sneeze and cough to death.
The justifications are easy to come by...they just don't add up. Bumblestar is really, very angry and, stars, it just keeps going—Salamanderpaw pans her look of horror down, to Redsurge. The warrior had mentioned how keyed up Bumblestar had been. Salamanderpaw had been too busy with her own situation to care at the time, but now her stomach's doing flips. Bumblestar is furious with them. Twilightstar was bound to still be upset, too. That's two out of three that they've gone and pissed off again, and with Riverclan's luck Salamanderpaw wouldn't be surprised if Dawnstar had news of some kind of Riverclan jackfoolery in her sphere that had somehow gone totally under their noses 'til now.
At this rate, she'd be earning her warrior name on top of another mountain. If at all.
She didn't even want to think about those nasty things she'd said to Cougarpaw, now.
Salamanderpaw turns. Her legs are a little wobbly until she chastises herself for it. She leans forward to try and headbutt Redsurge's flank, rough but heartfelt. "I need to go sit with Seapaw now." She whispers. Another try at another headbutt, same place. "Thank you for helping me." Another. "I'm sorry that other warrior was mean to you, and some day I'm gonna squish him like a bug for it." That's all she has to say before she's turned back to weave and bob through the gathered cats. Two out of three. Two out of three, and Shadowclan certainly wouldn't lift a paw to help them if something happened here, and Starclan can only be counted on to ignore them some more. Salamanderpaw doesn't want to think that this night could end bloody, is sure that there's plenty of very good and smart reasons as to why it won't, but she is scared, so she is finding Seapaw. There. She picks him out by his little brown eartips.
"Seapaw." She whispers, settling at their side. Her pelt is spiked in alarm. She doesn't say much else, yet, just cranes and twists this way and that to determine what sorts of cats are all near them. Just Riverclan would be safest. Probably, probably, probably, nothing bad is going to happen. But if it does, they'd be done for.
Eaglepaw
RiverClan Apprentice
she/her | 13 moons
[Ginger and white tabby with green eyes and a heavily scarred maw] Purrks: Dreamwalker, Herbal Knowledge T2
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ The Star ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
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Cobwebstorm wasn't coming. Eaglepaw wasn't sure what was up with her friend, but she seemed... shaken. The apprentice wasn't going to press her, but maybe she'd check in after the Gathering.
Stars, the Gathering. Her first one in... how many moons? It didn't matter. It seemed that ThunderClan and WindClan had not changed much since she last saw them. Same Leaders, same Deputies. WindClan with the same Medicine Cats, and ThunderClan with all new ones. Interesting. Eaglepaw settled down well within the RiverClan group, watching the gathered cats with curious green eyes.
rookfire sauntered through the crowd, first gathering post demotion huh? big event! the tom quietly cackled to himself uncaring of the cats around, hillarious. truly. he wasnt one to brag, but they must know they lost one dedicated skilled medicine cat and one that was freeloading, and he didnt have to tell you which represented him and which rookfire himself.
on the way, he had kept to himself, trailing the enforcers and high ranks towards the seastones and biting his tongue until it bled to keep the low simmering anger that had not yet fully died down at bay. anger at mossfreckle, none of the others deserved his wrath, actually sticking to these 'rules' was a different story though.
anyway, pride, he would carry his head high and back straight, his past self a shadow of he could proudly proclaim to be truth now. his rank didnt change that. cold grey eyes caught on a all too familiar orange pelt and by the stars it should be sickening, the rush it gave him. pale fangs briefly shining in the low light, the former medicine cat snacked through the crowd, dark fur bristling slightly every time he brushed another cat on accident. finally, he stood a couple of steps behind eaglepaw and took the time to wipe his face from any expression before calmly taking a seat right next to his former friend. with a spark of pride, rookfire eyed the scarring he had left behind across her maw. he'd been horrified when it happened, oh poor young rookpaw, if only he knew.. well, now rookfire could see keeping ah,, well, dead weight, around was simply foolish. not to speak of any lingering pity or emotions a weaker cat, the cat he used to be mightve held onto.
for now, rookfire stretched out his limbs until the joins gave off a quit noise he couldnt hear but feel vibrate up his limbs, and let sandpaper tongue smooth down ruffled shoulder fur, patiently waiting to be noticed. in a way, this was better than seeing cobwebpaw from up on the seastones, but obviously, standing proud amongst the high ranks was more enjoyable that having to admit defeat in such a way as now. tz.
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✮" in all timelines, in all possibilities,.. only you. "✮
Bumblestar had largely ignored the antics going on around her. She couldn't even look at RiverClan (she would either implode or explode or do both at the same time if she did), and barely registered the fact she was the only one to actually make it up to the top. Everyone else was huddled together like rabbits.
ShadowClan finally showed. Bumblestar watched the larger leader before standing. "Took you long enough," she grunted. "I'm startin'."
Where to even begin... there was too much. Happy news, yes, but nearly half of it was doom and gloom. She set her claws into the ice and tried, for the moment, to squash down the churning anger in her gut and focus on what needed to be said.
"For the... three moons prior to this one, ThunderClan's been dealing with a plague." Normally she wouldn't reveal this sort of weakness to anyone, let alone at a Gathering. But the deaths would be announced anyway, and it was better to come out and say it than leave cats to speculate what happened. It was leaf-bare, anyway. That alone should be enough to deter an attack, and by the time new-leaf rolled around again they would be back to normal strength. "A moon ago, things started to ease up again." A moon since she'd lost him. It didn't feel real. "But we lost a lotta good cats. Lotta young cats. Honeykit, Grousekit, Cinderkit, Poppypaw, Elkpaw, Goldenpaw, Bravepaw, Beachpaw, Littlerose, Redhawk-" don't waver "-'n Wolfhive-" don't break down "-all had their lives unfairly claimed. 'N in addition, Bluedive 'n Redtooth were both killed by foxes, 'n Shockhoney fell into the river at Smallpines 'n wasn't recovered. Right now I just ask for a moment of your silence to honor all these cats, taken from us before their times."
Saying it out loud like this again weighed heavily on her shoulders. In front of her Clan had been hard enough and it was difficult to hide the grief marring her expression as she ducked her head for a long minute. When that was up, she lifted it again, taking in a deep breath to steel herself.
"Among the hardships, though, we continue to prosper. We've several new apprentices - Sagepaw, Horizonpaw, Fleapaw, Shrewpaw, Beechpaw, Sunrisepaw, Hornetpaw, Spiderlingpaw, Quackpaw, Mantispaw, Spiderpaw, Cricketpaw, Floodpaw, Hailpaw, Emberpaw, Snakepaw, Lynxpaw, 'n Doepaw all started their training. We've five new warriors to celebrate as well - Burnedbark, Firebloom, Ravenfire, Mallowswarm, 'n Alpinemoon."
Their names still hurt. She still couldn't look at them.
"And on top of it all, Wolfpaw's become a full medicine cat with the name Wolfhawk." She wouldn't even attempt to cast her gaze in his direction. All she saw was them.
Her breath fogged in front of her muzzle as she paused, the fire in her belly still burning. She could stop here. She could say nothing. She could walk away for once in her life and find another time to confront Owltalon (Owlstar now, most likely) over this. But her eyes drifted to the spot where Cobwebstorm should have been once more, and all of that restraint was gone in an instant.
She turned her head to stare down at RiverClan's newest leader. "You." The single word was laced with venom she didn't bother concealing, and it would only get worse from there. “Your medicine cat, the gray one, she’s been screwin’ around with my Clan.” Bumblestar gnashed her teeth in Owlstar’s direction. It was a shame Cobwebstorm wasn’t present - likely avoiding the consequences of her actions, how typical of RiverClan. She’d have loved to see the healer’s reaction to being called out like this. “Somehow figurin’ out how to visit me in MY dreams… ‘n then I found out that a couple moons earlier, she’s visited one of my apprentices as well. ‘N now it makes me wonder who else she’s gone to. What interest does she have in ThunderClan's high ranks? In ThunderClan's apprentices?” A paw slammed down on the rocks, claws raking against the hard surface. “Stay out of our affairs. Or I’ll find your camp again just so I can flay her ALIVE. I at least hope whatever injuries I gave her in that dream stuck around for good.” If not, she figured she’d have no problem beating the living daylights out of Cobwebstorm a second time, given the way the healer had sat there and taken it.
Bumblestar meant to stop there. She couldn't. Ire spilled from her jaws as if it were easier than breathing, and right now, it really was.
“You lot are pissin’ me off. You never seem to fully understand the consequences of your actions ‘till it slaps you in the face, 'n even then you miss the point! The next tragedy to SLAUGHTER my Clanmates as a result of your doing, will end with the corpses of those you kill laid on your side of the border so you can see exactly how you affect those around you with your cruelty ‘n your ignorance. Their bodies’ll taint your lands ‘n poison your rivers until I get tired of it 'n drive you out permanently! Maybe then you’ll finally see where your interference gets you!” Her voice had risen into a hateful snarl that echoed across the ice and snow like a firecracker. Every piece of fur on her body had spiked upright and the glare she fixed Owlstar might have killed a lesser cat on the spot. Bumblestar hoped it was enough to strike the leader dead then and there.
The world was starting to wobble again. She clenched her jaw so hard she thought she broke a tooth as she shakily managed to climb down the stones, slipping on ice.
It would be so satisfying to tear the new RiverClan leader’s throat out and see how long it took for the body to stop twitching.
“If you don’t stay outta ThunderClan’s business, I will make sure you never know peace,” she spat as she shouldered past her to sit as far away as possible - nearer to Spiderthroat than anyone else. “I’ll return tenfold each ‘n every wrongdoing your Clan has ever forced mine to endure, to the point your own ancestors won’t even recognize you once I send you to 'em.”
The leader turns her head at the call. She peers at Coldpaw as the apprentice somehow manages to weave her way through the crowd and over to her to her side. "You're getting much better at navigating." Twilightstar praised, leaning down to nuzzle her daughter's head. She would have preferred to lick her it was far too cold for such affection. Twilightstar curls her tail around Coldpaw, cuddling her close, and glances at Lightningstorm at her late arrival. Her antics with Crowtooth bring a much-needed smile to her face despite her somber mood.
She swings her head around to look at Owlstar as the younger leader brings up a topic Twilightstar would have asked about after the gathering. It seemed ShadowClan would be arriving a bit late, so now was as good a time as any to talk.
"It had crossed my mind, but I figured you had a reason," Twilightstar replied while dropping her head to rest her chin to rest between her sightless daughter's ears. She was very tempted to demand just prey, with the loss of the hills WindClan could use extra prey. But as tough as it was, prey was easier to locate than herbs during leafbare. "I normally wouldn't be picky about prey in leafbare, but I can only assume any fish offered won't settle well in my clanmate's bellies, so your clan can keep your fish." She meowed politely.
"Lightningstorm," The leader calls to the medicine cat. "Do you need any particular herbs?" She asked and then meowed to Crowtooth. "Get your complaints about ShadowClan out now, I would rather not hear them when they arrive. We have enough on our paws to deal with without Dawnstar getting livid about being late." Twilightstar swore the dark tabby enjoyed arriving late to the gatherings if nothing more than to make every clan wait on them.
@Rani @Alchemist Kitsune @Marigoldwhisper @Estelle
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alchemist Kitsune
High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]
| Lightningstorm | 25 Moons - WindClan Medicine Cat Flock Together [Tier 3] - Active | Mind Reader - Active | Dreamwalker - Inactive | Katty Krueger - Inactive
A bark of laughter escaped the medicine cat as the overgrown opossum threw his jabs at her, the mirth dying out only slightly as she shrieked at the cold snow thrown her way, a look of completely unconvincing betrayal gracing her sharp features as a glint of mischief lit her almond shaped eyes. "Snowdrifts. Baiting badgers. Fleecing. See here, Rabbitpaw? Nothing but abuse for us gentler souls," she chirped away in a high pitch, her intention to sound properly insulted unfortunately lost by the purr lacing her every word.
Despite her complaints, Lightningstorm settled into the deputy's warmer fur, clearly at ease despite the way she used her tail to shield herself, the cold the only real offense to her very being at the moment, along with the observance that ShadowClan was running mighty late this moon. She hummed under her breath in a questioning tone as Crowtooth parroted her own thoughts back at her. Despite the levity between herself and the deputy just now, it was clear the other clans were... not faring all that well. And by other clans, she mostly meant ThunderClan. Most notably, their leader. Bumblestar seemed to be about to turn into a Shootingstar if left too long in the snow, her humor seeming positively abysmal... or at least more so than was usual for her. Not that the calico could blame her, in earnest. The weather alone was enough to put anyone in a foul mood.
There was no real time to respond, however, as shock coursed through her, the usually silent ThunderClan deputy gracing them all with a question. Blue hues blinking for a moment as if making sure it had been indeed he who had spoken, she was taken straight out of the conversation before she had even begun looking for the apprentices in question. Ears perked up, the oriental's angular face turned towards Twilightstar, a thoughtful look upon her face as she recalled her earlier storage assessment. Huh. Who knew her overly precautious tendencies would actually bear fruit in such a positive light?
Not one to fight the inclusion of more herbs in their stores, she made a point of carefully assessing what would be smarter to ask for. Getting overly greedy and asking for herbs that she simply always preferred having at paw might make them look weakened and unprepared for leafbare, potentially coaxing unnecessary battles and therefore use of the herbs she did have. Being too callous and guarded would have the same effect. As if she were a cat with a sorry herb storage unwilling to compromise her bad state. As she had gratefully prepared well for the season, there was no reason to employ either tactic, making honesty the superior choice this time around. Still, that left ample herbs to be asked for. Namely some she had only recently learned of herself. Perhaps RiverClan had some of these to share?
"Hmmm. Come to think of it, I could certainly use some broom. Chervil and chickweed wouldn't be something I would scoff at either, if ya beauts have any to share," Lightningstorm mewed as she tapped a delicate, white gloved paw at her chin before offering a smirk. "'Course if there's some herb knowledge I am unaware of up for grabs, I'd be inclined to take that if it strikes your fancy well, Twilightstar."
She gave the Windclan leader and her medicine cat a curt nod. "Consider it done. Thank ya both." Owlstar was never caught up on herbs, but maybe now would be a good time to start. Her amber eyed gaze flicked to her medicine cat, wondering if the brown she was listening in on the conversation. She hoped she was, Owlstar was never handy with plants.
If they didn't have any in stock, Owlstar was sure a quick herb hunt would do them no harm. Time was of the essence, and time was what one made it. If they were quick, she was sure she'd be able to meet them on time. "After the gatherin' eh?" She tilted her head to Twilightstar before her ears swerved behind her.
She caught the sent of Shadowclan before she heard them, a relieved sign forming a cloud of condensation around her muzzle. Great... Now she could get all the news out, consider her part done, and get out of the chilly beach as soon as possible. Large paws reached for the rock of the Seastones, ice still rendering her claws useless. How in the world did Bumblestar even get up there?
Speaking of, the Thunderclan leader began her announcements. The Riverclan leader had a small "Aha!" moment once Bumblestar revealed what her losses were from, faintly remembering Cobwebstorm's pinched words as she explained what the leader had told her. A long list of names followed, names that included children. Plague was kind to no cat, maybe even more ruthless. Out of everything Riverclan had gone through, at least it wasn't sickness. Though... Stupidity might as well had been one.
Of course, Bumblestar's telling of Cobwebstorm's dream encounter came, and her expression had yet to shift. However, now knowing that Cobwebstorm had done this twice got her fur spiking. Just--- a random apprentice? What the heck was she thinking, poking around in Thunderclan business, believing she had some sort of say? It made Owlstar deathly frustrated and even more livid.
Harsh words, lots of threats and frustration, Owlstar took them all with a level gaze (though she still had to look up, Bumblestar was quite literally the only one actually on her perch). She didn't believe her words to be empty, so she nodded in response, clearing her throat before she spoke. She tried to keep out her edge of frustration and anger at Cobwebstorm, anger at Bumblestar for even daring to hurt her, out of her voice. She kept whether or not the medic carried her injuries outside of sleep to herself.
"I know." She replied. "Cobwebstorm told me 'bout it not long before the gatherin', but it don't make this news anymore disappointin'. She was recently promoted ta full medicine cat, but with recent events, she's got 'er nose too far inta Thunderclan."Might as well join the squirrels if yer so invested in 'em... she thought bitterly, but she managed to swallow back her emotions. Slightly... She'd let Cobwebstorm off the hook with Bumblestar because she knew the visit wasn't intentional, but randomly visiting an apprentice? There was no reason behind it, and Cobwebstorm hadn't confessed to it.
Her one eyed gaze glanced over to the medicine cat perch, amber searching for a blink of green, sympathy flashing in her gaze. "Cobwebstorm's position has now been put inta jeopardy, thus 'er absence." Though, that was only partially it. While Owlstar was still trying to figure out what to do with the recently promoted medicine cat, she also didn't want her presence to break the truce of a gathering. Because if Bumblestar sprung onto her, Owlstar would only follow suit. There was no way she'd let Cobwebstorm get hurt, even if her recent actions provoked something more harsh than a headache.
Even if she did demote Cobwebstorm, no doubt she'd still allow her to aid with herbs. It would be stupid to not put a perfectly trained cat to use, especially in times of great unbearable trial. "Yer warnin' has been heeded." A lick of frustration flashed in her pool of amber before she addressed the crowd of cats. She hated playing lap dog, hated having her every move watched, but she knew it would be more beneficial to please the majority.
She felt no reason as to why she herself shouldn't start her announcements.
"Fer the last gatherin', the one we missed, Foxkit, an outsider, had joined as well as Junipersong n' Heronpaw. More recently, Floodpaw n' Honeypaw joined the ranks a Riverclan as well." Junipersong and Foxkit were two cats she actually hadn't seen a lot in the coming moon, but no less noticable. "Raccoonpaw, Turtlepaw, Whisperin'paw n' Applepaw 'ave started their warrior trainin'." She left out Morningpaw, however, she'd get to her eventually. "Troutstream was injured by an outsider in the last moon, but has been healin' up nicely. No warriors ta announce, however."
The tabby then breathed before preparing herself for another yowl, "Swallowpaw has been demoted ta Swallowkit fer showin' hostility towards 'er clanmates. Troutclaw has been punished alongside her, stuck ta apprentice duties untill the coming days. Followin' that, Mornin'paw has been exiled n' her mentor, Greyowl, has been executed fer maulin' a Windclan warrior. The apprentice has already tried ta rejoin Riverclan, so keep an eye out fer a facially scared she-cat with pale fur n' brown splotches. Blue eyes as well." So many shenanigans, still so much more to say.
"After, much loss has struck us." Owlstar struggled to project her voice, listing off the deaths in her head before speaking them. "Stormstar was the first unexpected death we faced, killed by a coyote." Her voice broke with grief before she repositioned herself and spoke on, "Sedgeflake was dead on impact after a rock smashed inta his skull, Frigidfang died after fallin' inta the icy river, n' recently, Larkpaw has been murdered by a rogue. A grey tabby. Though, they seem ta only 'ave it out fer Riverclan." Of course they did.
"In addition, the Windclan border has been closed until further notice." If Owlstar saw another string of blood on her shores, she'd just kill anycat that caused even the slightest morsel of issues. Her clan didn't need troublemakers, didn't need death, they needed order. And if her claws could form that into her clan, then so be it. She had no pity for a petty cat.
She then breathed again. She knew the news wasn't shocking to her clan when she held the meeting, there was no outcry, no peril in their gaze, just pure tiredness. She wasn't sure how the other clans would react to the Starcave crumbling, force the idea that Riverclan itself was a bad omen.
"The Starcave has collapsed. There ain't no way in, no way out as far as I can tell." She was tempted to keep her voice husky, but she forced herself to project. She wondered if she should tell Shadowclan that she might've seen Lostspark residing there. She wondered if the former medicine cat somehow got out alive. "I don't even think it was intentional prophecy mumbo-jumbo, or some kinda sign. An earthquake just happened, and the cave fell in on itself. I have some ideas fer any efforts ta help salvage our connection ta Starclan, insure lives fer leaders ta come. Since this effects all of us, why wouldn't it be a team effort?" She let her question ring, not rhetorical in the slightest. She didn't have anything solid however, though she was willing to try whatever she could.
She wasn't sure how much the clans cared or didn't care for the words of their ancestors, but it was hard to deny the importance of lives for upcoming leaders. Though, she didn't think the idea of being led by Riverclan through it all was too promising to them. Eh, nothing she didn't expect.
Whatever. Whether er not they even acknowledge it ain't my problem. I'll figure it out with nothin' but my clan behind me if that's what it takes.
☆｡. o Hazycry
❧ Shadowclan Warrior | She/Her
❧ Purrks - Shadow Fiend, Mind Reader, Kitty Softpaws T2 "I choose wrong every time. And because of it, I've lost everyone."
hazycry followed after the rest of her clan. settling down amidst the crowd of her own clan. she didn't want to talk to fish, rabbits or squirrels today. she listened to the announcements. riverclan doing things they shouldnt. SURPRISE SURPRISE. honestly they should be chased off again, it's clear they never learned the first time.
thunderclan had losses, etc. etc. honestly what clan didnt?
- [semi-open! if ur not from shc then she gonna be a mean gal]
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❧ Links and Character Site
stonepaw, she/her, 8 moons
riverclan apprentice
a pale gray she-cat with dull blue eyes.
39/100
Stonepaw flooded into the Seastones with the rest of her clan, feeling slightly less intimidated this time. The whole thing was still very novel, as it was only her second gathering, but she was a little faster finding a seat (possibly because Riverclan was the first clan there.) She wasn't really near anyone, deciding to stick further to the sides, less likely to get in anyone's way.
The walk didn't feel any shorter this time, either... the young apprentice slumped over a bit, letting out a long, quiet sigh. Somehow, it was like Stonepaw felt worse after she stopped moving. She shut her eyes with a furrow in her brow, trying to get herself to focus. No use in getting herself all the way here if she couldn't pay attention.
[open]
Bleedingpaw
Shadowclan Apprentice | He/Him | 8 Moons
Just a Scratch | Shadow Fiend | Hulk SMASH!
Ok so it wasnt to say Bleedingpaw regretted coming to the gathering, the concept had always interested him and though he'd been unable to go for the last few moons with his depression over Mama he wanted to go again. He just..... Well he just kind of wished the weather was better. Snow the tom could handle but the ice was wiping out the wobbly tom every few steps and he already had some scrapes marring his pelt from ill timed slips.
From starting out in the front of the pack near Dawnstar to lagging behind as his wobbles and twitches slowed his progression through the harsh terrain, it almost looked as if the apprentice wouldnt make it for a moment. Luckily the tom had wonderful siblings and soon enough Sleepysunrise had come up to provide a brace, walking side by side with the bengal all the way to the gathering.
Sometimes the apprentice worried he'd been loosing his connection to his siblings, training and duties keeping them all too busy to spend time together. But it was moments like these, with Sleepysunrise and him walking to the gathering in silent companionship where he thought maybe despite not being related he'd never have to stop being a sibling.
So perhaps it was a no brainer that the tom hung around where his sister settled upon arriving at the gathering, even if she did split off to do medicine cat stuff.
Though the gathering came with.... Other issues. It was crowded and packed and the icey snow patches was still there. Soooo really it was no shock when a wobble sent him crashing into another apprentice.
"Ooops Im so sorry! Its really hard to stay upright with all the ice on the ground hehe. I suppose the dark doesnt help much, I wonder if the ancestors ever thought doing this at night was impracticable."
Bleedingpaw was not explaining his jerky movements, not how his head bobbled around even when he was sitting still nor why his body moving without his control. If the other apprentice was curious he could ask, but the golden bengal saw no point in telling every single cat about his disability if they didnt have the guts to ask about why he moved so strangely. "Im Bleedingpaw, shadowclan if my scent doesnt make that obvious. Bumblestar doesnt seem very happy with your clan, though I guess your new leader doesnt seem happy either, lotta trouble this leafbare."
Frankly Bleedingpaw couldnt believe riverclan had another leader so soon but then again despite his pleasant happy demenour he'd been raised under the firm belief the fish were just less then shadowclan (every clan was) and believed it. The starcave was.... more an issue but again shadowclan raised their cats more darkforest leaning so instead he was more curious of why it happened. "Weird stuff about the starcave. Was your leader there to watch the collapse or did she just arrive to see it crumbled?"
Re: January Gathering
