High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

**taillow** · #**1221** August 4th, 2024, 10:17 PM

Dusklion - RiverClan Deputy

...Yeah, yeah. Out of camp again. She was sure she'd never hear the end of it, but Dusklion wasn't all that scared of her brother. Call it sisterly privilege, but she was pretty sure she could get away with just about anything right now. Plus she was actually being careful, really! She had made sure to eat and drink before coming out, and despite her outward appearance she was slowly recovering. But her curiosity surrounding Saturn and the Atari group had lingered - and had even grown a bit - so here she was, back out at the border.

Of course she was watchful for hawks so as to not fall into the same predicament as last time. But with the quietness of the night settling over the land it was clear they were likely not out. And owls didn't live in the mountains... right? Dusklion shook the thought from her head as she took a seat on one of the raised parts of the mountains, twisting herself around so that she could gaze out over the territory. From up here (she didn't want to talk about the huffing and puffing climb she had just endured) it felt like she could see everything. The forest below, the sprawling territory that stretched far beyond. Part of her wondered if she could even see the other Clans territory from here - RiverClan's rightful home. She tried to concentrate as hard as she -
crackcrackcrackcrackwoooooooooooooooo

Whipping her head around to the direction of the weird noise, the deputy squinted into the night sky. It was calm and empty, save for the sparkling array of stars out. But something was moving fast in the air and Dusklion tensed herself, wondering what it could be. She was still not fully recovered, but she could run if -

BOOM CRACKCRACKCRACK BOOOOOM BOOOOOM BOOOOOOM CRACKCRACK

Immediately the sky exploded into brightness, colors of red and blue and gold shooting out from every direction. Dusklion scrambled backwards with her ears pressed against her heat, flattening herself against the rock she was on. The loud noises continued, each of them preceded by a flash of color. She stayed there, flattened against the rock, wondering what in the world was going on. Was... was that StarClan? Was there a... fight going on in the stars?? The longer it continued, the more the deputy realized that while it was scary and terrifying... it didn't really seem to be a threat.

...Perhaps it was StarClan punishing the other Clans in the distance for having driven them out? The thought was wild and logic (and the words of Twilightstar) easily pushed it down.

After a bit the deputy couldn't keep herself tense anymore and was forced to relax, though her eyes were wide as saucers as they continued to watch the night sky. The noise and colors continued, and though her ears were angled forward and her eyes were peeled, Dusklion remained flattened to the rock she was on.

...Better safe than sorry.

[ open ]

#duskbingo24

**occultation** · #**1222** August 4th, 2024, 11:02 PM

( @reiya )

When Fadingstar had poked his head into the medicine den and failed to catch any sight of his sister, he knew in his gut that she'd gone out of camp. With Berrypaw overloaded and Mistyshard hardly around, it wasn't too much of a surprise that she'd managed to get out unnoticed.

Still, her lifelong dedication to making his job as protective brother as hard as possible had his face twisting into a frustrated frown as he went out to look for her. She had definitely gained a lot of strength back in the time since she'd been back with them, but she wasn't (at least in his eyes) fully healed yet, so she shouldn't be off on her own.

Following her scent trail was easy enough. It took him to their border with the other group, not far from the place where Dusklion had disappeared.

He soon spotted her in the distance, sitting atop a small rock. A quip entered his mind about how her legs were probably too short to reach any of the taller ones.

Before he could say anything, however, the sky erupted with snaps and booms so loud it made his ears ring. He immediately hit the ground, fear and uncertainty triggering his fight-or-flight response. It was almost as if the sky were exploding!

In the distance, reds and blues and golds burst into the air. It was... strange, to say the least, and Fadingstar would've been incredibly curious and perplexed had these sudden noises not swamped his mind with anxiety.

After a few moments, he managed to pull himself out of his surprised and frightened stupor long enough to sprint over to Dusklion. He leapt atop the stone and shielded her with his body as best he could. It didn't seem like these lights and booms were any kind of threat, but he didn't know for certain.

( #fadingsummerbingo24 )

**occultation** · #**1223** August 4th, 2024, 11:26 PM

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

Well, nobody took that particularly poorly. They were reminders he shouldn't even have to give in the first place, so hopefully from here on out there wouldn't be any further issues like this.

"Moving on, we'll finally be leaving this place and going back to our normal territory in about a quarter moon. Hopefully two moons is enough time for those fox-hearts to have moved on to other things. That said, if they ever decide to chase us out of our home again, we won't go back. I'm not going to have RiverClan living amongst groups that won't respect our right to territory.

"For now, though, we're going to return home soon. I know many of you may be doubtful, and I hear you. But as long as we stick together and continue working on the stability we've slowly been achieving the past couple of moons, we'll be fine. Whether you agree with me that the 3v1 wasn't justified or not, let's not give them anything even remotely close to a good reason to try that horse-dung again.

"RiverClan will remain focused on itself. I don't want anyone running off on missions of revenge or anything of that sort. I want justice just as much as the rest of you, but I firmly believe that each of our enemies will receive the justice they deserve in due time. It may not be in the way we're expecting or as quickly as we want it to happen, but it will come. If we try to seek revenge now, the others will only whine and complain and use that as a justification for further barbarity. In the interests of protecting the Clan, we need to handle this matter intelligently, patiently, and pragmatically."

He paused for a moment, knowing that was a lot to soak in. He was certain that a few cats would try to take it upon themselves to be RiverClan's heroes and make the other Clans pay, but he or another one of the higher ranks would intervene before that happened. He'd make sure of it. There were ways for justice to be served that didn't put RiverClan at risk of being driven out again- and ways that didn't even require their input at all.

"That said, like I said when we were first driven out, RiverClan are not anything close to allies or friends with any of the other Clans. I don't want to hear of a single cat in this Clan raising a paw to help them. If it's a child or it's someone suffering an extreme act of violence, those are the only exceptions. Aside from that, I don't want anyone here offering any help. They've all made it clear that they'd happily watch us burn, so we'll treat them with the same attitude. If you ever feel tempted to show them sympathy or help them in any way, remember how they slaughtered our children, maimed and tortured our cats, and pushed us from our rightful home. Even those that didn't directly kill any kids or maim anyone proved that day that they'll readily tolerate it as long as it's against RiverClan."

His anger at their situation was beginning to spiral again, so he decided that was enough on that topic. No need to completely derail the meeting.

"On a happier note, I've selected a number of new Lionhearts to join our team. I'm hoping that an inflated team will help our Clan continue to work toward stability and success. Bearsnout recently disappeared, leaving an extra open spot on the team. I followed his scent as far as I could, but it cut off somewhere just beyond our borders. I hope the worse didn't befall him, but regardless a replacement needed to be found.

"Brokenstream, Caveclaw, Heroneye, and Goldfish will be RiverClan's new Lionhearts. They are all highly active and dedicated warriors, and I trust that they'll all do an excellent job of serving this Clan as Lionhearts."

He smiled down at each of the new Lionhearts that were present in turn, proud of how they'd earned their positions. If they kept up as they were, they'd join Owltalon, Seabreeze, and Duskleaf as some of the best Lionhearts RiverClan had enjoyed in moons.

Once the cheering had died down, he moved on. "Now, time for apprentice-related announcements. We'll start with our new apprentices. Beachkit, Smolderkit, Aspenkit, Salamanderkit, Shellkit (sleepyjax's), Emberkit, Seakit, Sorrelkit, Lionkit, and Baneberrykit, please step forward."

[ If your kit has not yet shown up to the meeting, they have ~24 hours to show up or they will not be able to become an apprentice this meeting! If I missed anyone, please VM me ASAP! phantom, if an alternative mentor isn't provided for Sea/Shell by my next meeting post, I'll be selecting one myself ]

**MangoBearGoGrr** · #**1224** August 4th, 2024, 11:31 PM

@Fits

Softpaw's eyes lit up as her mentors name was called. Heroneye was a Lionheart! And she was Softpaw's mentor!!! Softpaw sneaked around the back of the crowd and squeezed in beside her mentor, her eyes bright with joy and pride. "I'm happy for you." Softpaw purred gently.

Willowtail purred with Weepingpaw, ignoring Daisykits quiet antics on there tails. Hearing Baneberrykit called Willowtail purred. She'd taught that kit how to crouch! Hopefully the little one used it well and impressed her mentor first thing.

**Idiotic.Bean101** · #**1225** August 4th, 2024, 11:34 PM

Caveclaw-She/They
26 Moons

————————

Caveclaw’s ears perked up more at the mention of going back.
Good.
She didn’t like all these rocks on her skin anymore.

New Lionhearts were being announced?
Alright, she would congratulate who-
Oh.
Oh?

Her name had been said.
That was unexpected, to say the least.

Well, she would have to make sure to honor the title.
She would do her best.

**korok** · #**1226** August 4th, 2024, 11:42 PM

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Brokenstream | 22 MOONS | HE/HIM ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
sleek golden bengal tom with light green eyes, jet black ears & back legs
header by @/Marigoldwhisper

◜◜

Chest puffing out proudly, Brokenstream sat a little bit straighter as Fadingstar announced him and the other new Lionhearts. He was proud to be given such an honor and to be able to work alongside his Clanmates even more. Plus, he had already spent some time with Duskleaf, the Head Lionheart, and he was great! Surely he’d have no issues getting to know the rest be he was excited to help each other take care of the Clan and provide some relief to Fadingstar and Dusklion. However, the newly appointed Lionheart quickly drew his attention back to his leader, eyeing the kits he named curiously. He wondered who their mentors would be. Then another thought crossed his mind, sending warmth all throughout his body.

’Soon we’ll be home!

**Luna16** · #**1227** August 4th, 2024, 11:44 PM

Rainpaw

Rainpaw nervously shuffled her paws at the thought of returning to their previous home. Rainpaw had spent the most recent moons of her life here, and this was starting to feel like home now. She had concerns leaving it and returning to the old territory and adjusting, but she knew she'd follow her clan and stay with her kin no matter what. As long as we stick together, we'll be okay. She tried to convince herself.

Ravenpaw l RiverClan Apprentice l she/her

Ravenpaw also shuffled on her paws where she sat next to Redmire, but unlike her sister she wasn't nervous. She was excited to be returning to their old territory, and she only hoped she'd have the opportunity to show the other clans how much better and strong RiverClan was now. She nodded vigorously at Fadingstar's message, admiring his strategy. She looked to her mentor to see if she could get a read on her feelings on the whole thing.

Irisdream

Irisdream's tail tip flicked slightly, thoughtfully, at Fadingstar's words. She kept her poise, kept her expression impartial. These were the markings of a graceful and powerful she-cat her mother had instilled in her. Internally, she was itching to return to their proper home. She didn't know if she'd be able to ignore anycat in trouble in front of her, as that went against the warrior code. However, she had no plans of going out of her way to help the other clans right now, because he was right. They all made it clear they don't want an alliance. As Fadingstar moved over to happier news, she couldn't help the warm, gentle light that showed in her eyes as she looked at the kits becoming apprentices. Quietly waiting to see if she would be assigned one of them.

**Fits** · #**1228** August 5th, 2024, 12:00 AM

Heroneye
| she/her | RiverClan | Lionheart??? |

So Dusklion had indeed been recovered. Thank the Stars--the last thing RiverClan needed was more death and instability. And surely, that must have meant that RiverClan would soon be returning home. It was impossible to say how the other Clans would react to their reappearance, or what sort of state their territory would even be in when they returned, but Heroneye couldn't help but maintain a sort of childish hope for the future. She just wanted things to get better; was that really so much to ask?

Fadingstar also went on to reiterate the rules regarding who could leave camp under which circumstances, and how they were to behave among the other Clans. In her mind, it really went without saying, but apparently some cats still needed to hear it. Well, except for that "no helping other Clans" rule. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that, but there would be time to dwell on that soon enough. Either way, she could only hope they managed to get their act together before their return home.

Next, in lieu of Bearsnout's absence, new Lionhearts were being promoted. Among those names were those of Brokenstream, Caveclaw, and Goldfish. Made sense; she had interacted with two of those cats before, and they had made rather respectable impressions on her. And while she had yet to really interact with Brokenstream, she hadn't any reason to doubt his place among the Lionhearts. And there was Heroneye's name, too. Haha, imagine. For some reason, Heroneye thought that Fadingstar had called her name. Heroneye, a Lionheart? What an amusing thought. Honestly, very arrogant of her to even think such a thing.

But wait. Fadingstar had just looked upon each of the new Lionhearts, as well as directly at her. Fadingstar had called her name. Heroneye was going to be a Lionheart.

Her eyes were probably the size of bird’s eggs by this point, which was just amazing, because probably a fair few cats were staring directly at her surprised face. A very small, kit-like part of herself almost wanted to jump up and down on her paws and excitedly squeal, They picked me! They saw something in me and picked me out of all these warriors! That’s amazing! whereas another, much more powerful part of her wanted to leap to her paws and scream, No, no, no! You’re making a mistake! There are so many amazing and hardworking warriors in this Clan who are more than qualified for this role! None of whom happen to be me, actually, when you think about it..!

But the real, physical Heroneye said none of those things. She just stared at a nonexistent point in the distance, looking vaguely startled. Who was she to question her leader’s judgment, anyway? Her stomach felt as though it was knotting and thrashing about under her pelt. For StarClan only knew what reason, RiverClan’s high ranks had decided that Heroneye was worthy of the Lionheart title, so, of course, she would accept it with humility. Oh, stars, how could she possibly prove to her Clan that this wasn’t a mistake when she knew for absolute certain that it absolutely was?

Didn’t matter. She’d find a way. She always did. Or tried to, at the very least. Haha. Heroneye, a Lionheart...

"Softpaw," Heroneye meowed in surprise, half to herself as her apprentice appeared before her to offer her congratulations. "Ah, thank you." She gave a shake of her head. She had to at least try to appear calm, for the sake of not making a total idiot of herself as her first act as a Lionheart. "I'm sure you'll find yourself in this same position, if you keep up your good work."

(i was typing so furiously for this post. like there was a cartoon dust cloud and everything /silly)

( @DdeongJoongie_Tanghulu )

**taillow** · #**1229** August 5th, 2024, 12:05 AM

Dusklion - RiverClan Deputy

Ears perking at the sound of a kit approaching her, Dusklion looked over to see Daisykit. She had been born during the battle, hadn't she? Mustering up a grin, she tipped her head to the side. "Daisykit - nice name, kid. Suits you. 'M Dusklion." About as soft as a daisy she was, this one. Slept in the den? Huh, the deputy hadn't noticed - mostly because she had been resting for the most part. She didn't know Stags had another kid though, so that was news to her.

Concern pooled briefly in her eyes at the small cough, blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she explained it was just allergies. "I believe ya." Not like Dusklion could get any worse than she was right now. "'M sure you'll get better though - Berries 'n Mists are great healers."

Refocusing back on the meeting, Dusklion felt a startling unknown emotion clutch her heart. Her brother's anger at the other Clans... it was still shocking to see how it simmered so hot still. Dusklion felt her stomach churn with unease as she recalled the... dream(?) she'd had in the caverns. Between that and Twilightstar's parting words echoing in her head she was... worried, to say the least. It was hard to not let her jaw harden in distaste as he once again reiterated the same speech he'd given her when they had first departed from the territory, and eventually she had to turn her face away so he wouldn't see the smoldering anger in her blue gaze.

Briefly she thought about how Saturn had gone out of her way to help her - to save her life - and how she had been shown survival and hope instead of a cold shoulder. It had changed something in her, something that made her remember just how vital alliances could be. What if the situation had happened in the Clan territory, and she had been left for dead because the leader of that Clan had ordered no cat to lift a paw to help? It made her feel nauseous, thinking about any cat going through the absolute hell that had been her last quarter moon, and immediately she flattened her ears.

Disappointed. That was the emotion she had first felt, easily able to identify it now by the way it crawled up her throat and made her look up at her brother once again. This anger, this rage... the way she could tell he was close to spiraling... that was not the brother she knew. This internal struggle of getting different versions of her brother was... difficult, to say the least. Stars, she wanted to support him, but this...

If she were of stronger mind she might've said something, and she knew those who held Clan tradition close like she did wouldn't be pleased with this. Or maybe they would. Maybe RiverClan would continue being the selfish, arrogant fluff-for-brains they'd been to get themselves in this situation in the first place. There was power in alliances, power in having another Clan in their debt from helping them. Why couldn't her brother see that?

Part of her wanted to ask about the cats who Fades had let into the Clan that came from the other Clans - they had been there that day, and as far as she had seen not a single one had lifted a paw to help the young of RiverClan - but they now lived among them and were treated as Clanmates.

The more she thought about it though, the more sick it made her. Forcing a grin the deputy cheered for the newly named Lionhearts, knowing that they deserved this moment. But after that she looked back up at her brother, the sad grief and disappointment in her eyes that he was still on the path to perpetuate this claim that would only serve to isolate RiverClan from the forest even more than the battle had.

"How much longer 'til you're an apprentice?" she asked, looking down at the kit beside her in an effort to ignore the way her heart was breaking at watching her brother start on the pathway to vengeance.

[ @DdeongJoongie_Tanghulu ]

**MangoBearGoGrr** · #**1230** August 5th, 2024, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fits

Heroneye
| she/her | RiverClan | Lionheart??? |

So Dusklion had indeed been recovered. Thank the Stars--the last thing RiverClan needed was more death and instability. And surely, that must have meant that RiverClan would soon be returning home. It was impossible to say how the other Clans would react to their reappearance, or what sort of state their territory would even be in when they returned, but Heroneye couldn't help but maintain a sort of childish hope for the future. She just wanted things to get better; was that really so much to ask?

Fadingstar also went on to reiterate the rules regarding who could leave camp under which circumstances, and how they were to behave among the other Clans. In her mind, it really went without saying, but apparently some cats still needed to hear it. Well, except for that "no helping other Clans" rule. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that, but there would be time to dwell on that soon enough. Either way, she could only hope they managed to get their act together before their return home.

Next, in lieu of Bearsnout's absence, new Lionhearts were being promoted. Among those names were those of Brokenstream, Caveclaw, and Goldfish. Made sense; she had interacted with two of those cats before, and they had made rather respectable impressions on her. And while she had yet to really interact with Brokenstream, she hadn't any reason to doubt his place among the Lionhearts. And there was Heroneye's name, too. Haha, imagine. For some reason, Heroneye thought that Fadingstar had called her name. Heroneye, a Lionheart? What an amusing thought. Honestly, very arrogant of her to even think such a thing.

But wait. Fadingstar had just looked upon each of the new Lionhearts, as well as directly at her. Fadingstar had called her name. Heroneye was going to be a Lionheart.

Her eyes were probably the size of bird’s eggs by this point, which was just amazing, because probably a fair few cats were staring directly at her surprised face. A very small, kit-like part of herself almost wanted to jump up and down on her paws and excitedly squeal, They picked me! They saw something in me and picked me out of all these warriors! That’s amazing! whereas another, much more powerful part of her wanted to leap to her paws and scream, No, no, no! You’re making a mistake! There are so many amazing and hardworking warriors in this Clan who are more than qualified for this role! None of whom happen to be me, actually, when you think about it..!

But the real, physical Heroneye said none of those things. She just stared at a nonexistent point in the distance, looking vaguely startled. Who was she to question her leader’s judgment, anyway? Her stomach felt as though it was knotting and thrashing about under her pelt. For StarClan only knew what reason, RiverClan’s high ranks had decided that Heroneye was worthy of the Lionheart title, so, of course, she would accept it with humility. Oh, stars, how could she possibly prove to her Clan that this wasn’t a mistake when she knew for absolute certain that it absolutely was?

Didn’t matter. She’d find a way. She always did. Or tried to, at the very least. Haha. Heroneye, a Lionheart...

"Softpaw," Heroneye meowed in surprise, half to herself as her apprentice appeared before her to offer her congratulations. "Ah, thank you." She gave a shake of her head. She had to at least try to appear calm, for the sake of not making a total idiot of herself as her first act as a Lionheart. "I'm sure you'll find yourself in this same position, if you keep up your good work."

(i was typing so furiously for this post. like there was a cartoon dust cloud and everything /silly)

( @DdeongJoongie_Tanghulu )

(the cloud of dust is still there, very speedy/silly)

Softpaw gave a gentle purr as her mentors eyes were wide, "I'll never be as smart or talanted as you." Softpaw murmured humbly, her ears flicking shyly at the thought of walking into Riverclan Camp and being called a Lionheart...... one day maybe. Softpaw settled beside her mentor, "Can you make me a promise?" Softpaw meowed gently, her green gaze meeting her mentors. "Can you promise me, that even though your a lionheart you won't change? Not just the way you train me but, y'know you. You as a cat. Fadingstar chose you to be a Lionheart due to you being you, so please don't change it. Wheather you've got Lionheart in front of your name or not, your still Heroneye. I see some cats change themselves due to promotions and they start to think they need to be more mature and responsible. But please don't change yourself for a title." Softpaw meowed quietly. Her eyes showing genuine trust In her mentor.