Aspenkit sat quietly listening intently to what berrypaw said. He gazed up at the sky when she mentioned silverpelt and searched it for the possible 'ancestors' she spoke of. Not like any of his ancestors were up there. He wasn't clanborn like everyone else...buuut He was now! So he would go to starclan when he died, right? The question of death never bothered him before, he never really cared to think about it. His main thoughts always revolved around becoming the best riverclan warrior to ever live but now that seemed minor compared to the coming storm. Would he even get to step foot in the apprentice den, be named aspenpaw? Hell he still hadn't learnt to swim yet!
"if starclan is really so powerful as you say. Why aren't they coming to help us?" he asked frowning as he looked at his paws. How could the clans ancestors just sit and watch the rest of the clans decide to drive them out. They lived here, they were riverclan once. What, did it not matter to them anymore because they were dead? "I don't want to leave. I think Fadingsun should make us stay and fight, running is for cowards and this is our rightful home! Shouldn't atleast fight and try to defend it?" He couldn't understand why everyone seemed ok with leaving their territory, did none of them care to fight? Hey he was a kit, not even an apprentice yet, but he would die fighting for his clan even if he knew he would lose! Why did no one else seem willing to do so either?
He let out a frustrated sigh, why were things so difficult. He wished he could do more to help instead of being one of the 'kits who needed protection' when the clans came for them. He wished he could be an apprentice already! atleast then he would be allowed to help. "do you really think that if we stayed we would- die?" he asked skeptically. Berrypaw was a medicine cat now, or atleast an apprentice of one. Surely she would no all the answers.
| BERRYPAW |
small & nimble dark brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes | the collector
Berrypaw let out a long sigh, Aspenkit's words hitting her. That was the exact same thing she'd asked herself — why would StarClan allow all this? She'd come to some unsatisfying conclusions herself, just hoping they'd be enough to console her brain as she tried to make sense of all this.
"Well... I think even StarClan's powers are limited," she began slowly. "They can't control cats nor their destinies... only reveal and guide them. Sometimes, meddle with them. I... don't know too much," she admitted, not wanting to go too far into explaining how she'd never been to the Starcave. Apparently, that was somewhere where cats could convene with StarClan, and medicine cats were supposed to go at some point. It was looking like... she might not get that chance now. Maybe ever. The somber thought made her chest tighten.
"But what I do know... is that sometimes, bad things just happen. And they don't always happen to cats who seem to deserve it, nor do good things always happen to good cats. I... think it's just how the world works... it's not fair, in the way we want it. Sometimes it can be, but most of the time... it's not."
She was young, so what did she know? Her actual knowledge of concepts like these was a bit beyond her moons. But Berrypaw had always been a bit more 'mature' for her age. She felt like she could understand the heart of those words despite her limited experience... at least, in her mind.
When Aspenkit talked about leaving, Berrypaw offered a sad smile. "I don't want to leave either... none of us do. Not even Fadingsun, even though he said it," she reasoned, gently brushing Aspenkit's flank with her tail in comfort. "But... he thinks it's the best way we'll survive. Normally, yes, Clans will fight to protect their territory. That's what we're supposed to do! But when it's all three Clans against one..." Her smile fell into a frown, eyes glistening at the premise. "Well... I don't think we'd stand a chance, Aspenkit. Even as strong as we are... there will be too many."
There wasn't a better way to put it. Being terribly outnumbered? Not to mention the other Clans' drive for vengeance against RiverClan? The fish-brained actions of a few being catalysts for an all-out war. She had no doubt they'd come for bloodshed, to destroy all RiverClan held dear. The thoughts made her shiver.
When Aspenkit asked her directly, Berrypaw blinked a few times, choosing her words carefully. "Well... I don't know. No one knows, really," she meowed quietly, "but... I'd say the odds aren't with us. There are three Clans' worth of angry, bitter cats looking for revenge... against just one Clan. I think we should be safe over sorry and do what we can... even if that means we have to leave our home. We'll still be together, just... differently."
She didn't want to leave her home either. But staying there at the mercy of the vengeful WindClan's claws, backed up by both ThunderClan and ShadowClan? Her paw pads prickled with anxiety once more and she shuffled them, trying to urge the feeling away.
__________________
*despite everything, it's still you.
Berryshine is RiverClan's medicine cat!
she and Cobwebfern have a semi-closed den policy.
It was a straight shot from Cattail Pond back to camp. It didn't seem like anyone was after them yet, so hopefully with as big a patrol as this, these badgers would be easier to deal with.
"All of you get your tails out of bed and listen up!" Redmire was NOT quiet as she skidded to a halt just inside the camp's walls. "That badger that was at Cattail Pond? It multiplied and it's making its way further into our territory. If I call your name, that means you're heading out with me to meet Dusklion and Jayfrost so we can handle these things. Don't make me tell you twice!
"Seabreeze, Duskleaf, Deerspark, Antlerbranch, Starlingflight, Venomblight, Pebblesplash, Rosehawk, Eveningthaw, Stagheart, Irisfrost, Springburst, get over here! You too, Fadingsun!" Redmire pivoted in place, hoping to lock eyes with the leader, wherever he happened to be in the clearing. "You don't get to hide in your den while the rest of us deal with your mess. Move your slug legs now or I'll haul you over there myself and leave you for badger bait! Let's go!"
She turned again, this time seeking the healers. "Mistyshard, Berrypaw! Get some healing stuff ready. You're going to want to be prepped for this. The rest of you, move it!"
--- --- ---
[ If your character has been pinged (excluding the meds), that means you've been called for a battle patrol! Redmire will be taking this patrol back to Cattail Pond. If no reply has been posted by May 20, your character will be considered lagging behind if they're later posted at Cattail Pond or absent if not posted at all. Doing so may render them susceptible to punishment at a High Rank's discretion. Redmire will move back to Cattail Pond when the group has gathered or the aforementioned date comes up, whichever is first.
very large & muscular light brown tabby tom with stark greenish-blue eyes and a torn ear; beefed up tier 1
[ riverclan warrior | tomcat | 50 moons | gruff & battle-hardened, yet thoughtful; loyal to a fault ]
—
Stagheart had been chewing thoughtfully on a mouse when Redmire burst in, screaming at the top of her lungs. He nearly jumped out of his fur because the she-cat had exploded right next to him. "Would ya quit hollerin', I'm right here!" He snorted grumpily, rising to his paws. It wasn't a personal complaint, more like him speaking for his sensitive ears that now throbbed from her yowl.
But then she started to explain the badger situation... Stagheart's annoyed face hardened, understanding the situation. Badgers in their territory, plus Dusklion and Jayfrost in trouble?
"Stars... one thing after another," he huffed, shaking his head as he padded up to the messenger. "I'm with ya, Redmire," he assured, his previous grumpiness now replaced with stone-cold determination.
[ @/dino. - stag has arrived! ]
| BERRYPAW |
small & nimble dark brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes | the collector
Berrypaw's ears perked up at Redmire's yowl — what could be happening now!? The jumpy she-cat had immediately sprang to her paws, fur fluffed out in panic. Were they being invaded? Was this the war finally catching up to them?
But... no, it was a badger attack at Cattail Pond. She relaxed slightly, though the wild look in her eye didn't quite go away. Badgers! She'd never seen the big brutes, but heard plenty about them from Stagheart. They were terrifying, from what she had mustered together.
She swung her head to Mistyshard. "W...What kinda herbs do we bring for badger attacks?" Obviously she knew the basics — cobwebs and moss for bleeding, right? Would that be all they needed? She started to reach for them as she waited her mentor's words.
Seabreeze
He/him | Riverclan Lionheart | Moons: 18 | Purrks: Go with the Flow | The Collector | Ultimate Predator |
“Ocean waters rising above your neck
You feel the glass start to crack.”
Seabreeze was on his paws as soon as Redmire came rushing into the camp, already on edge from everything that has been happening and doesn't seem like will be stopping, whatever this was it wasn't going to be good. Oh tha badgers, right, the ones that Bumblestar mentioned, they were already clearing those out? Wait why would they wait? They could move closer to the camp. Why was he being so scattered brain? He felt so disconnected from everything since the gathering and since the meeting and honestly since he lost his sister. It felt like that, like he lost her all over again but this time it was his entire clan. They couldn't get along and soon enough the other clans would come along and finish the job, though honestly they probably won't need to as the clan would eventually tear itself apart anyways for them. They were more a toy than a clan to others at this point... Seabreeze's depressing thoughts were confirmed as fighting broke out between Fadingsun and Redmire. Stars...
Three badgers and they were all sending snide remarks and throwing threats and Seabreeze was tired. He hasn't felt this tired since Cloverpaw, he was accepting something that hasn't even happened yet. He was grieving for a clan that has yet to be lost, he knew that. He knew that was pointless but he couldn't help it. The Riverclan that he has only only heard stories about because he wasn't even alive for a time where stability was something that this clan had, and it seemed so out of reach and it seemed so lost that it was simply that. A story. And sitting here listening to fighting while they should be working on running to be backup for a set of 3 badgers in their territory and threatening the safety of the clan. Seabreeze took a huge breath in and said nothing to the others of the group only waiting to the side for everyone to gather before leaving. Hopefully they'll get their heads on straight and realize that they need to focus on otherwise there will be injury before they leave.
Of course Redmire had to continue acting abrasive as all hell, speaking as if Fadingsun’s rank in this Clan meant absolutely nothing.
And he’d had it.
Time and time again, this warrior had treated his rank like dirt. He didn’t care if she respected him or not, but she did need to respect his rank. Perhaps she needed a taste of her own medicine.
“You know what, Redmire?” he snarled. “Since you’re so keen on dragging me through the dirt and claiming I don’t do dung for this Clan, let’s consider what you’ve done for this Clan over the past couple of moons. With the way you’re talking to me, I’d expect you to be quite the busy bee in this Clan. Otherwise, you’d just be a hypocrite.
“Hmm. let’s see. Were you at the last Gathering? Nope. Hiding from the other Clans, perhaps? You fought outsiders with Dusklion, but did you continue patrolling the outskirts border and keeping an eye out for any further issues after that? Nope.
“Have you hosted any events? Attended any of them? No again! Finished any training sessions with apprentices, or sparred with other warriors? No! In fact, this is the first significant thing you’ve done for this Clan since the outsider fight, and the outsider fight is the only significant thing you’ve done in this Clan until now. So, frankly, I’m very uncertain why you think you have any right, let alone authority, to talk to me about ‘hiding’ and ‘not doing enough for the Clan’ and ‘making others do my work for me’, when you’ve certainly been doing just above the minimum yourself until right now.”
His tail lashed angrily behind him. “You are a warrior, and an average one at that based on your current history in this Clan. You aren’t a Lionheart, you aren’t the deputy, and you sure aren’t the leader. So quit acting like you’re somehow above your rank and have the right to speak to me however you please. You do not need to respect me, Redmire, but I expect my rank to be respected. You will not continue speaking to me like that. That isn't a suggestion, it's an order. If you don't like it, tough. You live in a Clan, and this is how things work. Before you start whining that I'm being unfair or too tough or whatever else, I guarantee if you went and gave that attitude to any other Clan's leader, you'd get your ears boxed all the same.”
They were wasting too much time here. Out there, the badgers could’ve found Dusklion, and could be ripping her apart as they speak. They shouldn’t have even waited; Redmire should’ve called the cats she needed, backups for them if they didn’t show, and left. No, he wasn’t going to stand here and keep waiting for Redmire to get a move on while Dusklion could be dying out there.
“I’m going out there,” he growled. “If you want to continue waiting around for cats who aren’t showing, Redmire, be my guest, but I’d suggest either lighting a fire under their butts or finding replacements. You want to act high and mighty and play leader so badly, start figuring out how to get these cats moving. While you’re waiting around here, my sister and Jayfrost could be getting torn apart out there.” His voice cracked and faltered on that, causing him to shake his head.
Turning, he bounded out of camp and charged in the direction of Cattail Pond.
[ I have tal’s okay to have Fading show up to the event early; any other cats need to wait for Redmire’s direction to leave. ]
__________________
Fadingstar is currently RiverClan's leader. He has an open den policy; his den can be found here. If you have any questions or concerns about RiverClan, or any plots to propose, feel free to leave me a VM or DM! Please do not take my characters' IC opinions as reflective of my own.
Last edited by occultation; May 19th, 2024 at 05:51 PM.
Berrypaw let out a long sigh, Aspenkit's words hitting her. That was the exact same thing she'd asked herself — why would StarClan allow all this? She'd come to some unsatisfying conclusions herself, just hoping they'd be enough to console her brain as she tried to make sense of all this.
"Well... I think even StarClan's powers are limited," she began slowly. "They can't control cats nor their destinies... only reveal and guide them. Sometimes, meddle with them. I... don't know too much," she admitted, not wanting to go too far into explaining how she'd never been to the Starcave. Apparently, that was somewhere where cats could convene with StarClan, and medicine cats were supposed to go at some point. It was looking like... she might not get that chance now. Maybe ever. The somber thought made her chest tighten.
"But what I do know... is that sometimes, bad things just happen. And they don't always happen to cats who seem to deserve it, nor do good things always happen to good cats. I... think it's just how the world works... it's not fair, in the way we want it. Sometimes it can be, but most of the time... it's not."
She was young, so what did she know? Her actual knowledge of concepts like these was a bit beyond her moons. But Berrypaw had always been a bit more 'mature' for her age. She felt like she could understand the heart of those words despite her limited experience... at least, in her mind.
When Aspenkit talked about leaving, Berrypaw offered a sad smile. "I don't want to leave either... none of us do. Not even Fadingsun, even though he said it," she reasoned, gently brushing Aspenkit's flank with her tail in comfort. "But... he thinks it's the best way we'll survive. Normally, yes, Clans will fight to protect their territory. That's what we're supposed to do! But when it's all three Clans against one..." Her smile fell into a frown, eyes glistening at the premise. "Well... I don't think we'd stand a chance, Aspenkit. Even as strong as we are... there will be too many."
There wasn't a better way to put it. Being terribly outnumbered? Not to mention the other Clans' drive for vengeance against RiverClan? The fish-brained actions of a few being catalysts for an all-out war. She had no doubt they'd come for bloodshed, to destroy all RiverClan held dear. The thoughts made her shiver.
When Aspenkit asked her directly, Berrypaw blinked a few times, choosing her words carefully. "Well... I don't know. No one knows, really," she meowed quietly, "but... I'd say the odds aren't with us. There are three Clans' worth of angry, bitter cats looking for revenge... against just one Clan. I think we should be safe over sorry and do what we can... even if that means we have to leave our home. We'll still be together, just... differently."
She didn't want to leave her home either. But staying there at the mercy of the vengeful WindClan's claws, backed up by both ThunderClan and ShadowClan? Her paw pads prickled with anxiety once more and she shuffled them, trying to urge the feeling away.
Aspenkit
he/him |4 moons | RC | Reckless, naturally energetic | a little fighter and future nuisance
So what berrypaw was saying was that starclan was either too weak or didn't give a damn to help them. Some ancestors they are! Too think some cats probably still looked up to them and thought- believed that starclan was still looking out for them made him sick. Even this stuff about bad cats not getting what they deserve or bad things happening to good cats, it wasn't fair! But that was just how live was and at the looks of things aspenkit wasn't sure he had time to cry and complain about it. Sucking up all his complaints and questions and gave a quick glance around the clearing.
He had been to the last clan meeting, it had been his first and most likely his last. At the floodstone of course, he had no plans on dying yet. He had heard what Fadingsuns had said for himself, though most of the cats were more occupied on whether Dusklion would stay deputy or not it wasn't much of question to Aspenkit. He was more concerned about the potential war, Jayfrost and guided him and marigoldkit out of the meeting at that time so he wasn't sure what else was said but still. War meant death and he wanted to help.
Turning back to berrypaw with a determined expression, he asked; "what can I do to help." he genuinely wanted to help with something, this was his clan too and he refused to just sit and watch as the older warriors and apprentices all worked overtime stressing about the upcoming events. He wasn't going to waste his time asking to help with hunting/anything outside of camp. He already knew the answer to that. "I want to help with whatever I can, not outside of camp of course! And nothing to dangerous" he added with a scoff, he didn't mind but he wanted to make it clear that he was willing to help with any job and wouldn't put up a fight if it wasn't cool and dangerous like what apprentices and warriors got to do.
__________________
═════════════ ⋆★⋆ ═════════════
“All toasters needs some bread and all bread needs to be toasted” - infamous burntToast
"Sick?" Wisteriawren echoed, wide-eyed. "I've never been sick before! My Greta used to take me to this... this place sometimes and my tummy used to feel funny." Only a couple times, though. And unknown to Wisteriawren, her tummy feeling funny had just been a product of her anxiety.
Gonna see Misty? "Who is a Misty? Can I take you to them?" She perked up, hoping to be somewhat useful. Her gaze bounced around the clearing. Her attention snapped back to Springkit as he began speaking again. "Oh! Well, I'm 26! Or, I think that's what my two summers equals. I'm not new like that. I'm just new new to RiverClan!"
The warrior beamed. "I was a... a..." What did Clan cats call it? "A kittypet! Dusklion an' Fadingsun said I could be here! And oh! My name used to be Melody, but now it's Wisteriawren... but... I think being called Mel is very nice." She fixed wide, round eyes on the young tom. "I've never been called a nickname before."
Gold-flecked blue eyes drifted towards the leaving patrols as Springkit pointed them out. "Oh no, I want to go, I really do, to help everybody! But I can't..." She blinked sadly. "I dunno how to fight, or hunt yet. Someone said they'd teach me soon!" She beamed once more. "But it's okay for now, because I can stay with you!"
Springkit
Never been sick before... well to be fair, Springkit also hadn't before now, but this was what sickness mist feel like. Shortness of breath and strange feeling turning in your stomach? Whatever it was he certainly wasn't fine, so he must be getting sick. So he had to go and see Misty. "Mistyshard, he explained. "The medicine cat, the one always smelling of herbs, who fixes cats who are sick or hurt." Some motioning again with his paw, this time towards the medicine den. "Over there, so I'll just walk there... once the patrols leave..." Nope not looking over there.
Think of other stuff.
New to Riverclan? Oh so a former kittypet. Yeah ok that made more sense. "Melody's a nice name." He attempted a little laughter "You're not espacing nicknames though."
He could feel some of the stress evaporated (not enough of it, but he'd take whatever he could get) or at least eased when Mel said she wouldn't be going with the patrol (the fewer cats he knew being there fighting rats, the better). "Yeah.. yeah yeah... The patrols were heading off now, and watching the slip out of the camp made Springkit's stomach turn even more - it was definitely time to go to Misty now. "I was nice talking to ya," he mewed and gave Wisterna a gentle buff with his head before shailky getting to his paws. "Have to go to Misty now, but I hope I'll see you around." He meant that last part, this cat seemed nice, and... claiming? Springkit wouldn't quite explain it, and either way, he needed to go to the medicine den right now, so there was little time to think of other stuff.
[sorry for the slightly late response but yeah we're done don't be surprised if a carrierowl drops of a wisteria-spring-cuddle-request soon though]
->> jayfrost <<-
[ he/him | riverclan | 27moons | burn baby burn ]
a tall, skinny, silver classic-tabby with well groomed short to medium length fur and icy blue eyes
the garlicfeather incident, the last one at least, it was horrible to think that there had been multible, he should start numbering them, wait what was he getting at? oh yes, the most recent garlicfeather incident had given him quite the scare, and instead of still hoping to just run away and leave all the baggage riverclan held behind he had changed course of action. he was going to put every moment he had into this darn clan so goldfish and her kits are safe, so marigoldkit can grow up without fear, so garlicfeather can maybe one day find a mate that wont die and be happy and have kits that dont have to grow up in fear. now, he was planning on getting some of the apprentices a bit more advanced in traning, perhaps pressure them into hurrying up a bit, moreso for their safety than his own opinion on the whole thing, but to train apprentices they had to eat. he made his way out of the nursery and through the clearing, where he paused, more or less in the middle of the clearing, to sit down and watch. light blue eyes were mostly scanning for cats he hadnt seen around a lot, or those who didnt look overly busy at least, and he quickly landed on two; bearsnout and beastflame. same first letter huh, he hadnt actually intended that but whatever. "bearsnout, beastflame, are you busy right now? if not, id like to take you two out for some hunting."
[ @chickadee @ophelia / i hope youre fine w this chickadee! i didnt want to wait until tomorrow as not to risk me forgetting about this ]
So what berrypaw was saying was that starclan was either too weak or didn't give a damn to help them. Some ancestors they are! Too think some cats probably still looked up to them and thought- believed that starclan was still looking out for them made him sick. Even this stuff about bad cats not getting what they deserve or bad things happening to good cats, it wasn't fair! But that was just how live was and at the looks of things aspenkit wasn't sure he had time to cry and complain about it. Sucking up all his complaints and questions and gave a quick glance around the clearing.
He had been to the last clan meeting, it had been his first and most likely his last. At the floodstone of course, he had no plans on dying yet. He had heard what Fadingsuns had said for himself, though most of the cats were more occupied on whether Dusklion would stay deputy or not it wasn't much of question to Aspenkit. He was more concerned about the potential war, Jayfrost and guided him and marigoldkit out of the meeting at that time so he wasn't sure what else was said but still. War meant death and he wanted to help.
Turning back to berrypaw with a determined expression, he asked; "what can I do to help." he genuinely wanted to help with something, this was his clan too and he refused to just sit and watch as the older warriors and apprentices all worked overtime stressing about the upcoming events. He wasn't going to waste his time asking to help with hunting/anything outside of camp. He already knew the answer to that. "I want to help with whatever I can, not outside of camp of course! And nothing to dangerous" he added with a scoff, he didn't mind but he wanted to make it clear that he was willing to help with any job and wouldn't put up a fight if it wasn't cool and dangerous like what apprentices and warriors got to do.
| BERRYPAW |
small & nimble dark brown she-cat with darker flecks and light, leafy-green eyes | the collector
Berrypaw watched as the emotions flitted across Aspenkit's face; he was clearly trying to understand everything, and she started to wonder if she'd said anything wrong — was she confusing him? Stressing him out? Had she said something completely stupid?
But to her surprise, he didn't have any more questions — at least, not in the nature of how he had been asking. His face had turned from inquisitive and curious to stone-cold determination, a glint of something deeper in his eyes. He wanted to help.
At first she was at a loss, her mind racing as she tried to think of something to tell the kit. No chance he was allowed outside of camp in general, but especially now with the heightened tensions... what could he do except wait?
"Well... I think some warriors are trying to strengthen the barrier as well as the nursery and elders' den," she reasoned, glancing in their direction. The first priority for the upcoming battle was evacuating them if necessary, which would include Aspenkit himself. But perhaps he'd feel better if he could contribute. "Maybe you could help with that...? Or tidying up around camp?"
In the mess of all that was going on lately, warriors hadn't been as tidy as usual — leaving prey scraps all around, not bothering to sweep leaves or pokey weeds that sprung up in the clearing. There was much more going on.
She understood the want — more like the need, honestly — to be useful. To do something. So she tried her best to at least give some ideas...
__________________
*despite everything, it's still you.
Berryshine is RiverClan's medicine cat!
she and Cobwebfern have a semi-closed den policy.
Moonpaw followed a very calm and patient Skyfall into the clearing.
"Alright, first order of business- I'm gonna give you a tour around the camp okay?" He meowed calmly. He then used his tail to gesture all around him. "This is the clearing, a lot can happen here. We've had full-blown arguments, exiles and even executions."
"Wh-like, lawful killing executions?! Jeez, I heard clan life was brutal but I didn't know that was a thing!!" Moonpaw seemed surprised. But she didn't leave. Her tail swished as she listened to Skyfall talk about the rest of camp.
"Over there is the medicine cat's den, where Mistyshard and Berrypaw do their job in the clan by tending to wounds and helping treat illnesses." He meowed gently, as Moonpaw continued to listen.
"That there is the leader's den. That cat who greeted you earlier? That's Fadingsun, our leader. That's where he sleeps and does his thing."
"That's the Floodstone. We meet here when Fadingsun calls for a meeting."
"Over there is where you and the other apprentices sleep- ironically called the Apprentice's den."
"Thats the warriors den. I sleep there with a lot of other warriors."
"Over there's the nursery, and beside it is the Elder's den."
"That huge pile of dead prey is the prey pile, any prey we catch is normally kept as food over there."
Eventually the lil tour was over. Moonpaw smiled politely in response to understanding the information she now had on the camp. She nodded softly, and began looking around on her own.
Re: RiverClan Clearing
Berryshine is RiverClan's medicine cat! 
]
