High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

**occultation** · #**3941** March 9th, 2023, 12:10 AM

【 S H A D O W F U R】

[ @Undertaker ]

Dawnstar seemed open to his idea, which pleased him. She soon turned her anger on the cats who were questioning the wisdom in retaliation.

Shadowfur didn't often find himself internally agreeing with the way Dawnstar ran things. He generally felt that she went to unnecessary extremes over a good several things. But, he did agree with her anger at those among their Clan who cared too much about ThunderClan's feelings, or spilling more blood, or whatever other dumb concerns they seemed preoccupied with. He'd learned long ago to listen to Dawnstar and to respect her wishes and her decisions, regardless of how he felt about them in turn. After all, she was the leader. Anyone who wanted to challenge that was better fit for some rogue group. The Clans were above coups and rebellions. At least, they should be.

The Clans were built to fight and survive. Any cat who didn't want to be part of that could leave and go live in the Twolegplace, if they so wanted. But, he had a feeling they wouldn't. They enjoyed the resources that the Clan provided them with, all too much.

"I think we should use the Gathering to try to gain some information," he suggested. "There's bound to be a few loose-lipped cats there who will share more than they should. Anything could be useful; a comment about low herbs, news about predators, a missing high rank. I also think it might be reasonable to refresh ourselves on how to fight amongst undergrowth, and how to defend against tree attacks. If we end up taking the fight to ThunderClan, we ought to be ready to meet them in their element."

***Undertaker*** · #**3942** March 9th, 2023, 03:36 AM

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

Dawnstar glanced at Owltree as he spoke out, although Mirehound was swift to add her own two cents reminding them not to wait too long lest the clans think ShadowClan lost their edge. "So long as we enact punishment, I doubt any clan would dare think otherwise regardless of how long we wait," Dawnstar replied with a shrug of her shoulder. "But I understand where you're coming from, Mirehound."

Darkfall spoke in agreement with the plan, although he was a bit more passionate than Dawnstar had figured he'd be. Huh, she had thought Darkfall rather soft, or at least softer than a true ShadowClan cat. She wondered if he'd be so willing to spill blood and sing ShadowClan's praise if he hadn't been involved in the battle. Dawnstar wondered if some of these cats who wanted to avoid violence would have had a change of heart had they been the ones watching ThunderClan kill their clanmates.

Dawnstar wasn't all that astounded to hear Dappledleaf's viewpoint, that molly has proven to have quite a mean streak when it comes to defending her clan, and is downright vicious when it comes to their kits. Vixensnarl called in agreement with the majority of the clan, Dawnstar would have been disappointed in her daughter otherwise. Slytiger, added the idea of attacking directly after the gathering. It certainly would be quite a surprise, but to attack directly after the gathering was risky. Especially if whatever information was gathered said otherwise. "I'll think about it." She told Flower and then turned her attention to the next cat.

Surprisingly, the latest addition to ShadowClan even voiced his thoughts on resorting to violence to settle their issues with ThunderClan. Blackhawk was not even clan born and he embraced the values and spirit of a member of ShadowClan. Shadefrost's question caused her to pause and blink at him for a second. Who was coming with her to make demands? Dawnstar had initially planned to make the request during the gathering, but maybe it would be smarter not to. In truth, she didn't actually have to ask ThunderClan to take anything. They hadn't asked to take ShadowClan's prey. But because Sparrowstar had made the offer, it made more sense to her to demand something in return. "You'll know when I make the decision," Dawnstar told Shadefrost, not enjoying being put on the spot.

Cottoncatcher's words brought a new bout of ideas to her mind, not the planning thing, Dawnstar had no intention of having her clan run into battle with their heads up their asses and no preparation being made. The spy bit, now that was intriguing, but again, risky... she'd have to flesh out a plan of action that would result in the least amount of backlash for ShadowClan. Not to mention, there's always the problem of the spy double-crossing, or worse being caught and ratting them out. She was sure someone in the Clans used spies before, but she hasn't heard anything about them at this lifetime. It'd be hard to control the story and cause newfound problems with the other three clans if it went wrong.

The small back-and-forth and unnecessary shift to family drama between Cougarivy and the imbeciles broke Dawnstar's thought process for a second. All she took out of it was the fact that Cougarivy seemed to be having fun, so why bother losing brain cells over it? She left the Enforcer commander to do as she pleased and looked towards Shadowfur as he brought up something new to think about. The first bit was simply a reiteration of what she was already planning, but the plans to train in the undergrowth were a good idea.

She caught the tail end of Sunsetthorn affirming her devotion and loyalty to ShadowClan, Dawnstar still didn't like the queen, and would probably always have this bitter feeling towards her since she willingly departed from ShadowClan. But she has been working towards redemption little by little, Dawnstar could acknowledge that at least. The Queen of Shadows was well aware that she had a horrible habit of holding grudges, however, she didn't actually have negative views on her ability to hold a grudge so never bothered to try and change that. So it was unlikely she'd ever forgive Sunsetthorn, but Dawnstar can overlook her personal feelings towards the other she-cat if she truly meant what she said. Dawnstar didn't have to like the she-cat to accept her.

"Well, it seems like most of you are in agreement. We'll wait until after the Gathering to make any move." She spoke to the clan and then turned her golden glare to Shrewstone as if to make sure he knew she had heard his question and was answering it. "No, I don't think we should bother with extra patrols near ThunderClan's border. If they've half a brain they'll know better than to pull anything with us. I imagine they're already on edge as it is, imagining we're coming to take over their clan again or something ridiculous like that. I'd rather let them stew in their fears and imagination, over letting them believe we think them a real threat." Perhaps they'll grow lax, but she doubted it. Once they move the border and take the territory, sending more patrols to the border would make more sense. But for now, she felt regular patrols that way would be enough.

"I'll gather the Enforcers and speak with them about plans and preparations for this. In the meantime, I want you all brushing on your battle skills. I can't tell if ThunderClan's toughen up or we've grown softer, regardless, this will be our chance to remind not just ThunderClan, but all of the clan what happens when crossing ShadowClan. I'd like to do that with as few casualties on our side as possible." Those with conflicting emotions about this clan's actions and decisions should remember that this is ShadowClan. If they wanted to sit idle and internally complain or even externally complain about ShadowClan's desire for more than was offered, or even war, they need to ask themselves why they decided to stay.

I should see about setting up a sparring or ambush event using the Icy Heartlands. The terrain is similar to ThunderClan's. It wasn't a bad idea, Dwnstar wanted to cause ThunderClan as much damage and pain as possible if they were fighting, the more death and scars given to the opposing clan the better. She gave the clan a moment to speak to see if she'd have to deal with any more concerns or questions, but it was clear she had plans to move away from the topic if there was nothing else.

**bubble[error].** · #**3943** March 9th, 2023, 07:33 AM

*Poisonpaw nodded*

**Red Dawn** · #**3944** March 9th, 2023, 08:03 AM

As Dawnstar spoke, Blackhawk looked at her, and regained his countenance, an assault will probably be done on the ThunderClan if he had correctly understood, he unsheated his claws and raised his paw to look at them, they were sharp, but needed a small maintenance, then Dawnstar spoke to brush theyre battle skills, it was like the old times when he was only an Outsider! It could be a great moment to train himself better...

[Open!]

**SSakii** · #**3945** March 9th, 2023, 09:41 AM

——————
LilyPaw

ShadowClan
A Brown Tabby She-cat With Green Eyes.

——————
@Undertaker
(Lily is only speaking because like her cousin, she can be ambitious to get ahead. Lily isn't a killer though and will never be, she just wants to prove herself because she looks almost identical to HeatherRain.)
——————
LilyPaw knew it was probably an inappropriate time to drop her youthful input but with DawnStar being angry at another clan, she'd be less likely to give the little brown tabby a fancy new scar. DawnStar didn't harm apprentices anyways, so she was in the clear... Right? Taking a deep breath, she decided it was now or never... It was time to do what her family did best... Speaking out loud.

Curiosity filled her tiny head as she prepared to ask her tiny tiny question. The molly wasn't anywhere close to an enforcer, far from it actually, but she still wanted to take part in the conversation. With a purr, she stepped forward... "DawnStar! Miss! Can I please join the discussion too? I mean, Wouldn't it be nice to have a young, smart mind in the important conversation? mhm mhm!" Nailed it!

But wait... What if she didn't say enough? Did she just sound silly? The molly began to giggle as she explained herself more... "I... I mean it would be a learning experience for me to take part in big cat discussions... Especially since were discussing disgraceful ThunderClan...! I have such great ideas- hm... hmm..." The young molly had gotten a bit of stage freight as eyes landed on her. Even though she was struggling, she continued to show her strength... Even if she sounded stupid.

"Like maybe- We take a ThunderClan cat prisoner? Any cat that crosses the border we take as prisoners and make them hunt for us- Then at the next gathering, we return them after publicly shaming them?! Hm, Hmm?" That was an amazing idea for repeat offenders! The molly gave a proud look as she scanned around. Maybe miss DawnStar would like her idea and everyone else would too. LilyPaw purred as she sat down, tail wrapped over her paws...
——————

**MangoBearGoGrr** · #**3946** March 9th, 2023, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravensong

**Cougarivy**

@MangoLovesCheese

She'd thought she was finished with the whole business of dealing with Deadwish and his dramatic companion, but alas, the tom's voice rose again. She rolled her sharp eyes exaggeratedly as she turned to face the tom again. Now he was really making it everybody's problem with some nonsense about everybody hating him because of his mother. Back to that whole bit about her not caring to remember anybody; it was a complete waste of her mind space and absolutely a bore. She giggled as she rose again to her paws. In one swift movement, the small enforcer commander crouched then pounced, landing in front of the tom directly opposite of the camp entrance. She stayed lowered in an offensive crouch, her sharp eyes locking on him as though he were a juicy plaything, her hungry smile wide upon her face. She giggled, "Oh, how touching, it's like a little family history lesson." She paused for a heartbeat to giggle, though the intensity in her eyes never wavered. "I don't care. Your mother, Ember....whatever, means nothing to me. But that was a fun little attempt to pretend you aren't being judged on your own actions. You think passing false judgement on Dawnstar is proving you're 'a good cat'? " She took a slow pawstep towards the warrior. "But the fun's over, so let's move on to a game. We'll call it 'suck it up or tuck your tail and run', yes? So you've got two choices here, I'm making it clear since you seem to like thinking you aren't given any," she giggled. "You can either turn and walk quietly to the warrior's den until you can be addressed after the meeting, or you can walk out that entrance and never show your face in this clan again." She licked her smiling lips, taking another stalking step towards him. She was well over these cats deciding to use meetings as the chosen time to act like some martyr or brave revolutionist, sharing their inner thoughts like clan meetings were a therapy session. If he wanted to voice his personal complaints, he could do it on his own time; this circus was getting repetitive and old. "I'm fairly partial to you not making either choice, because then I get to play." She took another slow threatening step but held back against her excitedly quivering muscles. She offered the obnoxious warrior a choice and she was determined to keep that word.

Deadwish snorted and looked down at the much smaller, and probably younger cat. Two words is all he would say. Baring his teeth a bit more after each word, "So. Scared" he mocked, his eyes blazing with challenge and excitement. This has been his goal, to trigger the she-cat into threats. "I'll stay here, thanks" he smiled. He didn't have a nest in the warriors den and was sure to remind her that. "If your so observant of me how have you not noticed I don't sleep in the warrior's den" he meowed, offering the she-cat a sarcastic smile and bared his teeth.

**Cinderspirit** · #**3947** March 9th, 2023, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteDawn

As Dawnstar spoke, Blackhawk looked at her, and regained his countenance, an assault will probably be done on the ThunderClan if he had correctly understood, he unsheated his claws and raised his paw to look at them, they were sharp, but needed a small maintenance, then Dawnstar spoke to brush theyre battle skills, it was like the old times when he was only an Outsider! It could be a great moment to train himself better...

[Open!]

Patchwish looked over at Blackhawk, one of the newer members of the Clan. He looked ready and eager to fight. She remembered him from patrol, and had been impressed with his skills then. Approaching him, she spoke, "So, did you battle much as an Outsider?"

**Red Dawn** · #**3948** March 9th, 2023, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinderspirit

Patchwish looked over at Blackhawk, one of the newer members of the Clan. He looked ready and eager to fight. She remembered him from patrol, and had been impressed with his skills then. Approaching him, she spoke, "So, did you battle much as an Outsider?"

He turned the head, surprised by the voice, and recognized Patchwish, the one of the three other cats that were on the patrol with him, he smiled to her and responded "Almost every day, not necessarily against other Outsiders, but with foxes, badgers and sometimes dogs, his smile disappeard and she showed the dozen of scars on his body, wasn't a perfect life, was always a fight for the survival, the strong live, the weak die, this is the only motto of this place, he showed his fresh wound, acquired during the patroland said, with a laugh, acquired this during the patrol, make me remember the old times when I had to run fight with the badgers for a small piece of flesh..."

**taillow** · #**3949** March 9th, 2023, 04:37 PM

As the meeting continued, many of her Clanmates offered their viewpoints on the situation at paw, to which Mirehound found herself agreeing with some. Darkfall was one that had been there at the battle. He had seen with eyes that worked just as well as hers how vicious ThunderClan had been. Every life they had taken from ShadowClan had been a consequence of their own actions; trespassing onto ShadowClan territory and hunting prey at the tail-end of what had already been a difficult leaf-bare for the entire forest. The warrior was ready to lay down his life it seemed, for his Clan. Mirehound was right there alongside him.

Argue? Blue eyes blazed as they locked onto Grapevine. Was this cat a warrior or a kit with fluff in her ears? Had she missed the part where Dawnstar had spoke of their sacrifice? Was she deaf to the sounds of justice for those who lay dead before them? She felt the itch in her claws to smack her across her ears, but refrained from doing so. "I hope nothing for you." She could feel it, the way her anger rose inside of her. The way in which the words came as a sharp yet quiet comment meant only for the she-cat's ears. She would not waste her breath on reminding the mousebrain that they had been honored, they were being honored, and for the sake of the stars were not being moved on and forgotten about. The whole topic of the meeting was on honoring their sacrifice by enacting revenge on those who took them from their kin, their Clan. Mirehound then pointedly turned her attention back up to Dawnstar, refusing to give anymore of her attention to the tom.

The topic of spies was brought up, which Mirehound wasn't entirely sure would work. There would be a lot of risks, and no sure way to make sure that whoever was selected wouldn't just go to blabber about it the second they joined ThunderClan. Plus, now having said it in front of the meeting, there would likely be cats that sympathized with their forested neighbors that would likely run and tell them of the plans.

Some sibling squabble was also occurring, though Mirehound only twitched an ear to it. It seemed like petty nursery drama to her, and not at all even remotely related to the topic at paw. Stars, some cats should not have born with a tongue. Cougarivy seemed more than happy to play into whatever game they were spewing so the shadow would leave her to it. Her head was already pounding from the battle anyway, another reason for it to ache was not ideal.

Then Dawnstar spoke to her words, and Mirehound blinked. Despite the context, despite everything about this meeting, the worlds that the leader understood her plight were taken into a rather complex, chaotic storm of thoughts. She blinked once, trying to figure out where to place them within her. It shouldn't have been something to overthink, but the black rosetted warrior couldn't quite help herself with it. She would continue to ponder them over the course of the meeting most likely.

So it seemed they had settled on after the gathering, and that Enforcers would be called to discuss the preparations. A part of her heart lurched, memories of the day she had gone into Dawnstar's den to speak of the current open position among their ranks. The shadow queen had told her to prove herself an Enforcer, to prove herself among the elite. A selfish part of her, locked away with the rest of the unbridled ambition Scorchedraven had instilled within her, wondered if she had done enough. Would her efforts over the last moon or so be recognized? Or was there more she needed to do?

For now she was content to await the continuation of the meeting. A flick of her tail to both of her littermates back as another sign of gratitude that they were here, blue eyes unwavering from the Shadowledge.

[ @Darkclaws - for the Darkfall mention @Poprock @dino. @perseus - for the tail flick to the other two shadow siblings ]

**perseus.** · #**3950** March 9th, 2023, 05:38 PM

☄. *. ⋆ Iciclestrike

Their gaze had shifted when Starrycrash had joined them, giving the largest of the Shadow Siblings a slow blink, but when Mire didn't move they stayed put, being the support for Mire as they just quietly listened to the meeting. They didn't have much to add and their focus was mostly on their siblings and the bodies that laid before them. More loss but Shadowclan would persevere and get through these harsh times.

They noticed the tail flick from Mirehound, which set off a near silent purr deep in their chest as they gave a slow blink to Mire as well. Before flicking their blue eyes back toward Dawnstar.

@daenerys @dino.