Ok. He'd practiced this. But what if you fail? What if she doesn't listen? The voice that sounded so much like his father whispered in his mind. He told it to go away, he didn't want any part of his father with him.
"I don't think Shrewstep should stay an Enforcer. He hasn't been active around the Clan, I almost never see him around. Plus, I don't think that he takes his duty seriously. Besides what I already said, he doesn't seem serious enough as a personality trait. Being goofy and whatnot is ok as a warrior, but for a position as important as being an Enforcer, you need to be as serious as you can get." he said, his voice staying stable and cool as he said it. Emotionless, but in a good way.
Ok. The next part was why he'd be better than Shrewstep. You got this. This voice was calming, and soothing, unlike his father's disappointed and angry voice. This one belonged to his mother.
"I could do so much better than him. I've worked hard as a warrior, and I've taken it upon myself to train two apprentices. I've caught a murderer. What has Shrewstep done? From what I can tell, nothing." Foggymask made sure his voice had a little bit of force, a little bit of persuasion.
"Also, your kits look like they'll be good warriors when they grow up. With that many of them, you'll probably need to get a kitsitter." the lynx point said, adding a bit of a humorous tone onto it. That was the strangest way to compliment the leader's kits. But he'd roll with it.
[ @Undertaker - Dawnstar (also i talked with gs, here is the conversation i you want to read it lmao) ]
Interesting, another challenge for the Enforcer rank. Outside of the low activity, Dawnstar didn't count any of Foggymask's arguments against keeping Shrewstep as valid. Truthfully, she knew it was only a matter of time before Shrewstep fell like Darkfall. She was expecting him to get booted not challenged though. Foggymask's has never caught Dawnstar's interest, and his reputation was lackluster. Several warriors had more than one apprentice and that dumbass he brought in was more like a whining baby than a murderer.
Still, it wasn't like she wanted to keep Shrewstep. She didn't mind giving Froggymask a chance to prove himself for all to see. Plus free entertainment. His comment about her kits perked her ears but didn't sway her judgment, cats sweet-talk her all the time to get their way. She was aware of how great her kits would be as they grew, hearing it was nice, however. "They're quite rambunctious, they'd most likely chase off or bite whoever I chose." Dawnstar accepted that her kits were hellspawns. She didn't see them playing nice with anyone they didn't approve of, they barely played nice with each other.
"I'll approve of your challenge against Shrewstep. It should be entertaining regardless, I'll inform the clan at the next meeting and have Hawkbite hold the event."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daragca
Owlthroat
he/him | Shadowclan Warrior | 40 moons Killer Aptitude T3 - Just A Scratch - Silver Tongue T2 The Dancing Bird
Owlthroat felt Dawnstar’s amber gaze roll up and down his pelt. Before she tilted her head slightly and brought a question forth. The tom’s ear flickered idly, neither he nor Newtbelly were seriously hurt. A touch of blood loss but nothing that would take a warrior out of action, he was stiff. Wouldn’t be doing anything strenuous for a week or so in case the wounds reopened, then back to his usual.
”No severe injuries, Newtbelly will be limping for a while. I'll be a bit stiff, that’s all.” His voice rasped delicately. The rat’s nest he hadn’t given much thought to, they would be unlikely to return to their home in a hurry. But would be eager to find a new residence, a mass that big of the ornery grey monsters would be certain to uptake a stronghold again.
”It’s unlikely they’ll return to Mourning Ruins after their run in with the fox, it destroyed a hefty chunk of their nest in its attack and it’s scent will be a deterrent for them to re-nest.” Owlthroat paused for a breath, best to err on the side of caution. ”That being said, they were in hordes. I’ve not seen a nest as big before, they may run amuck through territory or try to reestablish a home again somewhere different. Cats should be watchful of their presence.” Even a large cat like himself wouldn’t stand a chance against their swarms, fighting an enemy with a thousand mouths was impossible. They made a tasty mouthful but became an unhealthy presence.
Would Dawnstar even survive such an attack? The behemoth who he’d come to idolise the pure strength of, not that he fully believed in everyone of her decisions. But strength that became a different story, Starclan did have her back after all. He couldn’t necessarily say the same for himself, unsure where he stood amongst their ancestors. Whether they looked upon him with fondness or spite, maybe pity. He’d spent his youth with reckless abandon, driven by ulterior ambitious motivations. Owlthroat had that spark within him still, but less reckless. Less playful, more twisted, he’d do what he had to. Surprised at times the envy didn’t seep directly through his eyeballs when he looked at Tuftedtusk, an enforcer. There was adoration for his mate of course, now potentially offspring on the horizon, but deeply buried. Hidden under charming smiles, of course there was envy.
The fox was nothing but another medal to adorn his pelt with, a gloating story to share down to the young. Pack up their ideas and tell them, this is what claws can achieve. Proven quite recently by Magpiepaw, for such a small cat their training went well. Nimbleness could prove effective. So too could a brute of force.
Dawnstar's amber eyes gleamed in the dim den lighting. She was pleased to hear that neither cat had taken any lasting damage. The news about the rats was a problem though. She couldn't have such vermin running amok around the clan. She'd have to inform Mistlewhisker and the Enforcers immediately after this. She could only imagine the chaos an epidemic would cause. Illness was not something she could fight tooth and claw with... a visit to Mossfreckle would need to be made and precautions set up.
Dawnstar would rather be ready for trouble and nothing happen than be blindsided by it. "I'll inform Mistlewhisker and the Enforcers to keep a lookout for the rats. If these hoards are as big as you described then I'd imagine we have a future issue on our paws. I doubt the rats went too far. We may have to remove them ourselves." Her muscles ripped underneath her brown pelt in agitation.
"You and Newtbelly have done great work. I'm not happy about the rats, but that's no fault of yours. You may spend the rest of the day resting and getting something to eat. Tell Newtbelly good work for me too." She said dismissively.
"No one was dead when I left, but Mossfreckle is confining Fishkit to the medicine cat den for at least a moon. She'll be missing her ceremony this round, but perhaps she deserves it anyway," Hawkbite spoke, slightly bitter by the fact this happened. The whole ordeal would've been avoided if she had simply listened and not left. She'd get an ear full, yet.
"Nightshiver's face... is... well, it looked mostly shredded. I fear she won't have an eye, but I'll check on them soon and know more then. Mossfreckle hadn't gotten to her yet since Fishkit was half-dead when we came in," Hawkbite sighed softly. "I'll check on her kits once I get cleaned off," he decided. Getting back to his paws, he gave Dawnstar a quick nod, his gaze averting to the kittens squirming around her briefly before meeting her gaze once more. He'd nearly forgotten about the little pipsqueaks. He regretted not cleaning himself up before entering, but the news seemed too urgent for that.
"I'll report to Mistlewhisker at once and update you if anything changes," Hawkbite spoke, dipping his head and turning to exit the den if Dawnstar had nothing else to say.
That's no surprise to hear about Fishkit. There was no point in adding any additional punishments for the escape it seemed like the kit had learned a valuable lesson.
The bit about Nightshiver had the she-cat visibly upset. Dawnstar wouldn't call Nightshiver a friend or anything that close, but the leader was a bit fond of the sniveling molly. She was reliable and a great forever queen, she's served her clan well for seasons. Dawnstar would go so far as to say that she'd even trust the forever queen with her kits. Nightshiver didn't deserve to be ripped apart or lose an eye because of a kit's stupidity.
The she-cat nodded as Hawkbite finished his report and turned to leave. "Remember to rest, Hawkbite. You're injured too." Dawnstar called behind the tom as he departed.
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siggy art by redshiftreign
Dawnstar is the leader of ShadowClan and her kits currently reside in her den, enter and she may maim or kill you. She has a closed den policy. ShadowClan Resources ||| Dawnstar ||| ||| Kit Curriculum Finder
She's been so busy with her kits and other things that she's been putting this off for far too long. Even when she was busy she rarely forgot when dealing with problem cats. She hadn't heard anything about them since the bird incident, but she still needed to issue punishments for the trouble and disobedience.
"Stonelight, Flytail, Moonkit." The leader called as she sat outside her den before the lichen-covered entrance. "I want you in front of me now. You do not want me to fetch you."
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siggy art by redshiftreign
Dawnstar is the leader of ShadowClan and her kits currently reside in her den, enter and she may maim or kill you. She has a closed den policy. ShadowClan Resources ||| Dawnstar ||| ||| Kit Curriculum Finder
Flytail
39 moons
He/him
Flytail heard the call and sighed he knew that this would happen eventually he got to his paws and padded into the den. He knew he had messed up but he had saved stonelights life surely that would count for something. He took a seat and gave a respectful dip
Owlthroat
he/him | Shadowclan Warrior | 40 moons Killer Aptitude T3 - Just A Scratch - Silver Tongue T2 The Dancing Bird
Dawnstar’s praise was welcome, Owlthroat dipped his head in a nod before turning and leaving. He was sore, he’d find a spot to curl up in the now ebbing sun.
Timeline Wise, This takes place roughly two weeks ago!
In the moment, Darkfall didn’t care for formalities or proper procedure as he padded into the opening of the Dawnstar’s den. He had to get this news to the leader as soon as possible, and if she were to be angry with him, well… oh well. Sleepysunrise had followed alongside him, and he presumed that Rookflare wasn’t too far himself. Dipping his head slightly, the tom remained standing – a stark contrast to how he usually sat when reporting to the Queen of Mean. ”Dawnstar, I ask that you forgive my forwardness, but I have something that needs to be reported with utmost urgency.” He was aware that he still looked awful, he was covered in drying mud and his fur was still damp from the water of the mire. His fur was disheveled, and his bright blue eyes were still bloodshot from the tears he shed in the territory. Under normal circumstances, he’d have taken an opportunity to clean himself off before coming in, but these circumstances were far from normal.
”Earlier today I noticed Larkfi–Lostspark heading out into the territory. This is not generally a cause for concern, because as an enforcer, as well as a warrior, it is well within her duties to patrol the territory. Not to mention that she was generally able to handle things on her own should trouble arise.”
He began his recount by starting with a little bit of backstory. He doubted that Dawnstar would blame him for her death, however, he had to be absolutely certain that she did not find a way to make him responsible. ”Icethroat, a tom that has been following her around as of late, and his brother Hailneck also headed out into the territory sometime after. For what reason, I am unsure.”
”After some time, I noticed that Lar–ostspark had not yet returned to camp. I had business to discuss with her, needing to speak about our… our kits, so I too left the camp and followed her trail.” His throat, still hoarse from screaming in anguish felt scraggly and uncomfortable, however, he continued recounting the events. ”As I followed her scent, I noticed that the scents of both Icethroat and Hailneck mingled with that of hers. I’ll speak honestly and say that I am not a fan of Icethroat, but that’s hardly relevant right now. Getting a bad feeling, I quickened my pace and followed the trails to Darkwater Mire.”
He paused for just a moment, swallowing down the whimper that threatened to overtake him. His lip trembled as he got to the next part, but he persevered. He had to make sure that she, Sleepysunrise, and Rookflare knew what he had seen. ”There… There was blood. All around the bank of bog, as well as within the water itself.” His face contorted with pain as he continued ”There scents led up to the bog itself, all three of them, but after searching everywhere, I… I wasn’t able to find them. Not in the water, not in the rest of that section of territory, nothing.”
”I caught the scent of one other cat after continuing my search and followed it to it’s owner. It was… it was my daughter, Mirepaw. She… she saw most of it. All three of them, they’re–” His voice cracked with grief as he turned his gaze to his paws and shook his head. ”They’re gone. Dead. Drowned.” There it was. The bomb that he had been building up to was finally dropped, and saying it out loud again, admitting it to himself once more… it was too much. ”Mire– or whatever she calls herself now, claimed that there was some… creature within the bog, claiming them in a way that would prove to be unrecoverable. Unfortunately, I was unable to get any more information out of her, and though I tried, I was unable to persuade her to accompany me back.” He then raised one of his forepaws and flipped it over so that she could see how torn his paw pads had become before putting it back down. ”I apologize, but I am in no condition to forcibly bring anyone back or demand information from them. Though she is my daughter, had it been within my power, I’d have made her come back and explain what she saw. At the fringes of the territory – where I had seen her, she had been accompanied by an older tom, and I didn’t want to risk a fight breaking out and not being able to deliver this information, so I returned.”
Blue eyes filled with a mixture of pain and rage, he cast them back towards Dawnstar. ”You know just as well as I do that your daughter is a capable swimmer and wouldn’t drown without probable cause. She’s also a highly capable fighter and I don’t have any doubt that whatever is there, she would’ve been able to handle–” Another pause. This next part was something that he didn’t have proof of, but he would say it anyways. ”I suspect… I suspect that the two brothers, Icethroat and Hailneck attacked Lostspark, though the motive is unknown. I know these allegations are serious, but I am simply unable to imagine that she would’ve just drowned.”
He then turned to Sleepysunrise, with a pained expression. A single tear rolled down his cheek and onto the floor of the den. ”Sleepy– my daughter, I’m sorry.” He said, shaking his head solemnly ”I was too late. I couldn’t save her this time.”
[ @Undertaker - Dawn @alec - Rook @Estelle - Sleepy I just threw this all in one post so it didn't take too long]
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Little Disclaimer: I live in EST (UTC-5) and my sleep schedule is completely messed up, so posts may be erratic My Characters
Her paws had soon enough led her back to camp, where the young feline's path was set the den of her grandmother to report this incident. She hoped Darkfall had been smart and heeded her telling him of going to Mossfreckle, but the cats of ShadowClan could be stubborn - him included, she imagined. Halting at the front of the den Sleepysunrise gave her chest a few quick licks. Though she had done her best to wash off most of the blood before returning, her fur took not kindly to being washed and left the tougher clots still stuck in her fur. She hadn't wanted to waste more time before reporting, so the issue of her stained fur would have to wait. "Miss Grandmama;"
She announced her presence, awaiting whether she would be allowed inside the den or met within its mouth - acting accordingly, ear giving a light flicker of greeting upon coming eye to eye with her grandmother.
"Sunpaw. She was out alone, killed by a badger. Darkfall and I killed the badger in turn. Sunpaw has been buried in Mourning Ruings," a brief pause, "And the badger in Icy Heartlands."
Another pause. Would Miss Grandmama be angry she went there? She hadn't entirely stopped to consider that possibility, but she couldn't very well stain ShadowClan ground with the blood of a badger... Especially one whose limps and skin were no longer attached. After a moment, she pulled the badger's pelt off her back, presenting it to Dawnstar - a subtle 'proof' that the badger had indeed been killed. It wasn't the prettiest pelt, nor removed as cleanly as her grandmother could. Sleepysunrise needed to practice further, and as such she didn't expect the leader to want this as one of her gifts. "I will get you a.. better one, next time."
Sometimes, ideas could be great, this one however, was exceptionally dumb on her part. Waltzing over to the leaders den, to tell Dawnstar she failed to complete her demotion in time, and hopefully walk out without anything too bad happening. Yeah, that sounded like it would work.
Don't be weak Silvershadow. Gritting her teeth, she gently called out, knowing she hadn't been admitted yet.
"Dawnstar, may I speak with you." ears pinned back, the dark tabby waited, no emotions rising up, no deterring glares, just, there.
Flytail
39 moons
He/him
Flytail heard the call and sighed he knew that this would happen eventually he got to his paws and padded into the den. He knew he had messed up but he had saved stonelights life surely that would count for something. He took a seat and gave a respectful dip
"Funnily enough, you're the only one who's still around for punishment." It took Dawnstar a long moment after only seeing Flytail to recall that she hadn't seen Stonelight or Moonkit in some time. They must have run after causing so much trouble to avoid the punishment.
"From the report I received you disobeyed my direct order of not leaving camp alone. Yes, I understand the reason you did it to a certain point, but there is a reason I have so many Enforcers around. I can't have cats running around doing as they please and disregarding rules 'cause they feel like it." That breeds disrespect.
"So you're going into exile temporarily for a week. When you return I want your prey brought back as compensation. I want at least three pieces." Since he wanted to go off on his own leaving him in exile for a week seemed like a fair enough punishment. "Unless you have something to say, leave."
[Flytail will be allowed to return to ShadowClan on Oct. 12th. He must have at least three posts with 50 words made in the outskirts and catch at least three pieces of prey to bring back to ShadowClan by the 12th or he'll risk permanent exile. Flytail has to respond here with three links to the outskirts posts to be granted permission to return to ShadowClan.]
Timeline Wise, This takes place roughly two weeks ago!
In the moment, Darkfall didn’t care for formalities or proper procedure as he padded into the opening of the Dawnstar’s den. He had to get this news to the leader as soon as possible, and if she were to be angry with him, well… oh well. Sleepysunrise had followed alongside him, and he presumed that Rookflare wasn’t too far himself. Dipping his head slightly, the tom remained standing – a stark contrast to how he usually sat when reporting to the Queen of Mean. ”Dawnstar, I ask that you forgive my forwardness, but I have something that needs to be reported with utmost urgency.” He was aware that he still looked awful, he was covered in drying mud and his fur was still damp from the water of the mire. His fur was disheveled, and his bright blue eyes were still bloodshot from the tears he shed in the territory. Under normal circumstances, he’d have taken an opportunity to clean himself off before coming in, but these circumstances were far from normal.
”Earlier today I noticed Larkfi–Lostspark heading out into the territory. This is not generally a cause for concern, because as an enforcer, as well as a warrior, it is well within her duties to patrol the territory. Not to mention that she was generally able to handle things on her own should trouble arise.”
He began his recount by starting with a little bit of backstory. He doubted that Dawnstar would blame him for her death, however, he had to be absolutely certain that she did not find a way to make him responsible. ”Icethroat, a tom that has been following her around as of late, and his brother Hailneck also headed out into the territory sometime after. For what reason, I am unsure.”
”After some time, I noticed that Lar–ostspark had not yet returned to camp. I had business to discuss with her, needing to speak about our… our kits, so I too left the camp and followed her trail.” His throat, still hoarse from screaming in anguish felt scraggly and uncomfortable, however, he continued recounting the events. ”As I followed her scent, I noticed that the scents of both Icethroat and Hailneck mingled with that of hers. I’ll speak honestly and say that I am not a fan of Icethroat, but that’s hardly relevant right now. Getting a bad feeling, I quickened my pace and followed the trails to Darkwater Mire.”
He paused for just a moment, swallowing down the whimper that threatened to overtake him. His lip trembled as he got to the next part, but he persevered. He had to make sure that she, Sleepysunrise, and Rookflare knew what he had seen. ”There… There was blood. All around the bank of bog, as well as within the water itself.” His face contorted with pain as he continued ”There scents led up to the bog itself, all three of them, but after searching everywhere, I… I wasn’t able to find them. Not in the water, not in the rest of that section of territory, nothing.”
”I caught the scent of one other cat after continuing my search and followed it to it’s owner. It was… it was my daughter, Mirepaw. She… she saw most of it. All three of them, they’re–” His voice cracked with grief as he turned his gaze to his paws and shook his head. ”They’re gone. Dead. Drowned.” There it was. The bomb that he had been building up to was finally dropped, and saying it out loud again, admitting it to himself once more… it was too much. ”Mire– or whatever she calls herself now, claimed that there was some… creature within the bog, claiming them in a way that would prove to be unrecoverable. Unfortunately, I was unable to get any more information out of her, and though I tried, I was unable to persuade her to accompany me back.” He then raised one of his forepaws and flipped it over so that she could see how torn his paw pads had become before putting it back down. ”I apologize, but I am in no condition to forcibly bring anyone back or demand information from them. Though she is my daughter, had it been within my power, I’d have made her come back and explain what she saw. At the fringes of the territory – where I had seen her, she had been accompanied by an older tom, and I didn’t want to risk a fight breaking out and not being able to deliver this information, so I returned.”
Blue eyes filled with a mixture of pain and rage, he cast them back towards Dawnstar. ”You know just as well as I do that your daughter is a capable swimmer and wouldn’t drown without probable cause. She’s also a highly capable fighter and I don’t have any doubt that whatever is there, she would’ve been able to handle–” Another pause. This next part was something that he didn’t have proof of, but he would say it anyways. ”I suspect… I suspect that the two brothers, Icethroat and Hailneck attacked Lostspark, though the motive is unknown. I know these allegations are serious, but I am simply unable to imagine that she would’ve just drowned.”
He then turned to Sleepysunrise, with a pained expression. A single tear rolled down his cheek and onto the floor of the den. ”Sleepy– my daughter, I’m sorry.” He said, shaking his head solemnly ”I was too late. I couldn’t save her this time.”
[ @Undertaker - Dawn @alec - Rook @Estelle - Sleepy I just threw this all in one post so it didn't take too long]
She had to blink her eyes and twitch her ears a few times to make sure she was hearing what she heard. The words didn't change nor did the tale. The story itself was so incredibly insane that she wanted to call Darkfall's bluff. Lostspark drowned with two other warriors, and Mirepaw had seen it and just up and left. Too many coincidences, too much craziness. Yet as much as she wanted to hiss at the tom, something internally told her that it was true. The last of her adopted kits was gone.
It made her want to rip and tear at this hurt inside, scream at the world at the unfairness of it all. Instead, she bares her teeth, gritting them so hard they should have creaked, and beats her tail on the ground. Her eyes sting as she fights back tears and wins for once in her life. She swore she must have been one of the worst wrongdoings in her past life and cursed her kin in this one.
Every single one of them was gone now and she couldn't help but worry about what the future would bring for her newest litter. What's worse is she didn't know who the hell to blame for this. No clan to fight, no threat to kill, no twoleg to curse, drown! Unbelievable. She gave a bitter laugh and pinned her ears back.
"Thank you for the report, now get out. " She ordered, let her despair in peace. It was hard for her to see beyond her selfish pain right now to even bother empathizing with the other cats who had lost just as much as her.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Estelle
Her paws had soon enough led her back to camp, where the young feline's path was set the den of her grandmother to report this incident. She hoped Darkfall had been smart and heeded her telling him of going to Mossfreckle, but the cats of ShadowClan could be stubborn - him included, she imagined. Halting at the front of the den Sleepysunrise gave her chest a few quick licks. Though she had done her best to wash off most of the blood before returning, her fur took not kindly to being washed and left the tougher clots still stuck in her fur. She hadn't wanted to waste more time before reporting, so the issue of her stained fur would have to wait. "Miss Grandmama;"
She announced her presence, awaiting whether she would be allowed inside the den or met within its mouth - acting accordingly, ear giving a light flicker of greeting upon coming eye to eye with her grandmother.
"Sunpaw. She was out alone, killed by a badger. Darkfall and I killed the badger in turn. Sunpaw has been buried in Mourning Ruings," a brief pause, "And the badger in Icy Heartlands."
Another pause. Would Miss Grandmama be angry she went there? She hadn't entirely stopped to consider that possibility, but she couldn't very well stain ShadowClan ground with the blood of a badger... Especially one whose limps and skin were no longer attached. After a moment, she pulled the badger's pelt off her back, presenting it to Dawnstar - a subtle 'proof' that the badger had indeed been killed. It wasn't the prettiest pelt, nor removed as cleanly as her grandmother could. Sleepysunrise needed to practice further, and as such she didn't expect the leader to want this as one of her gifts. "I will get you a.. better one, next time."
Dawnstar was ready to hiss at whoever was walking up to her den until she heard the voice. Sleepysunrise, it was difficult not to perk up when her favorite granddaughter arrived. Dawnstar was almost as fond of her as she was the she-cat mother. "Enter."
The she-cat blinks slowly as the Enforcer walks in with a pelt dropped over her back and a report of a dead apprentice. Sunpaw. Seriously, why can't apprentices just listen? Dawnstar felt like she complained and griped about cats, not heeding orders more than anything regarding the clan. She flatted her ears against her head at the mention of the Icy Heartlands, but said nothing about it.
"Well done," She praised after the she-cat set the pelt down. "Both with handling the problems and the flaying. You're following well within your mother's paw steps." Dawnstar doubted few cats live up to Lostspark's greatness, but Sleepysunrise was working towards it little by little. "You're skinning needs work, but I've seen worse. I'll keep it since it was from you. The sentiment is nice." Dawnstar meowed as if she didn't keep every gift given to her. "Thank you. I'll make sure to inform the clan at the next meeting."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silvershadow13
•| Silver'paw |•
Sometimes, ideas could be great, this one however, was exceptionally dumb on her part. Waltzing over to the leaders den, to tell Dawnstar she failed to complete her demotion in time, and hopefully walk out without anything too bad happening. Yeah, that sounded like it would work.
Don't be weak Silvershadow. Gritting her teeth, she gently called out, knowing she hadn't been admitted yet.
"Dawnstar, may I speak with you." ears pinned back, the dark tabby waited, no emotions rising up, no deterring glares, just, there.
Dawnstar was on her way out to fetch something to eat when Silverpaw's voice sounded outside her den. This better be quick, she was really hungry. Padding out of the den, the leader sat in front of the lichen-covered opening and glared at Silverpaw.
"You, I'm assuming you're finally here to ask about your demotion being lifted." The molly had gone missing for a time and returned, Dawnstar naturally made her carry out the rest of her punishment. It's been finished for some time, but since Dawnstar wasn't one to coddle her cats. She made it their job to recall the length of their punishments and to return to her to have them lifted. Silverpaw was overdue.
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siggy art by redshiftreign
Dawnstar is the leader of ShadowClan and her kits currently reside in her den, enter and she may maim or kill you. She has a closed den policy. ShadowClan Resources ||| Dawnstar ||| ||| Kit Curriculum Finder
It was an odd feeling to experience, when she was about to leave for another patrol with Rookfire, when they were instead intercepted by Darkfall stepping in their way. The scent of blood hit her nose before her eyes even registered his horrid appearance and Sleepysunrise had to take a moment of special focus to actually listen and not end up in a reverie of theories for why he looked as bad as he did. But his words were curt and short-lived; he wanted herself and Rookfire to join for a report to Miss Grandmama, and Sleepysunrise could not fathom why. Other than it being related to some sensitive enforcer-specific information, but that would normally come from Miss Grandmama, Hawkbite or Mistlewhisker, not a warrior-slash-former enforcer. Even so, she obeyed and followed Darkfall towards the mouth of the slightly milk-scented den, halting out of habit and being left behind when he entered without (figuratively) knocking. Sleepysunrise would’ve been left mouth agape at such an action, but luckily she was not expressive enough for such thing. She merely blinked a few quick blinks in surprise before her paws hesitantly followed after him, noting the urgency in his voice as he addressed the Queen of Shadows.
But the topic soon turned sour, and her blood ran cold in dreaded anticipation. Darkfall brought up her mama, she wondered why, but a reasonable part of her did not want to know why. Whatever could involve her mama, two toms and Darkfall being as messed up as he was – she didn’t want to know. She didn’t want to know about their relationship arguments, even if it resulted in a fight. That was their issues, and nothing to bother her, her siblings or Miss Grandmama over. Of course mama would be able to easily beat up Darkfall… What she couldn’t understand, was why mama was not here and why Darkfall felt such a need to bring his issue to her grandmother.
Her gaze and head averted, able to feign little interest in what she thought he would be discussing. He was bringing up so many details – his dislike for a tom, his worry – all over what she believed must have been a petty fight… Until the mention of blood.
Sleepyrsunrise could be dense when it came to reading the den, but she did not lack in intelligence either. Darkfall, unless he misspoke, clearly stated blood had been there upon his arrival, and that bit of news was enough to turn her ears back on her ex-step-father. Unsettling eyes moved from the walls, to the ground and her paws, to the lower legs of the tom who had been speaking so much, a slow blink gracing her face. Blood. In the bog, all around… Before Darkfall arrived.
The wheels in her brain began turning, and the frightning conclusion it was beginning to draw up she did not like. There had to be some logical explanation for what he found. A reason, something Darkfall misunderstood or was explaining poorly. Mama… She wouldn’t… Sleepysunrise’s lips pressed together, unable to meet the tom’s eyes as he continue, ears reluctantly perked to listen further.
It took everything in her willpower for her claws to not unsheathe and tear into the soft soil of the den below, muscles visibly straining when a cold gaze landed upon the former enforcer. Her ears flickered back, briefly, intent on calling out his bluff – calling out how wrong and impossible that was, but he spoke before she could utter a word.
Her teeth gritted within her maw at the mention of Mirepaw’s unwillingness to cooperate. To explain further, to explain what truly happened – even Darkfall she could hardly suspect of keeping such information from Dawnstar, the sentence would surely be death, and he did not seem to have the courage to risk his pelt over keeping his ex-mate’s information private. She hoped not, at least.
...No one who couldn't speak the truth deserved to be in ShadowClan. If Mirepaw was withholding information over mama and her whereabouts – because mama could not simply be dead or killed like some common warrior – then Mirepaw had no place in ShadowClan. And neither did Darkfall, if he withheld as much as her supposed half sister.
A coward. A coward with cowardly excuses… She couldn’t care less about his torn paw pads. If he had the power to get more information then he should have; a ShadowClan warrior should easily be able to best an outsider and a child. And however much she wished he didn’t, he kept. On. Speaking. Sleepysunrise felt tense. Her teeth were gritted. Murder, is what Darkfall suggested, and she hated the implication that mama could be killed so easily. Because she couldn’t. It could not be true. Not by some warrior, even if there were two.
Her tail gave a lash, averted eyes lifting to meet his when a tear rolled from his cheek and tender words uttered from his lips; words which fell on nothing but dead ears. He never saved her. And she never needed saving. Mama was alive, she had to be, and the youngest enforcer could not honour such grand stories… Miss Grandmama had to think the same, she had to confirm this could not be true. My daughter, he said. I’m sorry, he said. But she listened none, her eyes only turned to her grandmother, desperately looking for that confirmation that Darkfall had gone mad.
But as Sleepysunrise looked and studied her grandmother’s face, the realisation dawned on her. Not even Miss Grandmama was denying the accusations, the mere sight was enough to tell her a thousand words. She believed Darkfall – even if the story was too grand, too improbable… Even Miss Grandmama believed him, and Sleepysunrise had to look down when utter shock and distress ultimately began to overtake her senses. Tense muscles turned to strain, clenched jaw felt slack and her eyes began to feel hot with tears and her body near trembling. Everything faded into the background. She could feel her heart beating loudly in her chest, a chest struggling to keep breathing in and out normal breaths and aching under the intent of no oxygen coming near, ear pinned right back and tail nervously tapping the ground. Her eyes flitted to Miss Grandmama, the bitter laugh resonated in her ears but she couldn’t make out the leader’s words. She must be asking them to leave, but why couldn’t she move?
She hated it. She hated this. She hated that such a state overtook her senses, she couldn’t let it win like before, she couldn’t let Miss Grandmama see her weak. She couldn’t let Rookfire see her weak - why did that tom have to be here, skies, he didn’t matter! It wasn’t his mother, not his grandmother, his nothing. Only his mentor. He could have… Could have found out another time; not here, not like this, not with them. She had to hold her breath, forcing her lungs to ache for air but she couldn’t let a breath escape for fear it would be a wail or a scream or both. She had to hold back these tears.
But even through slowly blurry vision, she could see her grandmother. Miss Grandmama must be waiting for her to go, too, praying to the stars neither Darkfall and Rookfire were here… That at least they had heeded Miss Grandmama’s orders. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t just… Leave. A distorted hiccup left her maw the moment it opened just an edge; she had done so much to look strong, but on impulse her paws stepped forth. Only memory of mama’s comforting hugs remained in her mind – the regrets – the family she had left – as he young feline stepped closer to Dawnstar and dared lay her head upon the Queen of Mean in a slow, sudden semblance of a hug. Only then did her vision truly blur over, and did a tear roll down her cheek. If the leader allowed, she wished to hide her face in her grandmother’s fur. She knew Dawnstar may despise her for it; reject her, yell at her. But… She couldn’t help it.
“I’m sorry…”
She uttered, knowing she was acting out of step, staying in such position for however long the leader would allow. She did what she could to blink her tears away, regain her cracking composure and speak normally, respectfully, as she should. Let Miss Grandmama alone when that was her wish. She couldn’t have mama be gone, he must have... Misunderstood. But if she was… So many of her siblings were gone too. She couldn’t lose any more. Not them, not Miss Grandmama. If this was a murder attempt – the mere thought of which made her sick to the stomach – Sleepysunrise could not see her remaining family harmed, too. “He… He must have lied. Be mistaken. But. If he didn’t… I want to protect you, Miss Grandmama. You and… And your kits. Let me stay with you. Again. Please. I-I can stay outside, if you prefer, but. But they cannot go after you… And them, too.”
…Oh. Miss Grandmama was praising her, and vibrant eyes lifted to better look at the leader. A small warmth ebbed in her chest as the leader spoke, memory returning to that of mama. She… Liked the idea of following in mama’s pawsteps. That is what the enforcer had always strived to do; to follow in mama and Miss Grandmama’s pawsteps. And now… Had she been able to, a small smile would have spread on her maw. Even more so when the leader ultimately accepted the pelt as an offering. It made her. Happy. A strange feeling. Even when she said her skinning needed work, Sleepysunrise didn’t mind. She was happy Miss Grandmama still accepted the pelt, thanked her… Said she had done well. That meant she had to do even better. Keep on this path, continue her research and continue serving her grandmama better and better every day. A warmth briefly flickered across her gaze before she gave a polite nod, returning to the clearing after being dismissed.
Dawnstar was on her way out to fetch something to eat when Silverpaw's voice sounded outside her den. This better be quick, she was really hungry. Padding out of the den, the leader sat in front of the lichen-covered opening and glared at Silverpaw.
"You, I'm assuming you're finally here to ask about your demotion being lifted." The molly had gone missing for a time and returned, Dawnstar naturally made her carry out the rest of her punishment. It's been finished for some time, but since Dawnstar wasn't one to coddle her cats. She made it their job to recall the length of their punishments and to return to her to have them lifted. Silverpaw was overdue.
•| Silver’paw •|
Silver tongue •|• Prision Break
Biting back a snappish retort, she appeared as respectful as possible. “Yes… I understand it’s overdue.” and that she hadn’t finished the task. There was nothing more to do but prove she’s loyal.
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Quote:
“Nothing is Impossible. The word itself says I’m Possible”
- Audrey Hepburn -
Re: ShadowClan Leader's Den
