Thick, hanging lichen hides the entrance to this large, fallen log near the back of ThunderClan's camp. Numerous claw marks gouge the inner floor of the den. A badger skull is hung outside, seeming to guard the entrance against intruders.
Last edited by dino.; July 31st, 2024 at 08:44 PM.
Surprisingly unhesitant, Cinderpaw strode her way into the leader's den for the first time in a while. She took a moment to inspect her work patching up any holes in the den from the inside for the first time - it looked passable, at least. Exhaustion etched clear on her face. She wasn't quite as well-versed in herbs as she should have by now, but she was sure plenty busy training Thunderclan's little soldiers, and dealing with their camp being dragged into hell. Yet, despite what she taught them...
"We need to talk." Cutting to the chase was what she was best at. Her tail-stump twitched anxiously behind her, the only thing giving off what was bubbling within her. Since last gathering's whole mess, she'd sure as hell been thinking. The justification of their deaths back in full force, her own clan being partially to blame... don't get her wrong, she was sure as hell Thunderclan's wrongdoings had been brought up in anything but bad faith, but still. What damn liars her clanmates were.
Yet again, Cinderpaw found herself in a loop of needing to staunch their lies and being beat to the ground for it. Yet again, Cinderpaw spoke. And she would make sure they listened after all that was still happening to their children, his child."We can't bring apprentices to Gatherings anymore. They're not safe, not with Shadowclan in the forest."
[ @Eaglet @dino. hope you guys dont mind me reposting this since it got cut off, if its an issue tell me]
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Last edited by littlelove; May 25th, 2023 at 09:47 PM.
She had been gathering up the last scraps of her nest from what would soon be solely Thrushstar's den when Cinderpaw strode in. Bumblebreak's ears shot forward as she raised her head to blink at the medicine cat apprentice.
Then her brows furrowed.
...what. What in the world was she on about? She wanted to address this now?
Bumblebreak couldn't stop an incredulous scoff from leaving her jaws. A glance toward Thrushstar before her eyes flicked right back again.
“Things with ShadowClan have calmed down since the skirmish. There’s no point in holding apprentices back from somethin’ like Gatherings because of something that happened almost four moons ago. Didn’t forget Dawnpaw, don't shove that at me, because my point still stands."
A brief pause, as she allowed something bitter to enter her tone. "Just because you’re happy stuck being a ‘paw for the rest of your life, doesn’t mean everyone else is.”
He thought the den was rather comfortable. It was large enough for cats to lounge in even though it was within a log. Thrushstar put effort into building a nest for himself with his paws. Nothing exceptional was added by him to it. He liked basic things, thus an uninteresting old moss nest fit him perfectly. And he hoped that, with his nest-building and decorating abilities, he would never pick up Russetpaw's habit of tucking feathers into his fur. His paws molded the moss into a form he was happy with. Orienting himself so that the sun wouldn't hit his face. His ear twitched, and his eyes darted across to the den's entryway. Finding Thunderclans medicine cat apprentice advanced into his den with heavy steps. Her pawsteps caused thunks against the wood floor. Thrushstar blinked, making out their differentiating figures of Bumblebreak who was already in his den. And Cinderpaw with her aura.
He made a courteous head turn. Listening to what Cinderpaw has to say. Cinderpaw made the decision to prevent apprentices from attending gatherings. Which didn't surprise him. She was undoubtedly chosen to represent the younger members of this clan. Wanting to shield them from any potential threat. Naturally, he hesitated before responding right away. Bumblebreak jumped in and gave her suggestion while she was in here. Yes, he could still vividly recall it. Their decisions on how to handle trespassers are the cause of Dawnpaw's riotous killing. Indeed, it had been almost four moons ago. He exhaled.
"I see your reasoning and intent to protect the youth of our clan. It is an expected decision given the looming danger of what Shadowclan is even preparing to do at the following gathering. However, as Bumblebreak noted, several of the apprentices there do not possess the necessary knowledge. Up to the age of about 16 moons, they are still being trained. Of course, you, Cinderpaw, are an exception to that rule. Your claim, Cinderpaw, is supported by the murder of Dawnpaw. And why I set those rules of steering clear of Shadowclans borders."
"Even if we plan to keep apprentices from going to the next gathering. There may be things that are concealed or ambiguous that we do not know about. Pushing back their experiences of seeing the world is one thing, but prioritizing the clan's safety is entirely another. Consider this carefully, as well as the outcomes and potentials for the two possible courses of action."
"One. We send apprentices to the gathering as we have done in the past. As it is customary for our clan to do so. But there can be risks, as Cinderpaw had already stated. We certainly don't know what Shadowclan is up to, especially for the younger cats. Or what will happen when that gathering starts."
"Two, we keep them back by forbidding them from attending any more gatherings. OR, stop them from going to the following one. I predict that we will face opposition to our proposal if we bring it up with the clan. Apprentices for eons have gone to gatherings to see where the world of warriors lies. Instead of cooped up in the Kit Corner and being taught how to behave, gatherings are there to teach apprentices how to be warriors and how to interact in reality with cats from another clan. Naturally, the Kit Curriculums were established to teach the knowledge of the world and proper behavior to kits before they become apprentices."
"Simply, if you wish to prevent cats from going to gatherings. Then expect some opinions from the cats in the clan. I could care less if you have no interest in those viewpoints or what they have to offer. Having said that, none of us are certain of Dawnstar's thoughts. What she has beneath her massive, enormous frame. I'd be surprised if she didn't want any source of conflict to erupt."
"I want to delve deeper into this. Even the smallest things can, in my opinion, have the biggest effects. Of course, I don't want to complicate things too much. But I will hear from each of you and get the reasons why. And my final say will be said."
His speech flowed off of his tongue like water. He has heard from the two and their opposing opinions on what to do with the apprentices at the gathering next month just from the little parts. He won't make a decision until he has learned more about their reasons for wanting this or that. Simple. His nest has been spared from interference for a while. Waiting patiently for both of their responses to his explanation.
Noticing Bumblebreak- or, rather Bumblestar, now, enter camp, the Head Keeper stiffled a yawn and got up to follow her into the leader's den. Although she knows Bumblestar might be tired after the trek to the Starcave and back, Flameheart figured it was best to not have Bumblestar wondering what her Clan was up to in her absence. The large tabby cleared her throat before entering.
"Welcome back, Bumblestar. I trust it went well?" she dipped her head before moving on to the topic at paw. "I just wanted to let you know things went well here. I had a few cats round up the kits as you instructed,. Rainfall seemed to have disappeared, so I had Houndchaser look for her inside camp walls, and... nothing. She's not in camp and hasn't showed up. My best guess is she went missing and I don't expect to see her around in the near future. I had Spiderthroat and Roseraven see if there was a dire need for herbs and then tidy up the dens if there was none. I also stationed guards for the night for security reasons and allowed anyone to hunt because StarClan knows we need food, so long as they informed me beforehand so I knew who was in the camp in case a problem came up."
She dipped her head once more before sitting down. "Last but not least... I didn't want any arguments to break out so I had anyone who wished to speak more on last night's meeting come speak with you directly." That just about covered it, so the young she-cat fell silent to listen to what her leader had to say.
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Characters
Crow (Purrks: Heightened Perception, Agatha Kitty, Hulk SMASH, Dreamwalker)
Ravenhawk
They should’ve washed their paws off and they knew it, but this…this was something far more important. They didn’t even wished to talk about it, yet they had to tell someone and Bumblebreak was that somebody. “Bumblestar? Is it ‘star now? I…I…have something to explain and warn you about. I- We were kidnapped. Me and what I believe to be, a riverclan apprentice…I don’t remember how or why…but I…” no. they didn’t want to talk about it. who would want to say those words? Houndchaser didn’t even want to be in here anymore. They felt the sickness and the memories of just a few hours ago come back up. The warriors blue eyes search the ground, gaze refusing to meet the leaders as they took a hard gulps their ears now pinned as a paw touch’s the tip of their muzzle. “It…” switching topic as they felt the sickness and bile taste now to begin to rise. “The child is safe, I left them at the border. I came to report back to you that the outsider has been dealt with..I just….I didn’t want to…I ” Their voice trailed off, eyes now closed as they try to think of something much happier while waiting for the leader’s response, the blood on their paws now sure to stain the dirt below them.
Noticing Bumblebreak- or, rather Bumblestar, now, enter camp, the Head Keeper stiffled a yawn and got up to follow her into the leader's den. Although she knows Bumblestar might be tired after the trek to the Starcave and back, Flameheart figured it was best to not have Bumblestar wondering what her Clan was up to in her absence. The large tabby cleared her throat before entering.
"Welcome back, Bumblestar. I trust it went well?" she dipped her head before moving on to the topic at paw. "I just wanted to let you know things went well here. I had a few cats round up the kits as you instructed,. Rainfall seemed to have disappeared, so I had Houndchaser look for her inside camp walls, and... nothing. She's not in camp and hasn't showed up. My best guess is she went missing and I don't expect to see her around in the near future. I had Spiderthroat and Roseraven see if there was a dire need for herbs and then tidy up the dens if there was none. I also stationed guards for the night for security reasons and allowed anyone to hunt because StarClan knows we need food, so long as they informed me beforehand so I knew who was in the camp in case a problem came up."
She dipped her head once more before sitting down. "Last but not least... I didn't want any arguments to break out so I had anyone who wished to speak more on last night's meeting come speak with you directly." That just about covered it, so the young she-cat fell silent to listen to what her leader had to say.
Bumblestar was just finishing up moving her nest—again—when Flameheart stepped into the den. The smaller she-cat glanced up from her moss kneading and gave Flameheart an grateful nod, just barely managing to stifle the proud grin that threatened to take over her features at hearing the new name from someone else's mouth. "It went fine, yeah. Shame about Rainfall, I'll have to get another forever queen in place." She was a tad miffed the Head Keeper had given the search job to Houndchaser, of all cats, but... whatever. They'd proven useful, at least, despite their nonsensical words during the last meeting.
"Thanks for keeping things from collapsing around here. Knew I could count on you. If that's it, you're good to go."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Solar
Houndchaser
They/Them | Thunderclan Warrior
They should’ve washed their paws off and they knew it, but this…this was something far more important. They didn’t even wished to talk about it, yet they had to tell someone and Bumblebreak was that somebody. “Bumblestar? Is it ‘star now? I…I…have something to explain and warn you about. I- We were kidnapped. Me and what I believe to be, a riverclan apprentice…I don’t remember how or why…but I…” no. they didn’t want to talk about it. who would want to say those words? Houndchaser didn’t even want to be in here anymore. They felt the sickness and the memories of just a few hours ago come back up. The warriors blue eyes search the ground, gaze refusing to meet the leaders as they took a hard gulps their ears now pinned as a paw touch’s the tip of their muzzle. “It…” switching topic as they felt the sickness and bile taste now to begin to rise. “The child is safe, I left them at the border. I came to report back to you that the outsider has been dealt with..I just….I didn’t want to…I ” Their voice trailed off, eyes now closed as they try to think of something much happier while waiting for the leader’s response, the blood on their paws now sure to stain the dirt below them.
What the- Bumblestar's ears swiveled forward as Houndchaser appeared in her den, bloodied and looking rather ill. Her shocked eyes stared them down for a moment, not even sure how to respond to something like this.
"I- Great StarClan." She had to fish for the words. How did something like this even happen? A kidnapping?? "...Tell me where this happened, and then go to Roseraven and Spiderthroat immediately." They looked as if they were about to be sick, and she really didn't want to deal with that in her brand-new den.
GENTLEDOE
messy-furred brown she-cat with heterochromia. she/her
Bounding up to the leader's den, Gentledoe stared at the entrance for multiple heartbeats. Huh. Even in the old camp, she had never really... gone into the leader's den. She had no need to. But with the recent incidents happening almost back to back, Gentledoe was growing more and more concerned with the safety of ThunderClan. She only hoped she wouldn't be bothering Bumblestar with her presence.
Quietly pushing her way into the den, the she-cat looked around with a nervous smile. She cleared her throat and sat down, shuffling her paws and collecting her thoughts.
"Ah- Bumblestar, love? After the recent events involving Darkpetal and Blackfir's deaths, I have thought of a... possible suggestion for our Clan. May I relay it to you?"
She was in for quite the treat, the warrior joked mentally as they escorted the group to the den. Tapping their paw on the front wall before entering with hopefully all three of the trouble trio. But just before they did, they responded to Crowpaw’s statement. “I never said you were in trouble for speaking up about what you think is right, you’re all in trouble for disturbing what you try so hard to defend. How do you think that made Dovefluff feel when a group of inconsiderate apprentices ruined her and the clans’s last few moments with Echokit? How you would you all feel if someone did that to someone you love? Not too good i’m going to guess”, Clearing their throat as they turned to Bumblestar.
“Aye, these three were making a scene during Echokit’s vigil, petty insult and threats of throwing each other into a hole. Cracklepaw started it all, Burntpaw reacted and Crowpaw did as well. I would ask them all for what happened for the whole story as I stepped in near the tail end. Springpaw was almost involved but I just told them to pay their respects and go to the apprentices den, they didn’t insult anyone or at least as bad as these three. I’m handling Springpaw’s punishment personally so you should have no issue with them. Thank you, have fun, if you need me to stay, let me know and if you don’t I shall be returning to the vigil to properly give my respects and support Dovefluff.”
Houndchaser gave a nod to the leader, preparing to leave the den if Bumblestar so allowed, the fluffy cat tapped their paw on the ground while moving towards the side as too allow all three apprentices a full view of the small leader.
Burntpaw scoffed
"Bumblestar! Can i Protest against me and Crowpaw Getting punished? at least against Crowpaw getting punished? He was Only Trying To Help! Perhaps in a Better... manner then i did. Cracklepaw told Dovefluff to throw the kit in a hole already and get over it! who does that?!" Burntpaw sqealed in protest. "Crowpaw was only trying to put them in their Place and get em to shut their loud mouth! they've been saying rude stuff all the time about the dead! the dead have to be respected" the apprentice mewed with a fire of defiance "I won't plead on My Case, no, i admit to telling the tom off and saying i'd gladly shove him into a hole. that probably was to rash and definitly not something i should have said there or then."
He sat straight up " i will take a punishment if so be it, but i won't like it! I think It's Ridiculous that Houndchaser thinks Crowpaw and i are in the wrong as well! " he glanced at all the cats in the den "and don't bother to tell me to shut up! cause i won't! straight to the point is i hate staying quite when i have something to say" he snarled.
ThunderClan Leader's Den
Re: ThunderClan Leader's Den
