ThunderClan: Life Before 2020's Fire

[pidgeon]

@RedHead ; @Dust ; @Dipper ; @PokeCat ; @Rosemew


"Yes, of course," Eagleflight seemed to snap back to attention at Fawnpaw's suggestion. He wondered what they would be able to find for bindings, and if any vines or long stems had survived the fire. They'd better start looking, or they'd be out until moonhigh. He nodded to Fawnpaw and glanced briefly towards Flintspirit and Frostflight for approval, before trotting out of the disheveled camp.

As he walked, he made a habit of scuffing at the soot with his claws, trying to find any smothered signs of life hidden underneath the ashen layer. Even with his mind now occupied, he couldn't help but think. Did Fawnpaw suggest I go with him because I asked to talk with him? He fretted, wondering if he should bring his concerns up now or if he should wait until they returned to RiverClan. If that was his intention, then he'll bring it up. I won't make him discuss this if he doesn't want to, he concluded with a shake of his head.

At last, he clawed up a pawful of grey earth to find a few trampled, long shoots of grass. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. He bent to nip the stalks off at their roots, cringing at the acidic taste of the ash. He shook them off, removing most of the soot, and then placed them in a small pile at the base of a ruined tree. Their green tint would make them stand out against the rest of the barren, monotone wasteland that seemed to be ThunderClan territory.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by CasperCreates

@RedHead ; @Dust ; @Dipper ; @PokeCat ; @Rosemew


"Yes, of course," Eagleflight seemed to snap back to attention at Fawnpaw's suggestion. He wondered what they would be able to find for bindings, and if any vines or long stems had survived the fire. They'd better start looking, or they'd be out until moonhigh. He nodded to Fawnpaw and glanced briefly towards Flintspirit and Frostflight for approval, before trotting out of the disheveled camp.

As he walked, he made a habit of scuffing at the soot with his claws, trying to find any smothered signs of life hidden underneath the ashen layer. Even with his mind now occupied, he couldn't help but think. Did Fawnpaw suggest I go with him because I asked to talk with him? He fretted, wondering if he should bring his concerns up now or if he should wait until they returned to RiverClan. If that was his intention, then he'll bring it up. I won't make him discuss this if he doesn't want to, he concluded with a shake of his head.

At last, he clawed up a pawful of grey earth to find a few trampled, long shoots of grass. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. He bent to nip the stalks off at their roots, cringing at the acidic taste of the ash. He shook them off, removing most of the soot, and then placed them in a small pile at the base of a ruined tree. Their green tint would make them stand out against the rest of the barren, monotone wasteland that seemed to be ThunderClan territory.

The last of the adrenaline trickled from him as they padded away from the rest of the group still likely tripping over themselves in determining who would do what, but he didn't blame the disorganization on anyone except the circumstances. Finding one's footing after their home had been destroyed would naturally be tough. Once they were out of earshot, Fawnpaw's idle work of looking for surviving bindings that might serve as weaving material was a duller endeavor than he thought it'd be considering there was pretty much nothing to be found so far, but he reminded himself it was for a good cause. "It's kind of tempting to just grab some reeds from our territory," he mumbled, half-joking in a dry tone that didn't convey it as humorous but instead more thoughtful. "But they'd probably think we're trying to push our culture on them or whatever. Did you see how Flintspirit reacted when he saw us approaching?"

For a cat that just had his territory burned to a crisp, it was a little more hostile than what he'd expect, but he shrugged it away. Maybe Flintspirit was the cautious type, yet he certainly hadn't seemed so when he was at the gathering immediately taking ShadowClan's traitorous side moons ago. A part of him almost threw in a snarky 'Flakyspirit', but he held his tongue; that wouldn't be productive right now, and he couldn't imagine Flintspirit was open to criticism after hearing him speak at a few gatherings. In arguments with Lionstorm, mostly. Big egos think alike and all.

"Also, maybe this is just... a dumb thing to ask," he began, pupils shifting from side to side, "but have you seen Passionstar lately? He wasn't at the gathering, and I didn't really see him with the others either." However, he wasn't terribly shocked -- ThunderClan's transparency had been abysmal even before they were wrecked by the elements.

[pidgeon]

Originally Posted by Dipper

The last of the adrenaline trickled from him as they padded away from the rest of the group still likely tripping over themselves in determining who would do what, but he didn't blame the disorganization on anyone except the circumstances. Finding one's footing after their home had been destroyed would naturally be tough. Once they were out of earshot, Fawnpaw's idle work of looking for surviving bindings that might serve as weaving material was a duller endeavor than he thought it'd be considering there was pretty much nothing to be found so far, but he reminded himself it was for a good cause. "It's kind of tempting to just grab some reeds from our territory," he mumbled, half-joking in a dry tone that didn't convey it as humorous but instead more thoughtful. "But they'd probably think we're trying to push our culture on them or whatever. Did you see how Flintspirit reacted when he saw us approaching?"

For a cat that just had his territory burned to a crisp, it was a little more hostile than what he'd expect, but he shrugged it away. Maybe Flintspirit was the cautious type, yet he certainly hadn't seemed so when he was at the gathering immediately taking ShadowClan's traitorous side moons ago. A part of him almost threw in a snarky 'Flakyspirit', but he held his tongue; that wouldn't be productive right now, and he couldn't imagine Flintspirit was open to criticism after hearing him speak at a few gatherings. In arguments with Lionstorm, mostly. Big egos think alike and all.

"Also, maybe this is just... a dumb thing to ask," he began, pupils shifting from side to side, "but have you seen Passionstar lately? He wasn't at the gathering, and I didn't really see him with the others either." However, he wasn't terribly shocked -- ThunderClan's transparency had been abysmal even before they were wrecked by the elements.

Eagleflight listened half-heartedly, still scuffing at the wreckage on the ground in hopes of finding anything green and strong. His ears pricked up when the apprentice mentioned gathering reeds, but he shook his head when he'd finished that sentence.
"Honestly I'm surprised Flintspirit didn't just send us home right then," he commented. "I mean, wouldn't you feel strange if RiverClan was forced to accept outside help? I can't imagine it's easy to admit defeat like this." He nipped the remains of a charred vine off from the bark of a tree and added it to his pile.

He hummed thoughtfully at Fawnpaw's next question.
"You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen Passionstar at all," he stated, eyes widening slightly with concern. "You don't think that he could have...?" His mind immediately assumed the worst. He had no idea how many lives the ThunderClan leader had left, and he supposed it would be possible for him to have lost a life during this whole mess. It wouldn't be outlandish for his last life to have been taken from him, seeing how absolutely devastating the fire had been to the clan.

And that would mean Flintspirit would have become Flintstar. Surely the tom would have corrected the patrol when they continued calling him by his warrior name, if that was the case? Regardless, Eagleflight did think that the warrior would make a good leader. He had courage and determination, even if RiverClan had plenty of reason to disagree with him.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by CasperCreates

Eagleflight listened half-heartedly, still scuffing at the wreckage on the ground in hopes of finding anything green and strong. His ears pricked up when the apprentice mentioned gathering reeds, but he shook his head when he'd finished that sentence.
"Honestly I'm surprised Flintspirit didn't just send us home right then," he commented. "I mean, wouldn't you feel strange if RiverClan was forced to accept outside help? I can't imagine it's easy to admit defeat like this." He nipped the remains of a charred vine off from the bark of a tree and added it to his pile.

He hummed thoughtfully at Fawnpaw's next question.
"You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen Passionstar at all," he stated, eyes widening slightly with concern. "You don't think that he could have...?" His mind immediately assumed the worst. He had no idea how many lives the ThunderClan leader had left, and he supposed it would be possible for him to have lost a life during this whole mess. It wouldn't be outlandish for his last life to have been taken from him, seeing how absolutely devastating the fire had been to the clan.

And that would mean Flintspirit would have become Flintstar. Surely the tom would have corrected the patrol when they continued calling him by his warrior name, if that was the case? Regardless, Eagleflight did think that the warrior would make a good leader. He had courage and determination, even if RiverClan had plenty of reason to disagree with him.

"He could've," he agreed idly, then shrugged. "I guess he wouldn't have played into Lionstorm's paw if he had sent us back, but maybe they really need the help." Or more realistically, Flintspirit was too naive to realize this was a political exchange and not a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the lovely RiverClan, known for their kindhearted nature. Glancing over his shoulder at the camp vanishing behind them, Fawnpaw grimaced and noted, "ThunderClan doesn't seem like they're doing much in terms of rebuilding efforts, so..."

The knots in his stomach twisting sharply, a part of him hoping he would've dissented and said Passionstar had been around, he'd simply missed him. Guilt ignited in his soul as he nervously chewed the inside of his cheek. Because Flintspirit hadn't spoken at all at the previous gathering, he didn't think they could rule out the possibility of Passionstar's disappearance being an unfortunately-timed demise. "I don't know, and honestly.. it's probably not the sort of thing we should be asking about." It was more of an internal reminder to Fawnpaw, in spite of his skepticism regarding Flintspirit's potential leadership ability.

Brushing the thoughts and budding curiosity away, Fawnpaw squinted at the landscape as he attempted to stay focused in collecting more materials for rebuilding dens. But there wasn't much left, anywhere. Eagleflight seemed to be having better luck than he was sifting through what was left of the undergrowth. "I wish we could do more for them," he mumbled while they walked, every now and then pausing to pick up anything that might be suitable. "What do you think-- should we go back?"

[pidgeon]

Originally Posted by Dipper

"He could've," he agreed idly, then shrugged. "I guess he wouldn't have played into Lionstorm's paw if he had sent us back, but maybe they really need the help." Or more realistically, Flintspirit was too naive to realize this was a political exchange and not a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the lovely RiverClan, known for their kindhearted nature. Glancing over his shoulder at the camp vanishing behind them, Fawnpaw grimaced and noted, "ThunderClan doesn't seem like they're doing much in terms of rebuilding efforts, so..."

The knots in his stomach twisting sharply, a part of him hoping he would've dissented and said Passionstar had been around, he'd simply missed him. Guilt ignited in his soul as he nervously chewed the inside of his cheek. Because Flintspirit hadn't spoken at all at the previous gathering, he didn't think they could rule out the possibility of Passionstar's disappearance being an unfortunately-timed demise. "I don't know, and honestly.. it's probably not the sort of thing we should be asking about." It was more of an internal reminder to Fawnpaw, in spite of his skepticism regarding Flintspirit's potential leadership ability.

Brushing the thoughts and budding curiosity away, Fawnpaw squinted at the landscape as he attempted to stay focused in collecting more materials for rebuilding dens. But there wasn't much left, anywhere. Eagleflight seemed to be having better luck than he was sifting through what was left of the undergrowth. "I wish we could do more for them," he mumbled while they walked, every now and then pausing to pick up anything that might be suitable. "What do you think-- should we go back?"

"We might as well," Eagleflight nodded, adding a disheartened sigh. His meager pile of greenery wasn't much to show for, but his lungs were beginning to protest against the ashen air around them, and there really wasn't much hope for finding much else. This would have to do. His heart went out for the cats of ThunderClan. If he was already feeling heavy-chested and sick from the soot after this short while, he could only imagine how hard the foul air was hitting the cats who actually lived here. He soon found himself excited at the thought of being back at home, breathing in the cool, crisp river breeze. He longed to wash all of this soot from his fur by taking a nice swim in the water.

After surveying the area one last time, he gathered up his tiny bundle of bindings and set off back towards the clearing, flicking his tail for Fawnpaw to follow him. He nodded a greeting to the ThunderClan deputy when he spotted him, and trotted over to drop his findings at his paws.

"It isn't much, but we gathered whatever we could," He meowed, his voice edged with sympathy. "What else can we do to help?" He looked to the older cat for instruction. He didn't want to offend the other clan by simply taking over the restoration, so he opted to wait and hear what Flintspirit wanted them to do. If nothing else, he thought it would help the troubled cat feel more in-charge and in control of the situation.

@RedHead

[Fawn]

After they were on the path to returning their findings, Fawnpaw trotted a step or two behind Eagleflight but found his mind wandering again, unable to focus. It was less of a mental effect than a physical one, the burning of his lungs and cloudiness of his head bringing nausea to the forefront of everything. Although he attempted to ignore the lightheadedness, it was stinging his eyes and his throat until he was forced to cough into the ashy air. A thorough bout of hacking brought Fawnpaw to a stop as he choked in raspy breaths that was emptied of fresh air. Little soot particles only made it worse, and he was certain he was going to start seeing red specks on the ground at any moment--

Pushing through the dizzy spell, he finally caught up to Eagleflight where he stood with the others. He wanted to assist further, yet didn't think he'd be of any use to them if he was pausing to take cough-breaks and tripping over his own paws while the world's colors blended together on the brink of consciousness. "I should probably..." his meow was hoarse, cut off by an attempt to clear his throat. "Should probably go back." The croak was self-explanatory; with the air quality being what it was, Fawnpaw didn't think waiting around for his health to decline more would be smart. Murmuring his apologies to the other members, Fawnpaw didn't linger to give them an opportunity to send him back with an escort; he was being enough of a burden as it was and figured returning solo was the least he could do since he was troubling them.

((stopping Fawnpaw's involvement here just because this has been ongoing for a while- y'all can continue to do this plot, of course <3))

@RedHead ; @Dust ; @PokeCat ; @CasperCreates ; @Rosemew

[RedHead]

@CasperCreates @Dust (if you want to have Eagleflight and/or Frostflight linger a little and talk with flint you’re free to, I think some discussion might be needed but if not you’re free to have the patrol go back)
@Dipper @PokeCat @Rosemew

Flintstar hadn’t said much while the Riverclan patrol was here, only having given Eagleflight and Fawnpaw a nod when they had offered to go look for materials. He knew there might not be much to find. Thunderclan’s territory was destroyed. He also didn’t bother correcting their calling of his previous name, knowing that was the least of his current worries.
While Eagleflight and Fawnpaw were gone, he allowed himself to do a thorough look at the camp. He glanced into the burnt dens, his ears twitching with every movement as he realized how bad the damage really was. This was going to take a while.

Ears flicked after a bit as he heard Eagleflight and Fawnpaw returning. Turning to greet them, his green eyes surveyed the small amount of shoots and plants they had found.
With a sigh, Flintstar gave Eagleflight a weak smile. “There’s not much else you can do. I myself haven’t been able to do much.” He swallowed, his eyes flicking to Fawnpaw as he heard the young tom hacking up a cough. “My clan is.... not in the best place. We’re still injured and so rebuilding has been slow.” He himself had gone numb to the burning sensation in his throat from the smoky air. He just didn’t feel it at this point. Flintstar paused for a moment, opening his mouth. He debated on what his next words would be, but as he hadn’t given much details about Thunderclan’s state at the previous gathering, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to make at least Riverclan aware of his new position. He refocused his eyes on Eagleflight, glancing once at Frostflight. “We had the unfortunate passing of Passionstar after the fire, so Thunderclan has been left with me as their leader. I’ve revived my nine lives, but Thunderclan is still in a state of disarray.” And he hadn’t had the chance to choose a deputy. But that was the least of his worries right now. “You should probably go back though, the air here is not good for breathing. Thank you for your efforts.” He dipped his head to the patrol, before straightening up. “You can tell your leader and deputy that Thunderclan will survive. And Flintstar sends his.... appreciation for your concern.” The tomcat knew that the patrol to his clan territory was originally useless in help, there was nothing more that they could do that his own clan couldn’t do. Besides the fact that they weren’t injured. But Flintstar wanted to make sure the message got across to Riverclan that he was ready to lead his clan. And he would do all he could to protect it if goldfish decided he wanted to do something stupid.

[pidgeon]

Originally Posted by RedHead

@CasperCreates @Dust (if you want to have Eagleflight and/or Frostflight linger a little and talk with flint you’re free to, I think some discussion might be needed but if not you’re free to have the patrol go back)
@Dipper @PokeCat @Rosemew

Flintstar hadn’t said much while the Riverclan patrol was here, only having given Eagleflight and Fawnpaw a nod when they had offered to go look for materials. He knew there might not be much to find. Thunderclan’s territory was destroyed. He also didn’t bother correcting their calling of his previous name, knowing that was the least of his current worries.
While Eagleflight and Fawnpaw were gone, he allowed himself to do a thorough look at the camp. He glanced into the burnt dens, his ears twitching with every movement as he realized how bad the damage really was. This was going to take a while.

Ears flicked after a bit as he heard Eagleflight and Fawnpaw returning. Turning to greet them, his green eyes surveyed the small amount of shoots and plants they had found.
With a sigh, Flintstar gave Eagleflight a weak smile. “There’s not much else you can do. I myself haven’t been able to do much.” He swallowed, his eyes flicking to Fawnpaw as he heard the young tom hacking up a cough. “My clan is.... not in the best place. We’re still injured and so rebuilding has been slow.” He himself had gone numb to the burning sensation in his throat from the smoky air. He just didn’t feel it at this point. Flintstar paused for a moment, opening his mouth. He debated on what his next words would be, but as he hadn’t given much details about Thunderclan’s state at the previous gathering, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to make at least Riverclan aware of his new position. He refocused his eyes on Eagleflight, glancing once at Frostflight. “We had the unfortunate passing of Passionstar after the fire, so Thunderclan has been left with me as their leader. I’ve revived my nine lives, but Thunderclan is still in a state of disarray.” And he hadn’t had the chance to choose a deputy. But that was the least of his worries right now. “You should probably go back though, the air here is not good for breathing. Thank you for your efforts.” He dipped his head to the patrol, before straightening up. “You can tell your leader and deputy that Thunderclan will survive. And Flintstar sends his.... appreciation for your concern.” The tomcat knew that the patrol to his clan territory was originally useless in help, there was nothing more that they could do that his own clan couldn’t do. Besides the fact that they weren’t injured. But Flintstar wanted to make sure the message got across to Riverclan that he was ready to lead his clan. And he would do all he could to protect it if goldfish decided he wanted to do something stupid.

"You have my sympathy, Flintstar." Eagleflight dipped his head in a solemn show of respect, acknowledging the passing of the previous ThunderClan leader. "I'll be sure that Fallenstar and Lionstorm receive your regards." He was aware that there wasn't much more for the RiverClan patrol to do, without them having to overstay their welcome. He didn't want to undermine the new leader's authority over his clan, or make it seem like he didn't believe in ThunderClan's own ability to restore their land.

He turned to his patrol leader, Frostflight, for further instruction. He thought it would be in their best interest to go home, especially after Flintstar's subtle hints that they should leave. He gave a concerned glance at Fawnpaw as the young cat hobbled away, mid-coughing-fit. He'd have to check in on him later to make sure he was alright. The young cat's health had brought his attention to Littlepaw as well, thinking that the even younger molly might also be having troubles adjusting to the heavy, soot-filled air. If they weren't needed here, then there would be no point in risking the health of their own clan mates.

@Dust @PokeCat

[furrensic]

@Dust @Dipper @PokeCat @CasperCreates
[ Super sorry for such a short reply , super busy atm so it's kinda rushed! ]
---

Oakflame glanced around the camp with worry in his eyes , charred air making him scrunch up his muzzle with distaste. Surely there were materials nearby to help rebuild faster , there had to be!
The tabby tom would turn , looking for someone to talk to , wondering what they're ideas were. His eyes landed on Littlepaw.

"Terrible , isn't it?" He inquired lowly , glancing over to Flintstar. Thunderclan hadn't only lost their camp and prey , but leader too! He felt a pang of sympathy jab at his heart , a deep frown making its way on his maw.

[PokeCat]

a lot had happened in the few hours that littlepaw had been out of camp, from the trek to thunderclan, to the discovery of the charred territory and camp. she seemed to of completely zoned out- doing what she was told, being quite unresponsive, and not talking back to orders. she let her mind wander as she did her duties. stories swam around her head, and soon her memory became mixed with actual events and made up ones. as soon as she realized it, she forced herself to come back to reality and remember only things that had actually happened.
it wasn’t until that moment that she realized how difficult breathing had become. the cat didn’t have much experience with thunderclan air, so she chalked it up to not being used to the territory. she let out little coughs here and there, but went back to doing her work.
she realized that the rest of her patrol was gathered around the thunderclan deputy talking. she slunk over, not wanting to interrupt if what they were talking about was important. her eyes grew wide as she heard the news of the thunderclan leaders death. she couldn’t imagine how thunderclan must be feeling.
after the deputy had finished talking, the group stood around for a second. littlepaw realized that fawnpaw had left. she wondered where the other apprentice had gone. her train of thought was cut off quickly, when oakflame asked a question.
“y-yeah.” she muttered. letting out a low cough, she couldn’t help but wonder how long they would have to stick around for. the glee the apprentice had when they left the camp had been replaced with a longing to be back in her den.
@Dust @Dipper @PokeCat @CasperCreates