The way to the gathering had been a bit slower than Bravebird would've liked, but she remained right by Hawkfur's side as a crutch if he needed to lean against her. Thankfully it seemed her wounds were healing up okay, though her shredded ear would still ache and throb here and there. As the ground underneath changed from moorland to marshland, and then from marshland to sand, the lilac warrior let out a quiet sigh.
At her friends words, Brave couldn't help but snort. "They're all wild ones," she purred quietly with a glance at him. "The day it's not will be the day I question if I'm actually awake or just in a dream." A gathering without even a smidge of chaos wasn't something she could recall experiencing. It would be nice, surely, but something told the warrior she'd get bored. She had toned down a lot since her younger moons, that was for sure, but still thrived on a little bit of chaos.
She was content to sit alongside Hawkfur for this gathering, grateful for the warm that sitting so close to him provided. But as her blue gaze darted around the clearing and landed on a familiar pelt, a smirk curved up on her face. "Think you can hang here without me for a moment?" she asked as she got to her paws. Using her tail to give a gentle farewell flick to his shoulder, the WindClan warrior crossed the sandy clearing until she reached the side of the familiar gray pelt.
Announcement had started, with both Bumblestar and Dawnstar giving theirs. Brave wasn't super interested in anything they had to say - though, the loss of yet another deputy for the toad had her snorting. Once there was a lull in between announcements, Bravebird turned to glance at Violetfreckle. "Looks like someone can breathe air again. Hope you've been staying on your side of the border there, squirrel." It was quiet enough to keep her words from the leaders above, but loud enough for Violetfreckle to certainly hear as the WindClan warrior's maw turned up into a smirk.
Gracklepaw grinned at her response. "Nice to meet you Turtlepaw!" He exclaimed, listening thoughtfully to what she had to say. He didn't seem to mind at all about his casual behaviour. Many of the others seemed on edge, but most seemed to just be relaxed and friendly towards each other while they chatted. Plus, they were ShadowClan. The others shouldn't dare to mess with them. The pride that ShadowClanners carried was rubbing off on him.
"Yep! This is my first Gathering too. It's an interesting tradition, but it makes sense that the 4 Clans would wanna stay in touch, or 3 I guess. Since one of them didn't show up. I wonder why they didn't show up." He thought out loud. He was in a very chatty mood, and just kept blabbing and blabbing.
"I also can't believe that ThunderClan and..." He took a moment to try to remember the name of the Clan that they'd fought with, but he couldn't. Plus they weren't here anyways. They must not matter that much. "... the other Clan got into a fight! I knew Clan cats fought, but I've only been here for about a moon and a half and they're already fighting! I wonder if we'll get in any fights..." He commented, twitching his ear as he spoke.
Her tail flicked in amusement as she slightly broke her regal character with a laugh, “yes I do suppose they fight…a lot but I think we are preparing to fight…” Turtlepaw said thoughtfully as her yellow eyes landed on Bumblestar…from the things she’s heard around camp, she’s just…cruel along with her deputy too.
Mallowpaw padded into the clearing after her clan. The jumbled scents of marsh, water and moor made her nose wrinkle. There's so many cats here, she thought in wonder. Apprentices, warriors and elders of different clans socialising like old friends.
Mallowpaw turned her attention to the large rock where three cats stood. Bumblestar, a large heavily scarred she-cat that smelled of ShadowClan and another she-cat that carried the scent of WindClan. Where's RiverClan? Mallowpaw thought. Probably recovering after our raid on them.
She sat down as first Bumblestar than Dawnstar spoke. In the lull that followed, she smiled at a ShadowClan apprentice near her. She should make small talk. "Hi. What's your name?"
Flashpaw nearly jumped out of her skin when the fellow apprentice padded up to her. No, that was an understatement. She did jump out of her skin when the apprentice came over. She jumped like she'd been sitting in an ant pile, tail bushed, and, when she realized it was only an apprentice. Flashpaw slumped back over to sit, still quivering- partly from nerves, partly from embarrassment. She didn't want to talk, she was scared of being judged. She'd scarcely been able to hear the fellow she-cat since she'd spoken to the wrong ear, but she turned her head to inspect the feline. When she was certain it wasn't a murderer, she Let out a quivering breath. "I-I-I-I c-ca-can-can't h-h-hea-hear-hear y-you-you-you. I-I-I c-can-can-can't fr-from th-that-tha-that e-ear." she tried to stop her stuttering, but she was so riled up from getting jolted out of her float that she couldn't avoid it, sadly. She'd never admit it, but the light ginger-colored tabby almost yelped. That would've embarrassed her even more.
She was embarrassed enough, in her opinion, so, dipping her head and shifting on her paws, Flashpaw mewed, "Wh-wh-wha-what'd y-you s-sa-say-say? My-M-m-my nam-name? Fl-Fl-Flash-Flash-paw. S-sorr-sorry. Flash-Flashpaw." she winced at her voice. Cats struggled to understand her, so she made sure to repeat herself so she wouldn't have to ask. In her opinion, it made more sense to just go ahead and repeat yourself so you wouldn't have to go through the struggle later. Often times, she had to say words three times, and at that point she was so upset with herself Flashpaw would hurry off to the apprentice's den, hating the mess out of herself and her stupid stutter, stupid half-deafness. No. No, she wasn't stupid. Lostspark said so. She had to agree, she just had to. Lostspark was smarter than she was-- or older at least. That meant that she knew more. Flashpaw had come to respect cats older than her for their many helpful tips and span of knowledge. ESPECIALLY Silverlark. Silverlark meant very very much to her, so Flashpaw wanted to treat him right. That meant listening and focusing when he spoke and taught her. The best part? He didn't care about her stutter.
__________________
"Prepare for the horrors
This night will keep repeating over and over
And over
Until you make it to the end"
The cats are waiting for their toys impatiently
Last edited by zBlaze; March 18th, 2024 at 03:12 PM.
Hawkfur
WindClan
he/him| 48 moons
[Russet tabby with white tuxedo markings and sky blue eyes] Purrks: Flock Together T3
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[Bravebird - @talle ] [Yellowpaw - @hades. ] [Warblerpaw - @finley.exe ] [Dovepaw - @Kaybug. ]
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Hawkfur snickered at Bravebird's sentiment towards the usual conduct of the Gatherings. When she brushed his shoulder and went off to torment (if only he knew) some random ThunderClanner, the tom raised a tail in farewell. Hawkfur settled back and allowed himself to drift off as the leaders began speaking, not particularly interested in the beef between ThunderClan and RiverClan. He listened for ShadowClan's news, and found himself intrigued by the news of Vulturefang's demotion. Considering Twilightstar's plan to ask ShadowClan for assistance with the minks, he wondered if this would change Dawnstar's answer.
As the cats gathered began to chatter again and take in the information provided, Hawkfur began idly grooming his healing wound, the pink scarring a bit sore and itchy. Maybe if he was lucky, he could go the whole Gathering without talking to anyone.
The tunneler picked over the information Bumblestar offered, not surprised she seemed prideful given the wealth of things she had to brag about. The deathtoll on her side seemed.... Unacceptable to Crowtooth, a casualty count like that even with more on the other side didnt seem like a win to him, but to each their own. The message was clear, thunderclan was riding high off of their own self importance with lots of rank ups and were intent to keep up that trend.
That remained to be seen however.
Focusing back on his conversation partners Crowtooth acknowledged the apprentices greeting with a flicked ear but, in what might actually be a favor, looked back up to continue to talk to Mistlewhisker.
Who immediately earned a flat look at her own attempts to pry at his superficial injuries. She gave nothing she'd get nothing from the tom as he blatantly didnt answer and instead rasped a short reply of. "Prey 's always runnin' for windclan, given our usual fare."
Her comment on information actually being given was highly doubted though, even outright deflection was preferred to that lie (Dawnstar would never be that giving). That sentiment at least was made clear by the single unimpressed raised eyebrow at her smirk.
They were back to small talk soon at least, and with a decent question to chew on. Which he did, tail flicking as he mulled it over for a moment, lightly mumbling " 'f I answer will ya actually yer own views 'n turn or will ya deflect again, like yer dull 'n wit an' personality or somethin'." It wasnt really a jab or insult, more of an absent minded tease as he thought. Mistlewhisker had proven herself intelligent enough for it to be more a comment on her taciturn habits.
" 'f ya wan' my view..... I think 'm pleased the fish an' squirrels are occupyin' eachother an' not botherin' us as they could be. 'f theyre beatin' the snot outta eachother theyre prolly too busy ta cause other issues, or at least their leaders might 'ave the brain ta stop 'em from startin' more fights when they already got more then they can chew (judgein' by the death toll).
I think theyre both rotten, the squirrels are prideful an' foolish an' the fish are disorganized an' weak. Don' care but that they cannot stop tryin' ta spread these issues ta others."
Crowtooth sighed, offering one 'charitable' thought at least about this. "I feel pity for the fish, kind of. 'ts like kickin' about a baby bird at this point, dunno why thunderclan takes pride 'n 't. But really I just don' care."
SQUIRRELPAW she/her. 9 moons. small russet molly with brown markings and yellow eyes.
her paws still tingle with nerves (one more so than the other, she shoots a glance at her left paw), only calming a smidge at mistlewhisker's tail brushing her back. her gaze is locked on the ground, save for the occasional glance that flickers between mistlewhisker and crowtooth. although she feels a little awkward just sitting, it's definitely a safer option than talking. no way she can embarrass herself if she stays quiet, right? right.
surprisingly, squirrelpaw agrees with the windclan tom on the riverclan/thunderclan matter. yes! riverclan and thunderclan could bother each other, and leave her clan out if it. she wouldn't complain a bit if those two decided to keep going back and forth. alternatively, it'd also be great if everyone could just stop being so violent and mind their business and keep their claws to themself. way less stressful. I could only pray, she thinks bitterly. half of the problems in the clans could be solved if they all did those three things.
her eyes flicker towards dawnstar as the leader's voice rings throughout the beach. the classics are announced, along with vulturefang's demotion. speaking of which, she doesn't notice the tom anywhere, as she looks around. which, she's not sure she'd be able to spot him anyway in the sea of cats.
Mistlewhisker
ShadowClan Enforcer
she/her| 38 moons
[Large black cat with a half white muzzle and pale green eye (left is gouged out)] Purrks: Beefed Up T3
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Mistlewhisker barked a laugh as Crowtooth brought up her "dull wit and personality", tail swishing behind her. "I think it's only fair I offer you my views as you do yours." She meowed simply, and settled to listen. She meant it. She'd give her her honest views as long as he did as well. She watched Crowtooth as he spoke, her one good eye locked on his. She maintained unnerving eye contact the entire time he explained what he thought of the situation, and the large molly found herself actually agreeing with him.
Once he was done, she spoke. "I think the same." She murmured quietly, but not weakly. "This leafbare has brought complications to every clan. If we can stay out of their...." she made an unimpressed face. "... drama, then ultimately that will benefit us." She regarded Bumblestar and Dawnstar absently. "Every clan must be humbled at some point. It was merely RiverClan's turn." Mistlewhisker cast her one-eyed gaze back to Crowtooth. "Though this... does seem a little excessive. There is no reason to gloat over a victory won over a weak opponent. Battles should be efficient, used to send a message or gain assets. Not to just..." she frowned as she thought. "How did you say it? 'Kick a baby bird'?" The only indicator of her amusement was a flick of her ear. "Never a peaceful moment in this forest." She tacked on at the end, a little huff escaping her nose. Not that she really minded--she rather liked having something to do. But... looking down at Squirrelpaw at her side... Mistlewhisker suddenly found herself with something that made her want to live, more than give her life for her clan. And that terrified her.
Mistlewhisker's attention briefly drifted towards the Sea Stones. Vulturefang's spot at the base of the stones was painfully empty, and Mistlewhisker couldn't help but imagine herself there in his place. Then Dawnstar spoke, and Mistlewhisker couldn't tear her eyes away from the molly as she gave out the news for the clan. Her strength and sureity was something Mistlewhisker admired a lot. She couldn't tell if she wanted to be Dawnstar, or... or what? She respected the molly, that was it. And why shouldn't she? Dawnstar was an incredible leader! ShadowClan was strong--even without a deputy--and had the coolest leader, medicine cats, and Enforcers (if she did say so herself). Surely she was just pleased with everything Dawnstar had accomplished. Yes, that made sense. The glitter of admiration in her eye, while unknown to her, would be visible to Crowtooth if he saw it.
Once the leader was done, Mistlewhisker tore her attention away from the Sea Stones and back to Crowtooth. "As for what I said, about Dawnstar giving you answers." Her pale gaze was serious. "That was not meant as a teasing remark." She couldn't imagine Dawnstar not telling Twilightstar about the upcoming raid. Or, then again, maybe it did make sense. Maybe Dawnstar didn't want to drag WindClan into a battle they really didn't need to be in. Hm. Perhaps that is something she would have to bring up when they returned to camp. "ShadowClan has targeted you before. That time is past us." She took in Crowtooth's scars, and a flicker of acknowledgement for his sacrifice crossed her face. "And while I cannot and will not speak for Dawnstar, I think keeping this alliance strong is the smartest choice." Especially with everything going on with the other two clans.
Hawkfur
WindClan
he/him| 48 moons
[Russet tabby with white tuxedo markings and sky blue eyes] Purrks: Flock Together T3
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[Bravebird - @talle ] [Yellowpaw - @hades. ] [Warblerpaw - @finley.exe ] [Dovepaw - @Kaybug. ]
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Hawkfur snickered at Bravebird's sentiment towards the usual conduct of the Gatherings. When she brushed his shoulder and went off to torment (if only he knew) some random ThunderClanner, the tom raised a tail in farewell. Hawkfur settled back and allowed himself to drift off as the leaders began speaking, not particularly interested in the beef between ThunderClan and RiverClan. He listened for ShadowClan's news, and found himself intrigued by the news of Vulturefang's demotion. Considering Twilightstar's plan to ask ShadowClan for assistance with the minks, he wondered if this would change Dawnstar's answer.
As the cats gathered began to chatter again and take in the information provided, Hawkfur began idly grooming his healing wound, the pink scarring a bit sore and itchy. Maybe if he was lucky, he could go the whole Gathering without talking to anyone.
[BRING IN THE CHILDREN]
Dovepaw || They/He || 10 Moons
Windclan
Dovepaw sat down next to a random warrior. He recognized Bravebird, but he didn't really know the other cats, especially the one he was sitting by. The grey and white tabby was shy so they didn't really know how to start a conversation with someone they didn't know.
Stars above he was enjoying this conversation. With a shadowclanner. Crowtooth might as well throw himself off a cliff now, the apocalypse was obviously coming and it'd be a mercy.
In a desperate bid to ignore how his muzzle was curling at the edges in its typical crooked fashion and, there. Lingering resentment and a cause for quiet. Ha, Crowtooth might not be wise but he was clever always. Dawnstar wasnt one to linger on hate, she tended to let go and move on not dwell, if she'd been one to hold grudges like the tom she'd never made the alliance but here she was. Lingering. Dawnstar was not done with thunderclan even if she didnt directly strike and she'd probably delay until Vulturefang was replaced (hopefully by someone smarter).
Got you pegged rat.
Which meant he could no longer ignore how much fun this conversation was to think, damn.
"Drama 's a good way ta put 't really. But while I do think 'td be nice ta get them ta stop the stupid braggin' frankly doin' so sounds like more trouble then the effort 's worth. Let 'em 'ave their drama away from us, 'f they start ta create closer problems then the humblin' might be worth 't." If Shadowclan still in fact had a reason to be angry and start a fight then they wouldnt care that thunderclan was occupying themselves with riverclan and not otherwise causing issues, they'd be planning to strike anyways. Still, probably best to make clear that windclan had no reason to attack right now, not for any non pretty reasons like humbling them. If an attack happened it'd be for shadowclans benefit, and they'd probably need to give payment for that.
The tom couldnt help himself from letting out a raspy bark of laughter on the remark of lack of peace, never having heard a more true thing. "'f anyone wants peace what 'n the stars are they doin' in the forest? Peace 's fer kittypets who are content ta do nothin' 'n their life. The clans are fer those who 'ave the drive ta become legendary an' theres no peace 'n that. ....Do wish we'd get a break enough ta nap on occasion though."
God did the tom miss naps without worrying about various clan things.
It was interesting though, to get along so well with a shadowclan cat when a year ago he wouldve tried to kill her for even trying to talk to him. Weirder still that she held no malice for windclan and seemed interested in moving forward with peace, the tunneler wondered if that was a common thought in their home. He wasnt quite sure what to think of it, forgiveness and reason over anger and a grudge that'd literally brought Crowtooth back from the dead.
With a considering look at the molly the tom mulled over the thought. Was it even possible for this alliance to be maintained? Could sins be forgiven? ....It was a thought the tunneler would have to chew on for awhile and ask Twilightstar about but for now, it might be worth giving it a shot. " 'f this past can stay past 'd be interested 'n seein' where it leads. But just know 't won' be forgotten, we hold long memories 'n windclan.
However.... We're also prone ta more alliances then others." their long ago long maintained pact with riverclan evidence. "An' there are worse groups ta bed down wit' at the moment.
'f yer keen on fosterin' good relations 'd recommend ya propose cross clan trainin' ta yer leader. We used ta do 't wit' riverclan an' learnin' ta fight alongside will go a long way ta keepin' tight."
Crowtooth wouldnt be the one to do so however, to pose the idea. After all he knew Twilightstar would probably accept it if offered but not want to offer herself and it was high time they werent the ones with all the olive branches. Initiative was on Mistlewhisker but who knows, it might be a popular idea among her ilk.
In the idea an eye flicked down to the little quiet apprentice, the tom rasping a "What'dya say kid, ya curious about learnin' ta fight alongside windclan? The fish fight like chaos but you'll find us more calm, might be enjoyable." interested in the younger generations views.
Gracklepaw chuckled as he heard Turtlepaw laugh. He made her laugh! That’s a good sign. That’s means she likes him! Yay Grack! He mentally cheered himself on. The lively tom nodded in agreement. “Yep! ShadowClan is the best Clan after all. Nobody messes with us. Or Dawnstar. She’s the coolest.” He commented.
His blue eyes trailed to find where Turtlepaw was looking. The ThunderClan leader. He didn’t know her name, nor did he care. He wasn’t sure what to make of. Did Turtlepaw dislike her. “Pssst, who’s she?” He asked quietly to Turtlepaw.
She was glad to hear Bumblestar quickly start the announcements, Twilightstar had an actual reason to want to return home tonight as quickly as possible. Well, that was a bit on the harsh side. Twilightstar thought after hearing Bumblestar's announcement regarding RiverClan. But it wasn't like she could bother feeling sympathy right now, Hollowfoot's name was mentioned and it had Twilightstar internally sighing.
What in the world had he done? The rest of everything went in one ear and out the other, aside from the news about the apprentices and the new ThunderClan warrior and Springlight's finishing her training and achieving her full name.
Dawnstar went next, she had lost another deputy and gotten a new medicine cat apprentice. Twilightstar tuned out a bit of it in favor of seeing if the said warrior was amongst them. She didn't need to search for him long, he came up to the rock himself. As he went to speak to Bumblestar, Twilightstar rose and took Dawnstar's place after the colossal leader stepped back.
"Hollowfoot, head back to camp. I'll deal with whatever this is after the gathering." The stern undertone in Twilightstar's meow demanded no argument or rebuttal. Twilightstar wasn't going to believe everything that came out of the ThunderClan leader's maw at once, but Hollowfoot would have some explaining to do since it didn't make any sense for Bumblestar to name him for no reason. The fact that Twilightstar wasn't having any cat escort him back to camp was the only silent show of faith she'd be offering the senior warrior.
"WindClan has been faring well enough. Willowpaw, Ravenpaw, and Rosemarypaw started their apprentice training and we welcomed former outsiders, Mosspaw and Sweetpaw into our clan." The leader started once she was certain Hollowfoot would be making a fuss. She barely noticed that Fallownose had arrived, she faintly wondered what kept him but was glad to see he was here nonetheless. It was a little strange not having a single deputy amongst them.
"WindClan has two new warriors, Silverrose and Fallowfeather." She couldn't see either warrior and didn't waste much time looking for either of them. "We've also acquired an unusually large group of minks within our territory. They've been causing some problems around the territory, but we'll be rid of them soon enough. Still, I implore you to keep an eye out around your borders. I would be surprised if they cross into your territory. Sadly, we already lost one of our warriors, Gingersplash, to them." Twilightstar warned, more for Bumblestar than Dawnstar. The ShadowClan leader was already aware of the mink issue.
Finished, the leader leaped off the rock ignoring the stinging itch in her paw, and called out to her clan. "WindClan's home." Normally she wouldn't be so hasty, but minks and a potential Hollowfoot headache to deal with. The molly swiftly leads her clan out of the gathering, surprised at how peaceful this gathering turned out. #gathering
@dino. @Undertaker @RoboPrism
The apprentice hummed as he listened to the other two. Mantispaw was definitely the more reserved of the pair, while Nectarpaw was more outgoing. What a fun bunch they were!
The conversation died down as the leaders began speaking. Bumblestar was first... and Goopypaw wasn't very impressed. She seemed .... proud. Proud of attacking Riverclan and then exposing their business at the gathering. It made him feel icky. He quickly looked to Mantispaw in hopes of gauging a reaction.
Then it was Dawnstar. Not much to react to, other than the loss of Vulturefang as deputy. The apprentice deflated as the demotion was announced, but stayed quiet. What was there to say? Other than Goopypaw would dearly miss him.
At Twilightstar's news of minks, his multicolored gaze turned to Nectarpaw. "I h-hope you stay safe." He whispered. He wasn't exactly sure what a mink was, but they sounded mean. Yikes!
Re: March Gathering
