High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]
Cinderstar
Blue eyes watching as the Clan gathered beneath her, Cinderstar took a breath to center herself once more. She was not nervous - and her expression and stature displayed quite the contrary. Her shoulders were back as she sat up tall, ears perked and alert as her eyes were bright and clear. Her pelt had been groomed to appear fresh and sleek, as she had wanted to put her best paw forward during her first meeting as ThunderClan's leader.
Most who came to gather appeared to be looking at her expectantly - which was a given considering the history of leaders before her - while there were a couple who already appeared to find distaste with her. Not that it really bothered Cinderstar; it was impossible to please everyone. She had no intention either of placating her Clan with empty words, and would rather prove through action that ThunderClan would rise again.
"As some of you are aware, I have returned from the Starcave, where I received my lives and my new name, Cinderstar." Her face held no inkling that this was not the truth, and instead her eyes had a glimmer to them. "At the last Clan meeting, Sparrowflight was voted by the Clan to serve as my deputy." Briefly, her gaze flickered down to where the cream and brown she-cat sat on the roots of the tree. She was glad to have someone she knew well serving the Clan alongside her.
Lifting her gaze once more, she continued with the meeting. "There are quite a few announcements to get done, but I want to address some things before we start. As of right now, ThunderClan's joining will be closed to any outsiders or other Clan cats. There is much work still to be done on unifying us as one Clan, and having to juggle that with the expectation of judging newcomers is not stress I wish to place on us. I ask that if any trespassers seen on our territory are chased off and reported to myself or Sparrowflight. I will not put it past Skystar and RiverClan to try and worm their way into our territory since they lost the cove, and I will not allow any other Clan to ever walk over ThunderClan again." She didn't know Skystar well enough to make any concrete opinions, but if his displayed actions at the battle were any indicator then it was clear he was one for pushing boundaries.
"Furthermore, I want to ask that moving forward, cats are on their best behavior at gatherings. I understand the collective anger and frustration towards both RiverClan and ShadowClan, but sinking to their level is not something ThunderClan will do. We will continue to prove in our growth that we can rise above the others. There is much to repair in the name of relations with the other Clans, and at this moment ThunderClan has no quarrel with any of the Clans. We have reclaimed the cove, and it is now time that we shift our focus into rebuilding our home." StarClan, she sincerely hoped that they would understand where she was coming from. Cinderstar herself still had anger towards ShadowClan and RiverClan, but being snarky and aggressive at gatherings and their borders would bring no good to anyone.
Shifting slightly on the branch, Cinderstar let those words sink in a moment before continuing. "Lastly, in the last moon we have had several disappearances from ThunderClan. Most were warriors, but some are apprentices and kits. Fallowpaw, Goldenpaw, Treepaw, and Lotuspaw have all gone missing, as have Cinderkit and Ploverkit. I want the patrols that go out to be looking for them and keeping an eye out. If they are spotted, please report it to myself or Sparrowflight." Hopefully the missing would return home soon. "Also, I have not seen Cinderpaw since the battle at the cove. I have been out looking for her, but to no avail. I am sure she can more than handle herself, but if any of you see her please let me know." She decided against voicing her growing suspicion that RiverClan had something to do with it and instead shot a glance towards Shallowshiver that indicated she wished to speak with her after the meeting. "Let this serve as a reminder that apprentices are not allowed outside of camp without at least one warrior to accompany them, and that kits are not allowed outside of camp under any circumstances. This is for your own safety."
Shaking out her pelt lightly Cinderstar rose to her paws. "Clan life must continue in the meantime, and to represent that I would like to complete a couple of ceremonies that has been delayed. Fleakit and Dapplekit, could you please step forward?" Her eyes darted around to make sure the warriors she had in mind for the kit's mentors were present before returning to both of them, a smile on her face.
