[Jayvines]

 

Originally Posted by littlelove

Well, that was easier than she thought. Hiding spots, fighting back against an attacker worst-case scenario... she could do that. They could learn that. And--

Yyyyyyyyyyyeah. There it was. Her face shifted into a dull look as the lecture began, and Cinderpaw debated on how to respond. Part of her just wanted to placate the leader - did she really want to get in trouble over the name of some fox-heart? - but she knew her language would make it back to the leader some way sooner or later.

"...No." She said simply. "I don't respect cats who don't treat us like living things." Maybe she'd be sorry about it when she died again, but for now she wouldn't let it cause her any grief. Even if the stars did love some cat like her enough to give her nine lives and control over an entire clan, guess what? "Starclan hasn't done anything for us. They blame us for the failures of cats they sent omens for, Roseraven told me herself that Starclan's basically ignoring us. I don't see what's worth respecting there, either."

She should be more grateful for what she had. For even being here, even when it was in a broken body when everyone else seemed to remain untouched (especially leaders.), for even letting them be a clan -- because thats what made them, right? The stupid damn words of the stars who couldn't even be bothered to enforce their own rules when Shadowclan strolled into gatherings and murdered a couple cats. Even with all her grievances, a deep down feeling of guilt grasped her. It's how she'd been raised, after all, believing in them -- even if her temptation to abandon what had abandoned her overpowered any feelings of guilt, it was still their and boiled beneath her skin.

There was maybe one Starclan cat she felt indebted to.

[ @Jayvines ]

An unexpected spark of frustration blazed to life in Sparrowstar's chest as Cinderpaw spoke. Was she entitled to hate Dawnstar for what she'd done during her leadership? Of course. Especially when it came to her meddling in Thunderclan... Although as loathe as she was to admit it, the Shadowclan leader had lit a fire under their tails to kickstart Thunderclan back into improving. The deaths that occurred were not excusable, but that wasn't the point here.

"Starclan," the tan molly stated, a hint of that frustration leaking into her voice as she thought back to her ceremony (or lack thereof). "Is currently testing our worthiness. I am just as displeased about it as you seem to be, but those cats are looking out for us; some more than others. The fact that Roseraven seems to think we've been abandoned is simply not true. You can choose who and what you respect as a power of force or... or guidance in this forest, but I will not, I cannot tolerate you talking so dismissively of the one cat who gave you a second chance. She is included amongst those stars in case you forgot."

Speaking so callously against the group that included her sister... Was not acceptable. She knew in her heart of hearts that Cindersky was still looking out for them, even if she had only briefly seen the molly after her death. And even though Brokenstar had made it very clear that he thought Thunderclan unworthy of Starclan's gifts, he still seemed to want what was best for his clan and offered the challenge that she had accepted... Was she fulfilling that challenge? Was she living up to what she had promised.

Visually wilting ever so slightly, Sparrowstar huffed a sigh and turned to look at the wall of her den before continuing to speak.

"Look. Cinderpaw, I don't expect to change your opinions. You have more than enough on your plate as it is, but I am doing my best to bring Thunderclan back to a place of normalcy and safety. I cannot do that if dissent towards Starclan or uncouth jabs towards a rival leader are being tossed around at inopportune times. Whatever you speak of in the warriors den may stay there, but saying such things at gatherings or other meetings or events is not conducive to that goal."

"I do not wish for more unnecessarily lost life. Especially losses that could be avoided."

 

Originally Posted by candy hearts.

| Lambkit |
| He/Him |
| A curlied grey furred tabby tom with a white tail tip and paws; Yellow eyes |

~ No way. No way. Lambkit was able to successfully sneak out of the nursery from his eagle eyes of a mother. Yes, yes he loved her and such but a kit could only take so much smothering. Lambkit stood tall.. or well as tall as he could stand before making his way around the camp and watching all the bigcats he didn't know the name of.. he wondered which one was his dad, he had a dad right? All cats had a dad.. or another mom.. point still stands they always have another parent. 

Oh! What was that? Another den? Hmm, Wouldn't hurt to check it out in case there was a dangerous monster, if there was he'd fight it off, easy as that. The kit stalked to the den and peered his head into it before sneaking into it. Gotta be quiet or else the monster would hear you. Lambkit lowered himself to the ground as he stalked into the den looking around before seeing something in what looked like a nest. The curly furred tom slowly made his way to the monster in the nest. The gray tabby tom suddenly had a small urge to poke it, and poke it he did. ~

| @Jayvines - Sparrowstar |

Curled up for a brief catnap, Sparrowstar had just begun to doze when a small paw prodded into her side. Cracking one green eyes open, the tan molly turned her head slightly to see what young cat had snuck into her den today... Oh, Lambkit was it?... She thought so at least. And it seemed like he was practicing his stalking techniques.

A rumbling hum echoed out of her chest as she stretched out in her nest to readjust after the surprise poking.

"Hmmmm... who has poked me I wonder," she hummed, slowly rolling over to give the kit ample time to react. "Was it a little mouse? Or perhaps a twig?"

Concealing her own delight at her sudden idea for a game, Sparrowstar exaggerated each of her movements as she stretched one paw over the side of her nest.

 

Originally Posted by Willowfern

Roosterflame nodded in regards to the mention of leaf bare being the thin-season. That was true. Roosterflame, who had always been rather lean, found that he was much skinnier during winter, and he had a little less energy because of it.
“‘Hogging all the prey’, you say? A bit of a hyperbole if I’ve ever heard one,” He laughs, “It’s a battle just to get you to feed yourself once, I don’t think we’ll need to worry about that.”
Roosterflame pulled a burr out of his fur (It had obviously weaseled its way in when Roosterflame was “battling” the rabbits.), his smile still on his face, warm and genuine as he let out a chuckle at Sparrowstar’s joke,
“Oh, trust me, Sparrow,” He meowed, testing the waters with the nickname (Cindystar had had one, so it only made sense that he find a fitting one for Sparrowstar.), “If I can help it, I never want to see another twoleg again,” His tail tip twitches, “I do dislike repeating adventures, after all.”
He rolls his shoulders, chilly,
“Oh, I’m sure you’d manage,” Roosterflame replied matter-of-factly, “But, oh, your life would be much less fun and a lot more dreary if I were to go,” He meows melodramatically, prodding her chest back, though very lightly, “So I suppose no more adventures for Roosterflame, I’ll have to manage with the day-to-day of ThunderClan,” He snickers, eyes glimmering.
@Jayvines

Huffing out an amused chuckle at Roosterflame's lighthearted jabs, Sparrowflight took the opportunity to swipe her tongue a few times over her shoulder to tidy up her fur.

"It certainly would be," she hummed, finishing up one shoulder and switching to the other. "Being Thunderclan's leader is... Well it is certainly a pawful. I am always glad to have you brighten up days when they become particularly dreary."

"I'm sure you will find plenty of new adventure right here in the forest. Besides, Newleaf is only a few moons away so plenty of new things are sure to pop up."

That last phrase may have been more of a consolation for herself (a reminder that the dark and cold days wouldn't last forever), but perhaps it would also give Roosterflame something to look forward to.

 

Originally Posted by ~Umbreon~

, @Jayvines

Icekit Stuck her small white head in "M-mis Sparrowstar? is... is Roseraven going to be ok?... She seemed so sad... and after that... sge not happy with herself?...?" Icekit mewed gently, she didn't like seeing others sad. and that night... with all the blood... was quite a terrible thing... she hoped everything would be ok for roseraven and the tramuatized denmates of hers...

Turning to face the young kit as they poked into her den, Sparrowstar had to fight back a sorrowful look at their question.

"Roseraven... Will eventually be ok little one," she started, humming lowly as she spoke. "Perhaps you could find them a nice pebble or feather from the camp to give to them I'm sure that would make them feel better."

Small things may not make much difference, but the tan molly had to at least offer the kit a way to attempt something.

 

Originally Posted by SqurrelTail

@Jayvines

"Oh thank you! I'm sure I can handle it!" SqurrelTail was so pleased, she was purring. "I promise I can help him!" SqurrelTail was now bouncing up and down, catching her breath and realizing she was in the leader's den, she dipped her head and mewed, "I'm sure I can handle it SparrowStar."

Giving a small grin to the clearly excited molly, Sparrowstar flicked her tail pleasantly behind her.

"Good, I am glad to hear that. I look forward to seeing how Blazekit develops under your tutelage."

 

Originally Posted by dino.

bumblebreak === > @Jayvines

With what seemed like a blatant disregard for basic manners, but was really just a need to rip some idiots a new one indirectly because they 100% WERE IDIOTS, Bumblebreak shouldered her way into Sparrowstar's den and stopped in the entrance.

"Hey, so some of our Clanmates really don't wanna do their jobs," she said bluntly. "I sent Harefire and Tallshadow to Giant's Rest to hunt, and Tallshadow didn't even bother to show up; Harefire ended up doing it all by himself.

"Mistylight, Dawnpaw, and Embertalon were supposed to go out and check on the WindClan border, but apparently Dawnpaw vanished halfway through and hasn't turned up yet. I think Mistylight's gonna go look for 'em.

"Quailfur and Vixenpaw went out to Firefly Cove, but they didn't even bother to report back. I don't even know if they made it in the first place."

She scowled. "Dunno what you or Thrushfur wanna do about it, but there's an issue."

It seemed that Bumblebreak was more of an all-business kind of warrior, rather than a social one. At least in her experience the molly had only really approached her for official reasonings, but that was perfectly fine in Sparrowstar's book. Efficiency was an admirable trait, and one that she liked to cultivate.

Brow furrowing slightly as the missing patrols were reported, she gave a curt nod before responding.

"Thank you for letting me know. I will send Thrushfur to handle their punishments, and I should hope that gives them enough of a kick in the tail to start taking their duties seriously..."

Paws-crossed at least. She knew firsthand how frustrating it was to try and corral warriors like unruly kittens.

"You are doing well as a Keeper Bumblebreak. If you need any extra support from myself, please let me know."

 

Originally Posted by Wingnettle

[FONT="Georgia"]

Sootfur (he/him)
Light grey tabby with blue/grey eyes



»»————-　☀︎︎　————-««

Sootfur rushed to his leader's side as soon as they arrived back to camp from the Gathering. She had to know, even if the Shadowclan queen decided not to show up. It was still his duty as a warrior to make his leader know.
"Sparrowstar, may we speak for a moment? It's important. And urgent. I really hope she will understand, as I had promised her at the Gathering.

[ @Jayvines ]

It seemed like she had barely made it into her den from the rain-soaked mess that was this Gathering when Sootfur appeared at her side with a request. Stars give her patience tonight...

"As long as you don't mind me attempting to dry myself off as you talk, you are welcome to speak," she stated, slightly grumpy as she flicked off stray water droplets from her paws. "What is so urgent that it cannot wait for dawn?"

Tucking right into her grooming routine, Sparrowstar attempted to sort out her soaked fur as she perked her ears up and waited for Sootfur to start.

 

Originally Posted by SpiritedWarrior

Flameheart

"I will be sure to do that, then." Flameheart dipped her head and took a note of talking to Creamcloud when she sees her next. Foxpaw would finally be making it to warriorhood, which ultimately brightened her day. Mallowheart and the young Keeper had similar ideas to Camp Care, it seemed, which brought a small smile to her orange and white face. "I'll speak with Mallowheart as well."

"Oh- and speaking of Oriolepaw... I didn't think a punishment was necessary since he did get hurt, and that's punishment enough, but... Mistylight casually mentioned to both Sundust and I that she found Oriolepaw lying on the ground injured. I was under the impression she went out there with him, but that was clearly not the case. I've seen a lot of kits and apprentices think it was okay to sneak out and do things on their own. If I could, may I request that you warn the entirety of the Clan to not sneak out? It's been a big problem as of late and I'd like for that to... not happen. Again."

Rainpaw

Fury and betrayal was perhaps just the right word to describe how Rainpaw felt. Tears silently fell down his face as he made his way across camp and his pelt prickled with unease. If his name weren't Rainpaw... it would be Porcupinepaw. The young tom did not bother to announce his presence as he approached the leader's den. Instead, he came with stomping paws. "That's it- I'm done. I can't be silent about this any longer. Sparrowstar, I have to tell you: Thrushfur will not be a good deputy, let alone leader when the time comes."

Sparrowstar was probably oblivious to the crimes his father has committed. And for the most part... the entirety of ThunderClan was. "As a kit, both of my littermates went missing. Not a single warrior or apprentice gathered search parties for them. Not even Thrushfur or Quailfur, my own parents. And every time I said something to someone... I was berated for my behavior! he snarled each word, spitting out the hatred that lingered inside his short-haired body for moons each second.

"My former mentor, Bumbleflight... My own mother, Quailfur... Batblood, your Keeper! It felt like ThunderClan didn't want my sisters back. They abandoned kits! They broke perhaps the most important rule in the code! And I tried... so hard to not lose my mind. Every day since they both disappeared, it took everything in me to not think my sisters were dead... and now that Quietpaw is back, I've been there for her. Every step of the way... I've made sure she was comfortable in her nest. I've made sure everyone she interacted with knew she was mute! I've made sure she made it through her first night home by giving her food and keeping her warm. Fallowkit is out there somewhere. And so is Lavenderpaw. And only the stars know if they're alive or dead! I mean- Quietpaw was clinging to life when Flameheart and I found her on the border with WindClan!"

"My sisters mean everything to me. And I've been more of a father figure to Quietpaw than Thrushfur ever has. How is it, Sparrowstar, you trust Thrushfur to look out for the entirety of ThunderClan's future when he doesn't even care about his own kin? Because it sure as a fox's fang sounds like he cares more about his ambitions and goals than he does the Clan. He doesn't care about its survival. He doesn't care whether a Clanmate goes missing or dies... he doesn't bother to keep a connection with his family... and neither does Quailfur! I'm the only active figure in Quietpaw's LIFE!"

"My life... for eight moons... has been nothing but stress, worry, and anger. Toward the entirety of ThunderClan. My mother berated me for attending the meeting when you got announced as leader and not telling her! My sisters were there to comfort me. To change her perspective on the situation. I owe them so much... I am who I am because of my sisters. And if you don't do something about it, then I will. And may the stars have mercy, because I won't. Not toward anyone, even Thrushfur. The way I see it- Thrushfur's not my father and Quailfur is not my mother!"

Flameheart:

Humming in agreement, Sparrowstar gave a brief nod to the young Keeper.

"I will mention that during our next meeting. It seems that our youth need a reminder of the rules of camp, but Oriolepaw has gained enough consequences for this action on his own. Thank you for the report."

Rainpaw:

Stomping pawsteps were not a thing she heard everyday... Glancing up towards the entrance of her den as she rearranged the moss in her nest, Sparrowstar was surprised to see Rainpaw marching right on in with prickled fur and a clearly agitated look on his face. Blinking in bewilderment as the apprentice began to berate his father, mother, former mentor--even Batbloood, the tan molly slowly sat up as she took in everything that was said. This was... well it was certainly more than she was expecting to deal with first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately, what seemed to have been a legitimate concern from this young cat quickly devolved into what looked like a temper tantrum. Green eyes flashing as Rainpaw threatened to "do something about" Thrushfur and practically disowned his parents in front of her.

"That's quite enough!" she called out, voice stern and clear as she peered down at the tom before her and hopefully ending his rant. "While Thrushfur may not have been as attentive as he could have been to you and your littermates during kithood and the beginning of your apprenticeship, that has nothing to do with the skills and attributes I chose him to be deputy for. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but your situation is not dissimilar to many cats in this forest. Toms are not always present for kit's, and while queens are usually more attentive they complete their obligated duties once their kits reach their apprenticeship."

It was a hard truth to accept, but it was the way of the forest. Softening her tone slightly, she continued.

"I am not saying this to dismiss your concerns Rainpaw, but Thrushfur's ambition and straightforwardness are precisely why he was chosen to take over as deputy. The loss of your siblings is tragic, but no cat has eyes on the back of their head. Sometimes kits and apprentices choose to break the rules and wander off. It is unfortunate, but we cannot commit warriors to constantly search for missing cats and keep Thunderclan functional at the same time. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel. My younger sisters, my adoptive mother, and my former mentor all disappeared suddenly and it was heartbreaking. Heartbreaking, but there is nothing you can do about it. Cats need to make their own choices, or else they are no better than kits throughout their lives."

Pausing to take a breath, the tan molly allowed a moment of silence to permeate the den before awaiting Rainpaw's response.