RiverClan Leader's Den - Page 162

17818 · #**1611** January 8th, 2023, 09:04 AM

Fishkit
7/10
The small kit huddled into the imposing leader’s warm fur. He vowed to himself that he’d have a fluffy pelt. Forever. He looked up into the warm blue eye of the leader. He always wondered how Pikestar lost his eye. His lip quivered. “Do you know where my mama is?” he whimpered, sadness clinging to his pelt. “One day she said she was going to explore and it’s been four days.” he took a shuddering breath. Maybe mama was out picking berries and got lost, or maybe she was helping a squirrel family move to a tree? “I really miss her.” he mewed, closing his eyes.

[ @canineantics - For some info, his mother died of greencough ]

**Caspian** · #**1612** January 8th, 2023, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

From within the RiverClan leader’s den, Pikestar was tending to a hefty grooming session, battling the beast of a pelt he called his own. He drew his rough tongue over his bushy chest fur in heavy, frustrated strokes as they fought to tame the long gray-hued strands of hair. It was something he had neglected for quite awhile due to his own bustling schedule and crippling mental health so it was far from a quick and easy task to tackle. However, his large oriental ears perked up immediately as he heard the sound of Marigoldleap asking to speak with him. The molly was an unexpected visitor, for sure, but never an unwelcomed one. "Of course," Pikestar meowed, pausing in his grooming to sit up straight, "Come in, Marigoldleap." The scarred she-cat's tone held no urgency, so there was in concern in the leader's stance. Though he was curious regardless to what she wanted to speak about. Hopefully nothing bad.

Lending a listening ear to the apprentice’s worries, Pikestar blinked at the younger tomcat in slight surprise. Stars, he was eight moons old already? It felt like such yesterday he had named Bouncepaw an apprentice of RiverClan. Time sure did fly these days, especially when you were this busy. “Of course you can.” They reassured the seemingly-anxious youth, tilting their head to the side curiously, “I do hope Mistycloud is treating you well. Has she taught you anything since I made her your mentor?” Pikestar had no time for lazy mentors, or clanmates in general. Also, wasn't this Bouncepaw's second mentor since he became an apprentice? If she had failed him like his first teacher, then surely Pikestar needed to go about this in a different way, but something told him that it wasn't that serious. "If I may ask, why are you in such a rush, Bouncepaw? You should be enjoying your youth while you can, you know." Great StarClan, saying that made Pikestar feel old. "You still have four whole moons to train. That's a lot of time."

It was late in the day, with the sun nearly having set over the horizon, and the RiverClan leader was hidden away in his den as per usual. He hummed softly to himself and poked aimlessly at his moss nest with one claw, wondering if he should try some new kind of bedding in the future. Feathers? Maybe. Or the loose fur from his own pelt? No, that was weird. Pikestar couldn’t really do much to make his den more homey-feeling until newleaf rolled around, so it was probably in his best interest to wait it out. The small squeak of a kitten drew the large dark-furred oriental from his thoughts however. He turned his head to see young Fishkit in the maw of his den, shivering against the cold. “Fishkit!” Pikestar exclaimed softly, rising to his paws and padding over to the small scrap of fur, “What are you doing so far from the nursery? You’ll catch a cold.” He sounded like a worrisome parent with a tone like that, but he didn’t dare dismiss such a thing. Pikestar sat down and curled his fluffy gray-furred tail around the dark-furred kitten to give some warmth.

Seeing the other tomcat light up at their outward enthusiasm towards his ideas, the RiverClan leader couldn’t help but smile gently. He knew how nice it felt to be listened to and taken seriously, especially when you had projects that some cats would normally scoff at. Hopefully, Slatestripe could see that Pikestar did genuinely care about what he had to say, and that the long-furred oriental would always be here to hear him out. He wanted RiverClan to be something that was built from the ground up by the clan as a whole, not just from him, Gingerfrost and Fawnlight alone. That had always been his overall goal since he became a high-rank all that time ago. Upon hearing that Slatestripe had one more idea to share, Pikestar pulled himself out of his thoughts and put his full attention back on the RiverClan warrior, showing that he was, in fact, listening and intrigued. Feedback and ideas were always appreciated.

The topic surrounded funerals and how they were done in RiverClan, which was understandable. They had been a certain way for as long as the tall tom could remember, and Pikestar had to agree with Slatestripe: Very plain, boring and needed something more. He himself had a few ideas of his own on how to improve such a tradition, but the RiverClan leader decided to hear out the warrior first and foremost. As Slatestripe spoke on, they nodded along pensively, humming in response. That was a fine idea, and it would probably benefit the clan in a useful way. Flashbacks to the earlier days of his clan leadership when deaths were high and frequent, cats were involved in seeing bodies when they didn’t need to, which brought trauma and other terrible feelings. Fawnlight stuck out to him, but he also knew that he too was severely involved in the dreary time in RiverClan’s history. It was something he did not like to think about too frequently for personal reasons. "I'll see to it that a place near camp in made for funeral preparations in the future."

Their conversation moved forward, and more was to be determined. It all sounded very well-kept and organized, which Pikestar liked. Personally, he was unsure if Fawnpaw would be okay with being a funeral director, especially after seeing so many dead bodies in her youth. He would not move forward on that until speaking with her one-on-one though. Like Slatestripe had said, it didn’t have to be the medicine cat and it could more so be someone that the family of the deceased picked out. Did that mean Pikestar should find cats within RiverClan comfortable with such responsibilities? Or should they leave that up to said loved ones of the deceased? The tall oriental tomcat decided to leave those questions for a later time, and instead focus on the next bit of the warrior’s speech. A symbol of the dead would be buried with them. Now that was an intriguing proposition. And it seemed simple enough, so Pikestar was fine with allowing it. "I think those all sound like fine ideas, Slatestripe, and I believe they could bring some much needed change to RiverClan. Good change too." The dark-furred oriental meowed, whiskers twitching as he spoke, I believe this is something I'd like to propose at the next clanwide meeting, to the rest of our clanmates... if that is alright with you?" He'll probably also have a word with Gingerfrost and Fawnpaw about this beforehand as well. Maybe with the shields too. Hm. Decisions, decisions. So many to make in so little time. It made their head spin.

He sighed, “Yes, but she is teaching me slowly, and I really want to become a warrior at the appropriate age”Bouncepaw’s ears pricked when he said enjoy your youth. But 4 moons!? With the slowdown of his first mentor disappearing and the slowness he is being taught with, he’ll be 30 moons by the time he even gets an assessment! Of course, Bouncepaw didn’t know he was overreacting, it worried him alot. “I just need a few more warriors to help with my training, if that’s okay with you, sir”

**Captain** · #**1613** January 9th, 2023, 04:01 AM

Well, Pikestar supposed this mindset was better than another apprentice that took a thousand moons to become a warrior. “I understand, Bouncepaw, don’t worry.” The tall oriental tomcat assured him, waving his bushy tail through the air dismissively, “You can find ask any warrior you'd like for further assistance on your training. There’s no need to ask my permission. It is a common practice here in RiverClan.” Within their ranks, Slatestripe tended to help many apprentices with their lessons, as well as the shields, and even Otterfluff with certain young cats. Training was never just limited to mentor and apprentice. Sure, some cats preferred it that way, but it wasn't against the code or anything. He ignored the younger tomcat's use of 'sir' and decided instead to propose something. "Tell me, what do you still need to be taught, young one?" Pikestar asked, looking at the youth.

**Madelaine** · #**1614** January 9th, 2023, 05:36 AM

Marigoldleap - Female[she/her]

Upon hearing approval to come in the large scarred molly moved inside. She didn't think this would take too long. She didn't want to take too much time away from Pikestar. "Well first things first I'm here for no bad news.", she meowed. She hoped the bad news was behind her home. Hopefully what she had to say would be one of the first starts besides the recent news on Fawnlight. "I won't be able to do warrior duties for too long as I found out myself that I'm expecting kits and would like to move to the nursery soon.", she meowed. One of her scarred eared flickered. This wasn't her first litter, so she knew what she had to do.

[ @canineantics; ]

**Caspian** · #**1615** January 9th, 2023, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

Well, Pikestar supposed this mindset was better than another apprentice that took a thousand moons to become a warrior. “I understand, Bouncepaw, don’t worry.” The tall oriental tomcat assured him, waving his bushy tail through the air dismissively, “You can find ask any warrior you'd like for further assistance on your training. There’s no need to ask my permission. It is a common practice here in RiverClan.” Within their ranks, Slatestripe tended to help many apprentices with their lessons, as well as the shields, and even Otterfluff with certain young cats. Training was never just limited to mentor and apprentice. Sure, some cats preferred it that way, but it wasn't against the code or anything. He ignored the younger tomcat's use of 'sir' and decided instead to propose something. "Tell me, what do you still need to be taught, young one?" Pikestar asked, looking at the youth.

He smiled when he said he could ask some warriors to help him. He frowned when Pikestar asked for him to say what he still needed to learn from Mistycloud. He inhaled the frosty air, “Sorry if this is a long list, I still need to learn back kick, belly rake, Mistycloud id teaching me the front paw blow, front paw strike, killing bite, leap-and-hold, partner fighting, play dead, scruff shake, tail yank… it goes on”

**Captain** · #**1616** January 10th, 2023, 04:01 AM

As the young apprentice listed off nothing but battle moves, the tall oriental tomcat couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Surely, you don’t intend to just focus solely on fighting techniques?” Pikestar quipped questioningly, his right ear twitching, “There is more to being a warrior than just battle, Bouncepaw. A true clan warrior must also know how to hunt, fish, and swim too.” Hopefully, Mistycloud would teach the calico tomcat that and make sure he grew into a warrior that didn’t strive for fighting and fighting alone. He gave another brisk sigh, leaning back slightly. “But, if you are so adamant on learning all those moves, I could show you how to preform a back kick―only if you’re interested, of course.” A rare opportunity was now presented to young Bouncepaw: his very own battle lesson from the RiverClan leader himself. Pikestar had not instructed fighting techniques in quite some time, not since Bluefang was young, but that didn’t mean he didn’t know a thing or two. They had participated in real battles.

A slight smile came to the fluffy RiverClan leader’s expression, pleased to hear that it wasn’t any bad news. Hopefully, such troubling times could be put behind them and they could all strive for a brighter, happier future as a whole clan. Regardless, Pikestar listened silently and respectfully to what the molly had to say. “Kittens? Marigoldleap, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.” He remarked with an accepting nod of his head, “Of course, of course. Feel free to move into the nursery as soon as you’d like. Don’t worry about a thing aside from caring about your little ones.” It wasn’t too often that cats came to Pikestar to tell them about their future litters, but the tall oriental was always quite delighted to hear about the future generations of RiverClan. "Thank you for letting me know, I appreciate it. Do you need anything else?" Perhaps it was a stupid question to ask, but the large dark-furred clan leader wished to help however he could when he could. Plus, he didn't want to waste Marigoldleap's time when she could be settling into a nursery nest right now. The time of leafbare was a dangerous time for pregnant queens and newborn kittens, but he would make sure they were safe.

With the small kitten now huddled against him, Pikestar raised one big paw and gently rested it on Fishkit’s back, holding them close so they could keep warm. It didn’t take long at all for the RiverClan youth to peer up at the oriental tomcat, seeming to stare into his single eye with an unspoken curiosity. The question that Fishkit asked, however, was not something he expected. Their mother? “What’s your mama’s name, little one?” Pikestar asked, wondering if the tiny ball of fur was old enough to even know his birth mother other than just simply mom. He listened to Fishkit’s situation, about the molly saying she would go out and now it’s been four full days. Oh dear… That wasn’t good. The long-furred RiverClan leader was silent for several long moments. "...I'm sure she'll come back, Fishkit." He murmured softly, "She probably was sent on a special mission by StarClan themselves."

[ In order for Fishkit's mother to have died by greencough, I would check with Fawnlight (@/birdie) if that's okay since she's RiverClan's medicine cat. ]

**Caspian** · #**1617** January 10th, 2023, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

As the young apprentice listed off nothing but battle moves, the tall oriental tomcat couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Surely, you don’t intend to just focus solely on fighting techniques?” Pikestar quipped questioningly, his right ear twitching, “There is more to being a warrior than just battle, Bouncepaw. A true clan warrior must also know how to hunt, fish, and swim too.” Hopefully, Mistycloud would teach the calico tomcat that and make sure he grew into a warrior that didn’t strive for fighting and fighting alone. He gave another brisk sigh, leaning back slightly. “But, if you are so adamant on learning all those moves, I could show you how to preform a back kick―only if you’re interested, of course.” A rare opportunity was now presented to young Bouncepaw: his very own battle lesson from the RiverClan leader himself. Pikestar had not instructed fighting techniques in quite some time, not since Bluefang was young, but that didn’t mean he didn’t know a thing or two. They had participated in real battles.

A slight smile came to the fluffy RiverClan leader’s expression, pleased to hear that it wasn’t any bad news. Hopefully, such troubling times could be put behind them and they could all strive for a brighter, happier future as a whole clan. Regardless, Pikestar listened silently and respectfully to what the molly had to say. “Kittens? Marigoldleap, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.” He remarked with an accepting nod of his head, “Of course, of course. Feel free to move into the nursery as soon as you’d like. Don’t worry about a thing aside from caring about your little ones.” It wasn’t too often that cats came to Pikestar to tell them about their future litters, but the tall oriental was always quite delighted to hear about the future generations of RiverClan. "Thank you for letting me know, I appreciate it. Do you need anything else?" Perhaps it was a stupid question to ask, but the large dark-furred clan leader wished to help however he could when he could. Plus, he didn't want to waste Marigoldleap's time when she could be settling into a nursery nest right now. The time of leafbare was a dangerous time for pregnant queens and newborn kittens, but he would make sure they were safe.

With the small kitten now huddled against him, Pikestar raised one big paw and gently rested it on Fishkit’s back, holding them close so they could keep warm. It didn’t take long at all for the RiverClan youth to peer up at the oriental tomcat, seeming to stare into his single eye with an unspoken curiosity. The question that Fishkit asked, however, was not something he expected. Their mother? “What’s your mama’s name, little one?” Pikestar asked, wondering if the tiny ball of fur was old enough to even know his birth mother other than just simply mom. He listened to Fishkit’s situation, about the molly saying she would go out and now it’s been four full days. Oh dear… That wasn’t good. The long-furred RiverClan leader was silent for several long moments. "...I'm sure she'll come back, Fishkit." He murmured softly, "She probably was sent on a special mission by StarClan themselves."

[ In order for Fishkit's mother to have died by greencough, I would check with Fawnlight (@/birdie) if that's okay since she's RiverClan's medicine cat. ]

He wanted to smack himself forcefully on the face as Pikestar had pointed out he had only been listing battle moves. Stupid! He brightened up when his leader offered to help him with a move. “Yes, please!”

**BirdieChirp** · #**1618** January 10th, 2023, 11:42 AM

RosemaryKit
RosemaryKit looked to her mother for guidance on what to do now. "Do I go in?" She whispered, nervous.
{ @lonely.lilyx - LilyCreek + @canineantics - PikeStar }

**Madelaine** · #**1619** January 10th, 2023, 02:20 PM

Marigoldleap
━━━━━━♡♥♡━━━━━━
Female[she/her]

Now that she got it over with she calmed down a bit. She should of told Slatestripe first but she was kind of wanting to hold off for a while on that. He was just a small fling. That was it, but she felt he had to know eventually or he'd find out from something or someone else. Marigoldleap was dreading having to stay in the nursery. It was the one thing she didn't care for, but she had to for them.

Marigoldleap shook her head at the question of if there was anything else. She just wanted to make a quick visit before settling down in the nursery. She already was nervous even with having done this before. She thought maybe it was the fear of Shadowclan finding out. It wasn't likely, but it still freaked her out. Dawnstar might not be too happy or might even kill them if she knew. "I just wanted to let you know before I began to settle down.", she meowed. Her nervousness kind of showed, but she hoped he wouldn't notice. Maybe he wouldn't?

┌─────── ∘°∘♡∘°∘ ───────┐
@canineantics;
└─────── °∘∘♡∘∘° ───────┘

**sol.** · #**1620** January 10th, 2023, 02:32 PM

LILYCREEK

She felt a small pair of eyes on her, and looked over at her kit. She smiled fondly. "Yes, dear. Come, remember to mind your manners now." She stepped aside a little, a beam of adoration with the slightest hint of impossibility shimmering in her green eyes.

"Pikestar," she warbled out, feeling a small wave of tears come on. "It's amazing. Rosemarykit, Sproutkit's sister," a small part of her hissed as she mentioned the name, "she's returned home."

[ @canineantics @BirdieChirp ]