alderstep
he/him
thunderclan
russet tabby w/ white paws, green eyes
How did cats lie in the sun, again? Like this? Alderstep twisted his body about, squinting up at the sky. Ew. Why was it so damn bright? He wasn't used to it. The leaf-bare's gloom had nuzzled up to him for too long, and he wasn't sure if he could ever let go of its clouds.
Now he felt stupid. 'Oh wow, look at that fully-grown warrior writhing about on the ground like a snake without its head!' Alderstep sat up, bolt-right, scoffing at himself quietly. His self-loathing or whatever that voice in his head had been dispelled at the sight of Rabbitchatter in the clearing. For a quick moment, the tabby tom wondered if he should just run out of camp before the other cat could spot him. No, Alderstep decided he wouldn't be doing that. It was suspiciously too cowardly for him.
What caught the russet tom's interest, however, was the fact that Rabbitchatter had poked his nose into the nursery. Alderstep winced, already expecting a swarm of malicious furballs to descend on his frie- fellow clanmate. He was quite surprised (to say the least) when that did not happen. No, he was almost horrified to notice that kits had actually followed Rabbit out of the nursery.
Whatever, that didn't matter. Alderstep did his best to settle back down into the sun's rays, closing his eyes despite his need, his itch, to do something. He needed the rest, though. At least, that was what he was telling himself. The tom had decidedly chosen to not give any bit of his attention to whatever was going down in the clearing. Dealing with kits seemed like such a pain in the tail right now.
Walking back into camp after a near disaster of a patrol, Flameheart's whiskers twitched with apprehension. Sure, the ThunderClan and ShadowClan patrol didn't get into yet another fight and escalate the already high tensions between Clans, but it was still worthy to mention it so that everyone could remain in the loop. The only place the young Keeper walked was to where she was assigned the border patrol: the Thunderwillow and Bumblebreak.
"Bumblebreak." she gave a curt nod to the older she-cat before continuing. "The patrol went alright. We bumped into a ShadowClan patrol, but things remained neutral. No blood shed, no arguing with them. Though... Spiderthroat and Cranberryfrog did argue a little bit. Nothing I couldn't handle though, the patrol went smoothly."
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Characters
Crow (Purrks: Heightened Perception, Agatha Kitty, Hulk SMASH, Dreamwalker)
Ravenhawk
"I fought a moth, if that counts. I couldn't find anything better to attack. It was big, though!", he excitedly responded. "I promise I'll catch the biggest and the plumpest squirrel for you once I'm an apprentice", he vowed. He sure couldn't wait to become an apprentice. He would be able to leave camp and attend gatherings. He would also get to sleep in the apprentices' den, though he was not much excited about it. How would he be able to stay away from his mother? Frostfeather washed him, her tongue gracefully scaling his mess of a pelt. "My fur's going to turn white if you groom me too much!", he complained, trying to squirm out of his mother's grasp.
Dawnstream padded back into the clearing and placed her catch of a vole and a mouse on the fresh kill pile. "Bumblebeak, the Patrol went good. We were able to catch some prey. We could hear and smell the starting to come out of there holes a little bit. I would say in the future the cove is a good place to send hunting patrols. Not that you aske my opinion, but I just wanted you to know." Dawnstream started to stumble over her words so she just stoped talking. SHe dipped her head as a sign of respect and picked up a small sparrow and walked toward the warriors den to eat them maybe get some sleep.
Lots of important and heavy matters had to be discussed, the first being what happened with Thunderblaze and her encounter with Indigo. But the interactions ThunderClan had with ShadowClan at the Gathering two moons ago had her very concerned for the safety of her Clanmates, so that was her second topic of discussion.
"Sparrow- Thrushfur…? I have some topics to discuss that require not only your attention but also input." she hummed before coming in to discuss what was on her mind.
"Uh- first, I need to tell you about Thunderblaze. I was walking around the territory on my morning walk today and, uh... Violetpaw came out of nowhere and attacked me. I'm fine though, don't worry. She didn't recognize me at first, but... we got to talking and she said Thunderblaze attempted to kill her during a fight they had on the edge of our border with the outskirts. I talked to Thunderblaze to get his side of the story and... he lied to me about it. Twice. But he did eventually admit to the attempted murder. I confined him to the prisoner's den until further notice so you can get all the details. I had Hailhawk and Foxflurry guard the prisoner's den and told Thunderblaze he is not allowed anywhere without two warriors until this situation is handled." Gosh, that was a lot to explain, and that would definitely be a lot for Thrushfur to take in as the Clan's new leader.
"The... second topic I wish to discuss is our relationship with WindClan. The Gathering that took place two moons ago has concerned me, and I feel it would be better if we were to have an ally in case something goes wrong and ShadowClan starts a war. I know it seems unlikely that a war would happen between ShadowClan and ThunderClan, but it never hurts to be prepared. This is not meant to be an insult in any way, but I'd like to point out the saying, 'A wise leader never seeks out war, but must always be ready for it'. My goal here as a Keeper is to have peace amongst the Clans, and if this is the first step then I'm all for it. What are your thoughts on this?" That was a somewhat lighter topic, but nonetheless important. Having WindClan as an ally, hopefully, would make for a stronger ThunderClan. "If you agree, I could go over to WindClan and bring up my proposal to Twilightstar. Of course, if you want me to."
As he noticed Flameheart standing at his den's entrance, he turned around. His ears pricked up as Thunderblaze was mentioned. He was, um, his aunt's mate, wasn't he? She, unfortunately, died as a result of birth complications. He also missed seeing her pass because he was elsewhere. He exhaled and put everything behind him. She could now rest peacefully with his mother. He paid attention to her worries. He became agitated when he discovered that Thunderblaze wouldn't even permit a former Thunderclan cat to return to camp. Attempting to murder her. But he managed to control his rage by considering the likelihood that it would occur. Violetpaw may have been mistaken for a rogue by Thunderblaze because she hasn't been seen in moons. If Thunderblaze didn't even recognize Violetpaw, that might have been a reason for him to attack her. Yet it would be extreme to kill a cat that wasn't your size. It was generally said to only murder rogues if necessary; else, push them out. Thunderblaze ought to have just pushed Violetpaw out of the area if she was already hurt. There is no need to exert much effort. Flameheart continued to discuss new regional ties for their clan as he sighed. "Please send Thunderblaze my way so we can discuss this if you're able. I'll take appropriate action."
Flameheart seeking to join forces with Windclan? He didn't think Twilightstar would make such demands right away without even being aware that a war would start. Being knowledgeable, Twilightstar prioritizes her clan over anything. Windclan never sought to cause any problem; they were as tranquil as the breeze. Also, he didn't want to get Windclan into any trouble. He scowled, anticipating a conflict between the two clans. "There is no reason for traveling so far to ask Windclan for permission. Twilightstar has her own methods. I doubt Twilightstar would want to put her clan in such peril if a conflict should break out. Because there would only be a conflict between the two clans. If a conflict were to break out, I will bring up that notion to Twilightstar. Thank you for notifying me about this Flameheart; your ideas come in as a savior would."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guardian Fox
Spikystalker dipped his head "i think they may Have spoken to Sparrowstar about it, since Sundust Seems to know about him, given the kits been hanging around the Medicine den entrance." He Meowed, then answering the leaders Next Question "i was thinking of Calling Him Yewkit or Yewpaw,Since he's around 5 and a half by the looks of it. but i'll leave that for you to decide Thrushfur" he dipped his head again and went silent @Eaglet
He discreetly nodded while listening. It appeared that Sparrowstar had given him no information about this. Does he really have to solve everything, then? He groaned. While he was deputy, he might have been a little less knowledgeable. Being a leader with blind spots is disadvantageous. His eyes flickered to Spikystalker. "Yewkit, indeed. Thank you Spikystalker for bringing this up; I'll bring it up at the next clan meeting."
Quote:
Originally Posted by ~_LuzNoceda_~
~~Sharpeye~~
Sharpeye smiled at Thrustfur. "I can't stand being in a den! I want to do something!" He said, trying to get in a position that wasn't weird.
Thrushfur smiled slightly."You certainly can, and I'll let the clan know. I'll take good care of each member of my clan in the manner of Sparrowstar. Sharpeye, your request has been fulfilled."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yugo.
Ghost’paw
Ghost’paw inwardly sighed as thrushfur agreed to hear what he had to say. I recommend that we begin to train the younger generation and some of the younger warriors in speed and to blend in better in the background. his ear flicked as he thought hard for a moment. If shadowclan can keep to the shadows and windclan to the moors id say our best chance at avoiding them is to be better aware of our surrounding forest. That doesn’t mean we aren’t familiar with it just that we need to know it better like the back of our paws. I was wondering if we could add one more or possibly two more classes to the teachings. he paused to catch his breath. As I never got those lessons so for everyone else I wish to help protect my clan to the best of my ability. Maybe we could add a class that deals with blending in to the forest better while another lecture’s about how to avoid and dodge two’legs. It may take a while but i do truly believe that if we try this will pay off in the long shot. dipping his head he added one last thing. I am willing to teach one of those classes myself if you’d like.
In response to Ghostpaw's suggestion, he blinked and strained his brows. Becoming used to the greenery that surrounds them, mm. Seemed like a wise decision. Adding two additional classes, though. He would pay attention to what Ghostpaw has to say. Unless he considers these classes to be advantageous to his clan. He would turn down further suggestions. And yes, the addition of the kit curriculum classes was very recent. Not everyone, including him, had the chance to enroll in these classes. He did, however, wish that these classes had been introduced earlier. Kits then were so boisterous. They are far more obedient now. He paid attention to Ghostpaws' advice. A new kit class that blends better into the forest. He thought that was a decent idea if Ghostpaw meant to blend in with the trees or camouflage. But there were a lot of risks involved. "I like the concept of avoiding twolegs, but everyone should be aware of it. As kits and apprentices aren't permitted to venture out without an older-ranking escort, I don't believe adding a class for them will add much. In terms of the forest blending, are you planning on bringing the kits on a brief trek for these classes? If so, you'll need to consider the risk we are putting kits in. Yet, it would be a great idea to include that class if it is merely in camp. Thanks for the advice, Ghostpaw; I appreciate it. I'll give you the okay to teach if you want to."
Sootfur felt only half-comforted by Thrushfur's promises. One cat has already died. And he was not the only one. How many other of his clanmates will suffer under Dawnstar's claws? The gray tabby couldn't help but feel like no leader in Thunderclan or in the whole group of clans will ever dare to challenge Shadowclan. To him, every promise was empty. A sick remembrance of Dawnpaw's skinned body left at the vultures.
He darkened his eyes at the mention of vengeance but dipped his head to the new leader. He would never want to send his clanmates into battle without the right consideration. He would never want to see Flameheart there, facing Shadowclan and fighting for her life. But this was going too far, and no one seemed to realize it... what if, the next time he would find Crowpaw's body? What about Flameheart? She was very well-known, never scared to speak for herself.
He stared at his paws feeling miserable, exhausted. Tonight he wouldn't go to sleep without first grooming himself. Maybe, it would be better to just sleep outside alone in the cold night. "...I understand, Thrushfur. But remember that today a young, inexperienced, vulnerable apprentice was attacked without good reason and his honor torn away." We didn't even had the chance to bury him in Willow's Rise.
Sootfur padded toward the entrance of the leader's den, stopping right at the edge. Without turning his gaze, he spoke his last words."...Shadowclan isn't a clan of warriors anymore. Just a bunch of rogues with their own rules."
And with that he left the den with a swirl of his dirty tail, leaving dirt and mud paw steps along the way.
He could see Sootfur's form bearing a pitiful anguish. He quickly averted his gaze. Perhaps he went a little overboard with his threats of vengeance? He didn't even think before he spoke those remarks. He didn't want Dawnstar and her clan to become their adversaries. Their clan would be in just too much danger. To Dawnpaw's death and the border battle. And would there be any further bloodshed? He didn't like the concept of having red virtually always in his field of vision. He turned to look at Sootfur as he dragged himself away from him. Leaving mud-covered paw tracks close to his entry. He exhaled deeply.
Was that all there was to it? Was a clan really just a bunch of uncivil rogues? What if they had the same outcome? If they did that, they would all appear to be hypocrites. An apprentice also perished as a result of Shadowclan. A Thunderclan apprentice who aspired to be a warrior someday. Was trumped by adult disputes over their ways and rules. To only end up dead on the forest floor. He was at a loss for what to do. Why did he rise to leadership in a heated water hole? They anticipated him to command Thunderclan and make everything right. He assured them about their most recent encounter. And he must fulfill his obligations; he always does.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willowfern
A smile lit up Roosterflame’s face as Thrushfur allowed him to come in. He picked up the nest making materials and sat down across from Thrushfur, unrolling the ball of moss and feathers and setting to work, though he was a bit distracted, wondering if he should say what he came in here for or not. In the end, he decided to just say it flat out. “Thrushfur, I would like to challenge you for the open Keeper position,” Roosterflame meowed, sitting up a little taller as he untangled a feather from the moss ball, “I believe I would make a valuable contribution to the existing Keeper unit, I know that I appear silly because, well, I kind of am, but I hope that I have also proven myself to be a very loyal and trustworthy member of my adopted clan.
If you aren’t familiar with my story, I came to ThunderClan as a former barn cat, then with only the simple dream of becoming a warrior, though I didn’t know what it really meant at the time.
I discovered, during my training and warriorhood the amazing world that I had joined. Sure, the clan was going to hell during that time, but I saw the incredible potential for greatness my new home had, and I wasn’t going to leave. Now, the clan is healing, we’re getting steadily stronger, and ThunderClan… it’s given me more than I’d ever thought I could have,” Roosterflame paused, voice heavy with emotion, as he thought of his best friend, his two apprentices, and Fuzzkit, the tiny kitten who was helping Roosterflame to stay sane during this painful time, “I want to give back to my clan, and becoming a Keeper is the highest level of service to my clan- besides deputyship, leadership, and becoming a medicine cat, but you know what I mean- that I can reach.
I know I don’t have to say all of this to challenge you, but I just want to tell you that I’m not best of the best at fighting, (though I am pretty good, I guess) and there’s a chance I will lose to you, so, I am telling you all this to get you to consider something:
There are some cats in this clan who are incredibly adept at fighting, but they aren’t the kind of cats who would work for this kind of role. Keepers are meant to keep things safe, and to protect the integrity of the clan, and some cats just don’t understand that. They may think it’s all about boasting our power. I know what happens when you try to align yourself up there with the sun, you get broiled. ThunderClan is getting stronger, but we’re not impregnable. We need Keepers to help govern the clan, not for trying to show off.”
Roosterflame took a deep breath, my, my, even when he was trying to be all professional, he babbled. “I mean,” He continued, “What if a cat known for their tendency to start fights for no reason won against you? Well, I would hope that you’d deny them the role, if you’re sensible- not saying you aren’t! Sorry. Uhm,” He paused, inwardly wincing at his poor word choice, “Okay, well, let’s assume that what I’ve said were true, okay? Okay. But, now what if someone won against you, and they aren’t known for starting fights for no reason, but what if they do have that tendency? Well, you’d know that, if you knew them, right? That’s why I’m, uh, talking so much. I’m trying to get you to understand the kind of cat I am, so that your decision doesn’t have to be based on fighting skill alone, even though fighting skill is an important part of this.”
When he had finished his little speech, he set his mind back on completing the nest. When he had it in a good shape and form, he added the feathers to the bottom and to the edges, though he made sure to clip off the feather stems with his teeth and claws. He pushed the nest over to the spot where Sparrowstar’s had once been, and then he padded back over to Thrushfur. “Test out the nest, let me know if I should add more moss or feathers,” Roosterflame meowed after a beat of silence.
He saw as Roosterflame came into the space to begin building his nest. Seeing a warrior at work was soothing, but Roosterflame abruptly stated that he desired the Keeper position. He kept blinking his eyes. He was amused by Roosterflame's effort and commitment to this position as he was being spoken to. He discovered that every Keeper in Thunderclan was devoted to their work. He was pleased to say that it was excellent. To demonstrate his value to him. He would make Roosterflame a Keeper right now if he could. to discuss his value, his background, and the challenges he encountered. There were histories for everyone. He even had a history that he was proud to share with everyone. Even though he was half Riverclan, he was still capable of achieving success. He made repeated sincere attempts to connect, but he was no longer the devoted parent he had been. To stay as long as he could in the service of his clan. He would continue leading Thunderclan no matter what horrific circumstances the clan encountered. For a long time to come. Thrushfur pondered those views after hearing Roosterflame speak. Even so, Keepers had to have the ability to defeat him in a duel. They may not always be qualified based on that. Of course, he makes any necessary behavioral and other observations. He was aware of his vulnerability. He's credulous, among other things. He discovered that he had the propensity to copy the actions of his former leader. Simply copying without stopping. Sparrowstar is a memory that everyone wishes to remember.
Yet all of those concepts came from Roosterflame. These concepts influence the kind of leader he might develop into. He might develop into a good, bad, neutral, or persistent leader. No two leaders ever possessed the same personality. Thunderclan was known for the forest, Riverclan for their skill in swimming and fishing, Shadowclan for their ability to disappear into the shadows, and Windclan for their swiftness in catching hares. Everybody was unique. Each external disaster he has experienced has changed him. He would have to take the risk even though it was dangerous. He smiled a little and chuckled. "What kind of cat do you think I am Roosterflame? You must be weird if you believe that the only way I would accept you as honorable is if you defeated me in a duel while giving me a comprehensive testament. You came here to motivate me and to demonstrate to me your commitment to Thunderclan. You're still proving to me that you have the honor and bravery to assume the position of Keeper, even if you lose against me. It simply served to demonstrate to me how much Thunderclan has been through and how resilient you are. About what you mentioned, I was inspired by it. To develop into a leader who isn't required to behave or be like Sparrowstar. But I'll be able to create the kind of leader I want. I don't care if you win or lose a fight with me; all I care about is whether you're deserving. If you're worthy of becoming a Keeper, if you're worthy of becoming a foundation for Thundeclan itself. And I can already see a considerable amount of evidence inside of you." He grunted, clearing his throat. "There will still be a spar, of course. But I can assure you that your position is secure. But let's simply spar for kicks. You don't mind, do you?" In the direction of his brand-new nest, his gaze flitted. observing how it was molded and embellished with various feathers. He had mixed feelings about the new treatment. He merely desired a typical nest. He desired to be a leader who had more than simply a title. Nonetheless, one with his clan. An elder, a warrior, a kit, and an apprentice. He aspired to be that kind of a leader. "Ah- testing- well okay." He squirmed out of his seat and moved closer to the nest. He kneaded the newly constructed nest with his paws. He nodded slightly as he turned to face Roosterflame. "It’s perfect."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Faline
DUCKKIT
With a little grumble of irritation, the little kit was ready. He had groomed his puffy fur five times today, in order to show well presentation. He had licked his tail and rid of all the fleas in his pelt. He licked his jaws and chewed some mint for his breath, all was ready. So he begin the climb. Climbing up the paw quaking climb towards the den. At last, he arrived. He stopped outside the lichen curtains. “Mr. Thrushfur???? Helloooo?” he called, puffing his chest.
For some reason, his mind was at ease now. Nothing to bother him, nothing going on right now. For the first time in a long time, hearing silence was therapeutic. His clan was always on the move. He closed his eyes for a brief moment of meditation before opening them when he heard someone enter his den. At the entrance, Duckkit was standing there with his chest puffed up. His brows raised. "Yes? Come in."
Cherryrain quickly burshed past Duckkit, eager to get inside the den. "Thrushfur!" she called loudly, deeply disturbed. She needed a patrol organized stat! She tried not to visualize the apprentice's corpse, crushed by the large branch.
He then heard someone burst through while keeping his attention on Duckkit. Pelting past Duckkkit into his den. At the queen, he furrowed his brows. "Calm yourself Cherryrain. You could have knocked Duckkit over. Now, what is it that has hurriedly and frantically brought you here?"
Re: ThunderClan Clearing
Re: ThunderClan Nursery
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