ThunderClan: Life Before 2020's Fire

[Dirtfur]

@RedHead

Shadepaw- no! Still Sore! The now-apprentice like the apprentice name, but he is fond over Sore better, but he kept his tongue shut, only to stay in ThunderClan... for now.
Sore glared at the crowd of cats, showing challenging flare in his darkened eyes of waterish-aqua. He licked his lips as Flintstar mentioned Cherrybubble, ready to chow down on this weak mentor'[s neck. He bounded away and into the crowd, shoving other warriors away again, and waiting for Shadepaw's mentor. Where are you, you weak mentor?

[lio]

[ @vermin ]

Her worried gaze was only broken by the mention of her name, though it didn't surprise her that she was given Glass- or, well, Quillpaw- as an apprentice. She had brought him to the Clan, after all. Duskfeather still felt a faint nervousness within her, hoping that she'd be able to teach the strange tom correctly. And understand him.
Standing, she walked closer to Quillpaw and leaned closer, touching her nose to his with a smile. "I will train you as best I can. You will learn to become a true warrior of ThunderClan under my direction, and I will be sure of it." She nodded to him and flicked her tail, then turned to look back toward Flintstar. His exhaustion was visible, and she could feel her heart wrench for the leader. He needed to care for himself better, and as Duskfeather stared at him, awaiting the ending of the meeting, she made up her mind to help him do so. They didn't know each other much at all. But she didn't want to see him wither away slowly. So, with an affirmative nod to herslf, she made up her mind to approach the leader after the meeting was dismissed.

[RedHead]

Alright, now those were all finished and done, right? Yeah, he couldn’t think of anything else based around ceremonies he needed to do. Some of these ceremonies were probably not done right, but at this point he didn’t care. He still had a whole list of names to rattle off, practically all of the cats in his clan. Battle parties. He was forming battle parties, so that they could be more prepared come future events.

This had been what he had spent the majority of the night doing last night, trying to think of which cats would fit with who else, and if this was even going to work. He could only hope the cats remembered the number of the battle party he assigned them, maybe he should make symbols or something in the dirt somewhere in the clearing so they could remember…. No, that wouldn’t work. He would just have to trust his clanmates.

“Now, on to the last thing I wish to discuss with you all. As many of you may know, Riverclan is now aware of our alliance with Shadowclan, which could not be good for Thunderclan. I also have grown suspicious of how quiet Windclan has been being. Either they are really dead, or plotting something huge against us. I want Thunderclan to be prepared for whatever comes, and though I hate to say it, I dislike the lack of battle training we have all had. Thunderclan has been doing okay since the fire, though a little on the lean side, but we do need to sharpen our skills.” Flintstar paused a moment, to allow himself to take in some breath, as well as letting his words sink into the clan.

“First off, I want the patrols assigned by Buckbranch to be finished quickly and efficiently. Those cats who do so will be trusted to take on most of the patrols, while those cats who do not put in the effort to complete the patrols will be assigned other duties, ones that involve being confined within the camp and helping to clean some things up. Every cat will get a chance to prove themselves as a hard worker once again, but I am serious about these patrols. We need them done, and Buckbranch will be making sure the clan does them.” He nodded down to his deputy once, casting his gaze over the clan again to judge their reactions. Flintstar was usually never this insistent about things, and he wouldn’t categorize his decisions as “harsh” quite yet. He was giving his clan a warning.
[ @Slushie ]

“Secondly, this is the part that will hopefully ease some of my concerns about tensions with the other clans, and allow you all as my warriors some chances to sharpen your battle skills with one another. I will be assigning each of you part of a battle party. Thunderclan warriors and apprentices will be split into three large battle parties, which will make it easier for me to call upon specific cats if something ever takes us by surprise. I will be naming off warriors into their respective parties, and those warriors who have apprentices, your apprentice will be with you on the same party.”

Flintstar then leaped down from the highpeak, stumbling only slightly, before straightening up on the snowy ground. He then padded towards the gathered cats, wanting to be closer to them so they could hear him easily as well as know he was being serious about this. “Each of you are responsible for remembering the designated leader of your battle party, and hopefully that will help you remember which one you are in.”

Now was the time to rattle off names. Flinstar closed his eyes and took a deep breath, steeling himself before he opened them once again, glancing towards Owlwatcher. He didn’t know the tom very well, but he’d proved himself to be a valuable and loyal member of the clan.

“Owlwatcher is the leader of the first battle party. The cats who are a part of this one are as follows, warriors, and their apprentices.
Hawkclaw, Spottedheart, Dustbreeze, Cranerose, Songthorn, Honeyflower, Cherrybubble, and Linnetwing.” He made sure to pause after each name, letting the cat hear him clearly, before he glanced at Owlwatcher and gave the tom an affirmative nod and grateful smile.
[ @Shimm @touka @.:Raven:. @Ever @ponyapan @hxneysuckle @Fuzzy @Blissie Bliss ]

“Mintfrost is the leader of the second battle party. Those who are a part of this one are as follows, warriors, and their apprentices.
Snowflakedust, Sharpclaw, Bumblestep, Foxbound, Swifthare, Alderstripe, Bossomclaw, Tigerdawn and Minktail.” Same with this one, Flinstar said each cat’s name clearly. He then gave his old rival a smirk, though it was not full-force, and quiet tired-looking.
[ @Kitty Mama @Silhouettes @touka @|+Tired Rose Child+| @RuinsNight @.:Raven:. @Pepperkins @Tundra @Fuzzy ]

“The last battle party will be led by Duskfeather. Those who are a part of this one are as follows, warriors, and their apprentices.
First half, Icedust, Jaggedhawk, Lionwhisker, and Sunsnow. Second half, Rosethorn, Hollowedaster, Shadowsight, Tigerbranch, and Morningsun.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “This battle party may be split in half for emergency situations, so try and remember which half you are on.”
[ @hxneysuckle @Fuzzy @SilentLamb @Heartstruck @touka @Silhouettes @Shadowsight @rascalcats @Solstice_X ]

The leader, now done with naming off names, was glad he wouldn’t have to do apprentices again, that would definitely make him go insane or something. He knew he sounded a little repetitive, but he wanted to drill this into his clanmate's heads. “I will be open to discuss battle practice situations later on today, but for now, if you have any questions, ask around your fellow clanmates. I would like to see all of Thunderclan getting on with their duties, just keep in mind to get in some battle practice with some members from your party, for now.”

With that, the leader gave a nod, casting his gaze over all his clanmembers once more before speaking. “This meeting is now dismissed!” He announced, before retreating from the early morning sun into his den, hoping Buckbranch would take that as a hint and get some patrols going.

[Please take any further discussion of this meeting in rp to the Thunderclan Clearing!]

[lio]

[ @RedHead ]

After the meeting was dismissed, Duskfeather took note of the warriors she was to lead in a battle party, mumbling the names so she would not forget. "Icedust, Jaggedhawk, Lionwhisker, and Sunsnow in the first half. Rosethorn, Hollowedaster, Shadowsight, Tigerbranch, and Morningsun in the second half," she repeated. Her tail swayed from side to side and she stepped away from the crowd, making a bee-line toward the leader's den. She stood outside the den, squinting as she peered into it. The Torbie then cleared her throat, her ears perking in order to listen for noises within the den. "Flintstar?" Duskfeather called, "May I enter?" She fell silent after speaking, awaiting a response. Of course, she would still keep her manners even when she wanted to rush in and make sure Flintstar was well and resting.

[RedHead]

And there it was, her heart twisting. Buckbranch just sounded so sad. She placed her tail on his back in a comforting gesture, hoping she wasn’t overstepping any boundaries and wanting there to be something she could do to help the tom. But Foxbound didn’t know. She had no idea what would help.
She let out a sigh after he finished speaking, her ears flattening against her head. “I don’t hate you Buckbranch, I’m just... confused by you? Slightly untrusting of you? But i don’t hate you. The only cat i genuinely hate is my father, who’s a badger-hearted mouse-brain.” She gave the tom a small smile before flicking her ears upward again.
“I can see how you’re stressed, but maybe this is all going to help you in the future. Maybe one day, you’ll laugh about how silly you were to be doubtful of yourself, because you’ll be doing an amazing job at being deputy.” Foxbound nudged Buckbranch’s shoulder with her nose, smiling kindly. “I think you just need to give yourself some time. And talk to Flintstar, I’m sure he’ll understand and help you if he knows how stressed you are.”

@Slushie

[RedHead]

[Feel free to have any of your Thunderclan characters react to this rp that’s about to happen]

Flintstar was stressed, that was for sure. Stressed and tired, and a little hungry. But he didn’t mind that last part, he could survive, his clanmates needed it first, they didn’t have lives to spare. The leader had come into the clearing, more rested than usual but still in high alert for any news from the other clans. He was looking for Buckbranch, hoping his deputy would have done news for him from the border patrols. He needed some sort of information to ease his worries.

@Slushie

[dino.]

Buckbranch eyed Flintstar from across the clearing. His claws worked the soil as he tried to figure out what to say. He was concerned over Flintstar's adamant worry about WindClan. The moor-dwelling cats were probably just trying to get settle after their recent disaster, and Buckbranch understood being anxious over the Clan's recent silence and RiverClan's open hostility, but preparing for battle before a clear threat was even present was paranoid and insane. Double-time on patrols, too, he thought bitterly. Flintstar is going to run this Clan into the ground.
Cold determination pricking at his fur, he stalked over to Flintstar. His eyes were dark, and when he spoke, his voice was hard with barely-contained fury. "Flintstar," he began, "as deputy, my job is to support you, but it is also my responsibility to advise you, and that piece of my role is going to begin. Right now "

[ @RedHead ]

[dino.]

[ @RedHead ]

He flinched as she moved, thinking she was going to hit him for acting weak or something, but relaxed as her tail came to rest over his shoulders. He scooted closer to her, closing his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. "Confused, huh?" he mumbled, and laughed, though it sounded forced and weak. "I mean, it's better than hateful, at least." She talked about laughing it off, but she really had no idea how much he treasured his position. "I want to make a change in the world. A real difference, not just something that will hardly last a season or two. I want to be remembered for something great." Hid laugh now was scornful, devoid of hope. "Thats never going to happen if I keep screwing up. If I make even one more mistake, it could be the end, and I'll never achieve what I want to."
He finally opened his eyes, and twisted his head to look at her. She was smiling. Smiling at ME. He couldn't help but smile back, his muzzle twisting into a crooked, awkward grin. "I sure hope so. You're easy to talk to, Foxbound. I've... I've never really done this before. Thank you for listening."

[Sweetie]

@RedHead @hxneysuckle (I hope you don't mind me butting in)

Owlwatcher was stunned that the leader trusted him enough to make him the battle patrol leader. It warmed his heart to know that Flintstar had faith in him, I won't disappoint him. Marigold eyes watching as Duskfeather walks over to Flintstar's den. I should go over there too, I do have a few questions. Smoothing over his brown-hued pelt the warrior got up and followed the molly.
Not wanting to startled his clan-mate Owlwatcher cleared his throat, "Uh-hey Duskflight, I'm here for Flintstar too." His gaze meeting hers. Hopeully she wasn't annoyed that he popped in.

[RedHead]

[I'm going to respond to these as separate rps, just so you know]

Head between his forepaws, the tomcat was laying in his den, tail wrapped around himself as he stared at the stone wall at the back of his den. Did he make the right choice? Hopefully his clan wouldn’t be mad at him for this, or get too stressed out...? No. He wasn’t forcing battling on them, just suggesting they do it in their free time and maybe assigning a couple extra sessions. That was okay right? It was a precautionary measure.
Hearing Duskfeather outside, to no surprise, he knew he hadn’t been the best at hiding the fact he was exhausted, Flintstar sat up. He flicked his ears and turned to look over his shoulder. “Yeah, come on in.” He meowed.
@hxneysuckle

—

After his talk with Duskfeather Flintstar had stood, making his way toward the exit, almost running into Owlwatcher sitting outside. “Oh! Hey Owlwatcher.” He meowed, green eyes growing worried. He hoped the tom didn’t have a problem with the assignment he’d been given. That would only make Flintstar believe further that what he has decided to do for the clan was wrong.

@Shimm