ThunderClan: Life Before 2023's Sinkhole

[Spirit form]

Originally Posted by Brightlight

--Daykit--

Daykit leapt to his paws. "Ok then! Let's play!" Daykit rolled his mossball over to Rosekit, and stood there expectantly. Already he was preparing to dodge out of the way.

This game didn't seem so hard. You just had to avoid a ball! What was so hard about it? Daykit was sure he would win. He was absolutely certain. Really certain.

Rose'Kit threw the mossball fastly at Day'Kit, but not to hard that if it hits him is wont hurt him.

[Mistletoe]

Originally Posted by Quackers

A large black and gray pushed her way into the nursery, her fur was bristling in annoyance and anticipation as she glanced around what she called her home. It was certainly crowed ad well, stuffy but it would still have to do…it would only be one more moon before she was made a apprentice. Suppressing a sigh she slowly made her way towards her nest it had been a long day for her and well…she just wasn’t going to spend the rest of it arguing with her aunt aspenstar. As irritated as she was she knew she had to make friends but what was the point of that? They would only stab you in your back as soon as there bored with you…just like sparkkit did…then he disappeared. Sitting down she began licking her chest fur and to her dismay,began to find leads and small things stuck in her messy fur. Her deep green eyes narrowed in surprise as she turned to look at her back. It had moss stuck to it and a few leafs in which she quickly removed in a hurry. Her nest was a total wreck…shuffling back out of her nest she stared in dismay at the dusty tattered nest she had been sleeping in. It was a small nest and she would usually just squeeze into it and hoped she would still fit but she wouldn’t have that happen anymore. Careful not to disturbed others she bent down and began clawing up the old moss with careful movements. She had seen plenty of queens do this and many apprentice’s and warriors and from practicing and hard determination she had mastered it or at least got a small hang on it. She began collecting the bubbled beneath her chin and held it against her chest as she stumbled out of the nursery and dropped it before walking back in. Before long she had a bigger more…comfortable nest than her old one ever was.
Feel free to respond to her!

[Is it ok if I invite my character’s best friend to interact as well?]

~Eaglekit~

The small tom bounded up to her. He hadn’t seen her before. Or maybe he had an he just forgot? Either way he had to introduce himself. She may be a new friend! Not to mention she was all alone. He didn’t want her to have to play by herself!

“Hi! I’m Eaglekit! What’s your name? How did you make your nest so cool? Is it because your so big?” He puffed up his fur in excitement. I love meeting new kits! He gave her a huge smile. His eyes widened with excitement.

[Rani]

Hmpf. That 'apology' was as full of holes as a shadowclan warrior after Ridgeclaw got through with and it seems everyone knew it! Now the elder was an odd one and had a bit of a unique attribute to him that not many others seemed to have; while he was constantly and endlessly critical of leadership he was also a rather forgiving cat. Growth was a lifelong thing and being told how you messed up was how one learned but the mindset to that scolding was everything. And it was clear Aspenstars mindset was lacking. Ones flaws being called out should be met by an open mind but it didnt take a starclan blessed cat to see that she met it with anger and irritation. Not good. To those she could get away with hurting like the little ex fish scrap she was harsh and snappish for rightful truths he spoke and to those she could not she was all sorrow and heartfelt promises. Crocodile tears in Ridgeclaws mind, the mollys heart was a thing with fangs and fire. Thunderclan especially knew to be wary and fearful of fire.....


Letting out a low grumble and a whistley huff the tom paused his glaring to formulate his next words, attention briefly flickering to the few that caught his attention elsewhere. Dogbark seemed to be thankfull for him which which netter a snort and a grumbled "You've your flaws too but you seem to have the will to change them so Ill hold off talking to you until later." Ridgeclaw was critical of all leadership let that not be mistaken, it was the duty of the clan to hold their leaders accountable, but to rightfully rip into the deputy would tarnish his current point so he could wait. Then there was the old leader, now he had his criticisms about Buckbranch in his reign (he lost a leg and half a tail then) but the past was the past and now the important thing was he was sharing the wisdom as a leader. That wasnt something to discount. Neither was his ex apprentice, Necterflame's, points and Ridgeclaw let out a whistly sigh and mutter of "A moon isnt the longest the clan has waited for good old student. If we cannot survive a moon to see good we wouldve fallen long ago... Remain strong and steadfast in protecting what we have left for now, survival is our priority."


Now for the coward. "Youve said lots of pretty words but given nothing of substance yet again! We wish to hear proper plans like assessments that will be done, who and how our medicine cat will be trained, what events to better our skills will be held?! Things that as a leader you should be organizing! Yes the warriors should be involved and can run these events but only you as leader has ability to approve and plan them! Something youre not doing! A moon of nothing of substance will pass and will the clan be satisfied by pretty words as the naive are now? Will you be safe on your little tree when the maw of the hungry and starved clan, made so by your paws, start to see through you?! If not for our sake because its clear you dont really care about the individual as a leader should for starclans sake see why you need to act not speak for your own! Thunderclan has overthrown tyrants before and if we need to because you fail we will do so again! Youve the blind on your side now but even kits open their eyes to see the truth and you'll be alone then with naught but your parasites! Be a good leader or dont be a leader at all! There's no other options here!"

@Willowfern @implimm

[beau]

Sundust watched the reactions with wide eyes, thinking it wise to keep his mouth shut for the time being. Cat were quick to lash out with their tongues, speaking harsh words and sharp retorts without taking the time to think through the various points and opinions. Aspenstar was surely overwhelmed already, and he did not want to add fuel to the flames, as each word seemed to do. He did agree with the general consensus of the clan, and was glad that most cats seemed to believe Aspenstar's compromise to be fair.

He too was curious about these changes she had promised, if a bit vaguely so. How would she get involved with the clan? What changes would she implement? How would she incorporate feedback? How would punishments be adjusted? How would did she plan on handling cats who slipped in and out of the clan without so much as a word? All insightful questions, in need of in depth answers. But were those answers needed now?

The meeting had already been emotionally taxing, and no doubt stressful for all attendees, young cats especially. He had noticed Cindersky gradually gathering the young apprentices and kits, gently explaining things to them whilst giving her own input on things Aspenstar had said, and reasonable counterarguments to those who spoke ignorantly. He did admire his former mentor and her confidence, her excellent demeanor around kits, and her wisdom which had no doubt been gained through moons of experience.

A sharp flash of anger cut through him at Nectarflame's harsh words directed towards his sister, Leafwind. What a stuck up, ignorant, prideful toad! But he did not act on his brief irritation, as, faster than a whirlwind, the golden molly was up and leaving camp. Finally, a sensible decision on her part. His amber gaze found his sister, and he offered her a small, reassuring nod before returning his focus to the true issue at hand.
[ @Dawnfallstar ]

He hesitated, before finally opening his mouth to speak. "Aspenstar, I agree with what the majority of the clan is saying. We need specifics, more than vague shadows of promises. However, I'm not sure if this a good time to do it. The clan is riled up, and far too emotionally fueled - on all sides of the argument - to think rationally and give reasonable responses. Perhaps we should end this meeting here, and readjourn shortly, once tempers have died down, and we've all had a chance to process." His heart anxiously fluttered as he continued speaking, well aware he wasn't usually this forward with ideas. "Maybe we should have a smaller meeting, with just warriors. That way we can all be mature, grown cats, and it's less stress on the younger ones." His eyes flashed briefly towards the small gathering of kits near Cindersky.

"I could take out a small hunting party in the meantime - everyone's in a better mood once they've eaten, right?" The joke was half-hearted, and the large tom quickly moved past his lackluster attempt at humor. "We could discuss ideas for events, changes we want to make to the clan, and what we expect of you as leader, that way everyone gets a say in a structured, organized way." He paused to take a breath, licking his chest fur awkwardly as he became fully aware he had proposed quite a lot, and had been speaking for a long time. "I, err- I hope I didn't come across as too forward, it was just an idea." Sundust concluded his proposition, his tone a bit meek as his gaze shyly shifted towards the ground.

[littlelove]

Cinderpaw snoozed.

[Brightlight]

Originally Posted by Jae

Redrock smiles and flicks the ball a small distance away.

"I toss the mossball and you toss it back to me. You have to try your best not to take too long to get it. The loser has to take the prey to the queens and elders."

--Nightkit--

Nightkit dashed towards the mossball and rolled it back towards Redrock, about a tails-lenght away. She narrows her eyes competitively, crouching down and waving her tail excitedly. "Game on!" She proclaimed.

[Willowfern]

Dogbark's heart was pounding, these cats were probably expecting a big speech from the Deputy once again... but he only felt tired, and spent. Aspenstar did not deserve the hate or yowls thrown her way, she only deserved as much he did, and it didn't seem fair that she got all the flak, while he also had done things too.
The dark circles under his eyes deeper than usual, Dogbark opened his mouth to speak,
"Will you all just shut your mouths? Some of you seem to be yelling just for the sake of causing a ruckus, and I for one am done with it. Yes, Aspenstar hasn't been doing her best, but nor have I! More importantly, nor have you.
A clan is supposed to support and believe in their Leader, not tear her down with hate! I realize that what I said before the was tougher than I intended, and I am sorry that I ended up feeding the flame.
As a clan, you are supposed to work together to keep everything stable, two cats cannot lead a clan alone, and if that is what you think, you are a fool.
I would say more, but frankly, I am disappointed in you, and myself for letting this get so bad.
I hope you all realize that some of the things you have been yelling are toeing the line of treason, and that I would never consider forcefully taking the spot in the Thunderwillow, that is something that will only happen in its own time.
I leave you now, with hope that Aspenstar's promises are kept, and that you who I am referring to will come to your senses."

With his piece said, Dogbark left the meeting, but not before giving a pointed look in Aspenstar's direction, and a glare to each cat that had been calling for nothing less than civil war.

Hopefully his leaving would cause the flame to die slightly, and there would maybe be a chance for new apprentices to be made, and the meeting to get back on track.

[Dogbark has left the meeting]

[taillow]

Cindersky
From where her back leg stood Cindersky felt the gentle press of one of the kits, and a look over her shoulder confirmed it was Eaglekit. She passed the young tom a gentle smile, encouraging him to remain there and not scamper off. With words slicing through the air as voices and emotions were both heightened, she was glad her presence added comfort to those too young to shield themselves from the warzone.

Blue hues shifted though as another voice opens up. Nectarflame. The driving force behind the swell of questions, the speaker for all those who saw failure in their leader but refrained from speaking on it. Nothing but the truth had left her lips, and it perhaps hurt most of all that her faith in the she-cat wavered, if only slightly. The way she had called out each missing cat by name, shooting then with venomous words, but yet allowed Spiderthroat to slip by with only pursed lips and a clipped tone. It was all confusing for Cindersky - while on one paw she could understand and see the point, as Nectarflame was beating the same fact over and over into the ground, on the other paw she also could not help but feel concerned.

Though, maybe it was not up to Nectarflame, as Cornpaw had bounced up like a mouse lit on fire, excitement dripping from inexperience and wide eyes that only relished in chaos and nothing more. The young tom had captured much attention this meeting, but all of it was well understood. With no guidelines growing up, no rules or boundaries, it was almost a given that he would prance around without knowledge of when and where to stop.

She respected Nectarflame. Looked to her, even, for advice on her own flaws. Cindersky spoke with calm neutrality, but often found herself wishing she had the courage to use her voice for moments such as these. Be it the squeeze of her throat or the tingle in her paws, part of her still did not wish to upset Aspenstar. She believed in giving second chances, perhaps more than some deserved. At her core, what she truly wanted was her home to survive the torrential downpour that threatened to spill from clouds gathered overhead. She wanted to believe that Aspenstar was speaking the truth, that Dogbark would learn the error of his ways. She wanted to believe in the crown once more, and see light instead of shadows whenever she walked in camp. She wanted so desperately to not see yet another dynasty come and go, leaving the Clan she loved so much once more in ruin.

Two eyes, a burning brilliant amber, met her own, and Cindersky felt all the breath leave her lungs. Air rushed out, compressing her chest and making her feel small. She found herself gasping quietly, sucking in what little she could. Nectarflame was leaving, her paws carrying her out of the camp entrance. The exhaustion was written all over the molly, and it took every ounce of will power for Cindersky to not run after her. While she stayed true to her beliefs, she did not want to lose a friend over it. Picturesque memories of a sunny day spent on the cliffside along Shiningskies and Nectarflame danced behind teary eyes, and it felt as though the heart that beat steadily inside Cindersky was starting to tear.

Words that followed were hollow and dull as Cindersky dropped her gaze from the bengal's retreating form to the ground she had once stood on. Fear plagued her momentarily, gripping tight to the small flicker of hope still fighting inside her. Was she wrong to believe in second chances? But... was this even a second chance? Or was it a third? Fourth? ThunderClan did not need more turmoil, and that is what the meeting had dissolved into. But then again, turmoil was the only result if they continued down their current path.

Cindersky finally lifted her eyes, hovering a moment on the camp entrance before finding Dogbark. She gazed at him, an unreadable expression plastered on her face. Part of her was scared, some relieved. Most of her just felt tired, and it showed in the way her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. Maplewhisker and her words of blind support to Aspenstar felt like stinging nettle, and Cindersky found that her gaze dropped to the floor once more. She could not bring herself to look at the deputy or leader, and in an unexpected twist felt the damp blanket of shame and guilt draped itself across her shoulders. Even though blame lay on cats outside of herself, Cindersky felt the sorrow. She felt the pain. All of the emotions that swirled in the air, she felt them. Heavy like a tidal wave, crashing around her and dissolving the safety of the shoreline from her line of vision.

Cast out to the monstrous sea of emotions, it was all Cindersky could do to keep her head above water. To not drown as she watched her beloved home start to sink below the ocean waves.

Two voices came to her in that moment - the first was Ridgeclaw, her former mentor. A steadfast grouchy tom, but one whom she owed her skillset to. Though their opinions differed on many things, she was the cat she was today because of his diligent teaching. Respect and pride in the tom would always remain, as it was an easy thing to understand that while Clanmates, they had separate minds - separate emotions and feelings. Individuals who came together for the greater good of ThunderClan but were also unique in their own ways of thinking.

The second was Sundust, her former apprentice A cat she had passed the knowledge acquired from Ridgeclaw onto. He was wise, kind, perhaps a little energetic than most but it was always in the best way. The words he spoke were words of neutrality, a good diffuser for a tense situation. He was right. The Clan was riled up, one cat had already left - attempting to continue this meeting would surely be a losing battle. But his ideas were good, and Cindersky hoped that Aspenstar would take them to heart and see that Sundust and his intentions were for the good of ThunderClan.

Finally, Dogbark spoke up once more, and Cindersky felt what little air that remained in her lungs leave it. Blue hues darkened with guilt and grief and sorrow. Once a promising meeting, now turned to ash from the embers sparked by those strong enough to voice their concerns to the duo that was attempting to steer ThunderClan. Her gaze trailed the deputy as he left, his glare raking across her pelt like claws. Her heart tugged at her to go after him as it had with Nectarflame, but she could not. Cindersky and her paws remained rooted to the ground, a tired yet shining gaze returning to watch Aspenstar. "Sundust is right," she spoke up, throat dry and causing a small rasp in the senior warriors words. Clearing her throat, she added, "It would be best to not tarnish the day quite a few kits look forward to with such a volatile meeting." Casting a warm glance at the kits behind her, she nodded towards Buckbranch for them to join him while she stepped up to stand side by with with her former apprentice. Pride for how the young tom had turned out once again swelled in her chest as she briefly watched him, eyes swimming in the honor that he had learned so well. "I can assist him with a hunting excursion that will both act as a distraction as well as fill the bellies of the Clan. Once things have settled, we can revisit the true intentions of this meeting."

@Mistletoe @finnzel @Rani @Naiad @implimm @Willowfern (just mentioning those who were mentioned in this post!)

[Scarecrow102]

Originally Posted by Brightlight

||OPEN, but only if you want to respond to something like this||

(And @Scarecrow102 @Native Willow because both of you said you wanted to know when this would happen and I am holding you to your promise)

--Clearlight-- If you need it, here's a reference

The tabby queen yawned, stretching as she stepped out of her warm, cozy nest. Clearlight looked up at the sky, blinking sleep out of her eyes. It was still dark out, she could still even pick out a few stars in the sky. Clearlight started to return to her nest when she halted, abruptly.

Could it?

No.

But could it be?

Oh. It could.

Clearlight, with no time to find a better place, simply dropped down on the nursery's floor. Her kits. They were coming.

(Aaaaand that's done because nobody wants to read about her kits being born! Let's just fast forward to a few hours or so later......)

Clearlight sighed, looking up at the sky. Her last kit had been born when the sun had reached above the peaks of the trees.

She looked down at the two. Yes. Two. Clearlight couldn't stop but smile. She had two lovely kits. Two lovely kits of her own. Darkmoon, her mate's kits.

She licked them gently. The firstborn was a female, a black tabby cat with the night-like coloration of her father and the pattern of her mother. The second-born had a pale, not ginger, but yellow, solid color. He had the most adorable small patches of white on his muzzle and back paws.

"What should I name you?" Clearlight murmured gently to them both. The worry that had been nagging away at her for moons was back. Starclan had given her no sign. Nothing. Not even a stray leaf had crossed her path whilst she was carrying. If only Darkmoon was here. He's say how silly she was and point out-

Clearlight paused in her thoughts, looking back at the sky, then at her kits. It was perfect. Absolutely perfect. She licked at the firstborn, smiling as she squirmed to find a better position. "I've found you a name. Like the sky when you were born, you shall be called Nightkit."

Clearlight licked her second-born, who was sleeping soundly curled up by his sister. "And you, I've found a name as well. Like the world was when you were born, you shall be called Daykit."

Clearlight laid her head down to rest. The whole process had exhausted her. Daykit and Nightkit needed a well rested mother to live. Clearlight fell asleep quickly, dreaming of a great warrior with a shining pelt and a gentle soul with fur like ink.

(As a side note, yes, Clearlight has been role played pregnant for a month since she was created. More specifically, a month and a half, so she meets the requirements.)

CrowKit watched, eyes wide. He had never thought the day would come. and now, CrowKit realized, he would have two new friends.
"DayKit and NightKit..." CrowKit whispered silently to himself.
after ClearLight had time to rest, CrowKit trotted up, excited to finally talk to his aunt after what felt like moons.
"Hey ClearLight, h-how are you feeling?" CrowKit asked hesitantly

[dino.]

// @Rani

>Nightdream<

Okay... what on earth had she come back to? Nightdream could hear the yelling from beyond the camp walls, and as she pushed through the entrance, a single mouse clamped between her teeth, her heart dropped. Even amongst the rest of the shouting, she would recognize that rough voice anywhere.

She paused at the fresh-kill pile to survey the chaos as she set her catch down. Oh, was Aspenstar finally getting her dues? Some were calling out Dogbark, too, it seemed. A grimace crossed her features. Can't have one day of peace in this stars-forsaken camp, I swear. They were worse off than ShadowClan, at this point. And now Ridgeclaw was all riled up, and Dogbark seemed beyond angry...

Swallowing her worry, she quickly crossed the clearing and skirted around the edge of the crowd. "Father, please," she pleaded as she neared him. "You're going to work yourself all out of sorts. Please sit down."