RiverClan Leader's Den - Page 163

**Ian** · #**1621** January 10th, 2023, 06:37 PM

Flamebriar dipped her head in acknowledgment as Fawnpaw said it was alright to see Pikestar, and her eyes lit up in surprise as she also mentioned that her name was now Fawnlight. It brought bittersweet feelings back to the senior warrior. She hadn't been around when Marigoldleap had received her full medicine cat name. Anyway, she was here for her daughter now, and that was all that mattered. "Congratulations, dear! That was quite quick, which is a testament to your skills. I hope you continue to grow, Fawnlight," Flamebriar purred before heading into Pikestar's den.

The calico noticed that the RiverClan leader was already seated, and she assumed he had heard her speaking with Fawnlight. She dipped her head in respect as she sat, fluffy tail curling around to cover her paws. "Pikestar, I recently realized that there are probably some things you don't know about me that you should. Unless you were around during Lionstar's time? He was the one who originally allowed me to join RiverClan, and while I don't remember you, it was over twenty-four moons ago."

@birdie [you don't have to reply if you don't want to

] @canineantics

**occultation** · #**1622** January 12th, 2023, 10:19 PM

Pikestar remained visibly interested in what Slatestripe had to say through his whole spiel, allowing the tom to remain in a particularly good mood. Even better, the oriental leader approved his ideas!
He wants to propose it at the next Clan meeting!

Slatestripe tried his best to contain his excitement, but his paws began kneading the floor of Pikestar's den. "That would be great, Pikestar! Thank you! I'm more than happy to help with any of these preparations or with any actual ceremonies. I know you and the shields are quite busy."

Perhaps he should come around more often to voice his ideas to Pikestar. Maybe my idea about killing a pike by slamming it against a stone? No, that might still be too radical.

( @canineantics )

17818 · #**1623** January 13th, 2023, 02:25 AM

Fishkit

He blinked, trying to remember his mother’s name. He tilted his head to a side in confusion. “Mama. Her name is mama.” he answered. He then narrowed her eyes. ”but I heard one of her friends call her cherry something.” he looked up to the leader.

As he heard the leader’s next words, hope sparked up in his chest. Maybe mama was going on a mission! “Ooh!” suddenly the little kit deflated and he sighed. “But why didn’t mama tell me before?” he mewed sadly.

[ @canineantics - so birdie said that it was unrealistic so I’ll have to change it that she went missing ]

**poppy** · #**1624** January 14th, 2023, 11:40 AM

(apologies for the shorter post! i'm trying to get a lot of stuff done today, so I'm really pressed for time

)

The massive tomcat was met with Fawnpaw's stern voice, and after listening silently before dipping his head in apology as she left the den, a small, guilty smile found it's way on his face. "She's grown into quite the responsible young cat, hasn't she?" He commented, feeling a twinge of pride at how far the sweet molly had come. But that wasn't what he was here for.

There wasn't really that much of a way to say it, so he went with his usual, blunt and straightforward. Padding a little further into the den, Blizzardwind nodded and grinned in a proper greeting to his former apprentice before beginning. "I've decided that I would like to step down as a Shield." He said, inwardly cringing at the delivery. "While I've loved the position and it's been an honor, I haven't been doing my duty as I should. I believe that perhaps a.... younger cat would be a better fit in the position, because I'm not as active or fit as I used to be." He wasn't going to bring up the intolerable joint pain that accompanied him each morning.

"Of course, I will continue to serve RiverClan as a warrior until my time to retire - whether it be to the elders or the stars - approaches. But being a Shield is a big responsibility and I have been slacking, and RiverClan doesn't deserve to have their elite protectors not doing the job to their full capacity. I'd like to apologize for my inaction as a shield, and I hope that you will forgive me, though I understand if you don't." And now he awaited the leader's response, with an uncharacteristic amount of nervousness. This was the right thing, but it was always hard for him to admit his wrongdoings. Especially to someone that once looked up to him.

@canineantics

**Captain** · #**1625** January 16th, 2023, 12:59 PM

Seeing the young apprentice’s immediate enthusiasm, Pikestar smiled and dipped his head. “Very well. Wait here for a moment.” He meowed, before briskly standing up and walking out of his den, leaving Bouncepaw alone for a short while. Moments later, the dark-furred tomcat reappeared, holding two large sticks in his jaws. He would proceed to turn his head sideways and place the two sticks against the wall vertically, before looking back at the smaller tomcat present. "This is how I taught my apprentice, Bluefang, how to preform a back-kick. Now, watch carefully." Pikestar remarked firmly, before stretching out his limbs. It was important to get a good stretch in while training, and he wasn't exactly a young warrior anymore. Once they were ready, the oriental longhair focused on the stick with his single blue-hued eye. Two seconds later, he spun on his paws and swiftly kicked both of his back legs out from behind, his large back paws colliding with one of the sticks. Crack! The sturdy branch easily snapped in two, crumbling pitifully onto his den floor. An easy task for a grown, experienced clan cat like him, but would Bouncepaw be able to do the same? "Your turn." They said sternly, waving his right paw towards the second stick as he sat back down, "Just as I did. Now go." His bushy tail wrapped around himself as he watched the apprentice.

His long ears perked up at the sound of another voice, one that he did not recognize, along with Lilycreek’s own. Mere seconds later, the familiar figure of the molly appeared within his den, accompanied by a much younger feline. Pikestar blinked at the RiverClan warrior, almost not believing they had heard her words correctly. “Rosemarykit?” He repeated the name in astonishment, lowering his partial gaze to peer down at the young she-cat before him. A warm smile came to the clan leader's maw. Sproutkit's sister, one of Lilycreek's kittens, had returned to RiverClan! "This is wonderful news! It's lovely to have you back home, little one." He exclaimed with a purr, "What happened? Where have you been all this time?" How many moons had it been? Pikestar had surely lost track, but it felt like ages ago. Surely, Rosemarykit was apprentice-aged by now, no longer a nursery kitten. What a miracle.

“I understand.” Pikestar replied, nodding gently, “If that is all, then don’t let me take anymore of your time.” A casual swish of his fluffy tail that was giving Marigoldleap permission to leave his den was done. He could sense her nervousness, practically smell it, but it was not the clan leader’s place to bug her about such matters. These were her kittens. RiverClan’s kittens. And that’s all that mattered to the oriental. Pikestar vowed to keep them safe from whatever Marigoldleap was fearful of, no matter what. Talonkit had trusted him to watch over all the youths of his clan and he would do just that. “I have no doubt they will grow up to be great warriors.” They mentioned with a small reassuring smile. Was she afraid of them not being accepted by the clan because she was once ShadowClan? Or perhaps what would happen if Dawnstar found out of their existence? It was a mystery to him, but it changed nothing in his eye. They were RiverClan through and through to Pikestar, and he'd defend them as such from anything or anyone. Simple as that.

After hearing Flamebriar congratulate Fawnlight on her newfound name, she would enter Pikestar’s den only moments later. The tall long-furred oriental dipped his head in silent greeting as the molly comfortably went to sit across from him. Listening to Flamebriar as she spoke, the RiverClan leader would soon shake him head. “No, I’m afraid I wasn’t in RiverClan during Lionstar’s time,” He answered honestly, “I joined at eleven moons old on the tail-end of Sootstar’s reign.” A lifetime ago now, and a time he hardly thought about anymore. Pikestar was hardly the same person he was back then, and he desperately was working towards leaving that version of him behind. That wasn't something that needed to be dwelled on right now though.

"You can tell me anything you wish about your past, Flamebriar, but I want you to know something beforehand." Pikestar soon remarked, knowing that it was probably rude, or ignorant, or negative, but something that he wished to make known regardless, "I am not like my successors, nor like most clan cats. I don't really care where someone comes from, because I don't believe that makes you who you are. You could be a rogue, a loner, a WindClan, ThunderClan, or even a ShadowClan cat. At the end of the day, we're all the same. As long as you call RiverClan home, I will defend you with my life against anyone. Upbringings mean nothing to me." He gave a brisk sigh, leaning back slightly, "But don't mind my rambling. It's probably not important for this conversation. Tell me whatever you wish, and I will listen." A genuine sentiment, though he didn't really expect anyone to care. His own clanmates saw him as foolish for trusting outsiders and allowing them into RiverClan.

Seeing the RiverClan warrior light up with happiness brought another pleased smile to Pikestar’s expression. “Of course, Slatestripe,” They said with a small dip of their head to the other tomcat, “I appreciate your ideas, and all the hard work you do for RiverClan.” It was important for him to let his clanmates know how much he appreciated them, so he tended to do so whenever the opportunity arose. They would soon turn their head towards the den’s entrance, humming pensively for a moment or two. “Perhaps we can continue this conversation in the near future, over a piece of prey?” Pikestar suggested, looking back to Slatestripe, “I have some things to get done today, and I’m sure you do too. But I do wish to hear more of your ideas once you have them. I think it could breathe a breath of fresh air into RiverClan, so to speak.” New traditions, new ways of doing things, etc. It would certainly help his clan heal from it’s sins and focus on a more healthier future. That was his goal when Pikestar became clan deputy all those moons ago, after all. And it kept him grounded and focused when he worked towards that. "Thank you again for visiting me, Slatestripe."

As he had predicted, the small kitten only knew his mother as ‘mama’ and nothing more. However, soon Fishkit would mention that he heard someone refer to the queen with the Cherry prefix. How interesting. Well, that was far better than nothing at all. Pikestar’s attempts to cheer up the heartbroken RiverClan youth were little to unsuccessful, as the tiny ball of fluff was still rather sad that his mother had not told him that she was leaving. An overall understandable response, which made the oriental tomcat curl his tail slightly tighter around young Fishkit. “Perhaps… your mama was doing so to protect you.” Pikestar meowed, “Maybe she knew something that was top secret and she couldn’t tell anyone about, especially her own family.” The obvious truth behind the queen’s disappearance was most likely a morbid one, but if he could spare the small kitten that unexplainable pain at such a young, fragile age, then he would gladly do so. “Do not worry, Fishkit. All of RiverClan is here for you, okay?” A heartbeat or two later, Pikestar sighed quietly. "Do you want me to take you back to the nursery? Or would you want to stay here in my den with me tonight?"

“She certainly has,” Pikestar said, watching the dappled medicine cat leave them before turning his eye back to Blizzardwind, “I am very proud of how much she has grown.” And he meant that with his whole heart, more than he ever could truly convey. Fawnlight would be an amazing medicine cat to RiverClan for many, many moons. He had no doubt about that now. Of course, such sweet talk wouldn’t last too long and they would both equally come to a silent understanding that it was time to officially address why the senior RiverClanner was here today. Thankfully, his former mentor was never one to beat around the bush, and got straight to the point. He wanted to step down from being a shield. The tall oriental tomcat nodded understandably, listening respectfully as Blizzardwind continued on. He spoke of a younger, more active cat to take his position. Pikestar blinked, looking off to the side, wondering if he should attempt to suggest something. "You know... there would be no shame in retiring now, Blizzardwind. You have served RiverClan well for many, many moons and you've apprenticed many cats, including myself. Without you, RiverClan would not be where it is today. So you're be more than deserving of an easy retirement." Pikestar wanted to choose his words carefully, meaning no disrespect here.

"I'm sure you'd have lots of interesting stories to tell young kittens too." He said light-heartedly, with a softened chuckle leaving him, "But of course, I won't force you to move onto the elder's den if you aren't ready yet. I just want you to know that if you truly wanted to, you could at any point in time." Pikestar then stared at his mentor for a moment, hearing his apology for being inactive as shield. "I forgive you." They said to Blizzardwind, smiling slightly, "I'm sure it wasn't intentional by any means. I'm just glad you came to talk to me about it. It's been quite some time since the both of us have had a chat." Of course, the oriental wished it could've been in better circumstances, but he learned not to be picky with these kinds of things. Easing himself into a more comfortable laid-down position, Pikestar sighed contently. "I bet you never thought the small scrap of fur you found out in the snow all those moons ago would become the future leader of RiverClan, eh?" Ah, memories.

**wolfie** · #**1626** January 16th, 2023, 06:18 PM

⭒♥︎彡 ➜ @canineantics
After his journey to look for Beansprout, the oriental tom felt weariness in his bones. Every step he took pain shot up his right leg that he could not bother to attempt to cover up the way he limped. Weakness as clear as day and while Wormbite would be content to slumber for moons; duty called. This was long overdue, having gotten distracted - it could go on no longer.

He held a mouse in his jaws, a peace offering. Entering into the den cautiously, he set down the mouse and gave a small push. He was unaware where Pikestar was directly located and hoped the tom would infer. "Hello, " He hummed, leaning against the wall to offer himself support.

"Mintpaw has brought back an injured Windclan kit and Fawnlight is tending to them now - Slatestripe has reported to me. I do not know the kit's name, " Wormbite reported, closing his eyes for a brief period.

"Besides that, if you are open to hearing, the shields and I gathered together and created ideas on safety measures and improve general life. I would like your thoughts, " He added on, tilting his head to the side. He had.. many ideas. Many thoughts. Some were a work in progress.

**Caspian** · #**1627** January 16th, 2023, 08:42 PM

Bouncepaw watched the older cat with a gaze full of pure admiration. He nodded nervously when his very own leader told him to do the same. He hauled himself up and padded towards the firmly made stick. He took a breath in and memorized the move. He spun on his paws, like Pikestar, and threw out his feet. He hit the large stick. It fell onto the dusty floor of the den in pieces. “Like that?”

17818 · #**1628** January 17th, 2023, 03:13 AM

Fishkit’s eyes widened in terror. “But..” his lip quivered. “protect me from what?” he mewed. “Why would she keep something away from me?” he leaned against the leader’s dark pelt, sighing. “I feel..empty with out mama.” he meowed sadly, ears flattening. He heard the leader sigh. He looked up curiously. Big cats always do that. He didn’t see the point of sighing. As he heard the leader’s next words, he thought of the nursery. All the kits would be asleep…with their mama. He sighed. Now he was sighing! “Can I sleep here tonight?” he mewed hopefully. Oh, but would mr Pikestar be annoyed?

@canineantics

**Captain** · #**1629** January 17th, 2023, 11:52 AM

Hearing softened approaching pawsteps, the tall RiverClan tomcat turned his head to see Wormbite carefully making his way inside. His partial blue gaze flickered down to the mouse that the other oriental was holding and then back up to his blind eyes. “Hello, Wormbite.” Pikestar greeted his close friend and loyal shield, watching him lean against the wall of his den. It seemed… idiotic to ask if he was okay, because clearly Wormbite was far from it. Would it be better or worse to press the Dark Lord about it? Ultimately, they would decide to just not say anything and simply dig into the mouse he was gifted.

His stomach grumbled irritably, reminding him of his manners. "Thank you... I can't remember the last time I ate..." He admitted, his voice a soft murmur before he took a hefty bite. Stars, the taste of fresh prey-blood on his tongue felt delicious. While he continued eating, the long-furred RiverClan leader listened intently to the dark-furred oriental’s words. A WindClan kitten? Hm. Was that something that Pikestar needed to be involved with? A couple seconds passed by before he silently decided otherwise, Fawnlight could handle that herself. She was an adult now, and would come to him if she needed his help with anything regarding that. She would, right? He hoped so. Moving on, Wormbite soon mentioned to him that all the shields had gathered and discussed various safety concerns and other matters regarding RiverClan life. Ah. "I'm all ears." Pikestar remarked in-between bites, "I'd love to hear what you all discussed." Without me. A small voice in the back of his head whispered, but he pushed it away immediately. Pettiness was something he tried to avoid while being a clan leader. He wasn't perfect, but Pikestar knew that there was no ill intentions behind his shields' little meeting. Whatsoever.

As the young apprentice made his way towards the stick, the tall oriental tomcat watched intently, observing the small tom’s every movement with his partial gaze. It had been quite some time since Pikestar had trained an apprentice, especially in the skillful art of combat. They certainly didn't wish to lead Bouncepaw astray, or disappoint him with this simple mini training session. Pikestar observed him in complete silence as a single breath was made before the RiverClan apprentice struck. Quick in his movements, Bouncepaw surprisingly was able to repeat Pikestar’s own technique perfectly. He nodded approvingly as the stick was quick to shatter into bits against the younger cat’s attack. “Exactly like that.” The oriental longhair remarked, a proud smile slipping onto his expression, “Excellent work. Now tell me, when do you think a move like this would be useful in battle?” Pikestar tilted their head to the side as they said this, peering down at Bouncepaw. Perfecting moves was one thing, but knowing when to use them was also quite important.

“I… am not sure, young one.” Pikestar would eventually admit, feeling like he was only making matters worse. Their attempts to answer Fishkit was surely giving the RiverClan kitten only more anxiety and dread regarding the difficult matter. He was never good at these kinds of things, especially when it came to children as young as them. Perhaps it was a good thing that he was only a father to Birdpaw anymore. He already was as terrible as ever with soothing his adopted daughter’s worries. Pikestar knew, no matter what, he would not be able to heal the hole in Fishkit’s heart that their precious mama had once filled. Should he have immediately taken the youth back to the nursery, and let a queen handle their questions? Mayhaps. Anyone in RiverClan could surely be better at this than he could ever be. Though, the small kit's question made the long-furred tomcat nod, almost immediately. "Of course, that is why I offered." Pikestar said simply, leaning down and touching his pink nose gently to Fishkit's forehead, "I could tell you a story to help you fall asleep if you want." He didn't often tell stories to kittens, but it was something he had always wanted to try doing. What stories could he tell?

**Caspian** · #**1630** January 17th, 2023, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

Hearing softened approaching pawsteps, the tall RiverClan tomcat turned his head to see Wormbite carefully making his way inside. His partial blue gaze flickered down to the mouse that the other oriental was holding and then back up to his blind eyes. “Hello, Wormbite.” Pikestar greeted his close friend and loyal shield, watching him lean against the wall of his den. It seemed… idiotic to ask if he was okay, because clearly Wormbite was far from it. Would it be better or worse to press the Dark Lord about it? Ultimately, they would decide to just not say anything and simply dig into the mouse he was gifted.

His stomach grumbled irritably, reminding him of his manners. "Thank you... I can't remember the last time I ate..." He admitted, his voice a soft murmur before he took a hefty bite. Stars, the taste of fresh prey-blood on his tongue felt delicious. While he continued eating, the long-furred RiverClan leader listened intently to the dark-furred oriental’s words. A WindClan kitten? Hm. Was that something that Pikestar needed to be involved with? A couple seconds passed by before he silently decided otherwise, Fawnlight could handle that herself. She was an adult now, and would come to him if she needed his help with anything regarding that. She would, right? He hoped so. Moving on, Wormbite soon mentioned to him that all the shields had gathered and discussed various safety concerns and other matters regarding RiverClan life. Ah. "I'm all ears." Pikestar remarked in-between bites, "I'd love to hear what you all discussed." Without me. A small voice in the back of his head whispered, but he pushed it away immediately. Pettiness was something he tried to avoid while being a clan leader. He wasn't perfect, but Pikestar knew that there was no ill intentions behind his shields' little meeting. Whatsoever.

As the young apprentice made his way towards the stick, the tall oriental tomcat watched intently, observing the small tom’s every movement with his partial gaze. It had been quite some time since Pikestar had trained an apprentice, especially in the skillful art of combat. They certainly didn't wish to lead Bouncepaw astray, or disappoint him with this simple mini training session. Pikestar observed him in complete silence as a single breath was made before the RiverClan apprentice struck. Quick in his movements, Bouncepaw surprisingly was able to repeat Pikestar’s own technique perfectly. He nodded approvingly as the stick was quick to shatter into bits against the younger cat’s attack. “Exactly like that.” The oriental longhair remarked, a proud smile slipping onto his expression, “Excellent work. Now tell me, when do you think a move like this would be useful in battle?” Pikestar tilted their head to the side as they said this, peering down at Bouncepaw. Perfecting moves was one thing, but knowing when to use them was also quite important.

“I… am not sure, young one.” Pikestar would eventually admit, feeling like he was only making matters worse. Their attempts to answer Fishkit was surely giving the RiverClan kitten only more anxiety and dread regarding the difficult matter. He was never good at these kinds of things, especially when it came to children as young as them. Perhaps it was a good thing that he was only a father to Birdpaw anymore. He already was as terrible as ever with soothing his adopted daughter’s worries. Pikestar knew, no matter what, he would not be able to heal the hole in Fishkit’s heart that their precious mama had once filled. Should he have immediately taken the youth back to the nursery, and let a queen handle their questions? Mayhaps. Anyone in RiverClan could surely be better at this than he could ever be. Though, the small kit's question made the long-furred tomcat nod, almost immediately. "Of course, that is why I offered." Pikestar said simply, leaning down and touching his pink nose gently to Fishkit's forehead, "I could tell you a story to help you fall asleep if you want." He didn't often tell stories to kittens, but it was something he had always wanted to try doing. What stories could he tell?

Bouncepaw felt a surge of intense pride swell over him as his leader complimented him. When it came to the question when to use it in battle, he had a few good guesses. “I believe that it would be useful in these ways: if an enemy cat is trying to get you from behind, you can use this move. It also comes in handy when your front paws are being restrained from striking”