RiverClan Leader's Den - Page 164

**BirdieChirp** · #**1631** January 18th, 2023, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

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.

RosemryKit
"Hello, PikeStar!" The kit, mewed politely. "I was gone in the wilderness, got lost and walked for ages! I was able to find some food with the help of some older, kind rogues! They also helped guide me in the right direction, using the scent of Riverclan!" She said and smiled.
{ @lonely.lilyx - LilyCreek }

**SpiritedWarrior** · #**1632** January 18th, 2023, 05:46 PM

Reedwhisker

@canineantics @Beanzi

The wait for Pikestar to let them in to his den was far longer than she expected, and she was beginning to worry about the dark-furred leader. However, before she could check on him, he had appeared behind the pair of RiverClanners and was quick to apologize for being out of camp. "No worries." she murmured to both apologies and thanks and dipped her head before walking into the den with Nightpaw by her side. As she recalled what had happened only a few moments ago, Reedwhisker couldn't help but watch her leader's expressions change as he listened to their story.

Nightpaw was quick to tell her side of the story, and although anxious about it, kept going. A small smile made its way onto her jaws, encouraging the apprentice silently. She understood Nightpaw's wants, and, quite frankly, she would've done the same thing for Shimmerstream and Flintfang when they were all apprentices. Like Pikestar, Reedwhisker waited patiently for the apprentice to finish speaking before adding comfort. "Pikestar's right... size means nothing. You're a wonderful, young warrior. Regardless of your status in the Clan. You did the right thing and stood firm with your decision, even with being threatened. And regardless if you were terrified, you didn't budge. That's the bravest thing, aside from seeing you conquer your fear of swimming, I have ever witnessed from you. Warriors, even the oldest of warriors, have needed help on many occasions. Needing help is not a weakness. It is a strength and signifies your willingness to learn."

Pikestar was the next cat to say something, bringing a smile to the dark brown warrior. The tom was always quick to deal with problematic warriors, which is one quality she liked about the tom. Never has he let the safety of his Clanmates fall below the needs of the stars. "I will. Thank you for hearing us out on this situation, Pikestar. I greatly appreciate it, and I'm sure Nightpaw does too." Looking down at her apprentice, she nodded. "I'll speak with Goldensnake and Raccoonear and then head to my nest. If at any point in time you do not feel safe, don't hesitate to talk to me, regardless of what I am doing. I'll make sure you are comfortable."

After Nightpaw has responded, she dipped her head to Pikestar and her apprentice before heading out to speak with the two who had helped Nightpaw alongside Reedwhisker.

**Juniperbean** · #**1633** January 18th, 2023, 06:36 PM

Nightpaw listens to the two. PikeStars words were heartwarming.. And inspiring and Reeds words were also sweet. "Thank you" she mews. Nightpaw was about to stand up to give Reed but she thought that it was disrespectful to do it. her gaze turned back to pikestar."When I become a warrior, C-Can I help protect the kits and other apprentices from warriors or others who are being mean to them." she asked with curiosity

@SpiritedWarrior
@canineantics

**Silverfur & Co** · #**1634** January 19th, 2023, 11:56 AM

@canineantics

Featherspirit waited outside the den for pikestar to ask her to come in. She was nervous first time she had talked to this leader.

**puppeteer** · #**1635** January 19th, 2023, 05:14 PM

silverpaw

It had been a few moons, as it felt, since she had seen the tom whom she called her father. Was he her biological father? Probably not, but the RiverClan leader was her dad, whether or not by blood. Silverpaw had padded to just outside the great leaders den, sitting just outside. She took a deep breath. Her last encounter with him hadn't been... great, but she was hoping this time it would be better. She was sure the tom knew she was back already, as Gingerfrost or Fawnlight would have told him. She coughed a bit, trying to ready her throat to speak.

"Uh.. Dad? May I come in?" She murmured hoarsely. She coughed again, as using her voice was still rough. She wanted to see her father and wanted to be wrapped around his scent once more, as she had done when visiting his dream. She missed him fiercely.

{ @canineantics }

**sol.** · #**1636** January 22nd, 2023, 04:45 PM

LILYCREEK

She laid a protective tail around Rosemarykit, as if scared of her daughter wandering off again. Cursing and kicking herself internally, she mourned the loss of time with her daughter. Maybe if she had been more attentive...

Rogues almost always meant trouble. Which was saying a lot, since Lilycreek believed in giving the benefit of the doubt to others. Seeing as how Rosemarykit referred to the cats who found her as rogues... she was just glad she was home, safe and sound.

[ @BirdieChirp @canineantics - terribly sorry for the delay ]

**wolfie** · #**1637** January 23rd, 2023, 12:53 AM

⭒♥︎彡 ➜ @canineantics || VERY ROUGH SORRY MY COMPUTER IS ABOUT TO DIE SO I WANTED TO THROW IT OUT REAL QUICK
A flash of concern flickered through Wormbite's cloudy eyes at the confession. He understood, there were times his own duties had him buried in them that he simply couldn't remember nor care about his own basic needs. He still frowned with worry, his eyebrows creasing together. He would be remembering to start bringing by prey more often Pikestar.

With the acceptation, the Dark Lord moved to take a seat to take the weight off his heavy paws. Sleek tail wrapping around his lanky body. "You have accepted your fate, " Wormbite remarked with amusement, his whiskers twitching. He had refined his own thoughts after talking with the shields, a few things were rough around the edges but, he felt comfortable enough to present it to their leader.

"The first thing was hosting advanced battle sessions for our older apprentices. Training them how to deliver fatal blows - I would rather they take a life than lose their own. Disabling a cat in the means of escape, I trust our older apprentices to be able to make the executive decision if the situation calls for it. I will not be tolerating a version of ruthless Shadowclan apprentices - obviously not. Simply wanting them to have the skill set if needed. Raccoonear has volunteered to host this event, " He begun to explain, nodding his head up and down. His shoulders rolled back, hm.

"The deaths have calmed down so this may no longer be needed but the idea of increasing patrolling with pairs - throughout the whole territory - was suggested. At the very least, I believe we should send down a patrol to Lionsbeach and the Rugged Ranges as they have the least activity and are most likely to have rogues roaming around. Reinforcing the walls. Blizzardwind suggested having guards stationed around camp. He also believes there should be more long term and harsher punishments for the youth when it comes to breaking rules. Rather it be pushing back ceremonies or cleaning out dens, " Deep breath. Lots, lots of thoughts. Mrrp. Honestly, he wasn't sure if this needed to be done anymore but, still good to have.

"I have been throwing around the idea of a mass final assessment.. or something to push the apprentices to either qualify to be a warrior or be close enough. We should not be having grown cats walking around with a 'paw still attached to their name. At least, a mass assessment for the older apprentices who have shown no improvement." Twitch. Twitch. Wormbite wasn't sure what he was expecting but, stars, offering the ideas made him feel... open. To rejection. He was not a fan of vulnerability.

"I am.. still throwing this idea around... haven't quite thought too much on it but.. a strike system of sorts. Not quite one Riverclan would know of, mm, yet if a clanmate has shown they are a leech. Constantly causes harm to those around them, does not offer any benefit to the clan - disrespectful at funerals, things that don't quite call for exile but .. still not alright.. lesser punishments. For example, at an eventual point one could spend a week outside of their clan and re-learn how to be a warrior. Not a permanent exile, a warning.. does.. does that make sense..?"

**Captain** · #**1638** January 25th, 2023, 12:04 PM

“Quite right,” Pikestar said, nodding approvingly once more, “It’s an excellent attack to use when someone is behind you, and for when a cat has you on your back and in holding down your front paws. Aim for the sensitive soft belly of your opponent.” He lifted his right paw and gestured to his own underbelly to show Bouncepaw where it was located. As much as he often despised battle, the clan leader was quite knowledgeable about moves and tactics. In this forest, living this kind of life, you needed to know these things, even if you were a feline who hated unnecessary violence. This kind of stuff could save a clanmate’s life, or your own, in the heat of war. A reality that even Pikstar was not ignorant enough to ignore. “You are smart, young one, and I have no doubt you will be a great RiverClan warrior someday.” He meowed with a gentle, but tired smile coming to his expression, “If you ever need anymore help with your training, you know where to find me. Now run along, I’m sure I have taken up enough of your time. Remember what I said, Bouncepaw, and thank you for visiting me today.” With that said, the dark-furred oriental stood up and turned away from the young apprentice, retreating to his moss nest without another word spoken. He wished to be alone now, to get some rest.

“Hello, little one.” The tall RiverClan tomcat said with a warm smile. He listened attentively as the young she-cat told him about where she had gone, about how she had gotten lost, was able to find food, and even came across some friendly rogues who helped her back home. Pikestar couldn't help but glance at Lilycreek as the kit said that, knowing that it was most likely rogues who had killed Rosemarykit’s late brother, Sproutkit, all those moons ago. Turning his partial gaze back to her daughter, he smiled once again. “Well, it’s absolutely wonderful to have you back home. We have all missed you dearly,” Pikestar remarked, whiskers twitching, “How would you like to become an official apprentice at our next clan meeting? If it is alright with your mother, of course.” Rosemarykit obviously was more than old enough for her ceremony, but they knew well enough that there was a chance that Lilycreek wasn’t ready to let her daughter go just yet. The large RiverClan leader decided to leave the decision up to the both of them now.

Dipping his head to Reedwhisker, he watched in silence as the RiverClan warrior left his den to do as he asked. However, he soon noticed that young Nightpaw was still here, looking up at him. Pikestar nodded assuredly to her words almost immediately, with a small smile present upon his maw. “Of course,” He remarked, “It’s important for a clan to have cats like that. Grown-ups who can stand up for those who can’t, you know? I am sure you will keep our kittens and apprentices safe, once it is your time to become a RiverClan warrior.” They only wished that there were not so many cats within RiverClan that they all needed to protect their youths from. It was utterly ridiculous, but Pikestar was keen on making sure things like that did not continue. He had lost count of how many cats he had exiled from his clan since becoming leader, but if his own clanmates couldn’t be trusted, then so be it. It was his job to protect those within this camp. “Now then, is there anything else that you need, Nightpaw?” The large dark-furred oriental tomcat asked, somewhat attempting to draw this conversation to a comfortable close. There had been enough excitement today.

Quietly, within the warmth and solitude of his den, the dark-furred tomcat groomed his long, disheveled fur. His ears perked up to the sounds of a gentle rainstorm brewing outside, which wasn’t as heavy as the ones in the past. This one was soft and light, which made it overall rather peaceful to listen to. Pikestar hummed nonchalantly to himself as he drew his tongue over hos chest fur in slow, casual strokes. However, his nose would soon catch a scent of a clanmate as it drifted silently into his space. “Featherspirit?” He called out softly, once he recognized who the smell belonged to, “You can come if you’d like, I won’t bite.” Usually when a cat was this close to his den, they often had something to tell him. Though, Pikestar had been wrong before.

Listening to the gentle pitter-patter of rain from outside his den, Pikestar had been laying on the cold floor with his one eye closed when a familiar voice sounded ever so softly. “Silverpaw.” He answered, without moving an inch, “Come in.” The RiverClan leader had been aware of the fact that StarClan had sent the young molly back to the living, which didn’t help his ever fleeting faith within the stars. How did anyone decide who was worthy of coming back, and who was not? Did death even matter anymore, if someone could be brought back so easily? Pikestar shook his head, flicking away such aching thoughts from his head. Now was not the time for that. Slowly, the large oriental tomcat eased himself up into a comfortable sitting position, then finally opening his single eye. “...How have you been?” He asked his adopted daughter, his tone quiet and hesitant. Things between him and Silverpaw were not exactly comfortable, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the two were rather awkward. That could change though, if both of them worked on it. Was he glad that she was back in RiverClan? Yes, there was no doubt in that. Hopefully, this time around, she’d make it to warriorhood. He certainly hoped so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by x ghostie

⭒♥︎彡 ➜ @canineantics || VERY ROUGH SORRY MY COMPUTER IS ABOUT TO DIE SO I WANTED TO THROW IT OUT REAL QUICK
A flash of concern flickered through Wormbite's cloudy eyes at the confession. He understood, there were times his own duties had him buried in them that he simply couldn't remember nor care about his own basic needs. He still frowned with worry, his eyebrows creasing together. He would be remembering to start bringing by prey more often Pikestar.

With the acceptation, the Dark Lord moved to take a seat to take the weight off his heavy paws. Sleek tail wrapping around his lanky body. "You have accepted your fate, " Wormbite remarked with amusement, his whiskers twitching. He had refined his own thoughts after talking with the shields, a few things were rough around the edges but, he felt comfortable enough to present it to their leader.

"The first thing was hosting advanced battle sessions for our older apprentices. Training them how to deliver fatal blows - I would rather they take a life than lose their own. Disabling a cat in the means of escape, I trust our older apprentices to be able to make the executive decision if the situation calls for it. I will not be tolerating a version of ruthless Shadowclan apprentices - obviously not. Simply wanting them to have the skill set if needed. Raccoonear has volunteered to host this event, " He begun to explain, nodding his head up and down. His shoulders rolled back, hm.

"The deaths have calmed down so this may no longer be needed but the idea of increasing patrolling with pairs - throughout the whole territory - was suggested. At the very least, I believe we should send down a patrol to Lionsbeach and the Rugged Ranges as they have the least activity and are most likely to have rogues roaming around. Reinforcing the walls. Blizzardwind suggested having guards stationed around camp. He also believes there should be more long term and harsher punishments for the youth when it comes to breaking rules. Rather it be pushing back ceremonies or cleaning out dens, " Deep breath. Lots, lots of thoughts. Mrrp. Honestly, he wasn't sure if this needed to be done anymore but, still good to have.

"I have been throwing around the idea of a mass final assessment.. or something to push the apprentices to either qualify to be a warrior or be close enough. We should not be having grown cats walking around with a 'paw still attached to their name. At least, a mass assessment for the older apprentices who have shown no improvement." Twitch. Twitch. Wormbite wasn't sure what he was expecting but, stars, offering the ideas made him feel... open. To rejection. He was not a fan of vulnerability.

"I am.. still throwing this idea around... haven't quite thought too much on it but.. a strike system of sorts. Not quite one Riverclan would know of, mm, yet if a clanmate has shown they are a leech. Constantly causes harm to those around them, does not offer any benefit to the clan - disrespectful at funerals, things that don't quite call for exile but .. still not alright.. lesser punishments. For example, at an eventual point one could spend a week outside of their clan and re-learn how to be a warrior. Not a permanent exile, a warning.. does.. does that make sense..?"

Without even looking up, the long-furred oriental tomcat could sense the distress that he had set upon Wormbite’s shoulders. Oops. He often tended to say comments like that as if that was a normal thing to say. Truth be told, it was harder and harder these days that Pikestar found it within himself to take care of himself, but he was trying to do better despite everything going on. It was difficult getting out of his nest on certain days, and others, it was even more difficult to go back to it at the end of his routines. This den was his own personal hell of loneliness and depression, but being able to talk with his shield, especially one he has known for a very long time, was a relief from the melancholy madness. As the other oriental sat down to get comfortable, Pikestar couldn’t help but utter an amused huff at his words. “So I have.” He answered, smirking. What in the name of the moon was in store for him?

Something told him that this was gonna be a lot of information at once, but the RiverClan leader was prepared to get through all of it. Firstly, the blind shield spoke of advanced training sessions for apprentices: ones where they’d be learning how to deliver fatal blows. Pikestar’s eye widened, seemingly caught very off-guard by that being what started off this conversation. And of course, Raccoonear had been the one to volunteer to host such a training session. Wormbite had good points all around to support the idea. A few seconds of silence passed before Pikestar gave a short sigh. “Alright, I shall allow it.” He remarked, his right ear twitching thoughtfully, “But as you said, Wormbite, I want them to only learn to do this if it’s a life or death situation. I don’t want our apprentices going around killing anyone and anything that they deem a threat.” He knew that his loyal shields would share that same outlook though, so he didn’t worry about it too much. If it was being done to protect all their apprentices and make sure they all knew how to protect themselves, then so be it. “Raccoonear has my permission to go ahead with this event.” He added, simple as that.

Moving on, the topic of increased patrols came up, pairs of cats set off throughout the whole territory, Lionsbeach and Rugged Range being the two that seemed to need it the most. Reinforcing walls, guards around camp, harsher punishments for breaking rules. Okay. That was a lot of different things to tackle at once. By patrolling, he surely meant shield patrolling, right? Because regular patrols were usually already done in pairs, or more. Shaking his head to stir his jumbled thoughts, Pikestar took another bite of his meal, swallowing the chunk of meat before answering. “I’m fine with sending out two patrols to both Lionsbeach and Rugged Range.” They then remarked with a small yawn escaping him, “I have been meaning to reassign you, and the rest of the shields places to oversee, as Kestrelstar once did…" Back then, when he was still just Snowleap, hadn't this area been Cattail Pond? He hardly could remember anymore. "Aye, I agree with reinforcing our walls. Perhaps I will find someone soon that can gather a group of warriors to get that done." Pikestar meowed, then his eye narrowed slightly at what was said next, "What does he mean by harsher punishments? Delayed ceremonies? Rank demotion?" Surely, Blizzardwind didn't expect him to temporarily exile children as they did with warriors.

“I like that idea, very much so.” Pikestar remarked, ears perking up at the mention of a mass assessment, “RiverClan needs more warriors, and mentors are training their apprentices far too slowly for my liking. Amberpaw, Birdpaw, and Cloudpaw are long overdue to become full warriors.” And there were probably many more to add to that ridiculous list, but overall he completely agreed to Wormbite’s suggestion. There are too many RiverClan apprentices who were fully grown adults within their camp, and it was becoming irritating to the clan leader. "Are you open to hosting such an event? Or are you wanting me to arrange such a thing?" Usually, mentors, leaders and deputies handled assessments, but in all honesty, Pikestar trusted Wormbite enough that he was willing to give the loyal shield full control over this. After all, it was his idea. Upon the next topic, the tall oriental tomcat hummed with intrigue. "It does sound interesting," He admitted, tapping his paw to his chin, "RiverClan does need a much more established way of dealing with... leeches, and I think you're onto something. Perhaps we should condone more temporary stays away from the clan when stuff like this happens..." And Pikestar was getting sick of exiling cats so much, so this was something he'd be fine with thinking more on. If he gave Wormbite more time to brainstorm that flickering idea, maybe it could form into something more... concrete for the better of the clan.

**Silverfur & Co** · #**1639** January 25th, 2023, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canineantics

Quietly, within the warmth and solitude of his den, the dark-furred tomcat groomed his long, disheveled fur. His ears perked up to the sounds of a gentle rainstorm brewing outside, which wasn’t as heavy as the ones in the past. This one was soft and light, which made it overall rather peaceful to listen to. Pikestar hummed nonchalantly to himself as he drew his tongue over hos chest fur in slow, casual strokes. However, his nose would soon catch a scent of a clanmate as it drifted silently into his space. “Featherspirit?” He called out softly, once he recognized who the smell belonged to, “You can come if you’d like, I won’t bite.” Usually when a cat was this close to his den, they often had something to tell him. Though, Pikestar had been wrong before.
[/INDENT]

Featherspirit padded in silently looking a bit different from herself. A good bit more weight and things. Giggling at his "I wont bite." She takes a breath. saying to him slowly. "Before fawnlight retired I went to her to see if my assumtion was correct i am with kits right now. I would like to be moved to the nursery." she was nervous bout this and smiled hoping it would make him smile.

**Caspian** · #**1640** January 25th, 2023, 05:57 PM

☁︎︎ Bouncepaw ☁︎︎
{ @canineantics }

The feline smiled. He dipped his head in thanks. “Thank you, but I believe it it your time I have taken up“said Bouncepaw respectfuly. It was true, a leaders time is much more valuable than an apprentices. He hoped that it wasn’t too much time for Pikestar he had taken up. He left in joy knowing the move well.