RiverClan Skyridge

[Estelle]

Gingerfrost wasn't paying much attention to the meeting - his thoughts were still elsewhere and it was just too baffling how many warriors had not noticed Skystar's body when it was brought to the clearing, when Snowleap had specifically called the clan's attention. But as before, it wasn't any of his business to what they did and didn't pay attention. It was just irritating having to hear their surprise and shock all over again. Regardless, the meeting continued. The news of a new medicine cat was a good one, and even Gingerfrost took a glance at the young and clearly nervous Fawnpaw. Supposedly chosen by StarClan, they'd have to see how it would go. She was young and it was a big role to fill regardless of it's lesser danger of dying. her work was cut out for her, and perhaps that's what didn't sit too well with the ginger tom - such a young cat alone in a demanding spot. At least it seemed she'd have some support.

An annoying relapse on the cause of Skystar's death (although it was a mystery worth an answer). The clan really did suddenly show a lot of concern for Snowleap. He didn't know and couldn't remember if it was so with previous leaders. But he supposed some extra form of protection couldn't hurt when they did... Whatever they did in there.

Fluffing up his pelt against an invisible cold, the warrior wouldn't have been surprised if Snowleap would have waited until later to choose a deputy (and by extension, new shields. he hadn't even thought of those in a while).
At the back of the crowd he sat, he only partially listened to catch the names of the new shields firstly announced. Blizzardwind, not a big surprise, despite his age. Bluebellcrackle, also not a big surprise. And Gingerfrost. Him. The young warrior had to do a double take, evedently surprised, but there was no repetition of the names. Had he heard this right? There was only one Gingerfrost in this clan (that he knew off), so how? Out of all the over achieving, overly active and excitable warriors, he was chosen to be one of the new shields?
He could barely believe it. He was supposed to be one now? Green eyes moved from Snowleap to the ground, then a brief glance to his side as if trying to find confirmation from someone - as if turning to seek it from his sister. But of course she wasn't there. This wasn't a joke either. There was only one him. Perhaps it wasn't a big deal, but he didn't know how to feel about it. His face had lost it's surprise, but it felt weird still. Very unusual. But he wasn't going to argue with the soon to be leader's choice when there was no reason to. He could fill the position, he knew that (after all, it wasn't much different from the usual duties), it was just going to be more tiring, probably. More expectations. He remained silent in acceptance, and a faint nod. Despite his somewhat contradictory thoughts, it was still an honour. (Was this how Berryscorch felt when she became a Lionheart moons ago?)

His quick process of thought were interrupted when the new deputy was announced. Slatewhisker. He wasn't familiar with the molly, maybe a bit emotional, but nothing pointed towards her being a bad choice. His eyes found the new deputy and he gave her a faint nod in case she noticed his brief look. It wasn't long before the clan chanted her name along with Fawnpaw's (as it seemed to previously not have happened), to which he joined in as one should - some few calls of the shield's names also caught his ear, which felt weird. A few words from the new deputy followed, nothing elaborate (much to his preference), but it showed willingness. That was good. Perhaps RiverClan was now headed to a better future after all the downs.

[taillow]

Fawnpaw
As Snowleap concluded that she would be going with him - that he wanted her to come with - Fawnpaw felt a little better. Still, anxiety coursed through her from where she sat next to Beansprout, ear twitching here and there. She didn't dare say out loud that she hadn't the faintest idea where the Starcave was for fear of more of her Clanmates doubting her.

The meeting continued as Snowleap answered a question about Skystar's death. Thinking that StarClan had a paw in his death... it made Fawnpaw freeze up a little. Did StarClan have the power to do that? They had sent Mistypaw back from being dead, so maybe they could also just take lives away like that, too. It was a rather terrifying thought - because Skystar had been nothing but a good leader in her eyes (despite a few missteps here and there), and yet StarClan had reached down to take all of his nine lives from him.

Next Snowleap addressed Lilycreek, and Fawnpaw froze yet again. So a warrior would be coming with them? She tried her best to hide the guilt she felt - why did StarClan have to choose her? She had no experience, no knowledge of the territory aside from the WindClan border and Haven Springs (but only because she had followed Snakeheart's scent there once). She was too young... too anxious... too... too Fawnpaw.

Dejected was a weird emotion, and though she didn't know that's what it was Fawnpaw felt her heart fall into her paws. RiverClan was suppose to have a bright future, and yet StarClan gave an important rank to an apprentice who knew absolutely nothing. She tried hard to keep her whiskers from trembling, attempting to stop the tremor before it started, but it was difficult. Her desire to look on the bright side and see the best in every situation was clouded by the sheer amount of doubt. Not many of her Clanmates had chanted her name, and she knew why: they didn't agree with StarClan's choice. And Fawnpaw was finding that she didn't either.

Locked away within her own little world of despair, she almost missed Snowleap moving on to new shields and the deputy. Blizzardwind. Bluebellcrack. Gingerfrost. Wait, Bluebellcrackle? It was enough to make the young cat lift her head and shove aside her own problems (she could always sit in their dark depths later) and search for the she-cat. She had to congratulate her!

She didn't quite see her yet, but her ears listened as Snowleap also named the new deputy; Slatewhisker. Head turning again to observe the she-cat, Fawnpaw recognized her as one of the cats who had been at Skystar's burial. She seemed like a good choice, and it made the young cat smile. All around her the Clan was chanting the new names of the deputy and shields. Biting back the dark ooze of doubt that threatened to spill out in the form of tears, Fawnpaw added her voice to the mixture. "Mr. Blizzardwind! Ms. Bluebellcrackle! Mr. Gingerfrost!" she chanted, then dipped her head towards Slatewhisker. "Congratulations Ms. Slatewhisker!"

[ @~Fierce~ - For the direct congratulations to Slatewhisker! ]

[!0P055UM!]

Ferretkit purred, even if he didnt quite know what was going on. Instead he chanted the names the other cats were.

[sol.]

Internal injury?

Lilycreek frowned. How had Skystar gotten it? A tumble? Perhaps issued from Snowleap himself? Who knows, maybe he just wanted the late leader to hurry up and keel over, so he would get the leadership role. Even more suspicious that they didn't let anyone else see the body...

Stop that, she scolded herself. Not everyone is bad.

Not everyone is like your father.

Snowleap would make a good leader- she knew it. Maybe he would lead Riverclan into a time of prosperity, peace, and hope. Maybe he would repair the alliance with the rest of the clans, and soothe the wrath of Starclan. Whatever it was, may he be strong.

"Fawnpaw! Blizzardwind! Bluebellcrackle! Gingerfrost! Slatewhisker!"

[puppeteer]

Originally Posted by GlitterKitten

Shimmerstream was glad that Snowleap had made good choices of shields. And, though she didn't know Slatewhisker very well, he knew that she would make a good deputy. "He picked his cats well, didn't he pebblefoot?" They purred at him. It would take a while, but maybe things could actually go back to normal. She licked Silverpaw's head. "Are you alright now Silverpaw? What do you think of Snowleap's choices? She asked, trying to include her in the conversation.

@l3o.artz
@cloudivity

Silverpaw thought about her siblings words. "Good choices." She mumbled, quiet. She was tired. All this death and scaryness was too much for the apprentice for now.

[Captain]

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

SNOWLEAP
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

➣ With the new shields and deputy being announced to RiverClan, many cats seemed to not hesitate to throw up their heads and chant their names in a grateful session of celebration. One would usually be happy for such a reaction, but it made Snowleap’s mouth form a thin straight line along his muzzle. 'And where was this type of enthusiasm for young Fawnpaw?' He wanted to remark to his clan with a stern tone, but he decided not to. The young brown-furred molly had been through far too much already and she didn’t seem like one who wanted the extra attention in a crowd. He just wished she could have gotten more of a chance to be excited for the role of being a medicine cat. But alas, Snowleap knew he needed to focus on other cats of RiverClan for the time-being. He met Blizzardwind’s gaze as his old mentor gave him a smile and nod in response to being made a shield. It made Snowleap smile too, thankfully. Slatewhisker and the senior tomcat seemed to find comfort in one another, but it was no surprise to him. After all, she was once an apprentice to Blizzardwind too, just as Snowleap had been many, many moons ago.

“I have no doubt that you will, Slatewhisker.” The RiverClan leader said proudly, “I look very much forward to working with you in the near future to ensure that all of our clanmates are happy and safe.” More cheers, one being noticeably from Bluepaw, his energetic apprentice. It almost made him chuckle, knowing the small white-furred youth would be made a warrior of RiverClan quite soon. It was around then he caught the eye of Gingerfrost, who appeared rather surprised by his choice, but Snowleap only returned a warm smile in response to the other tom-cat’s gentle nod. What depressed him slightly was that Bluebellcrackle didn’t seem to be present in the crowd. She had been present at Skystar’s funeral, without a doubt, so where was the she-cat now? Hopefully, someone would be able to alert her of the meeting’s information while he was at the Starcave. One could only hope. His dear friend deserved praise for all she had done, that and more.

Next, he saw young Fawnpaw, who was cheering happily with the others regarding Slatewhisker and the others. However, Snowleap could see that there was something more behind those eyes of hers, so many difficult emotions, but the small apprentice tried nonetheless to stay strong for RiverClan. He held a great amount of sympathy and care for Fawnpaw, but knew there were many more cats in the clan capable of being there for her besides him. Nonetheless, tonight would be a special journey that the two of them would take as clan leader and medicine cat. More and more chants echoed in his eardrums, to which he let happen for a moment or two longer, but after that, Snowleap chose to move the meeting along. Time was precious right now.

“The next thing that I would like to bring to attention in this meeting…” He meowed, his gaze turning to two molly apprentices in the crowd, “...are our very own Birdpaw and Mistypaw. Two young apprentices who were sent to StarClan far too early, so much that our ancestors have decided to bring them back to us!” There was a genuine happiness in his tone. “And while our other Mistypaw is not present at this meeting, I have decided to rename you Stormpaw. Blizzardwind will resume your training as it was, of course.” Snowleap said, nodding to the light-gray molly before turning to ragdoll apprentice beside her, “Birdpaw, my beloved daughter, while your original mentor is no longer with us. I have chosen your new mentor to be our very own Stagfrost…” One quick glance around told the oriental that the tom was not present, which made him almost grit his teeth, “...wherever he may be.” With that being done and done, the RiverClan leader smiled warmly. “RiverClan welcomes you two home! We are all so very glad to have you back here with us.” Amongst all the death that had, and would, transpire within RiverClan, he was grateful to at least be given these two wonderful clanmates back home. They both deserved life again.

And with that, all the important things that Snowleap wanted to address in this meeting were done and done. Now, he needed to focus on the journey to the Starcave. Looking at Fawnpaw for a long moment, he came to a final decision. “I know I said earlier that I would be taking a warrior with us to the Starcave, to ease all of your worries, but…” He paused for a moment, deep in thought, “...I have decided against it. This is a special ceremony. I want it to be an important experience for me and Fawnpaw alone as your leader and medicine cat. I promise to every one of you that I will be safe and I will keep young Fawnpaw safe too. We will both come back to you safe and sound. I ask you all to respect this decision of mine… and to have faith in our new healer in guiding me, because I do.” Snowleap blinked at the crowd before standing up and stretching out his paws, “We will be both going to the Starcave now, without any further delay. That is my final say on the matter. This clan meeting is dismissed.” Leaping down from the Streamstone, he quickly padded over to Fawnpaw and gave her a respectful dip of his head. “Are you ready to head out, Fawnpaw?” It was dark and the stars were out, lighting their way.

 

@x ghostie @Shade. @starry @poppy. @RiztheHuntress @Clock Dragonshifter @QueenOtter @maelstrom @Summer Rose @duckie @Estelle @Naiad @Rabbiteye @WillowBlows12 @Dirtfur @Cody Riley Paco Killian @Slushie @seeingstars @Raven~ @corgigirl @lonely.lilyx @Silverfur & Co @lucidense @Morning! @Frecklewing @Wintermist @Fairy @implimm @Marni. @RobinfeatherThe1st @cloudivity @Lakestorm @l3o.artz @Fenz @Spotty @Raspberrypatch @SpookyGhost @Katlike @GlitterKitten @SpiritedWarrior @Owlstorm21 @Blossomflight_ @Rockfall @EnderMite126 @Tupperware @Atticus @~Fierce~ @Fenixwolf @WinterMara @GoldenDays @flopsy @xath @TsunamiAfton @Starfall @Amber Shadow @Nixey @CatontheMoon @Ravens @vance @Cxndy_Fatal @error @Nat @LeoDaLeaf @Ravensong @Don't Panic @Cecy @goodmorningusa_ @Willowfern @-Cozenage- @marni @Wintersun @MaryTheCrow @Gay'Fluff @snazzyty @rivercloud @Cloverhandreader @Susanita441 @Honey_Shadow @hope @myike @Jayfeatherrules @MinePikGamer

[Lakestorm]

Originally Posted by zenosaurus

High Rank Announcement [#hrannouncement]

SNOWLEAP
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

➣ With the new shields and deputy being announced to RiverClan, many cats seemed to not hesitate to throw up their heads and chant their names in a grateful session of celebration. One would usually be happy for such a reaction, but it made Snowleap’s mouth form a thin straight line along his muzzle. 'And where was this type of enthusiasm for young Fawnpaw?' He wanted to remark to his clan with a stern tone, but he decided not to. The young brown-furred molly had been through far too much already and she didn’t seem like one who wanted the extra attention in a crowd. He just wished she could have gotten more of a chance to be excited for the role of being a medicine cat. But alas, Snowleap knew he needed to focus on other cats of RiverClan for the time-being. He met Blizzardwind’s gaze as his old mentor gave him a smile and nod in response to being made a shield. It made Snowleap smile too, thankfully. Slatewhisker and the senior tomcat seemed to find comfort in one another, but it was no surprise to him. After all, she was once an apprentice to Blizzardwind too, just as Snowleap had been many, many moons ago.

“I have no doubt that you will, Slatewhisker.” The RiverClan leader said proudly, “I look very much forward to working with you in the near future to ensure that all of our clanmates are happy and safe.” More cheers, one being noticeably from Bluepaw, his energetic apprentice. It almost made him chuckle, knowing the small white-furred youth would be made a warrior of RiverClan quite soon. It was around then he caught the eye of Gingerfrost, who appeared rather surprised by his choice, but Snowleap only returned a warm smile in response to the other tom-cat’s gentle nod. What depressed him slightly was that Bluebellcrackle didn’t seem to be present in the crowd. She had been present at Skystar’s funeral, without a doubt, so where was the she-cat now? Hopefully, someone would be able to alert her of the meeting’s information while he was at the Starcave. One could only hope. His dear friend deserved praise for all she had done, that and more.

Next, he saw young Fawnpaw, who was cheering happily with the others regarding Slatewhisker and the others. However, Snowleap could see that there was something more behind those eyes of hers, so many difficult emotions, but the small apprentice tried nonetheless to stay strong for RiverClan. He held a great amount of sympathy and care for Fawnpaw, but knew there were many more cats in the clan capable of being there for her besides him. Nonetheless, tonight would be a special journey that the two of them would take as clan leader and medicine cat. More and more chants echoed in his eardrums, to which he let happen for a moment or two longer, but after that, Snowleap chose to move the meeting along. Time was precious right now.

“The next thing that I would like to bring to attention in this meeting…” He meowed, his gaze turning to two molly apprentices in the crowd, “...are our very own Birdpaw and Mistypaw. Two young apprentices who were sent to StarClan far too early, so much that our ancestors have decided to bring them back to us!” There was a genuine happiness in his tone. “And while our other Mistypaw is not present at this meeting, I have decided to rename you Stormpaw. Blizzardwind will resume your training as it was, of course.” Snowleap said, nodding to the light-gray molly before turning to ragdoll apprentice beside her, “Birdpaw, my beloved daughter, while your original mentor is no longer with us. I have chosen your new mentor to be our very own Stagfrost…” One quick glance around told the oriental that the tom was not present, which made him almost grit his teeth, “...wherever he may be.” With that being done and done, the RiverClan leader smiled warmly. “RiverClan welcomes you two home! We are all so very glad to have you back here with us.” Amongst all the death that had, and would, transpire within RiverClan, he was grateful to at least be given these two wonderful clanmates back home. They both deserved life again.

And with that, all the important things that Snowleap wanted to address in this meeting were done and done. Now, he needed to focus on the journey to the Starcave. Looking at Fawnpaw for a long moment, he came to a final decision. “I know I said earlier that I would be taking a warrior with us to the Starcave, to ease all of your worries, but…” He paused for a moment, deep in thought, “...I have decided against it. This is a special ceremony. I want it to be an important experience for me and Fawnpaw alone as your leader and medicine cat. I promise to every one of you that I will be safe and I will keep young Fawnpaw safe too. We will both come back to you safe and sound. I ask you all to respect this decision of mine… and to have faith in our new healer in guiding me, because I do.” Snowleap blinked at the crowd before standing up and stretching out his paws, “We will be both going to the Starcave now, without any further delay. That is my final say on the matter. This clan meeting is dismissed.” Leaping down from the Streamstone, he quickly padded over to Fawnpaw and gave her a respectful dip of his head. “Are you ready to head out, Fawnpaw?” It was dark and the stars were out, lighting their way.

 

@x ghostie @Shade. @starry @poppy. @RiztheHuntress @Clock Dragonshifter @QueenOtter @maelstrom @Summer Rose @duckie @Estelle @Naiad @Rabbiteye @WillowBlows12 @Dirtfur @Cody Riley Paco Killian @Slushie @seeingstars @Raven~ @corgigirl @lonely.lilyx @Silverfur & Co @lucidense @Morning! @Frecklewing @Wintermist @Fairy @implimm @Marni. @RobinfeatherThe1st @cloudivity @Lakestorm @l3o.artz @Fenz @Spotty @Raspberrypatch @SpookyGhost @Katlike @GlitterKitten @SpiritedWarrior @Owlstorm21 @Blossomflight_ @Rockfall @EnderMite126 @Tupperware @Atticus @~Fierce~ @Fenixwolf @WinterMara @GoldenDays @flopsy @xath @TsunamiAfton @Starfall @Amber Shadow @Nixey @CatontheMoon @Ravens @vance @Cxndy_Fatal @error @Nat @LeoDaLeaf @Ravensong @Don't Panic @Cecy @goodmorningusa_ @Willowfern @-Cozenage- @marni @Wintersun @MaryTheCrow @Gay'Fluff @snazzyty @rivercloud @Cloverhandreader @Susanita441 @Honey_Shadow @hope @myike @Jayfeatherrules @MinePikGamer

Cloverecho nodded and looked up into the sky

[GlitterKitten]

Stormcloud was glad that Snowleap and Fawnpaw were heading out. He was ready for Riverclan to be strong again.

[taillow]

Fawnpaw
As the cheering and chanting died down, Fawnpaw was left without a distraction and instead a rather sour loop of thoughts. Anxiety tickled her paw pads as she returned her gaze to Snowleap, who moved on to the reintroduction of two apprentices. Mistypaw, who had died in the battle against ThunderClan when Fawnpaw was just a kit - and Birdpaw. Beloved daughter. She couldn't help but grow her eyes wide as she looked over towards the she-cat. So that was his daughter?? A smile drew upon her face, glad that he had his daughter back. And the words he spoke...

They were happy words, they were. But something... cracked inside of her. Some unknown piece that she hadn't even begun to understand until now, the light she had seen Snowleap in... it had been family. And now, hearing him speak such kind and soft words to a cat who was actually his family felt... well, Fawnpaw wasn't sure. A bitter taste rose in her throat as she thought of her own father. Never present in her life - stars, she didn't even know his name. Not once had Daystripe mentioned it, and not once despite all the times she had wished for it had he come crashing through the camp entrance to wrap her in a hug. There were no soft and kind words spoken to her, no uplifting support. Just a vast nothingness filled with nothing but dreams that would be left unrealized.

With the times that she had interacted with the tall deputy-turned-leader, Fawnpaw had always pictured that her father was much like Snowleap, and even in some instances when she was really lonely she would just pretend... that he was. He was nice, and kind. And he gave really good hugs - ones that could wipe away whatever bad she was feeling in the moment. When he had come across her collecting flowers, Fawnpaw had kept a note that blue ones were his favorite, and she had planned to fill his den with them as a thank you, and maybe work up the courage to confess how he felt like a father to her.

...But he had a family of his own, a daughter of his own. He had Birdpaw, and Risingpaw, and Lynxfall, and Bluepaw, and Shadepaw. It was difficult, watching in her mind as the hope and light she'd first seen him in shatter into a million jagged pieces. Of course he was still her leader and Clanmate, and she cared for him a great deal, but she would be lying if she tried to say it wasn't difficult. First to have her actual father not even bother to be in her life, and then it was realizing that the one she had started to see as that figure... already had a daughter. Claws that were sharp as thorns pierced her heart and she had to force herself to not flinch. To not give into the pain that engulfed her chest in flames.

It felt unfair, but Fawnpaw knew better than to speak any of these thought out loud. The small dose of fear and insecurity lasted second on her expression before she shoved it down with all of the other overwhelming emotions.

Just as soon as the announcement about the returning two apprentices - with Mistypaw getting a new name that Fawnpaw made a note to remember - Snowleap was moving on. She still felt as though there was cotton fluff in her ears, and it was difficult but not impossible to keep the tears at bay. He was talking now about heading out to the Starcave, and the young medicine cat took a steady breath. So it would just be them after all. He spoke of keeping her safe, and having faith in her, and she wanted so badly to smile at him. She wanted to let him know that she appreciated his words, but stars she was still trying to get control of her mind. No, no, no. No. He had his own family. Soon enough, she would have duties of her own. She would need to be there for her Clan, and learn to set aside her own personal demons no matter how much they clawed at her.

Finally, as Snowleap jumped down from the Streamstone and strode over to her asking if she were ready to go, she had managed to muster up enough strength to give him a smile that he hopefully wouldn't see through. "Yes, Mr. Snowleap." But... that would mean leaving behind Beansprout. Turning to look at the tom, she reached out to touch her nose to his. "I'll be back soon, okay Mr. Beansprout? I promise." She didn't want to leave him alone... but she knew she had to walk with Snowleap to the Starcave not only for his leader ceremony but also to meet StarClan as a medicine cat.

Turning back to Snowleap, she gave another nod. "I'm ready to go."

[ @zenosaurus - Don't mind the Fawnpaw angst I've been patiently waiting for this moment hehehe @maelstrom - For the last fawnbean moment for now ]

[Jayfeatherrules]

Applekit slowly rose to her paws. She had been silent most of the meeting not wanting to disrupt the older cats. Her mind buzzed with so many questions but the young molly still was quiet.