Gathering - March/April 2018

[Demonic]

Redwing of RavenClan:
Redwing walked amongst the gaggle of cats with his head held high, watching his mate out of the corner of his eye while she greeted others and watched the Great Oak, never letting her out of his overprotective sight.

Redwing wasn't new to gatherings, he knew about the drama, the arguments that went down and yet none of them phased him one bit. He was never one for clan politics and instead came to gatherings for one reason only. For work. Yes, it was here most Ravenclan assassins would hide beneath the shadows or sit on the outskirts of the crowd, waiting for cats from different clans to sneak over and request their services. Which is precisely why this gathering was so different to his previous ones. He didn't follow the quiet group of rogues as they took their stations looking for clients. Instead, Redwing wandered deep into the crowd taking his place and sat waiting for his lover to join his side. 

When Mistyheart arrived beside him, he covertly leaned against her and watched the crowds rather than the leaders. A few cats glanced over towards him but didn't make any sign of greeting him. Of course, they wouldn't, any cat that knew him outside of RavenClan was likely one of his clients. It was hard not joining the other assassins, he had been doing his best to quit those habits for his new mate but the violent urge trained into him since apprenticehood was becoming strong. 

Lost in his thoughts, the ruddy coloured tom almost flinched when Mistyheart spoke. A smug grin donned her usually sweet features and Redwing mirrored it in kind. His mood already changing for the better. "You, my dear, are far worse. Miss I don't want to go to the gathering it's far too hot." He chuckled and laced his tail with hers. Sure RavenClan had a lot banking on WillowClan allowing them to use their water source, though Redwing certainly didn't care. Allowed to or not the roguish tom would take what he wants if it will ensure his loved ones survive. 

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Nightshade of RavenClan:
Nightshade as always arrived at the gathering with a flirtatious smirk on his face and an excited glint in his ivy coloured eyes, eager to be in such a social space. He walked, hips swaying slightly, beside his close friend Whitesplash as the two of them looked out over the sea of Clan cats. The two of them plunged into the crowd and found a space to sit. Nightshade, not paying much attention to the squabbling leaders ahead of him, went about his usual game of how many reactions can her get out of flirting with the nearby she-cats. This either got him a giggle, a scoff or a hiss but either way the tom was ecstatic. Not feeling anything while doing this but simply enjoyed the attention. Leaning over to Whitesplash he playfully whispered, "Y'knooow~ I bet we can find you that special she-cat here, lots of good potentials." He teased referencing a conversation of their's a few days ago. This was nice, simply distracting himself from the thoughts that had been plaguing him as of late and just being his normal flirtatious and in denial self.

However, unbeknownst to Nightshade said plaguing thought was searching for him in the crowd. The conversation continued and Nightshade unknowing of what was about to happen went about his business. That is until his piercing green eyes locked with a pair of beautiful and very familiar dark amber ones. He had seen those eyes countless times before in his thought but this time they were real. "Nightshade." "Oh no." He mewed under his breath, stilling like a deer in the headlights. His heart skipped a beat and his breath was drawn out of him as Finchwhisker bounded over and wrapped him in his warm embrace. Nightshade was completely still, despite the desperate want to reciprocate the touch. StarClan how he missed this scent, this cat and- Dainty paws hesitantly pushed his lover - his past lover - away. Now Nightshade could understand how long furred cats felt in the harsh sun as the hot rosy blush that bloomed across his ears and nose made him feel as if he was boiling alive under his pelt.

Very much aware that Whitesplash was still near him as well as any other onlookers, Nightshade refused to look Finchwhisker in the eye. If he looked sad, Nightshade didn't see it, he didn't want to see it. Instead, Nightshade meekly mewed to the ground as he skated around Finchwhisker's question, "Now really isn't the time or place for this Finchwhisker." Not realising that the paw he weakly pushed the tom away with was still pressed against Finchwhisker's chest, secretly not wanting to lose the contact again.

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OOC: aah the drama
Tags: tansy @quiver

[m0ri0123]

Stonepaw swept his tail against the ground in frustration at Willowstar's words. " Try getting here on time when half of your clan is trying to get over poison sickness without water. Surely Starclan would excuse our tardiness," he thought to himself. To say that he was upset was an understatement. WillowClan had water and a healthy food supply while RavenClan ad FireClan was suffering. He turned his head towards Flowerpaw and flattened his ears for a second in guilt. Here he was complaining about WillowClan when he was just about to have a nice conversation with one of their members. He silently scolded himself and gave her a small nervous smile.


He didn't know if he was allowed to discuss with her about the state of his clan. They were after all suppose to show that they were strong. Would telling her that they were in a pretty bad condition be wise? He decided to tell her the truth, or at least just a piece of it. There was no point in telling her that everything was fine and dandy if they weren't. Plus, if their representor told everyone about the state that they were in, he would be made out to look like a liar. He also didn't like to lie which was another cherry on top.


" Our w-water supply is pretty low," he admitted. " Hopefully it will r-rain soon though. It would be nice for the weather t-to get cooler." He didn't want to ask her about their water supply as he already knew about that and didn't want to make the she-cat feel bad. " Is your training going well?" he asked with a smile.

@silverfire

[Deleted]

130 Words . @lunaticfurball, Sloth,  . notes:

Aspenstar's remark only ruffled Emberblaze's fur up in the wrong way even more, his gaze was still held upwards at those superior to him, glaring defiantly. Even against Aspenstar's deadly gaze, he held his ground, his eyes burning like fire into hers. The tom could almost feel a growl about to spill out of his throat.

Petalflight, however, surprised him and quickly smothered that defiant flame within him. He was confused as to the Ravenclan medicine cat's sudden interest in him, and the fact that she has taken his side unlike his own leaders. He wondered about that as he continued to watch them, his gaze still stern but much softer now.

He lowered his gaze and dipped his head in gratitude towards the medicine cat, before his hard gaze resumed.

✤

[Deleted]

A b s u r d J i n x

Jaythorn watched RavenClan stream into the clearing, easing plenty of clan cat's anxieties. He hadn't exactly been too worried, having faith that the medicine cat-lead clan would arrive eventually. So long as he didn't have to return to FireClan's dry territory too soon then he couldn't care less about when they showed up.

He didn't respond to Pearstripe's comment, rather watching as the mysterious felines merged with the other clans. Jaythorn assumed RavenClan was suffering just as much as FireClan and he wondered if either of the struggling clans would demand water from WillowClan. It wouldn't surprise him if an argument broke out between the leaders. With tensions already high it would be surprising if the Gathering ended on a peaceful note.

The gray tabby was distracted by the abrupt appearance of a multi-colored she-cat. He was careful not to stare, offering the two privacy as they greeted one another. Jaythorn assumed they knew one another. Based off scents, he figured they were in the same clan - WillowClan.

When he was addressed Jaythorn gave all his attention to both Pearlstripe and the unfamiliar molly. He first greeted the she-cat with a respectful dip of his head, introducing himself in a raspy tone, ``Jaythorn,`` before replying to the other tom's statement, ``It's quite challenging to find water, but we're managing.`` No way would he admit FireClan had lost members due to dehydration. They were weak at the moment, but he was determined to show the clans otherwise.

|   words   •   273  |   tags   •   @mari JUM!!   |
|   notes   •   don't worry! its a busy time c:   |

NEVERLAND @ ADOXGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Whitesplash of Ravenclan

Whitesplash wound his way through the mass of cats surrounding the great oak. At his side, his shorter black furred friend moved along cheerfully, excitement glinting in his eyes. It didn't take long for the pair to find themselves a spot to sit, Whitesplash settling down, his tail wrapping around his paws neatly. He wasn't as relaxed as his black counter part, the tension between the clans making him on edge. Blinking as his friend leaned in to speak he flinches, his ears going crimson at his teasing words. He quickly changes his expression to one of exasperation, flicking Nightshade's ear with his fluffy tail tip. "Oh shush you fluffbrain." He says, forcing himself to purr. Inside though his belly writhed. Was Lilyfang here? He wondered his icy blue eyes flickering around them for the she-cat. The white warrior had found himself thinking about the Willowclan warrior a little more often than he'd of liked. Sometimes it was innocent things like hoping she'd made it home alright. Whilst a deeper part of him, a part he tried very hard to ignore wondered what it be like to see her again. 

Realizing he'd allowed his mind's wandering to take over, Whitesplash had to blink to return his thoughts to the present. It was then that he noticed Nightshade had gone completely still, like a stiff plank of wood. Puzzled Whitesplash glanced about icy eyes seeking an explanaination. He was about to ask what exactly had Nightshade acting like a terrified doe, when a voice sounded from somewhere ahead. Ears perking up, Whitesplash watched as a tom forced his way through the crowd to his friend. He thrust himself at Nightshade, till they embraced. His words loud enough for Whitesplash to make out. Brow furrowing the tom, cocked his head to one side. His icy gaze slipping from the unknown ginger and white tabby tom, to the small black form of Nightshade. Watching his closest friend as the tom weakly shoved the other tom away, refusing to look him in the eye. A dainty paw still resting on his chest as he told the tom, this wasn't the place for whatever was happening. Clearing his throat, Whitesplash restablished his prescence. "Um Nightshade..." He says keeping his voice calm. "Who's this?" His icy gaze however was a billowing storm of questions. 


tansy Demonic

[tansy]

Finchwhisker of WillowClan

The orange and white tabby tom's muscles tensed, and he backed up a few seconds. His ears flattened against his head. The hurt in his amber eyes was obvious as his gaze switched from Nightshade, to the white tom beside him. His throat went dry, and his whiskers quivered. It felt like his heart was actually falling apart, right in two perfectly split halves. He gulped, and his whiskers drooped.

"I.. Right, right. I'm sorry I interrupted you two." He said, backing up a few more steps. He wanted nothing more than to nuzzle his snout into Nightshade's neck, and profess his feelings for him. After all, he had planned to tell him how he felt for a while, and thought that if he could catch him alone at the gathering, he may just as well do that. But he guessed that Nightshade planned otherwise, and found someone else in the moon that they had missed each other. 

To think that he had been counting down the days till he would see his lover, to smell his intoxicating scent, to see his piercing green eyes that seemed to strip him down to his soul. He missed everything about Nightshade, but apparently he was busy with someone else, and didn't miss him at all.

The thoughts were eating him up as he stood there, just staring. His eyes began to water with hot tears, and he was visibly shaking. Not with rage, but with anguish. He had loved Nightshade. He knew it from the start, and here he was... With someone else. He could barely believe it, but it was right in front of him. "I...." He took in a shaky breath. "I'm sorry, Nightshade." He croaked, his voice trembling. He took a few steps back and then started walking off. Hot tears stung his cheeks as they slid down painfully. He never thought he would feel this much pain in his life, but here he was. He made it to the back of the crowd, sitting by himself. 

He never thought that this would go so wrong between him and Nightshade. If anything, he thought StarClan had finally sent him someone to spend the rest of his moons with, to have kits with and be together. But alas, it seemed as though he was wrong yet again. The thoughts pulled at his heart, and took everything in him to not fall down and cry.

Tags: Demonic, @quiver
Words: 423
OOC Notes: he is so SAD. it was almost painful writing this

[Demonic]

Lilyfang of WillowClan:
Lilyfang blended in with the crowd, watching the leaders ahead of her and bristled with anger and nerves. She understood how dier this gathering was for so many of the cats here. Though her Clan hadn't been severely affected by the drought, Lilyfang still felt a twinge of annoyance when watching the leaders squabble. While she and all these good hard working and obviously thirsty warriors and apprentices simply sat and watched with bated breath.

Before she ended up doing something rash like shouting out from the crowd, she turned her attention to more personal matters. Her apprentice Flowerpaw was nearby and busy talking with another apprentice while Lilyfang's sister was off flirting with some tom. Typical. Both cats she didn't want to interrupt, more so her sister who'd likely claw her eyes out for getting in between her and her current plaything.

Being brought up so strictly, Lilyfang didn't know any cats from the other clans, hell she barely knew any of the cats in her own clan. However, her father was no longer here and couldn't tell her to stay away from the opposing groups anymore. And so, Lilyfang found her self-scouring the crowd, her golden eyes landing every so often on any pure white pelt she could see. It had been a while since Lilyfang had seen Whitesplash, the sweet RavenClan tom that had saved her life. It was something she couldn't forget as her mind replayed it over and over again. All she could ever think about was waking up to stare into those soft blue eyes, the warm heat that passed between them when leaning on one another for support and- Lilyfang realized just how hot her ears were becoming as a blush began to spread across her face. 

She looked for a little while longer until her face fell, maybe he didn't come? Then, towards the back of the gathering, she noticed a small group forming - cats staring into a scene that to them was far more interesting than the bickering leaders. There in the thick of the mess of curious cats was a pure white tom, Whitesplash. Lilyfang, innocently mistaking the warm flutter in her chest as the longing for friendship. Bound over towards the tom without hesitation.

"Whitesplash?" She mewed gently but professionally. Padding up to him and pausing before she got too close, taking note of how her heart seemed to beat quicker as she locked eyes with him. A smitten smile played on her lips and she instantly softened from her uptight soldier like stance, "It's good to see you again." She purred much more familiarly.

---

Nightshade of RavenClan:
"Nobody. Don't worry about it." Nightshade snapped at Whitesplash's question, his heart was beating fast and his head was pounding. The ebony warrior had his head turned to Whitesplash as he spoke, his expression fiery and clearly agitated. Not because of his friend or past lover but more so himself. Nightshade only turned around when his paw slipped from Finchwhisker's chest and he turned to find the ginger patched tom backing away.

Oh, what a mistake turning around was, the surprise made him look up and lock on to the WillowClan tom's gaze. He caught a glimpse of the pain, the betrayal and suddenly Nightshade could feel his heart shatter into a million pieces. Unbeknownst to him, it was similar to Finchwhisker's heart as well. Nightshade froze up and the world around him blurred as he stared and breathed in the intoxicating scent that was currently suffocating him. He had missed Finchwhisker, StarClan how he had missed him. That sickly sweet voice and the flirtatious remarks that came out of his mouth, his warmth, his scent, those eyes that gleamed with love and admiration, he missed it all and wanted it back. But he couldn't have it, he wouldn't let himself have it.

Nightshade only moved when Finchwhisker had turned his back on him, his piercing green eyes only watching the back of his past lover as he walked away. He took a hesitant step forward as if he was planning to chase after him, he wanted to chase after him and make this right, but as always he didn't. If Nightshade thought leaving Finchwhisker that morning after they slept together was painful then watching Finchwhisker leave him with tears in his eyes was downright torture. "Finchwhisker I-" "I'm sorry, Nightshade." And just like that, his past lover had disappeared into the crowd. Leaving Nightshade standing rigid and alone with tears burning his eyes. 

Like a computer trying to load an unknown software, Nightshade stood there petrified as he dealt with the anger and hatred for himself that wash over him. This wouldn't have happened if you weren't such a coward and just accept your feelings for Finchwhisker. A cruel voice echoed in the back of his mind. Then, as if matters couldn't possibly get any worse, a foreign voice called from behind him for Whitesplash. Turning around once again, Nightshade saw a rather intimidating and seasoned warrior bound towards his friend. Despite the obvious signs that she was a WillowClanner, the soft enamored smile on her features was all he needed to know that the two had a history. Like a pot of water boiling over, his self-loathing anger spilled and was suddenly directed at his snowy friend. "Who is she!?" He snapped as images of Finchwhisker looking so downtrodden fueled him to the point of trembling with anger and hurt. Interrupting them before Whitesplash or the unknown molly could speak, Nightshade snapped again "You know what!? I don't even care! Fuck this! I'm going back to camp!"

With that Nightshade stormed off, back facing the crowd as he climbed up the dirt track heading for home. Leaving salty tears in his wake as he whimpered at the loss of his lover and burned with anger for his own stupidity.

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OOC: Aaaah The drama! Also Lilyfang is here yay!
Tags: tansy @quiver

[Mal]

Cinderstar

Fireclan || Female || Strong Leader

A low growl rumbled her throat of Willowstar, and yet again at Petalflight. Well wasn't this great? Her tail lashed back and forth but she, miraculously, said no more. Instead she dug her claws into the Great Oak's root and stared at the moon, nostrils flared.

Cinderstar barely managed to hold in her frustrations. Emberblaze shouting out did nothing to cure this. It was relieving that Aspenstar's words were promising of punishment for his disrespectful behaviour. It was not his place to show such rudeness, especially not at a gathering for all the other clans to see. Her amber eyes narrowed dangerously on the tabby, her lip pulled in a snarl. I'll make damn well Aspenstar doesn't go lightly. Her own mother would have probably come up behind the tom and strangle him for doing that. Ah! How many times Cinderstar got a good smack for stepping out of line. Emberblaze would learn soon.

"Let's get on with it already then! What, are we waiting for a royal introduction?" Her eyes turned to Froststar, barely checking to see if her fellow leader was ready. The grey molly let out a yowl to indicate the beginning of the gathering, letting it ring through the clearing. She would not take Froststar's place in speaking, but she would at least take control of the gathering's beginning. If not to silence these foolish leaders, but to let out some of her anger. Damn that felt good.

[Words: 242]
[Tags: Stormy for Willowstar; Sloth for Aspenstar; Captain for Froststar; @lunaticfurball for Petalflight; @starryo for Emberblaze; @everyone for Cinderstar yelling lol]
[Notes: xx]

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Lilacclaw

Willowclan || Female || Warrior

Lilacclaw gave a small scoff at Boulderfang's accusation. "Me? Misbehaved? I hardly think so." Came the act, her face just too ridiculous to be serious. But she loosened the joking, listening to the conditions of Fireclan with a somber look. It didn't take a genius to know that no rain meant no water. Willowclan was lucky enough to have a big lake for their drinking needs. There was still enough fish for the clan along with other prey, but the amount had decreased since the lack of rain. Is Fireclan okay? 

"Yes. It's quite unfortunate. I trust Fireclan will find a way. They always have in the past." Once again, the dilute calico allowed her tail to brush against his flank, a serious look on her face. She offered her encouragement and withdrew after a couple of heartbeats so not to draw attention. Hell, even if she did it wasn't like other clans didn't know of Willowclan's flirtatious ways.

"Willowclan is well. The lake has shrunk but it is still there. Prey runs pletiful as well... You know, my mother often said that with droughts came lightning. I hope that isn't true. Beware of any fires, will you? I'd rather you die honourably than like a two-leg roast."

[Words: 207]
[Tags: @edda for Boulderfang]
[Notes: xx]

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Duskpaw

Ravenclan || Female || Apprentice

Finally! It was her first gathering. Of course Dawnpaw had told her all about them. In all honesty, they sounded horrifying. The amount of cats that were packed around a tree... that didn't seem like a good place for an introvert. But alas she wanted to hear the drama and politics for herself. It was about time! Even her mentor, Berryclaw, was adament and, quite frankly, insulting to learn her past mentor hadn't allowed her to go.

"Wow! Look at them all." She mewed in a dazed tone, observing the mass amount of pelts below. It didn't take her long to get distracted and padded around the crowd, parting from Dawnpaw. The tuxedo turned her head to mew something to him when she realized he wasn't there. Oops. He hates it when I do that... better find him. Well, not only for his benefit but her own too. Duskpaw didn't know anyone here and being with her brother always felt the best. So she went hunting.

With a glance ever once and a while to the Great Oak, it was obvious there was tension between the clans. That made her nervous. And hearing about the border scraps that were beginning to break out... it seemed all cats of the land were on edge. With a shake of her head, Duskpaw whispered harshly, "Dawnpaw?" 

She retraced her steps before she finally got sight of him. Thank the stars! "Dawnpaw!" She called, padding quickly up to him and purring. "Sorry, wondered off. Who's this? Hi, I'm Duskpaw! You smell like Fireclan."

[Words: 259]
[Tags: Maple for Dawnpaw; tansy for Palepaw; JUM!! for mention]
[Notes: xx]

[trevni]

wolfjaw of willowclan.

The tom hardly allowed himself to breathe as he anxiously awaited the she-cat’s response, concerned that she might rake his ears for such a silly transgression. Fireclan cats were not known for being particularly friendly, after all, and he wasn’t sure whether this particular cat was the future strong, empathetic, or balanced leader (keeping up with Fireclan politics was quite difficult when your own Clan had more than enough drama for all three, after all).

To Wolfjaw’s immense relief, the she-cat didn’t seem particularly upset. His ruffled fur smoothed slightly as she seemed to forgive his offense, tufted ears twitching his sheepishness away like a particularly irritating insect. “I—er, yes,” he replied to her question, caught thoroughly off guard by the sudden, oddly normal conversation. “Well, er, Willowclan is… pretty comfortable with the lake, I suppose, but I—“

He cut off as the white she-cat giggled, dismissing herself. His pelt burned all the hotter when he saw her scale the Great Oak to sit with the rest of the leaders, and he silently berated himself for almost sharing important news with the leader of a rival Clan.

And yet, if her words were true – and, seeing the expression on some cats’ faces, he worried they were – a pang of empathy shook him and left him more rattled than ever. “… I hope Fireclan figures something out soon,” he murmured, completing his former thought, though Froststar had long since left her distraction behind.

He blinked quietly up at the Oak, lost in his own thoughts for a long moment until the arrival of Ravenclan distracted him. The large tabby turned to scan the varied pelts as they rushed in, feeling a rush of relief as he happened to spot a familiar black-and-white pelt with a telltale torn ear. He doubted Badgermask would be happy to see him, but it was nice to know that at least one of his siblings seemed well despite the issues Ravenclan had recently had.

Badgermask was accounted for. That only left—

Foxflight.

The tabby tom visibly brightened when his brother appeared before him, relief gleaming in the dusty tabby’s gaze. Casting an awkward glance around at his Clanmates – and chancing a glance at Badgermask, who had almost certainly seen Foxflight approach – Wolfjaw cleared his throat, approaching with a guarded, hesitant sort of friendliness and settling down beside the bicolor tom.

Foxflight was listening to the leaders, and Wolfjaw’s own ears picked up tossed words and thinly-veiled insults that made his skin crawl. His paws shifted uncomfortably at the words exchanged, and he rumbled softly to Foxflight, not wanting to cause a disturbance by speaking too loudly.

“Good evening, Foxflight. It’s… uh. It’s good to see you looking so well. I’m glad you’re okay, how are things in Ravenclan now? Is the prey coming back? Do you have water? Do you—“ He cut himself off before he overwhelmed his sibling with questions, ears pinning back guiltily. He sounded far too worried for his own good, and he was convinced some Willowclan cat would judge him for it.

(( Captain @arctic ))

badgermask of ravenclan.

Frustration wormed its way beneath a short black-and-white pelt as Badgermask watched Foxflight make a beeline directly towards Wolfjaw. The sight of her scarred sibling sent familiar tingles of anger and anxiety through the she-cat’s pelt, but pride kept her too firmly-rooted where she stood to confront Foxflight in that moment. Ravenclan needed to prove itself as strong after its recent series of events, and Badgermask refused to stir up drama at such an important Gathering, however tempting it was.

She’d certainly talk to him after the Gathering, of course.

She couldn’t see Dogsong’s smug, arrogant face among the crowd, and that in and of itself was reassuring. If she had to pick between her brothers that had deserted everything they’d ever cared about, Wolfjaw was slightly more tolerable. Dogsong was too crafty and self-serving for her liking, however, and she was satisfied that he’d probably been left home on this particular night.

She settled down to eye the leaders, pelt ruffling at the words tossed around by cats who held themselves in far higher esteem than their Clanmates. It was hard to feel an ounce of respect for any of them, or to care what they had to say. She certainly didn’t envy Petalflight in this situation; suffering through interactions with a bunch of proud she-cats was more than Badgermask had the patience for.

A Fireclan tom spoke his mind, only to get rather harshly put down by one of Fireclan’s many leaders. Badgermask offered a rather derisive snort – clearly, no Fireclan cat was allowed to have their own opinion. No Ravenclan cat would have batted an eye at such a bold declaration. Begrudgingly, she conceded a tiny amount of respect for the Fireclan cat that’d been bold enough to say what he believed.

He’d be a decent Ravenclan cat – though I suspect he’d be far too arrogant and pretentious to ever consider the idea.

Quietly, she shifted to slink through the mass of cats, settling a little closer to the outspoken tom. Petalflight’s support of him seemed to have shut his up, and her whiskers twitched in amusement as she side-eyed Emberblaze, a spark of mischief lighting her tired gaze.

“Some of your Clanmates are probably going to claw your ears off tonight, you know – if not with claws, then with words,” she offered quietly towards Emberblaze, a smirk working its way onto her features. She made an effort to not sound particularly aggressive or hostile, but there was certainly a playful sort of jab to her words. “You’ll probably be cleaning the elders’ den for about a moon. Poor thing.”

(( @starryo hope you don’t mind me nudging an amused badger in this direction ! ))

fogstone of fireclan.

To Fogstone’s disdain, a dappled Willowclan she-cat took up residence quite close to him, clearly looking to make conversation. Many of his Clanmates found Willowclan slightly more tolerable than Ravenclan – at least they had some notion of leadership, and some governing system. Fogstone, however, knew the truth – that Willowclan cats were just a weak, shoddy excuse for a real Clan, and that their leadership positions were determined by blood, rather than skill.

In a way, they were worse than Fireclan, if only because of how artificial they were. He couldn’t believe that his parents had abandoned the only true Clan to join the drama mongers and gossips.

He was hardly surprised when a honey-sweet voice oozed his way, making a point to remain as unruffled and impassive as ever. He suspected the she-cat was trying to crawl under his skin, and the stubborn part of him refused to so much as bat an eye at her sickly sweet, fake friendly words.

He wouldn’t, however, remain completely silent.

“Considering Fireclan is the only other Clan here, and considering the fact that I’m clearly not a Willowclan cat,” he mewed with deliberate, forced slowness, as though he was talking to a one-moon old kit and trying to make it understand some foreign concept. “Congratulations. You have some rudimentary level of thought. Color me impressed.”

His sharp yellow gaze never left the Great Oak, as though she wasn’t even interesting enough for him to glance at during his reply. Hooked claws worked themselves in the earth as he absorbed what was being said on the Oak – Willowstar’s very voice grated his ears and made him wish he could rip her pelt off.

When Emberblaze voiced his protest, the fur along Fogstone’s spine ruffled sharply, and a dangerous look was shot towards the tom. It was not his place to remind the warrior of his transgression, however, and so he remained still, fixing the leaders with another sharp look. Aspenstar would hopefully make him suffer, and, if not, he hoped that one of the other leaders would ensure the tom was fully punished.

Fogstone would have torn his pelt off right at the Gathering. It was probably a good thing that he wasn’t a leader.

(( @arctic fog is… not impressed, w hoops. ))

[Deleted]

Foxflight of RavenClan

    In the corner of his eye, the bi-color tom could see his brother turning to look around. It didn't take long for Wolfjaw to notice him, and Foxflight wasted no time sending him a glance in return. His ear twitched absentmindedly as he listened to the chattering around him, but focused on the matter at hand; catching up with his sibling. As the dark tabby approached him, he turned all his attention to him with a warm expression. Seeing his sibling approach him made the russet tom incredibly happy, but he was careful not to show it too much. It seemed to him that Wolfjaw was doing the same.

    At his brother's words, Foxflight couldn't help but give out a soft chuckle. After all these moons, it seemed his sibling was as worried as he was. "It is quite the evening, isn't it?" He followed up after Wolfjaw cut himself off. There was a pause, and his amber gaze darted to the ground for a moment. Foxflight wasn't in the best of health, but he was content to say that he was doing alright. Recovering, and very thirsty, that was for sure. "Don't worry about it," he tried to reassure before going on to answer anything. "I have many questions for you as well. I appreciate the concern."

    "RavenClan is doing well. It's been quite difficult, though. Problem after problem, truthfully. The prey has returned, but the water has disappeared. I take comfort in knowing that our bellies are full and healthy now, at least. I'm just worried for the cats still sick from before." He went on to reply, but decided not to go much further. He still wanted RavenClan to seem strong, even if he wasn't so sure about that himself.

    "How are things for you and Dogsong? How's life in WillowClan?" He proceeded to ask, leaning forward in interest, and almost comfort. He hadn't spoken to Wolfjaw in so long, but right now it seemed like they were simply brothers, and not cats in rival Clans.

trevni

Mothshine of WillowClan

    The dappled tabby couldn't help but be amused by the FireClan tom's hostile-like reply. A genuine smile appeared on her face, but it wasn't a friendly one. It was more of berating one. FireClan cats were so aggressively honest and proud; wouldn't it be fun for them to just play along and be a little fake? For once?

    Mothshine found herself coming closer to the cat, then chuckled. "Ooh, aren't you fun?" She suggested, before turning her bright green gaze forward. "Pleasure to meet you. Why don't you settle down and relax your fur? What has you so pressed, if I may ask?"

trevni

[Maple]

Dawnpaw of RavenClan

D awnpaw twitched his tail anxiously as he looked for Palepaw. He scanned the gathering but couldn't see, smell, or sense him anywhere near by. Had Fernheart told her leaders about what had happened on the border? Was Palepaw in trouble right now, stuck in FireClan camp where Dawnpaw couldn't help him lest he plans an escape? Dawnpaw didn't like the thought and felt his heart twist. He was about to double his efforts to search for his friend when he heard his name whispered out like a breath despite the cacophony of sounds all around him. Dawnpaw spun to see Palepaw standing before him, evenbigger than last time he'd seen him. He let out a puff of breath in relief and automatically moved forward towards Palepaw, almost unconsciously. Had Dawnpaw grown too in the time they'd been apart? He'd like to think so, but he wasn't sure. He was growing...just not very much. Palepaw was grinning at him and Dawnpaw smiled back, eying the crowd around them. They couldn't arise suspicions by their actions here tonight. They had to be...casual. He breathed out, just as soft, "Palepaw," ... and that probably wasn't a good start to being conspicuous, but part of Dawnpaw couldn't bring himself to care. Who was going to notice them anyway? Two random apprentices from different clans? Palepaw was stuttering nervously at him and Dawnpaw smiled again despite himself and his efforts to remain calm, amused that after all this time he still made his friend nervous. He unconsciously brushed his tail lightly over Palepaw's paws in an attempt to soothe him. "Duskpaw is..." Duskpaw was coming right this way. Eyes wide, Dawnpaw backed up a step from Palepaw and smoothed his face into a mask of indifference. He turned his gaze to his sister as she padded up and hoped that it looked like nothing unusual was happening here. "Hey, Duskpaw." He rolled his eyes skyward, "This is Palepaw," He turned his gaze back on Palepaw apologetically, in advance for anything he said tonight in front of his sister to protect their secret. She of all people couldn't know. He would never hear the end of it. The secret would be revealed for sure.  "We met at the last gathering..." He said, shrugging his shoulders as if it was nothing. "We ran into each other again, literally, tonight." A little white lie couldn't hurt. It'd explain them being close if Duskpaw had seen them earlier than Dawnpaw thought she had. Don't be friendly, don't be friendly, don't be friendly. "Meet anyone yourself yet, Duskpaw? Or have you been slacking?" WORDS: 411 TAG: tansy  Mal

credit to nat of adoxography.

notes: I'm incapable of writing short Dawnpaw posts it seems.

Ambershine of FireClan

A mbershine walked back next to Ivyshade at the call of her name after having wandered away for a few moments in hopes of sparking up a conversation with someone. She hadn't had any success, too anxious to start any conversations and too plain to apparently warrant someone walking up to her to start one. She tried not to let it get to her, especially since Ivyshade never seemed to have this problem, but she couldn't help it. Did she exude some sort of repellant or something?  She was starting to get annoyed that the last clan was arriving so late. She better have hadn't spent ages grooming herself this afternoon for nothing. Though RavenClan was hardly worth being worried about impressing anyway, as they didn't seem to care about their own appearances to notice that of others.  She sat next to her friend just in time for Ivyshade to jeer at the medicine cat as she walked past and made her way to the Great Oak. Ambershine's heart twisted, feeling a bit bad for the she-cat as she endured the calls of other clanmates around them.  She huffed and rolled her eyes,"When has RavenClan ever cared about being on time?" She asked her friend as they settled into the gathering. "They obviously don't care about appearances." WORDS: 217 TAG: tansy

credit to nat of adoxography.

notes: Boop, Ambershine's first official post

Lionpaw of WillowClan

L ionpaw purred in amusement as he watched his sister take in the wonder of the gathering for the first time. It was quite a sight, and he was sure that Littlepaw would never forget it. "I'm glad you're enjoying it." He laughed, remembering his first gathering and just how intimidating it had been. He was glad that his sister was finally here to witness it herself with her -paw title at last. "This is pretty normal," He said, though he wasn't fully sure. It was hard to get a gauge on the number of cats here when the numbers were so big anyway.  He watched Littlepaw walk away from him and he had to resist dragging her back to his side.She was okay...she could do this. Lionpaw couldn't coddle her forever after all. She needed to meet people on her own and start to gain the experiences she had lost while stuck in the medicine cat's den for all of her life. She deserved that at least.  WORDS: 162 TAG: tansy

credit to nat of adoxography.

notes: Me: Oh, I'll just pop out a Dawn reply real quick for the gathering - *realizes that she was tagged for three characters, not just one* not so short and sweet after all.

[Deleted]

boulderfang of fireclan

Boulderfang after his second scan of the cats he had to pay attention too moved his focus back to Lilaclaw as she scoffed at him. He just chuckled slightly at her teasing it was good to see the she-cat again, because last time she was so easily able to get his thoughts about Froststar out. Though he enjoyed teasing the she-cat. But their conversation turned to something more serious, it was rough in Fireclan right now. But he wasn’t going to admit that to Lilacclaw, because he had a duty to his clan to remain strong. But that was hard when half of their apprentices couldn’t train as hard due to the heat.

But the large gray and white tom was more worried about his kits, he knew that they were giving most of the water found to the Queens and Kits, it made him feel slightly better but at the same time they were slowly being backed into a corner. Their only hope was Willowclan and maybe if he could get Lilacclaw’s trust more he could use it to his advantage.

Boulderfang felt a Lilacclaw touch him and he stiffened up slightly. It was odd to be touched by a she-cat and well especially from another clan, but he relaxed after a few moments taking it as a gesture of good faith. ”Yes, I believe the leaders have come up with a plan to help us out.” He wasn’t going to admit it he would have to rely on Lilacclaw’s leader for help. She would find out soon what their plan was.

Thats when he listened to Lilacclaw’s statement about the lake. Good to know. He thought to himself. Then he chuckled at her joke, ”You didn’t know that Fireclan cats are fire proof? Thats how we got the name Fireclan.”

Thats when Cinderstar said something about getting the gather on with. Boulderfang flicked his eyes on his sister who seemed to be getting ready to start. He just rolled his eyes, leave it to Froststar to take her sweet old time to make sure she looked perfect before starting.

Thats when he leaned down his muzzled right next to Lilacclaw’s ear. His whiskers touched her ear as he said, ”So is your fox dung brained sister here tonight. I would like to put a face to a name so if I ever meet her in I could give her a good beating for ignoring your pretty little face all this time.”


Mal for lilacclaw

[Captain]

Froststar

Emberblaze had rudely interrupted Froststar as she was drinking in the fight between Cinderstar and Aspenstar. It was getting so good that Froststar didn't have to provoke it further. However, now it seemed everything had calmed down slightly. Froststar would have gotten it going again, but her Balanced Leader offered something that was even better. It was her first gathering as a leader and soon Froststar could show off by calling the gathering to a start and speaking with amazing tact and grace. That would have happened if not for Cinderstar. Dreaded Cinderstar decided to push her way in and dared to call out the start of the gathering. Froststar huffed with annoyance; she would have her revenge.

“Oh I'm sorry dearest Cinderstar. I just wanted to make sure you and Willowstar were done making eyes at each other,” Froststar smirked at her fellow leader.

Without wasting a second, she then leaned in and then whispered to the grey cat. “You know I won’t tell if you two decide to meet up at The Great Oak later to, ah-, get that anger out of your system~” Froststar giggled softly. “Just invite me along okay?”

Not letting Cinderstar take a breath, the white she-cat shifted her body forward and cleared her throat. Her eyes danced around and made contact with the onlookers. If someone wasn’t looking, Froststar would stare them into submission.

“FireClan has been doing well. We mourn the passing of the Patchstar the Emotional Leader, but I have stepped up to take her place. StarClan has granted me the name Froststar and I will be the new Emotional Leader.”

She left a tender pause for the roar of her clan as they cried out their favourite leader’s name. Once it died down and Froststar had enough time to bask in the attention, she continued.

“Newleaf has been kind and prey is plenty. Cats have been busy and there are many, many kits in the nursery. We are as strong as ever and will grow even stronger. The drought has caused some water to dry up, but it's nothing we can't handle.” Froststar liked bragging, but she tried to keep it relatively tame.

She glanced at Aspenstar to see if the leader wanted to add anything before Froststar passed the talking stone to the second most attractive leader: Willowstar. 

---

Tags: Mal,@starryo,Sloth,@silverfire12,m0ri0123,Maple,@arcticfox,@edda,@mari,@lunaticfurball,Stormy,tansy,
Notes: ~~

[Deleted]

Flowerpaw groaned as Froststar spoke. If WillowClan was way too vain, FireClan was way too arrogant. Yeah it was great that they had a lot of kits, but so did WillowClan. And as for growing stronger, isn’t that what every clan was going to say? A part of her wondered why she even came. Yeah Willowstar had said she was to come, but there were so many cats here that she could easily slip away unnoticed. It would save her the trouble of listening to the posturing contest between her leader and the FireClan leaders. Petalflight was fine, she may have snapped at the FireClan leaders and Willowstar, but she wasn’t doing whatever the others were doing.

[Sloth]

Aspenstar of FireClan

► Aspenstar ignored the left over squabbling between the other clan representatives, choosing instead to focus on Froststar as she waited for the white molly to begin. She nodded along with Froststar's words, relieved the she-cat seemed to know what she was doing up until the end when she mentioned the drought not causing many problems for their clan. Aspenstar was the last cat to want to appear weak in front of the other clans but she also had to remain realistic. The drought may not have been causing too many problems for FireClan now, with the way the weather continued to dry their land their prey would soon become scarce and her clan would grow dehydrated if they weren't careful.

"While the temperature may not be hindering us now, I fear our clan will need more water in the moons to come." Aspenstar's eyes turned to Willowstar and Petalflight, searching their eyes for any sign they'd be willing to provide some assistance to her clan. She would not outright beg for their help and she wasn't to the point of demanding assistance however should RavenClan and WillowClan turn a blind eye to their needs; Aspenstar knew FireClan's reaction would be swift and deadly. ◄

Stormy , Captain , @lunaticfurball , Mal | 200 words

Though she be but little, she is fierce.
credit to Laura of Adox