Gathering - May 2018

[Maple]

Dawnpaw of RavenClan

Dawnpaw held a barely restrained growl from behind his teeth, eyes boring into the back of an apprentice who shouldn't even be here tonight. He flicked his tail in anger as RavenClan made their way into the clearing and he stormed in like he owned the place. As if he wasn't a bratty apprentice just barely old enough to leave the nursery. Like he wasn't the apprentice who dared try and pick argument after argument with Dawnpaw on the hunting patrol that he was in charge of. Dawnpaw was so close to his warrior ceremony that he could taste it. So close to being able to punish brats who couldn't keep their mouths shut and do what they were told. By the next gathering, he should have his warrior name... just like his very not RavenClan best friend.  

FireClan was already here already, that much he knew. No matter how much time he spent near the border, he still couldn't quite get used to the smell of FireClan. The stench still clogged up his nose at every chance it got. Palepetal managed to make the smell passable, his musky scent calming rather than vomit inducing.

Dawnpaw was glaring at the younger apprentice, whose nasaly voice could be heard over the crowd somehow, when he froze and felt like he ran straight into something solid. There it was. That comforting smell.

Dawnpaw turned felt his anger slip away into the night air, taking in the sight of the tom who was sitting amongst a throng of cats. 

Palepetal.

Dawnpaw stumbled forward without much thought, bringing himself closer to the FireClan warrior as quick as he could without sparking attention from those around him. His friend hadn't noticed him yet, as he was facing a different direction, and Dawnpaw reached him in little time.

He moved forward to brush pelts but froze, remembering himself. His heart twisting in agony, Dawnpaw forced himself to keep distance but once he got closer, he felt he couldn't resit. He moved forward and touched his nose to Palepetal's ear before drawing away. 

"Hey." He whispered, voice getting caught unexpectedly in his throat at the proximity of his friend.  


notes: This boy is so close to realizing his feelings it just hurts. Also, Dawnpaw is feeling punchy at an NPC character I may adopt out >>
tags: tansy

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Rosepaw of FireClan

Rosepaw moved through the throngs of cats with ease, her larger size as an apprentice meaning nothing next to the towering warriors around her. She gazed up at the warriors around her in awe, admiring the cats as they stopped to chat with old friends and brag about their accomplishments. She could see her leaders already taking their places at the Great Oak, their presence strong and unwavering. She made her way towards the front of the crowd, respectfully walking around groups of chattering cats. She wanted to be near the front when the gathering started, she didn't want to miss a thing.

She could smell and see that RavenClan was already here, but she failed to pick up on an unfamiliar scent. She had yet to meet a WillowClan cat, and with their borders not touching, she had no idea what to expect. At least with RavenClan, she had an idea based on the border. 

She had lost her brother in the crowd a while ago, having slipped away by accident in the chaos of the gathering. She hadn't meant to, but it was too late now. Wildpaw could find her if she wanted. She looked around for others her age and saw some apprentices gathered nearby but didn't dare approach them. They looked far too old, probably close to their own warrior ceremonies. 

Rosepaw wanted to approach a RavenClan apprentice but she couldn't see one close enough to her age. Frustrated, Rosepaw's eyes raked the crowd, searching for someone to talk to.


notes: Feel free to approach with an apprentice
tags: open / owl for Wildpaw and @egotistic for Snowpaw - in case you wanted to jump in or not. 

[Aria]

Waspwing

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Waspwing wandered around the clowder of cats. Ah, the gathering-the one day when the clans were at peace and called a truce. He remembered his time all those moons ago when came to his first gathering. It was a joyous and calm event. However, he was sure this going to but that. With this drought going on and Willowstar's stubbornness. He sure was that this was going to be more than just a disaster.

Although, that wouldn't surprise him at all. At last for now, he'll make a conversation with someone. The question is who,made ravenclanner? His eye scan around for someone to speak with.

---

Tag: Words:107 Notes: Open for someone to join

[Deleted]

Bearpaw - Fireclan

Bearpaw moved along with the rest of her clan, she could see her brother Blazepaw and his best friend Rainpaw. Bearpaw flattened her ears at the sight of them she was jealous, he had a best friend and she really didn't know anyone other than her siblings. She didn't know if Thunderpaw got to join them but she moved along there were some other apprentices near by. But the brown apprentice ran ahead of her brother and watched as her mother Apsenstar spoke to the other leaders. Bearpaw's brown eyes moved down at the gathering place. It was huge there was no cats down there and she wished that she could have seen it full of cats. But thats when Bearpaw broke out of the crowd and ran down to the gathering place. The place started filling up with her clanmates and she looked around her brown eyes that matched Apsenstar's were wide as she looked around.

Thats when Bearpaw smelt something new, turning she watched as the Ravenclan cats came from the shadows and down into the clearing. Bearpaw looked to see the medicine cat of Ravenclan, she saw a younger cat leading the way and the rest of the cats split off from that cat. She tilted her head slightly the cat looked young to be leading the clan. But what did Bearpaw know, this was the first time she was going to meet a cat from another clan. The brown she-cat made her way forward to get a good spot to see all the leaders and other cats in the clan.

Tags: Open for Anyone!

Rookpaw - Ravenclan

Rookpaw moved along with the clan he was ready to become a warrior, he felt like this would be his last gathering as an apprentice. He flicked his black tail and looked at Sootpaw the medicine cat must be nervous. Rookpaw looked up at the clear sky, the stars sparkled bright and he thought Starclan give Sootpaw the strength he needs. He hoped that his prayer to their ancestors would work. He moved forward and noticed that Duskpaw was with them. He smiled and weaved through the crowd of cats to join his friend.

"Duskpaw!" He stopped as a Fireclanner cut him off. He just waited for an opening his eyes still on his friend. He took the opening and finally caught up with Duskpaw as she greeted two Fireclan apprentices. He just touch his tail to Duskpaw's side and said, "Hey Duskpaw! Thats when he turned to the other two apprentices, they were both smaller. Rookpaw conculded that it must have been their first gathering. "Im Rookpaw, Is this your first gathering?" He smiled at the other two apprentices hoping that he would leave a good impression on them.

Tags: Mal, trevni, JUM!!

[Deleted]

gathering - may 2018

K

nowing all the stereotypes of a FireClan cat by heart, Shellfoot half expected the molly to unsheathe her claws and rake her across the ears. Not that she minded this. She was strong and sturdy, just like them, and could handle any wound given to her. However, the molly didn't so much as move an inch. She began a gruff response but softened upon looking her up and down. She blinked her odd colored eyes, a wide smile appearing on her face at the molly's complement.

    "What? You really think I'm pretty?" She stood up, showing off her pelt. Her white coloring shimmered like a stream in the night, her patches like noble boulders. It felt nice being glorified by a FireClanner was nice and all, but surely that wasn't what FireClan cat's wanted to see. They wanted to see strong cats who could fend for herself.

    Quickly, Shellfoot sat back down and faced the much larger cat. She flicked her nicked ear, hoping that the molly would see it. She remembered receiving the scar in a conflict with another cat. "Surely there's more to me than looks." She suggested. After all, WillowClan cared about beauty and she wasn't a WillowClanner.

    "In RavenClan, I'm the fastest runner ya' know." 

209 words - lyca

template by punki of adoxography

[Deleted]

Bramblestrike of FireClan

Bramblestrike turned her head towards the molly once more and wondered for a moment if the warrior was showing off her pretty white pelt. Well, it certainly had an effect on her.... The larger warrior watched quietly as the RavenClanner sat down once more and for a brief moment her pale green eyes zeroed in on the nick in her ear as she flicked it. Bramblestrike wondered where she got it from.

At her suggestion the tabby felt her ears get hot. Oh, shit… Maybe that was a shallow compliment…. She fretted. “Oh, yeah! Of course… I didn’t mean, uh…,” she stumbled over her words. “Oh, really?” she mewed as the molly claimed she was the fastest runner in RavenClan. “You look it. FireClan may be all about fighting, but speed in a fight is pretty important. Say, where’d you get that scar from?” she asked, genuinely curious.



Tags: @mari

[Deleted]

gathering - may 2018

S

hellfoot's eyes glowed in the night light, absorbing the molly's words like moss absorbed water. "Yeah really!" She chirped. She was glad she looked the part as well. She looked down at her dainty paws, her paws hardened from all the running she did. Her legs were nice and strong and she was built well with lean muscle. Bramblestrike recognized all the right things.

    "Oh, my scar!" She smirked, glad that the large tabby had caught onto it. "I got into a fight with a WillowClanner!" She began.. She recalled getting it along the FireClan border, but the larger molly didn't need to know that. "Those shallow idiots attacked me out of nowhere! I gave them a run for their money - literally. I ran so fast, the only thing they were able to give me was this scar." She flicked her ear again. She recalled losing the battle to the FireClanner. They pinned her down easily and gave her the scar so she could know her place.

    She definitely doesn't need to know that.

174 words - lyca

template by punki of adoxography

[Bern]

Yellowleap of FireClan

The ginger tabby tom had groomed himself rigorously before his clan had left for the gathering. He was about to meet the other clans so he wanted to look his best in case he got the chance to chat up some pretty she-cats. At gatherings he would usually be seen around the pretty mollies of WillowClan but he wasn't sure wether he should approach them tonight. The whole closing down the lake-situation really had him begrudge WillowClan. When he set his white paws onto the gathering place beneath the Great Oak he noticed that WillowClan was still absent. Maybe it was better if they didn't show at all, he thought although he had at least wanted to look at some of those pretty cats. RavenClan would have to make due. His apprentice had been close to him on their way, so he turned to the young tom and said: "Go mingle with the other apprentices, Wildpaw. Get to know them. You can come find me later."
He was rounding the crowd when he spotted a particularly pretty RavenClan molly he had noticed at previous gatherings but never had the chance to introduce himself too. And now too she was in a group with Cinderstep and two other she-cats. He was pendering wether to approach them on his own when he bumped into soft fur. "Whoops", he made. He hadn't been paying attention to where he was going. Embarassed he smoothed down his white chest fur and turned to the cat he had run into. He was releaved to see it was his clanmate Waspwing. He was also somewhat annoyed to run into him now. Yellowleap cleared his throat. "I'm sorry Waspwing, I was distracted.", he said.
His greenish yellow gaze flicked over to the group of she-cats again. Signaling to Waspwing he hoped his fellow FireClanner would come back him up. He finally found the courage to approach the RavenClan mollies. He put on a confident stride, tail held high as he came closer to them. "Good evening to you!", he greeted in a charming tone. "Isn't it just a great night for a gathering? I'm Yellowleap, this is Waspwing", he introduced himself and flicked his tail towards the other tom.

Tags: owl for Wildpaw, @mari for Sunflower, @egotistic for Cinderstep, m0ri0123 for Skyleap, Aria for Waspwing
Notes: yellowboi mingleing. If Waspwing doesn't follow him he'll be really embarassed, lol

[Deleted]

Bramblestrike tried not to play too close attention to the way Shellfoot's eyes brightened or how excited she seemed to be when she agreed with her. Was she being cute on purpose? The tabby's mind whirled though she tried to focus once more as the caliby molly began to tell her about how she'd gotten her scar. The large molly's eyes widened a bit as the RavenClanner claimed that she fought none other than a WillowClan cat.

"Really? Seems like those WillowClanners would give up as soon as they chipped a claw or got a tuft of fur out of place," she mewed, wondering for a moment where the clan in question was. The selfish furballs had yet to show up. "Eh, but scars are cool. I don't have too many yet, but I can't wait to get some. I mean, well... I guess it's not fun to get hurt, but I like fighting!" she gushed excitedly, getting a bit ahead of herself.

Tags: @mari

[trevni]

blazepaw of fireclan.

Blazepaw grinned sharply as Rainpaw batted playfully at his muzzle – quick as a snake, the ginger-and-white tom’s teeth snip-snapped gently at the offending paw, aiming to leave Rainpaw a harmless nip for his troubles. “You never know! Maybe you wait ‘til I’m asleep and then go out to do all your… uh— assassin-y things! I won’t judge ya, I promise,” he snickered, leaning over to bump his shoulder against the other cat’s flank. It was difficult not to feel at ease here, despite the crowds.

After all, with Rainpaw by his side, he felt brave enough to do anything.

The Bengal apprentice’s words distracted him, and his ears pricked thoughtfully as he studied the Ravenclan cats pouring into the clearing. ”They’d better show up! We need to talk about the water situation, even if it means marching over to their camp and forcing them to talk about it!” Agitation worked his paws gently in the earth – it was hard not to get riled up about the lake situation, especially after the trouble it’d caused while they were kits.

”Maybe the two of us could sneak over there and figure it out ourselves if they’re too scared to show up,” he hissed softly in Rainpaw’s ear, lowering his tone so as not to arouse suspicion. ”Some cat has to, after all!”

A flash of black-and-white fur caused him to clamp his jaws shut, and Blazepaw straightened up sharply, trying not to look as though he’d been talking about anything suspicious. ”Hiya!” he chirped without missing a beat, flashing the other apprentice the biggest smile he could manage.

Well, she doesn’t look scary at all. … Taller than me, but not like some murderous assassin.

He almost felt disappointed; at the same time, he straightened up and stood a little taller, tail lifting and ears pricking to gain maximum height against the older, larger apprentice. ”I’m Blazepaw, and this is Rainpaw,” he swiped his tail affectionately against his friend’s flank, gesturing to him.

Another Ravenclan apprentice approached as Blazepaw introduced himself, and Blazepaw straightened up even more, concerned about seeming so small. Even Rainpaw was beginning to outgrow him.

”It’s our first one, yeah – we just became apprentices a few days ago! But I bet you’ll hear all sorts of stories about us by the next Gathering,” he began, eyes glimmering with equal parts determination and playfulness, ”Because we’re gonna be the best apprentices Fireclan has ever seen! Aspenstar’s my mom, and she’s his mentor, so we’re both destined to turn out great!”

Was that arrogant of him? Perhaps, but he didn’t see it that way – he was simply being honest, after all.

((Mal JUM!! @edda blaze is a nerd, w hoops ))

[Deleted]

gathering - may 2018

S

hellfoot revealed her sharp white teeth in a wide grin, absorbing all the praise. Sure, all Bramblestrike had said was "cool", but it was more than what she had usually got. Any compliment from a FireClanner meant the stars to her.

    She chuckled at the molly's words. She couldn't help but agree. Fighting was very fun, she loved putting her quick paws to use. She remembered how Bramblestrike had commented on that and had the urge to show it off... She didn't do this of course. Instead, she stood up and began to dig her claws in the dirt. She was getting antsy. Staying in one place had never been easy to her... Which is why she rarely went to gatherings.

    "Great StarClan, where are those WillowClanners?" She complained, letting out an aggravated sigh. "I hate just sitting here. I'm sure I could run around all the clans twice and they still wouldn't be here." 

    She forced herself to sit down. She felt much more comfortable in this cat's presence. She didn't know her name but she didn't even think about that. "Do you think they're hiding from us?" She snorted. 

[Deleted]

S O O T P A W

    Maybe Fernheart didn’t bring Blossompaw after all. Sootpaw’s gaze strayed across the sea of cats as the last of RavenClan pooled into the clearing. The air was alive with friendly chatter, and he watched anxiously as his Clanmates merged with the FireClan group, seemingly unnerved by the idea of speaking with potential enemies. Even Duskpaw, one of the older apprentices in RavenClan, struck up a conversation with a flame-colored tom; secretly, Sootpaw wished he could share their enthusiasm. Instead, he felt only a prickle of discomfort as even his mother, Cinderstep, became lost among the crowd of cats. It seemed so careless of her, mingling with the enemy, and yet at the same time, Sootpaw was no better. After all, wasn’t he the one waiting for a FireClan cat? 

    Sootpaw felt a stab of guilt. It didn’t take a message from StarClan to realize that he and Blossompaw had grown closer than most cats ought to—especially considering their birth Clans. That doesn’t matter, though. We’re both medicine cats. We both train under Fernheart, Sootpaw tried to convince himself, only to still as he caught sight of the ginger-backed ears of the very apprentice he’d been yearning for. 

    Sitting alongside Fernheart, blue gaze shifting, was Blossompaw, FireClan’s medicine cat and one of his only friends. Her soft fur glowed silver in the moonlight, and when her gaze met his, he felt a familiar rush of warmth. No one had ever made him like that before. It was both confusing and exhilarating, and without thinking, he felt his paws working earnestly towards her—only to halt at the sound of approaching pawsteps. 

    “Blossom—“ 
    “Hey, Sootpaw.” 

   “—paw.” His voice died in his throat, making a feeble sound. Blossompaw had smiled at him, but upon noticing Deerstep’s approach, her eyes had turned elsewhere. 

    Turning his vibrant green gaze, he tried not to grimace in annoyance as he came face to face with Deerstep. The crippled she-cat, jerking forward with her patented limp, had been one of his first patients and loyalist supporters ever since Petalflight had left RavenClan. To ignore her could potentially put a dent in their friendship, one he couldn’t afford considering his position and responsibilities. 

    He faced her, trying to compose himself as he waited patiently for her to draw closer. “Deerstep.” His tone was oddly formal as he dipped his head in greeting. 

    “How are you holding up?” she mewed carefully. 

    “I’m doing well. It’s just—“ Sootpaw would have kept on had he not noticed Creektail’s approach. The words fading on his tongue, he flicked his tail in greeting as the battle-scarred she-cat drew closer. Like Deerstep, the two had both fallen under the assault of some belligerent rogue and had been forced to retire to the Elders Den before their time. 

    “How are you feeling, Sootpaw?” the tabby she-cat asked, settling down alongside Deerstep—and leaning over in the process to lick her ‘friends’ cheek. The exchange was brief, but Sootpaw didn’t miss it. He had hadn’t noticed before in the medicine cat den, but the two she-cat’s had grown unusually close. Closer, even, than friends. It made his fur prickle, and he looked away, flushing as though he’d seen something he shouldn’t have. 

    But in the end, he was forced to look up again, and while his gaze shifted uncomfortably, his voice remained relatively steady; aside from the occasional crack, he was pleased with how level his tone was becoming. Soon it would grow deeper—perhaps as deep as his fathers. That thought was both uplifting and unnerving. His father was the last cat he wanted to be like. Frowning, he shook his head stubbornly as if to dislodge the thought. Creektail and Deerstep were waiting for his response. 

    “I’m fine, just a bit overwhelmed is all”—he flashed a sorry excuse of a smile—“But you guys shouldn't worry about me so much. Go have some fun; I'll be fine on my own.” Sootpaw strained to sound sincere. Creektail and Deerstep may have their warrior names, but they weren’t that much older than him in moons. It irked him how much they worried about him—it was almost like he wasn’t their medicine cat, but a kit that needed comforting.  

    Sootpaw blinked, realizing how selfish he was being. He should be thankful anyone was even talking to him right now; still, that didn’t stop his eyes from straying towards Fernheart and Blossompaw a second time. 

    Then an idea came to him. 

    “Er, but if you want to stick around, why don’t you come with me to say hi to Fernheart? She’s my new mentor now, and she’s just as wise as Petalflight. I’m sure you’ll like her,” Sootpaw said, tail tip quivering. Of course, Fernheart wasn’t the reason he was so eager to be over there, but they needn’t know that. “Come on. I don’t want to keep her waiting.”  

    Without waiting for either of them to respond, Sootpaw broke away from the couple, his pace brisk and faster than either could manage. He didn’t realize until he nearly stood nose-to-nose with Fernheart that perhaps he should have slackened his pace to accommodate Deerstep’s limp, and again he felt a prickle of guilt.  

    But he hid it well enough in front of Fernheart and Blossompaw. 

    “Hi, Fernheart,” he murmured respectfully, then, more timidly, he added, “Hey, Blossompaw. I, erm, thought I might introduce you to somebody before I go and speak with the other leaders.” Glancing over his shoulder, expectantly, he motioned for Creektail and Deerstep to hurry over.   

OOC: Soot is totally not trying to dump the cripple squad with Fern (shh)
TAGS: Maple , @silverfire12 , JUM!! , Demonic

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C I N D E R S T E P

    Falling into line behind two dark-furred warriors, Cinderstep stole one last glance over her shoulder. Sootpaw had slipped away from the group and was lingering on the verge of the crowd; from the looks of it, he had no intentions of conversing with anyone from FireClan. Letting out a weary sigh, Cinderstep forced her eyes ahead again. It wouldn’t do to hover over him today. The other Clan’s would think him weak if she coddled him—so she didn’t. Instead, she mingled among the crowd, pausing as Sunflower spoke to her.  

    “You’re really doing a good job raising him,” the she-cat commented, pressing close to her side. “I’m sure raising RavenClan’s future leader comes with a more than a few challenges.” 

    Cinderstep nodded her head, trying to appear nonchalant; if she were being completely honest, she was worn thin tending to Sootpaw and her warrior duties at the same time. Only yesterday she’d spent the entire night tutoring him on what to say. There had been so much to tell him—too much to fit into the night they had—and she still worried that when the time came when he had to stand before the leaders of WillowClan and FireClan, he’d slip up, and when he could least afford to. This gathering is too important for blunders. For the sake of the Clan, I hope he can maintain without me. Trying to shake such thoughts from her mind, she forced herself to be optimistic. Sootpaw was smart and level-headed. She couldn’t have asked for a better son, and she didn’t doubt he’d do well today—at least, as well as he could. Feeling a bit better, she responded to Sunflower. 

    “Thank you, Sunflower, though I wish there were more I could do for him,” she admitted, feeling comfortable enough to confide in her friend. “It’s just…who would have imagined that StarClan would have chosen my son—MY son to be the Clan’s medicine cat. He’s hardly reached seven moons…It feels like only yesterday he was a kit, and now—“ Her voice died out painfully before picking back up again. “Now he’ll be tried before WillowClan and FireClan; for his sake, I hope they go easy on him.” 

    Cinderstep knew enough about FireClan and WillowClan to know that was wishful thinking. Willowstar had always been opportunistic, and the trio that led FireClan were no better. It would be foolish for them to ignore the advantage they had over RavenClan’s younger, less experienced representative.  

    But her thoughts evaded her again as Skyleap settled down alongside her sister, followed by a ginger tabby tom. FireClan scent trailed behind him, and his gait was confident. Apparently, he was unworried about speaking to a group of RavenClan cats; she had to admit, she admired his confidence. 

    “Good evening to you!”—Cinderstep did not miss his charming tone, and faced him curiously—“Isn’t it a great night for a gathering? I’m Yellowleap, this is Waspwing.” 

    “Greetings, Yellowleap.” Cinderstep agreed good-naturedly, exchanging a glance with the Skyleap and Sunflower. “My name is Cinderstep. It’s nice to meet you.” She didn’t feel the need to introduce her companions, believing every cat was more than capable of presenting themselves. Besides, something told her, he wasn’t here for her.

OOC: Sorry about the hold up. Have a Cinder mama
TAGS: @mari , m0ri0123 , Bern , Aria

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S N O W P A W

    Wispy clouds dotted the sky and the moon cast an eerie silver light over the clearing, casting thick black shadows across the ground. In the center of the clearing, its canopy vaulting into the sky, the Great Oak stood proudly, its leaves rustling dryly in the hot breeze. Crouched close behind Froststar, Snowpaw struggled to breathe, her throat dry and her body uncomfortably warm. 

    Trying not to grumble as an apprentice brushed past her in their haste to see into the clearing, Snowpaw kept her gaze focused on Froststar, then over to Aspenstar. Being the oldest of the three leaders, Aspenstar was usually the voice of reason, and she was not surprised when the she-cat strode confidently into the clearing, the Clan followed obediently behind.  

    “It’s about time,” she grumbled. 

    Bunching the lean muscles beneath her white pelt, Snowpaw bounded down into the clearing, quickly overtaking the rest of the group, just in time to see RavenClan slide silently into the clearing. Their somber-colored pelts glittered like stones under the moon's glare, and Snowpaw felt a ripple of apprehension as they hurried to swarm around FireClan. Suddenly all the stories of her kithood came flooding back to her—stories of leaderless cats that stalked the night and were trained to kill. Feeling uneasy and on edge, Snowpaw felt her claws unsheathe, and the fur along her spine stand on end as she hurried to break from the throng of cats. But no sooner had her paws set to moving than they tangled and sent her stumbling forward. Hissing, Snowpaw struggled to ground her paws, fearing that she might bump into a RavenClan cat, but she was too late. A soft pelt cushioned her fall, and she sprang aside, eyes round and an apology brewing on her lips.  

    “I’m sorry, I just—“ The words were cut off abruptly as she came face to face with Rosepaw. The pretty ginger tabby looked as lost as she did, and almost instantly she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Releasing the tension in her body, she smiled sheepishly; she'd never admit it, but she was entirely out of her element. 

    “Oh, it’s just you.” Snowpaw sighed, the relief showing plainly on her face despite her airy tone. “I thought you might’ve been a RavenClan cat.”

OOC: Smooth - smooth as butter
TAGS: Maple

[m0ri0123]

" Sootpaw is a very strong and clever cat. I'm confident that he'll do fine," Skyleap said to Cinderstep with a reassuring glance. " He learns very quickly, clearly from the best." She looked forwards and noticed someone walking towards them, two toms that smelled distinctly from FireClan. One of the toms walked in a confident stride and she couldn't help but to notice him from somewhere. " Ah, yes I think I know who he is," Skyleap thought to herself. She remembered vaguely who he was but only at the Gatherings. She had noticed him flirting with some WillowClan mollies not too many moons ago. She shared a glance with Cinderstep and Sunflower as he approached. His voice was charming, he was clearly flirting with one of them. With which of the three, he wasn't a hundred percent sure. But to her it didn't matter.



" Hello Yellowleap and Waspwing, my name is Skyleap. Yes it is a nice night for a Gathering, although it wouldn't hurt for it to be cooler," she said with a smile.

[Aria]

Waspwing words: 120 Tags:m0ri0123 ,Bern ,@mari , notes: blah blah The pale ginger glances up only to realized he dumped into his old friend, Yarrowleap. The tom came just about every gathering only to flirt with more mollies. It approved correct and gesture for him follow to such a pair. He followed, listen as the introduction was made."Skyleaf, Cinderfeather.I'm please you make your acquaintance." He replied in a kind tone,"You both have lovely names."  Though gathering in the stopped was somewhat boring, perhaps then one he calmer than the others. It was a time for telling stories of past adventures. He would ask a simple question that he hoped wouldn't cause any problem. "How are things over in Ravenclan?"

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Sloth]

Aspenstar of FireClan

► Aspenstar heard Froststar's dig at Cinderstar but chose to ignore it, repressing the sigh that pressed in on her chest and instead breathed slowly through her nostrils. The two always seemed to be throwing snarls at one another but she'd yet to intervene. 'One problem at a time.' she muttered to herself, promising to solve the gaping gorge that seemed to be forming between the tree of them.

The white-and-orange molly's eyes sharpened, the cloudiness of her thoughts falling away at the sight of RavenClan's arrival. Whispers of direst had floated over the border, rumors paying no heed to the scent marks that divided them. Rumors Petalflight was gone; chased off by her own responsibilities and the pressure StarClan had placed on her shoulders. Despite how different her clan was with the band of loners that called themselves RavenClan; she sympathized with the struggle they must be facing with their clan being passed down to the paws of a kit. Aspenstar had faced choices that made bile rise; shadows that chased her day and night but she did not waver from her duty. At times it was perhaps the only thing that kept her from breaking apart and to see Petalflight run from it... Aspenstar flicked her tufted ears back, unable to hide her displeasure in the missing medicine cat.

As RavenClan leaked in and the dark pelts began mixing with her clan's lighter ones she observed her kits mingle with their neighboring clan. Blazepaw's frame was hard to miss, his loud exclamations carrying over the typically level murmurers of other conversations. She didn't fight the eye roll as it emerged, sending a quick pray to StarClan that her son would behave himself, especially when his mentor was so close. With tremendous willpower Aspenstar turned away from Blazepaw and searched the crowd for her brown furred daughters. Fear iced over her heart and she fought the urge to dive into the gathered cats to find and tuck her daughters close to her side. 'No one knows. They can't know,' she reminded herself, rationalizing the paranoia away even as Bearpaw and Thunderpaw wove through the gathered assassins. If Willowstar ever caught wind of her brother's children... She did not put it past the crazed molly to strike even in a time of peace.

Aspenstar was relieved to see Sootpaw make his way towards Fernheart and Blossompaw, a welcome distraction even as the gray tom stopped before reaching the leaders. She frowned and paused before calling out the tom for not immediately joining herself and fellow leaders on the roots of the Great Oak. Instead she cleared her throat, calling out loud enough for the tom to hear, "Sootpaw, I know you probably want to chat but there is much to discuss before WillowClan arrives." Aspenstar's eyes slid to the shadows where WillowClan would appear, half-expecting the snobby lot to surface as if they were waiting for her words. When no shapes surfaced she returned her steely gaze to Sootpaw. "You know as well as I this drought will end us all if nothing is done about it." She didn't care that her words were so blunt; sharpened like claws against rock and leaving no room for debate. Everyone knew WillowClan's land was the only place left with enough water and they were far past fighting just to keep up appearances. "Putting our differences aside, are you willing to rise with us against Willowstar's selfish hording?"

That prideful part of her snarled at going to RavenClan for help. They could barely keep themselves together, how would they be helpful to FireClan? She could hear such questions from concerned and proud clanmates and had a feeling; no, she knew Cinderstar's voice was among those that balked at the thought. But survival made scroungers of them all. She could ignore her pride if it meant seeing her clanmates live past this drought; for now. ◄

Captain Mal @egotistic | 650 words

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

Thunderpaw of FireClan

► Thunderpaw moved at the front of the gathered group of FireClan cats, casting curious looks at her clanmates faces as they made their way to the Great Oak. This was perhaps, the single most anticipated experience of her apprenticeship. Since being named an apprentice she'd waited for this; the moment she could officially meet the other clans. Of course spat words across the RavenClan border didn't count to her; this was a moment of peace where she could size up what was out there beyond her clan's borders.

Becoming an apprentice hadn't changed the unease Thunderpaw felt over her future. Even as she trained the direction her life was meant to follow was left veiled in mist and shadows. She knew it was still too soon in her apprenticeship to know but she had yet to show aptitude for any specific skill; should she be a hunter, a fighter, a leader, a queen? Perhaps experiencing a Gathering would help her discover that.. 'thing' that was missing from her life.

Thunderpaw's head remained high as her clan scattered, gaze drawn to her loud brother as he stomped about, Rainpaw unsurprisingly be his side. He was already charging into conversations with RavenClanners and she shook her head at his tendency to act impulsively. She found her sister, Bearpaw, in the gathered pelts and wove her way swiftly through the masses to brush up against the she-cat's side. Standing beside one another it was hard to tell the two apart to the untrained eye but Thunderpaw remained unfazed by any eyes that may have been pointed their way. "Come on," she said easily into her sister's ear; voice relaxed despite the underlying tension. "Let's get a closer look before WillowClan shows up to steal the moonlight."

She turned to walk away, flicking her tail across her sister's ear as she went and began making her way towards the front of the group. The Great Oak rose up as she approached, blocking out the moon as it stood like a mountain before her. As she drew near a familiar apprentice stood out from the corner of her eye. Thunderpaw turned and noticed Rosepaw sitting close to the leaders, eyes searching the crowd. The brown molly easily approached the older apprentice and paused a fox-length away before giving Rosepaw an easy smile. "Looking for someone in particular?" Did Rosepaw have a friend in RavenClan she was searching for? Would she one day have a RavenClan friend she searched the crowd for? Thunderpaw puzzled over her future as she waited for a response. ◄

Maple @edda | 430 words | throwing Thunder in <3

What's a life worth if it's only half lived
credit to Laura of Adox

[Izumakoto]

THERE'S BEEN A FEW TEARS ,
BUT THAT WAS YEARS AND YEARS AGO ―

He had never really bothered to go to a Gathering before now. Although, he supposed, the drought, and the way it had drained the life of every one of his peers at least somewhat noticeably, had spurred him recently into more action than he would usually partake in. He wondered if Eaglepaw had come, too.

Deerflight had never much liked Gatherings; there were too many cats, too much conflict as of late, and what with Sootpaw being housed in a different Clan, it would be strange to see the coal-coloured apprentice - no, he was their leader now - the coal-coloured leader-esque figure of Ravenclan leading them once more into confab with Fireclan and Willowclan. He could already taste a bitter tension in the air, and it hadn't even begun yet.

He took a deep breath as he strode into the clearing and immediately took himself off to groom himself in a quieter patch of the place. Whilst he was by nature a conversationalist, that did not mean he was comfortable at the moment with conversation with the other clans, what with their... disagreements over the drought. This would need to be resolved, and as soon as possible. Willowclan had been selfish in their orders to attack on sight; he had not been victim of this, but he had heard of it through the grapevine. The way things were staged right now, only Willowclan would survive, and the territories could not, would not survive under a single clan's rule. He knew this.
But he was of little influence, he knew that. So he would keep his mouth shut if he could help it, but would not hesitate to clamour with the mob if Willowstar held fast to her abhorrent decision of dooming his clan to die.

gonna leave this one open!

by sixsmith.