Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN)

Subject: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sat 6 Jul 2019 - 10:47

(OOC: Click here to see what has led up to this moment. Only ShadowClan cats who did not stay behind with Burntstag in StagClan can post.)

RiverClan territory. The only place Scorchstar could think of bringing what remained of his now broken Clan. Burntstag had taken over the territory, dubbing it StagClan after himself, and he had no real choice but to flee. He would have fought, but he knew he wouldn't have been able to defeat Burntstag all on his own, especially while the calico tom had help from those who followed his ideals ... one of the cats being his own son Asterspark. And he knew he just couldn't ask the rest of his warriors remaining loyal to him and the true ShadowClan to fight their own kin. There really was no other choice but to leave.

And now, the leader with a massive headache after a particularly hard fall from the peak of Jaggedrock the day before, along with the rest of his warriors who had chosen to leave with him rather than stay with Burntstag, were slowly trekking through the grasslands of RiverClan territories, past the broken pools scattered all around them. They approached the river, and Scorchstar rose his tail in a silent signal telling his Clanmates to stop. They weren't to go farther than this, not until a RiverClan patrol spotted them from the other side of the river so they could escort them to their camp. There, he would talk with Jaystar and Scorchclaw, and with any luck, the remnants of ShadowClan would have a safe place to stay until they were able to come up with a plan to take back their home from Burntstag. "We will wait here for a RiverClan patrol. They will escort us to their camp. There, we shall take refuge ... if Jaystar agrees to it." He was certain the large silver tom would, but he knew that his deputy Scorchclaw may not be as easy to persuade as the RiverClan leader.

Poppyheart remained close to his mate's side the entire journey from ShadowClan territory into RiverClan's, his head hanging low and his tail dragging along the ground. He still couldn't believe his own brother and best friend had chosen to stay behind with Burntstag and StagClan. He missed Asterspark very much, and he wished he hadn't chosen to support the traitorous tom. What stuck with him the most was when Scorchstar had lost his grip at the top of Jaggedrock and fell to the ground on his head. He had landed on a stone, which caused blood to pool around his head, and he had nearly been knocked unconscious. He knew his father was still hurting from that wound that hadn't yet been tended to yet.

The fall had been caused by Asterspark, even though his brother had no intention to harm him. Of course he knew that ... but he wasn't sure if his Clanmates felt the same way. He knew his brother would never want to cause any true harm to any of his Clanmates, or his family, but he still wouldn't be surprised if many of his Clanmates began questioning his loyalties to ShadowClan after all of this. Yet ... he could still see where he was coming from. Asterspark had always felt iffy about StarClan, ever since the death of his first mate and the rise of Lichenmask, who had been a self-proclaimed prophet of their warrior ancestors. So much had happened over the years to make him drift further and further away from his belief in StarClan, so of course wanting to find a different route to bring back the glory of the Clans without StarClan or the warrior code in the picture wasn't too out of character from him.

He knew his brother was still good. Of course he was still good. He was just being blinded by his own grief. Perhaps even manipulated by Burntstag and his ideals. Hopefully Asterspark would come around and realize what he was doing wasn't the way. None of this would ever bring back Sparkfeather or Frogmarsh.

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Sparkfire the ShadowClan Warrior ~ #cdbf38
Honeysong the ShadowClan Queen ~ #3bbb9d
Bubblekit the RiverClan Apprentice ~ #8ebb7b

Current Events
Sparkfire has returned to ShadowClan with her mate Honeysong and her adopted son Softkit.
Honeysong has followed Sparkfire back to ShadowClan and has given up her medicine cat title.
Bubblepaw has begun her training under her mother and mentor Flashlight.

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sat 6 Jul 2019 - 11:09

Dappleshine led the way, happy to finally have her sister Wasppaw at her side again. It was a beautiful day for a hunt, and now that Wasppaw was feeling better she was looking forward to being able to enjoy the nice weather and hopefully a prosperous hunt. There was so much news to share, between Magpiepaw's ignoring her and Rowankit's disappearance, and that didn't even include her friendship with Raventail. She wanted more than a friendship with the tom, but she hadn't revealed that to anyone especially not Raventail himself. However, she wasn't about to reveal anything like that with Sparkfrost around - she knew Wasppaw would keep her secrets, Sparkfrost on the other paw, not so much. Still, she looked over to the pretty she-cat and smiled brightly as she prepared to speak when a whiff of something out of place passed across her nose. She halted, staring in the direction it had come before dropping into a defensive stance, motioning for Wasppaw to do the same with her tail. A moment later the scent came again but it didn't seem any closer or farther than it had been. Padding forward hesitantly she peered out from the reeds, spotting a large group of cats at the edge of the border. Their scent gave them away as ShadowClan cats, and her fur bushed up slightly at the memory of what had been proclaimed at the Gathering. As she surveyed the group none of them stuck out to her as any of the cats she had seen representing this new "StagClan."

Stepping forth from the reeds she stood proudly in front of the group gathered at the border. "Who goes there? State your business." She stood calm and collected, trying to ignore the shaking in her paws. If these cats were hostile, and wanted to, they would stand no chance. At least the river was between them for now, but her mind was already thinking to what might happen if they unsheathed their claws, making a plan quickly. Sparkfrost could rrun back to camp quickly, and so could Wasppaw, but deep down she knew that her sister wouldn't leave her side in a moment such as this. Scanning the far side of the shore, she looked for a familiar face. If this was ShadowClan, was Thornbriar among them?...

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sat 6 Jul 2019 - 11:31

Stars, she hadn't smelled this much of Riverclan since the flood.

Flicking her tail, her gaze skimmed over what remained of their once proud clan. This was so flea-brained it wasn't even funny. How had things come to this? What was Burntstag thinking? It was ridiculous to think that once upon a time she felt he'd have been a great leader. A noteworthy warrior.

Now she was beginning to think that this generation of clan cats was a lost cause.

On the other hand, a small part of her almost wanted to thank the clueless young calico. Thanks to him...

Thornbriar closed her eye, taking a deep breath as the images of the three young kits she'd nursed during the flood flickered through her mind. She wondered about Dapplepaw and her adjustment to clan life, and how Otterpaw had taken to apprenticeship.

Tigerpaw was the only kit that had stayed with her.

At his words Thornbriar nodded to her leader, still fighting back the simmering rage that sizzled through her veins at their current situation. "I can have a chat with Scorchclaw should he have an issue with the arrangement."

Keeping her gaze glued to the forest floor, Wasppaw trailed slightly behind Sparkfrost and Dappleshine. She dragged her paws slightly, tail drooping. She hadn't really wanted to come, but in all honesty she couldn't turn Dappleshine down. Her little sister was most definitely her weak spot.

But honestly, right now she just wanted to sleep.

"How long are we going to be out here, Dap? I'm not really in the mood for this..."

But her question went unanswered as the scent of foreign cats crossed their paths. In an instant, the she-cat bristled and bared her fangs, despite the slight twinge of familiarity to the scents. "Hey, you! What do you think you're doing here?"

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^{_{★☆★ Take what you can ★☆★}}

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) QNTjwT2

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sun 7 Jul 2019 - 15:23

Salmonpaw trekked close to his father, Scorchstar. This whole day was a lot for him to handle. Burntstag had shamed StarClan and Scorchstar in front of the whole clan. Nobody laughed at his jokes. Scorchstar had fallen from the rock, injuring himself in front of him. Burntstag had kicked him out of his home. Luckily, Salmonpaw thought to himself, Scorchstar was still here to protect him. Scorchstar would always protect him, and he had proven that. The tom gazed at the back of the black cat's paws as they walked, somberly. He would just die if he lost his father.

He would never be able to unsee him falling. Falling. All because of his stupid half brother. Salmonpaw glanced over to Asterspark. Would he try killing Scorchstar too?

Salmonpaw froze as the two RiverClan cats found them. Puffing up, the growing apprentice ran the few tail lengths to press himself into Scorchstar. He was scared.

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Astra inclinant...

.: Coyotegrin :: Kestrelchirp :: Quailprowler : Singedfox :.
#9966ff : #cc3300 : #6699ff : #993366 : Bold
WC T5 Warrior : WC T3 Warrior : TC T2 Warrior : SC T1 Warrior (Perma-NPC)

"When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire."

Discord Hiatus : Feral Litter Sign Ups/Interest Check : Plot Page

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sun 7 Jul 2019 - 15:33

Sparkfrost trotted alongside the rest of the patrol absentmindedly. It wasn't until the others spoke up that he was brought to attention. Other cats? On Riverclan territory? From what he had heard and judging by the response of his clanmates, this wasn't normal or welcome. Instinctively, his claws unsheathed but he wasn't as prepared to fight as one might have expected. He'd made friends during the flood and perhaps this was some of them. His dull green gaze peered curiously ahead, looking for a familiar face. Staring ahead with a slow blink, he heard himself ask Dappleshine, "I suppose we have to send these cats away? That's what warriors do right?"

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Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Img_0310

⌘ Auburnflare // Tier 2 Warrior // Thunderclan // SteelBlue ⌘
✿ Littlesplash // Tier 2 Medicine Cat // Riverclan // MediumAquamarine ✿
⁂ Heatherfrost // Tier 2 Warrior // Windclan // MediumOrchid ⁂
✲ Crabpaw // Apprentice // Shadowclan // FireBrick ✲

☆☆☆ Ask me about my past characters for lore, or Moonstone Journeys. ☆☆☆

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sun 7 Jul 2019 - 21:37

Mothpaw kept close to Thornbriar, seeming detached from everything happening around her. She was upset, and she didn't want to be upset, so she was trying her hardest to feel nothing at all. Silentpaw had stayed behind, hadn't followed... Mothpaw hadn't wanted to go, either, but she hadn't wanted to stay. She was torn between her father, and everything she knew about Clan life, and her duty to her Clan as their only medicine cat... And the promise from Burntstag of a world that seemed like it came from her dreams. But the price he asked was too much... She couldn't leave her family behind (though she had done so unwillingly). She couldn't turn her back on the stars, they were what guided her now, and what taught her most of what she knew about medicine so far... Truthfully, though she stayed dutifully close to Thornbriar, she wished she could be with the other medicine cats.

At least, if RiverClan allowed them to stay, she could see Mistlepaw. That would be nice. And maybe Amberdawn would visit, like she had in ShadowClan... But it still wasn't worth leaving her sister, or her brother, or the rest of the Clanmates that had stayed... Why did they have to leave? Even if they didn't agree on how to live, how could anyone just throw so many cats out from a place they'd lived most of their lives? And therein lied her issues with the other side. Burntstag, Scorchstar... Both were wrong, in her eyes, and it hurt to view her father in the same light, but... They both asked a price she wasn't willing to pay. So here she was, out of duty and loyalty to her Clan, if reluctantly so.

Taking a side... Still felt wrong. She'd taken the side of ShadowClan, of StarClan, out of necessity; but... Would she ever even be able to speak to her sister again?

In her thoughts and quiet detachment, Mothpaw almost missed the sight (and sound) of Wasppaw; who she hadn't seen since their return from the mountains. She didn't dare speak, not trusting her voice, but she did stare. Would her friend still recognize her?

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[Only mods are allowed to see this link]
[character pages]
Leopardstar ~ Nightdancer ~ Lightningbreeze ~ Mistflower ~ Scarletflare ~ Muse
ShadowClan ~ ThunderClan ~ SkyClan ~ SkyClan ~ RiverClan ~ Nomad
Leader ~ Warrior ~ Warrior ~ Warrior ~ Warrior ~ Scout
Tier 5 ~ Tier 5 ~ Tier 3 ~ Tier 3 ~ Tier 1 ~ Tier 3

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 16:34

It didn't take long for the small RiverClan patrol to arrive, and Scorchstar huffed a soft sigh of relief. However, he didn't expect the cats of his allied Clan to act so aggressively towards them, and on top of every other stressful thing piled up on his back, the ShadowClan leader's ears folded back in desperation, taking a step forward. Normally, he would hate to be seen as so weak, but there was too much on the line, and he knew Jaystar would agree to give him and his remaining Clanmates shelter if he knew what was going on. "Please, don't send us away. I must speak with Jaystar. I'm certain you all must have found out what had become of my Clan during last night's Gathering. We ask that you escort what remains of my Clan to your camp." He couldn't help a sudden pang of fear. He knew Jaystar wouldn't want to turn him and his warriors away when they needed his help, but what if he never even got the chance to meet with him at all? These warriors weren't going to turn him and his loyalists away, were they? StarClan help us if they choose to send us away....

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Sparkfire the ShadowClan Warrior ~ #cdbf38
Honeysong the ShadowClan Queen ~ #3bbb9d
Bubblekit the RiverClan Apprentice ~ #8ebb7b

Current Events
Sparkfire has returned to ShadowClan with her mate Honeysong and her adopted son Softkit.
Honeysong has followed Sparkfire back to ShadowClan and has given up her medicine cat title.
Bubblepaw has begun her training under her mother and mentor Flashlight.

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 17:35

While she waited for a response, the gray warrior heard Wasppaw and then Sparkfrost speak up in turn. Pressing her side against Wasppaw gently, she spoke quietly. "They smell like ShadowClan, and that large black-furred tom doing most of the talking looks like Scorchstar. We're allied with them, so sheathe your claws for now, we'll see what they want - perhaps it has to do with the Gathering last night." Scorchstar didn't keep her waiting long, and she nodded across the river to him, and looked to her companions. "Wasppaw, could you or Sparkfrost go to camp to prepare the clan and Jaystar for our arrival? Mistlepaw should also be informed - that way she can take a look at any injured cats they might have. Whichever one of you doesn't go, stay with me to help them all cross safely."

Raising her head to meet the gaze of the leader, she raised her voice to carry over the water. "We will honor the alliance between ShadowClan and RiverClan. I apologize for the lackluster welcome, with the news last night we were wary of any cats bearing the scent of ShadowClan. I do hope you can understand." She lowered her head in a quick nod of apology before straightening again. "Do you have any cats that may need help crossing? We'll help as needed so you all cross safely, then lead you into our camp." Having visibly relaxed knowing that the small group of them were safe, she waded into the water a short distance to be ready for what Scorchstar had to say.

As she waited, a familiar face next to the large tom caught her eye, and she found herself drawn to it. Her blue eyes met with the single-eyed gaze of Thornbriar, and she stared for a moment as her mind tried to catch up. Thornbriar was here! It had been so long, oh stars, she had missed the mother who had cared for them along the shore. Her tail raised in a greeting, and she proceeded across the river regardless of Scorchstar's response, stopping with water streaming from her pelt in tiny rivers in front of the she-cat. Purring, she stayed before the molly who had taken her and her siblings in, looking for a spark of recognition. She had grown and changed so much, would Thornbriar recognize her? The fresh scars from the Eagle that had torn at her shoulder were still present, and now she was a full-fledged warrior who had faced dogs and eagles and spoke out to Jaystar himself, and was now leading a patrol. The love she held for the she-cat before her hadn't changed at all though, and she smiled, head tilting slightly. "Thornbriar, mom... Do you recognize me?" She asked hesitantly. What if she wasn't remembered? She had seen firstpaw how sharp the she-cats tongue could be - what if she found herself on the opposite end of it for the first time?

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Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) 25403010

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) 25403011

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) 25403012

Stormypaw (♀) ||| Cinderpaw (♀) ||| Quickkit (♀)
ThunderClan Apprentice ~ 20 HP / 60 SP ||| ShadowClan Apprentice ~ 20 HP / 60 SP ||| SkyClan Kit ~ 10 HP / 30 SP

StarClan: Mossbloom, Dappleshine, Goldengale, Blossomstep, Sunnyskip
Other: Murkystar, Dewlight, Anastasia
Dark Forest: None

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Giphy

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 17:51

Scorchstar felt weak with immense relief. RiverClan was going to help them! At Dappleshine's question, watching as she waded through the river towards his warriors, the leader dipped his head to show his gratitude. "ShadowClan will not forget this. Thank you. I'm certain the warriors will be able to make it across, but the apprentices may need a little more help."

Poppyheart looked at his father as he spoke to the pretty RiverClan molly, listening to his words and silently agreeing with them. None of them knew how to swim as expertly as RiverClanners, true, but they should still be capable of making it to the other side with little trouble. He looked back at the apprentices who stood by his father and Thornbriar. They would definitely need more help getting across for sure.

Turning back to his father, he waited for him to mention anything about the injured. Or rather, the only injured cat among them -- Scorchstar himself. The fur on the side of his head was still matted and caked with dried blood from the rough fall from the top of Jaggedrock, and he certainly hadn't missed the occasional stumbling in the leader's step as he led the loyalists through Fourtrees and into RiverClan territory, or the subtle squint of his eyes or gritting of his teeth as if he were constantly trying to bear through headaches that came after the severe head trauma.

He flicked his ears in irritation when it seemed Scorchstar finally settled on not telling the RiverClanner of his injury. If he attempted to wade through the river and slip or falter in his step, he could very well get even more hurt. With a soft grunt, Poppyheart took a step towards Dappleshine just as she reached the shore. "Scorchstar had taken a great fall in our camp and injured his head. He's been trying to bear through it, but I'm afraid of what may happen if he doesn't receive help across the river as well. He'll also need to seek medical attention from your medicine cat, or at the very least allow Mothpaw to borrow some of your herbs to treat his wound." He heard a harsh throat-clearing from behind him and turned his head to see his father glaring sternly at him, clearly not having wanted to give away his injury in fear of appearing weak. The russet-and-white tom met his gaze without flinching. "You know I'm right! None of us here want anything more happening to you, we care too deeply for you! That's why we're here with you and not back in camp with Burntstag!"

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Sparkfire the ShadowClan Warrior ~ #cdbf38
Honeysong the ShadowClan Queen ~ #3bbb9d
Bubblekit the RiverClan Apprentice ~ #8ebb7b

Current Events
Sparkfire has returned to ShadowClan with her mate Honeysong and her adopted son Softkit.
Honeysong has followed Sparkfire back to ShadowClan and has given up her medicine cat title.
Bubblepaw has begun her training under her mother and mentor Flashlight.

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 19:25

Salmonpaw said nothing as Scorchstar talked to the RiverClan cats. But then, they were invited to the river. The tom toed the lapping water, and he stared down at the rushing current. Despite being named after a fish, Salmonpaw had no idea how to swim. Terrible anxiety rose from his throat, and he desperately searched for his father's black form. Trying to be brave, he took one paw into the cool liquid and jumped back with a hiss. "Scorchstar, I can't do it. I'm too scared." he moaned feebly, not even directly to the leader but to everyone around him. He could see himself get pulled under the current and slammed into the rocks below. The young tom began visibly shaking, his paws getting very unsteady.

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Astra inclinant...

.: Coyotegrin :: Kestrelchirp :: Quailprowler : Singedfox :.
#9966ff : #cc3300 : #6699ff : #993366 : Bold
WC T5 Warrior : WC T3 Warrior : TC T2 Warrior : SC T1 Warrior (Perma-NPC)

"When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire."

Discord Hiatus : Feral Litter Sign Ups/Interest Check : Plot Page

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 22:35

Walking alongside Scorchstar, Daisyflame made sure to keep his head and tail high. Driven from their home, the last thing they needed to do was look weak, and would make sure to keep such composure as much as possible. The journey to RiverClan's territory wasn't too far, but glancing over his shoulder, he could tell that some of the younger, and older, cats were getting a bit tired, which he couldn't blame them. Such change was difficult, even for him, but he just managed to keep a steady equanimity.

Silently thanking StarClan that the RiverClan patrol had accepted them without any trouble, Daisyflame gave a dip of his head to the lead RiverClanner. Bunching up his haunches, the large tom leapt across the river with ease, making sure not to look down. Turning around, he looked to Salmonpaw, who was at Scorchstar's heels. "Salmonpaw, you can do it, I know you can. I'll stay right here to catch you if anything happens," he called over to the young tom, a soft smile on his muzzle.

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~ ice ice baby

gym rat ❊ crazy poodle lady ❊ mst

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) VHQrlk5

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) 1QYZaRo

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Molex311

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Mon 8 Jul 2019 - 22:51

Scorchstar looked down to his adopted son and offered him a gentle smile, lowering his head to nuzzle the tom's cheek. "You'll be just fine, I promise." He gestured with his broad muzzle to his best friend waiting for the apprentice in the water. "Daisyflame will make sure nothing happens to you. Swim alongside him, he'll help you get across safely." He rasped his tongue over the young tom's ears, then rose up his head to turn to the other apprentices. "Apprentices, choose a warrior to stick close to as you swim across, and they will help you reach the other shore safely. Stay to their right so you don't get swept away by the current."

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Sparkfire the ShadowClan Warrior ~ #cdbf38
Honeysong the ShadowClan Queen ~ #3bbb9d
Bubblekit the RiverClan Apprentice ~ #8ebb7b

Current Events
Sparkfire has returned to ShadowClan with her mate Honeysong and her adopted son Softkit.
Honeysong has followed Sparkfire back to ShadowClan and has given up her medicine cat title.
Bubblepaw has begun her training under her mother and mentor Flashlight.

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Tue 9 Jul 2019 - 0:08

Sensing Mothpaw's tangible upset, Thornbriar loosely bad touch her tail over the medicine cat apprentice's shoulders. She usually wasn't... good at comforting those struggling emotionally but something in her demanded her to make an effort for Mothpaw, if no one else. The little rat had somehow wiggled her way into a rather closed off portion of her heart with very little effort. It was almost embarrassing...

Almost.

Thornbriar's ears pricked at the sound of what seemed to be cats ahead of them...

And the sound of a particularly familiar voice.

When Dapplepaw stepped into view, Thornbriar almost couldn't breathe. The little rat-thing had really grown up, and the sight of the silver-grey she-cat standing before her had left the normally unshakable warrior reeling.

Was... this really her?

Echoes of the days where the warrior before her was nothing but an itty bitty scrap of fluff danced in the back of of her mind as she truly absorbed this new version of her. Soon, another familiar cat broke through the reeds on the far side of the river. The young tortoiseshell that had helped with the three squirming bundles peered back at them.

Looks like Dapplepaw wasn't the only one who'd grown up.

Wasppaw carried herself in a new way. The apprentice's soft blue eyes were now cold and guarded, her shoulders squared and her body tired. Thornbriar recognized that look in the tortoishell's eye.

She'd lost more than her sister since Thornbriar had last seen the Riverclanners.

As Dapplepaw squared her shoulders and spoke with Scorchstar with an air of calm confidence, Thornbriar couldn't help the slight smile that wormed it's way onto her face. Pride glowed in her chest, though she fought to keep her stony expression.

This was not a time to be thinking about such trivial matters.

But she had to admit Dapplepaw was turning out to be a fine cat. The fresh scars marring her shoulder told Thornbriar that she'd taught the she-cat well. Dapplepaw didn't appear to be ashamed of them. That told her that it had been a victorious battle.

And then her daughter's eyes met hers.

Thornbriar watched with amusement as that brave, icy wall fell down and everything clicked into place for her. Pure joy spread across the silver-grey molly's face and before long she'd crossed the river and approached her Shadowclan mother. Her daughter's gaze swirled with complicated emotions that Thornbriar couldn't even begin to try and decipher.

"Thornbriar, mom... Do you recognize me?"

At the soft, timid question, Thornbriar nearly burst into laughter. However, she resisted and instead allowed a rough, raspy purr to rumble forth from somewhere deep in her chest.

"I didn't raise you to ask stupid questions, kit."

The words were colored with the same amusement that flickered in her left eye. Stepping forward, she rasped her tongue over the she-cats head in a manner all too similar to that which she'd done when Dapplepaw was just a kit. "It's good to see you again, Dapplepaw."

At Dappleshine's words, Wasppaw relaxed marginally.

That was right... they were allied with Shadowclan, weren't they? Stars, she was out of it lately if she forgot about such a thing. Turning her blue eyes to Sparkfrost, she nodded to him. "I'll stay if you want."

She didn't wait for a response, instead she simply crossed the river beside Dappleshine. It would be best if they just got this over with after all. Hauling herself up onto the other side of the shore, she looked around at the gathered clan cats, trying to determine quickly which ones would need her assistance.

Until she locked eyes with a face she hadn't seen since...

A chill ran up her pelt as she looked Mothpaw up and down. She'd clearly outwardly fared far better since that day than Wasppaw had.

What... did she say to her? The she-cat had seen her at her worst, and then they hadn't spoken since.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Wasppaw adverted her gaze and approached the black tabby.

"U-um... hey."

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^{_{★☆★ Take what you can ★☆★}}

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) QNTjwT2

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Tue 9 Jul 2019 - 6:29

Dappleshine's purr grew louder as Thornbriar stepped forward and rasped her tongue on the top of her head, and she bumped her nose to the ShadowClan she-cat's chest. "I'm so glad to see you again! So much has happened, and I hadn't seen you at any of the Gatherings since we returned... Oh, I'm Dappleshine now!" She stepped back, looking at the she-cat with pride and happiness in her blue eyes. She noticed Wasppaw had crossed, and threw a look over her shoulder to see if Sparkfrost had gone to camp to let the clan know like she had requested. As she did, a tom approached, ginger and white in his coloring. Her eyes widened slightly and she gasped. "You're the one that Thornbriar dangled off of the twoleg thing! You fell in the water, are you doing better now?" She listened as the tom spoke, and looked past him to the ShadowClan leader. Now that she was closer, the injury at his head was clear, and she nodded. "Of course, don't worry. I'll help him, and keep it simple." She lowered her voice for the last part so only Poppyheart could hear, nodding to him in understanding.

She looked back to Thornbriar and hesitated for only a moment. "We'll have to talk more once you all are settled, okay? For now though, let's get you all across the river and taken care of. I'll find you once we're in camp, alright?" She pressed her nose to Thornbriar's shoulder before padding towards Scorchstar, her head held high. Taking note of the apprentice, she mewed a few quiet words of encouragement before facing Scorchstar. "Don't worry, it doesn't last long. You'll be across before you know it, and there will be food for you after you cross and talk to Jaystar, everything is alright." She smiled at the apprentice and turned to Scorchstar, finding herself having to look up at him due to his size. "Why don't we go together? We can put any kits on our back and cross together, that way they have plenty of space and we'll keep them safe together. Sound good, Scorchstar?" She tried to make it so it wasn't that the tom was having to accept aid on his own, rather that he would be helping her by accepting the kits and carrying them across with her at his side.

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Stormypaw (♀) ||| Cinderpaw (♀) ||| Quickkit (♀)
ThunderClan Apprentice ~ 20 HP / 60 SP ||| ShadowClan Apprentice ~ 20 HP / 60 SP ||| SkyClan Kit ~ 10 HP / 30 SP

StarClan: Mossbloom, Dappleshine, Goldengale, Blossomstep, Sunnyskip
Other: Murkystar, Dewlight, Anastasia
Dark Forest: None

Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Giphy

Subject: Re: Seeking Refuge and Revolution (OPEN) Sat 13 Jul 2019 - 17:31

Poppyheart's pelt began growing warm with a touch of embarrassment, but he soon laughed it off in a bout of amusement once he began thinking back to the event. "Yep, that's me! I'm doing fantastic now ever since Thornbriar's help in getting that Twoleg collar off of me." Well ... as fantastic as he could be given the circumstances anyway. At the molly's quiet promise, he dipped his head respectfully to her.

Scorchstar looked to his apprentice and smiled fondly, glad to see his best friend and the kind RiverClanner doing their best to comfort the young tom. He decided to offer a few words of encouragement as well, stroking his bushy tail gently along Salmonpaw's back. "Everything will be okay, my son. I trust Daisyflame with my life, so I have no doubt in my mind he will keep you safe and protected." He lowered his head to murmur into his ear, shooting Daisyflame a playfully mischievous look. "Or maybe it'll be the other way around. Just between you and me, Daisyflame is absolutely terrified of swimming; I can tell he's just trying to put up a brave front to protect his own image. Can I count on you to keep my best friend safe, Salmonpaw?" He purred and nuzzled his nose into the young tom's cheek, then lifted his head back up to face Dappleshine once she began speaking to him.

He knew this tactic the RiverClanner was using well. He would often suggest specific ways for cats in need to feel like they're doing the helping rather than feeling like they themselves were the ones being helped. He appreciated her help in retaining his dignity. He smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your offer, Dappleshine," he mewed, learning her name from when she spoke to Thornbriar. "I will take you up on it. Allow me to gather the kits, and then we will cross together."

(TIME SKIP)

It thankfully hadn't taken Scorchstar's loyal cats long at all to cross the river, especially with Dappleshine's help and kind words to the less courageous ones. Of course, the heavy droplets of water weighing the dark tabby tom's fur down was definitely something he wished he didn't have to endure on top of the occasional stumble of his paws and dizzy spells as a result of the hard tumble back in camp. He felt like he was carrying at least half of RiverClan's stream in his pelt! How did his allies live like this every single day? He couldn't help but feel a touch more respect towards the cats of his allied Clan.

Once Dappleshine led the ShadowClanners into RiverClan camp, Scorchstar strangely felt almost at home here. Of course, he couldn't exactly recall if he had ever visited RiverClan's camp before now, but then again, he had always held a tight bond with RiverClan in more ways than one, even before he had become a warrior -- that of course taking shape in a forbidden relationship with the late Sweet. He couldn't help but wonder how his first mate was faring up in StarClan. He knew she had been quite a lonely molly growing up, being the only kit in her litter with her parents hardly paying her any mind, and quite a few rivals or even enemies with very few friends. Did any cat even remember her still? ...Why was he even thinking about her right now?

Perhaps it was due to the absence of any significant others in his life as of now. All three of his past loves were residing up in StarClan. This thought tugged harshly on his heartstrings, and he had to shake his head and blink his eyes quite a few times to keep back the threat of tears at the thought of being truly alone....

Well ... perhaps he wasn't completely alone, he thought as he shifted his orange gaze to the son of Littlestar, the tom who had stuck by his side through thick and thin, his closest and most trustworthy friend he had ever had. He smiled gently. I don't know what I would be doing now if it weren't for you, Daisyflame. I'm so glad you're here with me.

Halting near the entrance of the camp, directing his loyalists to do the same with a swift swish of his tail -- which was also completely waterlogged from the river -- Scorchstar waited to be invited further into the heart of RiverClan by their leader. He was certain Jaystar would agree to let him and his warriors stay with him until he devised a plan to reclaim his territory back from Burntstag.

(OOC: Any and all RiverClan cats can now post!)

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Sparkfire the ShadowClan Warrior ~ #cdbf38
Honeysong the ShadowClan Queen ~ #3bbb9d
Bubblekit the RiverClan Apprentice ~ #8ebb7b

Current Events
Sparkfire has returned to ShadowClan with her mate Honeysong and her adopted son Softkit.
Honeysong has followed Sparkfire back to ShadowClan and has given up her medicine cat title.
Bubblepaw has begun her training under her mother and mentor Flashlight.