Policies and councils (Shadowclan Meeting)

Honeypaw

Honeypaw bounded out of the apprentices' den to join his clanmates gathering beneath the Jaggedrock. He sat down next to Forestbreeze, sending his friend a wide smile before turning his attention completely to Nightstar. He tucked his tail beneath his paws, ear twitching in interest as he took in Nightstar's annoucements.

The first announcement made him beam. He shot a proud, delighted look to all those announced, most especially to Iceheart. How exciting! They all earned it. Iceheart, Duskflight, and Swiftheart he all knew personally, and while he hadn't spent much time with Snowfoot, he knew that she was a good cat and warrior. To have his own mentor and closest friend among the leader's council made Honeypaw sit up a little bit straighter, unable to keep his paws from briefly kneading up the ground beneath him in excitement. He knew that Iceheart especially would be a great cat to have by Nightstar's side, helping to lead their clan.

The second announcement, however, gave him pause. He didn't know much about what Nightstar was talking about, but to completely shut themselves out from Outsiders seemed... strange, to Honeypaw. After all, those in other clans were the very ones who saved and sheltered Shadowclan very recently. It's not as if every cat from outside their own clan had a negative agenda against them. Why wouldn't they at least consider those who wanted to give themselves to Shadowclan, in a case-by-case basis? It felt wrong to turn other cats away, kit or not. It left a heavy feeling in Honeypaw's stomach, especially as Nightstar discussed those that had already become a part of their clan after previously being outsiders. How must this make them feel? Honeypaw glanced around, trying to get a read on what his clanmates thought of the matter.

Still, Honeypaw held his tongue. Close to warriorhood or not, he was still just an apprentice, and he didn't feel it was his place to question his leader. As uncomfortable as the decision made him feel. Iceheart, after all, trusted Nightstar, and so did many others. Therefore, Honeypaw would trust him too. He must have reason to make this decision, after all, even if Honeypaw didn't have the context to understand it.

The final announcement peaked his interest and thankfully distracted him from his misgivings. A rite of passage? He wasn't a warrior yet, but Iceheart said he would be one soon, and so his mind drifted to think about what he'd do. He was successful in sparring, sure, but to fight a whole predator on his own was another matter entirely. It made him a little nervous to think about.

It wasn't mandatory, of course, but... still, despite the nerves Honeypaw knew almost immediately that once he felt ready for it, he'd want to do it. It didn't take him long to decide what he'd want to fight either. A badger, like his leader. He wanted to be a pillar of strength to his clanmates, to be somebody they could lean on when they needed it just as he leaned on them. And well, it suited him. He was certainly a big cat. A little bit of excitement filtered through him. He would wait until he was ready, showing he'd learned his lessons from Iceheart in patience and forethought, but he knew that he'd want to pursue this sooner or later.

Duskflight

Duskflight flicked his tail, gesturing for Swiftheart to come by and sit with him. A meeting called, he would pay utmost attention, his poise straight and formal as he listened to Nightstar. As he continued, the idea of a council... Surprisingly, intrigued him. The dark-furred tom gave a small, warm smile as his name was called along with a few others, them being the senior warriors of ShadowClan, each filled with experience. He was glad the leader trusted him enough to choose him among them, and he rose, padding with his mate to come forth and sit beside Leopardsun.

The next policy was one he expected to have to come. He'd been unable to protect the camp then, and such events happening while he was absent made a jolting fear strike in him, for his clanmates to be attacked without his acknowledgment. There was no doubt he had a distrust for outsiders, though, with some of their members being one of their origins — now belonging with ShadowClan, he showed empathy and trust for them. That was one Duskflight was glad to hear. Emberleap had been from unknown origins of outsiders, still, he was a figure he appreciated and trusted.

Their leader's words is the Warrior Code.

The last idea caught him by surprise. He'd seen some wore pelts before, though he assumed it was for the bitter coldness of the upcoming weathers Leaf-fall and Leaf-bare would bring. Still, he was interested. A small sense of doubt lay in him, fearing for accidents that could occur when young warriors attempted to take the pelt of much more threatening predators. But Nightstar must know what he's doing. He'd help those who wanted to follow the rite of passage the best he could, preparing both himself and them to pride themselves on a pelt they wanted.

Still, the idea of it made him slightly uneasy. They all knew what happened to Murkystar — and despite her incredible experience and skill, taking on a badger alone was no easy task, let alone chasing it off. Though, for personal reasons Nightstar decided to disclose, he could only wish their leader the best of luck. And to himself... He would choose to take on a fox. The last time he encountered one was far, too far long ago, and he was certainly much more capable now.

Taking in a deep breath, he turned to Swiftheart, his gaze silently comforting her with warmth and encouragement. This new rite of passage would be one posing a challenge to all. But he was stronger now. Either he would remain fearful forever, or he would rise to take on the new challenge.