The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
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Subject: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 13:08
It was the quietest hour of morning, when the sky had grown lighter, but the sun had yet to emerge from the edge of the treetops. Clouds were a ruddy reddish-pink, scudding across the sky like silver fish in so big a river. A chilly breeze rustled the newly grown leaves as if the world had forgotten that leaf-bare was over. It felt like the dawn was waiting for something.
This was how the world looked as Perchstar took her last few pawsteps towards the entrance of camp.
She was aware of how awful she probably looked. She’d done her best to clean herself up after the birth, but her pelt was messy at best. Her shoulder was scraped up from being hit by the monster on the Thunderpath. She was skinnier than usual, she hadn’t eaten in two full days, and exhaustion was obvious in the slight droop of her ears and tail. And then, of course, there was the fact that she’d been dragging four tiny, premature kits along with her. Only two could reasonably hang from her mouth at a time, and they weren’t yet old enough to walk, so she’d simply been taking two a short distance, setting them gently down, going back for the other two, and then repeating the steps over and over. It was no wonder it had taken her nearly the whole night to make it all the way back to camp after giving birth.
A quiet breath left her mouth past the two tiny limp forms currently hanging from it, puffing nearly invisible white smoke into the air, as she stared at camp. It was right in front of her. Dared she go on?
She wanted nothing more than to drag herself into the leader’s den and collapse. But everything--the four kits she had with her, and the massive amount of baggage being carried imperceptibly on her shoulders, and the dropped jaw of the warrior guarding camp through the night who had just seen her--all told her that rest was not yet an option. She had to talk to them... she must explain herself. Hopefully all would finally be well. Would anything be truly well ever again?
Home was right there. It was right there. Could she return?
Despite the stars’ endless punishments, it seemed like they had left her with just enough strength to make it. Stormbringer’s life of perseverance guided the leader’s paws as she stepped heavily--once, twice, three more times--and crossed the shallowest part of the river encircling camp, feet finally touching soft sand.
It would be customary for Perchstar to leap onto the willow branch and call a meeting to announce her return. However, there was no chance of her doing such a physically demanding task. Instead, she carefully carted her kits across the river and gently set them down next to her on the sand. Then she lowered her trembling, exhausted form into a sitting position. It was too much to stand anymore... but at least she could sit. Her neutral mask was nowhere to be seen, dissolved into an expression of naked, tired relief.
Two quiet words split the morning as the sun finally rose, shedding golden light across the rebuilt mossy dens of RiverClan camp. The words were whispered--probably inaudible. But they were all she could manage.
~~PM me here or on Discord if you want a topic with any of my cats!~~ ~Wonderful Signature by Xaandiir!~
speedy
Number of posts : 2857 Gender : Unspecified
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 13:14
Sprucebark raced over to the tired leader excitedly. She was home! It was such a relief to see her back where she belonged once more.
He let out a little purr also looking at her new kits. That was an unexpected surprise.
"So glad uou are back Perch, come get some rest" he suggested
______________________________________
Swiftheart
More Swiftheart
xaandiir Former Staff
Characters : [P]oppyshine; [Pi]neblossom; [W]hisperear; [C]rookedlight; [L]arkspring; [Wi]llowwisp Clan/Rank : RC T5 Deputy; SC T5; WC T5; SkC T5; RC T4; RC T4 Number of posts : 2961 Gender : Any Pronouns Age : 25
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 13:49
Poppyshine
Days and days and days dragged on. The days were starting to become a blur. Be it by stubbornness or simply because she was too busy, Poppyhine had never formally appointed a temporary deputy. It felt wrong to do, like if she did, then she was admitting that Perchstar would never return. So…she didn’t. She would be leader and deputy for as long as it took. She organized patrols to search for Perchstar every day, and went on a few herself. She hosted ceremonies, she discussed with Sandyshell, she did all that she could to keep RiverClan afloat until…
Perch returned.
She heard the tiniest voice from outside the leader’s den where she was deliberating who to send on the next search party. Poppyshine almost thought she imagined it. Then she heard her son’s voice, much clearer, and the name attached to it. Poppyshine’s heart swelled with sudden hope as she dashed out of the den and skidded in the sand. There she was…her leader, her best friend, Perchstar: standing right there.
Poppyshine was so enraptured with seeing her friend here and alive that for the moment, she did not notice the four bundles wiggling around at Perchstar’s paws. Poppyshine dashed up to Perchstar and purrs ripped out of her as loudly as a monster on the Thunderpath. Immediately, she pressed against her friend, purring and licking at her slightly-disheveled fur. “Perch! Perch you’re home!!” she cried. Tears slipped down her face as emotion overwhelmed her. It felt like a dream. Poppyshine had had this dream a few times during her friend’s absence, and there was a brief moment where she wondered if this was all this was. Perhaps she had fallen asleep in the leader’s den again and this was all a dream that she would cry about when she woke up…
A tiny mew startled her so much that she pulled back and looked down. Finally, Poppyshine noticed the four kits at Perchstar’s paws…That was certainly not something that ever happened in her dreams. Poppyshine was not sure she would ever have dreamed of Perchstar suddenly returning with kits. Which meant it was far more likely that this was real…and that these kits, as strange as they were to be here, were also real. A couple of them looked strikingly close to Perchstar, and so Poppyshine had a feeling that they were not simply some kits that Perchstar found on her way back.
Poppyshine looked back to Perchstar, her eyes wide with questions, but they would have to wait for now. Perchstar looked exhausted, and hungry, and while the stars had surely healed her body and allowed her to return from death, she would need to be checked over by Sandyshell.
“Let’s get you some rest,” she finally meowed, agreeing with her son’s earlier statement. “We’ll help you carry the kits, too.” Poppyshine thought that Perchstar would not necessarily want to go to the nursery, but when there were kits, that would have to be where she stayed. Besides, they had the comfiest nests in the clan, and Perchstar deserved comfort. Poppyshine leaned down, plucking the sleek silver tabby, who whined softly in her jaws. “You can tell me about all that happened after you eat and get plenty of rest. I’ll fetch you a fish when you get settled in a nest.”
Willowkit did not enjoy all of this travel. She could not yet open her eyes, and so the world was a blind, strange experience to her. At least her mother was at her side, and Willowkit shuddered and quietly cried every time her mother set her down with one of her siblings and disappeared for a few minutes, before she returned again and picked her up. Eventually they arrived to a new place, with strange smells, and what smelled like other cats. She felt a new sensation beneath her tiny paws—sand—and she shifted around in it, though never far from her mother.
There were voices speaking words she did not quite understand, and then she was suddenly picked up but not by her mother. Willowkit whimpered as loudly as her tiny voice could muster, which was not much at all, but there was nothing she could do. She could only hope that her mother’s scent, which was still close thankfully, did not stray too far and leave her in the jaws of this stranger.
The arrival of a new cat was announced and Larkkit stopped from where he was stalking after a beetle to look at the commotion. He recognized the she-cat that sat exhausted at the camp’s entrance, though he was certain they would never see her again. Their leader had disappeared a moon ago, in a far more violent way than the other cats had when the twolegs struck the forest. Larkkit had already accepted that she would not return. It was easier than hoping, like their desperate deputy who sent out patrols every day. But…there she was. And with kits no less. Larkkit’s nose wrinkled with distaste, knowing that the nursery will now have new occupants. As if he needed any more reason to get his apprentice name already and get out of there.
He looked over at Rookkit and his stomach turned. Would this be yet another thing that his sibling mourned about? Another cat, taken by twolegs and returned. Another reminder of their father who never would…And another reason for Rookkit to fall ill and delay their ceremonies again. Larkkit just wanted their sibling to get better. Not everything in the world could constantly remind them of misfortune.
Characters : Stormdance (S) Rainfrost (R) Sunpool (Su) Wrenpaw (W) Hawkmist (H) Clan/Rank : Riverclan, Tier 5 Warrior (S) Skyclan, Tier 3 Warrior (R) Riverclan, Tier 2 Warrior (Su) Riverclan, Apprentice (W) Shadowclan, Tier 2 Warrior (H) Number of posts : 1024 Gender : Transmasc, he/they Age : 23
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 14:34
Stormdance
Riverclan Camp
When Stormdance was not assigned to a particular patrol or task by Poppyshine, he spent most of his freetime hunting. There were a lot of hungry bellies in the clan, and with the loss of two of their strongest warriors along with Perchstar, not nearly enough paws to hunt food for them. He tried to make up the difference whenever he could, keeping himself constantly busy. It was early in the morning, but Stormdance couldn’t sleep. The work helped keep his mind off his anxiety for his clan. Still, he found himself lost in thought as he carried his latest catch back to camp, tail twitching nervously. He almost didn’t notice the familiar scent lingering outside the entrance, but when he did, his heart skipped a beat.
It almost felt like he was just imagining it, like this was just some dream his stress-addled mind had conjured up. But… but no, that was Perchstar’s scent in the air, he was almost certain of it. Suddenly Stormdance’s paws sped up, and he hurried into camp.
“Perchstar!” He gasped, muffled around his mouthful. He sped quickly to drop off his catch and then turned around, smiling so big his face hurt a little with it. “You’re home!” The relief hit him square in the chest, and was evident on his face and in his eyes. He wanted to rush over to Perchstar, to spill his gratitude and relief and joy. But he registered Poppyshine’s words, and took in the details of Perchstar’s exhausted frame, and…
And the four tiny bundles of fur, one of which was safely grasped in Poppyshine’s jaws. “Oh!” Similar to Poppyshine, Stormdance was overflowing with questions and emotions, but he bit his tongue to swallow it all down. There would be plenty of time for that later. Poppyshine was right, Perchstar needed rest. Padding closer, Stormdance gave Perchstar a soft smile. “It’s good to see you home,” He says softly, before he leaned down to scoop up another one of the kits in a gentle grasp. The one he picks up immediately makes her protest known with a series of squeaking mews, and he murmurs soothingly to her as best he could.
Wrenkit
Riverclan Camp
Wrenkit was tired and grumpy. They’d been moving around a lot, and Wrenkit couldn’t even tell what for, given that she couldn’t open her eyes yet. All she wanted to do was go back to sleep curled against her mother, and all this change was extremely disagreeable to her. Whenever she and one of her siblings were left for a few moments, she voiced her protest as she curled close to one of her sisters or brother.
And then all the new smells and sensations beneath her paws! All these new voices all around her, and slippery sand beneath her paws that she barely understood. No, Wrenkit was not happy at all, especially when she was picked up by someone new! That wasn’t what she wanted, she wanted her mother! Certain she was voicing a much louder protest than she actually was, Wrenkit continued to mew and squeak the entire time she was carried.
Sunkit
Riverclan Camp
There was a commotion in the camp. Sunkit’s ears pricked up from where he was curled up in the nursery. He almost didn’t go investigate, but curiosity won out against exhaustion. He’d been moving around a little more the past few days, but it still felt like an effort to drag himself to his paws and out of the nest. He shook out his fur, flattened from so long in bed, and stepped outside.
What he saw surprised him. Sunkit squinted in the bright light of sunrise, staring with surprise at Perchstar in the center of camp. He didn’t think she would come home. He figured she would be like his parents, lost forever to some unknown fate. But… but she was there. She was whole. Tired, but whole. With four little kits in tow.
“Everything might feel wrong now, but things will change.”
Curiosity growing, Sunkit moved forward, stepping past Larkkit and wiggling between the growing crowd of his clanmates to get a closer peek at his new denmates. Twistpool’s words rang in his ears, and for the first time since his death, Sunkit felt a little hopeful about the newest change in his life.
Characters : Tiger [Ti], Owl [O], Raven [R], Hare [H] Clan/Rank : [Ti] Windclan Leader, [O] Riverclan Warrior [R] Riverclan Warrior, [H] Skyclan Warrior Number of posts : 9983 Gender : Any Pronouns Age : 26
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 20:46
Owlkit didn't know what to think, with what he was looking at. He didn't know these cats that had returned, nor did he like the way they smelled. Blue eyes stared through the crowd, peering through legs getting glimpses enough of the leader, and her mewling wiggling kits. The fluffy brown tom kept himself back, not wanting to get closer to the strange smell, and not wanting to reveal himself to much from the condition his fur was in. After all he just woke from a peaceful slumber, he didn't have time to straighten out his fur.
He kept his attention forward, hearing other speak. 'Perch' being a word that crossed his ears multiple times. Was this the leader he heard so many stories about? She looked.. awful.. was she really a leader? Looking like that? Didn't she have more pride in herself? The tom shook his head. He couldn't be thinking like this, this was his leader after all. If that was true..
downfive Former Staff
Characters : [R]owansong [Ro]okflight [S]ilverhawk [P]igeonpouce [F]ish [T]wilightkit Clan/Rank : [R] RiverClan T5 Elder [Ro] RiverClan T4 Warrior [S] ShadowClan T3 Warrior [P] T2 RiverClan Warrior [F] T2 Rogue [T] RiverClan Kit Number of posts : 2494 Gender : any or username Age : 22
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Fri 14 Apr 2023 - 21:06
Rowansong
Rowansong had been fighting to return to sleep for several hours now. Just as early dawn light filtered through the gaps in the den, he’d managed to find a fitful doze. His breathing had just settled, shallower as he relaxed, when the sound of far more excitable voices than first light deserved had his nose wrinkling. Deciding more sleep wasn’t meant for him and dawn meant the day should begin anyway, Rowansong uncurled himself from his nest, marching blearily out of the den.
Forcing the last of sleep out of his eyes, he looked narrowly towards the chatter, tail flicking. Half his family cheering and grinning, all gathered around– Perchstar? Rowansong was fully awake in an instant, jerking forward to hurry towards the growing crowd. Shock and awe and, for the first time in weeks, raw joy ran through him at the sight of her. There was no more searching aimlessly for their leader, no more worrying if she would return. He realized that, when he looked at her and recalled their last conversation, he’d grown deeply more fond of his aunt.
Haggard as she looked, Perchstar was home. She had missed a lot, wherever she'd gone. He doubted he would be the first, but Rowansong wanted to tell her everything anyway. His paws itched with the urge to blurt out that he’d gotten his name just after she’d been taken rather than starting with hello.
He’d almost done it, too, jaw half-parted as he got closer, when the squeaking of tiny voices caught his ears. Blinking, Rowansong looked towards the circle of paws, towards Poppyshine and Stormdance holding two little bundles of fur. Perchstar had come home with kits? Rowansong blinked again. Were they hers? Of course they were, Perchstar wouldn’t come home with stray kits. Would she? Then again, half of them looked nearly just like her. But the other half were so strikingly not hers. For a third time, Rowansong blinked.
Then, he just shook his head, finally stepping forward to join the group properly. He doubted she wanted to listen to him ask more questions than he needed to. Though he didn’t press against her, Rowansong moved close to Perchstar, smiling. After a bit of quiet regard, he purred, “You made it home safe.” Lingering surprise softened his words. Then, he seemed to remember what excitement he was supposed to feel and went on, “You made it home safe! Perchstar, we are overjoyed to see you. Twolegplace was not too bad, I hope? It was not so bad as to keep you from us, I suppose, though I doubt much could. I would expect nothing less from you– and with kits!” Something sheepish crossed his expression, like he’d said something he wasn’t meant to again. The excitable tide ebbed from him, but warmth remained.
“But I am sure you are tired. I mustn’t chatter at you too much.” He finished after a moment of thought. Just as he doubted Perchstar wanted to hear all his questions, Rowansong figured she wasn't keen on listening to him prattle on. Besides, her kits were being gathered, and she’d been told to rest already. With another soft smile, Rowansong bowed his head with respect, and, while he was bent, stooped to gingerly pick up the dark-furred tomkit.
Rookkit
Rookkit was near to their brother, watching Larkkit as he moved slowly after the beetle. They had little interest in sporting, themselves; they’d caught plenty of bugs already, and it was too early in the day for it. So, they were content to watch. At least, until the shifting of a cat entering camp echoed through the quiet air, excitable greetings rising soon after. Slowly, their attention shifted away from Larkkit, gazing toward the source of the noise.
Oh. Perchstar had returned. He wasn’t sure what to think of it. Rookkit was impartial toward her at best, beyond the acknowledgment she was their leader, though he’d hoped for her return. Even as he hoped, he wasn’t vain enough to depend on it like many of his other Clanmates. He'd already been disappointed once. The thought brought a faint sourness to his expression. Clearly, Perchstar hadn’t gone where the rest of RiverClan had– so where had she gone? And how did she manage to find her way back? And why was she back?
She’d brought kits with her, too. Rookkit’s eyes flicked more directly to the writhing bodies, watching as they were picked up by different warriors. They could hear the litter squealing from here, and their ears lowered at all the crying. Rookkit could feel their hackles starting to ruffle, but out of the corner of their eye, there was Lark. Not only that, but a quiet shadow dragging his paws out of the nursery. Rookkit watched as Sunkit exited the den, took in the scene, and wandered over to wiggle into the growing crowd.
With a slow blink, Rookkit turned towards their brother; then, sighing, got to their paws and padded over to stand by his side. “The nursery will be full,” they murmured, leaning into Larkkit’s shoulder. They could not keep the reluctance wholly from the eyes, but they added, “I think it will be too much. Maybe... it. Is time we leave it.”
Characters : Murkyriver ♀ | Mistwalker ♀ | Mintglade ♀ | Crakeburn ♀ | Snowvixen ♀ | Hollowpaw ♀ Clan/Rank : Riverclan | Skyclan | Windclan Number of posts : 4940 Gender : She/Her - ash was here :3 and Ro! Age : 21
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Sat 15 Apr 2023 - 9:40
mistkit
“welcome to the newest souls”
All that she knew was to stay curled up by her mother. The ball of fuzz kept herself close to the familiar smell, the familiar-feeling fur. Frustrated grumbles squeaked their way out of her tiny frame as one by one the other familiar points of warmth seemed to leave, until it was only her that stayed by her mother - or rather, under her mother. This was where it was safe. This was where nothing would happen to her, even if so much already had.
She was comfortable here. Quiet. Safe. Despite what seemed to be thundering on around her, in a way that she couldn't quite entirely decipher. Tiny claws found themselves piercing at the soft sands beneath, a deep instinct taking hold to where she wouldn't dare be pried from her spot. Mother was safe. Mother was where she wanted to be. Most of all, mother was warm.
Characters : [F]awnshine, [Fe]nnelbreeze, [T]hrushnose, [H]arrierpaw Number of posts : 1478 Gender : Gender fluid, She/They Age : 14
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Sun 16 Apr 2023 - 6:26
Hawkshriek
Concern rose among camp when Perchstar had been gone for so long. With her missing, he knew how in distress Poppyshine must've felt, and he hated the feeling that she must've felt like she had to handle all the responsibilities alone. Patrols were appointed to scatter out in a desperate attempt to seek their leader, trying their best to keep their clan handled with no leading presence for StarClan knows how long. That was, until... the clan suddenly became rowdy with excitement.
It was the chatters and exclamations from his clanmates that Hawkshriek awoke, his tail no longer shielding him from the early rays of the sun. Then, his nose picked up on a familiar scent—Perchstar's. Instantly, he shot up, ears perked in surprise to figure what he could make out of the scene. Still, in disbelief, he scurried out from the warrior's den, hurrying to welcome back their leader.
"Perchstar! You're really back." Hawkshriek grinned, trotting over to the she-cat. He was able to catch some of his clanmates' comments, and nodded, his maw quickly reverting into a frown from her weary frame. There were kits with her, one that Poppyshine had carried by the scruff. They were unfamiliar, but he suppose he shouldn't question things, considering how Perchstar seemed less than likely in a state fit to be bombarded by questions. "Welcome back. We all missed you," He gave a short purr, nodding politely to Perchstar, to welcome her back. With that, he decided to take part in helping, gingerly picking up the last kit, as gently as he could, hoping to quietly soothe her with soft whispers.
Subject: Re: From Now On (OPEN) Mon 17 Apr 2023 - 20:03
Perchstar was not completely sure at first whether or not she was hallucinating. A cat who looked like Sprucebark was purring happily in front of her, welcoming her back. Then a familiar voice burst into her ears. The same voice that she'd been dreaming about and missing for weeks. Perchstar blinked, hard, because the cat in front of her could not be Poppyshine. It simply must have been a daydream again. But would a daydream feel so real as it pressed close to her, a sturdier, warmer body rubbing against her own frail, unsteady frame? Would a daydream welcome her so wholeheartedly without even questioning how she had been gone for so long? It took all the remainder of Perchstar's energy not to let herself collapse in a puddle at the sudden appearance of such comfort. "Poppy..." she whispered, voice still numb with disbelief even as the rest of her gradually accepted her reality. This was real. She was home.
Many more Clanmates made their appearances, all seeming far gladder to see her than she could ever have anticipated. Steadfast Stormdance, Rowanpaw, Hawkshriek. Her Clanmates. None of them outwardly questioned her reappearance, or the tiny bundles of fur she'd dragged this whole way, or her completely awful and disheveled fur. They simply began carrying kits to the nursery, offering warm words of gratefulness for her return, and crowding around in a respectful but jubilant manner. It was nearly enough to be overwhelming. Her senses, dulled by a full moon of exhaustion and hard travel, were not recovered enough to even comprehend such happiness. Instead, all she could do was dip her head to those who appeared, hoping that the subdued joy she was still able to feel could creep into her dead-tired expression. As hungry as she was, there was not even any hope of being able to eat. She simply blinked at her Clanmates in a fatigued apology, and followed those who were taking her kits to the nursery. At this point it didn't matter. She just needed a nest... she had to rest. It was difficult to tell whether she was actually saying all of the "thank you"s that she felt, or whether they were simply repeating in her head. But her gratitude knew no bounds.
