February/March Gathering 2015

Leafbare was seeping into Newleaf, and the snow had all mostly gone from the ground, but the chill had remained. It went bone-deep, and you could smell the sickness in the air as the five Clans all converged on Fourtrees to meet underneath the full moon.

The first to arrive was Shadowclan. It was still strange walking in and being the first clan. It made Fourtrees feel empty. Motioning for his clan to follow him in, Thrushstar made his way into the clearing, taking his place on the Great rock and looking down at the rather healthy-ish cats. Sickness had spread in the camp, but it was mainly the kits. It wasn't a plague just yet. Starclan knew Shadowclan didn't need that again.

OOC: Hey Shadow, just need to say, announce Darkstrike has left the Clan to become a rogue and is pronounced dangerous to create an effect 😃 (my PM's aren't working for some reason) Sorry to interrupt the other persons posting)

BlackClaw followed closely in behind ThrushStar nodding to him he said. "I hope the other clans haven't had the same problem with the sickness. I'd rather it not be spread through here." He looked around scenting for the other clans. When he scented none at the moment he sat down near the Great Rock for a good view. Normally he was stuck in the back.

Mousepaw followed his clan into fourtrees. He honestly didn't feel like going to the gathering, but he needed to if he wanted to become a warrior. The tabby tom sat in the back, all alone, not knowing who to sit with, and not wanting to sit with anyone. He wore an expression on his face that clearly said to leave him alone.

As Fishpelt led RiverClan out of their camp, she couldn't help but feel a little awkward. Sunstar's cold had been quite bad lately, so the deputy had been doing ceremonies and the like in his stead. Fishpelt had insisted that he stay at camp for the Gathering to rest, and he'd reluctantly agreed.

For another few minutes, they moved in relative silence, accompanied only by the swish of semi-frozen greenery beneath their paws, and the soft murmuring of the apprentices in the back of the group. When they finally entered Fourtrees, they found that not many cats were there. Fishpelt broke away from her Clan and made her way over to the Great Rock, taking a moment to think over things that she needed to say. Sucking in a breath, the grey tabby preformed one graceful leap and landed atop the stone. Her awkwardness increased.

Scarletfrost followed Thrushstar into the clearing, and looked for anyone to sit with. She deliberately avoided Mousepaw, as he would just rile her up, and she pointedly walked past him to look elsewhere.

Wailingpaw trailed behind Fishpelt in awe of the many cats who'd gather here. The scent of Shadowclan in particular was new to him, and personally, he found it unpleasant. Trying to maintain the facade of confidence, he strolled in with his head and tail high. And seated himself under the Great Rock, looking glossy and proud like a true Riverclan cat.

Falconstar trudged through the cold moors and into the Gathering area. His rather fluffy fur kept him decently warm, but he knew it wasn't the same for his clanmates. Plus, with the sickness going around, he had to leave more cats than usual behind. Lucky for him, he had kept well despite his advancing age, and he was still able to bound up the Great Rock like those young whippersnapper leaders.

Only two clans had made it so far, and he nodded to Thrushstar and Fishpelt in turn. Looking over the gathered throng, a touch of sadness clouded his gaze. Things had changed so much since his first Gathering all those moons ago. Stormstar, Lionstar, Froststar, Sagestar, Flamestar: all gone. Even those who had become leader close to his own ceremony were gone too. Reedstar, Nightstar, Dewstar. His mentor, his mate, even two of his kits had passed on. That was certainly depressing.

Oblivious to her leader's train of thoughts, Nettlepaw padded along beside him excited. It was her first gathering as an apprentice, and she was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cats around her. The whole of Fourtrees was filled with unfamiliar scents that turned her head. Frogs, mice, fish, birds she could smell it all wafting from the cats below.

"Wow." She spoke to herself involuntarily.

Sunpaw smiled and flicked her with his tail. "Liking the gathering, huh?" He said, teasing her. The cats normally grey and brown fur was now lighter, looking as if his fur was nearly white and had light brown patches lining him. He bounding over to the best seat near HighRock, next to his mentor.

Cobaltfire followed her leader, wheezing slightly. She was much better off than her brother, who had to be left at home. Her greencough was for the most part gone, but it had definitely taken its toll on her body.

CloudPatches fumbled out into the clearing and sighed. Spotting BlackClaw he padded up to SunPaw. "There's BlackClaw if you wish to speak to him." He whispered quietly before sitting beneath High Rock.

Sunpaw gasped. "Oh.. Should.. Should I talk to him..?" He breathed heavily and walked to his father. "B-Blackclaw?" He asked.

BlackClaw looked up from cleaning his whiskers and saw a medicine cat approach him. "Oh hello there! Your WindClan's medicine cat apprentice right?" He purred happily. "Such a nice moor. Bet you have herbs there since it's sunny. Maybe."