April's Gathering 2017

Brindlewhisker observed the so-called 'kin' to Skyclan with slightly narrowed eyes, nape fur prickling slightly as she observed the ragged state of the pitifully small group. Ancient Skyclan returning? According to every tale she had ever heard from Elders, the rest of ancient Skyclan had died out long ago. Twitching her ear disbelievingly, Brindlewhisker continued to watch all the chaos unfolding within the Clans, feeling slightly unsure of when to voice her thoughts among the constant arguing. Her teeth bared in distaste at the way that Crowstar and Fishstar squabbled with Ashstar, but she held her tongue in regards to that issue. The pale grey and brown she-cat swung her head towards Rippedsky as the new Deputy spoke out, blinking in shock at the way the tom spoke out of turn. Perhaps if he actually held seniority, then he'd be taken more seriously, but currently it seemed like both of them were too new to the position now. "You'll be welcome in Windclan regardless of the decision you reach." Brindlewhisker curtly echoed Ashstar's words, although she didn't know if she fully believed her own words- last time a non-Clan cat showed up in Four Trees, she had nearly gotten her face ripped off so this situation didn't make her incredibly happy. Personally, she hoped that this apparent 'tribe' cavorted off into the sunset with Skyclan, but she didn't want to publicly speak against Ashstar.

-

Poppypaw watched the events unfolding with huge eyes, little mouth dropping open in a small gasp as Darkstar chose to side with Fishstar. Agreeing with that Fishface? She would never agree with Riverclan of all Clans! Shaking her head slightly, the young calico she-cat continued to listen to the squabbling Leaders and whispers of cats all around her, nervously wrapping her tail around her paws as discontented whispers and hisses grew louder- she hardly understood any of this! Ancient Skyclan? A no longer hospitable home? 'Tribemates'? 'Great Starclan! At least my first Gathering would be a memorable one!' Poppypaw reflected, shrinking down slightly as she continued to watch the ensuing drama, glad that she didn't have to voice an opinion in the quickly heating situation.

-

Screech of Startled Eagle slipped forward towards Pale Light of Dusk, forcing his weary, raw pads to drag his scrawny form forward towards the even weaker form of the Elder. The dark young tom slowly pressed himself against the trembling she-cat's form, gruffly offering the ancient she-cat more support on her paws. All these weird cats seemed to feel content to argue until the entire Tribe wasted away to nothing and the young tom felt like leaping up onto the big stone where the apparent Stonetellers were gathered and smacking some sense into the quarreling cats. "This is their time of peace?" The To-Be growled in disbelief at Stonetellers words, hardly-groomed dark grey fur bristling in annoyance.

Ash of the Burning Forest's eyes drooped as these so-called 'leaders' bickered about who knows what. He yawned, and began to breath heavily. He'd only been an apprentice a few moons ago, so he was very young for a Prey-Hunter. He took a few steps forward, studying the argument and trying to find a topic, but it was almost impossible. They went from who would take them in to some cats called 'kittypets and rogues' to whatever they could think off the top of their head, or so it seemed. He nodded his head as the black and white cat spoke, rolling his eyes at the other cats squabbling. They had already gone through hell, and now they had to sit through this? They might as well die then and there! Then, the two other leaders thought they were threats? What kind of scrawny cats like themselves would pick a fight with these well-fed cats? "Hey!" he called out to the grey, silver and black cats.

"What kind of cats who had just left their homes, travelled through snow and death to find a new place to live and arrive at a so-called 'peaceful' gathering scrawny and mangy would battle a larger, stronger and healthier group like you?" Ash spat angrily, tail lashing. "And if you're leaders, shouldn't you be more formal? We'll collapse and rot away before you even stop arguing!" Stepping back, he narrowed his eyes, muttering about the inconvenient fighting going on.

♡ sedgepaw ♡

Sedgepaw had crouched lower to the ground the moment that the strange Tribe cats had arrived, and had stayed in the same position all this time. Ashstar had welcomed them to WindClan...but Sedgepaw had been a bit wary when she had heard that. She didn't want strangers living with her, sharing prey with her, and observing her and her Clanmates in their usual daily tasks. However, the WindClan apprentice did feel a small pang of pity and sympathy towards the Tribe cats. They were so skinny, they must have been starving. Ashstar was right when she had said there was plenty of prey to share, and Sedgepaw would've been willing to give up some. Although the Tribe cats had said that they'd be going with SkyClan, which according to them was their original purpose of coming here, the apprentice let out a small and inaudible sigh of relief, before looking around quickly with her hazel eyes to make sure that nobody else had heard that. Honestly, Sedgepaw found all of the bickering and arguing between leaders and deputies and Clans pathetic. This was certainly a great way to welcome a group of strangers. At least she'd be able to brag to the apprentices who hadn't been able to come that her first Gathering had been extremely eventful. If she hated the arguing, then the Tribe cats must've hated it even more. If first impressions were the most important part of meeting someone, then the Clans had miserably failed. The term Ancient SkyClan echoed in her mind a couple of times. What was that? She was so clueless about SkyClan's history, that she she had to just crouch there in her low position, looking back and forth between the Tribe, the leaders on the Great Rock, the deputies, and the warriors that were chirping in with their own thoughts and ideas. All of this went over her head. It wasn't a fun experience when everyone had the chance to pitch into a conversation and you were stuck on the sidelines, or in the case, the very middle of the group, wondering what everyone else was talking about.

♕ berry that falls from bush ♕

Honestly, these Clan cats and their current actions were making Berry that Falls from Bush wonder if this was truly a time of peace, or a time to aimlessly shoot insults at one another. He had no clue if these leaders had ulterior motives to their bickering. If they did, they did a pretty good job at hiding the real reason. When Ashstar had welcome them to WindClan, Berry had just stared at her as if she was a crazed maniac. Did Stoneteller not already say that Ancient SkyClan was the reason of their appearance? He hadn't known these cats for longer than a sunrise, but he already could tell many things about them. They wanted to one-up each other, they wanted to be the best, they wanted to make the other Clans look at them with respect. He could even give them a motto: "Give respect, get respect."
However, respect was the opposite of whatever was going on here at the moment. The cream Tribe cat just wanted to get this over with. He had no clue if he should feel honored or embarrassed that the Tribe that he belonged to was being practically fought over. Even though he hated being the center of attention, listening to the bickering had been quite amusing until it had gotten annoying.
So much for peace... Berry thought with a sour expression that he didn't try to hide, I guess I can just be thankful that nobody has used tooth and claw yet.
Keyword: yet. Considering what was going on, Berry wouldn't be the least bit surprised if a fight did break out. However, he would try to find the nearest safe spot he could find. The to-be remained silent, his eyes flickering from leader to leader as they spoke. Only occasionally would his paws shuffle out of the slightest bit of anxiety that rose in his chest.

Hazeflight let out a hiss as the strange clan appeared. A low growl rumbled in her throat, trust didn't come easy for her and these cats seemed to be demanding a lot. The silver she-cat clambered to her paws and stared at the "Old SkyClan", they looked pathetic in her eyes. Hazeflight surveyed the cats with unease, but quickly decided they were no threat. She still considered them pathetic and useless, but most of that feeling was soon turning to pity and sorrow. They really had been through hardships and to come here was a last resort. They had no where else. A lump rose in her throat as she imagined how many cats must of died to drive them to go to these lengths. "Oh, StarClan" muttered Hazeflight feeling queasy. She swayed a little on her paws as she thought about this. Thoughts like this were never good.

~

Ospreypaw flinched as Finchpaw was swept away from him. He looked up to see who it was and felt a pang of sadness hit him. He had no mother anymore. He didn't have anyone who would protect him and love it like that. The tabby tom felt a strange burning sensation in his chest as he watched Finchpaw snuggle closer to her mother. Am I jealous? Pfft don't be ridiculous... You've never cared about stuff like this before. Ospreypaw turned his gaze to Nutpaw. "Do you believe there story? I don't think they're faking it-- just look at them. I wish Fishstar believed them, but I'm sure she has her reasons for not believing them." he meowed shifting his gaze back to the starving tribe.

~

Driftcloud stumbled backwards she wanted nothing to do with these strange cats. They scared her deeply. Sub-consciously, she curled her tail around her belly. The dusty she-cat let out a tiny low growl, which was very unlike her. She definitely needed to see the medicine cat when she got back to camp.

~

Hollypaw glared at the newcomers uneasily, they didn't really seem like a threat and maybe it would be good to have some more clan mates. The thought of having new friends excited her, but she hid it well. Her blue eyes scanned over the tribe they looked in poor condition and she felt a stab of pain. No cat should ever look as malnourished and feeble as they did. The bengal's eyes landed on the tiny kit that tottered along after its clan mates. It looked so frail and weak, nothing like the kits she had seen. Whatever happened to these cats was cruel and merciless.

~

Blurrypaw lifted his head and turned to face the newcomers. His father's point seemed reasonable and he hoped they would be getting some new clan mates. It just meant they'd be more powerful than the other clans and these cats could teach them new fighting techniques. He'd definitely be the best warrior then!

Ashstar let out an inaudible sigh as the Gathering degraded into chaos once more. All she had done was suggest that the Tribe come to stay with WindClan and expressed concerns that SkyClan wasn't the safest place, and now Crowstar was arguing, Rippedsky was trying to intervene with his new deputy power, Darkstar and Fishstar were questioning the leaders' motives, and Magpiewing was... strangely silent. She wished Stonestar- no, Stoneteller- would make his decision, but she didn't blame him for all the confusion. It must have been a little overwhelming to be thrust into this mess with no idea what was going on. Tired of all the fighting, and knowing that the newcomers were about ready to fall asleep on their paws, Ashstar stepped up again, ready to end the chaotic confusion that had once been a Gathering.

"Enough," she yowled over the cacophony, waiting for all the arguing, hissing, and accusations to die down. When the clearing was quiet again, she spoke up once more, but quieter this time. "This Gathering has gone on long enough. I'm sure the Tribe is tired, and needs time to make a decision. While they are outsiders, they are cats, just like you and me, and they need food and rest. While you find out which Clan you would ultimately like to join, why not follow me to WindClan camp? I don't ask that you make any permanent plans to stay here, only that you take your time and get some sleep after your long journey. The answers to all our questions can be provided at some other time. I'm sure we have enough fresh-kill, and enough room to build you nests. If you would rather find another alternative, I won't protest, but WindClan territory is open and easy to navigate. I think it would male a good temporary home while you work out more long-term plans. What say you, Stoneteller?"

Throughout the entire gathering, five cats watched the entire thing in stunned silences.

The first one them was Amberpelt, the RiverClan she-cat unsure of what to make of the entire thing. She was relieved that Fishstar had set her paw down in denying the strange cat's making their home in RiverClan, allowing her to watch WindClan and SkyClan scrabble over who would take the...Tribe back to their camp. The brown she-cat found herself not caring who took them home, already tired of this gathering despite the fact that only Crowstar had managed to share the news of his Clan. Sure, she was interested where Smokepelt was - apparently he had been demoted if she had heard Ashstar correctly - but there was also the question of where Thrushstar and Leopardfang was. She didn't recognize the tom that stood on the rock in the name of ShadowClan but she supposed it didn't matter to her. She simply shrugged as she licked down some of her fur, her green eyes narrowed with amusement at this whole thing.

The second - and third - cats were Smokestripe and Larksong. The two ShadowClan cats sat together, their ears slicked back as they listened to the chaos around them. While Smokestripe kept his attention on the strange group, Larksong found herself repeatedly glancing over her shoulder at her father who had said nothing this entire time. She couldn't blame Magpiewing for saying nothing nor did she expect him to but she certainly wished she knew what her father's thoughts on the matter.

"What do you think about this?"

Larksong jolted as she glanced over at her friend, Smokestripe having finally torn his gaze away from the tribe. There was a look of worried on his face, his tail twitching. She could only shrug her shoulders and shake her head, having no words to say anything. If anything this tribe was saying was true then it didn't matter to them anyways. If they were 'old SkyClan' then let SkyClan deal with them. Smokestripe seemed uneasy with her lack of response but simply nodded his head as he focused back on the tribe, waiting for an answer.

Lionspark, the fourth of the cats, was confused but relieved that Darkstar had agreed with Fishstar of all leaders on denying them entry. So much trouble had been happening that she was happy that they wouldn't have to deal with them but...There was a heart-ache in her as she felt truly terrible for these cats. They all looked so weak after their long journey, she could only nod her head in agreement at both Rippedsky's and Ashstar's exasperate cries to end the silly fighting between WindClan and SkyClan and take the cats home somewhere. Her tail curled around her paws, her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched to see what offer the strange cats would accept.

The final of the five cats was Mottleheart, unexpected anger rising in his chest. Part of it was toward Rockpaw - who had decided not to seek him out and sit by himself. The WindClan tom could no longer sit next to Brindlewhisker and now his other friend was refusing to sit next to him? There was a faint annoyance as he pushed down the anger, before letting his gaze land on Ashstar. It was simple to say that Mottleheart wasn't happy with Ashstar's offer. Much like Darkstar and Fishstar, he didn't trust them. Perhaps their claims were true, but it meant no loyalty and WindClan had already suffered so much from a lack of loyalty in their cats. He was content with the idea of Crowstar taking them in - if they were of SkyClan blood then he could trust that their loyalty would perhaps lie with Crowstar and SkyClan but loyalty in WindClan? The tom doubted it. Loyalty was everything to Mottleheart, he didn't want to risk his Clan's safety on it but there was nothing he could do. He wouldn't dare argue with Ashstar or Brindlewhisker. After all, his loyalty was to them and Ashstar's word were law. Unhappy, yes, but he wouldn't dare voice it. He would only be forced to accept whatever this tribe chose.


And then there was Storm that Lights the Clouds. His eyes were narrowed as he waited for a response from Stoneteller on what option the healer was going to take as he allowed his gaze to shift between the strange 'Clan' cats as they argued among themselves. He could only find relief that the gray leader Ashstar - What a strange name - grew tired of it all and asked for a final choice to be made. The white and gray striped tabby flickered an ear at her words, finding himself uneasy with the idea of an...Open territory. There had been a comfort in the cavern they had called home, safety from the birds of prey that they hunted but also threaten to hunt them. But the choice was still not his to make. He allowed his gaze to shift back to his leader, tilting his head slightly as he waited for the answer of what camp they were going to make their own.

"If we are Skyclan by blood then shouldn't we go with them?" Shadow of the dancing leaf said looking at the Skyclan leader for a moment before turning her eyes back to Stoneteller. She didn't know who these cats were, she didn't know any of them.. But the tribe of Endless Stars told them they were skyclan so if they were skyclan shouldn't they followed Crowstar? It was up to Stoneteller in the end, but it's what she felt on the inside.



Crowstar let out a small sigh. The whole time he had been trying to get these cats to shelter. Where they would be comfortable, but Ashstar had to butt in every time he said something. First she accused him because of his choice in his deputy and then had to say his clan was bad? What did she know? The black fluffy leader still stood on a friendly level with the cats unlike Ashstar who still stood above them. These cats would only get hurt by the Windclan leader in the end, he could feel it.

Echo that Strides Through looked at Ashstar. 'I do not like what that healer of... what is it... WindClan... is offering.' she thought. She had to think about a decision this big. She wasn't a healer, but she could voice her opinion. Stoneteller is too caring to deny his tribemates their right to their opinion. 'I feel she'll treat us nicely just to convince us to stay. She wants us because she wants us.' she added. She turned her head to Stoneteller. "Stoneteller, I am just a to-be hunter, but I feel I must voice my opinion. I feel it is only right to follow the healer of SkyClan." she said.

Stoneteller glanced between the clan leaders once more, taking in the narrowed looks of Darkstar and Fishstar while Crowstar and Ashstar waited for an answer. The Healer stayed silent, trying to think of the best way to go about this. Why did they have to put him in this position of choosing? He was shocked enough when one clan offered, but now there were multiple. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. Turning back to his tribe who were all waiting for his orders, he closed his eyes for a moment to pull himself together. Stepping forward, the tom dipped his head to the leaders. "I appreciate both... clans for offering their support of my tribe. I am truly honored that you will house my tribe. If it pleases my tribe and both of you, I do believe I will let my tribe mates decide for themselves who they would like to go with. As Healer of what the Tribe of Endless Stars called 'Old Skyclan,' I feel personally obligated to join... Crowstar?" The tom had to make sure that he had the names right. Under all of this pressure, it was hard to remember. "But if some of my tribe mates so choose, they are welcome to leave with you, Ashstar. We are here only for peace and rest. We will gladly take anything we can get." Turning back to his tribe, he gave them a simple nod as if to reassure them and give them his approval of this option. He didn't want to separate from them, but he was certain that each clan only had so much room, and he knew what it was like to live with so many and so little. "If we may, shall we begin our journey back?"

Jaypaw looked with narrowed eyes how the two leaders fought against each other because of nonsense reasons. It didn't matter anything of that, just the safety of all that poor and weak cats that needed the help of the clans.
The young tom stayed in his place with the other apprentices, waiting quietly, but tensed up, to the leaders made a decision. However, the gray tabby thought that the decision wasn't in the paws of the clan leaders. It was on the Stoneteller, the leader of the Tribe of the Endless Skies. And because of that, when the Stoneteller finally talked back to the leaders, Jaypaw let a small sigh of relief to escape from his mouth. Finally, the Tribe would be able to do their own choice, but he wasn't sure if it was good to the Tribe to separate from each other.
--------
Fox watched in silence to the argue between the leaders of these so-called clans of the forest. The large cat was annoyed by the stupid fight because they were just wasting precious time of the Tribe to rest and recover. All his tribemates needed to eat and sleep. Fox that hunts in the Night looked serious and concerned to the younger cats of his groups, worried about their health.
He stood up when the Stoneteller finally answered. He stepped forward a bit to be closer to the healer, loyal to be by his side. "I will follow you, Stoneteller. I'll be wherever to need for the good of the Tribe". He said without many emotion on his face. His green eyes glanced the silhouette of the Skyclan leader, Crowstar. I honestly don't like any of these leaders too much, but at least Crowstar seems to be the only one disposed to left his high position on the rock to be on the ground with us. Apparently, he is the most worry about our safety...

Storm spared a glance at Echo as the young she-cat stepped forward to voice her option, giving a faint nod of his head in approval. None was to young to share their thoughts on such an important matter - the Tribe was only strong when together, it was how they had survived as long as they did. But then his ears perked as Stoneteller spoke up, settling on the idea of following this...Crowstar of SkyClan. But he was shocked for all but a moment when the healer offered the idea of letting each cat take their choosing of what Trib-Clan they were going to stay with. But the shock quickly died as Fox took a step forward and vowed to stay with the Stoneteller, after all, they had all had faith in Stoneteller to lead them here, was any going to abandon him now for a healer they knew nothing about?

"I stand with you Stoneteller...As always," he said softly as Fox finished speaking, his tail lashing through the air as he stared up at the cats of the Clans that surrounded them. Storm that Lights the Cloud's ears flickered back as he did his best to look as strong as he could despite the fact that hunger rumbled in his stomach and his legs almost quaked at the effort of holding him up. He didn't trust any of them - not even Crowstar - but he trusted Stoneteller with his life. If the Healer was going to give them the benefit of the doubt then so would he.

Echo that Strides Through nodded to Stoneteller. "I shall also go with Crowstar." she said.

Ash of the Burning Forest nodded his head in agreement. "I follow Stoneteller," he agreed. He glanced at the two clan leaders, and silently thanked the Tribe of Endless Stars for making them silence.

Two Healers were offering them a choice. This was more than Pale Light of Dusk had expected, anyway. But where was she to go? She was old, and having lived with the Tribe all her life, she faced a difficult decision. Follow Stoneteller into the unfamilar, to go with this 'Crowstar,' and follow the traditions of old, or forge her own path, and choose to join Ashstar? Every fibre of her being told her to follow the Healer, to follow the prophecy of SkyClan. Many of her tribemates had chosen that path already, their unflinching trust in Stoneteller evident. She trusted the Teller of Pointed Stones with her life, of course, and was concerned for her tribe's wellbeing, but there was some...urge. The Tribe of Endless Stars had been right to come here - but coming here was divulging from tradition. If they'd stuck to their old traditions and stayed in the mountains, Pale had no doubt they'd all be dead. Following Stoneteller was tradition. But was tradition always right? Though the healer was wise, she far outmatched him in seniority. Wasn't she old enough to make her own decisions? She was aging, and though she had lived through so much, she knew her time would have to come to an end. Besides, this Ashstar..she saw a certain kindness in her, that went beyond being diplomatic. Genuine empathy. Why not try something new?
"I-I'm sorry, Stoneteller," she said, taking a shaky step forward. "You know I have only the greatest respect for you and your leadership. But I will be going with Ashstar. I have my reasons, and I will say, I see a genuine spirit in her - real compassion. If any others would like to come, it would be nice, but don't feel like you need to be stuck to your grumpy old elder. I have no doubt they will take care of me, but all I want is to see my Tribemates safe."

Night watched as his Tribemates began to make their own individual choices on who to go with; it seemed there were only two paths for them to take, the clan of the wind and the clan of the sky, but to the evening-black tom there was only way that he saw. That was the way of his Tribe, and his family. Throughout the many moons of his life, Night had lose every single member of his close family. His father takes by sickness, and little sister stolen by a hawk; his brother and mother taken by the hunger of the previous time of frozen water, and his other sister led away from the Tribe in her grief. Now, without a mate or kits, he was alone. Not having many close friends, loyalty to the Tribe and to Stoneteller is what kept his going through this rough life. It was all he knew, and all he cared about now. For all my life I've held myself with pride, wisdom, and dignity, and now is no different. I will not leave what my family died to preserve and protect. No matter how confused or conflicted I may be, that is the one thing I always know; my family will live forever inside my heart, so my heart must follow what they loved. "I will follow you to SkyClan as well, Stoneteller." Stepping forward, Night of Stormy Gales stood tall as he joined the group of his Tribemates that would be going as well. The white spot on his chest shone like a single star in the night sky as he took a deep, reassuring breath. Though he was deeply surprised when the elderly she-cat, Pale Light of Dusk, decided to join WindClan, he accept her decision and nodded a friendly farewell to her.