Rights [OPEN]

The heady silence between Brindlestar and Gustpuddle yawned tensely, serving as a stark reminder of the terse conversation that had previously transpired.

After a quick word with Swiftstep and a few of her senior Warriors, the pair of she-cat's had departed from camp without a single word spoken to one another. She was content with simply basking in the frigid atmosphere that was currently serving as a barrier between herself and Gustpuddle, focusing her remaining energies on the undoubtedly difficult conversation that was awaiting them in SkyClan's camp. Resisting the urge to give herself a disbelieving shake, her teeth clicked together in an agitated manner. A part of her was still shocked that she had relented to Gustpuddle's request to seek custody of her illegitimate litter, even in light of the circumstances, but there was no turning back now. These kits were kin to her own litters, whether she liked it or not. Swallowing down the discontented tightening of her throat, the scarred she-cat fell back slightly as they approached the sparse and uninviting woods of SkyClan's territory. Her unfamiliarity with the wooded lands was blatantly obvious, so she instead shifted control to Gustpuddle as they ventured deeper and deeper into the strange woods.

Watching as the thin fingers of the canopy above crawled above the sky, eagerly devouring the limited light of the afternoon. Was it right for them to come after these kits in such a manner? SkyClan was the only home they had ever known, so why should they ask the poor 'paws to give up their lives? It'd be cruel to uproot them from the home that they had made within their father's Clan. A furtive glance at Gustpuddle answered Brindlestar's torn questions. She couldn't let the little she-cat waste away over what could've happened. Thankfully, the looming wall of undergrowth that obviously marked the limits of the forest-dwelling cats' camp, giving her no more time to dwell over the maelstrom of doubts and anger that flickered within her body. Brushing past Gustpuddle and regaining the lead, the tall she-cat resisted the urge to bristle slightly as she pushed her way into the camp.

Ignoring the wide-eye glances from SkyClanners who milled about in the camp, who clearly recalled the last time WindClan had made their presence known in this forest, Brindlestar's head tilted with disinterest as she halted in the center of the clearing. Hopefully things would go much smoother this time. Exhaling any notes of agitation or displeasure, the WindClanner kept her voice even as she finally spoke up. "Cats of SkyClan, I come wishing to speak to your Leader."



ooc) let Maple post first, then the topic is officially open.

It was all Gustpuddle could do to keep her fur flattened down as opposed to its alternate, bristled state. She had never been nervous in the presence of Brindlestar before, but the circumstances that had come to light between the two she-cats made it all but impossible not to be. As she slowly led the larger WindClanner to the camp that she knew far too well, she concluded that in hindsight, she'd made the best decision by owning up to her awful code-breaking. It was, however, strange to her that she hadn't even mentioned any sort of punishment for her actions. It was unlike the brindled leader, but for now, she could only imagine that it was something she had coming for her later.

Slowing her pace as they approached the entrance to camp, her shoulders drew together tensely. Not only was she entering the camp of her kits, but of a place that she nearly called home at one point in time. She tried the best she could to keep these feelings on the inside, successfully keeping her outward appearance devoid of any emotion. Gustpuddle ears laid flat on her skull, but it was impossible to tell if it was in embarrassment, anger, or agitation.

What was that smell? Firflower had her back turned from the camp's entrance as she picked through the freshkill pile for any of her favorite food: pigeon. None. She opened her mouth to let out a sigh when the scent of rabbit and heather floated onto her tongue. 'Why in StarClan's name can I smell WindClan?' Her nose wrinkled and she turned to see WindClan cats trotting right into SkyClan camp. There weren't many of them, so it certainly wasn't an invasion, yet the she-cat couldn't help but feel uneasy. Why were they here? She trotted, if a bit awkwardly, towards Poplarstar's den. Her eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness, so she couldn't tell if he was even there, though the warrior let out a sharp hum once she'd poked her head inside just in case. 'What does Brindlestar want? I don't like this.'

Mistypaw's fur fluffed up as Gustpuddle and Brindlestar entered the SkyClan camp. What were they doing here? Her mother, with the WindClan leader, in SkyClan? What could that mean? Although normally, she was bold, and would have all but confronted the two she-cats, but this time, she hovered in the background cautiously.

Brindlestar's call only made her more curious. Why did she need to speak to Poplarstar? What was going to happen? The small apprentice did her best to blend in with her Clanmates, watching wide-eyed as the two WindClanners gathered more attention.

So many cats of importance from different Clans had made their way into the heart of SkyClan, and Poplarstar was starting to feel a bit irritated. What could WindClan possibly want from his Clan, now? The tom forced a strong yet blank expression as he rose out of his nest and let his paws guide him out of his den. There was a certain amount of strength that it took to replace his tired demeanour with an emotionless stare as Brindlestar and Gustpuddle came into clear view. This certainly couldn't be some happy announcement, so Poplarstar mentally braced himself for whatever was about to occur. He could practically feel the tension as he stopped in front of the two WindClanners. Deciding that it would be smart to show some sign of respect, the fluffy tom dipped his head as a silent but curt sign of greeting.

Despite being wary and curious, the tom managed to keep a completely straight face.
"Alright, here I am," Poplarstar's voice had a discreet sense of sharpness to it, "Let's try to make this quick, whatever it is. What brings you here?"

Warily lingering within the cool shade that bled from the thick foliage that crowded the edges of the camp, Elmcloud's features were pinched with unease. Although he had been out attending to a series of mindless tasks the last time WindClan had found themselves within SkyClan's camp, he had heard the full spiel of the heated accusations that had transpired. Were they about to continue this irksome game of who was to blame for whatever new problem had arisen? Tail twitching sporadically, the tom's gaze dropped to a narrowed stare as he awaited whatever words were about to be spoken.

---

Impatiently shifting her weight from paw to paw, Brindlestar's gaze mindlessly continued to drift around the somewhat familiar settings of SkyClan's camp. Eyeing the undergrowth and trees that hungrily crowded the edge of the concealed clearing with partially hidden distaste, she felt entirely unwelcome- how could any cat ever be comfortable in such a suffocating, dismal place? Crushing the lingering threat of a shiver, the scarred she-cat forced down the remaining traces of the anger that still flamed in Gustpuddle's direction. Mercifully, before she was given anymore time to linger over how uninviting the forest was or how irritated she was with Gustpuddle, Poplarstar's presence was suddenly within her line of sight. Watching as the younger Leader offered a brief display of reverence, she returned the gesture with a short nod. "Forgive us for the sudden intrusion. The circumstances are not exactly ideal, but I'd prefer to settle this matter away from the prying ears and eyes found at the Gathering." Brindlestar mewed, gazing evenly at the long-furred tom as she began, paying no mind to the several pairs of eyes that were currently observing.

The odds were likely not in their favor, especially when considering the fact that their predecessors parted on foul terms and they were caught on opposite tides of a lingering war. Picking a stiff glance at Gustpuddle from her peripheral vision, her back teeth clicked together as she carefully selected her next words. "I will not waste your time, then. We have come to discuss the matter of the litter Crowstar sired upon Gustpuddle. While the kits were initially given up to SkyClan shortly after their birth, I find it only fair to revisit the subject now that the kits are old enough to partake in the discussion. If you're willing to humor us on such a delicate issue, I have come up with a proposal that would be fair to both opposing sides." Tail sweeping out in wide, leisurely arcs, the brindled she-cat's gaze subtly searched the loosely scattered crowd for the young cats in question. Reluctance still burdened her- was it truly fair to place such a heavy decision upon cats who were still practically kits? The foolishness of their parents has doomed them to a lifetime of divided loyalties.

"I do not refute the fact that SkyClan has a strong claim to these kits, but the blood within their veins gives WindClan an equally powerful claim. However, we do not come to you wishing to take these kits by force or without your agreement, regardless of the outcome of this conversation. This is why, with your agreement on the matter, I purpose that we offer the kits of Crowstar and Gustpuddle a chance to decide which Clan they wish to reside in. If they are unwilling to join their mother in WindClan, then there will shall be no repercussions to the decision. If they choose to join the rest of their kin in WindClan, then you have my word that they will be well looked after." Returning her gaze to Poplarstar once more, Brindlestar merely blinked in the spotted tom's direction. She truly hoped he saw the reasoning behind her words and was willing to offer the same chance to the litter. These kits deserved better than to be squabbled over or sent away in the dark of the night for fear of how others would react.

"Our Clans now share blood, whether we agree with it or not. I only wish to offer the best to those who had no say in such a decision, regardless of the past." Brindlestar hardly spared a second glance at her accompanying Clanmate as she spoke the quiet words, instead remaining focused upon the other Leader.

“I find such affirmation of WindClan being able to claim Crowstar’s kits as much as SkyClan to be nothing but a lie” Hawkstrike padded towards the leader and warrior, revealing himself from between the shadows with clear anger in his eyes. While the kits weren’t his, they were the kits of the very last cat he once considered a friend and the sole thought of them leaving SkyClan was revolting enough “This she-cat may be their mother by blood, but she’s a stranger in every other sense. If she truly cares so much for these kits, why did she gave them away after only being born to be raised by another queen in another clan? If anything, it sounds more like she abandoned them than anything else and now for some reason decided to crawl back for what she gave up a long time ago” Hawkstrike couldn’t help but let some of his own issues leak into his affirmation. Abandoned by the only family he once knew, he held strong grudges towards Him after he had tried to hide under the moss all the pain he had forced him to go through, all the suffering…act like it never happened and when confronted act as if he had been the responsible of it all.

And now watching a queen that had given up her kits, forcing them to grow away from her, suddenly want to shove that under the moss as well…it just got under his skin. And knowing these were also Crowstar’s kits…he was furious.

“They have friends, a true family that cares for them and loves them, a clan they are loyal to…and now you walk inside our camp wanting to rip away from them just like that?!” He didn’t care if he was talking to another leader, he was going to make his point clear here. He was sure he wasn’t the only one that thought that this queen and leader were acting like entitled kits by coming to their camp and ask for the clan to give up their clanmates “Blood means absolutely nothing, if there are no bonds between the cats. And I’m sure you didn’t form any kind of bond before giving them up”.

Hawkstrike was sctratching the dirt beneath his paws with his claws. The Dark Forest knew he would be more than willing to chase both cats out of the territory and end this whole thing with a good couple slashes…it was only the fact that the whole clan was watching and that attacking another leader could cause the clan he was loyal to problems what kept him in check and forced him to use his tongue instead.

OOC: oof, takin' over for Poplar ;;

Having been watching from the edge of camp to see how things would pan out, Hawkstrike's cruel words were beginning to lure negative vibes into the clearing and Tinylegs knew he needed to step in. "Hawkstripe, that's enough," he spoke, calmly dismissing the warrior as he made his way up to the WindClanners. Facing Brindlestar, the short tom had to tilt his head to look up to the she-cat, but even so, gave a polite nod of greeting as he put together what he wanted to say. "Please excuse my clanmate," Tinylegs spoke and gave an apologetic nod towards Gustpuddle. The last thing they needed was to start a fight when they were trying to simply negotiate something.

"I agree with you entirely, Brindlestar," the older tom mewed, a soft smile on his muzzle, per usual. "Just like how a flower can't choose the place where it blooms, a kit can't choose the parents they're born to. But, they can choose where their loyalties lie,” he added and turned to Mistypaw. "Mistypaw, you are of half-clan blood; one side SkyClan, the other WindClan. Both provide sufficient means to becoming a fine warrior, but the choice of where your heart and loyalties lie is up to you now," Tinylegs added, keeping his calm composure as he waited for either Brindlestar or Mistypaw to reply.

Mintwhisker flicked her tail, watching from the mouth of her den with curiosity as Brindlestar and... was that Gustpuddle? A jolt of fear ran through Mintwhisker's veins, making her fur prickle. Was there another war? A battle? Skyclan had managed to remain neutral for so long... she supposed they would be forced to choose sides eventually. Forcing herself to remain calm, the short-legged she-cat padded to stand beside Tinylegs, her murky green eyes trained on the tall she-cat that stood before them. She said nothing, merely sitting down and neatly wrapping her tail around her paws. The Medicine Cat's ears twitched as the tall Windclanner spoke, feeling her fur relax as she listened. Luckily, Brindlestar was a wise leader. There would be no bloodshed today.

Lilypaw, on the other hand, stared up at Brindlestar with blatant reverence. She was so tall, with long legs just like her father. She must be a pretty great warrior. The black-and-white apprentice thought to herself, her clear blue eyes bright with curiosity.

When her name was called, Mistypaw gave up trying to hide. She knew she had to make a choice, but it wouldn't be difficult for her to decide. She padded forward to join Mintwhisker and Tinylegs. If she had been any less sure of what she was about to say, she wouldn't be anywhere near as confident, standing tall beside her leader.

"Like you said, I have a choice. I get to decide where my loyalties lie," she began, her tone uncharacteristically diplomatic. "My decision is to stay with SkyClan. I have no desire to leave the Clan I know and love." She let a breath out, relieved to have said her piece without wavering. She was still a little bit nervous for what Gustpuddle and Brindlestar might say, but she had faith that her Clanmates wouldn't let them take her.

Frigid gaze waning from the small stature of Tinylegs, Brindlestar's impassive stare drifted over to Hawkstrike. However, instead of giving way to his desperate attempts at provocation, she merely tilted her head slightly as she blatantly sized up the smaller tabby. Eyeing Hawkstrike as if he was no more than the rotting remains of a rat that had been unfortunately crushed beneath the cruel weight of a Monster, she blinked once in his direction before completely brushing him off with a slight chuckle. Such an angry little tom was most definitely not worth the privilege of her words. The WindClanner's demeanor shifted as Mistypaw came forth, a brief flicker of curiosity welling up within her- barring the length of her fur, the little molly held a striking resemblance to her mother. Who knew the true depths of their similarities.

Although her outward behavior hardly softened, Brindlestar's gaze held something akin to empathy as she listened to Mistypaw declare her loyalties. She would never speak such words to Gustpuddle, but she was pleased to see that the young she-cat wasn't willing to tear away from the roots she had placed at the earliest convenience. Perhaps there was hope yet for these kits. "If that is your wish," She mewed, nodding softly as she spoke, "We shall respect your decision." She didn't want to turn to gaze at Gustpuddle and witness whatever emotions that were currently besieging her, so she instead cast her gaze out to the crowd who gathered around them. Searching for any cats who closely resembled Mistypaw or Gustpuddle, Brindlestar spoke once more. "And who will speak next?"

"What is going on?" Ploverpaw could see the commotion that had been caused in camp. He had returned from a hunting trip the bird falling to his feet as he spotted Brindlestar, and Gustpuddle here. Where they going to tear him away from Skyclan? Or.. did he actually want to stay. The gray and white tom padded up to Gustpuddle unsure on how to approach. He didn't know if he should greet her like a mother or an enemy. It broke his heart.

His yellow eyes looked up at Brindlestar unsure of what to do, then looking to Tinylegs. What should he do? Does he break his mother's heart and follow his father? Or... should he break his loyaltys he formed for his family? His mother? "Have you come to take us back?" He asked looking towards his mother and her leader.

If the grey and white she-cat said that Hawkstrike's words didn't hurt, she'd be lying. She yearned to correct the flaws in the toms logic, to tell him just how wrong he was. And to say that she'd left them for another Queen to raise?! If only the tom knew the innumerable sleepless nights that the she-cat snuck away from her friends and family to nurse the forbidden kits, how it had pained her to leave them when morning came. The bond that this tom was claiming to be nonexistent was there, even if unbeknownst to him and the rest of his Clan. The little she-cat was unsure if the heat welling up inside of her was due to outrage or sorrow, but she assumed that it was some crude mix of the two. It took every fiber of her being not to say anything to the SkyClan warrior, but as always, she kept her paws rooted firmly into the ground, biting back on her lip. She reluctantly turned her attention elsewhere when Tinylegs dismissed the tom.

Gustpuddle could practically feel her heart breaking in two as Mistypaw revealed her choice.

Albeit the petite she-cat knew better than to expect much from the brief trip to SkyClan, hearing the words was, by far, one of the hardest things she'd ever have to do. It had become all too clear to the she-cat that she'd have to keep her emotions hidden, at least until they left the foreign camp. She understood that it would be unfair for her kits to sway to either side for reasons as simple as her sentiments. Nodding slowly to Mistypaw, she kept her calm facade nearly perfectly, the mastery of her own false emotions almost scaring herself. The scarred she-cat did let some of her true emotion show through the gentle smile, though. She was proud of Mistypaw, of not letting something so simple get in the way of her own loyalties. Looking down at her paws for a moment, she breathed out an inaudible sigh. It wasn't one unlike that of dissatisfaction, but it resembled something closer to one that showed how truly tired the senior warrior had become. Gustpuddle's plagued eyes lifted once more, skimming over the still-growing crowd of SkyClan cats, searching for the familiar pelts of her precious kits.

When one small, instantly recognizable voice piped up from somewhere within the masses, Gustpuddle's ears perked up. When her amber eyes rested firmly on those of her sons, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. His dismay, his confusion, was because of her own indecision, her incapability. Because she had made mistake after mistake, her sons and daughters would have to suffer the consequences. For the first time since she had sat in the middle of the clearing, the she-cat stood up. She walked over to Ploverpaw, heart racing faster than any monster she'd seen on the Thunderpath. "Ploverpaw, don't deny yourself the right to happiness." Her voice was trembling, but the underlying strength in her words was undeniable. Each of her paws were shaking as she looked into her kits eyes, allowing some emotion to bleed into her words, despite promising herself that she wouldn't allow that to happen. "It is your choice now, it is up to you to decide where your heart lies. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want you back at home with me, but it is with a heavy heart that I ask you not to let that interfere with your choice. I promise, no matter what happens, you'll be okay in the end." Her words were accompanied by a firm nod at the end, a sure sign that she believed her own words to be true.

"I... I.." He didn't know. His brain told him to stay with skyclan, and the loyalties he forged. While his heart told him to follow his mother and be a family again with Goosepaw. His eyes dropped to the ground. No answer to be found in his mother or Tinylegs. The choice was his own, and he couldn't even make it.

It felt like his heart was ripping into two. If he choose to stay then he would feel guilty for not following his mother. If he left then he would feel guilty for not following his loyalty. Honestly he wished that starclan would come down from the heavens and tell him what to do. What choice to make, for he couldn't make it on his own..

His claws dug into the ground at his own unwillingness to make a choice. Everyone was waiting on his answer, everyone was expecting his next words. The clan around him hoping he would say Skyclan while the two cats in front of him were expecting him to say Windclan. He couldn't live up to either of their expectations. He didn't know the answer himself. He was tied to both but couldn't pick one over the other. If he did pick he would always feel like the other is where he was meant to be. Longing for one while being in the other. But he they wanted him to choose.. He needed to choose..

"I... I choose.." He swallowed harshly. Hoping he was making the right choice even thought he knew that in his heart he could never choose one over the other.

"I choose.. Windclan.." For Gustpuddle's happiness.. He told himself.

Listening to the WindClan and Half-Clan cats talk amongst themselves, Tinylegs was happy to hear that Mistypaw would be staying with them. Of course, it was a bummer that her brother Ploverpaw would be joining WindClan, but they gave the two of them a choice and what was done was done.

"I respect your decisions and hope that neither of you regret the choices you made today," he mewed, giving a smile and a nod to Mistypaw and then Ploverpaw. "I assume we're done here then?" the short tom asked in a non-threatening way as he looked back up to Brindlestar, still holding a soft smile on his muzzle. Both clans had gained a cat today, which he was perfectly fine with, even if Mistypaw hadn't chosen to stay in SkyClan.