October Gathering 2020

It felt like a lifetime since his paws had graced StarClan's territory. The moon they'd been living with RiverClan had made him uncomfortably familiar with RiverClan's, its wide, open riverland a far cry from the sheltered acres of SkyClan's home. He missed it desperately, and as the foliage began to thicken on their way to the Gathering, it was all he could do not to sprint for cover, for the familiar neutral ground that was Fourtrees. The oaks loomed on the horizon now as Wolfcall led SkyClan along the path their hosts had taken a bit earlier. They would be the last at the Gathering, he knew, but the decision for them to even go had been a hard one to make. A lot of them were still injured - himself included - though he had been the most outspoken about the necessity of their attendance. The rest of the clans probably thought they were weak, and them missing this Gathering, too, would only solidify that in their eyes.

Spottedstar had decided to stay behind in the RiverClan camp, which left it up to Wolfcall to do. It was a duty that he didn't mind, this time. He would make sure everyone knew SkyClan was strong, despite the circumstances of their territory.

With a grunt somewhere between annoyance and pain, Wolfcall hauled himself the hill that led down into Fourtrees, pausing there to allow himself a moment of relieved reflection. Fourtrees was unchanged by the fire. Waving his tail forward, he gestured for the clan to precede him into the clearing, but he wasn't far behind. Not stopping to make conversation with anyone, the deputy gritted his teeth and scaled the rock to sit with the leaders, something that, the last time he'd had to do had made him incredibly uncomfortable. This time, he was just determined.

--

Crowpaw's decision was made for him as another apprentice - an older one, it looked like - wandered over to talk to him, but then... he introduced himself as... himself! Crowpaw's eyes widened, and he hopped to his paws, staring at the fluffy black tom in bewilderment. "I'M CROWPAW TOO!" he whispered excitedly. How cool was it that they had the same name. "From Thunder-" Wisteriabloom's entrance had him hesitate, and he glanced over at her with a smile. "Hello Wisteriabloom! We're Crowpaw!"

Pebblepaw soon got bored of sitting in the same place the whole time. No-one even noticed him, let alone talk to him. The grey-and-white tabby stood up and found a shy-looking white cat sitting to the side of the clearing. Maybe I should talk to them, they're looking lonely! Pebblepaw hopped over, his tail lifting every bonce. "Hi's!" He purred when he sat down in front of the white cat. "Mys names is Pebblepaws!" His tail flicked and he smiled. "I'ms froms Thunderclans!- The bestest clans!" He added quickly. "What's yours names? What's clans are yous froms? Yous smells likes fishes!" He said some words slowly and some words fast, it was kinda hard to hear him adding useless stuff to the end of most words.
(ooc: Pebblepaw is speaking to Driftingpaw)

⫸ It had felt like moons since Carpsplash had briefly abandoned his familar home territory to participate in the trek to Fourtrees. There were few times, especially at his age, where the tom had entertained the idea of leaving camp. However, the thought of leaving behind Skyclan scent for even a mere moment had been enough to rouse him from his stagnant ways. The elder tom found his weary bones had already taken up their usual protests to any level of chill in the air. For this reason, the former warrior had resigned to limping along silently near the rear of the group. Any concerned younger cat was met with the normally sharp lash of his tongue, but the lackluster bite behind ir was telling. Regardless, he'd made it to fourtrees.

Nostalgia washed over him and temporarily banished the aching sensation sweeping through his pelt. So many things had occurred in this sacred meeting place. Something about the worn dirt beneath his pads was welcoming. The pallid ginger hues of moonlight brought the flickers of a crooked smile to his maw. Carpsplash settled next to Addershade, slowly letting his belly sink to the ground as his old eyes drank in the sight of the sky. There was a contented sigh from the sides of his maw as he stretched, "Feels nice to breathe without being cozied up to Skyclan cats, eh, Addershade? It's the only reason I came. But I have to say it ain't half bad here. Countless life-changing moments have occurred where your paws now set. Countless moments..." His final words were a wistful breath. Carpsplash took pride in the various things he'd witnessed over his long life. There was no doubt if given a moment or two before the gathering, his clanmate would be gifted to a tale or two. ⫸

ooc;; carpsplash is pestering addershade!

Bloodstrike strode into Fourtrees just behind Wolfcall, his posture as strong and as proud as ever despite his very obvious burn scar down his back. His face betrayed no emotion and his eyes stared coldly forward as they approached the Gathering. There were many cats here, some of which he would greet gladly soon enough, but for now, his ears swiveled this way and that way listening for any snark that any other clan cat dared to speak as Skyclan breached the horizon. Despite the frosty, hard look about arguably the largest Skyclan warrior, there was a smoldering rage inside Bloodstrike's chest. Spottedstar had been through a literal fiery version of The Dark Forest, it was true, but now he honestly was going to stay behind and show weakness to the other clans? Bloodstrike would love nothing more than to tatter his hide and drag him back into the ashes that he had dared leave behind after the fire.

He tried not to think about it too much and simply remained quiet. Bloodstrike strode into Fourtrees with confidence and slowed himself to a smooth halt before the Great Rock.

Bloodstrike open for conversation, he only looks like he's got a stick rammed up his booty.

Kestrelpaw shuffled into the gathering with a nervous excitement. It was his first time at a gathering and the hustle and bustle around him was starting to be a bit overwhelming. As soon as the ThunderClan cats was free to go their own separate ways, the young tom began to give himself a tour of Fourtrees before the Gathering could commence. He wanted to familiarize himself with the layout. It was good information to have stored away in case something should arise.

The brown and white tabby tom had noticed the overall good mood ThunderClan was in. Nettlestar was quite chipper today and his father seemed to be in a playful mood, well, it was no longer evident on the older tom's face but it had been and only for a small moment. Kerath was probably one of the only ones to have noticed the little kittish act his father had done. It caused the normally stoic apprentice to let out a tiny smirk. Deputies deserved a bit of fun once in a while. It made him warm inside knowing that his clan was doing rather well. They were prosperous and Kestrel couldn't be happier.

As the apprentice strode around the small groups of chatting cats, his eyes searched for any conversation he could hop into. He wasn't much of a talker, most of his clan knew that by now, but it didn't mean he couldn't. He was interested in listening in to what others had to say. He was all for expanding his knowledge.

"...?" The quiet tom's green gaze eventually fell onto a young tom who was settled at the edge of the clearing. Someone else appeared to be there as well but Kestrel wasn't quite sure. He tilted his head then directed his movements toward him. As he got closer and closer, the scent of RiverClan was made prevalent as well as the familiar scent of his own clan. As soon as he was next to the white-furred apprentice, he noticed Pebblepaw attempting to start up a conversation with him. He had seen the apprentice here and there around camp. He hadn't interacted with him much but what he did know about him was that he had an interesting way of speaking. It was charming. Kerath found that he rather liked it.

Before settling down himself, he gave the two apprentices a small nod, bushy tail neatly wrapped around his paws. "Hello there. My name's Kestrelpaw. How about yours?" His question was directed to the RiverClanner. His voice was soft and warm, words said with a polite tone. He hoped he made a good first impression. He strove for good results. He then turned to his clanmate and offered his a small smile accompanied by, "Hello Pebblepaw. How have you been?"

Crowspirit padded into the Gathering behind Spotlake, eyes roving the crowd, as usual, for an interesting cat to talk to. His eyes fell on Bloodstrike, and subsequently lit up. He hurried over, tail raised in a friendly greeting. “Hey, Bloodstrike! How’s SkyClan been treating you? Are you deputy yet? I don’t see Spottedstar.” The dark tom was only half joking- he genuinely thought the younger tom would bring a positive change to SkyClan- if only he could get into a leadership position. He motioned to the Great Rock, expression jovial. “My granddaughter is the deputy of WindClan now!”

Crowspirit is talking to Bloodstrike!

Ospreypaw skidded into the Gathering, gaze bright as she took in its sights. This was her first Gathering, and she couldn’t believe how many cats there were! She wanted to get to know them all, but how would she pick who to say hello to first?

Ospreypaw is open to talk your ear off for conversation!

Smokefeather trailed not far behind Bloodstrike, tail tip twitching back and forth, as usual. Rarely did she enjoy gatherings, finding the press of dozens of other cats to be entirely unwelcome. She was a fairly sociable cat, but crowds simply weren't her thing. At least tonight there was a purpose in being here. Skyclan needed to look strong (and they arguably looked far better with Wolfcall at their head instead of Spottedstar), but that wasn't Smokefeather's only reason for showing up.

She had someone to introduce her apprentice to. It could've been done moons ago had the fire not forced Skyclan from their territory. Moons of not having any other contact with the clans (aside from Riverclan) had left Smokefeather wondering about her, but too often the thoughts were pushed aside in favor of more immediate concerns that came from sheltering in twolegplace. What if things had changed and the Shadowclan deputy was no longer?

The fluffy, pale tortoiseshell paused on the edge of the clearing with her apprentice, gray-green eyes scanning the crowd. "Stick close to me, there's someone I want you to meet tonight." She said, resting her tail briefly along the shoulders of the young cat. There was another possible someone that would be good for her apprentice to meet, but Ravenmist of Shadowclan was the cat she was familiar with and was seeking out now. If the Windclanner was also here, she'd let Bloodstrike point her out.

Relief swept through Smokefeather, shown only in her ever-twitching tail slowing movement as she spotted the dark she-cat's form sitting near the base of the great rock. Normally the pale tortoiseshell would hang around near the back of the gathering, content to listen to the news from the other clans and keep her distance, but tonight her paws turned towards the great rock with purpose.

"Ravenmist!" She called out cheerfully, forcing the anxiety she felt out of her voice. The Shadowclan deputy had been nothing but helpful despite the way they'd met. Still, it felt wrong to approach the deputy here tonight. She'd always felt comfortable approaching her own clan's deputy, but Wolfcall had always made it a point to spend time around his clanmates, actively patrolling, hunting and fighting alongside them, assisting in training and lending an ear when needed. He was family too, but so was Spottedstar, technically. Yet unlike Spottedstar, Wolfcall was an active participant in the lives' of his clanmates and especially those of his kits and grandkits. Smokefeather had no such familiarity when it came to Ravenmist, beyond a single chance encounter on the border. Had the meeting been fate, bringing the blind deputy to Smokefeather's attention when she'd been drowning in her panic at the idea of her daughter losing her own vision? Perhaps.

"I never thought I'd be so thrilled to make it to a gathering. How's Shadowclan?" Her whiskers twitched in amusement, and it was true despite her anxieties. Gatherings were something normal, even if not something she particularly enjoyed. Normal was wonderful, especially after the rough few moons that had been anything but. Hearing about the other clans wasn't something Smokefeather had expected to miss, either.

"This is my apprentice, Primrosepaw." She added, by way of introduction.

---

Beechpaw trotted along next to her father, and while she now matched him in height, her expression was less "I have a stick shoved up my bum" and more cautiously guarded. She had little idea of what to expect from the gathering, other than the fact that they had clearly been the last clan to arrive. It seemed fitting, given how the Skyclan cats had been late to the medicine cat meeting as well, Beechpaw hadn't spoken to any of the other clan cats that weren't Riverclan. In truth, she was more nervous than she would've admitted to anyone. Soon enough the other clans would know she was Skyclan's newest medicine cat apprentice, and Beechpaw wasn't looking forward to having even the slighest bit of attention on her. Why there needed to be announcements on who did what was beyond the bulky, scarred she-cat.

For the moment, she was going to just shadow her father. It seemed like the best way of avoiding unwanted conversation, at least. Neither of the pair seemed too approachable, and Beechpaw was hoping that that would be enough.

So of course, the second she'd gotten comfortable, another cat had approached her father. The medicine cat apprentice took a step back, tufted, feathered ears twitching in slight dismay. She'd go and sit beneath one of the four trees, then, and quietly watch while hoping that nobody approached her.

---

Smokefeather is talking to Ravenmist, Bloodstrike and Wildflower may join in if they wish!

Beechpaw is open to talk, albeit reluctantly!

Mistypaw has decided to abstain, preferring a quiet camp to crowds of unfamiliar cats.

Primrosepaw stayed close to her mother's tail as Wolfcall lead the way to the Gathering. She knew full well that her opinion wasn't a popular one, but she pitied Spottedstar greatly for being too injured to lead his clan to the meeting. Her loyalty to him had wavered when he had returned with news of Mistrain and Murkpelt's death, however, and it seemed as if the common belief in her close family was that he wasn't fit to be leader. Still, she hoped to StarClan that he could be the best leader their clan could have, even if recent events showed otherwise.

Unable to decide whether she was excited or terrified, her mind imagined how many cats would be there. Her questions were quickly answered as the group reached the crest of the hollow. What felt like hundreds of scents criss-crossed the clearing, causing the cream apprentice to hesitate. Chatter filled the air, creating a constant buzz in her ears. She opened her mouth to say something, but ended up closing it again when Smokefeather spoke. A little surprised that her mother was going to introduce her to someone, she nodded. "It's really quite busy, isn't it? I didn't know there was this many cats in the world!" As she was lead through the crowd, she suddenly became painfully aware that this was her first Gathering, yet most other apprentices her age had been to many, and she imagined that some of them were even warriors by now.

"Hi Ravenmist!" she said sweetly, even though she wasn't completely sure where the other cat was. It was almost impossible to pick out their scent with the many other cats swarming around them, but she guessed that they were talking to a she-cat. "Are you from Shadowclan?" she had never learnt the scent of Shadowclan, due to their territories being so far apart, but she remembered that they lived under pine trees. That's probably what her scent mostly is, she thought, pinesap.

Primrosepaw is talking to Ravenmist and Smokefeather 

Turning to greet the cats who approached her, Ravenmist recognized the scent of Smokefeather, and an unknown SkyClan apprentice. Smokefeather promptly introduced her, Primrosepaw, as her apprentice. So this was the apprentice who slowly grew blind. She dipped her head politely, smiling. “We had a difficult death recently, but ShadowClan continues to thrive. It’s very nice to meet you, Primrosepaw. I am ShadowClan’s deputy, as well as blind. How has your training been coming along?” She purred kindly to the younger cat, tail curled in interest and excitement, although her voice didn’t betray the latter. While she was happy to speak with the SkyClanners, there was no denying Mothglow’s death had left her exhausted.

Crowpaw’s eyes widened in genuine delight at the revelation that this other apprentice was also Crowpaw.

“Wow! What are the odds?” he laughed, “Well, clearly we’re the two best named cats in the forest!”

The dark pelted apprentice looked up as an older cat joined them and introduced herself. Although he often preferred one-on-one conversations, as he found them easier to sway, he was always happy to add yet another cat to his circle of connections. His whiskers twitched in amusement as the other Crowpaw introduced the pair collectively.

“Hi there, Wisterbloom!” he said warmly, “Like he said, we're Crowpaw. It’s nice to meet you!”

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Addershade’s gaze slid askance as Carpsplash joined him.

“Yes. It is nice to be here where there’s slightly more room. I mostly came, too, to get away from the crowded camp. Though I suppose we’re essentially just swapping one crowd of strangers for another...” he said, nodding in agreement.  

Well, he thought I guess I won’t get a quiet night. Ah well-- I suppose talking to an elder is better than talking to an excited apprentice. They have far too much energy for me. Then again, elders do tend to have a lot of stories…

He’d always wondered how every elder seemed to have so much to say. Was being so verbose a requirement of the rank? It had certainly always seemed to him to be. He himself was probably just old enough that he would be fit for retirement, and he certainly had the desire to settle down and stay out of trouble. One of the few things keeping him out of the elders den was the fear that he would be expected to somehow start producing hours worth of conversational content. And that was a far scarier fate to him than getting killed by some wandering fox or badger.

His spiraling thoughts were interrupted as an elderly ThunderClan she-cat came to join them.

Goodness he thought briefly, I must really be looking my age.

“Good evening,” he said, politely greeting their new companion. “The river has been low lately, so hopefully the change in weather will also bring along more rain,” he held in a sigh, knowing he would have to encourage more conversation by asking how things were in ThunderClan, too, to be polite. “And how about in ThunderClan? Are things well?”


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Nettlestar watched as Wolfcall joined the rest of them on the rock. So that meant SkyClan was here...but clearly Spottedstar wasn’t. Had he simply opted not to come, or had something happened to the leader? Nettlestar decided to abstain from asking for the moment, assuming she would hear details soon enough, and she hated to make anyone repeat themselves. Whatever the situation, it would be good to finally get a further update on the other clan’s situation. She didn’t have a particular deep fondness for those that had retreated at the battle with the Righteous Few, especially their leader, having been the source of the retreat, but she also would not wish the pain and suffering that a fire could bring on her worst enemy. Well-- perhaps she would on her worst enemy, but no one who could have been affected was near qualified for that.

Adderpaw took orders from no-one. Not from the medicine cats, not from her father and certainly not from her brother. So, despite all advice and the searing pain in her left side, she snuck out of the medicine den and into Fourtrees with the rest of her Clan. If they could do it, so could she. Her entire body was wrapped in cobwebs and herbs, ones she was sure would smell disgusting if her nose still worked. She had just enough space in the cobwebs to see, breathe and walk. Like some kind of zombie, she shambled up to the clearing. Her breaths came in muffled hisses as she sat down, far away from the others but close enough to see the leaders on their rock. It was a very large rock. Adderpaw wondered to herself how someone would react if they got pushed off.

Wrenspring had always stuck near the middle of the gathering patrol under previous moons, but his usual boundless and joyful demeanor had faded away and was replaced by a weary sadness. It took everything in him but the warrior remembered the predicaments of his clan and he dashed away other thoughts to straighten his posture and steel his gaze. Redfall's return to the clan had added a weight to his shoulders, one that threatened to fall his step worse then the healing wounds. He swallowed and pressed it away as they neared the trees that were bathed in pale orange light. Moons ago he'd found himself befriending a Riverclan cat, seeking conversations, and leaning forward to hear the news that other clans had to offer.

On this night, he would do none of those things.

The tom stuck close to his clanmates, not far from where Bloodstrike and Beechpaw padded. At first, he considered joining the medicine cat apprentice but he worried how the other tom would take his presence given what had happened at twolegplace. To his relief, the other warrior's kit padded away, finding a spot that promised to offer some semblence of solace. Wrenspring made his way over, offering a weary smile. During his moons spent healing, he'd grown used to her presence. It felt strange the pair of them hardly knew each other despite all that time spent. Regardless, the comfort of a clanmate was always a welcome thing.

"You look like you want to be here about as much as I do, Beechpaw." He settled back, whiskers twitching ever so slightly.

Mossbloom made her way into the clearing, shivering as a chilly gust of wind ruffled her short fur. Looking around for a moment, she didn't hesitate for long before heading towards the Greatrock, taking her place among the other medicine cats. Hopefully this Gathering would be quiet.... SkyClan's presence was a welcome relief, although they looked as though they had seen better days. They also smelled of RiverClan... Perhaps they had been taking shelter among them?

---

Blossomstep walked into Fourtrees behind Wolfcall, and she watched as he moved forward, meandering through the crowd to take up Spottedstar's position among the leaders. Her tail flicked nervously as she settled on the edge of the crowd. It had been moons since she attended a Gathering.... Looking down at her swollen belly, she smiled softly. "Welcome to your first Gathering, little one. I can't wait for you to experience it yourself for the first time." She purred, casting a look around.

---

Both Blossomstep and Mossbloom are open to talk to!

The... base of the rock. That wasn't on the rock, and the other cats were kind of close. Try as she might, Wildflower couldn't stop herself from panting heavily. An ear twitched as Olivestar ran her tail over the molly's pelt. Her breathing eased a little. She swallowed and slowly weaved through cats, making her way to the great rock. She paused at the edge, shuffling towards the empty spot for the deputies. Was everyone else there? Wolfcall, Minkstream... Stormbringer wasn't there yet, but Ravenmist was. The ShadowClan deputy was talking with two SkyClan mollies. Wildflower caught a few words from each molly and decided to sit next to Ravenmist. She couldn't tell Primrosepaw was blind. Wildflower had met Ravenmist as an apprentice. It didn't seem very long ago.

"Hey, Ravenmist, and... you two." Wildflower nodded to the SkyClan cats. "Um, I didn't catch your names, sorry." The she-cat shifted, tail twitching. "H-how's SkyClan doing, with the fire and... RiverClan? I met one tom in your Clan, Bloodstrike, is he doing alright?" She could smell his scent on their pelts. Maybe they were related, or just in the same Clan. Wildflower's tail finally settled on curling around her paws. She was still uncomfortable, but at least she'd found someone to talk to.

Wildflower is talking to Smokefeather, Ravenmist, and Primrosepaw.

---

No one had told Redfall to come, but no one had said he couldn't. The kits were at camp. He trusted the RiverClan queens to look after them (the only reason for that was because he didn't really care what they were up to). Spottedstar stayed in camp. And that cat is not fit to give me a punishment right now, on bed rest like he is. The ginger tabby was looking forward to catching up on the news. None of the cats from other Clans knew he'd been gone from SkyClan for moons, and they didn't have to. He lifted his head and looked around at the crowd, trying to find someone to talk to. He started off towards a WindClan tom, but wheeled around immediately as soon as he realized it was Crowspirit. I don't think I should start a fight after being away from my Clan and having kits with a kittypet. Pity, I would've liked to show him who's a better fighter. A gust of wind suddenly blew through his fur, and it fluffed up around his neck, patches missing from a variety of things. Not that my Clan is exactly in a place to boast right now, though.

Redfall is open to talk.

Renewed crunching sounded from Snowflight’s right side, and he sat up tall, twisting to see the source of the noise. His gaze found a brown tabby—a ThunderClan cat, but not, he realized after a heartbeat, the one he’d been waiting for. Her eyes weren’t the right shade of amber, nor were her stripes curved the right way. As the tabby drew closer, however, she gave a greeting so enthusiastic it banished most of Snowflight’s disappointment before it could set in. Not counting the SkyClanners, it’d been too long since he’d talked to someone new…and wasn’t meeting other cats on uncontested ground half the point of Gatherings? ”Snowflight,” he replied, dipping his head, ”RiverClan. Good to meet you, Shrikepaw.” He waited a moment, but no correction came; he’d gotten her name right, thank the stars. ”This your first Gathering?” That would definitely explain her energy—that, and she looked closer to the nursery than the warriors’ den. "What d'you think of it so far?"