you share the same fate as the people you hate [OPEN]

Slowly and with Pigeonsun by her side, Briarthorn’s large paws trudged through the dead leaves littering ThunderClan’s territory. Her head was held low between her shoulders, sunken eyes trained on the ground in front of her. She hadn’t spoken a word to her patrol-mate… Or guard, whatever he was called, the entire trek in foreign territory. She was content pretending to be on her own, or perhaps wishing she was on her own, as they made their way to ThunderClan. Briarthorn had considered what she might say to the Clan when they arrived. She wanted to speak with Minkstar and get his approval before she did, but whether she’d defend her actions or simply apologize had yet to be determined. She’d judge the climate once they arrived and make a decision based on that.

Some time passed before they finally reached the tunnel of weeds and dying grasses and gorse that signified their arrival in the heart of ThunderClan territory. The sound of pawsteps nearby signaled that a patrol was near, and Briarthorn nodded to Pigeonsun and spoke up, calling out loudly enough fir them to hear, ”I need to speak with Minkstar.” She stated simply, to anyone near enough to hear her. Her claws remained sheathed, but her muscles were tensed and ready to recoil if anyone tried to attack Pigeonsun or herself.

The member 'Maple' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Camp Invasion Dice' :

Appledapple's fur bristled as soon as she smelled SkyClan. Especially since the skirmish at the Fallen Oak, she'd been jumpy about possible intruders, let alone their bloodthirsty neighbors. There was a SkyClan cat-- no, two SkyClan cats-- right at the entrance to their camp! Prepared instantly for a fight, but still trying to calm herself down, the tortoiseshell she-cat went over to the two cats immediately. "Who are you?" she demanded, not bothering to disguise the wariness in her voice. "Why do you want to see Minkstar?"

The first she-cat Appledapple had never seen before. She didn't ring a bell. Maybe she should have known, but she didn't. So while her claws were still sheathed, the dainty ThunderClanner's tail was swaying restlessly behind her. The second cat, however, made her stop short. That tom... she knew that tom. She had seen him before. Where? It was when her eyes saw the small tear in the tom's ear that she finally recognized him.

Pigeonpaw.

Well, probably he had a different name now. But it was him, no mistake. The SkyClan cat she'd met at the border as an apprentice... leapt across and attacked... and scarred for life. Was he here to tell on her?! Was he here to talk to Minkstar?

Panicked thoughts began to race through Appledapple's mind, though her face remained a mask of slight suspicion at the cats' intrusion. Her heart beat so fast she couldn't hear any other sound. What if they were here for her? What if they were going to demand she pay for what she had done? But... no. She'd told him never to speak a word. He had been terrified. He would probably never dare to go against what she had said... would he?

Her gray eyes narrowed as they met Pigeonsomething's. She glared at him, far more fierce than she actually felt. Inside, she was terrified. Outwardly, she would be nothing but cold and wary and warning. A warning for him. Her paws flexed, not unsheathing her claws, but threatening to. You said you wouldn't say anything, she thought at him, hoping he got the message. You say one word and you'll never say anything ever again.

That settled, she returned to the matter at hand: what these cats were doing here, and what they wanted. "State your names," she said again, eyes switching back to the she-cat who had spoken.

(um, so, I kinda wrote this thinking that they're somewhere outside the camp and don't know exactly where it is, and they didn't just waltz in XD Doesn't really matter too much, I guess)

There was a sight he hadn't been expecting. Not anymore.

Minkstar's narrowed eyes flicked between the two unfamiliar cats as he came to a silent halt next to a fallen log, the tang of SkyClan on the air making his lip curl slightly, his pelt prickling. At first he'd wondered if it could be another attempt to expand their territory further, some kind of trap. But only two? One of them was a she-cat, large and dark-furred; vaguely stirring an old memory of a hardened ShadowClan leader with bright green eyes.

So, Bloodstar thinks he can make us forget everything he's done by sending her to the foxes. How nice of him.

Another mouth taking prey they didn't have was the last thing he needed. Briefly, he wondered if Bloodstar had planned this all along: take the Fallen Oak and then send some unwanted members of his Clan to bleed their resources dry. I wouldn't put it past him, He thought bitterly, curling his claws into the cold, damp leaf-mould, before letting a sigh slip out of his maw. He'd been the one stupid enough to propose the mouse-brained plan, may as well go through with it.

He padded into the open, nodding to Appledapple to stand down. "It's alright, Appledapple. I think I know why they're here. And who one of them is." Cool green eyes turned to the she-cat. "Briarthorn, is it?"

Dovefrost could smell the scent of the Skyclan cats just as easily as everyone else. He waited a moment, ears perked listening for any sign of a fight.. When none came he breathed a little sigh of relief. So they weren't here to fight. At least not right now. The white tom pulled himself out of his den, giving a good stretch before walking over and joining his leader.

Green eyes looked at the two cats that had arrived at their camp. He didn't say anything yet, just silently thankful that the ones who protested this punishment the most weren't around right now. He studied the two cats carefully.. So the she-cat was Briarthorn? There wasn't anything that really stood out about her at the moment. Maybe they would learn more once she spoke again.

(I’m going to edit my first post to be accurate to the roll later tonight!)

Briarthorn simply stayed put when the ThunderClan warrior approached aggressively, waiting for her superior to show face. When he finally did, she fluffed out her fur against the chilly wind and nodded. “Yes, that would be me. Accompanying me is Pigeonsun, my… Guard, if you will. I trust your Clan has already been informed of the reasoning for my presence? I I don’t wish to surprise anyone and do anymore damage than I already have.” The large she-cat mewed carefully, pale green eyes twitching. “No matter the answer, I ask that you allow me the privilege to speak with them all, and… To apologize. I know my words mean little to nothing, but I feel that it is necessary.” Her gruff tone lacked warmth, but it was still sincere. She knew the damage that a sudden death such as Robinloft’s could inflict, and she didn’t wish it on anyone. Though she would do it again to save her kits if it came to that, she certainly felt apologetic towards the innocent souls that her actions harmed. Her gaze remained on Minkstar’s as she waited for an answer, and hopefully for him to lead herself and Pigeonsun to their camp.

Minkstar flicked his tail, face impassive. "They know the agreement our Clans came to."

Looking in the face of a murderer, he'd thought he would see something a little more... belligerent. But all her face reminded him of was Thornstar, and niggling in the back of his mind, a certain RiverClan leader he'd once known. Her words made his eyes narrow slightly, giving him pause for a moment. Did she really plan to make the most of this - to hopefully bring some vague sense of closure to the cats her actions had torn apart? If she did....

A hint of thoughtfulness touched his gaze as he turned and gestured for them to follow, trusting his Clanmates not to take an eye off her or her guard as he spoke. "If you wish. I'll need to announce your arrival to the Clan once we reach the camp, anyway. You'll most likely be safer if you're on the Highrock."

Whether by chance or good scent-tracking, the SkyClanners hadn't been discovered too far from ThunderClan's camp, and the day hadn't grown much longer by the time they brushed deftly through the tangle of frost-bitten weeds and brambles at the entrance of the path down to the ravine's floor. Minkstar spotted a few curious glances thrown their way as he went down the winding and sometimes narrow, well-worn trail with the casual ease of familiarity, whispers following them as they crossed the clearing.

A moment later he stood on the Highrock's surface, calling the Clan to attention - not that most of them weren't already gathering in wandering drabbles. "Cats of ThunderClan! We have a guest from SkyClan - one I'm sure you've already guessed the identity of. Before she and her guard settle in to their new prison, she has a few words she'd like to say."

He gestured for the molly to join him, stepping to one side of the rock to allow her room, a distant sort of curiosity lacing his mood as he let her take centre-stage. This should be interesting.

Briarthorn nodded at Minkstar's admission, appreciative that they'd been notified ahead of time. That would likely make this go much smoother, she suspected. "Alright. I'll cause no trouble, I simply wish to share my thoughts and apologies. It is the least I can do, if nothing else." She mewed neutrally, following Minkstar with Pigeonsun by her side. Ignoring the stares, she followed him and his patrol into ThunderClan camp, resisting the urge to wrinkle her nose at the scent. Onto the Highrock she leaped, waiting silently behind Minkstar.

It was then that she realized exactly what she had gotten herself into by requesting to speak to the Clan. All eyes were on her, and despite the chilly breeze and snow coating her fur, heat rushed to her face and her thoughts begin to swim. She could practically hear the blood rushing through the veins in her body, and her paws began to tingle with fear. Would they attack her? Would they understand? Surely, they all had preconceived ill-will towards her. Briarthorn would too, had the tables been turned. Was this really a good idea? Shaking her head, she stepped forward and nervously cleared her throat. "I'm confident I do not need to introduce myself," She began, whiskers beginning to tremble. "All I wish to say is that... I am sorry. I know this does not fix anything, and it will not bring your loved one back, but if you learn anything from my presence, I hope it is that I am truly and genuinely apologetic." Her voice held little detectable emotion as she spoke, but she hoped she had portrayed her point well enough. Now, it was time for the part she hadn't exactly explained to Minkstar. She supposed it went well enough with an apology, but she knew that the ThunderClanners below wouldn't appreciate it. She couldn't sit idly by and let them think she murdered their warrior with no provocation, though.

A deep breath in, and she began. "While I do sincerely apologize, I do believe it is important for me to highlight that my actions were not premeditated, nor did I wish that our simple skirmish had come to such a foul end. However, I felt that my own life, and in turn, the lives of the kits that I carried at the time, were in danger. As a result, I took the actions I felt necessary to prevent that from happening. I did not know Robinloft, so I am certainly not one to be a judge of her character- I will leave that to all of you. But please know that my actions were strictly in self-defense, and in the interest of keeping the kits that were in my belly safe." ... And a deep exhale. She was almost positive that her words angered many of the cats she was addressing, but it felt important to her. Now that she had likely thoroughly angered the entirety of ThunderClan, Briarthorn continued, in an attempt to bring things back to the point. "I feel as if I owed you all an explanation. You can choose to believe it, or ignore my words, but either way, I am here now to pay for my actions. I do not intend to cause any trouble for any of you." Briarthorn immediately stepped back a bit, looking to Minkstar. Hopefully he would give her direction on what to do next.

A part of him was still reluctant to believe she was anything other than the faceless murderer with blood on her claws and death in her eyes that he'd been imagining her for the last few moons, but if he had to admit it, she was starting to change his mind. Her polite, respectful answers and passivity impressed him, despite the fact that she was walking into a den of enemies with hatred in their eyes and curled lips showing hints of glinting teeth.

Now, watching carefully as she stepped forward and began to speak, analysing her every movement and twitch of body language, he had to wonder if it was all a careful act or she truly was being genuine about this. His eyes narrowed and tail-tip covertly flicked as she went off to defend her actions, though. Did she really think they would believe that? On the other paw... did he really think the cat in front of him - her words almost monotone, the little flickers of emotion showing through how she held herself - would deliberately seek out and murder Robinloft? Then again, did he believe Robin would try to kill a trespasser heavy with kits?

He doubted it, though with her grief at the time - that had been soon after Beecloud died, hadn't it? - he could see how it might appear that way. If he bothered to look at it honestly, and it was like trying to swallow down a bitter toad whole with his own emotions nipping at his judgement, it had probably most likely been a misunderstanding on both sides that led to the tragic death of one and not the other.

...Stars, how he hated all this convolution. Still, the point had been to give her a chance to redeem herself, to make amends, and appease his own Clanmates' anger while keeping SkyClan off their throats. Giving a microscopic, slightly grudging, nod to Briarthorn as she looked back to him, he stepped forward again to address the Clan. "Briarthorn and her escort will live until the gathering after next in the crack in the ravine's wall." He gestured with his tail towards a half-hidden block of shadow in the rough, stony ground that led up to the forest. "Crack" was right - it was little more than an oddly shaped gap between boulders wedged into the ravine's face, barely large enough for two cats. It was, however, in full view of the other dens in the camp, and the guard posted at the start of the trail leading out. "They may not leave camp - and no further than the first, mossy oak - without at least two warriors accompanying them, they may not eat from the prey pile, and trips to Dirtplace will also be carefully monitored." He glanced sideways at Briarthorn to judge the reaction of their guests before adding, "However, because I don't expect you to starve, you are allowed to hunt for your own prey. You can go with a full hunting patrol at any time of the day to the stony hollow - and only the stony hollow - to catch something. But only during the day, and the patrol will be tasked with keeping an eye on you."

Turning back to the crowd, he announced, "This meeting is over. If you want to talk to either of our guests, you can pester them all you like. But if I see any unprovoked claws or wounds, you'll be left at Bloodstar's mercy."

A simple flick of his tail in dismissal, and he leapt down again, speaking in normal tones to the two SkyClanners once Briarthorn was with her escort once more. "You'll have to gather your own moss for your nests, and clear out anything left in the crack, but it should work well enough." He made as if to leave, and then paused, glancing over his shoulder again to add, "If you have any concerns, bring them to me, Stoatfur, or Dovefrost. I expect my Clanmates to make passes at you, and I can't - and won't - do anything about verbal fighting, but anything that starts to turn physical I need to be aware of."

With a flick of his tail, he turned again, adding only half-sarcastically, "Enjoy your stay in ThunderClan. The elder's den is right over there - after you've got yourselves sorted, you can work on making it more leaf-bare worthy."