March Gathering 2022

The nervous wreck he was hiding in his mind could not be seen to most, and unless you really paid attention, he looked no different than a tom ready for a gathering. With Mottlerose at his side, however, it calmed his nerves, though doubts still clung to his pelt like burrs that just would not let go. Who knew how the other deputies would react when they found out such an inexperienced warrior had been made deputy. His apprentices had scampered away and that left him to go to his spot. Frosty breaths billowed in the air, and he glanced over to the she-cat. "I guess I'll just... sit with the other deputies?" A low sigh was audible as he hesitated to join those who had arrived. "Alright, I'll see you later then."

This isn't even something I should worry about. There are more concerning matters at paw. That filthy rogue who attacked Thrushnose... remember? he reminded himself, making his way over to the spot that awaited. An apprentice left the warrior, the deputy of Riverclan he presumed. Giving the she-cat a respectful dip of the head, he settled onto his haunches, tail curled around his paws. "Greetings- I'm Minnowfin of Thunderclan. I hope Riverclan is doing well?" It was an attempt at small talk, to break in the ice. Soon enough he saw another warrior approaching and gave her the same respectful nod.

---

Flurrypaw hurried along, already at the back of the group. Slipping past one of the great trees that bordered the clearing, she spotted her Pebblepaw sitting alongside their mother. "So Riverclan is here already? Where's Mint? I thought she was with you guys...?" Her breaths came in long exhales, running in the crisp air making her a little light-headed. Sinking onto the ground, she tried to catch her breath.

---

Minnowfin is introducing himself to Perchfall and has spotted Ashstorm.
Flurrypaw is sitting with her family.
Daisypaw is dead.
Martenkit is too young to join a gathering.

Daypaw's shoulders slumped forward as the dark-furred tom went on, looking dejected with his shortness. He hadn't really planned on making new friends, but... he'd wanted to at least talk to someone. But... Mistyfalcon seemed cool to him. Distant, but in that cool, rugged, experienced way. Despite swaying slightly, Daypaw didn't leave. An ear flicked at the tom's few words. "Scary face," he responded hesitantly, nervous amusement in his mew. "Is it okay if I stay here, for the Gathering? It's okay if you, uh, don't want me to. But can I?"

OOC: AAAH my sleepy brain forgot! sorry, i edited the post!

Deerleap nodded hurriedly to show that she meant no ill towards the she-cat. "I-it's ok, Shadowclan had a pretty bad moon too, but nothing like last moon's. we got invaded, like Murkystar mentioned. say... Windclan didn't get invaded too, right?" it wasn't that far-fetch. if the order could take on Shadowclan, they could also take on Windclan. looks like all the clans had to watch their borders more closely now...
honestly, she didn't blame Mistysky for being tired and snappish. Deerleap herself hurt her clanmate during a spar in frustration. she winced at the memory.

Deerleap is talking to Mistysky

Mistysky hoped that the shock she felt at her problems being guessed didn't show too much on her face. Well, even then it was only part of her problems. Coupled with the sheer amount of cats her Clan had lost...

"We've gone through a lot, and again, Goldenstar will explain. It's not my place to talk about our Clan's problems. Besides, WindClan is still strong. Even if we had had invaders, they wouldn't have made it very far."

That much was true, at least. And every cat had survived the invasion, at that. Still, she wished this cat would stop asking questions. Sure, both of their Clans got invaded, big deal. That didn't mean she was ready to empathize with the other Clan. Being the enemy of her enemy did not make someone a friend, it just made them a temporary ally. And she was not about to open up with her problems, even if they were on the same side. Because they would go back to being enemies, this she was sure of.

Cinderpaw couldn't hold it anymore. A dry laugh came out of her and finally, a small smile appeared on her face. Though it wasn't really a friendly one. She barely gave a glance to the Skyclanner who decided to put his nose in this conversation. "You two are too naive. If were are all in harmony, why not be one clan then? Why so many leaders? Why would have borders to fight against each other? Want it or not, we are all potential enemies. When times get hard, the clans won't doubt to tear each other's throats."

The feisty apprentice lashed her tail and gave both apprentices a look of disdain and disapproval. "You're right, Poppypaw. This is a gathering and we can choose to be nice... or we can choose to just stay with our clan and don't make friends that will potentially turn their claws against me. I, for one, am not here to make friends."

Cinderpaw paused for a few seconds, remembering Swanmist and her order of traitor kits. She frowned and from the corner of her eyes she gazed at the former Riverclan warrior with Flurrypaw. Still looking at them, she hissed. "Especially with traitorous Riverclanners. You know? I'm not really surprised you want to be friends with other clans, Poppypaw. After all, your former clanmates have proven to be nothing but traitorous mouse-hearts. Isn't that right, Flurrypaw?" She raised her voice high enough for the Swanmist family to hear, looking at them with taunting, not welcoming eyes. "If you want someone to talk to, you should be with those two. After all, they were your kin, little Riverclanner."

---

Tinypool purred at Atalante's congratulations. She didn't expect it, considering how reluctant the she-cat used to be about clan culture. But who knows? Maybe she is also excited about getting a warrior name one day. Though in Tinypool's mind, she will always be Atalante. "I'm glad to hear you are at least not alone in Thunderclan. I don't know how it is to have siblings but I hope they keep you company and support." An idea popped up in Tinypool's head and a wide smile accompanied it. "You know what? What do you think of meeting and teaching each other about our clan's abilities? You can tell me about how Thunderclanners climb trees and I can teach you how to fish."

The young warrior's attention drifted to a newcomer. Looking at him, Tinypool recalled her old self and how nervous she was at her first gathering as well. With an empathetic smile, she motioned the Shadowclan apprentice to sat down with them. "Of course, you can join us, though I might be leaving soon. I'm Tinypool, of Riverclan, and this she-cat over here is Ata- I mean, Featherpaw of Thunderclan. Pleased to meet you. I have never talked to a Shadowclanner before."

Cinderpaw is talking to Burrpaw and Poppypaw. She has also addressed Swanmist and Flurrypaw because she is a sour lady.
Tinypool is talking to Atalante and Forestpaw.
Fawnsong isn't attending the Gathering because he needs time to heal.

Batsong entered the gathering a little after her clanmates having been a little slow on the way journey over, entering the 4 trees gahteing place she looked around for one cat in particular almost immedietly, she did not get to see Slightfrost very often so gatherings were her favorite time of the moon. She searched through the ever growing crowd for the white tom of Skyclan.

Batsong is open but is looking for Slightfrost



Swiftheart entered with her clanmates and grinned at seeing all the cats gathered in peaceful times. She walked around the crowd looking for new cats to meet

Swiftheart is open to talk


Softpaw entered with his clan and sat close to the main thunderclan group he didnt really care about the other clans at all and just wanted thundercaln to succeed, he did shoot dager looks in perchfalls direction not that she would really notice but he was still set on not making any riverclan friends after what they had done to his clan.

Softpaw is open to talk and hates riverclan XD (...some riverclaner should come talk to him?? lol)

Scorchtalon entered the gathering behind his clan, staring around at the now-familiar clearing. It had only been a moon since he'd last been here, yet it felt like so much had happened since then. Last time, he'd come here for the first time alongside his brothers, now it felt weird without Fawnsong, like something was missing. He tried to console himself with the knowledge that his littermate was at home, healing from his injuries, but he only felt guilty that he hadn't stopped it from happening. Sighing, he tried to push his worries to the back of his mind, searching for some sort of distraction.

As he searched, he noticed a black and white cat sitting near shadowclan, staring ahead of them at the rock. He'd enjoyed meeting cats from other clans the last time he was here, and he figured this time would be no different. Stalking confidently up to the cat, he introduced himself, his tone friendly.

"Hello, I'm Scorchtalon, from Windclan."


Scorchtalon is trying to start a conversation with Marshmallow

Sootwhisker is still open to talk to

Frostgaze trudged after Murkystar with his usual cold expression. While his wounds had healed, there was still a stiffness that came from his new scars, particularly the one on his neck. The light of the moon felt weak, despite its fullness, and had caused him to trip on unseen obstacles multiple times during the journey to the Fourtrees. It was, quite frankly, getting old very quickly. He could only hope that the gathering was uneventful... but that was a hope unfounded in logic. With a gentle flick of his tail to Webshadow's flank, he made his way to the base of the Greatrock alongside Murkystar, sitting along the base with the other deputies. A curt nod was all he gave as he looked out over the gathering, noting a familiar pelt. Was it truly...? Pondering that, he sat quietly, tail flicking gently against the rock.

---

Ashfall had a tough time getting to the gathering this time. She was rounder than she'd ever been and probably should've stayed in camp, it was clear that she was pregnant. She wasn't going to take no for an answer from anyone though, she was too stubborn for that, and with the fact that her father had assaulted Windclan there was no way she was missing this gathering. She needed information... only then could she act. She found a quiet spot to sit alone, not too far from the Greatrock. Maybe she would get the answers she sought.

---

Hawkpaw lumbered in at the end of the Windclan convoy, looking on all the cats disdainfully. His penchant for getting into trouble had lengthened his apprenticeship, that was obvious. Soon enough now, he'd be on his way to the Moonstone, talking with his stupid ancestors, and telling them how idiotic they were to die. Then he'd get his warrior name, and he could hunt and fight with Coyote whenever he wanted.

Frostgaze is open for deputies to talk to!
Ashfall is open to talk to!
Hawkpaw is open to talk to (but looks intimidating)!

Perchfall's eyes followed the slight calico pelt of Poppypaw until she was lost in the crowd. Hopefully, whoever she talked to was a fellow friendly apprentice and not some mean, grizzled older warrior... well, there was nothing to be done about it now. She didn't get to sit where she wanted. As the deputy of RiverClan, she had duties which unfortunately meant she couldn't watch over Poppypaw forever. She just had to trust the she-cat and hope that the rest of the Clan might look out for her. Scanning the crowd, her icy blue eyes caught a familiar pelt for a second-- white, scraggly, somewhat dirty- and her gaze narrowed for a moment. Swanmist. And some apprentices. Sitting among another Clan. It seemed that her former Clanmate, and her kits, had joined ThunderClan. Why? Jaystar hadn't been in much contact with her about... anything, really. Did he know of this? For a moment, she considered catching his gaze to inform him. But he was too busy staring daggers at the other leaders. And besides, what good would she even do? Maybe, the next time they talked, she would mention it.

Someone else was speaking to her. Perchfall turned her head to see yet another new face at the base of the Great Rock. The new ThunderClan deputy. He looks fresh from the apprentice's den! And I thought I was young when I was appointed. He introduced himself as Minnowfin. Well, he seemed respectful and professional. No sense of superiority or dislike or disdain. It was almost refreshing-- especially compared to the low, hissed voices on the Great Rock above them. "Perchfall of RiverClan," she responded, nodding in kind. Her tone was measured and neutral. Despite the tensions, she had no particular hatred for ThunderClan, nor any of their cats. Even the traitor. "We are faring as well as can be expected. A few lost cats--" her eyes slid in the direction of Swanmist again for a moment-- "but some new apprentices as well. Life goes on." As others arrived, she acknowledged their presence with another nod. Frostgaze she knew, but who was the SkyClan cat? She didn't recall seeing her before. Was it strange, that she knew so little of the other deputies? Was it another proof of her ill-fit for the position? Or was this just how it was supposed to be?

Perchfall is talking to Minnowfin (and the other deputies).

"They can keep the power to themselves." Beechfang's whiskers twitched, "Being a medicine cat was stressful enough, I've had enough of that to last a lifetime without having to lead a clan, too." She'd been forced into leading and taking on a role that was far more than just a medicine cat during the Asylum's rule, and Beechfang had no desire to do that again. She'd never wanted the responsibility.

A rogue by the name of Klaus... Maybe the familiar pelt was just coincidence, Beechfang hoped. She vaguely recognized Waterlily by name, enough to know that she was one of Thunderclan's and not much else. "I don't gossip." She stated simply. "I can't imagine what that must be like... I'm sorry." She'd always known who her parents were, even if she didn't exactly have the best relationship with them.

---

"You don't have siblings?" She asked, blinking in surprise. "They can be a pain in the tail sometimes, but I love them. I couldn't imagine being here without them, honestly. Though I suppose mentors and friends could fill that role too."

"I think tree-climbing is more of a Skyclan thing. Thunderclanners are good at hunting in the thicker undergrowth though." She grinned, "I still haven't been by the river... Teaching each other what we know could be fun and would help both of us."

It wasn't long before another cat was padding towards them, smelling of Shadowclan and speaking timidly. "It's alright... I don't mind." Even as she spoke, her heart seemed to skip a beat. The other apprentice was Shadowclan, even if she didn't recognize him, what if the opposite wasn't true. She already caught the glares of their leader and that dark-furred tom... She didn't want to attract any more unwanted attention. Of course, being rude would likely do just that.

---

Mistyfalcon found himself pitying the young 'paw as he spoke. Clearly he was unsure of himself and seemed like he just wanted someone to talk to, but Mistyfalcon was neither a good conversationalist or good at reassurance. He shifted awkwardly, gazing up at the great rock and not for the first time wondering why he came to gatherings at all. Supporting Murkystar was one thing, subjecting himself to conversation... Stars above.

Still, he relented. There was no harm in it, he supposed, and apparently his glaring at that filthy rogue was noticeable. Best not to stir up trouble. "Alright." He sighed, "I won't guarantee conversation, consider yourself warned." He added.

Beechfang is talking to Icepaw and Darkpaw.
Mistyfalcon is talking to Daypaw.
Swiftspirit is talking to Bearspirit.
Ata/Featherpaw is talking to Tinypool and Forestpaw.

Orchidmask followed SkyClan patrol quietly as they entered Fourtrees, the large colorpoint warrior not looking particularly thrilled.  She didn't like Gatherings, they were noisy and crowded and chaotic, all things she tried to avoid.  However, she'd been getting too many concerned looks from her clanmates after missing the last Gathering, so she took a deep breath and set her eyes forward.  Pinpointing on the back of the ginger dappled tom she trusted, she came up from behind Newtspring and tapped his shoulder, offering him a struggling smile.  "Mind if I join you again?  You're probably getting bored of my company."  She said it as a joke with a purr, but not entirely.  Sitting down close to Newtspring, she watched as all the deputies and leaders took their rightful places.  Hopefully, there would be some interesting news.

Orchidmask is talking to Newtspring

Ashflight walked in pace with RiverClan's patrol as they entered Fourtrees, trying to catch Perchfall before she joined the deputies, but by the time he spotted her, she was bidding Poppypaw goodbye and seated alongside her peers.  The gray-furred tom looked sad for a moment, green eyes dropping in a kit-like way, but she forced himself to shake it off.  She has a job to do, I can't be by her side every moment of the day...  Friends had to be separate sometimes, even if they don't want to be.  Instead, Ashflight smacked a smile back onto his face and looked around the crowd, a white-furred ShadowClan she-cat with black spots and blue eyes catching his attention.  Trotting up to greet her with a friendly smile, the stocky tom bent his head cordially.  "Hey, I'm Ashflight of RiverClan!  I don't believe we've met before?"

Ashflight is talking to Swiftheart

It had been a tough walk to Fourtrees today for Basilbloom, and she trailed at the back of the patrol with paws dragging through the icy snow.  Stars, I can trek all the way to Twolegplace and back but now a walk to Fourtrees almost cripples me?  Not fair.  Once she had entered the clearing the small tortoiseshell found a spot amid the bushes to lay down for a minute, catching her breath and calming her heart.  Crunching on one of her chamomile blooms, she slowly started to feel better.  However, this nice grassy patch was quite comfy...perhaps she could stay here for a little while and watch the cats milling by.  It was her first Gathering after the journey and she didn't feel the need to seek out company; instead, she crossed her forepaws and watched with keen eyes and a smile at all the different colored pelts and eyes flashing through the dark night.

Basilbloom is open to talk to!

Do you see the cat you sat with?

Loudnose gazed over the crowd for a golden pelt and sky eyes. He recognized other Skyclan cats, but Dawnfeather was not there. A small frown briefly visited the tabby's face. That's too bad. She was so fun! Next time I bet. He looked back to Ratrunner and shook his head as an answer.

"Yes! Let's go sit- look, there is a spot right over there!" he flicked his tail to the open seats before leading Ratrunner there. Loudnose folded his legs under him, curling his slightly crooked tail around his short, tabby body. He meowed to his companion, "What's your favorite part about gatherings?" He kept his list of questions much shorter than usual, more eager to hear what Ratrunner wanted to talk about.

Swiftheart purred with a friendly warm smile on her face, she loved meeting new cats and was very outgoing, extraverted and friendly. She nodded "I dont think we have met either. I am Swiftheart of Shadowclan" she said cheerfully. "It is great to meet you Ashflight!" she meowed dipping her head. "I hope that Riverclan is doing well" she meowed sincerely. she did truthfully wish so and wanted all the clans to be doing well.

"I am Murkystar and Mistyfalcon's daughter" she started off, perhaps Ashflight had met them "hmm or perhaps you know my sister Basilbloom, she's the medicine cat of Shadowclan" she purred proud of her sister and family in general. "and if I may add, the one who brought back the flower herb for all clans benefit" she grinned delighted and hoped that everyone would be able to make use of that.

She wanted to know more about the grey tom as well. "So what about you?" she asked "I have not really met any Riverclan cats before..." she said pausing to make sure that was right... hmm yeah none

"is is true that you guys swim for fun?" she asked in her energetic excited tone. She wrinkled her nose up a little though "ugh I cant stand getting wet like that, the marsh is bad enough" she gave a little giggle to let him know she was just joking for fun.

Swiftheart is talking with Ashflight

Sootpaw had not had a good time the past few moons. During this leafbare he was often bedridden due to some sickness or another, at one point he had broken his foot due to an unexpected patch of deep snow he had fallen into, ad at another point he had been confined to camp as punishment for snapping at a warrior. Admittedly that action had been entirely his fault but the stress of the season had finally gotten to him and he had lost all sense in that moment due to it.

Overall, yes, his warrior ceremony had been delayed multiple times, and he doubted he'd be able to get to it any time soon. Finally, he had been allowed to go to a gathering once more, he was very much behind on news other than the fact that Windclan had been attacked by a group of rogues and left quite a bit of damage behind them.

Perhaps he'd get caught up now, he mused, walking behind the convoy of his clanmates. Upon arriving at the fourtrees he saw that most of the clans had already arrived, pockets of conversations dotting the crowd. Mutely, the dark-pelted tortie slid into his own spot in the group of his clanmates, once again refusing to interact with anyone, he was here for news, not idle chit-chat.

So, settling down, the thin tomcat rested his paws. He felt uneasy, but couldn't put a claw onto why that was.


Sootpaw is open to interaction, though not actively seeking it out.

Icepaw noted the droop in Darkpaw’s posture as he explained his familial situation. It was clear that this was not a subject that he enjoyed speaking about, so she made a silent note not to bring it up again. And of course, she wasn’t going to bring it up with Darkpaw’s mother. She didn’t even know if she wanted to speak with a ThunderClan warrior at the moment.

Although…kits being born of a clan cat and a rogue? That sounded concerning. She was surprised that the cats as well as their mother was still welcome in the clan and even at a Gathering. She supposed that she didn’t know much about the politics of illegitimate children, but it still felt surprising.

However, speaking aloud to Darkpaw, she said, “I wouldn’t imagine bringing it up. And besides, you’re an apprentice. Your merits are based on your abilities now. I’m sure you’re going to be a great asset for ThunderClan, too, if you’re being mentored by the deputy.”

Icepaw is speaking with Beechfang and Darkpaw.