June Gathering 2022

Anything interesting in RiverClan?

Where to begin, really? "My father disappeared while the Dark Forest held dominion over the forest. Perchstar did her best to step up during it all. She's now the rightful leader." He mewed quietly. "My best friend is now deputy." What else? "And, Skyclan--" He paused, glancing towards the clan. "Well, I'll let Perchstar discuss that." Despite the odd feeling of being comfortable talking with this complete stranger, Owlshriek knew when to stop. Accusations within the crowd would not go over as well as a leader announcing crimes against StarClan. Though, the tom couldn't help but feel on edge. Thankfully his voice fell silent, yellow eyes flicking away from Maplespring's form towards the leaders above. He felt a twinge of pride seeing Perchstar up there with the other leaders. That was RiverClan's leader!

It was a shame that the disappointment regarding his father came back for a small moment. He never got to see him there.

Beetlepaw had no interest in talking to the other clans. Once Thunderclan had entered the gathering, she'd made sure to stick close to her own clanmates. If she was going to meet these cats in battle someday, what was the point of pretending to be friends with them now? In her mind, inter-clan friendships separated the weak from the strong. How would she ever grow to be respected and feared if she wasted her time pretending to tolerate the mouse-brains that made up Shadowclan, Riverclan, Skyclan, and Windclan. Though she had to admit, she sort of pitied them. It must have been hard not being born into the strongest clan in the forest.

Beetlepaw is open to conversation, but preferably someone from Thunderclan!
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"Hello, Marshmallow!" Scorchtalon greeted as the molly sat next to him, giving her a friendly glance. It seemed like ages since he'd last seen her, though it had only been a few days. He wanted to ask how she was doing, how things had been in Shadowclan since they'd last talked, had she missed him as much as he'd missed her, but Shrikestar had begun speaking, signaling the start of the gathering. He turned toward the Great Rock, only half-focused on the newly-appointed leader's words. It wasn't as if any of this was news to him, though he was curious about the rank changes in the other clans. The fact that nearly all the clans had leadership changes didn't seem like a particularly good omen, but he tried his best to remain optimistic. Maybe new leadership will benefit the whole forest...

Though she disliked the area for her own reasons, Thalia could admit that it felt refreshing to attend what would hopefully be an ordinary gathering with the rest of ShadowClan. The usual mingling was a welcome distraction from the grief and lingering sense of dread. That Murkystar wasn't leading them- that she wouldn't, ever again- was something that she simply tried to push out of her mind, for the sake of enjoying the full moon night.

Thalia is open to talk to!

---

Leopardsun had never been to a Gathering before. She'd never even met cats from outside of ShadowClan, unless she counted the Dark Forest- which she very pointedly did not. Though the bright-eyed apprentice she had been not all that long ago felt a lifetime away, some semblance of that wide-eyed excitement remained now, as she followed her former mentor into Fourtrees with her head held high. The clearing was beautiful, even if the scents of other Clans were a little overwhelming- she wondered if she would get used to it. The older warriors didn't seem all that bothered.

She was half-listening to the leaders' announcements, but more focused on the cats around her. Guessing at which overwhelming scent belonged to each Clan, and waiting for the leaders to speak to see if she'd guessed right.

Leopardsun is open to talk to!

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Nightpaw strode into Fourtrees with a level of confidence that only a recently-named apprentice could hope to possess. The entire world was hers to explore, the unfamiliar cats within an interesting curiosity. Though the business of Clans that weren't her own didn't interest her on the surface, knowledge was power, and she wanted to be both smart and powerful. To achieve that goal, she would have to listen carefully and make sure to remember what was said. To that same end, she had to keep herself open to making connections in other Clans- who could say what valuable knowledge might be gleaned from an unfamiliar perspective?

WindClan opened the gathering, announcing a change in leadership- and a change in their border policy, not that Nightpaw cared what cats were and weren't welcome in WindClan's ranks. She supposed she might if they were caught in battle, but otherwise it was simply another piece of knowledge to remember.

Nightpaw is open to talk to!

Perchstar managed to keep her outward persona calm and unbothered, despite the way that her heartbeat sped up when SkyClan's scent wafted into the Gathering. It took all of her concentration not to let a snarl of disgust curl onto her face. She hadn't had any problems with the Clan before... but now? Well, she supposed that her feelings towards the rest of the cats in it would depend on how they dealt with the murderer among their ranks. Hopefully, it would not come to any unnecessary bloodshed. But, if it did... The life of justice she had received pulsed hot in her veins. She would be ready to fight.

Bloodstar was as old and grizzled as before, looking somehow even more tired than two moons ago as he hauled his sorry-looking tail onto the rock. Well, the past two moons had been hard on every Clan... but, to be fair, Bloodstar had been dead for two moons. She couldn't decide whether or not it was good to see him back alive. Perchstar might have felt sympathetic if she wasn't so busy trying not to let her distaste with the scent of his Clan show on her face. Would she always associate that woodsy scent with the corpse of Cloverheart? Well, only time would tell. Yet, her thoughts were driven from the enemy Clan almost immediately by the arrival of two more cats on the rock-- Minnowfin and Frostgaze. Where were Stoatstar and Murkystar? Had all the other leaders died, or vanished, or simply stepped down? A mild surprise registered on her features at seeing so many of her fellow deputies joining her in the leaders' place. She nodded in greeting to both, her features slightly softer than they had been before. Perchstar would be lying if she didn't say that the ThunderClan tom's face was a welcome one to see in charge of his Clan.

As always, there was no time to think. In what seemed like only a few moments, Shrikestorm-- or, as he said, Shrikestar-- yowled that the Gathering would now begin. It seemed he was eager to announce that he now led his Clan, and would allow no outsiders of any kind. Did other leaders proclaim their opinions on acceptance at a Gathering? Was that normal? Was that something that she should do? I have enough to say; no need to clutter it up with unnecessary announcements. A quick glance down at the deputy's spot allowed her to ascertain which tom was likely Smallbean. Not one she'd seen before, but hopefully a decent addition to their ranks. As quickly as they began, Shrikestar's announcements were over, and a lull fell over the assembled ranks of cats. It's now or never. Before I lose my nerve. Likely, it would be more polite to go last, with the strange announcement that she bore... but if everyone else went first, then she might get cold feet. And that would dishonor the she-cat she hoped to avenge.

Perchstar took a deep breath, and then stepped forward. "Jaystar has vanished without a trace," she meowed, her voice even and emotionless despite projecting outwards. She would not lie and say that the tom's disappearance was unfortunate, or that she missed him, because neither were true. "Once we drove the Dark Forest from our territory, I went to the Moonstone and received my nine lives, and the name of Perchstar. I have named Poppyshine as my deputy. Despite the dark moons that the forest suffered without stars, RiverClan is thriving in the very welcome warmth of newleaf, with plenty of fish to eat. A large number of new warriors have graced our ranks, including Pineheart, Owlshriek, Rushtalon, Dovesight, and Kitespring, as well as new apprentices Martenpaw, Pipitpaw, Grebepaw, Stormpaw and Brookpaw." She thought it best not to name Poppyshine as a newer warrior, so that the calico would not be judged for her age. Her eyes darted down to her friend for a moment, hoping that she understood the omission. "Flurrypaw and Otterdance gave their lives to the stars to free us of the Dark Forest, and we honor their sacrifices." Had the other Clans dealt with similar things? Shrikestar had mentioned nothing. Either way, she intended that the young cats who had let StarClan return be honored for their deeds.

Well... It was time. She could postpone it no longer. The RiverClan leader took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, not all of our news is good. Recently, a tragedy has befallen RiverClan. Cloverheart, our dear medicine cat who served for many moons, was found dead on the border between SkyClan and RiverClan. Evidence suggests that she was murdered, held into the water until drowned, by a silver tabby cat who was from SkyClan." Her icy blue gaze slid onto Bloodstar's scarred form. "I intend to find her murderer, and enact justice on the cat who would dare to break the code by killing an innocent healer. RiverClan would welcome SkyClan's help with this investigation, in whatever way they so choose. We will cooperate. But be warned that if just punishment is refused, then we will bring justice down on the murderer's head ourselves." Temporarily her eyes moved away from the other leader, addressing the massive ranks of cats. "This will follow for any who dare to kill, maim, or otherwise harm a cat of RiverClan unjustly. Do not make us your enemy." Once again, she looked at her fellow leader. What would his response be? Would he accept, decline, or even ignore her requests? Adrenaline pumped through her veins, but she stayed neutral, evenly meeting his gaze.

Frostedpaw sulked at the back of the Gathering, silently judging everyone who came in her view. Who cared about a stupid medicine cat?

Swiftheart arrived with her clan and sat near the rest of Shadowclan. She usually loved gatherings and getting to meet lots of new cats from other clans.  However with her mother Murkystar now gone she felt the need and want to sit with her clan and was content to just be here for now.  She was still open to talking with others but was not going out of her way like she usually might to do so.


Swiftheart is open to talk to

She was shoked at the news and accusations that Perchstar threw in skyclans direction. She hoped to starclan this would not turn into anything here. The clans had enough fighting to deal with recently with the dark forest and they did not need another gathering going to bloodspill. She held her breath awaiting skyclans response.



Batsong entered at the end of the trail of windclan cats.  At the back she could keep a watchful eye on things and she perfered to stay out of the center of attention of things anyways.  She was always shy and she never really enjoyed these gatherings at all.  She would personally be fine if they stopped doing them all together.  However she would be there for windclan.  She sat near the edge of the windclan cats furthest from where the center and leaders were looking out over the crowd.  She kept half an eye on Whisperpaw when she could.  The last time they were hear the dark forest had taken over she wasnt going to risk anything and had learned painfully to expect the unexpected.

Batsong is open to talk to but probably doesnt want to talk to anyone

Batsong was less effected by the riverclan news than swifthert was per say. She didnt have a dog in that fight so to speak. All it was so far was accusations it seemed and as long as it did not concern windclan it didnt really concern her. The news that a skyclanner would attack a medicine cat was a bit odd however. Perhaps if her slightfrost were still alvie she would have sided with skyclan but she felt pretty indifferent to the entire situation now. As long as their business stayed on their side of the forest she couldnt really bring herself to say she sided with either of them. It would be interesting however to see what skyclan would respond with

Shadekit is too young to be at this gathering and is still in the nursery and is very jelous if any of his siblings get to go

Nightstalker strode confidently into the gathering after Frostgaze, his fur impeccably clean and sleek, and his shoulder scar all but healed if not for the occasional bout of soreness and sensitivity. This was his first gathering in moons, the memory of the Dark Forest taking over fresh to the location, but he steadfastly refused to let it reflect on his face, or falter his steadfast gait. Giving a sharp nod to his leader, he split off to the deputies, glad that he was not the only new deputy, but he yearned for the expertise and confidence a more seasoned deputy could give him. He settled himself next to Riverclan's deputy, not very interested in exchanging pleasantries.

Nightstalker is Open to talk to with the other deputies.

Since no one decided to approach her, Dandelionflight set off to find someone to talk. A familiar black pelt arrived with ShadowClan and her eyes lit up. “Hey Duskflight!” She excitedly meowed to the tom. It had been a long time since she had last seen him, and a lot at changed! He certainly had more scars than before. The leaders started their announcements and she didn’t pay much attention for the beginning part. Then Perchstar brought up the murder of their medicine cat — by a SkyClan cat no less! 

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Dappledlight steadily trotted after her clanamtes. It would be her first real gathering as a warrior! She had been to plenty as an apprentice, but this one felt different, especially after the events that had transpired over the past few moons. Even though she was a bit nervous, Dappledlight held her head high and strode confidently into the clearing. She had to make a good impression on the clans. Looking around, she saw a young tom from another clan. Maybe it was his first gathering as a warrior, too. She bounded over and meowed, “Hello, I’m Dappledlight of ShadowClan. What’s your name?” She half payed attention to the affairs the other leaders were discussing. They would be good to know, but not absolutely necessary…that was until Perchstar announced that the RiverClan medicine cat was murdered by a SkyClanner. She couldn’t believe it! That was strictly forbidden in the code. How could someone even think of doing such a heinous crime!

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Dandelionflight is talking to Duskflight!
Cherrycloud is open to talk to!
Dappledlight is talking to Specklewish!

Kitespring nervously followed Perchstar to Fourtrees. Stars, she had only heard stories of the great oaks as a young kit. Now stepping into the clearing herself... It made her unnecessarily nervous. Especially after Cloverheart's sudden death... Hiding herself deep within her clan's ranks, the russet she-cat kept an ear open and an eye on Poppyshine as the Gathering began.

~~

Rookfire padded behind Frostgaze to the Gathering. He still remembered the last time he was in the Gathering, when the Dark Forest attacked. He wanted to rip the leader into shreds, but he restrained himself until he saw a chance to strike. It felt... unsettling, killing another cat, even though it was a Dark Forest cat who would have killed him given the chance. Perhaps it was because with the adrenaline pumping through his veins, he reverted to his Asylum-like style of fighting. He did kill the Dark Forest tom with Asylum's Mercy, so maybe that had something to do with it.

As RiverClan's leader spoke, Rookfire stopped. Cloverheart... killed? By a SkyClan cat? The black tuxedo didn't know any cats who would have wanted to kill her, but it didn't bode well. Even after the Dark Forest was defeated, the Clans will still have problems. Honestly, it might have been because the Dark Forest was defeated, since there wasn't an over-arching enemy to defeat anymore, allowing for Clan cats to turn on each other.

The apprentice was curious about his name. Of course they were. The question was, however, how much should he share?

"I was born a rogue, so that is why I was given the name Aether instead of a Clan name. I always preferred my name to Clan names, but when Bloodstar let me into the Clan, it was under the condition that I follow Clan customs. And that included a Clan name."

The announcements had begun, starting with WindClan. Something about Shrikestar's announcement definitely rubbed him the wrong way, as outsiders were once again painted as the bad guys, but it was RiverClan's announcement that shook him to his core. A murderer among his Clan? And why kill the medicine cat? He knew their role by now, they weren't fighters, they were healers. So what was going on?

Aether is talking to Whisperpaw

Dovesight was quiet as announcements were made, until Perchstar spoke. She knew her leader was going to bring up Cloverheart's murder. That was not what shocked her. What shocked her was the fact that Perchstar announced her name in front of everyone! Immediately, Dovesight's fur poofed out, a tiny squeak escaping her as she looked around. Was anyone looking at her?

Dovesight is freaking out over being namedropped

Rosepaw charged into the gathering, eyes wide at the amount of cats present. Oh she was going to have some fun!

Until the leaders started speaking. No cat was going to pay attention to her now! She sat down dejectedly, slouching over. So much for her fun.

Give Rosepaw some fun y'all!

Gladly, Foxpaw accepted Comfreyheart's offer; padding closer to her mentor and the other molly. "Thank you," the apprentice spoke gratefully. She really didn't want to be lost in the crowd, full of unfamiliar pelts and odd scents. Wrapping her fluffy tail around herself, she turned to the tortoiseshell warrior- Mottlerose- as she spoke.

Uneasiness sparked the ends of her paws, Even more cats from other clans.. Fourtrees already contained more warriors than she could've imagined. Foxpaw barely knew what the other clans would do, she'd heard of Gatherings as something more.. well, past tense. Something that hadn't occurred for a long time, even before she was born. As the dark-furred warrior ended, Foxpaw felt herself become far less tense. The other clans were here for the same reason as they: to gather peacefully.

Still, the gathered warriors and apprentices- though less scary after Mottlerose's reassurance- were still intimidating to the she. But she felt safe near the two ThunderClan warriors; "..I think I'll stay here, for now," Foxpaw meowed, more visibly relaxing.

Foxpaw is talking to Mottlerose and Comfreyheart!

Echomist didn't know how he felt about this whole gathering thing.. This was his first one, and he already hated it. There were too many cats for his liking. The tortie tom let out a small huff before moving to sit by someone he was familiar with, that being Leopardsun. He nodded to the she-cat before turning his attention to the leaders, as they spoke about.. well personal nonsense.. None of it mattered to him.

--

Dovefrost had followed after Beechfang into the gathering, it was strange being here being apart of Skyclan. He didn't know how Thunderclan was going to react to seeing him, or how they would feel but he was supporting his family. The large white tom sat next to his mate, his green eyes looking to the leaders.