March Gathering 2023

Plumleaf followed Skyclan's patrol into fourtrees, a shiver running down her spine as she remembered the traumatic events that had occurred there only a half-moon prior. Thankfully, all traces of the twolegs and the dogs were disappearing, and the beloved clearing was returning to it's former glory. She'd like to forget that sooner rather than later. Finding her way to the base of the rock where the medicine cats convened, she idly wondered what news the other clans would have to share tonight. Hopefully they'd reunited with their lost clanmates, but she couldn't help but wonder if they had also succumb to the predators crawling the forest on that fateful day. If there were dogs roaming fourtrees and foxes attacking Skyclan's camp, it wasn't too far fetched to assume that other camps had fallen victim as well, though she hoped this wasn't the case.

Plumleaf is open to talk to!

Applepaw bounded into the clearing, his head held high and an excited gleam in his eyes. Not only would this be his first gathering, but now he had cool battle scars to show the other apprentices! He was willing to bet they hadn't defended their camp from a hoard of vicious dogs lately. Nightstar might as well just make him a warrior now, he clearly deserved it. He sidled up next to his mentor, his chest puffed up with pride.  

"Lighttail, can you introduce me to some of the other cats? I wanna tell them all about the battle! They'll never mess with Shadowclan again once they find out we defended our camp from a horde of vicious dogs!"

Applepaw is asking Lighttail to introduce him to someone!

Mudshriek followed the rest of his clan, finding a spot away from the crowd and settling down. He was in no mood to socialize with inferior cats from other clans tonight, to be quite honest he didn't understand the point of this ridiculous exercize. Pretending to be amiable to cats you would meet in battle one day, just for the slim chance that one of them would be stupid enough to reveal a key bit of information about their clans inner workings. Any other night he'd grit his teeth and bear it for the sake of finding out valuable information, but tonight he just didn't have the patience.

Mudshriek isn't really looking for anyone to talk to, approach him at your own risk!

Beetleshade skulked into the gathering, her shoulders hunched and her tail dragging behind her. She would've much rather been at home sleeping, but alas, she hadn't been to a gathering since before her capture and it was important to keep up appearances if she was going to be Thunderclan's leader someday. Or at least, she tried to convince herself that was the only reason she came. However, as she locked eyes with Trufflesnap, she couldn't stop herself from moving to the molly's side.

"Trufflesnap." She greeted, sitting close enough for her words to be heard only by Trufflesnap. "You know, you really shouldn't make plans if you can't keep them. I thought you of all cats would understand that, but clearly not." She huffed, her eyes flashing. She was finding it hard to hold on to the anger and hurt she'd initially felt, unable to focus on anything besides the relief at knowing the Skyclanner was safe. "I..." She paused, trying to choose her next words carefully. "I was worried about you, okay?" She snapped, seemingly frustrated by her own fickle feelings.

Beetleshade is talking with Trufflesnap!

Batsong arrived with her clan and almost immediately saw Burdockroot.  She cautiously went over to her friend very aware of alot of other shadowclanners around too.  Burdockroot was the only shadow clan cat that batsong liked.  Burdock had been the only one to try and help them when all the other shadow clan cats turned on them.


"h-hey" she purred quietly

Batsong is talking with Burdockroot


Eaglepaw looked around excited.  He stuck closet to flutterpetal for now

Sprucebark walked in with his clan but was not in the mood to talk right now.

Swiftheart sat in the middle of a lot of shadowclan npcs.  For once she is also not in the mood to mingle with others she just wants to hear what her brother will say tonight

Stormwatcher is in the back probably half asleep

Whitewhisker is moving to the front to try and actually be able to see the leaders since his sight isnt very good anymore

"Ah, got me there!" Stars, of course! That's why none of her friends had visited her! Silverwing had assumed that she scent trails she kept leaving would be enough to draw their attention, but Brackenwing had been the only warrior to pick up on that trail. No matter, since her exile she'd been able to announce her new lodgings to her friends. The only cat that didn't know was Fuzzface, strange. Why didn't Sleepyhollow say anything to him? Silverwing glanced at the she-cat. Would she make a big deal about meeting a rogue? Leaning in close to Fuzzface, she whispered "The barn. Northwest of camp, come around any time." She punctuated the invitation with a wink.

Actually, where was Sleepyhollow? Grey eyes scanned the gathered cats, but there still seemed to be no sign of her or Russetrye. Attendance at gatherings wasn't mandatory, but why were those two missing? Silverwing didn't dwell on that for too long however. She stared at a huge black cat, instantly recognizing the she-cat from afar. Harrierpaw! Silverwing quickly raised a paw, beckoning the she-cat to join their little group before returning her attention to Fuzzface.

How? Why? Silverwing puffed out her chest. "Why? Because I can, who's gonna stop me? And as for how? I just walked in!" She was absolutely triumphant as she spoke, almost as if she were bragging. A lot of thought went into her invading the gatherings, and until she was caught Fourtrees would continue having a rogue guest. These gatherings offered her precious time conversing with others that was almost guaranteed not to end in a fight, and until she was being actively removed she would continue to return. "It's not like Smallbean would kick me out, or the other deputies. As long as I don't make too much commotion they won't even notice me. Sleepyhollow almost blew my cover, but that crazy stuff that happened last gathering covered for me!" Er, wait a minute. Silverwing glanced at the other she-cat, embarrassment washing over her. "Oh my stars! I'm sorry, I forgot- uh, I don't think I got your name?" Stupid!

Harriertalon didn't fully agree with Moondancer, but she did understand where her step-sibling was coming from. Not all clan cats were as friendly as the ones Harriertalon had met so far, her ripped ear a warning for the future. But she didnt want Badgerpaw to grow up thinking that the forest was full of untrustworthy cats outside ShadowClan. "I understand and commend your loyalty, Moondancer, but maybe you should give some of these cats a chance-" A familiar cat called out, interrupting her. No way! She knew that face! "I can show you right now that not everyone has wicked intentions. Badgerpaw, Moondancer. I'm going to go say hi to Silverwing, you're welcome to come join me!" There was a great chance that Moondancer wouldn't follow, but she hoped Badgerpaw would break out of her comfort zone. Nothing would happen as long as Harriertalon was there.

"It's Harriertalon now!" Her purr could almost be heard above the meowing of other cats. Silverwing was just as pretty as the day they met. Another cat was with her, and Harriertalon felt flushed. "Oh, im sorry. I hope I didn't interrupt you guys."

Harriertalon has left Moondancer and Badgerpaw to hang out with Silverwing and Fuzzface. She hopes her sisters join her.

Kestrelpaw perked up and purred. "Wow, we are like BirdClan! BirdGroup maybe, there's not enough cats for a clan but... My siblings are also bird names too. And my dad, Shrikestar. Oh, and I'm from WindClan. I haven't actually gotten to speak to another clan yet, and I'm almost a warrior." Talking with these fellow apprentices was fun! "We should meet up every Gathering. The flock of birds." Thrushpaw continued and Kestrelpaw turned to Falconpaw to listen to his answer.

Kestrelpaw is talking to Thrushpaw and Falconpaw!

A familiar scent washed over her and Trufflesnap immediately relaxed and sat down next to the prickly furred she-cat. Withholding a hiss of frustration, her composure was rewarded with the most heart melting words. Lowering her head to murmur in her ear, she tried to look inconspicuous. "I was worried about you too. I got captured. Trust me, all I did was think about missing you. I don't want to be in SkyClan anymore. Meet me in our spot in three nights?" She sat up and groomed her paw casually. The last thing she needed was suspicion on her.

Trufflesnap is arranging a meeting with Beetleshade.

Burdockroot softened when Batsong arrived and flashed her a rare small smile. "Batsong, how is the confusing moor?" She did, in fact, get lost on the moor.

Burdockroot is talking to Batsong!

"Let the gathering begin!" Mottlestar found herself stepping forward once all leaders had arrived, and her voice carried out over the clearing. There were still days it surprised the tortoiseshell herself just how loud she could be, but it was just simply proof that she had grown into her role. No longer was she the quiet, shy feline who had a hard time talking to those around her. But reflections weren't what mattered for the moment. Instead, it was getting the gathering rolling, to announce to the forest all that had been on her mind.

Waiting for silence to fall upon the group, Mottlestar then once more resumed speaking. "Thunderclan is thankful to report that there have been no further incidents involving two-legs that have occured since we last came to Fourtrees to rescue the last of our clanmates. We also welcome Curlyfluff into our warriors den, and Hopepaw as an apprentice." The good news rolled off of her tongue smoothly, and those closest to the Great Rock would likely hear the gratuitous purr that also rumbled deep in her chest.

"As part of the fact that it seems that the twolegs are no longer actively roaming in our clan territories and taking our clanmates, Thunderclan is no longer going to be allowing cats passage through our territory with simple questioning. Anyone found trespassing will in fact be treated as an intruder first, traveler second. We appreciate every cats' understanding in this, and are thankful to Starclan for every cat that was able to make the journey home." That was the announcement she was less enthusiastic about making, but had to, nevertheless. With that out of the way, Mottlestar then stepped back into the group of leaders, giving a nod to whoever wished to go next.

---

Minksplash found her spot to sit with her clanmates, listening with intruige as Mottlestar gave her announcements. It was certainly a good thing she'd allowed those cats a safe passage to home, in her opinion.

Strong apprehension wiggled its way into Smallbean's every thought on the trip to Fourtrees, and it remained even after he had arrived. His gaze drifted upwards as Windclan entered the gathering and he parted from Shrikestar, relieved that the only twoleg smell he noticed was faint - from the last time he was here. It was strange, to know that he and a number of other cats were held captive here within the last moon, and now the clearing was empty. There were no traces of twoleg traps or monsters. It provided a little bit of relief.

While he was busy staring at the treetops, he nearly ran right into another cat, but was able to stop himself just in time. "Oh- Sorry! I'm just uh.. worried. I didn't see you there - I was on the way to the deputies." Looking past Rowanpaw, he cast a glance to Poppyshine that read: 'help me!' - or at least he hoped it did. This cat seemed quiet and reserved, and he wasn't the greatest at providing conversation. "Uh.. Isn't it strange? This place was so .. different. Just last moon." This cat looked rather young, he hoped that he at least knew about what had happened. "I was caught, you know. Here." His words were rushed, panicked. "So um,.. How are you both?" Although Rowanpaw was unfamiliar, he did know Tigerpaw

---

Taking in a deep breath, Astershine gazed at the clearing around him. Gatherings were a point of conflict. On one paw, he enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the lives of other cats. On the other paw... they were loud, easily overwhelming. Attempting to stay away from the large crowds, the warrior padded over to Creamsky and Sunpaw and sat down, delicately wrapping his tail over his paws. Looking over at the two, he noticed that they seemed uncomfortable. "Oh, what's up?" He followed the warrior's gaze until it reached the edge of the clearing, finally landing on a cat that looked strangely familiar. " Wait- Is that..." The cat he'd spotted was the same cat he'd ran into the day he was freed. "Forest?" Standing back up again, he wandered across the clearing and joined Lightningpaw. "Forest! It's good to see you!" He was glad that of all days to find the clans, it was the night of a gathering. It would ensure that he'd be unharmed, in the least. "How have you been? I missed you." I missed you. A cat he'd only met once managed to make an impression enough to feel missed. He shrugged.

Turning to Forest's companion, he smiled, asking a question that was more directed to the newcomer than Forest. "Oh, Who did you bring with you?" Sitting down again, he introduced himself. "I'm Astershine, from Skyclan. I assume you're not from a clan, like Forest?"


Smallbean has nearly run into Rowanpaw and Tigerpaw!
Astershine has joined Lightningpaw in talking with Forest and Pipsqueak!
Jaypaw is at home on punishment...

Nightstar was the next leader to step forwards, giving a stiff nod to Mottlestar before he quickly looked away towards the crowd. "Shadowclan also finds relief with the twolegs no longer laying traps within our land. Shadowclan also welcomes many warriors, Badgermask, Moondancer, Harriertalon, Tigershriek, and Batswarm. That is all." Nightstar meowed, plain and simple as he backed back to where he sat. The less he had to say, the better, and less conflict that would arise from it.

Tigershriek was lost in his own thoughts, at least until there was a voice practically in his tipped ear. With a startled yelp, the warrior jumped, all four paws off the ground. His fur had blown out, and the tabby, feeling heat rising in his pelt, turned to look at the stranger. An odd scent told him that she was Skyclan, so at least he wouldn't have to endure any ribbing from his clanmates for that.

"Stars, I didn't see you! Or hear you, a bit too loud here for much of that." His tail flicking with mild agitation, Tigershriek continued. "Nothing really interesting... I was just watching Nightstar." Certainly, that wouldn't provoke more questions... right? He was a Shadowclan cat, watching his leader. He didn't have to tell this cat his life story or anything. Fur beginning to flatten, the warrior regained some semblance of social skills, and forcing his tail to lie still, he asked, "What's your name? I'm Tigershriek."

Of course, then the gathering was called to order, so he quieted down slightly, still keeping an ear open for the Skyclanner's response.

Tigershriek is speaking to Thornstalker!

Smokestep watched Falconpaw move off, smiling proudly at him. The little tom was certainly growing fast... and he'd be a warrior before she even knew it. She was surprised to find out the thought made her a little sad - she'd grown used to his company. As she watched him, more out of habit than anything, Smokestep noticed him grow rigid and... afraid? She followed his gaze, brow furrowing as it landed on Shrikestar. Why was he so spooked? The smoky tabby was on her paws, ready to go to his side, when a couple of other apprentices approached him, and he seemed to relax.

Smokestep shrank back, relieved, and sighed gently. A quiet voice at her side made her turn, and when her eyes lit upon Firepool, they softened, a purr accompanying her voice when she greeted him in return. "Hey, Firepool," she said. "He's... he's doing alright, I guess-" she flicked her gaze back to the trio of apprentices a little ways away. "He's great, in our training. Needs a little confidence booster, I think, but... I'm not exactly the best cat to provide that." She grinned sheepishly at him, offering a gentle shrug.

Smokestep is speaking with Firepool.

*

Though he didn't see her at first, Lichenpaw did, eventually, lock gazes with Juniperpaw through the crowd. She hurried towards him, and before he could open his mouth to say hello, she assaulted him with a query. Of course she wanted to know what had happened... that made sense... but why she seemed suddenly so concerned, when at the border she'd been eager to get rid of him? Now that didn't make sense. Lichenpaw quirked a brow at her, and despite his confusion, cracked a genuine smile. "Well, it's nice t'see ya, too, Juniperpaw," he said, turning to show off the half-missing tail, and the new scars that adorned his pelt. "I fought off a dog that attacked the camp!" he said proudly. "Sucker went runnin' and ain't been back since."

Lichenpaw is speaking with Juniperpaw.

Iceheart spoke and a slowly creeping sense of shame took over Darkspirit. He hadn't even thought about anyone but himself really being affected by the Dark Forest, which was so so stupid of him! He regretted saying what he said and wished he could recall the words or have some sort of do-over. Still, at least Iceheart seemed more interested in just having a conversation rather than being hurt or upset. That was never his intention.

His name... striking? Darkspirit wasn't sure what to think. No one had ever told him that. He'd always hated his name and his siblings had always shown pity when he mentioned it. For a few heartbeats, Darkspirit wasn't sure what to say. His eyes went to his paws. He had been so determined to prove that he wasn't his father that maybe somewhere along the way, he forgot to be who he wanted to be.

"Well thanks, I'm glad someone likes it. I'm sorry if anything I said bothered you. I hope you've been doing well since the last time we met. Have you had any apprentices or a family since then?" He was desperately trying to make conversation now. Maybe that would teach him to leave names alone. Mottlestar called the gathering and he turned his head to listen.

He hoped he and Iceheart could speak more in the future... maybe not at a gathering next time.

---

What was Skyclan like? Falconpaw had to think for a moment. How would he describe something he'd known his whole life and compare it to something that was different that he'd never seen? He supposed he could give it a whirl.

"Well, there is lots of rocks and trees. Our territory has more pine trees than Thunderclan's I think. He mostly hunt birds, which is easy to do once you get the hang of it. Oh squirrels too! I'm not too shabby at catching squirrels. What is Thunderclan like?" Then Kestrelpaw spoke, mentioning that they could be Birdclan or Birdgroup and Falconpaw snickered.

"I'm sure our rivals, the Batclan, will quiver with fear." He was really winging it now. "I agree, we should meet every gathering!" His eyes went to Shrikestar... the Windclan leader? Kestrelpaw was his kit??? He at least had an excuse to stare up at the Windclan leader once again with his bright blue eyes.

No doubt about it... he'd dreamt of Shrikestar. One hundred percent. Only... Shrikestar seemed wrong somehow. Shrikestar... Shrikestar... why does that sound like it's incorrect? I think of all cats his own kit would know his name. Shrikestar... Shrikestar... Shrike... Shrikest-

And then the Thunderclan leader snapped him out of it. The gathering was starting. Falconpaw still wanted to talk though, and his face fell a bit. Maybe if he was quiet he could still talk? Was that okay?

"That's cool that your dad is the leader. My mom is Wolfblossom, the Skyclan deputy. We need to hang out again next time. All of us! Maybe we'll find more apprentices. Bird names only?" He snickered quietly again. Hopefully he wouldn't get in trouble.