June Gathering 2023

Perchstar accepted Mottlestar's affectionate gesture with a warm feeling inside of her chest. Nothing else could have adequately conveyed the fact that her friend was doing well, despite the horrors of the past moon. She was glad. The RiverClan leader spared not even a sidelong glance for Nightstar as he crept, almost sulking, onto the Great Rock. Instead she kept her gaze between the tortoiseshell beside her and the large silver she-cat on the other side. They were huddled so close together, it was possible for them to speak and have the others not here. The same idea must have crept into Mottlestar's head, because the words that left her next were obviously not intended for WindClan and ShadowClan's ears. It was similar to the conversation she'd had across Sunningrocks a moon before Perchstar's disappearance, but this time, including Birdstar as well. The idea was novel. A three-way alliance... well, it made sense. The friendliness that the three she-cats shared for each other--shouldn't it extend to their Clans? Why not make it official? A few moons ago she may have felt leery about including SkyClan, but Birdstar had shown herself to be nothing but trustworthy. The idea was amenable, so Perchstar allowed her body language to grow a little more friendly as she nodded. "Certainly." Birdstar agreed as well, with the caveat of speaking to her other high ranks. Perchstar glanced down at the deputies' spot, noting the wide smile that always sat upon Poppyshine's face. She knew that her friend would definitely agree, but formalities would certainly not be amiss in this case. The RiverClan leader returned her eyes to both she-cats beside her."We might as well make it official. With the turmoil in the forest these days, it will be good to know that we have each others' backs." The light warmth that had grown in her only became stronger as she thought about the idea. A trio... Yes, perhaps even in leadership, she would not have to be alone. Things were looking up.

Just as she had forgotten about his presence, Shrikestar loudly announced the beginning of the Gathering. Perchstar allowed her gaze to drop from Birdstar and Mottlestar, looking with a neutrality that hid her distaste for the tom. His remarks about guarding his territory were laughable, and his lack of address towards the chaos of the last Gathering only served to show his arrogance. Well, what happened to WindClan was not her concern. Unless any of them attacked her Clan, then she would remain neutral, at least outwardly. Her own dislike for Shrikestar oughtn't to affect RiverClan. However, she certainly did not trust him to keep his paws on his own side of the border. Until she had any proof, though, she would not act. After he finished his inanely brief remarks, Perchstar took the chance to step forward. She had two moons' worth of announcements to give, after all.

"RiverClan fares better than ever," she began, her voice just loud enough to reach the clearing. No emotion colored her clear tone. "Our nursery is full to bursting with kits. We have named many new apprentices these past two moons: Honeypaw, Storkpaw, Larkpaw, Rookpaw, Sunpaw, Willowpaw, Wrenpaw, Mistpaw, Tinypaw, Owlpaw, Mothpaw, and Drizzlepaw." She could not quite keep the extremely quiet note of pride that entered her voice as she mentioned the names of her kits, though it was subtle enough that only those who knew her would even notice. "We have also welcomed new warriors: Egretswoop and Oaksoul. As our numbers grow, we continue to remain strong. Our borders remain the same. We look forward to another prosperous moon as greenleaf approaches." With everything said that was necessary, and a little bit extra to assuage her distrust of Shrikestar's Clan, Perchstar stepped back, remaining close to Mottlestar and Birdstar.

Perchstar has made her announcements.

--

Flutterpetal smiled back at Murkyripple. They had made the realization at the same time, it seemed, and he saw her orange eyes spark up with the same warmth that his had when he saw her. The same lavender crown adorned her head. He was surprised at how well it held up, despite the brief time that had passed since their first meeting. She must have been taking good care of it. The idea made something inside his chest do a quiet stutter, and made his smile a little wider. Her voice sounded sweeter than it had before. Had a simple gift of flowers really done so much? Either way, to see her so happy made him even happier. "Of course!" he purred warmly. "I... wanted to see you, too. You asked me to come, didn't you?" His light green eyes shone as they met hers. It was true that the thought of meeting her or Honeylight had been the only thing dragging him out of his nest. "How have you been? Are the evenings treating you well?" His gaze was so singularly focused that he did not even notice--or care--that the announcements had begun. They wouldn't be saying anything important, anyway.

Flutterpetal is speaking with Murkyripple.

Nightstar stepped forwards, his amber eyes narrowing as he glowered at Shrikestar and his poorly concealed threat. "Shadowclan welcomes Sunflare, Dawnbright, Cicadasong, Silverpaw, Beetlepaw, and Creekpaw. We also welcome Harriertalon as our Medicine cat, training under Burdockroot. We remain strong and healthy, especially with the warming weather making sure prey is plump and plentiful. Our borders are guarded strongly as they always have and will remain to be so for many seasons to come." Throwing his own concealed jab back, Nightstar gave a soft snort as he sat back.

This was like the Twoleg petting his belly all over again, except this time it was followed by a barrage of compliments: all true. His fur was soft and luxurious. "Okay, Silverwing. Get off!" He all but shoved her, insulted only because his fur had become ruffled. He couldn't truly fault her, though. He was irresistible in terms of looks, which was the only thing that truly matter. He thought so, anyway.

Shaking out his fur and taking his sweet time in getting every hair back into place, he sat up straight again. "...I guess it's only right that I tell you the name of the cat you experienced the beauty of. I'm Batswarm."

Goldenfern sat off to a corner, listening to the leader's announcements quietly. She closed her eyes as Mottedstar made her announcement. No mention of Honeypaw or Sunfire's death... was the memory of her closest kins really so forgettable?

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Cloudypaw puffed out his chest when his name was announced to all the Clans. Whatever tensions that Clans might have between themselves were easily lost to the ball of white fluff. His ears pricked pleasantly at the echo of his names from a few cats around.

Goldenfern is open to interactions
Cloudypaw is open to interactions