July Gathering 2023

"I'm fine, honestly." She mewed, "There's so many cats! Who are the ones up there with Perchstar?" She had been nervous, but the presence of her siblings was reassuring. And now that she'd gotten over the initial shock, Swanpaw was curious.

Swanpaw is talking with Owlcall.

Brindlepaw immediately wished she had chosen some more sociable apprentices to spend her first gathering with, but persisted regardless with the conversation. She was glad when Hickorypaw joined them to keep the talk going, although she wished her sister had done it in a more dignified way - they were representing their whole clan, for Starclan's sake! They could easily be the first Thunderclan cats the other two had met, and now they would immediately see them as overexcitable kits. But despite her annoyed tail flick, affection for her sister shone in Brindlepaw's pale green eyes. "What are your guys' names? Are name much different in Skyclan, like all birds and stuff?" Brindlepaw asked. Although she knew all clans shared some things, the details of how other clans lived were mostly lost on her.

Brindlepaw is talking to Whinchatpaw, Littlepaw and Hickorypaw

Peonypaw realized there was another cat with amberpaw and shyly looked at crowspirit. "N-nic-nice to m-meet.. y-you." She mewed quietly then hid behind amberpaw as another cat showed up. This new cat seemed to be very nice though as she mentioned them sharing flower names. "I think peony is a flower, my mama named me saying i was as pretty as one." she mewed a little more open to violetpaw. Violetpaw looked around her age so she was less shy compared to the warrior.  Just than Another apprentice showed up! This one claimed to be violetpaw's brother. "H-hi." she mewed to him before looking at Amber with scared eyes. Why were there so many cats around her, what did she get herself into. She just wanted to be with her friend during their first gathering. At crowspirits question, Peonypaw slightly nodded, too shy to speak anymore.

Peonypaw is a little scared being with so many others!

Plumleaf took her place near the rock with the other medicine cats, enjoying the usual buzzing chatter of the gathering. She was proud of her sisters, one being leader and the other deputy, but she couldn't help but feel like they overworked themselves sometimes, though she was often guilty of the same thing. Nonetheless, she was glad Birdstar had agreed to a much-needed rest, and the other clans didn't seem to be making a huge deal out of her absence. Starclan willing, her voice would have healed by the next gathering.

Plumleaf is open to talk to!

Applespark bounded into the gathering with his usual energized vigor, sparing no more than a single dirty look in Windclan's general direction before finding a spot among his clanmates and settling down.

Applespark is open to talk to!

Tinyshadow followed his clan into the gathering, sticking close to his clanmates. His first gathering as a warrior, but he didn't really have a desire to brag to the other clans, especially considering the fact that he didn't know any of the other cats very well, though perhaps that would change tonight?

Tinyshadow is open to talk to!

Beetleshade hadn't really been up to attending gatherings lately, she'd never enjoyed the seemingly pointless act of pretending to be friendly with enemy clans for the entire night, knowing that they'd likely be at each other's throats within the next moon. However, it was a beautiful night, warmer than she'd seen in a while, and it would be a shame to waste it sitting in camp. She wasn't exactly opposed to talking with those from other clans, but she'd prefer to simply mingle with her own clanmates.

Beetleshade is open to talk, preferably to someone from her own clan!

Egretswoop had gone into the clearing finding herself very tucked into her fox pelt. Not to mention, pressed directly against her former mentor's side. Even as a warrior, the gathering was still much too loud. Her ears seemed to refuse to leave from the back of her head, as if the very idea of raising them would have been death. "Apologies. It is... much too boisterous for me to part from your side." Her apology towards her mentor was delivered quickly, on a sharp and short tongue. She didn't exactly want to be here, but as a mentor, it was important.

Good thing her former mentor didn't mind sheltering her.

Egretswoop is semi-open to conversation, but you may have to nudge her first!


Mistwalker followed not long after, her tail gently rippling as she found a place in the clearing. The gathering never truly bothered her, but as a mentor, she was there to keep an eye on her apprentice. With her head on a swivel, she surveyed the crowd, hoping no trouble would brew that evening.

Mistwalker is open to talk to!

Wolfblossom offered Nightstar a small nod, flat ignoring Windclan's supposed leader just as she had done to his supposed deputy the previous gathering. Now that all the clans were here, it was time for the gathering to begin... And she wasn't sure if she wanted to speak first. The thought was strangely anxiety-inducing, for the cat who was only used to speaking in front of her own clanmates and not the entire forest. She'd just have to deal, though, and keep the anxiety she felt from her face.

Thankfully, Mottlestar took it upon herself to start the gathering. New warriors, new apprentices, that was nothing out of the ordinary. Darkspirit had stepped down, though there was little detail on why. It wasn't anyone's business but Thunderclan's, and Wolfblossom was not such a busybody that she would press for details if they were not offered.

What wasn't ordinary, however, were Mottlestar's next words. A murderer brought to justice, by the name of Starlingflare, guilty of three... Three murders. Truly horrifi- Dovefrost. Her father's murder just after she had become a warrior had weighed on her heavily, as she was sure it did for Birdstar and Plumleaf. How long she had wanted some sign, some hint, anything as to who had done or, or even why. A year without any answer at all, and to hear that now his murderer had been brought to justice... Relief, anger that she couldn't be the one to avenge him, grief for the father they had lost far too early filled her. Still, Wolfblossom's face remained clear. Birdstar had told her of what was said, of course, but to hear it again from Mottlesstar's mouth had those emotions rushing back. The white and gray deputy glanced at the Thunderclan leader, giving her a small nod. Her gaze sought Plumleaf's next, knowing that her sister sat among the medicine cats. She wished to not be on the rock, so that she could make sure she was okay, but she would be able to check on her soon enough.

Mottlestar's announcements were over, and Wolfblossom stepped forward. If she waited any longer, she wasn't sure she would step forward, so she did so now. "Skyclan continues to grow despite greenleaf's heat. We welcome Violetpaw, Alderpaw, Littlepaw and Whinchatpaw as apprentices, as well as Juniperheart's kits - Cypresskit, Bubblekit, Ploverkit, Sorrelkit and Bearkit." There was Thyme too, but Skyclan finding rogue kits was not the concern of anyone else. Nor was Skyclan finding any other rogue brought into the clan. "That's all." She did not need to mention Birdstar's illness. There would be speculation as to why the deputy was up there, she was sure... And it made her skin crawl with discomfort she wouldn't show.

Announcements complete, Wolfblossom stepped back, and inclined her head to Mottlestar. "Dovefrost was my father. It's been a year, and we've hoped for something, anything to lead us to his killer." She spoke quietly, "It sounds like this Starlingflare was quite the danger to everyone, and I am glad he's been dealt with accordingly. Execution would not be my first choice, but with how many he's killed, and how beloved Dovefrost was by both our clans... Sometimes things of that nature are necessary for the greater good. Unsavory as they may be. I do not know the other cats you mentioned... I hope someone does. Their families deserve closure too." Wolfblossom sighed. She was glad to have closure for Dovefrost, even if it had not come by her own paws.

Perchstar was no longer completely unfamiliar with such affectionate gestures as Mottlestar showed. She certainly wasn't very good at offering them herself, but she had become better at accepting them due to Poppyshine's loving insistence. Therefore, while she did not reciprocate the touch of the leader's tail in kind, she did not shy away or feel discomfort. It was only natural. Stranger, perhaps, to have Wolfblossom opposite her on the rock rather than Birdstar, but all right. She had nothing against the deputy. Appearance suggested that she was likely Birdstar's sister. They had simply never spoken, and there was a different set to the deputy's face that Perchstar was unfamiliar with. But they were allies, and she seemed at least cordial, so all was well.

Mottlestar began the Gathering. Perchstar listened intently, ears swiveled forward to give her attention. And it was a good thing that she did. While she had been expecting the mention of Acornstem, who she'd met at the border, the announcement after that was not one that she had been expecting. A murderer caught in ThunderClan? Three deaths? Executed? Dovefrost--a former medicine cat? The news brought a sour feeling to the back of her throat. While obviously Mottlestar would feel much worse about it (and the deepness behind her eyes indicated that she did), it was still an awful thing to announce. A warrior that had turned out to murder three cats, who had been harbored in secret this long time. A warning to know one's Clanmates. Perchstar suppressed the shiver down her spine, and instead inclined her head at the notice of Starlingflare's execution. It was a drastic choice, but one that she agreed with. When Mottlestar stepped back and gave her a nod, Perchstar couldn't help but blink slightly. Was there to be no announcement of the alliance? Or... was that to be her own prerogative? Perhaps the news of murder was too heavy on Mottlestar's tongue for her to also bear lighter news. Perchstar nodded back, accepting the role.

But before she could step up, Wolfblossom made her announcements. No word was said of Birdstar, which made sense. SkyClan would not want to appear weak in any way--though their large numbers ought to deter their only non-allied border Clan to think twice before invading. The deputy also made no mention of the alliance, perhaps because that had been Birdstar's doing rather than hers. Either way, it was now solidly up to Perchstar to say anything of the sort. It could potentially go unspoken... but she wanted the forest to know. She had already made her Clanmates aware, but it would be a good show of strength in front of WindClan and ShadowClan, and a talking point for her Clanmates to get to know their allies better. She was momentarily drawn out of her inner thoughts by Wolfblossom murmuring something to Mottlestar about Dovefrost having been her father. The words were not directed to Perchstar, so she did not react, but filed the information away internally. It was a good thing that the Clans were on good standing, and that the revelation of murder had not caused bad blood between them.

With Wolfblossom and Mottlestar having finished, Perchstar stepped up to take their places. There was quite a bit to announce, and she felt exhausted from the long list of names already. But with the effort came a gradually more familiar swell of pride. Her Clan was truly thriving. "RiverClan has been blessed this greenleaf. We have more kits in the nursery than we know what to do with, and more fish than we can catch. Our apprentice den is full to bursting, including the recently named apprentices Bubblepaw, Dovepaw, Ravenpaw, Swanpaw, Crowpaw, and Morningpaw. We have also gained several new warriors: Owlcall, Drizzlepool, Mistwalker and Tinyshadow. We also have a new medicine cat apprentice studying under Sandyshell: Wrenpaw." Her son and daughters' names made her stand a little bit taller. As always, she was proud of them. But not all news could be so simple as the naming of her Clanmates. The next part of news was good for them... but would certainly cause bad blood with WindClan. Not that they hadn't been aware of that when the choice was made. "The Gorge territory now belongs to RiverClan after a successful battle. As always, no trespassing on our borders will be tolerated." Though her voice remained calm and neutral, she could not stop the tiny swell of triumph hidden deep within her chest. Her Clan had fought and won. They were strong, and they could defend their borders from anyone.

Nothing else needed to be said on that front, as satisfying as some small part of her would find it to rub it in further. But there was no need. Besides, she had far more beneficial news to announce. Perchstar glanced back once at Mottlestar and Wolfblossom, meeting the eyes of each in turn, before facing the Clans and continuing. "RiverClan is now officially allied with both ThunderClan and SkyClan. Any who make an enemy of one will be met with the claws and teeth of all three. Sunningrocks is now neutral territory--a place where both RiverClan and ThunderClan cats alike can sit and share tongues. RiverClan does retain our exclusive hunting rights on the rocks. Besides that, our borders remain the same. That is all."

Perchstar stepped back, almost tired from talking so much. Speaking on the Great Rock no longer inspired such anxiety as it used to, but there was always a worry in the back of her mind that she may have said something incorrectly, or differently than she had planned to. But it seemed to be all right. She offered another blink to Mottlestar and Wolfblossom as she settled back down. The only leaders left to speak were... well... those two. She could be forgiven for not caring to hang on tenterhooks for their words.

Perchstar has made her announcements.

--

Dovepaw glanced around the clearing, spotting a few large groups of apprentices chatting together. The idea of speaking with that many strangers at once made his fur want to stand on end, so he decided that it would be a bad idea. Instead, he wandered slowly through the crowds, searching for someone who looked approachable, but who wasn't already surrounded by a chattering throng. Ravenpaw and Swanpaw looked safe enough where they were for now, but he did make a mental note of where they were, just in case. Eventually, he met eyes with another apprentice. The tom smelled like marshes and mud, which wasn't a scent that Dovepaw recognized from their borders, but rather from the elders' tales. ...ShadowClan, then. Well--it could be worse. Maybe they could learn something from each other.

The fluffy seal point tom padded over to the other apprentice, offering him a quick nod. His tail swept across his paws as he sat. "Hey, I'm Dovepaw. RiverClan. What's your name?" He glanced up momentarily at the Great Rock, where leaders were beginning to give their announcements. He couldn't help but smile a bit and puff out his chest when his name was soon mentioned. Maybe that could be a good conversation starter, and answer the question that had been lingering in his mind the whole night so far. "That's Perchstar. She's RiverClan's leader. Which one is yours? I don't know all the cats on the rock."

Dovepaw is speaking to Creekpaw.

The memories of Redice came to the forefront of his mind as Mottlestar spoke of Starlingflare's execution, something that his medicine cat and deputy had been present for, so it came as no surprise, however the reminder of it had brought the execution he had done forwards. Perchstar stepped forwards and announced a three-way allyship, making Nightstar very uneasy... to openly admit that any clan that fought for their own - that tried to do good by their clan by securing more territory? - they could say goodbye to any chance of that. Nightstar had his gaze set on Highpine, but with this new allyship there would be no taking it.

Hopefully the involvement of Shadowclan in bringing justice to a murderer. "It lightens the weight on my heart to hear that Thunderclan had managed to bring a murderer to justice with some aid." Nightstar knew that Mottlestar would be thankful that Shadowclan had gotten involved, but he needed Thunderclans new allies to know this as well. "As for Shadowclans announcements." He stepped forwards, raising his head high as he looked to Windclan. "Since the last moon, Shadowclan had gotten into a squabble with Windclan. A squabble where by the code, there is no need to kill. And Yet!" He yowled, spat as he fixed Shrikestar with his ire.

"Windclan slaughters my kin! They murder my niece, Moondancer and nephew Batswarm, fresh into warriorhood. Moondancer, killed by their warrior, Owlshade, after disengaging from a fight with Pineblossom, who was releasing him out of mercy" Nightstar snarled, "Shadowclan has your dear warrior. And yet, despite him gutting my niece, he lives."

"Surrender your herb storage. Every bit of it. In exchange for your warrior -" He paused, looking at the scant smatterings of the Windclan gathering party, "- or Shadowclan will collect our due diligence for the deaths that didn't need to happen, and I don't think you want to find out exactly what I'll collect. Shrikestar." Nightstar snarled, his teeth bared and his claws digging into the rock.