The future's in your paws. Shape it well.Roleplay in a cat Clan of warriors. Based off the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Takes place in an AU before the cats in the books existed.
Welcome to WCC! Here are our latest announcements:
Activity checks take place on the 1st of the month. If you miss one activity check, make sure you do the next one!
Leaf-fall is finally here, and with it, the promise of colder, crueler, days ahead.
Gatherings take place on the 1st of the month; keep your eyes out for a staff member's post!
Please feel free to hit up any staff member if you have any questions!
WARNING: Grief (I just realized that Blackkit and Maplekit were canonically dead, so Lily sad):
Lilyvalley really shouldn't be here. Not today. But she also didn't think she could bear to just stay in camp. She was just so tired. Lately, it had just felt like she had just been going through the motions of every day.
When had been the last time she even truly talked to any cat outside of a patrol? She hadn't really seen Swiftheart or Larkshine at all. Even when she used to be bickering with Nettleweaver, at least there had been something.
Now she just felt empty. Numb.
Sitting amongst the crowd, Lilyvalley just seemed to stare off into space. A place that was usually so loud just seemed like background noise.
Lilyvalley is open to talk to, but might not be all that responsive.
As horrible as it may seem, Adderpaw was starting to get used to cats being gone. She didn't hate it any less, of course, and each one hurt, but she wasn't even sure who to grieve, anymore.
Vinecrawler, Wiggleworm, Bearpaw, Shellkit, Sillykit.... Even her own mentor was gone now (although it was debatable whether that was truly a bad thing).
Padding into the gathering, Adderpaw stuck close to her mother, not really saying a word. There was nothing that needed to be said. She just needed to know that she was still there.
Adderpaw is sitting with Quailprowler and is open to speak to.
Thistlepaw padded into the gathering with his usual stony expression on his face. The crowd seemed to be less appealing by the moon, but he refused to let that discomfort show on his face. Just a carefully crafted neutrality.
If a little weariness showed through, though, could anyone blame him? He was simply just so tired.
Thistlepaw is open to talk to.
Now I'm slippin' through the cracks of your cold embrace
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 15:40
ROOKFLIGHT
I would rather stay in bed, but...
Rookflight’s paws tingled as they padded into the Gathering. It wasn’t the usual nerves or distaste they had grown so used to over the many Gatherings they had attended; it was something else entirely. They could not quite place its source, but it was not an unpleasant feeling, so they did not mind too much. It was just… puzzling. The buzz spread to their chest, setting their heart to a quickened throb when Willowwisp drifted closer to their side than she had been. Rookflight hummed agreeable to her gesture and led them to the quieter corner of the clearing. They were always grateful to settle away from the bulk of the noise.
It was not long before Rookflight gave up on simply sitting and instead laid down. They angled their head up to look at Willowwisp, blinking slowly over the revelation of how the moonlight coursed through her silver fur before he cleared his throat and looked back over the forming sea of cats. ”You chose a nice spot,” he said softly. ”It is nice to be away from the crowd. It is nice to--to sit with you.”
Though he kept his chin high and his expression passive, Silverhawk felt vile and furious as he padded into the clearing alongside ShadowClan. His temper still had not abated from the evening Bubblebeam came to join ShadowClan’s ranks. He was thrilled to have her in the Clan--have her properly in his grasp--but every time his mind drifted to his demotion, Silverhawk felt sick. He had been scratching at his neck again; the fur there, while not entirely gone, was frayed. But it was groomed down smoothly now, so it appeared only a bit thin in places.
Suffice to say he held little desire to attend the Gathering, and neither Hawkmist nor Bubblebeam were in attendance alongside him to buoy his mood. Silverhawk was going to drift toward Pineblossom until he caught sight of a familiar face drifting through the crowd. Silverhawk’s eyes narrowed. Wasn’t Hemlockfox supposed to be stationed near the rock, with the other medicine cats? Yet here he was, drifting… suspiciously closer to ShadowClan. Had he deduced his sister was not among SkyClan’s ranks and come looking for her? Well, pity for him, she wasn’t here. But, no--the burly tom’s paws were guiding him straight to Silverhawk.
With a blink to reset his furrowing expression, Silverhawk straightened to regard Hemlockfox as he approached. ”Hello,” he mewed evenly. A flick of his tail was the only sign of his already-present irritation and distaste. ”You look rather determined. Did you need something?”
Pigeonpounce had drifted to her now-usual spot, taking up residence in front of all the eyes in the clearing, but… but... Well, Hemlockfox had disappeared into the crowd before even approaching the spot. And she hadn’t seen Nightowl yet, or Sleepycloud, and when she looked around she noticed Cindersky wasn’t even sitting with the deputies, not really. So… what was the harm in her slipping away? Pigeonpounce nodded to assure herself before gathering her paws and padding off. It didn’t take her long to find who she wanted to talk to: he was sitting with the rest of RiverClan, of course, and--had he been looking her way? Pigeonpounce flashed a smile when she caught Scarletflare’s eyes before padding over to him. ”Heya, furball,” she said warmly as she approached, knocking her shoulder against his. ”Doesn’t look like th’other med’cine cats’re around… so guess ‘M botherin’ you tonight.” Her smile got a little wider, toothier, as she settled into place.
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 17:09
Spiderpaw Just be true to The color that is hidden in you You can change it To how you like it, how you want it
Adultingishard
Spiderpaw had never seen so many cats before. Sure, there were clumps of cats back where she came from that would group up and be social sometimes, but woah. And she thought Skyclan was a lot! Her eyes wide as she padded into the clearing along with the rest of the clan, she couldn't help the awe showing clear as day on her face.
Following the lead of the others, she sat down somewhere in the clearing and watched the others mingle. Would other clans know she wasn't clan born? Did it matter to them? Wolfstar was fine with it, surely they would be too... right?
name. Kari timezone. PST discord. polarantithesis code.tessisamess
Webpaw Swimming through the Milky Way I wanna break away and take the leap Since we’re falling anyway No moon to rise would be okay with me
constructedincongruently
Webpaw slunk into the clearing behind her sister, trailing close behind.
Too many.
Too much.
So loud
The little silver tabby wrinkled her nose at the constant stream of babble coming from the cats around her and sat beside Briarpatch. This wasn't fun. She did not like this. Her gaze fixed on the grass at her paws, she just tried her best to block out the loud noises.
name. Kari timezone. PST discord. polarantithesis code.tessisamess
Moldpaw
Hey hey, what does this world look like I wanna know please tell me just how can I get there So if I'm ever lost Hey will you search for me once again?
Takemyhandandflyaway
Eyes bright and tail high, Moldpaw scampered into the clearing. Her first gathering! There were so many cats and so many smells! Everything was so interesting! A plethora of warriors with a myriad of pelts and personalities stretched before her, and she wanted to see all of them all at once.
Maybe she could even make a friend!
Her excitement getting the better of her, she bounded off into the crowd, scanning the gathering for a friendly looking face. She failed to actually keep track of what direction her paws were taking her however, and quickly found herself crashing into a furry wall of pure cat. After a moment of sprawling, tangled limbs and a whole lot of internal confusion, Moldpaw scrambled to her paws and actually looked at the person she just bowled over. "Oh! Sorry! I didn't see you there! Hello, how are you tonight?"
name. Kari timezone. PST discord. polarantithesis code.tessisamess
Spiderpaw looks a little awkward. She's open to talk! Webpaw is cringing next to Briarpatch. Moldpaw just ran face first into Quailprowler.
Number of posts : 1972 Gender : she/her || they/them || he/him Age : 26
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 17:13
Quailprowler happened to be glancing in the other direction when a bundle of fur slammed into her wall of a body. Growling, the she-cat jumped up. Her feral form towering over the apprentice, she glared down.
"Watch where you're going." She hissed, resisting the urge to swipe her paw and bat the cat away like a gnat. "There's elders here and you could have easily injured someone." She took a big sniff of Moldpaw, scowling. "Does WindClan not teach kits manners? Would explain a whole lot." She growled, refusing to lessen her harsh glare.
"When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire."
Karuna Site Moderator
Characters : [L]Lilyvalley, [E]Elmstorm, [A]Addercrest, [T]Thistledown Clan/Rank : [L]ShadowClan T5 Warrior, [E]RiverClan T2 Warrior, [A]ThunderClan T2 Warrior, [T]WindClan T2 Warrior Number of posts : 2505 Gender : Any Pronouns Age : 22
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 17:34
Thistlepaw
I once was a man with dignity and grace
Thistlepaw idly watched as Moldpaw came barreling into the gathering. He didn't think much of it, until he watched her crash right into an extremely large warrior. He couldn't help the way he cringed, feeling sympathetic over the situation she was now in.
But what really bothered him was the way this cat spoke to her afterwards. That rubbed him the wrong way.
Thistlepaw padded up to the group, keeping his fur flat as he cast his cool gaze upon the warrior. Her scent told him ThunderClan. Figured.
"My apologies for intruding, but I could not help but overhear. I assure you, WindClan teaches us plenty. Like how to offer grace to a cat who has clearly made a mistake. My sister has not been to a gathering before, perhaps with your age you have forgotten the excitement that comes from that experience? I understand memories can be lost on you as time passes. Perhaps it has also made you a bit grumpier. Whatever the case, I will not stand by as you berate my family." Thistlepaw narrowed his eyes, his tail lashing behind him. Possibly the most emotion he had ever allowed himself to show, despite his cool tone and words.
Glancing back at Moldpaw, he offered her a nod. He would have her back.
Thistlepaw is counter-scolding Quailprowler
Now I'm slippin' through the cracks of your cold embrace
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 17:57
Moldpaw
Hey hey, what does this world look like I wanna know please tell me just how can I get there So if I'm ever lost Hey will you search for me once again?
Takemyhandandflyaway
Oh, she seemed upset.
Moldpaw took a step back respectfully, trying to formulate some sort of reply so as to not upset the other she-cat further. She didn't mean to hurt anyone, she just didn't see them! A familiar voice stopped her from opening her mouth, and she looked to Thistlepaw in surprise. She hadn't expected someone to defend her when she was the one in the wrong, but her littermate's words suddenly made everything make sense.
No wonder this cat was angry, Moldpaw actually had bumped into an elder. She had no idea!
"Oh stars, I'm so sorry! I had no idea you were an elder! You look so cool and strong for your age, I'd never had guessed. I wasn't watching where I was going. I was looking for someone to make friends with and bumped into you, I hope I didn't hurt you!" She waved her tail high in the friendliest way she could, grateful for Thistlepaw's explanation to help clear things up for her, as well as his defense of her actions.
Her brother was so kind. She was so lucky he happened to be nearby.
name. Kari timezone. PST discord. polarantithesis code.tessisamess
Moldpaw is apologizing profusely and completely misunderstanding her situation.
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 19:01
Acornstar dipped her head as the rest of the Clans arrive, thought she had nothing to really say to them. She glanced over as Poppystar chose to start the Gathering, before she rose to her paws to step up next, eager to get what little she had to say over with. "I wish your searching warriors luck, Poppystar," she said as she glanced at the leader, a hint of tiredness in her words. There were so many of her own Clanmates missing, it was hard to say if any would be found...But any information would be welcomed, even if it would be a sad confirmation of who was forever lost to them.
She cleared her throat as she turned to face the crowd, raising her voice. "Prey continues to run well for ThunderClan and our Clan grows. We have a new warrior, Flickerfern, and I am sure more apprentices will join them in the warrior's den in due time." She paused as she finished, trying to consider if there was anything else to say before she gave a shake of her head and stepped back. "That is all for ThunderClan."
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 19:55
Rapidfire, Eaglefly and Rainpaw were all together coming into the gathering. With Lavendercloud following behind them. The three windclan cats stuck mostly to themselves, with Rapidfire going to go to where the deputies usually met up.
---
Swiftheart glanced around the gathering place unsure what she would do tonight or not.
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Stormwather grumbled along as he always did, what did the gathering hold in store for him this time?
---
At this point in time Sprucebark was far away from the clans and is not at the gathering
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Swiftheart
More Swiftheart
Swiftheart of Shadowclan Rapidfire of Windclan Sprucebark of Riverclan Stormwatcher of Skyclan Eaglefly of Windclan Lavendercloud of Windclan Rainkit of Windclan
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sat 7 Sep 2024 - 20:34
OATFLUFFare you going to age with grace? he/him - t4 windclan warrior
Oatfluff sat beside Larchbreeze, his tail curled neatly around his paws as he looked around the Gathering place. Everybody was chattering amongst themselves, and for once, Oatfluff didn't particularly feel like imposing on anyone else's conversations. He was really just content to sit back and share the company of a dear friend. Tonight would probably be the same as always - leaders announcing any new kits, saying that prey was running well, and then everyone going back home. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy Gatherings - he'd just never been to an interesting one. In his life.
Oatfluff is sitting beside Larchbreeze, but is open to talk to.
Nightowl was sitting with the other medicine cats - well, in the place the other medicine cats should have been. He'd watched Hemlockfox slipping through the crowd, and it seemed like Pigeonpounce had wandered off just before he'd gotten there. Well, at least he didn't have to deal with the grouchy WindClanner tonight - but he would've liked to speak with Pigeonpounce again. It was a shame, but he should've guessed she'd have other friends.
Part of him wondered - if he was less quiet, if he didn't live so much in his head, would he have other friends, too? As it was now, he had about... two. Hedgepaw for sure, and then... well, were he and Fishpaw friends? Were he and Leopardstar friends? Maybe he had one friend. His other "friends" were just a couple of cats he'd spoken to once or twice who'd happened to be nice to him.
It was embarassing. But he had nobody to talk to tonight, and nobody who would care that he'd earned his full name since last Gathering. Leopardstar would announce it, when it was time, but until then... well, he didn't mind sitting in silence. He was good company.
Nightowl is sitting alone, but is open to talk to.
SMOKEYTIMBER "fight, little wolf, fight . . . " he/him- t3 shadowclan warrior
Smokeytimber had found himself trotting into this Gathering, too, but he frankly wasn't a fan. It was too many other cats, too many other Clans, for his comfort. Anyone could try anything. What if something happened? The chaos would be unimaginable. At his first two Gatherings, he'd been too overwhelmed to think about it, but now? He shuddered to think what would happen if someone stepped out of line. Sure, there was the threat of StarClan covering the moon - but how much would that really deter someone who was determined to do some damage?
Smokeytimber shook his head, then took a seat beside Sagefeather at the edge of the Gathering. He wasn't much for talking at these things, but Sagefeather seemed fairly quiet, so he'd surely be a safe bet. Besides, they'd both trained under Sunflare - that meant he was safe to sit by, surely.
Smokeytimber is sitting silently next to Sagefeather, but is... kinda open to talk to?
FOXPAW "there's nothing that i'd take back" they/he - windclan apprentice
Foxpaw was sitting by Ryepaw - as usual. They hated these things. Usually, Gatherings were a good place to subject someone to their latest tirades, but they were frankly discouraged by speaking to anyone except for Ryepaw, lately. Rainpaw, Moldpaw, and Falconpaw were cool too, but two of those cats were related to them, and nobody else seemed to like talking to them. Foxpaw wasn't going to subject someone to talking to them if they didn't want to. It just... sucked.
Normally, Foxpaw would talk Ryepaw's ears off, but Rye was nodding off beside him. He'd feel bad waking his friend up. "G'night, Rye-guy." They nudged him gently, then sighed and began to look around the clearing for anything cool. Maybe there would be some neat bugs around - maybe even ones they hadn't seen before, since they were so far from WindClan territory! He'd never really spoken with Moonpaw or Laurelriver before, but he wasn't sure he wanted to start today - not when he was feeling down like this.
Sunpaw had stuck close beside Moonpaw since the Clan had left camp, and even now, she didn't see anyone she particularly wanted to talk to. She wasn't the most... social cat, that was for sure, and she preferred the company of her family - or at least her Clan - to anyone else. Laurelriver sitting beside them was okay, she supposed. She didn't know much about the molly, but she had pretty eyes.
"Oh, come on, sis. You got better things to do?" Sunpaw didn't like Gatherings either, that was for sure, but she couldn't pass up a chance to tease Moonpaw. "Or... better cats to talk to?"
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sun 8 Sep 2024 - 7:24
I feel like I’m waiting for something that’ll never happen
Tonight's Gathering was to go normally, or as normally as any Gathering could go. Unease prickled in Quillsplash's paws; he wondered where Wolfpaw was, how he was doing-- how his guards were doing, considering the, well, violent tendencies of the apprentice. Quillsplash stifled a sigh. He really did have to stop worrying about things far out of his control at every opportunity he had his thoughts to himself. He looked around the Gathering, searching for the usual company of Snaildance or perhaps Nettleweaver, but a small figure at the edge had him doing a double-take. Was that-? No, no way.
The ShadowClan warrior blinked, a little stunned to find the rogue in the midst of a Gathering of all places. Was he even welcome here? Quillsplash looked nervously around him, unsure if anyone else had noticed, but it seemed no one had. As quietly as he could, he moved towards Rashoumon, stopping about a tail-length away to awkwardly wave his tail in greeting. Their last meeting hadn't been... hadn't been bad, really, but the tortoiseshell had no idea what was going through the younger tom's mind. He hoped that Rashoumon remembered him with some form of kindness.
Another day, another Gathering. How she couldn't wait for the day she no longer had to attend these useless meetings. With a sound nothing short of a growl, Creamlily shouldered her way through the crowd, making a beeline for the edge of the clearing. Yeah, she was in no mood to entertain any cats at the moment. Maybe if she clawed their ears off they would leave her alone.
Leopardwind wasn't particularly fond of Gatherings, not with the intense mess they always seemed to dissolve into, but he supposed he could try to make use of it to learn something or another from the other Clans... like if any of them had seen his sisters. Redpaw, Quickpaw and Moosepaw continue to be missing, something that he can never really forget. The black warrior slipped through the mass of cats, ears flicking as he caught a few familiar words and voices mingling about. A group of WindClanners seemed to have gathered; Sunhare, Moonpaw and Laurelriver stood talking, while Ryepaw and Foxpaw were beside... sleeping? The warrior blinked, confused, and when he confirmed that the two were in fact dozing off in the middle of a Gathering, he tried to hide his irritation. Really, did they not know how unsightly it was to show all the Clans how WindClan's apprentices like to sleep through important events?
Whatever, he wasn't their mentors, and he wasn't going to scold them. Leopardwind padded over, dipping his head in greeting to the awake members. He caught the last bit of Sunhare's words to Moonpaw, but couldn't make much sense of it. Maybe it wasn't meant to mean much. The black warrior looked around before asking Laurelriver-- and, well, the rest of the group-- "RiverClan has sent out a search patrol for their missing warriors; WindClan has only seen Coyotegrin leave to try and find her clanmates. Shouldn't we be doing the same? Sending out search parties, I meant." Ah, there was no hiding his longing for his sisters back, was there? Leopardwind tried to keep his expression nuetrel, but perhaps Laurelriver could see a little something in his eyes.
Quillsplash has approached Rashoumon Leopardwind has approached Moonpaw, Laurelriver, Foxpaw, Sunhare and Ryepaw Creamlily is sulking by herself Juniperhunt, Scorchivy and Milkkit are not attending
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Quillsplash | Bird / Tom / ShadowClan T5 Warrior / #802318 Leopardwind / Tom / WindClan T4 Warrior / #cc9900 Milkkit / Tom / RiverClan Kit / #dbc6ad
Characters : [S]ilverdusk, [L]ouse, [N]ettleweaver, [V]iperpaw, [P]etalkit, [C]lovermottle, Brackendawn* Burningpaw*, Oakberry*, Ospreypaw*, Weaselpaw*, Gladepaw*, Darkflower*, Pumapaw*, Hazeflight*, Driftcloud*, Spructhorn*, Hollyshard*, Ospreypaw*, Blurrypaw*, Dapplekit*, Jaguar* Clan/Rank : [S] ThunderClan T5 warrior [L] T3 rogue [N] Shadowclan T3 warrior [V] WindClan Apprentice [P] ThunderClan kit [C] RiverClan perma-queen Number of posts : 2389 Gender : any pronouns Age : 20
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sun 8 Sep 2024 - 7:48
Nettleweaver entered the gathering, searching for his latest form of entertainment. His gaze found Laurelpaw… If that was still her name, but she was surrounded by friends. While he wasn’t socially anxious, he also wasn’t rude and he didn’t want to intrude. Besides his manners had been lacking last gathering, she’d approached him towards the tail end and as ShadowClan had hastily departed he’d only been able to offer the WindClan molly and apologetic look. There was always next gathering to apologise at least he supposed, settling down amongst the frays of ShadowClan.
-
Frustratingly, Viperpaw was still an apprentice. Every gathering that she attended as an apprentice only made her more and more sour. Her jealousy was palpable, radiating off her as she stalked through the throng of cats, close behind Creamlily. Her father was going to announce her promotion today, and the thought of that molly having an ounce of what she deserved had her even more infuriated. This night was going to be ruined for the both of them, she’d make sure of it. ”What are you going to do when the whole forest hears your stupid new name, Creamlily?” her mouth twisted cruelly They’re all going to look at your dumb face, and your dumb ears and your dumb pelt. You’re going to look like a total mousebrain.”
-
Clovermottle hadn’t made the trek to a gathering in a longtime, but tonight it called for her attention. As per usual she was one of the last members of RiverClan to enter the clearing due to her condition, but it didn’t bring her shame. The journey brought her joy and her ability to keep up in spite of everything made her glow with confidence.
-
Nettleweaver is open to being talked to clovermottle is open to being talked to viperpaw is harassing creamlily
Characters : [C]indersky, [W]olfpaw [D]aytrader, [R]yepaw Clan/Rank : RiverClan, T4 Deputy | ShadowClan, Apprentice| T1 Loner | WindClan Apprentice Number of posts : 543 Gender : They/She Age : 20
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sun 8 Sep 2024 - 8:05
Cindersky
I loved you...
Cindersky fluffed up her pelt with a slight shudder of her shoulders and shuffled in closer to Larkspring, brushing her pelt against his. She watched him for a moment, or multiple moments. Her ear flicked, the only acknowledgement of Poppystar speaking. The Clans had all had many quiet moons. She hummed, neither to him or anyone else, and turned her gaze to the Great Rock.
"Acornstar seems more confident now," She murmured to him, eyes following the order of leaders giving announcements. "I do not know how any-cat could be in any way confident speaking in front of so many cats."
Ryepaw grunted, part surprised and part not-surprised to hear Foxpaw speaking from beside him. He made some kind of noise, like he had started to speak and then gave up. Unfolding his paws, he leaned up to give them a look. "Wake me up if somethin' cool happens, eh?" He meowed, his lopsided grin half-tooth half-lip. "Or if someones bein' mean to ye. I'll flitter 'em."
His tail, butty as it was compared to the rest of him, whipped around to whap Foxpaw on the back before he settled down again. "Or if yer bored. I'm sure I can find somethin' to mumble on about... Night for now, uh... Dung, I don't gotta nickname fer ye' yet. I'll come up with somethin'. Might dream about it."
Subject: Re: September Gathering 2024 Sun 8 Sep 2024 - 11:43
Below, she could hear an argument of some sort, and the leader's gaze was drawn to the cluster of young cats... No Skyclanners involved, good. Still, she couldn't help a flash of disapproval from showing at the display. They were not her warriors so she would not interfere, she told herself, but the urge to leap from the rock and scold them was strong. This was not the time or place to be having arguments or getting into fights, as the scars across her flank could attest.
Poppystar was quick to start the gathering, and blue eyes narrowed slightly at the news of Riverclan's missing cats, and those who had supposedly been sent to find them. Missing cats for any reason was never good, and she'd seen far too much of that with her own clanmates over the last few seasons. Next was Acornstar, with news of a new warrior. With a huff, Wolfstar stepped forward. "Skyclan welcomes Hickorysmoke to the warrior's den. Our borders remain defended and prey runs well. That is all."
---
Honeypaw glanced up at the voice to her side, offering her cousin a small smile. "Not really... I guess you're not either?" She asked, "Could be interesting to overhear what some cats are saying but that's more effort than I care to put in, honestly. It's too hot to be dragging ourselves all the way out here." She didn't glance in Snowpaw's direction, though her brother's misery in this weather was apparent. She hoped that leaf-fall really would be better for them, as all the older cats kept promising.
---
Briarpatch glanced at her sister with a sympathetic half-smile, "Bit crowded, isn't it?" She'd had a feeling that Webpaw would want to be anywhere else, but at least they could take pride in their mother sitting on the great rock with the other leaders. "The tall tabby on the rock with mom is Tigerstar of Windclan. The big fluffy one is Wolfstar of Skyclan, the little russet-ish she-cat is Acornstar of Thunderclan. The calico... I think her name's Poppystar? Of Riverclan? Not like we share a border with them to really care but it's good to know the leaders of each clan, regardless."
Wolfstar Greatly Disapproves of the arguing below. Honeypaw is talking to Wasppaw. Briarpatch is talking to Webpaw.
Leopardstar stepped forward, observing the quarreling of cats below with the most level-headed glare she could manage before she began to speak. "ShadowClan welcomes our newest full-fledged medicine cat, Nightowl. Additionally, we welcome Webpaw to the apprentices' den, and we are proud to announce that Juniperhunt and Briarpatch have both been named as warriors in their own right."
She glanced over the clearing, then continued. "Prey is running well in the marsh, and ShadowClan remains strong. We would additionally remind any would-be trespassers that even if you are not found by a ShadowClan patrol, the marsh itself is dangerous to those who haven't been trained to navigate it."
Then she stepped back, ceding the spotlight and watching the cats below.
Leopardstar has given ShadowClan's announcements!
the gods can judge me when i'm dead||code (c) kieer
you don't know love
Scarletflare's silent prayers were answered as Pigeonpounce approached, abandoning her place when none of her peers arrived. He felt bad about it, at least a little, but the louder part of his heart was cheering that he'd get more time with his closest friend. He was doing his best to give her a respectable amount of space, but if she chose to be around him... Well, the very last thing he wanted was to disappoint her.
"Oh no," he said flatly. "Whatever shall I do?" Then he nudged her shoulder playfully, breaking into a grin. "That's their loss, though. What do your medicine cat friends talk about at these things, anyway, if you're actually allowed to share?"
Being a medicine cat seemed stressful and difficult, as much as it was prestigious. So many rules, and so much distance. Even Scarletflare, who had spent a decent portion of his life actively avoiding his Clanmates whenever he didn't explicitly need to speak with them, wasn't sure he could handle the sense of isolation.
But Pigeonpounce managed with grace, as she seemed to with everything. Absently, one paw brushed his face, rubbing up against the massive scar he'd gained during the awful storm--it was as faded now as it would ever be, he was sure; unless she had some miracle remedy in that den of hers. Even if she did, he wouldn't dare ask for it now.
Tigerstar glanced down at the sound of his kits voices. It didn't seem like it was anything major but it could be if it was left alone too long. The striped tom cleared his throat as he looked down at his kits and the warrior. Whatever was going on, it needed to end now, and hopefully his glare accompanied with Leopardstar's would end it. If it continued, he would do something after his announcement.
"Windclan fairs well this moon, prey is running well. Creamlily, Sunbear, and Laurelriver joined the rank for warrior, and we have a few new apprentices as well." He couldn't recall anything else of importance, and it seemed he was the last to deliver his announcements, which means they could head home now. Hopefully the trip back was painless, he was sure his children had something interesting to share with him.
