don't let me down [ IMPORTANT DISCUSSION ]

[Flamestar]

Her entire body was aching. Paws, shoulder, her heart. As she gazed around their temporary camp for the night, she saw several new injuries among them. The dogs had truly wrecked havoc...If it hadn't of been for the Windclanners, many lives would have been lost today. She cast a glance at Stormpaw's makeshift nest, her eyes rounding with worry. She can't walk home...she can't feel her legs... They had to carry her home, but they were still far away. The high stones were still invisible, so that meant they had several days worth of travel at least. A difficult decision would need to be made tonight. Paws carrying her daughter would be weighted down...slowed down. She could only hope what she was about to ask could be discussed without much arguing. Over the past moon, she had begun to view these cats as something more than just cats from other clans...If she were in a different situation, and it was for one of them, she would agree to help regardless.

"Could I have everybody's attention?" she called out with a voice loud enough to be heard from anyone that was nearby. A feeling of unease settled in her belly as all of their eyes turned to face her. She had only filled in for patrols a pawful of times...and there were more cats here than there were warriors in her camp. "By now, everyone knows what has happened today." she paused, her gaze drifting to her daughter for a brief moment, before returning to the group gathered around her. "Stormpaw...my daughter...we will have to carry her home. We all have clanmates back home that need our lungwort...I know this is a lot to ask of you, but I think our return home may be delayed." she noticed some of their pelts begin to prickle, and she took in a deep breath. "There is another option, but it would mean our group splitting up. This would come with it's own dangers, but it would mean that the lungwort would make it home faster...What do you guys want to do?" ​

★ born to find that great unknown

• This is a staff approved delay given Stormpaw's injury. The cats are ICly deciding on what they should do
  If the group decides to stay behind as a whole, it will push their return date to November 3rd instead of October 30th
  If they decide to split, a minimum of four cats will need to stay behind​
• 
  FLAMEWHISKER of THUNDERCLAN
  LH red tabby with low white (masks black tabby, carries dilute, solid)
  — Lead Warrior of Thunderclan ; currently mentoring Acornpaw
  — she/her ; mated with Flycatcher
  — mother to Stormpaw & Falconpaw
  — 25 moons ; ages on the 20th
  — Smells like dirt, old leaves, tree sap, faint hint of flowers
  — will start a fight, will finish fights, will kill (case depending)
  — "speech" ; thoughts ; attacks
  — penned by Icey ! ; link to tags
  — link to toyhouse
  — funny guy art by waluigipinball​

 

[SCORCHSTREAK]

A mother’s grief is no small pain. To the jaws of slobbering hounds Flamewhisker had nearly lost not only a clanmate, but her very own daughter. Stormpaw had been the sole apprentice sent from among ThunderClan’s ranks, and had almost been lost just as Little Wolf had. Still, though she breathes, her injuries are great. Scorchstreak does not have much hope for the young molly to recover. But hope is all that they have, when they are still so far from home. They can only reach to the stars, praying that they won’t take her. "I’m glad that your daughter lives," she offers with a dip of her head to the other lead warrior, before settling to listen to Flamewhisker’s announcement.

The she-cat speaks of Stormpaw’s injuries, of how she will need to be carried all the way back home, and the calico winces. She had not realized that the apprentice was so badly wounded; they will have no other option but to leave her behind, if they don’t carry her back. Flamewhisker proposes that they all stay behind, or that only some stay behind to help, and Scorchstreak is forced to consider the idea of how many cats could die in the time that it will take to help Stormpaw along. Weaselclaw had already been ill when they had departed—he is the greatest force that has driven her paws forward even when she has wanted nothing more than to give up. She must return with the cure as quickly as possible, for her friend’s sake.

"I cannot control what you choose to do," she begins, golden gaze softening as she looks between mother and daughter. It tugs at something that scrapes within her chest, and for a moment when she looks at Stormpaw she can only see her own kits. If it were Scorchpaw or Luckypaw, she would be distraught; she would demand, not ask, that others stay behind to help her carry them. But when the tunneler thinks about it, she knows—she could not jeopardize the safety of her clan for the safety of her kin. Flamewhisker seems to understand the same, and Scorchstreak looks over the tabby she-cat, blazing eyes reduced to sympathetic embers. "But we cannot afford to delay getting the cure home any longer than we must. Those who can help should stay behind, but I will be continuing on." She glances around at the rest of those gathered, seeking out the volunteers who would remain behind.

This group is made of brave cats, from all clans. They have all endured so much, have aided one another through trials no warrior should ever have to undergo. And they may not have come out on the other side any stronger—but they’ve made it this far. They will make it to the end. They will make it home, even if it takes some of them a few days longer than the rest.​

[ BE A FIRE, BURN THIS DOWN ]​

​

 

[SLATE]

Life sure had a cruel way of throwing obstacles at the journeying group. It was as if it knew that they were trying to do something critically important for their clans and decided to test their resolve just for the hell of it! Slate, for one, was completely over this cursed trip. They had dodged death many times, one cat in particular having not been so lucky, and now dogs had nearly gotten him again. Utterly exhausted and beaten from the scramble to save his own skin, the smell of dried blood hanging in the air, Slate flicks his amber gaze up toward Flamewhisker as she addresses the group.

"Stormpaw...my daughter...we will have to carry her home..." Slate nearly scoffs. We, the ThunderClanner says! Was she meaning to say that the entire group had to be held back because of Stormpaw's injury? They had a mission — bring back the lungwort to the plagued clans as soon as possible. If they waited up any longer, there wouldn't be any more cats to save!

Flamewhisker brings up another possible option, splitting up the group, which the WindClan lead warrior appears to agree with right away. Slate finds himself feeling the same way, "She's right. We barely escaped those dogs." Quite obviously, the ThunderClan apprentice barely made it out of the fields with her life. A few others had sustained injuries as well, and he would have been torn apart by those mongrels had he not snapped out of his fear-induced state. "The longer we stay out here, the more we risk not making it back at all." He didn't come all of this way just for the rest of the journey to be delayed. Stormpaw's predicament was unfortunate, but Slate couldn't allow other cats to prevent him from getting home in one piece. Her own clanmates could take care of her, surely.

The lead warrior decides, "I'll be continuing as well." He had already risked his tail for a WindClan apprentice. He was not willing to risk it any longer, not when they were so close to home.

✰ INFO

• 
  
• 

  ✰ SLATE
  —— he/him; lead warrior of skyclan; former rogue
  —— bisexual; single; not looking
  —— hulking, scarred charcoal-black colored maine coon with amber eyes
  —— "speech", thoughts, attack
  —— link to full tags; @ on discord for plots.
  —— penned by beatles

​

 

[Orangestar]

𝐵𝑈𝑇 𝑇𝑂 𝐴 𝑊𝑂𝑀𝐴𝑁, 𝐵𝑌 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝐸𝑁𝐷 ✧ 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐋𝐋 𝐊𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀

• 
  
  — orangeblossom | tags
  — she/her ; deputy of skyclan, mentoring eveningpaw.
  — scarred white-and-ginger she-cat with brown eyes.
  — "speech" ; thoughts
  — chibi by waluigipinball
  — penned by mercibun. @ me in any official tabbytales discord for plots.
  
  

​

As a mother, Orangeblossom believes that she has some understanding of Flamewhisker's plight. Were their roles reversed, she knows with her whole heart she would be calling the clowder to this exact same conversation. As it is she sits beside Cherrypaw, fur brushing against the apprentice's, but her eyes never leave Flamewhisker as she speaks. In full this is a difficult decision to make, but Orangeblossom finds her answer comes easily.

"Then we should split up." She agrees with Scorchstreak, making brief eye contact with the ember-furred molly. She's not the only other mother on this journey, but she is the only other mother whose kits run the same risk as Flamewhisker's and her own. Bobbie, at least, has the luxury of knowing her kits would not face this fate. "The fastest few cats from each Clan will take the lungwort, and the strongest among us will move slowly to help Stormpaw. Perhaps by the time we return, some of ThunderClan can meet us at Highstones." We, she says, as if she's already made up her mind on what she's doing. She would stay if she must.

Orangeblossom realises, then, that this is some form of debt she needs to repay. Stormpaw's survival may very well depend on a SkyClanner, just like Cherrypaw's had relied entirely on Little Wolf's sacrifice. Expression hardening, Orangeblossom becomes even more determined to see this through and see Stormpaw home safely. In her mind, she splits the SkyClanners; Greeneyes and Chalk would likely be their most reliable runners. Slate and Duskpool are their strongest. Cherrypaw and Bobbie were both injured ... and that left Figfeather and Orangeblossom herself, both with their injured legs. She knows that both of them can hobble along quickly, but would it be fast enough?

Slate surprises her with his declaration, mostly because it contradicts her mental split, but thinking about it properly she decides she's not surprised at all. He barely has loyalty to SkyClan - or at least acts as if he doesn't - but protecting another Clan's apprentice just wouldn't sit right with him, would it? Orangeblossom's chest jolts with a near-silent scoff.

Rather than dignify his decision with a reply, her eyes slide sideways once more, to a now-familiar black-and-white pelt hovering nearby their latest injured companion. Orangeblossom inclines her head slightly to the ShadowClanner. "I suggest Magpiepaw and the cats with major injuries stay here too. It risks injury to the lungwort-carrying cats, yes ... but I believe it's our best chance to save more lives here."
​

 

[Periwinklebreeze.]

I'M NO BURDEN - NOT SO WORTHLESS
BENT SO MUCH THAT I JUST MIGHT BREAK ​

---

periwinklebreeze ❀ 15 moons ❀ demi-boy ❀ he/they ❀ windclan moor runner​

---

" I ag-gree - " the boy speaks up, startling even himself by doing so, blue eye wide as he flinches back. Even now, his ink-dipped limbs tremble and shake, heat and pain seeping through his neck and face. " - with orangeb-blossom. I... I'm w-willing to st-stay behind, if o-only to n-not s-slow everyone else d-down, " Honestly, he's to scared to look towards scorchstreak - would he find understanding in yellow eyes, or condemnation for being a coward yet again? It does not matter - he's tired and hurting. He'll return - just... not now, not yet. He'd promised to come home - he'd never said he'd do so at their pace. Later. Head turns way in shame - attention focused elsewhere even as ears listen to whatever is spoken next.

━ actions & " speech, " & 'thoughts/quotes' ━

---

T H E ━ Q U E S T I O N S ━ T H A T ━ K E E P ━ M E ━ A W A K E

---

 

[nightbird]

it seemed as though thunderclan had done something to draw starclan's ire, little wolf was dead, stormpaw gravely injured. it was unfortunate, unlucky. and now, the whole journey threated to take a screeching halt. stormpaw couldn't walk, would have to be carried the whole way home, but they could not wait. cats were dying everywhere from yellowcough, counting on heroes to head to the mountains and seek out the coveted cure. her own apprentice amongst them, duskpaw showed great promise and nightbird would be damned if it was snatched from him by this plague.

there was no doubt that many thunderclanners would stay behind for their friend, stormpaw would be in safe paws regardless of her presence. flamewhisker would watch over the ones that did, but nightbird had no choice but to return to thunderclan at once. she nods along with scorchstreak and orangeblossom, sending a quick glance to flamewhisker.

"i'm continuing. we'll get patrols sent to highstones until you all return." there was no doubt in her mind that flycatcher or howlingstar would demand it either way.

---

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎┌── ooc ⋆⋅☾⋅⋆ info ──┐‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

• 
  
  
  

• 

• NIGHTBIRD ✩ she/her, lead warrior of thunderclan, twenty-six moons
  ⭃ nightbird is a small black smoke molly with pale silver eyes. a loner turned thunderclanner, her loyalty and drive to provide for her clan is unwavering. however, she is not known for harboring a bleeding heart, instead equipped with sarcastically fueled wit, brutal honesty, and a sharply edged tongue.
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking ↛ see battle info here
  ⭃ penned by vayle ↛ @vayl3 on discord, feel free to dm for plots.
  

​

 

[GREENEYES]

His neck burns with hardly-healed wounds, a pain heavier than what he’s ever felt before. Still, it is nothing in comparison to the state Stormpaw had been found in, and while Greeneyes’ own injuries will heal into something more likely to move on from, Stormpaw’s own wounds seem less likely to leave the ThunderClan apprentice’s form.

Cobweb-clad, his ears twitch at Flamewhisker’s call for attention, a call for a decision as they face another obstacle. Another delay - of course, they can’t leave Stormpaw behind. She’d traveled alongside them, had made it this far already - leaving Flamewhisker to carry her home while the rest of them moved ahead, it didn’t sound right.

“What?” he starts, thinking others would share his same line of thinking. “Of course we’ll stay back. Why wouldn’t — ”

His words trail off as Scorchstreak speaks up. As others follow, each supporting the bone chilling idea of splitting up. His stomach twists at the thought of separating - something they’d only done in accident, in times of panic-forged chaos. Something that had left them injured under rubble, left Periwinklebreeze - who speaks up to agree, to offer to stay back - wrapped in cobwebs, left Stormpaw in need of carrying. The idea of splitting up now, of leaving faces he’s grown close to behind - or to move ahead of him - is daunting, is dangerous.

His heart pounds, chest tightening at Orangeblossom’s suggestion, one of leaving Magpiepaw behind with those injured, with those who offer aid in carrying Stormpaw, while others march onward with the lungwort. He’s not one to speak against his deputy, but —

“What… What happens then?” he blurts out, eyes rounded as he shifts his gaze to focus on Orangeblossom, “What happens if something goes wrong? No one will be there to heal the lungwort group, and then what? The second group… They can’t afford to go back to the mountains, if something happens —” Didn’t anyone else see how horribly this could go wrong?

“We should stick together,” he asserts, “It’s... It's safer that way - for us and the clans.”

✦ ABOUT

• 
  

  
  
  GREENKIT ‣ GREENPAW ‣ GREENEYES, Warrior of SkyClan
  — Daisyflight x Raven Ramble
  — AMAB; He/Him
  — A red tabby and white tom with bright green eyes.
  — Mentored by Sheepcurl; Currently mentoring Falconpaw
  — "Speech"; Attack
  
  ✦･ﾟ: * — Among SkyClan's first born, Greeneyes is a bright tom with an affinity for the world around him. Despite always seeking to be kind to others, the warrior believes he's cursed - a belief brought on by rhetoric that green is a deadly color.

​

 

[FIGFEATHER]

Figfeather looks to her brother, she is sympathetic to his point of view, she really is… But how could he think that delaying their journey would be the best for all of the clans. ”It’s safer Greeneyes, but sometimes safest isn’t the right choice… That’s a lesson we all have learned.” Journeying into the mountains had not been the safest choice, scaling rocks had not been the safest choice, none of this at all had been safe.

”How many cats will die that could’ve been saved if we slow down now?” It wasn’t a risk Figfeather was willing to take, ”Slowing down will for certain cause casualties. Splitting up may not. It’s our best option.”

Besides… they were so close. They were merely a day or two from familiar territory, the trek will be a breeze for those who carry lungwort. ”I’ll go where I’m needed most.” She voices, indifferent as to if she carried lungwort or stayed to aid Stormpaw.​

♡ INFO BATTLE

• 
  » Figfeather
  » SkyClan Warrior
  » She/her . AMAB
  » A red tabby she-cat with a mangled leg.
  » ”Speech”․ thoughts ․ attack
  
• 
  » A foe in battle whose ability to strategize can shift tides.
  » Excels in strategizing and pre-planning her battles.
  » Fights defensively and aid her clan to victory.
  » May powerplay minor harm. Can powerplay healing

​

​

 

[GENTLESTORM]

✦ Hailstorm feels a tightness in his chest when he sees the way that the dogs had left Stormpaw and he frowns, he's goad that she had lived but... Would she ever walk again? His eyes widen at the thought of splitting up and wants to protest at such an idea though it seems that a few made up their mind of leaving, Nightbird, being one of them and he pauses to think what he'd do. Would stay behind and ensure that Stormpaw would get home or that the lungwort would be delivered as swift as possible to Thunderclan? What would've Little Wolf done? His gaze turns to Flamewhisker and softens knowing what his late mate would do in such circumstances, Flamewhisker was his friend, and if he had kits of his own he'd understand that he wouldn't want to leave them behind. So long as his swiftest clanmates made it back with the cure then their clanmates would not risk succumbing to yellowcough.

"I'll stay and help you with Stormpaw, Flamewhisker." He says finally with a nod of his head and a reassuring smile. Although, he hopes that more cats decide to stay with them since it would be risky with only a few left. His eyes search for Batwing wondering if his best friend would stay or leave with the other group, if he does end up departing... He wanted to have some last words with him before he possibly left.

* ˚✦ YOU FOUND ME HERE; UNDERGROUND

• 
  ✦ 48 moons old
  ✦ thunderclan warrior
  ✦ bisexual demiromantic; mates with little wolf
  ✦ "speech", thoughts, attacking
  ✦ semi-difficult in combat; relies on strength and his burly build
  ✦ peaceful powerplay allowed
  ✦ penned by bosstaurus

​

 

[iciclefang]

◇────────────【☆】★【☆】────────────◇​

XXXXXParalyzed. The cold realization that those horrible shrieks had been coming from Stormpaw had seared her to the bone. Now their party is faced with an impossible choice—delay getting the lungwort to their Clanmates in need, or risk leaving cats behind. The tortoiseshell warrior sits, stoic, listening to the cats advocate for one choice or the other. Scorchstreak is the first to speak—and she tells Flamewhisker she must return home. Orangeblossom advocates for the group to split in two, which causes the RiverClanner to pause and regard her warily. The fastest should go, the strongest should stay, and Iciclefang shakes her head, throwing first Greeneyes and then Stormywing, if she can find her tabby pelt in the crowd, a sympathetic and apologetic glance.

XXXXX“RiverClan needs this lungwort. All our Clans do, and moreso with each passing day. Figfeather is right,” she says, sighing. She tries to catch her fellow RiverClan warriors’ eyes—Hazecloud’s, Lakemoon’s, Dovethroat’s—what would they say? Would they agree with her, or find her callous? She purses her lips, thoughtful. “Perhaps some cats should remain with Stormpaw and ensure she gets home safely, but I cannot be one of them. I have cats depending on me to return safely with this lungwort.” Steepsnout, Mudpelt… she thinks of those lost already, of Frogpaw and Flutterpaw cold in their graves, and her jaw sets with determination. Whatever her peers decide, Iciclefang has made up her mind.

─────────​

​

 

[hazecloud]

Hazecloud was convinced she would never still the trembling in her legs or calm the pounding heart in her chest. Growling snarls and guttural barking still echoed, she could still feel hot breath at her heels while she pleaded and prayed to their stars to keep her safe. To let her come home.

Her side still ached from the tumble she had taken, but she breathed through it and tried not to move too quickly. Careful, steady movements carried her between the nests that were thrown together, listening to Flamewhisker's request. Hazecloud glanced around, for a moment selfishly thinking Isn't that what your Clan is here for? She doesn't immediately strike away the thought. They were so close, she couldn't wait another day. She couldn't wait a single sunrise more to get the cure in the maws of their Clanmates. Too many are dying for this. She doubted the ThunderClan cats would be able to convince Howlingstar to provide an equal repayment for ensuring their apprentice made it home, certainly not the return of Sunningrocks.

Hazecloud met Iciclefang's stare with a single nod before pointedly turning to the rest of their group. Dovethroat, Lakemoon, Moospaw and Fernpaw. "RiverClan will all be moving forward. No one is staying behind." Her voice is steady, firm just as when she had volunteered to leave. This was a decision that would be hard to shake from her, and she watched, ready to stand her ground for her decision. ​

 

[STORMYWING]

☁︎

Stormywing sits near her kin's nest, misery painted across her face. She looks down at her with deep concern, eyes trailing over her limp legs. Just days prior, the two had hunted together, trouncing through the woods without a care in the world. They'd talked about Stormpaw's warrior name, how she'd probably receive it upon returning home a hero and what it might be. Now she can't even walk. Ever since the incident, the warrior has stayed close to her younger cousin, always available to help whenever possible.

Flamewhisker's voice calls everyone closer and draws the blue and white she-cat's eyes as well. As she talks, Stormywing finds herself nodding, immediately agreeing with Greeneyes. Of course they'd all help. This group of cats has become closer than ever, almost like a clan themselves. They'd never leave anyone behind!

But a few warriors speak up, already talking about splitting. Her face drops, jaw agape in shock. "What?" She couldn't believe this! They couldn't split after all they'd been through! "Greeneyes is right!" She stands up, brow creased with clear worry now. "We have to stick together! And we'll be faster with everyone helping." She scans the group with pleading eyes. Don't leave us behind! Her eyes fall on Iciclefang as she makes her decision, and she meets her apologetic gaze with a shocked look of her own. She shakes her head softly in desperation, softly mewing, "No..."

Her chest rises and falls with panic. They can't split. Hazecloud speaks up, saying all RiverClanners will go and her desperation causes her to snap in her direction. "They can make their own decisions, you're no lead warrior! Fernpaw?" She seeks out his red pelt next, eyes round with pleading.

// interacting with @iciclefang @hazecloud @FERNPAW

I WANNA TASTE LOVE AND PAIN ☁︎​

​

​

​

​

 

[dovethroat.]

It is the second defeat ThunderClan has endured. Loyalties tell him that he should not care, at the very least. This did not impact him, this did not impact his home. If anything, he should be annoyed—like so many others seem to tacitly be—that this may prolong the disaster that has been facing those back at camp.

The wounds that sting the back of his belt, just around where his tail begins, are a harsh reminder of the pain he endured from the dogs; and further, what much worse had been dealt to others. The horror of it is much more real to Dovethroat, as he had spoken to Stormpaw only a few nights prior. The connection makes it seem so close, like a hot breath running down his back. Stormpaw had been a bit prickly, and certainly sarcastic and uninterested in politeness—but she had been nice, ultimately someone who, even for a passing moment, there had been something of a connection with. She was alive, and she was a living, breathing soul. Treating her as a burden makes his heart hurt.

"Wh—why?" Dovethroat is about to volunteer when his attention is turned to the steely voice of Hazecloud. "Wh-Why? I—I want t-to stay. It's—someone should b-be helping her. I can carry her, e-easy." He insists. His back stings.

[⋆]​

​

 

[Magpiepaw]

—————————————————————⊰♰⊱————————————————————
"Please do not speak for me..." Magpiepaw says quietly, but firmly, perched next to Stormpaw with one paw on her back and the other tucked up to his chest - he has been debating his decisions since realizing walking was no longer an option for her but to have someone try and dictate what he did neither changed what he'd decided nor was welcome. He was sure Orangeblossom was simply acting on her own mental authority and meant nothing by it, but ranking meant nothing out here. "I do intend to stay with Stormpaw and Flamewhisker though, I move slowly and we should be near enough home that my presence is no longer required..." If one of them tripped on the way to Highstones they were near enough that another clan's medicine cat could aid them. Hailstorm volunteers to remain and he finds himself smiling faintly at the larger tom once again, always dependable and surely he felt some sense of regret still at Little Wolf's death; while he wanted to tell him that it did not mean he needed to shoulder all of the clan's woes - he held his tongue. That could be a talk for later, right now they were all beginning to argue and speak up and it was the gray cat with the wounded face he'd treated not long ago who was the most adamant on being pushy.

"...we are not in a clan here. Make your decisions for yourself and not because of expectations." A sympathetic nod is given to Iciclefang who he knew had sick family, but to Dovethroat who wished to stay behind then why should he not decide so on his own merit. He only shifted his gaze from the tom to Hazecloud with narrowed eyes, "...our hearts decide for us out here, not anyone else. Not authority, not the clans, not another cat. Only you. The lungwort should get to the clans as quickly as possible...we only need a few cats to carry Stormpaw. A few more to help guide and guard."
The black and white apprentice stands with a light wobble, "...choose for yourself where you will go and be decisive. We do not have the luxury of time." For once he spoke with certainty, sure of himself. It was the first time he'd felt so adamant on a topic without guidance, without his mentor or StarClan pushing him in that direction.

————— ⸸ looks like the stars won't shine much longer ———— ⸸ so give me your hand

• OOC can go here.
• 
  
  
  Magpiepaw
  —⊰⋅ MCA of ShadowClan
  —⊰⋅ He/They
  "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  —⊰⋅ Black tom w/a white throat and blue-violet eyes.
  —⊰⋅ penned by Rai
  

​

 

[FIGFEATHER]

Despite being several moons younger than her, she finds Magpiepaw speaks with wisdom. A strange realization rushes over her, suddenly she wonders if she had needed this… ‘advice’ when starting the journey. Acting without orders and speaking without keeping authority in mind was foreign to Figfeather. The whole journey she had tailed behind Orangeblossom’s word, Slate’s too even if she couldn’t stand some of the bird-brained takes he had.

Even in this realization she still looks to Orangeblossom as if questioning ‘do I really have the choice here?’. Autonomy in these situations and going where she wanted and was not ordered was something unthought of. Not even dreamed of.

’Do not be decisive.’ And so, she will not be.

”My heart… my heart says I need to go home.” She announces in finalization to the group. She pains for Stormpaw, but she knows there will be cats who stay behind for her. Her gaze turns to her brother, like Magpiepaw says, this is a choice he must make alone. Still, she asks ”Will you be coming with me?”​

♡ INFO BATTLE

• >> @GREENEYES
• 
  » Figfeather
  » SkyClan Warrior
  » She/her . AMAB
  » A red tabby she-cat with a mangled leg.
  » ”Speech”․ thoughts ․ attack
  
• 
  » A foe in battle whose ability to strategize can shift tides.
  » Excels in strategizing and pre-planning her battles.
  » Fights defensively and aid her clan to victory.
  » May powerplay minor harm. Can powerplay healing

​

​

 

[DUSKPOOL]

anger makes you stupid . stupid gets you killed .
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

He decided before Flamewhisker finished, standing amongst the others with stinging wounds and ripped fur—a miracle given some of their wounds when facing beasts greater than any feral cat. Breathing through his nose, throat stinging from the stretch, Duskpool offered Flamewhisker a nod. “I’ll stay with ya. I ain’t the fastest and with a busted shoulder, I’d only be slowin’ the rest of ya down. The clans can’t afford the wait. Best we split up and meet on the other side.” He rumbled.

He didn’t want to stay away longer than he wanted, but Duskpool had a bleedin’ heart and he knew damn well what it was like to almost lose yer kid. Hell. He lost one of ‘em and the mangled brute broke apart at the seams more than when his younger brothers bit the dust. “I ain’t at my strongest, but I’ve got some experience fightin’ dogs. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” If death was his only fate, then so be it, but he’d fight like hell to get back. Even if he wasn’t the fastest—thanks to WindClan for drawin’ most of the beasts’ attention. Duskpool had enough in him to go toe-to-toe with one of ‘em.

“We’ll be in our own clans soon enough. Better say yer goodbyes now.” He glanced at those stayin’ while he said this. He knew some of ‘em formed a good enough bond, unlike Duskpool who kept his distance with the lot of ‘em but all as a self-precaution. He didn’t want anyone grievin’ when he kicked the bucket. ​

​

thought speech​

 

[Mouseflight]

The dogs were not something Mouseflight wanted to deal with again. They were common enough in WindClan's territory, but never like this. Never like how many there had been today, and never with so many cats not fit to work with them before. When Flamewhisker spoke up calling to attention what had happened, his ears flattened to his head. He was glad - as many others here were surely - that Stormpaw was not dead, but the mere idea of staying behind to help another walk home - another who was not of the same clan - caused his fur to itch. Quietly Mouseflight sat as he listened to the words those around him spoke, waiting for his own turn to speak before shaking his head slightly. "I think there's enough volunteers to stay behind and enough to head back." He'd speak, noting those who had opted to stay with the ThunderClanners before nodding his head towards Hazecloud for just a moment, eyes looking to Magpiepaw in a quick glance before he looked around again.

They may not have been one clan here, but loyalties shouldn't be forgotten just because they had been away from home for so long - not with their journey almost done and home so close now. Loyalties could be forgotten for now, but what happened if they forgot their loyalties when they properly got home? Mouseflight wouldn't let that happen, not to him. It didn't matter if he enjoyed other's company now for there was a chance of seeing them in battle in the future and it was life or death if one ignored that loyalty on the battlefield. "I'll be heading home." he'd state as a glance was cast towards Scorchstreak. He'd rather not risk multiples dying for the sentiment of one.

⋆｡°✩ threw my voice into the dark

•  
• 
  ⋆ mousekit - mousepaw - mouseflight
  ⋆ ftm - he/him - 12 moons
  ⋆ bisexual - open to relationship
  ⋆ tunneler of windclan
  ⋆ attack - speech - thought
  ⋆ penned by tikki

​

​

 

[FERNGILL]

The reality of Stormpaw's situation was settling uncomfortable within Fernpaw- a journey they had to complete, and she couldn't even walk. Having half his sight taken from him had been detrimental enough- he couldn't imagine the effect this would have on the Thunderclanner. Dutifully, he cast eyes toward Flamewhisker as she spoke, heeding the words of a lead warrior- even if she wasn't his lead warrior. Through all of it, he tried not to let pity seep into his expression. He knew how damaging that could be to the one at the receiving end of it, but still- still, he couldn't help but feel it.

His molars ached as he tightened his jaw, a brief but pressurising pain. There was a choice to be made, and they were hurtling right toward it- to split off. To bring the lungwort as quickly as they could, while ensuring Stormpaw would make it home. And she would- Fernpaw had that faith, and when he looked to Iciclefang she spoke her intent clearly. Figfeather- smart as ever- spoke well. Splitting up was the best option, even if it hurt to do. Because he knew- he knew what his choice would be.

Fernpaw parted his lips to speak when, unexpectedly, eyes of pleading yellow cast to him. Never could he have thought a look from this cat would strike him quite so deeply, and squirm beneath his muscles like a snake in death throes. "Stormywing..." he said, and swallowed hard. His voice was swollen with regret. "My dad, my- my sister... they need this. Everyone sick needs this lungwort as fast as we can get it to them." Finality marched through his tone, despite its quavering. He wouldn't be swayed, even though it was painful to steady himself so. "I won't be any help lifting, anyway. I'm not strong enough." And you should know that. He was fast enough, though.

Any other way, he'd be a burden.

Dovethroat's stammered steadfastness earned an accepting glance from Fernpaw, before he turned his eye to Hazecloud. She was a warrior- his superior, really, but so was Dovethroat. "If Dovethroat wants to help, he should." And no longer was he deluding himself- home loomed closer by the moment, and every second they argued they were wasting time. "We will make it home, all of us. Even if it's not together." ​

✦ penned by pin ✦​

 

[DOEBLAZE]

the journey has assailed bobbie's heart with such frequency and ferocity one would think it scarred over by now. not so; tragedy has done little thus far to poison her soft heart with bitterness. now is no exception as the cats assemble an informal meeting around flamewhisker. the pale tabby's eyes gleam with sorrow and her cream-splashed paws shake imperceptibly. it's largely invisible to those around her, how this new tragedy has affected her, but she can feel the tremble in her own paws. it bleeds into the earth below, rooting her to the ground floored in unfamiliar grasses.

as flamewhisker speaks, sage-leaf eyes drift to the patched apprentice where she rests in her temporary nest. they darken, sorrow shining silver as newly turned leaves in their depths. such a young cat.... stormpaw has been reduced to the mobility level one might expect of the oldest of elders, those with moons of memories to rest on. instead, she hasn't even attained her warrior name yet, but one run-in with the dogs had put paid to all that might have been.

the question flamewhisker poses asks a lot, and voices erupt around bobbie like bursting stars, smoldering towards an inevitable death. she shudders. don't think about that. scorchstreak is quick to make her decision with blazing eyes and decisive words. slate follows, unsurprisingly, and orangeblossom pitches in with a cleanly cut logic. the deputy lays out a neat plan, directing cats, and bobbie nods—suddenly it's easier than ever to see why blazestar had chosen her as his right-paw and successor.

periwinklebreeze, bloodied and and stammering, offers to stay behind. nightbird, the thunderclan lead warrior with the silver-star eyes, chooses to continue onwards. greeneyes lobbies for them all to remain together, a lone dissenter, and figfeather offers herself to go either way. hailstorm—green eyes soften, remembering how he, too, had lost on this journey—decides to stay, while iciclefang decides to go ahead with the same cool logic she seems to treat everything with. cat after cat makes decisions and assertions—hazecloud, stormywing, dovethroat, magpiepaw, duskpool, mouseflight, and fernpaw.

"i think...." bobbie listens, takes it all in, and finally offers her own opinion with hesitance evident in her wavering voice. splitting up is not ideal, but what choice do they have? cats back home might live or die at the price of a few sunrises. and yet—stormpaw is a cat too, a breathing soul still, and to leave her and flamewhisker behind would be beyond cruel. a sympathetic glance flicks towards the ginger tabby; a few mothers journey here, three with children whose lives hang in the balance like stormpaw's, like cherrypaw's. she's lucky, lucky her children had remained home, but—what if it was lupinepaw before her, legs numbed, unable to be helped? would she want flamewhisker or orangeblossom to turn callously away in the name of the many?

"i think we should split up, yes." she nods, shuffling her paws. one rounded ear twitches with a coppery flash of clips and she adds, "but i would like to stay behind with stormpaw and the others. i'm not the strongest, but i can help guide and hunt and guard stormpaw and those who carry her." bobbie blinks, choosing to turn a blind eye to scorchstreak's words, and adds, "i think—i would hope any mother would do the same."

her heart twists for a moment, thinking of smoky-furred apprentices and a great golden shape torn away from her for a few more days.

only the sun has come this close ✿ ( only the sun )

• 

• 

  bobbie ; warrior of skyclan
  x. she/her ; 42 moons ; tags
  x. small, scarred lilac tabby and white she-cat with green eyes
  x. played by dejavu
  bobbie is a kittypet-born skyclan warrior who would die for her clan regardless of whose blood runs through her veins. perpetually self-assessing, she often finds herself short of who she wants to be. skyclan gossip, if it's to be believed, hints at something more than friendship between her and blazestar.

​

 

[STORMFEATHER]

tw// darker thoughts than usual, feelings of helplessness

It still feels unreal—like she will wake up from a bad dream. Stormpaw wishes every time she closes her eyes that she will find herself fully functioning and healthy. She does not realize what she had until she lost it and she struggles to hide her tears from the other cats when she catches them look her way. She can mimic what she thinks they are thinking in her own mind—she is a burden. It would have been better if she had died completely, Stormpaw thinks darkly with a pang in her heart. Then at least, there would be no question, and cats lives back in the territories would not be on the line. Every day they spend tending to her is another day that is ticked off a sick cat's life. Stormpaw does not want to be responsible for it.

She could be brave and insist on staying back and dying here. In her heart, she thinks this is the most honorable a warrior could do. To lay down one's life for another is exactly what Little Wolf had done—but Stormpaw only wished it had not been under those circumstances.

Despite her personal conviction that there are greater things than her, Stormpaw cannot help but feel what she believes is unadulterated selfishness—the desire to live and survive under these conditions at the expense of others. She immediately sees herself as a burden as her mother calls the cats in for a meeting and Stormpaw cannot bear to look at any one of them as they discuss, feeling her pelt burn with mismatched emotions. She focuses instead on Magpiepaw's paw against her back.

I know what's right. She thinks as the other cats begin to make their decisions. They have to bring the lungwort back. She knows that this is the most important thing. Despite the time spent together, there are kin closer to any of those cats than she is to them. She can't expect it. It's not personal.

So why does she feel a thorn pierce her heart at every decision a cat makes to go on ahead? Stormpaw almost wishes she was not here to witness every cat decline to help. Couldn't they have waited until she was asleep? Hazecloud is especially harsh, which makes Dovethroat's offer even sweeter.

"I'm sorry." She says, finally.

☾₊ ⊹ sing for the laughter, sing for the tear

•  
• STORMPAW of THUNDERCLAN — LH FEMALE TORBIE WITH HIGH WHITE (CARRYING DILUTE) a small and slight creature with patches of black tabby and red tabby fur and bright blue eyes. her facial features are round, obscured by a heavy feathering of fur around her cheeks. smells of oak wood and basil, her voice has a rough, raspy edge to it that sometimes peaks into higher pitches, and her gait is described as firm and solid.
  
  — born to flycatcher and flamewhisker and raised alongside her brother falconpaw, stormpaw was always hyper-aware of an expectation of excellence hanging over her. she fails to excel at hunting, the skill her parents are most known for, and struggles with a severe identity crisis revolving around her obsession with thunderclan as the savior of the clans. she finds herself lost without meaning when she tries to detach herself from thunderclan as a whole, and uses a religious fervor in starclan to distract herself from her mental crisis.

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