CHEETAH [ rumour roundup ]

[SNAILSTRIDE]

Campbound for a few days to heal from their raid wounds, Snailpaw had taken the time to observe their clanmates more acutely than usual. They'd come to the conclusion that, although they were somewhat unpopular with the clan for a multitude of reasons, they loathed each other just as much. Comments were passive-aggressive, the truth shrouded by preconceived ideas that someone was rude for taking the last piece of prey off the pile or giving someone a 'funny' look. The tabby had always been a gossiper, information tended to flow freely from their mouth whether it was appropriate or not, but with their own well-being at risk, they'd begun to wonder how beneficial it would be to remind the others that their actions and attitudes were not quite as solitary as they seemed. Uneven ears had gathered as much information as they could from the tongue sharing, and when daylight pierced the camp for the first time, the grazed apprentice scampered to a bustling corner of the camp. They took a deep breath, finding, for the first time in a while, a desire to be known. They could hold their head up high and say 'hi, I exist' - but a part of that gentle heart blackened, knowing that it was at the expense of others.

They stamped their foot once to the ground like a rabbit, hoping to grab the attention of those not already caught in conversation. "Good morning! And welcome to rumour roundup one! There are clouds in the sky and the birds aren't singing - rain soon, perhaps?" They cocked their head toward the crowd, a cheeky (albeit slightly terrified) smile creeping upon their muzzle. "We start the rumour roundup with a spot of jealousy. An apprentice, who will remain unnamed at this time, was recently discovered to be giving dirty looks to our clan's newest apprentices! But not just any apprentices, oh no, the apprentices parented by our very own leader and lead warrior! Perhaps this apprentice, who remains unnamed at this time, fears being upstaged, for in his three moons of apprenticeship, he has not once caught a single rabbit!" They mimicked a gasp, lifting a sore paw up to their mouth where they briefly hid the horror of not being more careful about such gossip. It was alright, they thought, they'd committed to anonymity, what accountability could they have if the accused took issue with the rumours around camp? They were the ones being weird, not Snailpaw!

"Second rumour, will it be the last? Let's find out! Two new warriors, who will remain unnamed at this time, no longer seem to have bad blood between each other! In fact, they seem to be getting closer than anyone could've ever imagined! Apart from me of course, I knew all along~" They giggled, the giddy noise aimed more for their friend rather than the second half of that duo. "Could there be drama in the future, we all wonder? For it was well-known that an apprentice confessed to crushing on one unnamed new warrior but a few sunrises ago!" Perhaps that took the allure out of the namelessness. They averted their eyes from the stares of those who'd begun to click about at least one of the parties. For a moment, the adult apprentice grew quiet, waiting to see and hear more of the reactions from those interested in what they were saying.

[ rumours are about @SNAKEPAW , @icebreath && @Firefang !! ]
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[REDTAIL]

"My, my. Tell me more, Snailpaw." Redtail drawls, reclining lazily a few fox-lengths away from the apprentice and watching their announcements with intense interest written across her face. Cinnamon tail flicks, swatting a rare fly away from her flank (hmm ... that's early in the season) and she flexes her claws into the well-trodden soil as she waits and tries to put the pieces together. An apprentice sending Sootstar's children filthy looks ... well, that could be any of their less friendly protegés. The two new warriors, however, just about had to be Icebreath and Firefang. They'd been at each other's throats for moons, and suddenly were less so ... but Snailpaw, smug as they are in a rare show of knowing, claims to have known that would happen all along. How curious. As for the confession ... she hasn't the foggiest idea. Redtail is aware that she's been in her own head about her own feelings, but she certainly falls under neither the banners of new warrior or apprentice.​

 

[icebreath]

TAGS — Icebreath is grooming on the outskirts of the camp when she hears Snailpaw's voice rise above the clan's conversational murmuring. Rumor roundup? There's disapproving skepticism in their gaze as they lift their head to look at him with a furrowed brow; what a weird, unbecoming show to put on, gossiping so openly like that! She goes back to her own activity, swiping her tongue over a forepaw and dragging it over one of her large ears, though the other remains curiously swiveled in the apprentice's direction despite herself. If they say anything out of line, she'll be here to catch it and report to the higher ups. That's how she rationalizes it.

Is he talking about Snakepaw? She wonders fairly confidently. The tom's a mouthy little brat, and she easily remembers how scandalized she'd felt when he'd had the nerve to call Adderpaw — a kit at the time — a pest. Sure, she gets that not everyone's into kits; they can be a lot, certainly. But to say such things about their leader's child, moorland royalty? It rubbed her entirely the wrong way and she's kept it bookmarked in her memories ever since. It's not necessarily a sign of disloyalty, but... well, she's keeping an eye on him, anyway, because better safe than sorry. Definitely a good idea to try nipping these things in the bud so nothing can fester and spread again, like with Dandelionwish and his band of traitors.

She exhales a sharp huff through her nostrils when the comment is made about the mystery apprentice's hunting skills — or lack thereof. Snailpaw's certainly one to talk, considering how long they've been held back from warriorhood for.

By this point she's more invested than she'd like to admit... for better or worse. She feels a twinge of surprise at the mention of two new warriors — there's a small pool to pick from, a realization that's accompanied by some unease. And then a mixture of shock and horror as Snailpaw swiftly proceeds, giving her no time to even consider the dynamics between herself, Firefang, Strawmoon, Smokestep, and Gravelsnap. Not that she really needs to, to put this together. "I knew all along." The cheekiness is all too familiar; she's taken back to when Firefang first asked her to stargaze when they were apprentices and Snailpaw had gotten such a kick out of teasing the dark-furred molly for having a 'crush.' Oh, stars! Are other cats thinking and talking about them? What if Firefang catches wind of this and goes back to picking on Icebreath all the time out of embarrassment? To make sure no one thinks this way about the pair again?

The tunneler abruptly stands up and takes a step toward the throng, but then stops herself and awkwardly stands with one foreleg extended as she stares at the ground through round eyes. What if Snailpaw isn't talking about them? But she'd know if something was going on between Smokestep and any of the others (right?), and she can't recall the last time Gravelsnap and Strawmoon have even hung out. Literally who else could this be about? But acknowledging that makes it feel like Snailpaw's right, which they aren't. Nothing is going on between them; Firefang's just learned some respect. Then again, is Snailpaw really even implying that they're more than friends, or did Icebreath just jump to that conclusion on her own? What if she's freaking out over nothing and that just gives him more ammo? But also, even if no one else here has the context of his prior stargazing-related teasing, she does and there's no way that's not at least on the back of his mind. Or the forefront. Probably the forefront.

Finally she makes her way over with a look of alarm, trying not to make eye contact with anyone other than the fluffy gray tabby she approaches. "Snailpaw-" she starts, and her voice comes out a little jerky. "I really don't think you should be gossiping like this."
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[GRAVELSNAP]

It’s no secret that the black and white warrior is a gossip, and enjoys listening to gossip all the same. They’re drawn by the mention of a jealous apprentice—they aren’t sure what apprentice Snailpaw is talking about, because they avoid Sootstar’s litter at all costs. The second rumor, though, is much more intriguing. "No, let him speak," they protest when Icebreath attempts to put an end to Snailpaw’s rumor roundup. Gravelsnap is interested, especially in the way that Icebreath reacts so quickly to Snailpaw’s rumors. The tunneler’s blue eyes are wide, and Gravelsnap trails behind the older warrior as she approaches Snailpaw.

They’re fairly certain that the second rumor is about Icebreath and Firefang. They also suspect that the tunneler is aware it’s about them. But saying as much would be to confirm it, so they roll their eyes instead. If they pretend they have no idea, maybe no one else will look too closely into it. "What’s wrong, worried he’s going to gossip about you next?" Their words are light, teasing—but they know they would be enraged if they were the subject of any of the apprentice’s rumors.

They settle awkwardly onto their haunches, keeping their injured paw hovering above the ground. Their eel-black tail flicks against the dirt in trailing patterns, an attempt to look casually bored. "Those ones are boring, anyway. Tell us an interesting one."
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[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

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[Periwinklebreeze.]

STEADY THE RIGHTS AND THE WRONGS
periwinklepaw | 08 months | demi-boy | he/they | physically easy (pacifist) | mentally easy | attack in bold #ccccff

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There is not much to do when confined within the camp for a week. The boredom that has been building up, as well as the hunger caused by his own simple stubbornness - well, it grows harder to ignore each passing day. And so when snailpaw makes a big deal over drawing a crowd, Periwinklepaw goes and joins He is not one much for gossip - the closest he's come a few petty remarks about firefangs snoring and not much more. But as he comes to sit beside Gravelsnap with an easygoing smile, he cant help but listen anyways, ears perked up in interest. "y-yeah, what else h-have you s-seen?" he questions curiously. It must be nice to be kept up to date on clan affairs.
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[SNAILSTRIDE]

They'd gotten interest in their little scheme. Snailpaw's ashen ears flicked forwards momentarily, a quiet, 'yes!' piercing their steady thoughts as they listened to Redtail egg them to continue. A glance was offered to Icebreath as she approached, providing the polar opposite reaction to the rest of them that left them silent. His blinks grow sorrowful, but before they had the chance to offer some words, Gravelsnap interrupted, ripping the tabby's attention away from his old friend. It was what they wanted, wasn't it? Gather all the rumours their nicked ears could comprehend and spill them out to the clan, let them know that they hated each other far more than they hated him. Sacrifices had to be made for that, but it didn't stop the gnawing put in his stomach when he recognised quite how frightful Icebreath was of the consequences. They cleared their throat and continued.

"Another apprentice, who shall not be named at this time, had been seen cuddling up to the apprentice of one of our beloved lead warriors a lot more recently. Young love, perhaps? Maybe they seek to gain something by being so close? Or maybe they're just friends! That, my friends, is up for you to decide!" They beamed, the tips of their sharp teeth appearing. Snailpaw looked towards Periwinkle, their eyes briefly flashing in recognition. It was there where their fleeting focus lingers until they recall Gravelsnap's former words, spouting nonsense about 'boring' rumours - hah! As if rumours could ever be boring! The old apprentice leaned towards the newest warrior as if eyeing a fat rabbit on the kill pile, a promise of gossip so juicy that even the disinterested enby would have to pay attention. This was where the danger truly lay, not in upsetting friends or spilling the beans on which cat fancied who, but by admitting the secrets of an animal who could turn them into pulp if they wanted to. But, Gravelsnap had practically dared them to continue and again, was it truly their fault if their clanmates weren't hiding their tracks well enough?

They take a deep breath. "A council member of a particular skillset, who shall not be named at this time, has been frequently seen leaving WindClan's camp! Perhaps it is not an uncommon thing for this particular council member to sneak out, for he was known to do it throughout his entire apprenticeship! I ask though, what purpose does that serve? Is he simply finding herbs for a council member that may or may not be himself, or is he trying to find something else?" Accusation flooded the marbled tabby's tone, their expression remaining unchanged from that coyishly mischievous one they wore like a badge of honour. They truly had no clue what Vulturemask's intentions were, it was not their place to seek them nor to really care. Should their clanmates take an interest in it though then that was a whole different story.

[ rumours are about @whitepaw && @VULTUREMASK !! ]



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[GRAVELSNAP]

The next rumor is said with a wicked grin, speaking of young love or potential friendship. His brows furrow as he wracks his brain for any connection between Snailpaw’s words and WindClan’s apprentices. A lead warrior’s apprentice? That only leaves Sunflowerpaw, Adderpaw, Sparkpaw… and Snailpaw themself. He narrows his eyes at the elder apprentice, his attention catching on the glance that Snailpaw had shot toward Periwinklepaw. What does that mean? Periwinklepaw hasn’t been cuddling up to anyone lately, have they?

Dazzlepaw, he thinks bitterly, feeling as though he’s just taken a bite of cotton. But neither Dazzlepaw nor Periwinklepaw are the apprentice of a lead warrior, are they—perhaps Gravelsnap is reading too much into a single glance? And on that note, Snailpaw wouldn’t spread a rumor about themself, would they? Is there some sort of young love budding between Sparkpaw and another apprentice? Surely no one would willingly get close to Adderpaw, the kit-shaped cactus that he is.

Luckily, the second rumor is as obvious as the healer’s own treachery. Vulturemask spells trouble for the clan, having been trained by Dandelionwish themself. And disappearing off into the territory with no word? That sounds like villainy to them. They wonder how long Vulturemask will be allowed to act as the clan’s medic before Sootstar receives a prophecy of his evil, too. Perhaps it is just in a healer’s path to be plagued by insanity.

They clear their throat, shift a bit uncomfortably beneath the weight of their own conclusions. "The last one is interesting, at least. No one cares about love, anyway." It’s a statement in direct opposition to their interest in whatever it is that Firefang and Icebreath have going on between them, but the rumor mill isn’t about such silly things as consistency.
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[ DEATH OF A DREAM ]​

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[RAMWIND !]

MAY I STAND UNSHAKEN AMIDST THE CRASH OF THE WORLD ✧​

"stop being a coward and use names. what's the point of gossip then?" the tom huffs, and besides, everyone could tell what they were about anyways. it was just useless to keep hiding their identities. his head shakes at it all, and really, ramwind should be above some loser gossip...but it's just so addicting. and so, despite how much he hates it, he finds himself hanging on snailpaw's words. the two apprentices are definitely not new. he's been dealing with ice and fire since his own apprenticehood, and he's sick of their pining. he doesn't need any more hesitant lovebirds to be frustrated over.

but yet...."that freak's always up to somethin'." trained under dandelionwish, a coward and traitor. and just how likely is it for vulturemask to follow their mentor's pawsteps? his...eccentric personality is on-par with mellowlark, and thank starclan that ramwind hadn't vaught hair nor scent of him recently. a side-long look is given to gravelsnap, finding himself agreeing with the other tom's words. it is surely interesting...but seriously, that medicine cat needs to be watched or something.​

 

[SUNFLOWERMASK]

.°☀ AND IF IT EVER STARTS TO FEEL BAD, LITTLE FANG

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Sunflowerpaw can't help but agree with Ramwind -- about his first statement, at least. They had merely been paying attention out of boredom at first, but the one about a lead warrior's apprentice catches their ear. They're a lead warrior's apprentice! No one's been cuddling up to them lately, right? Surely they'd notice. But it's enough to make them doubt for a second, squinting their eyes at Snailpaw.

Well, the only other lead's apprentice that they're familiar with is Adderpaw, and they only know him because Whitepaw's always hanging around him. They can't say they like him much themself, but they're glad the two are friends. Certainly not cuddly though. The idea of prickly Adderpaw letting anyone cuddle up to him is enough to draw a small huff of laughter from the injured apprentice.

The last rumor though -- well, they don't need a name for that one, the culprit has been waking them up constantly -- light sleeper that they are -- when he tries to sneak past them. It's also decidedly not exciting, no matter what Gravelsnap says. Vulturemask loves the nighttime, everyone knows that. They stick their tongue out petulantly at Ramwind. He's not up to something, and he's not a freak. He's their brother and they support him in his midnight adventures -- they just hope his don't turn out as disastrous as their own, they think, tucking their injured paw a bit closer to their chest.

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IT'S EASY TO EXPLAIN 'CAUSE THIS WORLD'S NOT TAME .°☀

⟪ OOC ⟫ ⟪ INFO ⟫ ⟪ REF ⟫

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• SUNFLOWERPAW named by their half-brother vulturemask after his friend and mentor.
  — they/them, 4 moons. semiverbal.
  — windclan apprentice, mentored by wolfsong.
  — reserved yet loyal, distrusts most.
  
  primary character, high activity. penned by saturnid.​
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