camp cut out my eyes ;; 8/8 meeting ;; and leave me blind

[HOPEPAW]

⊱⊰ Ivorykit and Coltkit could have died. Deathberries in their prey, delivered by an unknown figure… they could have died. Neither kit is a close friend of Hopekit’s, but he still finds it difficult to believe that anyone in ThunderClan would want to murder a kit. Is this what Batwing gave his life for? Is this what Leopardtongue would have wanted? No. His paws feel heavy as stones as he trudges from the nursery, not daring to leave the side of any of his littermates. What if it had been Coalkit, or Dovekit, who had been targeted? He feels sick to his stomach. He could have lost one of them—and he wouldn’t have been able to fix or change anything. But today… today, that all changes. He’ll be named an apprentice, and he’ll be given a powerful mentor like Raccoonstripe or Flamewhisker, and he’ll finally be able to defend himself and his clanmates like he should. Scruffy lilac fur has been tamed at long last by his mother’s gentle grooming, although the unruly spikes at the top of his head refuse to lie flat, and he accepts the touch of Burnstorm’s nose with a deep breath and a feeling of accomplishment.

The day has finally come, but somehow it is not a happy occasion. Burnstorm asks if they’re excited, and Hopekit nods once. "Yeah…" he responds softly to the dark-furred warrior’s question, his own voice entirely unenthusiastic. Coalkit sounds much the same—phoning it in, putting on a show without much effort. Excitement is a dull summer in comparison to the crushing weight of death, of a traitor in their midst. Of the mystery that hangs over them all. Howlingstar ascends the rock, and she looks down at them all like she’s searching for the culprit who’s murdered three clanmates and tried to take two more victims. Her gaze holds scrutiny, suspicion. Or maybe she appears normal, and Hopekit is merely projecting. She announces new warriors first, from Antlerbreeze to Braveheart, and a small smile crawls across his muzzle.

"Braveheart…" he murmurs under his breath, trying to grow accustomed to the feeling of his brother’s new name in his mouth. He’s lived up to his name and more, courage shining in clear blue eyes. How much is he like Batwing? Do their clanmates look at the chocolate spotting across his pelt and see Leopardtongue in the new warrior’s frame, in his actions? Do they see the selflessness, the sacrifice put in by a father that Hopekit and Coalkit have never met? Is Braveheart the closest they’ll ever get to meeting either of their parents? The lilac-furred kit tips his head back, copper eyes to the sky—Are you watching? Do you see him? Who is he kidding? Of course their parents are up there, smiles on their faces as their eldest son becomes a warrior.

Next, though, are apprentices. His name is called along with Coalkit’s, and he feels his littermate’s tail urging him on as they take the first steps into their apprenticeship together. A purr rumbles in his chest, and he bumps his shoulder lightly against the black smoke’s. His attention returns to the leader as she calls out pairings, and instead of a fierce warrior’s name, he is assigned to… Lovelight. What a soft name. He turns to find his new mentor, easily spotting lilac-toned fur amidst the rest of his clanmates, and with a final brush of his tail against Coalpaw, he approaches his mentor. His muzzle tilts in an unimpressed expression, but pride fills his chest. He presses his nose to Lovelight’s, and then draws back. He can nearly look the older cat in the eye without tilting his head up, but still he dips his head to her. Copper eyes slip shut, and a smile illuminates his face. "I’ll do my best… to be a good apprentice." Kind-hearted isn’t a trait he wants to hear about his mentor, but if Howlingstar thinks it’s a good pairing, then maybe she’s correct.

Still, the leader isn’t finished, even after she assigns Coalpaw to be Burnstorm’s apprentice. Howlingstar says there’s a pattern to the killings, one that Hopepaw hasn’t noticed until now. Former kittypets… oh. His eyes widen, understanding filling his head at last. Ivorypaw and Coltkit had barely escaped unharmed, and Leafhusk, Stormywing, Roaringpaw, Bigfang… any one of them could be next. "That’s not fair," he comments, looking up at the leader. Sending the murder targets away, into the wilderness, without the entire clan to defend them? Didn’t Howlingstar just exile three cats who hate them? It doesn’t make any sense. But there’s a bigger issue, anyway—they’re sending clanmates away, and now everyone is going to be sad. Bayingkit is already throwing a fit, clearly not understanding because she’s an immature kit who doesn’t know any better. The venom in copper eyes isn’t aimed at Howlingstar, but rather at her announcement. He doesn’t particularly care for Ivorypaw, but Coltkit will be going, too. And Coltkit is… nice enough, he supposes. But most of all, it rips away any sense of accomplishment that he could feel for becoming Hopepaw. If only he had someone to aim his sheet at, besides the tabby-striped leader. We don’t even get to celebrate. We don’t even get to feel happy.

an ancient spirit’s song 【❖】 will heal our wounds

• ooc: —
• 
• HOPEPAW ❯❯ he/him, thunderclan apprentice
  ⊱ skinny, thick-furred lilac tom with deep copper eyes. soft-spoken and sleepy, but can be a bit of a grouch.
  ⊱ son of batwing and leopardtongue ; brother to braveheart, hazepaw, cardinalpaw, coalpaw
  ⊱ mentored by lovelight
  ⊱ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted ; does not typically like physical contact from anyone besides his family
  ⊱ penned by foxlore

​

​

 

[Meadowpaw]

Its not fair! When her green eyes land upon the pristinely groomed pelts of her cousins she thinks immediately of the injustice that was done upon herself and her own siblings. Their mother should have been there to make sure they were presentable before their clan, she should have been there to stand just behind them with a smug and proud look upon her face. But no, Meadowkit and her sisters had been forced to groom their own pelts! At least they had each other, they could get the hard to reach spots for one another, and they would be there for one another no matter what. As a matter of fact she had vowed it! One night, while Scarletkit and Mottledkit had slept she had whispered his promise over their slumbering figures, a promise to never turn her back on them, to always protect and love and care for them. She smiles brightly at Mottledkit now, who reaches over and licks a stray hair back into place "Thanks sis" she says with a warm purr, her bleach white tail flicking her siblings side playfully before her attention returns to where Howlingstar perches in her usual spot.

The warrior ceremonies are agony to sit through. Why were there so many of them? She tries her best to sit still, but since when had still and Meadowkit ever gone in a sentence together? The result is her fidgeting with her paws as she kneads the ground in anticipation. Finally finally finally it's over and Meadowkit cheers if not for anything else other than the relief at finally getting a chance to open her mouth again. "ANTLERBREEZE! FALLOWBITE! HOUNDSHADE! ADDERSNAP! STAGSNARL! BRAVEHEART!" she roars, adding her voice to the crowd.

And then Howlingstar is calling her name, requesting her and her den-mates to come forward. She complies swiftly, rushing towards the high rock with a bounce in her step that nearly causes her to trip over too-long limbs. When Howlingstar looked her way, she would be confronted with the image of a kit beaming wide, practically shaking with excitement.

But oh how awful, she is made to wait yet again as her cousins are called forth first. They are given to their parents and Howlingstar respectively and Meadowkit's jaw nearly drops when it is Littlekit who is called forth to train under their leader and great grandmother. She cant believe it! HER? No matter, shes certain Howlingstar has someone EVEN BETTER in mind for her!

The ceremonies continue, Scarletkit is given to... an unremarkable warrior. BORING! Badgerstripe, who? She would give her condolences to her sister later, but for now it was finally her turn! And oh my stars! Did she hear her right? Was she really going to be mentored by PALEFIRE? An excited squeal leaves her lips and at the same time her new mentor emerges from the crowd, Meadowpaw goes sailing forward, covering almost all the distance between them to excitedly smash her nose into hers. We're going to do great things together aren't we? she asks, and Meadowkit nearly shrieks in excitement again, but she composes herself enough to say "Of course we are!" Her green eyes shining with her undisguised excitement "Im so glad it's you!"

When they return to the crowd, newly named Meadowpaw takes a seat at her mentor's side, alabaster tail curling around her paws. Mottledkit is given to their uncle to train, but that's alright, she's happy for her sister! She's happy for herself! But then... oh stars then the unthinkable happens. She is so busy day dreaming about what the territory would be like that she nearly misses it, but then Palefire is moving once again to stand before Howlingstar and its so horrible, Meadowpaw doesn't want to believe it! Palefire is being given a second apprentice and of all the cats, its Ivorypaw! WHY!!! Immediately, a frown slips to her features as she prepares the pout of her lifetime. Oh.. but then.. Howlingstar says something really confusing.

She goes on to explain, and Meadowpaw has to stop herself from whooping in relief, but a smile does return to her features. They're leaving! The kittpets were leaving! What had happened to Ivorypaw had been... scary and of course, Meadowpaw didn't want anyone to actually die. But she cannot help but feel relief and happiness that they would be gone now. Now, there would be no more kittypets to mess everything up all the time, and now her mentor would be able to focus solely on her! This was shaping up to be a great day for her, even if it seemed her younger cousins felt differently about the situation.

( ❀༉ ) make me feel like I'm set on fire

• 
  
  
• 
  MEADOWKIT THUNDERCLAN KITTEN ; SHE / HER
  LIGHTSTRIKE X MOONWHISPER SISTER TO SCARLETKIT & MOTTLEDKIT
  

  A large fluffy red tabby kitten with a white chest, stomach, tail, muzzle and stripe running along her back. Her eyes are a deep, forest, green and in her pelt one can usually find flowers woven

  ✦ easy in battle + no formal training
  

​

 

[FALCONHEART]

𓍊𓋼 The meeting doesn’t come as a happy affair. It comes nipping at the heels of a fourth and fifth attempted murder. Potentially even more, had any of the other kits gotten hold of the bright red berry. Howlingstar draws to the top of her perch, but before addressing anything that’s happened, she instead names a group of apprentices. Each steps forth, and the leader descends back down the rock to greet each of them, and bestow a new name upon all of them. Fallowpaw and both its siblings await their new names, as does one of Batwing’s kits. The leader lovingly, proudly gives all of them new names, explaining why she chose them and what each cat means to their clan as new warriors. He waits until Howlingstar has finished speaking, and then he raises his voice to cheer for the new warriors. "Antlerbreeze! Doepath! FALLOWBITE! Houndshade! Addersnap! Stagsnarl! BRAVEHEART!" If he shouts Fallowbite and Braveheart’s names a bit louder than the others, then maybe he can play it off as a couple of voice cracks, or something. Truthfully, he’s the most proud of Fallowbite—it had come into the clan in less-than-stellar circumstances, and its loyalty had fluctuated, but he’s always believed in Fallowbite.

Next up are apprentices who need new mentors. One, of course, is his younger sister. After the murder of her mentor and her subsequent self-blame, Falconheart has felt unbearably worried about her. Oh, Buggy, he thinks, because he remembers how he’d felt when he’d been assigned a new mentor. So soon after his first mentor’s death, he hadn’t even wanted to consider getting a replacement. But it’s a necessary step to becoming a warrior, and Howlingstar won’t let Bugpaw’s training lapse in the midst of all the murder that’s been happening. Every ThunderClanner needs to be on high alert, as capable of defending themself as possible. He waits with bated breath, curious to hear who will be the next to mentor his baby sister. Howlingstar praises the good foundation that her first mentor had given Bugpaw, and then…

Falconheart will continue mentoring you from here on out. His jaw drops. Eyes wide as the moon, he turns his gaze on his pale-furred sister. Bugpaw, his apprentice? It seems impossible. It’s what he’d wanted a month ago, his greatest dream as a warrior since his younger siblings were born. It’s… it’s entirely unexpected. Are you sure? he mouths to the leader, and she meets his eyes and nods once. She believes in him—she must, to choose him over any other mentor. This is his second chance. He won’t mess this up. He turns to his new apprentice, his eyes bright with joy, but dimmed by the weight of responsibility. He leans down, offering his nose for her to touch hers to, and murmurs, "I promise, I’ll do my very best to train you." She’s his first apprentice, and he’ll get it right the first time. He swears it.

Many kits are named apprentices, and Falconheart worries for the space in the apprentices’ den. Of course, a pawful of warriors have also graduated so they’ll be moving out, but there are still more apprentices moving in than moving out. He smiles as his mentor’s kits are apprenticed, one of them to Burnstorm himself—and then his concerns about den space are soothed, though not in a good way. Howlingstar finally speaks up about the recent murders, and her decision is… odd, to say the least. How is sending their clanmates away going to protect them? By just hoping that no one left behind happens to cross paths with them? And how will they know when it’s safe to return? Splitting the clan like this makes him uneasy; what if another clan attacks while ThunderClan is weakened? What if some other threat moves in, and they’re wiped out entirely? It doesn’t soothe his fears any more than Howlingstar’s platitudes about Gentlestorm being gone does. It only makes his stomach hurt.

heaven knows 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊 how hard i’ve tried

• ooc: —
• 
• FALCONHEART ❯❯ he/him, thunderclan warrior
  ⭃ shorter than average cream tabby with white spotting. seems gloomy and has few friends, but is a hard worker and never neglects his duties.
  ⭃ son of flamewhisker and flycatcher ; brother to stormfeather, scorchedpaw, bugpaw, sunpaw, squirrelpaw, sparrowpaw
  ⭃ mentoring bugpaw
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted
  ⭃ penned by foxlore

​

​

 

[beetlepaw]

it takes all but forever for his great-grandmother to get on with the warrior's names, and when it's his and his siblings turn, he grins, nudging Littlekit's shoulder before stepping forward, all lengths of pride and joy. He is his parent's son- this is his right to a future. Beetlekit is nearly oozing confident as he gets his name, grinning up at his great-grandmother. And as Burnstorm's name is spoken, as he is awarded his own blood as his mentor, Beetlepaw turns, touching noses to his father.

Beetlepaw doesn't go far, sitting down and giving small whoops and cheers as his siblings, as his adoptive siblings, as his cousins, got their names as well. Full cheers would come later. He settles in for another long run of names, thinks he may be able to feel eyes boring into his pelt, but ignores it in favor of today's cheer, of better things to come. He breathed deeply, ready for his next few paw-steps in life, right as Ivorypaw was getting her name...

You will be able to train with Palefire upon your return.

His high hoped expression paused and faltered in confusion. He wasn't the only one, either- the entire crowd rippled with noises of discontent, so much so that he nearly missed what Howlingstar said next. The kittypet-born were going away. They weren't safe here, and suddenly, Beetlepaw is realizing how bad it was. Three cats were dead. Ivoryk- Ivorypaw and Coltkit were nearly murdered this morning. It feels like someone was sitting on his lungs as he drew in a slow breath.

Green eyes turned towards Dovepaw, towards Hopepaw, first. Hopepaw's expression is tight, well-guarded like it normally is. But Dovepaw's? They're face is damp, tears gathered in their eyes. His paws are moving before he realizes, flank pressing to his siblings with a quiet 'shh' following. Beetlepaw isn't so sure why he's doing this. There isn't any point in crying, he doesn't think, but a long slow breath followed and his vision turned up towards Howlingstar. He almost... almost wanted to steal his vision towards his father, his mother, but he knew that he was an apprentice now. They had to be stronger, right? Tougher, about these things?

Instead, his voice raises in a different shout- "When are they coming back, then?!" He said, voice strong. Shielding his sibling still, he ignores the pout that threatens to tug at his lips, shoving his ears forward instead and staring directly up at his great-grandmother. Ivorypaw deserved a chance at normal clan life. So did Coltkit.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ┌── KEEP YOUR APOLOGY ⋅❁⋅ GIVE US MORE DETONATION ──┐‎

• "speech"
  

• 

• BEETLEPAW he/him, apprentice of thunderclan, six moons.
  ⭃ LH black smoke with bright green eyes. growing into a very broad and built tom-cat, mirroring his father's build. of average height, with a shit-eating grin more often then not.
  ⭃ being mentored by burnstorm / / mentoring no one
  ⭃ no romantic interests / / BURNSTORM X ROEFLAME - sibling to dovepaw and littlepaw, adoptive sibling to hopepaw and coalpaw
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ⭃ penned by dallas ↛ dallasofnines on discord, feel free to dm for plots.
  

​

 

[Houndshade]

Heart thrums steadily in Houndpaw’s chest, beating against ribs, muscle and flesh as she stands alongside her denmates. Countless bodies lay in the wake of this meeting, what was stopping another to fall in a moment meant for celebration? Should they even be having this meeting? Graduations both for kits to apprentices and apprentices to warriors were important but this felt wrong. They felt guilty for a reasoning beyond their own control, two kits almost didn’t get to see their journeys into apprenticehood and yet here Houndpaw stood about to receive a moment of accolation. Never had the Highrock seemed so tall, even as a kit when she was named Houndpaw it didn’t have that weight to it. “I do” to uphold the Warrior Code and protect the clan, it had never felt so real until these recent events. To protect and defend their clan, that included everyone within it, so why did some not seem to get that? If she thought about it for too long they knew they would start to feel dizzy, instead they will themself to just experience this moment and let pride wash over at the opportunity to hear her peers' new names.

Her turn came before she realised, with a blink, Howlingstar was there. The pillar of the clan, unmoving and stable, for a moment their thoughts still and there is peace. She tilts her head down to look at the ground, trying to help out the leader as she places her chin between her ears. It was an unnecessary gesture, she knew that and yet she decided to do it anyway, anything to make things a little easier right now. Houndshade, for wit and combat prowess. Her gut churned but she grinned anyways, how strange, to start this new chapter of life. To spend so much time resisting as much responsibility as she could and yet new responsibility wound up at her paws anyways. Clearly she was ready because they passed their assessment and yet they don’t feel ready for it all the same, did anyone else feel this way?

An ear twitches as she listens to the last of the warrior names called, including Braveheart which really should have been expected and yet was a pleasant surprise anyways. With a shaky breath she joins in the chants for her new peers alongside the clans own. “ANTLERBREEZE! DOEPATH! FALLOWBITE! ADDERSNAP! STAGSNARL! BRAVEHEART!” She’s unsure if Stagsnarls parents are amongst the cheering crowd. Fearing that they weren’t her eyes look for her friend and she pushes herself to chant extra loud for them, if they weren’t going to be here then she decided to chant loud enough for three. Her throat is raw afterwards, but she’s willing to live with that. The kits are called up next and they watch attentively as they’re all assigned mentors and given their new suffix, there’s pride seeing Ivorykit there. The two have never spoken but there was pride enough given the fact that she gets to live despite some cowards attempt, she lives and she receives her apprentice name, as is her right.

The time for celebration comes to a close though, crashing down as easily as shaken leaves. Former kittypets are to be sent away, she can understand Howlingstar isn’t really given any other choice but it feels unfair all the same. “No way” she mutters to themself in disbelief, weren’t the murderers winning here? No, this was just temporary, it would all work out, surely it would.

​

 

[leafhusk]

⚘ thunderclan’s camp will never calm down it seems. everyone shoving each other’s shoulders, quiet murmurs, and lack of attention nearly cost the lives of two. kits–but, leafhusk doesn’t want to think about that. it makes her nauseous–and now, they must face the consequences. not even the prey is safe, how is she supposed to live in these walls? the once-empty ravine fills with anxiety, roots of fear sprouting underneath, tugging at her paws once more. she is next, she knows of it; a lead warrior with a proud, open kittypet background is ripe for violence. someone could’ve watched the rest of the leads walk into howlingstar’s den. they know. they know.

the call for a meeting doesn’t calm her nerves. it should, it really, really should, but recent events have hollowed her out. pulled and tugged at her until she’s become numb. today is important, so despite it all, she reminds herself of what’s really important today. adderpaw passed, and he wore the trinkets to prove it. a bird, she remembers shaking her head in disbelief, of course he’s an overachiever until the very end. admittedly, the reasoning behind her decision on the prey being distinct was to see if he’d bring one back. only a few moons ago he was a scrap of fur in her eyes, looking disgusted at the thought of harming the feathered things.

as howlingstar names each individual warrior, she gets more and more emotional. it’s been wild, watching this generation of apprentices grow up. "antlerbreeze! doepath! fallowbite! houndshade! addersnap! stagsnarl! braveheart!" for his candor.. the older tabby had a sense of humor. leafhusk reminds herself to congratulate him, before…

ah– her ears twitch and perk at her name being called. another apprentice, already, she is only a little bit surprised. leafhusk swallows a lump lodged in her throat, does the necessary gestures swiftly, knowing that this meeting isn’t halfway done. she’s certain nightbird is grateful to be raising her litter in such an empty den, now. the lead warrior flashes a smile at her new apprentice, but it’s clear to roaringpaw that her mind is elsewhere.

the rest of the meeting consists of her almost impatiently waiting for it to end. paws shuffle awkwardly, scuffing the dirt underneath, and she sighs at howlingstar’s final, demanding syllable. leafhusk thinks about how roaringpaw looked, only minutes ago, his chest puffed out and proud. she mimics the position, feeling silly and annoyed at herself for copying what a child was doing. he’s expecting more from her, much more than addersnap ever will.

rising to her paws, she sweeps over to the worried lynx point. "don't worry, palefire. ivorypaw will be safe with me, i am bringing strong warriors. i will ensure bigfang and stormywing keep a good eye on her." bigfang’s movements are slow, but the brute can hit like a boulder. stormywing has an obnoxious attitude, and she knows (prays.) the young warrior will keep any of the younger clanmates out of danger. her pale gaze flickers down towards the apprentice in question, and her pitiful, scared eyes. i’m sorry. she apologizes wordlessly.

the lead warrior turns away, addressing the necessary clanmates, "everyone will be given a moment to say their goodbyes! no more, no less!" her voice booms over the protests. possibly the loudest she’s carries it, but there’s no room to care. she stalks towards the entrance to wait, a headache kissing the sides of her head oh-so sweetly.​

 

[Bugpaw !]

*+:｡.｡ "ADDERSNAP! ANTLERBREEZE! BRAVEHEART! DOEPATH! FALLOWBITE! HOUNDSHADE! STAGSNARL!"

For the second time, Bugpaw stepped forth under Howlingstar's patient gaze. Although she refuses to smile any less than the last time she was apprenticed, her paws tremble treacherously. She quickly places one paw atop the other to quiet their shiver, taking in a deep breath. It's...lonesome, admittedly, to have to step forward to touch noses with her new mentor without the company of her siblings. At least she isn't completely alone in this, as she looks sideways at Roaringpaw as he steps forth. She smiles at him and his bravery, pushing out her own fluffy chest to match his

But when Howlingstar finally speaks, it's all Bugpaw can do not to burst into tears once more. Instead, she puffs up her chest as far as it can go, practically dancing on her tippy toes as she sets her jaw in determination. Morningcloud wouldn't want her to cry, surely. To keep her memory alive and positive, Bugpaw would nod resolutely, "She did" she whispers, sniffling into a small smile. Although their time together was the length of a butterfly's short lifespan, Bugpaw would never let the kind woman and her sweet smile escape her thoughts or heart. Keep her safe for me, pappa she thinks to herself, squeezing her eyes shut against the wave of pain. But the tide can't reach her, not on her tippy-toes!

When she opens her eyes, the sun shines just a bit brighter, as her brother of all cats comes to stand before her. Bugpaw chokes on another sob, relief sending her crashing back into the waters - but pleasantly this time. When he speaks to her, Bugpaw can only nod enthusiastically, eyes watery and soul a little heavy, but fur fluffed up with just as much determination, "and I'll do my best to learn" she vows, lightly nuzzling him as they brush noses love and affection behind every wiggle. And I'll do everything I can to keep you safe she adds internally, pressing close to her brother's side once they pull apart.

"Oh no..." as the meeting continues, her lightened heart drops once more. She looks around at her clanmates, picking out the former kitty-pets mainly by the shocked look in their eyes. Her heart aches for them, to have to leave their home. But...if it keeps them safe...she looks back up at her brother, her mentor, and fretts over the stress lining his features. "It won't be for forever, surely" she whispers, hoping to ease some of the storm in his eyes.

*+:｡.｡ Updated 3/22/24

• 
  
  
• 
  
  
  GENERAL:
  ♫ Bugpaw
  ♫ DFAB— She/Her
  ♫ 6 moons
  ♫ Daughter to Flamewhisker and Flycatcher
  ♫ Sibling to Falconheart, Stormfeather, Lilykit, Butterflykit, Scorchedpaw, Squirrelpaw, Sunpaw
  ♫ Thunderclan — apprentice
  ♫ Mentored by Falconheart
  
  
  
  COMBAT:
  ♫Physically easy | mentally easy
  ♫ Attack in bold pink
  injuries: None currently

​

 

[ROEFLAME .]

-ˋˏ ༻ ☀ ༺ ˎˊ-

Next to her mate, Roeflame sits. Her chest is puffed, posture abnormally straightened. Today brought many mixed emotions for the brassed she-cat, Roeflame is about to be free to return to her lead warrior duties, sleep alongside her mate once more. Yet, recent events have dimmed the shine of her freedom, this next step in her children’s lives. Roeflame voices none of this, instead opting to remain quiet as Burnstorm looks over their kits, pelts polished and eyes bright. “You all are going to be great, my little warriors.” The lead warrior finally lets a grin crack at her content expression, her nose lightly scrunching at her children in a playful way.
Howlingstar calls for their attention, and Roeflame signals for turned eyes with a tilt of her chin.
Burnstorms grumble earns a quiet snort from Roeflame, “I guess we’ll be finding out soon enough,” she huffs back, though there is no true spite in her tone. At the mention of their shared nest, the grin on Roeflame’s face grows slightly more earnest, he had been missing her just as much as she had been missing him.
The clan erupts around them, Roeflame is quick to join in. “Antlerbreeze! Doepath! Fallowbite! Houndshade! Addersnap! Stagsnarl! Braveheart!”
As the new warriors take their places, Roeflame watches her leaders eyes shift to wide-eyed, bushy tailed kits that surround her. Her eyes slide to Moonwhisper’s kits, celadon hues sparked with empathy before she turns away, just as they are called up.
Her oldest is called on first, and when her mates name is what follows, Roeflame gives Burnstorm a soft nudge before he’d rise, that aching weight already being lifted from her shoulders. Dovekit becomes Dovepaw, and Roeflame feels her ears perk a bit when Howlingstar declares her to be her child’s mentor. The rosetted warrior wastes no time meeting her kit- apprentice- to touch her nose to theirs. When the duo would find their place in the crowd again, Roeflame can hardly stifle the purr rumbling in her chest as Littlekit is called on last, and Littlepaw is assigned to Howlingstar herself. Moonwhispers litter is next, and Roeflame thinks the queen would be pleased with the mentors given. Hopepaw’s mentor is Lovelight, and if Lightflower would bother to look in her direction, her former mentor would be wearing a knowing smile. Coalpaw was in good paws with Burnstorm, and training alongside Beetlepaw no less!
The exciting buzz does not last for long, and for the first time in a long time, Roeflame can see the weariness weighing on her leaders shoulders. There was no other choice, but Roeflame cannot help the way her ears flatten as cries of shock and dismay ripple through. Tears roll from Dovepaw’s face, and a feathered tail would raise to drape around her child and pull them close. “It’s not forever darling, just for now.” An empty comfort, but all the rosetted molly could spare.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎┌── SHE BLOWS OUTTA NOWHERE ⋅✴⋅ ROMAN CANDLE OF THE WILD ──┐‎

• 
  
  
  

• 

• 
  ROEFLAME ✩ she/her, Lead Warrior of Thunderclan, twenty-two moons.
  ⭃ petite cinnamon silver ticked tabby with murky green eyes & a small scar over her left eye.
  ⭃ mate to Burnstorm ☀ mentor to Foxpaw
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted ☀ underline and tag when attacking
  ⭃ penned by Noor ↛ @toyangel on discord, feel free to dm for plots.
  

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[LITTLEPAW]

༻ ♥༺ Littlekit has been dreading today for quite some time now. Spreading her wings or something like that, it was supposed to be exciting, Littlekit thinks a small part of her might be feeling that eagerness to gain independence, move out of the emptying nursery.
When her father nuzzles her, Littlekit leans up into the affectionate gesture, trying to conjure her best- albeit slightly twitchy- smile. “Mhm.” The reply is a short chirp, and before long Howlingstar is calling them to gather. Thankfully, Littlekit has a moment to prepare while Anterpaw, Doepaw, Fallowpaw, Houndpaw, Adderpaw, Stagpaw, and Bravepaw all received their warrior names. The clan bursts into a rhythmic chant she’s heard before. “Antlerbreeze, D-Doepath, Fallowbite.. ! Uhm…” Awkwardly, Littlekit trails off as her tongue gets all jumbled less than halfway through.
Howlingstar is looking in their direction now, and now she’s calling their names. Littlekit spares a glance towards her parents, wide and unsure, before deciding everything would be alright if she just stuck close to her siblings. Making sure to be wedged between a pair at all times, the group of kittens approaches the leader. When Beetlepaw and Dovepaw are sent off to touch noses with their parents, Littlekit is trying her best to stifle the jealousy beginning to bloom in her chest. She shuffles closer to Hopekit and Coalkit.
Then, she is Littlepaw, and Howlingstar herself was to be her mentor. Littlepaw sucks a quick breath between her teeth, her uncles words swirling around in her mind, growing louder with each step the aged leader took towards her. Why did her throat feel all tight? Was the tremble in her paws noticeable?
Littlepaw can’t meet her new mentors gaze before briefly touching her nose to Howlingstars, shuffling away and the rest of the ceremony washes to background noise, her heart kicking into a panicked thrum when Howlingstar reveals her last-ditch plan to save the kitty pets.
Im gonna be sick.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎┌── IVE GOT SO MUCH HONEY ⋅ ✩ ⋅ THE BEES ENVY ME ──┐‎

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• 
  LITTLEPAW ✩ she/her, apprentice of thunderclan, 6 moons.
  ⭃ powerfully built and dense-furred chocolate smoked she-cat with amber eyes and black ribboning stretching across her face, foreleg, and tail.
  ⭃ daughter of Roeflame && Burnstorm ࿏ sister to Beetlepaw && Dovepaw
  ⭃ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / / underline and tag when attacking
  ⭃ penned by Noor ↛ @toyangel on discord, feel free to dm for plots.
  

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[DEERPAW.]

Death was swarming all around. It circled their territory and camp. Ploverhop, Pebblestep, Morningcloud. Killed on Thunderclan's land. They lived as warriors– not as kittypets, not anymore. Camp wasn't safe anymore... It's bad enough, that someone is not there trying to kill kits with Deathsberries. It never was save to begin with.

He drifts over to the call of a meeting, slipping from the clinging shadows. A flattened ear twitches up at the announcement of new warriors. Oh... Claws unsheathe digging into the ground below. His skin may as well be crawling. His tail curls around his paws, the apprentice sits besides his mentor with half-lidded eyes. He was tired. The tortoiseshell apprentice blinks, while he listens to each individual warrior get their new name. Houndshade. Addersnap.

He doesn't call out their new names, as the rest of the clan has. He says them silently, towards the new promoted warriors. The chanting die down. However, he wrinkles his nose up at the new topic that drips from Howlingstar's mouth. Eleven... His body twitches, hearing the new to-be apprentice's that are joining the apprentice's den. Too many. He blinks slowly as he watched as Bugpaw and Roaringpaw get assigned new mentors.

Most of the excited cheers are from Howlingstar's own kin. After the cheers died down, the tabby leader delivered the final judgment on the kittyper situation.

Send them away... He lets a frown tug at the corners of his dark maw, at the news. He hunches over his body more, squeezing his orange tail around his paws. He was... surprised. Really. He didn't think the leader would send the kittypet-born away, brows knitted at he grimaces as his clanmate’s shock and dismay ripple through the crowd. Sending murder targets away, in the wilderness? Weren't the exiles still roaming around? Why? "N-no way..." He murmurs under his breath. Splitting the clan like this makes him uneasy; he presses his paw pads against the ground. His gut churns with an uncomfortable feeling.

A NERVOUS CREATURE ᯓ★ BLACK GOAT'S EGG

•  
• no ref yet
• ( i can't handle it… ) ˚₊‧꒰ა ♰ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ DEERPAW. ╱ thunderclan apprentice
  ✶ amab ; HE / HIM ; 7 MOONS & AGES EVERY 26TH.
  ✶ undecided / not looking / open to puppy-crushes
  ✶ a scrawny longhaired black/dark ginger tortie and white tom with hazel eyes.
  ✶ thoughts ; "Speech, ff7844" ; attacks only
  ✶ may powerplay minor harm ╱ peaceful and healing powerplay permitted
  ✶ smells like fresh caramelized apples & faint damp earth musk
  — all opinions are ic
  
  → biography / @ on discord for plots
  — penned by calzone
  

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[sunshinespot]

The air was thick with something. His curled and knotted fur liked to call it humidity, but even the slow-going calico knew that something was on the horizon. The deaths of several plagued their warriors, queens, kits - it wore into the hearts of every cat who cared, which with each body found felt like less and less. Normalcy is far beyond them now - Sunshinespot cannot even stake claim to ignorance anymore. He has to be vigilant, even if his own vigilance is often equated to that of a turtle's in a snowstorm.

Howlingstar summons the Clan to listen, and soon enough, names are summoned. Among them are his friends, Doepaw and Bravepaw. The plethora of soon-to-be warriors almost makes him jealous, for wanting to be out from beneath his sibling's paw made him work too-hard. Would he have been in this line up? Could he have stood sandwiched between two cats that cared about him, more than anything in the world? He seeks out his sister in the crowd, wondering if Emberface feels the same as him.

They are named - Doepath and Braveheart - and the tom shouts their names into the air with as much gusto as he can. He wastes no time to join them, touching his nose to Doepath's for a moment before holding his shoulder to Braveheart's. He's proud of them - and grateful to no longer be without his closest friends. They're family to him now, in fact.

Howlingstar trails the meeting into apprentices and then - the kittypets. It was the inconclusive next step, he supposes, but he wishes it didn't have to be this way. Sunfreckle would be amongst them sent off, right? Would Rabbitnose leave too, then? Mousenose, Freckleflame, Sparkwing - himself, Emberface? It's hitting too close to home and if his friends allow it, he presses close to them, his fur ruffling uncomfortably.​

 

[STORMYWING]

Stormywing takes her seat near the edge of the crowd, still uneasy after the attempted murder of two of the clan’s kits. They would’ve been the next victims after her brother. Drawing in a shaky breath, the often-bold she-cat tries to inject some of that courage into her now. She sits tall, chest puffed out, unwilling to be beaten down. She chants the names of the new warriors and apprentices, even louder for Fallowbite. Despite her apprentice’s…feelings towards her, she is still a proud mentor. She got her to this point.

And then the news spills from Howlingstar’s maw. Stormywing stands, her fur bristling with tension as the leader’s words echo in her ears. All ex-kittypets will be sent away. The order hits her like a clawed blow to the heart. Her gaze hardens as she thinks of her brother. She thinks of her sister who still lives, and the other ex-kittypets. As the crowd murmurs in concern, Stormywing steps forward to join them, her voice sharp and edged with emotion. "We are just as much a part of this clan as anyone else! There must be another way to handle this without sending us into exile." Her eyes flicked to her fellow ex-kittypets, their expressions ranging from fear to anger. She wants to stay! She wants to fight for her right to be here, for everyone’s right to be here! Her gaze locks with Howlingstar's, a mix of defiance and desperation in her eyes. "This is our home! I won’t abandon it!”

But Leafhusk’s order ring out firmly and her shoulders sag. Her heart squeezes with the decision that was out of her paws. She glances at Ivorypaw, at Coltkit, at Roaringpaw, at Bigfang, their faces mirroring her own reluctance and distress. With a heavy sigh, Stormywing takes a step back, her voice strained but resolute. "Fine,” She utters as her eyes meet Leafhusk’s, her expression betraying the sorrow she feels. Betrayal, it’s what she feels. But all she can do is pad towards the camp entrance with frustration burning every step. If @THUNDERGLEAM looks her way, she will try to meet the ivory she-cat’s eyes, her tail flicking with agitation. How long will she be away from her friends now?
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[ADDERSNAP]

/ mobile, my code kept breaking so i’ll fix it later + edited in a paragraph bc i forgot to include his bestie cheering him on smh :,(

There was a ringing, announcing its presence with screams inharmoniously echoing in his ears. Adderpaw had been lingering in the shadows (per usual), hiding from the traitors that seemed to be infecting their ranks like yellowcough — rapid and deadly — when the deathberry incident occurred. Though he was not fond of kits — their little common sense and lack of personal space they held being his main gripes against them — the thought of even trying to kill one made the boy swallow back the bile that rushed into his maw. He understood that everyone was entitled to their own opinions; if some of his clanmates disliked kittypets and the 'atmosphere' they created in the clan, they were welcome to have that. But to take it to this much of an extremity — slaughtering innocents just because of their bloodline. . . that's where he felt the disconnect.

The tabby personally had nothing against kittypets, yet he couldn't exactly say he liked them much either. Leafhusk was an exception in this — she was essentially the only one in his life who hadn't abandoned him or lost hope in what he could be. Tears began to well in sunlit eyes as an image of Leafhusk's face flashed onto one of the bodies that had been discovered, chills running down his spine as fur prickled with anxiety. No, he couldn't be thinking like that. Adderpaw shook his head as though the thought would flee from his mind, blinking back the tears before they cascaded down his cheeks. Leafhusk would be okay. She wouldn't get hurt. He had to believe that.

Howlingstar's call was somewhat surprising to him, causing the boy to jump onto his paws with a disgruntled squeak slipping past dry lips. Skin flush with embarrassment, the apprentice weaved his way through the crowd on light steps before pausing in an unlit area to claim his spot. Too on edge to take a seat, Adderpaw's head snapped towards the older tabby as the now—familiar announcement of a warrior ceremony began, his eyes wide with anticipation. In all the chaos, the thought that he was receiving his warrior name this moon almost slipped his mind. But his ego didn't let him forget, and the chocolate—colored feline stepped towards Howlingstar with ease, gaze flickering to Leafhusk with a rare smile plastered on angular features towards the lead warrior. He did not search for his family in the crowd. He didn't need to — he had found his family in the one who believed in him most.

Puffing out his chest with pride, he looked towards his fellow apprentices with a look of acknowledgement. They had all done it, and for once he could admit that he admired them slightly for their dedication. Adderpaw watches as Howlingstar starts with her own apprentice, Antlerpaw, to Doepaw, Fallowpaw, Houndpaw. . . his breath catches in his throat as Howlingstar stops in front of him — wisdom, courage, and admiration sparkling in her leafy—green eyes. "Adderpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Addersnap. StarClan honors your loyalty and candor, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan." Addersnap. It rolled of her tongue so naturally Adderpaw — Addersnap — felt as though he had always been blessed with such a name. As the black tabby tapped her maw to his head, the boy licked her shoulder with slight awkwardness before she moved onto Stagpaw. A smile tugged at Addersnap’s lips as he ducked his head, looking to the ground with a cheerful gleam in his eyes. He was a warrior of ThunderClan now.

Howlingstar finished the warrior ceremony soon after, cheers erupting in roars for the names of the new warriors. ”Antlerbreeze! Doepath! Fallowbite! Houndshade! Addersnap! Stagsnarl! Braveheart! Addersnap closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose — deep and methodical before a voice rang a little louder than the others. ”ADDERSNAP! ADDERSNAP! ADDERSNAP!” The boy caught Wrathpaw’s attention with the same stupid smile plastered on his face as he laughed slightly, shaking his head. Golden hues glanced at Leafhusk again — he reminded himself to go and talk to her after the meeting ended.

His pride was soon shot as the names ‘Roaringpaw’ and ‘Leafhusk’ were used in the same sentence, his context clues eventually leading towards the conclusion that Leafhusk would be training Roaringpaw so. . . soon after he ended his apprenticeship. Addersnap’s brows furrowed, the familiar grimace of annoyance highlighting his expression. Was this some type of challenge? Another push to see more improvement of him, to try and redeem his apprenticeship that he almost failed? Gritting sharp teeth, the lanky feline gave a snooty look to the side as he slunk to his point, avoiding eye contact with the apprentice. He would show him. Show him that Leafhusk had trained Addersnap to be the best warrior in ThunderClan (though she would say it more like: ”Be the best warrior you can be.”)

Kits were named apprentices, and so on and so forth. He still did not care for such occasions other than his own — after all, he was the most important person he knew. However, Howlingstar’s final declare made his white jaw drop with shock, those same chills running up his spine as though foreboding warning. Former kittypets, leaving camp? Leafhusk guiding them, taking them away? Addersnap’s lip quivered for a moment, a helpless feeling enveloping him as almost long—forgotten fears seemed to resurface in their own way. They were really in danger. Wanted to be torn from their place on the ground just because of the life they had not chosen. They were here now, providing their services in the best way they could. Didn’t that matter? Why did he even care so much?

Addersnap’s eyes fell on Leafhusk as she gave one — and only one — call for goodbyes. Suddenly he was on his paws, rushing towards Leafhusk with more urgency than he had felt in his assessment. He couldn’t let her go without saying goodbye. ”L— Leafhusk. I— I, uh, thank y—ya. Thanks for believing in me. And, um, bein’ there… for me. Ya were a great men—toor.” The tabby stepped forward to lick @leafhusk ’s shoulder, dipping his head after meeting her gaze. ”Don’t let ‘hose fuckers getcha.” The now young warrior grinned with mischief, looking at Leafhusk again before relaxing his shoulders. It was possibly the first time Addersnap wore a genuine expression.​

 

[Scarletpaw]

Scarletkit's eyes sparkle with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she listens to the warrior ceremonies. She sits next to her sisters; next to them, are their cousins and Hopekit and Coalkit. Finally, all of them will become apprentices, together. And...Ivorykit, but she can't bring herself to look at her. Of course, with no mother to groom down her fur today, she was forced to do it herself. She hopes she did it justice, but something in her knows her mother would have done a much better job...but there is no use lingering on what might have been! Moonwhisper would want her to be happy today! So happy she will be.

The warrior ceremonies go by in a blur, something she could hardly pay attention to. When she and her denmates are called forward, she bounds towards the Highrock with her heart pounding in her chest. She squirms and shifts, unable to keep still until it's her turn. Split eyes grow wide, her mouth grows slack in awe as she is paired with a warrior she doesn't know well. Badgerstripe. She searches for the young warrior and strides towards her with her chin held high and an eager smile on her face. She reaches to touch her nose to her new mentor's and immediately dips her head in respect. "I'm really excited to train with you!" She whispers, peeking up at her through her lashes. With that, she shuffles off to sit next to Badgerstripe in the crowd and continues listening to the rest of the ceremonies, and onto what's next.

Against her will, her heart sinks as Howlingstar's announcement settles over the clan. All ex-kittypets are to be sent away. The words hit her harder than expected, and instinctively she seeks out Ivorykit- no, now Ivorypaw. She'd been taught to hate her, to distrust all ex-kittypets, but she hadn't anticipated how deeply this would affect her. She shifts uncomfortably at the thought of her former best friend being sent away and she feels a sharp pang of guilt mixed with confusion. Her mind races, torn between the ingrained prejudice she had been taught and the pang of regret for losing someone she had once cared about. She glances again at Ivorypaw, feeling a knot tighten in her chest, before she turns to Badgerstripe. Her eyes betray her conflicted feelings. "I..." I don't know how to feel about this. How am I supposed to feel about this?! ​

 

[leafhusk]

the childish cries of stormywing’s protest ring in her ears, and her eyes carry her towards the young warrior. a fire flicks in her golden eyes, burning something ugly. there is no desperate plea to co-operate (she will drag the molly by her tail, starclan willing), only a feeling that will last the duration of their journey. there wasn’t a contest over who was more miserable about leaving, but leafhusk feels like she won. everyone is leaving someone behind. even coltkit and ivorypaw, two kittypets that were taken with no one to their name. her clanmates liked her, she hopes, and the council will be one member short, but the list of cats who she stayed close with is short.

the hurried rush of pawsteps brings her back to reality. a headache still cradles her head, though she still moves it to the source. leafhusk isn’t sure she’s seen addersnap run that fast, stars— she forgot to say goodbye. in her defense, she hasn’t stopped ‘lead warrior brain’ since her paws exited howlingstar’s den. the former mentor’s eyes round in silent apology, settling the fur on her shoulders to focus attentively on the boy. she listens, and a smile stretches across her maw. it is tired, yet sincere.

she is glad that addersnap wasn’t her own, for he would have been born a sin. a blasphemous child woven of kittypet softness, the thick bark of oak trees. she would have kept his name, maybe she thinks it’d have kept him safe.

if leafhusk had any children, would they be coming with her? she doesn't think so.

"thank you, addersnap." she responds, dipping her head to briefly touch @ADDERSNAP 's forehead, a mimic of the gesture howlingstar had done minutes ago. believing in him was easy. she always knew, deep, that he could do it. "nothing’s going to stop me. promise."

"give ‘em hell."

⚘

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