FELL THROUGH THE ICE // pre-gathering chatter

જ➶ On the night of the full moon he finds himself with a measure of peace. At home he is becoming a bit disillusioned by some of his clanmates which he finds troubling but tonight is for peace and gathering. His tail flicks back and forth before the massive tom beckons his apprentice to come forth. His icy blues focused on the growing crowd of cats. "This is your first gathering, Dwindlingpaw. So I want you to have fun but keep your wits about you. Be careful and make a few friends." There is always a reason to have some caution but he will not stifle his young apprentice. Instead he moves forward to find a place for himself to settle, eyes sweeping on the filled space. All the clan scents mingling together and a promise that is not to be broken. Sighing lightly he settles down and he curls his thick tail around his paws. Monitoring and hoping for the best.

He enjoys gatherings and he hopes to meet a new face himself. But he does keep his eyes on Dwindlingpaw just in case.

- apprentice tag @Dwindlingpaw
- open for interactions
 
〕Tonight was the night of their first gathering. While their littermates had gotten the privilege and honor to accompany WindClan's party last moon, a fleeting stomachache had doomed Rowanpaw to stay back in camp — that had also been the night that DuskClan had raided their camp. Would those dishonorable rogues attack again tonight? Rowanpaw could not stop mulling over the possibility as the moor cats entered Fourtrees. Their attention was quickly drawn to the clusters of clan cats, many of which were conversing civilly with felines from differing groups. Some were big and hulky, some were sleeker and shinier. They were not like WindClan, not like what Rowanpaw was used to. They had never seen so many varied appearances at once.

A hint of nervousness nags at the chimera as WindClan disperses freely, though they attempt to squash it. Would they stick by @SWIFTSHADE the whole night? Maybe they should try branching out; they were not a kit, not someone who needed to follow their mentor around like a duckling.

So, the tunneler apprentice dips away from Swiftshade, bi-colored eyes carefully analyzing whoever is in their path. So many smells hit them at once — RiverClan, ShadowClan, ThunderClan. The gathering last moon hadn't gone so well from what they'd overheard, meaning that ShadowClan and RiverClan were probably not keen on talking to WindClanners. They narrow their eyes, an icy tension gripping their limbs as they try to spot any RiverClan or ShadowClan cats that they can recognize.
u9a4dSL.png

  • ooc. open for interactions!
  • ROWANPAW —— tunneler apprentice of windclan , mentored by swiftshade ✦ penned by beatles
    afab demigirl / they/she pronouns / 7 moons & ages every 17th
    single / graysexual & monogamous
    peaceful and healing powerplay permitted / underline & tag account when attacking
    —— easy combat difficulty / may start fights, won't kill

    "speech", thoughts, all opinions are ic
    biography — msg on discord for plots — toyhouse
  • 84424481_kX2Ce15lb0ln1I1.png

    a shorthaired black/tortoiseshell chimera with heterochromia. a lithe, slightly muscular cat with a smaller-than-average build. a direct line splits their face, as if mirroring an inner battle of identity and belonging. a serious expression usually graces their face, and their amber and blue gaze is always sharpened.
 
Please may this gathering be more civil than the last one, Foxtail thinks he steps into the clearing with the rest of the RiverClan cats, his apprentice by his side. The last gathering ended up being quite nerve wracking— it was his first gathering as a lead, and he was entrusted to represent RiverClan as it's deputy for that single night. It was supposed to be a huge honor, sitting alongside the deputies. Lichenstar was supposed to announce him as a new lead to her council, and his chest would swell with pride.... but it never came.

"A-Alright, you're free to w-wander off and mingle," He mews to Pebblepaw with a light smile, his tail swishing behind him. Pebblepaw must be pretty well-adjusted to gatherings now— has his apprentice been to every gathering since he received his apprentice name? He... he thinks so. Quite the lucky apprentice, going to so many gatherings! Pebblepaw has seen both the good and the ugly side of gatherings, hopefully tonight won't be the latter. "Just meet up back here after, o-okay?" He says with a nod of his head, and the older tom doesn't have to say it out loud; he knows his apprentice will be on his best behavior.

The young lead warrior says his goodbyes to his apprentice, and pads towards the crowd of mingling felines. He lets out a quiet, shaky sigh, hoping tonight will be far more pleasant...

  • briefly talking to @PEBBLEPAW but open for interactions!
  • 82418929_FoLQDUUK9zQigyb.png


    credit to raphaelion (via da) for the artwork <3
  • Foxtail
    lead warrior
    20 moons
    warmhearted
    timid
    experience: trained
    backstory: [HYPERLINK]
    biography: [HYPERLINK]
    credit to trops for the chibi <3
    cisgender male [he / him]
    eyes: green
    pelt: cinnamon/chocolate
    fur length: long
    parents: dawnflower and redfur (riverclan npcs)


 
( ) it's been several moons since the smoke feline has attended a gathering, and if they're honest, they don't feel like they've lost much from that. still, the excitement filtering off of the younger apprentices as riverclan slides into the clearing is palpable, and it fills the older warrior with some anticipation. midnightpaw strolls in beside her, and the one-eared femme bumps their apprentice with their shoulder. "play nice, okay? if things go well, this'll be your last gathering as an apprentice." they give the mottled girl a smile, eyes crinkling in pride. how far she's come from her baby days. "i'll be mingling if you need me." as feisty as midnightpaw is, the tortoiseshell girl won't embarrass her clan at a gathering. flicking their tail along their apprentice's back briefly, they'll pad off, verdant eyes watchful as ever.

over by the rock, smogmaw mingles with the deputies, including a familiar ginger pelt. it appears flamewhisker is finally back in her rightful spot. willowroot makes a note to congratulate the deputy on her kits' apprenticeship, should they get the chance. there's no sight of chilledstar, but howlingstar and orangestar are present, and willowroot assumes sunstar will be along shortly. nearby, lichenstar and hazecloud walk together, fur brushing. the smoke tabby gives the duo a smile as they pass, blinking kindly. "have a good gathering, deputy!" she purrs to hazecloud, wondering if the gray woman is as anxious as they would be in her spot.

moving on, they scent the air, letting its overwhelming mixture of smells wash over them. they can see apprentices beginning to mingle, a possible game of some sort striking up. warriors watch and converse with their equals from other clans. for once, this feels normal. sage-green eyes catch on a flash of paleness under the bright moonlight. a tomcat, smelling of shadowclan, sits by himself, his dual-hued gaze watchful and wary. straightening, willowroot pads over, dipping her head in greeting. "good evening," she curls her tail around her flank. "mind if i join you? don't think i've seen you at a gathering before. i'm willowroot of riverclan."


  • // brief interaction with @MIDNIGHTPAW, @lichenstar, and @hazecloud. interacting with @BLACKSTRIKE. open to other interactions! "#91A26C"
  • 70579232_8S53CwfR3WpaY1R.png


  • WILLOWROOT ☾ SHE / THEY, WARRIOR OF RIVERCLAN. MENTORING MIDNIGHTPAW. PENNED BY LAVS
    70578891_4Q5ks8pmGOVCAD4.png
    a long-haired black smoke oriental with sage-green eyes. smoky long fur coats the length of willowroot's lithe body, cut through with dark ghost stripes. friendly sage green eyes that narrow in an almond shape, and her muzzle and limbs are thin and long due to her oriental heritage.
 


() it's a wonder to him that he's gone to every gathering since he's become an apprentice. yes, it's only been four gatherings, but still, not many apprentices can say that. he supposes it's his luck that foxtail was given the rank of lead warrior - leads are always allowed to go. should foxtail choose, pebblepaw may be attending gatherings every moon until warriorhood. not that he's complaining. excitement stirs in his stomach as the storm-hued tomcat follows his mentor into the clearing. brushing lightly against foxtail's fluffy pale fur, he nods. "okay! i hope lichenstar announces your appointment this moon. if she does, i'll cheer the loudest," he tells his mentor, offering him a grin. he's grown fond of the young warrior in his four moons of training so far. pebblepaw is under the impression that if any cat deserves to be shouted out for their skills, it's foxtail. "see ya later," he bids the tom goodbye before glancing around.

sunset eyes spot the gaggle of his siblings immedietly, and pebblepaw bounds towards them, delight sparking in his gaze. "heya babies," he coos, bringing back memories of when he, shellpaw, and riverpaw had called the trio of younger cats that for moons. "welcome to your first gathering!" he is a proud brother tonight, and so he finds himself justified in swiping a lick across each of his younger siblings' heads. a voice from behind him speaks, and the older apprentice will shuffle out of the way, allowing eveningpaw, twinklepaw, and horizionpaw to greet a potential new friend. brushing his fur against shellpaw's, he grins. "they grow up so fast."

nostalgia and reminiscence swirl in his tone as he speaks, gaze flicking to her. "any of your friends here? uhm, candorpaw from skyclan?" that's the only name he can remember. his sister's been more interactive than him at these things, so she's got more friends to introduce their littler siblings to. ember eyes focus back on the conversation occurring between a thunderclan apprentice and eve. "hi squirrelpaw," he'll greet, tail tip flicking as he watches his little sibling introduce herself. "i'm pebblepaw. eveningpaw's right, we don't eat only fish, though i like it the best for sure." he smiles gently at the dappled girl. "is this your first gathering?"


  • // brief interaction with @FOXTAIL, interacting with @shellpaw, @eveningpaw, @HORIZONPAW, @TWINKLEPAW, and @SQUIRRELPAW. open to other interacts! " #848DAE"
  • 84189003_LZ0oLRva90zRWKW.png


  • PEBBLEPAW ☼ HE / HIM, APPRENTICE OF RIVERCLAN. MENTORED BY FOXTAIL. 9 MOONS OLD, PENNED BY LAVS
    80821802_PGjjmLPeTFx5Nwd.png
    a large blue tabby with low white and vitiligo. pale blue fur covers the length of pebblepaw's stocky body, sliced through with darker tabby stripes and spots. baleful orange eyes peer out of heavy set sockets, and his muzzle, paws, and tail tip are dashed with white.
 
➼➼ After the disaster that had become of the last gathering, Blackstrike hadn’t been too sure he wanted to come to another. He isn’t nervous, but he’s certainly wary of the other clans, and especially WindClan. A repeat of the last gathering isn’t likely to happen, seeing as how Smogstar is a levelheaded tom and unlikely to upset StarClan so soon after being given his nine lives.

He trails after Forestshade for a short while, planning to stick beside her as though he’s still her shadow. His plan is foiled, however, when an unkempt-looking warrior approaches the torbie and introduces herself seemingly without hesitation. Blackstrike slinks away after a moment, wary of this new face—and finds himself sitting off by himself, half-shrouded in shadow. It isn’t an ideal way to spend the gathering, but at least if he’s left alone, then there’s no risk of angering StarClan again. But if not me, then who will do it, he wonders, his mismatched gaze sweeping across the moonlit clearing. He catches sight of cats from all the other clans, both familiar and unfamiliar, and although he’s wary, he doesn’t think he’s unapproachable.

Turns out, he isn’t unapproachable at all, because a tall RiverClan warrior strides over to greet him. He shrugs his approval when she asks if she can join him, gesturing to the space beside him with a pale paw. Willowroot, she introduces herself, and he shoots her a grin. "Heya. I’m Blackstrike, from ShadowClan," he responds, tipping a paw toward her. She looks sort of intimidating, but he’s definitely seen worse. "I was at the last gathering. And we know how that went, heh…" It had pretty much proved to him that StarClan is a real thing, at least, but two ShadowClanners breaking the peace had ended the gathering immediately. He flicks his tail, thumping it across the ground. "I became a warrior a moon or so ago—just didn’t get my new name announced at the last gathering, since things got so out of control." Since Chilledstar and Lilacfur lost control. Of course he doesn’t approve of the former leader’s and current lead warrior’s actions, but the clan still acts like he’s an outsider sometimes. He’s not about to push his luck.

  • ooc: interacting with @willowroot & open to interactions
  • 18648745_COmype1KcH43Y7q.png
    BLACKSTRIKE ❯❯ he/him, shadowclan warrior
    thin black and white tom with mismatched blue and yellow eyes. calm and nonchalant, difficult to anger.
    peaceful and healing powerplay permitted
    penned by foxlore
 
Gatherings quickly turned aimless the moment it was no longer a cover for moonlit embrace... He detested its sights and scents... Its patrons that claimed themselves starstruck, and yet heeded nothing of those higher than them unless it was spoken through clouds across the moon. A certain aimlessness leads him through throngs of woodfolk. Scents of the Wind take him back to the nights where he sought it out with an eagerness, so long as it was attached to soot paws and grinning fangs. Remembrance calls him to the great rock, where WindClan lingered in more places than one... Quiet contemplation brings his lips to a purse...

One song, entirely different, snaps his head sideward; a lull that is dreadfully mortal, but its bell chime is enough to draw grand attention anyhow... He startles at the appearance of stark white, coincidence enough to bring a strange panic to jittering blues; but this manifestation is sickly pink – the sheen unnatural, like something plucked of all its worth, rather than an authentic purity... A creature like him needs not fear it though, and perhaps a worshipful tone like hers makes its easy to turn a blind eye to the... ah, warning signs... " You, " he eases, and he speaks. Her name was not his responsibility to recall, but he is pleased to find that she knows her place, in turn. A lazy grin slips onto a white maw.

What did it say, that some of ThunderClan knew better how to treat him than his own... if he dared to call them that. His grin stretches further, close - lipped and curling... " ThunderClan doesn't forget easily... That is good, " he says. " I should hope your debt is remembered for many more moons, " said with a certain friendliness. His mood is... pleasant.

Something strange rears its ugly head in the midst of an otherwise lovely sentence... His sudden quiet is noticeable, surprise spelled with a wondering flurry of blinks and a posture looming forward. At ease by her awe sung, he is willing to forgive a simple mistake. "As well as you? " he repeats it, breathy. A disbelieving little laugh attaches to the end of his question. " What have you done for ThunderClan? "

 
𓆝 . ° ✦ Grasspaw was immediately bombarded with more sights and smells than he'd ever even imagined. It spiked his curiosity to say the least. He honestly let himself forget that Nightingalecry was dead for a moment. Seeing so many cats all together was amazing. How could anyone be upset here? There's so many cats to meet and things to learn. Midnightpaw's flank pressed to his and pulled him from his dream world for a moment. "Do not leave me," she whispered. He hadn't necessarily wanted to be stuck to her all night but... what was he going to say? No? "I won't," he murmured back. He wasn't going to abandon her.

Marblepaw's approach nearly made him forget that immediately, however. She was probably one of the prettiest cats he'd ever seen. And she said something to him. "Uh, for sure," he stammered out. Of course only after he responded did he realize that she'd asked him if he was in WindClan. "Yes, I mean. WindClan, that's me," As he spoke, he cringed inwardly. The very first girl you meet and you say that? he thought. "Oh, I'm Grasspaw,"

 ° .  . ° 
  • ooc: interacting with @MIDNIGHTPAW. and @MARBLEPAW
  • 53fac3ddf1437ce63593b72ee6ae2086.jpg
    GRASSPAW — HE/HIM ・ 6 MOONS ・ TUNNELER APPRENTICE & WINDCLAN ・ PENNED BY TWITCHTAIL
    Small fawn tabby with pale green eyes.
    "speak" thoughts action
    — peaceful, healing, and minor injury powerplay allowed
 
The air is as ceremonious as it was ominous tonight, the black and white Skyclan warrior stalks across the ground, guiding his apprentice to their very first gathering. Nose crinkled at the bridge, he pauses to turn to them

" okay, Teeveepaw- you may go and speak with other apprentices if you wish… but do not wander out of the gathering area. Be careful. " he instructs, lowering his maw to the youth’s ear before flicking his white tipped tail dismissively.

His pace is slow through the clowder, muscled limbs carrying him in a sway of black thorns. Nicked tall ears rotating on axis, a natural listener he stalks his way to a comfortable spot in the moonlit clearing. He settles on his hocks, tail circling and tapping gently against the ground.

He had missed several gatherings, but he couldn’t say he particularly minded it. His prejudice to Windclan ran thick, made it spiritually nauseating to be around them. When he had been a member of Blazestar’s council, their political headaches had been seemingly eternal. He was happy to be rid of it all.

Quietly, he eyes the latest generation of strangers. The excited incoherent babble of apprentices, the laughter. Thistleback shifts his weight, should someone approach he would dip his head in greeting, allowing his stern muzzle to soften.



  • — open for interactions !

    apprentice tag @Teeveepaw.


  • MqZ0nzd.png

    forty-eight mns. EVENT TRACKER | IMPORTANT INFO
    — Former Lead warrior of Skyclan 12.22.22 - 06.2023
    Father of Coyotecrest, Eveningpaw, Briarpaw, Damsel, Sunflowerpaw, and Rosepaw.
    — mentoring Teeveepaw formerly Snowpath & Quillstrike
    — very muscular piebald black and white tom with spiky fur and cold silver-grey eyes.
    voice & accent
    biography・゚✧
    OPEN for Dice battles | 🎲 stine#3004
  • bVBPWus.png

 
*+:。.。 Bugpaw's mind went completely blank for a split second as she stared in wonder at...at all of this. Although she'd thrown a barrage of questions at the rest of the patrol on the walk to Fourtrees, none of the answers she'd gotten had prepared her for this. They'd said the trees were huge, but these ones practically scraped the stars! They'd informed her to be prepared for different scents, but she felt like she'd smashed her face into a rainbow and was gasping lungfuls of new colors! They'd say there would be lots of cats, but this!? THIS!? This was way more than lots! "Was it overwhelming for you too, pappa?" she asks under her breath sweeping her gaze over the mass of bodies that swam and sang all around her.

@SQUIRRELPAW 's nudge brings her out of her trance, and seeing her sister's endless joy reminds Bugpaw to feel the same. Cheeks red, she nods vigorously, exclaiming through the cacophony of voices, "It is! I think there are more cats here than in the whole of Thunderclan!" She giggles. She waves goodbye to her mother, before watching Squirrelpaw take her leave, inciting another laugh from the similarly colored calico. Alright, time for Bugpaw to make some friends, too!

Bouncing through the crowd, she soon comes upon a feline with a darker complexion than hers, but similar enough to make the calico's ears snap up excitedly. This cat smells like grass, but not the dewy kind shaded by leaf litter, but instead her smell is drier, like sun-baked stones interlaced with breezy flowers. Either way, they smelled amazing!
"Hiyah! I'm Bugpaw!" she greets, impervious to anxiety as she looks over the stranger with glittering yellow eyes. Right off the bat, they seem much more reserved. Mis-matched eyes set in a narrowed, wary look, she almost reminds Bugpaw of the battle-worn members of her clan. The thought would've made her take pause, maybe even pity the other young feline, but lacking in the knowledge of trauma and angst, the girl finds her thoughts only bubble with she seems really cool! "I hope I'm not bugging you" she giggles, "but can we talk? This is my first gathering so I kinda have no idea what to do!" honesty is always the best policy, and judging by the way her lemon-drop eyes glow with hopeful expectancy, she wonders if this is the chimera's first gathering as well.
"You have really pretty eyes, by the way" she adds, unable to help herself as she studies the other. Plus, compliments are always a great ice-breaker, aren't they? Blue and gold, dusk and sunset, wow! She can't wait to tell her mamma all about this pretty stranger!
  • @ROWANPAW <333


  • GENERAL:
    Bugpaw
    DFAB— She/Her
    6 moons — Ages 1 moon every month real-time
    Daughter to Flamewhisker and Flycatcher
    Sibling to Falconheart, Stormfeather, Lilykit, Butterflykit, Scorchedpaw, Squirrelpaw, Sunpaw
    Thunderclan — apprentice




    COMBAT:
    Physically easy | mentally easy
    Attack in bold pink
    injuries: None currently
 
MAYBE I'D BE A SAINT IF I WEREN'T ————————————​

Well, here is one thing Snakeblink can say about the Gathering: he is not coming as a stand-in to the deputy this time, and there’s a real relief to this near-anonymity in the crowd. ”I will not make you stick close if you would rather socialize with other clans,” he tells Turtlepaw quietly, ”But you are welcome to stay if you like. Although it might be boring: I am not the gregarious type,” he hazards, instead of the more honest ‘not popular’.

Glancing around, his ears flick in surprise at some of the cats he sees there. It’s second-nature to voice his thoughts, murmurs directed at his apprentice and for any clanmate lingering near: the gossip machine in its natural environment. ”Is that Thistleback? I thought he had died. I must have missed the news of his return. He is a former lead warrior of Skyclan; nicer than his appearance suggests, in my memory. And look, that blue windclanner -- that is Sootspot, Sootstar’s son. I… would recommend steering clear of him: I remember him as quite the loyalist.” A fiery pelt attracts his eyes and he lowers himself into a near-crouch, wincing. ”And that is Flamewhisker over there-- I, hah, will tell you that story some day.”

——————————————————————————————————— so god damn lonely
  • apprentice tag @turtlepaw
    mentioning @ThistleBack @SOOTSPOT @Flamewhisker , open to interactions

  • 2h3Dnip.png


    Snakeblink • he / him. 53 ☾, riverclan warrior
    — a sleek, skinny tabby with long ears and a scar over his right eye.
    — gay, not actually evil, penned by @Kangoo


 
—————————————————————⊰✿⊱————————————————————
Hazecloud felt the scents of other Clans sink into her pelt like a rain soaking into sand. Fourtrees was practically alive in all the chatter, laughter and sneers as cats from all five interacted with one another. No border walls of scent lines and codes to keep them from sitting beside one another or playfully shove under the clear moonlit sky.

The silvery molly took a long, slow breath as she turned to see her young scatter about and disappear among the throng of furry bodies, shaking the bristles down her spine. "I don't know why, but I fear they'll get lost in all of it." They were far from the squirming infants so many moons ago, but it was hard to see them as grown as they were now. Her babies, and her protective older youth, all sharing the starlight together. "Riverpaw would have loved how clear the stars are tonight." Snowflakekit had an unclouded view of his family from Silverpelt, he would have said.

Her ears twitch to point towards her mate, a prompt to take direction for them. "Am I to-" Her slicing tone is interrupted however as Willowroot called her encouragement toward the molly. She bashfully dipped her head in response. Soon more would hear of her ascent as she climbed to stand beside the other deputies.

There was one cat she would want to see, and so she meandered through the scent of SkyClan until she caught the sight of pale tabby fur. "Bobbie! I was hoping you would be here tonight. Have you met my mate? This is Lichenstar, our youngest kittens just left the nursery this moon."

The SkyClanner was far more battered and scarred than she had seen before, as she had only bared the teeth marks of canines along her leg on the journey. She tried to recall from the several moons she was made to stay at camp, what had SkyClan endured for a queen to face such brutality?

  • //brief interaction w willowroot
    interacting w @lichenstar and @DOEBLAZE

  • 73582445_EEfwz37mLUqnNP7.png
    Hazecloud
    —⊰⋅ Deputy of RiverClan
    —⊰⋅ She/Her
    "SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
    —⊰⋅ LH blue smoke with green eyes.

 
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. Every gathering started out roughly the same, and Moonbeam could only hope that they all ended similarly - with no fights, with no need for StarClan to intervene - though she knew that that wasn't the most realistic given the history at these things. She hadn't been there to witness the last gathering, but she had heard about it and had heard the information that had been given to her from the small little meeting that SkyClan and RiverClan had shared at their border. Though this is not Moonbeam's first gathering - far from it - she still couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Whether it be the events that had happened only a moon prior or the fact that she know had Beefang by her side when normally she walked alone she didn't know.

Whatever the reason was she didn't really like it.

She wasn't normally one to converse too much at these, keeping to herself so that she can listen and watch to make sure things didn't go too far, but still she liked to be friendly. Moving close by where the medicine cats often sat the pale moggie would sit herself, resting and watching, waiting for leaders to climb so that the gathering could officially begin.


76807578_J7HAFb99CicY51c.png

  • -- open to interacts!
  • flesh wounds
    ꕥꕥ infections
    aches & pains
    ꕥꕥꕥ illness
    ꕥꕥꕥ breathing
    ꕥꕥꕥꕥ traveling
    ꕥꕥꕥꕥ broken bones
    kitting
    ꕥꕥꕥꕥ poisons
  • SH white masking cinnamon torbie w/orange eyes & small ears
    14 moons old; ages the 17th every month
    homosexual homoromantic ; mated to beefang
    currently mentoring none
    "speech", thoughts, attacking
    easy in combat unless in water, focuses on defensive tactics
 
// interacting with @MOUSENOSE and @shroudedpaw

As more and more cats stream into the clearing, the tension that already begins to crackle in the air is unmistakable. Forestshade sits still, her angling ears catching snippets of conversation around her before the approach of pawsteps catches her attention. She focuses her attention on the sound, tilting her head slightly. The scent of leaf-rot and oak tells her all she needs to know - this is a ThunderClan cat.


"Nice to meet you, Mousenose," She mews smoothly, confidently. The she-cat sounds extremely excited to introduce her apprentice and she can’t help but smirk slightly, amused. Okay, she can’t be too rude to someone so nice. “I’m Forestshade, ShadowClan.” She acknowledges Shroudedpaw's presence with a nod. "And you must be the apprentice. First Gatherings can be pretty overwhelming! Don't worry, it gets easier once you get used to all the noise." At least, her first one had been overwhelming thanks to the noise. The smells, too. “My apprentice is around here somewhere…” She parts her jaws to taste the air, wondering if Thornpaw is nearby, but Mousenose’s next words have her returning all of attention to her.

She shifts her weight uncomfortably, briefly hoping for the arrival of a clanmate to save her. Does she say anything? Mousenose will find out soon anyway, but still..."Chilledstar, well… they won't be joining us tonight," She says carefully, gauging the she-cat’s reaction. If she reads close enough between the lines, it’ll be obvious. Eager to change the topic, the torbie then presses, "What about you two? How has ThunderClan been faring? Is Flamewhisker back yet?”
 

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- The dusty clearing felt uncomfortable underneath paws so used to soft soil and grasses. Gathering's had been so far and few between for the tom that he did not care for the social upkeep in it all, finding the moonlit journey for his Clan a wonderful excuse to bed early in their absence and slink away from whatever undesired patrol he was assigned to.

But this was somewhat of a special occasion, as disinterested as he was. Jaggedpaw had never been to Fourtrees before, and Claythorn would not be seeing the grand clearing until several seasons from now after tonight.

"Hm, you can go away." The chimera dismissed his apprentice, pushing himself closer to Claythorn as he guided her over the mangled roots of the oaks to sit. Acting as though her belly had already grown twice its size, directing her every step with care. "Do you know anyone here, outside of RiverClan?" Best they say her final goodbyes to her now.


  • interacting with @claythorn @Jaggedpaw
  • OTTERBITE he/him, warrior of riverclan, fifteen moons.
    scruffy blue/black chimera with a white tail-tip and green eyes. noticeable kinked whiskers
    adopted son to pikesplash // former apprentice to coyotecreek
    peaceful and healing powerplay requires permission / / underline and tag when attacking or making an action toward
    see battle info here
    penned by beataegonkpilled on discord, feel free to dm for plots.

 
Mousenose isn't surprised by Forestshade's cool, casual tone. ShadowClan cats were so standoffish! She wants to make a comment to Shroudedpaw about it, but she only widens her smile and tilts her head. "Chilledstar, well... they won't be joining us tonight," the torbie warrior murmurs. Mousenose nods. "Well, that's too bad. I was hoping Shroudedpaw would get to see all five leaders on the Great Rock tonight. Oh well! Maybe next time, kiddo," she mews.

The lead warrior asks about ThunderClan, and Mousenose's whiskers twitch with amusement. "Oh, yes! Flamewhisker's kits left the nursery this moon. They'll all be here somewhere." She puts a paw to her muzzle, hiding a smile Forestshade can't see but can likely hear in her voice. "She's happy to be back, but you know Raccoonstripe's not!" She rolls her eyes, forgetting, again, that it's a gesture Forestshade can't perceive. "We're glad to have her back where she belongs, though. I can't imagine being cramped in the nursery for so long!"

  • ooc: interacting with @FORESTSHADE @shroudedpaw
  • Mousekit . Mousepaw . Mousenose, she/they w/ feminine and non-gendered terms.
    — “speech”, thoughts, attack
    — 20 moons old, ages realistically on the 25th.
    — mentored by Silverlightning ; mentoring Shroudedpaw ; previously mentored Sunshinespot
    — thunderclan warrior. sunfreckle x rabbitnose, gen 2.
    — currently mated to n/a.
    — penned by Marquette.

    lh messy-furred tortoiseshell with high white and bright green eyes. demanding, exuberant, selfish, sensitive, oblivious, obnoxious.


 
How long had it last been, since he had attended a gathering? It was difficult for him to keep exact track of the moons anymore, far too distracted by his duties at home and his rapidly growing litter. A litter that he had left behind for the night, much as it pained him to do so. However, he knew that they would all be safe in the paws of his mate, and he had been itching for an opportunity to venture out of camp once again. It wasn't as if he was trapped normally, but brief walks accompanied by one of his clanmates didn't have the same feel as taking a plunge down into the tunnels, or making the long trip to Fourtrees. Not to mention, with Sunstar reluctant to come at all and his sister refusing to attend, Rattleheart refused to give any of their rival clans an opportunity to look at Windclan as weak. They had gone through many hardships - still were going through them, considering how Duskclan lingered over the horizon - but they were far from powerless.

Even Starclan knew that to be true, if last gathering's events were any indicator.

Hoping that this particular go-around wouldn't be quite so eventful, the tunneler let her paws lead him through the crowd, slipping past familiar and unfamiliar faces alike with his petite form. It was a relief to be back to the same lanky proportions he had possessed before, the extra weight of pregnancy having taken until nearly the end of the whole thing to grow used to. His place alongside the other lead warriors looked particularly enticing under the glow of the moon, though he couldn't help but glance warily at the empty space where Scorchstreak would normally be sitting. Rattleheart hadn't protested Sunstar's decision to leave it empty, but he did worry what message the other clans might take from it.

There was already conversation going on nearby as he slipped into one of the gaps of free space, pausing when he heard Forestshade nearby. Chilledstar wouldn't be joining them for the night? Immediately the tenseness in his shoulders relaxed slightly, relief written clearly over his face before he hastily hid it away. No need to make his joy clear to those that weren't blind. "Hello, Forestshade. Good to see you well." Though he hadn't really interacted with the Shadowclan lead in the past, her face was familiar from previous gatherings nonetheless. His attention was then swiftly snatched away by the voice of Mousenose, the Thunderclan warrior's words ringing true with him even if they weren't specifically directed at him.

"As someone who is only out of the nursery for a trip, I'm sure she must be relieved. I know I will be when mine leave the nursery." There was a fair amount of truth to his words, though admittedly it wasn't the entirety of it. As overjoyed as he would be once he could leave camp again regularly, anxiety was quick to vie for attention in his gut at the same time. He doubted there would be a time where his children being out on their own wouldn't worry him, even as Redheart continued to thrive.

  • // interacting briefly with @FORESTSHADE and @MOUSENOSE, open to other interactions up with the leads !!
  • 75034712_8183RsjuzqJmQXv.png
    a lead warrior of windclan, rattleheart is one of the older members of the clan at fifty-three moons. he is mated to venomstrike, and has many children whom he adores. named for the trembling sound of his commonly hoarse voice, he is somewhat difficult to befriend due to his wary nature. 
 
Smogstar leads the helm now, officially star - blessed — and maybe StarClan themselves were realized that the one to cover the moon had been dealt with quickly... Or maybe they couldn't afford to have such relief, considering that the culprit would be living among them now... Does StarClan have to make bets, in this way? Think about... who would wizen up and who wouldn't? Or were you wracked with it the moment you cross that starry border; the moment you're gone from your body...

His drone is nearby, catching on the ears of Forestshade before he slinks off to do whatever Smogmaw — Smogstar things he got up to every moon. Sharpshadow slips away too, not with nearly as much purpose as Smogmaw or Forestshade did... How much did other clans pay attention to ShadowClan, he wonders? Obviously... annoyingly, or maybe beneficially, not much would be his usual answer. Would things be different tonight, on the cusp of Chilledstar raising their paw? Would they notice such an absence? Maybe think that the collective of ShadowClan banded together to declare them barred from this moon's gathering? If only that was it...

Distracted, she'd about a mouse - length from nearly crashing into another cat, their scent drenched in something thick and sappy — one of those scents she only smelled at gatherings... so, SkyClan. Eyes go wide at the realization of just who he'd nearly barreled over. " Orangestar, " he stumbles. " S-sorry. " And the moment after that, it occurs to him where certain similarities may lay. The forest had known Blazestar longer than it had known Chilledstar, as long as they had lasted... Had she too lambasted Blazestar upon her first chance? Had she stood before SkyClan, demanding that their loyalty is reinstated?

If only she could ask... Well, she technically could, but of course she wouldn't. Shouldn't. " I... " his mouth dries, at odds with the questions she'd like to ask, and wondering why she'd like to ask them. It's not like she gave a rat's tail about SkyClan. Still, for some reason, he asks, " How did you do it? " And it's breathy, not Lead - Warriorlike at all. Or maybe he wasn't even that — just an apprentice, finding someone that was meant to be important, and thinking they should have all the answers. " How did SkyClan do it? "

OOC: almost bumped into @Orangestar ! & open for other interacts as well :3
 
  • Like
Reactions: Orangestar
"Off you go." Orangestar instructs her apprentices once they're clear of the main thoroughfare, stepping to the side as she often does. Her eyes linger briefly: this would be Springpaw's last Gathering as an apprentice, with Ashpaw ideally not too far behind ... Orangestar would have to consider taking a new apprentice soon, wouldn't she? Her tail twitches. "Behave and stay near one of our warriors if you are not comfortable talking to other Clan cats."

It isn't long after she parts from the two that Orangestar senses a cat close - too close - and she whirls to meet moon-silver eyes as their owner mumbles an apology. Sharp... Sharpshadow, that's right. It has been some time since the monochromatic warrior had earned her name and wings in ShadowClan yet Orangestar still views him simply, recalling the over-aged apprentice who had accompanied them on the Journey some ten moons ago. Her pupils narrow, watching him closely as she stumbles into questions.

Orangestar shakes the feeling of regret that rises at the query: quite literally, with an uncomfortable shake of her coat that returns quickly to the leader's usual rigidity. The cooler night air that seeps beneath her coat is a relief, briefly distracting, and she considers doing it again. Tension sits heavily at the base of her neck - guilty conscience, much? - but Sharpshadow's question is how, not why, and Orangestar's eyes narrow thoughtfully.

"Do what?" She asks him simply. Though the question is blunt, the fact that she remains standing by him to hear an answer is an indication she's willing to entertain a conversation with the ShadowClanner.

  • // talking briefly to @Springpaw & @Ashpaw ; interacting with @SHARPSHADOW
  • 68451166_mY2BOSe6hTLMAcu.png

    [ art by pin ]
  • ORANGESTAR ✧ she/her, leader of skyclan | eight lives

    — "a scarred white-and-ginger she-cat with brown eyes."
    — single ; mentoring springpaw & ashpaw
    — speech is in #F18C47
    tags | penned by mercibun, contact on discord for plots.


 
This is not his first gathering. During his time as Silversmoke's apprentice he was brought along to many gatherings, even though his mentor could have refused him. After all, Crowsight wasn't the most patient apprentice and got argued with the older warrior. However, he supposed Silversmoke allowed him to go because as far as he knew... His mentor found gatherings rather dull, but then again. With how many times he was allowed to attend gatherings it did become tiresome. And yet... This time... This gathering would have meaning. Lionpaw had requested something of him.

The vow he made will be kept. Whatever truths Lionpaw demanded of him, he will not hide from his brother. No matter how devastating they were. The apprentice had asked him about his Thunderclan family. He told the apprentice that he scarcely knew them and it would be wiser to ask Howlfire or Fireflyglow about his Thunderclan relatives. What he could offer was names and their dislike of Skyclan. If that wasn't made known from Fireflyglow or Howlfire, the warrior would remind his younger brother once more.

"Remember. Even though you may share blood with them, they might not be friendly. I'll be with you the entire time, as promised. Stay here and prepare yourself. I'm going to see if any of your older siblings are here. I'll be back, do not move." He trusts in Lionpaw to remain where he is. The scents of Riverclan, Windclan, and Shadowclan mean nothing to him. All that concerns him is Thunderclan. Perhaps he is looked at strangely, considering he is staring a little too long at some Thunderclan cats. Many of them are cats he's never seen attending the gathering before, besides Flamewhisker that is. However, Flamewhisker is not related to Lionpaw at all. There's no need to drag Lionpaw to the ginger Thunderclanner.


And then, he spots a familiar figure a few tail lengths away. It is none other than the very tom who damaged his eye, his older brother. I still haven't figured you out. Are you doing well? Skyclaw has not noticed him yet. Hazel eyes never leave the chimera as he silently slinks away. Finding Lionpaw is simple, considering his younger brother has listened to his order. "Lionpaw, your older brother Skyclaw is here. I'll be with you the entire time. A fair warning... Skyclaw will be unkind. Do not let his words get to you." He gives Lionpaw a moment to consider whether or not he truly wishes to go through this. What he finds is determination which lingers with apprehension. Considering Lionpaw has not voiced a change of heart, Crowsight merely nods and leads his brother to Skyclaw.

Skyclaw will harbor no love to him. He understands this well, and yet when he stops a tail length away from the Thunderclanner, he offers a smile. The wounds he'd recieved from the Thunderclanner on full display. Did they find pride in it? Sick satisfaction? It doesn't matter.
"Hello, brother. It's been awhile. I hope you've been well." There is no hint of deception. How sickening it must be for Skyclaw. Crowsight doesn't add anything else out of respect for his older brother.

Lupinesong would have stopped him. She is also attending the gathering. Without a doubt she may see what transpires, blame him for what happens next. However, he will have no regrets. Lionpaw... Their brother has asked to meet with his Thunderclan kin, who was Lupinesong or any of them to deny Lionpaw? For far too long this family has suffered because of secrets. Lies had made both he and Skyclaw cruel and bitter.
What would the truth bring?

Crowsight simply turns to Lionpaw who is beside him and then back to Skyclaw. "This is Lionpaw. One of those three kits I told you about." The word brother is unsaid. After all, Skyclaw had told him that Blazestar was nothing to him. It was unwise to bring up the name of the former Skyclan leader, just as it was unwise to say this was his younger brother, Although, there was no mistaking their relation. After all, Lionpaw took after Blazestar. Not to mention both Lionpaw and Skyclaw had similar chocolate markings.

// pre-planned chat with @LIONPAW and @skyclaw