FOOTSTEPS DOWN FAMILIAR SIDEWALK | GATHERING CHATTER 8.15.22

[Daisyflight]

"SUREFIRE, YEAH, THE SETTING SUN WANTS COMPANY"​

Hello all! This gathering thread takes place just before the main talks between the leaders. It's the place to have your characters meet up with old friends, family or get to know those in other clans. Reactions to any announcements made in the gathering proper will go in the other thread while interactions between characters can go in here! Have fun <3

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The full moon hung heavy above, the silver-sun spinning dewy beams of waifish light across the treetops. Daisy Flight flanked Blazestar, paws skimming mossy pebbles with a strong stride. Behind them flitted the streaming shapes of Skyclan, a motley of pelts that parted and wove back together around passing foliage.

Soon the stately shapes of Four Trees clarified beneath the star-smattered sky, their lofty branches forming an oak-leaf crown. Every step brought them closer. This gathering would be the first since the split and anticipation made the air thick. How had the other groups fared in their own territories? The deputy was curious, mismatched ears pricked upon their approach.

Finally, the shadowy arches rustled above them. Though her swollen paws and kit-burdened spine ached, the calico molly turned to their clan with purpose. Snow-smudged tail a beckoning flag, Daisy Flight swept her eyes across those gathered intently. "Skyclan, listen up! Before the leaders begin you may take the time to talk to the other clans. This is a time for peace and any animosity will not be tolerated. Don't want to see someone? Avoid them." Her voice was steady, stern. Addressing so many still felt foreign but she was getting the hang of it now.

Allowing her stiff maw to curl into an encouraging smile she hummed, "Go on, go reconnect with some old friends." With a dip of her head she withdrew, giving a supportive blink to Blazestar as she went. It was time to mingle. ​

✿ ✿ ✿​

 

[WOLFWIND]

The moment Thunderclan arrives, she breaks off from the group with a full-bodied sprint. The small she-cat parts through the waves of the crowd with ease, splitting through the group like a claw splits through prey. Right now, she couldn't care less about whoever she may push or shove (though with her size, any impact would be far from substantial) Here near the center of the hollow, she declares her current position a good one, excellent.

Light on her feet, an enraged expression whips toward the various unsuspecting strangers. Some, her own clanmates, others weird smelly guys she's never seen, some who'd parted ways with her after the battle, but the one face she was looking for...

"AZALLLEEAAAAAAAAA!" she screeches her sister's name at the top of her lungs, spinning in a circle as she does so for maximum hearing potential. "WHERE ARE YOU? I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!!!"

[ SCREAMING FOR @𝓛𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓪𝔀 , TAG TO INTERACT B) ]​

 

[Foxpaw—]

She slinks into Fourtrees alongside her Clanmates on wary paws. The assault of different scents has her wrinkling her nose, and the barrage of cats darting to and fro, greeting loved ones, is almost more than she can bear.

Azalea is all but tackled by a shrieking blue-gray furball. Fox's guts twist at the sight. She forgets, sometimes, that Azalea left her family behind to live in RiverClan... just as she has.

She breaks away, knowing she has to face her siblings, but the dread coiling in the pit of her stomach has her wanting to turn tail and return to the wetlands.

Even if they hate her, she has to at least make sure they're okay.

[ looking for @FROGGY , @Rocky , @DIZZY. , @ivy ]
​

PENNED BY MARQUETTE​

 

[honey]

Honeytwist’s ears idly flick as she follows Soot, keeping an eye on her children, keeping an eye on her clanmates. Her heart thumps hard in her chest and shes not sure why, perhaps it was because it would be the first time she saw her former clanmates in forever, perhaps it was because of the crushing fear that they’d be mad at her. Surely they’d understand, right? Before she knows it shes at the area where the great battle went down- it does not feel right to have peace in a place where their young were buried, where a war broke out.

She swallows hard. Life had never felt so crushingly lonely as when she was picked by the stars to pack everything up, move out and not even tell her friends. She chokes on all of the things unsaid as she breaks off of the group, still looking at her children before yanking her head away and erupting in to silent tears. The will of the Stars was so cruel. She involuntarily seeks out Pollen in the crowd, tries to find Sunshine but the tears are blurring her vision quicker than she could look around. She feels so alone in the sea of writhing bodies.

But she needed to do this. Needed to be Windclans medicine cat, because whats fate if it didn’t come drag you with teeth and claws into something you didn’t want. She accepts her fate and slouches over at the edge of the clearing, away from most of the noise, away from any former clanmates (what would she even say to Tugger, if she saw him?). Her pity party is silent.


( open to interactions, shes just silently crying to herself just @ when you do !! slightly bad post zzz )
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"speech"​

 

[LAKEMOON]

✵ ღ ☾ IT TOOK ME BY SURPRISE - She wasn’t running, as much as her paws were itching to, but she was striding. Her lanky legs on the verge of bounding as she took up the front of the group, slightly behind Cicadastar.
Her heart was thrumming, she was going to get to see them, her family. She knew her heart would ache when the time came to say goodbye once more, but for now narrow azure eyes flickered to high alert as Riverclan neared the four tree’s.
Blue ears prickled at her sisters screaming before she could even see the flurry of blue and white spinning in the most graceless spin.
AZALEAAA! WHERE ARE YOU? I’M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!
Azalea almost frowned, not out of embarrassment, but of grief. She missed that shrieking, weirdly enough.
Pulling herself together she instead puts on a smirk, as her sister had not caught sight of her yet.
Dropping to a crouch, she bunches her muscles and springs, attempting to stop Wolf dead in her tracks and send the both toppling to the ground, though if her surprise pounce was successful, she would end up on top, a forepaw lightly wrapping around Wolf’s neck in a faux-chokehold.
❝ Kick my ass, huh? That’s not very welcoming! ❞ Azalea would lightly tease, a soft bout of laughter following her words.

[ tackling @WOLF! - tag when interacting <3]
❝ Speech. ❞

THE HATRED IN HER EYES​

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[hyacinthbreath]

Hyacinth didn't know who these cats were. She never cared to pay attention to the lesser cats of the other clans, let alone ones that weren't Leaders. She stands amongst the crowd uncomfortably, tail tucked beneath her to make herself smaller. Not out of fear, no- moreso out of pure want to not be seen. For people not to talk to her.

She sees siblings play-fighting, and she feels a pull in her chest.

She never had a sibling before. Her parents told her she was the only kit who survived from their litter, that she was a miracle.

"So noisy.."​

 

[BERRYHEART]

What an interesting concept- beneath the full moon, in its arms, they were safe. He liked it, really- and under the sky where the stars smiled down at them, lights he now knew to be the faces of those he had known once, it was impossible not to feel as if one was supposed to be here. With the throng of his family he took his strides, that stuttered and shuffled with his uneven posture- content to observe, the mottled tom was mostly quiet.

Well, until Clamours saw someone. Not just someone. But she was off before he could even register the name spoken, and looked to see a grey blur and a silver one meet.

Splitting off from his kin, he limped over, surprisingly deft even with his long-ago-lost paw. It had been gone since before he had even learned how to walk properly- how lazy would it have been for him not to have learned to adapt? He was indulgent in his naps, sure, but he was no slacker...

"Lake-eyes," he murmured in warm greeting, a slight smile in his voice where upon his face it barely showed. No bitterness was held in his heart toward her for defecting from the rest of the family's intentions. Where she was most comfortable was where she belonged, and if that happened to be the river then it was her decision.

The language did not bother him, though he spared a glance over his shoulder to watch for Big Mama's scowl. He supposed they weren't her children... perhaps the swearing-quota (said quota being zero) was only for Berry and his brothers.

/ interacting with @𝓛𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓪𝔀 and @WOLF! ​

[ PENNED BY PIN ]​

 

[POLLENFUR]

She walks behind Hyacinth, who trumpets a greeting to all the cats in the clearing and tells them to marvel at their leader, Sootstar. Pollen has to hide her smile. "Ego's gonna get bigger and bigger," she murmurs to no one in particular.

The idea of this congregation is intriguing to the chocolate calico. Clans who were once all two families, split by divine intervention. Curious half-lidded amber eyes flick from cat to cat. There are two young ones, accompanied by a tortoiseshell with a slack jaw, who all seem to be family. How could families split so easily?

Had her sisters or her sister's kits decided not to join WindClan, Pollen would have stayed with them. She's here only because she cannot abandon them, really. The idea that one would leave their kin behind so easily is... fascinating, she has to admit. It implies, to her, that there is a strong pull than that of family. A pull of destiny.

She's not felt it yet. She wonders if she ever will.

But she notices the desperate, tear-clouded eyes of their medicine cat, shaking with silent grief, and her amused expression fades. Pollen steps close to Honeytwist, attempting to press her mottled flank to the other's. "Hey, now. No need for waterworks, flower. Why don't you introduce me to some of your... old friends? Forest types, right?" She smiles, glancing about them warily. So many scents here, from the fishy tang of the river to the sticky sap of pine. Enough to be downright headache-inducing, in her opinion.

// editing because i'm stupid @honeytwist ; she's just trying to comfort her and distract her
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PENNED BY MARQUETTE​

 

[Flycatcher]

It's a curious concept coming here. It wasn't so long ago that cats fought here, bled here, died here. The notion was not lost on Fly as he walked into the clearing, looking around at some of the faces already assembled. He recognised the faces of cats formerly of the Pine Group, and there were cats he didn't know too, freely mingling together.

He took a steadying breath, trying to clear his thoughts from what had occurred on this ground not so long. This was a peaceful gathering he had to remind himself. There would be no fighting here. The blue tabby sits down quietly, a tail curling around his paws ad he got himself comfy. There was no one in particular he was looking to speak with, but he was gracious enough to give a few nods at passing cats or those who sat nearby.

// feel free to interact with fly! he's just sat there relaxing at the moment, trying to take this all in​

 

[LEMONTONGUE]

There's too many cats.

The small kit isn't completely sure why so many are here, or why he's even here, really. But, he follows behind his mother, lemon-hued eyes wide as he passes unfamiliar face after unfamiliar face. There's too many. They're too loud.

Lemonkit hates it.

Unaware of his mother's own feelings - of her tears - he presses closer to her, looking for a source of comfort in the midst of the bustling clearing.

"I don't like it here," Lemonkit complains quietly, round eyes still staring out at the crowd before him, "Can we go home?" Pollen's voice pulls his gaze away from the mess of cats, causing him to look up at Honeytwist and the fellow WindClanner. His mother was crying? Did she hate it here too? Pollen suggests meeting others, and Lemonkit only finds himself pressing closer to his mother. He didn't want to meet anyone!
​

 

[. Wildflower .]

✵ ღ ☾ LOVE WITH EVERY STRANGER - Oh boy, she was nervous!
She had only ever watched from afar, the battle, the first gathering… and now she was here, a proud Thunderclanner with her head held high and a pep in her step despite her small blossom of anxiety.
Wolf runs ahead, immediately calling out for someone whilst she erratically spins in a circle. Wildflower watches for only a moment, until a flash of silvery blue comes up from behind her, and the stormy hued molly can only assume Wolf found who she was looking for.
Now, Wildflower looks away to take in the towering oaks for herself, and her breath is almost caught in the nights breeze. Different cats begin to file in, spilling out into the clearing in a pelt of various patchwork hues. Was her heart going to explode? Perhaps.
She only strays away from the majority of her clan for a moment, and finds everything almost… dizzying.
Eventually, she begins to nervously mingle. She is not from the original groups, but with her lack of old friends, perhaps she can make up for it with some new ones.

[ open to interaction! Just @ :3]
❝ Speech. ❞

THE STRANGER, THE BETTER​

​

 

[MALLOWLARK]

This was joyous! Knowing not much about, and having no experience of the tensions that tightened terrifyingly taut the connections between these cats, there was a skip to his step even more fervent than normal as he crossed into the moonlit clearing. A laugh left his maw at Hyacinth's call announcing Sootstar and WindClan- a cut-short giggle that he just about managed to keep at a reasonable volume. Letting the leaders mingle, it was then that he cast his lightless slate gaze about the clearing, moving like clockwork from one cat to the next. One caught his eye- a tom he'd never seen before, small and blue with green eyes.

Wordless, he offered a nod- and, sharp grin ever-lasting, Mallow called out "Hi!" in response- perhaps overzealous compared to the other's more withheld greeting. He was no man of great social prowess, though- despite what he'd like to think. Besides, this event was for socialising, right? What did you say after hello?

He ended up staring without the slightest trace of movement upon his jovial yet grim expression- scarcely even a blink.

/ interacting with @Flycatcher !! sorry​

[ PENNED BY PIN ]​

 

[Dandelionwish]

He had to stop himself from racing ahead of Sootstar and charging into the gathering, he liked to think he did a good job at keeping a slow and steady pace there and not accidentally embarassing them by doing anything foolish. The point apprentice had taken the fact he was allowed to go seriously, had even taken the time to groom himself a little better than normal which wasn't to say a lot because his pelt was always in disorder but at least he always smelled good from his rolling around in flowers constantly. Dandelion slipped into the open area alongside his clan before breaking off to explore. At first he had spotted Honeytwist tucked away to the side and clearly distraught and his immediate impulse was to go and check on her, but thankfully Pollen had gotten there first and he smiled warmly as he continued about his aimless wandering. Pollen would be a lot better at consoling their medicine cat than he would and so would the kits-he'd seen them toddling along at the back of the group and hoped the walk hadn't tired out their little paws. It struck him briefly as odd that the kittens were allowed to come given how dangerous the trek might've been, but thankfully nothing happened. He hoped the trip home would be just as peaceful, but for now they were here.

Dandelion lifted his mismatched gaze to take in the great oaks, tail high and the wheat leaf he held between his teeth trembling as he bit down on it hard in his excitement. So many different scents, so many different cats-he had no idea this man lived out here in the world. In his aimless looking about he nearly ran headlong into the bluegray pelt of another cat. He stepped back, shook his head and offered a sheepish smile to the pretty molly.

"Pardon, ma'am! Got lost in my head a bit-didn't see you!" The sepia point tom dipped his head in a polite little nod of a greeting, "Ah'm Dandelion! From WindClan, you must..." His head tilted, ears back for a moment as he tried to make a guess, "...be ThunderClan??? Nice to meet ya-real pretty out here ain't it?"

@. Wildflower .



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[Patterpine]

i've been patient and steadfast and steady ☁☁​

Uneven steps brought Rocky down the slope to Four Trees. His head buzzed, the overwhelming noise and sight of so many cats shortening his breath. The tom had come though, desperate, for the possibility of his sister being there.

After Foxy had disappeared he and his sibling had been left worried and fearful. His concern had manifested in sleepless nights, a quiet, constant ache at the back of his throat. The silver-streaked cat just wanted her safe. And so he strained mist grey eyes across those gathered, brow stiffening at every shifting calico pelt below the moonlight.

Hope was dwindling until- there! A black ear, tied to a snowy form and russet tail. A mewl of relief spiralled from him, stride slowly garnering speed. Weaving, without care, in a shoulder bumping frenzy towards his sibling Rocky let out a cry. "Foxy-!"

Without hesitation he brushed his large head against her scruff, forehead dipping below her white chin as he would as a much smaller kit. Taller, wider, the tom was forced to all but crouch to carry out the manoeuvre but he didn't care. "You left us... You- smell of the river?" Wavering tones quickly fluctuated into an ardent curiosity. Rounding the molly and looking over her, he lifted his ashen tail as if to shield her from the rest of the clearing.

/interacting with @FOX , just ahead of @DIZZY. @FROGGY @ivy
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[WOLFWIND]

Just when she turns away from that one direction, she's bowled over by the sister in question. With an audible oof! she's pinned to the ground, furious eyes blazing up at her sister. "'M not tryin' to be welcoming, dummie," she huffs, cheeks puffing out in defiance. She attempts to bat at her with a snow-dipped paw, letting out a ferocious mewl as she does so. "S'this what'cha getting up to in Riverclan? Sneak attacks?! Not even fair! Fight me like a— like a—!"

She goes limp, flopping onto the ground as she suddenly hears her uncle's voice just barely above the murmurs of the crowd. Was he gonna help her, or what? He BETTER NOT because she didn't NEED any help. "Oi! We're doin' business here," she chirps professionally. She narrows her eyes at a random lady, all blue and wiry-like. "What're YOU lookin' at? What's she lookin' at?!"

[ interacting with @𝓛𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓹𝓪𝔀 & @BERRY ; asking what @hyacinthbreath is lookin at >:(!!! ]​

 

[Blacklotus]

There is so many cats Was the first thought to leave his mind as he stepped into the enclosed circle, having picked his way down carefully from the moorlands. So many scents mingled and wove together making a small headache begin to form on his right temple. Inky gave a small flinch as he felt pelt brush by him, voices seemed to blend together seamlessly as cats greeted one another. Some old friends, some new friends, everything chaotic it felt like. Inky wasn't sure why he had come along. Perhaps to see what the other clans were about? To hear news of the other clans? Fulfill some sort of curiousity? It was untelling.

The black cat moved across the grass carefully, senses muddled by the array of other cats around him, and nearly ran into Hyacinth if he hadn't picked out her scent right away. Inky quickly backed up for a moment and nearly crashing into another cat, Wolf, and he gave a small squeak. Ears going back against his head he scurried out of the way and stuck to the outskirts of the gathering. This way at least he wouldn't run into anyone and he could observe from the sidelines. ​

 

[WEASELCLAW]

The tabby has been on edge since Sootstar had announced WindClan would attend a 'gathering' where all five Clans come face to face. He's already had one negative run-in with a Clan he hadn't been familiar with, and he's sure that despite Cicadastar's graciousness, his Clanmates haven't soon forgotten the injuries he'd inflicted upon their leader.

He prowls alongside Hyacinth, somewhere behind Inky, blue eyes gleaming and full of moonlight. The scents of different cats are assaultive to his nose -- he can't pick anything out besides the familiar earthy scent his Clanmates carry.

"Are other Clans... friendly, like that? With each other?" He's staring at the two blue mollies wrestling together, the tortoiseshell nearby watching with a smile. He can't imagine even wanting to be like that with someone who isn't a WindClanner.

// asking no one in particular but near @hyacinthbreath and @Daisy Flight​

PENNED BY MARQUETTE​

 

[hyacinthbreath]

// ic opinions

Hyacinthbreath watched the cats of the gathering run around and talk to each other, and her shoulders tensed at the sound of Wolf's question.

What're YOU lookin' at?

Her temple throbbed in irritation, and she's suddenly reminded why she thought kits were better than apprentice-aged kids. Deciding to be the bigger person- She closes her eyes, inhaling a calming breath; then she released it, just in time to see Inky bump into her and then scurry to the back of the gathering. She sighed, watching the dark tom with impatient stance- how was he supposed to fit in with clanlife if he was scared of everything? Hadn't he lived with his blindness all his life? She didn't understand him- or perhaps his disability, quite well. As much as it interested her in wanting to learn, the person the disability belonged to wasn't.. The most enjoyable cat to be around; especially since he was such an easily scared cat.

Weasel's question is met with a shrug of Hyacinth's shoulders. She didn't know. She couldn't care less for outsiders, but it seemed the cats who smelled very different from each other were related in some way.

"Must be siblings." She replies simply to his question, tail-tip twitching in ever-boiling annoyance. She hated gatherings, hated having to be in the same space as these rotten foreign Clans. Why did StarClan decide this was a good idea? This would only lead to turmoil. As she scoots back, she falls in beside Weasel, not wanting to admit that a familiar face comforted her. She's stubborn, and he doesn't need that tacked onto his ego. This was just a temporary solution.

// ignored @WOLF! , briefly mentioned @Inkylotus . responding to and interacting with @WEASELCLAW ​

 

[VERMILIONSUN]

WATCH THE FLAMES BURN AUBURN ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE​

---

Speak of the- no, think of the handsome devil and he shall appear. One could say that Vermilion seemed all too happy to be in the gathering's roster for SkyClan. He watches Blazestar on top of the rock, and gives him an approving grin. You've got this, dude. He cheers internally, sitting himself down to finally relax. This was where he fought Twilight, where he got the gnarly scar that left his left eye blind and pale in color. He watches the other cats amongst the crowd, chuckling at the attitude the child had towards the stuck-up, militaristic molly of silver and greys. WindClan seemed theatrical for a Clan, and he thought SkyClan was fruity and dramatic at times. He chuckles to himself, and his attention is soon taken by the sight of a certain molly whos fur shone under the full moon beautifully.

Deer.

He clears his throat, licking his paw and then grooming down his fur quickly. Turning to a random cat, he nervously asked if he looked alright before he made his way over to the long-furred molly with a charming smile.

"Yo. Lookin' for Tugger?" He asked his best friend, seating himself right next to the molly- pelt brushing against her own to comfort her. If she didn't startle, he'd let his tail drape itself over her back, watching the cat she had been staring at previously. Fritter; wasn't that.. Tugger's mistress, or something? Old mate? "Don't you worry about Fritter. Tugger'll deal with his issues."

// Interacting with @~Deersong~ ​

Last edited: Jul 8, 2022

 

[OWLPAW]

Owlkit was still in awe that her mother had allowed her and Shrikekit to come to the Gathering but she knew it was because she was proud of her and wanted to show her off to the rest of the Clans. The young kit padded into the moonlit clearing with her head held high and her chest puffed out. This entire thing had just been a boost to her already inflated ego. Owlkit took a seat near the center of the chatter and wrapped her plumed tail around her paws. Her claws eagerly shredded the decaying oak leaves and soft pine needles beneath them. She was too introverted to seek out conversation, but others should know her importance. After all, she and her brother were the first kits to be born after the dawn of the Clans. They were the first generation of Clanborns and should be treated with utmost importance.​